Kauṣītaki (Śāṅkhāyana) Brāhmaṇa 10.9

10.9.1

atha manotām anvāha /

Then he recites the Manotā hymn.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.2

sarvā ha vai devatāḥ paśum ālabhyamānam upasaṃgacchante mama nāma grahīṣyati mama nāma grahīṣyati iti / (paśu: manotā anuvacana)

All the deities indeed assemble around the animal when it is being slaughtered, [thinking,] "He will take my name! He will take my name!"

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.3

tāsām sarvāsām paśāv eva manāṃsy otāni bhavanti /

The minds of all of them are woven into the animal.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.4

tā atra prīṇāti / (paśu: manotā anuvacana)

Them he pleases here.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.5

tathā ha āsām sarvāsām amoghāya eva upasametam bhavati /

Thus indeed their coming together becomes not in vain.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.6

tad āhur yan nānā devatāḥ paśava ālabhyante atha kasmād āgneyam eva anvāha iti / (paśu: manotā anuvacana)

Regarding this they say: "Since animals are slaughtered for various deities, why then does he recite [a hymn] addressed to Agni alone?"

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.7

tisro vai devānām manotāḥ /

Three indeed are the Manotās of the gods.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.8

agnir vai devānām manotā /

Agni indeed is the Manotā of the gods;

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.9

tasmin hy eṣām manāṃsy otāni bhavanti / (paśu: manotā anuvacana)

for in him their minds are woven.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.10

atho vāg vai devānām manotā /

Moreover, speech indeed is the Manotā of the gods;

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.11

tasyām hy eṣām manāṃsy otāni bhavanti / (paśu: manotā anuvacana)

for in it their minds are woven.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.12

atho gaur vai devānām manotā /

Moreover, the cow indeed is the Manotā of the gods;

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.13

tasyām hy eṣām manāṃsy otāni bhavanti / (paśu: manotā anuvacana)

for in it their minds are woven.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.14

agnir sarvā manotāḥ /

Agni is all the Manotās.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.15

agnau manotāḥ saṃgacchante /

In Agni the Manotās unite.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.16

tasmād āgneyam eva anvāha iti / (paśu: manotā anuvacana)

"Therefore he recites [a hymn] addressed to Agni alone," [the reply is].

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.17

tā vai trayodaśa bhavanti /

They are indeed thirteen.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.18

trayodaśa vai paśor avadānāni bhavanti / (paśu: paśor avadānāni)

Thirteen indeed are the portions of the animal [victim].

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.19

triḥ prathamayā trir uttamayā saptadaśa sampadyante /

[Reciting] the first three times and the last three times, they amount to seventeen.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.20

saptadaśo vai prajāpatiḥ / (paśu: paśor avadānāni)

Prajāpati is seventeenfold.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.21

etad vā ārdhnukam karma yat prajāpati sammitam /

Successful indeed is that rite which is commensurate with Prajāpati.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.22

saptadaśa sāmidhenīr anvāha / (paśu: paśor avadānāni)

He recites seventeen kindling verses.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.23

saptadaśo vai prajāpatiḥ /

Prajāpati is seventeenfold.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.24

etad vā ārdhnukam karma yat prajāpati sammitam / (paśu: paśor avadānāni)

Successful indeed is that rite which is commensurate with Prajāpati.

x. 6. Then he recites the Manotā. All the deities gather towards the victim as it is offered, (thinking) ‘He will utter my name; he will utter my name.’ The minds of all these are woven in the victim; these he delights herein; so it is not in vain that all these have assembled together. They say ‘Since the victims are offered to diverse deities, then why does he accompany that for Agni alone?’ ‘Three are the Manotās of the gods; Agni is the Manotā of the gods, for in him the minds of the gods are woven. Moreover, speech is the Manotā of the gods, for in it are their minds woven. Moreover, the cow is the Manotā of the gods, for in her are their minds woven. All the Manotās are Agni; in Agni the Manotās unite; therefore he accompanies that for Agni only’ (is the answer). They make up thirteen; thirteen are the cuttings of the victim; these he accompanies. (He recites) the first thrice and the last thrice; they make up seventeen; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is commensurate with Prajāpati. He recites seventeen kindling verses; Prajāpati is seventeenfold; that rite is beneficial which is

10.9.25

atha yatra paśur ālabhyate /

Now, where an animal is seized,

commensurate with Prajāpati. When the victim is offered, then the lord of the forest is unmoved; the lord of the forest is Agni, he bestows the oblation on the gods; therefore he becomes unmoved; he also has milk as his portion; so Agni becomes a sharer in all the oblations. They say ‘Since the gods possess the solid , then why does the lord of the forest possess the liquid as his share?’ ‘The gods shared the solid of the sacrifice, the fathers the liquid; the victim has, as it were, the fathers as its deities; the milk has the fathers as its deities; therefore is it’, he should reply. They say ‘Why in the Soma sacrifice do they offer two libations for the choosing (of priests), and not in the Haviryajña?’ ‘The Haviryajña is an incomplete sacrifice; the Soma sacrifice is a complete sacrifice; therefore at the Soma sacrifice alone do they offer the two libations for the choosing and not at the Haviryajña’ (is the answer). He offers in the first case with the call of Hail! ‘Acceptable to speech may I become, acceptable to the lord of speech; O divine speech, what of thy speech is sweetest, in that us may he to-day place; hail to Sarasvatī.’ Thus he releases speech; therefore hence onwards speech being released supports the sacrifice; with the mind (he accompanies) the second (libation); for by mind is mind delighted.

10.9.26

tad vanaspatir acyutaḥ /

there Vanaspati is unmovable.

10.9.27

agnir vai vanaspatiḥ /

Agni indeed is Vanaspati.

10.9.28

sa vai devabhyo haviḥ śrapayati / (paśu: vanaspati yāga)

He indeed cooks the oblation for the gods.