Adhvaryu
Vedic Yajnas are very elaborate.
They include Yajnas such as Chaturmasya, Pashu Bandha, Jyotishtoma, Atriratra, etc.
Every Yajna involves the participation of scholars from each branch of the Veda: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
Among them, the Yajurvedic scholar is called Adhvaryu.
Meaning of Adhvaryu
अध्वर्य्युः - अध्वरं यज्ञं यौति सम्पादयति
Adhvaryu is in charge of the execution of the Yajna.
The term is derived from अध्वरः (Yajna)
Role of Adhvaryu
Adhvaryu is in charge of various responsibilities such as:
- Ensuring proper measurements of the Yajna Vedi.
- Building of the Yajna Vedi.
- Preparation of the vessels.
- Fetching firewood.
- Fetching water.
- Preparation of offerings.
- Submitting offerings in Agni.
- Guiding Yajamana and his wife through the procedure.
He also chants appropriate mantras from the Yajurveda while going about performing his duties.
Adhvaryu has three assistants:
- Pratiprastata
- Neshta
- Unneta
Other purohitas
Purohitas of Yajnas are collectively called Ritwiks.
The other chief Ritwiks are:
- Hota - Rigveda - Chants mantras while submitting offerings.
- Udgata - Sings Samaveda.
- Brahma - Supervises the Yajna.
Brahma should know all the four Vedas.
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