File:Group of Brahmins 1913.jpg

Summary

Identifier: indianmythlegend00inmack Title: Indian myth and legend Year: 1913 (1910s) Authors: Mackenzie, Donald Alexander, 1873-1936 Subjects: Hindu mythology Publisher: London, Gresham Contributing Library: Indiana University Digitizing Sponsor: Indiana University

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Text Appearing Before Image: ence, and a clan or kingdom had its chief priest.The production of new hymns came to an end; thosewhich existed were considered sufficient for all purposes;religious beliefs were systematized, and an arbitrary ritualbecame more and more complicated. There are indications that at an early period a chief orking might offer up a sacrifice, but when the professionof the Brahman became hereditary, no rite could be per-formed unless presided over by holy men. A sacrificemight be rendered futile by an error in the constructionof an altar, or in the order of ceremonial practices, or byfailure to select appropriate chants. The Asuras andRakshasas and other demons were ever hovering roundthe altar, endeavouring to obstruct ceremonies and totake advantage of ritualistic errors to intercept offeringsintended for the gods. It was by making sacrifices thatman was believed to obtain power over the gods, ormagical control over the forces of nature. For the performance of some sacrifices a day of pre-

Text Appearing After Image: Photo. Frith GROUP OF PRESENT-DAY BRAHMANS VEDIC AGE DEVELOPMENTS 8i paration might be required. Altars had to be erectedwith mathematical exactness; the stones were blessed andanointed; offerings were made at every stage of the workso that the various deities might give protection in theirvarious spheres. The following extract from one of theBrahmanas affords a glimpse of the preparatory rites:— Thrice he (the priest) perambulates it (the altar); for thrice heivalks round it (whilst sprinkling); thus as many times as he walksround it, so many times does he perambulate it. . . . Having thereupon put that stone into the water pitcher, (he)throws it in that (south-westerly) direction, for that is Nirritisregion; he thus consigns pain to Nirritis region. . . . Outside the fire altars he throws it, &c.i Human failings may be imputed to Brahmans, but Itmust be recognized that the ideals of their caste were ofa high order. They were supposed to be born with spiritual lustre , and thei

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public domain

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Image from page 168 of "Indian myth and legend" (1913)