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II KÂNDA, 5 ADHYAYA, 2 BRÂHMANA, 35.
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Pronounce the invitatory prayer to Agni!' referring to Agni's butter-portion". Both (the Adhvaryu and Pratiprasthâtri) having taken four cuttings' of butter, they step across (to the north side of their respective fires). Having stepped across and called for the 'Sraushat, the Adhvaryu says (to the Hotri), Pronounce the offering-formula to Agni!' After the Vashat' has been uttered, they both pour out the oblation.
32. The Adhvaryu then says, 'Pronounce (the invitatory prayer) to Soma!' referring to Soma's butter-portion. Both having taken four cuttings of butter, they step across. Having stepped across and called for the 'Sraushat,' the Adhvaryu says (to the Hotri), Pronounce the offering-prayer to Soma!' After the Vashat' has been uttered, they both pour out the oblation.
33. Thus whatever has to be done by speech, that the Adhvaryu does, and not the Pratiprasthầtri. Now as to why the Adhvaryu alone calls for the ‘Sraushat.' Here indeed when the 'Vashat' is pronounced, —
34. The Pratiprasthâtri is merely the imitator of what is done (by the Adhvaryu). For Varuna is the nobility, and the Maruts are the people: hence he thereby makes the people the imitators, the followers of the nobility. But were the Pratiprasthâtri also to call for the 'Sraushat,' he would doubtless make the people equal in power to the nobility : for this reason the Pratiprasthầtri does not call for the Sraushat.'
35. The Pratiprasthâtri sits down, after taking the two offering-spoons in his hand. The Adhvaryu then
See 1, 6, 1, 20 seq.
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