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LXXXVII, 5.
PIOUS GIFTS.
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having been set at liberty, that entire pool will refresh the manes of him who has set the bull at liberty.
20. The earth which is anywhere dug up by the bull exulting in his strength, is converted into delicious food and drink to satisfy the manes.
LXXXVII. 1. Now on the day of full moon in the month Vaisakha he must spread out upon a'woollen blanket the skin of a black antelope (together with the horns and hoofs), after having adorned the former with gold and the latter with silver, and after having ornamented the tail with a string of pearls.
2. After that, he must cover (that part of the blanket which is not covered by the skin) with sesamum.
3. And he must adorn the navel with gold.
4. He must cover (the skin) with a couple of new garments.
5. He must place all sorts of perfumes and jewels upon it.
LXXXVII. 1. The particle atha, 'now,' indicates the beginning of a new section, treating of gifts. It comprises Chapters LXXXVII-XCIII. (Nand. The commentator infers from a corresponding passage of the Matsya-purâna, that the following further rules are implied in this Satra. The ceremony may also take place on the full moon days in the months Mâgha, Karttika, and Ashâdha, on the twelfth day after the summer solstice, and during an eclipse of the sun or moon. The silver on the hoofs must weigh five Palas, and the gold on the horns ten Suvarnas (or two Palas and a half). The place must be pure, smeared with cow-dung, and covered with Kusa grass.
3. “The Skânda-purâna states that the eyes must be adorned with jewels.' (Nand.)
5. And garlands of flowers and other objects must be placed upon it, as ka indicates.' (Nand.)
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