CHAPTER XXVIII.
Now we shall discourse on the chapter which deals with the Therapeutics (and remedial measures) of an attack by Skanda-Graha (Skanda-Graha-Pratishedha). 1.
Decoctions of the leaves of the trees (Vilvádi) possessed of Váyu-subduing virtue should be used for sprinkling purposes and oil duly cooked and prepared with the decoction of their roots and with the drugs of the Sarvagandha, group and with Kaitaryya*[1] and Surámanda as Kalka should be used in anointing the body of the child laid up with an attack of Skanda-graha. Draughts of clarified butter duly cooked with Deva-dáru, Rásná, the drugs of the Madhura group and with milk, should be internally administered. 2-3.
Fumigation:— Moreover the body of the child should be fumigated with the fumes of the mustard seeds, the cast-off skin of a snake, Vachá, Kákádani, clarified butter and the hairs of a camel, a goat, a sheep or of a cow mixed together and burnt. 4.
The twigs of Soma-balli (Guduchi), Indra-balli (Aśmantaka) and Śami as well as the thorns of Vilva and the roots of Mrigádani, should be strung together (in the shape of a garland) and tied (round its neck). 5.
The physician (or any other person acting on his behalf) should bathe in the night and worship the god Skanda for three successive nights in the inner quadrangle of the house of the child or at the crossing of roads with various offerings, viz., garlands of red flowers, red flags, red perfumes such as Kumkuma, edibles of various
- ↑ * Kaitaryya, according to Dallana, means Nimba or Guduchi.
