The Vow of shaftila Ekadashi

Yudhishthira said:

1-2. Very nice, О Kf^pa, О Jagannatha, О first god, О lord of the world. Be pleased, and tell me. Show favour to me. Which would be the Ekadashi in the dark half of Magha? What is the manner in which it is to be observed? Tell me this in detail.

The lord said:

3-4. О best king, listen. That Ekadagi which would fall in the dark half of Magha is known as shattila and destroys all sins. Listen to the auspicious, sin-removing account of shattila, which the best sage Pulastya narrated to Dalabhya.

Dalabhya said:

5-7. О brihmapa, tell that truly (to me) how those living beings who have come to the mortal world, who commit sins, and are having various sins like the murder of a brahmana, who take away others’ wealth, who are deluded by great addictions, do not go to hell. О glorious one, (please) tell me (how) sin perishes (even) by means of some small gift.

Pulastya said:

8-15a. Very nice, very nice, О you illustrious one, this is a secret, very difficult to be had. I shall tell it, О best brahmana, as I am asked by you, which is not told to anyone by deities like Vishnu, Brahma and Indra. When the month of Magha has arrived, a man being pure after bath, and with his senses curbed, and without lust, anger, pride, jealousy, greed and wickedness, having remembered the gods, having washed his feet with water, should take the cowdung fallen on the ground, scatter Sheshamumseeds, cotton and should get fashioned balls one hundred and eight (in number). No doubt should be raised in this matter. Then when the month of Magha has come, and if the Asadha star appears (in the sky) or if it is the beginning of the dark half, he should observe the restraints of Ekadashi at an auspicious time. Listen to the manner (as) I (tell you). Having worshipped the god of gods, having bathed well, being restrained and pure, he should, by fasting on the Ekadashi day, recite the names of Krishna. He should keep awake at night, and should get performed a sacrifice first.

15b-20a. Again on the second day he should worship Vishnu, the lord of the lordly gods. Along with sandal, agaru, and camphor, he should offer eatables and a mixture of rice and peas with a few spices. Then remembering the lord by (uttering) his name, he should repeatedly offer to (the deity) called Krishna respectful offering full of pumpkin gourds, coconuts or citrons. In the absence of all (these) (he should make the respectful offering) with betel-nuts, after properly worshipping Janardana (i.e. Vishtiu). “О К|зда K^fla, you are kind. Be the refuge of those who have no refuge. О Vishflu, favour them who are plunged in the ocean of mundane existence. Salutation to you, О lotus­eyed one; salutation to you, the creator of all; salutation to you,

О Subrahmaflya, О ancestor of great men. О lord of the world, accept, along with Lakshmi, this offering, which is made by me.” (This is) the hymn recited at the time of makftig a respectful offering. О brahmana, after that he should worship (the deity) and should cause to be given (to it) an earthen pitcher along with an umbrella, sandals and garments. (He should say: )

20b-23. “May Krishna be pleased with me.” A dark cow should be given according to his capacity to the best brahmana. О best brahmana, he, expert in recognizing a worthy recipient, should give him a pot full of Sheshamum seeds. О sage, the black Sheshamum seeds are recommended for bath and food. He should with effort give them to the best brahmana according to his capacity. For as many thousands of years as many sprouts from the Sheshamum seeds are there is the field, he is honoured in heaven. These six uses of Sheshamum seeds destroy sins: bathing with the Sheshamum seeds (i.e. with water mixed with them), rubbing (one’s body) with Sheshamum seeds, offering a sacrifice with Sheshamum seeds, offering water with Sheshamum seeds, giving Sheshamum seeds, and eating them.

Narada (Yudhis(hiral) said:

24-25. О Krishna, О Krspa, О you of mighty arms, О you the creator of everything, salutation to you. What kind of fruit is due to the shattila Ekadashi? Tell it to me, О Yadava, along with an episode, if you are pleased with me.

SrtKrishna said:

26-32. О king, listen to what I saw as it took place. О Narada(? ), in the mortal world formerly there lived a brahmana woman. She was always engaged in observing vows and was always engrossed in worshipping deities. She was engaged in observing the monthly fasts; she was very devoted to me. She observed fasts in honour of Krishna, and was intent on worship­ping me. О best brahmana(T), she tormented her body with fasts. The very chaste woman always offered her house etc. due to her devotion to gods, brahmanas and maidens. О brahmana(? ), she always took delight in great expiation. She did not give alms to beggars; she did not gratify brahmanas. Then, О brahmana(? ), after a long time I thought: ‘‘There is no doubt that her body is purified by means of vows and expiations. By mortifying her body she honoured devotees of Vishnu. She did not offer food, by means of which great satisfaction would be had.” О brahmana(? ), knowing like this, I went to the mortal world. Taking flie form of a Kapala.11 begged alms in my (begging) bowl. (She said: )

33-43. “O brahmaQa, what for have you come? Where will you go later? Tell (this to me).” I again said: “O beautiful woman, give (me) alms.” With great wrath she threw a lump of clay into the copper-vessel. Then О brahmarta, I again went (back) to heaven. Then by the power of her practising the vow, the female ascetic of great vows, bodily came to heaven after a long time. Due to the gift of the lump of a clay she got a charming house; but О brahmaiia sage(? ), it was without heaps of grains. When she would observe (i.e. she observed) the house, she did not see anything there. Then, О ЬгаЬтаца(? ), she moved out of the house and came to me. She spoke these words full of great anger: “By means of many kinds of vows, expiations and fasts, and with worship, I propitiated the god, the guardian of the entire world. О Janardana, nothing is seen there in my house.” Then I said to her: “O you of a great vow, go home. Wives of gods, full of great curiosity and wonder will come to see you. Do not open the door unless they recite the auspicious (account of) Sattila.” Thus addressed by me, the woman went (back to her house). О ЬгаЬтаца(? ), in the meanwhile gods’ wives came (to her house). There they said, “We have come to see you. О beautiful woman, open the door (so that) we shall see you.”

The woman said:

44. If you want to see me, you must especially tell the truth — the meritorious vow of Sattila — for opening the door.

shriKrishna said:

45-54. None of them told her (about) the vow of Sattila EkadaSt. Then one of them told (about) the vow of the shattila Ekadashi. The other one then said: “The woman should be seen by me.” Then after opening the door, the woman was seen by them. О best brahmasha(? ), like that woman a goddess or a female gandharva or a demoness or a female serpent was never seen by them before. By the advice of the goddesses the vow of shattila which gives pleasures and salvation was observed by that woman of a true vow. She, endowed with beauty and loveliness, obtained in a moment wealth, grains, garments, gold and silver. By the prowess of Sattila her house was endowed with everything. In a moment she became endowed with beauty and loveliness. One should not be very greedy; one should avoid fraud with regard to wealth. According to his wealth he should cause to give (i.e. should give) Sheshamum seeds and garments. A man obtains good health in very existence. He does not get poverty, or misery or misfortune. (All this) will not take place due to fasting on Sattila. О king, there is no doubt that a giver of Sheshamum seeds in this way is free from all sins without any trouble. (Giving) a gift duly to a worthy recipient removes all sins. О best king, there is no misery or exertion in the body.

1. Kapala: A follower of the Saiva sect — the Left-hand Order characterised by carrying skulls of men in the form of garlands and eating and drinking from them.

 

CHAPTER FORTYTHREE

Jaya Ekadoai

Yudhitfhira said:

1-3. О Krishna, you have said well. О lord, you are the first god. (There are four kinds of living beings: ) generated by sweat; oviparous; plants; viviparous. You make and mar them; you protect and destroy them. You told (me) about Sattila falling in Magha. О god, favour (me) and tell me which Ekadashi would fall in the bright half (of that month). What is the manner of it (i.e. the manner in which it is observed? Which deity is wor­shipped on that day?

! shrlkr? na said:

4-8a. О lord of kings, I shall tell you about (the Ekadashi) that would fall in the bright half of Magha. It is called Jaya. It is well known. It is great and removes all sins. It is pure. It destroys sins. It gives desired objects and salvation to men. It destroys (the sin of) the murder of a brShma^a, and it (also) destroys the state of a goblin. Men are not reduced to t(je condi­tion of ghosts when the vow of this (Ekadashi) is observed by them. There is no (Ekadashi) other than this that destroys sins and gives salvation. О king, for this reason it should always be observed. О best king, listen to an ancient auspicious tale. I have told about its greatness in the Padma Ригада.

8b-15a. Once Indra ruled in heaven. Gods happily lived in that charming (heaven). They were engaged in drinking nectar and were waited upon by celestial nymphs. In it there was a grove called Nandana. It was served by (i.e. full of) Parijata trees. Gods rejoice and are pleased by the celestial nymphs there. Once Indra, the lord of fifty crores (of the residents of heaven), rejoicing as he liked, joyfully made (the celestial nymphs) to dance. Gandharvas sang there. There was a gandharva (named) Puspadantaka. Chitrasena was also there. So also there was Malini, the daughter of Chitrasena. There was Chitrasena’s wife also. Pushpadantl was born of Malini. Puspadanta’s son was Malyavat by name. Malyavat was very much fascinated by the beauty of Puspadanti. She subjugated Malya­vat with her glances.

15b-22. Listen to (the description of) her charm with love­liness and her beauty. Her arms are as it were the nooses (thrown) round the neck by Cupid. Her eyes were long up to the ears, were reeling and red in the corners. Her ears looked beautiful due to the ear-rings. She had a conch-shaped neck, and was adorned with divine ornaments. Her stout and raised breasts resembled golden pitchers. Her waist was lean, excellent and could be grasped in the fist. Her buttocks were expansive. Her hips and loins were large. Her feet were beautiful and bright like red-lotus. By (that) Pushpavati who was like this, Malyavat was very much fascinated. To please Indra, the two came there to dance. They sang there and were waited upon by bands of celestial nymphs. The two Pushpadantl and Malyavat, had their bodies filled with cupid (i.e. the feeling of love). Due to love for each other they were infatuated. With their mind perplexed they did not sing chaste songs.

23-31. Influenced by the arrows of Cupid they had rivetted their eyes upon each other. Indra knew that their minds were attached to each other. Due to the lapse in dapping of the hands and in the measuring (of time), so also due to the execu­tion of the song, Indra, thinking that it was an insult to him, got angry with both of them and giving them a curse said these (words): “Fie upon you; you are fallen; you stupid ones have disobeyed me. Be turned into goblins as husband and wife; go to the mortal world, enjoying the fruit of your deed.” Thus cursed by Indra the two with their minds distressed, being deluded by Indra’s curse reached the Himalaya mountain. Both became goblins and met with terrible grief also. Their minds were tormented, and met with misery caused by snow. Being deluded, they were not aware of their state of a gandharva or a celestial nymph. They were oppressed by summer and the effect of bodily sins. Troubled by (the fruit of) their deeds they did not get pleasure or peace at night. Talking to each other they moved in the mountain-caves. They were chattering their teeth and had horripilation on their bodies.

32-40a. Then that male goblin said to his wife, the female goblin: “What great, fierce and thrilling sin have we committed due to which we have obtained (i.e. are reduced to) goblinhood as a result of our bad deeds? Hell is looked upon as fierce, and goblinhood as painful. Therefore, with all efforts, one should not commit a sin.” Thus being anxious, they were overpowered with grief. Due to their good luck, the EkadaS ofMagha, named Jaya and well-known as the best among days, came. When that day came, О king, they remained there without food and without drinking water. They did not kill any living being; they did not eat leaves and fruits. Near the Asvattha tree, they remained always full of grief. О king, while they remained like that the sun set. Night, that was fierce, terrible and fatal, approached. The two, trembling and clinging to each other with their bodies and arms, then slept there on the (bare) ground. They did not have sleep, or coition, nor did they get pleasure.

40b-46. О best king, they were thus troubled by the curse of Indra. When they were thus unhappy the night rolled by. The sun rose when the day of Dvadashi came (i.e. on the Dvadasi day). О best king, I held in my heart (i.e. thought to myself) about their salvation. They observed the good vow of Jaya and kept awake at night. Listen to what happened by the efficacy of that vow. When the DvadaSi day, came, and when the Jaya-vow was observed like that, their goblinhood disappeared by Vishnu’s prowess. Pushpadanti and Malyavat had their forms as before. They had the same affection as before, had put on the (same) ornaments as before. They got into an aeroplane and went to the beautiful heaven. Having gone in front of the lord of gods (Indra), they gladly saluted him. Seeing them like that, Indra, being amazed said to them:

Indra said:

47. Tell me, due to what moral merit you who were reduced to goblinhood, who had received a curse from me, were freed and by which god.

Malyavat said:

48-51. О lord, our goblinhood has gone by Vishnu’s favour, the observance of the Jaya-vow, and the strength of devotion to you.

Hearing these (words) Indra also spoke again: “You have become sinless, pure, and have become adorable even to me. You have observed (the vow on) the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vishnu; you are greatly attached to the devotion for Vishnu. There is no doubt that those mortals who adhere to (the vow of) the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vishnu, and are devoted to Krishna, are adorable to us also.”

Kffna said:

52-54. For this reason, О king, the vow of the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vishnu should be observed. О best king, Jaya removes the sin of a brahmana’s murder. He who has observed the vow of Jaya, has given all gifts, has performed all sacrifices. He certainly rejoices in Vaikuntha as long as a crore of kalpas. О king, by reciting or listening to (this account), one would obtain the fruit (of the performance) of Agnishtoma (sacrifice).

 

CHAPTER FORTYFOUR

Vijaya Ekadashi

Yudhishthira said:

1. What is the name of the Ekadashi that would fall (i.e. falls) in the dark half of Phalguna? О Vasudeva, favour me and tell it to me.

ShriKrishna said:

2. Narada asked the lotus-seated Brahma: “O best of brahmanas, favour me, and tell me about the religious merit due to the observance of the Vijaya Ekadashi that would fall (i.e. that falls) in the dark half of Phalguna.

Brahma said:

3-12. О Narada, listen; I shall tell (you) a great account that removes sins. I have not narrated to anyone this Vijayavow which is ancient, pure, and which removes sins. There is no doubt that Vijaya gives victory to the kings. Formerly, Rama went to the forest and lived in Pancavati for fourteen years with Sita and Lakshmana. The glorious wife, Sita, of Rama of a victorious nature, who lived there was kidnapped by Ravana through lustfulness. Due to that grief even Rama was embarassed, and (while) wandering he saw Jatayus who was dead. Then he, wandering in the forest, killed Kabandha. (Then) his friendship with Sugriva took place. The forces of the monkeys came together for Rama. Then Sita was seen in the (Asoka) garden of Lanka by Hanumat. He gave her the token of Rama and performed a great feat. Then again having come back to Rama, he told him the entire (account). Then Rama, having heard the words of Hanumat, was pleased to (take out) a march (against Ravana) with Sugriva’s consent. (He said to Lakshmaija: ) “O Saumitra, due to which religious merit this very unfathomable abode of Varuiia (i.e. the ocean) full of aquatic animals, can be crossed? I do not see a means with which this (ocean) can be crossed easily.”

13-18. You alone are the first god, and the ancient, best man. In this island lives the sage Bakadalbhya. О Raghava, his hermitage is at a distance of half a yojana from this place. О son (i.e. descendant) of Raghu, there are many other brahmaflas also. О best king, having gone (there), ask the best sage.

Having heard these extremely good words ofLak^mana, Rama went to see that great sage Bakadalbhya. With his head (bent down) he saluted the sage, as a god (salutes) Vis^u. Then that sage having recognized that ancient best man who had entered the human body for some reason, was pleased, and said, “O Rama what for have you come? '’

Rama said:

19-24. О brahmana, by your favour I have come along with the army to this shore of the ocean to conquer Lanka along with the demons. О sage, be favourable and tell me the means by which I shall cross the ocean. Now be pleased. О god, for this reason only I have come to see you.

Having heard the words of Rama, the great sage Bakadal­bhya, with his mind very much pleased, said to the lotus-eyed Rama: “O Rama, today you should observe the best among vows, having observed which you will be mightily victorious. Having conquered Lanka and the demons, you will obtain pure fame. Being concentrated in mind, observe this vow. The Vijaya Ekadashi would fall in the dark half of the month of Phalguna.

25-35. О Rama, by (the observance of) that vow you will get victory. You will, along with the monkeys, undoubtedly cross the ocean. О king, listen to the manner of this vow (i.e. in which the vow should be observed), which is fruitful. When the tenth day has arrived a man should cause to get fashioned a pitcher. He should place this decorated pitcher made of gold, silver, copper or clay and filled with water and with sprouts. He should put under it seven (kinds of) grains, and barley upon it. On it he should place the golden (image of) the lord Narayatta. When the eleventh day comes, he should bathe in* the morning.

Lakshmana said:

Along with a wreath round the neck and unguents he should keep it (the pitcher) steady. He should worship it especially with betel nuts and coconuts, so also with sandal, incense, lights and various offerings of eatables. О Rama, the day is passed in front of it with (i.e. in narrating) good tales. A wise man should also keep awake at night in front of it. For the continuous observance of the vow he should light a lamp of ghee. When the twelfth day comes, on the rise of the sun he should take the jar to the region of water and place it in a river or into a stream and should worship it duly. He should give that jar to a brahmana who has mastered the Vedas. О lord of kings, he should cause to give (i.e. he should give) the great gifts (Mahadanas) along with the jar (to a brahmana). О Rama, observe along with the chiefs of troops carefully the vow in this manner. You will be victorious.”

36-39. Having heard like this, that Rama did as he was told. When the son (i.e. descendant) of Raghu (i.e. Rama) observed that vow, he became victorious. He got (back) SIta. He conquered Lanka, killed Ravana in the battle. О son, those men who observe the vow in this manner, get success in this world, and get the inexhaustible other world (i.e. they live permanently in heaven). For this reason, О son, the vow of Vijaya should be observed. The greatness of Vijaya destroys all sins. A man by reciting (about) or listening (to this vow) would obtain the fruit of the performance of the Vajapeya sacrifice.

 

CHAPTER FORTYFIVE

Amalaki Ekadashi

shrikr? na said:

1. О Krishna, I have heard about the importance and the great fruit of Vijaya. Now tell me about (the importance of) that (Amalaki Ekadashi) which falls in the bright half of the month of Phalguna.

It should be Yudhishthira.

2-4. О son of Dharma (i.e. Yudhisthira), О illustrious one* listen. I shall tell you about that (Ekadashi) which the glorious Vasishtha explained to Mandhatr, when he (i.e. Vasishtha) was asked by Mandhatr. This is, О king, especially said to be the speciality of Phalguna. The Amalaki-vow is auspicious and gives (i.e. takes one) to Vishnu’s world. A man should go to the root of AmalakI (tree), and should keep awake there (during the night). Having kept awake there for that night, he would obtain the fruit of (giving) a thousand cows.

Mandhatr said:

5-6. О best brahmana, when did this AmalakI spring up? Tell all this to me. I have great curiosity (to hear about it). Why is it (said to be) pure? Why is it (said to be) the destroyer of sins? Due to what would a man obtain the fruit of (giving) a thousand cows by keeping awake on it?

Vasishtha said:

7-17a. О glorious one, I shall tell (you) how it came about on the earth. The great tree of AmalakI destroys all (kinds of) sins. When formerly (all this) was just an ocean only (i.e. when the earth was inundated in water), when the immovable and the movable had perished, when hosts of gods and demons had dis­appeared, and serpents and fiends had perished, then the lord of the gods, the highest soul, the ancient one went to Brahman, his highest and immutable position. Then from the spittle of Brahma, keeping awake, a drop lustrous like the moon was pro­duced, and it fell down on the eatrh. From that drop was produced the great AmalakI tree, having many branches and twigs bent due to the burden of fruits. It was declared as the first shoot among all the trees. Then, after it Brahma created all these beings — the revered God created gods, demons, gandharvas, yakshas, fiends, serpents and so also the spotless great sages. Those gods came there, where Dhatrl (the Amalaka tree) dear to Vishnu, stood, and О glorious one, seeing it they were very much amazed. They stood there thinking, ‘We do not know this tree.’ When they were thinking like this, a heavenly voice said to them:

ShriKrishna said:

 “This excellent tree is Amalaki, said to belong to Vishnu. Merely by remembering it a man would get the fruit of (giving) a cow. By touching it one’s religious merit is doubled, and by wearing it it is tripled.

17b-2l. Therefore, making all efforts, a man should always resort to Amalaki. It is said to remove all sins, to belong to Vishnu and to destroy sins. At its root lives Vishnu; and the grandsire (i.e. Brahma) stays above it; and in its trunk the highest lord, the revered Rudra lives. All the sages (live) in its branches, and the deities (live) in its twigs. The gods remain in its leaves, and the Maruts in its flowers. All the lords of the created beings are similarly settled in its fruits. I have declared this Dhatri to be full of all gods. Therefore, it is most adorable for those who are greatly devoted to Vishnu.”

The sages said:

22. We do not know who you are. Due to what have you become the cause? Tell us the truth — whether you are a god or someone else.

23-27a. Seeing the amazed wise men (the voice saidi) “I am that ancient Vishnu, who is the creator of all beings and all worlds.” Having heard those words of the god of gods, Brahma’s sons then began praising the god who was beginningless and endless. “Obeisance to the Being, the self-born one, the soul, the supreme soul. Repeated and constant salutations to the un­failing one, to the endless one (i.e. Vishiju). Repeated salutations to Damodara, to the omniscient one, to the lord of sacrifices.” Thus praised there by the sages, lord Vishnu was pleased. He said to the sages: “What desired (objects) should I give you? ”

The sages said:

27b-29. О venerable one, if you are pleased, then with a desire for our good, tell us (about) some vow which gives the fruit of heaven and salvation, which gives wealth, grains, religi­ous merit, and pleasing oneself, which requires little exertion, which gives many fruits and which is the best vow among vows, having observed which one is honoured in Vishnu’s world.

30-32. When in the bright half of Phalguna, the Dvadashi comes with Pusya(i.e. the eighth lunar mansion appearing in the sky), it would be very auspicious and would destroy great sins. О best brahmanas, listen to the special (vow) to be observed on that day. Having gone to AmalakI, one should keep awake there. One would be free from all sins and would obtain the fruit of giving a thousand cows. О brahmanas, I have told you about this vow, the best of all vows. Having worshipped Vishnu (residing) in it, one is not dropped from Vishiju’s world.

The sages said:

33-40. Tell us about the manner of (the observance of) this vow. How would it be perfect? What are the hymns, what are the salutations, and what are the deities that are declared? How is a gift (given)? How is a bath (taken)? What is said to be the manner of worship? So also tell us accurately the hymn for offering respectful offering and worship.

Vishnu said:

О best brahmanas, listen to the manner (of the observance) of this vow. Having remained without food on the Ekadashi day and the next day, he should, after cleaning his teeth, utter the words, “O lotus-eyed one, О you unfallen one, I shall (now) eat. Be my refuge.” He should not talk with the fallen, the thieves, so also the heretics, so also with men of bad conduct, with those who have violated the limits (of good conduct), and who have outraged their preceptors’ wives. Then the wise man, restrained and composed, should duly bathe in the afternoon, in a river, or a tank or a lake or at home. First, he should apply clay (to his body) and then should bathe. “O you earth, who are trodden by horses, chariots and by Vishiju, О you earth, remove my sin, and the wicked deed that I have done.”

41-48. This is the hymn (to be recited at the time) of (applying) the clay (to the body). “O water, you are the life of all beings and protector of their bodies. Salutation to the lord of the species that are generated by sweat and that sprout as plants. Let this bath of me be (as it were) I have bathed at all holy places, deep lakes, streams, in rivers and reservoirs.” This is the hymn to be recited at the time of bathing. Having got fashioned the golden (image of) the sage Jamadagnya (i.e. Parasurama) of the weight of a mashaka of gold, or half of it, he should come home and perform the sacrifice for the worship. Then with all the requisites he should go to the Amalaki (tree). Then having (thus) gone to the Amalaki (tree), and having cleaned (the region) all round (it), he should place there a jar having no scratch, to the accompaniment of hymns, having five gems (attached to it), made fragrant with divine perfumes, with an umbrella and a pair of sandals, and smeared with white sandal, with a wreath and a garland attached to its neck, incensed with all (kinds) of incenses; he should make it charming by kindling a series of lamps all around; upon it he should place a pot full of divine parched grains. On the pot he should place (the image of) the very lustrous Jamadagnya.

49-52. (Worshipping) the feet (of the image, (he should say ‘‘Salutation to Visoka; ” (worshipping) its knees (he should say) “(Salutation to) Visvarupin.” (Worshipping) its thighs (he should say) “(Salutation to) Ugra.” (Worshipping) its waist (he should say) “(Salutation to) Damodara.” (Worshipping) its belly (he should say) “(Salutation to) Padmanabha.” (Worshipping its chest he should say) “(Salutation to) Shrivatsadharin.” (Wor­shipping) its left arm, (he should say) “Salutation to Cakrin.” (Worshipping) its right arm (he should say) “Salutation to Gadin.” (Worshipping) its neck (he should say) “Salutation to Vaikuntha.” (Worshipping) its mouth (he should say) “Saluta­tion to Yajnamukha”. (Worshipping) its nose (he should say) “Salutation to Visokanidhi.” (Worshipping) its eyes (he should say) “Salutation to Vasudeva.” (Worshipping) its forehead (he should say) “Salutation to Vamana.” (Worshipping) its eye­brows (he should say) “Salutation to Rama> ” He should worship its head saying “Salutation to the Sarvatman.”

53-54. This is the hymn to be recited at the time of worship­ping (the deity). Then to the superior god of gods he should, with a devoted mind, offer a respectful offering with a white fruit. Then, with a devoted mind he should keep awake by means of dances, songs, musical instruments, religious tales and eulogies.

55-63. He should similarly pass the entire night by means of (listening to, reciting) accounts about Vishflu. Then by (repea­ting) Vishnu’s names, he should go round the Dhatri (tree). (The repetition of the names should be done for) one hundred and eight or twentyeight times. Then, in the morning, having waved a light (in front of the image) of Vishnu, and having honoured a brahmana, he should offer all that to him (saying) “In the Jamadagnya ghata there are a couple of garments and two sandals. May Kesava, in the form of Jamadagnya, be pleased with me.” Then he should touch and go round the Amalaki (tree). Having then bathed duly, he should feed brahmarias. Then surrounded by (i.e. along with the members of) his fraternity he should eat. I shall tell you about the entire religious merit (obtained) by doing like this. There is no doubt that he gets the fruit which is had at all the holy places, by means of all (kinds of) gifts, and which is greater than (that of) all sacrifices.

I have thus narrated to you in full the vow that is the best of (all) vows.

Saying so, the lord of gods vanished there only. All the sages also did all that completely. In the same way, О lord of kings, (please) observe this vow which is hard to practise and which frees (one from; all sins.

 

CHAPTER FORTYSIX

Papamocani Ekadashi

Yudhishthira said:

1. I have heard about the Amalaki (vow) in the bright half of Phalguna. What would be (i.e. what is) the name of the Ekadaa in the dark half of Caitra?

Shrikrishna said:

2. О lord of kings, listen to the sin-destroying account, which Lomasa, when he was asked by emperor Mandhatj*, told (to him).

Mandhatr said:

3. О venerable one, with a desire for the well-being of the people, I desire to hear what the name of the Ekadashi in the first half of Caitra would be. What is the manner of it (i.e. in which way is it observed)? What is its fruit? (Please) favour (me) and tell it (to me).

Lomas a said:

4-8. The Ekadashi in the dark half of Caitra is called Papamocani. It is said to destroy the state of a goblin. Listen, О king, I shall tell its account which gives the desired objects, divine power, auspicious and righteous things, and destroys sins. Formerly in the forest called Caitraratha, full of bees, and resorted to by celestial nymphs, when the spring season had arrived, gandharva maidens rejoiced along with kinnaras by (playing upon) musical instruments. The residents of heaven (i.e. gods) led by Indra also sported there. There was nothing else as delightful as the Caitraratha forest. In that forest many sages practised profuse penance.

9-18a. A celestial nymph known as Manjughosha started to infatuate an excellent sage named Medhavin, best among sages, who was a celibate and lived there. Showing her devotion to him, she through fear of him remained just a krosa away in the vicinity of the hermitage, singing sweetly and pressing (i.e. playing upon) the lute agreeably. The mind-bom Cupid, seeing her with flowers (worn by her) and sandal (applied to her body) and desiring to vanquish the best sages, the devotees of Shiva, lived in her body. (Maiijughosha) having, in due order, made her eyebrows the curved end of the bow, her glances the string of the bow, her eyes along with her eyelashes the arrows, her breasts the tent, started for victory. Mafljughosha became the army of that Cupid only. Seeing that sage Medhavin she too was oppressed by the passion of love. That Medhavin also, with his body shooting up with youth, shone (there). Wearing a white sacred thread and appearing like another Cupid, that Medhavin lived in the auspicious hermitage of Chyavana.

18b-24. Having seen the best sage staying there, that Manjughosha was overpowered by Cupid (i.e. passion of love) and she sang gently. That best sage, having seen her singing like that, with her bracelets jingling and her anklets and girdle tinkling, was forcibly deluded by Cupid with his army. That beautiful woman Manjughosha, seeing that sage like that, appro­ached him and deluded him with feminine coquettish gestures; and keeping her lute down (on the ground) she embraced that lord of sages, as a creeper would encircle a tree shaking due to the velocity of the wind. That best sage, Medhavin, too rejoiced with her. Seeing in that (forest) only her excellent body, his auspicious nature left him, and he was influenced by the nature of Cupid. The lover did not know (i.e. care for) night or day, while rejoicing with her. Due to (i.e. in) the violation of (good) conduct, the sage passed a period of many years. Manjugho^a set out to go to the divine world. While going she said to the best sage, rejoicing (with her): “O brahma^a, give me the order to go to my own region.”

Medhavin said:

25-30. О you beautiful one, today only just at the begin­ning of the nightfall you have come. Stay with me till (it is the time for my) morning prayer.

Hearing these words of the sage, she was frightened. She, afraid of the sage’s curse, again delighted that sage for many years, О best king. She rejoiced with the sage for fiftyfive years nine months and three days. (But that period) was just half a night for him. When that much time passed, she again said to the sage: “O Brahmaga, give me the order to go (back).

I have to go home.”

Medhavin said:

It is (just) the morning. Listen to my words. Be steady till I offer my evening prayer.

Hearing these words of the sage, she was full of joy. Smiling slightly, she of a bright smile again spoke:

The celestial nymph said:

31-38. О sinless best brahmaga, how long уощ prayer has extended! (Please) favour me, and take into consideration the time that has passed.

Hearing these words of her, the best brahmana, with his eyes dilated due to wonder, calculated the time that had passed. Fiftyseven years were passed (by him) with her. Then he got angry with her, and was (like fire) with rows of flames. He, seeing her of the nature of destruction, putting an end to his penance, became very angry, and discharging sparks of fire from his eyes, and noticing that his penance earned with great effort had been wasted with her (i.e. in her company), the sage Medhavin with his lips throbbing and his senses agitated cursed her: “Be a female goblin. Fie upon you, a sinful woman of bad conduct, an unchaste woman, who loves sins (i.e. sinful con­duct).” Parched by his curse, she remained bent with modesty. The beautiful woman, desiring the sage’s favour said these words to him: “O best brahmana, (please) favour me. Appease your curse; for the friendship of the good takes place (even) by (walking together for) seven steps (or by exchanging seven words). О brahmana with you I have passed many years. For this reason, О lord, О you of a good vow, favour (me).”

The sage said:

39-42. О good woman, hear my words appeasing the curse. О sinful one, what have I to do with you? You destroyed (my) great penance. In the dark half of Caitra would fall (i.e. falls) the auspicious Ekadashi called Papamocanika, which destroys all sins. Having observed the pure vow of it (i.e. on that day, your) state of a female goblin will go away.

Having spoken like this Medhavin went to his father’s hermitage. Seeing him to have come (back), Chyavana said to him: “What is this that you have done? You have destroyed your religious merit, О son.”

Medhavin said:

43. О father, I committed a sin. I rejoiced with a celestial nymph. О father, tell me an expiation by means of which my sin would perish.

44-46. In the dark half of Caitra falls the (Ekadashi) called Papamocani. О son, when the vow of it is observed, the heap of sins would perish.

Hearing these words of his father, he observed that excellent vow. His sin perished and he became endowed with (the merit of) his penance. That Manjughosha too, having observed that excellent vow, was freed from the state of a female goblin due to (having observed) that vow of Papamocanika. That excellent celestial nymph taking a divine form went to heaven.

Lomasa said:

47-49. О king, all the sin (however) little of those best men who observe the vow of the Papamocanika, would perish. A man, by reciting (about) it, by listening (to its account) would obtain the fruit (of the gift) of a thousand cows. All those who have killed a brahmana or have snatched gold or are drunkards or have gone to the teacher’s bed (i.e. have violated the wife of the preceptor) become free from sins by means of the observance of this vow. By its observance the excellent vow gives great religious merit.

 

CHAPTER FORTYSEVEN

Kamada Ekadashi

Yudhifthira said:

1. Salutation to you, О Vasudeva; tell me, Ekadashi of which name would fall in the bright half of Caitra.

SrlKrishna said:

2. О king, listen attentively to an auspicious old tale which formerly Vasishtha narrated to Dilipa who had asked (him).

Dilipa said:

3. О revered one, I desire to hear. Favour me and tell me what the name of the Ekadashi that would fall in the bright half of Caitra, is.

Vasishtha said:

4-12. О king, you have asked well. I shall tell (about it) to you. The Ekadashi failing in the bright half of Caitra is Kamada by name. (This) Ekadashi is most auspicious, and is a fire to the fuel of sins. О king, listen to this story which destroys sins, (and) which gives religious merit. Formerly in the beautiful city of Nagapura, adorned with gold and jewels, lived very powerful nagas led by Pumjarika. In that city king Риц^апка ruled. He was served by gandharvas, kinnaras, and celestial nymphs also. The excellent celestial nymph was Lalita; and the (excel­lent) gandharva was Lalita; the couple, glowing with attachment, and oppressed by passion of love, rejoiced in their beautiful house which was full of wealth and grains. In the heart of Lalita (her) husband always resided; (and) in his heart, that beautiful Lalita always resided. Once Puijdarika, remaining in his assembly, was sporting. Lalita, without his wife, was singing and dancing (there). Remembering Lalita, his tongue stumbled over (i.e. while uttering) an arrangement of words. Knowing the state of his mind, the best naga Karkotaka reported his error in (uttering) the arrangement of words to Pufldarika.

13-20. Hearing the words of Karkotaka, Puntfarika, the king of the nagas, with his eyes red due to anger, became extre­mely fierce. He then cursed Lalita who was singing and was overpowered by the passion of love: “O you of a wicked mind, be a demon that eats raw flesh, and that eats human beings, since, being influenced by (the love for) your wife, you are singing before me.” As a result of his words, he (i.e. Lalita) got a demon’s form, О best king. His face was fierce. His eyes were deformed. He caused fear even when just seen. His arms were as long as a yojana. His mouth resembled a cave. His eyes were like the moon and the sun. His neck was like a mountain. His nostrils were (just) hollows. His lips were a yojana in length. О lord of kings, his body rose (up to) eight yojana s. He, as result of his deed(s) became a demon of this type. And that Lalita, seeing her husband thus deformed was oppressed by great grief, and thought to herself: “What do (i.e. should) Ido? Where do (i.e. should) I go? My husband is troubled by the curse.” Recalling like this to her mind, she did not obtain pleasure in her mind.

21-25. Lalita, along with her husband, moved into a dense forest. That demon who took any form he liked, was cruel, was engaged in (committing) sins, who was deformed, ate human beings, wandered in that impassable forest. He, oppres­sed by sins, did not have pleasure at night or by day. Seeing her husband like that Lalita was very much pained. She, weeping, wandered with him in (that) dense forest. Having seen a lovely hermitage and a sage of a tranquil form, she quickly went to him, and saluting him, stood before him. Seeing her distressed, the sage, solely devoted to kindness, said to her: “Who are you? Why have you come here? Tell the truth to me.”

Lalita said:

26-28. There is a gandharva Viradhanvan (by name). I am the daughter of that noble one. Know me to be Lalita by name. I have come here for the sake of my husband. О great sage, due to a sin, my husband has become a demon of a fierce form and wicked deeds. Seeing him, I am not happy. Now, О brahmajia, instruct me. О lord, tell me what I should do. (Tell me about) the religious merit due to which he is free from his state of demon, О best brahmana.

The sage said:

29-31. О you beautiful woman, it is now the bright half of the month of Caitra. О Lalita, (in it falls) the Kamada EkadashI which is great and which destroys sins. О auspicious one, duly observe its vow as told by me. Give the religious merit which (you will obtain) from this vow to your husband. When the religious merit is given (to him), his sin will go away in a mo­ment.

Hearing these words of the sage, Lalita was delighted.

32-39. Having fasted on the Ekadashi, so also on the day of Dvadashi, Lalita, in the vicinity of a brahmajta, and in front of Vishnu, uttered these words for the emancipation of her husband: “I have observed the vow, viz. the Kamada fast. Let his goblinhood go (away) by the prowess of that religious merit.” Merely at the words of Lalita, just at that moment, his sins went away, and he had a divine form. His state of a demon went (away) and he got gandharvahood again. Full of gold and jewels, he rejoiced with Lalita. The couple having more lovely forms than before got into an excellent aeroplane, and looked more charming due to the efficacy of Kamada. О best king, realising this, this (Kamada-vow) should be carefully observed. For the good of the people I told it to you. It destroys sins like that of the condition of a goblin. There is nothing superior to it in the three worlds with the mobile and the immobile. О king, by reciting about it, and listening to the (the account of) it one would get the fruit of a Vajapeya sacrifice.

 

CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT

Varuthini Ekadashi

Yudhishthird said:

1. What would be the name of the Ekadashi in the dark half of Vaishakha? Tell me (its) importance. Salutation to you, О Vasudeva.

ShriKrishna said:

2-15. О king, this Ekadashi named Varuthini, (falling) in the dark half of Vaishakha, gives grandeur in this and the next world. Due to the Varuthini-vow happiness always results; and the sins are destroyed, and good fortune is obtained. An unfortunate woman who observes this (vow) obtains good fortune. This gives pleasures and salvation to all the people. It removes all the sins of people, and cuts off living as an embryo (i.e. puts an end to rebirth). Due to the Varuthini-vow only Mandhatr went to heaven. So also many other Kings like Dhundhumara (went to heaven). Lord Shiva became free from the sin of (breaking) the skull of Brahma. One who observes the vow of VarQthini gets the fruit equal to that (obtained by him) who gives a bhara of gold on Kuruksetra when the Sun (is auspicious). That man with faith who observes the vow of VarQthini, gets (his) desired (objects) in this world and the next (world). О best king, to those who observe it, it is pure, puri­fying; it destroys great sins. It gives them pleasures and salva­tion. О king, giving of elephants is superior to giving of horses. Giving of land (is superior) to giving of elephants. Gift of Sheshamum-seeds is superior (even) to that. Giving of gold is superior to that, and giving of food is superior to that (i.e. giving of gold). There was not nor there will be a greater gift than that of food. By means of food the manes, gods and men are satisfied. О best king, giving one’s daughter (in marriage) is said by the wise to be like that. The lord himself said that giving of a cow is equal to that. Of all the gifts that have been mention­ed, giving knowledge is the best. A man, by observing the Varuthini(-vow) gets a fruit equal to that. Those men who, deluded by sin, subsist on the money (got) for (giving their) daughter (in marriage), lose their religious merit, and go to hell full of torments. Therefore, with all care money for giving a daughter in marriage should not be taken (i.e. should be avoided).

16-25. О lord of kings, he who through greed takes money for offering his daughter in marriage, certainly becomes (i.e. is born as) a cat in the next existence. О king, even Chitragupta cannot measure the religious merit of him who, with his religi­ous merit, gives, according to his capacity, his daughter welladorned (in marriage). A man gets fruit equal to that by observing the Variithim(-vow). Bell-metal, flesh, masura (a kind of pulse), thick peas, kodrava (a species of grain eaten by the poor), vegetables, honey, eatables of (i.e. offered by) others, and food and sexual union — these ten a devotee of Vishiju should avoid on the tenth day. Playing with dice, sport, sleep, tambula, cleaning the teeth, censuring others, wickedness, theft, harming (others) and indulging in sex, anger, telling lies — (these) he should avoid on the Ekadashi. Bell-metal, flesh, liquor, honey, oil, talking to those who are fallen, exercise, journey and food and sexual union, (mounting on) a bull’s back, food prepared with masura — he should avoid on Dvadasi. О king, to those who have observed the VarQthini(-vow) in this manner, it would, after destroying all their sins, give them an undecaying position in the end. Those who, having kept awake at night, have worshipped Vishnu, are freed from all sins and reach the highest position. Therefore, those who are afraid of sins, should observe it with all efforts. A man afraid of (Saturn) the son of enemy of the night, should observe the VarQthini(-vow). О king, by reciting (about) it and by listening to (the account of) it, a man would obtain the fruit of (the gift of) a thousand cows. Being free from all sins, he is honoured in Vishnu’s world.

 

CHAPTER FORTYNINE

Mohini Ekadashi

Yudhishthira said:

1. Of which name would be the Ekadashi in the bright half of Vaishakha? What is its fruit? What is the manner of (observing) it? Tell it, О Vishflu.

Sn'krpta said:

2. О lord of kings, the same as you are asking me (now) was formerly asked by the intelligent Rama from Vasishtha.

Rama said:

3-4. О glorious one,

1 desire to hear about the best among the vows, which destroys all sins, and which cuts off all miseries.

I have experienced sorrows (like the ones) due to separation from Sita. So I am scared. (Therefore), О great sage, I am asking you.

Vasiffha said:

5-10. О Rama, you have asked well. This is (due to) your devoted mind. Merely by uttering your name a man is purified.

Yet, with a desire for the well-being of the people, I shall tell you (about) the excellent vow, (most) pure of the purifying vows. О Rama, the Ekadashi (that) would fall in the bright half of Vaishakha, is called Mohini. It is great and removes all sins. Due to the prowess of the vow of this (Ekadashi men) are freed from the noose of delusion and the multitude of sins. I am telling you the truth and the truth (only). Therefore, О Rama, this one, that destroys sins and puts an end to great misery should be observed by (people) like you. О Rama, listen attentively to the great, sin-removing story, merely by hearing which (even) a great sin perishes.

11-20. On the lovely bank of Sarasvatl there was an auspi­cious city Bhadravati. A king named Dyutimat ruled there. He was born in the Lunar family. He was courageous and was true to his word. A vaisya prosperous with wealth and grains lived there. He was known as Dhanapala. He prompted auspicious deeds. He constructed public water places, wells, temples, gardens, tanks and houses. He was engrossed in devotion for Vishnu and was calm. He had five sons: Sumanas, Dyutimat, Medhavin and Sukrta.The fifth Dhj*shtabuddhi was alway engaged in (committing) great sins. He was attached to the union with others’ wives, and was well-versed in stories about voluptuous people. He was attached to addictions like gambling, and ardently longed for (the company of) others’ wives. He did not intend to worship deities, nor the dead ancestors, nor brahmanas. The wicked one lived (by doing) injustice, and wasted the money of his father. He ate what was prohibited and was always attached to drinking liquor. The wicked one threw his arms round the neck of a prostitute and wandered over the crossway. He was expelled from the house by his father and was also forsaken by his kinsmen. He even exhausted the money, orna­ments on his body. He was abandoned by the harlots and was condemned (by them) due to the loss of his wealth. Then he was disturbed in mind, was without clothes, and was oppressed by hunger. “What should I do? Where should I go? By what means shall I subsist? ” (Thus he thought.)

21-29. Just in his father’s city he started stealing. He was arrested by the royal officers, but was released di»e to the im­portance of his father. Being zealous, they bound him, again released him and again bound him. The wicked Dhfshtabuddhi was bound with strong fetters. He was repeatedly whipped and tormented. “O dull-witted one, you should not live within the range (i.e. limits) of my kingdom.” Saying so, he was freed by the king from the strong fetters. Due to his fear he went out (of the city) to a dense forest. Being oppressed by hunger and thirst he ran here and there. Like a lion he killed deer, pigs and spotted (deer). Addicted to eating flesh, he always lived in the forest. Taking a bow in his hand, and putting the quiver on his back, he, going on foot, killed the birds moving in the forest. That blinded, cruel Dhfshtabuddhi killed these — partridges, peacocks, francolins, and rats — and other (birds). He plunged into the mud of sins due to sins committed in his former existence. He was overcome with pain and sorrow. He was annoyed day and night. Due to his acquisition of some religious merit he reached the hermitage оГКаицфпуа.

30-32. Dhrshtabuddhi, oppressed with the burden of grief, approached the ascetic who had bathed in Ganga in the month of Vaishakha. Due to a slight contact of his garment his sins vanished and his misfortune was destroyed. Standing in front of Каицфпуа, he, with the palms of his hands joined, said to him:

Dhrsfabuddhi said:

О brahmana, О greatest of the brahmanas, taking compassion on me, tell me that religious merit due to the powers of which salvation takes place.

Kaundinya said:

33-39. Listen attentively to that by which your sins will perish. In the dark half of Vaishakha falls the well-known (Ekadashi) named Mohini. Prompted by my words, observe the vow of that Ekadaft. When men observe a fast on this Mohini (Ekadashi), their sins comparable to Meru and earned (i.e. com­mitted) in many existences perish.

Hearing these words of the sage, Dhfshtabuddhi, pleased in his mind, observed duly the vow according to the advice of Каиффпуа. О best among kings, when he observed (this) vow, his sins vanished. Then, he, having a divine body and mounted upon Garutfa, went to Vishnu’s world which is free from all calamities. О Ramachandra, the Mohini-vow is excellent in this way. In three worlds with the mobile and the immobile, there is nothing greater than it. Sacrifices and the like, so also (visits to) holy places, gifts are not equal even to the sixteenth part of (the religious merit) it (gives). By reciting (about) it and listening to (its account) a man would obtain the fruit of (the gift of) a thousand cows.

 

CHAPTER FIFTY

Apara Ekadaii

Yudhitfhira said:

1. What would be (i.e. is) the name of the Ekadashi falling in the dark half of Jyestha?

1 desire to hear (about its) impor­tance. О Janardana, (please) tell it.

ShriKrishna said:

2-10. О king, you have, with the desire of the well-being of the people, asked well. (That Ekadashi) is Apara by name, О lord of kings. It gives unending fruit. He who observes the (vow of) Apara becomes famous in the world. О king, he who is over­come by (the sin of) killing a brahma^a, who kills (the members of) his family, who has procured an abortion, who censures others, who is interested in others’ wives, certainly becomes free from sin on observing the (vow of) Apara. These, viz. one who gives false testimony, who uses false measures or false weights, who would study false (i.e. unauthoritative) Vedas, so also false sacred texts, so also one who is a fraudulent astrologer, who is a fraudulent physician, and one who is connected with false testimony are the residents of hell. О king, by observing the (vow) of Apara, they are free from sins. A kshatriya who giving up the duty of a kshatriya, flees from the battle, goes, being expelled from his caste, to a fierce hell. He too, by observing the (vow of) Apara, would, after shedding his sin, go to heaven. A learned disciple who censures his preceptor, having incurred great sins, goes to a fearful hell. That man also by observing the (vow of) Apara would obtain good position (i.e. beatitude).

11-20. О king, listen to the greatness of Apara. I am (now) telling it. A fruit similar to that which men obtain (by bathing) at Prayaga in Magha, when the Sun is in Makara (i.e. the sign Capricornus of Zodiac), or that religious merit which is obtained (by a man) after bathing at Kasi on an eclipse-day, or the fruit which a man who offers pip^las to his dead ancestors at Gaya, gets, or which a man who bathes in the Gautami (river) when Jupiter is in Siiiiha (i.e. the sign Leo of the Zodiac) gets, or the fruit which a man gets on bathing in Krishnavepi when Jupiter is in Kanya (i.e. the sign Virgo of the Zodiac), or the fruit a man gets on seeing Kumbhakedara, or in the pilgrimage to Badaryashrama and visiting holy places during it, or the fruit which a man obtains (by bathing) at Kuruksetra when the planet Sun (is auspicious), or the fruit that a man gets by performing a sacrifice with (the giving of) presents and gifts of elephants, horses or gold, is obtained by observing the (vow of) Apara. So also a man obtains that fruit by the Apara-vow which he gets by giving (to a brahmaija) a recently calved cow, gold, or (a piece of) land. This (vow) is an axe (cutting) the tree in the form of sins, and is a wild fire to the fuel in the form of sins. It is the Sun (dispelling) the darkness of sins. It is a lion (killing) the spotted deer of sins. Those who are without (i.e. who do not observe) the vow of (this) Ekadashi, are born to die like bubbles in water or like ants among creatures. A man, having fasted on the Apara (Ekadasf day) and having worshipped Vishnu, is free from all sins and is honoured in Vishou’s world. I have told (this vow) to you with the desire of the well-being of the people. О king, a man reciting (about) it and listening (to its account), would obtain the fruit of (gift of) a thousand cows.

 

CHAPTER FIFTYONE

Nirjala Ekadaai

Yudhishthira said:

1. О Janardana,

1 have heard the full importance of Apara. О you who show respect (to others), tell me about that (Ekadashi) which would fall (i.e. falls) in the bright half of Jyeshtha.

Srlkrwa said:

2. Satyavati’s pious son, Vyasa, who knows the essence of all sacred texts and who has mastered the Vedas and the Upanisads will tell (you about) it.

Yudhisjhira said:

3. I have heard the duties as told by Manu, so also as told by Vasishtha. О Dvaipayana, you please tell properly the duties of Vishriu’s devotees.

Shri Vedavyasa said:

4-9. О lord of men, you have listened to the duties as told by Manu, so also as told by Vasishtha. They cannot be practised in Kaliyuga. О you very intelligent one, (the Ekadashi vow) is the essence of (i.e. of what is told in) the Puranas, is an easy means, requires little money, little effort, (but) gives great fruit. One should not eat on the Ekadashi-days of both the fortnights (of a month). On the DvadasI day, being pure, having worship­ped Vishnu, having honoured (a brahma^a), one should then eat with a brahmana. О king, one should not eat during the impurity caused by a birth or a death in the family. О best of men, those who desire to go to heaven should practise this vow as long as they live. There is no doubt about this. Even those who are sinners, who are of a wicked conduct, who are most sinful, who are bereft of piety, go to my proximity (i.e. reach me) if they do not eat on Ekadashi.

10. Having heard these words of him, the mighty-armed Bhima trembled like an asvattha-leaf, and saluting his pre­ceptor, said to him:

Bhlmasena said:

11-14. О grandsire, О you very intelligent one, listen to my important words. Yudhishthira and Kunti, so also Draupadi and Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, who practise (this) good vow, never eat on the day of Ekadashi. They always tell me, “O Bhlma, do not eat (on the Ekadashi day).” I told them: “For me hunger is difficult to bear. I shall duly give gifts. I shall worship Vispu.”

Hearing the words of Bhlmasena, Vyasa said (these) words: Vyasa said:

15. If you desire (to go to) heaven, and if (you think) hell is painful, then you should not eat on the Ekadashi of both the fortnights.

Bhimasena said:

16-18. О grandsire, О you very intelligent one, I shall tell in front of (i.e. to) you. I am not able (to go on) by eating (even) once a day. Then О lord, how can I (put up with) a fast? That fire, called Vfka, which is always present in my belly, is extin­guished only when I eat many times. О great sage, I am not able to observe a (single) fast. I shall properly observe that due to which heaven is reached. Therefore, having decided about one, tell me that by (observing) which I shall obtain heaven.

Vyasa said:

19-26. When the Ekadashi would fall on (the day when the Sun) is in the second or the third sign of the Zodiac in the month of Jyeshtha, a wise man should carefully observe (the Ekadashi fast) without (even drinking) water. He should avoid even sipping a mouthful of water and should not eat (at all). Otherwise the vow would be broken. Listen, when a man (lives even) by avoiding water from the sunrise of a day to the sunrise (of the next day), he obtains the fruit of twelve DvadaSis. Then in the auspicious morning of the DvadaSi day he should bathe, and having duly given water, gold etc. to brahmanas, he, being contended and controlled, should eat along with brahmanas. О Bhimasena, listen to the religious merit (which is Obtained) by doing like this. There is no doubt that he hereby obtains the fruit of the Ekadashis that fall during the year. Kesava, the holder of a conch, a disc and a mace told me like this: “Leav­ing all others a man should seek my refuge only.” A man, not eating on an Ekadashi day is freed from sins. In the Kali-age, there is no purity of objects. Rites (or ceremonies) are based on the Smftis.

27-33a. How can there be a rite based on the Vedas, when the wicked Kali-age has arrived? О son of Vayu(i.e. Bhima), what is the use of telling you much again and again? A man should not eat on the Ekadashi of both the fortnights. Listen, О Bhima, to the auspicious fruit that (a man) obtains by remain­ing without water on the Ekadashi day of the bright half of the month of Jyeshtha. О Bhima, if fasts are observed on all the auspicious Ekadashi days that are said to fall during the year and in the bright or dark fortnights (of each month), they give wealth and grains, give sons, good health and auspicious (things). О king, there is no doubt about it. I am telling you the truth. The big-bodied, fierce, dark-formed, fearful messen­gers of Yama, who hold staffs and nooses, do not approach that man. (But) Vishou’s messengers who have put on yellow garments, who are gentle, who have held discs in their hands, whose speed is like that of the mind, take him on his death to Vishiju’s city.

33b-41. Therefore, with all efforts a man should observe the Ekadasl-fast without (drinking even) water. Then having given he is freed from all sins. Therefore, О son of Kunti, on this day observe a fast and worship Vispu with all efforts for the destruction of your sins. “Even by means of passion as much as the size of the point of an arrow, I have not sinned even in a dream. О lord of gods, I shall eat food on the next day of the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vishgu.” Uttering this hymn he should engage himself in (observing) the fast of Ekadashi after being endowed with faith and restraint for the destruction of all his sins. By the power of Ekadaii all the sin of the size of the Meru and Mandara mountains, which a man has com­mitted, is reduced to ash. О king, those who jire not able to give should give a pitcher containing gold along with garments.

He who, on this day, observes the vow of (not drinking even) water, is meritorious. The fruit of the gift of gold is said to be a crorefold in every watch. All that (like) a bath, a gift, mutter­ing of prayers, a sacrifice that is given (or performed) by a man, becomes unending. This is told by Kj*shna himself. What is the use of any other religious rite than the Ekadashi observed with­out (drinking) water?

42-52. Having properly observed it with due rites, a man would obtain Visiju’s position. All that like gold, food, gar­ments, which are given by a man on this day, would, О king, be inexhaustible. He who eats food on the Ekadashi day eats sin. In this world he becomes a candala and after death gets a miserable position. Those who, having fasted, will give gifts on the Dvadasi day in the bright half of the month of Jyeshtha, obtain the highest position. Those like the killer of a brahmana, a drunkard, a thief, a hater of his preceptor or one who always tells lies, who fast without (even drinking) water, are freed from all sins. О son of KuntI, listen to the special gift which is to be given on the Ekadashi day, on which not (even) water (is to be drunk) by men and women endowed with faith. He who lies in water should be worshipped and a watery cow should be given (to a brahmana). An actual cow should be given or of ghee. О best among the righteous, brahmanas should be carefully pleased by means of big presents and with various kinds of sweet food. The brahmanas are pleased, and when they are pleased, Visuu gives salvation. Those who have not fasted on this day have wronged themselves. They — the sinners, and of a bad conduct — have been undoubtedly plundered. Those who, being calm, controlled, devoted to (giving) gifts, worshipped Visuu, and keeping awake, fasted on this day, have taken along with themselves a hundred (members) past and future (of) their families to the abode of Visjiu.

53-58. On this day on (which even) water (should) not (be drunk) food, garments, so also cows, water, a good bed and a good seat, a water-pot used by an ascetic, so also an umbrella should be given (to a brahmana). He who gives a pair of shoes to the best brahmaija — a worthy recipient — is honoured in heaven (after being taken there) by (i.e. in) a golden aeroplane. He who would listen to (the account of) this with devotion, and he who would narrate it, both go to heaven. No doubt should be raised about this. That fruit which a man obtains by offering a sraddha at Kurukshetra when the Sun is eclipsed by Rahu, is obtained even by listening to (the account of) this. After clean­ing his teeth, he should have the restriction: ‘On the day of the Ekadashi, to please Vishnu, I shall, remaining without food, avoid water except for sipping/ Vishnu, the lord of gods, should be worshipped on DvadaSI.

59-64. Having duly worshipped (Vishnu) with sandal, incenses, flowers, so also pleasing garments, he should recite this hymn: “O god of gods, О Hrishikesha, О you who emancipate (beings) from the ocean of the mundane existence, take me to the highest position due to (my offering) the pitcher of water." О Bhlma, on that auspicious Ekadashi which falls in the bright half of Jyeshtha, a man should fast without (even) drinking water, by giving water pitchers with sugar to the best brah­manas. (Due to this) he rejoices with Visiiu. Then he should devoutly give pitchers to brahmanas. Having then fed the brahmanas, he should take food with devotion to them. He who thus observes the full Dvadasi, removing sins, is free from all sins and goes to the good position (of Vishnu).

Since then Bhima observed (a fast on) this Ekadashi day. In the world the DvadaSi came to be known as Paijtfava-DvadasL

 

CHAPTER FIFTYTWO

Yogini Ekadaif

Yudhiffhira said:

1. What would be (i.e. is the name of) the Ekadashi in the dark half of Asha0ha? Please favour and tell it to me.

Shrikrishna said:

2-10. О king, I shall tell you the best of the vows, which destroys all sins and gives full salvation. In the dark half of

Ashatfha (falls) the Ekadashi called Yogini. О best king, it destroys great sins. (This) Yogini is an ancient boat for those plunged into the ocean of the worldly existence and for (the good of) those observing the vow of Yogini which has become the essence in the three worlds.

1 shall tell an old, auspicious tale. In Alaka (lived) Kubera solely devoted to Shiva. He had a flower-collector called Hemamalin. His beautiful wife was Visalaksi by name. With his mind attached to her and being under the sway of Cupid’s noose, he, after having brought a heap of flowers from the Manasa (lake) stayed at home. Being attached to his wife through love, he did not go to Kubera’s house. In the temple of god Kubera was worshipping Shiva. О king, at mid-day he was waiting for the flowers. Hemamalin enjoyed with his wife in his house. The king of yakshas, angry due to the delay, then said: “O yakshas, why is the wicked-minded Hemamalin not coming (yet)? Ascertain about (i.e. the whereabouts of) him.” Thus he spoke repeatedly.

The yaksas said:

11-14a. О king, lustful for his wife, he rejoices in his house as he pleases.

Hearing their words Kubera was filled with anger. He quickly called that attendant, Hemamalin. He too having realized the delay, with his eyes full of fear, came there even without bathing, and stood in front of him. Seeing him Kubera was angry, and his eyes were reddish due to anger. Full of anger and with his lips trembling through anger, he said:

Kubera said:

14b-22. О sinner, О you of a wicked conduct, you have condemned the god (Shiva). О meanest among the attendants, you, separated from your wife, and suffering from eighteen kinds of leprosy, disappear from this place, and go away.

When these words were uttered by him, he fell from that place and overcome with great grief, his body suffered from leprosy. By day he did not get happiness, nor did he have sleep at night. In the shadow his body was extremely tormented, and he was oppressed in the summer. Due to the efficacy of Shiva’s worship his memory was not lost. Though overpowered by sin, he remembered his old deeds. (Then) wandering from there he went to Himalaya, the excellent mountain. There he saw the ascetic Магкац^еуа, the excellent sage. His age was equal to that of Brahma. The sinner saluted his feet from a distance. The best sage Markan^eya, having seen him trembling like that, called him to oblige him, and said these words to him: “Why (i.e. due to what) are you overcome with leprosy? Why are you so much condemned? ” Thus addressed, he replied to Markaijdeya, the great sage:

Hemamalin said:

23-27. I am Kubera’s attendant, Hemamalin by name. О sage, everyday I fetched a collection of lotuses and offered it to Kubera at the time of his worshipping Shiva; and one day I, with my mind attached to the pleasure (derived) from my wife and with my mind distressed with grief, was not conscious of the time. Therefore, О sage, I was cursed by the angry Kubera. I am overcome with leprosy, and am separated from my wife. Due to my auspicious deeds, I have now come to you, knowing that the heart of the good is naturally capable of obliging others. О best sage, advise me, a sinner.

Markantfeya said:

28-34. Since you told the truth here and did not tell a lie, therefore, I am, instructing you in an auspicious vow. Observe the Yogini-vow in the dark half of Ashadha. Due to the religious merit of this vow, your leprosy will certainly disappear.

Hearing these words of the sage, he fell (i.e. prostrated himself) like a staff on the ground. Being lifted up by the sage, he became extremely delighted. By the advice of Markandeya he observed the vow, with the result that the eighteen kinds of leprosy of him (i.e. from which he was suffering) dis­appeared completely. When by the sage’s words he observed the vow, he became happy. О king, the vow of Yogini is said to be like this. A man who observes the Yogini-vow obtains the fruit equal to that which a man who would feed eightyeight thousand brahmaiias obtains. (The vow) removes great sins; it gives the fruit of great religious merit. By reciting and listening to this account a man is free from all sins.

 

CHAPTER F1FTYTHREE

Devasayani Ekadashi

Yudhifthira said:

I. Which would be (i.e. is) the Ekadashi in the bright half of Ashadha? What is the name and the manner of it? (i.e. in which manner is it observed? ) Tell me about it in detail.

Shrik/ sna said:

2-8. I shall tell you (about that Ekadashi) named Sayani which is very auspicious, which gives heaven and salvation, which is great and which removes all sins, merely hearing about which a man would obtain the fruit of a Vajapeya (sacrifice). I have told (you) the truth and the truth (only). Nothing is greater than this for men. О lord of kings, the best one is created by the Creator for the destruction of the sins of sinners. There is no greater (vow) than this which would give salvation. Listen, О king, for this reason that the best position would be obtained by men, the listeners, even by listening to it. Those are the Vaishflavas (i.e. Vishflu’s devotees) who are greatly devoted to me. In Ashatfha, the great god Vamana (i.e. Vishnu) is worshipped. He who has worshipped with lotuses the lotus-eyed Vamana in the bright half of Asha4ha on the day of Kamika, has honoured the entire world and has worshipped the three ancient gods (viz. Brahma, Vishau, and Shiva); so also, he who has observed the Ekadashi — the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vish#u — has honoured the entire world and worshipped the three ancient gods.

Yudhitfhira said:

9-10. О Vish#u, I have a great doubt here. (Please) listen. How do you sleep (in the ocean)? How have you resorted to Bali? What do the other people do? Why do they slee#p on the ground, О very intelligent one, tell (i.e. explain) this. I have a great doubt.

ShriKrishna said:

11-16. О best king, listen to the great account which removes sins, (and) by merely hearing which all sins would perish. О king, formerly in the Treta age there was a demon named Bali. Greatly devoted to me he worshipped me everyday. With various sacrifices the demon worshipped me, the ancient one. О king, with great devotion he performed sacrifices and observed vows. Then having deliberated in many ways with Indra, Bfahaspati and (other) deities, I though worshipped with hymns (by Bali) in various ways, conquered the demons with my Vamana-form in my fifth incarnation, with (i.e. after taking up) a very fierce form of the nature of (i.e. pervading) the entire universe by prevarication. (Bali, however, ) remained firm resorting to truth only. Shukra warded him off saying, ‘This is Vishnu\

17-26. О king, I begged for land measured by my three steps and a half. When he offered the water just for conveying his intention, О king, listen, I took up a form like this: I put my feet in the ‘Bhur’ world, and I put knees in the ‘Bhuvas’ world. I put my waist in the ‘Svar’ world, and belly in the ‘Mahas’ world. I put my heart in the ‘Jana’ world, and my neck in ‘Tapas’ world. I put my face in the ‘Satya’ world, and head above it. The planets like the Moon, the Sun, so also the cons­tellations, so also gods with Indra, nagas, yaksas, gandharvas and kinnaras praised (me) with various hymns from the Vedas. Seizing Bali by his hand, I occupied the earth in three steps. Then I placed half the step on his head. О king, the demon, my worshipper, went to the lower world. I threw down the demon. What else did I do after it? He was bent with modesty, Vishnu was very much pleased. Kamika in the bright half of АshкфЪя is Vishou’s day. On that day one of my forms remains resorting to Bali. Another (form) lies on the back of shesha in the ocean, О great king, till the coming (Ekadashi) in Kartika. Till then he would be very religious and devoted to best of all duties.

27-37. A man who observes the vow goes to tfye best posi­tion. For this reason, О king, it should be carefully observed.

There is no other (Ekadashi) than this which is pure and which destroys sins. On that day on which the lord of gods holding a conch, a disc, and a mace sleeps, a man should worship the god holding a conch, a disc, and a mace, and he should especi­ally, with devotion, keep awake at night. (Even) Brahma is not able to measure the religious merit of (i.e. due to) it. О king, he who, in this way, observes this best vow of Ekadashi, which removes all sins, gives pleasures and salvation, even though a сацфПа, always lives in my heaven doing what is dear to me. Those men who pass the four months (from the eleventh of the bright half of Asatfha to the eleventh of the bright half of Kartika) by offering lights, and with the vow of eating on a palaSa-leaf, are dear tome. When Vishriu is lying (on Shesha), a man should sleep on the ground. He should avoid vegetables in Sravana, and curd in Bhadrapada. He should avoid milk in Asvina, and give up two-leafed (grains) in Kartika. Or remaining in celibacy, he would reach the highest position. О king, due to the Ekadashi-vow a man is freed from sins. It should always be observed. It should never be forgotten. That Ekadagi falling in the dark half between Sayani and Prabodhini should be observ­ed by a householder; never any other. О king, a man should listen to the great account which removes sins. He (thereby) obtains the fruit of a horse-sacrifice.

 

CHAPTER FIFTYFOUR

Kamika EkadaSf

Yudhi? (hira said:

1. What is the name of the Ekadashi falling in the dark half of Sravana? Tell that to us, О Govinda, salutation to you.

Srlkrsw said:

2. О king, listen. I shall narrate to you the account that removes sins and which formerly Brahma told to Narada who asked (him about it).

Narada said:

3-4. О lotus-seated lord, I desire to hear from you, what would be (i.e. is) the name of Ekadashi in the dark half of Sravapa. Who is its (presiding) deity? What is the manner (in which it is to be observed)? What is its religious merit. О lord tell (this).

Hearing these words of him Brahma spoke (the following) words:

Brahma said:

5-7. О Narada, listen. With the desire for the good of the people, I shall tell you about the Ekadashi named Kamika (which falls) in the dark half of Sravana. Merely by hearing about it, one would obtain the fruit of (having performed) a Vajapeya sacri­fice. Listen to the fruit which a man who worships the lord of gods holding a conch, a disc, and a mace, gets. Listen to the meritorious fruit of him (i.e. which he gets) who would worship or who meditates upon Hari, Vishnu, Madhusudana, called Shri Hari.

8-18. He does not obtain that fruit (by bathing) in Ganga, at Kasi, Naimisha or Pushkara, which he gets by worshipping Krishna on that day. He obtains that fruit by worshipping Krishna, which he obtains (by bathing) at the time of a portent foreboding a great calamity, when Jupiter is in the Leo sign, in Godavari or Dan^aka. Both, he who gives the earth along with the oceans and he who observes the Kamika-vow, are said to get the same fruit, The man who observes the Kamika-vow obtains the fruit which he who would give a milch cow along with articles of household use, gets. The excellent man who would worship god Vishiju in Sravapa, has worshipped gods with gandharvas, uragas and pannagas. Therefore, sin-fearing men should, with all efforts, and according to their capacity, worship Vishiju on the Kamika day. The Kamika-vow is best for the emancipation of those who are plunged in the ocean of the worldly existence, full of the mud of sins. There is no other (vow) than this (so).pure and sin-removing. О Narada, know it to be like this. Vishnu him­self has said (so). Know that the fruit of (i.sh got by) the observers of Kamika-vow is much superior to the fruit obtained by those devoted to the knowledge of the supreme spirit. The man who, after having kept awake at night, observes the Kamikavow, does not see the fearful Yama, or does not face a calamity. He does not see (i.e. is not born in) a bad stock due to his observing the Kamika-vow. The meditating saints have reached final emancipation after observing the Kamika-vow.

19-29. Therefore, with all efforts it should be observed by those who have controlled themselves. The man who would worship Vishnu with Tulasl-leaves is not tinged with sin, as a lotus-leaf with water. He obtains that fruit by worshipping Vishnu with a Tulasi-leaf, which he obtains by giving a bhara of gold or fourfold silver of it. Worshipped with gems, pearls, lapis lazuli, corals etc. Vishnu is not so pleased as he is with Tulasileaves. The sin of him, (right) from his birth, who has worship­ped Vishnu with Tulasl-sprouts certainly perishes. Salutation to Tulas! which, when seen, destroys the entire heap of sins, which, when touched, purifies the body, which, when saluted, removes diseases, which, when sprinkled over, frightens Yama, which, when planted, brings about the vicinity of lord Krishna, and which, when placed at his feet, gives salvation instantly. Chitragupta is not able to know the measure of the religious merit of the man who gives (i.e. keeps) a light day and night on the day of Vishnu (i.e. on the day sacred to Vishnu). The dead ancestors of him whose lamp burns in front of Vishnu, remain in heaven and are gratified with nectar. Having burnt a lamp with ghee or Sheshamum oil, he, being honoured with a hundred crores of lamps, goes to the Sun’s world. I have told you this impor­tance of Kamika. Men should, therefore, observe it which removes all sins, which removes (the sin of) the murder of a brahmana, which removes (the sin of) causing abortion. It gives (them) the abode of Vishnu, and gives the fruit of great religious merit. A man endowed with faith, on hearing about the great­ness of this, obtains (i.e. goes to) Vispu’s world, and is free from all sins.

 

CHAPTER FIFTYFIVE

Putrada Ekadaal

Yudhishthira said:

1. What would be (i.e. is) the name of the Ekadashi (falling) in the bright half of iSravaija? О MadhusQdana, please favour me and tell it to me.

JsrlKrishna said:

2-9. О king, listen attentively to this great sin-removing account, by hearing which the fruit would be that of a Vajapeya. At the beginning of Dvapara age formerly in the city of Mahismati a king named Mahijit ruled over his kingdom. The kingdom did not give happiness to him who was sonless. A sonless man does not have happiness in this world or in the next. He passed a long time in the thought of (i.e. expecting) a son. But the king did not have son giving all happiness to men. Noticing himself to be advanced in age the king became anxious. Then being in the assembly among his subjects he said these words: “О people, in this (my) life I have not committed a sin. I have not put into my treasury money that is unjustly earned. I have never taken away a brahmana’s wealth, nor the wealth of a deity. I have never taken away another’s deposit, which (act) causes great sin; I have looked after the people like my own sons, and I have conquered the land righteously. I have inflicted punishment on the wicked, even though they were like my brother or son. The eminent persons were always honoured by me and I have not hated people.

10-17. О best brahmanas, think over as to why a son is not born in the house of me who am thus talking about a righteous path.

Hearing these words the brahmajias along with the subjects and the family-priest held consultation and went to a dense forest. Here and there they saw hermitages resorted to by sages. Desiring the well-being of the king, they saw the best sage LomaSa who was guileless, who was (all) alone practising a severe penance, who was ancient, who did not eat food,,, who had conquered his soul, and who had controlled his anger, who knew the truth about righteousness, who was proficient in all sacred texts, who had (lived) a long life, who was magnanimous, who had hair, and who resembled Brahma. As each kalpa passed, one of his hair withered. Therefore, this great sage who was omniscient, was named Lomasa. Seeing him all were glad and came near him. They saluted him according to decorum, as he deserved and as laid down (in the sacred texts). Bowing with modesty, they said to one another: “Due to our good fortune only we have come across this best sage.” Seeing them bowing like that, the best sage said:

Lomasa said:

18-19. Why have you come here? Tell it to me with the reason. Why were you delighted on seeing me and why are you praising me? I shall certainly do what would be beneficial to you. There is no doubt that the existence of (people) like me is for obliging others.

The people said:

20-25. Listen. We shall tell the reason of our arrival. We have come to you to get our doubt removed. There is none greater than Brahma except you. Therefore, for some work we have approached you. This king Mahijit by name is at present sonless. О brahmana, we are his subjects, looked after by him like his own sons. Seeing him sonless, and distressed by his grief, we have, entertaining a firm thought, come here to practise penance. О sage, give instruction as to how the king would have a son.

Hearing these words of them, he remained in meditation for some time. Knowing his former birth, the sage replied:

Lomasa said:

26-30. In the previous existence he was a poor vaisya, and doing evil deeds and engaged in trade he roamed from village to village. On the tenth day in the bright half of Jyeshtha, when the Sun had reached the centre of the sky (he saw) a pond on the border of a village. Seeing the well (pond? ) containing water he decided to drink water. At once there came a cotf with her calf. Being oppressed by thirst and by heat, she drank water. Preventing her who was drinking water, he himself drank it. Due to that sinful act the king became sonless. Due to the religious merit of some (former) existence he obtained the king­dom free from nuisance.

The people said:

31. It is heard in (i.e. learnt from) the Purana that sin perishes due to religious merit. Advise about the religious merit due to which the sin would perish, and by your grace the king would have a son.

Lomaha said:

32-44. О men, observe the Ekadashi which (falls in) the bright half of iSravana, is called Putrada, and gives desired objects.

Hearing this, and saluting the sage, they went (back) to the city and observed that vow duly, justly and by keeping awake. The people gave its very pure religious merit to the king. When the religious merit was given, the queen had conception. When the time of delivery arrived, she gave birth to a bright son. A pavitraka (a ring) was fashioned in honour of Vasudeva on the twelfth day of the bright half of Sravaria when the Sun was in Cancer. (The pavitraka was fashioned with) gold, silver, copper, silken threads or silken cloth and lotuses, Kusha, kasa, or with cotton cut by a brahmana woman. Having bathed he should purify the thread of three strands. On the previous day, at the time separa­ted by the times of milking the cow, preliminary consecration (should be done). Having saluted the brahmaiias and the feet of the preceptor, he should keep awake with the auspicious sounds of songs. Brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaisyas, bhillas, so also Siidras, — all following their own practices, should devoutly fashion the pavitraka. Then he should duly give it to his pre­ceptor. He should also honour the brahmaflas — Vishflu’s devotees — with sandal and flowers. A brahmana should offer it to Vishnu with the hymn: Ato deva. A stidra should do so with the roothymns to Shiva as to Vi^u. Every year men ^should fashion pavitrakas. So also those who desire pleasures and salvation in the mundane existence which is an ocean of grief. He who does not fashion the pavitraka according to the rule, has his worship — i.e. the worship of Vispu’s devotee — (rendered) fruitless. Hearing the importance of this (vow) a man is free from sins. Having obtained in this world the pleasure from his son, he would go to heaven after death.

 

CHAPTER FIFTYSIX

Aja Ekadashi

Yudhis(hira said:

1. О Janardana, I desire to hear what would be (i.e. is) the name of the Ekadashi falling in the dark half of Bhadrapada. (Please) tell it.

ShriKrishna said:

2-11. О king, listen attentively. I shall tell (you) in detail. This Ekadashi is called Aja and it destroys all sins. The sins of him who on this day observes this vow after worshipping Vishnu, perish; (so also they perish) even by listening to the vow. О king, there is nothing greater than this, beneficial for both the worlds. I have told you the truth. My words are not false. Formerly there was a king known as Hariscandra. He was an emperor, true to his word, and the lord of the whole earth. Due to the acquisition of (the fruit of) some act he was deprived of his kingdom. He sold his wife and son and also himself. The righteous king became the slave of a canijala. О lord of kings resorting to truth he removed the garments of the dead; (but) that best king never swerved from truth. In this way the king passed many years. Then the king, full of anxiety, became very much distressed. “What should I do? Where should I go? How shall I escape (this)? ” When he who was plunged into the ocean of sin, was thinking like this, a certain sage knowing that the king was distressed came (there). Brahma has created brah manas to oblige others. The best king, seeing the excellent sage» bowed (to him).

12-23. Joining the palms of his hands, he stood before Gautama. He told (him) his account accompanied by (i.e. full of) grief. Hearing the king’s words, Gautama was amazed. The sage instructed the king in this vow. The sage instructed the king (in the observance of) the vow. “O king, the very auspicious Ekadasf falling in the dark half of Bhadrapada called Aja and giving great merit has come. О king, observe its vow. Your sin will come to an end. Due to your good fortune it will fall on the seventh day (from today). Engaging yourself in a fast; keep awake at night. When thus this vow is observed, your sin will certainly perish. О best king, due to the efficacy of your religious merit, I have come (here).” Telling like this, the sage disappeared. Hearing the sage’s words, the king observed the excellent vow. When the vow was observed, the king’s sin perished in a moment. О best king, listen to the efficacy of this vow. There would be the end of the misery which (otherwise) would be had for many years. Due to the efficacy of the vow the king overcame his misery. He was united with his wife and lived with his son. Drums sounded in the sky and shower of flowers fell from the sky. By the efficacy of the Ekadashi he got the kingdom free from (any) nuisance. Along with (the residents of) his city and his paraphernalia, Hariscandra obtained heaven. О king, those men who observe the vow of this kind, get free from all sins and go to heaven. By reciting (about this) vow or even by listening to (a man) would obtain the fruit of a horse-sacrifice.

 

CHAPTER FIFTYSEVEN

Padma Ekadaal

Yudhitfhira said:

1. What would be (i.e. is) the name of the Ekadashi in the bright half of Bhadrapada? О Keshava, tell about its deity and manner (in which it is observed).

ShriKrishna said:

2. О king, I shall tell you the wonderful account which Brahma narrated to the magnanimous Narada.

Narada said:

3. О Brahman, salutation to you. Tell me of what name would be the Ekadashi in the bright half of Bhadrapada? I desire to hear this for propitiating Vishnu.

Brahma said:

4-13. О best sage, you are Visiiu’s devotee. You have indeed asked well. In this world there is nothing superior to this day of Vishnu. This Ekadashi in the bright half of Bhadrapada is known as Padma. On it Vishriu is worshipped. (This) excellent vow should be observed. I shall tell you an auspicious old account by just hear­ing which (even) a great sin perishes. A royal sage, Mandhatr by name, bom in the family of Vivasvat, was a valorous emperor who was true to his word. He righteously looked after his subjects like his own sons. In his kingdom there was no famine. There were no agonies or diseases. His subjects were healthy and pros­pered with wealth and grains. The wealth in the treasury of the king was earned justly. All castes and stages of life abided by their duties. In the kingdom of that king the land resembled the desire-yielding cow. When he was ruling like this, many groups of years passed. And one year there was indeed the maturity of his acts. The cloud(s) did not shower (water) in his country for three years. By that his subjects, oppressed by hunger, were frustrated. They were without Svaha (i.e. offerings to gods), Svadha (i.e. oblations to dead ancestors), Vashatkara (i.e. obla­tions to deities) and Vedic study. Due to his misfortune, his country was troubled by (ill) luck. Then the subjects gathered and said these words to the king:

The subjects said:

14-16. О best king, listen to the words of your subjects. In the Purana(s) the wise have called apa (water) nara (water). That is the lord’s abode. Therefore, he is called Narayarta. Vishnu, the lord in the form of rain, is present everywhere. He alone causes rain, from rain comes up food and from that sub­jects (spring up). О best king, without it the subjects perish. О king, do that by which security of possession would take place.

The king said:

17-26. You have told the truth. You have told no lie. Since food is called Brahman, everything is placed in food. Beings spring up from food. The world exists due to food. This is heard in (j.e. from) the very extensive Puraoa (literature). Due to the bad behaviour of the kings the subjects would be oppres­sed. (Even) thinking with my intellect I do not see anything like this done by me. Yet with a desire for the well-being of the subjects I shall strive. The king having innumerable attendants thought like this, (and) saluting the Creator went into a dense forest. He went to principal sages and to hermitages resorted to by ascetics. Then the king saw the sage Angiras, Brahma’s son, who had brightened the quarters with his lustre and who was, as it were, another Brahma. Seeing him, the delighted king got down from his vehicle, and the restrained one, with the palms of his hands joined, saluted his feet. Having greeted him with blessings (like ‘May it be well with you’), he asked about the well-being of the king in the seven constituents (of the kingdom). The king told it and asked him about his health. He who was offered a seat and had received a respectful offering, sat near him. The king, asked by the sage about the reason of his arrival, replied:

The king said:

27-28. О revered one, when I was righteously looking after the earth, there was a drought. I do not see the reason for this.

I have come to you to get my doubt removed. Give delight to my subjects by (securing) their welfare.

The sage said:

29-31. О king, this is the Kfta age, best among the ages. In this (age) people are devoted to Brahman, and Dharma has four feet. In this age (only) brahmashas practice penance, not other people. О king, in your country a cantfala is practising penance.

For this reason the cloud does not shower. Make an effort to kill him, by which (your) sin will come to an end.

The king said:

32. I shall not kill that innocent one practising penance. Instruct me in righteousness which will destroy the trouble.

The sage said:

33-41. If this is so, then, О king, observe the Ekadashi-vow. In the bright half of Bhadrapada (falls the Ekadashi) well-known as Padma. By its power there will certainly be good rainfall. This one gives all prosperity and destroys all calamities. О king, observe its vow along with your subjects and attendants.

Having heard these words of the sage, the king came home. In the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada he along with all his subjects and the four castes observed the vow of Padma. О king, when thus the vow was observed, the cloud showered. Land was inundated with water and was resplendent with corn. By the power of the best sage people got happiness. For this reason this excellent vow should be thus observed. On this (day) a man should give a pitcher full of water along with curd and rice and well covered, so also an umbrella and (a pair of) sandals to a brahmaga. (He should pray: ) “Salutations to you, О wise Govinda, called Sravaija. Destroying the streams of (my) sins, give me all pleasures. Give pleasures and salvation and happiness to people.” By reciting or listening to (this account a man) is free from all sins.

 

CHAPTER FIFTYEIGHT

Indira Ekadaii

Yudhishthira said:

1. (Please) favour me and tell me, О Vishnu, as to what would be (i.e. is) the name of the Ekadashi in the dark half of ASvina.

SrtKrishna said:

2-10a. The name (of the Ekadashi falling) in the dark half of Asvina is Indira. By its power (even) a great sin perishes. It gives a (good) cause to the dead ancestors that have gone to (i.e. born in) a low stock. О king, listen attentively to the sin-removing great story. By hearing it a man would obtain the fruit of a Vajapeya sacrifice. Formerly, О king, in Krtayuga there was a prince named Indrasena. He was the lord of Mahishmatf. That king, endowed with glory, righteously looked after (his kingdom). He possessed sons and grandsons and had wealth and grains. The king, the lord of Mahishmati, was solely devoted to Vishnu. The king repeating internally Vi? jrui’s names giving salvation, duly passed his time and meditated upon the Supreme Spirit. When the king, one day, was comfortably seated in his assembly, there came down from the sky the sage Narada. Seeing him to have arrived, he, getting up with the palms of his hands folded, duly honoured him and seated him on a seat. The best king said to the sage seated comfortably:

The king said:

10b-ll. О best sage, by your grace everything of me is prosperous. By seeing you all my sacrifices and rites have become fruitful. О divine sage, favour me and tell me the reason of your arrival.

Narada said:

12-18. О best king, listen to my wonderful words. О best king, from Brahma’s world I had gone to the world of Yama. Devoutly honoured by Yama, I sat on an excellent seat. The religious, truthful son of the Sun (i.e. Yama) waited upon me.

In the assembly of the deity of Sraddhas (i.e. of Yama), I saw your father, doer of many righteous acts, there as a result of a fault in a vow. He has told (i.e. given) a message (for you). Listen to it, О lord of people. “A king known as Indrasena is the lord of Mahismati. Tell him, О brahmana, that I am stay­ing with Yama due to some hindrance, due to my former exis­tence. О son, giving me the religious merit of the Indira(-vow) send me to heaven.” Thus addressed, I have come to you, О king. О king, for (the attainment of) heaven by your father, observe the Indira(-vow). By the power of that vow your father will go to heaven.

The king said:

19. О revered one, favour me and tell me about the Indiravow. In what manner is it to be done? In which fortnight, and on which date?

Narada said:

20-3la. О lord of kings, listen. I (shall) tell you the manner of this auspicious vow (i.e. in which way it is to be observed). On the auspicious tenth day in the dark half of the month of Asvina, a man, with a devout mind, should bathe in the morn­ing. Then, bathing in the mid-day he should be composed; and with faith he should perform the shraddha to gratify his manes. Then eating once only, he should sleep on the ground at night. When on the Ekadashi day the bright morning has dawned, he should wash his face without cleaning his teeth; and should devoutly take up the vow of fasting. “Remaining without food and without all pleasures to-day, I shall eat tomorrow, О lotus-eyed one. О Vishnu, be my refuge.” Having imposed such a restriction (upon him) he should at mid-day duly bath the tip of the Salagrama stone. Having worshipped Vishnu with incense, sandal etc., he should at night keep awake in the vicinity of Vishnu. Then, when the morning of the twelfth day comes, he should after worshipping Vishnu duly perform the Sraddha. Endowed with faith, he should perform the araddha to gratify his manes. That Sraddha which is offered with the flour of wheat would be done (in a) pure (way). So also would be the Sraddha offered with barley, rice, Sheshamum-seeds, beans, wheat and grams. О king, having honoured brahmaijas with gifts, he should worship them. (Then) controlled in speech, he himself should eat with his kinsmen, daughter’s son and sons etc. О king, being careful observe the vow in this manner. О king, your dead ancestors will go to VishijLu’s world.

3lb-36. Speaking thus to the king, the sage disappeared, О king. The king, along with (the inmates of) his harem, and with sons and servants, observed the excellent vow in accordance with the manner told (by the sage). О son of KuntI, when the vow was observed, a shower of flowers fell from the sky. His father, mounted on Garu^a, went to Vishnu’s abode. The royal sage Indrasena too, having ruled his kingdom free from nuisance and having installed his son on the throne, himself went to heaven. I have told you the impor­tance of the Indira-vow. A man, on reciting or listening to it is free from all sins. After enjoying all pleasures here (i.e. in this world) he would live for a long time in Vishnu's world.

 

CHAPTER FIFTYNINE

Papahkuia Ekadait

Yudhishthira said:

1. О Madhusiidana, be pleased and tell as to what would be (i.e. is) the name of the Ekadashi falling in the bright half of Asvina.

shrikrshiга said:

2-10. О lord of kings, listen. I shall tell you about the importance of the Ekadashi which would fall in the bright half of Asvina — the importance which destroys sins. The great (Ekadashi) is known as PapanKusha and removes all sins. On that day a man should worship me named Padmanabha. That fruit which a man with his senses well-controlled for a long time gets, and which leads to the acquisition of all desired objects, and which gives men heaven and salvation, is obtained by saluting the eagle-bannered god (Vishnu). A man, full of delusions, having committed many sins, does not go to hell after having saluted Vishnu, the remover of all sins. All those sacred places and holy abodes that are there on the earth, all of them are reached (by a man) by means of reciting Vishriu’s appellations. Those men who have submitted themselves to god Sarngadhara Vishnu, never suffer from the torments of the world of Yama. A man, after having accidentally fasted on an Ekadashi day, does not suffer from the torments of Yama even after having committed a fearful sin. A man who being a devotee of Visiju, censures Shiva, does not go to Vishnu’s world. He certainly goes to hell. A Pasupata who being a devotee of Shiva, censures Vishtiu, is roasted in Raurava (hell) till the (periods of the) fourteen Indras are over.

11-22. Like the vow of Visiju which destroys sins, there is no other (vow) in the three worlds that purifies (men). О king, as long as a living being would not fast on the auspicious day of Vishnu, sins would remain in his body. Thousands of horse sacri­fices and hundreds of Rajasiiya sacrifices do not equal to the sixteenth portion of the Ekadashi-fast. There is no (other) vow like the Ekadashi-vow. Even those who observe it under some pretext, do not go to Yama. This (vow) gives heaven and salva­tion. It gives good health of the body. This gives a wife sons; this gives wealth and friends. О king, Gaiiga, or Gaya, or KasI, or Puskara, or Kurukshetra is not more auspicious than the day sacred to Vishnu. О king, having fasted at night and fasted on the day sacred to Vishniu the position of Vishnu is obtained with­out trouble. A man would emancipate ten members on his mother’s side, ten on his father’s side, and ten on his wife’s side, О lord of kings. Men (observing this) have four arms, divine forms, have banners of (Garutfa) the enemy of serpents, and white garments, and go to Vishshu’s abode. A man having fasted on an Ekadashi (day) in his childhood, youth, or old age does not face a calamity, О best king. A man observing a fast on the PapaAKusha (Ekadashi) in the bright half of ASvina is freed from all sins and goes to Vi^u’s world. A man having given gold, Sheshamum-seeds, land, a cow, food and water, so also (a pair of sandals), an umbrella (to a brahmaga) does not see Yama.

23-28. He whose days come and go without meritorious acts, does not, though breathing, live, like the bellows of a blacksmith. О best king, even a poor man should make his day fruitful by always, and according to his capacity, doing acts like a bath and (giving) gifts. The doers of meritorious acts like a sacrifice, a bath, muttering (of hymns etc.), meditation, sacri­ficial sessions do not see (i.e. suffer from) the torments of Yama. Persons doing such meritorious acts are seen to be living a long life, possessing wealth, born in a noble family and free from diseases. What is the use of talking much in this matter. People go to (i.e. suffer from) calamities by means of unrighteousness. By means of righteous acts they go up to heaven. No doubt should be raised in this case. О sinless king, I have thus told you about the importance of PapanKusha, about which you had asked me. What else do you want to hear?

 

CHAPTER SIXTY

Rama Ekadashi

Yudhishthira said:

1. О Janardana, through favour and love for me, tell me what would be (i.e. is) the name of the Ekadashi falling in the dark half of Kartika.

Shrikrwa said:

2-12a. О lord of kings, listen. I shall tell you. In the dark half of Kartika falls the very auspicious Ekadashi. It is called Rama. It is great and removes great sins. О king, as the occasion has come, I shall tell you its importance. О king, formerly there was a king, Mucukunda by name. He had formed friendship with (Indra) the lord of gods. He also was fully friendly with Yama, Уагида, Kubera, and Bibhisha? a, О king. That king was a great devotee of Vishnu and was true to his word. When he was ruling over his kingdom from which troublesome persons were removed, a daughter Candrabhaga, (resembling) the excel­lent river (Candrabhaga) was (born) in his house. She was given (in marriage) to Sobhana, the son of Candrasena. Once he came to his father-in-law’s house, О king. The very meritorious day of the Ekadashi-vow (also) came. When the day of the vow came, Candrabhaga thought:

4) lord of gods, what will happen? My husband is very weak. He is not able to put up with hunger, and my father’s rule is strict.’ When the tenth day comes, his drum is beaten: ‘Do not eat, do not eat on the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vishriu.’ Hearing the sound of the drum, Sobhana said to his wife: “O dear one, what should I do? Advise me, О beautiful one.”

Candrabhaga said:

12b-15a. О lord, today nobody in my father’s house is to eat (anything). On the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vishnu elephants, horses, (their) young ones, so also other beasts are not to eat grass or (drink) water. Then, О dear one, how would human beings eat on the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vishnu? О dear one, if you eat (anything today) then you will be censured. Thinking like this to yourself, make your mind strong.

Sobhana said:

15b-23. О dear one, these words are true. I shall fast (today). Whatever is laid down by destiny will just take place in the same way.

Thus resolving, he observed the vow. With his body oppres­sed with hunger, he became extremely distressed. While he was thinking like this, the sun went to the western mountain. That night enhanced the joy of Vis^u’s devotees engaged in worship­ping Visiju, and with their minds attached to keeping awake. (But) it became very painful to Sobhana. At the time of sunrise, Sobhana expired. The king got him cremated with (pieces of) wood fit for a king. Candrabhaga did not abandon her body with her husband. Having performed his funeral rites, she remained in her father’s house. (And) О greatest king, due to the power of the Rama-vow, Sobhana reached the divine charm­ing city on the peak of the Mandara mountain, which (city) was excellent with innumerable qualities. It was adorned with large houses with golden pillars, and gems and lapis lazuli, and with beautiful crystals of different shapes.

24-28. Being praised by gandharvas, and waited upon by celestial nymphs, Sobhana mounted upon the throne. He had very white umbrella (held over his head) and chowries (were waved). He had (put on) a crown and ear-rings. He was adorned with necklaces and bracelets. There Sobhana shone like a great king of kings. In the city of Mucukunda there was (a brahmana) known as Somasharman. The brahmana, wandering for pilgrimage, saw him. Recognising him to be the king’s son-in-law he app­roached him. Sobhana too, knowing that Somasharman had come, quickly got up from his seat and saluted the best brahmana. He asked him about the well-being of his father-inlaw, the king, and about his wife Candrabhaga, and about the city.

Somasharman said:

29-31a. О king, there is well-being in your father’s house. Candrabhaga is all right and in the city everywhere there is well­being. О king, tell me your own account. It is a great wonder. Such a wonderful and beautiful city has not been seen by any­one. О king, tell me this: How did you obtain this?

Sobhana said:

3lb-32. In the dark half of Kartika falls the Ekadashi called Rama. Having fasted on that day, I have secured this unstable city. О best brahmana, do that by which it will be stable.

The brahmana said:

33. О lord of kings, how (i.e. why) is it unstable? How will it be stable? Tell me the truth. Then I shall do it, not other­wise.

Shobana said:

34-35. О brahmana, I observed this best vow without faith. Therefore, I think, it is unstable. Listen (by which) it will be stable. The very beautiful Candrabhaga is Mucukunda’s daughter. Tell her this account. (Then) it will be stable.

Krishna said:

36. Hearing his words, he went to the city of Mucukunda; (and; the brahmaria narrated the entire account to Candrabhaga.

Somasharman said:

37. О auspicious one, I actually saw your beloved husband. I (also) saw his unconquerable city resembling (that of) Indra, He described it to be unstable. Do that by which it will be stable.

Candrabhaga, said:

38-45. О brahmana-sage, take me, desiring to see my husband, there. By means of the merit of my vow I shall make the city stable. О brahmana, do that by which we two shall be united. Great religious merit is obtained by bringing together the separated ones.

Hearing this, Somasharman went with her to Vamadeva’s hermitage near the Mandara mountain. Vamadeva listened to the full account told by them. He sprinkled (water over) the bright Candrabhaga with Vedic hymns. By the power of the hymn recited by the sage, and due to observing the vow on the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vishnu her body became divine and she obtained a divine condition. With her eyes dilated due to great joy she approached her husband. Seeing his wife to have come, Sobhana was very much delighted. Calling her he made her sit on his left side. Then Candrabhaga said (these) dear words to her husband: “O dear one, listen to the beneficial words: I have religious merit. When I crossed the eighth year (while living) in my father’s house.

46-54. I have since then, observed the Ekadashi vow in the manner as it was told and with my mind full of faith. By the power of that (religious merit) the city will be stable. It will be rich in all desired objects till the final deluge.” О best king, in this way she, enjoying divine pleasures, of a divine form, and adorned with divine ornaments, rejoiced with her husband.

(Sobhana, of a divine body, also rejoiced with her on the peak of Mandara mountain by the power of the sh.ama-vow. This vow is like the desire-yielding gem or like the desireyielding cow. О king, I have told you about the (Ekadashi) called Rama. О sinless one, you have heard its full importance. I have told you the sin-destroying importance of the vows of the Ekadashis of both the fortnights. As is the (one of the) dark (fortnight), so is the (one of the) bright fortnight. No discri­mination should be done between the two. Ekadashi, when observed, gives pleasures and salvation to men. As a white cow is like a black one — as their milk is similar, similarly the two Ekadashis are said to give a similar fruit. A man who listens to the importance of the EkadashI-vows is freed from all sins and is honoured in Vis^u’s world.

 

CHAPTER SIXTYONE

Prabodhinl Ekadashi

Yudhishthira said:

1. О Krishna, I have duly heard from you the importance of Rama (Ekadashi). О you who respect (others, now) tell me about the Ekadashi falling in the bright half of Kartika.

ShriKrishna said:

2. О king, I shall tell you about (the Ekadashi) falling in the bright half of Kartika, as it was told by Brahma, the creator of the worlds, to Narada.

Narada said:

3. Tell me in detail the importance of the Prabodhini (Ekadashi) on which Vishshu, the propounder of righteousness, keeps awake.

Brahma said:

4-11. О best sage, listen to the greatness of Prabodhini which destroys sins, which increases religious merit, and which gives salvation to men of good minds. Till the Prabodhini of (i.e. sacred to) Vispu (falling) in Kartika does not arrive, all the holy places including the oceans and the lakes roar. О best brahmana, Ganga-Bhagirathi roars on the earth till the Ekadashi awakening Visgu (and falling) in Kartika and destroying sins has not come. A man would obtain even through one fast on the Prabodhini (day) (that which is obtained by means of) thousands of horse-sacrifices, and hundreds of Rajasuya sacrifices. The Haribodhini (i.e. Prabodhini Ekadashi) gives, О son, even that which is difficult to obtain, which is difficult to reach, and which is not within the range of the three worlds, even though it is not asked for. The Haribodhini, when fasted on, gives people splendour, wealth, intellect, kingdom, happiness and riches. This (Ekadashi) that destroys sins, burns even when it is fasted on once the sins that are declared and have the size of Meru and Mandara. Keeping awake at night on this (Ekadashi) burns like a heap of cotton the sin committed in thousands of former existences.

12-20. О best sage, he who, according to his nature, duly observes a fast on Prabodhini, gets the fruit as declared (in sacred texts). О best among the excellent sages, a man who duly does the good act as enjoined, gets the fruit (as large) as Meru. He who without the proper manner does a good act as much (i.e. as big) as Meru, obtains its fruit just of the measure of an atom, О Narada. The dead ancestors of those who will devoutly observe (the vow of) Prabodhini, are delighted and live in Visiju’s world. A man, even after having committed a terrible sin like the murder of а ЬгаЬтаца, is freed from the hellish misery and goes to the highest place of Vishshu (on observing the Prabodhini-vow). Having kept awake (in honour) of Vishiju, the sins of a man are washed. О ЬгаЬтаца, that fruit difficult to obtain by means of the sacrifices like the horse-sacrifice, is easily obtained by means of keeping awake on Prabodhini. A man obtains that fruit by keeping awake (in honour) of Увди, which he would get by bathing in all holy places and by giving gold or land. He who has observed the Prabodhini in Kartika, is alone born fortunate and has himself only purified his family. Though death is certain for men, wealth and body are uncertain.

21-25. Realising this, О best sage, the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vishnu should be observed (as a fast-day). All the holy places that are there in the three worlds, are (present) in the hoyse of the one who properly observes the (fast on) the Prabodhini. What is the use of many (other) acts of religious merit for him who has observed (a fast on) the Prabodhini (Ekadashi)? This Haribodhini (falling) in Kartika gives sons and grandsons. He (alone) is wise, is a meditating saint, an ascetic, and has controlled his senses (who fasts on Prabodhini). He (who) fasts on Haribodhini, gets pleasures and salvation. This one, helping the essence of righteousness, is very dear to Vishnu. A man who devoutly observes (this vow) would enjoy pleasures. By fasting on Pra­bodhini a man does not enter a womb (i.e. he is not reborn).

26-33. Therefore, giving up all other meritorious acts, a man should observe (this vow). All the sin committed through deeds, mind and speech is washed by Vishnu on a man’s keeping awake on Prabodhini. All that a man does like a bath, (giving) a gift, muttering (hymns), worship in honour of Vishnu on Prabodhini is inexhaustible. Those men who devoutly worship god Vishnu on that day and observe a fast on that day, are free from sins incurred during hundreds of existences. О son, this is a great vow which destroys a stream of great sins. A man should duly fast on the day of Vishnu’s being awake and should please Vishriu with this vow. Illuminating all quarters he goes to Vishniu’s abode. Men desiring brilliance and wealth should care­fully observe this. Vishnu worshipped on this day, washes men’s sin which is accumulated (by them) in their childhood, in their youth, and in their old age, so also the sin committed during hundreds of existences, even if it is small or great. This one brings wealth and grains, is auspicious, is great and removes all sins.

34-41a. By fasting on it through devotion for Vishiju, there would be nothing difficult to obtain. The fruit which is obtained (on bathing) at the lunar or the solar eclipse, is said to be thousandfold by keeping awake on the Prabodhini. All that — bath, (giving) gifts, muttering (hymns), sacrifice, self-study, Vishnu’s worship, done on Prabodhini becomes crorefold. All the religious merit that would be earned by a man from his birth, becomes fruitless if the vow in Kartika is not observed.

О Narada, a man who would spend Kartika without observ­ing the vow of Vishnu, does not obtain the fruit of the religious merit earned during his existence. Therefore, О best brahmaiia, with all efforts he should serve Vishnu, the god of gods. It gives all desired objects. A man devoted to Vishflu, should avoid others’ food in Kartika. By avoiding others’ food, he would obtain the fruit of the Candraya^a-vow. A man who would spend every day of Kartika in (pursuing) sacred texts would burn all (his) sins, and would obtain the fruit of a myriad sacrifices.

41b-48a. Vishiju is not so much pleased with sacrifices, gifts, and Vajapeya etc. as he is pleased with the narration of stories from the sacred texts in Kartika. Those who narrate Vishiju’s account or listen to (his) auspicious accounts, or to half a verse or a quarter of a verse in Kartika obtain the fruit of (having given) a hundred cows. Giving up all other righteous acts, sacred texts should be discussed and grasped in Kartika before (the image of) Vishnu, О great sage. О best sage, he who, with (a desire for) the highest good and any (other) desire, narrates (or listens to) Vigil’s accounts in Kartika, would emancipate a hundred (members) of his family. A man who regularly listens to Vishnu’s account, especially in Kartika, obtains the fruit of (having given) a thousand cows. О sage, he who listens to Vishnu’s account on the day of his awakening (i.e. on the Prabodhini Ekadashi) obtains that fruit (which is obtained) by giving (the earth) with the seven islands. О best sage, eternal world (of gods) is said to be reached by them who, after hearing the divine account of VishshU, honour according to their own capacity the knower (i.e. the reader) of the account.

48b-54. О Narada, that man who would pass Kartika in singing and in pursuing sacred texts, is not seen by me to be reborn. О sage, the man, a meritorious soul, who does (i.e. engages himself in) singing, dancing, (playing on) musical instru­ments, and (listens to) the auspicious account of Vishflu, remains above the three worlds. With many flowers, with many fruits and camphor, agaru and saffron, Vishnu’s worship should be done on the Prabodhini day in Kartika, from which immeasur­able religious merit is obtained, О best sage. At the time of keeping awake on the Prabodhini (night) respectful offering with various kinds of fruits should be made after taking water in a conch. A crore-fold of fruit which (is obtained by bathing) at all holy places, that fruit which (is had) by means of all gifts, is got by giving a respectful offering on the Prabodhini day. After that the preceptor should be honoured with a meal, a covering etc., so also with gifts in order to please the Discholder (i.e. Vishnu), О divine sage.

55-68. A man who listens to Bhagavata, and a man who would listen to a Purana, would obtain for every letter (of the text) the fruit due to the gift of a tawny cow. О best sage, for him who observes, according to his capacity, the vow (in honour) of Vishnu, as has been laid down, salvation is certainly secured. Madhusudana, the eagle-bannered god, worshipped with one ketaki-leaf, becomes very much pleased for a thousand years. The fire of hell is put out by seeing him who would worship Vishnu with agasti-leaves, О divine sage. Vishnu, the greatest person, when worshipped with mango-leaves in Kartika, gives desired objects, as at the lunar or the solar eclipse. He who, leaving all (other) flowers, devoutly worships Vishnu with mango-blossoms, would obtain the fruit of a horse-sacrifice. О child, all the sin of those, (even) of a myriad existences, who offer Tulasi-leaves and flowers to Vishnu in Kartika, would burn. Tulasi is auspicious if it is always seen, touched, meditat­ed upon, described, praised, planted, sprinkled and worshipped. О sage, those who everyday are devoted to Tulasi in (these) nine ways, produce religious merit lasting for thousands of crores of yugas. О sage, as long as Tulasi planted by men on the earth grows with branches, twigs, seeds, flowers and leaves, (the persons) that are bom or will be born in their families, live in Vishnu's house for (many) thousand years till universal deluge. That fruit which exists in all flowers and leaves, is obtained by (offering) a Tulasi-leaf (to Vishnu) in Kartika. Seeing that Kartika has arrived, great Vishou should be regularly worshipped with tender Tulasi-leaves. The religious merit obtained by the performance of hundreds of sacrifices and giving many gifts is obtained by worshipping Vishnu with Tulasi-leaves in Kartika.

 

CHAPTER SIXTYTWO

Kamala Ekadashi

Yudhisthira said:

1-4. О revered one, I desire to listen to the best of the vows (in honour) of Vis^u, which removes all sins and gives (its) fruit to those who observe it. О Janardana, tell me the account of Vishnu’s month; what is the manner in which it is observed? What is its fruit? Which deity is worshipped during it? О Janardana, tell me about the vow that is observed when the intercalary month arrives. What is the fruit of what gift? What should be done by men, О lord? In what a bath (should be taken)? What (hymns) should be muttered? What is said to be the manner of the worship? Which best food should be eaten in this Purushottama-month?

Srlkjrsna said:

5-18. Through love for you, I shall, О best king, narrate the sin-destroying greatness of the Purushottama-month. That Ekadashi day which would come when the intercalary month has arrived, is called Kamala, and is the best of days. By the power of that vow Lakshmi would be favourable. One who observes (this) vow, should get up in the early part of the day, and having remembered Vishnu, he should duly bathe and should observe the vow. Muttering (of his names) in the house has one­fold effect, while that of doing it in a river has double that effect. (The effect) is more than a thousand-fold (if the mutter­ing is done) in a cow-pen; and is a hundred-fold (if it is done) at auspicious, holy places and in the proximity of deities. (The effect) is a lakh(-fo! d if the muttering) is done near Tulasl and is infinite (if it is done) near (the image of) Vishnu. In AvantI there was an excellent brahma^a, iShivasarman (by name). He had five sons. The youngest one was hurtful. Then (i.e. so) he was abandoned by bis father and forsaken by kinsmen and relatives. Due to the power of his bad deeds he went to a very distant forest. Once fortunately he went to the best holy place. Ema­ciated with hunger, having a melancholy face, he bathed in Trivegi. Oppressed by hunger, there he looked for sages’ hermitages. In the Purushottama month and the gathering of people, there he saw the excellent hermitage of the sage Harimitra. From the mouth of the brahmanas, telling a sin-destroying tale, he devoutly listened to the account of Kamala in the hermitage. The Ekadashi is most auspicious, and gives pleasures and salva­tion. Having duly heard about this Kamala day — that the Ekadashi is most auspicious and gives pleasures and salvation, Jayasarman at that time observed the vow with them in the lonely temple. When it was night, Lakshmi came there. (She said: ) “O brahmana, due to the power of Kamala I (shall) grant you a boon.”

Jayasarman said:

19-20. О beautiful one, who are you? To whom do you belong? How are you pleased with me? Are you Indrapi (the wife) of the lord of gods, or BhavanI (the wife) of Shankara? Or (are you) a female gandharva, a female kinnara or the spouse of either the Moon or the Sun? О you of a beautiful face, I have neither seen nor heard about the like of you.

Lakshmi said:

21-24a. Now I am pleased. Being urged by the god of gods due to the efficacy of (the vow of) Kamala, I have come from Vaikufltha. At Prayaga, near the sages, you have observed the vow of that (Ekadashi) which would fall in the bright half of the Purushottama month. О best brahmana, there is no doubt that by the power of this vow in your family will be born (those) men (who) will, through my favour, obtain (good position). I have told the truth.

The brahmana said:

24b-25a. О Lakshmi, if you are pleased, then explain the vow in detail, which those brahmanas that are good introduce in tales.

Lakshmi said:

25b-30a. This is the best (account) for the listeners to listen. It is the most holy. It is auspicious and removes bad dreams.

Therefore, it should be carefully heard. The best man who reads devotedly a verse or half a verse, is instantly freed from crores of great sins. As Garuda is among the birds, this is the best among months. This Dvadasi day is among the days as the Ganga is among the rivers. Even now all the gods desiring to be born in Bharata, duly worship that Narayana Anamaya. The groups of deities like Brahma always worship those who devoutly worship the lord, god Vishnu.

30b-43. Those who are engrossed in (muttering Vishflu’s) names, so also those who are engaged in the narration (of the virtues of Vishnu), so also those who are intent upon worshipping Vishnu are fortunate in the Kali age. There would be the couple of Ekadasls: (the one) in the bright half, (the other) in the dark half. The householders should observe (a fast on) the former, and for the ascetics the latter is prescribed. (The three days — ) Ekadashi, Dvadasi and TrayodasI partly in the night (after DvadasI, are auspicious). If the fast is broken on TrayodasI, the religious merit is that of a hundred sacrifices. “O Pun< Jarika, fasting on the Ekadashi day, I shall eat on the next day. О Acyuta, be my refuge.” Uttering this hymn of (i.e. sacred to) the god of gods, the Disc-holder, he, with his mind pleased, should devoutly observe a fast. The restrained observer of the vow should keep awake in front of the deity with songs, musical instruments, dances and Purana-recitals. Then the observer of the vow, having got up (early) in the morning, having bathed and with his senses controlled should duly worship Visjiu. By bathing (the image of) Vishnu with pancampta1 on Ekadashi, and with water on Dvadasi, a man gets assimilation into Vishiju. О Keshava, favour me, and be (well-)disposed through this vow to me who am blinded by the darkness of ignorance, and give me the sight of knowledge. Having thus prayed to the lord of the god of gods, the Mace-holder, he should devoutly feed brahmajias and give them gifts. Then, controlled in speech and solely devoted to Visiju, he should offer the five great sacrifices2 and eat along with his relatives. He who, being controlled, observes in this way the auspicious Ekadashi-vow goes to Visiju’s abode, return from which is difficult.

Speaking thus, and granting him a boon, Lakshmi disappear­ed. The brahmana too, being rich came to his father’s house.

Srikrishna said:

О king, he who would in this way observe the excellent vow of the Kamala (Ekadashi), and would listen to (Visiju’s account) on the day of (i.e. sacred to) Vishriu is freed from all sins.

1. Paficamrta: A collection of five sweet things, viz., milk, sugar, ghi, curd and honey used in worshipping a deity.

2. Mahayajfia: See Manu. 69.71. They are: the sacrifices offered to Brahma, deities, manes, human beings and beings.

 

CHAPTER SIXTYTHREE

Kamada Ekadashi

Yudhiffhira said:

1-9. О lord of the world, I have heard about vows having many virtues. But, О Janardana, I have heard nothing like the Ekadashi(-vow). Again tell about the Ekadashi(-vow) which destroys sins and gives religious merit and observing which a man would obtain the highest position in the world.

SrlKrishna said:

О lord of the world, whether the Ekadashi would be in the bright or the dark fortnight, it is not to be omitted, as it (gives) salvation and enhances happiness. О king, in the Kali-age, Ekadashi frees a man from the bonds of the mun­dane existence, gives all desired objects, and destroys all sins on the earth. О best king, the Ekadashi (falling) on a Sunday or a Tuesday or on the day of the passage of the Sun or a Planet through a Zodiacal sign should always be fasted on. It increases (the number of) sons and grandsons. Those to whom Vishshu is dear, should never give up the Ekadashi-vow. It always gives a (long) life, fame, progeny and health. The Ekadashi-vow always gives salvation, (handsome) form, kingdom. О king, those men who, endowed with great faith, observe it in the manner as is laid down, are of the form of Vishau. О king, undoubtedly they are seen to be liberated while living.

Yudhiffhira said:

О Krishna, how is it that those who are seen to be of the form of sin (i.e. who are sinners), are liberated while living, and are of the nature of Vishu? I have a great curiosity.

SrlKrishna said:

10-22. О king, how are they who in the Kali-age observe devoutly and according to the acts as are laid down in the sacred texts, the excellent Ekadashi-vow without (drinking) water, not of the form of Vishnu or not liberated while living? There is no other auspicious vow like that of Ekadagi which removes all sins and gives all desired objects to men. Having eaten once only on the Dasami day, and observed the vow without drinking water on the Nanda (Ekadashi day) and having broken the fast on the Bhadra (day), men become similar to Vishnu. A faithful man who observes the auspicious vow of the Kamada (Ekadashi) obtains his desired (objects) in this and in the next world. This (vow) is pure, purifying, and destroys great sins. О best king, this one gives pleasures and salvation to those who observe it. A man should duly worship Vishnu on Kamada with flowers, incense etc., so also with offerings of food. A devotee of Vishnu, who observes the vow, should avoid these ten (articles) on DaSami: bell-metal, flesh, beans, grams, kodrava, vegetables, honey, food offered by others, eating food and sexual union. On the Ekadashi day he should avoid gambling, sport, sleep, tambula, brushing his teeth, censuring others, wickedness, harming (others) and sex, (so also he should avoid) anger, false words on the Ekadashi day. On the Dvadasi day he should avoid bell-metal, flesh, beans, oil, false speech, exertion, journey, food and sexual union, (mounting upon) a bull’s back, others’ food, and vegetables. О king, those who have observed the Kamada (Ekadashi) in this manner, and having after keeping awake at night, worshipped Vishshu, are freed from all sins and go to the best position. О king, by reciting (about) or listening to this vow (a man) would obtain the fruit of (having given) a thousand cows.

 

CHAPTER SIXTYFOUR

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