India as Known to Panini: A Study of the Cultural Material in the Ashtadhyayi c11.s2.30

c11.s2.30

*YĀJYĀ VERSES*—Pāṇini refers to the technical details of repeating the *Yājyā mantras* in a sacrifice (*Yajña-karmaṇi*, VIII. 2.88-92). The *Yājyās* were all selected hymns from the *Ṛigveda* and enumerated in the Hautra-kāṇḍa of the *Āśvalayāna* and other *Śrautasūtras*. The Hotā priest recites the *Yājyā* and *Puronuvākyā* verses as often as the Adhvaryu commences a set of oblations. The latter priest does not recite any *mantra*; he only gives directions (*praisha*) to the Hotā whose privilege it is to recite the appropriate *mantra* ending with the formula *Vaushat*, on hearing which the Adhvaryu throws the oblation into the fire.