34 On Ordeals. [No. 1, 



Mandalat, " from circle" (means) from the beginning of the circle. 

 The space occupied by a circle and the intervals between it and the 

 next, should be thirty-two fingers ; that is the meaning (of the pas- 



Amongst these the circle occupies (a space of) sixteen fingers, and 

 the interval between two circles as much, because Yajnavalkya says ; 

 " it ought to be known, that (each) circle occupies sixteen fingers, and 

 the interval (between two) as much." 



If the foot-print of the person who is to be cleared (by the 

 ordeal) (occupies) more than sixteen fingers, then the distance be- 

 tween the two circles should be made less than sixteen fingers. If the 

 (foot-print) of the person who is to be cleared (by the ordeal) 

 (occupies) less than sixteen fingers, then another circle, just as broad 

 as his foot-print, ought to be drawn inside the circle occupying sixteen 

 fingers. 



But if Narada has written (these words), "thus two hundred, ex- 

 ceeded by forty (should be the measure), if (one) measures the 

 space by fingers," that is to be understood (of the first eight circles), 

 leaving out the portion of ground between the eighth and ninth circle, 

 because it is not necessary for the accused to step through that. 



If the reading of the Kalpataru is ; " the ground prepared is thus 

 said to be (two hundred) and twenty-four (fingers)," the number of the 

 fingers must be added up, leaving out the first circle, where the accused 

 stands (and takes the fire on his hands). 



" Blades of Kuca-grass ought to be placed in every circle, according 

 to the injunction of the institutes of law, and the accused should place 

 his foot on these ; that is the rule." 



In the Mitaxara and in the Madanaratna (we read) : 



" He should offer in the fire one hundred and eight oblations of 

 clarified butter, in order to propitiate (it),!.' 



And Vijnanecvara (says), that this burnt-offering should be offered 

 with the prayer, " To Agni, the purifier, Svaha." 



Narada (says) : 



" A man who is by caste a smith, or expert in working with fire, 

 or otherwise acquainted with the proceeding, should heat the iron in 

 the fire — a ball of iron (heated till it becomes) of the colour of fire, 

 throwing sparks, well prepared." 



