365bet娱乐

[Full title: The Lore of the Constellations (3) The Mrgasiras (Orionis)]

The Mrgasiras, otherwise known as the Mrgasirsa 98 and popularly as only Mrga is the third asterism consisting (95) loc. cit. (96) Cf. Tilak, Orion, p. 102. (97) Taittiriya Brahmana III.1.1.2. (98) Satapatha Brahmana II.1.2.8; Taittiriya Brahmana III.1.3.3. Tilak (Orion, p. 73) thinks that it is called Agrahayani (Amarakosa 1.3.23) because it once marked the beginning of the year. Cf. Gitarahasya II, p. 1076.

326 _99 100 or as Andhaka of three stars. It is known as also Invaka probably because of its dimness 101. This constellation, which is known as Orion, catches our eyes due to the three stars of equal lustre twinkling in a line, the nebula near them which is one of the greatest wonders among the heavenly bodies, as also due to the Vyadha, the hunter, which is of an exceptional brilliance. The Mrgasiras belongs to the family of the seer Svetayin and is presided over by Soma 102 103 as also by Maruts However, in connection with this constellation, sakra is praised as a great king, who with other hostsof gods is worshipped by the learned and by the suffering people (1.37. 3). It is said that when a Graha is in the Mrgasiras the eastern people are more particularly affected (1.6.6). The Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira (15.3) states, however, that scented garments, lotuses, flowers, fruits, jewels, wild creatures, birds, deer, those who drink soma, the gandharvas, amorous people and messengers are under the sway of this constellation. The disease which is produced under the Mrgasiras is said to last for sixteen nights (1.33.5). (99) Kathaka Samhita XXXIX.13; Taittiriya Brahmana I.5.1.1; Atharvaveda-Parisistas 1.6.5. (100) Santi-Kalpa II.1.4; cf. Whitney, Oriental and Linguistic Studies II, p. 401. (101) VI I, p. 416; Whitney, Suryasiddhanta, p. 322. Weber (op. cit. 3.370) thinks that Whitney is incorrect. (102) Taittiriya Brahmana I.5.1.1, Weber (loc. cit.) thinks that Soma is invigorating and hence is associated with the Invaka which means 'piercing through'. (103) Kathaka Samhita , loc. cit.

327 A king should purchase horses under this constellation; thereby his army will not perish and he will prosper (1.9.6-7). One should eat the flesh of a deer and set out on an expedition in the eastern direction for attaining success (1.27.2). A person desirous of wealth should be bathed under this constellation with water in which are put pearls, jewels and gold (1.43.3). It is stated that one should give away a milch-cow or a milking goat under the Mrgasiras. Thereby one will have all his desires fulfilled (1.48.2).