By Swami Harshananda
Śunāsiriya literally means ‘guide of plough’.
Origin of Śunāsiriya[edit]
Śunāsiriya is the last of the four Vedic sacrifices grouped under the cāturmāsyas. It is referred to even in the Ṛgveda.[1] The word Sunā-sīra may refer to any of the following deities:
Rituals of Śunāsiriya[edit]
Offering havis[2] in this sacrifice is considered as very important. It consists of puroḍāśa[3] cakes in twelve mud plates and also milk. This sacrifice can be performed at any time during the year. There is no uttaravedi.[4] The fire is not produced by araṇis. Attaining wealth and success in life are the twin purposes of performing this sacrifice.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore