The Account of Somaiarman's Birth in a Brahmana Family

Somasharman said:

1-2. O sage, you told me about my sin in the former birth. O best brahmana, in what way was I forsaken by shudrahood and did I obtain brahmanahood? O you well-versed in spiritual and worldly knowledge, tell me all about it. Vasishtha said:

3. If you think (like listening to them) listen; I shall explain to you, O brahmana, what religious deeds you did in the former birth.

1. Anjana — seems to refer to the practice of putting a particular kind of collyrium into the eyes and then to see where wealth may be found. Vada — seems to be a reference to the exposition of certain secret spells helping to obtain wealth.

4-6. A certain innocent, well-learned brahmana of a good conduct, religious-minded, and always solely devoted to Vishnu wandered over the earth for pilgrimages to sacred places. He, the very intelligent one, while (thus) wandering, came to your house. O best of brahmanas, he requested you for a place to stay (i.e. for accommodation). You with your wife and sons gave it to him (saying: )

7-9a. " O brahmana, come, come happily (i.e. you are welcome) to my house." You repeatedly said these words to that brahmana, the devotee of Vishnu: " O you of a good vow, live here comfortably; this is your house. Today I am blessed; today I have visited a sacred place. Today I have obtained the fruit of a visit to a sacred place by seeing your two feet."

9b-12. (Then) you showed him the cowpen for his lodging. Having massaged his body you also shampooed his feet. You also washed them with water. You also bathed with the water with which his feet were washed. You thus forthwith gave ghee, curd, milk, food and buttermilk to that noble brahmna. Thus with your wife and sons you pleased that very learned, noble brahmana, Vishnu's devotee.

13-16. When it was the dawn of the auspicious and blissful day, on which fell (i.e. which was) the Ekadashi (eleventh day) of the bright fortnight of Asadha (called) Papanasini (the destroyer of sins), which destroyed all sins, and on which day god Hrsikesa (i.e. Vishnu) goes to sleep (called) Yoga-nidra, O brahmana, when that day came, all wise men having given up all domestic duties, became engrossed in meditating upon Vishnu. With songs and (playing upon) musical instruments they celebrated a great festival. All the brahmanas praised (Vishnu) with (hymns from) the Vedas, and very auspicious hymns of praise.

17. When the great festival had come, the best brahmana stayed there on that day. He (also) fasted properly.

18. The brahmana recited the hymn to Ekadashi. With your wife and sons you also listened to the excellent (account of) religious virtue.

19. When that very auspicious (account) was heard by your wife and sons they urged you: " Observe this vow in the company of this brahmana."

20-26a. Hearing those great (i.e. very important) words, giving all merit, you were determined (to observe it and so said: ) " I shall observe this vow." Then going to the river with your wife and sons, you bathed in the river. O brahmana, with a pleased mind you worshipped Vishnu with all (kinds of) auspicious presents and with sandal, incense etc. You kept awake by dancing and singing songs during that night. In the company of that brahmana you again bathed in the river. Saluting Vishnu with devotion and bathing him again and again, you worshipped the lord of gods with auspicious (objects like) flowers, incense etc. and similarly gave a present to that noble brahmana. O brahmana, having devoutly saluted that brahmana, you gave him ample presents. Then you broke the fast, O brahmana, with your sons, wife etc. You sent him (away) with devotion and good feelings.

26b-30a. O best brahmana, you yourself observed the vow like this, due to the company of that brahmana, and due to the favour of Vishnu. You, endowed with a truthful conduct became (i.e. was born as) a brahmana. Due to the efficacy of that vow you obtained (i.e. were born in) a great family of brahmanas, wise and of truthful conduct. To that noble brahmana, devoted to Vishnu, you gave well-cooked food with faith and truthfulness. Due to the efficacy of that food sweet food comes to you.

30b-33. O brahmana, in your previous birth you were deluded through folly, and your mind was pervaded with desire. (So) you collected money only. You did not give it to brahmanas or to helpless persons, or to your wife, as you died through desire for a son (not being satisfied). (So) due to the effect of that sin, poverty, non-fulfilment of your desire, and loss of affection came to you. It is just the result of that sin that you were born sonless.

34-35. O brahmana, a family with good sons, wealth, grains, excellent wife, good birth or death, excellent enjoyments and happiness, kingdom, heaven and salvation, and all that is difficult to obtain (are obtained) through the favour of that magnanimous Vishnu.

36-38. Therefore, by worshipping that Govinda, Narayana, Anamaya, you will obtain that highest position i.e. the highest position of Vishnu. O brahmana, I have fully told you about having good sons, wealth, grains, excellent enjoyments and happi972 Padma Purana ness, and all the deeds that you did in your former birth. O blessed one, knowing thus be solely devoted to Vishnu.

39-41. The best brahmana of great prowess was (thus) advised by Brahma's son (i.e. Vasishtha). The noble one, being full of joy, having saluted Vasishtha there, and having taken his leave of that brahmana (i.e. Vasishtha) went home. Joyfully approaching his wife Sumana, (he said to her: ) " O auspicious lady, due to your favour that brahmana, Vasishtha, told me all my former account and behaviour. Today only my delusion is destroyed. I shall just propitiate Vishnu and shall reach that highest position, viz. salvation."

42. Hearing those excellent, great, very auspicious words bringing about happiness, she, full of joy, said to her husband: " You are lucky (that) you are advised by that brahmana."

 

CHAPTER NINETEEN

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