Satapatha Bramhana Part 02

This is a summary of the provided English text, focusing on the content of the "Satapatha-Brâhmana Part 02" translated by Julius Eggeling, as presented in the scanned pages. Please note that the provided text is only the beginning of the Satapatha-Brâhmana, specifically the Introduction and the first few sections of the Third Kânda. Therefore, this summary will reflect the content available in the provided pages.

Book Title: Satapatha-Brâhmana Part 02 Author: Julius Eggeling Publisher: Oxford Part of: The Sacred Books of the East, Vol. XXVI

Overall Content of the Provided Text:

The provided scanned pages are from the second part of Julius Eggeling's translation of the Satapatha-Brâhmana, specifically covering Books III and IV. The text begins with a substantial Introduction discussing the significance of the Soma-sacrifice, its Indo-Iranian connections, the mythology surrounding Soma (its earthly and celestial aspects, its identification with the moon and the sun), its relationship with Indra, and the symbolic interpretations of various phenomena related to the Soma cult.

The Introduction also delves into scholarly discussions and debates regarding the interpretation of key terms and myths, referencing scholars like F. Windischmann, A. Kuhn, M. A. Bergaigne, Professor Roth, Grassmann, and Professor Whitney. It touches upon the complexity and sometimes ambiguity of Vedic concepts related to Soma and the challenges in their precise interpretation.

The main body of the text then transitions into Book III, which details various stages and aspects of the Soma-sacrifice. The provided pages cover:

• The Dîkshâ (Consecration):

  • Choosing the sacrificial ground (highest, even, firm, sloping towards east or north).
  • Rules for the consecrated person, including restrictions on food and interaction with others.
  • The shaving and cutting of nails as purification.
  • Putting on the consecrated garment and its symbolic meaning (cow's skin).
  • The rite of consecration in water (apsudîkshâ).
  • Specific pronouncements and actions during consecration, emphasizing purity and divine connection.
  • The preparation of the hall and its significance.

• The Prâyaniyeshți (Opening Sacrifice):

  • The preparation of the rice-pap for Aditi, symbolizing Aditi's role in the sacrifice and her exclusion from it initially.
  • The subsequent inclusion of Aditi and the subsequent recognition of the sacrifice through various deities (Pathyâ Svasti, Agni, Soma, Savitri, Aditi).
  • The symbolic meaning of the five deities in recognizing the sacrifice and the seasons.
  • The explanation of the Prayaniya and Udayaniya oblations.

• The Hiraṇyavatî-âhuti (Offering with Gold) and Homage to the Soma-cow:

  • The myth of Soma's descent from the sky, stolen by Gandharvas, and retrieved by Vāk.
  • The symbolic meaning of gold as light and connection to Agni.
  • The cow as a representation of Vāk, and the process of purchasing Soma with the cow.
  • The elaborate bargaining for Soma, symbolizing the acquisition of divine essence.
  • The ritualistic details of handling the Soma-plant, including the use of cloths and headbands.

• The Procession and Entrance of King Soma:

  • The ritual of moving the Soma-plant to the sacrificial ground.
  • The use of ox-hide and other materials for carrying Soma.
  • The symbolic significance of the cart and its components.
  • The role of the Subrahmanyâ litany and the symbolism of the palâsa branch.
  • The ritual of yoking the oxen and the implications of their color.
  • The mythological narrative of Soma being brought down by Gayatri.

• Preparation of the Soma Altar with the High Altar:

  • The laying out of the ground plan for the altar, its measurements, and the symbolic significance of these dimensions related to metres.
  • The construction of the high altar (uttara-vedi) and its symbolic representation (nose of the sacrifice).
  • The myth of the gods and Angiras performing the Soma sacrifice and the role of Agni as messenger.
  • The concept of the sacrifice as Vāk (speech) and its relation to the high altar.

• The Agni-pranayana (Leading Forward of the Fire):

  • Transferring the Āhavanîya fire to the high altar.
  • The symbolic meaning of the procession and the role of different priests.
  • The sprinkling of the altar with water and ghee, and its purpose of purification and protection.
  • The oblations to different deities representing various cosmic forces and spiritual concepts.

• The Dhishnya-hearths:

  • Their nature as "congeners" of the sacrifice.
  • The myth of Soma being Vritra and his eventual subjugation and transformation.
  • The role of Gayatri and the retrieval of Soma.
  • The significance of the hearths as protectors of Soma.
  • The concept of "two names" and the importance of knowing them for prosperity.
  • The connection of the sacrifice with the vital airs and the deities.

• The Vaisargina Offerings and Leading Forward of Agni and Soma:

  • The reason for these offerings: "setting free" or "producing" this All.
  • Vishnu as the sacrifice and his strides across the worlds.
  • The ritualistic procedures of preparing the ground, handling the Soma, and making offerings.

• The Animal Sacrifice to Agni and Soma:

  • Setting up the Sacrificial Stake (Yūpa): The importance of the stake, its origin (from Soma's body), its symbolism as a thunderbolt, the ritual of selecting, cutting, and setting it up, and the various interpretations of its length.
  • Killing of the Victim: The necessity of the stake for animal sacrifice, the gods' method of making animals submit to being slaughtered (by introducing fire), the sacrificer's role in binding the victim, and the symbolic significance of the actions.
  • Oblations: The explanation of fore-offerings (Âpri verses) as filling the sacrificer's depleted self, the significance of eleven fore-offerings, the process of cutting portions of the victim, the offering of the omentum (vapa) and fat-juice (vasa), and the subsequent ceremonies.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• Symbolism: The Satapatha-Brâhmana is rich in symbolism, where each action, object, and formula in the ritual is imbued with deeper meaning related to cosmology, the divine, and human existence.
• Soma Mythology: A central theme is the elaborate mythology surrounding Soma, its celestial and earthly forms, its capture, and its role as a divine drink that bestows power and immortality.
• Ritualistic Detail: The text meticulously describes the sequence of actions, mantras, and materials used in the complex Soma sacrifice, emphasizing purity and proper performance.
• Cosmic Order: Many rituals are explained as attempts to maintain or restore cosmic order, reflecting the interconnectedness of the divine, human, and natural realms.
• Transformation and Regeneration: The consecration (dîkshâ) and other rites are presented as processes of purification, transformation, and spiritual regeneration for the sacrificer.
• Scholarly Debate: The Introduction highlights the ongoing scholarly discussions and differing interpretations of the Vedic texts, particularly concerning the nature and mythology of Soma.

This summary is based solely on the content provided. The full Satapatha-Brâhmana is a vast and intricate work with many more sections and complex rituals.