A Hymn to Sani as a Remover of Trouble

1. О best god, tell me how the oppression caused by Saturn goes away (i.e. is removed). A living being is freed by that which is heard from your mouth.

2-11. О divine sage, litsen to the account. By that you will be free from bondage. This Saturn is the lord of Planets and the great lord of all. This divinity is well-known. He is a great Planet of the form of death. He is having matted hair; is having hair like diamond pins; he is fearful to the demons. О lord, in this world his account is not well-known. I have especially guarded it and have not told it to anyone. Formerly in Raghu’s family there was a very famous king, Dasaratha by name. He was a sovereign emperor and a great hero. Knowing Saturn to be near Krttika the astrologers informed him: Now Saturn will go piercing Rohini (i.e. will pass through Rohifli); the piercing of the cart (-like shape of the constellation Rohini) is very fierce and fearful to the gods and demons; for twelve years there will be a very great (i.e. severe) famine. Having heard these words, the king held consultation with his ministers: “What is the fearful (calamity) that has come?” Seeing the world, the citizens and the peasants distressed, people everywhere said: “The end of the world has come. Regions with cities, villages have been frightened all around.” The devout king asked brahmaijas led by Vasishtha: “O best brahmashas, tell me what measure (should) be (adopted) now?”

12-18. This is the star of Prajapati. When it is pierced, where (i.e. how) will the subjects remain? This conjunction cannot be averted (even) by Brahma and Sakra etc.

Thinking in his mind about a rash act, he took up his divine bow along with divine weapons, quickljf got into his chariot and went to the group of stars (i.e. to the sky), numbering a lakh, and remaining over the Sun, and (covering a region) of a yojana and a quarter, and dwelling on the back of Rohini. Formerly king Dasaratha, shining with great jewels and bright with a diadem and a crown looked bright in his golden, divine chariot which was decorated with gems and jewels, to which horses having the colour of swans were yoked, and which had a banner (fluttering) high. At that time he shone in the sky like another sun. Having fully (drawn) his bow up to the ear he fixed a missile that would destroy (everything). Saturn, having seen that destructive missile causing fear to gods and demons, laughed through its fear and said these words:

19-20. О lord of kings, your valour is great and causes fear to the enemies. О king, gods, demons, human beings, siddhas, vidyadharas, serpents, when looked at by me, are reduced to ash. О lord of kings, I am pleased with your penance and valour. Ask for a boon — whatever you desire in your mind. I shall grant it.

21-24. You should never pierce Rohirn and go (i.e. you should never pass through Rohiiil), as long as the rivers, the oceans, the Moons, the Sun and the earth remain. I have, О Sauri, solicited (what I want). I do not desire any other boon from you.

Granting him an eternal boon,!shani said: “Let it be so”. Again being pleased, he said: “O you of a good vow, ask for a boon.” With a pleased mind he (the king) then solicited another boon from Saturn. (He said): “O Sun's son, you should never pierce (i.e. pass through) the cart (i.e. Rohini). Never cause a famine (lasting) for twelve years’.

25-27. There shall never be a famine (lasting) for twelve years. This fame of yours will spread in the three worlds.

The king, having obtained a couple of boons, and thrilling (with joy) kept his bow on the chariot, and with palms of his hands joined he meditated upon goddess Sarasvati and Vinayaka, the chief of (Shiva’s) attendants. (Then) king Dasaratha recited this hymn of praise of Saturn:

28-38. My homage to Krishna, Nila (i.e. the dark one), to Sitikanthanibha (i.e. one who resembles Shiva), to Kalagnirupa (i.e. of the form of the destructive fire), to Krtanta (i.e. Death). My obeisance to Nirmamsadeha (i.e. having no i.e. very little flesh in his body), to DIrghasmasrujata (i.e. having long moustache and beard), to Visalanetra (i.e. having big eyes), to you having thin belly and fearful figure. My homage to Puskalagatra (i.e. having a large body), to Sthularoman (i.e. having thick hair), to Dirgha (i.e. long), to Suska (i.e. dry); salutation to you having death-like fangs. Salutation to Kotaraksa (i.e. having hollow-like senses), Durniriksya (i.e. difficult to be looked at); Salutation to Ghora (i.e. fearful), to Raudra (i.e. fierce), to Bhlsana (i.e. terrible), to Kapalin (i.e. wearing skulls); homage to Sarvabhaksa (i.e. one consuming everything), to you, О Valimukha (i.e. to you who have wrinkles on your face); salutation to you, О Sun’s son, to you, О Bhaskari (i.e. the Sun’s son), to Bhayada (i.e. causing fear); homage to you, О Adhodrsti (i.e. (looking down), to you, О Samvartaka (i.e. fire of destruction), to Mandagati (i.e. moving slowly), salutation to Nistrimsa (i.e. pitiless), to you whose body is burnt by penance, to you who are always engaged in abstract meditation; constant homage to Ksudharta (i.e. oppressed with hunger), to Atfpta (i.e. not content); salutation to you, the eye of knowledge, to the son of KaSyapa’s son. When you are pleased, you give a kingdom; when you are angry you take it away in a moment.

Thus praised, that very powerful king of Planets, viz. Saturn, the son of the Sun, was thrilled (with joy) and again said these words (to Dasaratha): “O you best king of a good vow, with this hymn of praise of (i.e. recited by) you, I am pleased. Ask for your desired boon. I shall grant it, О descendant of Raghu.”

39. О Sauri (i.e. Sun’s son), from today you are not to cause any trouble to anyone — gods, demons, men, beasts, birds and serpents.

40-51. Grahas (i.e. Planets) are (so called) since they seize (a being). They are said to cause trouble. I (shall) tell you about something proper which is solicited and cannot be given. A man who will recite once or twice this hymn of praise recited by you, will be free from trouble (just) at the moment. In the fourth existence in the end, I, having gone to death, would give death to gods, demons, human beings, siddhas, vidyadharas and goblins. On the other hand, I shall never trouble him who with faith, becomes pure and calm, worships my iron image with ^ami-leaves, and who would offer as present iron mixed with beans, rice, Sheshamum-seeds, and would give a black cow, a bull to a brahmana, and would, especially on my day (i.e. Saturday) worship (me) with this hymn, and would, with the palms of his hands joined, recite the hymn (in my honour) after having worshipped me. I shall always protect him and (keep away) the trouble from a Planet during the Planet’s influence, in the sign of Zodiac in which a person is born, in the Planet’s aspect or in the middle of it. By doing this only, the world would be free from trouble. Thus, О descendant of Raghu, I have skilfully granted you a boon.

Having obtained three boons, king Dasaratha regarded himself as successful and saluted Sani. Permitted by Sani, he speedily got into his chariot and went to his place. Then the king had obtained bliss. That man who having got up in the morning on a Saturday, would recite this hymn of praise, so also the man who devoutly listens to this hymn of praise when it is being recited, is freed from a sin, and is honoured in heaven.

1. О lord, especially narrate to me the vow called Trisprsa, by hearing which people are free from the bondage of their acts (just) at (that) moment.

2-12a. Listen to the great vow called Trisprsa of the incarnation of Krishna. It puts to an end all streams of sins. It destroys great unhappiness. It gives the desired objects to those who desire them, and gives salvation to those who have no desire. О brahmana, listen to that vow called Trisprsa from me who am narrating it. Vispu is directly worshipped in the Kali age by him who, О great sage, always narrates the (account of) Trisprsa. All the sin would not come to an end by the repetition of the name of a deity accompanied with burnt offerings. (But) there is no doubt that it gets exhausted merely by uttering the name of Trisprsa. О best brahmana, if Trisprsa is not observed, salvation does not take place even by reading sacred texts, Purajias and other (works), (performing) sacrifices, (visits to) crores of sacred places, (observing) many multitudes of vows, worshipping deities. This date (tithi) sacred to Vispu is noted by the god of gods for (securing) salvation. For brahmanas, especially in the Kali age, the Samkhya is difficult to understand; so also there is lack of control over the senses, and there is no stability of the mind. Trisprsa gives salvation to those who are attached to sensual objects, who are without meditation and lack retentive memory. The Disc-holder (i.e. Vishnu) formerly narrated it to me and Brahma and to tfiose who had bowed down (to him) in the Milky Ocean. I have granted salvation even to those, except the Sankhyas, who, even though attached to sensual objects observe the Trisprsa vow. Trisprsa gives salvation to those who are attached to sensual pleasures.

12b-18. О great sage, it (i.e. the vow of TrispySa) has been observed even by many groups of sages. If Trisp^a takes place in the bright half of Kartika with the Moon or Mercury, it destroys crores of sins. The skull of Brahma fell on the ground just at that moment from the hand of the great lord (i.e. Shiva), possessing (the sin of) murder and observing a fast on that day. The goddess Ganga was freed from the streams of crores of sins in the Kali age, due to the advice of Vishnu and fasting on the Trisprsa day. О great sage, the sin of eight murders that formerly took place in the case of Bahuvirya, was removed by means of Bhrigu’s advice and fasting on Trisprsa. О best brahmana, Satayudha had killed a brahmana in a forest. He was free from (the sin of) murder of the brahmana due to fasting on Trisprsa. Due to the advice of Jiva, (the sin due to) the killing of Namuci (committed) by Indra vanished on account of fasting on Trisprsa, О best among the principal sages.

19-23. О best bmhmana, sins like the murder of a brahmana etc. perish by means of fasting on Trisprsa. Then what can be said about other sins? О best brahmana, if (the vow of) Trisprsa is not observed, then salvation is not possible at Gaya, at KasI, at Gomati or near Krishna. Eternal salvation takes place by dying at Prayaga or at Gomati or near Krishna, (so also) merely by bathing at Gomati. By fasting on Trispfsa salvation takes place even at home in the case of him who indulges in (objects of) senses and is full of sensual pleasures. Even for one who has turned away from sensual objects salvation is difficult according to the Sarhkhya(-path). Therefore, О best brahmana, observe the Trisprsa which gives salvation.

24. О best god, what kind of vow is the great vow called TrisprSa, which gives salvation to brahmanas, and which you told me about now.

25. О brahmana, formerly Vishriu told Jahnavi (i.e. Ganga) about (the vow of) Trisprsa through compassion (for her) on the bank of Praci Sarasvati.

26-27. О Vishriu, in this Kali age many (people) possessing the streams of crores of sins like those of the murder of a brahmana, bathe in my water. Due to the blemished of hundreds of sins of them, my body is made turbid. О god having Garuda as your banner, how will that sin of me go away?

28-35. I shall undoubtedly tell you. О daughter, do not weep. My place is the ayama Vata; and Praci Devi, daughter of Brahma, flows in front of me. Looking at the chief goddess, every day bathe there. By that you will be purified. There is no doubt that I stay along with hundreds of holy places and gods there where there is Praci, Brahma’s daughter. My place is pure and dear (to me). It destroys (the sin of) crores of murders. Since you are dearer to me than my (own) life, I, being pleased, have given it to you. О Jahnavi, by my order thousands of crores ofholy places always remain in the water of Praci Sarasvatl. О daughter, Brahma’s daughter Praci removes all sins on bathing once (only) in front of me (in her water). (She removes) sins due to the murder of a brahmana, drinking liquor, killing a cow or a siidra woman, snatching the wealth of a brahmana, not honouring one’s mother and father, using a vehicle, deceiving one’s preceptor, or eating what is prohibited. О best river, bathe (there). You will be free from sins.

36. О lord of gods, I cannot come every day. О Vishiju, tell me now how (my) sins will perish.

37-40. О Jahnavi, since you have risen from my feet, I shall tell you something else if you are unable to come (here) every day. You should observe (the vow of) the auspicious Trisprsa, which is superior to (a bath in) Sarasvati, which is superior to hundreds of crores of sacred places, which is superior to crores of sacrifices, which is superior to vows and gifts, which is superior to muttering (of hymns) and sacrifices, and which gives the four goals, which is superior to (the practices laid down in) the Samkhya-Yoga (path). When it comes (i.e. falls) in a month, during either the bright or the dark half, it should be observed,

41-42. О god Vishnu, tell me how that Trisprsa, about whose greatness of this kind you told me now, is. О lord, tell me if the day on which the three dates, viz. tenth, eleventh and twelfth combine would be the Trisprsa day, or if it is different.

43-54. О goddess, that Trisprsa which you mentioned is demonish. With care it is to be avoided as the husband who is without any livelihood (i.e. a job). It is said to be of the demons and destroys life and vigour. With care it should be avoided like a woman in her menses. My day especially in conjunction with the tenth day should be avoided like her who, having abandoned her own caste, has gone to lower castes. As ignorant people are polluted due to the contact with a woman in her menses, similarly my day in conjunction with the tenth is censurable for men. Trisprsa, if properly fasted on, destroys (the sin) of a hundred murders. That day on which the three days viz. the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth fall, should be known as Trisprsa and not one in conjunction with the tenth. A man, having gone through an expiation after having committed a fault, would be free. О divine river, I do not forgive the fault due to being pierced by the tenth. He who has observed the Ekadashi-vow (on the day) mixed with the tenth has taken the halahala poison or has taken poison. Thinking like this, he should not observe (a fast on) my day in conjunction with the tenth. The religious merit or the progeny of him (who does so) perishes. He would cause (the members of) his family to drop from heaven and takes (them) to (hells) like Raurava. Having purified one’s body, one should observe (the vow on) my day. The day when there is increase (in its duration) should be avoided except piercing of (i.e. being mixed with another day) and combined with

3ravana etc. The merit of those who fast on the Ekadashi day perishes. This is especially so in the case of the increase in its duration and when a doubt has arisen. DvadaSi (-fast) should be observed. It is dear to him.

55. О lord of the world, according to your words (i.e. as you have told me) I shall observe (the vow of) Trispfsa. By your behest I shall be free from all sins.

56-57. Go (back) to your own place. You should never entertain fear. О goddess, О best river, sin shall never come to you. Those who, after having worshipped Madhava, pay homage to the lord of the world, go to (i.e. obtain) the highest position.

58. О Brahman, tell me the manner (in which the vow is to be observed). I (shall) do it with everything (I have). I shall propitiate the lord of gods, Damodara, Anamaya.

59-65a. О goddess, listen. I shall tell you the manner of (i.e. in which) Trisprsa (should be observed), even by hearing which a man is freed from sins, О best river. According to the capacity of one’s wealth, a golden image of me (weighing) a pala, half of it, or half of the latter, should be fashioned. A pot of copper should be made and should be filled with Sheshamumseeds. A white pitcher containing water and with five gems, should be wrapped with garlands of flowers, and made fragrant with the incense of agaru. Then after having bathed (the image of) Vishnu and having smeared (it with sandal) one should put (it in the vessel). Then with a pair of garments (the image) should be seated and the worship should be done with hymns and by reciting (passages from) the Pura^as, so also with white, seasonal flowers and tender TulasMeaves. One should offer an umbrella along with sandals to Vishiju, so also pleasing articles of food and very many fruits. One should offer a new, strong sacred thread along with an upper garment.

65b-77. One should also cause to be given a beautiful, long and strong bamboo-staff. Having duly and devoutly worshipped the feet (of the image saying) to Damodara’, its knees (saying) to Madhava’, its private part (saying) to Kamaprada’, its waist (saying) tо Vamanamurti’, its navel (saying) to Padmanabha’, its belly (saying) to Visvayoni’, its heart (saying) to Jnanagamya its throat (saying) to Vaikunthagamin’, its arms (saying) to Sahasrabahu’, its eyes (saying) to YogarQpin’, one should make a respectful offering. (Taking) a white coconut placed on a conch and wrapped with threads in both his hands, (he should say), “O Janardana, if, by just being remembered you remove sins and bad dreams and evil omens seen by the mind, then, О god, protect me from the fear of hell due to fear and calamity, so also of this and the next world; accept (this) respectful offering. Salutation to you. О Damodara, always look favourably at me.” One should then offer incense, lamp and wave a light and should revolve a lotus over the head of Vishnu. Having performed this rite, one should then worship his own preceptor. One should give (the preceptor) gold, garments, and a dress with a turban, so also shoes, an umbrella, a ring and a water-pot, so also a meal, a tambiila, seven (kinds of) corn, and a gift. Having properly worshipped the preceptor, the lord of gods, one should keep awake (in honour) of Vishnu, with dance and music, according to the sacred precepts. At the close of the night one having duly made a respectful offering to the deity, and having performed the rites like bathing, one should eat along with brahmanas.

78-87. О brahmana, having heard this account of Trisprsa which is wonderful and thrilling, one gets the religious merit due to bath in the Ganga. By fasting on Trisprsa one gets the fruit of thousands of Asvamedha sacrifices and hundreds of Vajapeya sacrifices. Along with all the sides like that of one’s father, that of one’s mother, and that of one’s own one is freed, and one is honoured in the world of Vishnu. By fasting on Trisprsa one gets the same religious merit as is obtained by (visiting) crores of holy places and crores of sacred places. О best brahmana, all those — brahmanas, evil-minded ksatriyas, vaisyas or those born as stidras, so also persons of other castes — come to (i.e. obtain) salvation after having left the earth. This is the king-hymn among the hymns as would be (the hymn of) twelve letters. Of vows (it is the chief) for him who has observed it. It was first observed by Brahma, then was observed by royal sages. Then, О child, what can be said about others? Trispfsa gives salvation. О brahmana, listen to the fruit of him (i.e. which he gets) who devoutly observes this Trisprsa vow. He who observes the Trisprsa (vow) gets that fruit which is obtained by bathing in Ganga at Varanasi for thousands of the periods of Manu. A man who observes the vow of Trisprsa obtains that fruit obtained by means of bathing in Praci and Yamuna for crores of years.

88-95. A man who observes the Trisprsa vow gets that fruit which is obtained by (bathing during) crores of solar eclipses at Kuruksetra, or by (giving) hundreds of bharas of gold. By means of just one fast thousands of crores of sins and hundreds of (sins due to) murders are quickly reduced to ash. That vow of Trisprsa gives salvation to those who have not got it. Hundreds of (persons committing) great sins desire salvation, О brahmanic sage. Krishna himself told (this vow) in front of (i.e. to) Parasarya. He who, even though bound by streams of sins, shows this Vaisnava (Purana) after writing it to a brahmana, obtains salvation. (This vow) is secured, О wise one, by means of religious merit (collected during) hundreds of ages of Manu. Trisprsa is difficult to be secured by men. It is not easily had in the world. The fruit of the existence of those mean men, so also their life, who, having had (i.e. having known the day of) Trisprsa, do not observe it, is fruitless. Those who have, after having (come to know the day of) Trisprsa, observed it (even) once have overcome (being reduced to) the state of a goblin without Sraddha or without sons.

1-9. Hereafter I shall narrate to you the excellent (vow of) the Unmilani (Ekadashi), having just heard about which a man is free from the bondage of the worldly existence. A sinner is free from his sins and is honoured in heaven. His deities and manes would obtain a good position. A student gets knowledge and would have all his desires (fulfilled) by means of the vow of that (Ekadashi). There is no doubt about that. He is honoured in heaven. There only he secures his position, and is honoured in the world of Shiva (also). Therefore, О king, do honour the devotees of Visjiu. О king, those who always serve the devotees ofVisiju (obtain good position). Do not punish them. О king, a king takes food after they have taken it. They alone have worshipped Vishriu who have devoutly honoured (Vi^u’s devotees). О king, having daily held the Salagrama stone on the head, every day very devoutly wear it round your neck. О king, devoutly partake of the remnant of the incense of (i.e. offered to) Visuu. О king, you always inform the devotees on waving the light before the idol. Having devoutly turned water from the conch round the head of (the idol of) Visgu, you bear it on your head and the remaining you give to Visiju’s devotees.

10-17a. О brahmaua, having every day offered eatables with all ingredients (to Vishnu) you eat them. Food offered to Visuu is eaten along with (i.e. in the company of) Visiiu’s devotees. Every day devoutly praise him with (the hymn containing) his thousand names. Offer a light and respectful offering and sing and dance. О best king, worship him deserving worship with syama shoots. О child, it is very difficult (to get an opportunity) to worship (the deity) with syama shoots. The religious merit due to the worship performed with durva sprouts is equal to (the one obtained by) the gift of the earth. Therefore, in this world, on this earth, there is nothing like durva. He who desires absorption into Vishnu should worship (Vishnu) with durva. You may not worship (him) especially with barley (grains) or sacred rice grains, О best king. Dvadasi-vow which is observed in every fortnight destroys great sins, О great king. It always gives salvation, happiness and also (long) life.

17b-25a. This vow (in honour) of Vish^u is said to give salvation to Vishflu’s devotees. It gives happiness to the householders and salvation to the ascetics. It cures all diseases etc., it is pure and it purifies the body. О king, do not observe it merely by words. Observe the tenth without penetration by another day and by keeping awake. Worship Vishflu everyday with heaps of Tulasi leaves, О best king. The goplcandana leaf (i.e. a mark) put on the head purifies all the people, О best king. Therefore, put it made from goplcandana (on your head). All those who have applied the mark — the killer of a brahmana, he who has stolen gold, a drunkard, he who has approached one (i.e. a woman) who should not be approached, and he who has told lies — obtain salvation. Put around your neck a garland — pre-eminent, disjoined and even — garland made of Dhatri-fruits and of Tulasi-leaves. You worship it daily with the iSalagrama stone having come up in Dvaraka. It gives the fruit of enjoyment and salvation.

25b-28. You read before Vishnu the Purana called Padma, so also the account of Prahrada, king of demons. О King, noting carefully the sacred texts, you keep away those men who observe the day (in honour) of Vishnu along with the proximate day. The king in that country in which the day (in honour) of Vishriu is observed along with its proximate day is smeared with sin and becomes a resident of hell. Abandoning the proximate (day) of four kinds and having observed a fast on the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vishnu, a man, after having emancipated a crore (members of) his family, is honoured in Vishnu’s heaven.

29-32a. О king, listen to the great vow called Vaisnava, hearing which all sinners obtain salvation just at that moment. I have not told anyone (else) the religious merit due to Dvadasi. О great king, you are a devotee of Vishnu and a follower of Vishnu among men. (Therefore) listen to that very secret vow (in honour) of Vishshu. Formerly, due to my devotion Vishnu who was very much pleased, told me about (the vow called) Unmilani.

32b-38. О king, I shall tell you (about) it. That day on which the Ekadashi lasts for the day and night and for a ghatika on the next day, should be known as Unmilani, and it is especially dear to Vishnu. All the holy places and sacred places that are there in the three worlds can be compared only with a croreth part of the merit of Unmilani, so also sacrifices and austerities. There was nothing and will be nothing like Unmilani. (Even) Prayaga, Kurukshetra, Pushkara, the mountains Himalaya, Meru, Gandhamadana, Nila, Nisadha, Vindhya, (the forest) Naimisha, (the rivers) Godavari, Kaveri, Candrabhaga, Vedika, Tapi, Payosni, Kshipra, Candana, Carmanvatl, Sarayu, Candrabhaga, Gandika, Gomati, Vipasa, and the great river called Sona, are not like Unmllanl.

39-50. О King, what is the use of saying (these things) again and again? There is nothing superior to Unmilani, and none greater than Visgu. The heaps of the groups of sins of those who have, on obtaining the Unmilani (day), worshipped Vishnu, fall at that moment only. О king, Vishnu should be carefully worshipped with the name of that month in which Unmilani day would fall. A silver (image of) Vishnu, giving it the name of the month, and of a universal form, should be fashioned according to one’s capacity and with faith and devotion. A pitcher should be made (ready) containing pure water, and five jewels, and sandal, flowers and sacred grains, and adorned with a chaplet and a garland. A vessel should be made (ready) containing water and filled with wheat, with many gems and adored with many kinds of sandal, with the fragrance of jasmine flowers and adored with jasmine flowers. It should be carefully filled with rice called sveta. О royal sage, he should give (to a brahmana) a pair of garments, a sacred thread with an upper garment, a pair of shoes, and an umbrella (to be held) over his head. (So also he should give) food, a water-pot, seven kinds of corn along with Sheshamum-seeds, (also) silver, cotton, sweetened milk, and the image of Vishnu. Or a cow along with her calf and ornaments, and having golden horns, silver hoops and red back should be given. Or he should give the representation of a cow having bell metal udders and a jewelled tail, to his preceptor. He should devoutly give a furnished bed to a good (brahmana). He should offer incense, lamp, articles of food, fruits, leaves to the deity.

51-56a. The great devotees should worship Vishnu with Tulasl-leaves and seasonal flowers, and with the hymn. (He should touch his) feet, with (i.e. uttering) the name of the month. (He should touch his) knees (saying ‘My homage) to him of the form of Visflu’. (He should touch his) private parts (saying ‘My homage) to Guhyapati (i.e. the lord of secrets)’. (He should touch his) waist (saying ‘My homage) to Pitavasas’ (i.e. to him who has put on a yellow garment)’. (He should touch his) navel (saying ‘My homage) to Brahmamurtibhft (i.e. one who holds Brahma’s form)’. (He should touch his) belly (saying ‘My homage) to Visvayoni (i.e. the source of all)’. (He should touch his) heart (saying ‘My homage) to Jnanagamya (i.e. to him who is reached through knowledge)’. (He should touch his) throat (saying ‘My homage) to Vaikunthamurti (i.e. to him of the form of Vaikuntha)’. (He should touch his) forehead (saying ‘My homage) to Ordhvaga (i.e. to him who goes up)’. (He should touch his arm (saying ‘My homage) to Dakshantakarin (i.e. to him who destroyed Daksha)’. (He should touch his) head (saying, ‘My homage) to Suresa (i.e. the lord of gods)’. He should touch his) entire body (saying ‘My homage) to Sarvamurti (i.e. to the universal form)4. With (i.e. uttering) his name he should devoutly worship all (Vishnu’s) weapons. With coconuts etc. he should offer an oblation. He should make a respectful offering after putting water over the conch, after wrapping it with a thread, and with sandal, flowers and sacred grains.

56b-62a. (He should say):‘O Devadeva (i.e. god of gods), О Mahadeva (i.e. great god), О ari Kesava, Janardana, Subrahmanya, my salutation to you who increase the heap of religious merit. Emancipate me from the ocean of the mundane existenee full of grief, infatuation and great sin. I have not done any good deed even during hundreds of crores of existences. Yet, О great master, emancipate me from the ocean of the worldly existence. О lord of gods, by means of this vow emancipate my ancestors who have gone to evil stocks, who have been overpowered by sinful death, or those who will be or who were born from the world of the goblins. I am tired. The devotion of me who am dependent on you is faithful. I have devoutly made a respectful offering (to you). О Gadadhara, (please) accept it’. Having made a respectful offering with incense, lamp etc. due to Vishnu, he should please Vishnu with hymns of praise, by waving light in front (of his image), songs and dances.

62b-68. He should please his teacher with (gifts of) garments, (other) gifts, gifts of cows and meals. He should do (these) in such a way as the preceptor would be pleased; since the Creator has created the preceptor for emancipating the people, he should carefully honour the preceptor. He who always destroys what is harmful and shows what is beneficial and he who knows all righteous acts and worldly prosperity should be known to be the preceptor. Without practising guile about wealth he should present it to the preceptor. О king, it becomes complete on its being presented to the preceptor. О best king, having done the daily duty he should take food in the company of brahmanas. He should pass the day in (telling or listening to) stories (about Vishnu). He who observes the Unmilani-vow in this manner, lives near Vishnu for thousands of crores of kalpas.

1. О Mahadeva, of what type is (the vow) called Paksavardhinl, having observed which a being is free from a great sin?

2. That would be Paksavardhinl, equal to myriads of horsesacrifices, when either the new-moon day or the full-moon day is complete (i.e. lasts for the entire day and night) with sixty ghatikas and prolongs on the day of pratipad (i.e. the first day of a fortnight).

3. О Mahadeva, now I am asking about the manner of the worship, having done which a man would obtain great fruit.

4-12. О son of a brahmana, I shall now tell the manner of the worship. There is no doubt that a man gets the fruit when Vishnu is worshipped and adored, since by the performance of worship Vishnu is pleased. He should put a pitcher, which has no scratch, which is full of water, which is smeared with sandal, which contains five gems, which is wrapped with garlands of flowers. On the pitcher he should place a vessel containing wheat. (The image of) the deity should be made of gold and should be named after the month. He should nicely bathe (the image of) the god of gods, Jagannatha, the lord of the world, with pancamrta according to the (proper) rite. It should be besmeared with saffron, agaru and sandal. He should offer a pair of garments along with an umbrella and sandals. He should worship the (image of the) lord of deities kept in the vessel on the pitcher. (Touching) the feet (he should say, ‘My homage) to Padmanabha’. (Touching) the knees (he should say, ‘My homage) to Visvamiirti’. (Touching) the thighs (he should say, ‘My homage) to Jnanagamya (i.e. one who is reached through knowledge). (Touching) the waist (he should say, ‘My homage) to Jnanaprada (i.e. one who gives knowledge). (Touching) the belly (he should say, ‘My homage) to Visvanatha’. (Touching) the heart (he should say, ‘My homage) to Shridhara. (Touching) the throat (he should say, ‘My homage) to Kaustubhakantha’. (Touching) the arms (he should say, ‘My homage) to Ksatrantakarin (i.e. one who destroyed the ksatriyas)’. (Touching) the forehead (he should say, ‘My homage) to VyomamQrdhan (i.e. one who has his head in the sky)’. (Touching) the head (he should say, ‘My homage) to Sarvarupin (i.e. of a universal form)’. He should also utter his name (and worship) Lakshmi full of all limbs and of a divine form.

13-19. The wise one should thus duly worship and then should offer materials of worship along with a white coconut to the Disc-holder, the god of gods. The vow becomes complete by means of this offering. (He should pray to the deity as:) ‘O lord of the world, lift me who am drowned in the ocean of the worldly existence. You are the lord of all the worlds. You are actually the lord of the world. Accept the respectful offering offered by me. Salutation to you, О Padmanabha’. Offerings of pleasant food, especially those having (all) the six flavours should be very devoutly offered to Vishnu. He should devoutly offer the naga-leaf along with camphor torthe god. He should fill the lamp with ghee or with Sheshamum-oil. Doing (these) properly he should (duly) worship the preceptor. He should cause to be offered (i.e. should offer him) garments, a turban and a dress. He should cause to be given (i.e. should give) the preceptor a present according to his capacity. Having given (him) foo<J and tambfila he should cause to be given (i.e. should give) him a respectful offering.

20-32. The Dvadasi (called) Paksavardhinl should be observed by the poor while keeping in view the estimate of their wealth and according to their capacity. It should be carefully and properly observed. Then he should keep awake by singing, dancing, the recitation of a Purana and laughter and mirth. They praise and command the keeping awake (in honour) of the Disc-holder (i.e. Vishnu). For ten existences an every day festival would take place in their houses. Therefore, a man should observe this most virtuous Paksavardhinl. Having done (i.e. had) all religious merit, he undoubtedly obtains (its) fruits. Those wise men who have listened to the greatness of Paksavardhinl, have done meritorious deeds till the final destruction of the world. A man obtains that religious merit which he (would) obtain by practising the Pancagnisadhana or by visiting sacred places, by keeping awake (in honour) of Vishnu. The Paksavardhinl is virtuous, pure, and destroys sins. When a fast is observed on the day (of Pakshavardhini) it destroys (the sin due to) crores of brahmanamurders. It was, О sage, formerly observed by Vasishtha, so also by Bharadvaja; this one, dear to Vishflu, was observed by Dhruva and Ambarisa. It is virtuous like Kasl. It is like Dvaraka. When a devotee fasts on this day, it gives him his desired object. It is blessed, most blessed. It destroys (the sin of) a myriad of murders. It should be especially observed by those who are devoted to knowledge. О god, lord of all should be served by all who are intent upon (observing) the vow. As the moon waxes, especially in the bright half, the Paksavardhinl waxes for the devotee (of Vishnu). As darkness goes away at sunrise, the sin of a man on observing (the vow of) Paksavardhinl perishes.

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