The History of Indian Literature c8.300.1

c8.300.1

In the first place, as regards the Saṃhitá of the White Yajus, the *Vájasaneyi-Saṃhitá*, it is extant in both recensions in 40 *adhyáyas*. In the Mádhyaṃdina recension these are divided into 303 *anuvákas* and 1975 *kaṇḍikás*. The first 25 *adhyáyas* contain the formulas for the general sacrificial ceremonial;¹²¹ first (i., ii.) for the new and fullmoon sacrifice; then (iii.) for the morning and evening fire sacrifice, as well as for the sacrifices to be offered every four months at the commencement of the three seasons; next (iv.–viii.) for the Soma sacrifice in general, and (ix., x.) for two modifications of it; next (xi.–xviii.) for the construction of altars for sacred fires; next (xix.–xxi.) for the *sautrámaṇí*, a ceremony originally appointed to expiate the evil effects of too free indulgence in the Soma drink; and lastly (xxii.–xxv.) for the horse sacrifice. The last seven of these *adhyáyas* may possibly be regarded as a later addition to the first eighteen. At any rate it is certain that the last fifteen *adhyáyas* which follow them are of later, and possibly of considerably later, origin. In the Anukramaṇí of the White Yajus, which bears the name of Kátyáyana, as well as in a Pariśishṭa¹²² to it, and subsequently also in Mahídhara’s commentary on the Saṃhitá, xxvi.–xxxv. are expressly called a *Khila*, or supplement, and xxxvi.–xl., *Śukriya*, a name above explained.