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)
21 (of 459)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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302
As is usually the case with all scriptures, an
attempt is made to invest the AVP with a kind of sanctity
and authority by stating that they were revealed by the
51 Gods. It is said that Atharvan performed the Kotihoma on
behalf of Siva, as a result of which Siva overcame all evils
and obtained a son by name Skanda. Siva was highly pleased
and he granted to Atharvan an auspicious pearl in the form
of the knowledge of the Pasupativrata (AVP 40). The Cosanti
(AVP 66) is glorified by stating that it was taught by
Svayambhu (1.e. Brahman), who was implored by the sages.
The Chrtakambala (AVP 33) is said to have helped Indra in
conquering the Asuras and is said to have been taught by god
Brahman.
As pointed out elsewhere, the AVP form a high
conglomoration of texts dealing with diverse topics and
touching almost all aspects of ancient Indian life. The AVP
represent, perhaps, the earliest document giving a detailed
account of the Naká¹£atras, the number of stars in each of
them, the Rá¹£i families to which they belong, their extent
over the day and the night, the duties of a king under the
various constellations etc. Nowhere else, again, do we get
a description of the royal ceremonies in so many details and
in such a simple language; and hardly do we find elsewhere
so much material brought together regarding the requirements
of a sacrifice, namely, araṇi, sruc, sruva, kk kalasa,
(51) AVE 31.10.1-2.
