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XIII KÂNDA, 4 ADHYÂYA, 2 BRAHMANA, 17. 359
being performed, a Brâhman lute-player, striking up the uttaramandra (tune), sings three strophes composed by himself (on topics such as), 'Such a sacrifice he offered,Such gifts he gave :' the meaning of this has been explained.
15. When this (offering) is completed, the Adhvaryu and the Sacrificer rise, and whisper in the horse's right ear (Vág. S. XXII, 19), ' Plenteous by thy mother, strengthful by thy father ...!' the meaning of this has been explained'. They then set it free towards the north-east, for that, to wit, the north-east-is the region of both gods and men: they thus consign it to its own region, in order to its suffering no injury, for one who is established in his own home suffers no injury.
16. He says, 'Oye gods, guardians of the regions, guard ye this horse, consecrated for offering unto the gods!' The (four kinds of) human guardians of the (four) regions have been told, and these now are the divine ones, to wit, the Åpyas, Sadhyas, Anvadhyas 2 and Maruts; and both of these, gods and men, of one mind, guard it for a year without turning (driving) it back. The reason why they do not turn it back, is that it is he that shines yonder,--and who, forsooth, is able to turn him back? But were they to turn it back, everything here assuredly would go backward (go to ruin): therefore they guard it without turning it back.
17. He says, 'Ye guardians of the quarters, those who go on to the end of this (horse-sacrifice) will
· See XIII, 1, 6, 1 seqq., 3, 7. 1-2 seqq. : On these divine beings see Weber, Ind. Stud. IX, p. 6, note.
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