Political History of Ancient India, from the Accession of Parikshit to the Extinction of the Gupta Dynasty c9.s10.58

Language: English

c9.s10.58

The *Vājapeya* (lit. "the drink of strength") bestowed on the performer a superior kind of kingship called "*Sāmrājya*," while the *Rājasūya* or royal inauguration merely conferred the ordinary monarchical dignity.⁴ The *Punar-abhisheka*, or renewed consecration, made the king-elect eligible for all sorts of royal dignity, viz., *Rājya*, *Sāmrājya*, *Bhaujya*, *Svārājya*, *Vairājya*, *Pārameshṭhya*, *Māhārājya*, *Ādhipatya*, *Svāvaśya* and *Ātishṭhatva*.⁵ The object of the *Aindra Mahābhisheka* (the great anointing of the king of the celestials) is thus described:

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