☼ Religion during Later Vedic Period:
• The earlier divinites Indra and Agni were relegated into the background while Prajapati (creator of the Universe, later known as Brahma), Vishnu (Patron god of Aryans) and Rudra (God of animals, later identified with Shiva/Mahesha) rose in prominence.
• Now Prajapati became supreme God.
• Pushana, who protected cattle in the early Vedic Period now became the god of Shudras.
• Brihadaranyaka Upanishada was first the work to give the doctrine of transmigration (Punarjanma/Samsara-chakra) and deeds (Karma).
• The early simple ceremonial of Rigvedic Period gave place to elaborate sacrifices requiring the services of as many as 17 priests.
• In the later Vedas and Brahamanas sacrifices (Yajnas) came into prominence.
• There were two varieties of sacrifices—
(i) Laghu yajnas (simple sacrifices) were Performed by householder e.g. Pancha Mahayajna, Agnihotra, Darsha Yajna (on Amavasya i.e. on the last day of the dark fortnight), Pumamasa Yajna (on Pumima i.e. on the day of full moon) etc.
(ii) Maha yajnas (Grand sacrifices) : Sacrifices that could only be undertaken by an aristocratic and wealthy man and the king.
(a) Rajasuya Yajna: Royal consecration, which in its full form comprised a series of sacrifices lasting over a year. In later days it was replaced by simplified Abhisheka i.e. anointment.
(b) Vajapeya Yajna: Drink of strength, which lasted for a period of seventeen days upto full one year.
(c) Asvamedha Yajna: Horse sacrifice, which lasted for three days.
(d) Agnishtoma Yajna: Sacrifice of animals dedicated to Agni, which lasted one day, although Yajnika (performer of Yajna) and his wife spent ascetic life for a year before Yajna. On the occasion of the this Yajna, soma rasa was consumed.
• Towards the end of the Vedic Period, there was the emergence of a strong reaction against cults, rituals and priestly domination. Reflection of this mood is found in the Upanishadas.
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