Question

Match List I (Shukla Yajurvedic Chapters) with List II (Sacrificial Ritual Names) and choose the correct option:
List I (Chapter)
A. 1st Chapter
B. 2nd Chapter
C. 9th Chapter
D. 10th Chapter
List II (Ritual)
I. Sautramani
II. Vajapeya and Rajasuya
III. Darshapurnamasa
IV. Pindapitriyajna

• A. A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
• B. A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
• C. A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
• D. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV

Hint:

The Yajurveda always starts with Darshapurnamasa. If you remember that Chapter 1 is the New/Full Moon sacrifice, you can instantly eliminate most incorrect options. Also, note that "Pitru" rituals always follow immediately after the basic lunar rituals.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Shukla Yajurveda (Vajasaneyi Samhita) consists of 40 chapters (Adhyayas). These chapters serve as a liturgical manual, providing the mantras required for various Vedic sacrifices. The order of the chapters follows the chronological and hierarchical sequence of the Vedic ritual calendar, starting from the basic fortnightly sacrifices performed by every householder and moving toward the grand, complex royal ceremonies. Knowing this sequence is a key part of mastering the structure of the Yajurveda.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation of the Chapters:
1. 1st Chapter (A): The Samhita begins with the mantras for the Darshapurnamasa (III) sacrifice. These are the "New Moon and Full Moon" sacrifices. They are considered the Prakriti (the basic archetypal model) for all other small animal or grain sacrifices (Ishtis). Every student of the Veda begins their ritual training with this chapter.
2. 2nd Chapter (B): This chapter focuses on the Pindapitriyajna (IV). This is the sacrifice dedicated to the ancestors (Pitrus). It involves the offering of Pindas (rice balls) and is traditionally performed on the afternoon of the new moon day. It represents the link between the living family and the ancestral spirits.
3. 9th Chapter (C): This chapter contains the mantras for the Vajapeya (The drink of victory) and Rajasuya (The royal consecration) sacrifices (II). The Vajapeya is a grand Soma sacrifice meant to enhance the prestige of a Brahmin or a King. The Rajasuya is performed exclusively by a King to establish his sovereign authority. Their placement in the same chapter signifies their shared status as high-level, complex rituals.
4. 10th Chapter (D): This chapter deals with the Sautramani (I) sacrifice. This ritual is unique because it involves the offering of Sura (a form of wine or spirit) to Indra and other deities. It is often performed to heal a person, as an expiatory ritual, or at the end of a grand Rajasuya to "purify" the king.

Step 3: Synthesis:
The mapping matches the traditional internal organization of the Vajasaneyi Samhita: A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct matching sequence is (3).