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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.

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" />

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

==See also==

==See also==

*[[Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्रम्)|Agnihotra]]

*[[Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्रम्)|Agnihotra]]

*[[Agnistoma]]

*Agnistoma

==References==

==References==

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