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 2.11 - The Asvarathadana-vidhi
[Full title: Royal Ceremonies (11) Asvarathadana-vidhi]
The Asvarathadana-vidhi ceremony (Atharvaveda-Parisistas 15) is similar to the one described above. Here, a chariot drawn by horses is given away to the priest. The Asvarathadana-Vidhi is performed at a holy place like the cow-pen or near a river, lake, etc. Oblations are offered on the fire and the remnants of those oblations mixed with water are sprinkled on the horses with the mantra: (114) Atharvaveda, Saunakiya recension III.22.1. (115) Atharvaveda, Saunakiya recension XIX.25.1. In this connection the Parisista states that a maha-dana consists of giving away one of the ten objects: gold, sesame, cows, maid-servant, house, land, chariot, daughter, elephant and learning. It further adds that while making these gifts, oblations of clarified butter should be offered with this hymn (XIX.25).
116 397 Vataranha bhava... The horses are yoked to the chariot 117 with asrantasya tva 118 and an argha is offered to the Sun with tvam indras tvam mahendrah .119. The priest recites the mantra: punantu ma ... and consecrates the performer 120 121 with raksantu tva 'gnayah The ceremony is brought to a close with samrddhi-homa and the chariot is offered to the priest. A cow and an excellent village also are given away to him. It is stated at the end of this Parisista that a wise person who performs the Asvarathadana-Vidhi becomes a great monarch and goes, after death, to the Jyoti-loka and enjoys great bliss as long as the Sun shines. ^