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)
82 (of 459)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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363
TB I.5.2.5 says that one should purchase cattle under
the Revati. This is supported by TB III.1.2.10 where the
Revati is prayed for the protection of the minor animals and
Puá¹£an is implored to go after the cows and horses. It may
incidentally be pointed out that the sowing season of wheat
starts simultaneously with the rise of the Revati
The Asvini Arietis)
The Asvini
184 is the twenty-seventh constellation
consisting of two stars. It belongs to the Rai family of
Kätyäyana and is presided over by the Asvins. Asvins are the
divine physicians who made the old sage Cyavana young again
185 and enabled him to drink Soma
They are implored for
protecting the progeny (1.41.7). The Asvini affect horses
as well as the great and small tribes (1.8.9). According to
the BS (15.27), horses, riders and attendants of horses,
physicians, merchants and objects of beauty are under the
sway of the Asvini. The disease produced under this constella-
tion is said to continue for ten nights (1.33.11).
(184) The ancient name is Asvayujau or Asvinau. The word
Asvini occurs at SGS 1.26, NK 4.7, 10.9; SK II.5.11 etc.
(185) Cf. V I.117.13; 118.6 etc. At TB III.1.2.11 the
Asvins are described as the physicians of gods, the
carriers of oblation, the messengers for all and the
protectors of Amrta. They possess horses which are
well-tamed.
