A few legends of Satapathabrahmana: Socio-cultural analysis

Abstract

Satapathabrahmana is a Vedic text that is directly associated with Vedic Sacrificial Culture. To describe the Vedic sacrifice in general this text as well as all other Brahmana texts used to prescribe the use of Mantras ascribed in Samhitas. Unique style of this text is to justify each and every statement made either in Satapathabrahmana or in Samhita texts. Contextually we can see hundreds of legends and myths or stories which are aptly used to justify the statements made in the text. From which two noble purposes may be apprehended 1. To instigate the sacrificer to perform the sacrifice 2. To justify the fundamental ideas behind the performanceThis paper shall focus on Seven no of legends from the initial part of the text ie. Satapathabrahmana.