I can only say that - The book Hindu Dharma clearly clarifies things. I could not quickly take those paragraphs out.
secondly somebody uses this for eating Non veg etc then it is their problem. I personally advocate veg and adhere to that. But we need not be too defensive on this is my view.
I am stopping with this. Dear karthik - last year i exactly argued like you. But a relook in to the book Hindu Dharma - clarified my doubts.
I am stopping this with thiis comments. On Vatapi Agasthay period etc. refer Hindu mahasamudram of Cho. Again for want of time i am not able to locate it.