Essay name: Kausika Sutra (study)
Author:
V. Gopalan
Affiliation: Karnatak University / Department of Sanskrit
This essay studies in English the Kausika Sutra—an important accessory text of the Atharvaveda. The Kausikasutra primarily deals with medicinal and Abhicara practices alongside Grihyasutras themes. Being part of the Saunakiya school, it is considered the earliest and most essential among the five Sutra works, influencing subsequent texts.
The Eleventh Adhyaya (chapter)—Funeral rites
8 (of 32)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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offerings to Sarasvati are made. The anusthātṛ offers obla-
tions into another (fire) from the right. Then Upasthāna to
Ahitagni is performed reciting a rohata janitraṃ jätavedasā.
(AV 18.4.1-15). Reciting mitrāvaruṇā pari māmadhātāṃ...
(AV 18.3.12) the performer washes his hands. Reciting
varcasā mām... (AV 18.3.10-11) he sips water. While reciting
vivasvānna... (AV 18.3.61) the performer offers oblation on
the north, at the end of the cremation ceremony, in the fire.
20 Departure from Cremation Ground
Post-Cremation Rites: While departing from the cremation
ground seven pebbles are put into the hands of each person
present at the cremation ground. Scattering the seven pebbles
one by one from the downward palm of the left hand, all go
away without looking back led by Brahmā. A kind of libation
with apagha... (AV 4.33.1) is done to counter the darśanadosa.
All mutter a prayer to Indra with mā pra gāma... (AV 13.1.59)
praying not to cut off their desired objects.
Welfare Rite on the First Day
The eldest son of the deceased, while reciting uduttamam...
21 (AV 18.4.69) pours water on the attendants. Reciting
payasvatih... (AV 18.3.56) the tufts of Kuśa grass are
strewn in a pool or river. On crossing a stream after
