their respective masters. They are the issues of Nairiti's daughters and their living has been fixed as such by the various Ganas (or groups of gods and demi-gods) as they are always adverse to truthfulness, i.e. the true performance of the dictates of the Śáśtra. Those that roam about in quest of evil and mischief in spite of the celestial nature of their own divine essence and temperament have been termed Bhutas (spirits). Hence that branch of medical science which treats of the therapeutics of diseases which originate from the influences of Bhutas (or Grahas) is called the Bhuta-Vidyá. 18-20.
General Religious Treatment:— japas (mental repetition of a Mantra sacred to any deity), Homas (offering of oblations to the gods) and other religious rites in accordance with the proper rules should be undertaken by a careful physician for their propitiation. Offerings of garlands of red flowers with red scents (such as red Sandal paste, Kumkuma, etc.), seeds (such as mustard, barley, etc.) honey, clarified butter and all sorts of victuals are the articles required generally for (propitiation of) all classes (of Grahas). 21.
Specific Religious Treatment:— Clothes, wine, blood, flesh or milk should be offered to them according to their respective likings*[1]. Offerings to the respective Grahas should be made on the day corresponding to that in which they generally strike their victims. Homas in the fire with the offerings of Kuśa, Svastika, cakes (Pupa), clarified butter, umbrella and Páyasa (porridge) should be made to the Deva(celestial) Grahas in divine temples. To the AsuraGrahas the offering should the made in the yard
- ↑ * This Śloka corresponding to "cloth.... likings" is only a variant according to Dallana. He does not seem to read this Śloka.
