Sambodhi 1979 Vol 08

Author(s): Dalsukh Malvania, H C Bhayani, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 79

Č. 1. Prabhakar
Moreover, it could be seen that the term "satam' and the number hundred is an oft employed word to connote plentitude.
The Satapatha Brāhmana (SB) of SYV holds parallels to the contexts found in the TS. They refer to the Brāhmaṇa portions of the TS where satamānam bhavati.. is mentioned. For example, TS 3. 3. 4. = SB 4. 6. 1. 1. 15 and TS 6. 6. 10 = SB 11. 5. 9. 7-12.
(a) TS 4. 6. 1. 1. 15 of the SB refer to the discussion relatiing to Adābhyāmśu graha of the Soma Sacrifice. Here the SB adds that amśu meant soma plant. The Viniyoga here is the same as in TS. In respect of the viniyoga, the ŚB points out the opinion of certain scholars by name Rāma, Aupatasvāmi, Budila, Yājñavalkya etc., Yājañvalkya seems to hold support for the viniyoga assigned in the rite viz., smelling over gold. by uttering that expression. Further TS seems to stress on Man's life. While SB remains silent.
(b) 11. 5. 9. 7-12 of the SB shows a discussion on the Adabhya graha. Adabhya means speech. By offering that graha, it is said that yajamāna would be infused with speech by the adhvaryu, the priest of the YV. Even the SB reiterates that ghrta, hiranya and āpaḥ stood for indicating immortality.
Further this optional rite of the TS has no parallel in the SYV, but the ŚYV contains a few other contextual sacrificial rites that aim for longevity to the Yajamāna. But the other samhitās of the KYV contain parallels to the same. Moreover, the corresponding Srauta texts of th: KYV. refer to this optionat rite. As said the SB equates lika TS that āyuḥ=ghỉtam=hiranyam =amstam=dirgham...etc., promoting thus a long life to the sacrificer.
In this connection it may by suggested that a study of the numbers like one, two etc., mentioned in Veda with reference to Vedic sacrifice and their general importance would be highly interesting. In fact numbers have significance and therefore these form a part of reasons in explaining the rites incorporated in sacrifices.
JII
From the foregoing section, it is possible together that this passage is significant in respect of its meaning and employment too. Sacrifice involves a sort of magic and a belief persists in the tradition that viniyoga and result are independent of a Vedic mantra where a connection between all these is not directly transparent. Although satamanam bhavati is a chip from a Brāhmana passage, it is complete by itself as it bears universal character. The texts of the YV contain several such significant expressions which