Institutes of Vishnu — XIII.
XIII. | Internet Sacred Text ArchiveSacred Texts Hinduism Index Previous Next
XIII. | Internet Sacred Text ArchiveSacred Texts Hinduism Index Previous Next
# XIII.
Now follows the (rule regarding the ordeal by) poison.
- All (other) sorts of poison must be avoided (in administering this ordeal),
- Except poison from the Sringa tree, which grows on the Himâlayas.
- (Of that) the judge must give seven grains, mixed with clarified butter, to the defendant (while reciting the prayer hereafter mentioned).
- If the poison is digested easily, without violent symptoms, he shall recognise him as innocent, and dismiss him at the end of the day.
- 'On account of thy venomous and dangerous nature thou art destruction to all living creatures; thou, O poison, knowest what mortals, do not comprehend.
- 'This man being arraigned in a cause, desires to be cleared from guilt. Therefore mayest thou deliver him lawfully from this perplexity.'
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