Apri
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Apri literally means ‘gaining favor’.
Derived from the root ‘prī’ (to propitiate, to gain favor), the word ‘Āpri refers to a group of innovatory hymns belonging to the class of ‘yājyās’ (formulae of consecration). There are ten Āprī-suktas in the Rgveda.[1]
The yajamāna (sacrificer) has to choose from these verses according to his gotra (lineage). They are recited in the Paśubandha sacrifices. Chanting of these hymns will please the concerned deities and they confer boons on the person offering sacrifice.
The deities appear to be personified objects belonging to the sacrifice, like the fuel, the sacrificial grass, the enclosure and so on, all regarded as different forms of Agni, the fire-god.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore