Hindu Administrative Institutions c7.s4.24

c7.s4.24

So much for the *rājasūya*. As for the *vājapeya* its performance wins for the sacrificer everything here.² It is both for the Brahman and the *rājanya*.³ The latter by offering it becomes a *samrāṭ* or emperor.⁴ *Vājam* is strength and he who performs it becomes more strong than the others. In the *vājapeya* a *rājanya* shoots northward seventeen arrows showing that he is ruler over many a people,⁵ and the performer gets wealth and food, for the *vājapeya* is said to be the same as ‘*annapeya*’. The throne-seat of the *udumbara* wood spread over by goat skin is placed in a raised platform while his subjects sit below.⁶ He is seated for the welfare of the people.⁷ Food is sprinkled upon him and by this consecration he becomes the supreme ruler and a fellow of Bṛhaspati.⁸ He goes about to know the people’s well-being.⁹