Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 March 2011
Every student of Vedic literature is confronted by vast details of an uncommonly complicated ritual. This ritual engrossed the major part of the religious life of a householder. Every small act promised him riches in cattle and progeny, long life and bliss in the next world. On the other hand, the slightest negligence had to be assiduously atoned for, otherwise it would lead him into misery. Thus it is that even the ropes, the brooms, and their numbers have been carefully recorded, the materials of which they were made, their size, and their functions prescribed with the same thoroughness as the crushing of the soma-juice or the coronation of the king.
1 In certain instances the descriptions given above do not tally with the ancient texts. My object has throughout been to present the tradition as it is preserved to-day.
This Institute also offers for sale complete sets of the implements and vessels described here. The price is Rupees 300 (or £25) for one set.