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)
46 (of 459)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
327
A king should purchase horses under this constella-
tion; 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).
The Ardra KC Orionis)
104 The Ardra, also known as B膩h奴 is the fourth
105 constellation and consists of only one star having a
reddish tinge. The name Ardra which means 'wet' suggests
that it is meteorologically related to the rains and it is
called Bahu because it is in the left shoulder of the
Mrga
106 The Ardra belongs to the Rsi family of Brhadgave
and is presided over by Rudra. In this connection that god
is praised under various names such as Deva, Bhava, Pasupati,
Hara, Krsa, Mahadeva, Sarva, Ugra, Sikhan岣峣, Sahasr膩k峁 and
(104) KS XXXIX.13; SB I.5.1.1; TB I.5.1.1.
(105) SCS 1.26 mentions the word, however, in fem. plural.
It appears that this points to a constitution of the
Ardra corresponding with that of the Chinese Sieou
which includes seven stars. Cf. OLS II, p.403; p.416.
(106) Whitney, op. cit., p. 401.
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