II, 13

KHANDA 13.

1. Now (follow) the rules regarding the staff.

2. Let him not leave a passage between himself and the staff.

3 3. Now should any one of these things, viz. staff, girdle, or sacrificial cord, break or rend, the same penance (takes place) therefore which (has been prescribed) at the wedding with regard to the chariot.

4. If the girdle cannot be repaired, he makes another and speaks over it (the following verses):

5. 'Thou who knowest the distinction of pure and impure, divine protectress Sarasvatî, O girdle, prolong my vow unimpaired, unbroken.

'Thou, Agni, art the pure bearer of vows. Agni, carry hither the gods to our sacrifice and our oblation.

'Bearing the vows, the infallible protector of vows, be our messenger, undecaying and mighty. Giving treasures, merciful, Agni, protect us, that we may live, Gâtavedas!

6. And he ties the sacrificial cord to the staff.

7. Here it is said also:

p. 84

8 8. 'Let him sacrifice the sacrificial cord and the staff, the girdle and also the skin in water after the completion of his vow with a Varuna-verse or with the essence (of the Vedas, i.e. the syllable Om).

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