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 1.26 - The Revati (Piscium)
[Full title: The Lore of the Constellations (26) The Revati (Piscium)]
The Revati is the twenty-sixth constellation consistf.n. 181 continued) 41.5 in connection with this constellation. Ahi Budhnya is described at Taittiriya Brahmana III.1.2.9 as the greatest among gods and men, and whom the Brahmanas as well as the Prosthapadas praise, salute and wait upon.
362 ing of only one sta 182. It belongs to Rai family of Sankha and is presided over by Pugan. Pusan is said to have been reversed by Bharadvaja, the best knower of Samans, for the sake of safety from fear. He is implored to make the Revati auspicious for us (1.41.6). The Avrtas, Sudras, Karus in the south-east and Yukas (lice ?) resort to the Revati (1.8.8). According to the Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira (15.25), fruits, flowers, salts, jewels (corals), conches, lotuses, these objects produced in water and fragrant flowers, perfumes, merchants and helmsmen are under the control of this constellation. The disease which crops up under the Revati is said to continue for seven nights (1.33.10). A king should remain quiet at home under this constellation (1.10.10). One should eat the food prepared 183 by the house-wife (grhini-bhakta, and proceed in the northern direction to return successful (1.30.2). A king, who is bathed, under the Revati, with water to which are added honey and clarified butter, the water being poured from the horn of a rhinoceros, rules over the whole earth (1.45.6). Under this constellation a fair cow, which has calved only once and yields full milk or has three calves and yields milk full of a copper vessel, should be given away in charity (1.50.3). (182) According to Sripati the number of stars is 32. Cf. Colebrooke, loc. cit. (183) See under 'The Punarvasu' for grhapati-bhakta.
363 Taittiriya Brahmana I.5.2.5 says that one should purchase cattle under the Revati. This is supported by Taittiriya Brahmana III.1.2.10 where the Revati is prayed for the protection of the minor animals and Pusan 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