In Hindu Literature 229 



secrates his dwelling in the following manner. Pouring 

 water-gruel into the holes he recites, — 



" This branch of the immortal one I erect, a stream of 

 honey, promoting wealth. The child, the young one, cries 

 to it ; the cow shall low to it, the unceasingly fertile one." 



Putting an Udumbara branch which has been smeared 

 with ghee into the pit for the right door post he recites, — 



" This branch of the world I establish, a stream of 

 honey, promoting wealth. The child, the young one, cries 

 to it ; the cow shall low to it that has a young calf" 



Thus does he proceed until all of the post holes have 

 been similarly treated and the house has been consecrated 

 and invoked to wealth and numerous offspring such as is 

 bestowed by divine honey. 



Although the bees and their honey were eagerly sought 

 after and the bees cultivated as domestic animals by the 

 ancient Hindus, it seems that the voluntary entrance of a 

 swarm into a house was looked upon with suspicion and 

 the subject of such a visitation is enjoined thus : — 



" If the bees make honey in his house, — 



"Let him fast and sacrifice a hundred and eight pieces of 

 Udumbara wood, which are besmeared with curds, honey 

 and ghee, with the two verses, ' No harm to us in our 

 offspring. ' 



" And let him murmur the hymn, ' For welfare may Tndra 

 and Agni.' " 



Other sacrifices of wood have also to be made at different 

 seasons to quit him of possible harm from his intruding 

 guests. 



Honey has a place in other domestic ceremonies, but 

 plays its most celebrated role in the madhuparka offering, 

 which is made upon various occasions but is most widely 

 known in connection with the respectful reception of a 

 guest. 



