Institutes of VIshnu 86-88

2491.

1. Now follows the ceremony of setting a bull at liberty, (which should take place)

2. On the days of full moon in Kârttika or  s vina.

When performing this rite, he must first examine the bull.

4. (The bull must be) the offspring of a milch cow having young ones living.

5. He must have all marks.

6. He must be dark-coloured;

7. Or red, but having a white mouth, a white tail.. and white feet and horns.

8. He must be one who protects the herd.

9. Then, after having (kindled) a blazing fire among the cows (in the cow-pen) and strewed Ku s a grass around it, let him boil with milk a dish sacred to Pûshan, and offer (two oblations) in the fire with the Mantras, 'May Pûshan follow our cows,' and 'Here is pleasure.' And let a blacksmith mark the bull.

10. On the one flank (the right), with a discus; on the other flank (the left), with a trident.

11. After he has been marked, let him wash the bull with the four Mantras, (beginning with the words), 'The golden-coloured,' and with (the five Mantras, beginning with the words), 'May the divine (waters help and propitiate us').

12. Having washed and adorned the bull, he must bring him near, together with four young cows, which must also have been washed and decorated, and he must mutter the Rudras, the Purushasûkta, and the Kûshmâ nd îs.

13. Then let him pronounce in the bull's right ear the Mantra, 'The father of calves;'

14. And the following (Mantras):

15. 'Holy law is a bull and is declared to have four feet: him I choose for the object of my worship; may he protect me wholly.

16. 'This young (bull) I give you as husband (O ye calves), roam about sportingly with him for your lover. May we not be deficient in progeny, O king Soma, and may we live long, and may we not be oppressed by our enemies.'

17. He must drive away the bull together with the calves in a north-eastern direction and give a pair of garments, gold, and a vessel made of white copper to the officiating priest.

18. The blacksmith shall receive as wages as much as he claims, and food prepared with a great deal of butter, and (three) Brâhma n as shall be fed.

19. Any pool from which the bull drinks after having been set at liberty) that entire pool will refresh the manes of him who has set the bull at liberty.

20. The earth which is anywhere dug up by the bull exulting in his strength, is converted into delicious food and drink to satisfy the manes.