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)
54 (of 459)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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335
sesame mixed with honey should be given away remembering the
manes (1.48.5).
123 The Magha is mentioned as Agha in the RV
together
Presumably
with Arjuni (Phalguni) in the marriage-hymn.
on that account this constellation is considered to be
auspicious for wedding.
The Purva Phalguni ( Leonis)
The Purva Phalguni 124
is the ninth constellation
consisting of two stars. It belongs to the seer Parasara
125 and is presided over by Bhaga , who is described in this
connection as the supporter of the people. He favours men
by engaging them in activity (1.38.4). Whitney has pointed
out that it is not impertinent to note that the regents of
the Phalgunis are Bhaga and Aryaman and that those of the
(123) X.85.13; AV XIV.1.13. Cf. TB 1.1.2.6-7; SB II.1.2.3.
AGS 1.3.1.2; KGS 8.1. The words Agha, Anagha refer to
the auspicious influence of the constellations. Cf.
VI I, p. 416.
(124) It is called Phalgu at KB 5.1. Weber (op. cit. p. 371)
suggests that Phalguni is the Vedic dual fem. form of
Phalgu. The name indicates a colour between black and
white (grey).
(125) KS (XXXIX.13) and BS (15.9) agree with NK in the
assignment of the deities to the Purva and the Uttara
Phalgunis. But TS IV.4.10: TB III 1.1.7, 1.4.9 and SB
I.5.1.2 interchange the divinities.
