A cultural trip in search of Vedic rituals

TNN Dec 26, 2012, 03.23AM IST

CHENNAI: Not many dare to travel far and wide to study ancient Vedic rituals the way G Prabha did. For a clear idea about the subject, the Chennai-based Sanskrit professor first visited to places where 'Athirathram', one of the biggest 'yagas' (ritual of offerings) in the 1960s and 1970s, was held in Kerala. He spoke to senior priests who conducted it and hours of research and discussions followed. The result is "Agnaye", a 76-minute documentary on the role such rituals played in the country's cultural map. The documentary is in Malayalam with English sub-titles. The aim of all such rituals is the prosperity of the people at large by energizing and protecting the environment and "Agnaye" explores their secular side, portraying some rituals dating to nearly 6,000 years ago and mainly based on the Rig, Yajur and Saama Vedas. What makes the film special is its ability to place an ancient subject in the current context. While dealing with some of the rituals that are part of a 'yagna', it puts forward secular concepts that are relevant even today. For example, it shows how women were given importance during an 'Athirathram' (fire worship). "The entire ritual is performed by the chief priest in the presence of his wife, showing the importance of women in ancient times," said Prabha, Sanskrit professor at Loyola College, Chennai. The documentary also highlights light the unity that existed among the various communities. "A 'yaga' is performed with the help of carpenters, pot-makers and weavers who make the necessary articles. Brahmin priests conduct rituals, but only with others' help, reflecting the cultural co-existence," said Prabha, who also heads the department of oriental languages. Animal sacrifice, according to Prabha, was once part of most Vedic rituals. "It was essential in 'Athirathram' but it was given up with the influence of Jain and Buddha religions in ancient Kerala. For a better picture, I travelled to many Jain and Buddha centres. Fortunately, animal sacrifice isn't part of rituals today. The transition to a 'yaga' without animal sacrifice shows the way our culture has adapted and accepted the changes," said Prabha, after a preview of his documentary on Tuesday. Produced by A V Anoop, "Agnaye" begins with an invocation song penned by veteran Malayalam poet Akkitham. It was shot in Thrissur, Palakkad, Bylakkuppa, Kanyakumari, Chithral, Thiruvananthapuram, Kaladi and Kozhikode.