The Maitravaruna priest holds a significant role in Vedic sacrificial rituals, particularly in the context of the hotr, who is one of the four principal priests essential for conducting the sacrifice. The hotr's duty primarily involves reciting hymns and offering invocations to various Vedic deities during the ritual proceedings. As an assistant to the hotr, the Maitra-Varuna priest specifically focuses on the recitation of hymns dedicated to the deities Mitra and Varuna during the pratassavana, which is the morning pressing of soma juice, a crucial element in Vedic sacrifices.
In addition to reciting hymns, the Maitravaruna priest may
also provide instructions to other priests involved in the ritual, ensuring
that the ceremonial procedures are conducted smoothly and according to the
prescribed Vedic traditions. Furthermore, the Maitravaruna priest's
responsibilities extend to certain types of sacrifices known as pashubandha,
which involve the immolation of animals as offerings. In these rituals, the
Maitravaruna priest likely plays a crucial role in the proper performance of the
sacrificial acts and the recitation of appropriate hymns to invoke the
blessings of the Vedic deities.
Overall, the Maitravaruna priest serves as a vital assistant
to the hotr, contributing to the ritualistic aspects of Vedic sacrifices by
reciting hymns, offering invocations, providing instructions, and ensuring the
correct execution of sacrificial procedures, particularly in ceremonies
involving the worship of Mitra and Varuna and pashubandha sacrifices.