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)
300 (of 459)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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582
corn grows well and there are no calamities.
The ketus of
the Sun appear in the months of Asvayuj and Karttika. Then
the Sun with hot rays burns all crops, cows and especially
other animals die, and the poison in the creatures possess-
ing jaws becomes very strong. The ketus of Agni appear in
the months of M盲rgasirea and Pauga. Then the fire burns the
country and even the green pastures.
The people in the
country, being struck with fear, run in all directions.
At
some places there exists welfare, whereas at other places
there prevails fear. The ketus of Yama are seen in the months
of Magha and Phalguna. Their sight soon leads to famine, as
well as to suffering; and maladies like vomiting (chardi),
fever, desentery, giddiness and eye-sore are produced. The
ketus of Kubera are seen in the months of Caitra and
Vaisakha. Then the earth is seen studded with raised altars
and adorned with lofty banners and tall arches; and smoke
issuing from the sacrifices fills the atmosphere. God Indra
enters the heaven and Kubera his home. The ketus of Vayu
appear in the months of Jyestha and Asadha. Then fierce
winds begin to blow, big trees fall down as also arches and
storeyed buildings, beautiful houses are destroyed and waters
dry up. There arises a great war and a great fear.
This Parisista (55) ends with a phala艣ruti according
46 to which one, who knows of the seasonal appearance of these
46. It can be seen that this Parisista divides the year into
six seasons but does not name them here, though they are
mentioned often elsewhere in the Parisistas. The count-
ing of the months starts here from Sravana (At AVP 17.1.2
it starts from Asvina). The Parisista indicates mainly
the chief characteristics of the different seasons.
