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SATAPATHA-BRAHMANA.
30. Having led her back (to her seat) the Pratiprasthâtri returns (to his place by the side of the southern altar). They now trim the fire1. When the fire has been trimmed, both (the Adhvaryu and Pratiprasthâtri) make the second libation (of butter). Thereupon the Adhvaryu, having called (on the Âgnidhra) for the 'Sraushat,' chooses the Hotri.
The chosen Hotri then seats himself on the Hotri's seat beside the northern altar; and having seated himself, he urges (the Adhvaryu and Pratiprasthâţi) to proceed. Being thus urged to proceed, they both take up the spoons and step across (to the south side of the fires). After stepping across and calling for the 'Sraushat,' the Adhvaryu says (to the Hotri), 'Pronounce the offering-prayer on the kindling-sticks!' and 'Pronounce the offeringprayer!' at each (subsequent fore-offering). Pouring (the butter in the spoons) together (into the guhû) at the fourth, they both proceed with the nine fore-offerings3.
31. Thereupon the Adhvaryu says (to the Hotri),
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1 The Kânva text has more correctly, 'He trims both fires;' since it is the Âgnîdhra who has to trim both the northern and southern fires. See par. 19.
The recipients of the first four fore-offerings are the same as at the normal haviryagña (cf. p. 146 note), viz. I. the kindling-sticks (samidhs); 2. Tanûnapât (or Narâsamsa); 3. the Ids; 4. the Barhis. The remaining ones are-5. the doors (of heaven); 6. dawn and night; 7. the two divine Hotris; 8. the three goddesses (Sarasvatî, Idâ, and Bhâratî); 9. all the deities to whom offering is made during the sacrifice (see I, 5, 3, 22 seq.). The objects of the first eight offerings are identical with those of the first eight verses of the Aprî hymns.
Or, 'at every fourth (fore-offering)?' According to the Paddhati on Kâty. V, 5, the butter is poured together at the fourth and seventh prayâgas. See also I, 5, 3, 16.
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