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 3a.8 - Offering with the Hand
[Full title: Ritual observances (8) Offering with the Hand]
It is necessary to know the method of offering by means of the hand in order to obtain better results. One should wear on the ring finger (anamika) a pavitra made of kusa, balbaja or munja grass 41. One should lift up the 41. The reason for wearing a pavitra on the anamika is given in Taranatha's Vacaspatya as follows: kya hi vinasirah chinnam tena tatya apavitrajatiyata, ata seva tasyah pavitrikaranartham yavadi pavitranamadharanam kriyate |
444 fire-stick or the oblation of food and offer it slowly and carefully in the midst of the fire 42. The hand should be steady and not shaking; other-wise it leads to the destruction of the progeny (27.1.4). The oblation should be poured out in a continuous stream by the right hand to which the left hand should be touching. In a pacificatory ceremony, the palm should be facing upwards while offering the oblation with the hand (27.2.1). In domestic rites and sacrifices, all the five fingers should be used. In the rites intended for peace and prosperity, the little finger should be kept apart. Oblations of food, sesame or rice should never be offered with three fingers as three fingers only are to be used in sorcery. In a rite intended for causing the ruin of the enemy, the left hand should be used making the three (middle) fingers into the form of a trident (sula) (28.1.3-2.3).