A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, so far as it illustrates the Primitive Religion of the Brahmans c10.76

c10.76

Distinct from these two classes, we have a third class of priests, the Hotris, whose duty it was to recite certain hymns during the sacrifice in praise of the deities to whom any particular act of the sacrificer was addressed. Their recitation was loud and distinct, and required the most accurate knowledge of the rules of euphony or Śikshâ. The Hotris, as a class, were the most highly educated order of priests. They were supposed to know both the proper pronunciation and the meaning of their hymns, the order and employment of which was taught in the Brâhmanas of the Bahvrichas. But while both the Adhvaryus and Udgâtris were confessedly unable to perform their duties without the help of their prayer-books, the Hotris were supposed to be so well versed in the ancient sacred poetry, as contained in the ten Mandalas of the Rig-veda, that no separate prayer-book or Sanhitâ was ever arranged for their special benefit.