Sacrificial Arena & Utensils

Question 1

Adhiṣavaṇa-carman

Answer 1

The pressing hide. An ox-hide spread over the ground, upon which the pressing boards are placed, to catch any spilled Soma juice, which is considered highly sacred.

Question 2

Adhiṣavaṇa-phalake

Answer 2

The two pressing boards. The wooden boards upon which the Soma stalks are placed to be pressed with the grāvan (pressing stones). The lower board (uttara-phalā) is larger than the upper one.

Question 3

Ādhavanīya

Answer 3

A large wooden trough or vessel used for holding water to wash and invigorate (ā-pyāyayati) the Soma stalks before pressing.

Question 4

Agni

Answer 4

Fire. The sacred fire, deified as the divine messenger. The term encompasses all the specific sacred fires

Question 5

Agnihotra-havaṇī

Answer 5

The Agnihotra ladle. A specific long-handled ladle, often made of Vikaṅkata wood, used exclusively for pouring the daily milk offerings (Agnihotra) into the fires.

Question 6

Āgnīdhrīya

Answer 6

The shed of the Agnīdhra priest. A specific shed, usually located to the northeast of the Sadas, which contains the Āgnīdhrīya hearth (dhiṣṇya).

Question 7

Āhavanīya

Answer 7

The Oblation Fire. The easternmost of the three main śrauta fires. It is square in shape and represents the celestial world (svarga). It is the primary fire into which offerings to the gods (deva) are poured.

Question 8

Ajya-sthālī

Answer 8

The butter pot. A specific vessel, usually earthen, in which the clarified butter (ājya or ghṛta) is held during the sacrifice after being purified.

Question 9

Angāra

Answer 9

A glowing ember. A live coal from the fire, distinguished from the flame (arcis) and the ash (bhasman). Embers are sometimes used to heat offerings like the puroḍāśa.

Question 10

Aṃsa

Answer 10

Shoulders (of the altar). The two eastern corners of the main vedi (altar), which are shaped to resemble shoulders.

Question 11

Araṇī

Answer 11

The two fire-sticks. A pair of wooden sticks (a lower block, adharāraṇī, and an upper drill, uttarāraṇi), often made of Aśvattha wood grown from a Śamī tree, used to generate fire by friction (agnimanthana).

Question 12

Āsandi

Answer 12

A ritual stool or throne. A special seat made of udumbara wood, upon which the yajamāna sits during certain parts of the dīkṣā (consecration), elevating him symbolically.

Question 13

Audumbarī

Answer 13

The Udumbara post. A post made from udumbara wood, set up inside the Sadas shed, which the Udgātṛ priest touches or leans against while chanting his melodies (sāman). It is set to be the same height as the yajamāna.

Question 14

Avasathya

Answer 14

The Domestic Fire. Another name for the Gṛhyāgni, the single sacred fire maintained in the home of a householder for domestic rites (gṛhya).

Question 15

Barhis

Answer 15

Sacred Grass. Kúśa or Darbha grass, carefully cut (with their roots intact) and spread over the altar (vedi) to create a pure and sacred seating surface for the invited gods.

Question 16

Bhasman

Answer 16

Sacred Ash. The ash from the sacrificial fires, which is considered highly purifying and potent. It is collected and sometimes applied to the body or used in other rituals.

Question 17

Bhūmi-dundubhi

Answer 17

Earth-Drum. A specific ritual instrument used in the Mahāvrata ceremony. It is constructed by digging a pit, covering it with a stretched ox-hide, and striking it with a tail (vāla) to produce a deep, resonant sound, symbolizing the voice of the Earth.

Question 18

Bila

Answer 18

Bowl, hollow, mouth. The bowl-shaped part of a sacrificial ladle (sruc) that holds the offering.

Question 19

Caṣāla

Answer 19

The Cap of the Sacrificial Post. A ring-shaped cap, usually made of wheat dough or the wood of the yūpa itself, that is placed on the very top of the yūpa. It symbolizes the generative power and essence of the sacrifice.

Question 20

Camasa

Answer 20

A cup or chalice. A square-bottomed wooden vessel used for offering libations and for drinking the Soma juice. There are specific camasas for each of the main priests (hotṛ-camasa, etc.).

Question 21

Cātvāla

Answer 21

The Pit. A pit dug to the north of the Mahāvedi, from which earth for the altars is taken. It serves as a disposal area for ritual refuse and is considered a gateway to the underworld.

Question 22

Citi

Answer 22

A layer or course of bricks. The great Agnicayana bird-altar is constructed in five layers, or citis, which are separated by layers of loose soil (purīṣa).

Question 23

Daṇḍa

Answer 23

Handle, staff. The handle of an implement, such as a sruc or sruva. Also refers to the staff carried by the consecrated yajamāna.

Question 24

Daśāpavitra

Answer 24

The “Ten-Fringed” Strainer. The primary filter for the Soma juice, made of white sheep’s wool, through which the pressed juice is poured to purify it. Also called the pavamāna-pavitra.

Question 25

Dakṣiṇāgni

Answer 25

The Southern Fire. The third of the main śrauta fires, located to the south. It is semi-circular in shape and serves to ward off evil influences and is associated with offerings to the ancestors (pitṛs).

Question 26

Dhiṣṇya

Answer 26

Subsidiary hearths. Mounds of earth with fire placed on them, located within the Mahāvedi during the Soma sacrifice. There are specific dhiṣṇya hearths for several of the main priests.

Question 27

Dohana-pātra

Answer 27

A milking pail. The vessel, often wooden, used for milking the cows whose milk will be used for the pravargya rite or as part of the caru offering.

Question 28

Dhruvā

Answer 28

The "Firm" ladle. One of the three primary sruc ladles, made of Vikaṅkata wood. It holds the reserve supply of ājya (clarified butter) during the sacrifice.

Question 29

Droṇakalaśa

Answer 29

The main Soma vat. A large rectangular wooden tub or trough in which the Soma juice is collected and stored after it has been pressed and filtered.

Question 30

Dṛṣad & Upalā

Answer 30

Lower and Upper Grinding Stones. The two stones used to grind grain (rice or barley) to make the flour for the puroḍāśa sacrificial cakes.

Question 31

Gārhapatya

Answer 31

The Householder's Fire. The westernmost of the three main śrauta fires. It is circular, represents the earth and the yajamāna, and is never allowed to go out.

Question 32

Grāvan

Answer 32

Pressing Stones. Smooth, heavy stones used by the priests to crush the Soma stalks on the adhiṣavaṇa-phalake (pressing boards) to extract the juice.

Question 33

Havirdhāna-maṇḍapa

Answer 33

The shed for the Soma carts. A structure within the Mahāvedi which houses the two havirdhāna carts. The Soma stalks are ceremonially brought to the pressing area on these carts.

Question 34

Hiraṇya-śakalāḥ

Answer 34

Pieces of gold. Small flakes or pieces of gold that are placed at various points in the ritual arena, such as under the yūpa or in the ukhā pot, to imbue them with immortality and light.

Question 35

Idhmā

Answer 35

The bundle of firewood. The main bundle of samidh (fuel sticks), typically 21 sticks of a prescribed wood, tied together with a blade of grass (idhmā-sannahana).

Question 36

Iṣṭakā

Answer 36

Brick. The fundamental component of the great Agnicayana altar. Each of the 1,080+ bricks is consecrated with a specific mantra as it is put in place (upa-dhā). There are many named bricks, such as the lokampṛṇā ("space-filling").

Question 37

Juhū

Answer 37

The main offering ladle. The primary sruc ladle, used by the Adhvaryu to pour most of the oblations. It is made of Palāśa wood and is identified with the yajamāna himself.

Question 38

Kapāla

Answer 38

Potsherd. A specially prepared, consecrated shard of earthenware upon which the puroḍāśa cake is baked (puroḍāśa-śrapaṇa). The number of kapālas (e.g., eight for Agni, eleven for Indra) is specific to the recipient deity.

Question 39

Kravyād

Answer 39

The "Flesh-Eating" Fire. The ordinary fire used for cremation (antyeṣṭi). It is ritually distinct from the yajña fires and is considered impure for sacrificial purposes.

Question 40

Kṛṣṇājina

Answer 40

The black antelope skin. A highly sacred item upon which the yajamāna sits during his dīkṣā. It is also used for husking grain and other ritual actions, symbolizing the sacrifice itself.

Question 41

Kūrma

Answer 41

Tortoise. A living tortoise is embedded in the foundation of the Agnicayana altar, where it symbolizes Prajāpati, the creator god, and the stable foundation of the world.

Question 42

Mahāvedi

Answer 42

The Great Altar. A large, open trapezoidal area prepared to the east of the main sacrificial hall (prācīnavaṃśa) for the performance of the Soma sacrifice.

Question 43

Mahāvīra

Answer 43

"Great Hero" Pot. A special, three-tiered earthen pot, which is central to the Pravargya ceremony. It is filled with ghee and heated until it glows red-hot, symbolizing the sun.

Question 44

Mārjālīya

Answer 44

The "Wiping" mound. A mound of earth located south of the Sadas shed where the priests ritually clean (parimṛj) the sacrificial utensils.

Question 45

Mekhalā

Answer 45

The Girdle. A belt or girdle made of muñja grass. One is tied around the yajamāna during his consecration, and another is tied around the middle of the vedi (altar).

Question 46

Mekṣaṇa

Answer 46

Stirring-stick. A wooden stick used for stirring offerings like caru (rice porridge) while it is being cooked.

Question 47

Musala & Ulūkhala

Answer 47

Pestle and Mortar. A heavy wooden pestle and mortar used for husking the grain for the sacrificial cakes.

Question 48

Nābhi

Answer 48

The Navel (of the altar). A small, circular hollow made in the center of the uttaravedi, into which offerings can be placed. It is the symbolic center of the sacred space.

Question 49

Paridhi

Answer 49

Enclosing Sticks. Three large sticks of sacred wood (usually Palāśa) placed around the āhavanīya fire on three sides to contain its power.

Question 50

Patnīśālā

Answer 50

The Wife's Hut. The shed, typically part of the prācīnavaṃśa, where the yajamāna's wife (patnī) is seated and performs her specific ritual duties.

Question 51

Pavitra

Answer 51

Strainer, Purifier. Most commonly, two blades of Kuśa grass of specific lengths, used by the Adhvaryu to purify the ghṛta and other liquids by dipping them into the substance.

Question 52

Phalīkaraṇa

Answer 52

Husks. The chaff or husks separated from the grain during pounding. These are not discarded but are used as a specific offering to certain minor deities.

Question 53

Piṣṭalepa

Answer 53

Flour-smear. A paste made of flour and water used as a ritual sealant, for example, to seal the mahāvīra pot or to caulk imperfections in other utensils.

Question 54

Prācīnavaṃśa

Answer 54

"Eastward-beamed hall." The initial, main sacrificial hall where the yajamāna is consecrated (dīkṣā) and where the preliminary rites are performed.

Question 55

Praṇītā-praṇayana

Answer 55

The vessel for the "led-forth" water. A specific cup or vessel containing water that is ceremonially "led forth" and placed to the north of the Āhavanīya fire.

Question 56

Prastara

Answer 56

A special, tied bunch of kuśa grass held by the Adhvaryu, representing the yajamāna himself in grass-form. It is ultimately thrown into the fire as an offering.

Question 57

Pūtabhṛt

Answer 57

A large wooden vessel used to receive and hold the filtered (pūta) Soma juice after it has passed through the daśāpavitra strainer.

Question 58

Purīṣa

Answer 58

Loose soil, filling material. The loose earth that is used to fill the space between the five layers (citi) of the Agnicayana altar.

Question 59

Raśanā

Answer 59

The Rope. The rope, typically made of muñja grass, used for tying the animal victim (paśu) to the sacrificial post (yūpa).

Question 60

Rukma

Answer 60

A golden disc. A perforated disc of gold worn on a cord by the yajamāna during the Agnicayana rite. It symbolizes the sun and confers solar immortality upon the sacrificer.

Question 61

Sabhya

Answer 61

The Assembly Fire. An additional sacred fire, established in some larger sacrifices, that represents the social assembly and secular power.

Question 62

Sadas

Answer 62

The Sitting Hall. A shed with open sides constructed within the Mahāvedi, where the priests and the yajamāna sit and observe during the Soma pressing.

Question 63

Samidh

Answer 63

Fuel-stick. An individual stick of sacred wood offered to the fire. The offering of samidhs is a basic act of worship.

Question 64

Saṃcara

Answer 64

A prescribed path or passage. The designated walking path for priests between different altars and sacred zones, such as between the Sadas and the Āhavanīya fire.

Question 65

Śanku

Answer 65

A peg or gnomon. A wooden peg used in the geometric construction of the altars, as described in the Śulbasūtras. It was used to cast shadows and draw lines, ensuring perfect measurements.

Question 66

Śamyā

Answer 66

A wooden pin or peg of a specific length, used for various purposes such as tamping down earth or as a measuring device.

Question 67

Śulba

Answer 67

Measuring Cord. The cord or rope, typically made of muñja grass, used for the geometric measurement and construction of the various vedis (altars). Its use is codified in the Śulbasūtras.

Question 68

Sphya

Answer 68

A wooden "sword." A flat, sword-shaped wooden implement used by the Adhvaryu to draw ritual boundary lines on the ground, to manipulate the earth of the altar, and as a symbolic weapon against demons.

Question 69

Sruc

Answer 69

A large wooden offering ladle, characterized by a deep bowl (bila) and long handle (daṇḍa). There are several types (Juhū, Upabhṛt, Dhruvā), each with a specific function and made from a specific wood.

Question 70

Sruva

Answer 70

A smaller wooden dipping spoon, with a small circular bowl, used for transferring ghṛta from its container (ājyasthālī) into the larger sruc ladles.

Question 71

Sthālī

Answer 71

A metal or earthenware cooking pot, used for cooking offerings like caru (rice porridge).

Question 72

Sthūṇā

Answer 72

Pillar, Post. A general term for a pillar, such as the posts that hold up the roof of the Sadas or other sheds in the Yajñaśālā.

Question 73

Svayamātṛṇṇā

Answer 73

The "Self-Perforated" brick. A porous stone or fossilized shell that is found and not man-made, which is placed in the center of the first layer of the Agnicayana altar as its foundational stone.

Question 74

Tṛṇa

Answer 74

A single blade of grass. Used for highly specific actions, such as separating two offerings or as a pointer, where using a larger implement would be inappropriate.

Question 75

Ukhā

Answer 75

The Agnicayana Fire-Pot. A large, specially constructed clay pot, kneaded with goat's hair (aja-loman) and horse dung (aśva-śakṛt) for strength. The yajamāna carries fire in this pot for a year (saṃvatsara), symbolizing a year-long gestation period before it is embedded as the foundation of the great bird-altar (agniciti).

Question 76

Ulmuka

Answer 76

A firebrand. A movable piece of fire, taken from one of the main hearths and used for specific purposes like pary-agni-karaṇa (carrying fire around an object to purify it).

Question 77

Upabhṛt

Answer 77

The "counter-ladle." One of the three primary sruc ladles, made of Aśvattha wood. It is held below the Juhū and is used to catch any drips, symbolizing the earth supporting the sky.

Question 78

Upāṃśu-savana

Answer 78

A special, small pressing stone used for a preliminary, silent (upāṃśu) pressing of Soma before the main, loud pressing begins.

Question 79

Uṣṇīṣa

Answer 79

Turban. A piece of cloth wound around the head of the consecrated yajamāna, symbolizing his elevated, royal status as a sacrificer.

Question 80

Uttaravedi

Answer 80

The "High Altar." A second, highly prepared altar built in the eastern part of the Mahāvedi. It serves as the primary offering place for the Soma sacrifice and is the site upon which the great Agnicayana bird-altar is constructed.

Question 81

Vapāśrapaṇī

Answer 81

The omentum-roasting forks. A forked spit, typically made of udumbara wood, used to roast the vapā (omentum) of the animal victim over the Āhavanīya fire.

Question 82

Vedi

Answer 82

Altar. The primary, consecrated, raised plot of earth, often shaped like a trapezoid and narrowing towards the east. It is strewn with barhis grass and is the central stage for the ritual.

Question 83

Vidhṛti

Answer 83

The two "separators." Two blades of Kuśa grass used to keep the prastara bunch separate from the rest of the barhis on the altar, maintaining a crucial ritual distinction.

Question 84

Yajñāyudha

Answer 84

Sacrificial weapons/implements. A collective term for the key utensils of the sacrifice, such as the sphya, sruc, sruva, grāvan, etc.

Question 85

Yajñopavīta

Answer 85

The sacred thread. A cord of three-times-three threads worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm by initiated Brahmins and the consecrated yajamāna.

Question 86

Yajñaśālā

Answer 86

Sacrificial Hall. The general term for the entire complex of sheds and enclosures where the sacrifice is performed. It is a temporary, sacred space, distinct from the profane world.

Question 87

Yūpa

Answer 87

Sacrificial Post. A wooden post, often octagonal, to which the animal victim is tied with a raśanā. It is anointed, ritually raised, and topped with a caṣāla. It represents the axis mundi.

Question 88

Yūpāvata

Answer 88

The Pit for the Sacrificial Post. The hole that is dug to erect the yūpa. It is ritually consecrated by sprinkling with water and lining with barhis grass before the post is raised within it.