During the Later Vedic Period, Prajapati or Brahma, the creator became the supreme God, and Agni and Indra lost their former importance. While Vishnu was worshipped as The Preserver, Shiva was regarded as The Destroyer. Yagnas were held on most occasions and the simplicity of nature worship was lost. Sacrifices were also performed. Later, emphasis began to be laid on penance called Tapasya. The doctrines of karma, dharma, and moksha began to be emphasized. Religion laced with sacrifices and rituals strengthened the position of the Brahmins, and they came to be regarded as possessing divine powers. The importance of the Brahmins (priestly class) in the later Vedic society is discussed below
Importance of the Brahmins in the later Vedic society
In the later Vedic period, the simple religious practices became complicated and ritualistic which were varied handled by the priests themselves as they had a vast knowledge of enchanting mantras in a meaningful manner to perform the holy rituals for a purpose, wish, or some other reason. Hence, the priestly class was always given a prominent position in society in the later Vedic period.
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