Anuvakya literally means "to say after," denoting its role in the sequential recitation of Vedic hymns. The performance of Vedic rites is a meticulous process involving several complex stages. Appropriate Vedic hymns selected from various sections of the Vedas, predominantly the Rig Veda Samhita, are chanted or sung at specific stages during these rites. These hymns are classified into different categories such as yajya, anuvakya, shastra, and so on.
Role and Function of Anuvakya Hymns
The anuvakya hymns, also known as puronuvakyā, have a specific role in Vedic rituals. These hymns are chanted by the hotr (the priest responsible for reciting the riks from the Rig Veda) when the adhvaryu (the priest associated with the Yajurveda) cuts the purodasa (sacrificial cakes) into several parts. The primary function of these hymns is to serve as invitations to the respective deities to accept the offerings prepared for them.
Since the name of the deity to whom the offering is dedicated appears at the beginning of the hymn, these hymns are also referred to as puronuvakya (with "puras" meaning "first" or "in front"). For instance, hymns from the Rig Veda such as 8.44.12 and 1.91.11 are used as anuvakyas.
Detailed Example of Anuvakya Usage
During a Vedic sacrifice, when the adhvaryu is preparing the offerings, the hotr recites the anuvakya to invoke the presence of the deity. This recitation ensures that the offering is consecrated and the deity is formally invited to partake in the sacrificial rites. The precision in the chant and the exact sequence are critical, as they reflect the harmonious order of the cosmos and the ritual itself.
For instance, Rig Veda 8.44.12 may be chanted to invite Indra, the king of gods, during a particular stage of the sacrifice. The hymn goes as follows:
प्र
ण आयून आ गहि
सखायो हि शूर रथं
वृष्णे मेषं न उक्षि
(Rig Veda 8.44.12)
The invocation directly addresses Indra, inviting him to the sacrificial site, which is symbolic of his acceptance of the offering and blessing the ritual with his presence.
The Priests and Their Roles
In the Vedic ritual system, the roles of the priests are well-defined:
- Hotr: The priest who recites hymns from the Rig Veda. The hotr's chanting of anuvakyas is essential in calling upon the deities.
- Adhvaryu: The priest who performs the physical aspects of the ritual according to the Yajurveda. This includes preparing and offering the sacrificial items.
- Udgatr: The priest who chants hymns from the Sama Veda, primarily during the Soma Yajna.
- Brahman: The overseeing priest who ensures that the ritual proceeds without errors, often associated with the Atharva Veda.
Significance of Anuvakya in Vedic Sacrifices
The chanting of anuvakya hymns reflects the intricate connection between the ritual acts and the cosmic order. By invoking deities at the precise moments in the sacrificial process, the ritual aims to maintain the harmony between the human and divine realms. Each hymn serves as a bridge, ensuring that the offerings are accepted and the desired outcomes of the ritual are achieved.
In summary, the anuvakya plays a crucial role in Vedic sacrifices, serving as an essential component that facilitates the proper invocation of deities, thereby ensuring the success and sanctity of the ritual. The precise recitation of these hymns by the hotr, in coordination with the actions of the adhvaryu, underscores the complex yet harmonious nature of Vedic ritualism.