Aitareyabrahmana 7.3

7.3

As to this, they say: If someone's agnihotra cow, having been let loose [to the calf], should sit down while being milked, what is the expiation there? He should address her with the formula: / 'From whatever fear you sit down, from that make us free from fear; / protect all our cattle; homage to the bountiful Rudra.' / He should make her stand up with: / 'The goddess Aditi has arisen; she has placed life in the lord of the sacrifice, / making a portion for Indra, and for Mitra and Varuṇa.' / Then he should hold a water-pot near her udder and mouth, and then give her to a brāhmaṇa. That is the expiation there. As to this, they say: If someone's agnihotra cow, having been let loose, should low while being milked, what is the expiation there? Perceptive indeed of the sacrificer's hunger, she lows. He should feed her food for appeasement, for food is appeasement: / 'May you, fortunate one, graze on rich pasture.' / That is the expiation there. As to this, they say: If someone's agnihotra cow, having been let loose, should kick while being milked, what is the expiation there? Whatever she spills there, having touched it he should recite: / 'What milk today has crept over the earth, what has crept over the plants, what over the waters, / may milk be in the houses, milk in the cow, milk in the calves, milk in me.' / What remains there, with that he should offer, if it is sufficient for the oblation. But if all of it is spilled, then having called another cow and milked her, he should offer with that; for indeed an offering must be made for the sake of faith. That is the expiation.