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 5.2.8 - Omens related to Gandharva-nagara
[Full title: Atmospheric Omens (8) Gandharva-nagara]
Gandharva-nagara is one of the interesting atmospheric phenomena. It is often found mentioned in works on philosophy especially the Advaita Vedanta - as an illustration of something which appears but does not actually exist, which is maya or illusion pure and simple.
Gandharva-nagara is some kind of illusory phenomenon produced in the sky, perhaps the play of dust-particles, clouds and rays resulting in the appearance of houses, roads, etc. as in a city. Parisista 64.2.8-3.1 states that the sight of Gandharvanagar in different quarters forebodes evil to different persons. When it is seen in the east, the south, the west and the north, and consists of red, yellow and dark colours, it indicates calamity or death respectively for the king, the army-commander, the crown-prince and the Purohita. when a Gandharva-nagara has the colour which is usually associated with a particular caste, that caste should be known as being likely to be affected by its sight. If, on the other hand, it appears in the sub-quarters and is colourless, it affects the other people (candalas, foreigners etc.). It is said that if a Gandharva-nagara appears often, it forestalls danger to the king and the nation, and suffering to the officials situated in the quarters in which it appears.