Asvalayana Grihya Sutra is a knowledge text that lays down the procedure to be followed in household rituals. These procedures are particularly meant for the followers of Asvalayana, belonging to the Sakala recension of Rig Veda.
Kalpa Sutras are the auxiliary texts of Vedas that help the
followers perform the rituals explained in Vedas. Asvalayana Grihya Sutra is a
part of Asvalayana Kalpasutra, the other important texts being Srauta Sutras. While
the Srauta Sutras deal with rituals to be performed in consecrated fires, Grihya
Sutra deals with the domestic rituals.
Asvalayana Grihya Sutra deals with the domestic rituals.
This text is presented in four chapters. In the first chapter, the marriage
ritual is explained in detail followed by other samskaras – such as pumsavana
and others. Upanayana (taking the boy to the teacher) is explained in detail in
this chapter.
The second chapter of Asvalayana Grihya Sutra begins with
the ritual sravana karma followed by various shraddha ceremonies. These are ceremonies
in which manes are propitiated with oblations. In this chapter many details of
vastu shastra (town planning and house construction) namely, examination of the
land selected for house construction, building materials, orientations are
given.
The third chapter of Asvalayana Grihya Sutra deals with the
rituals connected with funerals and obsequies. Some of the paka yagas (minor rituals
conducted in the household fire) are also explained in this chapter.
Asvalayana Grihya Sutra concludes with salutations to
Shaunaka, the great preceptor in Rig Veda lineage. A supplementary collection
of sutras in four chapters, also exists for these Grihya Sutras. This supplementary
collection is considered authentic and part of the text. The followers of
Avalayana strictly follow the rituals and rules enunciated therein even today.
These supplementary sutras give more details of those rituals already laid down
in the man Grihya Sutras.