Depiction of priests in Halebidu temple. The panel is from Ho | मंदिर • Temple
Depiction of priests in Halebidu temple. The panel is from Hoysalesvara temple, Halebidu of Karnataka built during the 12th century. The exciting part of the panel is the depiction of men covering their heads and ears ( They are often compared to the dress code of astronauts). The priests are reciting a stotra by the name Yajnayajniya. It is the last and the principle stotra chanted at the Agnistoma ritual, also called Agnistoma saman or stotra. It derives its name from the opening words YajnaYajna of the stotra. The chief priest Udgatri of Samaveda begins the chant, and all the Sama chanters and choristers cover their heads and ears during the chant. It is an Ekavimshastoma (21 repetitions). The priests are in the dress code of cloth tied around the waist, Janevu, and hair tied into a bun at the back.
