Vedic influence in Rome Sacrifice of a ram

 Sautramani sacrifice contd.

In another myth the Devas gathered together at Kurukshetra to perform a sacrifice.  They wanted to attain fame, prosperity and eat food. They said that whoever amongst them through toil, austerity or faith comprehends the issue of sacrifice will become the most eminent amongst them. This was attained by Vishnu. He stood with his bow resting his head on the bow. Indra turned himself into white ants and chewed the bow string which broke-off from the bow and cut off Vishnu’s head. Vishnu’s head became the Sun Adithya. The bow is the word “om”. The white ants refer to the atman and the colour white refers to knowledge or knowledge about Brahman. Using the syllable “ Om ”, the atman should turn into an arrow and aim for the supreme Brahman which is referred to as the head of Vishnu in this myth.  The colour white is also a reference to the moon or Soma. Vishnu is also said in other myths to have become a ram and Indra cuts off the ram’s head.

The esoteric meaning of the Soma Sacrifice imparts to us the knowledge to reach Supreme Brahman. The sacrifice of the three animals mentioned reaffirms the Soma Sacrifice and also tells us about the Self-Sacrifice made by the Supreme Brahman to create us.

To be continued.