Women in the Atharva-veda Samhita

by Pranab Jyoti Kalita | 2017 | 62,142 words

This page relates ‘Rites Related to Birth (g): Vandhyaprajananakarana’ of the study on women in the Vedic society reflecting the Atharva-veda Samhita in English. These pages discusses the social aspects of women, education, customs of marriage, practices of polyandry and polygamy, descriptions of female deities and various rites and rituals. It is shown how women earned much praise in ancient Indian society. Included are Sanskrit text and references of the Atharvaveda and commentary by Sayana-Acharya.

2. Rites Related to Birth (g): Vandhyāprajananakaraṇa

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In order to fertilize the barren women also, certain practices were exercised. With this purpose, the woman was at first, seated over the branches of a plant, called Śiṃśapā in a place, vicinity to water. Then, another plant, called Śāntā was sprinkled over her head.^[1] Thereafter, certain goods, such as rice-cake, ball and ornaments were given to her.^[2] This rite was to be performed by citing the Atharvavedic mantra, idaṃ janāsa…, etc. (1.32.1).^[3]

Besides this, Kauśika^[4] has prescribed another rite to be performed with the desire of offspring. Keśava^[5] has called it simply as Prajananakarma while Sāyaṇācārya^[6] understands it to be practised only in case of an infertile woman. In this rite, after reciting the mantra, prajāpatirjanayatu…, etc. (7.19.1), clarified butter was offered beside the woman.^[7] Then, she had to eat the flesh of a red goat.^[8] Thereafter, a jar, filled with water or wine was consecrated with the same mantra and the woman was turned round and led ahead.^[9] Rice, wine or beverage were given after having been consecrated with the same mantra.^[10]