Krishnavatara VI: The Book of Vedavyaasa, The Master by Munshi K. M

Author:Munshi K. M [K. M, Munshi]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Published: 2020-11-27T05:00:00+00:00

17. ARRIVALS

The life of an average Arya family would revolve round the sacred fire. There were three great sacrificial ceremonials lauded in scripture and tradition — Aswamedha, Rajasooya and Vajpeya, in which the sacred Fire God and “King” Soma were worshipped by elaborate ceremonials, rituals and oblations.

At these ceremonials, which were communal gatherings, Aryas, Nagas and even Nishadhs congregated.

These ceremonials were beyond the means of ordinary kinds, for the host had to provide food to all the visitors, bear the expenses of the ceremonials and give presents to the guests.

The Emperor Bharat, the forefather of the present Emperor Shantanu of Hastinapur, had celebrated a Rajasooya yajna.

The news spread like wild fire that the Emperor Shantanu, recently revived by the young ascetic, Bal-Muni, was celebrating the Vajpeya at the Field of Wolves as from the eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra.

Prince Gangeya went personally to invite friendly kings to be present on the occasion.

The news also spread to the ashrams that the Vajpeya was going to be an unique event. Acharya Vibhuti was going to preside over it as the Adhvaryu, the head of the ritualists, and, wonder of wonders Maha Atharvan, who had forsworn all contacts with the Trayi Vidya school of Srotriyas, had accepted the position of Brahmaa at the Vajpeya.

Some felt joy and others shook their heads dolefully at the prospect of a reunion of the Srotriyas who accepted the three-fold WORD and those who accepted that it was four-fold.

Srotriyas of different schools came to the Field to discuss with each other the sacrificial homage which should be paid to the leading Acharyas and to secure the blessing of the Bal-Muni who had recently risen to fame.

A few Acharyas of great repute also came to establish the superiority of their ashrams in chant, doctrine and ritual; many others were there on account of the fee, which was sure to be lavish.

Kings and chieftains of the surrounding areas arrived, vying with each other in pomp and strength.

Guilds of merchants opened marts. Goat-herds, brought their well-fed goats; they would be needed for the sacrificial ceremonies.

Hunters came with deer-skins, which the kings were sure to present to the Srotriyas participating in the sacrifice.

Thousands of villagers came to earn religious merit by making small offerings. Most people brought their womenfolk with them. It was a glorious occasion for women; they would have no domestic tasks to perform, enjoy freedom to sing and dance, and have an opportunity to secure the blessing of the learned Srotriyas, who would read their future and promise good husbands to the unmarried and sons to the married.

Dancers, serpent-charmers, monkey–performers and professional wrestlers also came to enliven the occasion.

There were also the uninvited but inevitable guests — the beggars — who had sensed the prospect of sharing the rich feasts which the free kitchen set up by the Minister, Kunik could provide.

As the day of the inauguration came nearer, the representatives of the royal guests arrived to prepare the accommodation for their masters.

Vatikaa was in despair.

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