History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v3.c48.53.1

v3.c48.53.1

Then follows *nirvāpa*²³⁰¹ (taking out handfuls of grains or a portion of other sacrificial material). The adhvaryu takes in his hand the ladle called agnihotra-havaṇī with 'thou art made of a tree for dakṣa' (strength). Then he holds it in his left hand and takes the winnowing basket (śūrpa) in his right hand with 'to thee for the all-pervading (yajña)'. Then he heats it (ladle) on the gārhapatya fire with 'the *rakṣas* (evil spirit) is burnt, the enemies are burnt'. He then touches water.²³⁰² The adhvaryu asks the permission of the sacrificer in the words 'sacrificer! shall I take out sacrificial material' and the sacrificer replies 'yes, do take out'. The adhvaryu then utters the words 'I go towards the wide space' and approaches a cart or wooden frame (śakaṭa) standing to the west of the āhavanīya or gārhapatya containing either rice or barley grains (in the husk), which has the shafts turned to the east or north, which has the yoke joined to it and is covered with mats. While touching the right side of the yoke he mutters 'thou art dhūr (destructive fire), injure the destructive (enemy), destroy him who seeks to destroy us and whom we seek to destroy'. He touches the left shaft and mutters the mantra 'thou art of the gods (i. e. belongest to them), thou art the purest (or the most generous), the fullest, the dearest, the best carrier, the best summoner of the gods'.