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328 APASTAMBA'S YAGNA-PARIBHASHÂ-SÛTRAS.
Commentary.
The mantra which indicates the nature and purpose of a sacrificial act should come first, and as soon as it has been finished the act should follow. See Kâty. I, 3, 5.
SUTRA XLVI.
In the case of the âghâra, sprinkling of clarified butter, and of dhârâ, pouring out of Soma, the beginning of the mantra and the act takes place at the same time.
SUTRA XLVII.
Mantras are indicated by their first words.
Commentary.
These first words are often called Pratîkas, and rules are given in Asvalâyana's Srauta-sûtras I, 1, 17-19, as to the number of words that should form such a pratika, if it is meant for one verse, for three verses, or for a whole hymn. According to Asvalâyana, if one foot is quoted, it is meant for a verse; if an imperfect foot of an initial verse is quoted, it is meant for a whole hymn; if more than a foot is quoted, it is meant for three verses.
SUTRA XLVIII.
One should know that with the beginning of a following mantra, the former mantra is finished.
SUTRA XLIX.
In the case of Hotrâ and Yagamâna-mantras, an aggregation takes place.
Commentary.
Hotras are mantras recited by the Hotri-priest, Yagamânâs are mantras recited by the sacrificer himself. They are hymns which accompany, but do not enjoin any sacrificial act.
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