Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c11.s5.23

c11.s5.23

It is also to be noted that these sacrifices were celebrated in a great variety of ways. According to the *Pañchaviṁśa Brāhmaṇa*, the Soma sacrifices extended over one day or several, or finally over more than twelve days. The latter were known as *Sattras* or sessions which Brahmins alone could perform and that in considerable numbers. These might last 100 days or even several years. It is thus clear how these sacrificial sessions would naturally be the occasions for learned discussions by the concourse of Brahmins engaged therein. Like the Soma sacrifices, the horse-sacrifices which only great kings were entitled to perform were also accompanied by gatherings of learned men, the most typical instance of which is the Aśvamedha of Janaka of Videha who brought together for the occasion a vast assembly of Brahmins from the Kuru-Pañchāla country.