The Orion, or Researches into the Antiquity of the Vedas c10.2

c10.2

*Agrahâyana* = *Âgrayana* in the older works—Probable derivation of *hâyana*—The *Âgrayana* sacrifices—Their number and nature—Performed every half-year in Vasanta and Sharad—Greek legends of Orion—Their similarity to Vedic legends—German traditions and festivities—Stag and hind—Twelve nights—Dog-days—All of which indicate the commencement of the year in Orion—Dr. Kuhn's explanation is insufficient—The usual adjuncts of Orion—His belt, staff and lion's skin—The *avyaonghana* of Haoma in the Avesta—The *yajnopavîta* of the Brâhmans—Their sacred character probably borrowed from the belt of Orion or Yajna—Use of *mekhalâ*, *ajina* and *danda* in the Upanayana ceremony—Probably in imitation of the costume of Orion or Prajâpati, the first of the Brâhmans—Derivation of Orion from *Âgrayana*—Its probability—Phonetic difficulties—Conclusion.