THE GARUDA PURANA 17 страница

66. The worship, Sraddha, etc. shall be in the place assigned by Brahma and the Brahmins also shall be those mentioned by Brahm&. If they are honoured, honoured shall all the deities be along with the manes.

67. The pilgrim shall propitiate the Brahmins at Gaya according to Sastraic injunctions by means of Havyas and Kavyas (sacrificial foodstuffs). The best place for shedding the mortal body is Gaya.

68. There is no doubt in this that he who makes the gift of a bull in Gayak? etra, the unrivalled holy place, derives the merit of a hundred Agnisfomas.

69. An intelligent man can offer Pincja unto himself as unto others at Gaya but without using gingelly seeds.

70. O Vyasa, Pintfas shall be offered to all at Gaya, whether cousins, ancestors kinsmen or friends in accordance with Sastras.

71. By taking the ceremonial bath at Ramatirtha a man obtains the benefit of a gift of hundred cows. By taking the bath at Matanga pond he shall get the benefit of the gift of a thousand cows.

72. By taking the ceremonial bath at the confluence of Niicira a man takes his ancestors to Brahmaloka; at Vasi$£ ha’s hermitage — the benefit of Vajapeya.

73. And by staying in MahakosI for u year he gets the fruit of Aivamedha (Horse sacrifice).

74. There is a holy river flowing from Brahmasaras which sanctifies the whole world. It is famous as Agnidhara and is on a par with Kapilk (the divine cow that grants all boons).

A person performing Sraddha here derives the fruit of Agni9 foma and by taking bath here one feels as if one has fulfilled all tasks.

75. By performing Sraddha in Kumaradharfi one gets the fruit of Aivamedha. Having reached Lord SubrahmaQya he will attain salvation.

76. By taking the ceremonial bath in Somakun^a a man goes to the moon’s world. A person giving Pi$das in the sacred pond of Samvarta shall be highly lucky.

77-78. A man offering Pintfas in Pretakunda shall wash off all his sins. Those who offer Pindas in the TJrthas, Devanadl, Lelihana, Mathana, Janugartaka and others shall uplift all ancestors. By bowing to lord Vasi$fheSa all accumulated material debts shall be liquidated.

CHAPTER EIGHT YFOUR.

Greatness of Gqyd.

Brahma said:

1-2. If a person wishes to proceed to Gaya, he shall first perform Sraddha according to Sastraic injunctions. He shall then disguise himself and go round his village. Then proceeding to another village he shall take in only what is left over after Sraddha. He shall go round that village as well. During his journey to Gaya he shall never take Pratigraha (money by way of charity).

3-4. Every step that he takes after leaving his house towards Gaya enables his ancestors to ascend a step towards heaven.

With regard to other holy places the injunction of tonsure and fasting holds good; but in the case of Kuruk$ctra, ViSala, Viraja and Gaya it does not. Sraddha can be performed at Gaya during the day or night.

5-6. A person performing Sraddha in Varanasi, Sonanada and frequently in Mahanadi shall take his ancestors to heaven.

7. By going to Uttaramanasa unrivalled achievement is acquired. The pilgrim who takes bath and performs Sraddha there shall acquire all his desires mundane and divine and also the rtteans to achieve salvation.

8. After reaching the Dak$inamanasa he shall offer Pintfa, etc. silently. At that place he shall wipe off the three fold debts.

9-10. To the north of Mun< Japr§fha there is the holy place named Kanakhala famous in the three worlds, frequented by devas and sages and infested by illustrious serpents pleas ing to the Siddhas and terrific to the sinners, horrible in appearance and putting out their unsplit tongues.

11. By taking bath there one goes to heaven; the Sraddha performed there is everlasting. After bowing to the Sun and performing Pindadana and other holy rites he shall say like this:

12-13. “O ye deities of manes, Kavyav& ha, Agnisvattas, Barhisads, Somapas, Soma, Yama and Aryaman, do come, you noble Sirs; with your protection I have come here to Gaya desiring to offer Pindas to all of my ancestors and to all kinsmen born in the family. ’

14. After offering Pindas in Phalgutlrtha he shall visit lord Pitamaha and then Gadadhara. He shall be freed from indebtedness to the manes.

15. By taking bath in Phalgutlrtha and visiting lord Gadadhara the devotee shall immediately save himself, ten generations gone before and ten generations yet to come.

16. I have mentioned the programme for the first day.

On the second day he shall go to Dharmaranya and perform Pindadana, etc. in the sacred pond of Matanga.

17. By visiting Dharmaranya he will derive the fruit of Vajapeya.

18. In the holy Tirtha of Brahma he will derive the fruit of R& jasuya and ASvamedha.

19. Sraddha and Pindodaka in the middle of Kupa and Yupa shall be done with the water of the well. What is offered to the manes shall be endless.

20. On the third day he shall go to Brahmasadas, take bath and perform Tarpana, Sraddha and Pi$d a dana in die middle of Kupa (well) and Yupa (Sacrificial stake).

21. The brahmins ordained by Brahma are staying near Gopracara. By honouring and serving diem the manes shall attain salvation. After going round the sacrificial stake he shall derive the fruit of Vajapeya.

22-23. On the fourth day he shall take bath, perform Tarpana and Sraddha in Gayagira in the temple of Lord Rudra etc. Then O Vyasa, he shall offer Pinzas in Paficagni (five fires) and worship the three gods Surya, (Sun) Indu (Moon) and Karttikeya. The Sraddha thus performed shall be everlasting.

24-25. The Sraddha may be for nine deities or twelve deities. During the Anvastaka days (i. e. the ninth day of the lunar fortnights in Pausa, Magha and Phalguna months), during Vrddhi (i. e. in the bright fortnights) or on the day of death separate Sraddha is performed here for the mother. At other places the Sraddha has to be performed alongwith father’s.

26. By taking bath in Dagagvamedha and visiting Lord Pitamaha and touching the feet of Rudra a man is not born again.

27. By performing Sraddha in Gayasira a man obtains the same as obtained by making a gift of a land endowed with the three kinds of wealth (fertility, nearness to water, and good soil).

28. At Gayasira, the balls of oblation shall be of the size of a Samlpatra( the leaf of Sami tree). Then the manes become gods. No one need worry about this.

29. Lord Mahadeva of great intellect has set foot on the hill Mun4apr$tha. By performing even a small penance he shall acquire great merit.

30. Those who are in hell will go to heaven and those in heaven attain liberation if he names them and offers Pinzas in Gayaiira.

31. On the fifth day he shall take his bath in Gadalola and offer Pintjas at the foot of the Banyan tree. He shall thereby enable the entire family of his ancestors to cross heli.

32. At the root of the Banyan tree even if a single brahmin is fed with vegetable dishes and hot water it is as good as feeding ja crore.

33. At Ak? ayava(a he shall perform Sraddha and see the Primordial deity. He shall attain everlasting worlds and uplift, a hundred generations.

34. Many sons are to be wished for. At least one of them may go to Gaya or perform Aivamedha or make a gift of a dark bull.

35. A ghost once addressed a certain merchant — “Please ffer Pin das in my name at Gayalira. I shall be liberated from the state of a ghost and the giver of the Pindas shall attain heaven. ”

36. The merchant on hearing that offered Pinda to the chief of ghosts and thereafter offered the same to his manes alongwith the younger brothers.

37. All of them were liberated and Viiala the offerer of Pindas was blessed with a son. There was a prince in the country of ViSala named ViSala. He addressed the Brahmins.

38. “How can I have sons? ” The brahmins replied, “By offering Pindas in Gaya you will have sons’. The prince ViSala offered Pindas in Gaya and was blessed with sons.

39. He saw in the sky three human shapes white, red and black in colour and said “Who are you? ”. The white one from among them replied to Viiala.

40. “I am the white one, your father. I attained Indraloka due to meritorious deeds. My son, this red one is my father. He is a great sinner, a murderer of a Brahmin.

41. This black one is my grandfather. Some sages had been killed by him. Both of them had fallen into the hell Avici (Ray less). Now that you have offered the Pindas both of them have been liberated.

42. Now that we have been liberated, we are proceeding to Heaven. ” Viiala who was satisfied ruled the kingdom (for some time) and attained heaven.

43-48. [The devotee shall repeat thus]. “Let all the manes in our family who had been deprived of Pinda and Udaka (water) rites, who died in infancy without the rite of Cud^ (ceremonial cutting of forelocks), who had been still born, who had not been duly cremated and who had died in flames, be satisfied with the Pindas offered in the Earth and attain salvation. Let these Pindas deliver everlastingly all these: —

Father, grandfather, great grandfather, mother, paternal grand mother, paternal great-grand mother maternal grandfather, maternal great grandfather maternal great-great grand father, maternal grand mother, maternal great grandmother, maternal great great grandmother and other kinsmen.

CHAPTER EIGHTYFIVE.

Greatness of Gayd.

Brakmd said:

1. After taking bath in Pretaiila, etc., with the nectar (holy water) of Varupatlrtha the pilgrim shall invoke the manes with the following mantras and offer Pinzas.

2. “With gingelly seeds and holy water, I invoke on this Darbha grass all those in our family who have not attained salvation after death.

3. I offer this Pin< Ja to uplift all those who died in my father’s family and mother’s family.

4. I offer this Pintja to uplift all those in my maternal grandfather’s family who have not attained salvation.

5. I offer this Pipda to uplift all those who died in infancy without cutting the first tooth or who were still born.

6. This Pintja is assigned to those kinsmen whose names and Gotra (spiritual clan) are forgotten whether in my gotra or others.

7. I offer this Pi pda to those who committed suicide by hanging themselves or by other means or poisoned to death or killed with any weapon.

8. I offer this Pipda to those who died in an incident of arson, or were killed by lions or tigers or sharp-teethed animals or horned beasts.

9. I offer this Pipda to those who were cremated or not, who were electrocuted or killed by dacoits.

10. I offer this Pipda to uplift those who have been consigned to the hells — Raurava, Andhatamisra and Kalasutra after death.

11. I offer this Pinda to uplift those who have been confined to the terrible hells Asipatravana and Kumbhipaka after death.

12. I offer this Pinda to uplift those who are being tortured and tormented (by Yama) in the Pretaloka (Infernal region).

13. I offer this Pinda to those who have been born as beasts, birds, worms, reptiles or trees.

14. I offer this Pinda to uplift those who are being tortured and tormented in innumerable ways at the bidding of Yama.

15. I offer this Pinda to those to whom birth in human society has become difficult of access due to their actions and who are born and reborn in countless other species.

16. Let all those be satiated with this offer of Pinda forever whether kinsmen or not or whether they were kinsmen in my previous birth or not.

17. Let all those ancestors of mine be satiated forever by this offer of Pinda and those who are still in the state of Ghosts.

18-20. Let this Pinda offered by me go for endless benefit unto all those who were born in my father’s family, mother’s family or those of preceptor’s, father-in-law or kinsmen or other kinsmen who are dead, those who have been deprived of Pindadana, those who had no sons or wives, those who had not performed any rites, those who had been born blind, those who were lame, those who were deformed or those who died in the womb whether known to me or not.

21-22. Let Devas bear witness, let Brahma, Igana and others bear witness. I have come to Gaya and have performed the obsequies. O Gadadhara, for performing the rites for manes I have come to Gaya. Be my witness today. I am now absolved of my three debts. ”

23. In Gaya, the sanctity of Mahanad!, Brahmasaras Aksayavata Prabhasa, Gayagiras, Sarasvatl, Dharmaranya, Dhenuprstha, of all these holy spots, is equal to that of Kuruksetra.

CHAPTER EIGHTYSIX.

Greatness of Gayd. brahmd said:

1-2. The spot famous as Pretasila has three sections in Prabh& sa, Pretakuruja and GayasuraSiras. This rocky promontory is held aloft by Dharma and is called Pretasila because it is conducive to the prosperity and uplift of those men, their friends or kinsmen who become ghosts. It is presided over by all devas.

3. Hence, here sages, kings and queens perform Sraddha on that rock. They have attained Brahmaloka too.

4. The rock at the place where the skull of the demon Gayasura fell is known as Mundaprsfha. It is also presided over by all devas.

5. At the foot of the mountain Mundaprsjha there are ponds Brahmasaras etc. overgrown and partially hidden by Aravinda forest.

6. The hill in Aravinda forest marked by the feet of a Krauflca bird (akin to heron) is called Krauftcapada which ’enables the pilgrim to attain Brahmaloka.

7. The primordial deities Gadadhara and others are latent in the stone idols. Hence, the rock is saturated with divine presence.

8-9. The idol of Gadadhara buried under its heavy weight the head of the demon Gaya and gradually the beginningless and endless lord Hari in the company of Maharudra and other devas became manifest in it for the preservation of virtue and destruction of evil.

10-11. The Lord Vi§nu took the incarnations of Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar) Nj-hari (Man-lion), Vamana (Dwarf) the powerful Para£ urama, Rama son of Dasaratha Kr$na, Buddha and Kalki fo r the destruction of

•demons and ogres. In the same way the manifest and unmanifest form of the primordial Gadadhara. 12. The deity Gadadhara is called Adi (primordial) because he had been worshipped by lords Brahma and others with P& dya, fragrant flowers in the beginning.

13-18. He who, after visiting the shrine of the primordial Gad& dhara along with the other gods, makes an offering of Arghya, Padya, fragrant flowers, incense, lamp, Naivedya (food offerings) of the highest sort, different sorts of garlands, clothes, crown, bell, chowries, mirrors, ornaments, Piruja and various foodstuffs, is sure to get wealth, grains, longevity, health, blessings of sons and children, all kinds of riches, learning, all desires, good wife, enjoyment in heaven and after the return from heaven a flourishing kingdom, nobility of birth, S& ttvika qualities, defeat of enemies in the battle, freedom from murder and bondage and finally will attain liberation. Those who perform Sraddha and offer Pincja will go to Brahmaloka along with their ancestors.

19. Those who worship Balabhadra and Subhadra shall acquire strength, welfare, knowledge, wealth and children and attain Purusottama.

20. Offering of Pinda to the manes in front of Purusottamaraja, the Sun and Gane£ a yields Brahmaloka to the ancestors.

21. By bowing down to Kapardin (Siva), and VighneSa (GaneSa) one is freed from all obstacles. By worshipping K& rttikeya he shall attain Brahmaloka.

22. By worshipping twelve suns one is freed from all sickness. By worshipping Vaiivanara one gets an excellent brilliance.

23. By adoring Revanta the pilgrim obtains excellent horses; by worshipping Indra — great riches an r1 by worshipping Gaurl — good fortune.

24. By worshipping learning, Sarasvatl, Lak? m!, Sri and Garuda one is extricated from numerous obstacles.

25. By worshipping K§etrapala one is freed from evil planets and by worshipping Mu$dapr$tha one shall obtain all desires.

26,. By worshipping the eight serpents one will not be affected by serpent bite; by worshipping Brahma one shall attain Brahmaloka.

27. By worshipping Balabhadra one shall get strength and health: by worshipping Subhadra one gets good luck.

28. By worshipping Purusottama one obtains all desires.

By worshipping Narayaga one becomes lord of men.

29. By touching the idol of Narasimha and worshipping it one becomes victorious in battle. By worshipping Varaha (the divine Boar) one acquires suzerainty over the whole Earth, 30. By touching idols of two Vidyadharas whoever one may be, becomes a Vidyadhara. By worshipping the primordial Gadadhara one attains all desires.

31. By worshipping Somanatha one obtains Sivaloka.

By bowing RudreSvara one is honoured in Rudraloka.

32. By bowing to RameSvara a man becomes delightful to others like Lord Rama. By worshipping Brahme£ vara and reciting prayers one becomes competent to be in Brahmaloka.

33. By worshipping KaleSvara a man conquers the god of death; by worshipping Kedara one is honoured in Sivaloka.

By worshipping Siddhe£ vara one shall become a Siddha and goto Brahmapura.

34. By visiting the Primordial Gadadhara along with the primordial Rudra and others a man is able to uplift a hundred generations and lead them to Brahmapura.

35-36. By worshipping the primordial Gadadhara a man desirous of Dharma (virtue) shall acquire it; a man desirous of wealth shall acquire wealth; a passionate man shall acquire love; a man desirous of salvation shall acquire salvation; a man desirous of a kingdom shall acquire a realm and a man desirous of tranquillity shall acquire it.

37. By approaching and worshipping the primordial Gadadhara a woman desirous of sons shall get sons; a woman desirous of blissful married life shall acquire it and a woman desirous of a flourishing family shall attain it.

38. By worshipping the primordial Gadadhara one obtains the Brahmaloka even as by Sraddha, Pindadana, gift of food and gift of cool water.

39-40. Just as Gayapuri is the most excellent of all Tirthas in the world so also Gadadhara is the most excellent of all sacred idols. Since Gadadhara is the entire world if Gadadhara is seen the entire sacred spot and all idols are virtually seen.

CHAPTER EIGHTY SEVEN.

The fourteen Manus.

Hart said:

1. I shall enumerate the fourteen Manus and their sons such as §uka. Sv& yambhuva Manu is the first among the Manus. Agnidhra and others are his sons.

2. The seven sages are Marici, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu and the brilliant Vasisjha.

3. These four are called Somapayins (drinkers of Soma juice): Jay a, Amita, Suka and Yama. The foregoing twelve are collectively called DvadaSaka Gana.

4. Vamadeva who enjoyed the entire universe was elected Indra (during this Manvantara i. e. period of regime of Manu and his dynasty). The demon Baskali was his enemy. He was killed by Visnu with his Sudarsana discus.

5-7. The second Manu was Svaroci§a. His sons were Mandale£ vara, Caitraka, Vinata, Karnanta, Vidyuta, Ravi, Brhadguna, and Nabha of great strength and exploit. The seven sages were Orja, Stamba, Prana, Rsabha, Nicula, Dambholi and Arvavira, The Tusitas and P& ravatas together constituted the Dvada£ aka Gana.

8. Vipaicit was elected as Indra of the devas. His enemy was the demon Purukrtsara whom Lord Madhusudana killed in the guise of an elephant.

9. The sons of the third Manu, Auttama were: Aja Paralu, Vinlta, Suketu, Sumitra, Subala, Suci, Deva, Devavrdha, Mahotsaha and Ajita, O Rudra.

10. The seven sages during his regime were: Rathaujas, Drdhvabahu, Parana, Anagha, Muni, Sutapas and & afiku.

11. The Five Deva ganas were Vaiavarti, Svadhamans, Sivas, Satyas and Pratardanas. These with the seven sages constituted the DvadaSaka Gana.

12. Sva& nti was elected Indra during this regime and his enemy was the demon Pralamba. Lord Vi? nu in his incarnation as fish killed him.

13-16. The sons of the fourth Manu named Tamasa wcre: — Japujaftgha, Nirbhaya, Navakhyati, Naya, Priyabhftya, Vivik$ipa, Havufkadhi, Prastalak$a, Krtabandhu and Kfta.

The seven sages were Jyotirdhara, Dhrstakavya, Caitra, Cetagni Hemaka, Suraga and Svadhiya. The four Haris together with others constituted the twentyfive Devataganas. Sibi was elected Indra and his enemy was the giant Bhimaratha. This giant Bhimaratha was killed by Lord Visnu in His incarnation as Tortoise.

17-18. The sons of the fifth Manu Raivata were Mahaprana, Sadhaka, Vanabandhu, Niramitra, Pratyahga, Paraha, Suci, Dnjhavrata and Ketuspiga.

19. The seven sages were Vedasri, Vedabahu, Drdhvabahu, Hiranyaroman, Parjanya, Satyanaman and Svadhaman.

20-21. The four Devata ganas were Abhutarajas, Devaivamedhas, Vaikuntha and Amrta. These were altogether fourteen in the Gana. Vibhu of great exploits was elected Indra.

The demon SantaSatru was killed by Visnu in the guise of a Swan.

22-23. The sons of the sixth Manu Cak§usa were: — Oru, Pfiru of great strength, Satadyumna who performed penances, Satyabahu, Krti, Agnisnu, Atiratra, Sudyumna and Nara. The seven sages were: Havisman, Sutanu the glorious, Svadhaman, Viraja, Abhimana, Sahi? nu and Madhu^ri.

24. There were five ganas each with eight deities. They were — Aryas, Prasutas, Bhavyas, Lekhcis and Prthukas.

25. Manojava was elected Indra and his enemy was Mahakala of long arms. He was killed by Lord Vi$pu in the guise of a horse.

26-28. The sons of the seventh Manu Vaivasvata who were great devotees of Visnu were: Iksvaku, Nabha, Visa Saryati, Havi^yanta, Pamsu, Nabhas, Nedi§{ha, Karusa, Prsadhra and Sudyumna. The seven sages were Atri, Vasi§fha the dignified, Jamadagni, Kasyapa, 29. Gautama, Bharadvaja and ViSvamitra. There weie forty nine Maruts.

30. The Adityas, Vasus and Sadhyas together constituted the Dvada£ aka Gana.

31. The Rudras were eleven in number, Vasus were eight; the ASvins are stipulated as two and Viivedevas were ten in number. The Angiras were also ten and nine Devaganas.

32. Tejasvin was elected Indra. Hiranyak? a was his enemy. This demon was killed by Lord Vi§nu in His incarnation as the Boar.

33. I shall now enumerate the future Manus (and their sons and followers). The sons of the eighth Manu named Savarip will be Vijaya, Arvavira, Nirdeha, Satyavak, Kjti, Vari$tha, Gari? (ha, Vaca and Sangati.

34. The seven sages will be: Asvatthama, Krpa, Vyasa, Galava, Dlptiman, Rsya^rriga and Rama. 35. The chief deities will be Sutapas and Amjtabhas; their ganas are twenty in each.

36. Virocana’s son Bali will be elected Indra.

37. After giving his realm to Visnu who will be begging for three steps, he will forsake his Indra-hood and achieve salvation.

38. Listen to the names of the sons of Daksasavarni descendant of Varuna. He will be the ninth of Manus. The sons will be: Dhr? tiketu, Diptiketu, Paficahasta, Nirakrti, PrthuSravas, Bfhaddyumna, Rcika, Brhata and Guna.

39-40. The seven sages will be — Medhatithi, Dyuti, Sabala, Vasu, Jyoti§man, Havya and Kavya. Vibhu, Marici and Garbha will be elected Indra. The three will be strictly observing their duties. Kalakaksa will be the enemy of gods.

JLord Padmanabha will kill him.

41-42. Listen to the names of the sons of the tenth Manu, Dharmaputra. They will be Suk? etra, Uttamaujas, BhuriSrenya the virile, Satanika who will have no enemies, Vj-$asena, Jayadratha, Bhuridyumna and Suvarcas. Santi will be elected Indra. He will be valorous.

43. The seven sages will be: — Apomurti, Havi$man, Sukrta, Avyaya, Labhaga, Apratima and Saurabha.

44. The hundred Pranas will constitute the Devataga^as.

Bali will be the enemy whom lord Hari will kill with his mace.

45-48. I shall tell you the names of the sons of ivudraputra the eleventh Manu. They will be — Sarvatraga, Suiarman,

Devanlka, Puru, Guru, K? etravania, Dj< Jhe? u, Ardraka and Putraka. The sages will be — Havisman, Havi? ya, Varuna, ViSva, Vistara, Vi? $u and Agnitejas. Vihangamas (skywanderers) K& magamas (Going as they pleased) Nirmagarutis and Ekaikarucis will constitute the Ganas. Vf$a will be elected as Indra. Da£ agriva will be the enemy. The lord & rfrfipin will kill him.

49-50. Listen to the names of the sons of Dak§aputrai the twelfth Manu. They will be Devavan, Upadeva, Deva£ re§(ha, Viduratha, Mitravan, Mitradeva, Mitrabindu the virile, Mitravaha and Pravaha.

51. The seven sages will be Tapasvin, Sutapas, Tapomurti, Taporati, Tapodhfti, Tapodyuti and Tapodhana.

52. Sutapas who will be observing the duties, Harita, Rohita, and Suraris constitute the ganas each consisting of ten.

53. Rtadhaman will be elected as their noble Indra.

Taraka will be their enemy. Lord Hari assuming the form of a eunuch will kill him, O Sankara.

54-57. Know from me the names of the sons of Raucya the thirteenth Manu. They will be Citrasena, Vicitra,

Tapodharmarata, Dhfti, Sunetra and K§etravftti. The seven sages will be Dharmapa the firm or steady, Dhrtim& n,

Avyaya, Ni^arupa, Nirutsuka, Nirmana, and Tattvadar§in. The ganas will be constituted by Svaromans, Svadharmans, Svakarmans and Amaras consisting of thirtythree sections. Divaspati will be elected Indra and the enemy will be I$fibha the great demon.

58. Lord Madhava will kill him in the guise of a peacock. Listen to the names of the sons of Bhautya the fourteenth Manu from me.

59. They will be: — Oru, Gabhlra, Dhr§$a, Tarasvin, Graha, Abhimanin, Pravira, Ji$nu, Samkrandana, Tejasvin, and Durlabha.

60. The seven sages will be: — Agnidhra, Agnibahu, Magadha, Suci, Ajita, Mukta and Sukra.

61. These five constitute the ganas Cak? u§as, Karmani? (has, Pavitras, Bhrajins and Vacavrthas, each having seven sections.

62-64. & uci will be elected Indra. His enemy will be the demon Mahadaitya. Lord Hari will Himself kill him. Lord Vi$nu though single by Himself will assume the form as Vyisa and write the Pur& $as and propagate them. Eighteen lores constitute the six Ahgas, the four Vedas, Mimamsa, Ny& yavistara, Puranas, Dharmaiastras, Ayurveda, Arthagastra, Dhanurveda and G& ndharva (musicology).

CHAPTER EIGHTYEIGHT.

Story of Ruci.

SUta said:

1. Lord Hari narrated the Manvantaras to Lord Siva, Brahma and others. The sage Markarideya narrated to Krauficuki the hymn of the Manes. Listen to that.

M& rkaiiieya said:

2. Formerly, Ruci, an elderly sage, free from attachment to the world, devoid of egotism and for whom Maya ( Ignorance) was well-nigh put to rest, was roaming about in the world here and there.

3. Seeing the sage not nursing the sacrificial fires, not staying in a permanent abode, not fulfilling the duties of (householder’s) Agrama (stage in life) and satisfied with a single meal (anywhere), his ancestors addressed him.

The Manes said:

4-5. “Dear Son, wherefore has the holy wedlock not been entered into by you? Of course it is a binding fetter since it is the bridge that unites Heaven and earth. Hence, a householder performing due and deserving hospitality to deities, manes, sages and suppliants without meat, shall attain the higher worlds.

6. By repeating Svaha, the householder propitiates the deities; by repeating Svadha he propitiates the manes, by gifts of food he propitiates servants and guests.

7. O mortal Sage! You too have fallen into a bondage by incurring debts to gods, to us and to all living beings day after day.

8. Without begetting sons, without performing Tarpa^as to the manes and without shaving off your head (in Sannyasa) how can you wish for heaven?

9. O son, know that only pain will befall you and that too by your unjustifiable act. If you die, either you go to hell or suffer pain in the next birth.

Ruci said:

10. Wedlock is conducive to greater distress, sin or fall.

Hence I did not marry sire, 1 1. One is held in suspense by a momentary consultation; there seems to be no way out for salvation; this will be the result if I enter into matrimony.

12-13. The soul which is tarnished by the multifarious acts of innumerable births has to be washed by the water of knowledge of reality with a full curb on the sense-organs. A soul free from the ties of wedlock may still be tainted with the feeling of “my-ness” — an obsession of possession. Yet it is better and easier to wash it off by the water of learning.

The Manes said:

14. “Dear son, no doubt, the soul has to be scrubbed of its impurities by curbing the sense-organs. Yet the path you have chosen as the remedy is not the suitable one.

15-16. Dispelling the effects of good and bad actions of the previous births by means of five sacrifices (Pafica-yajfias)

austerities and charitable gifts and performing the duties (enjoined by sacred circles) one is not fettered by that action like the one resulting from transgressing the same. There will never be any obstacle.

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