Valmiki

“ They called it so to hide the proper meaning of the word: for the gods like to hide the proper meaning of words.'
'On account of four classes of gods having praised Agni with four Stomas, the whole was called Chatushtoma (containing four Stomas) .'
'It (the Ágnishtoma) is called Jyotishtoma, for they praised Agni when he had risen up (to the sky) in the shape of a light (jyotis) .'
'This (Ágnishtoma) is a sacrificial performance which has no beginning and no end.' HAUG'S Aitareya Bráhmanam.
The Atirátra, literally lasting through the night, is a division of the service of the Jyotishtoma. ”

“ Compare the עצי יהוה 'trees of the Lord.'↑ The Hindus call the constellation of Ursa Major the Seven Rishis or Saints.↑ A minute account of these ancient ceremonies would be out of place here. 'Ágnishtoma is the name of a sacrifice, or rather a series of offerings to fire for five days. It is the first and principal part of the Jyotishtoma, one of the great sacrifices in which especially the juice of the Soma plant is offered for the purpose of obtaining Swarga or heaven.' GOLDSTÜCKER'S DICTIONARY. 'The Ágnishtoma is Agni. It is called so because they (the gods) praised him with this Stoma. ”

“ This public disputation in the assembly of Bráhmans on the nature of things, and the almost fraternal connexion between theology and philosophy deserves some notice; whereas the priests of some religions are generally but little inclined to show favour to philosophers, nay, sometimes persecute them with the most rancorous hatred, as we are taught both by history and experience.... ”