History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v4.c62.187

v4.c62.187

In the Agnipurāṇa, chap. 218 deals with coronation and chap. 219 sets out the mantras. The following are the principal items in the ceremony; bath (with water in which sesame and mustard are mixed), seating on bhadrāsana, proclamation of *abhaya* (security and non-injury to all), releasing some prisoners from jail, Aindrī Śānti, fast by king, recital of mantras, sanctifying the head and other limbs of the king with earth taken from the top of a mountain and from other places, sprinkling *pañcagavya*, sprinkling of water from four jars of gold, silver, copper and earth by amātyas of the four varṇas, *abhiṣeka* by a Ṛgvedin with water mixed with honey, by Chandoga with water mixed with kuśa grass, by Yajurvedin and Atharvavedin brāhmaṇas touching king's head and throat with yellow pigment, singing and beating of musical instruments, holding of chowrie and fan before the king, king's looking into a mirror and clarified butter, worship of Viṣṇu and other gods, sitting on a tiger-skin below which there are four skins viz. of lion, *cheeta*, cat and bull; purohita to give madhuparka, to tie paṭṭa (a fillet or tiara) round the king's head and to place the crown on his head; presentation of ministers by the *pratīhāra*;