Kauṣītaki (Śāṅkhāyana) Brāhmaṇa 5.8.7

5.8.7

atha yad ekām sāmidhenīm anvāha / (Cāturmāsya)

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.