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402
SATAPATHA-BRAHMANA.
proceeds with those oblations,—viz. Agni's cake on eight potsherds, Soma's pap, Savitri's cake on twelve or eight potsherds, Sarasvati's pap, Pushan's pap, and Indra and Agni's cake on twelve potsherds.
36. Thereupon, being about to proceed with those two oblations of curds, (the Adhvaryu and Pratiprasthâtri) exchange (the ram and ewe): the ram which was on the Maruts' (dish of curds) he (the Adhvaryu) places on that of Varuna; and the ewe which was on Varuna's (dish of curds) he (the Pratiprasthầtri) places on that of the Maruts. Now the reason why they make this exchange, is this, Varuna is the nobility, and the male represents energy: hence they thereby bestow energy on the nobility. The female, on the other hand, is without energy; and the Maruts are the people: hence they thereby cause the people to be without energy. This is why they make this exchange.
37. The Adhvaryu now says (to the Hotri), 'Pronounce the invitatory prayer to Varuna!' He then pours an 'under-layer' of butter into the guhů), takes two cuttings from Varuna's curds, and with either of the two cuttings puts the ram in the spoon). He then pours butter thereon, replenishes (the place whence) the two cuttings (have been made), and steps across (to the south side of the fire). After stepping across and calling for the "Sraushat,' he says (to the Hotri), ' Pronounce the offering-prayer to Varuna!' and, on the Vashat' being uttered, he pours out the oblation.
38. Thereupon the Adhvaryu takes both spoons in his left hand; and taking hold of the Pratiprasthâtri's garment, says (to the Hotri), Pronounce the invitatory prayer to the Maruts!' The
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