Visvamitra In The Kalpasutras

This text, "Visvamitra in the Kalpasutras" by Dr. Umesh Chandra Sharma, explores the significance of the sage Visvamitra and his lineage within the context of Jain Sutra literature, particularly focusing on the gotra (clan) and pravara (lineage markers) systems.

The paper begins by highlighting that the Sutras generally provide vital information about the gotra and pravara systems, and the Viśvāmitras hold a significant place in Indian national and cultural history.

A key focus of the text is the Sunaśśepa sacrifice, as described in the Srauta Sutras (ŚŚs) and parallel to the Aitareya Brahmana (AB). Visvamitra is depicted as the Hoty priest in this sacrifice where Sunaśśepa was offered as a victim. The text notes that Sunaśśepa was not fully sacrificed, partly due to Visvamitra's intervention. Visvamitra subsequently adopted Sunaśśepa as his son, renaming him Devarāta and granting him a high status within his lineage, making him a renowned Kuśika.

The core of the paper details the various gotras and pravaras associated with the Viśvāmitra family as outlined in the Sutra literature. It lists at least 18 different gotras derived from the Viśvāmitra lineage, each with specific rshi-pravaras (lineage markers that include the names of ancient sages). These include:

• Kuśikas: Vaiśvāmitra, Daivaräta, and Audala.
• Kāmas: Viśvāmitra, Devaśravas, and Devataras.
• Katas: Vaiśvāmitra, Katya, and Atkila.
• Dhananjayas: Vaiśvāmitra, Madhucchandas, and Dhananjaya.
• Aghamarṣaṇa-Kusikas: Vaiśvāmitra, Aghamarṣaṇa, and Kausika.
• Purana-Viridhipayantas: Vaiśvāmitra and Paurana.
• Ajas: Vaiśvāmitra, Madhucchandas, and Ajya.
• Astaka-Lohitas: Vaiśvāmitra, Astaka, and Lauhita.
• Raukşaka-Rainavas: Vaiśvāmitra, Rauksaka, and Rainava.
• Indra-Kausikas: Vaiśvāmitra, Aindra, and Kausika.
• Rauhiņas: Vaiśvāmitra, Madhucchandas, and Rauhina.
• Śalankayanas: Vaiśvāmitra, Śalankayana, and Kausika.
• Hiranyaretases: Vaiśvāmitra, Hiranya, and Retas.
• Suvarṇaretases: Vaiśvāmitra, Sauvarņa, and Retas.
• Kapotaretases: Vaiśvāmitra, Kāpota, and Retas.
• Ghịta-kauśikas: Vaiśvāmitra, Ghārta, and Kausika.
• Sathara-mātharas: Vaiśvāmitra, Sathara, and Mathara.
• Sahula-mahulas: Vaiśvāmitra, Sāhula, and Māhula.

The paper also points out that the Sutras refer to Viśvāmitra in other contexts. He is mentioned among the Saptarsis (Seven Sages) in the Agnivesya Grhya Sutra (AgGS) in relation to the Adhyāya-Utsarjanam ritual. The Baudhayana Srauta Sutra (Bauss) specifies that the Adhvaryu priest should be an Angiras, the Brahmā priest a Vasistha, the Hoti a Vaiśvāmitra, and the Udgātṛ an Ayāsya. Visvamitra is also associated with the seventeenth stoma in the context of the Rși-stoma.

Furthermore, the Sutra texts prescribe that individuals seeking victory over enemies should perform the "Sanjaya" rite of Viśvāmitra. The Tandya Maha Brahman (TNB) states that Viśvāmitra successfully performed this four-day rite, achieved victory over his rivals, and obtained a kingdom.

The text also notes the requirement in the Vaikhanasa Srauta Sutra (Vaikhanasa) that the four chief priests should be descendants of Vasistha, Bhrgu, Angiras, and Ayāsya, with other priests drawn from various lineages. Importantly, it is stated that a Hoti priest should be a descendant of Viśvāmitra, implying that descendants of other prominent sages like Bhrgu, Sunaka, and Vasistha might not have the right to be appointed as Hoti priests, according to some authorities like the Mimamsa Darśana (MiDa).

In conclusion, the paper asserts that the Viśvāmitra family was one of the most significant in ancient India, characterized by numerous gotras and pravaras. The Kalpasutras mandated that a descendant of Viśvāmitra serve as the Hoti priest in sacrifices. The paper observes that some of these gotras and pravaras are still followed by Brahmin families in present-day India, citing "Kausika" as an example of a surname used by some North Indian Brahmins.