Agni is truly the Hotri and the performer of sacrifices.
Agni is again the Brahma of the sacrifice. No libations can be poured
into sacrificial fire without uttering mantras; there can be no penances
without a person to perform them; the worship of the deities and men and
the Rishis is accomplished by the libations poured with mantras. Hence, O
Agni, thou hast been regarded as the Hotri in sacrifices.[1855] Thou art,
again, all the other mantras that have been declared in respect of the
Homa rites of men. For the Brahmanas the duty is ordained of officiating
for others in the sacrifices they perform. The two other orders, viz.,
Kshatras and Vaisyas, that are included within the regenerate or
twice-born class, have not the same duty prescribed for them. Hence,
Brahmanas are like Agni, who uphold sacrifices. The sacrifices (which the
Brahmanas perform) strengthen the deities. Strengthened in this way, the
deities fructify the Earth (and thereby support all living creatures).
But the result that may be achieved by the foremost of sacrifices may as
well be accomplished through the mouth of the Brahmanas. That learned
person who offers food into the mouth of a Brahmana is said to pour
libations into the sacred fire for gratifying the deities. In this way
the Brahmanas have come to be regarded as Agni. They that are possessed
of learning adore Agni. Agni, is again, Vishnu. Entering all creatures,
he upholds their life-breaths. In this connection there is a verse sung
by Sanatkumara.
Pages:
2591
2592
2593
2594
2595
2596
2597
2598
2599
2600
2601
2602
2603
2604
2605
2606
2607
2608
2609
2610
2611
2612
2613
2614
2615