Political History of Ancient India, from the Accession of Parikshit to the Extinction of the Gupta Dynasty c9.s10.109

c9.s10.109

The **Punar-abhisheka** or Renewed Anointment is described in the *Aitareya Brāhmaṇa*.² It was intended for Kshatriya conquering monarchs. The first interesting part of the ceremony was the king's ascent to the throne or *Āsandī* which was made of *udumbara* wood with the exception of the interwoven part (*vivayana*) which consisted of *muñja* grass. Then came the besprinkling. Among other things the priest said: "Do thou become here the overking of kings; the great of the great people, the supreme ruler of the people (or the peasantry)."¹ *Rājñāṁ tvam Adhirāja bhaveha; Mahāntaṁ tvā mahīnāṁ Samrājaṁ charshaṇīnām*."² The king was next required to get down from the throne and make obeisance to the 'holy power (Brahmaṇ); "*Brahmaṇa eva tat Kshatraṁ vaśaṁ eti tad yatra vai Brahmaṇaḥ Kshatraṁ vaśaṁ eti tad rāshṭraṁ samṛiddhaṁ tad vīravadāhāsmin vīro jāyate*,"³ "verily thus the lordly power (Kshatra) falls under the influence of the holy power (Brahmaṇ). When the lordly power falls under the influence of the holy power, that kingdom is prosperous, rich in heroes; in it a hero or heir (*vīra*) is born."⁴ Here there is provision for the prevention of royal absolutism.