Kauṣītaki (Śāṅkhāyana) Brāhmaṇa 29.7.13

29.7.13

daśarcam bhavati /

xxix. 8. It is of ten verses ; these breaths are ten; verily thus he places these breaths in the sacrifice and in the sacrificers; the midday (performances) of the Hotrakas consist of two hymns, to counterpoise the Hotṛ's two litanies. Moreover, the Hotṛ is the year, the Hotrakas the seasons; in that the seasons being united in couples are called summer, the rains, and winter, therefore the midday (performances) of the Hotrakas consist of two hymns. Moreover, the Hotṛ is the body, the Hotrakas the limbs; in that the limbs are twofold, therefore the midday (performances) of the Hotrakas consist of two hymns. Having recited at the morning pressings the over recitation of the Stomas, they recite the Ahīna hymns at the midday (pressings) on the Caturviñça, Abhijit, Viṣuvant, Viçvajit and Mahāvrata days, for these days are not deficient. Having recited the Ahīna hymns (on these days) those of the one day (rite) they recite. These days are turned away and not returning; in that having recited the Ahīna hymns, they recite those of the one day (rite), and the one day (rite) is a support, verily (they serve) for support. Five hymns each time the Maitrāvaruṇa recites in all the Chandomas ; the Chandomas are cattle; cattle are fivefold; verily (they serve) to obtain cattle. Four each the Brāhmaṇācchaṅsin and the Achāvāka; the Chandomas are cattle; cattle are fourfold and also four-footed; verily (they serve) to obtain cattle. The Çastras have five calls; the litanies are cattle; cattle are fivefold; verily (they serve) to win cattle. The offering verses of the litanies are from the one day (rite); the one day (rite) is a support; verily (they serve) for support. They say the second _vaṣaṭ_, for the healing of the libations, for the support of the libations.