Section 3.4 (fourth khaṇḍa) (three texts)

Upaniṣad text:

Then, its Northward rays are its northern honey-cells:—The Atharvāṅgirasas are the honey-producers;—the Itihāsa-Purāṇa are the flower;—those waters are the nectar.—(1)

These Atharvāṅgirasas pressed this Itihāsa-Purāna; from it, thus pressed, proceeded its essence in the form of fame, resplendence, efficient organs, strength and eatable food.—(2)

It flowed out: it went round the Sun; this is what appears as the very black colour in the Sun.—(3)

Commentary (Śaṅkara Bhāṣya):

Then, its Northern rays etc., etc., etc.—as before. Atharvāṅgirasas—are the mantra-texts seen by (revealed to) Atharvan—Aṅgiras; these, as used at sacrificial acts, are the honey-producers. Itihāsa-Purāṇa are the flowers;—the use of Itihāsa-Purāṇa is well-known as to be made as part of the ‘Pāriplava-nights’ at the Aśvamedha sacrifice.—This honey is what appears as the very black colour in the Sun—i.e., that which is extremely black.—(1-3)

End of Section (4) of Discourse III