Adhyaya 16 - Purushamedha (Human Sacrifice - Symbolic)

This Adhyaya describes the Purushamedha, a sacrifice that is entirely symbolic in Vedic tradition, representing the cosmic Purusha (the universal being). No actual human sacrifice was ever performed in Vedic practice. The mantras describe the symbolic offering of the various social classes and professions to the cosmic order, reinforcing the Rig Veda's Purusha Sukta.