Page:History of India Vol 1.djvu/125

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
DUTIES OF THE PRIESTS
87

pared the sacrificial vessels, fetched wood and water, and immolated animals. The Udgatris, on the other hand, were entrusted with the duty of singing, as according to ancient custom some parts of the sacrifice had to be accompanied by songs. The Hotris had to

SACRIFICIAL IMPLEMENTS USED IN THE FUNERAL RITES.

recite hymns. And lastly, the Brahmans presided at sacrifices over all the rest.

Of these four classes of priests, neither the Brahman nor the Hotri required any special manual. The Brahman was required to know the entire ceremonial, to be able to superintend the performance of the sacri-