Rivers in Ancient India (study)
by Archana Sarma | 2019 | 49,356 words
This page relates ‘Medicinal aspect of Sarasvati’ of the study on the rivers in ancient India as reflected in the Vedic and Puranic texts. These pages dicsusses the elements of nature and the importance of rivers (Nadi) in Vedic and Puranic society. Distinctive traits of rivers are investigated from descriptions found in the Vedas (Samhitas), Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads and Puranas. The research is concluded by showing changing trends of rivers from ancient to modern times.
3(d). Medicinal aspect of Sarasvatī
[The river Sarasvatī in the Atharvaveda-saṃhitā, (d): Medicinal aspect of Sarasvatī]
Medicine and herbs are associated with divinities. The trio of the goddesses Sarasvatī, Iḍā and Bhāratī, has been mentioned in the Atharvavedasaṃhitā and it is suggested that all of them are only different aspects of a single goddess.[1] In one mantra of the Atharvavedasaṃhitā, they are described to have provided the remedy for poisoning.[2] This association of hearbs with deities has been brought out in clear terms in another mantra.[3] Here it is said that, herb is taken to be the daughter of the Asuras, sisters of gods and at the sametime, it is supposed to have been born of the heaven and the earth.
The Atharavavedasaṃhitā, thus, maintained a close relationship of the oṣadhi (herb, medicine) with the divine beings. It cures human beings of ailments by dint of its effectiveness born of its divine association. Thus, Sarasvatī holds an important position in the Saṃhitā literature in various ways. This aspect of Sarasvatī, viz. as a goddess and as river have been found in this literature.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
ā no yajñaṃ bhāratī tūyametviḍā manusvadiaha cetayantī | tisro devīrbarhiredaṃ syonaṃ sarasvatīḥ svapasaḥ sadantām || Ibid., 5.12.8; 6.100.1
[2]: