365bet娱乐

[Full title: The Lore of the Constellations (23) The Satabhisak (Aquarii)]

The Satabhisak is the twenty-third constellation consisting of only one star. It belongs to the seer 173 Daksayana and is presided over by Indra and Varuna. Indra 174 and Varuna are praised together in many hymns in the V They are the universal monarchs (Rgveda I.17.1), make the channels for waters (1.82.3), vanquish Vrtra (Vedic Index 62.2), aid in battle (IV.4.11), and grant victory (I.17.1). But, out of them, Varuna is closely related to the Satabhisak on (172) It is popularly known as Satataraka and is supposed to consist of a hundred stars. See 'Table of Naksatras or asterisms marking the moon's path', given by Colebrooke, Miscellaneous Essays II, bet. pp. 322 and 323. It is called Satabhisa at Atharvaveda-Parisistas 1.2 and Santikalpa II.5.3 and Satabhisah at Maitrayani Samhita II.13.20 and Atharvaveda-Parisistas 1.1. (173) Taittiriya Samhita IV.4.10 and Taittiriya Brahmana I.5.1.5 mention only Indra while Taittiriya Brahmana III.1.2.7 mentions only Varuna. ('Tau' is interpreted by the commentator Madhava as going with Varuna and the Satabhisak. Cf. Taittiriya Brahmana III.1.1.4.5, 2.10). Kathaka Samhita XXXIX. 13 mentions Varuna only. (174) Cr. Atharvaveda, Saunakiya recension VII.60.1-2; XIX.10.1.

358 account of his characteristics. He is possessed of a hundred and thousand remedies (1.24.9) and he can prolong 175 life being the guardian of immortality. The people from the Anga country and aquatic creatures are affected by the Satabhisak (1.8.5). According to the Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira (15.22) fishermen, aquatic herbs and creatures, those who nourish pigs, washermen, vinters (saundika) and people who catch birds are under the sway of this constellation. The disease produced under this constellation continues for nine nights or even for a month. The Naksatra-Kalpa gives two periods of duration only here especially because the disease belongs to 176 the Sata-bhisak A king should have diagnosis and medical treatment under this constellation (1.10.8). One should eat vegetables and proceed in the northern direction to attain success (1.30. 2). Under the Satabhisak a person desirous of medicine should be sprinkled in pacificatory ceremonies. Thereby he will be freed from sin and from all diseases (1.45.3). It is stated that one should give away in charity perfumes under this constellation (1.50.1). (175) EV I.25.12; VII.88.4, 89.1. (176) Griffith (The hymns of the Atharvaveda, English Transl. II, p. 266) explains the word Satabhisak as 'requiring a hundred physicians'; so called because so many at least are needed to cure a person who falls ill while the Moon is in this constellation.

359 The Satabhisak is praised at Taittiriya Brahmana III.1.2.7 and there stress is laid on the word bhisak. This constellation is asked to grant hundred and thousand medicines as also long life. It is described as making the gods possessed of long life.