The History of Indian Literature c8.453

c8.453

The *Kauśika-Sútra* is the sole existing ritual Sútra of the Atharvaveda, although I am acquainted with an Átharvaṇa-Gṛihya through quotations.¹⁶⁸ It consists of fourteen *adhyáyas*, and in the course of it the several doctrines are repeatedly ascribed to Kauśika. In the introduction it gives as its authorities the Mantras and the Bráhmaṇas, and failing these the *sampradáya*, *i.e.*, tradition, and in the body of the work the Bráhmaṇa is likewise frequently appealed to (by *iti br.*); whether by this the Gopatha-Bráhmaṇa is intended I am unable to say. The style of the work is in general less concise than that of the other Sútras, and more narrative. The contents are precisely those of a Gṛihya-Sútra. The third *adhyáya* treats of the ceremonial for Nirṛiti (the goddess of misfortune); the fourth gives *bhaishajyas*, healing remedies; the sixth, &c., imprecations, magical spells; the tenth treats of marriage; the eleventh of the Manes-sacrifice; the thirteenth and fourteenth of expiatory ceremonies for various omens and portents (like the Adbhuta-Bráhmaṇa of the Sámaveda).¹⁶⁹