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318
SATAPATHA-BRAHMANA.
(behind his hearth), he (his Adhvaryu) proceeds with the libations of the seasons (Ritugraha). The reason why he proceeds with the libations of the seasons when the Akhâvâka is seated, is that the Akhâvâka represents a sexual union, since the Akhâvâka belongs to Indra and Agni, and Indra and Agni are two, and a productive union means a pair : from that same productive union he produces the seasons, the year.
4. And again why he proceeds with the libations of the seasons, when the Akhâvâka is seated. The seasons, the year, are everything; he thus produces everything: this is why he proceeds with the libations of the seasons when the Akhâvâka is seated.
5. Let him draw twelve of them,-twelve months there are in the year: therefore he should draw twelve (cups of Soma). But he may also draw thirteen, for, they say, there is a thirteenth month. Let him nevertheless draw twelve only, for such is completeness.
6. He draws them from the Dronakalasa (Soma trough), for the Dronakalasa is Pragâpati, and from out of that Pragâpati he produces the seasons, the year.
7. He draws them by means of double-mouthed cups ? ;—for where is the end of those two (cups) that are double-mouthed ? Hence this year revolves without end. When he has drawn this (libation), he does not deposit it: whence this year is ceaseless.
8. He recites no invitatory prayer; since one
See part i, p. 321, note 6.
The two Ritu vessels are made of kârshmarya or asvattha wood, of the shape of spoon-bowls, with spouts on both sides. Kâty. IX, 2, 13.
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| SR No. | 007678 |
| Book Title | Satapatha Bramhana Part 02 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Julius Eggeling |
| Publisher | Oxford |
| Publication Year | 1885 |
| Total Pages | 2521 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 44 MB |