--> Skip to main content


Curd In Vedic Yajnas

In Vedic Yajnas, or sacrificial rituals, curd (also known as dadhi or dahi) plays a significant role, reflecting its importance in ancient Indian culture and spirituality. Derived from the root ‘dha’ meaning "to support" or "to sustain," curd is considered a superior food item to milk in terms of sustaining the health of the body.

In various Vedic sacrifices, curd serves multiple purposes:

Oblations and Consumption: Curd is used to curdle fresh, hot milk, which is then offered as an oblation in the sacrificial fire. Additionally, the sacrificer consumes this curdled milk during rituals such as the Darsha sacrifice and the Agrayana rite.

Animal Sacrifice (Pashubandha): In rituals involving animal sacrifice, curd is utilized to prepare prishadajya, a mixture of curds and ghee. This mixture is then sprinkled over the immolated animal and is expected to be consumed by the sacrificer during the diksha rite, which is the consecration of the sacrificer in a Soma sacrifice.

Dadhigraha: This term refers to the drawing of curds offered to Prajapati, a deity associated with creation, just before the morning pressing of the soma juice. This offering symbolizes reverence and devotion to the divine.

Dadhigharma: During a Somayaga, which is a type of Vedic ritual involving the pressing of soma juice, dadhigharma is a beverage made from hot milk and curdled milk. This mixture is poured into a warm pot by the adhvaryu priest and used as a libation at the midday pressing of the soma juice. It represents a sacred offering to the gods.

Dadhimantha: Another beverage used in sacrifices, dadhimantha is made from grains (saktu) mixed with curds. Like dadhigharma, it is offered as part of the ritual and holds symbolic significance in the context of the sacrifice.

Overall, curd holds a special place in Vedic Yajnas, serving as an essential element in various rituals and offerings. Its use underscores the intricate relationship between food, spirituality, and the natural world in ancient Indian culture.