326 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
etc.) may be offered, as there can be no Madhuparka without flesh or if one is unable to offer flesh one may cook ground grains.
Thus the essential element in Madhuparka is flesh and particularly cow’s flesh.
The killing of cow for the guest had grown to such an extent that the guest came to be called ‘Go-ghna’ which means the killer of the cow. To avoid this slaughter of the cows the Ashvalayana Grahya Sutra (1.24.25) suggests that the cow should be let loose when the guest comes so as to escape the rule of etiquette.
Thirdly, reference may be made to the ritual relating to disposal of the dead to counter the testimony of the Apastamba Dharma Sutra. The Sutra says [1] : “1. He should then put the following (sacrificial) implements (on the dead body)
Into the right hand the (spoon called) Guhu.
Into the left the (other spoon called) Upabhrit.
On his right side the wooden sacrificial sword called Sphya, on his left side the Agnihotrahavani (i.e., the laddle with which the Agnihotra oblations are sacrified).
On his chest the (big sacrificial laddle called) Dhruva. On his head the dishes. On his teeth the pressing stones.
On the two sides of his nose, the two smaller sacrificial laddies called Sruvas.
Or, if there is only one (Sruva), breaking it (in two pieces).
On his two ears the two Prasitraharanas (i.e, the vessels into which the portion of the sacrificial food belonging to the Brahmin) is put
Or, if there is only one (Prasitraharana), breaking it (in two pieces).
On his belly the (vessel called) Patri.
And the cup into which the cut-off portion (of the sacrificial food) are put.
On his secret parts the (staff called) Samy.
On his thighs two kindling woods.
On his legs the mortar and the pestle.
On his feet the two baskets.
Or, if there is only one (basket), breaking it in two pieces.
Those of the implements which have a hollow (into which liquids can be poured) are filled with sprinkled butter.
1 Kane’s vol. II. Part I p. 545.