Ishe Tvorje Tva Explained - Part 2

The branch should have many leaves, and its tip should not be dry. It should not hurt the calves in any way. See the care that is taken.

Why particularly a branch of Palasha and not a branch of any other tree? While the Devas were discussing Brahma Tattva under the shade of the Palasha tree, it was overheard by Palasha. Thus, the tree Palasha has knowledge of Brahma Tattva; it is divine. Since the Palasha tree has Brahma Tattva in it, it is Brahma itself.

Palasha is also called सुश्रवाः. The yajamana who offers ahutis with a ladle made of Palasha will only hear auspicious words in his life, never insults or accusations. When the branch of the Palasha tree is used to drive away the calves, it is as if they are being driven away by Brahma himself. The same branch is also used to drive the cattle away for grazing.

गायत्रो वै पर्णः । गायत्राः पशवः । तस्मात्त्रीणि त्रीणि पर्णस्य पलाशानि । त्रिपदा गायत्री । यत्पर्णशाखया गाः प्रार्पयति । स्वयैवैना देवतया प्रार्पयति ।

Palasha is also connected to the Gayatri mantra. Palasha is Gayatri. The cows are Gayatri. The Gayatri meter has three padas, and the leaves of Palasha also occur in groups of three. When the Palasha branch, representing Gayatri, is used to touch the cows, which are also Gayatri embodied, it is like divinity touching divinity. An ordinary stick cannot be used for this purpose.

This driving away of calves is done by the Yajurvedic priest called Adhwaryu.

If the Adhwaryu ever wishes that the yajamana should become devoid of his cattle, he should bring a Palasha branch without leaves and with a dry tip. The cattle of the yajamana will be destroyed. If the Adhwaryu desires that the yajamana should be rich in cattle, he should get a branch with leaves and with a tip that is not dry.

See how much significance each small thing has. A branch growing towards the east will win Devaloka and assure the yajamana success in Devaloka. A branch growing towards the north will win Manushyaloka. If both are obtained, then the yajamana will win both Devaloka and Manushyaloka.

When 'इषे त्वोर्जेत्वा' is uttered, it gives both isha and urja to the yajamana.

इडित्यन्नम् सर्वैः प्राणिभिरिष्यमाणत्वात् । ऊर्ग् बलहेतू रसः । “ऊर्जं बलप्राणनयोः ” इति धातुः । ऊर्ज्यते बलं संपाद्यतेऽनया रसरूपयेत्यूर्क ।

हे पलाशशाखे, देवान्नरूपदध्यर्थं त्वामाच्छिनद्मि । तस्य देवस्य बलप्रदरसार्थं त्वामाच्छिनद्मीति वाक्यार्थः ।

इड् means food. ऊर्ग means the essence that gives energy.

Oh, branch of Palasha, I am cutting you for the purpose of providing food to Deva in the form of curd. I am cutting you to provide strength to Deva in the form of the essence of energy. The meaning should be remembered while cutting the branch.

अनधः सादयति । गर्भाणां धृत्या अप्रपादाय । तस्माद्गर्भाः प्रजानामप्रपादुकाः । उपरीव निदधाति । उपरीव हि सुवर्गो लोकः । सुवर्गस्य लोकस्य समष्ट्यै ।

The branch thus brought should not be kept down. It should be kept at an elevated place. This is done for the protection and firmness of pregnancies and so that pregnancies do not fall. If it is kept down, there is a risk of miscarriage for women in the family. The heaven is above. One desirous of heaven should surely keep this branch above, at an elevated place.

The Adhwaryu should observe silence while cutting the branch and bringing it back. Another acharya, Shaleeki, also agrees that this should be done in silence. Those who are engaged in the performance of yajna should not talk to non-participants, those who are not playing any role in the yajna. While talking to co-participants, it should be with a pleasant smile.

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