Essay name: Atharvaveda ancillary literature (Study)
Author:
B. R. Modak
Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University / Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit Languages
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.
Chapter 2a - The nature of the Parisistas (of the Atharvaveda)
249 (of 459)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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he should be touched with a finely powdered mixture of
Tagara, Ku峁ha, MamsI and its leaves. The fruits and roots
of Mamsi mixed with the fragrant ichor of an elephant, or its
leaves without holes (achidra-pattr盲ni) mixed with Usira and
mustard are to be used to make him follow (the celebrant)
helplessly. A woman can be rendered submissive by applying
to her feet an ointment made of flowers, red arsenic, Priyangu
39 and Tagara, mixed with the ichor of an elephant All the
persons, who are looked at by means of the eyes to which is
applied the collyrium made of the flowers (of MansI) and
N盲gakesara, are subdued (35.1.13-2.3). By offering to a
person flowers with which Siva was worshipped, which have now
become faded, and over which the spell ucchusmaya namah sv膩h膩
(36.9.23) is recited (a thousand times), he can be turned into
a madman. To counteract such madness, consecrated sandal
should be given (36.28).
(c) Black magic is, in some cases, effected even by
means of a stake or wedge. A consecrated reed is implanted in
the house of the girl whose love is sought. The reed, which
is thus firmly fixed, will agitate her mind until she becomes
submissive (36.6.2.3). Members of despised castes can be
destroyed by implanting, in the houses of potters and others,
reeds that are charmed (36.14). A whole village can be
ousted by implanting in it a consecrated sharp stake of
Khadira, twelve fingers long and anointed with oil.
39. SVB II.6.10 prescribes a similar ointment.
Thereby
