________________
406
SATAPATHA-BRAHMANA.
remains waiting. After performing the Patnisamyâgas, the Adhvaryu steps up (to the northern fire).
46. He (the Adhvaryu) performs the three Samishtayagus (with the respective texts)"; the Pratiprasthâtri takes up his spoon (and performs those oblations) silently.—The same garments, worn by the sacrificer and his wife at the Vaisvadeva, should be put on also on this occasion. They now take (the havis) mixed with the burnt scrapings of the Varuna curds, and betake themselves to (the place of) the expiatory bath (avabhritha). This (ablution) stands in relation to Varuna, (being performed) with a view to deliverance from Varuna's power. No Sâmanhymn is sung on this occasion, for at this (sacrifice) nothing whatever is performed with a Sâman-hymn. Having silently walked thither and entered (the water), he (the Adhvaryu) immerses (the vessel containing the scrapings).
47. With the text (Vâg. S. III, 48), 'O laving bath, laving thou glidest along : with the help of the gods may I wipe out the sin committed against the gods, and with the help of mortals the sin committed against mortals! Preserve me, O God, from injury from the fiercely-howling (demon)!' Those (garments worn while bathing)? he may give
See p. 390, note 3. * Kâty. V, 5, 30-33, and the scholiasts supply the following particulars: The sacrificer and his wife, accompanied by the priests, are to repair to some quiet part of flowing water. The Adhvaryu then takes the sacrificer by the arm and makes him enter the water. Thereupon he himself enters, strews sacrificial grass on the water, puts a stick on it, and thereon offers a spoonful of butter to Agni. Then follow six oblations, viz. four fore-offerings, performed in the usual way (the one to the Barhis being omitted);
Digitized by Google
