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 2a - The nature of the Parisistas (of the Atharvaveda)
102 (of 459)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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four quarters with the mantras: abhayam
54 55
and asapatnam..
In every corner an image is placed having one or two
faces; or only one image having four faces is kept in the
centre. The image of the Night made of flour is left at the
door of the palace and the king is taken to the bed-chamber
56 with the mantra: säntä dyau�
Thus protection at night
is secured for the king. It is stated that this ceremony is
to be performed everyday.
The other Parisista, which is called Aratrika begins
with a legend. Indra, who could not get sleep due to the
wiles of the demons, approached Brhaspati Atharvan. The
latter performed this simpler rite which destroyed all trifle
disturbances at night. In this rite a lamp of flour with a
good wick and oil is prepared and kindled with the mantras:
57 ati nihah
Flowers, mustard, coloured
and pränyän
58 rice, herbs like priyangu, satapuspa, durva and satavari are
to put into a pot and that pot is filled with water. The
59 lamp is consecrated with the mantra: preto yantu... and
60 ekasatam ... and is waved thrice over the head of the king.
While this is being done, the Purohita recites auspicious
(54) AV VI.40.1
(55) AV XIX.16.1.
(56) AV XIX.9.1.
(57) AV II.6.5.
(58) AB VII.35.1.
(59) AV VII.114.2.
(60) AV III.9.6 (v.18.12).
