Merit of Reciting the Vishnusahasranama

1-8. О daughter of the Himalaya mountain, if brahraanas, kshatriyas, vaisyas or shudras recite this especially every day, they, having wealth and grains go to the highest position of Vishnu. By reciting a verse, half a verse, a line, or half a line a man goes to salvation (and stays there) till the universal deluge. О goddess, those best men who recite the thousand names of Vishflu with a special commitment, go to the imperishable position (of Vishnu). The wealth and the (span of) life of him who recites it once, twice or thrice (a day), increase till the (end of the regime of) fourteen Indras. He would obtain sons, grandsons, and large wealth and affluence. О you beautiful one, what is the use of repeatedly saying other things? The thousand names of Vishflu give the highest bliss. A man who has first offered him worship fully, has offered him worship (every day) for a year, when Visflu is worshipped(?). There should be no distraction especially while reciting (the hymn). If a distraction is had while reciting it, (the span of) the life and wealth (of the reciter) decrease.

9-17. As many sacred places as there always are on the Jambu Dvipa, (all) those are (present) just there (where) the thousand names of Vishshu (are recited). Just there is Ganga. There is Yamuna. There is Vepi; there is Godavari; there is Sarasvati. (Thus) all sacred places exist there where are (recited) the thousand names of Vishnu. This (hymn) is very pure; it is always dear to the devotees. With the mind full of the feeling of (being Vishnu’s) servant and with devotion it should always be called to mind. Those wise ones who recite (this hymn) called Vishnusahasranama (‘the thousand names of Vishnu’), reach, after being free from all sins, Vispu’s proximity. The (span of the) life, strength and wealth of those who every day recite it at dawn, increase. A devotee of Visiju, keeping awake during the night in the Kali age, obtains salvation as long as fourteen Indras (rule). That worship offered to Visiju, for Tulasi, with (the utterance of) each name of Vishnu, should be known to be the worship superior to a crore of sacrifices. О Parvati, those brahmanas who recite it while going along the way, have indeed no sins of the journey. О goddess, listen, I shall tell (you) the greatness of Vishnu. Those best men who listen to it are meritorious and are of the form of merit.

1-12. Om, the great sage Visvamitra is the seer of the hymn called Ramaraksa. aii Rama is the deity. The metre is anushtup. Application of the muttering of this hymn (is) fon,pleasing Viwu.

I meditate upon the imperishable Vishflu, an Rama, having lotus-like eyes, resembling atasi flower, wearing a yellow garment and infallible. May Rama protect (my) heart. May Shrikafltha protect my throat. May the protector of the sacrifice protect my navel. May the protector of the universe protect my waist. May Dasaratha’s son protect my hands. May he, of a universal form, protect my feet. May the excellent god, the lord of SIta protect my eyes. May the universal soul protect the tuft of hair on (my) head. May he who gives desired objects, protect (my) ears. May the protector of gods protect (my) sides. May he, inaccessible to a crore of deaths, and eternal lord of the universe always protect (my) body. May he who destroys sins and propagates instruction in the world, protect (my) tongue. May Raghava protect this. May Keshava protect (my) hair. May he, the creator of the universe and called Dattavijaya, protect (my) thighs. A man who would recite this (hymn called Rama-)raksa, endowed with Rama’s power, would have a long life; would be happy, learned, and get divine wealth. (This hymn) the Raksa, sacred to Visou, always protects all beings. A man who would remember ‘Rama, Ramabhadra, Ramachandra’ is free from sins and obtains eternal salvation. This (hymn) was told by Vasishtha to his preceptor of the form of Vishshu. Then from Brahma it came to me; and I told it to Narada. Narada brought it down among the good people on the earth. Those best men who, while resting at home or going along the way, recite this, enjoy religious merit.

l-9a. О goddess, listen. I shall explain to you righteousness (dharma) (the excellent way of life), hearing which a man is never born on the earth. From righteousness a man would get the triad of material welfare (artha)9 satisfaction of desires (kama) and salvation (moksa). Therefore, that learned man who would desire righteousness through penance, gifts, vows an<f restraints, is said to be wise. Similarly by means of sincere penance heaven is obtained. He who has come here (i.e. is bom on the earth) and is free from anger and greed, would have salvation after an existence and obtains Visiju’s position. He becomes passionate (irajasa) by means of penance practised through passion (irajas). By means of vicious (tamasa) (or ignorant) penance he becomes hard-hearted (tamasa) and does cruel deeds. That is said to be the penance of the demons, giving salvation to those who are of a vicious nature. That penance which is righteous (sattvika) is permanent. Even in a forest blemishes do occur in the case of the passionate one, desiring wealth etc., being controlled by (irajas) and ignorance (tamas), living in a solitary forest, and subsisting on air. Control over the five senses (practised) even at home is (also) a penance. For him who is not engaged in condemned acts and who is detached from passions, his house is a penance-grove. The householder’s stage is said to be (a man’s) own duty. It is very difficult to be overcome by (even) those who have restrained their senses. That best auspicious stage (of life) is affected.

9b-15. О you daughter of the (Himalaya) mountain, the householder’s stage of life is said to be excellent for the wise ones by Brahma and others. An ascetic after practising penance in a forest and being oppressed by hunger, comes to the house of a food-giver. With devotion he (i.e. the food-giver) gives him food and gets a portion (of the fruit) of his penance. There is no doubt that the man who properly follows the householder’s stage, the best on the earth, enjoys human pleasures here (i.e. in this world) and goes to heaven. О goddess, how can sin come to them who always practise (the duties of) a. (householder)? The householder’s stage is most meritorious. A house is always like a sacred place. In this meritorious stage of a householder gifts should be especially given. In it worship of deities is practised, food is given to guests; it is the refuge of guests. Therefore, it is said to be most blessed. Those men who having resorted to a house(-holder’s stage) honour brahmanas, never lack in (long) life, wealth, so also sons. О beautiful lady, listen. I shall tell (you about) a gift which cleanses all great sins which brings about every (kind of) wealth, and which gives fruit in this world and in the next.

16-26. When an auspicious time has come, a man, after having duly worshipped his deity, and having performed his obligatory and occasional (duties), should give a gift according to his own capacity. He who having snatched another’s wealth would give it to brahmanas and deities, would after seeing (i.e. having gone to) hell, go to the highest position, as Satanika was emancipated along with his sons due to having given gifts. So also after having given (gifts) to brahmanas, he will go to heaven as a result of his righteousness. The religious merit of those who have given (gifts) at holy places, has been told. О goddess, listen. I shall tell (you) in. brief about the gift of wealth. (Such) a gift purifying the body was never there, nor will be there. Due to it a man becomes free from sins. There is no doubt about it. Having enjoyed pleasures, he then goes to the ancient Vishnu. Formerly it was narrated by Brahma to the magnanimous Bhargava Rama, full of sin. During the Sun’s passing through Libra and Taurus, the king was engaged in a sinful act. He indulged in killing and binding (men). He was engaged in eating what ought not to be eaten. He caused abortions and violated his preceptor’s wife. These and a liar are born in bad stocks. They perform sacrifices for those for whom they should not be performed; they ask for (gifts) from the censurable ones; they are always angry; and are always engaged in troubling the good. They are destroyed through faith, and with their life condemn righteousness. They are full of sins and know that they are dead (i.e. they would soon die). Knowing this, О goddess, they should especially give gifts. On the earth many devotees of Vis^u practising righteousness are well-known on the earth.

1-11. О goddess, I shall properly tell you the greatness of Gan^ika. О daughter of the (Himalaya) mountain, as Ganga is, so she is. Similarly many Salagrama stones are found there. So also her greatness is told by the best sages. There are birds, plants, insects and viviparous beings that are meritorious just on account of seeing her, О Parvati. That great river Gagdika rises in the north. О daughter of the (Himalaya) mountain, she, being remembered again and again destroys sins. There god Narayana, causing welfare, always exists. Those, holders of conches and discs, who live near him, have, after reaching Death, had four arms and divine forms. Sages stay there, and especially gods, Rudras, serpents, so also yakshas. No doubt should be raised in this matter. Near it is a place of raised ground, having the form of Vishnu. At this place, there is an image of many forms, giving salvation. There are twentyfour species of beings there. One is of the form of a fish and another, a black figure, the giver of salvation, is said to be there at the place called Vishnu by the wise. There is (another figure) called Kalki and tawny (in colour), (as is) told by me. Many other figures of various shapes are also seen there. All these various figures, of different forms stand there. She is Ganga. She is great. She is auspicious. She gives merit, desired objects and salvation.

12-26. In that land, Vishgu, accompanied by me, definitely stays even now. There is no doubt about this. A man is free merely by her touch from all sins like causing an abortion, killing a child, and especially killing a cow. Brahmagas, kshatriyas, vaisyas, siidras, so also (men of) other castes — all of them are freed on seeing the water of Gagdika. This (river) is holy like (the river) Veni — especially so for the sinners. (Even) the killer of a brahmaga is freed there, what, to say about others! О Parvati, always, at all times I go (there). Brahma has indeed said that this is the king of holy places. Sages have bathed and given gifts there. О beautiful lady, in A^a^ha, on an auspicious occasion, I go there. For a month I duly bathe there; I also continuously mutter (the hymn) which emancipates (a being). Therefore, since I had gone to the place holy to Vishnu, I became a devotee of Vishnu. This very great holy place was formerly fashioned by Vishflu. It gives a good position to Vishiju’s devotees. It is said to be very purifying. О goddess, it is always very difficult to be born as a human being in this mundane existence. The holy place on (the bank of) Gaij^ika is not easily accessible. To reach the place holy to Vishnu is (still) more difficult. Therefore, the best brahmanas should go (there) in the month of Asha^ha. Having gone there, the best brahmanas should especially put on the marks of conches, discs etc. That is said to be (a) very pure (act). The holy mark of a conch should be (put) on the left (arm), the mark of a disc should be (put) on the right arm. This is said to give salvation to brahmanas. (The marks) should be carefully put on. Especially the brahmanas should put on the marks of conches and discs. When the mark is put on, those men belong to Vishnu. О you beautiful lady, there is no other holy place like Garidakl. There is no other vow like Dvadasl. There is no other god like Vishjiu. (I am) repeatedly (telling this). Those best men who listen to the greatness of Gandika, enjoy happiness in this world, and (after death) go to Vishnu’s world.

l-6a. О beautiful lady, listen. I shall tell you the hymn and the rise due to that. There is no doubt that on hearing it a sinner — killer of a brahmaija, is freed. The Creator told it to Narada. I am (now) telling it to you. The self-born god of unlimited lustre had told it to him after holding his charming arm. (At the time of) obsequies one should cause (Vishflu) to be remembered. (He is:) the revered Naraya^a, with Shri. The god Vishshu has the disc as his weapon. He holds the Sarhga (bow). He is Hrishikesha. He is the ancient Purushottama. He is Ajita (i.e. unconquered). He holds a sword. He is Jishnu (i.e. one desiring to conquer). He isKrishna; he is eternal. He is the Boar having one horn. You (O god) are of the nature of the past, the future and the present. Raghava is the immutable Brahman; is the truth and is there in the beginning and at the end. He is the great Dharma of the people. He is Visvaksena. He has four arms.

6b-19. He is the general of the army. You (O god), are the protection. You are Vishuu, the lord of the world. You are the source. You are immutable. You are Upendra; you are Madhusudana. You are P^nigarbha. You are Dhrtarcis. You are Padmanabha. You destroy (your enemies) in a battle. Indra and great sages call you to be the refuge of those who seek your shelter. The great sages (also describe you) as the soul of the Vedas, the greatest of R.k and Saman. You are the sacrifice. You are the Vasatkara (exclamation). You are Omkara. You torment your enemies. You are Satadhanvan (literally, having a hundred bows). You are Vasu. You are the predecessor of Vasus. You are the lord of beings. You are the first creator of the three worlds. You are the self(-born) master. You are the eighth of the Rudras and the fifth of the Sadhyas. Asvins are your ears. The Sun and the Moon are your eyes. О you who torment (your) enemies, you are seen at the end, in the beginning, and in the middle. They do not know the beginning or the end of him (i.e. of you). (They do not know) who you are. You are seen in all worlds, so also among cows and brahmanas. (You are seen) in all directions, in the sky, on the mountains and in the cages. You have a thousand eyes. You possess

Shri, you have a hundred heads, you have a thousand feet. You support the beings and the earth with the mountains. You are in the (interior of) earth, in water, a great surpent with all beings. You remain supporting the three worlds, the gods, the gandharvas and the demons. О Rama, I am your heart. Goddess Sarasvati is your tongue. Gods are the small hair on your limbs. You have created them with your divine power. The night is said to be the closing of your eyes; and the day to be the opening of your eyes. Your body would be (i.e. is) perfection. The entire world is not without you. There is that stability in your body. You are the earth. Fire is your anger. shesha, the glorious Lak?maua, is your favour. With yotir ancient strides you have crossed over the three worlds. You made Indra the king (of gods). You bound (down) the great demon Bali. Having withdrawn all the worlds unto you, you the Death, have just put them in yourself.

20-28. You turn the visible and the invisible into one fierce ocean, and in no other way. You took up an excellent, great, divine body. You killed Hiraijyakaapu yvho created fear among all beings. Being of the form of one having the face of a horse you resorted to the bottom of the nether world. The great oblation was brought together, so also repeatedly the secret (obscure). That which is heard to be the greatest one, which is greater than the great, is said to be the highest soul. You alone are said to be the highest hymn, and the highest lustre. You are the pure oblation offered to the gods and to the manes. You are the attainment of heaven and salvation. They describe you who are beyond Prakrti as the maintenance, the creation, and the destruction (of the world). You are sung by the Vedas to be the sacrifice, the sacrificer, the sacrificial priest reciting the prayers of Rgveda at a sacrifice, and the officiating priest, and to be the enjoyer of the fruits of sacrifices. Sita is Lakshmi. You are Vishnu, god Kj-sna and the lord of the created beings. To kill Ravaria you entered a human body. О you, best among those who uphold righteousness (<dharma), this should be (i.e. was) done by you. О Rama, you killed Ravana, and delighted the deities. О god, your power is infallible. Your valour is never fruitless. Rama, seeing you is fruitful. Your praise is never fruitless.

29-42. О god, those men who on the earth are attached to you, the ancient, best ‘man’, will be successful and devout. Those men who will narrate this holy hymn of praise — the old account — are never defeated. How would the best men, devoted to Purushottama, be defeated here? О god, (except you) there is none in the world who is a distinguished giver of boons. Even he who is a great sinner should recite thrice (a day) this hymn of praise of the magnanimous Raghava, which is the best of hymns. At the time of the sandhya (prayer), and especially at the time of a sraddha, this hymn should be carefully and with a devout heart, recited by the best brahmaijas. This is a great secret; it should never and at no place be told (to anyone). By reciting it he would obtain salvation, and he would certainly be Vishnu. The best brahma^as should recite this hymn «first at the end of the worship of the pijidas. (A man doing so) would obtain the eternal (fruit of the) Sraddha. It is very pure, and gives salvation to men. He who, after having written it, would preserve it with profound meditation, has his life, wealth, and power increased day byeday. The ancestors of an intelligent man who after writing it, would sometime give it to a brahmajia, are free and go to the highest position of Vishflu. A man who mutters or recites this hymn obtains the fruit which is obtained by the recital of the four Vedas. О great goddess, the holding of a conch, disc etc. at the time of a Sraddha by brahma^as proficient in the Vedas, would surely be inexhaustible. He should put round his neck a garland sacred to Vishnu and should have the marks of a conch, a disc etc. (on his body). Then, muttering and reciting this hymn, he should duly and devoutly perform the sraddha. Then it becomes perfect, not otherwise. Therefore, a devout man should carefully recite it. A man obtains everything by reciting it, and gets happiness.

1-11. I asked the lord of the world about the vow best among the vows, leading to the prosperity of sons and grandsons, and giving pleasure and good fortune. Now, О beautiful lady, I shall tell it to you. Listen. This account of the excellent vow of the sages is divine. A woman in her menses, a great sinner, is necessarily freed from great sins after observing this vow. О goddess, it becomes inexhaustible to the dead ancestors, and is the means of righteousness, worldly welfare and satisfaction of sexual desires.

Formerly there was a brahmana named Devasharman, of great arms, master of the Vedas, and always devoted to study. He maintained the sacred fire; he was always engaged in the six1 duties (of a brahmana). He was well honoured by all castes; and had sons, animals and kinsmen. The wife of that chief brahmana was in her menses when the month of Bhadrapada came, and it was the fifth of the bright half. He, with his mind controlled and senses restrained, performed sraddha of his father. At night he would invite (i.e. he invited) brahmanas, giving happiness and good fortune. When it was the bright morning, he would make (ready) other vessels. He made his wife cook food in all the vessels. It had eighteen flavours, and gave delight to the manes. Then he separately gave invitations to brahmaflas. All the brahmarias, the reciters of the Vedas came at mid-day. The best brahmana gave them respectful offering and water for washing their feet etc. Polluted by the menstrual flow he duly washed (their feet etc.) at that time. All they went into the house, and (sat) upon the seats indicated to them.

12-20. He specially offered them food with sweets. He performed the sraddha duly and after offering the pi^as. He, engrossed in meditating upon his dead ancestors, gave everything to the brahmanas like tambula, gifts and various garments. (Then) he dismissed all the brahmanas, intent on (giving) blessing. Then to his hungry relatives and kinsmen, he duly gave food at the time of the meal. When he had sat at the door of his hut at night, the brahmana’s wife brought water and washed his feet; then the bitch and the bull talked to each other. (The bitch said:) “O dear one, listen to my words — as to how the daughter-in-law acted towards me. I shall tell (just) like that. I shall not tell otherwise (i.e. in a different way). Some time by chance I went into (our) son’s house to protect the milk that was there. It was not seen by the daughter-in-law. The milk was drunk by a serpent; and it was seen by me. Then I drank it all. The daughter-in-law saw it. Due to that fault (of me) of touching the milk, my waist was broken for good. О lord, due to that grief, I have been miserable, My waist is broken. I do not relish food.”

1. Satkarma — The six duties of a brahmana are: studying, teaching, sacrificing, acting as a priest at a sacrifice, giving gifts, and accepting g:fts.

21-30. О bitch, listen. I shall tell you the cause of my misery. When this day came, my son gave food to brahmanas, but did not care for me. He did not at all, at any time, give me water and grass. I, a sinner, conceived to be so, have been tied without food. О bitch, this has undoubtedly happened due to my former sin.

О goddess, at that time the words were heard by the wise son. ‘‘This is actually my father who has been an animal in my house. And undoubtedly this is actually my mother. Due to (ill) luck she became a bitch. What should I definitely do?” Thinking like this, the brahmana did not get sleep. At night he became very thoughtful and remembered the highest lord. “I have sincerely practised many righteous acts. How shall I have auspicious (things)?” Thinking like this, he again slept at night. When it was the bright morning, he went to the sages. Among them Vasishtha offered him a good welcome. (Vasishtha said to him:) “O best brahmana, tell the reason of your arrival.” The brahтаца who was thus asked, then saluted (Vasishtha). “Today my existence is fruitful. My acts are fruitful today; my dead ancestors are pleased on (my) having had your sight which is difficult to be had.

I well fed the brahmanas. I gave food to all members of my family. After the meals, the bitch came there and spoke (to the bull, as) we have a bull in our house. О brahmana, hear from me the words which she spoke to him. “The milk-pot in the house was polluted by a serpent. I saw it, and was undoubtedly very anxious: ‘When with this milk itself, food would be cooked, then due to that food, all brahmanas will die’. О lord, having thought like this, I drank (all) the milk. The daughter-in-law saw it and beat me. Due to that I becoming lame am moving. Being very grieved what do I do?” Knowing her grief, the bull said to the bitch: ‘O bitch, listen. I shall tell (you) the cause of my misery. О bitch, I am actually his father in the former existence. Today he fed brahmauas, and gave them much food. But he did not place grass or water before me. Due to that grief at that time, I have become miserable.’ On hearing this account, I did not get sleep during the night. О best sage, my anxiety started just then only. I am given to Vedic studies. I am proficient in Vedic rites. The two are very miserable. So thinking ‘What shall I do?’ I have come to you. Remove my grief.”

42-47. О Ugrajanman, listen to what you did in the former existence. This one was the best brahma^a in the auspicious city of Kufldanagara. In the month of Bhadrapada, the vow of Pancami that fell then, was neglected by him due to the sraddha of his father etc. On that sraddha day, О innocent one, his wife had menstruation. She did all like giving food to the brahmaijas. The most sinful and wicked one did not know it and performed (the sraddha). On the first day she is a can^ala woman; on the second the killer of a brahmana. On the third she is said to be a washerwoman, and is purified on the fourth day. Due to that sin his wife became a bitch; and О you of good vow, this one was born as a bull due to that act.

О you of a good vow, tell me especially that vow, gift, sacrifice or (visit to a) holy place, due to which my parents would have salvation.

48-62. In the bright half of Bhadrapada, there is R.shipaiicami. By doing (the vow of) it the sin of the menstrual flow, perishes. It gives sons and grandsons and gives salvation to the dead ancestors. In a river (i.e. on the bank of river), or a well, a tank, or in a brahmaija’s house, a circle with cowdung should be fashioned. He should put a pitcher there. On it he should put a vessel which is full of grains used by the sages. So also (he should put) a sacred thread, a fruit with gold. He should also install seven (images) of sages, causing happiness and good fortune. Those who have kept the vow, should invoke all of them and worship them. He (who observes the vow) should, eating once a day, offer eatables made from the corn used by the sages, and should eat that food (after) worshipping the sages. He should properly, very devoutly and with hymns, worship them. Then with ghee and gifts he should offer the libation. He should duly give (these) to a brahтаца, (saying), ‘May this please the sages’. Having listened to the account properly, having gone round (the images), he should separately offer incense, ghee, eatables of five kinds, and a respectful offering. “May the sages always abide by me. May they complete my vow. May they accept the worship offered by me. Repeated salutations to sages. May Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, so also Pracetasa, Vasishtha, Marica, Atreya accept my worship. Salutation to you.” With incenses and charming lamps he should thus offer the worship. By the power of this being done the dead ancestors are at once released. О child, due to the ripening of the former acts and the power of the blemish of menstruation this was done. There is no doubt that he will get release.

For the salvation of his dead ancestors he observed the vow. They, intent upon giving him blessings, went along the path of salvation. Those best men who observe the vow of R.shipancami, as told to the brahmarta, should be known as meritorious. Those best men who observe this excellent vow of the sages, enjoy many pleasures in this world, and go to Vishnu’s position.

1-2. I shall hereafter tell you about the excellent vow of the sprinkling with water, as told by Pulastya to the magnanimous Dalabhya. It destroys all faults caused by diseases. It gives auspiciousness. I shall tell it to you. Listen, О daughter of the (Himalaya) Mountain.

3-4. О revered one, please tell me that by which all beings can avoid suffering from the troubles caused by poison, diseases etc; they are overcome with leprosy and (evil) Planets, and are always troubled. There are many severe diseases brought about by magic or by female deities1 having destructive powers.

5-13. О best sage, those men who have pleased Vishflu with vows, fasts and restraints, will not be afflicted by diseases. Those men who have not observed an auspicious vow, have not given gifts, have not practised penance, have not visited a sacred place, have not worshipped a deity, have not given food in large quantities, are known to be afflicted by diseases and (similar) faults. He who attends upon Vishriu, especially obtains undoubtedly whatever he mentally desires like good health or great wealth. He does not suffer from physical or mental disease and is not afflicted by poison or a Planet. He does not have the fear of the contact of the deities having destructive powers. All his sins perish; and the Planets are always auspicious (i.e. favourable) to him. He who has pleased Vishnu and looks upon all beings as himself, is invincible even to gods. He has pleased Vishnu with a fast etc. When he (i.e. Vishnu) is pleased, desires of men are fully satisfied. О best sage, they are free from diseases, are happy. They enjoy pleasures. They have no enemies. Nor do they suffer from diseases and effects of magical forces. No evil act like (the evil influence of) a Planet or a disease takes place in their case. The weapons of Kfshsha, like the disc etc. which are unobstructed, protect him who has waited upom Vishnu from all calamities.

14-15. Tell me especially what the kind persons who see the ancient Vasudeva in all beings, who look equally upon all, should do for the miserable persons who have not propitiated Govinda and are overcome with grief.

1. Krtya — A female deity to whom sacrifices are offered for destructive and magical purposes.

16-29. О best sage, I shall tell it. Listen with an attentive mind. It removes the evils like diseases and blemishes and destroys fever etc. Having assigned (i.e. supposing that) Shridhara (is) in the tuft of hair on the crest of the head, and Shrikara below it, HrshIkesa in the hair, and the highest Narayana on the head, one should assign Vishnu above the ears and him who lies in the water on (i.e. to) the forehead. Having assigned the lord to the two eyebrows, and Hari between them, (having assigned) Narasimha to the tip of the nose, and Arnavesaya (i.e. he who lies in the ocean) to the ears, and the lotus-eyed one to the eyes, he should assign Bhiidhara below them. He should assign Kalkinatha to the cheeks and Vamana to the roots of the ears. Having assigned the conch-holder to the bones on the forehead, and Govinda to the mouth, and Mukunda to the row of teeth, Vakpati to the tongue, Rama to the chin and Vaikuptha to the neck, Balaghna to the root of the arms, the destroyer of Kamsa to the shoulders, Aja to the two arms, and Sarngapani to the two hands, Sankarshana to the thumb of the hand, Gopa to the rows of fingers, Adhoksaja to the chest, Shrivatsa in its middle, (he should assign) Aniruddha to the breasts, and Damodara to the belly, Padmanabha to the navel, and Kesava below it. (He should assign) god Dharadhara to the penis, and Gadagraja to the anus, the wearer of yellow garments to the waist and (should assign) Madhu’s enemy to the pair of thighs, the enemy of Mura to the calves of the legs, Janardana to the pair of knees, Phanlsa to the ankles, and (he should assign) Trivikrama to the two feet. The wise man should assign Shripati to the toe, Dharanidhara below it, and Visvaksena to all the pores of the hair. Having assigned Matsya to the flesh, he should assign Kurma to the marrow, Varaha in the fat and (should assign) Acyuta to all his bones. (He should assign) Dvijapriya (i.e. dear to the brahmaijas, or to whom brahmagas are dear) to the marrow of the bones and flesh, Svetapati to the semen, the sacrificial Purusha to the entire body and the highest soul to his soul.

30-43. Having thus made the rite of assignment, he would actually be Vishttu. As long as he would not talk anything, he would remain merged in Vishshu. He, being calm and creator of tranquillity here, should take pure darbhas with their roots and tips, and should sprinkle all his limbs with the tips of the darbhas. A devotee of Vishflu especially brings about this auspicious tranquillity to a person afflicted by a disease, a Planet or poison. О brahmana, due to that all diseases are destroyed. (He should pray:) “Om, salutation to Shri Paramartha (i.e. the highest truth), to the magnanimous Purusa. (Salutation to the) formless one, and to him of many forms, to the pervader, to the Supreme Soul, to Varaha, to Narasimha, to Vamana who gives happiness.” Having meditated and saluted Vishnu, he should assign Vishnu’s names to the parts of his body. “Having saluted the spotless one, the pure one, the one who removes bodily diseases and sins, Govinda, Padmanabha, Vasudeva, Bhubhrt (i.e. the supporter of the earth), I shall utter words. Let them be successful. (Salutation to) Trivikrama, Rama, Vaikuntha, Nara, Shri Varaha, Nrsimha, (and) to the magnanimous Vamana; to Hayagriva, to Subhra; О HrshIkesa, remove the inauspicious, that which torments others, that which is not beneficial, that magic which is discharged (at me). О ageless one, destroy the employment of the poisonous touch of a great disease. Salutation to Vasudeva. Salutation to Krishna, the holder of the sword. Salutation to Puskaranetra, KeSava, Adicakrin, to you having a yellow spotless garment, О Kinjalkavarriagrya. Salutation to you who has held Mahadeva on his body, so also a disc, and to cakrin. Salutation to the Trimurtipati who held the earth on his fang. О Shrivallabha (i.e. dear to Lakshmi, or to whom Lakshmi is dear), salutation to you, to the great sacrifice and (great) Varaha, О you whose ends of hair are like heated gold, and whose eyes are like burning fire. Salutation to you, О divine lion, the touch of whose nails is more (sharp) than that of the thunderbolt. О you having the characteristics of Ijtg, Yajus and Saman, salutation to Kasyapa, to Atihrasva.

44-65. Salutation to you, of the form of Vamana, and going over the earth. О Varaha, destroy all miseries, the fruits of sins. О you of large fangs, destroy that fruit (of sins) О you, Nrsimha, having a thunderbolt-like touch and bright tips of the teeth and nails. With your sound remove his miseries, О you destroyer of affliction, and taking up any desired form through the utterances of the Rg (Veda), Yajus (Veda) and Sama (Veda). May Janardana pacify all his sorrows. May Govinda, having broken and cut off his agony (remove) his fever lasting for a day, two days, three days, so lasting for four days, very severe, constant fever, so also fever arising from the vitiated state of the three humours of the body, and accidental fever. (May he remove) the pain in the eyes, headache and stomachache. (May he remove) lack of breath, severe asthma, all round heat(i.e. fever), shivering, diseases of anus, nose, feet, so also leprosy and consumption. (May he remove) diseases like jaundice, so also severe urinary diseases, so also those diseases due to (the humour of) wind (in the body), cuts, boils etc. May they, wiped off by Vasudeva, perish. (Even) by uttering the name of Visiju, (may) all of them perish. May all of them, struck with Vishflu’s disc, perish. By means of the medicine of the utterance of the names, viz. Acyuta, Ananta, Govinda, all the diseases vanish. I am telling the truth, (and) the truth (only). May Visflu, when (his names are) uttered, destroy the poison which is immobile, mobile, artificial, so also that which is due to teeth, nails or from the sky (i.e. air), which is due to beings, and which is extremely unbearable. (May he destroy) the imps, the deadly demons, so also demonesses1 attending upon Durga, severe (disease of) white round spots1

2 on the face, (divine mothers like) Revati and Vfddhirevati, the imps called Vfddhika and Maty also. May the account of Vishnu in his childhood remove (the influence of) young imps. AH the seizures (by imps etc.) of the old and of children perish that moment only when Vishiju is seen. Vishnu has his mouth fierce due to the fangs, and is fearful to the demons. Seeing him those imps especially go away. О Shri Nrsimha, О great lion, О you having a row of flames, О you of a bright face, О you bright one, destroy all the imps (etc. affecting) him. (Remove also) those diseases, great portents, enemies, great imps, and those cruel beings, severe afflictions due to Planets, the diseases in the wounds caused by weapons like diseases of the skin, so also the boils etc. and the imps etc. settled on the limbs, О you, who are the protector of the three worlds, and who ward off wicked demons. О Sudarshana of great lustre, cut off (i.e. destroy) the severe fever. Remove the (effect of) wind, cuts, and severe, great poison. (Remove) the very severe, undoing pain, and the flame of poison with the skin disease Om, Ham, Ham, Hum, Hum; kill the enemies with your very sharp axe.

1. Sakini — A kind of female being attendant on Durga, and supposed to be a demon or fairy.

66-84. Salutation to the revered Sudarsana, you having the body destroying miseries. (May) Vishshu, the Supreme Soul (remove) all those other wicked (forces) which give pain to beings; salutation to you, О Vasudeva(who has) taken up some form. О god, О excellent Acyuta, having thrown the SudarSana disc, fearful due to rows of flames, destroy all the wicked. О you Sudarsana, great disc, О you excellent weapon of Vishau, О you of a sharp edge, О you of a great speed, О you having the brilliance of а его re suns, О you Sudarsana, having great flames, and of a great sound, cut off all calamities, demons, and sins, О you fearful one. О Sudarsana, destroy sins, make (us men of) good health; in the east, in the west, south and north, may Narasimha, the universal soul, protect (us) with his roars. On the earth, in the atmosphere, behind (us), by (our) sides, in front of us, may Vis^u, of many forms, protect (us). Since it is a fact that everything consisting of gods, demons and human beings is full of (i.e. pervaded by) him, may the entire misery of this one perish. Since it is a fact that Vishshu, the lord of abstract meditation is sung (i.e. praised) among gods, may the entire misery of this one perish. Since it is a fact that the highest soul Visrm is sung (i.e. praised) in the Vedangas, may Vishflu, the universal soul give him happiness. May there be peace. May there be auspiciousness; may unhappiness perish, (since) I have sprinkled with darbhas springing from the body of Vasudeva. О Govind, О you who have cleaned (everything by sending) away (the evil forces), salutation (to you). You are Vishiju like that. Yet all miseries perish due to utterance of Hari’s (names). When Visiju is remembered, all blemishes, imps (or Planets) and all poisons and ghosts are destroyed. These darbhas have sprung from Vishnu’s body. I am Vishnui myself remaining in front. I have destroyed all his misery. He should be comfortable, since such are Vishshu’s words. May there be peace, auspiciousness and happiness. Whatever1 is his misery is thrown into the salty ocean. Let it perish. May he always have comfort due to the recital of (the names of) Vishnu. Let the sin go wherefrom it has come.” A devotee of Vishnu, desiring the good of beings, should do this great sprinkling of (i.e. sacred to) Vishnu at the time of diseases. Due to this all miseries completely vanish. For the purification of (i.e. from) all sins, the sprinkling of Vishnu is effective. Whatever (blemish), wet, dry, small or big, like the murder of a brahmana etc. (there is) all that quickly perishes like darkness at the appearance of the sun.

85-91. As small animals perish from the lion (’s attack), so diseases and blemishes flee away. May imps, fiends, goblins etc. perish on merely hearing the name of Vispu. Those who are very greedy for money should never do it. Having done the sprinkling a man, desiring his good, should not accept (any money etc.). Those who are desireless, and who know the beginning, the middle and the end, and who are always calm, should do it. Otherwise it would not give success.

This sprinkling (in honour) of Vishriu is a matchless success of men, a great protection of men; it is a great weapon. It was formerly told by Brahma to his son Pulastya. Pulastya himself told it to Dalabhya. It is publicised by Dalabhya for the good of all beings in the three worlds. The (narration of) Vishnu’s sprinkling is over. О goddess, I have told it to you, since you are always devoted to me. A person listening to this devoutly destroys all blemishes and diseases.

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