Kauṣītaki (Śāṅkhāyana) Brāhmaṇa 5.8

5.8.1

atha yad apara ahṇe pitṛ yajñena caranti /

Now, as to the fact that they perform the Pitṛyajña in the afternoon:

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.2

apakṣaya bhājau vai pitaraḥ /

the fathers have a share in the waning [part of the day].

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.3

tasmād apara ahṇe pitṛ yajñena caranti / (Cāturmāsya)

Therefore they perform the Pitṛyajña in the afternoon.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.4

tad āhur yad apara pakṣa bhājaḥ pitaro atha kasmād etān pūrva pakṣe yajanti iti / (Cāturmāsya)

Regarding this they say: "Since the fathers have a share in the dark fortnight, why then do they sacrifice to them in the bright fortnight?"

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.5

daivā vā ete pitaraḥ /

These fathers are divine.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.6

tasmād enān pūrva pakṣe yajanti /

Therefore they sacrifice to them in the bright fortnight.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.7

atha yad ekām sāmidhenīm anvāha / (Cāturmāsya)

Now, as to the fact that he recites one kindling verse:

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.8

sakṛd iva vai pitaraḥ /

the fathers are, as it were, once [for all].

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.9

tasmād ekām sāmidhenīm anvāha /

Therefore he recites one kindling verse.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.10

sā vā anuṣṭub bhavati / (Cāturmāsya)

It is an Anuṣṭubh.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.11

vāg anuṣṭup /

Speech is an Anuṣṭubh.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.12

parāñca u vai pitaraḥ /

And the fathers have turned away.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.13

tān eva etad vācā anuṣṭubhā āgamayati / (Cāturmāsya)

It is them that he causes to come by means of speech, the Anuṣṭubh.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.14

atha yad yajamānasya ārṣeyam na āha /

Now, as to the fact that he does not recite the ancestral lineage of the sacrificer:

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.15

na id yajamānam pravṛṇajāni iti / (Cāturmāsya)

[he does so thinking:] "Lest I should set apart the sacrificer [from the living]."

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.16

atha etam nigadam anvāha tasya uktam brāhmaṇam /

Now, he recites this ritual formula; the explanation for it has already been stated.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.17

atha yat somam pitṛmantam pitṝn vā somavataḥ pitṝn barhiṣadaḥ pitṝn agniṣv āttān ity āvāhayati / (Cāturmāsya)

Now, as to the fact that he invokes [with]: "Soma accompanied by the fathers", or "the fathers accompanied by Soma", "the fathers seated on the sacred grass", "the fathers consumed by Agni":

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.18

daivā vā ete pitaraḥ /

these fathers are divine.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.19

tasmād enān āvāhayati /

Therefore he invokes them.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.20

atha yad agnim kavya vāhanam āvāhayati / (Cāturmāsya)

Now, as to the fact that he invokes Agni Kavyavāhana:

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.21

etat sviṣṭakṛto vai pitaraḥ /

the fathers have this [deity] for their Sviṣṭakṛt.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.22

tasmād enam āvāhayati /

Therefore he invokes him.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.23

na ha eke svam mahimānam āvāhayanti yajamānasya eṣa mahimā iti vadantaḥ / (Cāturmāsya)

Some indeed do not invoke "his own greatness", saying: "This greatness belongs to the sacrificer."

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.24

āvāhayed iti tv eva sthitam /

However, it is established that he should invoke [it].

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.25

agner hy eva eṣa mahimā /

For this greatness belongs to Agni.

v. 6. In that in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers, (it is because) the fathers have the waning as their portion; therefore in the afternoon they proceed with the sacrifice to the fathers. They say 'Seeing that the fathers have the second half as their portion, then why do they sacrifice to them on the first half (of the month)?' The fathers are connected with the gods; therefore they sacrifice to them on the first half of the month. In that he recites one kindling verse only, it is because the fathers are one (offering) as it were, therefore he recites one kindling verse only. It is an Anuṣṭubh verse; the Anuṣṭubh is speech; the fathers are turned away; verily thus with the Anuṣṭubh as speech he causes them to come. In that he does not recite the Ṛṣi descent of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) 'Let me not place the sacrificer in the fire'. He recites this Nigada; the explanation of it has been given. In that he invites Soma with the fathers, or the fathers with Soma, the fathers sitting on this strew, and the fathers made ready by Agni, (it is because) the fathers are connected with the gods; therefore he unites them. In that he invites Agni, bearer of the oblations, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he invites him. Some do not invite his greatness, saying 'This is the greatness of the sacrificer'; but the rule is 'He should invite', for it is the greatness of Agni.

5.8.26

atha yat prayāja anuyājebhyo barhiṣmantā utsṛjati / (Cāturmāsya)

Now, as to the fact that he leaves out the two [verses] containing the word "sacred grass" from the fore-offerings and after-offerings:

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.27

prajā vai barhiḥ /

offspring is the sacred grass.

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.28

tena prajām pravṛṇajāni iti /

[He does so thinking:] "Lest I should exclude offspring thereby."

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.29

te vai ṣaḍ bhavanti /

They are indeed six.

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.30

ṣaḍ vā ṛtavaḥ / (Cāturmāsya)

There are six seasons.

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.31

ṛtavaḥ pitaraḥ /

The seasons are the fathers.

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.32

pitṝn eva tat prīṇāti /

It is the fathers he thus pleases.

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.33

atha yaj jīvanavantāv ājya bhāgau bhavataḥ / (Cāturmāsya)

Now, as to the fact that the two butter portions contain [the word] "living":

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.34

yajamānam eva taj jīvayati /

it is the sacrificer that he thus causes to live.

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.35

atha yat tisras tisra eka ekasya haviṣo bhavanti / (Cāturmāsya)

Now, as to the fact that there are three [verses] for each oblation:

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.36

trīṇi vai havīṃṣi bhavanti /

there are three oblations.

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.37

teṣām samavadyati /

He cuts off [portions] from them.

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.38

tasmāt tisras tisra eka ekasya haviṣo bhavanti / (Cāturmāsya)

Therefore there are three [verses] for each oblation.

there are three for each oblation. Moreover thus he discriminates the rite for the fathers from the rite for the gods. Now the fathers are at a great distance; verily he summons them with the first, brings them with the second, and offers with the third. In that he sacrifices at the end to Agni, bearer of the oblation, (it is because) the fathers are Sviṣṭakṛt's; therefore he sacrifices to him at the end. In that after invoking the sacrificial food and smelling it they do not eat it, (it is because they think) ‘The sacrificial food is cattle; let us not cast the sacrificer's cattle in the fire’. In that the Adhvaryu gives to the fathers, verily thus he delights the fathers. In that they cleanse themselves (in the place) where the filters are, and the waters are healing and medicine, verily thus at the end in the sacrifice are healing and medicine produced. In that they mutter the Ṛc, verily thus they produce a benediction. In that having gone north they reverence the Gārhapatya and the Āhavanīya, verily thus having given delight, they declare at the end their purpose to the gods. Moreover the sacrifice to the fathers is terminated in the south; verily thus they make it terminated in the north. In that having gone eastwards they reverence the sun, and the sun is the world of the gods, and the fathers are the world of the fathers, verily thus they ascend from the world of the fathers to the world of the gods. In that in the Sūktavāka he does not mention the name of the sacrificer, (it is because he thinks) ‘Let me not cast the sacrificer in the fire.’ In that they do not perform the offering to the wives with (the gods), (it is because they think) ‘Let us not cast the wives in the fire.’ In that having gone north they perform the offerings to Tryambaka, verily thus they delight Rudra in his own quarter. Moreover, the sacrifice to the fathers is terminated in the south; verily thus they make it terminated in the north. In that at the end having sacrificed he sacrifices with an Iṣṭi, (it is because) the Sākamedhas terminate in that; therefore at the end having sacrificed he sacrifices with an Iṣṭi. In that afterwards he sacrifices with the full moon offering, thus in the first half of the month he sacrifices with the Sākamedhas.

v. 7. In that from the fore-offerings and the after-offerings he leaves out the two for the strew, (it is because he thinks) 'The strew is offspring; let me not cast offspring in the fire.' They are six; the seasons are six; the fathers are the seasons; verily thus he delights the fathers. In that he offers the butter portions with the word 'living', verily thus he causes the sacrificer to live. In that there are three for each oblation, (it is because) there are three oblations, and he cuts off from them together; therefore

5.8.39

atho deva karmaṇā eva etat pitṛ karma vyāvartayati /

Moreover, he thereby separates the rite for the fathers from the rite for the gods.

5.8.40

atho parām u vai parāvatam pitaro gatāḥ /

Moreover, the fathers have gone to the furthest distance.

5.8.41

āhvayaty eva enān prathamayā / (Cāturmāsya)

He invokes them with the first [verse].

5.8.42

dvitīyayā āgamayati /

With the second, he causes them to come.

5.8.43

pra eva tṛtīyayā yacchati / (Cāturmāsya)

With the third, he presents [the oblation to them].