हिन्दी
Next, without fail, worship the sevenfold Sāma in the sun. The sun is the Sāma because it is always the same. Again, the sun makes each of us think, ‘It is looking at me. It is looking at me.’ Because it is the same to all, it is called Sāma.
One should know that all beings that exist are dependent on the sun. The sun has a distinctive look before it rises, and that look is its hiṃkāra. The animals, who are dependent on the sun, also have their share in this hiṃkāra. That is why they make the sound hiṃ.
Next, the form that the sun has shortly after it rises is the prastāva. Human beings are charmed by that form. Because they join in the praise and adoration of the prastāva, they seek adoration and praise for themselves.
Next, when the sun-rays spread all over a short while after sunrise, that form of the sun is the ādi of the Sāma. This form is connected with the birds. They somehow or other feel they have a safe shelter then, and that is why they are able to fly freely about in the sky without any support. They also behave as if they are joining in the ādi offered to the Sāma.
Next, that form of the sun which it has exactly at noon is the udgītha. That form is connected with the gods and goddesses. Therefore, among all of Prajāpati’s children, the gods and goddesses are considered to be the best, because they take part in singing the udgītha of the Sāma.
Next, between the noon and the afternoon, the sight the sun presents is that of the pratihāra. The foetuses in the wombs are attached to this pratihāra. This is why they are held up and do not drop down, and why they are entitled to take part in the pratihāra addressed to the Sāma.
Next, the form that the sun has between the afternoon and sunset is called the upadrava. Wild animals are fond of this form, for when the sun is in that position, the wild animals are able to scurry away into the forest or into their holes if they see a human being. These animals are also able to take part in the upadrava to the Sāma.
Next, the nidhana is the form of the sun as it sets. The ancestors love this form of the sun, and this is why, as the sun sets, offerings are made to them [or, are placed on straws in honour of them at the time the śrāddha rites are performed]. For this reason, the ancestors participate in the nidhana in honour of the Sāma. This is how the sun is offered the sevenfold Sāma worship.
