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VIII KÂNDA, 4 ADHYAYA, 4 BRÂHMANA, 2.
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range of the Retahsik (he lays down these bricks): the Retahsik being the ribs, and the ribs the middle (of the body), it is in the very middle that he causes these creatures to enter him. He lays them on all sides : from all sides he thus makes these creatures to enter him.
Fourth BRÂHMANA. 1. Now, then, as to the order of proceeding. That (brick) which contains the Trivrit (thricethreefold stoma) he places in front, that containing the twenty-one-fold (stoma) at the back, that containing the fifteenfold (stoma) on the right (south) side, that containing the seventeenfold (stoma) on the left (north) side.
2. Now when the one containing the Trivrit had been laid down, Death lay in wait for Pragâpati in the one (on the south side) containing the fifteenfold (stoma), thinking, 'After that he will lay down this one: I will here seize upon him!' He (Pragàpati) was aware of him, and having seen him, he walked round and laid down (at the back) the (brick) containing the twenty-one-fold (stoma). Death came thither, and he (Pragâpati) laid down the one (on the south side) containing the fifteenfold (stoma). Death came to the fifteenfold one, and he (Pragâpati) laid down the one on the north side) containing the seventeenfold (stoma). It was here that he put down and confounded Death; and in like manner does the Sacrificer now put down and confound all evils.
1 That is, in the laying down of these bricks. For the order followed in laying down the bricks, see also p. 67, note 2.
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