Kauṣītaki (Śāṅkhāyana) Brāhmaṇa 9.p3

9.p3

ix. 1. Agni is the holy power; in that on the fast day they bring forward the fire, with the holy power do they strike away the evil of the sacrificer, in front with the Āhavanīya, behind with the Gārhapatya, on the north with the Āgnīdhrīya, on the south with the Mārjālīya, in the middle with those within the Sadas. Therefore on the fast day they lead forward the fire to the east, they take out the fires of the priests; verily (they serve) to smite away the evil of the sacrificer. The gods being about to consecrate themselves had recourse to speech, ‘Thou hast much and varied experience; but we wish to be compact of truth, compact of restraint.’ She desired a portion in the consecration, but the gods would not give her a share therein. She (desired a share) in the introductory sacrifice, and they would not (give) her (a share) therein; in the sale, and they would not (give) her (a share) therein; in the guest reception, and they would not (give) her (a share) therein. She did not at all approach the Upasads being as it were vexed; therefore there should they proceed inaudibly so that they can just hear one another. She came when the fire was being brought forward on the fast day; the gods gave her a share therein; therefore there first should he recite aloud, so that they may know that she has arrived and has been given a share in the sacrifice.