Hindu Administrative Institutions c7.s4.17

c7.s4.17

Then the king takes the throne-seat of *khadira* wood spread over by a tiger skin, pleasant and soft of touch. According to the *Aitareya Brāhmaṇa*, the king after the *pūrṇābhiṣeka* (renewed anointing) takes the throne-seat of *udumbara* wood,⁴ and pays homage to the holy power or Brahman. For when the lordly power falls under the influence of the holy power the kingdom is prosperous, rich in heroes : in it an heir is born.⁵ Afterwards the king descends from the throne,⁶ and follows the magic rites for defeating an enemy.⁷ The *adhvaryu* and his assistants silently strike him with sticks on his back to indicate that he is *adaṇḍya*, exempt from all punishment. Then he addresses the Brahman, of course the *purohita* for blessing and the latter blesses him that he is also Brahman. . . . Varuṇa of great power, mighty Indra, kindly Rudra, and closes with calling him by auspicious names much-worker, better-worker, more-worker.’ This suggests that by fulfilment of his *svadharma* in a true spirit he would make the land flow with milk and honey.