Purushamedha (lit., sacrifice of Purusha) is a Vedic yagna (fire-sacrifice) described in the Yajurveda (Chapter XXX hymn 28). The verse describes people from all classes and of all descriptions tied to the stake and offered to Prajapati. It is believed by the Hindus to be a symbolic sacrifice, because practically it is inconcievable to sacrifice the King, the Queen, the priests, ministers, and almost all the people of the kingdom in a single ritual, as mentioned in this hymn.

See also: PurushaSatiAshwamedha (horse sacrifice)