Vratas, Festivals & Worship

The reference is to verse 33 in the previous chapter.

This refers to the four stages of life namely Brahmacarya, Garhasa, Vanaprastha and Sannyasa. Durvasas said:

Satyatapas said: O sage, the foremost among the learned, be pleased to enlighten me on the two kinds of bodies about which you spoke.1 Durvasas said:

Actually there are three bodies, not two, including the one for the operation of the effects of one's good and bad deeds.

The first body is called Adharmic (of demerit) which is without (true) knowledge. The second resulting from proper observances is called Dharmic (of merit).

The third, which is beyond senses, is for the action of the results of one's merits and demerits. It is declared so by those who have attained knowledge of Brahman.

And thus, including the body for the manifestation of the result of one's own good and bad deeds, there are three.

Your former body (body in the former aspect) was named Sin, because you were doing the sinful deed of killing living beings.

Now by doing good deeds and performing penance, you have acquired a Dharmic body. Thereby you have become eligible to know the Vedas and Puranas.

Upto eight years of age man is, of course, guided by others, but after that he becomes different and does things on his own.

It is declared by people with Supreme knowledge that it is one and the same body that is considered as three because of different aspects. The difference between them is as between the clay and the pot.

The path of action laid down for the Brahmins and others (Ksatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras) is of four kinds.1

There the first three always perform the rites prescribed by the Vedas. The fourth attends on these three.

He who performs penance knowing well the Vedic injunctions, certainly gains salvation. Satyatapas said:

O great sage, the form of what you said as the Supreme Soul, cannot be known by even great yogins.

It is beyond the scope of name and form, and, as such, how can it be known? So kindly tell me the sign by which I may know it. Durvasas said:

That which is spoken of as the Supreme Brahman in Vedas and Sastras is the (essence of) Veda itself, the lotus-eyed Narayana-Hari.

This Supreme god, Narayana, is attained through the different sacrifices and gifts. Satyatapas said:

O sage, lord Narayana is attained by spending a lot of money and by the meritorious persons who have mastered the Vedas. Please tell me how he can be attained by those who have no money (for sacrifices.)

Without money it is not possible to give gifts. Those who are tied to the family will not have the mind to spend even if they have the means.

To such people, it appears to me, Narayana will always be far away.

Tell me in particular as to by what efforts he can be reached by people of all castes.

I shall tell you the great secret, what was done by Mother Earth when she was merging into water and moving down tc the nether world.

The solid part of Earth was engulfed by water, and as,. result, she was sinking into the lower world, Rasatala.

This mother of ali beings, when she reached Rasatala, worshipped the great god Xarayana.

By the fastings and vows and other observances of Earth. Narayana became pleased, lie raised her up and restored her to her original place. Satyatapas said:

O sage, please tell me what was the sort of fasting undertaken by her and what were the vratas performed. Durvasas said:

He should then say, " O lord, remaining without food on EkadasI day, I shall take food on the next day; O lord, be my refuge".

Then in the night he should sleep near (the idol of) the Lord reciting 'Namo Narayanaya'.

He may then take bath uttering Varuna mantra. After bath, he should observe the essentials prescribed and then go to the temple.

74-40.1-5 123 a good son.

After saluting Lord Narayana thus, he should arrange four pots of water before Him and put into them sesamum and gold and decorate them with garlands.

The four pots should be considered as containing water from the four oceans. In the middle a seat covered with cloth should be placed.

A vessel made of gold, silver or copper, or, if they are not available, one made of the leaves of Palasa tree, should be placed on it.

Then saying " O god, just as you raised up the Vedas from the nether world, raise me up (from worldly life)". He should keep awake (throughout the night).

The golden image of the fish should be given to the priest after giving him, according to the prescribed rituals, sandal, Dhupa and cloth.

If the priest is one well versed in the Vedas and Upanisads then the result of the gift will be many times more than when given to an ordinary person.

After the worship of Visnu and gifts to Brahmins, they should be fed and given daksina according to one's means on the DvadasI day.

The copper vessel with sesamum on which the image was placed should be given to a Brahmin having a family.

After feeding the Brahmins, the worshipper may eat along with children, silently and fully controlling the senses.

Now listen to the benefits that befall the performer of this Dharanlvrata.

Fourteen days and nights (form a paksa, fortnight). Thirty days make a month, and twelve months make a year.

Hundred years is the life of a Brahma.

Even if one performs Dvadaslvrata but once as detailed above one would reach the world of Brahma and be there as long as Brahma himself remains.

When Brahma merges in the Supreme, he too will merge likewise, and at the time of creation again, will be born as a saintly and divine king.

Even sins like killing a Brahmin, committed knowingly or unknowingly, disappear from him in a moment.

Even a person in utter poverty or a dethroned king, will be born as a king by fasting in the prescribed manner.

A barren woman, following this course of worship, begets

The sin of sharing a prohibited bed disappears by the observance of this vow.

By this fasting one who has long neglected the Brahmanic duties, gets restored to the Vaidik position.

Why say much, this brings about even what is unattainable in the ordinary course. Hence this should be observed by all people.

This was done by Earth herself when she was submerged in water. There is no need, therefore, to deliberate on this.

This should not be told to any one who is not righteous or has no faith; nor to any one who denounces gods and Brahmins. If it is imparted to one who is devoted to his teacher, it results in the dissolution of all sins.

He who undertakes this fast, gets all splendour, wealth, foodgrain and beautiful women.

He who recites to others the important rituals pertaining to DvadasI worship, or listens to such narration, gets freed from all sins.

This vessel should be filled with water and in it should be placed a golden image of Visnu in his form as the fish with all the limbs and ornaments and worshipped with sandal, Dhupa and different kinds of food and fruit as prescribed.

In the morning, he should give away the four pots to Brahmins, the one on the east to a Rgvedin, the one on the South to a Samavedin, the one on the West to a Yajurvedin and the one on the north to an Atharvavedin, uttering respectively 'let Rgveda be pleased by this', 'let Yajurveda be pleased by this', 'let Samaveda be pleased by this', and 'let Atharvaveda be pleased by this'.

Then early in the morning, he should go to a river which preferably flows into the sea, or a tank or pond in the house (in the order of preference), and taking the mud from it utter the words, " O goddess, the existence and sustenance of all beings lie in you. Be pleased to cleanse me of all my sins. All the holv Tirthas (places for holy bath) are made by you, so I take this mud from you and stand here, O Earth. O Varuna, all rasas (essences) remain in you. By bestowing them all in this mud make it fully purified". Then the mud with water should be smeared all over the body three times.

If one shows any disregard to such a priest, he falls into hell for several lives, because one who guides the worship should be considered as a preceptor.

There he should offer worship to Narayana saying, '1 worship the feet as Kesava, the waist as Damodara, thighs as Nrsimha, chest as the bearer ot Srlvatsa, the stomach as the wearer of Kaustubha, the breast as Laksml's Lord, the hands as the victor of three worlds, the head as the all-pervadmg, the disc as the bearer of disc, the lotus as the doer oi all good, the mace as the valiant, and the lotus as the serene.

He should then touch the nine outlets in the bodv (eyes, ears, nose etc.) and meditate on the great lord Janardana (Visnu), the wearer of yellow garment and bearer of conch, disc and mace and endowed with all auspiciousness. He should then take water in his hand and reverentially offer it to Him uttering His name.

In the month of Margaslrsa (Dhanus), on DasamI day the devotee should, with great control of mind, perform the prescribed rituals in fire and worship of gods, and with clean dress and pure mind eat the remains of the food offered to gods. He should then walk five steps, wash the feet and clean the teeth by chewing eight inches of the twig of a sappy tree and sip watei

If only I have a thousand mouths and life as long as Brahma's will I be able to state in full the results of this Vrata. Still I shall say this in brief.

Seventeen million, ten million, eight million and four million years respectively constituting the four yugas together constitute a caturyuga. Seventyone such Gaturyugas constitute a Man van tar a.

Durvasas said: Similarly in the month of Pausa (SVIakara) amrta was churned from the ocean, and then lord Visnu, on his own accord, became a Kurma (tortoise).

The tithi DasamI on the bright half of this month is assigned to Visnu in the Kurma form.

On that day, as before, one should do saiikalpa (stating the aim), and on the following (Ekadasi) day take ritualistic bath and worship Visnu with all devotion.

The next day (on Dvadasi), the lord Kurma-Narayana should be propitiated by giving gifts to Brahmins with daksina, and food should be taken afterwards. У. If done in this way, all sins will disappear. You need not have any doubt about this. And it leads one out of the perils of the world, to the abode of Visnu.

All sins disappear instantaneously and he is then bora as a righteous man. The sins accumulated over several lives are eradicated by devotion.

The benefits stated before accrue to him and Lord Narayana becomes very much pleased.

After worshipping, a pot of water with a gem within it should be placed in front and decorated with ilowers and white cloth. On it should be placed a copper vessel containing s ghee and in it should be placed an image of the lord with Mandara (resting on him) made of gold, and it should then be gifted to a Brahmin in reverence.

Adoring His feet as Kurma, waist as Narayana, belly as Sankarsana, neck as Purobhava (the first born), the hands as Subahu (fine-armed) and head as Visala (broad-bodied), and uttering mantras containing the names of the lord, offer sandal, flowers, dhupa and naivedya of a variety of fruits.

Durvasas said: Similarly, listen, O sage, to the worship of Visnu as Varaha on Dvadasi day in the bright half of the month of Magha (Kumbha).

The image should be covered by a pair of white clothes and worshipped by offering sandal, flowers and dry fruits of various kinds.

Heaping flowers all round, he should keep awake and read the story of the appearance of the lord as Varaha.

Now hear the results that accrue to a person who thus gifts the image of Visnu in his form as Varaha.

In this life he gets happiness, prosperity, effulgence and gratification. If he is poor, he becomes rich and if without a son, gets one.

Everything inauspicious disappears, and auspiciousness sets in immediately as if by force. In the life beyond he gets eternal happiness. Listen to a story in this connection.

In the place called Pratisthana there was a famous king named Viradhanva.

He once went to the forest for hunting, and there near the hermitage of a sage he killed numerous deer.

O Sage, be pleased to tell me how they looked like deer. Durvasas said;

Once they saw in the forest several young deer, just born According to the reading it is fifty, but this seems to Le a mistake. 126 Varaha Pur ana but without their mother near by.

They took one of them each and put them in a cave, but they soon died. Sad at this they went to their father and told him about it. The sage's sons said:

O father, we have been the cause of the death of five young deer, though not deliberately. So be pleased to tell as what atonement we should do. Sarhvorla said:

" M y father used to injure and I too. And you my sons, also have developed a tendency to commit injury.

You put on deer skin and perform penance for five years. You will then become purified."

They then put on deer skin and began meditating on the Supreme in the forest.

At the close of one year, King Vlradhanva came to the place where these in deer-skin were sitting.

But when he realised that he had killed not the deer but some Brahmins doing penance, he was struck with fear and went to the hermitage of sage Devarata.

He told the sage how he happened to kill Brahmins and stood there shedding penitent tears.

Indra honoured him by rising from his seat and offering arghya. Seeing Indra thus going towards him, the servants of Visnu said:

"O Indra, you are not entitled to see him, because you are inferior to him in penance". All other Dikpalas also were similarly turned away by the servants of Visnu, all of them being eclipsed by his superior lustre.

40—42.1-3 127 to the world of Indra in a golden aerial vehicle.

Worshipped in proper form, even once one attains effulgence, long life, sound health and abundant wealth and finally gets immortality.

When the worship is in all detail, lord Narayana, who has the fourfold form, gives his own abode.

Performing Sahkalpa and puja, as stated earlier, on the EkadasI day with sandal paste, incense and dry fruits, the pot filled with water should be placed in front.

There, quite unknowingly, he happened to kill five1 sons of sage Sarhvarta, who were all devoted to learning the Vedas and who had the appearance of deer. Satyatapas said:

Then (the devotee should utter): " I worship the feet of the lord as Varaha, waist as Madhava, belly as Ksetrajna, chest as Visvarupa, neck as Sarvajna, head as Prajapati, hands as Pradyumna, Sudarsana (disc) as Divyastra (divine weapon), and Sankha (conch) as Amrtodbhava". д.д. Then he should place on the pot a vessel made of gold, silver or copper, fill it with valuable materials according to his capacity, and place on it a golden image of Visnu as Varaha in the form holding the earth with all its mountains and forests. Thus should be placed the golden image in the vessel filled with grain.

Then the king became glad and asked him as to how the lord would become pleased that he would rid him of all his sins. Durvasas said:

Seeing them at the-foot of a tree, the king mistook them to be real deer and killed them.

Devarata consoled him saying that he would be freed from the sin thus committed. He said that the (story of the;• earth sinking into Patala and Visnu assuming the form of a boar lifting it up, would bring about the king's purification by the lord himself.

After doing this, the next morning at sunrise, taking bath and performing worship he should give the image together with the pot to a pious Brahmin with family, who is learned in Vedas and devoted to Visnu.

Just as he restored the Vedas by taking the form of the fish, and held the Mandara mountain in position by assuming the foim of a tortoise at the churning of the milky ocean, so he raised up the earth from the nether world by taking" the form of a boar.

Thus asked, sage Devarata told him about this Vrata (detailed above). The king performed it, and as a result, enjoyed all pleasures in the world and, at the end of his life, was taken

He then proceeded to Satyaloka which is unaffected by deluge and the heat which follows it and remains there now applaudedeby others. When Yajnapurusa(Visnu) is pleased, what wonder is there that this happened so.

Durvasas said: Similarly one may worship Visnu in the prescribed manner on Dvadasi on the bright half of the month of Phalguna.

In the land of Kimpurusas there was a righteous king named Bharata and he had a son named Vatsa.

After performing worship on it, on DvadasT day it should be given to a Vaidik Brahmin.

I shall now tell you the result gained through this Vrata by the king named Vatsa.

Vatsa was conquered by his enemies and was completely robbed of his treasury, and he went with his wife to the hermitage of sage Vasistha.

Vasistha then asked him the purpose of his visit. The king said:

Thus said, Vasistha told him about this (Narasimha) dvadaslvrata, and he observed it accordingly.

At the end of the vrata, lord Narasimha was pleased, and he gave him a cakra (disc) to smash his enemies in battle.

With that weapon, the king won back his kingdom, and after performing numerous Asvamedha sacrifices, attained Visnuloka.

This holy Dvadaslvrata is thus narrated to you. Now you may do whatever you'desire to do so.

O sage, I have been deprived of my kingdom and robbed of my treasury by the enemies, and without any one to help me, I have now come to you. Be pleased to advise me. Durvasas said:

He should worship the feet as Narasimha, thighs as Govinda, waist as Vis'vabhuk, chest as Aniruddha, neck as Sitikantha, head as Piiigakesa, disc (Sudarsana) as Asuradhvariisin (destroyer of Asuras) and conch as Toyatma, with sandal, flowers and fruits.

Л pot together with two white clothes and a gem inside should then be placed in front and over that in a vessel made of copper or wood or reed a golden image of Narasimha with theusual materials.

Durvasas said: In the same manner, in the month of Caitra (Mesa), Visnu should be worshipped on the Dvadasi day after due fasting.

After worship to the great lord in this manner, place in front, as before, the pot of water with gem within duly purified.

As before, place on it in a vessel (of the material mentioned earlier) a golden image of Vamana with a white yajnopavlta.

Near it should be placed the Kamandalu (spouted vessel). a small umbrella, wooden sandals, rosary and seat of kusa grass.

All these together should be given to a Brahmin in the morning uttering "May Visnu in the form of the dwarf be pleased".

The story of the appearance of Vamana in this month (Caitra) should then be recited. This is the rule. (Here is a story in this connection).

There was once a king named Haryasva. He was childless and so he perforn ed penance for an issue.

When he was performing a sacrifice for the purpose, Visnu came to him in the form of a Brahmin.

He asked the king the aim of his deed. The king replied that it was for getting a son. The Brahmin asked him to continue what he was doing.

Saying thus to the king, he suddenly disappeared.

By this vrata a son was born to him by name Ugrasva and he became an emperor.

The feet should be worshipped as Vamana, the waist as Visnu, belly as Vasudeva. chest as Sarikarsana. neck as Visvabhrt, head as Vyomarupin. the arms as Visvajit and the conch and disc by their own names (Pancajanya and Sudarsanaj.

One without a son gets a son, one who wants wealth gets it, one who is deprived of his kingdom regains it. And after death he goes to Visnu's abode and after remaining there for long, takes birth as a man and becomes an emperor like Yayati, son of Nahusa. 130

The king completed the rites and then gave (the image with all the associated things) to a poor Vaidik Brahmin saying "O Lord, just as to the issueless Aditi you were born as son, by the same truth may I also get a child".

Durvdsas said: In the same manner in the month of Vaisakha (Vrsabha), one should perform sankalpa (on Dvadasi day) and after bathing using mud, go to the place of worship.

After worshipping thus, he should place a pot in front as before and put on it a pair of clothes.

A golden image of Jamadagnya (Parasurama) having an axe in the right hand, should be put in a rotten vessel and then placed on it.

Worship should then be made with sandal and flowers of various kinds.

Keeping awake the whole night with devotion, it should be given to a Brahmin early in the morning the next day.

I shall now illustrate the result accruing from this vrata.

There was a mighty king by name Virasena. He had no sons and so he began to perform intensive penance.

When he was thus doing severe penance, the great sage Yajnavalkya came to him.

Seeing the effulgent sage thus come to him, the king rose up with folded hands.

The sage who was honoured thus, asked the king about the aim of his penance. The king said:

O sage, I am now without a son, and so I perform these austerities so that this body of mine may steadily decline (leading to death). Yajnavalkya said:

O king, enough of this severe penance. Surely you will

O sage, be pleased to tell me how I will beget a son without difficulty. Durvasas said:

Asked by the king thus,, the sage told him about this (Jamadagnya)dvadaslvrata to be performed in the bright fortnight in Vaisakha.

By observing it with due fasting, the king got a son, the well known Nala, who even now is remembered in the world as one to be considered as with a sacred name.

Such is the result of this Dvadasivrata.

One who observes it will get good sons, learning, prosperity and resplendence in this life.

In the world beyond, he remains in the world of Brahma for one kalpa attended by numerous Apsarases.

Then he will be reborn as an emperor and live for thirty thousand kalpas.

15—45.1-5 131 get a son without difficulty. The king said:

There he should worship Visnu in the following manner. The feet should be worshipped as Jamadagnya, belly as Sarvadharin (bearing everything), waist as Madhusudana, thighs as Srivatsadharin, hands as Ksarantaka, the beard as Sitikantha, the conch and disc by their own names (Pancajanya and Sudarsana) and head as Brahmandadharin.

Durvasas said: In the month of Jyestha (Mithuna) similarly, after sankalpa in the prescribed manner, one should worship the lord with flowers of different kinds.

As before, the golden images of Rama and Laksmana 132 Varaha Parana covered in clothes, should be worshipped in the prescribed manner, and should be gifted to a Brahmin the next morning by him who desires to accomplish his wishes.

Grasping the secret, the king observed this and the result was Visnu in a fourfold form became his sons, being pleased with him.

Such is the result in this world. I shall tell you the effect in the world beyond.

The performer enjoys the pleasures of heaven as long as Indra remains its lord. Then he takes birth as a king who would perform a hundred sacrifices (and thus becomes one like Indra himself).

One who performs this vrata without any desire gets all his sins removed and in the end attains eternal bliss.

He should worship the feet as Rama, waist as Trivikrama, belly as Dhrtavisva (the holder of the universe), chest as Sarhvatsara, neck as Sarhvartaka, hands as Sarvastradharin (the bearer of all weapons), the conch and disc by their names (Pancajanya and Sudarsana) and head as Sahasrasiras (thousand-headed). After this, as before, the pot should be placed in front.

When the advice of Vasistha was sought by Dasaratha when he was without a son, it was this that was suggested to him by the sage.

Then on a cloth over it should be placed the golden image of Visnu as Vasudeva and the other vyuhas (Saiikarsana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha).

After worship with sandal, flowers etc., it should be gifted to a Vaidik Brahmin, as before.

Now listen to the benefits arising from this vrata performed in the prescribed manner.

In the Yadu clan there was a great man named Vasudeva

Once Narada came to their house, and being received with due respect, he said:

"O Vasudeva, please listen to this matter relating to the worship of god, after knowing which I have rushed here to tell you.

Earth went to the assembly of gods and said that she was unable to bear the weight (of the demons) straining her and requested them to kill (these evil-doers).

Thus requested, Devas thought of going to lord Narayana, but the moment they thought of him, he appeared before them.

Assured thus, Devas went away, and I came here to tell you about this so that you can get a worthy son.

By performing this DvadasI vrata, Vasudeva got the son named Krsna and gained great prosperity.

After enjoying great affluence, he attained in the end final beatitude. Thus I have told you about the observance of DvadasI vrata in Asadha.

7—47.1-3 133 He had a highly devoted wife named DevakI, but she was without a child.

The great lord himself then told Devas that he would accomplish their desire by taking birth as a human being, but he would be born only to her who, with her husband, observes the fast (on DvadasI) in the bright half of the month of Asadha.

Durvasas said: In the month of Asadha (Karkataka) also, one may take due saiikalpa, and after worshipping Visnu in the hands as Cakrapani, neck as Bhupati, conch and disc as Pancajanya and Sudarsana and head as Purusa, and place the pot in front as before.

The colophon at the end of the chapter gives this name but its significance is not clear. as Sanatana, chest as Srivatsadharin, hands as Cakrapani, neck as Hari, head as Munjakesa and tuft as Bhadra.

Durvasas said: In the month of Sravana (Simha) on the EkadasI day of the bright half, observe the vrata as before, and worship Visnu with sandal and flowers.

After worship in this manner, place the pot in front as before, and place over it covered in a pair of clothes, the golden image of the lord as Damodara.

After worship with sandal and flowers in proper form, give it to a Vaidik Brahmin as before.

In the Krtayuga there was a mighty king by name Nrga. He was wandering in the forest for hunting.

Riding on his horse, he happened to enter into the interior of the dense forest full of tigers, lions, elephants, snakes and aborigines.

Being alone in a lonely place, he was sad and dismounting the horse, spread Kusa grass and slept on it.

In the night there came near him a multitude of fourteen thousand hunters for hunting.

They saw there the king adorned with golden jewels and full of high effulgence.

They quickly ran to their master and reported to him, and he immediately started to kill the king and take away the gold and gems he was adorning on his body.

The other hunters also rushed there to snatch away the horse from the sleeping king.

At that time there arose from the king's person a divine lady decked with sandal and garlands and ornaments white in colour.

With a Cakra held in her hand, she killed all the hunters, and then entered his body.

As she was entering into the body, the king rose up.

Seeing her disappear in his own body and seeing all those base men killed there, the king mounted the horse and went to the hermitage of sage Vamadeva.

Bowing to the sage with reverence, he asked him to be pleased to tell him as to who that lady WHS and who the killed hunters were.

O king, in the previous life you were a Sudra, but you performed this DvadasI vrata on hearing about it from Brahmins.

You observed the vrata on DvadasI in the bright half of Sravana month.

By this vrata you became a king and the goddess (of this vrata) protects you always from all dangers.

She who killed all these base and cruel men and protected you is this goddess.

Even this one goddess is capable of protecting from all dangers and bestowing (on the devotee) a kingdom. Twelve of them1 will well bring about the position of Indra,

20—48.1-8 135 Vamadeva said:

Worship the feet as Damodara, waist as Hrslkesa, belly

Now listen to the account of the power of this vrata which is capable of removing all sins.

Durvasas said: In the same manner, on the EkadasI of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada (Kanya), one may worship the lord of lords in the prescribed manner.

One verse relating to Krsna and Kalkin seems to be missing here.

There came the great and ancient sages Nara and NaraThe goddesses of the Dvadas'is of all the twelve months. 136' Varaha Purana yana, who are worshipped by all gods.

Seeing the king there immersed in contemplation of the Supreme Being Visnu, they were very much pleased and asked him to seek a boon from them who had gone there pleased by his meditation. The king said:

" I do not know who you are and from whom I should seek the boon. I wish to get boon from him whom I am worshipping".

Said thus, they asked: " O king, whom are you worshipping and what boon do you wish to get? We wish to know this. So please tell us".

The king replied that he was worshipping Visnu and then remained silent. They then said:

Grant me the boon by which I will be able to propitiate the lord of sacrifices (Visnu) by various sacrifices. Лага said:

Lord Narayana who looks after the entire world, is performing penance with me at Badari.

He formerly took the form of a fish (Matsya), then that of a tortoise (Kurma), afterwards that of a pig (Varaha) and then assumed the form of man-lion (Narasimha).

He then told him about this Dvadasi. And observing this the king became an emperor, and by his name Badari came to be known as Visala.

After ruling the country for long, the king retired to the forest. By performing several sacrifices he attained final beatitude.

23—49.1-11 137

" I t is by the grace of that same god (Visnu) that we are offering you a boon now. So tell us what you desire". The king said:

O sage, now listen to the result accruing from this vrata: Once there was a powerful king named Visala in Kasl. Deprived of his kingdom by his kinsmen, he went to Gandhamadana and from there reached Badarl in a canoe, bereft of all his royalty-

Then he was born as a dwarf (Vamana), and later on as the mighty son of Jamadagni (Parasurama). Then he took birth as the son of Dasaratha (Rama) and killing all the base and vile people, established order in the world.1

After worship in this manner, he should place, as before, a pot in front and over it a golden image of Kalkin in a white cloth and with sandal and flowers, and in the morning it should be gifted to a Vaidik Brahmin.

One may worship Narasimha for ridding oneself of sins, Vamana for removing all stupefaction, Parasurama for wealth, Rama for annihilation of enemies, Balarama and Krsna for begetting sons, Buddha for physical charm and Kalki for victory.

He should worship the feet as Kalkin, the waist as Hrslkesa, the belly as Mlecchavidhvarhsaka, neck as Sitikantha, arms as Khadgapani, hands as Gaturbhuja and head as Visvamurti.

Durvasas said: In the same manner, on the Dvadasi day in the bright half of the month of Asvayuja (Tula) lord Padmanabha should be worshipped.

After performing worship with sandal, llowers etc., early in the morning the next day it should be gifted to a Brahmin.

Listen to the result accruing from the observance of this.

In the Krtayuga there was a valiant king named Bhadrasva. His kingdom also came to be known by his name Bhadrasva.

Once sage Agastya came to him and said that he would stay with him for a week. The king, with bowing head, agreed with pleasure.

The king's wife by name Kantimati was so beautiful that she had the splendour of a dozen suns.

She had five hundred co-wives but they were all devoted to her and they attended on her like servants.

He was very glad to see all this and exclaimed, "O Lord of the worlds, how good in this!"

On the second day seeing the beaming queen, Agastya exclaimed, "The whole world has been acquired".

The king with his queen, seeing him thus immersed in joy, asked him the cause of his delight. Agastya said:

Told thus, the king with folded hands, requested him to be sympathetic and tell him clearly so that he could understand. Agastya said:

"In the former life, this queen was a servant in the house of the Vaisya Haridatta, and you were her husband, a Sudra serving in the same household.

When the Vaisya was gone, you were both engaging yourselves in keeping the lamps burning throughout night.

Hence, I exclaimed 'the whole world has been acquired'.

The result of burning the lamp before Visnu for author's sake is what has been gained by you. Hence, I exclaimed 'Fools do not know the effect of serving Hari'.

Since the Brahmins and Ksatriyas perform with devotion sacrifices of various kinds they were hailed by me.

I do not find in this world anything more worthy than the worship of Visnu. Hence, I congratulated myself saying 'O Agastya, well done'.

That woman is blessed who attends on her husband, because that kind of service is an indirect service of god. A Sudra who does so, is even more blessed.

That woman and that Sudra are blessed, if they attend on the twice-born. Hence, 1 said "Well done, women and Sudras"

Although born in the Asura clan, Prahlada proclaimed that he knew none other than Purusottama (Visnu). Hence I said "Well done Prahlada."

Hearing these words of the great Agastya, the king sought his advice, but the sage was leaving for the tlrtha Puskara.

Bhadrasva followed him to get his advice, and he was then told about this Dvadaslvrata by the sage. Durvasas said:

"O sage, I have told you this much". Agastya then told the king:

"I am leaving for Puskara, but you will be blessed with good sons". So saying, the sage suddenly disappeared.

By observing this Padmanabhadvadasi as prescribed and with fasting, the king attained the height of glory in this world.

Enjoying all pleasures surrounded by children and grandchildren, he iinally reached the world of Visnu with the blessings of Padmanabha.

31-« 139 ing in the temple for another's sake, it is beyond words to state the effect of doing such a thing for one's own sake. Hence, I said 'O lord of the worlds, how good is this!".

"You are a foolish king, all your followers are fools. your priests are also so, since they do not understand me".

The feet should be worshipped as Padmanabha, the waist as Padmayoni, the belly as Sarvadeva, the chest as Puskaraksa, the hands as Avyaya, the weapons as before, and head as Prabhava, and then, as already described earlier, the pot should be placed and over it the golden image of Padmanabha.

Dhruva who belonged to the line of Brahma, went to the forest when he was but a boy, and there worshipping Visnu attained an extremely glorious position. Hence 1 said 'Well done Dhruva!".

If this is the result of simply keeping the lamp burn-

In course of time both of you died, and due to the merit you had acquired (by attending to the duty assigned to you by the Vaisya in the temple), you were born in the family of Priyavrata and this queen, who was originally servant of the Vaisya, became your wife.

Agastya saw her in her radiant beauty, the co-wives earnestly serving her and the king being delighted at her happiness. 138 Varaha Pur ana

On the fourth day, he threw up his arms and exclaimed, "well done, lord of the world!, well done, women and Sudras!, well done, Brahmins!, well done Ksatriyas!, well done Vaisyas!, well done Bhadrasva!, well done Agastya!, well done Prahlada!, well done Dhruva!" Saying thus Agastya danced in joy before the king.

On the third day, seeing her he said, "Fools do not know lord Visnu, who by a single day's propitiation has given this king this gift".

The Vaisya, observing DvadasI in the month of Asvayuja, went to the temple of Visnu and after worshipping there with flowers, incense etc., left you both there to keep guard and to keep the lamps burning.

The merit acquired by the worship for one year in Krtayuga, is acquired by the same for half a year in Tretayuga, by quarter of a year in Dvaparayuga and by the mere utterance of the name "Narayana' in Kaliyuga.

Durvasas said: After going to Puskaratlrtha, sage Agastya returned to the palace of Bhadrasva in the month of Karttika.

Specified mystic figure with sixteen points engraved on a metal plate,

The Vai? navas who follow the Paficaratr5gama.

The righteous king duly received him with arghya, pddya etc., and offered a seat. He then asked him with curiosity. The king said:

O king, DvadasI in the month of Karttika is spoken of as most sacred. I shall tell you about its observance and results. Listen to me with rapt attention.

In the manner detailed earlier, take the sarikalpa and perform bath.

Consider these four pots (of water) as representing the four oceans. In their midst, as before, place the golden image of Visnu wearing yellow cloth and in the form of a yogin.

After worship in the prescribed manner, keep awake (the whole night).

Then perform Vaisnava sacrifice for the lord as Yogisvara (the great yogin)in the sixteen-petalled cakra1 devised by yogins.

In the morning give four pots to Brahmins, and the fifth containing Yogisvara with particular devotion (to an exalted person like the preceptor).

When the guru is available, if ignoring him the gift is given to another, it becomes useless and leads to the donor's downfall.

If any one, after resorting to the guru, falls out with him, he is put to torment in the hell for numerous yugas.

After worshipping Visnu and giving gifts thus, Brahmins should be fed according to one's means and given daksina.

The Creator formerly performed this Dharamvrata and attained his position and the eternal Braliman.

Similarly, the Haihaya king named Krtavlrya got the son named Kartavirya and attained the eternal Brahman.

Performing this vrata, Sakuntala got through Dusyanta the son Bharata who became an emperor.

The emperors referred to in the Vedas, all got their positions by performing this vrata.

When Dharani (Earth) sank into Patala, she performed this vrata and hence it is known as Dharani vrata.

When the vrata was completed, the earth was raised by Visnu in his form as Varaha and placed over the water like a canoe.

11-26 1 4 1

Then perform worship to Lord Narayana. The head should be worshipped as Sahasrasiras (thousand-headed), the hands as Purusa (Supreme Man), neck as Visvarupin (universal form), weapons as jnanastra (weapon of knowledge), chest as Srlvatsa, belly as Jagadvasisnu (the abode of all the worlds), waist as Divyamurti (divine-bodied), feet as Sahasrapada (thousand-footed), and the whole body together as Damodara. Thus perform worship in the reverse order (from head to foot).

Giving (to an ordinary Brahmin) is equivalent to the acquisition of Vedas, giving it to one steeped in Vedic knowledge brings double the result, giving it to an Acarya of the Pancaratras2 brings about the result a thousand-fold, and giving it to one who is learned in the secrets of all this makes the result a crore time more.

Persuade the guru to accept it, and then think of others, because, learned or otherwise, the guru is lord Janardana. Whether he follows the proper path or not he is highly important.

O sage, formerly you told me about the observance of DvadasI in the month of Asvina. Now be pleased to tell me what is sacred in the month of Karttika. Agastya said:

O sage, I have thus told you about this Dharanlvrata. He who listens to this and he who performs this, becomes freed from all sins and gets merged in Visnu.

After worship in this manner, place in front four pots smeared with white sandal and with gems within, decorated in the neck with flower garlands and placed in copper receptacles filled with sesamum and (a little) gold.

Thousands of aeons have elapsed since I performed this Vrata, and now I have forgotten all about it.

Therefore, kindly tell me what Agastya did after returning to the residence of Bhadrasva. Varaha said:

When the sage returned, Bhadrasva asked him about Moksadharma. Bhadraiva said:

O sage, by what means is the bondage of worldly exis-

O king, listen well to this story relating to what is distant and what is near and based on the division into the seen and the unseen.

At the time when there was no day, no night, no direction, no heaven, no gods and no sun, a king named Pasupala was looking after numerous beasts.

He once went to see the eastern ocean, and there, on the shore of that limitless expanse of water, saw a forest full of snakes.

There were eight trees and a freely flowing river. Five important persons were there moving horizontally and upwards. One of them was holding an effulgent woman.

The woman was holding on her chest a person having the splendour of a thousand suns and with three colours and three divisons.

Seeing the king, all of them became silent and still, and as soon as the king entered the forest, became combined into a single being.

The king was then encircled by the serpents, and he began to think about how he could kill them and effect his escape.

When he was thus thinking, another person having the three colours, white, red and yellow, came out of his body.

He asked by gesticulation where he should go. Just then there arose Mahat.

The king was covered by that and asked to be alert in mind. He was then confronted by the woman (who was really Maya).

He was thus engulfed by Maya. Then the lord of all beings caught him in his possession.

Then five other persons came there and surrounded him.

All these hid themselves within the king's person when the serpents came united to attack.

The king then appeared highly resplendent and his all sins disappeared.

In him were unified earth, water, fire, air and ether and all their qualities, 144 Varaha Pur an a

Thus Pasupala unified all these that stood around him.

Seeing the king then, the tri-colourcd person said to him:

Told thus, the king spoke to the man.

"You (say you) are my son, and as a result, other things arise. But I don't desire to have attachment to any of the pleasures men ma}' have".

So saying he released the son, and with him others also. And freed from them, he stood alone.

9-23 И З tence snapped, and by what means the sorrows in life can be got over? Agastya said:

Varaha said: After hearing the account of Dharanlvrata from sage Durvasas, Satyatapas went to a slope of Himalaya mountain where the river there was Puspabhadra (beautiful with flowers; the stone Citrasila (beautifully shaped) and the banyan tree Bhadravata (particularly attractive), and building a hermitage there, spent the rest of his life in contemplation. Earth said:

" O king, I am your son, please command me u.> do what you wish. We decided to bind you, but we were defeated and bound by you, and we now remain hidden in your body. When I have Ьесоще your son, everything else will arise of its own".

By your blessing I now begin to get a recollection of all that. I am, therefore, anxious to know more.

Agastya said: The king made himself into a tri-coloured being and produced a tri-coloured son named Aham (Ego).

The son got a daughter Avabodha (consciousness) and she got a 'son Vijnana (knowledge).

He got five sons comprehending all comprehensible objects and named Aksa and the rest (Eye etc).

These (sense-organs) were the Dasyus (hostile aborigines) who were subjugated by the king.

In their abstract form they made an abode for themselves (in the king's person), a city consisting of nine outlets, a single pillar, four pathways, and numerous rivulets and ponds.

All the nine entered the city together and soon Pasupala became the concrete Purusa.

Established in that city, the king brought the Vedas there by contemplating on them.

The king also arranged there for all the Vratas, rules and sacrifices laid down in them.

Frem then onwards every object of sense came to be under the king's perfect control.

He found alike the sea and the forest, the grass and the elephant as a result of his invocation of the Karmakanda.1

9—53.1-8 145 g. The king once felt distressed and evoked the karmakanda (the scripture of ritualistic action1), and then the Supreme lord remaining in yogic slumber, got forth a son with four faces, four hands and four feet and embodying the four Vedas.

The whole of this Agastyagita is an allegory based on the principles of Sankhya philosophy.

Bhadraiva said: O sage, you have narrated this story in reply to my question. But how did it arise and by whom was it made? Agastya said:

The ten indicates the indriyas, five jnanendriyas for perception and five karmendriyas for action.

The five represents the five elements, Earth, Water, Fire, Air ami Ether.

Many verses in this chapter are obscure. capacity to govern servants, riding, on bulls and living in the forest.

This curious story is there and it relates to every object in the world. Its implication is the same in your body, my body, and every other being's.

His son named Svara is considered as an embodiment of truth. He expounded the significance of the four Vedas to four persons and thus became venerable.

The first of these four was Catuhsrnga (four-horned) and the second Vrsa (bull), the third followed their path and the fourth followed them with devotion.

They all heard the story of Satyamurti (Svara). The second (Vrsa) then resorted to Brahmacarya.

As a result of Vrsa's dominance there arose in men the

When he was speaking, there arose his sons suddenly fourfold, singlefold and twofold.

The fourfaced seeing the permanent and transient objects, thought of the means of seeing his father.

"The great virtues which were there in my father, I am not able to see in any of the sons of Svara.

The Veda proclaims that the grandson with the grandfather's name (will be like him), and this cannot be different in the case of Svara's sons.

I should see those virtues in some one here. But what shall I do?" He was thinking in this way.

While he was thinking thus, a weapon from his father appeared there and with that Svara was churned.

When the churning was in progress, the fourfaced saw the head appearing like a cocoanut fruit covered in a tenfold way. '

The four-footed then cut it off like a sesamum plant.

Then he cut off what had become rootless.

At that part arose ten1 and afterwards the five.2

He cut them again and they were all flaming.

When that was cut off, a small object, onetenth of the original size, appeared.

That too was cut off, but then arose another small like that and white and calm.

Such was the man Svara, his trunk was Pravrtti (action: and head Vivrtti (inaction).

Thus arose the story and it has been narrated to you.

This is the earliest of all stories. He who understands its significance, performs true action.

Desiring to originate it and thinking of the means for it, he who arose from Pasupala with four feet and four faces is its originator as well as propagator.

And he saw in that his own father small like a molecule and indistinct. He then became happy and so too the father Svara.

Bhadraiva said: O sage, be pleased to tell me who should be worshipped by a person desirous of getting knowledge and how he should be worshipped. Agastya said:

Lord Visnu alone is to be worshipped by all always, even by Devas. I shall tell you the means by which one can get boons from him.

He is the ultimate truth conveyed by the Vedas and sought by sages and the common people, and He is the Supreme God. Worshipping him will never be in vain.

The vrata to propitiate Visnu told by the great Narada to the Apsarases is well known. Apsarases said:

O divine sage, son of Brahma, we wish to have husbands. Please tell us how we can get Lord Narayana as our husband. Narada said:

It is the rule that a question like this should be asked after respectful prostration, but you did not observe it because of your pride of youth.

Still, since you have uttered the name of the great Visnu and what you seek is to attain him as husband, I feel you have made some amends for your fault.

I shall now tell you about the vrata by which Visnu will give boons on his own and become the husband of the seekers. Narada said:

On the auspicious DvadasI day in the suklapaksa in Vasanta (spring season), one should fast and worship Visnu at night in the prescribed manner.

A circle of red flowers should be made (round the idol) and the whole night should be spent without sleep and with dance and song, vocal and instrumental.

The (lord's) head should be worshipped as Bhava, the waist as Anaiiga, the hands as Kama, the belly as Susastra, the feet as Manmatha, and the whole body as Hari.

The devotee should then bow in all directions.

In the morning gifts should be given to a Vaidik Brahmin who is free from bodily defect.

After propitiating the Brahmins, the vrata should be concluded. If you observe all this, Visnu will certainly become your husband.

The lord should also be worshipped with fine sugarcane juice and flowers like jasmine.

Since in your pride you did not bow to me before asking me about this, you have shown me an insult and you cannot escape (fully) from its effect.

Therefore in this very lake here you stand now, you will happen to laugh at sage Astavakra and incur his curse.

After saying this, the divine sage Narada disappeared. They performed all that they were told to do, and Visnu became pleased with them.

You will get the great Hari as your husband, but you will face the insult of being carried away by the cowherds. But the lord will still be your husband. Agastya said:

Agastya said: O great king, listen to the best of vratas namely Subha, by which Lord Visnu may be attained.

This should be started on the first day in the bright fortnight of the month of Margaslrsa and on DasamI take food only once»

Then at noon on that DasamI day worship Visnu. And on the DvadasI day, perform Sahkalpa as before.

Fasting on that day, give away yava grain to Brahmins and utter the name of Hari while performing Dana, Нота and Arcana.

Spend four months like this, and in the next four from Caitra month observe similarly but give barley meal as gifts to Brahmins.

In the next three months from Sravana give paddy grain as gift.

In the month of Karttika also observe in the same manner and on DvadasI worship Visnu with great purity and devotion in the name of the month.

With full control of the senses and with saiikalpa as before, perform rituals on DvadasI.

Offer to the deity five gems (gold, silver, ruby, emerald and pearl) and keep awake the whole night.

In the morning invite twentyfour Brahmins and give each a cow with daksina.

Also a pair of clothes, a ring (for the finger), bangles and earrings in gold.

The king may give a village each to the poor (Brahmins).

Along with the land gift, a pair of golden cows as well as a pair of clothes also may be given, accoi ding to capacity.

A cow decorated with all ornaments may also be specially given. In this way the Lord becomes pleased.

The image of Earth may also be made of silver and this may be given to the Brahmin along with the other associate materials thinking of Visnu.

In the Krtayuga there was a saintly king named Drdhavrata. He asked Lord Brahma as to what he might do to get a son. Brahma told him about this vrata and he performed it.

At the close of the vrata, the universal god (Visnu) appeared before him and asked him to seek a boon. The king said:

"Bless me with a son, O Lord, who will be longlived, very famous, highly virtuous, proficient in the Vedas and inclined to perform sacrifices".

Lord Visnu granted the boons sought and disappeared. And a son by name Vatsasri was born to him.

He became very learned, well versed in Vedas and Vedangas and performed many sacrifices, and his fame spread over the whole world.

t The king, having attained this son by the blessing of Visnu, retired to perform intensive penance.

With full control of the senses and absolute fasting, he began to meditate on Visnu in the Himalayas and always utter the praise of Visnu. Bhadrasva said:

O sage, what was the praise uttered by him and what happened to him who was praising the lord in that manner? Durvdsas said:

Resorting to the Himalayas and with mind fully immersed in Visnu, the king praised him. The king said:

" I bow to Janardana of the form of water, the permanent as well as the transient, reposing in the milky ocean, the holder of the earth, the final resort of all beings, beyond all senses and the foremost among the enjoyers of the whole universe.

O lord, you are the first principle, the ultimate truth, all-pervading, most ancient, the best among men, beyond senses, the foremost among those who have mastered the Vedas. Save m e O holder of the conch, mace and weapons.

"O Visnu, the Eternal, all that you have done at the entreaties of Devas and Asuras is for the sake of bringing about creation, though you are the ultimate.

Still, you assumed the form of the tortoise and other animals and you are spoken of as having taken birth several times, though actually all this is not there.

I bow to you, O Narasirnha, Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Vasudeva, Buddha, Kalkin, Sambhu, the destroyer of the enemies of the gods.

I bow to you, O Narayana, Padmauabha, Purusottama, worshipped by all gods and the foremost of all-knowing.

O eternal god, I bow to you who assumed the tierce manlion form, the tortoise-form expansive like the mountain, the fish-form extensive like the ocean and the boar form.

All this (assumption of different forms) is for the sake of creation (of the world). Really you have no form whatsoever. To facilitate meditation, a form is conceived for you, the ancient Man.

You are the first sacrifice by yourself. You are the accessories of the sacrifice. You are the offering in the sacrifice. You are the sacrificial animal. You are the priest and the clarified butter. Groups of gods and sages sacrifice for you.

The entire world, animate and inanimate, is in you. in you are the gods, time and fire. O Janardana, you are undivided. Please grant me my desire.

I bow to you Hari, lotus-eyed. I bow to you the finite and infinite. I seek refuge in you. Lift me up from the worries of the world".

Thus praised by the great king standing under a big mango tree, the lord became very much pleased.

And he came there in the form of a dwarfish Brahmin. As soon as he came, the big mango tree also became a small one.

Seeing that great wonder, the saintly king began to think about how the big tree became small.

Then he was able to understand that the arrival of the Brahmin was the cause and that this very fact showed, that the visitor was the lord himself.

He prostrated before that Brahmin and prayed.

" O Lord, you are certainly the great Visnu come here to bless me. Be pleased to show me your genuine form''.

Thus requested the lord appeared before him in his original form bearing the conch, disc and mace, and told him:

" O great king, ask me the boon you wish to get. When I am pleased, the whole world to me is but a scsamum. seed".

Told thus, the king became extremely delighted and asked for moksa and nothing else.

Thus requested, the lord said again:

"Since at my arrival this expansive mango tree (amraj became small (kubja), this tirtha will hereafter be known аь Kubjakamra.

Not only Brahmins, but even the animals, when they give up the body here, will get salvation that is the yogin's."

After saying thus, the lord touched the king with the tip of his conch and immediately he attained salvation.

Therefore, O king, you too resort to this lord so thai you may not revert to worldly existence.

He who listens to this story and he who recites it daily in the morning, attains liberation.

And, O king, he who performs this holy Subhavrata, will get great prosperity and, in the end, will be merged in Him.

The king continued: "Grant me also, O great god, the position of a sage by attaining which one will have no cause to regret".

He should also be fed and given slippers and umbrella uttering 'May lord Visnu of universal form be always pleased with me'.

(For this) on EkadasI day instal a golden image of Earth, with the great mountains in front of Visnu, on a pair of white clothes over layers of different grains.

The merit acquired by such feeding and gifts cannot be described even in the course of many years. Still, I shall tell you a little of it. Listen to my account of what was achieved J? y this vrata.

Agastya said: I shall now tell you about the Dhanyavrata by performing which even a poor man becomes quickly rich.

In the tithi Prathama in the bright half of the month of Margasirsa, worship in the night Visnu in the form of fire.

Worship the feet as Vaisvanara, the belly as Agni, chest as Havirbhuja, hands as Dravinoda, head as Samvarta and the entire body as Jvalana.

In the dark half of the month also the worship should be done in the same manner. This may be continued for four months.

During the next four months from Gaitra eat milky food with ghee and during the four months from Sravana eat barley meal. The vrata is thus brought to a close.

At the end of the vrata make a golden image of fire, cover it with a pair of red clothes, decorate it with red Howers and anoint it with saffron.

"I am gratified (dhanya), I perform righteous deeds (dhanyakarma), all my actions are for good (dhanyacesfa), I am blessed (dhanyavan). Let me be happy by this Dhanyavratd".

Thus saying make the gift of the image with money to the Brahmin. The result is that one becomes highly satisfied without actual enjoyment or suffering in the world.

It is quite certain that by this vrata alone, one attains in this life abundant happiness, wealth and grain (food).

The fire (in the vrata) burns away all sins in the former lives and, as a result, brings about liberation.

He who listens to this and he who recites it with devotion, both become highly blessed.

It is said that long long ago, this was performed by Dhanada who was born to a Sudra woman.

4—57.1-2 153

After duly worshipping Janardana in this manner, prepare an altar of fire in front and perform homa in it with the above mantras. Then eat cooked barley with ghee.

Then give the image to a Brahmin of faultless body along with the pair of red clothes uttering the following mantra.

Agastya said: I shall now tell you about the important Kantivrata by performing which the Moon regained his lost resplendence.

The silver image seems to be an alternative for the golden image for those who cannot afford to give it.

It is well known that the Moon was attacked by consump154 Varaha Parana tion due to the curse of Daksa and that he regained his lustre by performing this vrata.

O king, on the Dvitlya tithi in the bright half of the month of Karttika, spend the whole night by worshipping Visnu as Bala-Kesava.

The feet should be worshipped as Baladeva and the head as Kesava.

After worshipping Visnu in this form, an image of the moon of two digits (in gold) should be worshipped with arghya etc., and with the (prescribed) mantras.

" I bow to the great soul Soma, the overlord of the world of sacrifice, the holder of amrta and the great ordainer". (This should be uttered).

In the night should be eaten cooked barley with ghee.

i'or the four months from Phalguna milky food should be taken and in Karttika homa with barley should be conducted.

During the four months from Asadha homa with sesamum should be performed, and only sesamum food should be taken.

At the end of one year, the golden image of the moon covered in a pair of white clothes and decorated with white flowers should be gifted to a Brahmin.

"O Narayana in the form of Soma, by your grace, one becomes lustrous, learned and lovely; I bow to you". (This should then be uttered).

By making the gift to the Brahmin with this mantra, a man becomes resplendent.

In days of yore, this vrata was performed by Soma himself and Visnu was very much pleased by it.

And he rid him of his consumption and gave him the digit called 'Amrta'. This digit was acquired by Soma at night.

He regained his full form and became the king of the stars. On the Dvitlya day the Asvinldevas should be acclaimed as Soma-eaters. They are known as Sesa and Visnu.

O king, there is no god other than Visnu. ЛИ the other gods are himself in different names.

18—58.1-12 155

At the end of the year, a silver image1 of the moon covered in a pair of white clothes and decorated with white flowers may also he given to a Brahmin after similarly honouring him.

Agastya said: I shall now tell you about Saubhagyavrata by performing which prosperity accrues to man and woman alike.

On Trtiya tithi in the bright half of the month of phalguna one should perform this vrata with purity of body and mind in the night.

Knowing this well, Hari together with his consort should be duly worshipped with the prescribed mantras.

The feet should be worshipped as Gambhira, the waist as Subhaga, the belly as Devadeva, and face as Trinetra (threeeyed), the head as Vacaspati and the entire body as Rudra.

Cooked wheat should be taken on the floor and without od and caustic elements. In the dark half of the month also, the observance is the same.

In the months of Asadha etc., the fast should be broken with barley food, and in Karttika etc., with food made by &yamaka grain. 156 Varaha Pur ana

By observing this, prosperity and beauty in seven lives are gained, be the performer man or woman.

Then on Trtlya tithi in the bright half of the month of Magha a golden image of Rudra and Gaurl or of Visnu and LaksmI should be made according to means.

The image should be given to a deserving Brahmin who is a good Vcdic scholar but without means for food or out who closely observes the precepts. It will be better if the recipient is a devotee of Visnu.

It will be particularly meritorious if six vessels are given to the Bralunin containing honey, ghee, sesamum oil, molasses, salt and cow's milk one in each.

Worshipping thus with sandal, flowers etc., either Visnu with LaksmI or Siva with Gaurl, horaa should be performed in front with honey, ghee and sesamum in the name of Saubhagyapati (lord of prosperity).

He should worship Hari with LaksmI or Rudra with Uma. LaksmI is identical with Uma and Hari is identical with Rudra. It is so declared in all Sastras and Puranas. Any Sastra or Kavya which states otherwise is not worthy of its name.

Visnu should be considered as Rudra and LaksmI as Gaurl. He who speaks of difference between them is lowly (Adhama) and should be considered an atheist outside the field of dharma.

Agastya said: I shall now tell you about the Vighnahara (Avighna) Vrata by which, O king, obstacles are warded off.

This vrata should be performed on Gaturthi tithi in the month of Phalguna. Food should be taken only at night and it should be of rice mixed with sesamum.

The homa also should be of the same material (sesamum), so too the gift to the Brahmin.

This should be done for four months and in the fifth a golden image of Ganesa should be worshipped and gifted to a Brahmin together with milky food in five vessels and sesamum.

All obstacles can be got over by performing this vrata.

When Sagara faced impediments while performing Asvamedha sacrifice, he got them removed by this vrata.

When Rudra was destroying Tripura, he did the same to accomplish his aim. And I too did the same while drinking the ocean.

This was done by many kings and by those that seek penance or knowledge, to remove obstructions.

Puja (worship) should be performed to Ganesa (invoking him as) Sura, Dhira, Gajanana, Lambodara and Ekadarhstra, and horaa also should be done to keep off obstacles.

By doing this all obstacles vanish, and by gifting the image of Vinayaka, one attains great gratification.

9—60.1-8 157

Agastya said: O king, I shall now tell you about Santivrata by performing which all householders get peace of mind—Bliss. Listen.

It should be performed on PancamI tithi of the bright half (starting from) the month of Karttika. During the year hot things should be avoided in food.

Worshipping (the great serpents) as contained in Visnu, puja may be offered to them separately also.

With them in mind, Visnu should be bathed with milk, and then homa should be performed with milk and sesamum.

At the end of the year, Brahmins should be fed and a golden image of a. serpent should be gifted to one of them.

O king, he who observes this vrata with a devoted mind, will certainly get full peace of mind and freedom from the fear of snakes. 158 Vardha Purana

In the night Visnu should be worshipped in his form reposing Sesa. The feet should be worshipped as Ananta, the waist as Vasuki, the belly as Taksaka, the chest as Karkotaka, the neck as Padma, the hands as Mahapadma, the face as Sankhapala and the head as Kutila.

Н о т а also should be performed after worshipping Visnu as Guha (Skanda) in the prescribed manner. This should be done for one year.

The worship of Visnu should be in his names as Sadvaktra (six-faced), Karttikeya (son of Krttika), Senani (commander), Kumara and Skanda.

At the close of the vrata, Brahmins should be fed and a golden image of Skanda should be gifted to one of them, saying.

" O lord Kumara, may all my wishes be accomplished by your mercy due to my devotion. O Brahmin, receive it soon".

When this (image) is given to the Brahmin along with the clothes the desires of the worshipper begin to get fulfilled in this life itself.

A sonless man gets a son, a needy man gets money, the deposed king regains kingdom. There need be no doubt in this matter.

In days of yore, this vrata was performed by Nala when he was living (in servitude) in Rtuparna's capital.

Similarly by several other deposed kings was this vrata observed to succeed (in regaining kingdom).

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On PancamI day in the bright half of the month of Pausa one should take meal, but on Sasthi only fruit and afterwards silently pure rice in the company of other Brahmins. Or (even on that day) he may take fruit alone and on the SaptamI day have (the usual) meal.

Agastya said: O king, listen to me. I shall tell you now about Kamavrata by which whatever pleasure is desired is obtained by anyone who performs it on the Sasthi day eating only fruit.

Agastya said: Now I shall tell you about another vrata called 'Arogyavrata which removes sins of every kind.