Dhammapada

SR No.: 007674
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Max Muller
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1881
Total Pages: 2540
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 45 MB

Page 940

108
SATAPATHA-BRAHMANA.
sacrificer: hence 'invoked for the sacrificer' is what he thereby means to say.—'As Hotri on the barhis sit!' Agni, indeed, is the Hotri, and the barhis (the covering of sacrificial grass on the altar) is this world: hence he thereby establishes Agni (the fire) in this world, as this fire is established (or, beneficial, hita) in this world. This (verse), then, is recited with reference to this world (the earth): through it this world is conquered by him for whom, knowing this, they recite this (verse).
25. (He recites the third sâmidheni]: With samidhs thee, O Angiras !'—with samidhs (kindlingsticks), indeed, the Angiras kindled him. “O Angiras !' he says, for Agni is indeed Angiras!.—'With butter we exhilarate!' This (viz. ghritena, 'with butter') is a word which is especially suitable for the kindling of Agni : by it he kindles him, and bestows vigour on this (sacrificer).
26. 'Shine forth, O youngest, brilliantly! he adds; for brilliantly he shines, when kindled; and
O youngest !' he says, because he is really the youngest Agni: therefore he says, 'O youngest!' This (verse) is recited with reference to yonder world, to wit, the aërial world; hence this (verse), which is addressed to Agni, is undefined, for undefined is yonder world : that world he thereby gains, for whom, knowing this, they recite this verse.
27. (He recites the fourth sâmidheni]: 'Agni, do thou obtain for us that (region) wide and
· Rig-veda I, 31, 1, he is called the first of the Angiras.
? The fire which has just been kindled is frequently called the youngest (yavishtha). Sâyana takes it as the ever young.' See also the legend regarding the three Agnis who preceded the present Agni in the office of divine Hotri, I, 2, 3, 1; 3, 3, 13.
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