pashuyAga-s
- kapinjala-adhikaraNa of mImAmsa-shAstra is a classic illustration (where the question of how many kapinjala birds are to be sacrificed is considered).
- Certain compulsory पशुयाग-s (usually goat sacrifices) are required of agnihotri-s Eg: निरूढपशुबन्धः. [Note: Optional cow and horse sacrifice exist, but are barred by the dharma-shAstra-s in the kali-yuga.] Recent examples - DH16.
- gavAlambha / cow sacrifice is also referred to in the manu-smRti, and others (eg: as part of madhuparka). Reference sample below.
Traditional endorsement
पशोर्हि संज्ञपननिमित्तां स्वर्गलोकप्राप्तिं वदन्तं शब्दमामनन्ति “हिरण्यशरीर ऊर्ध्वः स्वर्गं लोकमेति” इत्यादिकम्
- रामानुजः श्रीभाष्ये।
Honoring a guest:
“Madhuparka is the practice of offering honey to honour a distinguished guest. According to Yājñavalkyasmṛti 1.110, six kinds of people are offered madhuparka – a priest (ṛtvik), a teacher (ācārya), bridegroom, king, graduate (snātaka), and someone dear to the host. The Baudhāyana Gṛhyasūtra 1.2.65 adds ‘guest’ (atithi) to this list. As part of madhuparka, honey, curds, ghee, water, and grains were offered while meat was optional (See Āśvalāyāna Gṛhyasūtra 1.22.5-26 for more details).”
Substitutions
Endorsed in specific cases
- “in the varuNapraghAsa, piSTarUpakas of sheep and ram are offered to the marut devas (the praghAsas)”.