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Rtvik or Rtvij (Samskrit : ऋत्विक् ऋत्विज् ) are professional priests who play an important role in conducting yagnas (usually Srauta yagnas) and establish the connection between the devatas of the yagna and the yajamaana. Well versed in vedic procedures by studying different Kalpas and qualified to conduct ''[[Yagya (यज्ञ)|yagnas]]'' they conduct appropriate rituals while reciting mantras. Rtviks are trained in the particular vedic kalpas and they attain proficiency by practice.
Rtvik or Rtvij (Samskrit : ऋत्विक् ऋत्विज् ) are professional priests who play an important role in conducting yagnas (usually Srauta yagnas) and establish the connection between the devatas of the yagna and the yajamaana. Well versed in vedic procedures by studying different Kalpas and qualified to conduct ''[[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yagnas]]'' they conduct appropriate rituals while reciting mantras. Rtviks are trained in the particular vedic kalpas and they attain proficiency by practice.
All homas and yagnas do not require the appointment of Ritviks. For Smarta karmas and nityakarmas such as sandhyavandana, agnihotras, panchamahayagnas, devata pujas at home, rtviks are not required.
All homas and yagnas do not require the appointment of Ritviks. For Smarta karmas and nityakarmas such as sandhyavandana, agnihotras, panchamahayagnas, devata pujas at home, rtviks are not required.
* अग्न्याधेयं पाकयज्ञानग्निष्टोमादिकान्मखान् .यः करोति वृतो यस्य स तस्यर्त्विगिहोच्यते - one who is selected to perform Agnaayadheya, paakayagnas, Agnistoma and other yagnas he is termed as Rtvik (Manava Kosha 2.143)
* अग्न्याधेयं पाकयज्ञानग्निष्टोमादिकान्मखान् .यः करोति वृतो यस्य स तस्यर्त्विगिहोच्यते - one who is selected to perform Agnaayadheya, paakayagnas, Agnistoma and other yagnas he is termed as Rtvik (Manava Kosha 2.143)
* पुरोहितः ॥ Purohita (Kalpadruma), आग्नीध्रः, याजकः (amarakosha) are synonyms for Rtvik.
* पुरोहितः ॥ Purohita (Kalpadruma), आग्नीध्रः, याजकः (amarakosha) are synonyms for Rtvik.
* As members of a social class, they belong to the class of '''विप्रः ॥ vipra'''. <blockquote>जन्मना ब्राह्मणो ज्ञेयः संस्कारैर्द्विज उच्यते विद्यया याति विप्रत्वं त्रिभिः श्रोत्रियलक्षणम् .. इति प्रायश्चित्तविवेकः (Shabdakalpadruma).</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : One who is born as a brahmana, who after upanayana samskara is a divja and is after (veda) abhyasam is termed as vipra, these are the three lakshanas of a Srotriya according to Prayaschittaviveka as given in Shabdakalpadruma.</blockquote>
* As members of a social class, they belong to the class of '''विप्रः ॥ vipra'''.
<blockquote>जन्मना ब्राह्मणो ज्ञेयः संस्कारैर्द्विज उच्यते विद्यया याति विप्रत्वं त्रिभिः श्रोत्रियलक्षणम् .. इति प्रायश्चित्तविवेकः (Shabdakalpadruma).</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : One who is born as a brahmana, who after upanayana samskara is a divja and is after (veda) abhyasam is termed as vipra, these are the three lakshanas of a Srotriya according to Prayaschittaviveka as given in Shabdakalpadruma. </blockquote><blockquote>Satapatha Brahmana gives the definition vipra as follows</blockquote><blockquote>ये वै ब्राह्मणाः शुश्रुवांसोऽनूचानास्ते विप्रास्तानेवैतदभ्याह.. (Shat. Brah. 3.5.3.12)<ref>Satapatha Brahmana [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A5%A9/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AB/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3_%E0%A5%A9 Kanda 3]</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>ये वै ब्राह्मणाः शुश्रुवांसोऽनूचानास्ते विप्रास्तानेवैतदभ्याह.. (Shat. Brah. 3.5.3.12)<ref>Satapatha Brahmana [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A5%A9/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AB/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3_%E0%A5%A9 Kanda 3]</ref></blockquote>
== ऋत्विक् ॥ Rtvik ==
==चातुर्होत्र || Chief Priests of Yagna==
Manu defines the activities of the Rtvik as follows in Manusmriti<blockquote>अग्न्याधेयं पाकयज्ञानग्निष्टोमादिकान्मखान् । यः करोति वृतो यस्य स तस्य र्त्विगिहोच्यते ॥ २.१४३ ॥ (Manu. Smrt. 2.143)<ref name=":2">Manusmriti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2])</ref></blockquote>He who, being (duly) chosen for the purpose, performs the Agnyadheya, the Pakayajnas, and the Srauta Yajnas such as Agnistoma (for another person) is called his Rtvik (officiating priest).<ref>Manusmrti English Translation ([https://archive.org/details/ManuSmriti_201601/page/n26 Page 26])</ref>
In Srauta yagnas rtviks play a very important role. They are called as Hota, Adhvaryu, Udgaata, and Brahma.
==चातुर्होत्र || Four Rtviks for Yagna==
In Srauta yagnas rtviks play a very important role. They are called as Hota, Adhvaryu, Udgaata, and Brahma collectively called as चातुर्होत्र || Chaaturhotr.
The '''Rig-Veda Samhita''' is the oldest text of Sanaatana Dharma. Its rtvik is called the '''<u>Hotri</u>'''. The '''Yajur-Veda Samhita''' is mostly in prose and is meant to be used by the '''<u>Adhvaryu</u>''', the Yajur-Vedic rtvik for explanations of the rites, supplementing the Rig-Vedic Mantras. The '''Sama-Veda Samhita''' is mostly borrowed from Rig-Vedic Samhita and is meant to be sung by the '''<u>Udgatri</u>'''. The '''Atharva-Veda Samhita''' is meant to be used by the '''<u>Brahma</u>''', the Atharva-Vedic rtvik, to correct the mispronunciations and wrong performances that may accidentally be committed by the other three rtviks<ref>Swami Sivananda, All about Hinduism, Page 32</ref>.
The '''Rig-Veda Samhita''' is the oldest text of Sanaatana Dharma. Its rtvik is called the '''<u>Hotri</u>'''. The '''Yajur-Veda Samhita''' is mostly in prose and is meant to be used by the '''<u>Adhvaryu</u>''', the Yajur-Vedic rtvik for explanations of the rites, supplementing the Rig-Vedic Mantras. The '''Sama-Veda Samhita''' is mostly borrowed from Rig-Vedic Samhita and is meant to be sung by the '''<u>Udgatri</u>'''. The '''Atharva-Veda Samhita''' is meant to be used by the '''<u>Brahma</u>''', the Atharva-Vedic rtvik, to correct the mispronunciations and wrong performances that may accidentally be committed by the other three rtviks<ref>Swami Sivananda, All about Hinduism, Page 32</ref>.
The '''hotṛ''' is the reciter of invocations or mantras. These could consist of single mantras (''ṛca''), pair of them (''pragātha'') or in triplets ( ''tṛca''), or entire set of mantras (''suktas''), belonging to the [[Rigveda|''ṛgveda'']].
The '''hotṛ''' is the reciter of invocations or mantras. These could consist of single mantras (''ṛca''), pair of them (''pragātha'') or in triplets ( ''tṛca''), or entire set of mantras (''suktas''), belonging to the [[Rigveda|''ṛgveda'']].
Hota's duties include reciting the Anuvaakya and Yaajya mantras. He pronounces "vashatkaara" at the time of placing the aahuti in the agnihotram. In the Darsapurnamaasa yaaga he recites saamidheni mantras and in Somayaaga he recites Shastra with his assistants<ref name=":0">Purkayastha, Dipanjona (2014) Ph. D Thesis from Assam University : ''[http://hdl.handle.net/10603/41946 A Study of the Asvalayana srauta sutra with reference to the principal sacrifices.]'' </ref>. Thus his role as an invoker of devatas by reciting the appropriate propitiatory mantras is clearly significant.
Hota's duties include reciting the अनुवाक्य || Anuvaakya and याज्य || Yaajya mantras. He pronounces "वशट्कारः || vashatkaara" at the time of placing the aahuti in the agnihotram. In the Darsapurnamaasa yaaga he recites सामिधेनि || saamidheni mantras and in Somayaaga he recites शास्त्र || Shastra with his assistants<ref name=":0">Purkayastha, Dipanjona (2014) Ph. D Thesis from Assam University : ''[http://hdl.handle.net/10603/41946 A Study of the Asvalayana srauta sutra with reference to the principal sacrifices.]'' </ref>. Thus his role as an invoker of devatas by reciting the appropriate propitiatory mantras is clearly significant.
=== Adhvaryu ===
=== Adhvaryu ===
The '''adhvaryu''' is in charge of the physical details of the sacrifice. In particular the term ''adhvara'' is defined by Maharshi Yaska in Nirukta as - Adhvarasya netaa (Nirukta 1.8.1) adhvaram yunakti iti adhvaryuh - one who relates to the yagna completes all works of the yagna, he is the leader of the yagna<ref name=":0" />.
The '''adhvaryu''' is in charge of the physical details of the sacrifice. In particular the term अध्वर || is defined by Maharshi Yaska in Nirukta as - Adhvarasya netaa (Nirukta 1.8.1) adhvaram yunakti iti adhvaryuh - one who relates to the yagna, completes all works of the yagna, he is the leader of the yagna<ref name=":0" />.
The ''adhvaryu's'' duties include measuring the ground, to build the yagnavedi, homakunda, prepare the yagna patras (vessels and tools), fetch samidhas (wood) and water, light the fire, arrange for dravyas (milk, honey, tila etc), cook the required havirdravyas (purodasa, odhanam, animal parts in case of Pasuyaaga) and offer the aahutidravyas in the fire<ref name=":0" />.
The ''adhvaryu's'' duties include measuring the ground, to build the yagnavedi, homakunda, prepare the yagna patras (vessels and tools), fetch samidhas (wood) and water, light the fire, arrange for dravyas (milk, honey, tila etc), cook the required havirdravyas (purodasa, odhanam, animal parts in case of Pasuyaaga) and offer the aahutidravyas in the fire<ref name=":0" />.
Each action is accompanied by ''yajus'' belonging to the ''[[yajurveda]]''.
Each action is accompanied by ''yajus'' belonging to the ''[[yajurveda]]''.
=== Udgaata ===
=== Udgaata ===
The '''udgātṛ''' was a chanter of mantras set to melodies (''sāman'') taken from the [[Samaveda|''sāmaveda'']].
The '''udgātṛ''' was a chanter of mantras set to melodies (''sāman'') taken from the ''[[Samaveda (सामवेद)|sāmaveda]]''.
There presence of Udgaata and his assistants is necessary only in the Somayaaga. He plays a specialized role in the Somayaaga - a characteristic function of the ''udgātṛ'' is to sing saamagaana in praise of the invigorating properties of ''soma pavamāna'', the freshly pressed juice of the soma plant.<ref name=":0" />
There presence of Udgaata and his assistants is necessary only in the Somayaaga. He plays a specialized role in the Somayaaga - a characteristic function of the ''udgātṛ'' is to sing saamagaana in praise of the invigorating properties of ''soma pavamāna'', the freshly pressed juice of the soma plant.<ref name=":0" />
=== Brahma ===
=== Brahma ===
The Brahma is the protector and supervisor of the yagna. He is knowledgeable in the three Vedas, so he is called Trivedavid. In the Satapata Brahmana it is clearly mentioned that one who has the knowledge of the three vedas may take the charge of Brahma. ()
The Brahma is the protector and supervisor of the yagna. He is knowledgeable in the three Vedas, so he is called Trivedavid. In the Satapata Brahmana it is clearly mentioned that one who has the knowledge of the three vedas may take the charge of Brahma.<ref name=":0" />
Brahma's position is said to be high in the yagnas and it was believed that only silent sitting of Brahma and observation of the procedures makes the yagna successful. He uses Atharvaveda mantras to 'heal' it when mistakes have been made.<ref name=":0" /> In the Aitereya Brahmana it is mentioned that half the portion of yaaga Dakshina should be given to Brahma and remaining half to be paid to other priests.
Brahma's position is said to be high in the yagnas and it was believed that only silent sitting of Brahma and observation of the procedures makes the yagna successful. He uses Atharvaveda mantras to 'heal' it when mistakes have been made.<ref name=":0" /> In the Aitereya Brahmana it is mentioned that half the portion of yaaga Dakshina should be given to Brahma and remaining half to be paid to other priests.
Mantra 2.1.2 of Rigveda states:
Mantra 2.1.2 of Rigveda states:
तवाग्ने <nowiki>''होत्रं''</nowiki> तव पोत्रमृत्वियं तवनेष्ट्रं त्वमग्निदृतायतः । तव <nowiki>'''प्रशास्त्रं''' त्व'''मध्वरीय'''</nowiki>सि ब्रह्मा चासि गृहपतिश्च नो दमे ॥
तवाग्ने होत्रं तव पोत्रमृत्वियं तव नेष्ट्रं त्वमग्निदृतायतः । तव प्रशास्त्रं त्वमध्वरीयसि ब्रह्मा चासि गृहपतिश्च नो दमे ॥<ref>Rig veda [http://ignca.nic.in/Vedic_portal_rigveda_shakala_Samhita_m02.htm mantra] </ref>
The above mantra enumerates the rtviks as the ''hotṛ'', ''potṛ'', ''neṣṭṛ'', ''agnīdh'', ''prashāstṛ'' (meaning the ''maitrāvaruna'') and ''adhvaryu''.
The above mantra enumerates the rtviks as the ''hotṛ'', ''potṛ'', ''neṣṭṛ'', ''agnīdh'', ''prashāstṛ'' (meaning the ''maitrāvaruna'') and ''adhvaryu''.
According to Asvalaayana Srauta sutras (4.1.16) the following assistants are listed in each gana of the rtviks. In the systematic expositions of the ''[[shrauta sutra]]s'',<ref>''Shānkhāyana SS'' 13.4.1, ''Āsvalāyana SS'' 4.1.4-6.</ref> the assistants are classified into four groups associated with each of the four rtviks.
According to Asvalaayana Srauta sutras (4.1.16) the following assistants are listed in each gana of the rtviks. In the systematic expositions of the ''shrauta sutras'',<ref>''Shānkhāyana SS'' 13.4.1, ''Āsvalāyana SS'' 4.1.4-6.</ref> the assistants are classified into four groups associated with each of the four rtviks.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Veda
!Veda
यजतीति स यजमानः - One who performs yagnas is yajamanaha (Shabdakalpadruma).
यजतीति स यजमानः - One who performs yagnas is yajamanaha (Shabdakalpadruma).
It is the Yajamaana, who intents to conduct, takes the diksha and starts a yaaga or isthi with the ceremony Rtvikvarana and ends it with the Dakshinadaana ceremony. In the middle though it is done by the rtviks the yajamana is also mandated to recite mantras and perform some ceremonies. He takes part in offering the havis into the agnihotra and consumption of the havis during havishbhakshana by the rtviks. Thus, the yajamana who is the intended beneficiary of the yaaga, is a direct participant with others take his stead in situations when he is unable to participate. The Agnihotra homa is performed by the yajamaana only. Only if he falls ill, in his place a rtvik conducts it.
It is the Yajamaana, who intents to conduct, takes the diksha and starts a yaaga or isthi with the ceremony Rtvikvarana and ends it with the Dakshinadaana ceremony. In the middle though it is done by the rtviks the yajamana is also mandated to recite mantras and perform some ceremonies. He takes part in offering the havis into the agnihotra and consumption of the havis during havirhbhakshana by the rtviks. Thus, the yajamana who is the intended beneficiary of the yaaga, is a direct participant with others take his stead in situations when he is unable to participate. The Agnihotra homa is performed by the yajamaana only. Only if he falls ill, in his place a rtvik conducts it.
Yajnapatni is also has a role to play in many yaagas. Any yagna or yaaga is to be performed only by a sapatnika yajamaana. When yajamaana is unable to perform his role, his wife, son, brother-in-law and ultimately the rtviks are authorized to take his role.
Yajnapatni also has a role to play in many yaagas. Any yagna or yaaga is to be performed only by a sapatnika yajamaana. When yajamaana is unable to perform his role, his wife, son, brother-in-law and ultimately the rtviks are authorized to take his role.
The requirements of the fully developed yaagas like Somayaaga and Satrayaaga are rigorous and professional rtviks only can guide and perform them adequately without mistakes<ref name=":0" />.
The requirements of the fully developed yaagas like Somayaaga and Satrayaaga are rigorous and professional rtviks only can guide and perform them adequately without mistakes<ref name=":0" />.
==See also==
==See also==
*[[Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्रम्)|Agnihotra]]
*[[Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्रम्)|Agnihotra]]
*[[Agnistoma]]
*Agnistoma
==Notes==
==References==
<references />
[[Category:Vedas]]
[[Category:Yajnas]]