Bhishma said It is laid down for those Brahmanas who are competent to officiate as priests that they should know the Chhandas including the Samans, and all the rites laid down in the Shrutis, and that they should be able to perform all such religious acts as secure the prosperity of the king.
भीष्म उवाच प्रतिकर्म पराचार ऋत्विजां स्म विधीयते। छन्दः सामादि विज्ञाय द्विजानां श्रुतमेव च॥