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MANDALA I, HYMN 141.
149
12. And may the brilliant, joyful Hotri with quick horses, with a shining chariot hear us. May he, the wise Agni, lead us on the best leading (paths) to happy welfare and to bliss.
13. Agni has been praised with powerful songs, he who has been brought forward furthermore for sovereignty. May both those our liberal lords and we ourselves spread out ? (our power over all foes) as the sun (spreads out its light and by it destroys) the mist
NOTES.
The same Rishi. The metre is Gagatf; the two last verses again are Trishtubh.-None of its verses occurs in the other Samhitâs.
Verse 1. Note 1. The meaning seems to be that if Agni be unwilling to officiate at the sacrifice, the prayer nevertheless reaches its aim and induces him to do his duty as the divine Hotri.
Note 2. The verb sadh is very frequently connected with substantives such as dhiyah or the like. Comp. also matinám ka sadhanam, X, 26, 4.
Verse 2. Note 1. It seems probable that priksháh is the nominative of prikshá, and not the genitive of priksh. Comp. VI, 8, 1, where it is said of Agni 'prikshásya vrishnah arushásya.' On the meaning of priksha, see above, I, 127, 5, note i.
Note 2. The poet seems clearly to describe the second and third form of Agni's existence, his dwelling in the waters and his birth from the fire-sticks. But he is less explicit with regard to the first form. The epithet pitu
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