Part 1.9 - The Purva Phalguni (Leonis)

[Full title: The Lore of the Constellations (9) 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; Atharvaveda, Saunakiya recension XIV.1.13. Cf. Taittiriya Brahmana 1.1.2.6-7; Satapatha Brahmana II.1.2.3. Asvalayana Grhya Sutra 1.3.1.2; Khadira Grhya Sutra 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 Kausitaki Brahmana 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) Kathaka Samhita (XXXIX.13) and Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira (15.9) agree with Naksatra-Kalpa in the assignment of the deities to the Purva and the Uttara Phalgunis. But Taittiriya Samhita IV.4.10: Taittiriya Brahmana III 1.1.7, 1.4.9 and Satapatha Brahmana I.5.1.2 interchange the divinities.

126 336 Maghas are Manes People in the countries like Madra and Kaikaya are said to be affected by this constellation (1.7.1). The Brhatsamhita by Varahamihira (15.9) mentions that actors and actresses, musicians, architects, objects like cotton, salt, honey and oil, and young boys are under the control of the Purva Phalguni. The duration of the disease caused under the Purva Phalguni is said to be nineteen nights (1.33.4). Under this constellation, a king should cause the city-gates to be prepared and should appoint attendants, (paricaran vahayet 1.9.9). One should eat the flesh of a goat and start in the south to attain success (1. 8.2). Under the Purva Phalguni a person should take bath with water to which are added the creepers Satapuspa, Priyangu and honey. This leads to good luck and the increase of enjoyments (1.43.9). It is said that istakas mixed with molasses should be offered under the Purva Phalguni. This constellation is popularly known as only Purva and the following as Uttara. It may be pointed out that Atharvaveda, Saunakiya recension XIX.7.3 mentions the name as Purva only.