Vaitarani is a river
in Hindu mythology that runs through the underworld and that souls must cross
on their journey to see the deity Yama, the god of the dead.
The crossing is relatively simple for pious individuals, who
are said to cross by gripping the tail of a cow.
The Vaitarani, on the other hand, is a river of pus, blood,
spit, and other polluting substances in which various ferocious beasts lie in
wait for wicked people.
Vajapeya is one of the two most well-known Vedic sacrifices,
along with Rajasuya.
The Vajapeya sacrifice was designed to give an established
king lasting strength and vitality, magically rejuvenating him after a long
reign and in the face of advancing age.
The rite was elaborate in ancient times and included animal
sacrifice; today, it is performed in one day and the animal sacrifice is
symbolic.
