From them come all the great objects of life. They are the friends of all creatures in the universe. They are again the mouths of all the gods (for food poured into their mouths is eaten by the deities). Adored with respect, they wish its prosperity by uttering words fraught with auspiciousness.
सर्वार्थाः सुहृदस्तात ब्राह्मणाः सुमनोमुखाः। गीर्भिर्मङ्गलयुक्ताभिरनुध्यायन्ति पूजिताः॥