n contact with the
fire called Devagni, then the Ashtakapala rites must be performed in
honour of the fire Suchi for rectification. And if the perpetual fire is
touched by a woman in her monthly course, then for rectification the
Ashtakapala rites must be performed in honour of the fire called
Dasyuman. If at the time of the performance of this Agnihotra rites the
death of any creature is spoken of, or if animals die, then rectification
must be made with the performance of the Ashtakapala rites in honour of
the Suraman fire. The Brahmana, who while suffering from a disease is
unable to offer oblations to the sacred fire for three nights, must make
amends for the same by performing the Ashtakapala rites in honour of the
northern fire. He who has performed the Darsa and the Paurnamasya rites
must make the rectification with the performance of the Ashtakapala rites
in honour of the Patikrit fire. If the fire of a lying-in room comes in
contact with the perpetual sacred fire, then rectification must be made
with the performance of Ashtakapala rites in honour of the Agniman fire.'"

SECTION CCXXI

Markandeya continued, "Mudita, the favourite wife of the fire Swaha, used
to live in water. And Swaha who was the regent of the earth and sky beget
in that wife of his a highly sacred fire called Advanta. There is a
tradition amongst learned Brahmanas that this fire is the ruler and inner
soul of all creatures. He is worshipful, resplendent and the lord of all
the great Bhutas here. And that fire, under the name of Grihapati, is
ever worshipped at all sacrifices and conveys all the oblations that are
made in this world. That great son of Swaha--the great Adbhuta fire is
the soul of the waters and the prince and regent of the sky and the lord
of everything great. His (son), the Bharata fire, consumes the dead
bodies of all creatures. His first Kratu is known as Niyata at the
performance of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. That powerful prime fire (Swaha)
is always missed by the gods, because when he sees Niyata approaching him
he hides himself in the sea from fear of contamination. Searching for him
in every direction, the gods could not (once) find him out and on
beholding Atharvan the fire said to him, 'O valiant being, do thou carry
the oblations for the gods! I am disabled from want of strength.
Attaining the state of the red-eyed fire, do thou condescend to do me
this favour!' Having thus advised Atharvan, the fire went away to so