Layout and Construction of Citis

Language: Sanskrit text with English Translation
Pages: 180


Preface

It is stated by eminent scholars that the fire sacrifices from Darsa purnamasa to Soma used to be performed from ancient times. A reference to piling of a citi, agni-cayana, is, however, not found in Rgveda. The subject of Agni-cayana is dealt with in Taittirlya, Kathaka, Kapistbala, Maitrayanl, and Viijasaneyi Samhitas as well as in Taittirlya Brahmana, Taittiriya AraQyaka, and Satapatha Brahmana. Coomaraswami has stated that the verses X. 2.8 and X. 2. 26 of the Atharva-veda, when considered together, compare the piling of a citi with the 'Internal Agni-hotra.' The piling of a citi may be either a literal fact or it is done mentally.

Inscriptional evidences regarding performance of Vedic Sacrifices:

Sacitika Soma sacrifice is performed for the fulfilment of a particular wish of the sacrificer. They are, therefore, called kamya sacrifices. Inform- ation about the name of tbe citi and the wish of the sacrificer that can be fulfilled by performing a Soma sacrifice with that citi as Uttaravedi is given in the table below.

Name of citi The desire of the sacrificer that is satisfied. Syenaciti To reside in heaven after tbe life on this earth is ended. Praiigaciti To have large numbers of relatives. Ubhayah Praiiga To destroy troublesome relatives. Dronaciti To have abundance of food. Ra thacakraciti Same as for Praligaciti. Smasanaciti To be prosperous in Pitrloka. Kurmaciti To conquer Brahmaloka.

It can be seen that for an ambitious king who wanted to establish his dominion on as large a country as possible and to declcare it to the world by performing an Asavamedha sacrifice, the wishes mentioned in the table above were quite ordinary. Inscriptions giving information about performance of a Soma s