This chapter examines the history of images used for the attainment of mental power and verbal ability by describing metonymical interpretations of the Rig Veda mantras 1.18.6, 8.100.10–11, 8.101.11–16, 10.21.1, 10.71, and 10.125. In the Śrauta literature, these mantras tend to be used in the invitational verses just before an offering during sacrifice, usually an animal offering. In the Grhya literature, they are used before the arrival of a guest, before a meal, or when a Vedic student is returning home and encounters strange sounds. In the Vidhana literature, however, they are recited to...

This chapter examines the history of images used for the attainment of mental power and verbal ability by describing metonymical interpretations of the Rig Veda mantras 1.18.6, 8.100.10–11, 8.101.11–16, 10.21.1, 10.71, and 10.125. In the Śrauta literature, these mantras tend to be used in the invitational verses just before an offering during sacrifice, usually an animal offering. In the Grhya literature, they are used before the arrival of a guest, before a meal, or when a Vedic student is returning home and encounters strange sounds. In the Vidhana literature, however, they are recited to secure a more general form of verbal eloquence, mental agility, peace, as well as averting any and all consequences in case one has uttered a falsehood.