of the identity of Agni with Brahman
and Rudra.

395. Pravartakam implies leading to Pravritti for righteous acts or
Chittasuddhi.

396. The commentator explains that the Pitris should be worshipped on the
day of the New moon, the deities should then be worshipped on the first
day of the lighted fortnight. Or, on any other day of the lighted
fortnight, the Pitri-sacrifice or Sraddha should be performed first; the
Deva-sacrifice or Ishti should then be performed.

397. Anwaharyam, the commentator explains, is paschatkartavyam, i.e.,
subsequently performable (subsequent, i.e., to the worship of the gods).
There is a special ordinance, however, which lays down that the Sraddha
should be performed on the afternoon of the day of the new moon. The gods
should be adored on the first day of the lighted fortnight. Hence, owing
to this especial ordinance, the Sraddha must precede the worship of the
gods, and not succeed it.

398. Masha, is the Phascolus Roxburghii.

399. It is difficult to understand what is meant by Vadhrinasa here. It
means either a large bull, or a kind of bird, or a variety of the goat.
Probably the bull is intended.

400. Pitrikshaye is mrita-tithau. Kalasaka is explained by Nilakantha as
identical with the common potherb called Shuka or the country sorrel
(Rumex visicarius, Linn). Some hold that it is something like the sorrel.
Lauham is the petals of the Kanchana flower (Bauhinia acuminata, Linn).

401. To this day the sanctity of Gaya is universally recognised by all
Hindus. Sraddhas are performed there under the banian called the Akshaya
or inexhaustible banian.

402. All religious acts are either nitya or kamya. The former imply acts
that are obligatory and by doing which no particular merit is acquired
but by not doing which sin is incurred. The latter imply those optional
acts which, if done, produce merit but which, if omitted, leads to no sin.

403. Literally, 'set in motion a body of kings,' i.e., become an
Overlord.

404. When Brahmanas are fed, they are made to sit in long lines. They
that are stained with vices are excluded from the line. Such exclusion
from the line is regarded as equal to complete outlawry.

405. i.e., who have undergone a natural circumcision.

406. Implying soothsayers.

407. This is a common form of expression to imply the fruitlessness of an
act. Libations should be poured on the blazing fire. If poured on the
ashes, they lead to no merit, for only Agni in