Kauṣītaki (Śāṅkhāyana) Brāhmaṇa 19.1

19.1.1

te vai dīkṣiṣyamāṇā agnīnt samnivapante /

Now, those who are about to undergo consecration collect their fires together.

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

19.1.2

ekadhā eva tad balam vīryam yajamānā ātman dadhate / (soma: gavāmayana)

In a single form do the sacrificers thereby place strength and vigour in themselves.

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

19.1.3

atha etām samnivapanīyām iṣṭim tanvate / (soma: gavāmayana)

Then they perform this iṣṭi of collecting [the fires].

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

19.1.4

te agnaye brahmaṇvate aṣṭā kapālam puroḍāśam nirvapanti /

They offer an eight-pot-sherd cake to Agni possessed of the priesthood;

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

19.1.5

agnaye kṣatravata ekādaśa kapālam / (soma: gavāmayana)

an eleven-pot-sherd [cake] to Agni possessed of the nobility;

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

19.1.6

agnaye kṣatra bhūte dvādaśa kapālam /

a twelve-pot-sherd [cake] to Agni who is nobility itself.

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

19.1.7

brahma kṣatre eva tad yajamānāḥ samārohanti /

Thereby the sacrificers mount upon the priesthood and the nobility.

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

19.1.8

tābhyām eva etat svasti saṃvatsaram taranti / (soma: gavāmayana)

By means of these two they safely cross over the year.

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

19.1.9

ta etena prājāpatyena paśunā yajante /

They sacrifice with this animal offering dedicated to Prajāpati,

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

xix. 2. Then they sacrifice with a victim for Prajāpati, (thinking) ‘Instigated by Prajāpati, in safety let us attain this year.’ Some make the cake

19.1.10

prajāpati prasūtāḥ svasti imam saṃvatsaram samaśnavāmahā iti / (soma: gavāmayana)

[thinking,] 'Impelled by Prajāpati, may we safely reach through this year.'

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

xix. 2. Then they sacrifice with a victim for Prajāpati, (thinking) ‘Instigated by Prajāpati, in safety let us attain this year.’ Some make the cake

19.1.11

tam ha eke vāyavyam kurvanti /

Some indeed make it dedicated to Vāyu,

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.12

etad vai prajāpateḥ pratyakṣam rūpam yad vāyuri iti / (soma: gavāmayana)

'For this is Prajāpati's visible form, namely Vāyu.'

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.13

agnaya u ha eke kāmāya kurvanti /

Some, however, perform [it] for Agni as Desire.

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.14

agnir vai kāmo devānām īśvaraḥ /

Agni indeed is the desire, the master of the gods,

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.15

sarveṣām eva devānām prītyai /

[and it is] for the pleasing of all the gods.

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.14_2

tasya ha eke vaiśvānarīyam paśu puroḍāśam kurvanti / (soma: gavāmayana)

Some perform the animal sacrificial cake belonging to Vaiśvānara for him,

19.1.15_2

sarveṣām eva devānām prītyai /

for the pleasing of all the gods.

19.1.16

tasya ha eke vaiśvānarīyam paśu puroḍāśam kurvanti /

Some perform the animal sacrificial cake belonging to Vaiśvānara for him.

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.17

asau vai vaiśvānaro yo asau tapati / (soma: gavāmayana)

That one indeed is Vaiśvānara, who shines yonder.

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.18

etam eva tat prīṇanti /

They thereby please him alone.

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.19

atha yā bahūnām samnivapanīya ukhā sambharaṇīyā sā ekasya dīkṣiṣyamāṇasya bhavati / (soma: gavāmayana)

Now, the pot [used] for throwing together [the fires] of many, [and] for collecting, belongs to the single person about to be consecrated.

xix. 1. They being about to consecrate themselves gather together the fires; verily thus they place might and strength in one place in themselves. Then they perform the gathering together sacrifice; they offer a cake on eight potsherds to Agni of the holy power, to Agni of the lordly power one on eleven potsherds, to Agni, supporter of the lordly power, one on twelve potsherds. Verily thus the sacrificers mount on the holy power and the lordly power; verily thus with them in safety they pass over the year. Of many who are about to pile (the fire) this is the gathering together (offering), connected with the bringing together of the firepan; for one who is about to consecrate himself it is the same.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.20

te purastād eva dīkṣā prasavān kalpayante /

They arrange the impulses of consecration beforehand.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.21

taiṣasya amāvāsyāyā eka aha upariṣṭād dīkṣeran /

They should be consecrated one day after the new moon day of Taiṣa,

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.22

māghasya vā ity āhuḥ / (soma: gavāmayana)

or of Māgha, they say.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.23

tad ubhayam vyuditām /

Both [opinions] are expressed.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.24

taiṣasya tvā iva uditataram iva /

That of Taiṣa, however, is somewhat more commonly accepted.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.25

ta etam trayodaśam adhicaram māsam āpnuvanti / (soma: gavāmayana)

They reach this thirteenth intercalary month.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.26

etāvān vai saṃvatsaro yad eṣa trayodaśo māsaḥ /

The year is just this much: this thirteenth month.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.27

tad atra eva sarvaḥ saṃvatsara āpto bhavati / (soma: gavāmayana)

Thus the whole year is obtained right here.

for it for Vāyu (saying), ‘Vāyu is clearly the symbol of Prajāpati.’ Others again make it for Agni as desire; Agni as desire is lord of the gods; verily (it serves) to delight all the gods. Some make the cake for the victim for Vaiçvānara; Vaiçvānara is he yonder that gives heat; verily thus they delight him. They make ready beforehand the Soma pressings for the consecration. ‘They should consecrate themselves on one day after the new moon of Taiṣa or of Māgha,’ they say; both of these views are current, but that as to Taiṣa is the more current as it were. They obtain this thirteenth additional month; the year is as great as this thirteenth month; in it verily the whole year is obtained.

19.1.28

sa vai māghasya amāvāsyāyām upavasaty udann āvartsyan /

He indeed fasts on the new moon day of Māgha, being about to turn north.

xix. 3. On the new moon of Māgha he rests, being about to turn northwards; these also rest, being about to sacrifice with the introductory Atirātra; thus for the first time they obtain him; on him they lay hold with the Caturviñça; that is why the laying hold rite has its name. He goes north for six months; him they follow with six-day periods in forward arrangement. Having gone north for six months he stands still, being about to turn southwards; these also rest, being about to sacrifice with the Viṣuvant day; thus for the second time they obtain him. He goes south for six months; him they follow with six-month periods in reverse order. Having gone south for six months he stands still, being about to turn north; these also rest, being about to sacrifice with the Mahāvrata day; thus for the third time they obtain him. In that they obtain him thrice, and the year is in three ways arranged, verily (it serves) to obtain the year. With regard to this this sacrificial verse is sung,

19.1.29

upa ime vasanti / (soma: gavāmayana)

These [sacrificers] observe the fast,