Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.469

v1.c3.469

**Abhi-ṣeka** (‘besprinkling’).—The Vedic king was consecrated after his election with an elaborate ritual, which is fully described in the Taittirīya,¹ Pañcaviṃśa,² Śatapatha,³ and Aitareya Brāhmaṇas,⁴ and for which the Mantras are given in the Saṃhitās.⁵ The consecration took place by sprinkling with water (*abhiṣecanīyā āpaḥ*).⁶ Only kings could be consecrated, the people not being worthy of it (*anabhiṣecanīyāḥ*).⁷ The sprinkler (*abhiṣektṛ*) is mentioned in the list of victims at the Puruṣamedha.⁸ The Abhiṣeka is an essential part of the Rājasūya, or sacrifice of royal inauguration, being the second of its component members.