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XIII KÂNDA, 8 ADHYAYA, 4 BRÂHMANA, 10. 439
7. They proceed (towards the village) muttering this verse (Vág. S. XXXV, 14), 'From out of the gloom have we risen'...-from the gloom, the world of the Fathers, they now indeed approach the light, the sun. When they have arrived, ointments for the eyes and the feet are given them : such, indeed, are human means of embellishment, and therewith they keep off death from themselves..
8. Then, in the house, having made up the (domestic) fire, and laid enclosing-sticks of Varana wood round it, he offers, by means of a sruva-spoon of Varana wood, an oblation to Agni Ayushmat, for Agni Ayushmat rules over vital power : it is of him he asks vital power for these (the Sacrificer's family). [Vâg. S. XXXV,16,]'Thou, Agni, causest vital powers to flow: (send us food and drink, and keep calamity far from us),' serves as invitatory formula
9. He then offers, with (Våg. S. XXXV, 17), 'Long-lived be thou, O Agni, growing by offering, ghee-mouthed, ghee-born: drinking the sweet, pleasant cow's ghee, guard thou these, as a father does his son, hail!' he thus says this so that he (Agni) may guard and protect these (men).
10. The sacrificial fee for this (ceremony) consists of an old ox, old barley, an old arm-chair with headcushion, this at least is the prescribed Dakshina, but he may give more according to his inclination. Such, indeed, is the performance) in the case of one who had built a fire-altar.
1 See XII, 9, 3, 8. • I.e. imbued with vital power, long-lived.
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