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 1.5 - The Punarvasu (Geminorum)
[Full title: The Lore of the Constellations (5) The Punarvasu (Geminorum)]
The Punarvasu is the fifth constellation consisting of two bright stars. It is called 'Gemini' and the two stars are named 'Castor' and 'Pollux', the former of which consists of three binary stars. This constellation is included in the Mithuna Rasi. Hence it may be said that h Castor consists of three Mitunas. ya The Punarvasu belongs to the Rai family of Vatsyana 110 and is presided over by the goddess Aditi Aditi is praised here as the first-born, the daughter of Daksa, who is saluted by wise sages, men and gods and is prayed for making the activities auspicious for the sake of attaining success (1.37.5). Under the Punarvasu, fried grain are to be offered to divine and hyman agencies (1.6.7). The Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira (15.5) says that the people who are possessed of truth, generosity, purity, noble birth, beauty, knowledge, fame and wealth, the merchants, architects and the best corns are under the control of the Punarvasu. It is mentioned that if any person is affected by a disease under this constellation, the disease lasts for nineteen nights (1.33.4). (109) The word occurs in the Rgveda (X.19.1) but there it is used of the Asvins due to their benefecial nature. Cf. Oldenberg, Religion des Veda, p. 212. (110) Taittiriya Brahmana III.1.1.4 states that Aditi who is the supporter of the world nourishes the Punarvasus (like a mother her twins).
330 Under the Punarvasu, a king should start fighting with the enemy (1.9.8). One should eat the food fit for a householder (grhapati-bhakta) and proceed in the eastern direction for success. (1.28.2). A person desirous of cows should bring the best earth from the path of cows and by adding it to the water, he should take bath with it in the cow-stall. Thereby he will be possessed of cows (1.43.5). It is stated that one should offer best honey and cakes under this constellation (1.48.3). 111 Weber suggests that the word Punarvasu indicates the return of good weather. He refers to a myth in the Taittiriya Brahmana (III.1.4.5) which says that the Earth was dry and bald and wanted sprouts. Hence she performed a sacrifice to Aditi and then the Punarvasu fulfilled the wish.