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490
SATAPATHA-BRAHMANA.
same significance as in the Margallya. The pieces of wood he throws into the fire. They then proceed with the Upasad. And thus the head of the sacrifice has been set right in the very same manner in which the Asvins then restored it.
44. One must not perform the Pravargya at one's first Soma-sacrifice, since that would be sinful, and lest Indra should cut off his head; but at the second or the third (Soma-sacrifice); for at first the gods went on worshipping and toiling with the headless sacrifice, therefore he should do so) at the second or the third (sacrifice). Moreover, it will become heated and ablaze ;
45. And were he to perform the Pravargya at the first Soma-sacrifice, that (Mahavira) of his, when heated and ablaze, would burn up his family and cattle, and also his life, and the Sacrificer would be liable to perish: therefore (let him perform it) at the second or third (sacrifice).
46. Let him not perform the Pravargya for any and every one, lest he should do everything for every one, for the Pravargya is everything; but let him only perform it for him who is known, or to whoever may be dear to him, or who has studied sacred writ: by means of the study of sacred writ he would thus gain it.
47. One may perform the Pravargya for a thousand (head of cattle) ', for a thousand means everything, and that (Pravargya) is everything. One may
apparatus are then in solemn fashion (carried round in front of the Ahavaniya, and) placed on the throne-seat, and consecrated (or appeased) by being sprinkled with water.
1 That is, at a sacrifice for which this constitutes the sacrificial fee.
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