Kauṣītaki (Śāṅkhāyana) Brāhmaṇa 18.1.19

18.1.19

tad āhur yad bṛhatyā āyatanāni pṛṣṭhāni bhavanty atha kasmāt triṣṭubhā pratipadyata iti /

xviii. 2. They say ‘Seeing that the Pṛṣṭhas depend on the Bṛhatī, then why does he begin with a Triṣṭubh?’ Thrice repeated it makes three Bṛhatī verses and one Gāyatrī. The three Bṛhatī verses are the symbol of union, the Gāyatrī the symbol of the first. In that he produces the Bṛhatī, (it is because) it is with regard to the Bṛhatī that the vow is produced. In that of the strophes in Bṛhatī he recites the first Pragātha, repeating it and making it into Kakubh form, (it is because) the Sāman chanters sing with repetitions; verily thus the symbol of this is produced. He recites the service for Agni; thus he obtains this world. He recites that for Uṣas; thus he obtains the world of the atmosphere. He recites that for the Açvins; thus he obtains yonder world. He recites the service for Sūrya; there is a fourth world of the gods, the waters; verily thereby he obtains it. He recites a Pragātha; the Pragātha is cattle; verily (it serves) to obtain cattle. Moreover the Pragātha in Bṛhatī is expiration and inspiration; verily thus he places expiration and inspiration in himself; also (it serves) to secure the presence of Indra in the Çastra. He recites (a hymn) to sky and earth; sky and earth are supports; verily (it serves) for support. He recites (a verse) of two Padas; (the verse) of two Padas is a metre in which to find support; verily (it serves) for support. He concludes with (a verse) to Bṛhaspati; Bṛhaspati is the holy power; verily thus in the holy power at the end he finds support. Now this is the completion.