Aitareyabrahmana 4.2.p4

4.2.p4

iv. 8 (xvii. 2.) As these deities were running the race, and had started, Agni took the lead first; the Açvins followed him; to him they said 'Give way; we two will win this.' 'Be it so', he replied, 'Let me have a share here.' 'Be it so' (they said). For him they made a share herein; therefore at the Āçvina (Çastra) (a litany) to Agni is recited. They followed after Uṣas; to her they said 'Give way; we two will win this.' 'Be it so', she replied, 'Let me have a share here.' 'Be it so' (they said). For her they made a share herein; therefore at the Āçvina (a litany) to Uṣas is recited. They followed after Indra; to him they said 'We will win this, O generous one'; they did not dare to say to him 'Give way'. 'Be it so', he replied, 'Let me have a share herein.' 'Be it so' (they said). For him they made a share herein; therefore at the Āçvina (a litany) to Indra is recited. The Açvins won the race; the Açvins attained it. In that the Açvins won the race the Açvins attained it, therefore they call it the Āçvina. He attains whatever he desires who knows thus. They say 'In that there are here recitations to Agni, to Uṣas, to Indra, then why do they call it the Āçvina?' (It is) because the Açvins won the race, the Açvins attained it. In that the Açvins won the race, the Açvins attained it, therefore they call it the Āçvina. He attains whatever he desires, who knows thus.