I, 7

KANDIKÂ 7.

1 1. He then makes her tread on a stone, to the north of the fire, with her right foot, (repeating the

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verse,) 'Tread on this stone; like a stone be firm. Tread the foes down; turn away the enemies.'

2. He then sings a song: 'Sarasvatî! Promote this (our undertaking), O gracious one, bountiful one, thou whom we sing first of all that is, in whom what is, has been born, in whom this whole world dwells—that song I will sing to-day which will be the highest glory of women.'

3. They then go round (the fire) with (the verse, which the bridegroom repeats,)

'To thee they have in the beginning carried round Sûryâ (the Sun-bride) with the bridal procession. Mayst thou give back, Agni, to the husbands the wife together with offspring.'

4 4. Thus (the same rites are repeated) twice again, beginning from the fried grain.

5 5. The fourth time she pours the whole fried grain by the neb of a basket (into the fire) with (the words), 'To Bhaga svâhâ!'

6. After he has led her round (the fire) three times, and has sacrificed the oblation to Pragâpati—

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