Visvamitra in the Kalpasutra

Author(s): Umeshchandra Sharma
Publisher: Z_Nahta_Bandhu_Abhinandan_Granth_012007.pdf

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be selected from among the Kasyapas, Bharadvajas, Bhrgus Angirases. One authority says that Hoty should be a descendant of Visvamitra. A tarpana should be made to Visyamitra after daily bath according to the VaiGS and VaiDS.2 In connection with the upakarana-visarjana, Visvamitra is prayed. 3 The MiDa mentions that because a Vaisvamitra should necessarily be a Hotu priest, therefore, the descendants of Bhrgu, thunaka and Vasistha do not have the right to be appointed as Hotu priests.4 Thus, it can be said in conclusion, that the Visva mitra family is one of the most important families of ancient India. There were several gotras and pravaras among the Visvamitras. It has been prescribed in the Kalpa sutras that a descendant of Visvamitra should officiate as Hotr priest in the sacrifices. Some of the gotras and pravaras of Visvamitra pravara system are followed among the Brahmana families of the present day India also. For instance the surname 'Kausika' is applied by some of north Indian Brahmanas. Abbreviations AB Aitareya Brahmana. AgGS Agnivesya Grhya Sutra. Apos Apastamba Srauta Sutra. ASSs Asvalayana Srauta Sutra. Bauss Baudhayana Srauta Sutra. Bauss (p) Baudhayana Srauta Sutra (pravara-Khanda) Hirss Hiranyakesi Srauta Sutra. Mass Manava Srauta Sutra. Mida Mimaisa Darsana. SSS Sankhayana Srauta Sutra. TMB Tandya Maha Brahmani. Vaids Vaikhanasa Dharma Sutra. VaiGS Vaikhanusa Gyhya Sutra. 1. ADAS. XXII. 20. 2, ASSS X. 2. 25, HirsS XVII. 7. 12. 2. Vaiss XII. 1. 3. VaiGS I. 4, VaiDS II. 13. 4. BhGS, III. 10. 5. MiDa VI. 6. 26. * I am grateful to Dr, V. G. Rahurkar, my supervisor, for useful suggestions in writing this paper. 100 : अगरचन्द नाहटा अभिनन्दन-ग्रन्थ