Satapatha Brahmana

SR No.: 011120
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Max Muller, Julius Eggeling
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 433
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 36 MB

Page 146

I 20
SATAPATHA-BRAHMANA.
generative power into the very middle of this womb. And in like manner does the Sacrificer now, when he lays down the Punaskiti, lay seed and generative power into this womb;-in the centre (he lays it down): he thus lays seed and generative power into the very middle of this womb.
11. Now some lay it down on the hind part (of the bird-like altar), because it is from the hind part that seed is introduced, -(to wit) on the juncture of the tail (and the body), for it is from (the part near) the tail that seed is introduced. Let him not do this, for they who do this lay seed and generative power outside the womb; but let him rather place it in the centre: he thus lays seed and generative power right into the womb.
12. He lays down eight bricks, - the Gâyatri (metre) consists of eight syllables, and Agni (the fire-altar) is of Gâyatri nature: as great as Agni is, as great as is his measure, so great he thus introduces him in the form of seed. Five times he 'settles' it,- of five layers consists the fire-altar, five seasons make a year, and Agni is the year: as great as Agni is, as great as is his measure, by so much he thus introduces him in the form of seed. Eight bricks he 'settles' five times, that makes thirteen,--thirteen months make a year, and there are thirteen 'layerfillings' of the altar: as great as Agni is, as great as is his measure, so great he thus becomes.
13. And as to why he lays down the Punaskiti. Now, in laying down the Gârhapatya (hearth) upon the Ahavaniya, he surely does what is improper; but when he lays down the Punaskiti he thereby brings this Agni (or altar) that has been built, and builds it up again thereon; and because he again