Question

Explain the process of Ashvamedha ritual.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• The answer for this question can be broken down into two parts:
• Meaning and process of Ashvamedha ritual.
• Why was it performed?

Solution:

• The raja performong the Ashvamedha let loose a horse to roam around in the surrounding areas; during the ritual.
• If the horse was able to pass through any raja’s territory; this meant that that particular raja accepted the supremacy of the ambitious raja.
• If the horse was not allowed to pass, the Raja of that kingdom had to fight with the ambitious raja’s army.
• The winner of that battle was to become the ultimate raja. After the horse used to complete its round of all the territories; other rajas were sent invitation to attend the yajna. This used to mark the beginning of supremacy of the raja who performed the ashwadedha yajna.