* 327. 327 Now I shall proclaim the excellent rule regarding the ordeal by sacred libation, as it has been laid down, for all seasons indiscriminately, by learned men.
* 328. 328 The consecrated water shall be given, early in the morning, to a virtuous man, who believes in God. He must have fasted and bathed, and wear his wet clothes.
* 329. The defendant should be made to drink three mouthfuls of water in which (an image of) the deity whom he holds sacred has been bathed and worshipped.
* 330. 330 If he should meet himself with any calamity
333. 333 A righteous king, who administers the five ordeals to persons charged with a crime in the way which has been stated, acquires prosperity both in a future state and in this life.
* 334. The ordeal by water is destined for the hot season. The ordeal by poison (should be administered) in very cold weather. A Brahman should be tested by the balance, fire is reserved for the Kshatriya.
* 335. The ordeal by water should be administered to the Vaisya. Poison should be given to the Sidra. He must not give poison to the Brahman, nor should a Kshatriya take the (hot) iron.
116:327 327-333. Vishnu XIV; Yâgñavalkya II, 112, I13 327. The ordeal by sacred libation is performed by swallowing three mouthfuls of consecrated water in which an idol has been bathed. The defendant is declared innocent, if no misfortune befalls him within a certain period after this trial. 116:328 Immoral persons and infidels must not be subjected to this ordeal, because they are already deprived of the assistance of the gods in every case. A. Read pûrvâhne in the text. 116:330 If any misfortune should happen to him, through the act of the king or through fate, it shall be taken as proof of his guilt. A. Other legislators refer in particular to illness, fire, death 117:333 The term 'persons charged with a crime' may denote both real offenders, whose offence has remained secret, and wrongly accused persons. A.
