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II KÂNDA, 4 ADHYÂYA, 3 BRAHMANA.
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(stalks of sacrificial grass) cut with one stroke he puts on the fire; and he also again throws away the firebrand'.
THIRD BRÂHMANA. IV. THE ÂGRAYANESHTI OR OFFERING OF
FIRST-FRUITS. This sacrifice is performed in spring and autumn-generally at new or full moon at the commencement of the harvest. The oblations, which, as a rule, are prepared from new grain (viz. barley in spring, and rice in autumn), consist of-I. a sacrificial cake contained on twelve potsherds for Indra and Agni; 2. a karu (mess of boiled grains) for the Visve Devâh, prepared with water or milk; and 3. a cake on one potsherd for heaven and earth. Kåty. IV, 6 and comm. According to the Paddhati, the offering of first-fruits takes place after the new-moon offering, and before the full-moon offering. At the beginning of the harvest of Panicum Frumentaceum (syâmâka), in the rainy season or in autumn; and at that of bamboo
yarn), one on each cake. 17, Or, woollen fringe (or, wool or fringe (dasa), according to others). 18, Or, hairs of the sacrificer (pulled out from the chest near the heart), if he is advanced in years. 19, He pours (the water, left in the pitcher, on the cakes] with ‘Ye (O waters) are a refreshing draught, ye, that bring sap, immortal ghee and milk and foaming mead: gladden my fathers !' (Våg. S. II, 34.) 20, [The Adhvaryu] having laid (the cakes on the dish) the sacrificer smells at them. 21, The firebrand and the once-cut stalks of grass (he throws) into the fire. 22, The wife, if desirous of a son, eats the middle cake with, Bestow offspring on me, O fathers, a boy crowned with lotuses; that there may be a man here!' (Våg. S. II, 33.) [According to the comment, the other two cakes are thrown into the water or fire; or eaten by a priest. For other variations, see Donner, Pindapitriyagña. The Kanva recension, on the whole, agrees with our text.
1 The Kanva text has as follows: 'Therefore he says, Give us houses, O fathers !' He then smells at the pot (ukhâ): that is the sacrificer's share. They again put down the cakes together (with the rice in the pot! samavada dhati). The once-severed (stalks of grass) they put on the fire. The firebrand he again shifts to the fire; apy-argati). [12]
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