Question

Based on the narrative of the Rajasuya sacrifice in the Aitareya Brahmana, select the correct statements from the following:
A. Rohita was the son of Harishchandra.
B. Rohita was the father of Harishchandra.
C. Jamadagni was the Adhvaryu priest in the Rajasuya sacrifice.
D. Jamadagni was the Brahma priest in the Rajasuya sacrifice.

• A. Only A and D
• B. Only B and C
• C. Only A and C
• D. Only B and D

Hint:

In the Shunahshepa legend, remember the "Ritvij-Sage" quartet: Hota-Vishvamitra, Adhvaryu-Jamadagni, Udgata-Ayasya, Brahma-Vashistha. A helpful mnemonic is 'HV-AJ-AU-BV'. Also, remember Rohita as the 'Prince' (son).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question is based on the famous 'Shunahshepa Akhyana' (The Legend of Shunahshepa) found in the 7th Panchika (33rd chapter) of the Aitareya Brahmana. This narrative is traditionally recited during the Rajasuya sacrifice (the royal consecration ceremony). The story explains the origins of human sacrifice substitutes and the roles of various priests. Identifying the relationships between characters and the liturgical roles of the sages is a common requirement in Vedic studies.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's evaluate each statement based on the Aitareya Brahmana text:

Statement A and B (Genealogy):
The story begins with King Harishchandra of the Ikshvaku dynasty, who was childless. He prayed to Varuna and was blessed with a son named Rohita. Therefore, Rohita was the son of Harishchandra. This makes Statement A correct and Statement B incorrect. The plot drives forward when Rohita, to avoid being sacrificed himself, finds a substitute (Shunahshepa).

Statement C and D (Ritual Roles):
During the performance of the Rajasuya sacrifice where Shunahshepa was to be sacrificed, four great sages acted as the principal priests (Ritvijas). The Aitareya Brahmana (7.16) lists them as follows:
1. Vishvamitra acted as the Hota priest (the reciter for the Rigveda).
2. Jamadagni acted as the Adhvaryu priest (the executive priest for the Yajurveda).
3. Ayasya acted as the Udgata priest (the singer for the Samaveda).
4. Vashistha acted as the Brahma priest (the supervisor for the Atharvaveda/All Vedas).

Since the text explicitly names Jamadagni as the Adhvaryu, Statement C is correct and Statement D is incorrect. Jamadagni's role was to conduct the physical ritual and offerings.

Conclusion:
Only Statements A and C are factually correct according to the Aitareya Brahmana. The Shunahshepa legend is significant not only for its narrative power but also for establishing the ritual hierarchy and the divine intervention through prayer (which saved Shunahshepa). The identification of priests is crucial because it shows how the four Vedas are integrated into a single grand sacrifice.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (3). Only A and C.