The Caturmasya Sacrifices: with Special Reference to the Hiranyakesi Srautasitra (An Old and Rare Book)

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It gives me great pleasure to bring out this book related to the Caturmasya sacrifices.

During the years 1955-1970 1 had the opportunity to participate in the project of preparing an Encyclopaedia of Vedic Rituals (Srantakasa) undertaken by the Vaidika Sarhiodhana Mandala, Pune. Moreover I was fortunate in being able to participate in different Srauta-sacrifices performed by my father who was Ahitdgni. With the help of the theoretical and practical knowledge of Srauta ritual I could complete my work on the Caturmasya sacrifices under the guidance of Prof. R. N. DANDEKAR, and submit it for the Ph.D. degree in 1969. The present book is the result of my research work in a revised form.

The Citurmasya sacrifices are a peculiar type of Vedic sacrifices. Various features of these sacrifices have been studied in detail in this book, with particular reference to the Hiranyakesi Srautasilira belonging to the Taittiriya recension of Krsna Yajurveda. Attempts have also been made to compare the procedure of the Caturmasya sacrifices as prescribed in Vedic texts with the Prayoga-tradition as adhered to by local priests. For this purpose the critical text of chapter 5 of the Hirasyakesi Srautasutra is given in the first chapter while the Prayoga-text is reproduced in the Appendix. The index of technical terms is also given at the end.

The Centre of Advanced Study in Sanskrit, University of Poona has, from its very beginning, engaged in research in the fields of Vedic studies, Srauta and Vyakarana. During the fifth plan period the branches of Mimamsa and Nyaya have been added. Thus, from a modest beginning in 1964 the Centre has developed into an all-round Sanskrit teaching and research institute. As far as ritual and grammar are concerned, it has also become a national Centre.

I feel great pleasure in writing a few words in connection with the publication, in a Series of the Centre, of The Caturmasya Sacrifices by Dr. V. V. Bhide. The text presented in this publication is accompanied by expert explanatory Notes, which are a great help in the study of Srauta texts in general. I know that Dr. Bhide has worked on his book with assiduity and great patience, and I find these two scholarly qualities reflected on every page. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation of the work done by Dr. Bhide.