Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s20.47

v1.c3.s20.47

The Names of the Nakṣatras.—In addition to the two mentioned in the Rigveda, the earlier Atharvaveda³⁴ gives the names of Jyeṣṭhaghni³⁵ (the later Jyeṣṭhā) and Vicṛtau,³⁶ which are mentioned as in close connexion, and of Revatīs (plural) and Kṛttikās.³⁷ With reference to possible times for the ceremony of the Agnyādhāna, or ‘laying of the sacred fires,’ the Kāṭhaka Saṃhitā,³⁸ the Maitrāyaṇī Saṃhitā,³⁹ and the Taittirīya Brāhmaṇa⁴⁰ mention the Nakṣatras called Kṛttikās, Rohiṇī, Phalgunyas, Hasta; the latter Brāhmaṇa adds Punarvasū, and in an additional remark⁴¹ excludes Pūrve Phalgunī in favour of Uttare Phalgunī. The Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa⁴² adds Mṛgaśīrṣa and Citrā as possibilities. On the other hand, Punarvasū is recommended by all authorities⁴³ as suitable for the Punarādheya, ‘relaying of the sacred fires,’ which takes place if the first fire has failed to effect the aim of its existence, the prosperity of the sacrificer.⁴⁴ The Kāṭhaka Saṃhitā,⁴⁵ however, allows Anurādhās also.