Yajurvede Trini Ayushi Yajushi

Summary

Exploring a specialised Vedic theme, this article examines three ‘Ayushya’ formulas found in the Yajurveda that are recited for longevity. It begins by describing the ritual context of these mantras, situating them within sacrificial ceremonies aimed at securing health and long life for the patron. The author analyses the linguistic structure of each mantra, explaining the symbolism of terms like ‘hiraṇyavarṇa’ and ‘śataśāradā’ and showing how they invoke deities such as Savitṛ and the twin Aśvins. Commentaries from the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa and later ritual manuals are cited to elucidate the proper pronunciation, musical intonation and offering substances associated with the recitation. The article then discusses the philosophical underpinning of life‑extending rites, noting that Vedic thought views longevity not simply as an earthly desire but as a prerequisite for fulfilling one’s obligations. Comparative references to Ayurvedic notions of lifespan illustrate the continuity between ritual and medical traditions. The author also surveys how later Dharmaśāstra writers adapted these mantras for domestic rites and how they appear in medieval liturgical collections. By integrating philological analysis with cultural interpretation, the paper argues that these ‘Ayushya’ yajus exemplify the interdependence of language, ritual and cosmology in the Vedic world. It concludes that studying these mantras enhances our understanding of how ancient Indians conceptualised health, fate and the role of divine grace in prolonging human life.