History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v3.c42.48

v3.c42.48

*Śūlagava or Īśānabali* :—This was originally an offering of the flesh of an ox to Śiva. There was some difference of opinion as to the time. Āśv. gṛ. IV. 9. 2 states that it was to be performed in Śarad (autumn) or in Vasanta (spring) under the constellation of Ārdrā. The Baud. gṛ. II. 7. 1-3 says that every year it was to be performed on the full moon day of Mārgaśīrṣa or on the Ārdrā nakṣatra¹⁹⁶⁴ in that month or whenever cattle suffer from some pest or disease. The Kāṭhaka gṛ. (52. 2-3) declares that the Śūlagava may be performed from various desires in śarad or vasanta and that according to some ācāryas there is no restriction as to season. The Bhār. gṛ. II. 8 and Hir. gṛ. II. 8. 2 say that it may be performed in the bright half of a month and on an auspicious nakṣatra.