OR SACRED WRITINGS OF THE HINDUS. 43$ 



import of revelation*, promptly celebrate that 

 immortal being, the mysteriously existing and 

 various abode : he, who knows its three states [its 

 creation, continuance and destruction], which are 

 involved in mystery, is father of the father. That 

 [B)'aht}ie], in whom the gods attain immortality, 

 while they abide in the third [or celestial] region, 

 is our venerable parent, and the providence which 

 governs all worlds. 



* Knowing the elements, discovering the worlds, 

 and recognising all regions and quarters [to be 

 him], and worshipping [speech or revelation, who 

 is] the first-born, the votary pervades the animating 

 spirit of solemn sacrifice by means of [his own] 

 soul. Recognizing heaven, earth, and sky [to be 

 him], knowing the worlds, discovering space and 

 (swar) the solar orb [to be the same], he views 

 that being: he becomes that being; and is identi- 

 fied with him, on completing the broad web of 

 the solemn sacrifice. 



" For opulence and wisdom, I solicit this won- 

 derful lord of the altar, the friend of Ixdra, most 

 desirable [fire] : may this oblation be effectual. 

 Fire ! make me, this day, wise by means of that 

 wisdom, which the gods and the fathers worship : 

 be this oblation efficacious. May Varu'na grant 

 me wisdom ; may fire and Praja'pati confer on 

 me sapience ; may Indra and air vouchsafe me 



* For the word Gand'harba is here interpreted, as intending 

 one, who investigates holy writ. In another place (Asiatic Re- 

 searches, Vol. VII. p. 297), the same term signified the sun; 

 and should have been so translated, instead of " heavenly qui- 

 rister, or celestial chorister ;" whkh is rvot the meaning in that 

 place, though it be the mosL common acceptation of the wor5JI; 



Vol. Vm. F f 



