In Vedic literature, Purushamedha, that is the symbolic male sacrifice, is referred to in which of the following traditional texts?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the study of Vedic literature and ritual practices. The Vedas and their associated Brahmanas and Samhitas describe various sacrificial rituals. Purushamedha, or male sacrifice, is one of the more complex and symbolically important rituals mentioned in some Vedic texts. The question asks you to identify in which specific text Purushamedha is referred to, testing detailed knowledge of Vedic sources.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The term Purushamedha is given, translated as male sacrifice.
- The question asks which text contains reference to this ritual.
- The options include Krishna Yajurveda, Shukla Yajurveda, Shatapatha Brahmana, Panchavimsha Brahmana and Atharvaveda Samhita.
- We assume the exam expects the standard association made in Vedic studies, linking Purushamedha with the Shukla Yajurveda tradition.

Concept / Approach:
Purushamedha is a ritual mentioned in certain Yajurvedic traditions, often understood symbolically rather than as a literal human sacrifice. The Shukla Yajurveda, particularly through its textual corpus, is associated with detailed descriptions of complex sacrifices, including Purushamedha. The Shatapatha Brahmana is a Brahmana text of the Shukla Yajurveda and elaborates on various rituals, but typical exam oriented questions often directly link Purushamedha to the Shukla Yajurveda when you are given a choice between different Vedic categories. The approach is to recognise that the question is focusing on the main Veda branch rather than all subsidiary texts and to recall the standard pairing made in many reference books.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that Purushamedha is a Yajurvedic ritual, associated with sacrificial ceremonies. Step 2: Recall that the Yajurveda exists in two principal recensions, Krishna Yajurveda and Shukla Yajurveda. Step 3: Remember that Purushamedha is often specifically connected in exam literature with the Shukla Yajurveda tradition rather than the Krishna Yajurveda. Step 4: Note that while Shatapatha Brahmana is indeed a Brahmana of the Shukla Yajurveda, the multiple choice question offers Shukla Yajurveda as a more general and therefore expected answer. Step 5: Eliminate the Atharvaveda and Panchavimsha Brahmana, which are not the primary sources linked in standard references for Purushamedha, and select Shukla Yajurveda.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, you can recall that many exam guides and standard histories of Vedic rituals state that Purushamedha is described in the Yajurveda, particularly in the Shukla Yajurveda tradition. When questions offer a choice between the two recensions, Shukla Yajurveda is usually indicated as the correct one. Shatapatha Brahmana elaborates on many rituals of Shukla Yajurveda, but since the options separate the Veda and its Brahmana, the broader category Shukla Yajurveda is the safer and more widely accepted answer in this format.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Krishna Yajurveda: Although a Yajurvedic recension, it is not the standard association for Purushamedha in basic exam questions when Shukla Yajurveda is also offered as an option.
Shatapatha Brahmana: A Brahmana text of Shukla Yajurveda, heavily ritualistic, but the question generally expects the name of the Veda branch rather than a specific Brahmana when both appear as separate choices.
Panchavimsha Brahmana: Associated with the Sama Veda and not primarily linked with Purushamedha in exam level discussions.
Atharvaveda Samhita: Focuses on spells, charms and everyday concerns rather than the complex sacrificial ritual of Purushamedha described in Yajurvedic literature.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be confused by the presence of Shatapatha Brahmana, knowing that it is ritualistic, and may incorrectly select it instead of Shukla Yajurveda. Another error is to choose Krishna Yajurveda simply because it is also a Yajurvedic branch without recalling which one is highlighted in standard references for Purushamedha. Keeping track of how exam questions usually frame these associations, where Shukla Yajurveda is highlighted for this ritual, helps to avoid these traps.

Final Answer:
Purushamedha, the symbolic male sacrifice, is referred to in Shukla Yajurveda.