THE GARUDA PURANA 71 страница

111. In the Nairrta Kona, there is a Nairrta tirtha. God Nirrti is stationed to worship lord Srinivasa.

112. A devotee should take bath thereat — an act which absolves him from rebirth.

113. He who donates the idol of Purusottama in the form of Salagrama stone attains the supreme position.

1 14. The idol of Purusottama is of the size of Audumbara fruit auspicious and pleasant in appearance. It carries a pair of wheel beside the head-wheel. It has a golden dot, a diamond and a goad.

115. The gift of the idol is highly meritorious and pleasing to Srinivasa. If it is not possible to make gift of that idol, O maid, he should listen to its traits. (One is on par in merit with the other).

116. In the midst o f southern and south-west corner is situated Sesa-tirtha. If a devotee takes bath here and donates the idol of Sesa to a Brahmin he goes to the highest regions whence there is no return to this earth.

117-118. The idol of Sesa is of the Udumbara fruit, circular as the ear-ornament, with the face resembling that of the serpent chief Sesa, carrying a pair of wheels with a fruit in one of the wheels. The idol has a faint colour though the form is quite distinct.

119. The idol of Sesa is twofold: awakened and asleep.

120. The awakened form is the one with rising hoods which number seven lacs. The sleeping form is rare to behold.

It is one that bestows fortune in this world and liberation hereafter.

121-122. If the idol carries nine to twenty wheels it is called Ananta. It confers endless fruits to the worshipper. If it carries more than twenty wheels it is called ViSvambhara.

123. The gift of an idol of Sesa with saffron, wheels, and other traits is highly meritorious, though the idol with such traits is very rare in the Kali age.

124. If he is unable to gift the idol, he should take bath in the Sesatirtha and listen to the traits of the lord with a clear mind. He too attains the highest position.

125. O lucky one, beyond the Sesatirtha, there lies a Varuna Tirtha. The god Varuna is stationed there to worship the lord.

126. He should take bath at this Tirtha and donate the gift ofSisumara, Matsya or Trivikrama, if he desires prosperity.

127-128. The idol of Matsya is of the form of Jambu fruit. It is slender in tail, adorned with dot, with three wheels on the face and a single wheel on the tail. It bears the mark of Srivatsa and a garland of flowers. The idol of SimSumara has the symbol of wheel below the tail.

129. The idol of Trivikrama bears a wheel on the face.

(If he is unable to gift these idols) he should listen to their traits and the fruit of gifting them at the excellent Varuna Tirtha. He goes to Visnu’s region where he rejoices in the company of the gods.

1 30. At the place where the above idols are stationed, Ganga, the best of the sacred rivers, is indeed present there.

131. A bath at the Svami Puskarini is highly meritorious and a bath at the sacred pools in the area of Svami Puskarini is still more highly meritorious.

132. The donation of Salagrama stone on the bank of the lake Svami Puskarini is highly meritorious. The gift of one’s daughter (in marriage to a bride-groom) is still more meritorious.

133. Meritorious is the gift of a Kapila cow; meritorious is the gift of eatables.

134. O maid, you should take bath in the prescribed way in the Svami Puskarini lake and other sacred pools and donate a bed to a worthy Brahmin.

135. Thus addressed by the sagejaigisavya, the maid took bath in the Svami Puskarini lake and observed fast. She took bath at other holy places too. She offered gifts to the Brahmanas and halted there for twentyone days.

1 36. He who hears the glory of Svami Puskarini becomes highly devoted to lord Srinivasa who is identical with the universe.

CHAPTER TWENTYSEVEN.

Visit to places of pilgrimage.

Lord Kr, ma said:

1. Desirous of taking bath the maid went to the Nanda river 1 that wards off sins. She asked the Brahmana preceptor there.

2-3. Revered preceptor, what is the name of this river.

What rite shall I perform here. Thus addressed, Jaiglsavya, the Brahmana preceptor, spoke to her in reply.

Jaigifavya said:

O good one, listen. I shall tell you the glory of this river — the glory which destroys sins altogether.

4. O fortunate one, this river is the destroyer of sins.

Multitudes of sins, including the Brahmin-slaughter 1 are destroyed by taking bath in this river. Those who take bath here can perceive its glory directly.

5. The sinners, when they plunge into the river perceive the waters as dark. They should continue taking bath so long as the waters do not look bright to them.

6. Until the waters become bright, the sins are not wiped off. When the waters become bright, one should know for certain that their sins are wiped off.

1. This river is separate from Nanda or Aparananda of the North.

The maid was visiting the sacred places in the south. The identification of Nanda in the text with Nanda or Aparananda of the North does not suit the context.

7. O wide-eyed one, such-like glory of this river is perceptible on this earth even in this Kali age.

One should take bath in this river and bestow valuable gifts on the deserving. One attains knowledge thereby and goes to the world of Visnu.

8-9. By taking bath in this river, the moon 1 was released from the sin of copulating with his preceptor’s wife, Indra 2 was released from the sin of incest with Ahalya, Sukra from the sin of drinking wine, Bali from the sin of stealing gold, Rudra from the sin of Brahmana-slaughter, 3 Naga from the sin of taking back what was given in charity,

Balarama from the sin of slaying Suta. 4 5

10. There has not been nor shall ever be a place of pilgrimage equal to it in merit. O blessed one, by taking bath herein make your life fruitful.

1 1-18. Together with the sage Jaigisavya and her father, the maid took bath in the river in the prescribed manner and emerged out of waters. She repeated the sacred mantra® of Vyankatesa and the Purusa hymn 6 as long as she remained in the waters. She propitiated the Brahmins, with gifts of cloth, money and ornaments. Then she proceeded to Kumari Tirtha 1

and took bath. She dressed up herself and stepped on forward journey. She came across the Viraja river 2 and asked the preceptor Jaigisavya. O best of brahmins, what is the name of this, sacred river. What rite shall I perform here. Thus asked, Jaigisavya, who felt compassion for her said:

" O maid, this river, called Gahga, flows under the earth. Hence,, the sages declare her as antaraganga. O maid, the water of this river is pleasing to Srinivasa. One who takes bath here attains the highest place”. On hearing the glory of the sacred river thegirl took bath in the most purifying waters.

1. Tara was the wife of Brhaspati. She doted on Candramas ( the moon) with whom she eloped secretly. Budha was born to Candra by Tara.

After some time Devas intervened and Tara was restored to Brhaspati.

2. Once Indra entered the Asrama of Sage Gautma in the guise of the sage when the latter was out for bathing. Indra took bed with Ahalya, the wife of Gautama. But before he could get out Gautama came to the Asrama. Enraged at what he saw he cursed them both. Ahalya was turned into stone and Indra lost his testicles.

3. Brahma-halya is one of the five major sins which entail severe penance for expiation (See Manu). There cannot be an easier way for the atonement of this sin than what is advocated here.

4. Suta was beheaded at Kuruksetra by Balabhadra when he was reciting the Puranas to the sages in the Naimisa forest.

“At the forest of Naimisa, Balabhadra saw Suta telling Puranic stories to the sages assembled there before him. Suta did not rise up when he saw Balarama and the latter moved to anger very soon cut off the head of the Suta. Later, to remedy the sin of killing Suta Balarama visited all the sacred places in Bharata”. P. E. p. 774

5. Mantra of VyankatcSa:

Om Vyankatildya namah Salutations to the lord of Vyankafa 6. RV. X. 90.

1 9-20. She offered gifts to the Brahmanas and repeated the sacred mantra. She returned to Srinivasa the lord of Venkata and circumambulated him with devotion. She propitiated the Brahmanas with fragrance, ornaments and cloth.

21. Next morning, she went to SvamipuskarinI and took bath there. She then went to the river Tumburu 3 and asked the preceptor again. “Sir, please tell me what is the name of this river. ”

Jaigisavya said:

22-23. This charming river is called Tumburu. Once upon a time, the sages Narada 4 and Tumburu 5 practised penance here, when lord Visnu appeared and showered blessings on them.

24. He who takes bath in this river attains the highest, place. But it is not open to all to have a bath here.

1. Kumari tirtha — a place of pilgrimage. Mbh (Bhisma Parva, Ch. 9..

V. 36) speaks of Kumari river in ancient India.

2. Viraja (a river) — not identifiable 3. Tumburu (here a river, not identifiable, not the sage).

4. Narada, a sage expert in music. Puranas record accounts of hi various births. For details, see P. E., pp. 526 ff.

5. Tumburu — son of Kas'yapa and Pradha he was the best musician among the Gandharvas. Of the sons of Kas'yapa, the four Gandharva sons — Tumburu, Bahu, Haha and Huhu were noted for their sweet and pleasant conversation.

25-27. A few privileged persons who have performed hard penance can have a plunge into this holy river. She took bath, drank waters, offered gifts and returned to Srinivasa. She worshipped the god, propitiated the Brahmanas and lighted the earthen lamps on the banks of the Svami lake. She placed the earthen lamps in a row on the steps of the lake. Thus, she propitiated the great lord Srinivasa, the preceptor of the universe.

28. Next day she reached the holy place of pilgrimage, sacred to Indra on the peak of the mountain Kapila. 1

29. She took bath in the pool and bathed the holy idol of lord Srinivasa with the sacred waters of the lake Visvaksena which is purifying and which destroys all sins.

30. She mounted the summit and saw the holy places of pancayudhas and bathed there.

31-33. There, at the place, difficult to ascend she saw a fire-pit. High upon a place, she saw Brahma-tirtha which releases one from the sin of Brahma-hatya (slaughter of a Brahmana).

Higher still, she reached the holy place of seven sages. These sacred places impart ten per cent additional gain in merit in their serial order. Who can describe the glory of these sacred places?

34-36. The maid practised penance at these holy places.

She continued the practice till I descended on earth. She gave up her body by way of yoga and was born in the house of Jambavat. 2 She was called Jambavati. Her father Jambavat gave her in marriage to me. I married her and gave her a rank next to Rukmini. Who else than myself can describe the glory of Mount Venkata.

37. Laksmi offers Naivedya to the lord of Venkata.

Brahma performs worship regularly every day. This is what Sastras have declared.

38. One should not mock at the people who are given to the eating of Naivedya. For one’s own welfare, one shall partake of Naivedya. One shall not hesitate in accepting Naivedya.

Otherwise one falls in hell.

1. Kapila (a mountain) — not identifiable 2. Jambavat — a forest king gave his daughter Jambavati in marriage to Srlkr? na. As a result of their union their first son Samba was boro.

39. There has been no god higher than Srinivasa nor there shall ever be. One should cook one’s food in ghee, offer a portion to Srinivasa and partake of the rest himself.

40. This secret of secrets I have declared to you, O lord of birds. This should not be divulged to any, since it is very confidential. O lord, now I shall tell you the rest of the story in continuation.

CHAPTER TWENTYEIGHT.

Anecdotes of the glory of Vifnu.

1. Parvatl, in her previous birth, was the daughter of Daksa. (known as Sati) she was married to Rudra (lord Siva).

But she gave up her life by throwing herself in the sacrifice of Daksa. She was born of Menaka and Himavat, the lord of the mountains.

2. Parvatl became the consort of Rudra. That VarunI, the wife of Sesa, became the wife ofBalabhadra in her second birth as Revatl. 1

3. Her second form was pervaded by Sri (Laksmi) as a cloud is pervaded by water.

4. Then VarunI, the wife of Sesa, practised penance in order to please Laksmi. Laksmi being pleased spoke to VarunI, the consort of Sesa.

5-6. “When Rama (Balarama) constituted of a part of Visnu will be born as the son ofRohini 2, pervaded by me you will be born as Sri to be united with Balabhadra. Do not be worried over this. So saying Laksmi went to the region ofVisnuBeing a part of Laksmi she obtained the name Laksmi.

1. Revati — wife of Balabhadra. Revata, the son of Anarta, the grandson of King Saryati was ruling over the island Kusasthali. Hundred sons beginning with Kukudman were bom to him. As the youngest of all, a daughter named Revatl was born. At the instruction of Brahma, Revati was given in marriage to Balabhadra.

2. Rohipi — Vasudeva had two wives Devaki and Rohinl. Srikrsna was bom of Devaki and Balabhadra of Rohini. In her former birth she was Surasa, the wife of Prajapati Kasyapa, while the latter was bom as Vasudeva.

7. When Sesa, the lord of serpents, lifts up the earth on his hoods, the lord Visnu is pleased to have copulation with her.

8. Revati, the daughter ofRaivata became the wife of Balabhadra along with Varuni and Sauparna. The three out of the six are twice inferior to the wives of Visnu and ten times inferior to Rudra, Sesa and others.

Garuda said:

9- Varuni was born as the daughter of Revata who became the wife of Balabhadra, ( the brother of lord Krsna ).

Varuni, the wife of Sesa has three forms.

10. Parvati, the wife of Rudra has two forms: Nila and Jambavati are at par with Sesa. This is what I hear.

1 1. Please tell me the reason thereof, O lord. You have also said that Rudra is superior to Uma in several qualities.

Please let me know your conclusive opinion on this point.

12-13. (I have also heard that) Revati is pervaded by Sri. She is Varuni, the wife of Sesa. The three — Revati, Suparna and Parvati are superior to Sesa. O slayer of Madhu, this too I have heard in some quarters. O lord of good vows, tell me the reason thereof. I am your disciple.

Lord Kr/na said:

14-15. O lord of birds, to express the mutual superiority, inferiority or equality of Jambavati and others, I have used the term ‘hundred per cent superior, hundred per cent inferior. ’

16. O lord of birds, as I tell you, you should know it accordingly. O the noblest son of Kasyapa, now I shall tell you the lineage of Indra.

17-18. Among the fourteen Indras, the seventh was called Purandara. The body of Vrtra 1 and those of his associates were called Pura. Because he cleft their bodies withVajra, Indra was called Purandara. Among the fourteen Indras Mantradyumna is the sixth.

19. Because he explained the eight Vedic mantras and shed light on their meaning he was called Mantradyumna.

20-21. Arjuna, the son ofKuntl was the incarnation of Mantradyumna ( Indra), Visnu, and Ananta. Among the four, Vayu was prominent in Aijuna.

22-23. The monkey lord Bali is also called Purandara.

King Gadhi of the lunar race was also the incarnation of Mantradyumna. He was the father of Visvamitra.

24. The Vedic mantras are called gah. Since he understood them by his sharp intellect he was called Gadhi. He incarnated on earth for preserving the Vedas.

25. Vikuksi, the son of Iksvaku was the incarnation of Indra. He incarnated on earth for propitiating Hari. Hari was known as Vikuksi, for he realized Hari in his heart.

26-27. Kusa, 2 the son of Rama Daiarathiwas also Indra.

Since he was created by sage Valmiki by means of Kusa grass he was named Kusa, the son of Sita.

28. Indradyumna, Purandara, Gadhi, Bali, Arjuna, Vikuksi and Kusa — these seven are Indras.

29. Pradyumna, the son of Krsna was the incarnation of Kama (the cupid ). He was called Pradyumna because he possessed excellent brilliance.

30. Bharata, the younger brother of Rama was also the incarnation of cupid. He was called Bharata because he travelled on the footprints of king Bharata.

1. Vftra — an asura. According to one version he was created by Kasyapa from fire to slay Indra. According to another version it was Prajapati Tvastr who created him to kill Indra. But he was killed by Indra with deception.

2. Kusa. According to Uttararamayana and Kathasaritsagara ( Alankaravati Lambaka Taranga I ) a son called Lava was born to Sita while she was living in the Asrama of Valmiki. One day Sita took Lava to the stream to bathe him. Valmiki who did not know about this was upset not to see the child in the Asrama. He feared that he might have been eaten up by some animal and fearing that Sita might die when she missed the child he created a child with Kusa grass and laid it where Lava was lying before.

31-33. Kama, the presiding deity of the disc, was born as Sudarsana. He was the son of Krsna and Jambavati. Samba the son of lord Krsna was also the incarnation of Kama.

Skanda, the son of Rudra was also Kama. Since he overcame the enemies he is called Skanda. Sanatkumara, the son of Brahma, O lord of birds, is the incarnation of Kama.

34. Sudarsana, Pradyumna, Bharata, Samba, Sanatkumara, and Skanda these six are the incarnations of Kama (cupid).

35. Indra and Kama are inferior to Uma, etc., by ten per cent. Between the two Kama is inferior to Indra.

36. Prana (vital airs) is called ahamkara; it is apart of Garutmat. It is inferior to Kama and Indra by ten per cent.

37. I shall now tell you about the successors of Kama, O lord of birds, hear attentively; the knowledge thereof leads to liberation from sins and effects the final release.

38. Aniruddha, the son of Pradyumna the Kama incarnate, was born to attend upon lord Krsna. The younger brother of Rama was called Satrughna. He was so-called because he smote his enemies.

39-40. Aniruddha was born of Pradyumna the son of Srlkrsna. Aniruddha was pervaded by the two, out of the three forms of Sankarsana.

41. Rati, 1 the wife of Kama consists of two forms.

Rukmavati, the daughter of Rukma was the wife of Kama.

42. By virtue of excessive brilliance she was called Rukmavati. Laksana, the daughter of Duryodhana was Rati incarnate.

43. Kastha, the wife of Samba, was called Laksana, for though born of wicked parents she possessed good qualities. Rati, the wife of Kama had two forms: one as the wife of Kama and the other as the wife of Samba.

44. Svayambhuva Manu, at par with Brhaspati the preceptor of Devas, was the first son of the creator. He was bom to propitiateTord Visnu. He formulated laws of the state.

45. Brhaspati, the preceptor of gods had three forms. O lord of birds. When Rama incarnated on earth he was bom as Bharata. As such he was pervaded by Brahma.

1. Rati, daughter of Daksa Prajapati who gave her to Kama to be his wife.

46. He took monkeys, the incarnations of Devas, across the ocean of life and death. He narrated the mighty exploits of lord Rama. He was known as Nara who incarnated to become absorbed in Rama.

47. When lord Krsna incarnated on earth, Brhaspati, the preceptor of gods, incarnated as Drona. He was pervaded by the creator. AsBrhaspati was born of Drona 1 hewas called Drona.

48. Brhaspati incarnated as Uddhava. He was pervaded by wind god in order to help the lord to relieve the earth of its burden and mankind of their suffering.

49. As lord Hari is excellent among all, he obtained the name Budha. He became the friend of lord Krsna. The wise one was worshipped by all people.

50. From the right thumb of Brahma was born Daksa. 2

To him was born Laksmi who became the wife of lord Visnu Since he, the Patriarch, gave birth to sons he was called Daksa.

51. Know that Saci is the wife of Indra. Listen to her incarnations. When Rama descended on earth she was born as Tara. She became the wife of Bali and was called Saci.

52-54. When Rama killed Bali, she became the wife of Sugriva. Thus she was a sinner. Hence, she could not go to heaven.

She continued moving in the ether till when the lord incarnated as Krsna on earth. She was born as Tara and became the wife of Vijaya. She was known as Pisangada. She wedded Parujava Arjuna to whom she bore a son Babhruvahana when Arjuna left her company. Tara and Citrangada are the incarnations of Saci.

1. Drona, son of Bharadvaja and Ghrtaci — a celestial maid. Once Bharadvaja saw the bright and beautiful face of Ghrtaci. He had seminal discharge. The discharged semen was deposited in a Drona (trough). A child was bom from that and he was named Drona and brought up in the hermitage.

2. Vide p. 999. fn. 2.

55. Pulomaja was the wife of Mantradyumna. Kasika was the wife of Gadhiraja. Sumati was the wife of Vikuksi.

Kantimatl was the wife of Kusa. These seven are inferior to Saci.

56. SacI, Rati, Aniruddha, Manu, Daksa, Brhaspati — these six are equal to each other. These are inferior to aharhkara by ten per cent.

57. Pravaha (wind) is the son of principal Vayu. He, the strong one, is the strongest among Vayus. He is the lord of all directions.

58. This Vayu breathes through nostrils. It is material and uniform in nature. It is also called Ativaha as it is resorted to by those who desire liberation. It is inferior to Daksa and others by five per cent.

Garuda said:

59. O lord, please tell me how he obtained the epithet Pravaha. What is the significance of the name.

60. Thus addressed by Garuda, lord Krsna, the son of DevakI — was highly pleased. He appreciated Garuda and spoke in reply.

Lord Krfna said:

61. O best of birds, as he ever takes the devotees of Hari across the ocean of existence, he is called Pravaha.

62-63. Visnu is the best of all gods. Brahma and the rest are dependent on him. Whatever I state is the truth.

I take hold of an infuriated serpent. If all what I have stated proves to be untrue then let the lord of snakes sting me

So saying, he caught hold of an infuriated serpent but the serpent did not sting him.

64-65. Because he held the serpent by hand, O lord of birds, the son of Vayu got the designation ‘Pravaha’.

1. This and the following statements reveal the sectarian character of this Purana. They are indeed very peculiar in content.

Those who do not worship the idol of Visnu but worship the idols of inferior gods or goddesses — Renuka 1, etc., of the form of Daityas, purposeless is their worship of Visnu as well as of the manes. This is true, very true, I say. If all what I have said is proved to be false and untrue, then let the lord of serpents sting me mortally.

66. He who performs sraddhas to the manes without offering gifts to Visnu, that sinner goes to hell. What I say is indeed true.

67. Neither Laksmi is sovereign nor Brahma nor Vayu nor Siva nor Parvati nor Saci the daughter of Puloman and the wife of Indra.

68. The primeval being Visnu alone is real. I declare this truth by my uplifted arms. If all this proves to be false then let the lord of snakes sting me.

69-70. The supreme soul is real, so is the personal soul.

The difference between the two is real, so also between the animate and the inanimate, similarly between the inanimate and the lord. The difference between one soul and the other is also real. If all this is proved to be false then let the lord of snakes sting me mortally.

71. So saying, he caught hold of the infuriated snake but the snake did not sting him at all. By catching hold of the infuriated snake, this son of Vayu obtained the designation Pravaha.

72. Accepting dual nature of the lord, you should accept the two as real. He who disregards this maxim, remains a sinner throughout life. Though he may be taking plunge in the holy rivers daily without fail, he does not obtain release.

73. By accepting duality as a matter of fact, one feels quite happy. If all this is proved to be false then let the lord of serpents sting me mortally Garutfa said:

74. O supreme god, please tell me what duality is, of what nature? What is the source of this concept? How shall a person forsake duality. What bliss is derivable from renunciation 1. Rirpiki — a goddess of low status. She is not identifiable with Renulta, the wife ofjamadagni father of Parasurama.

Lord Kjfna said:

75. In this body two organs are the strongest of all. They are two ears and two eyes. The two are interrelated. O lord of birds, I shall tell you the real nature of the two.

76. Ears are prone to hearing gossips and enjoying them with pleasure. They are naturally averse to hearing the ambrosial tale of lord Visnu. They have twofold nature: dullness and control.

77. Eyes are prone to gaze at men and women. Excessive doting takes away sleep. They are averse to seeing the devotees and their worship of the lord.

78. Even the stupid person is aware of their dual nature.

He rather accepts indulgence as a matter of course. In his stupidity he takes delight in entering his penis in the vagina of any female.

79. Neither men and women nor ascetics have any dread or shame in this respect. Men can copulate even with their sisters, that too at day time, just as the priests do with the women at the soma sacrifice.

80-82. This is the nature of the tongue that it eats what is not to be eaten, that it eats without offering it to the lord.

This is the nature of the tongue to eat, lick or drink all that is not worthy to be eaten, licked or drunk, whether received as a gift or otherwise. The stupid person does not understand the true nature of the sense-organs, accepts the one and forsakes the other. If he acts otherwise his bath at the sacred place of pilgrimage ( tirthas ) becomes fruit- less. O lord of birds, be pleased to know what is the essence of my statement.

83-84. A person who bathes at the holy places should note the differing nature of the two. If without understanding the true nature of the two mistresses, the ignorant fool accepts the one and abandons the other his ablution, etc. are rendered fruitless.

He attains neither prosperity here nor liberation hereafter. If all what I have said is proved to be false then let that lord of snakes sting me.

85. Intellect is the wife of Purusa. She has twofold nature O lord of birds. One is wicked; the other is pious. Of the two the younger one is wicked, the elder one is pious.

86. Through the younger one, the soul succumbs to destruction. Through the elder one he attains position. I shall now tell you about the nature of the younger. Listen and after listening try to abandon her.

87. The younger one encourages the soul (her husband)

to indulge in activities for the fulfilment of worldly desires. She disregards the sanctity of the Brahmanas, of lord Visnu and his narratives, of sacrifices, cows, the holy fig tree, of bath and purity. She misdirects to worship their stupid husbands and goddess Renuka and waive lights to Mayadevl.

88-91. She encourages the stupid and ignorant husband to worship Bhairava and others and to put on yellow marks of turmeric powder on the forehead, to worship goddess Jyestha on the eighth day of Jyestha, to put on sacred thread round the neck with devotion, to worship god Marigandhi on the Marigandhi astami, to raise a column of earthen lamps on the auspicious day before MahalaksmI (Supreme Nature) and Adyalaksmi (Primordial Nature) to put on Laksmi thread on the neck with a temptation that thereby he will attain riches.

92-93. On the day when they change old girdles for the new ones she encourages them to give up girdles and put on chains. She encourages them to propitiate the women of fashion, to worship gods and goddesses with scents, flowers and incense and to waive lights from the vessels of brass, spread leaves of Neem on the ground, pay homage and seek forgiveness for their past misdeeds.

94. She encourages men to worship goddess Mahadevi and forbids them feed the pious devotees of lord Visnu. She warns her husband (the soul) against feeding the Vaisnavas and threatens him with the dire consequences of total destruction and addresses him thus.

95. O husband, now put a vessel of bamboo wood on the left hand and an earthen lamp on the right and move about for begging food at the five neighbouring houses, casting your sense of shame aside.

96-97. At first, prepare food of six varieties, eat the same without letting the people know. Distribute the residue among your womanfolk, asking them to put their hand on the sacred book and proclaim, ‘O save us’. O husband, worship a good sword together with the devotees.

98. Make a barking sound together with them. Keep always in your possession the powder of orpiment. Worship Bhimasena with five ambrosial articles.

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