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II KÂnda, 17 KANDIKÂ, 16.
335
11. Some say that the giving (of the sacrificial food to the deities) accompanies the Mantras.
12. But this is excluded, as the Sruti says, 'The giving (of the oblation to the deity) accompanies the word Svâhâ'
13. On the Kusa grass which is left over from the strewing (of grass round the fire), he offers a Bali to the protecting demons of the furrow with (the Mantra), “They who are sitting towards the east with strong bows and quivers, may they protect thee from the east, and be vigilant and not abandon thee. To them I bring adoration, and I offer this Bali to them.
14. Then to the south with (the Mantra), .They who are sitting towards the south, not winking the eyes, wearing armour, may they protect thee from the south, and be vigilant and not abandon thee. To them I bring adoration, and I offer this Bali to them.'
15. Then to the west with (the Mantra), “The powerful ones, the excellent ones, prosperity, earth, Pârshni, Sunamkuri, may they protect thee from the west, and be vigilant and not abandon thee. To them I bring adoration, and I offer this Bali to them.'
16. Then to the north with the Mantra), “The fearful ones, like to Vâyu in speed, may they protect
12. The quotation has not been as yet identified in the Sruti itself, but the words quoted are found in Kâty.-Sraut. I, 2, 7.
14. Some words in the beginning of the Mantra are lost. We should probably write: atha dakshinatah.ye dakshinato s nimishah ... varmina âsate, &c. Of course it is impossible, to say which is the word that is wanting before (or perhaps after varminah.
15. Pârshni, which means 'heel,' stands here, of course, as the name of a protecting demon.
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