History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v3.c47.s1.14

v3.c47.s1.14

When the samidhs are offered into fire he (sacrificer) gives three heifers to the adhvaryu and a similar number to each of the brāhmaṇas who eat the brahmaudana. This brahmaudana along with the gifts of heifers and offering of samidhs may be performed daily for one year before the date of agnyādhāna. These samidhs must be offered by everyone intending to set up the three sacred fires 12 days, three days, two days or a day before the day of *agnyādheya*. He (sacrificer) has to keep certain observances viz. he does not partake of flesh, does not cohabit, others do not take away fire from his house; he subsists (for three days) only on milk or on boiled rice, he has to speak the truth and to avoid sleeping on a cot. If for some reason the sacrificer is unable to perform agnyādheya in a year (or 12 days &c.) from the time he offered brahmaudana he should again cook brahmaudana, offer the samidhs and then should perform agnyādhāna when he can do so.²²⁴⁴ On the night previous to the day of agnyādhāna the adhvaryu (according to Bharadvāja, all the priests) keeps certain observances viz. he does not eat flesh nor does he approach his wife.