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SATAPATHA-BRAHMANA.
404
He, the Adhvaryu, then pours the clotted butter1 (in the prishadâgya-upabhrit) into the two spoons (the guhû and upabhrit); and the Pratiprasthâtri also, if he have any clotted butter, divides it into two parts and pours it (into the two spoons); but if there is no clotted butter, he divides the butter in the upabhrit in two parts and pours them out separately. Then both step across (to the south side of the fires). The Adhvaryu, having stepped across and called for the 'Sraushat,' says (to the Hotri), 'Pronounce the offering-formula to the gods!' and, 'Pronounce the offering-formula !' at each (subsequent after-offering). Thus they both perform the nine after-offerings, pouring together (the butter from the spoons) at the (or at every) fourth afteroffering. The reason why there are nine foreofferings and nine after-offerings, is that he thereby delivers the creatures both times from Varuna's noose, by the former (he delivers) the upright and by the latter those looking to the ground: for this reason there are nine fore-offerings and nine afterofferings.
42. They both then separate the spoons3, after laying them (on the altars). Having separated the spoons, and anointed the enclosing-sticks; and having thereupon taken hold of the (middle) enclosing
1 Prishad-âgya (lit. mottled butter) is clarified butter mixed with sour milk.
The recipients of the nine after-offerings are as follows: 1. The divine Barhis; 2. the divine doors; 3. the divine dawn and night; 4. the two divine benefactresses (gosh/ri); 5. the two goddesses of potent sacrifice (ûrgâhutî); 6. the two divine Hotris; 7. the three goddesses; 8. the divine Narâsamsa; 9. the divine Agni Svishtakrit. Cf. p. 400, note 2.
See I, 8, 3, I seq.
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