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 1 - Ancillary Literature of the Atharvaveda (other than the Parisistas)
108 (of 255)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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135 112 28
-29). It is stated that Agnicayana is not to be made by
a person who is performing the Soma sacrifice for the first
time and that in the Mahavrata, the Agnicayana is essential.
It is to be performed on the full-moon-day of Phalguna or
Pausya. When the pasu (goat) is being offered to Prajapati
to the accompaniment of sanidhani rks, the Brahman recites
and when the offering of the
organs of the immolated pasu is being made, he recites ya
atmada....113
On the eighth day (astami), an ukha (earthen
vessel) is to be prepared. When the earth is being taken
for that purpose, the Brahman recites the mantra: purisyo
'si....114
and when it is kept on a lotus-leaf, he recites
115 the hymn: samas tv膩 'gne...
tvam agne....
When the earth is being sprinkled with
water, he recites apo hi sth盲
116 and when it is shaped
into a vessel, he recites prthivim tva prthivy膩m...117
The ukh膩 vessel is heated and fire is produced by putting
sacred grass into it. This fire is taken in a cart and is
put on the vedi. A citi (raised altar) is made in the place
of the ahavaniya fire.
The place where the Agnicayana is to be made is
ploughed by yoking the bulls to the yoke with the mantra:
sira yunjanti....118
When the furrows are being made the
119 Brahman recites l盲ngalam paviravat.... When herbs are
(112) AV II.6.
(113) AV IV.2.
(116) AV I.5.
(117) AV XII.3.22.
(114) VS XI.33.
(115) AV II.6.3.
(118) Cf. Kaus.20.1.
(119) AV III.17.3.
