By this the favour of the deities is obtained and it becomes the means of securing the blessing of God. The term Jág is also used. Páka-yajṅna (simple or domestic sacrifice) is making the Homa in the name of the deities and bestowing charity before taking food. This is variously performed. Japa-yajṅna is the muttering of incantations and the names of God. These two, like the first, are of daily practice. Vidhi-yajṅna or ceremonial act of worship is of numerous kinds, in each of which important conditions are prescribed, large sums of money expended and many animals sacrificed. One of these is the Aśvamedha, or horse-sacrifice, which is performed by sovereign princes. When its necessary preparations are completed, a white horse having the right ear black, is brought out and consecrated by certain incantations, and (being turned loose) it is followed in its march by an army for conquest which in a short time subdues the world and the king of every territory (which it enters) tenders submission and joins the victorious forces. They pretend that whoever performs this sacrifice a hundred times, becomes lord of heaven. Many are said to have attained this rank and marvellous legends are told of them. If he cannot perform that number he obtains an eminent place in that region.* Another is the Rája-súya-yajṅna, one of the conditions attached to which is the presence of all the princes of the world at the great festival, each of whom is appointed to a particular duty, and the service at the banquet can be performed only by them. Whoever has twice inaugurated this ceremony becomes lord of heaven, and many (are said) to have obtained this happiness. There are manifold kinds of these sacrifices, but the two herein mentioned must suffice.
The Third kind is—