Atharva Veda · 489 of 724

HYMN XII

HYMN XII 1. The man, to whose house, when the fires have been taken up    from the hearth and the oblation to Agni placed therein, the   Vrātya possessing this knowledge comes as a guest. 2. Should of his own accord rise to meet him and say, Vrātya, give    me permission. I will sacrifice. 3. And if he gives permission he should sacrifice, if he does not    permit him he should not sacrifice. 4. He who sacrifices when permitted by the Vrātya who possesses    this knowledge. 5. Well knows the path that leads to the Fathers and the way that.    leads to the Gods. 6. He does not act in opposition to the Gods. It becomes his    sacrifice. 7. The abode of the man who sacrifices when permitted by the   Vrātya who possesses this knowledge is long left remaining in    this world. 8. But he who sacrifices without the permission of the Vrātya who-     possesses this knowledge. 9. Knows not the path that leads to the Fathers nor the way that    leads to the Gods. 10. He is at variance with the Gods. He hath offered no accepted.    sacrifice. 11. The abode of the man who sacrifices without the permission of    the Vrātya who possesses this knowledge is not left remaining    in this world.