the three worlds.  There occurs a declaration to the same effect in the Mantras of the Srutis.  Thou, O Agni, art the Hotri in sacrifices, and the benefactor of the universe.  Thou art the benefactor of the deities, of men, and of all the worlds.  There is (other) authority also for this.  Thou art, O Agni, the Hotri of the universe and of sacrifices.  Thou art the source through which the deities and men do good to the universe.  Agni is truly the Hotri and the performer of sacrifices.  Agni is again the Brahma of the sacrifice.  No libations can be poured into sacrificial fire without uttering mantras; there can be no penances without a person to perform them; the worship of the deities and men and the Rishis is accomplished by the libations poured with mantras.  Hence, O Agni, thou hast been regarded as the Hotri in sacrifices.[1855] Thou art, again, all the other mantras that have been declared in respect of the Homa rites of men.  For the Brahmanas the duty is ordained of officiating for others in the sacrifices they perform.  The two other orders, viz., Kshatras and Vaisyas, that are included within the regenerate or twice-born class, have not the same duty prescribed for them.  Hence, Brahmanas are like Agni, who uphold sacrifices.  The sacrifices (which the Brahmanas perform) strengthen the deities.  Strengthened in this way, the deities fructify the Earth (and thereby support all living creatures).  But the result that may be achieved by the foremost of sacrifices may as well be accomplished through the mouth of the Brahmanas.  That learned person who offers food into the mouth of a Brahmana is said to pour libations into the sacred fire for gratifying the deities.  In this way the Brahmanas have come to be regarded as Agni.  They that are possessed of learning adore Agni.  Agni, is again, Vishnu.  Entering all creatures, he upholds their life-breaths.  In this connection there is a verse sung by Sanatkumara.  Brahman, in creating the universe, first created the Brahmanas.  The Brahmanas become immortal by studying the Vedas, and repair to heaven through the aid of such study.  The intelligence, speech, acts and observances, faith, and the penances of the Brahmanas uphold both the Earth and the heaven like slings of strings upholding bovine nectar.[1856] There is no duty higher than Truth.  There is no superior more worthy of reverence than the mother.  There is none more efficient than the Brahmana for conferring felicity both here and hereafter.  The inhabitants of those realms where Brahmanas have no certain means of support (from lands or other kinds of property assigned to them) become very miserable.  There the oxen do not carry the people or draw the plough, nor do vehicles of any kind bear them.  There milk kept in jars is never churned for yielding butter.  On the other hand, the residents become divested of prosperity of every kind, and betake themselves to the ways of robbers (instead of being able to enjoy the blessings of peace)[1857] In the Vedas, the Puranas,