Abstract
The Ashwamedha Yagya, an ancient Vedic ritual, embodies profound cultural, social, and spiritual significance, transcending its historical roots. This article examines its pivotal role in fostering unity and cultural cohesion as a means of peaceful integration, rather than conquest. Through insights from historical texts and interpretations by scholars like Sri Aurobindo and Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya, the ritual is unveiled as a symbol of intellect, unity, and ecological harmony.
Far from being a mere assertion of sovereignty, the Ashwamedha Yagya promoted communal participation and collective responsibility, uniting diverse populations under shared cultural values. Its legacy continues to be the cornerstone of Sanatan Sanskriti, bridging historical traditions with modern efforts to foster global unity. Organizations like All World Gayatri Pariwar exemplify this renaissance, with the 47th Ashwamedha Yagya in 2024 continuing to inspire millions toward cultural solidarity and collective welfare.
References
Renou L. History of Vedic India. Sanjay Prakashan; 2004.
Aurobindo. Ken and other Upanishad. The complete works of Sri Aurobindo Volume 18. Pondicherry, India: Sri Aurobindo Ashram Publication Department.
Sharma S, editor. Akhand Jyoti. Mathura, India: Akhand Jyoti Sansthan; 1992.
Britannica T, editors of Encyclopaedia. Ashvamedha. Encyclopedia Britannica [Internet]. 2024 Feb 3. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/topic/ashvamedha
Talbott RF. Sacred sacrifice: Ritual paradigms in Vedic religion and early Christianity. Wipf & Stock; 2004.
Dhar A. A dichotomic interpretation of the sacrifices of Rajasuya, Vajapeya and Ashvamedha: their ritualistic and monarchical strata with reference to the Satapatha Brahmana [dissertation]; 2016.
Aurobindo. The Complete Works of Sri Aurobindo. Volume 18. Sri Aurobindo Ashram Publ. Dept.; 2009.
Sharma S. 108 Upanishad – Gyan Khand. Revised edition. Mathura, India: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust.
bibitem{9} Pathik P. The historical and philosophical exegesis on Yagya in ancient India. Interdisciplinary Journal of Yagya Research. 2019;2(1):20–28. Available from: https://doi.org/10.36018/ijyr.v2i1.19
Smith AD. Chosen Peoples: Sacred Sources of National Identity and Myths and Memories of the Nation. Oxford University Press; 2003.
Hastings A. The construction of nationhood: Ethnicity, religion, and nationalism. Cambridge University Press; 1997.
Britannica T, editors of Encyclopaedia. What is the difference between a nation and a state? Encyclopedia Britannica [Internet]. 2018 Oct 26. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/question/What-is-the-difference-between-a-nation-and-a-state
Deutsch KW, Foltz WJ. Nation building in comparative contexts. AldineTransaction; 2010.
Jha DN. Early India: A concise history. Manohar; 2005.
Agrawal A. Rise and fall of the Imperial Guptas. Motilal Banarsidass; 1989.
Narayanan Y. Religion, heritage and the sustainable city: Hinduism and urbanisation in Jaipur. Routledge; 2017.
Joshi P. In Another Country [Internet]. 2002. Available from: https://doi.org/10.7312/josh12584
Brahmvarchas. Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya: Darshan evam Drishti. Shri Vedmata Gayatri Trust (TMD) Gayatri Nagar - Shriram Puram, Shantikunj; 2012.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ipsit Pratap Singh, Suyash Biyala