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OF THE HINDUS.
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The Srauta-sútras describe the great sacrifices (Haviryajnás and Soma -yajnás) which can be performed by rich people only, and which therefore are obligatory only under certain restrictions. They require the assistance of a number of priests, and great preparations of all kinds. They are called “vaitánika”, from "vitána”, spreading, because the fire in which the oblations are to be burnt has to be spread or divided on three hearths (dakshina, gárhapatya, áhavaniya). This is done at the Agnyádhána, “the placing of the fires”, the first Srauta sacrifice which a Brahman has to perform after his marriage. Although the Srauta sacrifices are enjoined by the Sruti (the Brahmanas), and the highest rewards on earth and in heaven are held out for their performance, still their non-performance is not sinful, as is that of the Grihya rites. Another characteristic of the domestic ceremonies is this, that the person for whose benefit they are performed is himself passive. It is only after his marriage that he becomes himself the Yajamána or sacrificer, though even then he may still be assisted by other priests in the performance of his sacrifices. A third class of rites, besides the Grihya and Srauta ceremonies, are those laid down in the Sámayáchárika or Dharma sútras. They are rather observances based on secular authority than sacred rites. They detail the duties of a boy while living as Brahma - chárin or catechumen, in the house of his Guru. They determine the proper diet of a Brahman, what food may be eaten or not, what days should be kept for fasting,
