History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c89.194

v7.c89.194

The Kauśikasūtra (kaṇḍikās 110 and 111), Bṛhatsaṃhitā¹²⁴⁹ (chap. 45. 51–54) and the Adbhutasāgara pp. 559–569 deal at length with the portents of births to women, cows, mares, she asses &c. A few passages only are set out here. Varāhamihira¹²⁴⁹ says 'when women give birth to monstrosities, or to two, three, four or more children at the same time or they are delivered much before or after the proper time, then results destruction of the country or family'. The Matsyapurāṇa 235. 1-3 and Viṣṇudharmottara II. 140. 1-3 have identical verses similar to the above. The Bhīṣmaparva¹²⁵⁰ (chap 3 2-7) refers to portentous births such as the following; 'pregnant women and women who had never before given birth to sons produce monstrosities; so also even wives of men who are Vedic scholars are giving birth to eagles and peacocks, mares give birth to calves, dogs to jackals; some women have given birth to four or five girls (at the same time) &c'. The Br. S proceeds¹²⁵¹ 'If mares, camels, she-buffaloes and cow-elephants give birth to twins, that portends death to them The effect of such births will come to pass about six months later; Garga has declared two slokas as to the śānti in such cases The women that give birth (to twins or monstrosities) should be removed to another place (or country) by one that desires his own happiness, he should gratify brāhmaṇas by gifts of things desired by them and should cause a śānti (propitiatory rite) to be performed; as to quadrupeds, they should be removed from their flocks or herds and be abandoned in other countries; otherwise there would be ruin of the town, the owner and the flock or herd.'