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162
AITAREYA-ÂRANYAKA.
for the Pra-uga. Verily, Anushtubh is valour, and it serves for obtaining valour.'
Others say: ‘Let him take a Brihatt hymn for the Pra-uga. Verily, Brihati is fortune, and thus the sacrificer becomes fortunate.'
Others say: 'Let him take a Pankti hymn for the Pra-uga. Verily, Pankti is food, and thus the sacrificer becomes rich in food.'
Others say: 'Let him take a Trishtubh hymn for the Pra-uga. Verily, Trishtubh is strength, and thus the sacrificer becomes strong.'
Others say: 'Let him take a Gagatt hymn for the Pra-uga. Verily, cattle is Gagati-like, and thus the sacrificer becomes rich in cattle.'
3. But we say: 'Let him take a Gayatrt hymn only. Verily, Gayatri is Brahman, and that day (the mahâvrata) is (for the attainment of) Brahman. Thus he obtains Brahman by means of Brahman.
4. 'And it must be a Gayatri hymn by Madhukkhandas,
5. 'For Madhukkhandas is called Madhukkhandas, because he wishes (khandati) for honey (madhu) for the Rishis.
6. Now food verily is honey, all is honey, all desires are honey, and thus if he recites the hymn of Madhukkhandas, it serves for the attainment of all desires.
7. He who knows this, obtains all desires.'
This (Gayatri pra-uga), according to the one-day (ekâha) ceremonial', is perfect in form? On that day (the mahâvrata) much is done now and then which
1 It is copied from the Visvagit, and that from the Agnish/oma.
* Nothing is wanting for its performance, if one only follows the rules given in the Agnishtoma.
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