1920.] Hindu Astronomical Deities. 73 
extend on one hand his brilliant and infinite 
power, or, on the other, bring on the blackness 
of nig 
*¢ This day, O gods, while Sirya is rising, deliver us 
from grievous sin. Ma Mitra, Varuna, diti, 
Ocean, Earth and Heaven grant ‘this (prayer).”” 
The following passage from the Vishnu ae? A 8) is 
naive comment on the practice of sun worship : e pe jes Teh 
ance of the Samdh ya sacrifice must never, eth . delayed ; 
for he who neglects it is guilty of the murder of the Sun. 
Protected thus by the Brahmans and the Valakhilyas, the sun 
goes on his course to give light to the world.” 
Present Practice—Planetary Worship. 
18. There is a practice of a different type altogether from 
that just described. The following details pertain prnpgrneae 
to the wtp connected with the investiture of the sacred 
thread. On a small ee about eighteen inches square a tote 
with eight ais petals is drawn and each of the petals is 
smeared with the copes colour of the planet to which it 
is assigned. The celebrant places on the lotus figure in the 
proper order either images of the planets or pieces of metal, etc. 
ymbols, pieces of coloured cloth, 
net. 
Meditation on the form and symbolism of each planet follows 
and offerings of special food to a are made.! The mate- 
rials for the sacrifice are then consecrated : special fuel for each 
planet having been gathered ner prepared the homa is offered 
with appropriate mantras. Such is the merest outline? of a 
very lengthy ritual to which the feats part of a day is devot- 
ed. On other occasions (e.g. marriages), a briefer ceremony is 
practised.* 
INFLUENCES. 
19. Certain evidence relating to sun and planet worship 
in India has been given in outline. From Vedic times to the 
1 hae details as to the symbols, colours, positions, etc. see the tables 
in $16 
2 This brief description is based — a Kumaon Paddhati. See also 
the eae Purana Ch. |xxii and Ixx 
§ For references to sun and sianat worship among non-Brahman 
communities see W. CRooKE The Tribes and Castes of the North-Western 
Provinces and Oudh i, 109; ii, 185, 421, 460; iii, 112, 132, 247, 311, 378, 
36; iv,88,ete. T.C. Hopson The Naga Tribes of Manipur, 169,170; The 
Meitheis, p. 103, ete 
