Vedic Sacrificial Goat Hymn (Hindu Atharvaveda)

This is an ancient sacrificial hymn from the Vedic Hindu Atharvaveda, translated into English in a style similar to the King James Bible. This particular hymn, "A Glorification of a Sacrificial Goat", was sung by the Vedic priests during the sacrifice and offering of a goat during a special Yajna ceremony.

The sacrificed goat was believed to be Agni (Fire and Light) who is raised up to the "third heaven", "the world where dwell the righteous". While some scholars argue that the Vedic peoples never practiced animal sacrifice, this hymn presents evidence to the contrary.

In this Vedic Hindu rite, one may see similarities to the ancient Jewish scapegoat ritual ("a goat for Azazel") performed by the Israelites on the Day of Atonement, as described in the Old Testament book of Leviticus. The Jewish holiday of Passover, during which a lamb was slaughtered and divided, was likewise connected with goats: "Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats." (Exodus 12:5) Thus the "Passover Lamb" could be either a lamb or a goat.

From a Christian perspective, in Biblical typology the sin-offering and atoning ritual of the scapegoat may be recognized as a "type" or archetype of Jesus Christ, foreshadowing His sacrifice on the Cross, which became a sin-offering and atonement for all - a sacrifice to God, by God Himself. Thus, Jesus is both the Lamb of God and the Goat of God.

The Vedic Panchaudana Goat, "this Unborn cleft apart in the Beginning" is akin to "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). Careful examination and study of this lengthy hymn will yield many other hidden and richly rewarding similarities to Bible Scripture. One may also see parallels with other sacrificial traditions, for example, a goat sacrifice offered to the loa, e.g. Ogun, in Afro-Caribbean religions such as Voodoo and Santeria.

Each hymn from the Vedic Scriptures reveals many fascinating aspects of ancient Indo-Aryan culture, history, and religion. Great for meditation, bhakti, praise, or scholarly study!


What is the Atharvaveda?
The Atharvaveda is one of the four Vedas, the sacred Scripture of ancient Vedic Hinduism. Most of the text dates from c. 1500 BCE - 1000 BCE. The text includes a collection of spells, prayers, charms, and hymns.


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