The Classical Doctrine of Indian Medicine: Its Origins and its Greek Parallels c6.92

c6.92

“.....The created head of the sacrifice had been cut. For him the gods searched an expiation. Then, the Aśvins, who did not partake of the soma, were the doctors of the gods. They ran to these two as one rushes to a doctor: “Put back the head of the sacrifice.” They replied: “That we should also have a share in the same.” “Select!” said (the gods). They said: “That the libation be drawn for us, that we may have access to soma-drinking.” The Aśvins then put back the head. (The gods) having purified them by the *bahiṣpavamāna*, drew the libation for them, who had become pure, worthy of the sacrifice. Thus it is that after the *bahiṣpavamāna* has been recited that the (libations) for the Aśvins are drawn...”²