Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 22
Purukutsa’s Rasātala Victory; Triśaṅku and Hariścandra; Rohita and Śunaḥśepha
विश्वामित्रोऽभवत् तस्मिन् होता चाध्वर्युरात्मवान् । जमदग्निरभूद् ब्रह्मा वसिष्ठोऽयास्य: सामग: ॥ २२ ॥
viśvāmitro ’bhavat tasmin hotā cādhvaryur ātmavān jamadagnir abhūd brahmā vasiṣṭho ’yāsyaḥ sāma-gaḥ
In that great human sacrifice, Viśvāmitra was the chief priest to offer oblations, the perfectly self-realized Jamadagni had the responsibility for chanting the mantras from the Yajur Veda, Vasiṣṭha was the chief brahminical priest, and the sage Ayāsya was the reciter of the hymns of the Sāma Veda.
FAQs
This verse lists the principal priestly roles in a Vedic sacrifice—hotā (Ṛg-veda reciter), adhvaryu (ritual executor per Yajur-veda), brahmā (overall supervisor ensuring correctness), and udgātā (Sāma-veda chanter)—and names the sages who filled them.
The narrative emphasizes that the sacrifice was conducted with full Vedic authority and purity, with renowned ṛṣis occupying the key priestly posts, indicating strict adherence to dharma and proper yajña procedure.
The verse highlights disciplined cooperation and qualified leadership: important duties are best carried out when trained, principled people take responsibility and work in harmony for a sacred purpose.