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)
99 (of 459)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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380
The priests then pronounce the punyaha (auspicious day) and
the king is bathed under the Pu峁a constellation and on an
auspicious muhurta, to the accompaniment of the trumpets
36 which are already consecrated with the mantra: ucchair
ghosa.... Then the king puts on ornaments, and occupies
the throne which is decorated with parasol and chowries.
Four intoxicated elephants are made to stand in the four
safety
directions. Then the king grants/to the people. He bows
down before the Brahmanas, the chiefs in his army and in the
city and also before women. The various office-bearers are
duly honoured. The people who are thus pleased give blessings
to the king and thereby the whole earth comes under his sway.
It is said that a king, who is bathed under the Pusya, enjoys
the earth and (after death) goes to the abode of Indra (5.4-5).
Varahamihira adds at the end of the Pusyasn膩 na
(48.82-87) that this ceremony performed under every Pu峁a
conduces to happiness, fame and prosperity. Whenever there
are evil omens, the Pusyasnana should be performed to remove
their evil effects. There is no ceremony greater than this
and it is especially suited for him who wishes to acquire a
kingdom or obtain a son. Varahamihira further adds that he
who, in the same way, consecrates his elephants and horses,
is freed from fear and attains great success.
(36) AV V.20.1.
