History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c89.112

v7.c89.112

In the Yājñavalkya-smṛti (I. 294-308), the Vaikhānasa-smārta-sūtra (IV. 13-14), the Baudhāyana-gṛhyaśeṣasūtra, the Matsya-purāṇa (93. 1-105), the Viṣṇudharmottara I. 93-105 and other purāṇas, in the Bṛhad-Yogayātrā (chap. 18. 1-24), and in the medieval digests provision is made for a śānti rite to the nine *grahas*, viz. the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn (mentioned in the order of the week-days), Rāhu and Ketu. This *navagrahaśānti* is the model (*prakṛti*) of all śāntihomas in all medieval digests. The Vaikhānasa-smārtasūtra¹¹⁹⁹ provides that all religious rites should be preceded by this navagraha-śānti. Yājñavalkya¹²⁰⁰ says 'one desirous of prosperity, of removing evil or calamities, of rainfall (for crops), long life, bodily health and one desirous of performing magic rites against enemies and others should perform a sacrifice to planets.' The Matsya (93. 5-6) states that the *navagrahamakha* is of three kinds, viz *Ayutahoma* (in which 10000 oblations are made), *Lakṣahoma* and *Koṭihoma*. The first is described at length in Matsya 93. 7-84, Lakṣahoma in 93. 85-118, Koṭihoma in 93. 119-139. The Matsya further provides¹²⁰¹ that Ayutahoma should be performed in marriages, festivals, sacrifices, establishment of images and other rites, in order that no obstacles should arise therein and on occasions when the mind is perturbed or when some evil omen or unusual event happens.