Question

Match the ritual content in List I with its correct location within the Aitareya Brahmana in List II:
List I (Topic/Statement):
A. "Agnirvai devanamamo vishnuh..." (Agni is the first, Vishnu the last)
B. Śunaḥśepākhyānam (The Shunahshepa Narrative)
C. Shodashi (The Sixteenth Sacrifice)
D. Ādityabhṛgvādīnām-utpattiḥ (Origin of Adityas and Bhrigus)
List II (Panchika):
I. Saptama-panchikāyām (Seventh)
II. Tritiya-panchikāyām (Third)
III. Prathama-panchikāyām (First)
IV. Chaturtha-panchikāyām (Fourth)

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

Hint:

Panchika Mnemonic: 1-Introduction, 3-Origins, 4-Technical Soma, 7-Stories (Shunahshepa). Knowing that the 7th Panchika is the "Narrative Book" solves half of all Aitareya matching questions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Aitareya Brahmana consists of 40 chapters (Adhyayas), organized into eight books called 'Panchikas' (units of 5). Each Panchika is dedicated to specific ritual themes. Matching key opening statements, famous legends, and technical ritual descriptions to their respective Panchika is a fundamental way to test a candidate's comprehensive grasp of the Rigvedic ritual tradition.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the mapping based on the structural organization of the text:

1. A. "Agnirvai devanam..." - III. Prathama-panchikāyām: This is the very first sentence of the entire Aitareya Brahmana (Adhyaya 1, Panchika 1). It establishes the sacrificial hierarchy needed for the Dikshaniya Ishti. Because it is the "Introduction," it naturally belongs to the First Panchika.

2. B. Śunaḥśepākhyānam - I. Saptama-panchikāyām: This is the most celebrated narrative in the text. It occurs in the 33rd chapter. Since chapters 31-35 constitute the Seventh Panchika (dedicated to the Rajasuya and royal duties), the legend is located here. This is the heart of the "Royal Section" of the Brahmana.

3. C. Shodashi - IV. Chaturtha-panchikāyām: The Shodashi sacrifice (an extension of the Soma-yaga involving 16 chants) is discussed in the Fourth Panchika (chapters 16-20). This section focuses on the variations and 'Vikritis' of the standard Agnishtoma sacrifice.

4. D. Origin myths - II. Tritiya-panchikāyām: The philosophical and mythological explanations for the origins of divine lineages like the Adityas and sages like the Bhrigus from the seed of Prajapati are found in the Third Panchika (chapters 11-15). This Panchika explores the "symbolic origins" of the ritual world.

Conclusion:
The correct mapping A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II reflects the chronological and thematic development of the Aitareya. For the NTA exam, the "Big Three" to remember are: 1st (Agni-Vishnu), 7th (Shunahshepa), and 8th (Coronation/Aindra Mahabhisheka). Mastering these "anchor points" allows for the deduction of other ritual sections.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The ritual contents are correctly matched in option (2).