Gobhilagrihyasutra 4.10

To the north of the place (in which the Arghya reception will be offered to a guest), they should bind a cow (to a post or the like), and should (reverentially) approach it with (the verse), 'Arhanâ putra vâsa' (MB. II, 8, 1).

(The guest to whom the Arghya reception is going to be offered) should come forward murmuring, 'Here I tread on this Padyâ Virâg for the sake of the enjoyment of food' (ibid. 2).

(He should do so) where they are going to perform the Arghya ceremony for him,

Or when they perform it.

Let them announce three times (to the guest) separately (each of the following things which are brought to him): a bed (of grass to sit down on), water for washing the feet, the Argha water, water for sipping, and the Madhuparka (i.e. a mixture of ghee, curds, and honey).

Let him spread out the bed (of grass, so that the points of the grass are) turned to the north, with (the verse), 'The herbs which' (MB. II, 8, 3), and let him sit down thereon;

If there are two (beds of grass), with the two (verses) separately (MB. II, 8, 3. 4);

On the second (he treads) with the feet.

Let him look at the water (with which he is to wash his feet), with (the formula), 'From which side I see the goddesses' (ibid. 5).

Let him wash his left foot with (the formula), 'The left foot I wash;' let him wash his right foot with (the formula), 'The right foot I wash' (MB. II. 8, 6. 7);

Both with the rest (of the Mantra, i.e. with the formula), 'First the one, then the other' (II, 8, 8).

Let him accept the Arghya water with (the formula), 'Thou art the queen of food' (ibid. 9).

The water (offered to him) for sipping he should sip with (the formula), 'Glory art thou' (ibid. 10).

The Madhuparka he should accept with (the formula), 'The glory's glory art thou' (ibid. 11).

Let him drink (of it) three times with (the formula which he repeats thrice), 'The glory's food art thou; the might's food art thou; the bliss's food art thou; bestow bliss on me' (MB. II, 8, 12);

Silently a fourth time.

Having drunk more of it, he should give the remainder to a Brâhmana.

After he has sipped water, the barber should thrice say to him, 'A cow!'

He should reply, 'Let loose the cow from the fetter of Varuna; bind (with it) him who hates me. Kill him and (the enemy) of N.N., (the enemies) of both (myself and N.N.). Deliver the cow; let it eat grass, let it drink water' (MB. II, 8, 13).

(And after the cow has been set at liberty), let him address it with (the verse), 'The mother of the Rudras' (MB. II, 8, 14).

Thus if it is no sacrifice (at which the Arghya reception is offered),

(He should say), 'Make it (ready),' if it is a sacrifice.

There are six persons to whom the Arghya reception is due, (namely),

A teacher, an officiating priest, a Snâtaka, a king, the father-in-law, a friend coming as a guest.

They should offer the Arghya reception (to such persons not more than) once a year.

But repeatedly in the case of a sacrifice and of a wedding. But repeatedly in the case of a sacrifice and of a wedding.
End of the Fourth Prapâthaka.