24 On Ordeals. [No. 1 



Udumbara-wood (Indian fig-tree) and the like ; thus (says) Madana. 



For this very reason, 



Pitamaha (says) : 



" Having cut (any) tree, that is fit to be used at the sacrifice, pre- 

 ceding the action, as in the case of the sacrificial post, with Mantras 

 (prayers from the Veda), and having worshipped the guardians of the 

 world, wise men should make the scales. The Mantra are addressed 

 to Soma, and to Vanaspati during the cutting, and muttered only. 

 Preceding the action by a Mantra as in the case of the Yupa (means 

 having muttered) : "0 tree, protect him, etc." 



The two Mantras addressed to Soma and Vanaspati, are both spoken 

 during the cutting, because on account of the Mantras being muttered 

 their object is not visible. (Which Mantras are called) saumyah, ad- 

 dressed to Soma, that is known. The Mantra addressed to Vanaspati is : 

 Vanaspate Qatavalcosvaroha, (R. V. III. 8.) The transferring of the 

 qualities of the Yupa to the scales (by the words) asya yupavat i. e. 

 in the case of this as in the case of the Yupa, causes the repetition 

 of something established (before). 



Pitamaha (says) : 



" But the scales should be made (in length) four hastas, and the side- 

 posts as long, the space between (the scales and the posts) should be 

 one hasta and a half." 



Vyasa (says) : 



" But two hastas of each side-post (of the scales) are to be dug into 

 the ground." 



Pitamaha (says further) : 

 \ " The scale beam is to be made four-cornered, firm, and straight, 

 and hoops should industriously be placed in three places (middle and 

 the two ends)." 



The same (goes on) : 



Having fastened the two basins to the two ends (of the beam), let 

 him place kuca-gras, the tops of which are directed to the east, also on 

 the two basins. 



Let him weigh those who undergo (the ordeal) on the western scale, 

 on the other (he shall place) clean clay, bricks or ashes, (but he shall) 

 avoid stones, potsherds, bones. 



Narada (says) : 



