The Orion, or Researches into the Antiquity of the Vedas c11.66

c11.66

† If Vritra is correctly identified with the constellation of Mrigashiras, we may on the same theory also explain why he is called Makhasyu in Rig. x. 73. 7. The appearance of Mriga, at the beginning of night indicated the commencement of the Dakshināyana when sacrifices were stopped. Vritra alias Mriga might thus come to be regarded as a destroyer of the sacrifices.