page_title: Pravargya
section_title: Varna vs Caste
hierarchical_section_title: Pravargya / Influence of the Varna System / Varna vs Caste
caption_attribution_description: English: This picture of yajna implements is from Aptoryama Somayaga held at Gargeyapuram, Karnool from 23January 2015 to 1 February 2015. Photo is from the collection of Shri Rajashekhara Sharma. संस्कृतम्: यज्ञस्य पात्राणां एष बिंबः गार्गेयपुरम्, कर्नूल मध्ये 23-1-2015ई. तः 1-2-2015ई. यावत् ज्योतिष्टोम अप्तोर्याम सोमयागतः श्री राजशेखरशर्मणः महोदयस्य संग्रहात् गृहीतमस्ति।
context_page_description: Originating in historical Vedic religion, 'Pravargya', also known as 'Ashvina-pravaya', is an introductory or preliminary ceremony to the Soma sacrifice. In the Pravargya sacrifice, an earthen pot is fashioned from clay dug up from the ground, placed on a fire-altar, and used to boil milk which is offered to the Ashvins, the twin RigVedic gods of Ayruvedic medicine.
  As with all Vedic Period sacrificial ceremonies, the Pravargya sacrifice is mystical in nature insofar as items, positions, actions, and words have indirect, symbolic meanings, rather than direct literal meanings. It is also typical in that numerous and complex rules must be strictly followed by participants to the smallest detail.
  Although explanations of and instructions for the performance of the Pravargya sacrifice are provided by various Vedic literature such as the Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Shrautasutras, those provided by the Shatapatha Brahmana of the White YajurVeda are particularly notable in Vaishnavism as the likely origin of the Varaha avatar of the RigVedic God Vishnu.
context_section_description: The Varna System refers to the general division of Vedic society into four classes: Brāhmans (priestly class), Kshatriyas (warrior and administrative class, including royalty), Vaiśyas (merchant class), and Sūdras (labouring class). To understand the influence of this Varna system in the Pravargya ceremony, it is first necessary to differentiate it from the modern caste system. As evidenced below, the varna and caste systems are not the same; only 'varna' is a Sanskrit word, and unlike the caste system, the varna system allowed both for movement between the classes and for non-Aryans to become Aryans (Aryans could also become outcastes and no longer considered Aryan). 
  First, whereas 'varna' (वर्ण) is a Sanskrit word with a broad range of meanings relating to forms and arrangements, 'caste' is not, having originated from the Portuguese word 'casta', which unlike 'varna', specifically refers to race. Thus, the varna system of class (e.g. based on occupation) is not the caste system of race.
  Second, whereas the modern caste system is rigid and hereditary, P. Mitra states about the Varna system that there 'are differences of opinion - whether trades and professions of these [four] classes led to the formation of castes in the later period. But professions were not hereditary, [and] rather could be followed by any Aryan member. Had the caste system developed into rigid form in the vedic period then surely there would have been the mention of caste in the RigVeda... it [the caste system] did not develop out of the four Aryan varnas, and the two systems [i.e. varna and caste] have never been thoroughly harmonized'.
  Third, whereas the modern caste system does not allow non-Aryans to become Aryans, the varna system does, as proven by Vedic literature such as the Panchavimsha Brahmana of the SamaVeda (see above).
  Pandey also states that 'in times of distress the members of the higher castes could adopt the occupations of the lower caste. But the members of the lower caste were not allowed to follow the occupations of the higher castes'. However, this assertion seems to be contradicted by S.R. Bakshi, who states the Brahmin 'author of the Aitareya Brahmana [of the RigVeda], Mahidasa, had a Sudra mother, while the Rishi, Kavasha Aliusha, was born of a Dasi [i.e. a servant, concubine or dancing girl]'.  However, A. Sharma and R. Bharati question whether Mahidasa was a sudra as 'far fetched'. There are other examples of Sudra Brahmins and Rishis,  and it is notable that the mythical sage Narada Muni was also the son of a maidservant initiated by Brahmins (e.g. Bhagavata Purana 1.6.6).
caption: Yajna implements.
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