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496
A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYAM
He further says that the killing of animals in accordance with the prescription of the Vedas is not to be cognised as Himsa. About the efficacy of the Yajña it is said that the Dvija and the sacrificed animals attain to superior existence.
As regards the taking of meat and wine (Surā) the Brahmanical references are not wanting. The limbs of the sacrificed animal formed the 'dakșiņā' of the Rtvik Surā was used in oblations offered to the Manes. The remaining part of the wine was offered to the Acārya and Antevăsin. Manu (5.31) prescribes that the animal flesh associated with the Yajña should be taken but not on any other occasion. He (5.48) further lays down that the killing of living creatures leads to hell.
The PCV states, as already mentioned, that the father (pitā), mother (mātā) and the king (rājā) were killed in the Pits, Māts and Rajsüya Yajñas respectively. This statement seems to be based on hearsay and is made for the sake of criticism only. There was a Pitr-Yajña rite which was to be performed daily by the householders. In this ceremony food and water was offered to the manes and on the occasion of performing monthly Śrāddha the offering of meat is also prescribed (Manu, 3.82;3.123). In the Madhyama-aştaka ceremony 'sura' was offered to the mothers (Pārā. Gr. Su, 3.3.11). Pițr-medha is dealt in the Taittiriya Aranyaka (VI) and its hymns are found in the Sukla Yajurveda (35)?. But it has nothing to do with the killing of father. Thus we find that the PCV is making wrong allegations. The Sankhāyana Srautasütra (4.3.5) mentions Piņdapitryajña but in it no killing is envisaged. It was a sacrifice of rice balls.
The Sankhāyana Srautasütra further describes a Purusamedha also (XVI 10 & 12). A Brahmin is purchased and then let loose (16.10.9). He is then sacrificed with other animals (16.12.12 & 21). The rites of Rajasūya Yajña were performed on the occasion of a royal conse: cration. It is said in the Sankhāyana Srautasūtra (15.12.1) that by performing this Yajña the performer attains sovereignty and supremacy over
1. Ya Vedavihita himsā niyatāsminscarăcare /
ahimsāmevatam vidyad Vedat dharmo hi nirbabhu // 5.44. 2. Ibid, 5.12. 3. Pära, 3.11.9. 4. Ibid, 3.3.11. 5. Ibid. 6. Vide VSS, 243. 7. Ibid, p. 125. 8. Sce CHI, p. 126.
