Political History of Ancient India, from the Accession of Parikshit to the Extinction of the Gupta Dynasty c9.s10.117

c9.s10.117

The **Aindra Mahābhisheka**⁶ or Indra's great unction consisted of five important ceremonies. In the first place, an **Oath** is administered by the priest to the king-elect: "From the night of thy birth to that of thy death for the space between these two, thy sacrifice and thy gifts, thy place, thy good deeds, thy life and thine offspring let me take, if thou play me false."⁷ Next follows the *Ārohaṇa* or enthronement. When the king is seated on the throne we have the *Utkrośana*⁸ or proclamation. The king-makers should say "The Kshatriya, if not proclaimed, cannot show his strength, let us proclaim him. “Be it so” (the people reply). Him the king-makers proclaim saying :