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XI KÂNDA, I ADHYAYA, 5 BRÂHMANA, II. II
Agni Pathikrit (the path-maker), one on eleven. potsherds for Indra Vritrahan (the slayer of Vritra), and a cake on twelve potsherds for Agni Vaisvânara.
6. Now as to why he prepares (an oblation) for Agni Pathikrit,-it is that Agni, being the maker of the path, leads the Sacrificer (back) to the path of sacrifice, from which he now departs.
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7. And as to why to Indra Vritrahan,-Vritra is sin with the help of Indra, the slayer of Vritra, he thus slays sin, Vritra, which ever keeps him from well-being, from virtue, and from the good work this is why he (offers) to Indra Vritrahan.
8. And as to why he prepares a cake on twelve potsherds for Agni Vaisvânara,-when Indra had slain Vritra, he burnt him completely by means of Agni Vaisvânara, and thereby burnt all his (Vritra's) sin; and in like manner does that (Sacrificer) now, after slaying sin, Vritra, with the help of Indra Vritrahan, burn him, and all that sin of his, by means of Agni Vaisvânara; and, verily, not the slightest sin remains in him who, knowing this, performs this offering.
verses.
9. For this (offering) there are seventeen kindlingHe offers to the deities in a low voice, and makes any (verses) he pleases his invitatory and offering-formulas. In like manner (those of) the two butter-portions and the two formulas of the Svishtakrit.
10. A bow with three arrows he gives as dakshinâ; for with the bow a dog is driven away: he thus drives away that (dog, the moon) when he gives a bow with three arrows as dakshinâ.
11. A staff he gives as dakshinâ; for with a staff
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