Atharvaveda ancillary literature (Study)
by B. R. Modak | 1959 | 179,855 words
The essay studies the ancillary literature of the Atharva-Veda with special reference to the Parisistas. It does so by understanding the socio-cultural and philosophical aspects of ancient Indian life. The Atharvaveda addresses encompasses all practical aspects of life from health and prosperity to rituals and sorcery. This thesis systematically ex...
Part 1.14 - The Visakha (Librae)
[Full title: The Lore of the Constellations (14) The Visakha (Librae)]
The Visakha 141 is the fourteenth constellation consisting of two stars. It belongs to the Rai family of Kapila and is presided over by Indra and Agni. These gods are said to grant boons when praised by the wise, knowing the self. They accept the three saranas and are prayed to grant long life and wealth (1.39.4). The trees, roots and the Ikevakus are under the control of the Visakha. If an eclipse occurs in the Visakha, there is a great fear to them (1.7.6). The Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira (15.14) states that the trees having red fruits and flowers, sesame, beans, black grams, chick-peas (canaka) and the devotees of Indra and Agni are under the control of the Visakha. The disease caused under this constellation is said to last for ten nights (1.33.11). A king who makes tuskers ready under the Visakha does not perish (1.10.3). One should eat cakes (apupa) and start towards the south for attaining success (1.28.2). The king, (141) Kathaka Samhita XXXIX.13 gives the name as Visakham. The Amarakosa (1.3.23) gives Radha as other name, perhaps because it precedes the Anuradha. Cf. VI I, p. 417. The word Radha suggests liberality or generosity. Radhe occurs at Atharvaveda, Saunakiya recension XIX.7.3 as an adjective of the Visakha. Whitney (Harvard Oriental Series VIII, p. 908) thinks that this involves an anachronism and would be in the highest degree improbable even if it did not. But Lanman has pointed out there that Whitney's view is based on a misunderstanding of the word Anuradha
345 who is bathed with water put in the horn of a rhinoceros or of a bull or in the tusk of an elephant under the Visakhas, will rule over the whole earth (1.44.4). A good cow, a pair of bullocks and a drink stirred with honey (madhumantha), if offered under this constellation, will lead a man to the highest place (1.49.4). The Visakhas are said to be the queens of the constellations in the Taittiriya Brahmana 142 . Their name suggests 'branching off' which is clear from their appearance. The Moon comes very close to them and the beauty of such a situation is pointed out by Kalidasa in his Sakuntala while describing Sakuntala accompanied by her two female friends Anasuya and Priyamvada 143.