Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c21.s1.t2.6

v2.c21.s1.t2.6

It was decided also that this anulōma sect of Rathakāras was superior to the pratilōma sect (‘born the other way’), viz., from a father of a lower class, and a mother of a higher class. One of the authorities quoted also states that these Rathakāras were entitled to upanayana (the sacred thread ceremony), ijyā (performing sacrifice), and ādhana (receiving sacred fire). Another authority, however, suggests that the anulōmas thus entitled to upanayana are forbidden from performing the agnihōtra (keeping the sacred fire always alive), aupāsana (worshipping the fire thus kindled), pañchamahāyajña (the five sacred duties prescribed for the Brahmans, viz., (1) Dēva yajña [ceremonial worship of gods], (2) pitṛi-yajña [ceremonial worship of manes]; (3) brahma-yajña [ceremonial worship of ṛishis], (4) bhūta-yajña [ceremonial worship of living creatures other than men] and (5) manushya-yajña [ceremonial worship of men] and adhyāyana [recital of the Vēdas]. The same authority also says that their upanayana ceremony ought not to be conducted by quoting the mantras (sacred hymns). This was the decision of the learned men of Uyyakoṇḍān-Tirumalai at the beginning of the twelfth century.¹