Aitareyabrahmana 2.2.p2

2.2.p2

ii. 11 (vii. 1). The gods performed the sacrifice; towards them as they performed it came the Asuras, (saying) ‘We shall make a disturbance of their sacrifice.’ When over the victim had been said the Āprīs, before as it were the circumambulation with fire they attacked the post from the east. The gods, perceiving, placed around three forts consisting of citadels made of Agni, to protect themselves and the sacrifice. These Agni-made citadels kept shining and blazing. The Asuras, in terror, ran away; verily with Agni before and Agni behind they smote away the Asuras and the Rakṣases. Verily then also the sacrificers in that they perform the circumambulation with fire place around three forts, consisting of citadels made of Agni, to protect the sacrifice and themselves. Therefore they carry fire round; therefore for the carrying round of fire he recites. The victim over which the Āprīs have been said and round which fire has been carried they lead northwards. They carry a torch before it, (thinking) ‘The victim is in essence the sacrificer; by this light the sacrificer with light before him will go to the world of heaven.’ By