Ashvalayava Grihya Sutra

The "Ashvalayava Grihya Sutra" is a treatise of Hindu scriptures, which describes the rituals intended for the benefits of `Grihas` or those who stay in the `Grihas`. The `sutras` in it illustrates the `Samskaras` and also give the instructions on how to perform them.

The "Ashvalayava Grihya Sutra" has the `Samskaras` starting from the ceremony of conception i, e, also known as `Garbha dhana` to the funeral rites or `Anthyesti`. It covers the whole journey or life span of a human being on the earth. The `Griha` or domestic rituals come after `Srauta` rituals, which belongs to the sacrifices. The `Griha` rituals are meant for the advantage of the `Griha` or the household and the `Srauta` rituals are for `Lokakshema` or benefit of the society. The `Griha` rituals are performed only with the wives of any person. Each of the Vedic School has its own `Griha Sutras`.

The "Ashvalayava Grihya Sutra" belongs to the Rig Vedic School. The "Ashvalayana Griha Sutra" is prevalent in the south region of the Narmada River. It extended to Tungabhadra, Krishna, Godavari and the Sahya Mountain and also up to the Gurjara region, i, e, the present Gujarat state. The `Grihya Sutras` starts with the depiction of `Paga Yagnas` and with the setting up of sacrificial fire in the house. But "Ashvalayava Grihya Sutra" explains only Hutah, Prahutah and Brahmanihutah.