The Exposition of Vratas to be performed on Pratipadsy the first day of the Lunar fortnight

1. О holy sir, I have heard the full gist of all the Puranas, conveyed by you directly and orally in the same manner as it was narrated to Marici by Brahma, the highest deity.

2. О highly blessed one, now recount to me, in due order, the story of the Tithis (i. e. the details of the different lunar days) whereby the holy rites and observances can be decided upon.

3. Now please narrate to me the particular holy Vrata (vow or rite) alongwith its detailed procedure of worship etc. and enlighten me on what (particular) holy lunar day (tithi) and in what (particular) month that Vrata is to be performed.1

4. О Narada, listen I shall recount to you the holy rites (Vratas) of the Tithis separately. They bring about all the Siddhis (accomplishments of objects) in the order of the Tithis and their lords.

1. Vratas arc of different types. Some are to be performed on particular tithis, some on days, some depend on the constellation of the particular day etc. (АР. 175.1) AP later gives some general rules for observing Vratas.). Here Narada wants to know the details of Tithi-vratas.

2. The belief that the Universe was created by god Brahmii at the time of sun-rise on the 1st day of the bright half of Chaitra, is common to other Puranas. CC on Vrata, pp. 360-65, Vrata-rqja (VRJ.) ch. I., p. 21 quotes Вт. P and prescribes Afahasanti and the worship of god Brahma as in the NP.

5-6. God Brahma created the entire Universe on the first day in the bright half of Chaitra, at the time of sunrise.2 It was in the beginning of the year and that of the spring in the kingdom of Bali (?). The Pratipad is to be taken always when it is in conjunction with the previous Tithi, by wise persons.1

7. At that time, the great rite of Santi (the pacificatory rite) should be performed. It is destructive of all sins. It jubdues all evil portents. It dispels the sins of Kali.

8. It bestows longevity, causes nourishment and enhances wealth and good fortune. It is auspicious and holy and is conducive to happiness in both the worlds.

9-10. On that day, at the outset, god Brahma who had assumed the physical body of the fire-god, should be worshipped with respectful formalities such as washing the feet with water and other respectful offerings (Padyas Arghyas), flowers, incense, clothes, ornaments, meals, sacrificial oblations, presents and the propitiation of the Brahmanas. Thereafter, the worship of deities should be performed separately of each god.

11-12. After paying obeisance to the Omkara with (the offerings of) water from the Kusa grass, gingelly-seeds and raw rice-grains, (the devotee) shall give religious fee or gift (Daksina) to a Brahmana who is a Vedic Scholar, alongwith clothes and gold for the purpose of complete and perfect performance of the Vrata. This Vrata that has such a special Puja in it, is called Sauri Vrata2 (Vrata pertaining to the Sun).

13-14a. О Brahmana, this holy rite yields good health to men. О sage, Vidyavrata3 is also to be performed on that day. О sage, on the same Tithi, the holy rite called Tilaka4 was told by Krishna to Ajatasatru (Yudhisthira).

14b-16. In the month of Jyestha, in the bright half, on the first day at sunrise, one should worship the pleasing Karavira tree that grows in the temple garden.1 It must be tied with a red thread, scents, incense and unguents must be offered along- with the germinating seven grains, oranges and pomegranates. It must be sprinkled with water mixed with unbtoken rice grain. The following Mantra should be uttered for praying for forgiveness.

1. VRJ. quotes this as Vfddha Vasiffha Smrti and states that even if the Pratipad is associated with amavdsyd (pUrva-vrddhd), it should be taken as the proper beginning of the year.

3. NP gives no details of this Vrata, for which vide CC on Vrata I. 338 40, VRJ. p. 23.

4. After worshipping Samvatsara (the year), the performer has to apply on his forehead a Tilaka with white sandal-wood paste lor one year (CC on Vrata I. 348-50.

17-19a. “Obeisance to you О Karavira, the residence of meritorious acts, beloved of the sun, always liked by (one who wields thunderbolt Dambholi) i.e. Indra, Mrcja, (Shiva), Durga and other deities.” He should then crave forgiveness through the Vedic Mantra2 “AKrsnena” etc. (RV. I. 35.2). After worshipping thus with great devotion and after giving due Daksina to a Brahmana, he should circumambulate and go to his house.

19b-20. On the first day in the bright half of the month of Sravana, there is a great Vrata3 that yields good fortune and intellect. It is the cause of all the Purusarthas) viz. virtue, wealth, love and liberation.

О Brahmana, beginning on a Monday, this Vrata should be continued for three and a half months.

21-22. After observing fast on the fourteenth day in the dark half of the month of Karttika, the devotee, earnest and interested in the Vrata, should worship Shiva on (the following) full moon day. On the Pratipad following it He should offer Vayana (sweet-meats and other presents) alongwith a gold flute (?) to a Brahmana for the purpose of increase in the wealth. О leading sage, it is highly meritorious and it increases the pleasure of the deities.

23. On the first day in the bright half of Bhadrapada, the Vrata named ‘Mahatma’ (the greatest one) should be performed. Some call this Vrata by the name of Mauna1 (silence). Shiva is worshipped in this rite.

1. VV 14- 19a. describe the Karavira-pratipad-vrata It is observed on Vaiidkha Suddha Pratipad in Tamil Nad. Cf. CC. I. 353.

2. V. 17 which is a prayer inPurSnic SK is said to be the ‘Mantra d K[f(iena etc. is a Vedic Mantra in RV. I. 35. 2.

3. VV 19b-22 describe the Rofaka Vrata, although NP does not disclose the name of this mahdurata, Vrj., pp. 25-26 describe it as Rofaka Vrata. It is also called Bilva-u taka vrata.

24-27a. The devotee shall, in silence, cook three times sixteen fruits alongwith ground flour. He shall give one set of sixteen to a Brahmana. He shall give another set of sixteen to the Deity. One set of sixteen, he himself eats. Over the water pot, the knower of the injunctions worships a gold image of Shiva and gives everything of it to the preceptor alongwith a cow. О Brahmana, after observing this Vrata of the trident-bearing Lord of the Devas forfourteen years, the devotee enjoys worldly pleasures, till his death (thereafter) 9 he attains to Shiva.

27b-29. О Brahmana, a man who performs Afokavrata on the first day in the bright half of the month of Asvina, (himself) becomes Asoka (free from grief). He is endowed with riches and grains. The Asoka tree must be worshipped by those who are exclusively devoted to these observances and rites. At the end of the Vrata in the twelfth year, he should offer the replica of an Ashoka tree with great devotion to the preceptor. He is thereby honoured in Shivaloka.

30. One shall begin Navaratra1 2 3 (the festival of nine nights) on this very Pratipad. He should worship the goddess in the forenoon alongwith the rite of installing the water-pot.

31. He should sow to germinate barley grains mixed with wheat. He should take only one meal once a day. The food consumed should not be one that is requested for.

32-33. In accordance with his ability, he should observe fast. The worship of the goddess, repetition of the Mantras and recitation of the holy texts (the Saptashati) should also be done in accordance with one's capacity. О Brahmana, the three Caritas (stories) mentioned in the Магкавдкуа Purana should be read for all the nine days, by one who desires to get worldly pleasures and salvation. The worship of virgins alongwith the rite of feeding, is praised.

1. VV. 23-27a detail the Mauna Vrata. HD V. 383-384 gives a Vrata of a similar name but the details are somewhat different.

2. VV 27-29 describe Afoka-vrata, This is different from that given in CC II. 279-283. HD V. i. 295 aUo differs.

3. VV. 30-34 describe the NauarAtra or Durga Рц}А which is observed all over India. It is described in details in HD V. i., pp. 154-187. The Carita in the Mk. P. mentioned in V. 32 is most probably Dtvi Mdhdtmya (chs. 78-90) or the Saptaiati.

34. О Brahmana, after performing the Vrata thus, the man becomes a receptacle of all Siddhis on the Earth, by the grace ofDurga.

35. On the first day in the bright half in the month of Urja (Karttika), one should perform all the rites mentioned for Navaratra. Particularly, the rite called Annakuta1 (a heap of cooked articles of food) causes the increase in the delight of Vishnu.

36. In the course of worship of Govardhana, Annakuta must be made with all cooked articles and with all milk products by everyone, for achieving all objects by the worshipper.

37. In the evening the devotee should worship Govardhana mountain alongwith the cows, and offer suitable Daksina. He shall attain worldly pleasures and liberation.

38-40a. The excellent Dhanavrata1 2 is to be performed on the first day in the bright half of the month of Margasirsha. Vishnu is to be worshipped at night alongwith Homas. The observer of the Vrata should give a replica in gold of the fire- god to a Brahmana after covering it with two red clothes. By performing this vrata thus, one becomes flourishing in wealth and food-grains on the Earth. With his sins burned in fire, he is honoured in the Vishnuloka.

1. VV. 35-37 describe the Govardhana Piya (in the memory of Krishna’s triumph over India) or AnnakHfa. Though v. 35 instructs “to perform all the rites mentioned for Navaratra,” the essential difference is that the Navaratra is pertaining to Devi (shakta) while Govardhana POja is a strictly vegetarian Vaifiiava Vrata. Vrj. p. 33 quotes SanatKumara Samhitd to describe the procedure of worship of Annakuta, There are minor regional differences in performing the АппакЩарЩй.

2. W. 38-40a describe Dhana-vrata which is otherwise called Dhanya-vrata (AP. 167. 5-6) or Dhanya pratipad Vrata. CG I. 355-56 bases its description on the Vardha PUrdga 56. 1-16 which is somewhat different from what is given here. HD. V. i. 320 lists a Dhana-vrata which begins on Phdlguna-Suddha-Trayodatt and is concerned with Kubera and as such is different from the Dhana-Vrata in the NP.

40b-41a. On the first day in the bright half of the month of Pausa, one should worship the Sun-god with devotion. The man must restrict his diet to one meal a day. Performing the Vrata thus, that mortal being shall attain the world of the Sun.

41b-42a. On the first day in the bright half of the month of Magha, one shall worship the Fire god as Mahegvara himself, in accordance with the injunctions. He becomes rich and flourishing on the Earth.

42b-44a. On the first day in the bright half of the month of Phalguna, one should, with water, sprinkle Digambara (the naked Lord Shiva), the Lord of the Devas, all of whose limbs have turned grey due to dust. He should sprinkle the water all over his body. Indeed, god Mahesvara is delighted even with such secular rites and activities. On being worshipped with devotion, he grants his own Sayujya (Salvation wherein the devotee becomes one with the Deity).

44b-46. On the first day in the bright half of the month of Vaigakha, one shall worship Vishnu who sports in the Universe. He should worship in accordance with the injunctions. The man who observes the Vrata should feed the Brahmanas. Similarly, on the first day in the bright half of the month of Jyestha and Asa<Jha, one shall worship Brahma, the preceptor of the worlds. Thereat, accompanied by Vishnu, Brahma the Lord of the chiefs of all worlds, grants identity with himself. The devotee shall then attain all the Siddhis.

47-48.1 2 О excellent Brahmana, Vratas to be observed on the first day of the twelve months — Vratas bestowing worldly pleasures here and Liberation from Samsara hereafter have been recounted to you. Brahmacarya (observance of celibacy) is laid down in all these Vratas. The diet during these Vratas is prescribed as Havisyanna (cooked rice soaked in ghee) as common to all.

1. The last redactor of the NP seems to have rectified the missing Vratas cn Vaiakha Sukla 1st, by adding vv. 44b-46.

2. VV. 47-48 prescribe the general rules about observance of Vratas mentioned (vide AP. 175).

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