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PÂRASKARA-GRIHYA-SOTRA.
8. He sacrifices flour, over which ghee has been poured, to the serpents (with the following Mantras):
9. 'To the lord of the serpents belonging to Agni, of the yellowish, terrestrial ones, svâhâ !
To the lord of the white serpents belonging to Vâyu, of the aerial ones, svâhâ !
To the lord of the overpowering serpents belonging to Sarya, of the celestial ones, svâhâ !
10. The (cake) in one dish he offers entirely (without leaving a remainder for the sacrificer) with (the formula), “To the firm one, the son of the Earth, svâhâ !'
11. After he has eaten (of the sacrificial food), he throws a portion of the flour into a basket, goes out, besmears an elevated spot outside the hall (with cowdung), says, while a fire-brand is held (before him), 'Do not step between (myself and the fire),' and without speaking (anything except the Mantras), he causes the serpents to wash themselves, (pouring out water for them, with the formulas :)
12. 'Lord of the serpents belonging to Agni, of the yellowish, terrestrial ones, wash thyself !
'Lord of the white serpents belonging to Vâyu, of the aerial ones, wash thyself !
'Lord of the overpowering serpents belonging to Sarya, of the celestial ones, wash thyself !!
13. Each time after the washing has been done, he offers to the serpents a Bali of flour, picking out
11. The ceremony with the fire-brand seems to stand in connection with the rule given by Asvalâyana, II, 1, 13, that before the sacrificer has given himself in charge' to the serpents, nobody is allowed to step between him and the Bali destined for the serpents. Comp. also below, Sutra 23.
13. I have translated upaghâtam by 'picking out. On the full
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