Śāñkhāyana Grhyasutras

From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia

By Swami Harshananda

Significance of Gṛhyasutras[edit]

The Gṛhyasutras are a subsidiary of the Vedānga known as the Kalpasutras. They deal primarily with the rites connected with the home and family-life.

Origin of Śāñkhāyana Gṛhyasutras[edit]

The Śāñkhāyana Gṛhyasutras belongs to the Ṛgveda. It is a fairly long work. There are 1075 sutras accommodated in 96 khaṇdas or sections, which are contained in 6 adhyāyas or chapters.

Content of Śāñkhāyana Gṛhyasutras[edit]

The contents may be briefly summarized as follows:

  • Sacrifices like the pākayajñas and the Darśapurṇamāsa
  • Details of the sanskāras or sacraments like vivāha,[1] puisavana, jātakarma, upanayana, upākarma and so on
  • Duties of a snātaka[2]
  • Building a house and the rituals connected with entering it called as gṛhapraveśa
  • Śrāddhas or obsequial rites
  • Pilgrimage and Vedic sacrificial fire
  • Consecration of wells, ponds, tanks and gardens
  • Prāyaścittas or expiations

For details of these subjects, see under the respective titles.


References[edit]

  1. Vivāha means marriage.
  2. Snātaka is the one who has completed his Vedic education.
  • The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore