(In this sacrifice), the Earth is the sacrificial gift; this is the rule that is prescribed in the first instance. The learned observe the usual reversal of this rule though sanctioned.
पृथिवी दक्षिणा चात्र विधिः प्रथमकल्पितः। विद्वद्भिः परिदृष्टोऽयं शिष्टो विधिविपर्ययः॥