Rudra Mahāvīra: Vrātya Elements in the Vedic Pravargya-Complex

The article looks at the Vedic pravargya ritual and associated mythology in light of recent studies on ancient Indian vrātyas, consecrated warriors who were thought to impersonate deities Rudra, Indra, Maruts, Aśvins (also known as Rudras). It is argued that vrātya elements include Rudra Mahāvīra (a heroic character, also an epithet vessel containing offering), sattra (collective ritual) setting paradigm myth, motif unstrung bow, minimal presence females pravargya, divinisation man a goal ritual. superhuman status attributed comparable with Atharvavedic characters like brahmacārin (celibate student); affinity between these figures may be derived from common ascetic ideology, roots which some are sought warrior society.