The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s20.t3.6

c5.s20.t3.6

THIS prickly shrub is sacred to Mansá the goddess of serpents. On the fifth day after full moon of the month of Sravana (July, August) it is planted in the court-yard of Hindu houses and worshipped as the representative of Mansá the goddess of serpents. *Euphorbia antiquorum*, called tekátá sij in Bengali on account of its triangular stem, is probably alluded to by some Sanskrit writers under the name of vajri, which is explained as a variety of snuhi. This plant is supposed to ward off lightening strokes and is generally kept in tubs or pots on the roofs or other exposed parts of native houses. Its popular medicinal uses are like those of *Euphorbia neriifolia*.