ose
articles of his own food, consisting of fruits and roots, and all those
kinds of staple grains that were agreeable to him, were carefully thought
of by that sage possessed of wealth of penances. On the day of the New
moon he invited a number of adorable Brahmanas (to his asylum). Possessed
of great wisdom, Nimi caused them to be seated on seats (of Kusa grass)
and honoured them by going around their persons. Approaching seven such
Brahmanas whom he had brought to his abode together, the puissant Nimi
gave unto them food consisting of Syamaka rice, unmixed with salt.
Towards the feet of those Brahmanas engaged in eating the food that was
served unto them a number of Kusa blades was spread out on the seats they
occupied, with the top ends of the blades directed towards the south.
With a pure body and mind and with concentrated attention, Nimi, having
placed those blades of sacred grass in the way indicated, offered cakes
of rice unto his dead son, uttering his name and family. Having done
this, that foremost of Munis became filled with regret at the idea of
having achieved an act that had not (to his knowledge) been laid down in
any of the scriptures. Indeed, filled with regret he began to think of
what he had done.[412] 'Never done before by the Munis, alas, what have I
done! How shall I (for having done an act that has not been ordained)
avoid being cursed by the Brahmanas (as an introducer of strange rites)?'
He then thought of the original progenitor of his race. As soon as he was
thought of, Atri endued with wealth of penances came there. Beholding him
exceedingly afflicted with grief on account of the death of his son, the
immortal Atri comforted him with agreeable counsels. He said unto him, 'O
Muni, this rite that thou hast conceived, is a sacrifice in honour of the
Pitris. Let no fear be thine, O thou that art possessed of the wealth of
asceticism! The Grandsire Brahman himself, in days of old, laid it down!
This rite that thou hast conceived has been ordained by the Self-born
himself. Who else than the Self-born could ordain this ritual in
Sraddhas? I shall presently tell thee, O son, the excellent ordinance
laid down in respect of Sraddhas. Ordained by the Self-born himself, O
son, do thou follow it. Listen to me first! Having first performed the
Karana on the sacred fire with the aid of Mantras, O thou that art
possessed of wealth of penances, one should always pour libations next
unto the deity of fire, and