Dichotomic interpretation of the Sarvamedha Sacrifice

The Sarvamedha or All sacrifice is a universal sacrifice. The performer of this sacrifice attains universal sovereignty. This sacrifice is performed in ten days. The model of this sacrifice is made by the Brāhmaṇa Svayaṃbhu himself who performed this sacrifice first time by offering himself in the creatures. We have already come across the reference that the sacrificer while performing this sacrifice, offers all the sacrificial essences in the fire and compass all beings attains supremacy sovereignty and lordship. In the earlier chapter we have mentioned that Viśvakarman Bhauvana by performing the Sarvamedha sacrifice surpass all beings, became everything and attains supremacy and sovereignty. The sage kaśyapa officiated this sacrifice for the Viśvakarman Bhauvana^[1]. Hence, the above discussion gives us idea that the Sarvamedha sacrifice is inter related to monarchy or kingship.

Moreover, the Sarvamedha sacrifice is performed with a view to gain every kind of food. As we know that the Sarvamedha sacrifice consists of ten days and it is performed for the sake of gaining and winning every kind of food. Because Virāj consists of ten syllables and the Virāj is all^[2]. Hence, it can be said that the Sarvamedha sacrifice has some dichotomic interpretation as by performing this sacrifice one attains all kinds of food and that of universal sovereignty.