Anvaharya is a term in Hindu ritualistic tradition that literally means "that which is made up." It holds significance in various religious ceremonies, particularly in the context of sacrificial rituals and rites performed in honor of ancestors.
In the Darsha Purnamasa Sacrifice
In the Darsha Purnamasa sacrifice, which is a Vedic ritual conducted during the new and full moons, the yajamana (sacrificer) is advised to gift cooked rice as a sacrificial fee to the priests. This rice is cooked on one of the sacred fires known as the Dakshin Agni. The purpose of this offering is to mitigate any defects or errors that might have occurred during the performance of the sacrifice, whether they were due to mistakes of omission or commission. This act of making amends through the offering is referred to as anvaharya.
Anvaharya Pacana
Because anvaharya is cooked on the dakshinagni, this fire is also referred to as anvaharya pacana, meaning the fire used for cooking the anvaharya offering. The dakshinagni, or southern fire, holds a significant role in Vedic rituals, symbolizing various spiritual and ritualistic functions.
Monthly Shraddha
The term anvaharya is also associated with a monthly shraddha, a religious rite performed in honor of departed ancestors. This particular shraddha, conducted immediately after the pindapitryajna (a ritual involving the offering of rice balls to the ancestors), is also known as anvaharya. The monthly shraddha is an important practice in Hindu tradition, serving as a means to ensure the well-being of the ancestors in the afterlife and to seek their blessings.
Broader Significance
Anvaharya, therefore, plays a dual role in Hindu religious practices:
- Sacrificial Purification: In the context of sacrifices, it acts as a corrective measure to ensure the ritual's sanctity and efficacy.
- Ancestral Worship: In the context of shraddha rites, it serves as a crucial practice for maintaining the link between the living and their ancestors, reinforcing familial and spiritual bonds.
Understanding anvaharya and its applications provides deeper insight into the intricate nature of Hindu rituals and the emphasis placed on both precision in ritual practice and the honoring of ancestral traditions