But, before leaving the sacrifice, one point should be explained clearly.

The Hindu sacrifice can be performed only by the priest, and he must be of the highest caste.

No other might or could perform it.

For he alone understood the ancient texts, which to the laity were already only half intelligible.
Again, as Barth has pointed out, the Hindu sacrifice is performed only for one individual or his family.

It was an expensive rite (for the gaining of one object), addressed to many gods for the benefit of one man.