Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s7.205

v2.c4.s7.205

Originally the prince could sacrifice for himself and the people, but the Rigveda¹⁵ itself shows cases, like those of Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha illustrating forcibly the power of the Purohita, though at the same time the right of the noble to act as Purohita is seen in the case of Devāpi Ārṣiṣeṇa.¹⁶ The Brahmins saw their opportunity, through the Purohitaship, of gaining practical power during the confusion and difficulties of the wars of invasion, and secured it, though only after many struggles, the traces of which are seen in the Epic tradition.¹⁷ The Atharvaveda¹⁸ also preserves relics of these conflicts in its narration of the ruin of the Sṛñjayas because of oppressing Brahmins, and besides other hymns of the Atharvaveda (viii-xii), the Śatarudriya litany of the Yajurveda¹⁹ reflects the period of storm and stress when the aboriginal population was still seething with discontent, and Rudra was worshipped as the patron god of all sorts of evil doers.²⁰