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)
222 (of 459)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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% Kotihoma was taught by god Brahma to other gods who were oppressed by the powerful demons. The Kotihoma was also performed by the sage Atharvan for god Siva, whereby the latter overcame all evils and obtained Skanda for a son. essential part of these Homas consists of offering a number of oblations with the Gayatri-mantra. The a) The Laghulaksahoma The Laghulaksahoma (AVP 30) is a simpler rite. The performer should prepare a square Kunda by using a string for uniformly correct measurement. The length of the Kunda should be equal to a bahu (arm) or a jangha (shank) or two ratnis (cubits). The Brahmanas should murmur first the Gayatri-mantra ten thousand times having fasted for a day and 209 then having set up the fire with the mantras: agne prehi..
210 and agnina ravimi... they should make the offerings. Barley
should be offered for the attainment of pleasures; other
corns, for life; oil, for long life and fame; the fire-sticks
of Arka, for obtaining the aditya-loka; those of Pal盲sa, for
obtaining the candra-loka; of Asvattha, for obtaining the
Visu-loka; and of Udumbara, for obtaining the brahma-loka.
b) The Brhallak峁homa
The AV-Parisista (30 b) relating to the Brhallaksahoma
209. AV IV.14.5
210. RV I.1.3; TS III.1.11.1; IV.3.13.5.
