Questions of King Milinda Part 01

SR No.: 007681
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T W Rhys Davids
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1890
Total Pages: 2695
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 47 MB

Page 1339

334
SATAPATHA-BRÂHMANA.
fivefold-taken ghee (he offers): the significance of this has been explained.
7. And, again, why he offers thereon ;-at that time the gods were afraid, thinking, 'Long indeed is this performance: we hope the Rakshas, the fiends, will not smite here this (Agni) of ours!' They saw this preliminary conclusion of this performance, and brought that whole (Agni) to completion even at that (point), and built him up then ; and in like manner this (Sacrificer) brings that whole (Agni) to completion even at this (point), and builds him now.
8. (Vâg. S. XII, 74] 'The year, this is a layer (of bricks) ;-'together with the dark halfmonths, this is a layer of earth ;-'the Dawn,' this is a layer (of bricks);—'together with the ruddy (cows),' this is a layer of earth;-'the two Asvins,' this is a layer (of bricks); 'together with their wonderful deeds,' this is a layer of earth ;'the Sun,' this is a layer (of bricks) ;-'together with the dappled horse,' this is a layer of earth;
(Agni) Vaisvânara,' this is a layer (of bricks) ;'together with Ida,' this is a layer of earth ;'with ghee,' this is a layer (of bricks) ;-'Sva-,' this is a layer of earth;-'hâ!' this is a layer of bricks).
9. There are thirteen utterings,—thirteen months are a year; thirteen in number are the layers of bricks and earth of the fire-altar: as great as Agni is, as great as is his measure, so great he thus builds him up. With butter he sacrifices,—butter is the
· Literally, a conclusion previously, or at the beginning of the performance.
Digitized by Google