History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v5.c71.s1.18

v5.c71.s1.18

Another word is *aṁhas*. The following passages may be cited. In Ṛg II. 28 6 Varuṇa is implored 'remove *aṁhas* (sin) as one removes the rope from the (neck) of the calf; one has not the power even to wink without you (your favour)'⁷ It should be noted that in the preceding verse (II 28 5) already quoted the simile of the girdle is employed with regard to *āgas*. 'May Indra take us away from *aṁhas* as persons on both sides (of a river) call one who is going in a boat' (Ṛg III. 32 14), 'No evil caused by the gods or by men reaches him from any side who worships Agni with fuel, oblation or sacrifices'⁸ Ṛg VIII. 19. 6, 'May Aditi, the mother of the affluent Mitra and Varuṇa, save us from all sin' (Ṛg. X. 36. 3).⁹ Ṛg. X. 36. 2 also prays Heaven and Earth, the upholders of ṛta, to protect the sage from 'aṁhas'. Vide also Ṛg X. 126. 2.