Visvamitra in the Kalpasutras

Author(s): Umeshchandra Sharma
Publisher: Z_Agarchand_Nahta_Abhinandan_Granth_Part_2_012043.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 Visvamitra after daily bath according to the VaiGS and Vaids.2 In connection with the upakarana-visarjana, Visvamitra is prayed. S The MiDa mentions that because a Vaisvamitra should necessarily be a Hote priest, therefore, the descendants of Bhrgu, sunaka and Vasistha do not have the right to be appointed as Hot! priests. 4 Thus, it can be said in conclusion, that the Visvamitra 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 Kalpasutras 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. ADAS Apastamba Srauta Sutra. ASSsS Asvalayana Sgrauta Sutra. Bauss Baudhayana Sgrauta Sutra. Bauss (p) Baudhayana thrauta Sutra (pravara-Khanda) HirSs Hiranyakest Srauta Sutra. Mass Manava Srauta Sutra. MiDa Mimainsa Darsana. SSS Sankhayana Srauta Sutra. TMB Tandya Maha Brahman. VaiDS Vaikhanasa Dharma Sutra. VaiGS Vaikhanusa Gihya Sutra. 1. ApsS. 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. 400 : 312 FG ATECT BEHAGF-TFT