The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c8.s3.19

v1.c8.s3.19

At the end of his career, when he had become the most powerful sovereign in India, Pravarasena celebrated the Vājapeya sacrifice and formally assumed the title of samrāṭ or emperor. Being a Brāhman by caste, he was not eligible to offer the Rājasūya sacrifice, which Kshatriya kings alone could carry out to celebrate their universal sovereignty. He therefore performed the Vājapeya sacrifice, which according to the sacred texts is a samrāṭ-sava, celebrated at the consecration of a king to the dignity of paramount sovereign. The Bṛihaspati sacrifice, which also was performed by the emperor, was probably a sequel to this Vājapeya sacrifice. This emperor was eligible to perform it because he was a Brāhman by caste.