Mahabharata Quiz - 13

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Question - 13

Are the deities of star (the star lords) known to the Mahabharata people?

Answer:

Yes.

Each star of the 27 star group is governed by a deity. 

The mention of some of them in the Mahabharata goes to prove that the star-lords in vogue today were also the same in the Mahabharata period. 

Citing those instances:

(1) 

prajāpatye ca nakṣatre madhyam prāpte divākare (12-47-3)

Prajapati's star is Rohini. Instead of mentioning Rohini, it is given as Prajapati's star. The context is the final day of Bhishma on the earth.

(2)

prājāpatyaṃ hi nakṣatraṃ grahas (5.141.7)

The same as above. Rohini, lorded by Prajapati is indicated here.

(3)

Bhāgyaṃ nakṣatram (6.3.14a)

The star lorded by the deity, Bhaga is indicated here. That star is Purva Phalguni. 

(4)

maghā viṣayagaḥ somas tad dinaṃ (6.17.2)

The star Maghā is governed by Pirtus. Maghā vishaya refers to more entries into pitru-world - a reference to more deaths. 

(5)

maitre nakṣatrayoge sma sahitaḥ (9-34-12)

Balarama after meeting Krishna and Pandavas at Upaplavya to know the outcome of Krishna's peace mission left on 'maitri nakshtara'. Mitra is the deity of the star Anuradha. Instead of telling that Balarama left on the day of Anuradha, it is told by the name of the deity, Mitra. 

These instances show that the star lords as we know today were known to the people of the Mahabharata.

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