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Karnavedha

Karnavedha: The Sacred Ritual of Hindu Warfare

About Karnavedha

Karnavedha is a Hindu ritual that marks the beginning of a war. It is a sacred ceremony that is performed by the king before the war to seek the blessings of the gods.

The ritual involves the king's son, who is considered a symbol of the king's life, performing a series of rituals to ensure the king's victory.

The Karnavedha ritual is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, including the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

Facts about Karnavedha

  • Karnavedha is also known as the "auspicious sacrifice" or "sacrifice of the gods".
  • The ritual is performed by the king's son, who is dressed in a special attire and performs the rituals with the help of the royal priests.
  • The Karnavedha ritual involves the sacrifice of a goat, a horse, and a bull, which are considered sacred animals in Hinduism.
  • The ritual is believed to have originated in the Vedic period, around 1500 BCE.
  • Karnavedha is still performed today in some parts of India, particularly in the state of Gujarat.