The Vow of Sravana Dvadasl

Narada said:

1. О best god, the able ones always have fasts. О sinless one, tell me about one Dvadaii (only) which is auspicious.

Shiva said:

2-10. The Dvadasi in the bright half of Bhadrapada, along with the Sravana (lunar mansion) gives everything, is auspicious, and (if) a fast (is observed on that day), it gives great fruit. Having bathed at the confluence of river(s) and fasted on Dvadasi, a man obtains the fruit of DvadaSi(-vow) without any effort. That DvadaSi which is connected with (the rise of) Mer­cury and

3ravaua (lunar mansion) is very great. Everything that is done on that (day) becomes inexhaustible. О Narada, a man having bathed at the confluence of rivers when Dvadasl is conjoined with Sravapa, would obtain the fruit of the gift of a cow. A wise man having placed a pitcher full of water, should put upon it a vessel, having installed (the image of) Vishgu in it. Then before it the wise one should offer eatables cooked in ghee. He should also devoutly give, according to his capacity, nine pitchers full of water. Having thus worshipped Vishgu, he should keep awake there. (Then) having got up in the spotless morning, and having worshipped Viftju with flowers, incense, offerings of eatables, fruits and very beautiful garments, he should offer him a handful of flowers and recite this hymn: ‘Repeated saluta­tions to you, О Vishflu, conjoined with Mercury and Sravana. Destroying the stream of our sins, give us all pleasures.’

11-19. He should duly give pure food to a brahmana who has mastered the Vedas and the Vedangas, and especially to him who knows the Puranas. With his mind concentrated, the best man should accomplish all this in this manner on the bank of a river. In this case also they narrate an old account which took place in this great forest. О brahmana, listen to it. Hearing it a man is freed from great grief. There was a country named DaSaraka, and to its west, О wise one, there was the Maru country, fierce due to all (kinds of) beings. The land there had the sand very much heated. There were also great serpents. (The land there) was full of trees with scanty shadow, and crowded with dead animals. (It was crowded with trees) like saml, khadira, palasa, karira, and pilu. There were fearful groups of trees full of strong thorns. It was full of men whose vitality was exhausted (i.e. who were very weak). Such region was at places seen there. Yet all beings bounded by karma lived (there). О wise one, there was neither water nor were there clouds, the rece­ptacles of water. О brahmana, (there) best birds were seen dead, along with their thirsty young ones remaining between their wings.

20-34. Into that country — Marujangala — like that, a mer­chant missing his caravan through (ill, ) luck, entered. With his mind confused and oppressed with hunger, thirst and exhaustion, he did not know as to where a village was, where water was, or where he (himself) stood. Then he saw evil spirits with their senses overcome with hunger and thirst. They were large, wicked, fierce; were fleshless (i.e. very weak) and they were fearful to look at. He saw one (of them) looking ugly and mounted upon the shoulders of an evil spirit and surrounded by many evil spirits. It was not moving, was very fierce, and was accompanied by the sounds of evil spirits. The evil spirit also, having seen the man who had come to that fierce forest, got down from the evil spirit’s shoulder and approached him. Having saluted the best merchant, it said these words: “How did you enter this very fearful region? ” To it the intelligent merchant sSid: “I who missed my caravan, (un-)fortunately entered this forest due to my former deeds. Thirst oppresses me, so also hunger oppresses me very much. My end has come. My words are faltering. I now do not see any remedy by means of which I would live." When this was said by him, the evil spirit said these words to the merchant: “Wait for a while after resorting to a blossomed sami. Then being offered a hospitable reception by me you will go at will.” Thus addressed, the merchant, oppressed by thirst, did like that. When it was the mid-day the evil spirit came to that region of the blossomed tree and brought down a beautiful pitcher of water, full of cold water, along with curd and rice and he himself offered it to the guest. Then merely by eating it, he was very much satisfied. And in a moment he became free from thirst and torment. Then the evil spirits came there. He gave a portion from the curd and rice (to all) one by one. The evil spirits were highly satisfied with the curd and rice along with water.

35-42a. Having gratified the guest and all the evil spirits, he himself ate at will, whatever was left of (what they had) eaten. When he was eating the good food and water were exhausted. Then the merchant said these words to the chief of the evil spirits: “This strikes me as a great wonder in this forest. Where­from did you secure the excellent food and drink? So also, how did you satisfy with just little food so many of these who are fleshless (i.e. weak) and have their sides broken? How is it that you have made your abode in this very fierce forest? Remove this doubt of me. I have a great curiosity (to know it).” Thus addressed by the merchant, the evil spirit spoke these words: “O sinless one, in my former birth, like me who was devoted to trade, there was no other wicked man in the entire city. Due to greed for wealth, I never gave alms to any one then. Then there was a virtuous brahmaija friend of mine.

42b-54. On the twelfth day of Bhadrapada, when the Sravaija (a Zodiacal sign) appeared, he some time went with me to the Tapi river to bathe. Her confluence with Candrabhaga was holy. Candrabhaga is the Moon's daughter, and Tapi is the Sun’s daughter. With the brahmaija I got into the lukewarm water of them. Men fasted on the occasion of the Sravagadvadashi, and gave pitcher of water full of the good Candrabhaga water to Brahmaijas. I also gave Vishnu’s image, witfc curd and rice, with lids, with an umbrella, a pair of sandals, and a garment to principal brahmagas, О very intelligent one. Then for the preservation of my wealth, I, on her bank, and in (keeping with my) vow, gave, after fasting, a charming pitcher of water. Having done that, I came home, and after some time, I expired, and due to my heresy I was reduced to the state of an evil spirit in this terrible forest like the family of snakes. On the occasion of Sravajia-dvadasi, I gave a pitcher of water. The same is received by me at mid-day every day. All other brahmanas who were sinful, who had sexual union with other’s wives, and who had plotted against their masters, became evil spirits. Here, in this Maru region, the men were born as goblins and evil spirits; and they have become my friends here. The eternal highest soul, revered Vishou is imperishable. That which is offered with reverence to him is said to be inexhaustible. Though they are repeatedly satisfied with inexhaustible food, they do not at all give up their state of evil spirits and weakness.

55-61. I after having honoured with food a guest (like) you who have come (here), have become free from the state of an evil spirit, and will obtain the highest position (viz. salva­tion). But these, abandoned by me, will experience terrible suffering due to their acts in this very fearful forest. О noble one, with a desire to favour me, take down the names and their lineage which are (given by me). There is an auspicious box in your upper garment. Then reaching the Himalaya mountain, you will then obtain a treasure there. О very intelligent one, then go to Gayasirsha, and perform a sraddha.” Having thus instructed the merchant as he liked, he dismissed him. He (too) being eager went away. Having reached his house first, he (then) later went to the Himalaya mountain. Then taking the treasure seen there he came (to Gayasirsha). Taking one-sixth portion of it he went to Gayashirsha.

62-75. The very intelligent one went to Gaya, performed a sraddha, (so also) a sraddha offered to the evil spirits duly and as indicated. Taking (i.e. uttering) the names and (mentioning) the families, he offered а рщ4а to everyone. He whose sraddha the merchant would perform by day, showed him his body in his dream and said: “O noble one, О sinless4one, by your favour I have abandoned the state of an evil spirit, and have reached the highest condition.” In this way the noble-minded one having duly performed (the sraddhas) at Gayasirsha, later went, repeatedly meditating upon Vishrtu, to his own house. The very intelligent one, in the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada when it was the occasion of Sravai? a-dvadashI, with all necessary things went to the confluence of the rivers. Having bathed at the confluence of the rivers, he observed the DvadaSI fast. Then he bathed there, gave (gifts to brahmanas) and worshipped Vishnu. Then he with a concentrated mind gave presents to a brahmana according to the manner specified in the sacred texts. Then the intelligent merchant returned. When every year the month of Bhadrapada arrived, on the occasion of

Shravana-dvadasi (he bathed) at the confluence of rivers. Thus dedicating everything to Visiju, he performed all (the rites). After a long time he died. He obtained a great position which is difficult to be obtained by men. Even now he being waited upon by Vishnu’s servants, plays in Vaikuiitha. О brahmana, thus you observe the Dvadasi-vow. It gives all good fortune in this world and the next. It produces good ideas, it is great, and removes all sins. He who, on the occasion of the Sravana-dvadasI observes such a vow, goes to Vishnu’s world due to the efficacy of this vow.

 

CHAPTER SEVENTY

The Vow of Nadi-triratra

Narada said:

1. О lord of gods, О lord of the Universe, О you who give pleasures and salvation, О you greatest god, tell me (that) due to which (a man) does not experience grief.

MaheSa said:

2-10. Listen, О brahmana, I shall tell you the vow of the river observed for three nights, having observed which, men do not go to hell. A man, having obtained (long) life, (good) health, matchless good fortune, happiness and wealth, so also inexhau­stible (i.e. continuous) progeny, is honoured in heaven. When the month of Ashadha comes the river is full of water. She is wellknown in the Purana to be constantly full of water. In the rainy season, when (the sky) is full of clouds, she should be (served) with a vow. When the river is full with all (kinds of) water, the vow intended for three nights should be carefully observed. As is liked by one*, one should see her for three days. On the bank of a water place, when the river is flooded (he should bathe); or should carry home that water in a black pitcher. О brahmana, a wise man, having gone to the river in the morning, should bathe there, ifheisableto fast for three nights. If he is unable (to fast), he should fast by eating once a day. He should offer lamp regularly, and worship (Vis#u) in the morning and evening. Uttering the name of the great river and of Varuna, and placing (mentally) Visiju, lying in water,

11-25. (he should say: ) “Salutation to the deity, О Ganga, О Gautami; О river, О Sindhu, Kaveri, Sarasvati, Salutation to you. Repeated salutations to Tapi, Payosni, Punia, Mehendrasukhada (delighting Indra), Kasyapi, GandakI and to river Sindhu. Salutation to (you), О Varuna, living in water and dear to Vishnu. О lord of the aquatic animals, О lord of water, always grant me well-being. Accept the respectful offering made by me. Give me the desired fruit.” He should also make offering of food with pumpkin gourds, coconuts, and other auspicious fruits produced in the season. (He should say: ) “Salutation to you, О Kesava, О Ananta. Salutation to you lying in water. О lord, protect me. О Govinda, grant me a boon.” Thus he should, in proper order, and at proper time, worship (the deity). He being pure, and having observed the three-night vow, should break the fast after worshipping the deity and should use a vessel full of water, with fruits, flowers. О learned one, he should, along with women, children and men, with songs, musical instruments and pitchers full of river (water) and placing it at every watery place worship it with fruits and flowers.* So also with various kinds of grains and sprinklings of water. Having carefully come home laughing, singing and dancing, he should worship bamboo-baskets filled with seven (kinds of) grains. According to his capacity he should fill seven, five or three (baskets). Desiring his well-being, he should not drink river water for three nights. At the time of breaking the fast food to be eaten during certain holidays or days of fast should be procured. After bath is taken or worship is done the water of the river should not be used. Give pure food and eat­ables in three groups. So also (give) seven bamboo-baskets and seven water-pitchers also. He should eat food eaten on days of fast and without acrid or sweet taste. He should carefully avoid food with beans and ground with stone. О best brahmana, thus the vow should be observed for three years. When the three years are over, he should conclude it in this way:

*The reading is obscure.

26-32. О Narada, he should give a (brahmana) couple a black cow, with a black (piece of) cloth and Sheshamum-seeds. Having thus given (these) to a (brahmana) couple he should also give gold (to the couple) according to his capacity. О Narada, he should fashion golden image of Varuna, as the form of a river, and a fully auspicious circle (in honour) of Varuna. He should place there a pitcher along with presents. Having worshipped it that is placed there, he should duly and devoutly worship it and then give it to a brahmana. He should in accor­dance with his wealth and capacity feed the brahmanas, so also his preceptor who is of respectable character and who is engaged in (the study of) all sacred texts. When this is done, the vow would be complete, О learned one. He would have unending good fortune, happiness, wealth and children. He never meets with a calamity, and is, for a long time, honoured in heaven. This (vow) was observed by wives of gods and of sages also. Formerly, the naga-women and siddha-women had observed this vow. This vow of the Nadi-triratra is matchless. What else do you wish to hear? He certainly always obtains good fortune and children.

 

CHAPTER SEVENTYONE

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