Essay name: Ritual drink in the Iranian and Indian traditions
Author:
Nawaz R. Guard
Affiliation: University of Mumbai / Department of Sanskrit
This essay studies the ritual drink in the Iranian and Indian traditions from Avestan and Sanskrit sources. More specifically, this study explores the historical significance of ritual drinks in ceremonial rituals and sacrifices among Vedic Aryans and Perso Aryans which are associated with traditions such as Hinduism (Brahmanism) and Zoroastrianism.
Chapter 6 - Drinks under Medicine and Magic
13 (of 67)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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So, it is barley specifically cultivated and mixed with waters with which the Atharvanic physician cured disorders weakening the body. He also cured the diseases of cattle in the villages by the employment of waters and barley plants through his skill. Drink of Soma as a cure for sins against moral order Just as there are two sides to a coin, so also soma is to be viewed from two angles firstly as a cure against diseases and a cure from disorders arising from excessive drinking of soma all .... All the diseases which are caused by the curse of Varuna or by Yama, or by sin against the gods, or by the violation of the permanent moral laws by means of the eye, mind, speech during the wakeful-state or sleeping these are cured by Soma, the king of plants (VI.96). Thus the disease caused by the wrath of the deities or by one's own sins are also cured by the plants the Soma being one such too. As for the nature and value of plants, quoted by Shende N. J. on p.119 of 'The Foundations' Say.and - the Kau.S. (XXXI.22.25), use the hymn (VI.96) as a charm against the curse of a brahmana or against dropsy and for pacificatory rites. The creeper Soma is to be burnt in the fire and the sufferer is to be fomented with it. 296
