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VIII KÂNDA, 3 ADIYAYA, I BRÂHMANA, 4.
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are the smallest ; and hence the animal rises and sits down by its fore and hind parts. He then lays down two Lokamprina (bricks) in that corner : the significance of them (will be explained) further on?. He throws loose earth on the layer : the significance of this (will be explained) further ons
THE THIRD LAYER. Third ADHYÂYA. First BRÂHMANA. 1. He lays down the third layer. For the gods, having laid down the second layer, now ascended it; but, indeed, they thereby completed and ascended to what is above the earth and below the atmosphere.
2. They spake, 'Meditate ye!' whereby, indeed, they meant to say, 'Seek ye a layer! Seek ye (to build) upwards from hence!' Whilst meditating, they saw the great third layer, even the air: that world pleased them.
3. They said to Indra and Agni, ‘Lay ye down for us this third layer!' - What will accrue unto us therefrom?'-'Ye two shall be the best of us !'
-So be it!' Accordingly Indra and Agni laid down for them that third layer ; and hence people say, 'Indra and Agni are the best of gods.'
4. He accordingly lays it down by means of Indra and Agni, and settles it by means of Visvakarman“,
1 Whilst, in laying down the Lokamprinâs of the first layer, he started from the right shoulder (or south-east corner) of the altar (see p. 22, note 1), in this layer he begins from the right hip (or south west-corner), filling up the available spaces, in two turns, in sunwise fashion. ? See VII, 7, 2, 4 seq.
See VIII, 7, 3, I seq. * For the connection of these deities with the third layer, and the
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