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SATAPATHA-BRÂHMANA.
8. In a low voice they engage in this (performance) Secretly, doubtless, union takes place; and secretly also (takes place) what is spoken) in a low voice: this is why they perform in a low voice.
9. He first makes offering to Soma. Soma indeed means seed; hence he thereby scatters seed: this is why he makes offering to Soma.
10. He then makes offering to Tvashtri. Now, it is Tvashtri who transforms seed which is scattered. Accordingly it is he who transforms the seed now scattered2: this is why he makes offering to Tvashtri.
11. He then makes offering to the wives of the gods. In the wives, in the womb, the seed assuredly is planted, and thence it is produced; hence he thereby plants the seed in the wives, in the womb; and thence it is produced : for this reason he makes offering to the wives of the gods.
12. When he offers to the wives of the gods, he shuts (the fire) out from view on the eastern side ; for, up to the time when they offer to the samishtayagus, the deities continue waiting, thinking, 'This
1 The Adhvaryu calls on the Hotri: 'For Soma (Tvashtri, &c. respectively)' (in a low voice)—'recite !' (aloud). The Hotri then recites the invitatory prayer (anu vâk yâ, for which see Asv. Sr. I, 10,5) in a low voice, except the concluding om l' which he pronounces aloud. The Adhvaryu now calls on the Agnidhra, who responds with Astu sraushat. Thereupon the Adhvaryu calls on the Hotri, 'For Soma,' &c. (in a low voice),– pronounce the offering prayer !' (aloud); and the Hotri recites the yâgyâ, in a low voice, except the concluding 'Vaushal,' which is pronounced aloud, and simultaneously with which the Adhvaryu pours the oblation (consisting of four ladlings of butter from the butter-pot into the guhů, by means of the sruva) into the fire.
• He does so in his capacity of divine artificer and architect.
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