[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c4.2577 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.2577 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c4.2577 - **Language:** English ### [c4.2577](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2577) BRAHMAHATYĀ. Killing a Brāhmaṇa is called Brahmahatyā. In ancient India killing a Brāhmaṇa was considered to be a great sin. He, who committed this sin had to build a hut in the forest and live there for a period of twelve years, or make an alms-pot called ‘Śivaśirodhvaja’ and wander about begging alms, to purify his soul, or else to attempt to jump into a blazing fire thrice with bowed head, or perform one of the three sacrifices Aśvamedha, Svarjit or Gosava. If none of these was possible, he had to give all the wealth he had to Brāhmaṇas well-versed in Vedas, as gift. It is mentioned in Agnipurāṇa, Chapter 169, that if any of the vows mentioned above was performed he would be absolved from the sin of Brahmahatyā. - [Previous: c4.2576](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2576) - [Next: c4.2578](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2578) - [Up: c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4) ## Cites (1) - [Agnipurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.agni.169) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2577](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2577) · Pramāṇa