________________
XXIV, 2.
PENANCES.
123
four days (must be passed) in the same manner. Wishing to show favour to the Brâhmanas, Manu, the chief among the pillars of the law, has thus described the Sisukrikkhra (the hard penance of children) for infants, aged, and sick men.
44. Now follows the rule for the performance of) the Kândrâyana (lunar penance).
45. On the first day of the dark half (of the month) let him eat fourteen (mouthfuls), let him diminish the (number of) mouthfuls (each day by one), and continue in this manner until the end of the fortnight. In like manner let him eat one mouthful on the first day of the bright half, and (daily) increasing (the number of) mouthfuls, continue until the end of the fortnight.
46. Meanwhile let him sing Sâmans, or mutter the Vyâhritis.
47. A month during which he thus performs a Kândrayana, the Rishis have called by way of laudation, 'a means of purification' (pavitra). It is prescribed as an expiation of all (offences) for which no (special penance) has been mentioned.
CHAPTER XXIV. 1. Now (follows the description of) an Atikrikkhra penance.
2. Let him eat as much as he can take at one (mouthful, and follow the rules given) above for a Krikkhra, (viz.) to eat during three days in the morning, (during another three days) in the evening, (during further three days) food given without
44-47. Vishnu XLVII. It must be understood that during the bright half of the month the number of mouthfuls must be increased every day by one.
XXIV. 1-2. Gautama XXVI, 18-19. 'Above,' i. e. XXI, 20.
Digitized by Google
