Sri Hari-bhakti-vilasa

Gopal Bhatta Goswami

First Vilasa                            

#Text 1

atha maìgaläcaraëam
caitanyadevaà bhagavantaà äçraye
çré-vaiñëavänäà pramude 'ïjasä likhan
ävaçyakaà karma vicärya sädhubhiù
särdhaà samähåtya samasta-çästrataù
atha-now; maìgaläcaraëam-invoking auspiciousness; caitanyadevam-Lord Caitanyadeva; bhagavantam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; äçraye-I take shelter; çré-vaiñëavänäm-of the devotees; pramude-for the pleasure; aïjasä-properly; likhan-writiìg; ävaçyakam-compulsory; karma-work; vicärya-consideriìg; sädhubhiù-the devotees; särdham-with; samähåtya-collectiìg; samasta-from all; çästrataù-the çcriptures.

Invoking Auspiciousness
As, reflecting on what activities must be performed, and with the help of the devotees collecting many quotes from all the scriptures, I write this book for the devotees' pleasure, I take shelter of Lord Caitanyadeva 

Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

brahmädi-çakti-pradaà éçvaraà taà
dätuà sva-bhaktià kåpayävatérëam
caitanyadevaà çaraëaà präpadye
yasya prasädät sva-vaçe 'rtha-siddhiù

I take shelter of Lord Caitanyadeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who empowers Brahma' and the demigods, who descended to this world to give His own devotional service, and whose mercy allows His devotees to conquer Him and bring Him under their control.

likhyate bhagavad-bhakti-
viläsasya yathä-mati
öékä dig-darçiné näma
tad-ekäàçärtha-bodhiné

This commentary, which bears the name Dig-darçiné öéka' (A Commentary That Shows the Direction), and which explains a small portion of the Hari-bhakti-viläsa, has been written as far as I am able.
As I begin the difficult task of writing this book, in order to attain a good result I first take shelter of my parama-guru, my worshipable Deity, Lord Caitanya. The name Caitanya means the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the form of pure knowledge (cit), who is worshiped by all the universes, and who among all Deities has the most perfect transcendental knowledge. Or, another meaning of the name Caitanya is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who stays in everyone's heart (citta). Or, another meaning of the name Caitanya is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who gives life (cetanä, to all living entities. I take shelter of Him, Lord Caitanya, the master of my life.
Why do I write this book? I write to describe the activities that should be performed by the saintly devotees of Lord Viñëu. Why else do I write? I write to please them. 
Someone may ask: How can a fallen person like you be successful in such a task? I reply: I shall be successful because I take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who has all powers and opulences, who has a great host of virtues, beginning with His great mercy, and who Çrémad-Bhägavatam 1.3.28 reveals is Lord Kåñëa. In this way three parts of this verse are explained. By taking shelter of Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu I will be successful in this task. That is the meaning here.
Furthermore, it is by His power, by His order, and by His glory that I am engaged in this task. I do not write by my own wish. I do not write to glorify myself.
In my opinion the perfect name of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. By taking shelter of His mercy this book is not at all difficult to write. Indeed, everything is done very easily. That is the meaning.
Here someone may object: All these things have already been described in the Vedas, Småti, Puräëas, Agamas, and other scriptures. Why should you write something more? To this I reply: I will gather quotes from all the scriptures and put each quote in its appropriate place. That is how I will write this book. 

Text 2 

bhakter viläsäàç cinute prabodhä-
nandasya çiñyo bhagavat-priyasya
gopäla-bhaööo raghunätha-däsaà
santoñayan rüpa-sanätanau ca

bhakteù-of devotional service; viläsän-the pastimes; cinute-gathers; prabodhänandasya-of Prabodhänanda Sarasvaté; çiñyaù-the disciple; bhagavat-to the Lord; priyasya-dear; gopäla-bhaööaù-Gopäla Bhaööa Gosvämé; raghunätha-däsam-Raghunätha däsa Gosvämé; santoñayan-pleasing; rüpa-Rüpa Gosvämé; sanätanau-Sanätana Gosvämé; ca-and.

Çréla Gopäla Bhaööa Gosvämé, who pleased Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé, Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé, and Çréla Raghunätha däsa Gosvämé, and who was a disciple of Lord Caitanya's dear devotee, Çréla Prabodhänanda Sarasvaté, first collected these pastimes of devotional service. 

Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The pastimes of devotional service are this book, Çré Hari-bhakti-viläasa.

Text 3 

mathurä-nätha-pädäbja-
prema-bhakti-viläsataù
jätaà bhakti-viläsäkhyaà
tad-bhaktäù çélayantö imam
mathurä-of Mathurä; nätha-of the master; pädäbja-for the lotus feet; prema-love; bhakti-and devotion; viläsataù-from the pastimes; jätam-born; bhakti-viläsäkhyam-named Bhakti-viläsa; tad-bhaktäù-His devotees; çélayantv-may study; imam-this.

May the devotees of the Lord carefully study this Hari-bhakti-viläsa, which has come from a person who enjoys splendid pastimes of love and devotion for the lotus feet of Mathurä's master.

Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The compound word mathurä-nätha-pädäbja-prema-bhakti-viläsataù may mean either "the book Hari-bhakti-viläsa has come from the playful happiness of Çréla Gopäla Bhaööa Gosvämé, who is filled with love and devotion for Mathurä's master," or "the book Hari-bhakti-viläsa has come from Çréla Gopäla Bhaööa Gosvämé, who who enjoys splendid pastimes of love and devotion for the lotus feet of Mathurä's master."
The devotees here are like bumblebees at the lotus feet of Mathurä's master. If the alternate reading "çobhayantu" is accepted, then the text reads, "the devotees of the Lord are glorious because they are faultless and because they always hear and chant the glories of the Lord." If the reading alaìkurvantu is accepted, then the text reads, "the devotees of the Lord are decorated with all virtues, beginning with humbleness."

Text 4 

jéyäsur ätyantika-bhakti-niñöhaù
çré-vaiñëavä mäthura-maëòale 'tra
käçéçvaraù kåñëa-vane cakastu
çré-kåñëa-däsaç ca sa-lokanäthaù
jéyäsuù-all glories; ätyantika-bhakti-niñöhaù-to they who have great faith and devotion; çré-vaiñëavä-the devotees of Lord Viñëu; mäthura-of Mathurä; maëòale-in the circle; atra-here; käçéçvaraù-Käçéçvara; kåñëa-vane-in Lord Kåñëa's forest; cakastu-manifest; çré-kåñëa-däsaù-Kåñëa däsa; ca-and; sa-lokanäthaù-with Lokanätha.

All glories to the great devotees here in Lord Kåñëa's forest within Mäthura-maëòala! May Käçéçvara, Kåñëadäsa, and Lokanätha appear before me.

Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Tasting the nectar of devotional service to the lotus feet of Mathurä's master, the the devotees happily live in the land of Mathurä. In Çré Gopäla-täpani' Upaniñad, Våndävana is called "the forest of Lord Kåñëa". In that forest the devotees happily enjoy pastimes of hearing and chanting Lord Kåñëa's glories. The word sa-lokanäthaù (with Lokanätha, indicates the close friendship between Kåñëadäsa Kaviräja and Lokanätha Gosvämé. It was in the company of the devotees mentioned here that this book was written.

Text 5 

tatra lekhya-pratijïä 
ädau sa-käraëaà lekhyaà
çré-gurväçrayaëaà tataù
guruù çiñyaù parékñädir
bhagavän manavo 'sya ca 
manträdikäré siddhy-ädi 
çodhanaà mantra-saàskriyä
tatra-there; lekhya-pratijïä-description of what will bewritten; ädau-in the begtinning; sa-käraëam-with reasons; lekhyam-to be written; çré-guru-of the spiritual master; äçrayaëam-shelter; tataù-then; guruù-the guru; çiñyaù-the disciple; parékñädiù-examination; bhagavän-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; manavaù-mantras; asya-of Him; ca-and; mantra-for the mantras; adikäré-qualified person; siddhy-ädi-beginning with perfection; çodhanam-purification; mantra-of mantras; saàskriyä-rite of purification.

Table of Contents

In this book will be discussed: (First Viläsa, 1. Taking shelter of a bona-fide spiritual master, 2. the qualities of a bona-fide spiritual master, 3. the qualities of a bona-fide disciple, 4. tests presented to the spiritual master and disciple, 5. the qualities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. 6. the mantras glorifying the Supreme Personality of Godhead. 7. the qualities of a person eligible to chant these mantras, 8. the rites of purification, beginning with Siddhi, 9. the purification of mantras, . . .

Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Here will be described the spiritual master and his qualities. Then will be described the mantras of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the glories of these mantras.

Text 6 

dékñä nityaà brahma-käle
çubhotthänaà pavitratä
dékñä-initiation; nityam-regularly; brahma-käle-at brahma-muhürta; çubha-auspicious; utthänam-rising; pavitratä-purity.

. . . (Second Viläsa, 10. initiation, 11. rising every day at brahma-muhürta, 12. cleanliness, . . .

Text 7 

prätaù småtyädi kåñëasya
vädyädyaiç ca prabodhanam
nirmälyottaraëädy-ädau
maìgalärätrikaà tataù
prätaù-at sunrise; småty-remembering; ädi-beginning with; kåñëasya-of Lord Kåñëa; vädya-ädyaiù-activities beginning with playing music; ca-and; prabodhanam-awakening; nirmälya-the garlands worn by the Lord; uttaraëa-wearing; ädy-beginning with; ädau-in the beginning; maìgalärätrikam-maìgala-ärati; tataù-then.

. . . (Third Viläsa, 13. remembering Lord Kåñëa and performing other devotional activities early in the morning, 14. awakening the Deity with musé and other devotional activities, 15. wearing garlands worn by the Deity and accepting other remnants from the Deity, 16. maìgala-ärati, . . .

Text 8 

maiträdi-kåtyaà çaucäca-
manaà dantasya dhävanam
snänaà tantrika-sandhyädi
deva-sadmädi-saàskriyä
maitra-passing urine; ädi-beginning with; kåtyam-to be done; çauca-cleaning; äcamanam-ringing the mount; dantasya-of the teeth; dhävanam-cleaning; snänam-bathing; tantrika-sandhyä-ädi-offering tantrika-sandhyä; deva-sadmädi-saàskriyä-cleaning the temple.

. . . 17. the proper way to pass urine and stool, 18. cleaning the body. 19. rinsing the mouth, 20. cleaning the teeth, 21. bathing, 22. performing tantrika-sandhya' (chanting the Gäyatré mantra), (Fourth Viläsa, 23. cleaning the temple of the Lord, . . . 

Text 9 

tulasy-ädy-ähåtir geha-
snänam uñëodakädikam
vastraà péöhaà cordhva-puëòraà
çré-gopi-candanädikam
tulasy-ädy-ähåtiù-offerings to Tulasé; geha-of the house; snänam-cleaning; uñëodakädikam-with warm water; vastram-clothing; péöham-seat; ca-and; ürdhva-puëòram-tilaka; çré-gopi-candanädikam-beginning with gopé-candana.

. . 24. offering gifts to Tulasé, 25. cleaning one's house, 26. bathing with warm water, 27. garments, 28. sitting place, 29. tilaka, 30. gopé-candana, . . .

Text 10 

cakrädi-mudrä mälä ca
gåha-sandhyärcanaà guroù
mähätmyaà cätha kåñëasya
dvära-veñmäntarärcanam
cakra-with cakra; ädi-beginning; mudrä-mudras; mälä-garlands; ca-and; gåha-sandhyä-offering sandhya' at home; arcanam-worship; guroù-of the spiritual master; mähätmyam-the glories; ca-and; atha-then; kåñëasya-of Lord Kåñëa; dvära-veñma-the door of the houee; antara-within; arcanam-worship.

. . . 31. the cakra-mudra' and other mudräs, 32. garlands, 33. performing sandhya' at home, 34. worshiping the spiritual master, 35. the glories of the spiritual master, 36. worshiping Lord Kåñëa, 37. the glories of Lord Kåñëa, (Fifth Viläsa, 38. worshiping when one enters the door of the house, . . .

Text 11 

püjärthäsanam arghyädi-
sthäpanaà vighna-väraëam
çré-gurv-ädi-natir bhüta-
çuddhiù präëa-viçodhanam
püjä-worship; artha-for the purpose; äsanam-a seat; arghyädi-beginning with arghya; sthäpanam-placing; vighna-väraëam-protection from obstacles; çré-guru-with the spiritual master; ädi-beginning; natiù-offering obeisances; bhüta-çuddhiù-bhüta-çuddhi; präëa-viçodhanam-purifying the life breath.

. . . 39. sitting down to worship the Lord, 40. arghya and other offerings, 41. removing obstacles, 42. bowing down before the spiritual master and other superiors, 43. bhüta-çuddhi, 44. purifying the life-breath, . . .

Text 12 

nyäsa-mudrä-païcakaà ca
kåñëa-dhyänäntarärcane
püjä padäni çré-mürti-
çälagräma-çiläs tathä
nyäsa-nyasas; mudrä-mudräs; païcakam-five; ca-and; kåñëa-dhyäna-meditation on Lord Kåñëa; antara-in the heart; arcane-in worship; püjä-worship; padäni-places; çré-mürti-the Deity of the Lord; çälagräma-çiläù-the Çälagräma stone; tathä-so.

. . . 45. the nyäsas, 46. the five kinds of mudräs, 47. meditating on Lord Kåñëa, 48. worshiping Lord Kåñëa in one's heart, 49. the Deity of the Lord, 50. the Çälagräma stone, . . .

Text 13 

dvärakodbhava-cakräëi
çuddhayaù péöha-püjanam
ävähanädi tan-mudrä
äsanädi-samarpaëam
dvärakä-in Dvärakä; udbhava-manifested; cakräëi-cakra stones; çuddhayaù-cleaning; péöha-sitting place; püjanam-worship; ävähanädi-activities beginning with inviting the Lord to appear; tan-mudrä-the mudras for that purpose; äsanädi-samarpaëam-offering a throne and other things.

. . . 51. the cakra stones manifested at Dvärakä, (Sixth Viläsa, 52. cleaning the Deity, 53. worshiping the Lord's abode, 54. worship of the Deity, 55. inviting the Lord to appear, 56. the mudräs for that purpose, 57. offering the Deity a throne and other gifts, . . .

Text 14 

snäpanaà saìkha-ghaëöädi-
vädyaà näma-sahasrakam
puräëa-päöho vasanaà
upavétaà vibhüñaëam
snäpanam-bathing saìkha-conchshells; ghaëöä-and bells; ädi-beginning with; vädyam-music; näma-sahasrakam-chanting a thousand names; puräëa-päöhaù-reciting the Puräëas; vasanam-garments; upavétam-sacred thread; vibhüñaëam-ornaments.

. . . 58. bathing the Deity, 51. conchshells, bells, and musical instruments at the time of bathing the Deity, 52. chanting a thousand names of the Lord, 53. reciting the Puräëas, 54. offering garments, 55. offering a sacred thread, 56. offering ornaments, . . .

Text 15 

gandhaù çré-tulasé-käañöha-
candanaà kusumäni ca
paträëi tulasé cäìgo-
paìgävaraëa-püjanam
gandhaù-perfume; çré-tulasé-käañöha-made of tulasé wood; candanam-sandal paste; kusumäni-flowers; ca-and; paträëi-leaves; tulasé-Tulasé; ca-and; aìga-upäìga-of the limbs of the Lord; ävaraëa-of the guards protecting the Lord's abode; püjanam-the worship.

. . . 57. offering scents, 58. offering tulasé-candana, (Seventh Viläsa, 59. offering flowers, 60. offering leaves, 61. Tulasé, 62. worshiping the limbs of the Lord's transcendental form, 63. worshiping the guards protecting the Lord's abode, . . .

Text 16 

dhüpo dépaç ca naivedyaà
pänaà homo bali-kriyä
avagaëòüñädy-äsya-väso
divya-gandhädikaà punaù
dhüpaù-incense; dépaç-lamp; ca-and; naivedyam-food; pänam-drink; homaù-homa; bali-kriyä-offerings; avagaëòüña-rinsing the mouth; ädy-beginning with; äsya-of the mouth; väsaù-scent; divya-gandhädikam-beginning with celestial scents; punaù-again.

. . . (Eighth Viläsa, 64. offering incense, 65. offering a lamp, 66. offering food, 67. offering drink, 68. offering homa, 69. offering the Lord's remnants to the devotees, 70. rinsing the mouth, 71. making the mouth fragrant, 72. again offering celestial fragrances, . . .

Text 17 

räjopacärä gétädi
mahä-néräjanaà tathä
çaìkhädi-vädanaà sämbu-
çaìkha-néräjanaà stutiù
räja-for a king; upacärä-things; gétä-with singing; ädi-beginning; mahä-néräjanam-great ärati; tathä-so; çaìkhädi-vädanam-sound conchshells and other things; sa-ambu-with water; çaìkha-conchshell; néräjanam-ärati; stutiù-prayers.

. . . 73. offering regal gifts, 74. singing and other things, 75. offering maha'-néräjana, 76. sounding a conchshell and other musical instruments, 77. offering çaìkha-néräjana, 78. offering prayers, . . . 

Text 18 

natiù pradakñiëä karmädy-
arpaëaà japa-yäcane
agaù-kñamäpaëaà nänä-
gäàsi nirmälya-dhäraëam
natiù-bowing down; pradakñiëä-circumambulating; karma-work; ädi-beginning with; arpaëam-offering; japa-chanting japa; yäcane-prayers; agaù-sins; kñamäpaëam-forgiveness; nänä-various; agäàsi-sins; nirmälya-dhäraëam-wearing garlands from the Lord.

. . . 79. bowing down, 80. circumambulating, 81. offering one's work and other things to the Lord, 82. chanting japa, 83. offering prayers, 84. begging forgiveness for offenses, 85. various offenses, 86. wearing garlands offered to the Lord, . . .

Text 19 

çaìkhämbu-térthaà tulasé-
püjä tan-måttikädi ca
dhätré snäna-niñedhasya
kälo våtter uparjanam
çaìkha-fromthe conchshell; ambu-water; tértham-water frok the Lord's lotus feet; tulasé-of Tulasé; püjä-worship; tan-måttika-ädi-activities beginning with respectfully touching her earth; ca-and; dhätré-amalaké; snäna-niñedhasya kälaù-the time when bathing is forbidden; våtter uparjanam-means of livelihood.

. . . (Ninth Viläsa, 87. conchshell water, 88. water that has washed the Lord's feet, 89. worship of Tulasé, 90. the ground where Tulasé grows, 91. the ämalaké tree, 92. times when bathing is forbidden, 93. proper ways to earn one's livelihood, . . .

Text 20 

madhyähne vaiçvadevädi
çräddhaà cänarpyam ucyate
vinärcäm açane doñäs
tathänarpita-bhojane
madhyähne-at midday; vaiçvadeva-ädi-beginning with the Vaiçvadevas; çräddham-çräddha; ca-and; anarpyam-what should not be offered; ucyate-is said; vinä-without; arcäm-worship; açane-in eating; doñäù-faults; tathä-so; anarpita-without offered; bhojane-in eating.

. . . 94. midday duties, 95. the vaiçvadevas, 96. çräddha, 97. what should not be offered, 98. the offense of eating without having first worshiped the Lord, 99. the sin of eating food not first offered to the Lord, . . .

Text 21 

naivedya-bhakñaëaà santaù
sat-saìgo 'sad-asaìgatiù
asad-gatir vaiñëavopa-
häsa-nindädi-duñkalam
naivedya-bhakñaëam-eating food offered to the Lord; santaù-the devotees of the Lord; sat-saìgaù-association with the devotees of the Lord; asad-asaìgatiù-avoiding the association of non-devotees; asad-gatiù-the result of associating with non-devotees; vaiñëava-of the devotees; upahäsa-mocking; nindä-offenses; ädi-beginning with; duñkalam-the inauspicious result.

. . . 100. eating food offered to the Lord, (Tenth Viläsa, 101. the devotees of the Lord, 102. associating with the devotees of the Lord, 103. avoiding the association of non-devotees, 104. the result of associating with non-devotees, 105. the inauspicious result obtained by mocking or offending the devotees of the Lord, . . .

Text 22 

satäà bhaktir viñëu-çästraà
çrémad-bhägavataà tathä
lélä-kathä ca bhagavad-
dharmaù säyaà nija-kriyäù
satäm-of the devotees; bhaktiù-devotion; viñëu-çästram-the Vaiñëava scriptures; çrémad-bhägavatam-Çrémad-Bhägavatam; tathä-so; lélä-kathä-the narrations of the Lord's pastimes; ca-and; bhagavad-dharmaù-the religion of the Lord; säyam-evening; nija-kriyäù-own duties.

. . . 106. giving respect to the devotees, 107. the Vaiñëava scriptures, 108. Çrémad-Bhägavatam, 109. narrations of the Lord's pastimes, 110. the religion of devotional service to the Lord, (Eleventh Viläsa, 111. evening duties, . . .

Text 23 

karma-päta-paréhäras
tri-kälärcä viçeñataù
naktaà kåtyäny atho püjä-
phala-siddhy-ädi darçanam
karma-päta-materialisté activities; paréhäraù-renunciation; tri-kälärcä-worship at three times of the day; viçeñataù-specifically; naktam-at night; kåtyäny-duties; athaù-then; püjä-of worship; phala-of the result; siddhy-the perfection; ädi-beginning with; darçanam-seeing the Deity.

. . . 112. renunciation of materialism, 113. worship at three times of the day, 114. duties at night, 115. the final result obtained by worship, 116. seeing the Deity of the Lord, . . .

Text 24 

viñëv-artha-dänaà vividho-
pacärä nyüna-püraëam
çayanaà mahimärcäyäù
çréman-nämnas tathädbhutaù
viñëu-artha-dänam-giving gifts to the Lord; vividha-various; upacärä-kinds of worship; nyüna-püraëam-fulfilling a need; çayanam-sleep; mahimä-the glory; arcäyäù-of worship; çréman-nämnaù-of the holy name; tathä-so; adbhutaù-wonder.

. . . 117. giving gifts to the Lord, 118. various kinds of worship, 119. fulfilling needs, 120. sleep, 121. the wonderful glory of worshiping the Lord, 122. the wonderful glory of the Lord's holy name, . . .

Text 25 

nämäparädhä bhaktiç ca
premäthäçrayaëädayaù
pakñeñv ekädaçé säìgä
çré-dvädaçy-añöakaà mahat
nämäparädhä-offenses to the holy name; bhaktiç-devotional service; ca-and; prema-lobe; atha-then; äçrayaëädayaù-beginning with surrender; pakñeñö-in the paksas; ekädaçé-ekädaçé; sa-with; aìgä-parts; çré-dvädaçé-dvädaçé; añöakam-eight things; mahat-great.

. . . 123. offenses to the holy name, 124. devotional service, 125. devotional love, 126. activities beginning with surrendering to the Lord, (Twelfth and Thirteenth Viläsas, 127. duties in relation to the pakñas, 128. ekädaçé, 129. eight maha'-dvädaçés, . . .

Text 26 

kåtyäni märgaçérñädi-
mäseñu dvädaçeñv api
puraçcaraëa-kåtyäni
mantraà siddhasya lakñaëam
kåtyäni-duties; märgaçérñädi-beginning with Margasirsa; mäseñu-in the months; dvädaçeñv-twelve; api-also; puraçcaraëa-kåtyäni-puraçcaraëa; mantram-mantra; siddhasya-of one who has attained perfection; lakñaëam-the charateristics.

. . . (Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Sixteenth Viläsas, 130. duties in the twelve months beginning with Märgaçérña, (Seventeenth Viläsa, 131. puraçcaraëa, 132. characteristics of the siddha-mantra, . . . 

Text 27 

mürty-ävirbhävanaà mürti-
pratiñöhä kåñëa-mandiram
jérëoddhåtiù çré-tulasé-
viväho 'nanya-karma ca
mürty-ävirbhävanam-appearance of the Deity; mürti-pratiñöhä-establishment of the Deity; kåñëa-mandiram-the temple of Lord Kåñëa; jérëa-old temples; uddhåtiù-repair; çré-tulasé-of Çré Tulasé; vivähaù-the marriage; ananya-of the pure devotees; karma-activities; ca-and.

. . . (Eighteenth Viläsa, 133. manifestation of the Deity of the Lord, (Nineteenth Viläsa, 134. installing the Deity of the Lord, (Twentieth Viläsa, 135. the temple of Lord Kåñëa, 136. repairing old temples, 137. the marriage of Çré Tulasé, and 138. the activities of the pure devotees.

Text 28 

tatra gurüpasatti-käraëam
kåpayä kåñëadevasya
tad-bhakta-jana-saìgataù
bhakter mähätmyam äkarëya
täm icchan sad-guruà bhajet
tatra-there; guru-of the spiritual master; upasatti-approach; käraëam-the cause; kåpayä-by the mercy; kåñëadevasya-of Lord Kåñëadeva; tad-bhakta-jana-saìgataù-by the association of His devotees; bhakteù-of devotional service; mähätmyam-the glory; äkarëya-hearing; täm-that; icchan-desiring; sad-gurum-a bona-fide spiritual master; bhajet-should worship.

The Reason Why One Should Take Shelter of a Genuine Spiritual Master

By the mercy of Lord Kåñëadeva hearing, in the company of the devotees, the glories of pure devotional service, and yearning to attain that service, one should take shelter of a bona-fide spiritual master. 

Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

It is by the mercy of Lord Kåñëadeva that one attains the association of the devotees. Devotional service is more glorious than liberation. The word bhajet here means "one should take shelter".

Text 29 

atränubhüyate nityaà
duùkha-çreëé paratra ca
duùsahä çruyate çästrät
titérñed api täà sudhéù

atra-here; anubhüyate-is experienced; nityam-always; duùkha-çreëé-a series of sufferings; paratra-in the next life; ca-and; duùsahä-unbearable; çruyate-is heard; çästrät-from scripture; titérñet-shoudl desire to cross beyond; api-and; täm-that; sudhéù-an intelligent person.

In this lifetime one experiences a succession of sufferings, and in the next life one is likely to experience another unbearable series of sufferings. Hearing this truth from the scriptures, an intelligent person will yearn to leave the world of birth and death.

Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Here someone may ask: How can ordinary people, who are attached to material sense-happiness, desire to attain devotional service? To this I reply: Desiring to escape the ocean of material sufferings, one will desire to attain devotional service, and thus one will take shelter of a bona-fide spiritual master. This action will be taken by an intelligent person. A person who cannot understand that material life means continued material sufferings is not intelligent. He is like an animal. It may be that such a person is like a hunter or other great sinner, and that is why he has lost his intelligence.

Text 30 

tathä coktam ekädaça-skandhe bhagavatä çré-dattena 
labdhvä su-durlabham idam- bahu-sambhavänte
mänuñyam artha-dam anityam apéha dhéraù
türëaà yatena na pated anu-måtyu yävan
niùçreyasäya viñayaù khalu sarvataù syät
tathä-so; ca-and; uktam-spokenm; ekädaça-skandhe-in the Eleventh Canto; bhagavatä-by the Supreme Personality of Godhead; çré-dattena-Çré Dattätreya; labdhvä-attaining; su-durlabham-very rare; idam-this; bahu-sambhavänte-after many births; mänuñyam-human; artha-dam-giving benefits; anityam-temporary; api-although; iha-here; dhéraù-intelligent; türëam-quickly; yateta-should strive; na-not; patet-should fall; anu-måtyu-the series of deaths; yävat-as long as; niùçreyasäya-for the best; viñayaù-the material sense objects; khalu-indeed; sarvataù-in all respects; syät-is.

This fact is affirmed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Çré Dattätreya in the following words (Çrémad-Bhägavatam 11.9.29):
"After many, many births and deaths one achieves the rare human form of life, which, although temporary, affords one the opportunity to attain the highest perfection. Thus, a sober human being should immediately endeavor for the ultimate perfection in life and not fall down into the cycle of repeated birth and death. After all, sense gratification is available even in the most abominable species of life, whereas Kåñëa consciousness is only possible for a human being."*

Text 31 

svayaà çré-bhagavatä ca 
nå-deham ädyaà su-labhaà su-surlabhaà
plavaà su-kalpaà guru-karëadhäram
mayänukülena nabhasvateritaà
pumän bhaväbdhià na taret sa ätma-hä
svayam-personally; çré-bhagavatä-by teh Supreme Personality of Godhead; ca-and; nå-deham-the human body; ädyam-auspicious; su-labham-effortlessly attained; su-surlabham-very difficult to attain; plavam-boat; su-kalpam-well made; guru-karëadhäram-the captain being the spiritual master; mayä-by Me; anukülena-favirable; nabhasvatä-by winds; éritam-impelled; pumän-a person; bhaväbdhim-the ocean of repeated birth and death; na-not; taret'crosses; sa-he; ätma-hä-killer of the soul.

The Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself declares (Çrémad-Bhägavatam 11.20.17):
"The human body, which can award all benefit in life, is automatically obtained by the laws of nature, although it is a very rare achievement. This human body can be compared to a perfectly constructed boat having the spiritual master as the captain and the instructions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead as favorable winds impelling it on its course. Considering all these advantages, a human being who does not utilize his human life to cross the ocean of material existence must be considered the killer of his own soul."*

Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

This verse is spoken by Lord Kåñëa, who is the original Supreme Personality of Godhead, as is described in Çrémad-Bhägavatam 1.3.28. The word ädyam here means "the root of all auspicious results." The human life is attained after many pious deeds. Without many millions of struggles it is not possible to attain a human birth. Still, it seems to come of its own accord. 

Text 32 

atha çré-gurüpasattiù 
tatraiva çré-prabuddha-yogeçvaroktau 
tasmäd guruà präpadyeta
jijïäsuù çreya uttamam
çäbde pare ca niñëätaà
brahmaëy upasamäçrayam
atha-now; çré-gurüpasattiù-taking shelter of the spiritual master; tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-prabuddha-yogeçvara-uktau-in the statement of Çré Prabhuddha, the master of yoga; tasmät-therefore; gurum-of a spiritual master; präpadyeta-one should take shelter; jijïäsuù-desirign to know; çreya-good; uttamam-highest; çäbde-in scriptures; pare-supreme; ca-and; niñëätam-expert; brahmaëy-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; upasamäçrayam-taking shelter.

One Should Take Shelter of a Bona-fide Spiritual Master

Çré Prabhuddha, the great master of yoga, explained (Çrémad-Bhägavatam 11.3.21):
"Therefore any person who seriously desires real happiness must seek a bona-fide spiritual master and take shelter of him by initiation. The qualification of the bona-fide guru is that he has realized the conclusions of the scriptures by deliberation and is able to convince others of these conclusions. Such great personalities, who have taken shelter of the Supreme Godhead, leaving aside all material considerations, should be understood to be bond-fide spiritual masters."*

Text 33 

svayaà çré-bhagavad-uktau 
mad-abhijïaà guruà çäntaà
upäséta mad-ätmakam
svayam-personally; çré-bhagavad-uktau-in the statement of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; mad-abhijïam-who knows me; gurum-spiritual master; çäntam-peaceful; upäséta-should take shelter; mad-ätmakam-dedicated his heart to Me.

The Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself affirms (Çrémad-Bhägavatam 11.10.5):
"One should take shelter of a bona-fide spiritual master, who is peaceful, who knows the truth about Me, and whose heart and mind are fixed on Me."

Text 34 

krama-dépikäyäm- ca 
vipram- prädhvasta-käma-prabhåti-ripu-ghaöam- nirmaläìgaà gariñöhaà
bhaktià kåñëäìghri-paìkeruha-yugala-rajo-räginém udvahantam
vettäraà veda-çästrägama-vimala-pathäà sammataà satsu däntaà
vidyäà yaù samvivitsuù pravaëa-tanu-manä deçikaà saàsrayeta
krama-dépikäyäm-in the Krama-dépikä; ca-and; vipram-brähmaëa; prädhvasta-destroyed; käma-with lust; prabhåti-beginning; ripu-enemies; ghaöam-engaged; nirmaläìgam-pure; gariñöham-exalted; bhaktim-devotion; kåñëäìghri-paìkeruha-yugala-of Lord Kåñëa's lotus feet; rajaù-the dust; räginém-love; udvahantam-bearing; vettäram-the knower; veda-çästrägama-vimala-pathäm-of the pure path of the Vedas and Agamas; sammatam-concluded; satsu-among the devotees; däntam-self-controlled; vidyäm-knowledge; yaù-who; samvivitsuù-knows; pravaëa-tanu-manä-humble; deçikam-guru; saàsrayeta-should take shelter.

Çré Krama-dépika' explains: 
"One should take shelter of a bona-fide spiritual master, who is a qualified brähmaëa, who has conquered lust and all other enemies, who is pure, exalted, devoted to the dust of Lord Kåñëa's lotus feet, fully aware of the pure path of the Vedas and Agamas, convinced of the conclusions reached by the great devotees, self-controlled, eager to learn about the Supreme Lord, and humble at heart."

Text 35 

çrutäv api 
tad-vijïänärthaà sad-gurum eväbhigacchet
samit-päëiù çrotriyaà brahma-niñöham
äcäryavän puruño veda
çrutau-in the Çruti; api-also; tad-vijïänärtham-to attain knowledge; sad-gurum-to a bona-fide spiritual master; eva-indeed; abhigacchet-one must approach; samit-päëiù-with firewood in his hand; çrotriyam-learned in the Vedas; brahma-niñöham-devoted to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; äcäryavän-who has a spiritual master; puruñaù-a person; veda-knows.

In the Muëòaka Upaniñad (1.2.12, it is said:
"To learn the transcendental subject matter one must approach a spiritual master. In doing so one should carry fuel to burn in sacrifice. The symptom of such a spiritual master is that he is expert in understanding the Vedé conclusion and therefore he constantly engages in the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead."*
In the Chändogya Upaniñad (6.14.2, it is said:
"One who approaches a bona-fide spiritual master can understand everything about spiritual realization."*

Text 36 

atha gurüpasatti-nityatä 
çré-bhägavate daçama-skandhe çruti-stutau 
vijihåñéka-väyubhir adänta-manas-turagaà
ya iha yatanti yantu-mati-lolam upäya-khidaù
vyasana-çatänvitaù samavahäya guroç caraëaà
vaëija iväja santya-kåta-karëadhära jaladhau
atha-now; guru-of a spiritual master; upasatti-taking shelter; nityatä-eternality; çré-bhägavate-in Çrémad-Bhägavatam; daçama-skandhe-Canto Ten; çruti-stutau-in the Prayers of the Personified Vedas; vijita-conquered; håñéka-senses; väyubhiù-and air; adänta-not controlled; manaù-of the mind; turagam-the horse; ya-who; iha-here; yatanti-struggle; yantum-to control; ati-lolam-very eager; upäya-khidaù-stuggling in many ways; vyasana-troubles; çata-hundreds; anvitaù-with; samavahäya-abandoning; guroç-of the spiritual master; caraëam-the feet; vaëija-merchants; iva-like; aja-O unbron one; santy-are; a-not; kåta-accepted; karëadhära-captain of the boat; jaladhau-in the ocean.

One Should Always Remain in the Shelter of the Spiritual Master
In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (10.87.33, the Personified Vedas affirm:
"O unborn Supreme Personality of Godhead, they who leave the shelter of their spiritual master's lotus feet and, holding back the senses and breath, struggle to control the wild horse of the mind, meet with a hundred calamities. They are like merchants trying to sail on the ocean in a boat without a captain."

Text 37 

çrutau ca 
naiña tarkeëa matir apaneyä
proktänyenaiva su-jïänäya preñöha
çrutau-in the Çruti; ca-and; na-not; eña-thus; tarkeëa-by logic; matiù-concept; apaneyä-to be removed; proktä-said; anyena-by another; eva-indeed; su-jïänäya-for good knowledge; preñöha-O dearest one.

In the Kaöha Upaniñad (1.2.9, it is said:
"O dear one, spiritual truth cannot be understood by material logic. It is understood only hearing the explanations of the spiritual master."

Text 38 

atha viçeñataù çré-guror lakñaëäni 
mantra-muktävalyäm 
avadätänvaya-çuddhaù
svocitäcära-tat-paraù
äçramé krodha-rahito
veda-vit sarva-çästra-vit
atha-now; viçeñataù-specifically; çré-guroù-of the spiritual master; lakñaëäni-the qualities; mantra-muktävalyäm-in the Mantra-mukävalé; avadätä-saintly; anvaya-family; çuddhaù-pure; sva-own; ucita-proper; äcära-activities; tat-paraù-devoted; äçramé-following varnasrama; krodha-anger; rahitaù-without; veda-vit-knowing the Vedas; sarva-çästra-vit-knowing all the scriptures.

The Qualities of a Genuine Spiritual Master
In Çré Mantra-muktävalé it is said:
"A genuine spiritual master is saintly, born in a pure family, diligent in performing his prescribed duties, a follower of varëäçrama, devoid of anger, learned in the Vedas and scriptures, . . .
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Çrémad-Bhägavatam 11.3.21 (quoted in text 32, also describes the qualities of a genuine spiritual master.

Text 39 

çraddhävän anasüyaç ca
priya-väk priya-darç#anaù
çuciù su-veñas taruëaù
sarva-bhüta-hite rataù
çraddhävän-faithful; anasüyaç-non-envious; ca-and; priya-väk-speaks sweetly; priya-darç#anaù-is pleasing to the eye; çuciù-pure; su-veñaù-has a pleasing appearance; taruëaù-young; sarva-bhüta-hite'in the welfare of all living beings; rataù-engaged.

. . . faithful, free of envy, a pleasing speaker, pleasing to the eye, pure, well-dressed, young, a person who works for the welfare of all living beings, . . .

Text 40 

dhémän anuddhata-matiù
pürëo 'hantä vimarçakaù
sad-guëo 'rcäsu kåta-dhéù
kåtajïaù çiñya-vatsalaù
dhémän-intelligent; anuddhata-matiù-humble at heart; pürëaù-perfect; ahantä-non-viloent; vimarçakaù-thoughtful; sad-guëaù-virtuous; arcäsu-in the worship of the Lord; kåta-dhéù-enploying his intelligence; kåtajïaù-grateful; çiñya-vatsalaù-affectionate to his disciples.

. . . intelligent, humble at heart, perfect, non-violent, thoughtful, virtuous, intent on worshiping the Lord, grateful, affectionate to his disciples, . . .

Text 41 

nigrahänugrahe çakto
homa-mantra-paräyaëaù
uhäpoha-prakära-jïaù
çuddhätmä yaù kåpälayaù 
ity-ädi-lakñaëair yukto 
guruù syäd garima-nidhiù
nigraha-punishment; anugrahe-and mercy; çaktaù-able; homa-mantra-paräyaëaù-devoted to homa and mantras; uhäpoha-prakära-jïaù-examining all sides of an issue; çuddhätmä-pure at heart; yaù-who; kåpälayaù-merciful; ity-ädi-lakñaëaiù-qualities beginning with these; yuktaù-endowed; guruù-a spiritual master; syät-is; garima-nidhiù-a treasury of saintly qualities.

. . . capable of both punishment and mercy, devoted to mantras and yajïas, examining all sides of an issue, pure at heart, and merciful. A genuine spiritual master has these and many other virtues. He is a treasure-house of virtues."

Text 42 

agastya-saàhitäyäà ca 
devatopäsakaù çänto
visayeñv api nispåhaù
adhyätma-vid brahma-vädé
veda-çästrärtha-kovidaù
agastya-saàhitäyäm-in the Agastya-saàhitä; ca-and; devatopäsakaù-worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead; çäntaù-peaceful; visayeñv-in the obejcts of the material senses; api-also; nispåhaù-without desire; adhyätma-vit-learned in spiritual truth; brahma-vädé-a prpounder of spiritual truth; veda-çästrärtha-kovidaù-learned in the Vedas and scriptures.

In the Agastysa-saàhita' it is said:
"A genuine spiritual master is a worshiper of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, peaceful, free of material desires, aware of the spiritual truth, a teacher of the spiritual truth, learned in the Vedas and scriptures, . . .

Text 43 

uddhartuà caiva saàhartuà
samartho brähmaëottamaù
tattva-jïo yantra-manträëäà
marma-bhettä rahasya-vit
uddhartuàto deliver; ca-and; eva-indeed; saàhartum-to quell; samarthaù-able; brähmaëottamaù-the best of brähmaëas; tattva-the truth; jïaù-knowing; yantra-manträëäm-of yantras and rituals; marma-bhettä-cutting doubts; rahasya-vit-knowing the secrets of spiritual truth.

. . . able to deliver others, able to surmount obstacles, the best of brähmaëas, expert in yantras and mantras, one who goes to the heart of the matter, aware of the secrets of spiritual philosophy, . . .

Text 44 

puraçcaraëa-kåd dhoma-
mantra-siddhaù prayoga-vit
tapasvé satya-vädé ca
gåhastho gurur ucyate
puraçcaraëa-kåt-a performer of puraçcaraëa; homa-mantra-siddhaù-expert at chanting mantras in yajnas; prayoga-vit-aware of what is needed; tapasvé-austere; satya-vädé-truthful; ca-and; gåhasthaù-a householder; guruù-spiritual master; ucyate-is said.

. . . a performer of purçcaraëa, expert at chanting mantras in yajïas, aware of what is needed, austere, and truthful. These are the qualities of a householder spiritual-master."

Text 45 

viñëu-småtau 
paricaryä-yäso-läbha-
lipsuù çiñyäd guru na hi
kåpä-sindhuù su-sampürëaù
sarva-sattvopakärakaù
viñëu-småtau-in the Viñëu-småti; paricaryä-worship; yäsaù-fame; läbha-attainment; lipsuù-desirign; çiñyät-from his disciple; guru-a spiritual master; na-not; hi-indeed; kåpä-sindhuù-an ocean of mercy; su-sampürëaù-very perfect; sarva-sattvopakärakaù-doing good to everyone.

In the Viñëu-småti it is said:
"A person who is greedy to get worship, praise, and money from his disciple is not a true spiritual master. A true spiritual master is an ocean of mercy, perfect, a person who does good to everyone, . . .

Text 46 

nispåhaù sarvataù siddhaù
sarva-vidyä-viçäradaù
sarva-saàçaya-saïcchettä-
nalaso gurur ähåtaù
nispåhaù-desireless; sarvataù-in all ways; siddhaù-perfect; sarva-vidyä-viçäradaù'expert in all knowledge; sarva-saàçaya-saïcchettä-able to cut apart all doubts; analasaù-not lazy; guruù-spiritual master; ähåtaù-said.

. . . free of all material desires, completely perfect, learned in all knowledge, able to cut apart all doubts, and not lazy."

Texts 47 and 48 

çré-närada-païcarätre çré-bhagavan-närada-samväde 
brähmaëaù sarva-käla-jïaù
kuryät sarveñv anugraham
tad-abhäväd dvija-çreñöha
çäntätmä bhagavan-mayaù
bhavitätmä ca sarva-jïaù
çästra-jïaù sat-kriyä-paraù
siddhi-traya-samäyukta
äcäryatve 'bhiñecitaù
çré-närada-païcarätre-in Çré Närada-pancaratra; çré-bhagavan-närada-samväde-in a conversation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and Çré Närada; brähmaëaù-a brähmaëa; sarva-käla-jïaù-aware of appropriate situations; kuryät-should do; sarveñv-in all; anugraham-mercy; tad-abhävät-in the basence of such a person; dvija-çreñöha-O best of brähmaëas; çäntätmä-peaceful at heart; bhagavan-mayaù-and devoted to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; bhavitätmä-pure in heart; ca-and; sarva-jïaù-all-knowing; çästra-jïaù-learned in the scriptures; sat-kriyä-paraù-devoted to pious deeds; siddhi-traya-samäyukta-endowed with three perfections; äcäryatve-as a spiritual master; abhiñecitaù-may be anointed.

In Çré Närada-païcarätra the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains to Çré Närada:
"O best of brähmaëas, a spiritual master should be an exalted brähmaëa who knows everything at all times and who is merciful to everyone. In the absence of such a highly qualified person a spiritual master may be a kñatriya who is  peaceful at heart, devoted to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, pure in heart, all-knowing, learned in the scriptures, devoted to pious deeds, and endowed with three perfections.

Texts 49 and 50 

kñatra-viö-çüdra-jäténäà
kñatriyo 'nugrahe kñamaù
kñatriyasyäpi ca guror
abhäväd idåço yadi
vaiçyaù syät tena käryaç ca
dvaye nityam anugrahaù
sajätéyena çüdreëa
tädåçena mahä-mate 
anugrahäbhiñekau ca 
käryau çüdrasya sarvadä
kñatra-viö-çüdra-jäténäm-of those who are born as ksatriyas, vaisyas, and sudras; kñatriyaù-ksatriya; anugrahe-in mercy; kñamaù-is competent; kñatriyasya-of a ksatriya; api-also; ca-and; guroù-guru; abhävät-in the absence; idåçaù-like this; yadi-if; vaiçyaù-vaisya; syät-is; tena-by him; käryaç-should be done; ca-and; dvaye-in both; nityam-always; anugrahaù-merciful; sajätéyena-like him; çüdreëa-by a sudra; tädåçena-like that; mahä-mate-O noble-hearted one; anugrahäbhiñekau-merciful; ca-and; käryau-should be done; çüdrasya-of a sudra; sarvadä-always.

"Such a kñatriya spiritual master should be merciful to the kñatriyas, vaiçyas, and çüdras. In the absence of such a kñatriya spiritual master one should accept a vaiçya spiritual master who is always merciful to the vaiçyas and çüdras. In the absence of such a vaiçya spiritual master a çüdra may accept a çüdra as a spiritual master."

Text 51 

kià ca 
varëottame 'tha ca gurau
sati yä viçrute 'pi ca
sva-deçato 'tha vänyatra
nedaà käryaà çubhärthinä
kim- ca-furthermore; varëottame-in the best of varnas; atha-then; ca-and; gurau-a spiritual master; sati-is; yä-who; viçrute-heard; api-and; ca-and; sva-deçataù-from one's own country; atha-then; vä-or; anyatra-in another; na-not; idam-this; käryam-to be done; çubhärthinä-by one who desires auspiciousness.

Furthermore:
If a famous brähmaëa spiritual-master is present in one's own district, a person who desires auspiciousness will not travel somewhere else to accept initiation from someone other than him.

Text 52 

vidyamäne tu yaù kuryät
yatra tatra viparyayam
tasyehämutra näçaù syät
tasmäc chästroktam äcaret 
kñatra-viö-çüdra-jätéyaù 
prätilomyaà na dékñayet
vidyamäne-beings so; tu-indeed; yaù-one who; kuryät-may do; yatra-where; tatra-there; viparyayam-the opposite; tasya-of him; iha-here; amutra-and in the next life; näçaù-destruction; syät-is; tasmät-from that; çästroktam-spoken by the scriptures; äcaret-should do; kñatra-ksatriya; viö-vaisya; çüdra-sudra; jätéyaù-birth; prätilomyam-inverted order; na-not; dékñayet-should give initiation.

A person who accepts a spiritual master from a lower caste meets destruction in this life and the next. Therefore one should follow this instruction of the scriptures. A kñatriya, vaiçya, or çüdra should not give initiation to a person of a higher caste.

Text 53 

pädme ca 
mahä-bhägavata-çreñöho
brähmaëo vai gurur nåëäm
sarveñäm eva lokänäà
asau püjyo yathä hariù
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; ca-and; mahä-bhägavata-çreñöhaù-the best of great devotees; brähmaëaù-a brähmaëa; vai-indeed; guruù-spiritual master; nåëäm-of men; sarveñäm-all; eva-and; lokänäm-people; asau-he; püjyaù-to be worshiped; yathä-as; hariù-Lord Kåñëa.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"A brähmaëa who is a great devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the spiritual master of all human beings. Everyone should worship him as if he were Lord Kåñëa Himself.

Text 54 

mahä-kula-prasüto 'pi
sarva-yajïeñu dékñitaù
sahasra-çäkhädhyäyé ca
na guruù syäd avaiñëavaù
mahä-kula-prasütaù-born in a noble family; api-also; sarva-yajïeñu-in all yajnas; dékñitaù-initiated; sahasra-çäkhädhyäyé-learned in a thousand branches of the Vedas; ca-and; na-not; guruù-a spiritual master; syät-is; avaiñëavaù-not a devotee of the Lord.

"However, a person born in an aristocraté family, initiated in all yajïas, and learned in a thousand branches of the Vedas, but not a devotee of Lord Viñëu, cannot be a genuine spiritual master.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

In the Païcarätra it is said:

avaiñëavopadiñöena
mantreëa nirayaà vrajet
punaç ca vidhinä samyag
grähayed vaiñëaväd guroù

"By chanting a mantra given by a spiritual master who is not a devotee of Lord Viñëu, one goes to hell. Such a disciple should be initiated again, this time by a spiritual master who is a devotee of Lord Viñëu."

Text 55 

gåhéta-viñëu-dékñäko
viñëu-püjä-paro naraù
vaiñëavo 'bhihito 'bhijïair
itaro smäd avaiñëavaù
gåhéta-viñëu-dékñäkaù-accepted initiation in the worship of Lord Viñëu; viñëu-püjä-paraù-devoted to the worship of Lord Viñëu; naraù-a person; vaiñëavaù-a devotee of Lord Viñëu; abhihitaù-is called; abhijïaiù-by the wise; itaraù-other; smät-than him; avaiñëavaù-not a devotee.

"A person who has accepted initiation in the worship of Lord Viñëu and who is devoted to the worship of Lord Viñëu is called a devotee of Lord Viñëu by the wise. One who is not like him is not a devotee of Lord Viñëu."

Text 56 

atha aguru-lakñaëaà 
tattva-sägare 
bahv-äçé dérgha-sütré ca
viñayädiñu lolupaù
hetu-väda-rato duñöo
'väg-vädé guëa-nindakaù
atha-now; a-not; guru-a spiritual master; lakñaëam-the qualities; tattva-sägare-in the Tattva-sägara; bahö-äçé-one who eats voraciously; dérgha-sütré-dresses in opulent clothing; ca-and; viñayädiñu-in the objects of material sense gratification; lolupaù-is greedy; hetu-väda-rataù-attracted to arguing with others and a follower of the atheisté philosophies; duñöaù-wicked; aväg-vädé-not an eloquent speaker; guëa-nindakaù-filled with vices.

The Characteristics of A Person Who Is Not A Genuine Spiritual Master
In the Tattva-sägara it is said:
"A person who eats voraciously, wears opulent clothing, is greedy after sense pleasures, loves to argue, is a follower of the atheist philosophers, is wicked, speaks what should not be spoken, has many vices, . . . .
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The phrase "speaks what should not be spoken" means that such a person preaches that one should perform sinful deeds.

Text 57 

aromä bahu-romä ca
ninditäçrama-sevakaù
käla-danto 'sitauñöhaç ca
durgandhi-çväsa-vähakaù
aromä-without hair; bahu-romä-with abundant hair; ca-and; ninditäçrama-sevakaù-a servant of wicked men; käla-dantaù-with black teeth; asitauñöhaù-black lips; ca-and; durgandhi-çväsa-vähakaù-withê bad breath and heavy breathing.

. . . has either a big beard or no beard, is a servant of wicked men, has black teeth, black lips, and bad breath, breathes heavily, . . .

Text 58 

duñöa-lakñaëa-sampanno
yadyapi svayam éçvaraù
bahu-pratigrahäsakta
äcäryaù çré-kñayävahaù
duñöa-lakñaëa-sampannaù-filled with faults; yadyapi-although; svayam'personally; éçvaraù-able; bahu-many; pratigraha-donations; äsaktaù-attached; äcäryaù-a spiritual master; çré-of good fortune; kñaya-the destruction; ävahaù-bringing.

. . . has a host of faults, and, although financially well situated is greedy for more and bigger donations, is the kind of spiritual master that destroys the good fortune of his disciples."

Text 59 

atha çiñya-lakñaëäni 
mantra-muktävalyäà 
çiñyaù çuddhänvayaù çrémän 
vinétaù priya-darç#anaù
satya-väk puëya-carito
'dabhra-dhér dambha-varjitaù
atha-now; çiñya-of a true disciple; lakñaëäni-the qualities; mantra-muktävalyäm-in the Mantra-Muktävalé; çiñyaù-a disciple; çuddhänvayaù'faithful; çrémän-glorious; vinétaù-humble; priya-darç#anaù-pleasing to the eyes; satya-väk-truthful; puëya-caritaù-pious; adabhra-dhéù-intelligent; dambha-varjitaù-honest and without hypocrisy.

The Qualities of a Genuine Disciple
In the Mantra-Muktävalé it is said:
"A genuine disciple is faithful, glorious, humble, pleasing to the eye, truthful, pious, intelligent, honest, not a hypocrite, . . .

Text 60 

käma-krodha-parityägé
bhaktaç ca guru-pädayoù
devatä-praëavaù käya-
mano-vägbhir divä-niçam
käma-krodha-parityägé-free of lust and anger; bhaktaç-devoted; ca-and; guru-pädayoù-to the spiritual master's feet; devatä-praëavaù-devoted to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; käya-with âody; manaù-mind; vägbhiù-and words; divä-niçam-day and night.

. . . free of lust and anger, devoted to his spiritual master's feet, with body, mind, and words devoted to the Supreme Personality of Godhead day and night, . . .

Text 61 

nirujo nirjitäçeña-
pätakaù çraddhayänvitaù
dvija-deva-pitånäà ca
nityam arcä-paräyaëaù
nirujaù-healthy; nirjitäçeña-pätakaù-sinless; çraddhayänvitaù-faithful; dvija-deva-pitånäm-of the devas; brähmaëa, and pitäs; ca-and; nityam-always; arcä-paräyaëaù-devoted to the worship.

. . . healthy, sinless, faithful, always devoted to the worship of the devas, brähmaëas, and pitäs, . . .

Text 62 

yuvä viniyatäçeña-
karaëaù karuëälayaù
ity-ädi-lakñaëair yuktaù
çiñyo dékñädhikäravän
yuvä-young; viniyatäçeña-karaëaù-sense-controlled; karuëälayaù-kind; ity-ädi-lakñaëaiù-with qualities that begin with these; yuktaù-endowed; çiñyaù-disciple; dékñä-for initiation; adhikäravän-qualified.

. . . young, in full control of his senses, and kind. A person who has these and other virtues is qualified for initiation.

Text 63 

ekädaça-skandhe ca 
amäny amatsaro dakño
nirmamo dåòha-sauhådaù
asatvaro 'rtha-jijïäsur
anasüyur amogha-väk
ekädaça-skandhe-in the Eleventh Canto; ca-and; amäny-without pride; amatsaraù-without envy; dakñaù-expert; nirmamaù-without false possessiveness; dåòha-firm; sauhådaù-friendship; asatvaraù-unagitated; artha-jijïäsuù-eager to learn the truth; anasüyuù-not hostile; amogha-väk-who does not speak uselessly.

In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (11.10.6, it is said:
"A genuine disciple is prideless, non-envious, diligent, free of false-possessiveness, a sincere friend of his spiritual master, eager to learn the truth, not hostile to others, and averse to useless conversation."

Text 64 

athopekñyaù 
agastya-saàhitäyäm 
alasä malinaù kliñöä
dämbhikäù kåpaëäs tathä
daridrä rogiëo ruñöa
rägiëo bhoga-lälasäù
atha-now; upekñyaù-who should be rejected; agastya-saàhitäyäm-in the Agastya-samhita; alasä-lazy; malinaù-contaminated; kliñöä'agitated; dämbhikäù-proud; kåpaëäù-miserly; tathä-so; daridrä-wretched; rogiëaù-diseased; ruñöa-angry; rägiëaù-passionate; bhoga-lälasäù-greedy for sense pleasures.

Who Should Be Rejected
In the Agastya-saàhita' it is said:
"They who are lazy, unclean, agitated, proud, miserly, wretched, diseased, angry, passionate, greedy for sense pleasures, . . .
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The word "agitated" here means "agitated for no good reason".

Text 65 

asüya-matsara-grastäù
çaöhäù paruña-vädinaù
anyäyoparjita-dhanäù
para-dära-ratäç ca ye
asüya-matsara-grastäù-gripped by envy and hostility; çaöhäù'cheaters; paruña-vädinaù-speaking harshly; anyäya-without reason; upärjita-earned; dhanäù-ealth; para-dära-ratäç'adulterers; ca-and; ye-who.

. . . in the grip of envy and hostility, cheaters, filled with harsh words, greedy to accumulate wealth for no good reason, adulterers, . . .

Text 66 

viduñäà vairiëaç caiva
ajïäù paëòita-mäninaù
bhrañöa-vratäç ca ye käñöha-
våttayaù piçunäù khaläù
viduñäm-of the learned; vairiëaç-enemies; ca-and; eva-indeed; ajïäù-fools; paëòita-mäninaù-thinking themselves wise; bhrañöa-vratäù-broken vows; ca-and; ye-who; kañöha-wicked; våttayaù-means of livelihood; piçunäù-cruel and insulting; khaläù-wicked.

. . . enemies of the learned, fools although they think themselves very wise, fallen from their vows, earning their livelihood by foul means, harsh, insulting, wicked, . . .

Text 67 

bahv-äçinaù krüra-ceñöä
durätmänaç ca ninditäù
ity evam ädayo 'py anye
päpiñöhäù puruñädhamäù
bahö-äçinaù-eating voraciously; krüra-ceñöä-cruel; durätmänaç-wicked at heart; ca-and; ninditäù-degratded; ity-thus; evam-in this way; ädayaù-beginning with api-also; anye-others; päpiñöhäù-sinners; puruñädhamäù-the lowest of men.

. . . voracious eaters, cruel, wicked at heart, degraded, and sinful, the lowest of men who have these and a host of other faults, . . .

Text 68 

akåtyebhyo 'niväryäç ca
guru-çikñäsahiñëavaù
evam-bhütaù parityajyäù
çiñyatve nopakalpitäù
akåtyebhyaù-from what should not be done; aniväryäù-not turning away; ca-and; guru-çikñä-the teaching of the spiritual master; asahiñëavaù-unable to tolerate; evam-bhütaù-thus; parityajyäù-should be rejected; çiñyatve-as disciples; na-not; upakalpitäù-fit.

. . . who do not turn away from what should not be done, and who cannot bear to follow the spiritual master's teachings should be rejected. They are not fit to be disciples. 

Texts 69 and 70 

yady ete hy upakalperan
devatä-kroça-bhäjanäù
bhavantéha daridräs te
putra-dära-vivarjitäù
närakäç caiva dehänte
tiryaïcaù prabhavanti te
yady-if; ete-they; hy-indeed; upakalperan-accept; devatä-kroça-bhäjanäù-the object of the anger of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; bhavanti-become; iha-here; daridräù-poor; te-they; putra-dära-vivarjitäù-without wife or children; närakäù-residents of hell; ca-and; eva-indeed; deha-of the body; ante-at the end; tiryaïcaù-animals; prabhavanti-are born; te-they.

"Spiritual masters that accept disciples like these become the objects of the Supreme Personality of Godhead's anger. In this life they become poverty-stricken and are abandoned by wife and children and at death they go to hell. Finally they are born as animals."

Text 71 

hayaçérña-païcarätre 
jaiminiù sugataç caiva
nästiko nagna eva ca
kapilaç cäkñapädaç ca
ñaò ete hetu-vädinaù
hayaçérña-païcarätre-in the Hayaçérña-païcarätra; jaiminiù-jaimini; sugatas"-Sugata; ca-and; eva-indeed; nästikaù-Nastika; nagna-Nagna; eva-indeed; ca-and; kapilaç-pseudo-Kapila; ca-and; akñapädaù-Akñapädas; ca-and; ñaò-six; ete-these; hetu-vädinaù-philosophers.

In the Hayaçérña-païcarätra it is said:
"The siø atheist philosophers are Jaimini, Sugata, Nästika, Nagna, pseudo-Kapila, and Akñapäda.

Text 72 

etan-matänusäreëa
vartante ye narädhämäù
te hetu-vädinaù proktäs
tebhyas tantraà na däpayed iti
etat-of them; mata-the philosophies; anusäreëa-by following; vartante-become; ye-who; narädhämäù-the lowest of men; te-they; hetu-vädinaù-philsophers; proktäù-said; tebhyaù-to them; tantram-the rules of worship; na-not; däpayet-should be given; iti-thus.

They who follow their ideas become the lowest of men. Although these followers may be called philosophers in this world, one should not give initiation to them.

Text 73 

tayoù parékñä cänyonyaà
ekäbdaà saha-väsataù
vyavahära-svabhävänu-
bhävenaiväbhijäyate
tayoù-of the two; parékñä-examination; ca-and; anyonyam-mutual; ekäbdam-for one year; saha-väsataù-living together; vyavahära-actions; svabhäva-character; anubhävena-by seeing; eva-indeed; abhijäyate-is born.

The prospective spiritual master and disciple should live together for one year and, carefully examining each other's activities and character, test each other to see if they are qualified.

Text 74 

atha parékñaëam
mantra-muktävalyäà 
tayor vatsara-väsena
jïätänyonya-svabhävayoù
gurutä çiñyatä ceti
nänyathaiveti niçcayaù
atha-now; parékñaëam-the test; mantra-muktävalyäm-in Mantra-muktävalé; tayoù-of the two of them; vatsara-for one year; väsena-by residence; jïäta-known; anyonya-of each other; svabhävayoù-teh natures; gurutä-the status of a spiritual master; çiñyatä-the status of a disciple; ca-and; iti-thus; na-not; anyathä-otherwise; eva-indeed; iti-thus; niçcayaù-determination.

The Test
In the Mantra-Muktävalé it is said:
"The prospective spiritual master and disciple should live together for one year. In this way they will come to understand each other's nature. Then it will be known whether the spiritual master is a genuine spiritual master and the disciple a genuine disciple. There is no other way to know this."

Text 75 

çrutiç ca 
näsamvatsara-väsine deyät
çrutiù-the Çruti-çästra; ca-and; na-not; a-without; samvatsara-for a year; väsine-living togther; deyät-should be given. 

The Çruti-çästra explains:
"The spiritual master should not give initiation without first living for a year with his disciple."

Text 76

sära-saìgrahe 'pi 
sad-guruù sväçritaà çiñyaà
varñam ekaà parékñayet
sära-saìgrahe-in the Sära-saìgraha; api-also; sad-guruù-a genuine spiritual master; sväçritam-taking shelter; çiñyam-disciple; varñam-year; ekam-one; parékñayet-should examine.

In the Sära-saìgraha it is said:
"For one year the spiritual master should examine his prospective disciple."

Text 77

räjïi cämätyajä doñäù
patné-päpaà sva-bhartari
tathä çiñyärjitaà päpaà
guruù präpnoti niçcitam
räjïi-on the king; ca-and; amätyajä-from the ministers; doñäù-faults; patné-päpam-the sins of the wife; sva-bhartari'on her husband; tathä-so; çiñya-by the disciple; arjitam-earned; päpam-sin; guruù-the spiritual master; präpnoti-attains; niçcitam-indeed.

"The faults of a counselor fall on his king, and a the sins of a wife fall on her husband. In the same way a spiritual master attains the sins of his disciple. That is certain."

Text 78

krama-dépikäyäà tu 
santoñayed akuöilärdrataräntarätmä
taà svair dhanaiù sva-vapuñäpy anuküla-väëyä
abda-trayaà kamalanäbha-dhiyäti-dhéras
tuñöe vivakñatu guräv atha mantra-dékñäm
krama-dépikäyäm-in the Krama-dépikä; tu-indeed; santoñayet-should satisfy; akuöila-not crooked; ardratara-melting with affection; antarätmä-within his heart; tam-him; svaiù-with his own; dhanaiù-wealth; sva-vapuñä-with body; api-and; anuküla-väëyä-with favorable words; abda-trayam-for three years; kamalanäbha-of the lotus-navel Puräëa; dhiyä-with thoughts; ati-dhéraù-very sober; tuñöe-satisfied; vivakñatu-should ask; gurau-teh spiritual master; atha-then; mantra-in the mantra; dékñäm-initiation.

In the Krama-dépikä it is said:
"His heart melting with sincere love and his thoughts fixed on the Supreme Personality of Godhead whose navel is like a lotus flower, the prospective disciple should, with his wealth, body, and pleasing words serve his spiritual master for three years. Then, when the spiritual master is satisfied, the disciple may ask for initiation in chanting the sacred mantras."

Text 79

atha viçeñataù çré-guru-sevä-vidhiù
kaurme çré-vyäsa-gétäyäm 
uda-kumbhaà kuçän puñpaà
samidho 'syäharet sadä
märjanaà lepanaà nityaà
aìgänäà väsasäà caret
atha-then; viçeñataù-specifically; çré-guru-sevä-of service to the spiritual master; vidhiù-the rules; kaurme-in the Kürma Puräëa; çré-vyäsa-gétäyäm-in the Çré Vyäsa-gétä; uda-of water; kumbham-a pot; kuçän-kuça grass; puñpam-flower; samidhaù-fuel; asya-of him; äharet-should fetch; sadä-regularly; märjanam-cleaning and massaging; lepanam-anointing; nityam-always; aìgänäm-of the limbs; väsasäm-of the garments; äcaret-should do.

Service to the Spiritual Master
In the Kürma Puräëa, Çré Vyäsa-gétä, it is said:
"The disciple should regularly fetch water, kuça grass, flowers, and fuel. He should regularly wash the spiritual master's clothing, anoint him with sandal paste, and massage his limbs.

Text 80

näsya nirmälya-çayanaà
pädukopanahäv api
äkramed äsanaà chäyäà
äsandéà vä kadäcana
na-not; asya-of him; nirmälya-remnant; çayanam-bed; päduka-wooden sandal; upanahau-leather sandal; api-also; äkramet-should step; äsanam-seat; chäyäm-shadow; äsandém-dish; vä-or; kadäcana-ever.

"Never should the disciple sleep on the spiritual master's bed, wear his shoes, sit on his seat, cross his shadow, or eat from his plate.

Text 81

sändhayed danta-käñöhädén
kåtyaà cäsmai nivedayet
sändhayet-should prepare; danta-käñöhädén-toothbrush-twig and other articles; kåtyam-to be done; ca-and; asmai-to him; nivedayet-should ask.

"The disciple should prepare his spiritual master's toothbrush-twig and other things like that, and he should ask what service he should perform.

Text 82

anäpåcchya na gantavyaà
bhavet priya-hite rataù
na pädau särayed asya
sannidhäne kadäcana
anäpåcchya-without asking; na-not; gantavyam-to be gone; bhavet-may be; priya-hite-to please; rataù-engaged; na-not; pädau-feet; särayet-should place; asya-of him; sannidhäne-near; kadäcana-ever.

"The disciple should not leave without first asking permission. She should always try to please his spiritual master. He should never place his feet near his spiritual master.

Text 83

jåmbha-häsyädikaà caiva
kaëöha-prävaraëaà tathä
varjayet sannidhau nityaà
athäsphoöanam eva ca
jåmbha-yawning; häsya-laughing; ädikam-beginning with; ca-and; eva-indeed; kaëöha-prävaraëam-filling the throat with loud sounds; tathä-then; varjayet-shen avoid; sannidhau-near; nityam-always; atha-then; äsphoöanam-snapping the fingers; eva-indeed; ca-and.

"In the company of the spiritual master the disciple should never yawn, laugh, snap his fingers, or do other impolite activities. 

Text 84 

kià ca 
çreyas tu guruvad-våttir
nityam eva samäcaret
guru-putreñu däreñu
guroç caiva sva-bandhuñu
kim- ca-furthmore; çreyaù-welfare; tu-indeed; guruvad-våttiù-activities like to the spiritual master; nityam-alwasy; eva-indeed; samäcaret-should perform; guru-of the spiritual master; putreñu-the children; däreñu-wife; guroù-of the spiritual master; ca-adn; eva-indeed; sva-bandhuñu-relatives.

It is further said:
"To the spiritual master's children, wife, and relatives the disciple should offer the same kind of respectful treatment he offers to the spiritual master himself.

Text 85 

utsädanaà vai gäträëäà
snäpanocchiñöa-bhojane
na kuryäd guru-putrasya
pädayoù çaucam eva ca
utsädanam-massaging; vai-indeed; gäträëäm-of the limbs; snäpana-bathing; ucchiñöa-remnants; bhojane-eating; na-not; kuryät-should do; guru-putrasya-of the spiritual master's child; pädayoù-of the feet; çaucam-washing; eva-indeed; ca-and.

"However, the disciple should not wash the feet of his spiritual master's son. Nor should he massage his limbs, eat the remnants of his meals, or arrange for his bath.

Text 86 

guruvat paripüjyaç ca
sa-varëä guru-yoñitaù
asavarëäs tu sampüjyäù
pratyutthänäbhivädanaiù
guruvat-like the spiritual master; paripüjyaç-worshipable; ca-and; sa-varëä-of the same varna; guru-yoñitaù-the wife of the spiritual master; asavarëäù-not of the same varna; tu-indeed; sampüjyäù-worshipable; pratyutthäna-rising; abhivädanaiù-with salutations.

"If the spiritual master's wife is of the same varëa as he, then she should be honored as he is. If she is of a different varëa she should be honored by rising from one's seat and speaking salutations.

Text 87 

abhyaïjanaà snäpanaà ca
gatrotsädanam eva ca
guru-patnyä na käryäëi
keçänäà ca prasädhanam
abhyaïjanam-anointing; snäpanam-bathing; ca-and; gatrotsädanam-massaging the limbs; eva-indeed; ca-and; guru-of thespiritual master; patnyä-by the wife; na-not; käryäëi-to be done; keçänäm-of the hair; ca-and; prasädhanam-arranging.

"The spiritual master's wife should not anoint with sandal paste, bathe, or massage her husband's disciples. Nor should she comâ their hair."

Text 88 

devy-ägame çré-çivoktau 
guru-çayyäsanaà yänaà
päduke päda-péöhakam
snänodakaà tathä chäyäà
laìghayen na kadäcana
devy-ägame-in the Devy-ägama; çré-çivoktau-in the statement of Lord Çiva; guru-of the spiritual master; çayyä-the bed; äsanam-the seat; yänam-the vehicle; päduke-the shoes; päda-péöhakam-teh footstool; snänodakam-the bath-water; tathä-so; chäyäm-teh shadow; laìghayen-may overstep; na-not; kadäcana-ever.

In the Devy-ägama, Lord Çiva explains:
"Never should the disciple sleep in the spiritual master's bed, sit on his seat, use his vehicle, wear his shoes, use his footstool, bathe in his bath-water, or step on his shadow.

Text 89 

guror agre påthak-püjäà
advaitaà ca parityajet
dékñäà vyäkhyäà prabhutvaà ca
guror agre vivarjayet
guroù-od the spiritual master; agre-in the presence; påthak-püjäm-specifé worship; advaitam-not different; ca-and; parityajet-should abandon; dékñäm-initiation; vyäkhyäm-explanation; prabhutvam-mastery; ca-and; guroù-of the spiritual master; agre-in the presence; vivarjayet-should abandon.

"One should not allow oneself to be worshiped in the presence of his spiritual master, nor should one claim that one is as good as his spiritual master. In the presence of one's spiritual master one should not give initiation, give explanations, or assume the role of a master or a powerful person."

Text 90 

çré-näradoktau 
yatra yatra guruà paçyet
tatra tatra kåtäïjaliù
praëamed daëòavad bhümau
chinna-müla iva drumaù
çré-närada-of Çré Närada; uktau-in the statement; yatra yatra-wherever; gurum-the spiritual master; paçyet-one sees; tatra tatra-there; kåtäïjaliù-with folded hands; praëamet-should bow down; daëòavat-like a stick; bhümau-to the ground; chinna-cut; mülaù-at the root; iva-like; drumaù-a tree.

Çré Närada Muni explains:
"Wherever one sees his spiritual master, one should offer obeisances to him with folded hands. One should fall like a stick to the ground. One should fall like a tree cut at its root.

Text 91 

guror väkyäsanaà yänaà
pädukopanahau tathä
vastraà chäyäà tathä çiñyo
laìghayen na kadäcana
guroù-of the spiritual master; väkya-the words; äsanam-seat; yänam-vehicle; pädukopanahau-shoes; tathä-so; vastram-clothing; chäyäm-shadow; tathä-so; çiñyaù-the disciple; laìghayen-should step over; na-not; kadäcana-ever.

"Never should the disciple disobey his spiritual master's words, sit on his seat, use his vehicle, wear his shoes or clothing, or step on his shadow."

Text 92 

çré-manu-småtau 
nodähared guror näma
parokñam api kevalam
na caiväsyänukurvéta
gati-bhäñaëa-ceñöitam
çré-manu-småtau-in Çré Manu-småti; na-not; udäharet-should speak; guroù-of the spiritual master; näma-the name; parokñam-not present; api-even; kevalam-sacred; na-not; ca-and; eva-indeed; asya-of him; anukurvéta-should imitate; gati-walking; bhäñaëa-talking; ceñöitam-actions.

In Çré Manu-småti it is said:
"One should not speak the sacred name of his spiritual master, even if the spiritual master is not present. Neither should one imitate the style of his spiritual master's walking, talking, or way of doing things.

Text 93 

guror gurau sannihite
guruvad våttim äcaret
na cävisåñöo guruëä
svän gurün abhivädayet
guroù-of the spiritual master; gurau-when the spiritual master; sannihite-is present; guruvat-like the spiritual master; våttim-actions; äcaret-should do; na-not; ca-and; avisåñöaù-without being sent; guruëä-by the spiritual master; svän-to one's own; gurün-elder relatives; abhivädayet-should offer respectful obeisances.

"One should not imitate the way one's spiritual master acted in the presence of his spiritual master. Neither should one offer obeisances to his elder relatives without his spiritual master's permission."

Text 94 

çré-närada-païcarätre 
yathä tathä yatra tatra
na gåhëéyäc ca kevalam
abhaktyä na guror näma
gåhëéyäc ca yatätmavän
çré-närada-païcarätre-in Çré Närada-païcarätra; yathä-as; tathä-so; yatra-where; tatra-there; na-not; gåhëéyät-should speak; ca-and; kevalam-alone; abhaktyä-without devotion; na-not; guroù-of the spiritual master; näma-the name; gåhëéyät-should speak; ca-and; yata-controlled; ätmavän-whose self.

In Çré Närada-païcarätra it is said:
"One should never, under any circumstances, speak the sacred name of his spiritual master. A self-controlled disciple will never speak the name of his spiritual master without respect and devotion.

Text 95 

praëavaù çrés tato näma
viñëu-çabdäd anantaram
päda-çabda-sametaà ca
nata-mürdhäïjali-yutaù
praëavaù-Oà; çréù-Çré; tataù-then; näma-the name; viñëu-çabdät-from the word Viñëu; anantaram-after; päda-päda; çabda-the word; sametam-with; ca-and; nata-bowed; mürdha-head; aïjali-yutaù-with folded hands.

"When speaking his spiritual master's name one should fold one's hands, bow one's head, and preface his spiritual master's name with the words Om- Çré Viñëupäda."

Text 96 

kià ca 
na tam äjïäpayen mohät
tasyäjïäà na ca laìghayet
nänivedya guroù kiïcid
bhoktavyaà vä guros tathä
kim- ca-furthermore; na-not; tam-him; äjïäpayet-should give orders; mohät-out of illusion; tasya-of him; äjïäm-the order; na-not; ca-and; laìghayet-should disobey; na-not; anivedya-without asking permission; guroù-of the spiritual master; kiïcit-something; bhoktavyam-to be eaten; vä-or; guroù-of the spiritual master; tathä-so.

It is further said:
"One should not become bewildered and give orders to his spiritual master. One should not disobey the order of his spiritual master. One should not eat anything without first taking permission from his spiritual master."
Text 97 

anyatra ca 
äyäntam agrato gacched
gacchantaà tam anuvrajet
äsane çayane väpi
na tiñöhed agrato guroù
anyatra-in another scripture; ca-and; äyäntam-coming; agrataù-in the presence; gacchet-should go; gacchantam-going; tam-him; anuvrajet-should follow; äsane-on the seat; çayane-on the bed; vä-or; api-also; na-not; tiñöhet-should stay; agrataù-in the presence; guroù-of the spiritual master.

In another scripture it is said:
"When the spiritual master approaches, the disciple should go to meet him. When the spiritual master departs, the disciple should follow him. The disciple should not lie on his bed or sit on an äsana in the presence of his spiritual master.

Text 98 

yat kiïcid anna-pänädi
priyaà dravyaà manoramam
samarpya gurave paçcät
svayaà bhuïjéta praty-aham
yat-what; kiïcit-something; anna-food; päna-drink; ädi-beginning with; priyam-favorite; dravyam-thing; manoramam-pleasing to the heart; samarpya-offering; gurave-to the spiritual master; paçcät-after; svayam-personally; bhuïjéta-should eat; praty-aham-every day.

"Whatever food and drink the spiritual master likes, whatever pleases his heart, the disciple should offer to his spiritual master. When the spiritual master is finished eating, the disciple may eat the remnants of his meal. He should do this every day."

Text 99 

çré-viñëu-småtau 
na guror apriyaà kuryät
täòitaù péòito 'pi vä
nävamänyeta tad-väkyaà
näpriyaà hi samäcaret
çré-viñëu-småtau-in the Çré Viñëu-småti; na-not; guroù-of the spiritual master; apriyam-not liked; kuryät-should do; täòitaù-hit; péòitaù-troubled; api-and; vä-or; na-not; avamänyeta-should disrespect; tad-väkyam-his words; na-not; apriyam-what is not liked; hi-indeed; samäcaret-should do.

In the Çré Viñëu-småti it is said:
"Even if the spiritual master hits him or gives him trouble, the disciple should not act to displease him. The disciple should never disrespect his spiritual master's words. The disciple should never act to displease his spiritual master.

Text 100 

äcäryasya priyaà kuryät
präëair api dhanair api
karmaëä manasä väcä
sa yäti paramaà gatim
äcäryasya-of the spiritual master; priyam-pleasure; kuryät-should do; präëaiù-with life; api-and; dhanaiù-with wealth; api-and; karmaëä-with deeds; manasä-with mind; väcä-with words; sa-he; yäti-goes; paramam-to the supreme; gatim-destination.

"A disciple who with his life, wealth, actions, mind, and words pleases his spiritual master goes to the supreme destination."

Text 101 

anyathä dvayor api mahä-doñaù 
çré-närada-païcarätre 
yo väkti nyäya-rahitaà
anyäyena çåëoti yaù
täv ubhau narakaà ghoraà
vrajataù kälam akñayam
anyathä-otherwise; dvayoù-of them both; api-also; mahä-doñaù-great faults; çré-närada-païcarätre-in Çré Närada-païcarätra; yaù-one who; väkti-speaks; nyäya-rahitam-without logic; anyäyena-without logic; çåëoti-hears; yaù-who; täv-both; ubhau-both; narakam-to hell; ghoram-terrible; vrajataù-go; kälam-time; akñayam-without end.

A Great Fault on Both Sides
In Çré Närada-païcarätra it is said:
"A spiritual master who speaks wrongly, without logic, and a disciple who hears wrongly, without logic, both go to a terrible hell for a long time that seems not to end."
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

A disciple who does not properly examine his spiritual master before initiation, or who does not properly serve him, commits a great fault. This verse describes a situation where either the disciple or the spiritual master did not properly test the other before initiation.

Text 102 

atha çiñya-prärthanä 
vaiñëava-tantre 
träyasva bho jagannätha
guro saàsära-vahninä
dagdhaà mäà käla-dañöaà ca
tväm ahaà çaraëaà gata iti.
atha-now; çiñya-of the disciple; prärthanä-the prayer; vaiñëava-tantre-in the Vaiñëava-tantra; träyasva-save; bhaù-O; jagannätha-master of the worlds; guraù-O spiritual master; saàsära-vahninä-by the fire of repeated birth and death; dagdham-burned; mäm-me; käla-by time; dañöam-bitten; ca-and; tväm-you; aham-I; çaraëam-to the shelter; gata-gone; iti-thus.

The Disciple's Prayer
In the Vaiñëava-tantra it is said:
"O spiritual master, O master of the worlds, please rescue me, who am bitten by time and burned by the flames of repeated birth and death. I surrender to you and take shelter of you." 

Text 103 

tatra çré-väsudevasya
sarva-deva-çiromaëeù
pädämbhujaika-bhäg eva
dékñä grähyä manéñibhiù
tatra-there; çré-väsudevasya-of Lord Väsudeva; sarva-deva-çiromaëeù-the crest jewel of all Deities; päda-feet; ambhuja-lotus; eka-one; bhäk-possessing; eva-indeed; dékñä-initiation; grähyä-should be accepted; manéñibhiù-by the wise.

The wise should accept initiation, for in this way they are able to attain the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa, who is the crest jewel of all Deities, as the only treasure of their lives.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

After initiation the disciple should worship the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa, surrender to them, and take shelter of them. To fail to do this is very foolish.

Text 104 

atha çré-bhagavan-mähätmyaà 
prathama-skandhe 
sattvaà rajas tama iti prakåter guëais tair
yuktaù paraù puruña eka ihäsya dhatte
sthity-ädaye hari-viriïci-hareti-samjïäù
çreyaàsi tatra khalu sattva-tanor nåëäà syuù
atha-now; çré-bhagavat-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; mähätmyam-the glory; prathama-skandhe-in the First Canto; sattvam-goodness; rajaù-passion; tamaù-the darkness of ignorance; iti-thus; prakåteù-of material nature; guëaiù-qualities; taiù-by them; yuktaù-associiated with; paraù-the transcendental; puruña-personality; eka-one; iha asya-of this material world; dhatte-accepts; sthity-ädaye-for the matter of creation, maintenance, and destruction, etc.; hari-Viñëu the Personality of Godhead; viriïci-Brahmä; hara-Lord Çiva; iti-thus; samjïäù-different features; çreyaàsi-ultimate benefit; tatra-therein; khalu-of course; sattva-goodness; tanoù-form; nåëäm-of the human being; syuù-derived.

The Glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (1.2.23, it is said:
"The transcendental Personality of Godhead is indirectly associated with the three modes of material nature, namely passion, goodness, and ignorance, and just for the material world's creation maintenance, and destruction He accepts the qualitative forms of Brahmä, Viñëu, and Çiva. Of these three, all human beings can derive ultimate benefit form Viñëu, the form of the quality of goodness."*

Text 105 

kià ca 
athäpi yat-päda-nakhävasåñöaà
jagad-viriïcopahåtärhaëämbhaù
seçaà punäty anyatamo mukundät
ko näma loke bhagavat-padärthaù
kim- ca-furthermore; atha-therefore; api-certainly; yat-whose; päda-nakha-nails of the feet; avasåñöam-emanating; jagat-the whole universe; viriïca-Brahmäjé; upahåta-collected; arhaëa-worship; ambhaù-water; sa-along with; éçam-Lord Çiva; punäty-purifies; anyatamaù-who else; mukundät-besides the Personality of Godhead, Çré Kåñëa; kaù-who?; näma-name; loke-within the world; bhagavat-Supreme Lord; pada-position; arthaù-worth.

It is further said (Çrémad-Bhägavatam 1.18.21):
"Who can be worthy of the name of the Supreme Lord but the Personality of Godhead, Çré Kåñëa? Brahmäjé collected the water emanating from the nails of His feet in order to award it to Lord çiva as a worshipful welcome. This very water (the Ganges, is purifying the whole universe, including Lord Çiva."*

Text 106 

çré-daçama-skandhe 
tan niçamyätha munayo
vismitä mukta-saàçayäù
bhüyaàsaà çraddadhur viñëuà
yataù kñemo yato 'bhayam
çré-daçama-skandhe-in the Tenth Canto; tat-that; niçamya-hearing; atha-then; munayaù-the sages; vismitä-filled with wonder; mukta-freed; saàçayäù-from doubts; bhüyaàsam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; çraddadhuù-faithful; viñëum-Lord Viñëu; yataù-from whom; kñemaù-auspiciousness; yataù-from whom; abhayam-fearlesness.

In the Tenth Canto it is said (Çrémad-Bhägavatam 10.89.14):
"Hearing these words, the sages became free of doubts. Now they had faith that Lord Viñëu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, that from Him comes auspiciousness, that from Him comes fearlessness."

Text 107 

pädme vaiçäkha-mähätmye yama-brähmaëa-samväde 
vyamohäya caräcarasya jagatas te te puräëägamäs
täà täm eva hi devatäà paramikäà jalpantu kalpävadhi
siddhänte punar eka eva bhagavän viñëuù samastägama-
vyäpäreñu vivecana-vyatikaraà néteñu niçcéyate
pädme vaiçäkha-mähätmye-in the Padma Puräëa, Vaiçäkha-mähätmya; yama-brähmaëa-samväde-in the conversation of Yama and a ârähmaëa; vyamohäya-for bewilderment; caräcarasya-with moving and unmoving beings; jagataù-of the universe; te te-whoever; puräëägamäù-the Puräëas and Agamas; täm- täm-them; eva-indeed; hi-certainly; devatäm-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; paramikäm-desired; jalpantu-may chant; kalpa-the kalpa; ävadhi-until the end; siddhänte-in the conclusion; punaù-again; eka-one; eva-indeed; bhagavän-Supreme Personality of Godhead; viñëuù-Lord Viñëu; samasta-all; ägama-Agamas; vyäpäreñu-in actions; vivecana-conclusion; vyatikaram-joint; néteñu-brought; niçcéyate-is concluded.

In the Padma Puräëa, Vaiçäkha-mähätmya, in the conversation of Yama and a brähmaëa, it is said:
"In order to fool the moving and unmoving beings in the universe, the Puräëas and Agamas pretended to spend an entire kalpa debating the true identity of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. At the end they came to this conclusion: Lord Viñëu is the Supreme."
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The debate of the scriptures here was only a joke on their part. They all knew what the conclusion would be.

Text 108 

närasiàhe 
satyaà satyaà punaù satyaà
utkñipya bhujam ucyate
vedäc chästram- param- nästi.
na devaù keçavät paraù
närasiàhe-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa; satyam-true; satyam-true; punaù-again; satyam-true; utkñipya-throwing up; bhujam-arms; ucyate-is said; vedät-than the Vedas; çästram-scripture; param-better; na-not; asti-is; na-not; devaù-Deity; keçavät-than Lord Kåñëa; paraù-better.

In the Nåsiàha Puräëa it is said:
"Throwing my arms in the air, I proclaim: It is true! It is true! It is true! No scripture is better than the Vedas! No Deity is above Lord Kåñëa!"

Text 109

yataù pädme 
arir mitraà viñaà pathyaà
adharmo dharmatäà vrajet
su-prasanne håñékeçe
viparéte viparyayaù
yataù-because; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; ariù-enemy; mitram-friend; viñam-poison; pathyam-healthy food; adharmaù-impiety; dharmatäm-piety; vrajet-becomes; su-prasanne-pleased; håñékeçe-when Lord Kåñëa is; viparéte-reversed; viparyayaù-the opposite.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"When Lord Kåñëa is pleased enemies can become friends, poison can become healthy food, sin can become saintliness. Everything can become its opposite."

Text 110

tatraiva çré-bhagavad-väkyaà 
man-nimittaà kåtaà päpaà
api dharmäya kalpate
mäm anädåtya dharmo 'pi
päpaà syän mat-prabhävataù
tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-bhagavad-väkyam-the words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; man-nimittam-caused by Me; kåtam-done; päpam-sin; api-even; dharmäya-for religion; kalpate-becomes suited; mäm-Me; anädåtya-not respecting; dharmaù-religion; api-even; päpam-sin; syät-becomes; mat-of Me; prabhävataù-by the power.

In the Padma Puräëa the Supreme Personality of Godhead said:
"If one sins for My sake his sins become pious deeds. If one refuses to worship Me, then by My power his pious deeds become sins."

Text 111

ata evoktaà skändhe çré-brahma-närada-samväde 
väsudevaà parityajya
yo 'nya-devam upäsate
sva-mätaraà parityajya
çvapacéà vandate hi saù
ata eva-therefore; uktam-said; skändhe-in the Skanda Puräëa; çré-brahma-närada-samväde-in the conversation of Brahma' and Närada; väsudevam-Lord Kåñëa; parityajya-rejecting; yaù-one who; anya-devam-another deity; upäsate-worships; sva-mätaram-his own mother; parityajya-rejecting; çvapacém-a dogeater woman; vandate-bows before; hi-indeed; saù-he.

In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada it is said:
"One who rejects Lord Kåñëa and worships another deity rejects his own mother and worships a dogeater woman."

Text 112

tatraivänyatra 
väsudevaà parityajya
yo 'nya-devam upäsate
tyaktvämåtaà sa müòhätmä
bhuìkte halahalaà viñaà     
tatra-there; eva-indeed; anyatra-in another place; väsudevam-Lord Kåñëa; parityajya-rejecting; yaù-one who; anya-devam-another deity; upäsate-worships; tyaktvä-rejecting; amåtam-nectar; sa-he; müòhätmä-bewildered; bhuìkte-drinks; halahalam-halahala; viñam-poison.

In another place in the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"One who rejects Lord Kåñëa and worships another deity rejects nectar and drinks poison."

Text 113

mahäbhärate 
yas tu viñëuà parityajya
mohäd anyam upäsate
sa hema-räçim utåsjya
päàçu-räçià jighåkñati
mahäbhärate-in the Mahabharata; yaù-one who; tu-indeed; viñëum-Lord Viñëu; parityajya-rejecting; mohät-out of bewilderment; anyam-another; upäsate-worships; sa-he; hema-räçim-a pile of gold; utåsjya-rejecting; päàçu-räçim-a pile of stool; jighåkñati-wishes to grasp.

In the Mahäbhärata it is said:
"One who out of bewilderment rejects Lord Kåñëa and worships someone else rejects a heap of gold and embraces a heap of stool.

Text 114

anädåtya tu yo viñëuà
anya-devaà samäçrayet
gaìgämbhasaù sa tåñëärto
måga-tåñëäà pradhävati
anädåtya-not worshiping; tu-indeed; yaù-one who; viñëum-Lord Viñëu; anya-devam-another deity; samäçrayet-takes shelter; gaìgämbhasaù-the water of the Gaìgä; sa-he; tåñëärtaù-tortured with thirst; måga-tåñëäm-a mirage; pradhävati-runs.

"One who, refusing to worship Lord Viñëu, takes shelter of a demigod is a person tortured with thirst who leaves the Gaìgä's waters and runs after a mirage."

Text 115

païcarätre 
yo mohäd viñëum anyena
héna-devena durmatiù
sädhäraëaà sakåd brüte
so 'ntyajo näntyajo 'ntyajaù
païcarätre-in the Pancaratra; yaù-one who; mohät-out of illusion; viñëum-Lord Viñëu; anyena-another; héna-devena-insignificant demigod; durmatiù-fool; sädhäraëam-equality; sakåt-at once; brüte-says; saù-he; antyajaù-an outcaste; na-not; antyajaù-an outcaste; antyajaù-an outcaste.

In the Païcarätra it is said:
"A fool who thinks that Lord Viñëu and the tiny demigods are equal is an outcaste. He is an outcaste. He is not good enough to be an outcaste."

Text 116

vaiñëava-tantre 
na labheyur punar bhaktià
harer aikäntikéà jaòäù
ekägra-manasaç cäpi
viñëu-sämänya-darçinaù
vaiñëava-tantre-in the Vaiñëava-tantra; na-not; labheyuù-attain; punaù-again; bhaktim-devotional service; hareù-to Lord Kåñëa; aikäntikém-unalloyed; jaòäù-fools; ekägra-manasaç-minds fixed on one point; ca-and; api'also; viñëu-sämänya-darçinaù-see that Lord Viñëu is equal.

In the Vaiñëava-tantra it is said:
"Even though they may meditate with single-pointed attention, the stunted fools who think Lord Kåñëa and the many demigods are equals will not attain pure devotion to Lord Kåñëa."

Text 117

anyatra ca 
yas tu näräyaëaà devaà
brahma-rudrädi-daivataiù
samatvenaiva vékñeta
sa päñaëòé bhavet sadä
anyatra-in another place; ca-and; yaù-any peeson; tu-however; näräyaëam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of such demigods as Brahma' and Çiva; devam-the Lord; brahma-Lord Brahmä; rudra-Lord Çiva; ädi-and others; daivataiù-with such demigods; samatvena-on an equal level; eva-certainly; vékñeta-observes; sa-such a person; päñaëòé-päñaëòé; bhavet-must be; sadä-always.

In another place it is said:
"A person who considers demigods like Brahma' and Çiva to be on an equal level with Lord Näräyaëa is to be considered an offender and an atheist."*

Text 118

sahasra-näma-stoträdau 
çlokaughä santi cedåçäù
viçeñataù sattva-niñöhaiù
sevyo viñëur na cäparaù
sahasra-näma-stoträdau-in the beginning of the Sahasra-näma prayers; çloka-of verses; aughäù-floods; santi-are; ca-and; édåçäù'like this; viçeñataù-specifically; sattva-niñöhaiù-by they who are in the mode of goodness; sevyaù-to âe served; viñëuù-Lord Viñëu; na-not; ca-and; aparaù-another.

In the Sahasra-näma and other prayers there is a great flood of verses like these, verses affirming the they who are in the mode of pure goodness should worship Lord Viñëu and no one else.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

In the Båhat-sahasra-näma-stotra, Lord Çiva affirms:

nävaiñëaväya dätavyaà
vikalpopahatätmane
bhakti-çraddhä-vihénäya
viñëu-sämänya-darçine

"These thousand names should not be given to one who is not a devotee of Lord Viñëu, to one whose heart is destroyed by mental speculation, to one who has no faith in devotional service, or to one who thinks the demigods are equal to Lord Viñëu."
At the end of those prayers Goddess Durga' also affirms:

aho sarveçvaro viñëuù
sarva-devottamottamaù
jagad-ädi-gurur müòhaiù
sämänya iva vékñyate

"Lord Viñëu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of all the demigods, the first spiritual master of the universe. Only fools think the demigods are His equals."
Lord Çiva again affirms:

na yänti tat-paraà çreyo
viñëuà sarveçvareçvaram
sarva-bhävair anäçritya
puräëaà puruñottamam

"They who do not wholeheartedly take shelter of Lord Viñëu, the master of all the demigods, the ancient Supreme Personality of Godhead, do not attain the most auspicious condition of life.

tam eva tapasä nityaà
bhajämi staumi cintaye
tenädvitéya-mahimä
jagat-püjyo 'smi pärvati

"With great austerities I worship Him always. I glorify Him. I meditate on Him. O Pärvaté, it is only because I always chant His peerless glories that I am worshiped in this world."
In the description of the Lord's holy names it is said:

sarva-devaika-çaraëaà
sarva-devaika-devataà
sürya-koöi-pratékäço
yama-koöi-duräsadaù

"Lord Viñëu is the the shelter of all the demigods. He is the master of all the demigods. He is more splendid than many millions of suns. He is more invincible than many millions of Yamas.
brahma-koöi-jagat-srañöä
väyu-koöi-mahä-balaù
koöéndu-jagad-änandé
çambhu-koöi-maheçvaraù

"He is the creator of many millions of Brahma's and universes. He is stronger than many millions of Väyus. His happinesses are greater than those of many millions of Indras. He is more powerful than many millions of Çivas."
At the end of the Båhat-sahasra-näma, Goddess Durga' says:

aho bata mahat kañöaà
samasta-sukhade harau
vidyamäne 'pi sarveçe
müòhäù kliçyanti saàsåtau

"Ah! How sad it is! Even though Lord Kåñëa, who is the controller of all, and who yearns to give happiness to everyone, is personally present, the fools insist that they must continue to suffer in this world of birth and death.

yam uddiçya sadä nätho
maheço 'pi dig-ambaraù
jaöä-bhäsmänuliptäìgas
tapasvé vékñate janaiù
"It is to attain Lord Viñëu that the demigod Çiva performs austerities, his hair matted and his naked body covered with ashes. That is why the people see Lord Çiva in that way.

tato 'dhiko 'sti ko devo
lakñmé-käntän madhu-dviñaù

"What demigod is superior to Lord Kåñëa, the husband of the goddess of fortune, the killer of the demon Madhu?"
In the beginning of the Laghu-sahasra-näma it is said:

paramaà yo mahat-tejaù
paramaà yo mahat-tapaù
paramaà yo mahad brahma
paramaà yo paräyaëam

"Lord Viñëu is the most powerful. He is the most glorious. He is the Supreme Brahman. Attaining Him is the supreme goal of life.

paviträëäà pavitraà yo
maìgalänäà ca maìgalam
daivataà devatänäà ca
bhütänäà yo 'vyayaù pitä

"He is the purest of the pure. He is the most auspicious of the auspicious. He is the master of the demigods. He is the eternal father of all that live."
At the end of the Laghu-sahasra-näma it is said:

dyauù sa-candrärka-nakñaträ
khaà diço bhür mahodadhiù
väsudevasya véryeëa
vidhåtäni mahätmanaù

"It is by the power of Lord Väsudeva that the sky, sun, moon, stars, ether, directions, earth, and the great oceans are established in their places."

Text 119

tathä ca hari-vaàçe çré-çiva-väkyaà 
harir eva sadärädhyo
bhavadbhiù sattva-saàsthitaiù
viñëu-mantraà sadä vipräù
paöhadhvaà dhyäta keçavam iti
tathä-so; ca-and hari-vaàçe-in the Hari-vaàça; çré-çiva-väkyam-the statement of Lord Çiva; hariù-Lord Kåñëa; eva-indeed; sadä-always; ärädhyaù-to be worshiped; bhavadbhiù-by you; sattva-saàsthitaiù-situated in the mode of goodness; viñëu-mantram-the mantras of Lord Viñëu; sadä-always; vipräù-O brähmaëas; paöhadhvaàyou should chant; dhyäta-you should meditate; keçavam-on Lord Kåñëa; iti-thus.

In the Hari-vaàça, Lord Çiva says:
"O brähmaëas in the mode of pure goodness, please always worship Lord Kåñëa. Please always chant the mantras of Lord Kåñëa. Please always meditate on Lord Kåñëa."

Text 120

édåì-mähätmya-väkyeñu
saìgåhéteñu sarvataù
grantha-bähulya-doñaù syäl
likhyante 'pekñitäni tat
édåk-like this; mähätmya-of the glories; väkyeñu-in the words; saìgåhéteñu-accepted; sarvataù-in all respects; grantha-books; bähulya-abundance; doñaù-fault; syät-may be; likhyante-are written; apekñitäni-in this regard; tat-that.

Here there is a problem. The problem is that very many books have been written describing the Lord's glories in this way.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Many suitable passages could be quoted here. Unfortunately. I cannot quote them all.

Text 121

atha çré-vaiñëava-mantra-mähätmyam 
ägame 
manträn çré-mantra-räjädin
vaiñëavän gurv-anugrahät
sarvaiçvaryaà japan präpya
yäti viñëoù paraà padam
atha-now; çré-vaiñëava-of Lord Viñëu; mantra-of the mantras; mähätmyam-the glory; ägame-in the Agama-çästra; manträn-the mantras; çré-mantra-of mantras; räja-the king; ädén-beginning with; vaiñëavän-of Lord Viçnu; gurö-anugrahät-by teh mercy of the spiritual master; sarvaiçvaryam-all glory and opulence; japan-chanting; präpya-attaining; yäti-go; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; param-to the transcendental; padam-abode.

The Glories of the Mantras of Lord Viñëu
In the Agama-çästra it is said:
"They who, by the mercy of the spiritual master, chant the mantras of Lord Viñëu, which are the kings of all mantras, attain all glory and opulence and go to the supreme abode of Lord Viñëu.

Text 122

puëyaà varña-sahasrair yaù
kåtaà su-vipulaà tapaù
japanti vaiñëavän manträn
naräs te loka-pävanäù
puëyam-piety; varña-sahasraiù-by a thousand years; yaù-who; kåtam-attained; su-vipulam-very great; tapaù-austerities; japanti-chant; vaiñëavän-of Lord Viñëu; manträn-mantras; naräù-people; te-they; loka-pävanäù-purifiers of the worlds.

"They who chant the mantras of Lord Viñëu attain the pious results of a thousand years of austerities. They become the purifiers of the worlds."

Text 123

vaiñëave ca 
prajapan vaiñëavän manträn
yaà yaà paçyanti cakñuñä
sadä vä saàspåçet sadyo
mucyate 'sau mahä-bhayät
vaiñëave-in the Vaiñëava Tantra; ca-and; prajapan-chantign; vaiñëavän-of Lord Viñëu; manträn-mantras; yam- yam-whatever; paçyanti-see; cakñuñä-with eyes; sadä-always; vä-or; saàspåçet-touch; sadyaù-always; mucyate-is released; asau-he; mahä-bhayät-from great fear.

In the Vaiñëava-çästra it is said:
"A person who, chanting the mantras of Lord Viñëu, sees or touches the Lord, becomes freed from very terrible fears."

Text 124

likhyate viñëu-manträëäà
mahimätha viçeñataù
tätparyataù çré-gopäla-
mantra-mähätmya-puñöaye
likhyate-is written; viñëu-manträëäm-of the mantras of Lord Viñëu; mahimä-the glory; atha-then; viçeñataù-specifically; tätparyataù-from the explanation; çré-gopäla-mantra-mähätmya-puñöaye-for expounding the glories of the Çré Gopäla mantra.

Now I will write explaining the glories of some specifé mantras of Lord Viñëu. I will begin by glorifying the Çré Gopäla-mantra.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Here someone may ask: Why do you begin by describing the worship of the eighteen-syllable Gopäla-mantra? Why do you not begin with some other mantra?
To this I reply. lord Gopäla is the original Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all incarnations. Çrémad-Bhägavatam 1.3.28 explains:

kåñëas tu bhagavän svayam 

"Lord Çré Kåñëa is the original Personality of Godhead."*
The various incarnations of the Lord are very glorious, but the original form of the Lord, the source of the incarnations, is the most glorious.

Texts 125-127

padma-puräëe devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde 
säìgam- samudram- sannyäsaà
sa-åñi-cchanda-daivatam
sa-dékñävadhi sa-dhyänaà
sa-yantraà dvädaçäkñaram
añöäkñaraà ca mantreñäà
ye japanti narottamäù
tän dåñövä brahma-hä çudhyet
te yato viñëavaù svayam
çaìkhinaç cakriëo bhütvä
brahmäyur vana-mälinaù
vasanti vaiñëave loke
viñëu-rüpeëa te naräù
padma-puräëe-in rhe Padma Puräëa; devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde-in the conversation of Devaduta and Vikundala; säìgam-with angas; samudram-with mudras; sannyäsam-with nyasas; sa-åñi-cchanda-daivatam-with åñi, cchandaù, and daivata; sa-dékñävadhi-with initiation; sa-dhyänam-with meditation; sa-yantram-with yantras; dvädaçäkñaram;-twelve-syllable; añöäkñaram-eight-syylable; ca-and; mantreçam- the king of mantras; ye-they who; japanti-chant; narottamäù-the best of men; tän-them; dåñövä-seeing; brahma-hä-one who has killed a brähmaëa; çudhyet-becomes purified; te-they; yataù-from which; viñëavaù-like Lord Viñëu; svayam-personally; çaìkhinaç-holding conchshells; cakriëaù-holding discs; bhütvä-becoming; brahmäyuù-spiritual; vana-mälinaù-wearing forest garlands; vasanti-reside; vaiñëave-of Lord Viñëu; loke-in the realm; viñëu-rüpeëa-with forms like that of Lord Viñëu; te-they; naräù-people.

In the Padma Puräëa, in the conversation of Devadüta and Vikuëòala, it is said:
"They who with aìgas, mudräs, nyäsas, åñi, chandaù, daivata, initiation, meditation, and yantra, chant the twelve-syllable and eight-syllable mantras are the best of men. Seeing them, a killer of brähmaëas becomes purified. Holding conchshells and discs, wearing forest garlands, and manifesting spiritual forms like Lord Viñëu's, they reside in Lord Viñëu's transcendental abode."

Text 128

tatraiva dvädaçäkñarasya caturtha-skandhe çré-dhruvaà prati çré-näradoktau 
japaç ca paramo guhyaù
çruyatäà me nåpätmaja
yaà sapta-rätraà prapaöhan
pumän paçyati khecarän
tatra-there; eva-indeed; dvädaçäkñarasya-of the twelve-syllable mantra; caturtha-skandhe-in the Fourht Canto; çré-dhruvam-Çré Dhruva; prati-to; çré-näradoktau-in the statement of Çré Närada; japaç-the chanting mantra in this connection; ca-and; paramaù-very, very; guhyaù-confidential; çruyatäm-plwease hear; me-from me; nåpätmaja-O son of the king; yam-which; sapta-rätram-seven nights; prapaöhan-chanting; pumän-a person; paçyati-can see; khecarän-human beings who travel in space.

The Twelve-syllable Mantra
The twelve-syllable mantra is described in Çrémad-Bhägavatam (4.8.53), where Çré Närada Muni tells Dhruva Mahäräja:
"O son of the king, now I will speak unto you the mantra which is to be chanted with this process of meditation. One who carefully chants this mantra for seven nights can see the perfect human beings flying in the sky."*

Text 129

çré-viñëu-puräëe 
gatvä gatvä nivartante
candra-süryädayo grahäù
adyäpi na nivartante
dvädaçäkñara-cintakäù
çré-viñëu-puräëe-in Çré Viñëu Puräëa; gatvä-going; gatvä-going; nivartante-return; candra-süryädayaù-beginning with the moon and the sun; grahäù-planets; adya-today; api-even; na-not; nivartante-return; dvädaçäkñara-cintakäù-meditating on the twelve-syllable mantra.

In Çré Viñëu Puräëa it is said:
"The sun, moon, and other planets leave and the  return again and again. They who meditate on the twelve-syllable mantra never return to this world of birth and death."

Text 130

añöäkñarasya yathä närada-païcarätre 
trayo vedäù ñaò-aìgäni
chandäàsi vividhaù suräù
sarvam añöäkñaräntaù-sthaà
yä cänyad api väì-mayam
añöäkñarasya-of the eight syllable mantra; yathä-as; närada-païcarätre-in the Närada-païcarätra; trayaù-three; vedäù-Vedas; ñaò-aìgäni-siø limbs; chandäàsi-meters; vividhaù-various; suräù-demigods; sarvam-all; añöäkñaräntaù-in the eight-syllable mantra; stham-situated; yat-what; ca-and; anyat-another; api-even; vän-mayam-consisting of words.

The Eight-syllable Mantra
In the Närada-païcarätra it is said:
"The three Vedas, siø Vedäìgas, poetry, demigods, words, and everything else, are all situated in the eight-syllable mantra."

Text 131

sarva-vedänta-särärthaù
saàsärärëava-täraëaù
gatir añöäkñaro nåëäà
na punar-bhava-kaìkñiëäm
sarva-vedänta-särärthaù-the esseë eof the meaning of all Vedanta; saàsärärëava-täraëaù-the boat to cross the ocean of birth and death; gatiù-the goal; añöäkñaraù-the eight-syllable mantra; nåëäm-of men; na-not; punar-bhava-kaìkñiëäm-desiring to stay in the world of birth and death.

"The eight-syllable mantra is the essence of all Vedänta philosophy. It is a boat to cross the ocean of repeated birth and death. It is the path followed by they who wish never to be born again.

Text 132

yaträñöäkñara-saàsiddho
mahä-bhägo mahéyate
na tatra saïcariñyanti
vyädhi-durbhikña-taskaräù
yatra-where; añöäkñara-saàsiddhaù-perfect in the eight-syllable mantra; mahä-bhägaù-very fortunate; mahéyate-is glorified; na-not; tatra-there; saïcariñyanti-will go; vyädhi-durbhikña-taskaräù-dosease, poevrty, and thieves.

"A country that honors a person perfect in chanting the eight-syllable mantra will not be touched by disease, poverty, or theft.

Text 133

deva-dänava-gandharväù
siddha-vidyadharädayaù
praëamanti mahä-mänaà
añöäkñara-vidaà naram
deva-dänava-gandharväù-the demigods, demons, and gandharvas; siddha-vidyadharädayaù-the beings headed by siddhas and vidyadharas; praëamanti-bow down; mahä-mänam-to the exalted person; añöäkñara-vidam-who knows the eight-syllable mantra; naram-person.

"The demigods, demons, Gandharvas, Siddhas, Vidyädharas, and others respectfully bow before a person exalted with knowledge of the eight-syllable mantra.

Text 134

vyaktaà hi bhagavän eva
säkñän näräyaëaù svayam
añöäkñara-svarüpeëa
mukheñu parivartate
vyaktam-manifested; hi-indeed; bhagavän-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; eva-indeed; säkñän-directly; näräyaëaù-Lord Näräyaëa; svayam-personally; añöäkñara-of the eight-syylable mantra; svarüpeëa-in the form; mukheñu-on the mouth; parivartate-goes.

"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Näräyaëa, personally appears in the mouth as the eight-syllable mantra."

Text 135

padmottara-khaëòe 
evam añöäkñaro mantro
jïeyaù sarvärtha-sädhakaù
sarva-duùkha-haraù çrémän
sarva-manträtmakaù çubhaù
padmottara-khaëòe-in the Uttara-khanda opf the Padma Puräëa; evam-thus; añöäkñaraù-the eight-syllable mantra; mantraù-mantra; jïeyaù-to be known; sarvärtha-sädhakaù-fulfilling all desires; sarva-duùkha-haraù-removing asll sufferings; çrémän-glorious; sarva-manträtmakaù-the heart of all mantras; çubhaù-beautiful.

In the Padma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"The glorious and beautiful eight-syllable mantra fulfills all desires and removes all sufferings. It is the heart of all mantras."

Text 136

liìga-puräëe 
kim anyair bahubhir mantraiù
kim anyair bahubhir vrataiù
namo näräyaëayeti
mantraù sarvärtha-sädhakaù
liìga-puräëe-in the Liìga Puräëa; kim-what is the use?; anyaiù-of other; bahubhiù-many; mantraiùmantras; kim-what is the use?; anyaiù-of other; bahubhiù-many; vrataiù-vows; namaù-obeisances; näräyaëäya-to Lord Näräyaëa; iti-thus; mantraù-mantra; sarvärtha-sädhakaù-fulfilling all desires.

In the Liìga Puräëa it is said:
"What is the use of other mantras? What is the use of other vows? The mantra Namo Näräyaëäya (Obeisances to Lord Näräyaëa, fulfills all desires."

Text 137

tasmät sarveñu käleñu
namo näräyaëeti yaù
japet sa yäti viprendra
viñëu-lokaà sa-bandhavaù
tasmät-therefore; sarveñu-at all; käleñu-times; namaù-obeisances; näräyaëeti-to Lord Näräyaëa; yaù-one who; japet-chants; sa-he; yäti-goes; viprendra-O king of brähmaëas; viñëu-lokam-to the abode of Lord Viñëu; sa-bandhavaù-with his relatives.

"Therefore, O king of brähmaëas, one who always chants Namo Näräyaëäya goes with his kinsmen to the abode of Lord Viñëu."

Text 138

bhaviñya-puräëe 
añöäkñaro mahä-mantraù
sarva-päpa-haraù paraù
sarveñäà viñëu-manträëäà
räjatve parikértitaù
bhaviñya-puräëe-in the Bhaviñya Puräëa; añöäkñaraù-eight-syllable; mahä-mantraù-great mantra; sarva-päpa-haraù-remvoing all, sins; paraù-great; sarveñäm-of all; viñëu-manträëäm-Viñëu mantras; räjatve-as a king; parikértitaù-glorified.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa it is said:
"The great eight-syllable mantra removes all sins. Of all Viñëu-mantras it is said to be the king."

Text 139

çré-çuka-vyäsa-samväde ca 
namo näräyaëäyeti
mantraù sarvärtha-sädhakaù
bhaktänäà japatäà täta
svarga-mokña-phala-pradaù
çré-çuka-vyäsa-samväde-in a conversatio  of Çré Çuka and Çré  Vyäsa; ca-and; namo näräyaëayeti mantraù-the mantra Namo Näräyaëäya; sarvärtha-sädhakaù-fulfilling all desires; bhaktänäm-of the devotees; japatäm-chanting; täta-O son; svarga-mokña-phala-the ruslt of all liberation; pradaù-giving.

In a conversation of Çré Çuka and Çré Närada it is said:
"O son, the mantra Namo Näräyaëäya fulfills all desires and gives all kinds of liberation to they who chant it with devotion.

Text 140

eña eva paro mokña
eña svarga udähåtaù
sarva-veda-rahasyebhyaù
sära eña samuddhåtaù
eña-this; eva-indeed; paraù-supreme; mokña-liberation; eña-thus; svarga-Svarga; udähåtaù-is siad; sarva-veda-of all the Vedas; rahasyebhyaù-from the secrets; sära-the best secret; eña-this; samuddhåtaù-said.
"This mantra is said to be final liberation. It is said to be residence in Svargaloka. It is said to be the greatest secret in the Vedas.

Text 141

viñëunä vaiñëavänäà tu
hitäya manunä purä
kértitaù sarva-päpa-ghnaù
sarva-käma-pradäyakaù
viñëunä-by Lord Viñëu; vaiñëavänäm-of the devotees; tu-indeed; hitäya-for the welfare; manunä-by Manu; purä-in ancient times; kértitaù'said; sarva-päpa-ghnaù-killing all sins; sarva-käma-pradäyakaù-fulfilling all desires.

"In ancient times Lord Viñëu gave this mantra to benefit His devotees. Manu declared that this mantra destroys all sins and fulfills all desires."

Text 142

näräyaëäya nama ity ayam eva satyaà
saàsära-ghora-viña-saàharaëäya mantraù
çåëvantu satya-matayo muditäs tarägä
uccais taram upadiçämy aham ürdhva-bähuù
näräyaëäya nama-obesiances to Lord Näräyaëa; ity-thus; ayam-this; eva-indeed; satyam-truth; saàsära-ghora-viña-the terrible poison of repeated birth and detah; saàharaëäya-for removing; mantraù-mantra; çåëvantu-please hear; satya-matayaù-O saintly ones; muditäù-happy; tarägä-renounced; uccais taram-loudly; upadiçämy-declare; aham-I; ürdhva-bähuù-with arms raised.

It is also said:
"To counteract the terrible poison of repeated birth and death, austere, intelligent, pure-hearted men should always chant the mantra Namo Näräyaëäya. Raising my arms, I loudly declare this."

Text 143

bhütvordhva-bähur adyähaà
satya-pürvaà bravémi vaù
he putra-siñyäù çåëuta
na mantro 'stäkñarät paraù
bhütvä-bvecoming; urdhva-bähuù-with raised arms; adya-today; aham-I; satya-pürvam-the truth; bravémi-speak; vaù-to you; he-O; putra-siñyäù-disciples; çåëuta-please hear; na-not; mantraù-a mantra; astäkñarät'than the eight-syllable mantra; paraù-better.

It is also said:
"O sons and disciples, raising my arms, I will declare to you the truth: No mantra is better than the eight-syllable mantra!"

Text 144

ata evoktaà gäruòe 
äséno vä çayäno vä
tiñöhäno yatra tatra vä
namo näräyaëayeti
mantraika-çarano bhavet
ata eva-therefore; uktam-said; gäruòe-in the Garuòa Puräëa; äsénaù-sitting; vä-or; çayänaù-reclining; vä-or; tiñöhänaù-standing; yatra-where; tatra-there; vä-or; namo näräyaëaya iti-the mantra Namo Näräyaëäya; mantraika-çaranaù-taking shelter of that mantra; bhavet-should be.

In the Garuòa Puräëa it is said:
"Standing, sitting, or reclining, wherever one is, one should take shelter of the mantra Namo Näräyaëäya."

Text 145

atha çré-närasiàhänuñöubùa-mantra-räjasya mähätmyaà 
täpanéya-çrutiñu 
devä ha prajäpatim abruvan tasya anuñöubùa-mantra-räjasya närasiàhasya phalaà no brühéti. sa hoväca prajäpatiù ya etaà mantra-räjaà närasiàham anuñöubhaà nityam adhéte, sa äditya-püto bhavati, so 'gni-püto bhavati, sa väyu-püto bhavati, sa sürya-püto bhavati, sa candra-püto bhavati, sa satya-püto bhavati, sa brahma-püto bhavati, sa viñëu-püto bhavati, sa rudra-püto bhavati, sa sarva-püto bhavati.
atha-now; çré-närasiàhänuñöubùa-mantra-räjasya-of the eight-syllable Nåsiàha-mantra; mähätmyam-the glory; täpanéya-çrutiñu-in the Nåsiàha-täpané Upaniñad; devä-the demigods; ha-indeed; prajäpatim-to Prajäpati; abruvan-said; tasya-of Him; anuñöubùa-in the meter anusthubh; mantra-räjasya-the king of mantras; närasiàhasya-of Lord Nåsiàha; phalam-the reuslt; naù-to us; brühi-please tell; iti-thus; sa-he; ha-indeed; uväca-said; prajäpatiù-Prajäpati; ya-who; etam-this; mantra-räjam-king of mantras; närasiàham-of Lord Nåsiàha; anuñöubham-in the meter Anusthubh; nityam-always; adhéte-recites; sa-he; äditya-pütaù-pure like the sun; bhavati-becomes; saù-he; agni-pütaù-pure likem fire; bhavati-becomes; sa-he; väyu-pütaù-pure,like the wind; bhavati-becomes; sa-he; sürya-pütaù-pure like the4 sun; bhavati-becomes; sa-he; candra-pütaù-pure like the moon; bhavati-becomes; sa-he; satya-pütaù-pure liek truth; bhavati-becomes; sa-he; brahma-pütaù-pure like Brahmä; bhavati-becomes; sa-he; viñëu-pütaù-pure like Viñëu; bhavati-becmes; sa-he; rudra-pütaù-pure like Çiva; bhavati-becomes; sa-he; sarva-pütaù-pure of everything; bhavati-becomes.

The Glory of the Regal Nåsiàha-mantra in the Meter Anuñöubh
In the Nåsiàha-täpané Upaniñad it is said:
"The demigods approached Lord Brahma' and said: Please describe to us the result of chanting the regal Nåsiàha-mantra in the meter anuñöubh.
"Lord Brahma' replied: One who regularly chants the regal Nåsiàha-mantra in the meter anuñöubh becomes pure like the demigods. He becomes pure like fire. He becomes pure like the wind. He becomes pure like the sun. He becomes pure like the moon. He becomes pure like the truth. He becomes pure like Brahmä. He becomes pure like Viñëu. He becomes pure like Çiva. He becomes purified of all sins."

Text 146

tatraivänte 
anupanéta-çatam ekam ekenopanétena tat-samam, upanéta-çatam ekam ekena gåhasthena tat-samam, gåhastha-çatam ekam ekena vanaprasthena tat-samam, vanaprastha-çatam ekam ekena yatinä tat-samam. yaténäà tu çataà pürëa-rudra-japakena tat-samam, rudra-japaka-çatam ekem ekenätharväìgirasa-çäkhädhyäpakena tat-samam, atharväìgirasa-çäkhädhyäpaka-çatam ekam ekena mantra-räjädhyäpakena tat-samam, tad vä etat paraà dhäma mantra-räjädhyäpakasya yatra na duùkhädi, yatra na süryo bhäti, yatra na väyur väti, yatra na candramäs tapati, yatra na nakñaträëi bhänti, yatra nägnir dahati, yatra na måtyuù praviçati, yatra na doñaù. tat sadänandaà çäçvataà çäntaà sadä-çivaà brahmädi-vanditaà yogi-dhyeyam, yatra gatvä na nivartante yoginaù. tad etad åcäbhyuktaà tad viñëoù paramaà padaà sadä paçyanti sürayaù, divéva cakñur ätatam. tad vipräso vipanyavo jägåväàsaù samindhate, viñëor yat paramaà padam.
tatra-there; eva-indeed; ante-at the end; anupanéta-not initiated as a brähmaëa; çatam-a hundred; ekam-one; ekena-with one; upanétena-brähmaëa; tat-samam,-equal to that; upanéta-çatam-of a hundred brähmaëas; ekam-one; ekena-with one; gåhasthena-householder; tat-samam,-equal; gåhastha-çatam-a hundred householders; ekam-one; ekena-with one; vanaprasthena-vanaprastha; tat-samam,-equal; vanaprastha-çatam-a hundred vanaprasthaS; ekam-one; ekena-with one; yatinä-sannyasi; tat-samam.-equal; yaténäm-of sannyasis; tu-indeed; çatam-a hundred; pürëa-rudra-japakena-chanting the names of Lord Çiva; tat-samam-equal; rudra-japaka-çatam-of a hundred who chant the names of Lord Çiva; ekem-one; ekena-with one; atharväìgirasa-çäkhädhyäpakena-teacher of the Atharva Veda Angirasa; tat-samam,-equal; atharväìgirasa-çäkhädhyäpaka-of teachers of the Atharva angirasa; çatam-a hundred; ekam-one; ekena-with one; mantra-räjädhyäpakena-teacher of the king of mantras; tat-samam,-equal; tat-that; vä-indeed; etat-that; param-supreme; dhäma-aode; mantra-räjädhyäpakasya-of a teacher of the king of mantras; yatra-where; na-not; duùkhädi,-beginning with suffering; yatra-where; na-not; süryaù-the sun; bhäti,-shines; yatra-where; na-not; väyuù-the wind; väti,-blows; yatra-where; na-not; candramäù-the moon; tapati,-shines; yatra-where; na-not; nakñaträëi-the stars; bhänti,-shine; yatra-where; na-not; agniù-fire; dahati,-burns; yatra-where; na-not; måtyuù-death; praviçati,-enters; ya
tra-where; na-no; doñaù.-faults; tat-that; sadänandam-eternal bliss; çäçvatam-eternal; çäntam-peace; sadä-çivam-eternal asupiciousness; brahmädi-vanditam-glorified by Brahma' and the demigods; yogi-dhyeyam,-meditated on by the yogis; yatra-where; gatvä-going; na-not; nivartante-return; yoginaù.-the yogis; tat-that; etat-that; åcä-with the Åg mantras; abhyuktam-endowed; tat-taht; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; paramam-the supreme; padam-abode; sadä-always; paçyanti-sees; sürayaù,-the demigods; divi-in the sky; iva-like; cakñuù-eye; ätatam.-manifested; tat-that; vipräsothe brähmaëas; vipanyavaù-the praiseworthy; jägåväàsaù-spiritually awake; samindhate,-they reveal; viñëoù-of Viñëu; yat-whose; paramam-supreme; padam-abode.

At the end of the Nåsiàha-täpané Upaniñad it is said:
"One brähmaëa is equal to a hundred non-brähmaëas. One brähmaëa householder is equal to a hundred other brähmaëas. One vänaprastha is equal to a hundred householders. One sannyäsé is equal to a hundred vänaprasthas. One chanter of Çiva-mantras is equal to a hundred sannyäsés. One teacher of the Atharväìgirasa-çäkha' is equal to a hundred chanters of Çiva-mantras. One teacher of the regal Nåsiàha-mantra is equal to a hundred teachers of the Atharväìgirasa-çäkhä. A teacher of the regal Nåsiàha-mantra goes to a realm where there are no sufferings, where the sun does not shine, where the wind does not blow, where the moon and the stars do not shine, where fire does not burn, where death cannot enter, where there are no faults, where there is eternal bliss, eternal, peace, and eternal auspiciousness, a place worshiped by Brahma' and the demigods, a place meditated on by the yogés, a place where the yogé go and never return, a place glorified in the Åg Veda with the words:
"Just as the sun's rays in the sky are extended to the mundane vision, so in the same way the wise and learned devotees always see the supreme abode of Lord Viñëu. because those highly praiseworthy and spiritually awake brähmaëas are able to see the spiritual world, they are also able to reveal the supreme abode of Lord Viñëu."*

Text 147

atha çré-räma-manträëäà mähätmyam 
agastya-saàhitäyäà 
sarveñu mantra-vargeñu
çreñöhaà vaiñëavam ucyate
gäëapatyeñu çaiveñu
çäkta-saureñv abhéñöadam
atha-now; çré-räma-manträëäm-of the Çré Räma-mantras; mähätmyam-the glory; agastya-saàhitäyäm-in the Agastya-samhita; sarveñu-in all; mantra-vargeñu-mantras; çreñöham-the best; vaiñëavam-of Lord Viñëu; ucyate-is said; gäëapatyeñu-in Gaëeça-mantras; çaiveñu-in çiva-mantras; çäkta-saureñu-in Durga'-mantras and Süryua-mantras; abhéñöadam-fulfilling desires.

The Glories of the Çré Räma-mantra
In the Agastya-saàhita' it is said:
"Of all mantras the mantras glorifying Lord Viñëu are said to be the best. Viñëu-mantras fulfill desires better than the mantras glorifying Gaëeça, Çiva, Durgä, or Sürya.

Text 148

vaiñëaveñv api mantreñu
räma-mantraù phalädhikaù
gäëapatyädi-mantreñu
koöi-koöi-guëädhikaù
vaiñëaveñu-among the mantras of Lord Viñëu; api-even; mantreñu-among the mantras; räma-mantraù-the Räma-mantra; phalädhikaù'best at giving results; gäëapatyädi-mantreñu-than the mantras glorifying Gaëeça and the other demigods; koöi-koöi-guëädhikaù-many millions and millions of times more.

"Of all Viñëu-mantras the Räma-mantra gives the best results. It gives results many millions of millions of times better than the mantras of Gaëeça and the other demigods.

Text 149

vinaiva dékñäà viprendra
puraçcaryäà vinaiva hi
vinaiva nyäsa-vidhinä
japa-mätreëa siddhi-däù
vinä-without; eva-indeed; dékñäm-initiation; viprendra-O king of brähmaëas; puraçcaryäm-parscarana; vinä-without; eva-indeed; hi'indeed; vinä-without; eva-indeed; nyäsa-vidhinä-nyasa; japa-mätreëa-simply by chanting; siddhi-däù-giving perfection.

"O king of brähmaëas, without initiation, without puraçcaraëa, and without nyäsa, simply by chanting the Räma-mantra one attains perfection.

Text 150

mantreñv äçu svanäyäsa-
phala-do 'yaà ñaò-akñaraù
ñaò-akñaro 'yaà mantras tu
mahäghaugha-niväraëaù
mantreñu-in mantras; açu-quickly; svanäyäsa-phala-daù-giving results; ayam-this; ñaò-six; akñaraù-syllables; ñaò-akñaraù-siø syllables; ayam-this; mantraù-mantra; tu-indeed; mahä-great; agha-of sins; augha-flood; niväraëaù-stopping.

"The siø-syllable Räma-mantra quickly fulfills all desires. The siø-syllable Räma-mantra destroys a flood of sins.

Texts 151 and 152

mantra-räja iti proktaù
sarveñäm uttamottamaù
dainaà dinam- tu duritaà
pakña-mäsartu-varña-jam
sarvaà dahati niùçeñaà
tüläcalam ivänalaù
brahma-hatyä-sahasräëi
jïänäjïäna-kåtäni ca
mantra-of mantras; räja-the king; iti-thus; proktaù-said; sarveñäm-of all; uttamottamaù-the best of the best; dainam-wretched condition; dinam-day; tu-indeed; duritam-sins; pakña-fortnight; mäsa-month; åtu-season; varña-year; jam-born; sarvam-all; dahati-burns; niùçeñam-completely; tüläcalam-a mountain of cotton; iva-like; analaù-a fire; brahma-hatyä-sahasräëi-the thousand murders of brähmaëas; jïäna-with knowledge; ajïäna-without knowledge; kåtäni-done; ca-and.

"The Räma-mantra is the king of mantras. It is the best of all. As a flame quickly burns up a mountain of cotton swabs, so does the Räma-mantra burn away the sins committed in all one's days, fortnights, months, seasons, and years. It burns away a thousand murders of brähmaëas and a host of sins committed consciously or unconsciously.

Text 153

svarëa-steya-surä-päna-
guru-talpa-yutäni ca
koöi-koöi-sahasräëi
hy upapäpäni yäny api 
sarväëy api praëaçyanti 
räma-mantränukértanät
svarëa-of gold; steya-theft; surä-wine; päna-drinking; guru-of ther spiritual master; talpa-the bed; yutäni-endowed; ca-and; koöi-koöi-millions and millions; sahasräëi-thousands; hy-also; upapäpäni-sins; yäny-which; api-also; sarväëy'all; api-also; praëaçyanti-destroys; räma-mantränukértanät-by chanting the Räma-mantra.

"By chanting the Räma-mantra the sins of stealing gold, drinking liquor, committing adultery with the spiritual master's wife, and many thousands of millions of millions of other sins are all destroyed."

Text 154

tapanéya-çrutiñu ca 
ya etat tärakaà brähmaëo nityam adhéte, sa päpmänäà tarati, sa måtyuà tarati, sa bhrüëa-hatyäà tarati, sa sarva-hatyäà tarati, sa saàsäraà tarati, sa sarvaà tarati, sa vimuktäçrito bhavati, so 'måtatvaà ca gacchati.
tapanéya-çrutiñu-in the Räma-täpané Upaniñad; ca-and; ya-what; etat-thus; tärakam-delivering; brähmaëaù-a brähmaëa; nityam-regularly; adhéte,-chants; sa-he; päpmänäm-sin; tarati,-crossess beyond; sa-he; måtyum-death; tarati,-crossess beyond; sa-he; bhrüëa-hatyäm-the sin of abortion; tarati,-crossess beyond; sa-he; sarva-hatyäm-mass-murders; tarati,-crossess beyond; sa-he; saàsäram-birth and death; tarati,-crossess beyonbd; sa-and; sarvam-all; tarati,-crossess beyond; sa-he; vimuktäçritaù-liberated; bhavati,-becomes; saù-he; amåtatvam-immortality; ca-and; gacchati-attains.

In the Räma-täpané Upaniñad it is said:
"A brähmaëa who regularly chants the Räma-mantra crosses beyond sin. He crosses beyond death. He crosses beyond the sin of performing an abortion. He crosses beyond the sins of mass-murder and genocide. He crosses beyond the world of repeated birth and death. He crosses beyond all that is inauspicious. He becomes liberated."

Text 155

atha çré-gopäladeva-mantra-mähätmyaà 
mantras tu kåñëadevasya
säkñäd bhagavato hareù
sarvävatära-béjasya
sarvato véryavattamaù
atha-now; çré-gopäladeva-mantra-mähätmyam-the glory of the Gopäladeva-mantra; mantraù-mantra; tu-indeed; kåñëadevasya-of Lord Kåñëa; säkñät-directly; bhagavataù-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; hareù-Lord Hari; sarvävatära-béjasya-the seed of all incarnations; sarvataù-in all respects; véryavattamaù-the most powerful.

The Glories of the Gopäla-mantra
The mantra of Lord Kåñëa, who is the original Supreme Personality of Godhead, the seed of all incarnations, is the most powerful.

Text 156

tathä ca båhad-gautaméye çré-govinda-våndävanäkhye 
sarveñäm- mantra-varyäëäà
çreñöho vaiñëava ucyate
viçeñät kåñëa-manavo
bhoga-mokñaika-sädhanam
tathä-so; ca-and; båhad-gautaméye-in the Båhad-gautaméya Tantra; çré-govinda-våndävanäkhye-in the portion named Govinda-Våndävana; sarveñäm-of all; mantra-varyäëäm-great mantras; çreñöhaù-the best; vaiñëava-mantra of Lord Viñëu; ucyate-is said; viçeñät-specifically; kåñëa-manavaù-the Kåñëa-mantra; bhoga-mokñaika-sädhanam-the abode of happiness and liberation.

In the Gautaméya Tantra it is said:
"Of all mantras the Viñëu-mantras are said to be the best. Of these the Kåñëa-mantras, which are the abode of happiness and liberation, are the best of all.

Text 157

yasya yasya ca mantrasya
yo yo devas tathä punaù
abhedät tan-manünäà ca
devatä saiva bhäñyate
yasya yasya-of whatever; ca-and; mantrasya-mantra; yo yaù-whatever; devaù-demigod; tathä-so; punaù-again; abhedät-from being not different; tan-manünäm-of the mantras; ca-and; devatä-deity; sä-He; eva-indeed; bhäñyate-is said.

"Whatever the mantra and whoever the Deity, the mantra and its Deity are said to be non-different.

Text 158

kåñëa eva paraà brahma
sac-cid-änanda-vigrahaù
småti-mätreëa teñäà vai
bhukti-mukti-phala-pradaù
kåñëa-Lord Kåñëa; eva-indeed; param brahma-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; sä-cid-änanda-vigrahaù-whose form is eternal and full of knowledeg and bliss; småti-by remembering; mätreëa-simply; teñäm-of them; vai-indeed; bhukti-mukti-phala-pradaù-giving the results of material happiness and liberation.

"Lord Kåñëa is the original Supreme Personality of Godhead, and His form is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. Simply by remembering Him, one attains both material happiness and liberation.

Text 159

taträpi bhagavattäà sväà
tanvato gopa-lélayä
tasya çreñöhatamä manträs
teñv apy añöädaçäkñaraù
taträpi-still; bhagavattäm-the state of being the Supreme Personality of Godhead; sväm-own; tanvataù-manifesting; gopa-lélayä-with the pastime of a cowherd boy; tasya-of Him; çreñöhatamä-best; manträù-mantras; teñv-in them; apy-also; añöädaçäkñaraù-the eighteen-syllable mantra.

"In His original form He enjoys pastimes as a cowherd boy. The mantras glorifying Him are the best of mantras. Among them the eighteen-syllable mantra is especially to be noted."

Text 160 (a)

athäñöädaçäkñara-mantra-mähätmyam
tapanéya-çrutiñu 
om- munayo ha vai brahmäëam ücuù. kaù paramo devaù? kuto måtyur bibheti? kasya jïänenäkhilam- vijïätam- bhavati? kenedam- viçvam- saàsaratéti?
atha-now; añöädaçäkñara-mantra-of the eighteen-syllable mantra; mähätmyam-the glory; tapanéya-çrutiñu-in Çré Gopäla-täpané Upaniñad; om-invoking auspiciousness by reciting the name of the Personality of Godhead; munayaù-sages; ha-indeed; vai' certainly; brahmäëam-Brahmä; ücuù'-adresses; kaù-who? paramaù devaù-is the Supreme Personality of Godhead; kutaù' of whom? måtyu-is death; bibheti-afraid; kasya-of whom?; jïänena-with the knowledge; akhilam-everything; vijïätam' known; bhavati-becomes; kena-by whom?; viçvam-is the universe; saàsarati-manifest; iti-thus.

The Glories of the Eighteen-syllable Mantra
In Çré Gopäla-täané Upaniñad (1.2, the eighteen-syllable mantra is described in the following words:
"Oà. Some sages said to the demigod Brahmä: Who is the the Supreme Personality of Godhead? Whom does death fear? By knowing whom does everything else become known? Who created this world?

Text 160 (b)

tad u hoväca brähmaëaù. kåñëo vai paramaà daivataà.
govindän måtyur bibheti. gopéjanavallabha-jïänena taj
jïätaà bhavati. svähayedaà saàsarati.
tat-to them; u-certainly; ha-indeed; uväca-said; brähmaëaù-Brahmä; kåñëaù-Krçëa; vai-certainly; paramam-the Supreme; daivatam-Personalityof Godhead; govindät-Govinda; måtyuù-death; bibheti-fears; gopéjananvallabha-of Gopéjanavallabha; jïänene-by the understanding; tat-that; jïätam-known; bhavati-becomes; svähayä-by pronouncing the syllable svähä; idam-this; saàsarati-became manifested.

"Brahma' replied to them: Kåñëa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Death fears Govinda. By understanding Gopéjananavallabha everything becomes known. By pronouncing the word svähä the Personality of Godhead created the world.

Text 160 ,

tad u hocuù. kaù kåñëo govindaç ca ko 'saö iti 
gopéjanavallabhaù kaù kä sväheti.
tat-that; u-certainly; ha-indeed; ücuù-they asked; kaù-Who?; kåñëaù-is Kåñëa; govindaù-govinda; ca-also; kaù-who?; asau-is He; iti-thus; gopéjanavallabhaù-Gopéjanavallabha; kaù-Who?; kä-who? svähä-Svähä; iti-thus.

"They then said: Who is Kåñëa?  Who is Govinda? Who is Gopéjanavallabha? What is Svähä?

Text 160 (d)

tän uväca brähmaëaù. päpa-karñaëo go-bhümi-veda-vidito gopéjanävidyä kalä-prerakas tan-mäyä ceti, sakalaà paraà brahmaivaitat.
tän-to them; uväca-replied; brähmaëaù-Brahmä; päpa-sin; karñaëaù-removing; gaù-the cows; bhümi-land; veda-and Vedas; viditaù-celebrated; gopéjana-the gopés;
avidyä-enchantment; kalä-forms; prerakaù-manifesting; tat-His; mäyä-potency; ca-also; iti-thus; sakalam-with all the parts; param-supreme; brahma-spirit; eva-certainly; etat-He.

"To them Brahma' said: Kåñëa means He who delivers from sin, Govinda means He who is famous on the earth, in the Vedas, and among the surabhi cows, Gopéjanavallabha means He who enchants the gopés, and Sväha' means the potency of the Supreme. All these names refer to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. 

Text 160 (e)

yo dhyäyati rasayati bhajati so 'måto bhavati, so 'måto bhavati.
yaù-he who; dhyäyati-meditates; rasayati; glorifies; bhajati-and worships; saù-he; amåtaù-immortal; bhavati-becomes.

"One who meditates on this Supreme Personality of Godhead, glorifies Him, and worships Him, becomes liberated. He becomes liberated.

Text 160 (f)

te hocuù. kim tad-rüpaà? kim rasanaà? kathaà vä ho tad-bhajanaà? tat sarva-vividiñatäm äkhyähéti.
te-they; ha-certainly; ücuù-asked; kim-what?; tat-His; rüpam-form; kim-what?; rasanam-glorification; katham-what?; vä-or; ha u-certainly; tat-His; bhajanam-devotional service; tat-that; sarva-all; vividiçatäm-äkhyähi-please describe; iti-thus.

"They said: What is His form? What is His glorification? How does one worship Him? Please describe this to us.

Texts 160 (g)

tad u hoväca hairaëyo gopa-veçam abhraà taruëaà kalpa-drumäçritam. 
tat-that; u-certainly; ha-indeed; uväca-replied; hairaëyaù-Brahmä; gopa-veçam-in the form of a cowherd boy; abhram-like a dark rain-cloud; taruëam-youth; kalpa-druma-under a desire-tree; äçritam-staying; 

"Brahma' said: He appears like a cowherd boy. His complexion is like a monsoon cloud. 

Text 161 (a)

kim- ca tatraivägre
bhaktir asya bhajanam tad ihämutropädhi-nairäsyenämusmin manaù-kalpanam etad eva naiñkärmyaà iti.
kim- ca-furthermore; tatra-there; eva-indeed; agre-in the beginning; bhaktiù-devotional service; asya-his; bhajanam-worship; tat-that; iha-here; amutra-and inthe next life after death;
upädhi-nairäsyena-with freedom from material desires; amusmin-in Him; manaù-of the mind; kalpanam-thought; etat-that; eva-certainly; naiçkarmyam-freedom fromthe bonds of fruitive reaction; iti-thus.

Çré Gopäla-täpané Upanisad (1.14-16, continues:
"Devotional service to Lord Kåñëa is performed when the heart no longer desires any material benefit to be obtained in this life or the next. This is freedom from the bonds of karma.

Text 161 (b)

kåñëaà taà viprä bahudhä yajanti, govindaà santaà bahudhärädhayanti gopéjanavallabho bhüvanäni dadhre svähäçrito jagad ejayat suretäù.
kåñëam-Kåñëa; tam-Him; vipräù-brähmaëas; badhudhä-repeatedly; yajanti-worship; govindam-Govinda; santam-eternal; bahudhä-repeatedly; ärädhayanti-worship; gopéjanavallabhaù-gopéjanavallabha; bhuvanäni-the living entities; dadhre-maintains; svähä-of innumerable transcendental potencies; äçritaù-the shelter; jagat-the material universe; ejayat-causes to move; suretäù-supremely powerful.

"Many brähmaëas worship Kåñëa. Many worship eternal Govinda. Gopéjanavallabha maintains the worlds. Powerful Sväha' moves the universe.

Text 162

väyur yathaiko bhuvanaà praviñöo janye janye païca-rüpo babhüva. kåñëas tathaiko jagad-dhitärtham çabdenäsau païca-pado vibhätéti.
väyuù-air; yathä-just as; ekaù-one; bhuvanam-the universe; praviñöaù entered; janye janye-in the body of each living entity; païca-in five; rüpäù-forms; babhüva-became manifested; kåñëaù-Lord Kåñëa; tathä-in the same way; ekaù-one; jagat-of the universe; hita-artham-for the benefit; çabdena-as sound; asau-He; païca-in five; rüpäù-forms; vibhäti-became manifested; iti-thus.

"Although originally one, air becomes the five life-airs in the bodies of all living entities. In the same way, for the benefit of the world Lord Kåñëa appears as these five words."

Text 163

kim- ca tatraivopasäna-vidhi-kathanänantaram
eko vaçé sarvagaù kåñëa iòya
eko 'pi san bahudhä yo 'vabhäti
taà péöhasthaà ye tu yajanti dhéräs
teñäà sukhaà çäçvataà netareñäm
kim- ca-furthermore; tatra-there; eva-indeed; upasäna-of worship vidhi-rules; kathana-description; anantaram-then; tat-this; iha-here; çlokäù-verses; bhavanti-are; ekah-one; vaçé-the supreme controller; sarvagaù-all-pervading; kåñëaù-Lord Kåñna; iòyaù-supremely worshipable; ekaù-one; api-although; san-being; bahudhä-in many forms; yaù-who; avabhäti-manifests; tam-Him; péöhastham-in His transcendental abode; ye-those who; tu' indeed; yajanti-worship; dhéräù-intelligent persons; teñäm-of them; sukham-happiness; çäçvatam-eternal; na' not; itareñäm-of others.

The method of worship is then described in the following words of Çré Gopäla-täpané Upaniñad (1.20-25):
"Lord Kåñëa is the worshipable, all-pervading supreme controller, and although He is one, He manifests in many forms. They who are intelligent worship Him as He stands on His altar. They, and not others, attain eternal happiness.

Text 164

nityo nityänäà cetanäs cetanänäm
eko bahünäm yo vidadhäti kämän
täm péöhagaà ye 'nuyajanti vipräs
teñäà siddhiù çäçvaté netareñäm
nityaù-eternal; nityänäm-among the eternals; cetanaù-living entity; cetanänäm-among living entities; ekaù-one; bahünäm-among the many; yaù-who; vidadhäti-grants; kämän-desires; tam-unto Him péöha-gam-situated in his own abode; ye-those who; anuyajanti-worship; vipräù-devotees; teçäm-of them; siddhiù-perfection; çäçvaté-eternal; na itareñäm-of others.

"The brähmaëas, who worship, as He stands on His altar, the one greatest among the eternals and greatest among conscious persons, the one who fulfills the desires of the many, they, and not others, attain eternal perfection.

Text 165

etad viñëoù paramaà padaà ye
nityodyuktäù samyajante na kämän 
teñäm asau gopa-rüpaù prayatnät
prakäçayed ätma-padaà tadaiva
etat-this; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; paramam-supreme; padam-abode; ye-those who; nitya-always; udyuktaù-intently engaged; samyajante-engage in devotional service; na-not; kämän-material desires; teñäm-of them; asau-He; gopa-of a cowherd boy; rüpaù-with the transcendental form; prayatnät-with endeavor; prakäçayat-reveals; ätma-own; padam-abode; tadä-then; eva-certainly.

"To they who always dilignetly worship Lord Viñëu's transcendental form, the Lord, in His orginal form as a cowherd boy, shows His lotus feet.

Text 166

yo brahmäëaà vidadhäti pürvaà
yo vai vidyäs tasmai gäpayati sma kåñëaù
taà ha devam ätma-buddhi-prakäçaà
mumukñur vai çaraëam amuà vrajet
yaù-Who; brahmäëam-to Brahmä; vidadhäti-gave; pürvam-previously; yaù-who; vai-certainly; vidyäù-transcendental knowledge; tasmai-to him; gäpayati sma-instructed; kåñëaù-Kåñëa; tam-to Him; ha-certainly; devam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; ätma-buddhi-spiritual knowledge; prakäçam-manifesting; mumukñuù-one whos desires liberation; vai-certainly; çaraëam-shelter; amum-this; vrajet-should go.

"It was Kåñëa who in the beginning instructed Brahma' in Vedé knowledge and who disseminated Vedé knowledge in the past.ª They who desire liberation surrender to Him, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who grants transcendental knowledge to His devotees.

Text 167

oàkäreëäntaritaà ye japanti
govindasya païca-padaà manuà tam
teñäm asau darçayed ätma-rüpaà 
tasmän mumukñur abhyasen nityaà ñäntyai
oàkäreëa-with the syllable om; antaritam-accompanied; ye-those who; japanti-chant; govindasya-of Lord Govinda; païca-padam-with five words; manum-mantra; tam-this; teñäm-of them; asau-He; darçayet-reveals; ätma-own; rüpam' transcendental form; tasmät-from that; mumukñuù-one who desires liberation; abhyäset-should chant; nityam-continually; ñantyai-to attain transcendental peace.

"To they who chant the five-word mantra with om- and govinda (om- kåñëäya govindäya gopéjanavallabhäya svähä, the Lord reveals His own form. Therefore, to attain transcendental peace, they who desire liberation should regularly chant this mantra.

Text 168

etasmäd anye païca-padäd abhuvan
govindasya manavo mänavänäm
daçärëädyas te 'pi saìkrandanädyair
abhyasyante bhüti-kämair yathävat
etasmät-from this; anye-others; païca-padat-from this mantra consisting of five words; abhuvan-came into existance; govindasya-of Lord Govinda; manavaù-mantras; mänavänäm-of human society; dasä-arëa-he ten-syllable mantra; ädyaù-beginning with te-they; api-also; saìkrandana-ädyaih-by the four Kumäras, Indra, and other devotees who desire liberation from material existance; abhyasyante-is chanted; bhüti-kämaiù-by Narada and others who desire the spiritual opulence of pure devotional service; yathävat-just as;

"From this five-word mantra have come all other govinda-mantras in human society, including the ten-syllable govinda-mantra chanted by Indra's followers and by they who desire opulences."

Text 169 (a)

kim- ca tatraiva
tad u hoväca brähmaëaù asäö anavaratam me dhyätaù stutaù parärdhänte so 'budhyata. gopa-veço me purastäd ävirbabhüva. tataù praëato mayänukülena hådä mahyam añöädaçarëaà svarüpaà såñöaye dattväntarhitaù.
kim- ca-furthermore; tatra-there; eva-indeed; tat-then; u-certainly; ha-indeed; uväca-replied brähmaëaù-Brahmä; asau-He; anavaratam-continually; me-by me; dhyätaù-remembered; stutaù-glorified; parädhante-at the conclusion of the parärdha; saù-He; abudhyata-became perceived; gopa-veçaù-in the form of a cowherd boy; me-me; pruastät-in the presence; ävirbabhüva-became manifested; tataù'-then; praëataù-offered obeisances; mayä-by me; anukülena-with a compassionate; hådä-heart; mahyam-to me; añöädaça-arëam-the eighteen syllable mantra;  svarüpam' form; såñöaye-for creation; dattvä-having given

Çré Gopäla-täpané Upaniñad (1.27-30, continues:
"Brahmä said: I continually glorified the Lord and meditated upon Him for millions of years, and at last I was able to understand the transcendental form of the Lord as Çré Kåñëa, in the dress of a cowherd boy.ª With devotion in my heart I bowed down before Him. He gave me the eighteen-syllable mantra to be used for the activity of creation, and then He disappeared.

Text 169 (b)

punaù sisåkñato me prädurabhüt teñö akñareñu bhaviñyaê jagad-rüpaà prakäçayan.
punaù-again; sisåkñataù-desiring to create; me-of me; pradurabhüt-became manifest; teñu-in them; akñareñu-in the letters of the mantra; bhaviçyat-about to be; jagat-rüpam-the form of the universe; prakäçayan-manifesting.

"When I desired to create the universe He again appeared before me, showing me in these syllables the universe that was to be.

Text 169 ,

tad iha käd äpo lat påthivé ito 'gnir bindor indus tat-sampätakäd arka iti klià-käräd asåjam. kåñëäyäd äkäçaà khäd väyur ity uttarät surabhià vidyäù prädurakärñaà tad-uttarät stré-pumädi cedaà sakalam iti. sakalam iti.
tat-that; iha-here; kät-from the letter ka; äpaù-water; lät-from the letter la; påthivé-earth; itaù-from the letter i; agniù-fire; bindoù-from the letter m; induù-the moon; tat-sampätakät-from the combination of these letter; arkaù-the sun; iti-thus; klémakärat-from the word klém; asåjam-I created the material universe; kåñëäyät-from the word kåñëäya; äkäçam-ether; khät-from ether; vayuù-air; iti-thus; uttarät-from the next word (govindäya); surabhim-the cows; vidyäù-as well as knowledge; prädurakärñam-I created; tat-uttarät-from the next word (gopéjanavallabhäya); stré-pum-ädi-men, women and all species of life; va-also; idam-this; sakalam-everything.

"From the letter k, I created water, from the letter l, earth, from the letter é, fire, from the letter à, the moon, and from the entire word kléà, the sun. From the word kåñëäya, I created ether, from govindäya, air, from gopéjanavallabhäya, knowledge and the surabhi cows, and from svähä, men, women, and everything else. Everything else."

Text 170

tathä ca gautaméya-tantre 
kléà-käräd asåjad viçvaà
iti präha çruteù çiraù
la-kärät påthivé jätä
ka-käräj jala-sambhavaù
tathä-so; ca-and; gautaméya-tantre-in the Gautamiya Tantra; kléà-kärät-from the syllable Klém; asåjat-created; viçvam-the universe; iti-thus; präha-said; çruteù-of the Vedas; çiraù-the head; la-kärät-from the syllable la; påthivé-the earth; jätä-born; ka-käräj-from the letter k; jala-of water; sambhavaù-birth.

In the Gautaméya Tantra it is said:
"The head of the Vedas said: From the world Klém- He created the universe. From the letter l, earth was born. From the letter k, water was born.

Text 171 (a)

i-käräd vahnir utpanno
nädäd väyur ajäyata
bindor äkäça-sambhütir
iti bhütätmako manuù
i-kärät-from the letter i; vahniù-fire; utpannaù-born; nädät-from the sound; väyuù-air; ajäyata-was born; bindoù-from the letter à; äkäça-sambhütiù-the birth of sky; iti-thus; bhütätmakaù-the heart of the elements; manuù-the mantra.

"From the letter i, fire was born. From the sound of these letters together, air was born. From the letter à, the sky was born. In this way the material elements were born from this mantra.

Text 171 (b)

svä-çabdena ca kñetra-jïo
heti cit-prakåtiù para
tayor aikya-samudbhütir
mukha-veñöana-varëakaù 
ata eva hi viçvasya 
layaù svähärëake bhavet
svä-çabdena-by the syllable svä; ca-and; kñetra-jïaù-the knower of the field; hä-hä; iti-thus; cit-prakåtiù-the spiritual consciousness; para-superior; tayoù-of them; aikya-samudbhütiù-becoming one; mukha-veñöana-varëakaù-in an important word; ata eva-therefore; hi-indeed; viçvasya-of the material universe; layaù-destruction; svähärëake-in the syllables Svähä; bhavet-is.

"From the syllable svä, the knower of the field of activities is manifested. From the syllable ha', spiritual knowledge is manifested. When these syllables meet in the mouth they become the word Svähä. It is with this word that the material universe is destroyed."

Text 172

punaç ca sä çrutiù 
etasyaiva yajanena candradhvajo gata-mohätmänaà vedayitvä om-käräntarälakaà manum ävarttayet. saìga-rahito 'bhyänayat. tad viñëoù paramaà padaà sadä paçyanti sürayaù. divéva cakñur ätatam. tasmäd enaà nityam abhyaset. ity ädi.
punaù-again; ca-and; sä-that; çrutiù-Gopäla-täpané Upaniñad; etasya-of Him; eva-indeed; yajanena-with the worship; candradhvajaù-Çiva; gata-gone; moha-illusion; ätmänam-self; vedayitvä-knowing; om-käräntarälakam-Om; manum-mantra; ävarttayet.-chanted; saìga-rahitaù-alone; abhyänayat-attained; tat-that; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; paramam-supreme; padam-abode; sadä-always; paçyanti-see; sürayaù-the demigods; divi-in the sky; iva-like; cakñuù-eye; ätatam-manifested; tasmät-from that; enam-this; nityam-always; abhyaset.-practiced; ity-thus; ädi-beginning.

In the Gopäla-täpané Upaniñsad (1.31-33) it is said:
"by worshiping Lord Kåñëa, Çiva became free from illusion, and by chanting this mantra in a solitary place, eh attained the Lord. He attained the Lord's transcendental abode, which is like a sun in the sky, thye Lord's abode on which the demigods gaze."

Texts 173 and 174

tatraivägre 
tad atra gäthä 
yasya pürva-padded bhümir
dvitéyät salilodbhavaù
tåtéyät teja udbhütaà
caturthäd gandha-vähanaù
païcamäd ambarotpattis
tam evaikaà samabhyasan
candradhvajo 'gamad viñëoù
paramaà padam avyayam
tatra-there; eva-indeed; agre-before; tat-that; atra-here; gäthä-verses; yasya-of whom; pürva-padät-from the first word; bhümiù-earth; dvitéyät-from the second; salilodbhavaù-the creation of water; tåtéyät-from the third; teja-fire; udbhütam-bormn; caturthät-from the fourth; gandha-scent; vähanaù-carrying; païcamät-from the fifth; ambarotpattiù-the birth of ether; tam-that; eva-indeed; ekam-one; samabhyasan-practiced; candradhvajaù-Lord Çiva; agamat-went; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; paramam-to the supreme; padam-abode; avyayam-eternal.

In the Gopäla-täpané Upaniñsad (1.35-38) it is also said:
"About this are the following verses: One shoudl chant this mantra, of which from the first word the element earth came, from the decond word water, from the third fire, from the fourth air, and from the fifth ether. By chanting this mantra Lord Çiva entered Lord Viñëu's eternal spiritual abode.

Text 175

tato viçuddhaà vimalaà viçokaà
açeña-lobhädi-nirasta-saìgam
yat tat padaà païca-padaà tad eva
sa väsudevo na yato 'nyad asti
tataù-from this; viçuddham-pure; vimalam-without impurity; viçokam-without grief; açeña-lobhädi-nirasta-saìgam-without greed and other vices; yat-what; tat-that; padam-abode; païca-padam-five words; tat-that; eva-indeed; sa-he; väsudevaù-Kåñëa; na-not; yataù-from whom; anyat-another; asti-is.

"That spiritual world, completely pure, uncontaminated, free from suffering, free from greed and all other vices, and identical with this five-word mantra, is manifested from Lord Väsudeva. It is not separate from Him.

Text 176

tam ekaà govindaà sä-cid-ananda-vigrahaà païca-padaà våndävana-sura-bhüruha-taläsénäm- satatam- sa-marud-gaëo 'ham- paramayä stutyä toñayämi. iti.
tam-Him; ekam-alone; govindam-Kåñëa; sä-cid-ananda-vigraham-whose form is eternal and full of knowledge anmd bliss; païca-padam-five words; våndävana-sura-bhüruha-taläsénäm-sitting undcer a kalpa-vrksa tree in Våndävana; satatam-always; sa-marud-gaëaù-with the Maruts; aham-I; paramayä-with great; stutyä-devotion; toñayämi.-praise; iti-thus.

"With eloquent prayers I and the Maruts please Lord Govinda, whose form is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss, who stays under a desire tree in Våndävana, and who is this five-word mantra."

Text 177

kim- ca stuty-anantaram 
amum- païca-padam- mantram ävarttayed yaù, sa yäty anäyasataù kevalam- tat. anejad ekam- manaso javéyo, na yad devä äpnuvan pürvam arñät.
kim- ca-furthermore; stuty-anantaram-in the same Upaniñad; amum-this; païca-padam- mantram-five-word mantra; ävarttayet-practices; yaù,-one who; sa-he; yäty-attains; anäyasataù-easily; kevalam-transcendental; tat.-that; anejat-fixed; ekam-one; manasaù-than the mind; javéyo,-more swift; na-not; yat-this Supreme Lord; devä-the demigods like Indra, etc.; äpnuvan-can approach; pürvam-in front; arñät-moving quickly.

In the Gopäla-täpané Upaniñsad (1.52-53) it is also said:
"One who chants this five-word mantra easily attains the transcendental abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
"Although fixed in His abode, the Personality of Godhead is swifter than the mind and can overcome all others running. Even the powerful demigods cannot approach Him.*

Text 178

tasmät kåñëa eva paro devas taà dhyäyet taà rasayet taà yajed iti, oà tat sad iti.
tasmät-therefore; kåñëa-Lord Kåñëa; eva-indeed; paraù-the supreme; devaù-Lord; tam-on Him; dhyäyet-one should meditate; tam-Him; rasayet-one should glorify; tam-Him; yajet-one should worship; iti-thus; om- tat sat-Om- tat sat; iti-thus.

"Therefore, Kåñëa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. One should meditate upon Him, glorify Him, serve Him, and worship Him. Om- tat sat."

Text 179

trailokya-sammohana-tantre ca devém- prati çré-mahädevoktäñöädaçäkñara-prasaìga eva 
dharmärtha-käma-mokñäëäà
éçvaro jagad-éçvaraù
santi tasya mahä-bhägä
avatäräù sahasraçaù
trailokya-sammohana-tantre-in the Trailokya-sammohana-tantra; ca-and; devém-to the goddess; prati-to; çré-mahädeva-of Lord Çiva; ukta-spoken; añöädaçäkñara-prasaìge-in relation to the eighteen syllable mantra; eva-thus; dharmärtha-kama-mokñäëäm-of religion, sense-gratifcication, economé development, and liberation; éçvaraù-the Lord; jagad-éçvaraù-the Lord of the univreses; santi-are; tasya-of Him; mahä-bhägä-filled with opulences; avatäräù-incarnations; sahasraçaù-thousands.

In the Trailokya-sammohana-tantra Lord Çiva, speaking to Goddess Durgä, glorifies the eighteen-syllable mantra in the following words:
"Lord Kåñëa is the master of the universes and the master of religion, economé development, sense-gratification, and liberation. From Him many thousands of very glorious incarnations of Godhead have come.

Text 180

teñäà madhye 'vatäräëäà
bälatvam ati-durlabham
amänuñäëi karmäëi
täni täni kåtäni ca
teñäm-of these; madhye-in the midst; avatäräëäm-incarnations; bälatvam-childhood; ati-durlabham-rare; amänuñäëi-superhuman; karmäëi-deeds; täni täni-them; kåtäni-performed; ca-and.

"In all these incarnations, the Lord's childhood pastimes, where He performs many superhuman activities, is very rarely seen.

Text 181

çäpänugraha-kartåtve
yena sarvaà pratiñöhitam
tasya mantraà pravakñyämi
saìgopäìgam anuttamam
çäpa-curse; anugraha-and mercy; kartåtve-in ability to do; yena-by whom; sarvam-all; pratiñöhitam-established; tasya-of Him; mantram-the mantra; pravakñyämi-I will tell; saìgopäìgam-with its parts; anuttamam-the best.

"Lord Kåñëa has the power to curse or to show mercy. He created all that is. Now I will tell you His mantra with all its parts, a mantra that has no superior.

Text 182

yasya vijïäna-mätreëa
naraù sarvajïatäm iyat
puträrthé putram äpnoti
dhanärthé labhate dhanam
yasya-of whom; vijïäna-mätreëa-simply with the knowledge; naraù-a person; sarvajïatäm-the state of knowing everything; iyat-attains; puträrthé-desiring a son; putram-a son; äpnoti-attains; dhanärthé-desiring wealth; labhate-attains; dhanam-wealth.

"Simply by knowing this mantra one attains all-knowledge. By knowing this mantra a person who desires a son attains a son, and a person who desires wealth attains wealth.

Text 183

sarva-çästrärtha-para-jïo
bhavaty eva na saàçayaù
trailokyaà ca vaçé-kuryäd
vyakulé-kurute jagat
sarva-çästrärtha-para-jïaù-knowing th meaning of all scriptures; bhavaty-becomes; eva-indeed; na-no; saàçayaù-doubt; trailokyam-the three worlds; ca-ansd; vaçé-kuryät-brings under control; vyakulé-kurute-agitates; jagat-the world.

"One becomes learned in all scriptures. Of this there is no doubt. One brings the three worlds under his control. One makes the universe tremble in fear of him.    

Text 184

mohayet sakalaà so 'pi
märayet sakalän ripün
bahunä kim ihoktena
mumukñur mokñam äpnuyät
mohayet-bewilders; sakalam-all; saù-he; api-and; märayet-kills; sakalän'all; ripün-enemies; bahunä-more; kim-what?; iha-here; uktena-spoken; mumukñuù-one who desires liberation; mokñam'liberation; äpnuyät-attains.

"One fools everyone. One kills all his enemies. One who desires liberation attains liberation. What more need be said?

Text 185

yathä cintämaëiù çreñöho
yathä gauç ca yathä saté
yathä dvijo yathä gaìgä
tathäsau mantra uttamaù
yathä-as; cintämaëiù-a cintamani jewel; çreñöhaù-the best; yathä-as; gauù-a cow; ca-and; yathä-as; saté-a saintly woman; yathä-as; dvijaù-a brähmaëa; yathä-as; gaìgä-the Gaìgä; tathä-so; asau-this; mantra-mantra; uttamaù-the best.

"As cintämaëi is the best of jewels, kämadhenu is the best of cows, a chaste and saintly woman is the best of women, a brähmaëa is the best of men, and the Gaìga' is the best of rivers, so this mantra is the best of mantras.

Text 186

yathävad akhila-çreñöhaà
yathä çästraà tu vaiñëavam
yathä tu saàskåtä väëé
tathäsau mantra uttamaù
yathävat-ass; akhila-çreñöham-the best opf all; yathä-as; çästram-scripture; tu-indeed; vaiñëavam-Vaiñëava; yathä-as; tu-indeed; saàskåtä-eloquent; väëé-words; tathä-so; asau-this; mantra'mantra; uttamaù-the best.

"As the Vaiñëava-çästras are the best of scriptures, and as eloquent words are the best of words, so this mantra is the best of mantras."

Text 187

kià ca 
ato mayä pareçäni
praty-ahaà japyate manuù
naitena sädåçaù kaçcij
jagaty asmin caräcare
kim- ca-furthermore; ataù-therefore; mayä-by me; pareçäni-O goddess; praty-aham-every day; japyate-is chanted; manuù-the mantra; na-not; etena-it; sädåçaù-like; kaçcit-anything; jagaty-in the world; asmin-in this; caräcare-of moving and immobile creatures.

Lord Çiva further said:
"That is why, O goddess, I chant this mantra every day. In this world of moving and unmoving beings there is nothing else like this mantra."

Text 188

çré-sanat-kumära-kalpe 'pi 
gopäla-viñayä manträs
trayas-triàçat-prabhedataù
teñu sarveñu mantreñu
mantra-räjam imaà çåëu
çré-sanat-kumära-kalpe-in the Çré Sanat-kumära-kalpa; api-also; gopäla-viñayä-in relation to Lord Gopäla; manträù-the mantra; trayas-triàçat-prabhedataù-33 divisons; teñu-in them; sarveñu-all; mantreñu'mantras; mantra-räjam-the king of mantras; imam-this; çåëu-please hear.

In the Çré Sanat-kumära-kalpa it is said:
"Thirty-three different mantras glorify Lord Gopäla. Now please hear the mantra that is the king of them all.

Text 189

su-prasannam imaà mantraà
tantre sammohanähvaye
gopanéyas tvayä mantro
yatnena muni-puìgava
su-prasannam-very clear; imam-this; mantram-mantra; tantre-in the Tantra; sammohanähvaye-named Sammohana; gopanéyaù-concealed; tvayä-by you; mantraù-the mantra; yatnena-with care; muni-puìgava-O best of sages.

"This best of mantras in very clearly described in the Sammohana Tantra. O best of sages, please protect this mantra very carefully.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The best of sages here is Närada Muni.

Text 190

anena mantra-räjena
mahendratvaà purandaraù
jagäma deva-deveço
viñëunä dattam aïjasä
anena-with this; mantra-räjena-royal mantra; mahendratvam-the state of being Indra; purandaraù-Purandara; jagäma-went; deva-deveçaù-the master of the demigods; viñëunä-by lord Viñëu; dattam-given; aïjasä-easily.

"With this king of mantras Purandara attained the post of Indra. Lord Viñëu gave him the post very easily.

Text 191

durväsasaù purä çäpäd
asaubhägyena péòitaù
sa eva subhägatvaà vai
tenaiva punar äptavän
durväsasaù-of Durvasa Muni; purä-before; çäpät-from the curse; asaubhägyena-by inauspiciousness; péòitaù-tormented; sa-he; eva-indeed; subhägatvam-auspiciousness; vai-indeed; tena-with that; eva-indeed; punaù-again; äptavän-attained.

"Once Indra was cursed by Durväsa' Muni. Tormented with many troubles, Indra chanted this mantra and again attained an auspicious condition of life.

Text 192

bahunä kim ihoktena
puraçcaraëa-sädhanaiù
vinäpi japa-mätreëa
labhate sarvam épsitam
bahunä-with more; kim-what?; iha-here; uktena-said; puraçcaraëa-sädhanaiù'with purascarana; vinä-without; api-even; japa-mätreëa-simply by chanting; labhate-attains; sarvam-all; épsitam-desired.

"What more need I say? Even without performing puraçcaraëa, simply by chanting the words of the mantra, one attains all that one desires."

Text 193

prabhum- çré-kåñëa-caitanyaà
tam- nato 'smi gurüttamam
kathaïcid äçrayäd yasya
präkåto 'py uttamo bhavet
prabhum-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; çré-kåñëa-caitanyam-Çré Kåñëa Caitanya; tam-to Him; nataù-bow; asmi-I am; gurüttamam-the best of spiritual masters; kathaïcit-somehow; äçrayät-by shelter; yasya-of whom; präkåtaù-natural; api-also; uttamaù-the best; bhavet-may be.

I offer my respectful obeisances to Lord Çré Kåñëa Caitanya, the best of spiritual masters. By taking shelter of him even a materialist can become the best of devotees.

Text 194

athädhikära-nirëayaù 
täntrikeñu ca mantreñu
dékñäyäà yoñitäm api
sädhvénäm adhikäro 'sti
çüdrädénäà ca sad-dhiyäm
atha-now; adhikära-of qualification; nirëayaù-the dtermination; täntrikeñu-from the Tantras; ca-and; mantreñu-in mantras; dékñäyäm-in initiation; yoñitäm-of women; api-even; sädhvénäm-chaste; adhikäraù-qualification; asti-is; çüdrädénäm-of çüdras; ca-and; sad-dhiyäm-saintly.

The Qualifications
Chaste and saintly women, and saintly-hearted çüdras are qualified to be initiated in the chanting of mantras from the Tantras.

Text 195

tathä ca småty-artha-säre pädme ca vaiçäkha-mähätmye çré-näradämbaréña-samväde 
ägamoktena märgeëa
stré-çüdraiç caiva püjanam
kartavyaà çraddhayä viñëoç
cintayitvä patià hådi
tathä-so; ca-and; småty-artha-säre-in the Småty-artha-sära; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; ca-and; vaiçäkha-mähätmye-Vaisakha-mahatmya; çré-näradämbaréña-samväde-in a conversation of Çré  närada and Çré Ambaréña; ägamoktena-spoken in the Agamas; märgeëa-by the path; stré-çüdraiç-by women and çüdras; ca-and; eva-indeed; püjanam-worship; kartavyam-should be done; çraddhayä-with faith; viñëoç-of Lord Viñëu; cintayitvä-meditation; patim-the master; hådi-in the heart.

In the Småty-artha-sära, as well as in the Padma Puräëa, Vaiçäkha-mähätmya, in a conversation of Çré Närada and Çré Ambaréña it is said:
"Following the path described in the Agamas, women and çüdras may faithfully worship Lord Viñëu and meditate on Him as the Lord in the heart.

Text 196

çüdräëäà caiva bhavati
nämnä vai devatärcanam
sarve cägama-märgeëa
kuryur vedänusäriëä
çüdräëäm-of sudras; ca-and; eva-indeed; bhavati-is; nämnä-by name; vai-indeed; devatärcanam-worship of the Lord; sarve-all; ca-and; ägama-of the Agamas; märgeëa-by the path; kuryuù-should do; vedänusäriëä-following the Vedas.

"Following the path of the Agamas, which themselves follow the path of the Vedas, women and çüdras may worship the Supreme Lord by chanting His holy names.

Text 197

stréëäm äpy adhikäro 'sti
viñëor ärädhänädiñu
pati-priya-hitänäà ca
çrutir eñä sanätané
stréëäm-of women; apy-also; adhikäraù-qualification; asti-is; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; ärädhänädiñu-in worship and other activities; pati-priya-hitänäm-desiring welfare for their husbands; ca-and; çrutiù-the Vedas; eñä-this; sanätané-eternal.

"Women who desire the welfare of their husbands are also entitled to worship Lord Viñëu. That is the conclusion of the eternal Vedas."

Text 198

agastya-saàhitäyäm- 
çré-räma-mantra-räjam uddiçya 
çuci-vrata-tamaù çüdrä
dharmikä dvija-sevakäù
striyaù pati-vratäç cänye
pratilomänuloma-jäù 
lokäç cäëòäla-paryantäù 
sarve 'py aträdhikäriëaù
agastya-saàhitäyäm-in the Agastya-saàhitä it is said; çré-räma-mantra-räjam-the king of Räma-mantras; uddiçya-in relation to; çuci-vrata-tamaù-the best of pure vows; çüdrä-sudras; dharmikä-religious; dvija-sevakäù-servants of the brähmaëas; striyaù-women; pati-vratäç-devoted to their husbands; ca-and; anye-others; pratilomänuloma-jäù-born in pratiloma and anuloma families; lokäù-people; caëòäla-paryantäù-down to the candalas; sarve-all; api-also; atra-here; adhikäriëaù-qualified.

In the Agastya-saàhitä, in relation to the regal Räma-mantra, it is said:
"Religious and pure çüdras, who are servants of the brähmaëas, as well as chaste women, those born in pratiloma and anuloma families, and everyone else, down even to the cäëòälas, are qualified to worship Lord Viñëu in this way."

Texts 199 and 200

guruç ca siddha-sädhyädi-
mantra-däne vicärayet
sva-kulänya-kulatvaà ca
bäla-prauòhatvam eva ca
stré-pum-napuàsakatvaà ca
räçi-nakñatra-melanam
supta-prabodha-kälaà ca
tathä åëa-dhanädikam
guruù-the spiritual master; ca-and; siddha-sädhyädi-beginning with siddha-sadhya; mantra-däne-in giving the mantra; vicärayet-should consider; sva-kula-own family; anya-kulatvam-another family; ca-and; bäla-youth; prauòhatvam-or age; eva-indeed; ca-and; stré-pum-napuàsakatvam-man, woman, or eunuch; ca-and; räçi-nakñatra-melanam-the meeting of stars in the rasi; supta-prabodha-kälam-time of wakefulness or sleep; ca-and; tathä-so; åëa-dhanädikam-beginning with debt or wealth.

In giving the mantra and performing siddha-sädhya and other rituals, the spiritual master should consider whether the disciple is from his family or another family, is young or old, or is man, woman, or eunuch. The spiritual master should also consider where the stars are in the räçi, whether it is time of wakefulness or sleep, and whether the disciple is wealthy or in debt.

Text 201

atha siddha-sädhyädi-çodhanam- 
saradä-tilake 
präk pratyag agrä rekhä syuù
païca yämyottarägra-gaù
tävatyaç ca catuñ-koñöha-
catuñkaà maëòalaà bhavet
atha-now; siddha-sädhyädi-çodhanam-purification of the siddha-sadhya; saradä-tilake-in the Sarada-tilaka; präk-east; pratyag'west; agrä-in front; rekhä-lines; syuù-are; païca-five; yämya-south; uttarägra-gaù-and north; tävatyaç-as far as; ca-and; catuñ-koñöhacatuñkam-rectangle; maëòalam-area; bhavet-may be.

The Purification of the Siddha-sädhya
In the Saradä-tilaka it is said:
"Five lines, one after another, should be drawn in the east, west, south, and north. In this way a four-sided figure should be made.

Text 202

indv-agni-rudra-nava-netra-yugena-dikñu
åtv-añöa-ñoòaça-caturdaça-bhautikeñu
pätäla-païcadaça-vahni-himäàçu-koñöhe
varëäl likhel lipi-bhavän kramaças tu dhémän
indu-1; agni-3; rudra-11; nava-9; netra-2; yuga-4; ina-12; dikñu-10; åtu-6; añöa-8; ñoòaça-16; caturdaça-14; bhautikeñu-5; pätäla-7; païcadaça-15; vahni-3; himäàçu-1; koñöhe-in the surrouinding border; varëän-letters; likhel-should write; lipi-bhavän-in letters; kramaçaù-one after another; tu-indeed; dhémän-intelligent.

"Then, on the first, third, eleventh, ninth, second, fourth, twelfth, tenth, sixth, eighth, sixteenth, fourteenth, fifth, seventh, fifteenth, third and first parts of the four-sided figure, the intelligent spiritual master should write the letters of the alphabet, one after another.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

In the first part he should write the Sanskrit letter a, in the third part the letter ä, in the eleventh i, and so forth. Completing the vowels, he should continue with the consonants, beginning in the first place with the letter k.

Text 203

janmarkñäkñarato vékñya
yävan manträdimäkñaram
caturbhiù koñöhakais tö ekaà
iti koñöha-catuñöaye
janma-birth; åkña-star; akñarataù-from the letter; vékñya-seeing; yävan-as; manträdimäkñaram-the letter beginning the manra; caturbhiù-with four; koñöhakaiù-parts; tv-indeed; ekam-one; iti-thus; koñöha-catuñöaye-in four parts.

Seeing the birth star, he should write the letters of the mantra. With four lines there is a four-sided figure.

Text 204

punaù koñöhaka-koñöheñu
savyato janma-bhäkñarät
siddha-sädhya-su-siddhäri-
kramäj jïeya vicakñaëaiù
punaù-again; koñöhaka-koñöheñu-on the lines of the four-sided figure; savyataù-on the left; janma-bhä-of the birth-star; akñarät-from the letter; siddha-sädhya-su-siddhäri-siddha, sädhya, su-siddha, and ari; kramät-one after the other; jïeyä-may be known; vicakñaëaiù-by the wise.

Then, to the left of the letters of the birth star, one after the other, the wise one should know siddha, sädhya, su-siddha, and ari.

Text 205

siddhaù sidhyati kälena
sädhyas tu japa-homataù
su-siddho graha-mätreëa
arir müla-nikåntanaù
siddhaù-siddha; sidhyati-becomes perfect; kälena-in time; sädhyaù-sadhya; tu-indeed; japa-homataù-by japa and yajna; su-siddhaù-su-siddha; graha-mätreëa-simply by accepting; ariù-ari; müla-nikåntanaù-cutting at the root.

Siddha is that in time one attains perfection. Sädhya is attained by japa and yajïa. Su-siddha is simply by accepting. Ari is cutting at the root.

Text 206

siddha-siddho yathoktena
dvi-guëät siddha-sädhakaù
siddha-su-siddho 'rdha-japät 
siddhärir hanti bandhanän
siddha-siddhaù-siddha-siddha; yathoktena-as said; dvi-guëät-doible; siddha-sädhakaù-siddha-sädhaka; siddha-su-siddhaù-siddha-su-siddha; ardha-japät-from saying half; siddhäriù-siddhäri; hanti-kills; bandhanän-bondage.

Siddha-siddha is said. Then siddha-sädhaka is twice. Siddha-su-siddha is from saying half. Siddhäri ends bondage.

Text 207

sädhya-siddho dvi-guëikaù
sädhya-sädhyo hy anarthakaù
tat-su-siddhas tri-guëitän
sädhyärir hanti gotrajän     
sädhya-siddhaù-sädhya-siddha; dvi-guëikaù-double; sädhya-sädhyaù-sädhya-sädhya; hy-indeed; anarthakaù-without artha; tat-su-siddhas tri-guëitän sädhyärir hanti gotrajän     .

Sädhya-siddha is twice. Sädhya-sädhya is without artha. Tat-su-siddha is three times. Sädhyäri destroys the gotra.

Text 208

siddha-su-siddho 'rdha-japät 
tat-sädhyas tu guëädhikät
tat-su-siddho grahäd eva
su-siddhäriù sva-gotra-hä
siddha-su-siddhaù-siddha-su-siddha; ardha-japät-from saying half; tat-sädhyaù-tat-sädhya; tu-indeed; guëädhikät-is more; tat-su-siddhaù-tat-su-siddha; grahät-from accepting; eva-indeed; su-siddhäriù-su-siddhäri; sva-gotra-hä-destroying the gotra.

Siddha-su-siddha is from chanting half. Tat-sädhya is more. Tat-su-siddha is from accepting. Su-siddhäri destroys the gotra.

Text 209

ari-siddhaù sutän hanyäd
ari-sädhyas tu kanyakäù
tat-su-siddhas tu patné-ghnas
tad-arir hanti sädhakam
ari-siddhaù-ari-siddha; sutän-sons; hanyät-kills; ari-sädhyaù-ari-sadhya; tu-indeed; kanyakäù-daughters; tat-su-siddhaù-tat-su-siddha; tu-indeed; patné-ghnaù-kills thw wife; tad-ariù-tat-ari; hanti-kills; sädhakam-the method.

Ari-siddha kills sons. Ari-sädhya kills daughters. Tat-su-siddha kills the wife. Tad-ari kills the means."

Text 210

tathä ca tantre asya ca mantra-viçeñe 'pavädaù 
nåsiàhärka-varähänäà
präsäda-praëavasya
vaidikasya tu mantrasya
siddhädén naiva çodhayet
tathä-so; ca-and; tantre-in the Tantra; asya-of that; ca-and; mantra-viçeñe-specifé mantra; apavädaù-exception; nåsiàhärka-varähänäm-of Nåsiàh, Arka, and Varäha; präsäda-of the palace; praëavasya-the syllable Oà; vaidikasya-Vedic; tu-but; mantrasya-of the mantras; siddhädén-beginning with siddha; na-not; eva-indeed; çodhayet-should purify.

In the Tantra is given the following exception to this mantra:
"He should not purify the siddha and other mantras when they begin with Oà, come from the Vedas, or glorify Nåsiàha, Sürya, or Varäha.

Text 211

svapna-labdhe striyä datte
mälä-mantre ca try-akñare
ekäkñare tathä mantre
siddhädén naiva çodhayet
svapna-labdhe-obtained in a dream; striyä-by a woman; datte-given; mälä-mantre-mala-mantra; ca-and; try-akñare-in three letters; ekäkñare-in one letter; tathä-so; mantre-in the mantra; siddhädén-beginning with siddha; na-not; eva-indeed; çodhayet-should purify.

"He should not purify the siddha and other mantras when they are obtained in a dream, given by a woman, are mälä-mantras, have three letters, or have one letter."
Text 212

sva-kulänya-kulatvädi
vijïeyaà cägamäntarät
na vistära-bhayäd atra
vyarthatväd api likhyate
sva-kulänya-kulatvädi-from one's own family or another's family; vijïeyam-should be known; ca-and; ägamäntarät-from another Agama; na-not; vistära-bhayät-with great fear; atra-here; vyarthatvät-because of âeing irrelevant; api-indeed; likhyate-is written.

Fearing that I may insert many unnecessary details, I will not quote here from other Agamas the description of one's own family or another's.

Text 213

çrémad-gopäladevasya
sarvaiçvarya-pradarçinaù
tädåk-çaktiñu mantreñu
na hi kiïcid vicäryate
çrémad-gopäladevasya-of Lord Gopäladeva; sarvaiçvarya-pradarçinaù'who has all opulences and powers; tädåk-like that; çaktiñu-in potencies; mantreñu-in the mantras; na-not; hi-indeed; kiïcit-anything; vicäryate-is considered.

In the mantras of all-powerful, all-glorious, and all-opulent Lord Gopäladeva, mantras that contain His potencies, this process of purification is not to be considered.

Text 214

tathä ca krama-dépikäyäà 
sarveñu varëeñu tathäçrameñu
näréñu nänähvaya-janmabheñu
dätä phalänäm abhiväïchitänäà
dräg eva gopälaka-mantra eñaù
tathä-so; ca-and; krama-dépikäyäm-in the Krama-dipika; sarveñu-in all; varëeñu-varnas; tathä-so; äçrameñu-in asramas; näréñu-in women; nänä-various; ahvaya-names; janma-birth; bheñu-in stars; dätä-the giver; phalänäm-of results; abhiväïchitänäm-desired; dräg-at once; eva-indeed; gopälaka-mantra-the mantra of Lord Gopäla; eñaù-this.

In the Krama-dépika' it is said:
"The Gopäla-mantra immediately gives the desired results to everyone, to all varëas and äçramas, to women, and to everyone born under every birth-star."

Text 215

trailokya-sammohana-tantre ca añöädäçäkñara-mantram adhikåtya çré-çivenoktam- 
na cätra çätravä doñä
narëasvädi-vicäraëä
åkña-räçi-vicäro vä
na kartavyo manau priye
trailokya-sammohana-tantre-in the Trailokya-sammohana-tantra; ca-and; añöädäçäkñara-mantram-the eighteen-syllable mantra; adhikåtya-in relatiuon to; çré-çivena-by Lord Çiva; uktam-said; na-not; ca-and; atra-here; çätravä-enemeies; doñä-fault; na-not; åëasva-debtor or wealthy; ädi-beginning with; vicäraëä-consideration;; åkña-räçi-vicäraù-consideration of the birth star; vä-or; na-not; kartavyaù-to be done; manau-in the mantra; priye-O dear one.

In the Trailokya-sammohana-tantra, Lord Çiva describes the eighteen-syllable mantra:
"O beloved, in the eighteen-syllable mantra there is no consideration of the fault of çätravä. Nor is there consideration of the birth-star of the chanter or whether he is wealthy or a debtor."

Text 216

kecé chinnäç ca ruddhäç ca
kecin mada-samuddhatäù
malinaù stambhitaù kecit
kilitä duñitä api 
etair doñair yuto näyam- 
yatas tribhuvanottamaù
kecit-some; chinnäç-broken; ca-and; ruddhäù-stopped; ca-and; kecin-some; mada-samuddhatäù-spoken wildly; malinaù-impure; stambhitaù-stuttered; kecit-some; kilitä-pierced; duñitä-defiled; api-also; etaiù-by them; doñaiù-faults; yutaù-endowed; na-not; ayam-this; yataù-because; tribhuvanottamaù-the best in the three worlds.

Sometimes the pronunciation of this mantra may be broken, sometimes stopped, sometimes contaminated, sometimes stuttered, sometimes impaled, and sometimes wrongly done. Still, these faults do not touch this mantra. For this reason this is the best mantra in the three worlds. 

Text 217

sämänyataç ca yathä båhad-gautaméye 
atha kåñëa-manün vakñye
dåñöädåñöa-phala-pradän
yän vai vijïäya munayo
lebhire muktim aïjasä
sämänyataù-in general; ca-and; yathä-as; båhad-gautaméye-in the Båhad-gautaméya Tantra; atha-so; kåñëa-manün-of the mantras of Lord Kåñëa; vakñye-I will tell; dåñöa-seen; adåñöa-and not seen; phala-results; pradän-giving; yän-which; vai-indeed; vijïäya-underastanding; munayaù-the sages; lebhire-attained; muktim-liberation; aïjasä-easily.

In the Gautaméya Tantra it is said in a general way:
"Now I will tell you of the Kåñëa-mantras, which give benefits seen and not seen. Learning of these mantras, the great sages easily attained liberation.

Text 218

gåhasthä vanagäç caiva
yatayo brahma-cäriëaù
striyaù çüdrädayaç caiva
sarve yaträdhikäriëaù
gåhasthä-householders; vanagäç-vanaprasthas; ca-and; eva-indeed; yatayaù-sannyasis; brahma-cäriëaù-brahmacaris; striyaù-women; çüdrädayaù-beginning with sudras; ca-and; eva-indeed; sarve-all; yatra-in which; adhikäriëaù-are qualified.

"Householders, vänaprasthas, sannyäsés, brahmacärés, women, çüdras, and all others are qualified to chant these mantras.

Text 219

nätra cintyo 'ri-çuddhy-ädir
näri-miträdi-lakñaëam
na vä prayäsa-bähulyaà
sädhane na pariçramaù
na-not; atra-in this; cintyaù-to be considered; ari-çuddhy-ädiù-beginning with ari-suddha; na-not; ari-miträdi-lakñaëam-characteristics beginning with friends and enemies; na-not; vä-or; prayäsa-bähulyam-with a great effort; sädhane-in execution; na-not; pariçramaù-great effort.

"In chanting the Kåñëa-mantras there is no consideration of the problems beginning with ari-çuddha, nor is there consideration of the problems beginning with friends and enemies, nor is a great effort required to chant this mantra, nor need one become exhausted by chanting.

Text 220

ajïäna-tüla-raçeñ ca
analaù kñaëa-mätrataù
siddha-sädhya-su-siddhäri-
rüpä nätra vicäraëä
ajïäna-of ignorance; tüla-of cotton; raçeù-odf a heap; ca-and; analaù-fire; kñaëa-mätrataù-in a momwnt; siddha-sädhya-su-siddhäri-rüpä-those things beginning with siddha-sadhya-susiddha; na-not; atra-here; vicäraëä-consideration.

"The Kåñëa-mantras are a great fire that burns up a great heap of the cotton of ignorance. In chanting them there is no consideration of siddha, sädhya, su-siddha, ari, or other problems.

Text 221

sarveñäà siddha-manträëäà
yato brahmäkñaro manuù
prajäpatir aväpägryaà
deva-räjyaà çacé-patiù 
aväpus tridaçäù svargam- 
vägéçatvaà båhaspatiù. ity ädi.
sarveñäm-of all; siddha-manträëäm-siddha-mantras; yataù-from which; brahma-best; akñaraù-letters; manuù-mantra; prajäpatiù-Prajäpati; aväpa-attained; ägryam-pre-eminence; deva-räjyam-a demigod's kingdom; çacé-patiù-the husband of Çaci; aväpuù-attained; tridaçäù-the demigods; svargam-Svargaloka; vägéçatvam-being a master of words; båhaspatiù.-Båhaspati; ity-thus; ädi-beginning.

"Of all siddha-mantras, the Kåñëa-mantras are the best. By chanting them Brahma' became the first of the demigods, Indra attained a demigod-kingdom, the demigods attained Svargaloka, and Båhaspati became a master of words."

Texts 222 and 223

tathätraivänte 
viñëu-bhaktyä viçeñena
kià na sidhyati bhü-tale
kéöädi-brahma-paryantaà
govindänugrahän mune
sarva-sampatti-nilayäù
sarvaträpy akuto-bhayäù
ity ädi kathitaà kiïcin
mähätmyaà vo munéçvaräù
tathä-so; atra-here; eva-indeed; ante-at the end; viñëu-bhaktyä-by devotion to Lord Viñëu; viçeñena-specifically; kim-what?; na-not; sidhyati-becoems perfect; bhü-tale-on the earth; kéöädi-brahma-paryantam-from Lord Brahma' down to an insect; govindänugrahän-by the mercy of Lord Govinda; mune-O sage; sarva-sampatti-nilayäù-the abode of all opulences; sarvatra-everywhere; api-also; akuto-bhayäù-fearlessness; ity-thus; ädi-beginning; kathitam-spoken; kiïcit-something; mähätmyam-the glory; vaù-to you; munéçvaräù-O kings of the sages.

At the end, the Gautaméya Tantra explains:
"O sage, who on this earth, does not become perfect by worshiping Lord Kåñëa with devotion? By attaining Lord Kåñëa's mercy, all living entities, from the demigod Brahma' down to the insects, become the abodes of all good fortune. They become free of all fears. O kings of the sages, in this way I have told you a small part of the glories of this mantra.

Text 224

äkäçe tärakä yadvat
sindhoù saikata-såñöivat
etad-vijïäna-mätreëa
labhen muktià catur-vidhäm
äkäçe-in the sky; tärakä-stars; yadvat-as; sindhoù-of the ocean; saikata-såñöivat-creation of grains of sand; etad-vijïäna-mätreëa-simply by knowing this; labhen-attains; muktim-libreation; catur-vidhäm-four kinds.

"The glories of the Kåñëa-mantras are numberless like the stars in the sky or the grains of sand by the ocean's shore. By understanding these mantras one attains the four kinds of liberation.

Text 225

etad anyeñu mantreñu
doñäù santi pare ca ye
tad-arthaà mantra-saàskärä
likhyante tantrato daça
etat-this; anyeñu-in other; mantreñu-mantras; doñäù-faults; santi-are; pare-others; ca-and; ye-which; tad-artham-for this sake; mantra-saàskärä-purification of the mantra; likhyante-are written; tantrataù-from the Tantras; daça-ten.

"It is other mantras that have problems. That is why for them the Tantras prescribe ten kinds of purification."

Text 226

atha mantra-saàskäraù 
saradä-tilake 
jananaà jévanaà ceti
täòanaà rodhanaà tathä
athäbhiñeko vimalé-
käraëäpyäyane punaù 
tarpaëaà dépanaà guptir 
daçaita mantra-saàskriyä
atha-now; mantra-saàskäraù-purification of the mantras; saradä-tilake-in the Sarada'-tilaka; jananam-janana; jévanam-jivana; ca-and; iti-thus; täòanam-täòana; rodhanam-rodhana; tathä-so; atha-then; abhiñekaù-abhiñeka; vimalé-käraëa-vimalé-käraëa; äpyäyane-äpyäyana; punaù-again; tarpaëam-tarpana; dépanam-dipana; guptiù-gipti; daça-ten; etaù-they; mantra-saàskriyä-purification of the mantra.

Purification of Mantras
In the Saradä-tilaka it is said:
"The ten purificatory rituals for mantras are: 1. janana, 2. jévana, 3. täòana, 4. rodhana, 5. abhiñeka, 6. vimalé-käraëa, 7. äpyäyana, 8. tarpaëa, 9. dépana, and 10. gupti. 

Text 227

manträëäà mätåkä-madhyäd
uddharo jananaà småtam
praëaväntaritän kåtvä
mantra-varëän japet sudhéù
manträëäm-of mantras; mätåkä-madhyät-from the midst of a matrika; uddharaù-rising; jananam-janana; småtam-remembered; praëava-Oà; antaritän-within; kåtvä-doing; mantra-varëän-the letters of the mantra; japet-should chant; sudhéù-intelligent.

When the mantra is brought from the midst of a mätåikä, it is called janana. When an intelligent person chants the letters of the mantra with the sacred syllable Oà, the learned scholars of mantras and tantras call it jévana.

Texts 228-233

etaê jévanam ity ähur
mantra-tantra-visäradaù
mano-varëän samälikhya
täòayec candanämbhasä
praty-ekaà väyunä mantré
täòanaà tad-udähåtam
vilikhya mantraà taà mantré
prasünaiù karavérajaiù
tan-manträkñara-saìkhyätair
hanyäd yat tena rodhanam
sva-tantrokta-vidhänena
mantré manträrëa-saìkhyayä
açvattha-pallavair mantraà
abhiñiïced viçuddhaye
saïcintya manasä mantraà
jyotir-mantreëa nirdahet
mantre müla-trayaà mantré
vimalé-käraëaà tö idam
tara-vyomägnim anugä
daëòi jyotir-manur mataù 
kuçodekena japtena 
praty-arëaà prokñaëaà manoù
tena mantreëa vidhivad
etad äpyäyanaà småtam
mantreëa väriëä yantre
tarpaëaà tarpaëaà småtam
etat-this; jévanam-jivana; ity-thus; ähuù-say; mantra-tantra-visäradaù-expert in mantras and tantras; mano-varëän-letters of the mantra; samälikhya-writing; täòayec-should strike; candanämbhasä-with sandal water; praty-ekam-many times; väyunä-with wind; mantré-the chanter of the mantra; täòanam-tadanam; tad-udähåtam-that is called; vilikhya-writing; mantram-the mantra; tam-that; mantré-the chanter of the mantra; prasünaiù-with flowers; karavérajaiù-from the karavira tree; tan-manträkñara-saìkhyätaiù-with the lettrs of trhe mantra; hanyät-should destroy; yat-what; tena-with that; rodhanam-rodhana; sva-tantrokta-vidhänena-with the rules of the Tantras; mantré-the chanter of the mantra; manträrëa-saìkhyayä-with the letters of the mantra; açvattha-pallavaiù-with asvattha leaves; mantram-the mantra; abhiñiïcet-is abhiseka; viçuddhaye-for purification; saïcintya-meditating; manasä-in the mind; mantram-the mantra; jyotir-mantreëa-as a mantra of light; nirdahet-should burn; mantre-in the mantra; müla-trayam-three tims; mantré-mantri; vimalé-käraëam-vimalai-karana; tv-indeed; idam-this; tara-vyomägnim-with teh fire of the sky; anugä-following; daëòi-holding a staff; jyotir-manuù-a mantra of light; mataù-considered; kuçodekena-with kusa grass and water; japtena-chanted; praty-arëam-many times; prokñaëam-proksana; manoù-of the mantra; tena-by that; mantreëa-mantra; vidhivat-according to the rules; etat-this; äpyäyanam-apyayana; småtam-considered; mantreëa-by the mantra; väriëä-with water; yantre-in the yantra;
tarpaëam-tarpana; tarpaëam-tarpana; småtam-considered.

When one writes the letters of the mantra and strikes it many times with sandal-water and air, it is called täòana. When one writes the letters of the mantra with karavéra flowers, that is called rodhana. When one writes the mantra with açvattha leaves, that is abhiñeka. When one three times meditates on the mantra as effulgent syllables, that is called vimalé-karaëa. When one meditates on the mantra as effulgent syllables, touches water and kuça grass, and chants the mantra many times, that is called äpyäyana. When one places the mantra in a water-yantra, that is called tarpaëa.

Text 234

tära-mäyä-ramä-yogo
manor dépanam ucyate
japyamänasya mantrasya
gopänäà tö aprakäçanam
tära-mäyä-räma-yogaù-in connection with Tara, Maya, and Ramä; manoù-of the mantra; dépanam-dipana; ucyate-is said; japyamänasya-cahnting; mantrasya-of the mantra; gopänäm-gupti; tv-indeed; aprakäçanam-not openly.

When one chants the mantra with the syllables of Tära, Mäyä, and Ramä, that is called dépana. When one secretly chants the mantra that is called gupti.

Text 235

balitvät kåñëa-manträëäà
saàskäräpekñaëaà na hi
sämänyoddeça-mätreëa
tathäpy etad udéritam
balitvät-because of the power; kåñëa-manträëäm-of the Kåñëa-mantras; saàskäräpekñaëam-to be purified; na-not; hi-indeed; sämänyoddeça-mätreëa-in a general way; tathäpy-still; etat-this; udéritam-spoken.

Because the Kåñëa-mantras are so powerful they should not be purified in this way. Thus, in a general way, the purification of mantras has been described.

Eighth Vilasa, Volume One
Text 1

çré-caitanya-prabhuà vande
yat-padäçraya-véryataù
saìgåhnäty äkara-vrätäd
raìko ratnävaléyamam
çré-caitanya-prabhum-to Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu; vande-I bow down; yat-padäçraya-véryataù-by the power of taking shelter of whose feet; saìgåhnäty-colects; äkara-vrätädt-from the oceans; raìkaù-wretched person; ratnävaléyamam-jewels.

I bow down before Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. By the power of the shelter of His lotus feet this fallen person collects many jewels from the ocean of the scriptures.

Text 2

atha dhüpanaà 
tataç ca dhüpam utsåjya
nécais tan-mudrayärpayet
kåñëaà saìkértayan ghaëöäà
väma-hastena vädayan
atha-now; dhüpanam-incense; tataç-then; ca-and; dhüpam-incense; utsåjya'offering; nécaiù-by the fallen; tan-mudrayä-with a mudra; arpayet-may offer; kåñëam-to Lord Kåñëa; saìkértayan-glorifying; ghaëöäm-bell; väma-hastena-with the left hand; vädayan-sounding.

Offering Incense
One should place the incense below and offer it with a mudrä as one rings the bell with his left hand and chants the Lord's glories. 
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

One should offer the incense with the mantra, "eña dhüpo namaù" (Here is some incense. I offer my obeisances to You). One should place the incense on the ground before the Lord and raise it to the Lord's navel. In the same way one should offer a fragrant and unbroken flower and chant the mantra "ghaëöäà ca svähä, asträya phat".

Text 3

tathä ca bahv-åcä-pariçiñöe 
dhüpasya véjane caiva
dhüpenäìga-vidhüpane
néräjaneñu sarveñu
viñëor nämäni kértayet
tathä-so; ca-and; bahö-åcä-pariçiñöe-in the Bahö-åcä-pariçiñöa; dhüpasya-of incense; véjane-in waving; ca-and; eva-indeed; dhüpena-with incense; aìga-before the body; vidhüpane-waving; néräjaneñu-in arati; sarveñu-in all; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; nämäni-names; kértayet-should chant.

In the Bahö-åcä-pariçiñöa it is said:
"At every ärati one should wave incense before Lord Viñëu's form and chant His holy names.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

One should wave the incense so the fragrance is spread everywhere.

Text 4

jaya-ghoñaà prakurvéta
käruëyaà cäbhikértayet
tathä maìgala-ghoñaà ca
jagad-béjasya ca stutim
jaya-ghoñam-sounds of victory; prakurvéta-should do; käruëyam-mercy; ca-and; abhikértayet-should glorify; tathä-so; maìgala-ghoñam-auspicious sounds; ca-and; jagad-béjasya-of the seed of the universes; ca-and; stutim-prayers.

"One should chant jaya-mantras, glorify the Lord's mercy, and recite auspicious prayers glorifying the Lord who is the seed of all universes.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The liberation of Pütana' is the first of many examples of the Lord's mercy. The prayers here are the prayers of Lord Brahma' and other great souls.

Text 5

anyatra ca 
tataù samarpayed dhüpaà
ghaëöä-vädya-jaya-svanaiù
dhüpa-sthanaà samabhyarcya
tarjaëyä vämayä hareù
anyatra-in another place; ca-and; tataù-then; samarpayet-should offer; dhüpam-incense; ghaëöä-bell; vädya-sounding; jaya-victory; svanaiù-sounds; dhüpa-of incense; sthanam-the place; samabhyarcya-worshiping; tarjaëyä-with the forefinger; vämayä-left; hareù-of Lord Hari.

In another place it is said:
"After worshiping the incense-dish with the left forefinger, one should offer the incense to Lord Hari as one rings the bell and chants jaya-mantras."

Text 6

tatra mantraù 
vanaspati-rasotpanno
gandhäòhyo gandha uttamaù
äghreyaù sarva-devänäà
dhüpo 'yaà pratigåhyatäm
tatra-ther; mantraù-themantra; vanaspati-of trees; rasa-from the juice; utpannaù-manifested; gandhäòhyaù-fragrance; gandha-fragrance; uttamaù-great; äghreyaù-to be smelled; sarva-devänäm-of all the demigods; dhüpaù-incense; ayam-this; pratigåhyatäm-may be accepted.

A Mantra For Offering Incense
"Please accept this very fragrant incense made from the nectar of trees, incense that all the demigods like to smell."

Text 7

atha dhüpaù 
vämana-puräëe 
ruhikäkhyaà kaëo däru-
sihlakaà cäguruù sitä
çaìkho jäté-phalaà çréçe
dhüpäni syuù priyäëi vai
atha-now; dhüpaù-incense; vämana-puräëe-in the Vämana Puräëa; ruhikäkhyam-named ruhika; kaëaù-guggula; däru-daru; sihlakam-sihlaka; ca-and; aguruù-aguru; sitä-sita; çaìkhaù-sanka; jäté-phalam-jati-phala; çréçe-to the master of the goddess of fortune; dhüpäni-incenses; syuù-are; priyäëi-favorite; vai-indeed.

Kinds of Incense
In the Vämana Puräëa it is said:
"Ruhika, kaëa, däru, sihlaka, aguru, sitä, çaìkha, and jäté-phala are kinds of incense that are liked by Lord hari, the master of the goddess of fortune."

Text 8

mülägame 
sa-guggulv-aguru-çéra-
sitäjya-madhu-candanaiù
säräìgära-vinikñiptaiù
kalpayed dhüpam uttamam
mülägame-in the Mülägama; sa-guggulö-aguru-çéra-sitäjya-madhu-candanaiù-with guggulu, aguru, çéra, sitä, äjya, madhu, and sandal; säräìgära-vinikñiptaiù-placed on charcoal; kalpayet-should maske; dhüpam-incense; uttamam-excellent.

In the Mülägama it is said: 
"Guggulu, aguru, çéra, sitä, äjya, madhu, and sandal are excellent incense placed on heated coals."

Text 9

viñëu-dharmottare ca 
tathaiva çubha-gandhä ye
dhüpäs te jagataù pateù
väsudevasya dharma-jïair
nivedyä dänaveçvara
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; ca-and; tathä-so; eva-inceed; çubha-gandhä-sweet fragrance; ye-which; dhüpäù-inscenses; te-they; jagataù-of the universe; pateù-the master; väsudevasya-Lord Väsudeva; dharma-jïaiù-by the knowers of religion; nivedyä-should be offered; dänaveçvara-O king of the danavas.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said: 
"O king of the dänavas, they who know the truths of religion should offer sweet incense to Lord Väsudeva, the master of the universe."

Text 10

atha dhüpeñu niñiddhaà 
na dhüpärthe jéva-jätam
atha-now; dhüpeñu-in incenses; niñiddham-forbidden; na-not; dhüpärthe-for incesne; jéva-jätam-made form breathing living entities.

Kinds of Incense That Are Forbidden
One should not made incense from animal-products.

Text 11

tatraiväpavädaù 
vinä mågamadaà dhüpe
jéva-jätaà vivarjayet
tatra-there; eva-indeed; apavädaù-exception; vinä-except for; mågamadam-musk; dhüpe-in incense; jéva-jätam-madxe from animals; vivarjayet-one should avoid.

An Exception to This
Except for musk, one should not make incense from animal-products.

Text 12

kälikä-puräëe 
na yakña-dhüpaà vitaren
mädhaväya kadäcana
kälikä-puräëe-in the Kälikä Puräëa; na-not; yakña-dhüpam-incense from the çäla tree; vitaret-should offer; madhavaya-to Lord k; kadäcana-ever.

In the Kälikä Puräëa it is said:
"One should never offer to Lord Kåñëa incense made from the çäla tree."

Text 13

agni-puräëe 
na çallakéjaà na tåëaà
na çalka-rasa-sambhåtam
dhüpaà pratyaìga-nirmuktaà
dadyät kåñëäya buddhimän
agni-puräëe-in the Agni Puräëa; na-not; çallakéjam-made from sallaki; na-not; tåëam-grass; nanot; çalka-rasa-salkarasa; sambhåtam-made; dhüpam-incense; pratyaìga-nirmuktam-offered toi the limbs; dadyät-should give; kåñëäya-to Lord Kåñëa; buddhimän-an intelligent person.

In the Agni Puräëa it is said:
"An intelligent person should not offer to Lord Kåñëa's transcendental limbs incense made from çallaké, grass, or çalkarasa.

Texts 14 and 15

atha dhüpana-mähätmyam- 
narasiàhe çré-märkaëòeya-çatänéka-samväde 
mahiñäkhyaà gugguluà ca
äjya-yuktaà sa-çarkaram
dhüpaà dadäti räjendra
narasiàhasya bhaktimän
sa dhüpitaù sarva-dikñu
sarva-päpa-vivarjitaù
apsaro-gaëa-yuktena
vimänena viräjatä 
väyulokaà samäsädya 
viñëuloke mahéyate
atha-now; dhüpana-mähätmyam-the Glories of Offering Incense; narasiàhe çré-märkaëòeya-çatänéka-samväde-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa, in a conversation of Çré Märkaëòeya and Çré Çatänéka; mahiñäkhyam-called mahiña; guggulum-guggulu; ca-and; äjya-yuktam-made with ghee; sa-with; çarkaram-sugar; dhüpam-incense; dadäti-offers; räjendra-O king of kings; narasiàhasya-to Lord Nåsiàha; bhaktimän-a devotee; sa-that; dhüpitaù-scented; sarva-dikñu-in all directions; sarva-päpa-vivarjitaù-free of all sins; apsaro-gaëa-the apsaras; yuktena-with; vimänena-in an airplane; viräjatä-shining; väyulokam-to Väyuloka; samäsädya-attaining; viñëuloke-in Viñëuloka; mahéyate-is glorified.

The Glories of Offering Incense
In the Nåsiàha Puräëa, in a conversation of Çré Märkaëòeya and Çré Çatänéka, it is said:
"O king of kings, a devotee who offers mahiña-guggula incense, made with ghee and sugar, to Lord Nåsiàha, makes all the directions fragrant. He becomes free of all sins. Accompanied by a host of apsaräs, he flies in a splendid airplane to Väyuloka. He is praised in Viñëuloka."

Text 16

skände 
ye kåñëäguruëä kåñëaà
dhüpayanti kalau naräù
sa-karpüreëa räjendra
kåñëa-tulyä bhavanti te
skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; ye-who; kåñëäguruëä-with Kåñëaguru; kåñëam-Kåñëa; dhüpayanti-offer incesne; kalau-in Kali-yuga; naräù-persons; sa-karpüreëa-with camphor; räjendra-Oking; kåñëa-tulyä-equal to Lord Kåñëa; bhavanti-become; te-they.

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"In Kali-yuga they who offer kåñëäguru incense to Lord Kåñëa attain spiritual forms like Lord Kåñëa's.

Text 17

säjyena vai guggulunä
su-dhüpena janärdanam
dhüpayitvä naro yäti
padaà tasya sadä-çivam
säjyena-with ghee; vai-indeed; guggulunä-with guggula; su-dhüpena-with incense; janärdanam-to Lord Kåñëa; dhüpayitvä-offering incense; naraù-a persopn; yäti-goes; padam-to the abode; tasya-of Him; sadä-çivam-eternally auspicious.

"A person who offers guggula incense with ghee to Lord Kåñëa goes to the Lord's eternally auspicious abode.

Text 18

aguruà tu sa-karpüra-
divya-candana-saurabham
dattvä nityaà harer bhaktyä
kulänäà tarayec chatam
agurum-aguru; tu-indeed; sa-karpüra-with camphor; divya-candana-saurabham-scentedwith divine sandal; dattvä-placing; nityam-always; hareù-of Lord Hari; bhaktyä-with devotion; kulänäm-of families; tarayet-delivers; çatam.

"A person who with devotion regularly offers to Lord Kåñëa aguru incense, mixed with camphor and splendid sandal, delivers a hundred generations of His relatives."

Text 19

viñëu-dharmottara-tåtéya-khaëòe 
dhüpanam uttamaà tadvat
sarva-käma-phala-pradam
dhüpaà turuñkakaà dattvä
vahniñöoma-phalaà labhet
viñëu-dharmottara-tåtéya-khaëòe-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, in the Third, or Uttara-khaëòa; dhüpanam-incense; uttamam-best; tadvat-then; sarva-all; käma-desires; phala-results; pradam-giving; dhüpam-incense; turuñkakam-turuñkaka; dattvä-offering; vahniñöoma-phalam-the result of an agnistoma-yajna; labhet-attains.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, in the Third, or Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"Offering incense to the Lord fulfills all desires. A person who offers turuñkaka incense to the Lord attains the result of performing an agniñöoma-yajïa.

Text 20

dattvä tu kåtrimaà mukhyaà
sarva-kämän aväpnuyät
gandha-yukta-kåtaà dattvä
yajïa-gosavam äpnuyät
dattvä-offwering; tu-indeed; kåtrimam-artifical; mukhyam-primary; sarva-kämän-all desires; aväpnuyät-attains; gandha-fragrance; yukta-kåtam-with; dattvä-offering; yajïa-gosavam-a gosava yajna; äpnuyät-attains.

"A person who offers incense to the Lord attains all desires. A person who offers fragrant incense to the Lord attains the result of a gosava-yajïa.

Text 21

dattvä karpüra-niryäsaà
väjimedha-phalaà labhet
vasante guggulaà dattvä
vahniñöomam aväpnuyät
dattvä-offering; karpüra-niryäsam-camphor; väjimedha-phalam-the result of an asvamedha-yajna; labhet-attains; vasante-in the spring; guggulam-guggula; dattvä-offering; vahniñöomam-agnistoma; aväpnuyät-attains.

"A person who offers camphor to the Lord attains the result of an açvamedha-yaj,sy 241a. A person who in the spring offers guggula incense to the Lord attains the result of an agniñöoma-yajïa.

Text 22

gréñme candana-säreëa
räjasüya-phalaà labhet
turuñkasya pradänena
pravåñy uttamatäà labhet
gréñme-in the summer; candana-säreëa-with sandal paste; räjasüya-phalam-the result of a rajasuya-yajna; labhet-attains; turuñkasya'of turuska; pradänena-by giving; pravåñy-during the monsson season; uttamatam-exalted position; labhet-attains.

"A person who in the summer offers sandal paste to the Lord attains the result of a räjasüya-yajïa. A person who in the monsoon season offers turuñka incense to the Lord becomes exalted.

Text 23

karpüra-dänäc charadi
räjasüyam aväpnuyät
karpüra-of camphor; dänät-by the gift; çaradi-in the autumn; räjasüyam-a rasjasuya; aväpnuyät-attains.

"A person who in the autumn offers camphor to the Lord attains the result of a räjasüya-yajïa.

Text 24

hemante måga-darpeëa
väjimedha-phalaà labhet
çiçire 'guru-säreëa
sarva-medha-phalaà labhet
hemante-in winter; måga-darpeëa-with musk; väjimedha-phalam-the result of an asvamedha-yajna; labhet-attains; çiçire-in second wither; aguru-säreëa-with aguru; sarva-medha-phalam-the result of all yajnas; labhet-attains.

"A person who in the first part of winter offers musk to the Lord attains the result of an açvamedha-yajïa. A person who in the second part of winter offers aguru incense to the Lord attains the result of all yajïas.

Text 25

padam uttamam äpnoti
dhüpa-daù puñöim açnute
dhüpa-lekhä yathaivordhvaà
nityam eva prasarpati 
tathaivordhva-gato nityam- 
dhüpa-dänäd bhaven naraù
padam-abode; uttamam-supreme; äpnoti-attains; dhüpa-daù-one who offers incense; puñöim-properity; açnute-enjoys; dhüpa-lekhä-offering incense; yathä-as; eva-indeed; ürdhvaàabove; nityam-always; eva-indeed; prasarpati-goes; tathä-so; eva-indeed; ürdhva-gataù-gone above; nityam-always; dhüpa-dänät-by offering incense; bhaven-becomes; naraù-a person.

"A person who offers incense to the Lord attains prosperity in this world and at the end attains the spiritual abode. A person who offers incense to the Lord is always exalted. A person who offers incense to the Lord is always exalted."

Text 26

prahläda-saàhitäyäà ca 
yo dadäti harer dhüpaà
tulasé-kañöha-vahninä
çata-kratu-samaà puëyaà
go-'yutaà labhate phalam. iti.
prahläda-saàhitäyäm-in the Prahläda-saàhitä; ca-and; yaù-who; dadäti-offers; hareù-to Lord Hari; dhüpam-incense; tulasé-tulasé; kañöha-wood; vahninä-with wood; çata-kratu-samam-equal to a hunded yajnas; puëyam-piety; gaù-of cows; ayutam-ten thousand; labhate-attains; phalam-result; iti-thus.

In the Prahläda-saàhitä it is said:
"A person who offers to Lord Hari incense burning on tulasé wood attains the pious result of performing a hundred yajïas or giving ten thousand cows in charity.

Text 27

dhüpayec ca tathä samyak
çrémad-bhagavad-älayam
dhüpa-çeñaà tato bhaktyä
svayaà seveta vaiñëavaù
dhüpayet-offers incense; ca-as; tathä-so; samyak-properly; çrémad-bhagavad-älayam-to the abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; dhüpa-çeñam-the remaining incense; tataù-then; bhaktyä-with devotion; svayam-personally; seveta-should serve; vaiñëavaù-a devotee.

"A devotee should make the Lord's temple pleasant with the scent of incense. Thus, with devotion, he may smell the incense that has been offered to the Lord."

Text 28

tathä ca brähme ambaréñaà prati gautama-praçne 
dhüpa-çeñaà tu kåñëasya
bhaktyä bhajasi bhüpate
kåtvä cärätrikaà viñëoù
sva-murdhnä vandase nåpa
tathä-so; ca-and; brähme ambaréñam- prati gautama-praçne-in the Brahma Puräëa, Gautama Muni posed the following question to King Ambaréña; dhüpa-of incense; çeñam-the remnant; tu-indeed; kåñëasya-of Lord Kåñëa; bhaktyä-with devotion; bhajasi-you worship; bhüpate-O king; kåtvä-doing; ca-and; ärätrikam-arati; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; sva-murdhnä-with your head; vandase-bow down; nåpa-O king.

In the Brahma Puräëa, Gautama Muni posed the following question to King Ambaréña:
"O King, why do you devotedly smell the remnants of incense offered to the Lord? Why do you offer ärati to Lord Viñëu and then bow Your head before Him?"

Text 29

atha çré-bhagavad-älaya-dhüpana-mähätmyaà 
kåñëäguru-samutthena
dhüpena çrédharälayam
dhüpayed vaiñëavo yas tu
sa mukto narakärëavät
atha-now; çré-bhagavat-of the Lord; älaya-the abode; dhüpana-incense; mähätmyam-the glories; kåñëäguru-samutthena-made of Kåñëaguru; dhüpena-with incesne; çrédharälayam-the abode of the Lord; dhüpayet-offer incesne; vaiñëavaù-a devotee; yaù-who; tu-indeed; sa-he; muktaù-freed; naraka-of hell; arëavät-from the ocean.

The Glories of Making the Lord's Temple Fragrant With Incense
A devotee who makes the Lord's temple fragrant with kåñëäguru incense is rescued from the ocean of hellish life.

Text 30

dhüpa-çeña-sevana-mähätmyam- 
pädme çré-gautamämbarisa-samväde 
tértha-koöi-çatair dhauto
yathä bhavati nirmalaù
karoti nirmalaà dehaà
dhüpa-çeñas tathä hareù
dhüpa-of incense; çeña-remnant; sevana-service; mähätmyam-thwe glories; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; çré-gautamämbarisa-samväde-in a conversation of Çré Gautama and Çré Ambaréña tértha-koöi-çataiù-with hundreds and millions of pilgrimages; dhautaù-purified; yathä-as; bhavati-is; nirmalaù-pure; karoti-does; nirmalam-pure; deham-body; dhüpa-çeñaù-remnants of incense; tathä-as; hareù-of Lord Hari.

The Glories of Smelling the Remnants of Incense Offered to the Lord
In the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Çré Gautama and Çré Ambaréña, it is said:
"By once smelling the remnants of incense offered to the Lord, a person attains the purity of hundreds and millions of pilgrimages.

Text 31

na bhayaà vidyate tasya
bhaumaà divyaà rasätalam
kåñëa-dhüpävaçeñena
yasyäìgaà pariväsitam
na-not; bhayam-fear; vidyate-is; tasya-of him; bhaumam-on the earth; divyam-in Devaloka; rasätalam-in Rasatalaloka; kåñëa-of Lord Kåñëa; dhüpa-incense; avaçeñena-with the remnant; yasya-of whom; aìgam-the body; pariväsitam-is scented.

"A person whose body is scented with the remnants of incense offered to Lord Kåñëa need have no fears on earth, in Devaloka, or in Rasätalaloka.

Text 32

näpado vipadas tasya
bhavanti khalu dehinaù
harer dattävaçeñena
dhüpayed yas tanuà sadä
na-not; äpadaù-calamities; vipadaù-distresses; tasya-of him; bhavanti-are; khalu-indeed; dehinaù-persons; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; dattä-offering; avaçeñena-with the remnants; dhüpayet-scents; tanum-body; sadä-always.

"A person whose body is always fragrant with the remnants of incense offered to the Lord never meets with any troubles or any calamities.

Text 33

näsaukhyaà na bhayaà duùkhaà
nädhijaà naiva rogajam
yaù sevayed dhüpa-çeñaà
viñëor adbhuta-karmaëaù
na-not; asaukhyam-unhappiness; na-not; bhayam-fear; duùkham-suffering; na-not; adhijam-born of anxiety or mental distress; na-not; eva-indeed; rogajam-born of physical disease; yaù-one who; sevayet-serves; dhüpa-of incense; çeñam-the remnant; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; adbhuta-karmaëaù-whose deeds are wonderful.

"A person who smells the remnants of incense offered to Lord Viñëu, whose deeds are all filled with wonder, is never unhappy or afraid. He never suffers from anxiety or diseases.

Text 34

krüra-sattva-bhayaà naiva
na ca caura-bhayaà kvacit
sevayitvä harer dhüpaà
nirmalyaà padayor jalam
krüra-sattva-of cruel persons; bhayam-fear; na-not; eva-indeed; na-not; ca-and; caura-bhayam-fear of thieves; kvacit-ever; sevayitvä-having served; hareù-of Lord Hari; dhüpam-the incense; nirmalyam-pure; padayoù-of the feet; jalam-the water.

"A person who has honored the incense offered to Lord Kåñëa or the water that has washed His feet need never fear cruel persons or thieves.

Text 35

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye ca 
äghräëaà yad dharer dattaà
dhüpocchiñöasya sarvataù
tad-bhava-vyäla-dañöänäà
bhavet karma-viñäpaham. iti.
hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya; ca-and; äghräëam-smelling; yat-what; dhareù-of Lord Hari; dattam-offered; dhüpa-of incense; ucchiñöasya-remnant; sarvataù-completely; tad-bhava-of repeated birth and death; vyäla-by the snake; dañöänäm-of they who are bitten; bhavet-is; karma-of karma; viña-of the poison; apaham-removal; iti-thus.

In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said:
"By smelling the remnants of incense offered to Lord Hari, they who are bitten by the serpent of repeated birth and death can become from from that serpent's poison of karmé reactions.

Text 36

darçanäd api dhüpasya
dhüpa-dänädi-jaà phalam
sarvam anye 'pi vindanti
tä cägre vyatim eñyati
darçanät-by seeing; api-even; dhüpasya-of incense; dhüpa-of incense; däna-offering; ädi-beginning with; jam-born from; phalam-result; sarvam-all; anye-others; api-even; vindanti-find; tat-that; ca-and; agre-in the presence; vyatim-manifestation; eñyati-will attain.

"They who do not directly offer incense to the Lord, but only watch the offering, attain the result of offering it directly."

Text 37

atha dépanaà 
tathaiöa dépam utsåjya
prägvad ghaëöäà ca vädayan
pädäbjäd ädåg-abjäntaà
mudrayoccaiù pradépayet
atha-now; dépanam-offering a lamp; tathä-so; eva-indeed; dépam-lamp; utsåjya-offering; prägvat-as before; ghaëöäm-bell; ca-and; vädayan-ringing; pädäbjät-from the lotus feet; ädåg-abjäntam-up to the lotus eyes; mudrayä-with a mudrä; uccaiù-greatly; pradépayet-should offer a lamp.

Offering a Lamp
Ringing the bell as before, one should with a mudra' offer a lamp to the Lord, beginning with His lotus feet and going up to His lotus eyes.

Text 38

tatra mantraù 
gautaméye 
su-prakäço mahä-tejaù
sarvatas timiräpahaù
sa-bähyäbhyantara-jyotir
dépo 'yaà pratigåhyatäm
tatra-there; mantraù-a mantra; gautaméye-in the Gautaméya Tantra; su-prakäçaù-spelndid; mahä-tejaù-great lamp; sarvataù-everywhere; timira-dakrness; apahaù-removing; sa-bähya-outside; abhyantara-and inside; jyotiù-shining; dépaù-lamp; ayam-this; pratigåhyatäm-please accept.

A Mantra For Offering a Lamp
In the Gautaméya Tantra it is said:
"Please accept this brilliant lamp, which removes all darkness, both within and without."

Text 39

atha dépaù 
dépaà prajvälayet çaktau
karpüreëa ghåtena vä
gavyena taträsamarthye
tailenäpi su-gandhinä
atha-now; dépaù-the lamp; dépam-a lamp; prajvälayet-should light; çaktau-ability; karpüreëa-with camphor; ghåtena-with ghee; vä-or; gavyena-from a cow; tatra-there; asamarthye-in the lack of ability; tailena-with oil; api-also; su-gandhinä-scented.

The Lamp
As far as one is able, one should offer a lamp burning with ghee or with camphor. If one cannot obtain ghee, one should offer a lamp of scented oil.

Text 40

tathä ca näradéya-kalpe 
sa-ghåtaà guggulaà dhüpaà
dépaà go-ghåta-dépitam
samasta-parivära/ya
haraye çraddhayärpayet
tathä-so; ca-and; näradéya-kalpe-in the Närada-kalpa; sa-ghåtam-with ghee; guggulam-guggula; dhüpam-incense; dépam-lamp; go-ghåta-with cow's ghee; dépitam-burning; samasta-parivära/ya-with all his associates; haraye-ot Lord Hari; çraddhayä-with faith; arpayet-should offer.

In the Närada-kalpa it is said:
"With faith one should offer to Lord Hari and all His associates incense of guggula and ghee, and a lamp burning with ghee."

Text 41

bhaviñyottare 
ghåtena dépo dätavyo
räjan tailena vä punaù
bhaviñya-uttare-in the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; ghåtena-with ghee; dépaù-lamp; dätavyaù-should be offered; räjan-O king; tailena-with oil; vä-or; punaù-again.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa it is said:
"O king, one should offer to Lord Hari a lamp burning with ghee or with oil."

Text 42

mahäbhärate ca 
haviñä prathamaù kalpo
dvitéyaç cauñadhorasaiù
mahäbhärate-in the Mahäbhärata; ca-and; haviñä-with ghee; prathamaù-first; kalpaù-considered; dvitéyaç-second; ca\and; auñadhorasaiùwith oil.

In the Mahäbhärata it is said:
"Best is a lamp burning with ghee. Second best is a lamp burning with oil."

Text 43

atha dépe niñiddhaà 
bhaviñyottare 
vasämajjädibhir dépo
na tu deyaù kadäcana
atha-now; dépe-in lamps; niñiddham-forbidden; bhaviñyottare-in the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; vasämajjä-with animal fat; ädibhiù-beginning with; dépaù-lamp; na-not; tu-indeed; deyaù-to be offered; kadäcana-ever.

Lamps That Are Forbidden
In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa it is said:
"One should never offer to Lord Hari a lamp burning with animal fat or other forbidden things."

Text 44

mahäbhärate 
vasämajjästhi-niryäsair
na käryaù puñöim icchatä
mahäbhärate-in the Mahäbhärata; vasämajjästhi-niryäsaiù-with animal fat; na-not; käryaù-to be done; puñöim-prosperity; icchatä-by a,person who desires.

In the Mahäbhärata it is said:
"A person who desires happiness and prosperity should never offer to Lord Hari a lamp burning with animal fat."
Text 45

viñëu-dharmottare tåtéya-khaëòe 
néla-rakta-daçaà dépaà
prayatnena vivarjayet
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; tåtéya-khaëòe-ijn the Third Part; néla-rakta-daçam-blue and red; dépam-lamp; prayatnena-with care; vivarjayet-one should avoid.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Third Khaëòa, it is said:
"One should take care to avoid offering a lamp that is blue or red." 

Text 46

kälikä-puräëe 
dépa-våkñaç ca kartavyas
taijasädyaiç ca bhairava
våkñeñu dépo dätavyo
na tu bhümau kadäcana
kälikä-puräëe-in the Kälikä Puräëa; dépa-lamp; våkñaù-tree; ca-and; kartavyaù-should be done; taijasa-with metal; ädyaiù-beginning; ca-and; bhairava-O Bhairava; våkñeñu-in trees; dépaù-lamp; dätavyaù-should be done; na-not; tu-but; bhümau-on the earth; kadäcana-ever.

In the Kälikä Puräëa it is said:
"O Bhairava, one should make a lamp out of metal or other suitable materials. One may place a lamp in a tree, but one should never place a lamp on the ground."

Text 47

atha dépa-mähätmyaà 
skände brahma-närada-samväde 
prajvälya deva-devasya
karpüreëa ca dépakam
açvamedham aväpnoti
kulaà caiva samuddharet
atha-now; dépa-mähätmyam-the Glories of Offering a Lamp; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada; prajvälya-lighting; deva-devasya-of the master of the demigods; karpüreëa-with camphor; ca-ansd; dépakam-lamp; açvamedham-asmavedham-yajna; aväpnoti-attains; kulam-family; ca-and; eva-indeed; samuddharet-delivers.

The Glories of Offering a Lamp
In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada, it is said:
"A person who offers a camphor-lamp to Lord Kåñëa, the master of the demigods, attains the result of offering an açvamedha-yajïa. He delivers everyone in his family."

Text 48

atraivänyatra ca 
yo dadäti mahé-päla
kåñëasyägre tu dépakam
pätakaà tu samutsåjya
jyoté-rüpaà labhet phalam
atra-here' eva-indeed; anyatra-in another place; ca-and; yaù-one who; dadäti-gives; mahé-päla-O protector of the earth; kåñëasyägre'in the presence of Çré Kåñëa; tu-indeed; dépakam-a lamp; pätakam-hell; tu-indeed; samutsåjya-leaving; jyoté-rüpam-a splendid form; labhet-attains; phalam-result.

In another passage of the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"O protector of the earth, a person who offers a lamp to Lord Kåñëa is saved from hell. He attains an effulgent spiritual form.

Text 49

värähe dépaà dadäti yo devi
mad-bhaktyä tu vyavasthitaù
näträndhatvaà bhavet tasya
sapta-janmani sundari
värähe-in the Varäha Puräëa; dépam-lamp; dadäti-gives; yaù-who; devi-O goddess; mad-bhaktyä-with devotion to Me; tu-indeed; vyavasthitaù-situated; na-not; atra-here; andhatvam-blindness; bhavet-is; tasya-of him; sapta-janmani-for seven births; sundari-O beautiful one.

In the Varäha Puräëa it is said:
"O beautiful goddess, a person who offers Me a lamp with love and devotion will spend seven births immune to the danger of becoming blind.

Text 50

yas tu dadyät pradépaà me
sarvataù çraddhayänvitaù
svayam-prabheñu deçeñu
tasyotpattir vidhéyate
yaù-one who; tu-indeed; dadyät-offers; pradépam-a lamp; me-to Me; sarvataù'in all respects; çraddhayänvitaù-with faith; svayam-prabheñu-self-effulgent; deçeñu-in the abodes; tasya-of him; utpattiù-masnifestation; vidhéyate-is.

"A person who faithfully offers Me a lamp enters the effulgent spiritual worlds."

Text 51

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye 
dattaà sva-jyotiñe jyotir
yad vistärayati prabhäm
tadvad dharyati saj-jyotir
dätuù päpatamo 'paham
hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya; dattam-offered; sva-jyotiñe-self-effulgent; jyotiù-lamp; yat-what; vistärayati-expands; prabhäm-effulgence; tadvat-taht; dharyati-maintains; saê-jyotiù-spiritual knowledge; dätuù-of the giver; päpatamaù-greatest sin; apaham-removal.

In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said:
"When offered to the effulgent Supreme Person, a lamp enlightens the giver and removes all his sins."

Text 52

närasiàhe 
ghåtena vätha tailena
dépaà prajvälayen naraù
viñëave vidhivad bhaktyä
tasya puëya-phalaà çåëu
närasiàhe-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa; ghåtena-with ghee; vä-or; atha-then; tailena-with oil; dépam-lamp; prajvälayen-lighting; naraù-a person; viñëave-to Lord Viñëu; vidhivat-properly; bhaktyä-with devotion; tasya-of him; puëya-phalam-the result of piety; çåëu-please hear.

In the Nåsiàha Puräëa it is said:
"Please hear the pious result attained by a person who properly and with devotion offers to Lord Viñëu a lamp burning either with ghee or oil.

Text 53

vihäya päpaà sakalaà
sahasräditya-sa-prabhaù
jyotiñmatä vimänena
viñëuloke mahéyate
vihäya-abandoning; päpam-sins; sakalam-all; sahasräditya-sa-prabhaù'splendid like a thousand suns; jyotiñmatä-with effulgence; vimänena-with an airplane; viñëuloke-in Vi/äëuloka; mahéyate-is glorified.

"Free of all sins, He becomes glorious like a thousand suns. Traveling in a splendid airplane, he goes to Viñëuloka, where he is honored."

Text 54

prahläda-saàhitäyäà 
ca tulasé-pävakenaiva
dépaà yaù kurute hareù
dépa-lakña-sahasräëäà
puëyaà bhavati daityaja. iti.
prahläda-saàhitäyäm-in the Prahläda-saàhitä; ca-and; tulasé-of tulasé; pävakena-with a fire; eva-indeed; dépam-lamp; yaù-one who; kurute-does; hareù-to Lord Kåñëa; dépa-lakña-sahasräëäm-a hundred million lamps; puëyam-piety; bhavati-attains; daityaja-O son of a demon; iti-thus.

In the Prahläda-saàhita' it is said:
"O son of a demon, by offering to Lord Hari a lamp burning with tulasé wood, a person attains the pious result of offering a hundred million lamps."

Text 55

paçcäd dépaà ca taà bhaktyä
mürdhnä vandeta vaiñëavaù
dhüpasyevekñaëät tasya
labhante 'nye 'pi tat phalam
paçcät-after; dépam-lamp; ca-and; tam-that; bhaktyä-with devotion; mürdhnä-with the head; vandeta-bows; vaiñëavaù-a devotee; dhüpasya-of incense; eva-indeed; ékñaëät-from the sight; tasya-of him; labhante-attain; anye-others; api-also; tat-that; phalam-result.

"After offering a lamp, a Vaiñëava should bow his head with devotion. By seeing someone offer incense to the Lord, others attain the same result as he who did the offering.

Text 56

kecé cänena dépena
çré-mürter mürdhni vaiñëaväù
néräjanam ihecchanti
mahä-néräjane yathä
kecit-some; ca-and; anena-with this; dépena-lamp; çré-mürteù-of the Deity of the Lord; mürdhni-ojn the head; vaiñëaväù-a Vaiñëavas; néräjanam-arati; iha-here; icchanti-desire; mahä-néräjane-in a great arati; yathä-as.

"Some Vaiñëavas meditate on offer a lamp to the Lord. In their meditation they offer an elaborate ärati to the Lord.

Text 57

tathä ca rämärcana-candrikäyäm- dhüpänantaram- dépa-prasaìge 
ärätrikam- tu viñama-
bahu-vartti-samanvitam
abhyarcya rämacandräya
väma-madhyam athärpayet
tathä-so; ca-and; rämärcana-candrikäyäm-in the Rämärcana-candrikä; dhüpa-offering incense; anantaram-after; dépa-prasaìge-inê connection with a lamp; ärätrikam-arati; tu-indeed; viñama-uneven; bahu-vartti-samanvitam-many times; abhyarcya-worshiping; rämacandräya-Lord Rämacandra; väma-left; madhyam-middle; atha-then; arpayet-should offer.

In the Rämärcana-candrikä, in the description of offering a lamp after the offering of incense is completed, it is said:
"One should worship Lord Rämacandra by offering ärati to Him. In that ärati one should offer each article an odd number of times.

Text 58

namo dépeçvaräyeti
dadyät puñpäïjalià tataù
avadhüpyäbhyarcya vädyair
mürdhni néräjayet prabhum. iti.
namaù-obeisnaces; dépa-of the lamp; éçvaräya-to the master; iti-thus; dadyät-should offer; puñpa-flower; aïjaliàoffering; tataù-then; avadhüpya-offering incense; abhyarcya-worshiping; vädyaiù-with music; mürdhni-in the head; néräjayet-one should offer ärati; prabhum-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; iti-thus.

"One should say, 'Obeisances to the master of the lamps!' Thus worshiping the Lord with offerings of flowers, incense, and music, in meditation one should offer ärati to the Lord." 

Text 59

ata eveñyate tasya 
karäbhyäà vandanaà ca taiù
näma cäratrikety ädi
varttyo 'pi bahuläù samäù
ata eva-there; iñyate-is desired; tasya-of him; karäbhyäm-with both hands; vandanam-bowing down; ca-and; taiù-with them; näma-name; ca-and; äratrika-arati; iti-thus; ädi-beginning; varttyaù-to be done; api-also; bahuläù-many; asamäù-unequal.

After this one should bow down, extending both hands. This ceremony is called ärati, where offerings are made a plural, odd number of times.

Text 60

prasaìgäl likhyate 'traiva
çrémad-bhagavad-älaye
dépa-dänasya mähätmyaà
kärttikéyaà ca tad vina
prasaìgät-by touch; likhyate-is written; atra-here; eva-indeed; çrémad-bhagavad-älaye-in the abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; dépa-of a lamp; dänasya-of the offering; mähätmyam-the glory; kärttikéyam-in Kärttika; ca-and; tat-that; vina-without.

Now will be written the glory of offering a lamp in the temple of the Supreme Lord. This is different from the offering of a lamp during the month of Kärttika.

Text 61

atha çré-bhagavad-älaye dépa-prada-mähätmyaà 
viñëu-dharmottare prathama-khaëòe 
dépa-dänät paraà dänaà
na bhütaà na bhaviñyati
keçaväyatane kåtvä
dépa-våkñä manoharam 
atéva bhräjate lakñmyä 
divam äsädya sarvataù
atha-now; çré-bhagavad-älaye-in the temple of the Lord; dépa-prada-mähätmyam-the glory of offering a lamp; viñëu'-dharmottare prathama-khaëòe-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Part One; dépa-dänät-from offering a lamp; param-great; dänam-offering; na-not; bhütam-was; na-not; bhaviñyati-will be; keçava-of Lord Kåñëa; äyatane-in the temple; kåtvä-doing; dépa-våkñä-lamp; manoharam-beautiful; atéva-very; bhräjate-shines; lakñmyä-with glory; divam-day; äsädya-attaining; sarvataù-completely.

The Glory of Offering a Lamp in the Lord's Temple
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Part One, it is said:
"When a person makes a great tree of lamps that makes the temple of Lord Kåñëa gloriously shine like the sun-planet itself, that is a very great offering. There never was, nor will there ever be an offering better than that.

Text 62

dépa-mäläà prayacchanti
ye naraù çärìgino gåhe
bhavanti te candra-samäù
svargam äsädya mänaväù
dépa-of lamps; mäläm-a garland; prayacchanti-offer; ye-who; naraù-people; çärìginaù-of Lord Kåñëa; gåhe-in the home; bhavanti-become; te-they; candra-samäù-like the moon; svargam-in Svargaloka; äsädya-attaining; mänaväù-people.

"They who offer a row of lamps in Lord Kåñëa's temple go to Svargaloka where they are splendid like the moon.

Text 63

dépägäraà naraù kåtvä
küöägära-nibhaà çubham
keçavälayam äsädya
loke bhäti sa çakravat
dépa-lamps; ägäram-room; naraù-a person; kåtvä-making; küöägära-s rooftop apartment; nibham-like; çubham-splendid; keçavälayam-the home of Lord Kåñëa; äsädya-attaining; loke-in thw world; bhäti-shines; sa-he; çakravat-like Indra.

"A person who, filling Lord Kåñëa's temple with lamps, makes it seem like a rooftop apartment in the moonlight, himself shines like a King Indra in this world.

Text 64

yathojjvalo bhaved dépaù
sampradätäpi yädava
tathä nityojjvalo loke
näka-påñöhe viräjate
yathä-as; ujjvalaù-shining; bhavet-is; dépaù-lamp; sampradätä-the giver; api-also; yädava-O Yädava; tathä-so; nitya-always; ujjvalaù-shining; loke-in this world; näka-påñöhe-in the sky; viräjate-shines.

"O descendent of Yadu, a person who makes a lamp shine in the Lord's temple himself shines forever in the spiritual sky.

Text 65

sa-dépe ca yathä deçe
cakñüàsi phalavanti ca
tathä dépasya dätäro
bhavanti sa-phalekñaëäù
sa-dépe-with a lamp; ca-and; yathä-as; deçe-in the place; cakñüàsi-eyes; phalavanti-become successful; ca-and; tathä-so; dépasya-of a lamp; dätäraù-the givers; bhavanti-become; sa-phala-succesful; ékñaëäù-eyes.

"The eyes of they who see the Lord's temple lit with lamps become glorious and perfect. The eyes of they who light a lamp in the Lord's temple become glorious and perfect.

Text 66

ekädaçyäà ca dvädaçyäà
prati-pakñaà tu yo naraù
dépaà dadäti kåñëäya
tasya puëya-phalaà çåëu
ekädaçyäm-on ekädaçé; ca-and; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; prati-pakñam-each fortnight; tu-indeed; yaù-who; naraù-person; dépam-lamp; dadäti-gives; kåñëäya-to Lord Kåñëa; tasya-of him; puëya-of piety; phalam-the result; çåëu-please hear.

"Please hear the pious result attained by a person who on every ekädaçé and dvädaçé offers a lamp to Lord Kåñëa.

Text 67

suvarëa-maëi-muktäòhyaà
manojïam ati-sundaram
dépa-mäläkulaà divyaà
vimänam adhirohati
suvarëa-with gold; maëi-jewels; muktä-and pearls; äòhyam-opulent; manojïam-chamring; ati-sundaram-very beautiful; dépa-mäläkulam-Filled with of lamps; divyam-splendid; vimänam-airplane; adhirohati-climbs.

"Such a person leaves this world in a celestial airplane shining with lamps of gold, jewels, and pearls.

Text 68

padma-sütrodbhavaà vartti
gandha-tailena dépakän
virogaù çubhagaç caiva
dattvä bhavati mänavaù
padma-lotus; sütra-fiber; udbhavam-created; vartti-wick; gandha-tailena-with scented oil; dépakän-lamps; virogaù-free of disease; çubhagaù-fortunate and handsome; ca-and; eva-indeed; dattvä-offering; bhavati-is; mänavaù-a person.

"A person who offers to the Lord a lamp burning with scented oil and with a wick made from lotus fiber, becomes fortunate, handsome, and free from disease.

Text 69

dépa-dänaà mahä-puëyaà
anya-deveñv api dhruvam
kià punar väsudevasyä-
nantasya tu mahätmanaù
dépa-dänam-the gift of a lamp; mahä-puëyam-very pious; anya-deveñv-to other deities; api-even; dhruvam-indeed; kim-what?; punaù-more; väsudevasya-of Lord Väsudeva; anantasya-limitless; tu-indeed; mahätmanaù-the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

"Even when offered to other deities the gift of a lamp is very pious. What can be said, then, of the piety attained when a lamp is offered to Lord Väsudeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead?

Text 70

tatraiva tåtéya-khaëòe 
dépaà cakñuù-pradaà dadyät
tathäivordhva-gati-pradam
ürdhvaà yathä dépa-çikhä
dätä cordhva-gatis tathä
tatra-there; eva-certainly; tåtéya-khaëòe-in the Third khanda; dépam-lamp; cakñuù-eyes; pradam-giving; dadyät-gives; tathä-so; eva-indeed; ürdhva-gati-pradam-giving an exalted destination; ürdhvam-up; yathä-as; dépa-çikhä-the flame of a lamp; dätä-the giver; ca-and; ürdhva-up; gatiù-going; tathä-so.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Part Three, it is said:
"As the flame in a lamp reaches up, so a person who offers a lamp to the Lord travels up to the spiritual world.    

Text 71

yävad akñi-nimeñäëi
dépo devälaye jvalet
tavad varña-sahasräëi
näka-påñöhe mahéyate
yävat-as; akñi-nimeñäëi-the blinking of an eye; dépaù-lamp; devälaye-in the home of the Lord; jvalet-blazing; tavat-so; varña-years; sahasräëi-thousand; näka-påñöhe-in the world of the sky; mahéyate-is glorified.

"When he offers a lamp in the Lord's temple, a person earns a thousand years in Devaloka for each second the lamp burns."

Text 72

båhan-näradéye vétihotram- prati yajïadhvajasya pürva-janma-våtta-kathane 
pradépaù sthäpitas tatra
suratärthaà dvijottama
tenäpi mama duñkarma
niùçeñaà kñayam ägatam
båhan-näradéye-in the Närada Puräëa; vétihotram-to Vitihotra; prati-to; yajïadhvajasya-of Yajnadhvaja; pürva-janma-våtta-kathane-in the story of the previous biurth; pradépaù-lamp; sthäpitaù-placed; tatra-there; suratärtham-for amorous pastimes; dvijottama-O best of brähmaëas; tena-by that; api-even; mama-of me; duñkarma-wicked deed; niùçeñam-all; kñayam-destrcution; ägatam-attained.

In the Närada Puräëa, Yajïadhvaja, in the course of describing his previous birth, tells Vétihotra:
"O best of brähmaëas, even though I did it only to help my lust, when I lit that lamp in the Lord's temple, all my sins became destroyed."

Text 73

viñëu-dharme 
ca viléyate sva-haste tu
sva-tantre sati dépakaù
mahä-phalo viñëu-gåhe
na datto narakäya saù
viñëu-dharme-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa; ca-and; viléyate-is merge; sva-haste-in thr hand; tu-indeed; sva-tantre-independnet; sati-O saintly one; dépakaù-lamp; mahä-phalaù-great result; viñëu-gåhe-in the home of the Lord; na-not; dattaù-offered; narakäya-for hell; saù-he.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa it is said:
"If one offers a lamp that is somehow is placed in one's hand in the Lord's temple, that act bears a great result. A person who will not offer a lamp to the Lord is destined to go to hell.

Text 74

näradéye mohinéà prati çré-rukmäìgadoktau 
tiñöhantu bahu-vittäni
dänärthaà vara-varëini
hådayäyäsakåt türëi
dépa-dänäd divaà vrajet
näradéye mohiném- prati çré-rukmäìgadoktau-in the Närada Puräëa, Çré Rukmäìgada tells Çré Mohiné; tiñöhantu-may stand; bahu-great; vittäni-wealth; dänärtham-for the puspose of giving charity; vara-varëini-O beautiful one; hådayäya-for the heart; asakåt-many times; türëi dépa-dänät-from giving a lamp; divam-to Devaloka; vrajet-goes.

In the Närada Puräëa, Çré Rukmäìgada tells Çré Mohiné: 
"O beautiful one, by giving great wealth in charity one only troubles his heart, but by giving a lamp to the Lord one quickly goes to Devaloka.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The word "devaloka" here may mean either Svargaloka or Vaikuëöhaloka.

Text 75

tasyäpy abhäve çubhage
para-dépa-prabodhanam
kartavyaà bhakti-bhävena
sarva-dänädhikaç ca yat. iti.
tasya-of him; api-also; abhäve-in the absence; çubhage-O beautiful one; para-dépa-prabodhanam-lighting another's lamp; kartavyam-to be done; bhakti-bhävena-with devotion; sarva-dänädhikaç-better than all charities; ca-and; yat-which; iti-thus.

"O beautiful one, if one cannot personally offer a lamp to the Lord, then he should devotedly light the lamp that someone else offers. That action is better than giving everything in charity."

Text 76

sadä käla-viçeñe 'pi
bhaktyä bhagavad-älaye
mahä-dépa-pradänasya
mahimäpy atra likhyate
sadä-regulkarly; käla-viçeñe-at a sepcifé time; api-also; bhaktyä-with devotion; bhagavad-älaye-in the Lord's temple; mahä-dépa-a great lamp; pradänasya-givinh; mahimä-glory; apy-also; atra-here; likhyate-is written.

Now will be written a description of the glory of regularly, at a specifé time, offering with devotion a great lamp in the Lord's temple.

Texts 77-79

atha mahä-dépa-mahätmyam- 
viñëu-dharmottare prathama-khaëòe 
mahä-varttiù sadä deyä
bhümi-päla mahä-phalä
kåñëa-pakñe viçeñena
taträpi sa viçeñataù
amävasyä ca nirdiñöä
dvädaçi ca mahä-phalä
açva-yujyam atétäyäà
kåñëa-pakñaç ca yo bhavet
amävasyä tadä puëyä
dvädaçi ca viçeñataù
devasya dakñiëe pärçve
deyä taila-tulä nåpa
atha-now; mahä-dépa-mahätmyam-the Glories of Offering a Great Lamp viñëu-dharmottare prathama-khaëòe-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Part One; mahä-varttiù-great deed; sadä-always; deyä-to be done; bhümi-päla-O protector opf the earth; mahä-phala-great result; kåñëa-pakñe-on the dark fornight; viçeñena-specifically; tatra-there; api-also; sa-that; viçeñataù-specifically; amävasyänew moon; ca-and ; nirdiñöä-indicöated; dvädaçi-dvadasi; ca-and; mahä-phalä-great result; açva-yujyam-Asvina; atétäyäm-passed; kåñëa-pakñaç'dark fortnight; ca-and; yaù-who; bhavet-does; amävasyä-new moon; tadä-then; puëyä-piety; dvädaçi-dvadasi; ca-and; viçeñataù-specifically; devasya-of the Lord; dakñiëe-on the right; pärçve-side; deyä-should be given; taila-tulä-oil lamp; nåpa-O king.

The Glories of Offering a Great Lamp
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Part One, it is said: 
"O king, by offering an oil-lamp to the Lord on His right side, during the kåñëa-pakña dvädaçé, the amävasyä, or specifically the kåñëa-pakña dvädaçé and amävasya' of the month of Açvina, one attains a great result.

Text 80

paläñöaka-yutaà räjan
vartti tatra ca dépayet
vasasä tu samagreëa
sopaväso jitendriyaù
paläñöaka-yutam-with paläñöaka oil; räjan-O king; vartti-wick; tatra-ther; ca-and; dépayet-lights; vasasä-with vloth; tu-indeed; samagreëa-sompletelu; sopaväsaù-fasting; jitendriyaù-controlling the senses.

"Fasting and controlling the senses one should offer to the Lord a lamp burning with paläñöaka oil.

Texts 81-83

mahä-vartti-dvayam idaà
sakåd dattvä mahä-mate
svarlokaà su-ciraà bhuktvä
jäyate bhü-tale yadä
tadä bhavati lakñmévän
jaya-draviëa-samyutaù
räñöre ca jäyate svasmin
deçe ca nagare tathä
kule ca räja-çärdüla
tatra syät dépavat-prabhaù
pratyujjvalaç ca bhavati
yuddheñu kalaheñu ca
mahä-vartti-dvayam-with two great wicks; idam-this; sakåt-once; dattvä-offering; mahä-mate-O noble-hearted one; svarlokam-to Svargaloka; su-ciram-for a long time; bhuktvä-enjoying; jäyate-is born; bhü-tale-on the earth; yadä-when; tadä-then; bhavati-is; lakñmévän-wealthy; jaya-draviëa-samyutaù-glorious; räñöre-in the kingdom; ca-and; jäyate-is born; svasmin-in his own; deçe-province; ca-and; nagare-in the city; tathä-so; kule-in the family; ca-and; räja-çärdüla-O tiger of kings; tatra-there; syät-is; dépavat-prabhaù-splendid like a lamp; pratyujjvalaù-splendid; ca-and; bhavati-is; yuddheñu-in battle; kalaheñu-in quarrels; ca-and.

"O noble-hearted one, a person who once offers the Lord a great lamp burning with two wicks enjoys for a very long time on Svargaloka, and when he is again born on the earth he becomes a wealthy man. In his country, province, city, and family he is splendid and glorious like a brilliant lamp. O tiger of kings, in battle or in a quarrel he is brilliant and glorious.

Text 84

khyätià yäti tathä loke
sad-guëänäà ca sad-guëaiù
ekam apy atha yo dadyäd
abhiñöatamayor dvayoù
khyätim-fame; yäti-attains; tathä-so; loke-in the world; sad-guëänäm-of the virtuous; ca-and; sad-guëaiù-with the virtues; ekam-one; apy-also; atha-then; yaù-who; dadyät-gives; abhiñöatamayoù-desired; dvayoù-of both.

"A person who offers a lamp of one wick to Lord becomes famous in this world as a person possessing all the virtues of the great souls.

Text 85

mänuñye sarvam äpnoti
yad uktaà te mahänagha
svarge tathätvam äpnoti
bhoga-käle tu yädava
mänuñye-in the human world; sarvam-everything; äpnoti-attains; yat-what; uktam-said; te-they; mahänagha-O saintly one; svarge-in Svarga; tathätvam-in the sdame way; äpnoti-attains; bhoga-käle-at the time of enjoyment; tu-indeed; yädava-O descendent of Yadu.

"O sinless one, he attains everything good that exists in the world of men. In Svargaloka he attains all enjoyments.

Text 86

sämänyasya tu dépasya
räjan dänaà mahä-phalam
kià punar mahato dépasy-
ätreyattä na vidyate
sämänyasya-ordinary; tu-indeed; dépasya-lamp; räjan-O king; dänam-giving; mahä-phalam-great result; kim-what?; punaù-again; mahataù-great; dépasya-of a lamp; ätreyattä na vidyate-is not.

"Even one who offers an ordinary lamp to the Lord attains a great result. What, then, can be said of one who offers a great lamp?

Text 87

atha çoëa-malinädi-vastra-varttyä dépa-däna-niñedhaù 
çoëam- vädarakaà vastraà
jérëaà malinam eva ca
upabhuktaà na vä dadyät
varttikärthaà kadäcana. iti.
atha-now; çoëa-red; malina-dirty; ädi-beginning with; vastra-cloth; varttyä-with a wick; dépa-lamp; däna-offering; niñedhaù-forbidding; çoëam-red; vädarakam-cotton; vastram-garment; jérëam-torn; malinam-dirty; eva-indeed; ca-and; upabhuktam-second-hand; na-not; vä-or; dadyät-shoul give; varttikä-wick; artham-for the purpose; kadäcana-ever; iti-thus.

One Should Not Offer a Lamp With a Wick Made From Cloth That Is Red, Dirty, or Otherwise Defective
"One should not make a lap-wick from red cotton cloth, or from cloth that is dirty, torn, or has already been used for other things.

Text 88

svayam anyena vä dattaà
dépän na çré-harer haret
nirväpayen na hiàsäc ca
çubham icchan kadäcana
svayam-personally; anyena-by another; vä-or; dattam-offered; dépän-lamps; na-not; çré-hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; haret-should take; nirväpayen-should extinguish; na-not; hiàsäc-from disturbance; ca-and; çubham-auspiciousness; icchan-desiring; kadäcana-ever.

"A person who desires auspiciousness should never remove, extinguish, or trouble any lamps that he or anyone else has offered to Lord Hari."

Text 89

atha dépa-nirväpaëädi-doñaù 
viñëu-dharmottare prathama-khaëòe 
dattvä dépo na hartavyas
tena karma vijänatä
nirväpaëaà ca dépasya
hiàsanaà ca vigarhitam
atha-now; dépa-nirväpaëädi-doñaù-the Fault of Extinguishing Lamps; viñëu-dharmottare prathama-khaëòe-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Part One; dattvä-offering; dépaù-lamp; na-not; hartavyaù-to be removed; tena-by him; karma-work; vijänatä-knowing; nirväpaëam-extinguishing; ca-and; dépasya-of the lamps; hiàsanam-trouble; ca-and; vigarhitam-forbidden.

The Fault of Extinguishing Lamps
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Part One, it is said: 
"A person who knows the truth of the laws of karma should never remove a lamp as it burns before Lord Hari. Such a lamp should never be extinguished or troubled.

Text 90

yaù kuryäd dhiàsanaà tena
karmaëä puñpitekñaëaù
dépa-hartä bhaved andhaù
käëo nirväëa-kåd bhavet
yaù-one who; kuryät-does; dhiàsanam-trouble; tena-by that; karmaëä'deed; puñpita-diseased; ékñaëaù-eyes; dépa-lamp; hartä-removing; bhavet-becomes; andhaù-blind; käëaù-one-eyed; nirväëa-kåt-extinguishing; bhavet-becomes.

"A person who troubles such a lamp contracts a disease in his eyes. A person who removes such a lamp while it still burns becomes blind. A person who extinguishes such a lamp becomes one-eyed."

Text 91

viñëu-dharme ca narakän prati çré-dharmaräjoktau 
yuñmäbhir yauvanonmadaà
uditair avivekibhiù
dyutodyotäya govinda-
gehäd dépaù purä håtaù
viñëu-dharme ca narakän prati çré-dharmaräjoktau-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa Çré Yamaräja tells the residents of hell: yuñmäbhiù-by you all; yauvana-by yuthfulness; unmadam-intoxicated; uditaiù-spoken; avivekibhiù-without intelligence; dyutodyotäya-burning; govinda-gehät-from Lord Govinda's home; dépaù-lamp; pura-before; håtaù-taken.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa Çré Yamaräja tells the residents of hell:
"Filled with youthful folly, you removed from Lord Govinda's temple a still-burning lamp.

Text 92

tenädya narake ghore
kñut-tåñëa-paripéòitaù
bhavanti patitäs tévre
çéta-väta-vidäritäù
tena-because of that; adya-today; narake-in hell; ghore-terrible; kñut-tåñëa-paripéòitaù-tormented by hunger and thirst; bhavanti-are; patitäù-fallen; tévre-sharp; çéta-cold; väta-winds; vidäritäù-pierced.

"That is why, tortured by hunger and thirst, and torn apart by freezing winds, you are now suffering in this terrible hell."

Text 93

tatraiva çré-pulasyoktau 
ca tasmäd äyatane viñëor
dadyäd dépän dvijottama
taàç ca dattvä na hiàseta
na ca taila-viyojitän
tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-pulasyoktau-in the words of Çré  Pulastya; ca-and; tasmät-from that; äyatane-in the temple; viñëoù-of Lord Kåñëa; dadyät-should give; dépän-lamps; dvijottama-O best of brähmaëa!s; taàç-them; ca-and; dattvä-giving; na-not; hiàseta-should trouble; na-not; ca-and; taila-viyojitän-filled with oil.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa Çré Pulastya Muni explains:
"O best of brähmaëas, that is why one should offer lamps in the temple of Lord Viñëu. While the lamps' oil has not yet burned away one should not trouble them.

Text 94

kurvéta dépa-hantä ca
müko 'ndho jäyate måtaù
andhe tamasi duñpäre
narake pacyate kila
kurvéta-does; dépa-hantä-extinguishing the lamp; ca-and; mükaù-dumb; andhaù-blind; jäyate-is born; måtaù-dead; andhe-in blind; tamasi-darkness; duñpäre-impassable; narake-in hell; pacyate-is cooked; kila-indeed.

"A person who extinguishes a lamp as it burns before Lord Kåñëa becomes blind and dumâ and when he dies he burns in a hell he cannot escape."

Text 95

bhümau dépa-däna-niñedhaù 
kälikä-puräëe 
dépa-våkñaç ca kartavyas
taijasädyaiç ca bhairava
våkñeñu dépo dätavyo
na tu bhümau kadäcana
bhümau dépa-däna-niñedhaù-one Should Not Offer a Lamp on the Ground; kälikä-puräëe-in the Kälikä Puräëa it is said: dépa-lamp; våkñaù-tree; ca-and; kartavyaù-should be done; taijasädyaiç-with oil; ca-and; bhairava-O Bhairava; våkñeñu-in trees; dépaù-lamp; dätavyaù-may be placed; na-not; tu-but; bhümau-on the ground; kadäcana-ever.

On Should Not Place a Lamp on the Ground
In the Kälikä Puräëa it is said:
"O Bhairava, one may place a lamp in a tree, but never on the ground.

Text 96

atha naivedyaà 
dattvä puñpäïjalià péöhaà
padyam äcamanaà tathä
kåtvä patreñu kåñëayar-
päyed bhojyaà yathä-vidhi
atha-now; naivedyam-offerings of food; dattvä-offering; puñpäïjalim-flower; péöham-the place; padyam-for the feet; äcamanam-for sipping; tathä-then; kåtvä-doing; patreñu-in cups; kåñëäya-to Lord Kåñëa; arpäyet-should offer; bhojyam-food; yathä-as; vidhi-proper.

Offering Food
"After offering a flower, a sitting place, water for washing the feet, and äcamana water, one should offer to Lord Kåñëa appropriate food in many plates and cups.

Text 97

atha naivedyärpaëa-vidhiù 
astraà jäptvämbunä prokñya
naivedyaà cakra-mudrayä
samrakñya prokñayed väyu-
béja-japta-jalena ca
atha-now; naivedyärpaëa-vidhiù-the way of offering food; astram-astraya phat; jäptvä-chanting; ambunä-with water; prokñya-sprinkling; naivedyam-offering of food; cakra-mudrayä-with the cakra-mudra; samrakñya-protecting; prokñayet-should sprinkle; väyu-béja-japta-chanting the syllable yam; jalena-with water; ca-and.

How to Offer Food
One should chant the mantra "asträya phaö", sprinkle water before the offering of food, show the cakra-mudrä, chant the mantra "yaà", and also sprinkle water.

Text 98

tena saàçoñya tad-doñaà
agni-béjaà ca dakñiëe
dhyätvä kara-tale 'nyat tat
påñöhe samyojya darçyate
tena-by this; saàçoñya-is dried up; tad-doñam-the faults; agni-béjam-the syllable ram; ca-and; dakñiëe-on the right; dhyätvä-meditating; kara-tale-in the palm of the hand; anyat-another; tat-that; påñöhe-on the back; samyojya-placing; darçyate-is shown.

In this way the faults of the offering wither away. Then one should place the syllable "raà" in the right palm and on the back.

Text 99

tad-uttha-vahninä tasya
çuñka-doñaà hådä dahet
tataù kara-tale savye
'måta-béjaà vicintayet
tat-from that; uttha-risen; vahninä-by the fire; tasya-of that; çuñka-dried; doñam-fault; hådä-by the heart; dahet-may burn; tataù-then; kara-of the hand; tale-in the palm; savye-left; amåta-béjam-the syllable öhaà; vicintayet-should consider.

By the fire of that syllable the faults of the offering are dried away. Then, meditating with the mind, one should place the syllable öham- in the left palm.

Text 100

tat-påñöhe dakñiëaà päëi-
talaà samyojya darçayet
tad-utthäya nivedyaà tat
siïced amåta-dhärayä
tat-påñöhe-on the back; dakñiëam-right; päëi-of the hand; talam-the palm; samyojya-joining; darçayet-should show; tad-utthäya-rising; nivedyam-the offering; tat-that; siïcet-should sprinkle; amåta-dhärayä-with a shower of nectar.

Then one should place the right palm on the back of the left hand. In this way one sprinkles nectar on the offering.

Text 101

jalena müla-japtena
prokñya tä cämåtätmakam
sarvaà vicintya saàspåçya
mülaà väräñöakaà japet
jalena-with water; müla-japtena-by chanting the mula-mantra; prokñya-sprinkling; tat-that; ca-and; amåta-nectar; ätmakam-self; sarvam-all; vicintya-considering; saàspåçya-touching; mülam-mula; vära-times; añöakam-eight; japet-should chant.

Then by chanting the müla-mantra one should meditate on sprinkling nectar on the offering. Then one should touch the offering and chant the müla-mantra eight times.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

One should touch the offering with the right hand.

Text 102

amåti-kåtya tad dhenu-
mudrayä salilädibhiù
tä ca kåñëaà ca sampüjya
gåhétvä kusumäïjalim
amåti-kåtya-transforming into nectar; tat-that; dhenu-mudrayä-with the dhenu-mudra; salilädibhiù-beginning with water; tac-that; ca-and; kåñëam-Çré Kåñëa; ca-and; sampüjya-worshiping; gåhétvä-taking; kusumäïjalim-offering of flowers.

After transforming the offering into nectar with the dhenu-mudrä, water, and other things, one should worship Lord Kåñëa, take a handful of flowers, . . . 
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

In the phrase "water, and other things", the "other things" are a cup of water with fragrant flowers. One should worship Lord Kåñëa with the mantra "kåñëäya namaù"

Text 103

çré-kåñëaà prärthya tad-vakträt
tejo dhyätvä vinirgatam
samyojya ca nivedyaitat
patraà vämena saàspåçan
çré-kåñëam-to Lord Kåñëa; prärthya-praying; tad-vakträt-from His mouth; tejaù-splendor; dhyätvä-meditating; vinirgatam-emanated; samyojya-joining; ca-and; nivedya-offering; etat-that; patram-dish; vämena'with the left; saàspåçan-touching.

. . . offer prayers to Lord Kåñëa, meditate on splendor emanating from the Lord's mouth, offer the dish of food, touching the dish with the left hand, . . .

Text 104

dakñeëa päëinädäya
gandha-puñpänvitaà jalam
svähäntaà mülam uccärya
taj-jalaà visåjed bhuvi
dakñeëa-with the right; päëinä-hand; ädäya-taking; gandha-fragrant; puñpa-flower; anvitam-with; jalam-water; svähä-with svähä; antam-ending; mülam-mula-mantra; uccärya-reciting; taê-jalam-that water; visåjet-should release; bhuvi-on the ground.

. . . with the right hand take water with fragrant flowers, recite the müla-mantra that ends with the word svähä, and then let the water fall to the ground.

Text 105

tat päëibhyäà samutthäya
nivedyaà tulasé-yutam
paträòhyaà tasya mantreëa
bhaktyä bhagavate 'rpayet
tat-that; päëibhyäm-with both hands; samutthäya-rising; nivedyam-offering; tulasé-yutam-with tulasé; patra-plate; äòhyaàenriched; tasya-of that; mantreëa-with the mantra; bhaktyä-with devotion; bhagavate-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; arpayet-should offer.

Then with both hands one should pick up the offering of food mixed with tulasé leaves and offer it to the Lord with the proper mantra.

Text 106

nivedana-mantraç cäyaà 
nivedayämi bhavate
juñäëedaà havir hare. iti.
nivedana-for offering food; mantraù-mantra; ca-and; ayam-this; nivedayämi-I offer; bhavate-to You; juñäëa-please accept; idam-this; haviù-offering; hare-O Lord Hari; iti-thus. 

The Mantra For Offering Food
"I offer this to You. O Lord Hari, please accept this offering."

Text 107

amåtopästaraëam asi
svähety uccärayan hareù
dattvätha vidhivad väri-
gaëòüñaà väma-päëinä 
darçayed gräsa-mudräà tu 
praphullotpala-sannibham
amåta-nectar; upastaraëam-sprinkling; asi-You are; svähä-svähä; iti-thus; uccärayan-reciting; hareù-of Lord Hari; dattvä-placing; atha-then; vidhivat-properly; väri-of water; gaëòüñam-handful; väma-päëinä-with the left hand; darçayet-should show; gräsa-mudräm-gräsa-mudrä; tu-indeed; praphullotpala-sannibham-like a blossoming lotus.

Reciting the mantra, "You are sprinkling nectar. Svähä.", one should offer a handful of water of water with the left hand showing the gräsa-mudrä, which is like a blossoming lotus flower.

Text 108

präëädi-mudrä-hastena
dakñiëena tu darçayet
mantraiç caturthé-svähäntais
tärädyais tat-tad-ähvayaiù
präëädi-beginning with präëa; mudrä-mudräs; hastena-with the hand; dakñiëena-right; tu-indeed; darçayet-should show; mantraiç-with mantras; caturthé-with the datuve case; svähä-with svähä; antaiù-at the end; tärä-oà; ädyaiù-beginning with; tat-tad-ähvayaiù-with the various names.

Then with the right hand one should show the präëa-mudra' and other mudräs. Then one should chant mantras with various names, mantras with om- in the beginning, and with sväha' at the end.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The five mudräs beginning with präëa-mudra' are described in the following words of Krama-dépikä:

spåçet kaniñöhopakaniñöhe dve
sväìguñöha-mürdhnä prathameha mudrä
tathäparä tarjani-madhyame syäd
anämikä-madhyamike ca madhyä
anämikä-tarjani-madhyamäù syät
tac-caturthé-sa-kaniñöhikäs täù
syät païcamé tadvad iti pratiñöhä
präëädi-mudrä. . .

"In the first mudra' the little finger and the ring finger touch the thumb. In the second mudra' the thumâ touches the middle finger and the forefinger. In the third mudra' the the thumâ touches the middle finger and the ring finger. In the fourth mudra' the the thumâ touches the ring finger and the forefinger. In the fifth mudra' the little finger touches the ring finger and the forefinger. These are the mudräs beginning with the präëa-mudrä."
The corresponding mantras begin with "om- präëäya svähä". (The other mantras are: om- apänäya svähä, om- vyänäya svähä, om- udänäya svähä, and om- samänäya svähä., 

Text 109

tataù spåçaàç ca karayor
aìguñöhäbhyäm anämike
pradarçayen nivedyasya
mudräà tasya manuà japan
tataù-then; spåçan-touching; ca-and; karayoù-of both hands; aìguñöhäbhyäm'with both thumbs; anämike-both ring fingers; pradarçayen-showing; nivedyasya-offering; mudräm-mudra; tasya-of that; manum-mantra; japan-chanting.

Touching the thumbs of both hands with the ring fingers of both hands, one should show the nivedya-mudrä. Then one should chant the nivedya-mantra.

Text 110

mantraç cäyaà krama-dépikäyäà 
nandajo 'mbu-manu-bindu-yug natiù
pärçva-ra-marud-avätmane ni ca
ruddha-de-yuta-nivedyam ätma-bhu-masa-
pärçvam anila-sthami-yug iti
mantraù-mantra; ca-and; ayam-this; krama-dépikäyäm-in the Krama-dipikä; nandajaù-the letter öha; ambu-manu-the letter au; bindu-the letter à; yuk-with; natiù-namaù; pärçva-the letter pa; rä-the letter rä; marut-the letter ya; avätmane-avatmane; ni-ni; ca-and; ruddha-ruddha; de-dative case; yuta-with; nivedyam-offering; ätma-bhü-ka; mäàsa-la; pärçvam-pa; anila-ya; sthämi-yuk-with ämi; iti-thus.

This mantra is given in the Krama-dépikä:
"The mantra here is: Öhau namaù paräya avätmane 'niruddhäya nivedyam- kalpayämi (Obeisances to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who cannot be thwarted from anything He wishes to do. I offer this to Him.)

Text 111

nivedyasya manutvena
sväbhéñöaà manum eva te
ekantino japantas tu
gräsa-mudräà vitanvate
nivedyasya manutvena-as the nivedya-mantra; sväbhéñöam-the abhista; manum-mantra; eva-indeed; te-they; ekantinaù-alone; japantaù-chanting; tu-indeed; gräsa-mudräm-the gräsa-mudrä; vitanvate-do.

"In a secluded place they chant the abhéñöa-mantra as the nivedya-mantra. Then they show the gräsa-mudrä.

Text 112

na ca dhyäyante te kåñëa-
vakträt tejo-vinirgamam
maïjula-vyavahäreëa
bhojayanti harià mudä
na-not; ca-and; dhyäyante-meditate; te-they; kåñëa-of Lord Kåñëa; vakträt-from the mouth; tejo-vinirgamam-splendor; maïjula-graceful; vyavahäreëa-with activities; bhojayanti-feed; harim-Lord Hari; mudä-happily.

"They do not meditate on splendor emerging from Lord Kåñëa's mouth. In this way, with graceful actions, they happily feed Lord Kåñëa."

Text 113

anyatra ca 
çälé-bhaktam- su-bhaktam- çiçira-kara-sthitam- päyasam- püpa-süpaà
lehyam- peyam- su-cuñyam- sitam amåta-phalam- ghärikädyam- sukhädyam
äjyaà präjyaà samijyaà nayana-ruci-karaà väjikailä-maréca-
svädéyaù çäkaräjé-parikaram amåtähära-joñaà juñasva
anyatra-in another place; ca-and; çälé-bhaktam-rice; su-bhaktam-nicely cooked; çiçira-kara-sthitam-situated in the cool moonlight; päyasam-sweet-rice; püpa-cakes; süpam-soups; lehyam-to be licked; peyam-to be drunk; su-cuñyam-to be sucked; sitam-pure; amåta-nectar; phalam-fruit; ghärikädyam-cooked in ghee; sukhädyam-the cause of happiness; äjyam-ghee; präjyam-cooked in much ghee; samijyam-excellent; nayana-ruci-karam-pleasing to the eyes; väjikailä-with ghee; maréca-and pepper; svädéyaù-delicious; çäka-räjé-parikaram-vegetables; amåtähära-joñam-like nectar; juñasva-please enjoy.

In another scripture it is said:
"O Lord, please enjoy this delicious cooked rice, this sweet-rice placed in the cooling moonlight, these cakes, soups, foods to be licked, drunk, and sucked, nectar fruits, very delicious foods cooked in ghee, foods pleasing to the eye, foods delicious with ghee and black pepper, and vegetables delicious like nectar."

Text 114

kià ca garuòa-puräëe 
naivedyaà parayä bhaktyä
ghaëöädyair jaya-nisvanaiù
néräjanaiç ca haraye
dadyäd dépäsanaà budhaù
kim- ca-furthermore; garuòa-puräëe-in the Garuòa Puräëa; naivedyam-offering; parayä-with great; bhaktyä-devotion; ghaëöä-with bells; ädyaiù-beginning; jaya-nisvanaiù-with sounds of victory; néräjanaiç-with arati; ca-and; haraye-to Lord Kåñëa; dadyät-should offer; dépa-lamp; äsanam-seat; budhaù-intelligent.

In the Garuòa Puräëa it is said:
"With great devotion an wise person should offer food to Lord Kåñëa. He should offer Lord Kåñëa a seat, a lamp, and ärati. There should be jaya-mantras and the sounding of bells and other musical instruments."
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The word "wise" here means a person who is learned and whose activities are saintly.

Text 115

atha naivedya-paträëi 
skände çré-brahma-närada-samväde 
naivedya-pätraà vakñyämi
keçavasya mahätmanaù
hairaëyaà räjataà tämraà
kaàsyaà mån-mayam eva ca 
päläçaà padma-patraà ca 
pätraà viñëor ati-priyam
atha-now; naivedya-of the offering; paträëi-the dishes; skände-in ther Skanda Puräëa; çré-brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada; naivedya-of the offering; pätram-the dish; vakñyämi-I will tell; keçavasya-of Lord Keçava; mahätmanaù-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; hairaëyam-gold; räjatam-silver; tämram-copper; kaàsyam-bell-metal; mån-mayam-clay; eva-indeed; ca-and; päläçam-päläça leaf; padma-patram-lotus leaf; ca-and; pätram-dish; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; ati-priyam-favorite.

The Plates on Which Food May Be Offered
In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada, it is said:
"Now I will tell you of the plates on which food may be offered to Lord Kåñëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Plates of gold, silver, copper, bell-metal, clay, paläça-leaf, and lotus-leaf are Lord Kåñëa's favorites."

Text 116

viñëu-dharmottare 
päträëäà tu pradänena
narakaà ca na gacchati
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; päträëäm-of plates; tu-indeed; pradänena-by giving; narakam-to hell; ca-and; na-not; gacchati-goes.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa it is said:
"A person who gives to the Lord a gift of many plates will not go to hell."

Text 117

pätra-parimäëaà 
devé-puräëe 
ñaö-triàsad-aìgulaà pätraà
uttamaà parikértitam
madhyamaà ca tribhägonaà
kanyasaà dvädaçäìgulaà 
vasv-aìgula-vihénaà tu 
na pätraà kärayet kvacit
pätra-of plate; parimäëam-the measurement; devé-puräëe-in the Devé Puräëa; ñaö-triàsad-aìgulam-36 fingers; pätram-plate; uttamam-excellent; parikértitam-said; madhyamam-middle; ca-and; tribhägonam-less by one third; kanyasam-small; dvädaça-twelve; aìgulam-fingers; vasu-eight; aìgula-fingers; vihénam-less; tu-but; na-npt; pätram-plate; karayet-should do; kvacit-ever.

Measurements of the Plates
In the Devé Puräëa it is said:
"A large plate should be 36 fingers, a middle-sized plate one third smaller (24 fingers), and a small plate 12 fingers. One should not make a plate smaller than 8 fingers."

Text 118

atha bhojyäni 
ekädaça-skände 
guòa-päyasa-sarpéàñi
çañkulyäpüpa-modakän
samyäva-dadhi-süpäàç ca
naivedyaà sati kalpayet
atha-now; bhojyäni-Foods That Should Be Offered; ekädaça-skände-in the Eleventh Canto; guòa-sugar candy; päyasa-sweet-rice; sarpéàñi-and ghee; çañkuly-cake; äpüpa-sweet cakes; modakän-modakas; samyäva-samyava cakes; dadhi-yogurt; süpän-soup; ca-and; naivedyam-offering of food; sati-is he has sufficent means; kalpayet-should arrange.

Foods That Should Be Offered
In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (11.27.34, Lord Kåñëa says:
"Within his means, the devotee should arrange to offer Me sugar candy, sweet rice, ghee, çaskulé (rice-flour cakes), äpüpa (various sweet cakes), modaka (steamed rice-flour dumplings filled with sweet-coconut and sugar), samyäva (wheat cakes made with ghee and milk and covered with sugar and spices), yogurt, vegetable soups, and other palatable foods."***

Text 119

kià ca 
yad yad iñöatamaà loke
yä cäti-priyam ätmanaù
tat tan nivedayen mahyaà
tad anantyäya kalpate
kim- ca-furthermore; yad-yat-whatever; iñöatamam-most desirable; loke-in the world; yat yat-whatever; ca-and; ati-very; priyam-dear; ätmanaù-to the heart; tat tan-that; nivedayet-may offer; mahyam-to Me; tat-that; anantyäya-for âeing without limit; kalpate-is qualified.

Lord Kåñëa also says:
"A person who offers to Me whatever is most precious in the world, or whatever is most dear to his heart, attains in return a benefit that has no end."

Text 120

añöama-skande 
naivedyaà cädhi-guëavad
dadyät puruña-tuñöi-dam
añöama-skande-in the Eighth Canto; naivedyam-food offered to the Deity; ca-and; ati-guëavat-prepared very gorgeously with all varieties of taste; dadyät-should offer; puruña-tuñöi-dam-everything extremely pleasing to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (8.16.52, it is said:
"With great attention one must prepare an oblation of grains boiled in ghee and milk and must chant the Puruña-sükta mantra. The offerings of foods should be of varieties of tastes. In this way one should worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead."*

Text 121

baudhäyana-småtau ca 
nänä-vidhänna-pänaiç ca
bhakñaëädyair manoharaiù
naivedyaà kalpayed viñëos
tad-abhäve ca päyasaà 
kevalaà ghåta-samyuktam
baudhäyana-småtau-In the Baudhäyana-småti; ca-and; nänä-vidhänna-pänaiç-with various kinds of drinks; ca-and; bhakñaëädyaiù-beginning with foods; manoharaiù-delicious; naivedyam-offering; kalpayet-should do; viñëoù-to Lord Viñëu; tad-abhäve-in the absence of that; ca-and; päyasam-sweet-rice; kevalam-only; ghåta-samyuktam-prepared with ghee.

In the Baudhäyana-småti it is said:
"One should offer to Lord Viñëu many kinds of delicious foods and drinks. In the absence of such variety one should at least offer sweet-rice prepared with ghee."

Text 122

vämana-puräëe 
haviñä saàskåta ye ca
yava-godhüma-çälayaù
tila-mudgädayo mäñä
vréhayaç ca priyä hareù
vämana-puräëe-in the Vämana Puräëa; haviñä-with ghee; saàskåta'prepared; ye-who; ca-and; yava-barley; godhüma-wheat; çälayaù-rice; tila-sesame; mudga-mudga beans; ädayaù-beginning with; mäñä-masa beans; vréhayaç-rice; ca-and; priyä-dear; hareù-to Lord Kåñëa.

In the Vämana Puräëa it is said:
"Barley, wheat, rice, sesame, mudga beans, mäña beans, and other foods like them, all cooked in ghee, are dear to Lord Kåñëa."

Text 123

gäruòe 
annaà catur-vidhaà puëyaà
guëäòhyaà cämåtopamam
niñpannaà sva-gåhe yad vä
çraddhayä kalpayed dhareù
gäruòe-in the Garuòa Puräëa; annam-food; catur-vidham-four kinds; puëyam-pious; guëäòhyam-virtuous; ca-and; amåta-nectar; upamam-like; niñpannam-prepared; sva-gåhe-in one's own home; yat-what; vä-or; çraddhayä-with faith; kalpayet-should be suitable; dhareù-for Lord Kåñëa.

In the Garuòa Puräëa it is said:
"At home one should prepare four kinds of pure foods, delicious like nectar, and with faith one should offer them to Lord Hari."

Texts 124-126

bhaviñye 
puñpaà dhüpaà tathä dépaà
naivedyaà su-manoharam
khaëòa-laòòuka-çré-veñöa-
käsäräçoka-varttikäù
svastikolläsikä-dugdha-
tila-veñöa-kiläöikäù
phaläni caiva pakväni
nägaraìgädikäni ca
anyäni vidhinä dattvä
bhakñyäni vividhäni ca
evam ädéni dapayed
bhaktito nåpa
bhaviñye-in the Bhaviñya Puräëa; puñpam-flower; dhüpam-incense; tathä-so; dépam-lamp; naivedyam-food; su-manoharam-beautiful; khaëòa-laòòuka-khaëòa-laòòus; çré-veñöa-çré-veñöa; käsära-kaseru; äçoka-varttikäù-seva-laddus; svastika-svastika; ulläsikä-ullasika; dugdha-dugdha-vesta; tila-veñöa-tila-vesta; kiläöikäù-kilatika; phaläni-fruits; ca-and; eva-indeed; pakväni-ripe; nägaraìga-oranges; ädikäni-beginning with; ca-and; anyäni-other; vidhinä-properly; dattvä-offering; bhakñyäni-delicious; vividhäni-varieties; ca-and; evam-thus; ädéni-beginning with; däpayet-should give; bhaktitaù-with devotion; nåpa-O king.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa it is said:
"O king, with devotion one should properly offer to the Lord flowers, incense, lamps, and delicious foods, such as khaëòa-laòòu, çré-veñöa, kaseru, seva'-laòòu, svastika, ulläsikä, dugdha-veñöa, tila-veñöa, kiläöikä, oranges and other ripe fruits, and many other kinds of delicious foods."

Text 127

värähe 
yas tu bhägavato devi
annäd yena tu préëayet
préëitas tiñöhate 'sau vä
bahu-janmäni mädhavi
värähe-In the Varäha Puräëa; yaù-one who; tu-indeed; bhägavataù-a Vaiñëava; devi-O goddess; annät-from food; yena-by whom; tu-indeed; préëayet-pleases; préëitaù-pleased; tiñöhate-stands; asau-he; vä-or; bahu-janmäni-many births; mädhavi-O beloved of Mädhava.

In the Varäha Puräëa teh Supreme Personality of Godhead sais:
"O Goddess Mädhavé, a person who with an offering of food pleases Me is happy for many births."

Text 128

sarva-vréhi-mayaà gåhyaà
çubhaà sarva-rasänvitam
mantreëa me pradéyeta
na kiïcid api saàspåçet
sarva-all; vréhi-rice; mayam-consisting of; gåhyam-to be accepted; çubham-beautiful; sarva-rasänvitam-with all delicious tastes; mantreëa-with a mantra; me-of Me; pradéyeta-should be given; na-not; kiïcit-anything; api-even; saàspåçet-should touch.

"With a mantra one should offer to me pure and delicious rice. One should not taste it before it is offered.

Text 129

iìgudé-phala-bilväni
badarämalakäni ca
kharjuräàç cäsanaàç caiva
mänaväàç ca parüñakän
iìgudé-phala-bilväni-iìgudé and bilvaa fruits; badarämalakäni-badara and amalaka; ca-and; kharjurän-kharjura; ca-and; äsanan-carabija; ca-and; eva-indeed; mänaväàç-cocnut; ca'and; parüñakän-parusa.

"One should offer to Me iìgudé and bilva fruits, badara, amalaka, kharjura, carabéja, coconut, parüñaka, . . .

Text 130

çäloòòambarikäàç caiva
tathä plakña-phaläni ca
paippalaà kaëöakéyaà ca
tumburuà ca priyaìgukam
çäloòòambarikän-çäla and uòòambarika; ca-and; eva-indeed; tathä-so; plakña-phaläni-plaksa fruits; ca-and; paippalam-pippala; kaëöakéyam-kaëöakéya; ca-and; tumburum-tumburu; ca-and; priyaìgukam-priyangu.

. . . çäla, uòòambarika, plakña fruits, pippala; kaëöakéya, tumburu, priyaìgu, . . .

Text 131

marécaà çiàça-päkaà ca
bhallätakara-mardakam
dräkñäà ca däòimaà caiva
piëòa-kharjüram eva ca
marécam-black pepper; çiàça-päkam-simsa-paka; ca-and; bhallätakara-mardakam-bhalläta; karamardakam-karamardaka; dräkñäm-grapes; ca-and; däòimam-pomegranate; ca-and; eva-indeed; piëòa-kharjüram-piëòa-kharjüra; eva-indeed; ca-and.

. . . maréca, çiàça-päka, bhalläta, karamardaka, grapes, pomegranates, piëòa-kharjüra, . . . 

Text 132

sauvéraà kelikaà caiva
tathä çubha-phaläni ca
piëòäraka-phalaà caiva
punnäga-phalam eva ca
sauvéram-sauvira; kelikam-kelika; ca-and; eva-indeed; tathä-so; çubha-phaläni'auspicious fruits; ca-and; piëòäraka-phalam-pindaraka-fruit; ca-and; eva-indeed; punnäga-phalam-punnaga fruit; eva-indeed; ca-and.

. . . sauvéra, kelika, auspicious fruits, piëòäraka fruits, punnäga fruits, . . .

Text 133

çaméà caiva kavéraà ca
kharjüraka-mahä-phalam
kumudasya phalaà caiva
vaheòaka-phalaà tathä
çamém-sami; ca-and; eva-indeed; kavéram-kavira; ca-and; kharjüraka-mahä-phalam-great khrajuraka fruits; kumudasya-of the lotus; phalam-fruit; ca-and; eva-indeed; vaheòaka-phalam-vahedaka fruits; tathä-so.

. . . çamé, kavéra, great kharjüraka fruits, lotus fruits, vaheòaka fruits, . . .

Text 134

ajaà karkoöakaà caiva
tathä täla-phaläni ca
kadambaù kaumudaà caiva
dvi-vidhaà sthala-kaïjayoù
ajam-aja; karkoöakam-karkotaka; ca-and; eva-indeed; tathä-so; täla-phaläni'tala fruits; ca-and; kadambaù-kadamba; kaumudam-kumuda; ca-and; eva-indeed; dvi-vidham-two kinds; sthala-kaïjayoù-of land-growing lotus flowers.

. . .aja, karkoöaka, täla fruits, kadamba, kaumuda, two kinds of sthala-kaïja fruits, . . .

Text 135

piëòikandeti vikhyätaà
vaàça-népaà tataù param
madhu-kandeti vikhyataà
mähiñaà kandam eva ca
piëòikanda-pindarootl iti-thus; vikhyätam-famous; vaàça-népam-vamsa-nipa; tataù-so; param-more; madhu-kanda-madhu root; iti-thus; vikhyatam-known; mähiñam-mahisa; kandam-root; eva-indeed; ca-and.

. . . piëòi root, vaàça-népa, madhu root, mähiña root, . . .

Text 136

karamardaka-kandaà ca
tathä nélotpalasya ca
måëälaà pauñkaraà caiva
çälükasya phalaà tathä
karamardaka-kandam-karamardaka root; ca-and; tathä-so; nélotpalasya'of the blue lotus; ca-and; måëälam-root; pauñkaram-of puskara; ca-and; eva-indeed; çälükasya-of saluka; phalam-fruit; tathä-so.

. . . karamardaka root, nélotpala root, puñkara fruit, çälüka fruit.

Text 137

ete cänye ca bahavaù
kanda-müla-phaläni ca
etäni copayojyäni
ye mayä parikalpitäù
ete-these; ca-and; anye-others; ca-and; bahavaù-many; kanda-müla-phaläni-roots and fruits; ca-and; etäni-they; ca-and; upayojyäni-suitable; ye-which; mayä-by Me; parikalpitäù-considered.

These and many other roots and fruits may be offered to Me.

Text 138

mülakasya tataù çäkaà
kià cäçäkaà tathaiva ca
çäkaà caiva kaläyasya
sarñapasya tathaiva ca
mülakasya-of radish; tataù-so; çäkam-vegetable; kim ca-furthermore; açäkam-nali saka; tathä-so; eva-indeed; ca-and; çäkam-saka; ca-and; eva-indeed; kaläyasya-kalaya; sarñapasya-sarsapa; tathä-so; eva-indeed; ca-and.

One may also offer to Me vegetables and herbs such as radish, nälé-çäka, kaläya-çäka, mustard, . . .

Text 139

vaàçakasya tu çäkaà ca
çäkam eva kalambitam
ärdrakasya ca çäkaà vai
päläìkaà çäkam eva ca
vaàçakasya-of vamsaka; tu-indeed; çäkam-saka; ca-and; çäkam-saka; eva-indeed; kalambitam-kalambita; ärdrakasya-of ardraka; ca-and; çäkam-saka; vai-indeed; päläìkam-palanka; çäkam-saka; eva-indeed; ca-and.

. . . vaàçaka-çäka, kalambita-çäka, ärdraka-çäka, päläìka-çäka, . . .

Text 140

ambiloòaka-çäkaà ca
çäkaà kaumärakaà tathä
çüka-maëòala-patraà ca
dväv eva taru-vänakau
ambiloòaka-çäkam-ambilodaka-saka; ca-and; çäkam-çäka; kaumärakam-kaumaraka; tathä-so; çüka-maëòala-patram-suka-mandala-patra; ca-and; dväv-both; eva-indeed; taru-vänakau-taru-vanaka.

. . . ambiloòaka-çäka, kaumäraka-çäka, çüka-maëòala-patra, taru, vänaka, . . .

Text 141

carasya caiva çäkaà ca
madhu-koòòumbaraà tathä
ete cänye ca bahavaù
çataço 'tha sahasraçaù 
karmaëyäs" caiva sarve 
vai ye mayä parikirtitäù
carasya-of cara; ca-and; eva-indeed; çäkam-saka; ca-and; madhu-koòòumbaram-madhu-koòòumbaraà; tathä-so; ete-they; ca-and; anye-others; ca-and; bahavaù-many; çataçaù-hundreds; atha-then; sahasraçaù-thousands; karmaëyäù-expert; ca-and; eva-indeed; sarve-all; vai-indeed; ye-who; mayä-by Me; parikirtitäù-said.

. . . cara-çäka, madhu-koòòumbara-çäka, and many hundreds and thousands of other vegetables and herbs.
Text 142

vréhénäà ca pravakñyämi
upayogaàç ca mädhavi
eka-cittaà samädhäya
tat sarvaà çåëu sundari
vréhénäm-of rice; ca-and; pravakñyämi-I will tell; upayogaàç-proper; ca-and; mädhavi-O Mädhavé; eka-cittam-one heart; samädhäya-placing; tat-that; sarvam-all; çåëu-please hear; sundari-O beautiful one.

"O Mädhavé, now I will speak about rice. O beautiful one, please listen carefully.

Text 143

dharmädharmika-raktaà ca
su-gandhaà rakta-çälikam
dérgha-çükaà mahä-çälià
vara-kuìkuma-patrakam
dharma-pious; adharma-impious; eka-one; raktam-liked; ca-and; su-gandham-fragrant; rakta-çälikam-rakta sali; dérgha-çükam-dirgha-suka; mahä-çälim-maha-sali; vara-kuìkuma-patrakam-vara-kunkuma-patra.

Different kinds of fragrant rice, such as dharma-rakta, adharma-rakta, dérgha-çuka, maha'-#älé, vara-kuìkuma-patraka, . . .

Text 144

gräma-çälià samadräçäà
sa-çréçäà kuça-çälikäm
yaväç ca dvi-vidhä jïeyäù
karmaëyä mama sundari
gräma-çälim-grama-sali; samadräçäm-samudrasa; sa-çréçäm-srisa; kuça-çälikäm-kusa-sali; yaväù-barley; ca-and; dvi-vidhä-two kinds; jïeyäù-are known; karmaëyä-to be done; mama-by Me; sundari-O beautiful one.

. . . gräma-çäli, madräça, çréça, and kuça-çäli, as well as the two kinds of barley, may be offered to Me.

Text 145

karmaëyäç caiva mudgäç ca
tiläù kåñëäù kulatthakäù
godhümakaà mahä-mudga-
mudgäñöakam aväöa-jit
karmaëyäù-may be offered; ca-and; eva-indeed; mudgäç-mudga âeans; ca-and; tiläù-sesame; kåñëäù-Kåñëa; kulatthakäù-kulattha; godhümakam-wheat; mahä-mudga-maha-mudga; mudgäñöakam-eitgh kinds of mudga; aväöa-jit-conqueror of the worlds.

O conqueror of the worlds, sesame, wheat, kåñëa, kulatthaka, mudga beans, maha'-mudga beans, and eight kinds of mudga beans may be offered to Me.

Text 146

karmäëy etäni coktäni
vyajanäni priyänvitän
pratigåhëämy ahaà hy etän
sarvän bhägavatän priyän
karmäëy-may be offered; etäni-they; ca-and; uktäni-said; vyajanäni-spices and condiments; priyänvitän-dear; pratigåhëämy-I accept; aham-I; hy-indeed; etän-them; sarvän-all; bhägavatän-the devotees; priyän-dear.

"One may also offer to Me many kinds of delicious condiments and spices. I accept these offerings from My dear devotees."

Text 147

kià ca 
ye mayaivopayojyäni
gavyaà dadhi payo ghåtam
kim- ca-furthermore; ye-who; mayä-by Me; eva-indeed; upayojyäni-suitable; gavyam-milk products; dadhi-yogurt; payaù-milk; ghåtam-ghee.

The Lord also says:
"One may offer to Me milk products, like milk, yogurt, and ghee.

Text 148

skände ca brahma-närada-samväde 
haviù çälyodanaà divyaà
äjya-yuktaà sa-çarkaram
naivedyaà deva-deväya
yävakaà päyasaà tathä
skände ca brahma-närada-samväde-in the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma and Närada, it is said:; haviù-butter; çälyodanam-rice; divyam-divine; äjya-yuktam-with ghee; sa-çarkaram-with sugar; naivedyam-offering; deva-deväya-to the master of the demigods; yävakam-barley; päyasam-sweet-rice; tathä-so.

In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma and Närada, it is said:
"One should offer to Lord Kåñëa foods cooked with rice, ghee, sugar, and barley, and also sweet-rice.

Text 149

naivedyänäm abhäve tu
phaläni vinivedayet
phalänäm äpy abhäve tu
tåëa-gulmauñadhir api
naivedyänäm-of offerings; abhäve-in the absence; tu-indeed; phaläni-fruits; vinivedayet-should offer; phalänäm-of fruits; äpy-even; abhäve-in the absence; tu-indeed; tåëa-grass; gulma-trees; auñadhiù-herbs; api-even.

"In the absence of these things one may offer fruits. In the absence of fruits one may offer the edible parts of trees, grass, and other plants.

Text 150

auñadhénäm aläbhe tu
toyaà ca vinivedyet
tad-aläbhe tu sarvatra
mänasaà pravaraà småtam
auñadhénäm-of plants; aläbhe-in the absence; tu-indeed; toyam-water; ca-asnd; vinivedyet-may offer; tad-aläbhe-in the absence of that; tu-indeed; sarvatra-everywhere; mänasam-in the mind; pravaram-excellent; småtam-remembered.

"In the absence of plants one may offer water. In the absence of water one may meditate on offering foods to the Lord."

Text 151

skände mahendraà prati çré-närada-vacanaà 
yacchanti tulasé-çäkaà
çrutaà ye mädhavägrataù
kalpäntaà viñëuloke tu
vasanti pitåbhiù saha
skände mahendram- prati çré-närada-vacanam-In the Skanda Puräëa, Çré Närada tells King Indra:; yacchanti-offer; tulasé-çäkam-tulasé; çrutam-heard; ye-who; mädhavägrataù-in the preswnce of Lord Kåñëa; kalpäntam-at the end of the kalpa; viñëuloke-in Viñëuloka; tu-indeed; vasanti-live; pitåbhiù-the pitäs; saha-with.

In the Skanda Puräëa, Çré Närada tells King Indra:
"They who offer tulasé-çäka to Lord Mädhava live with their ancestors in Viñëuloka until the end of the kalpa."

Text 152

atha naivedya-niñiddhäni 
härita-småtau 
näbhakñyam- naivedyärthe bhakñyeñö apy ajä-mahiñé-kñéram- païca-nakhä matsyäs" ca
atha-now; naivedya-niñiddhäni-forbidden offerings; härita-småtau-in the Harita-smrti; na-not; abhakñyam-inedible; naivedya-offering; arthe-for the purpose; bhakñyeñv-edible; apy-even; ajä-of the goat; mahiñé-of the buffalo; kñéram-milk; païca-nakhä-animals with five nails; matsyäç-fish; ca-and.

What Is Forbidden To Offer the Lord
In the Härita-småti it is said:
"One may not offer to the Lord what is inedible. One also may not offer goat milk, buffalo milk, fish, or the flesh of five-clawed beasts or other beasts." 

Text 153

dvärakä-mähätmye 
nélé-kñetraà väpayanti
mülakaà bhakñayanti ye
naivästi narakottäraù
kalpa-koöi-çatair api
dvärakä-mähätmye-in the Dvärakä-mähätmya; nélé-kñetram-niliksetra; väpayanti-offer; mülakam-radish; bhakñayanti-offer; ye-who; na-not; eva-indeed; asti-is; naraka-from hell; uttäraù-deliverance; kalpa-koöi-çataiù-for hundreds and millions of kalpas; api-even.

In the Dvärakä-mähätmya it is said: 
"They who offer to the Lord the foods nélékñetra or radish are not rescued from hell for hundreds and millions of kalpas."

Text 154

värähe 
mähiñaà cävikaà cäjaà
ayajïéyam udähåtam
värähe-in the Varäha Puräëa; mähiñam-buffalo; ca-and; avikam-sheep; ca-and; ajam-goat; ayajïéyam-not to be offered; udähåtam-said.

In the Varäha Puräëa it is said:
"One should not offer buffalo ghee or goat ghee in a yajïa."

Text 155

kià ca 
mähiñaà varjayen mahyaà
kñéraà dadhi ghåtaà yadi
kim- ca-furthermore; mähiñam-from a buffalo; varjayet-should avpid; mahyam-to Me; kñéram-milk; dadhi-yogurt; ghåtam-ghee; yadi-if. 
The Lord Himself says:
"One should not offer to Me milk, yogurt, or ghee that have come from a buffalo."

Text 156

viñëu-dharmottare tåtéya-khaëòe 
abhakñyam- cäpy ahåtam- ca
naivedyaà na nivedyate
keça-kéöävapannaà ca
tathä cävihitaà ca yat
viñëu-dharmottare tåtéya-khaëòe-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Part Three; abhakñyam-inedible; ca-and; api-also; ahåtam-not taken; ca-and; naivedyam-offering; na-and; nivedyate-should offer; keça-hair; kéöa-and insect or worm; avapannam-attained; ca-and; tathä-so; ca-and; avihitam-improper; ca-and; yat-what.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Part Three, it is said: 
"Food into which a hair, an insect, or a worm has entered should not be offered to the Lord.

Text 157

müñikä-laìgulopetaà
avadhütam avakñutam
uòòumbaraà kapitthaà ca
tathä danta-çaöhaà ca yat 
evam ädéni deväya 
na deyäni kadäcana
müñikä-of a mouse or a rat; laìgula-tail; upetam-attained; avadhütam-rejected; avakñutam-sneezed; uòòumbaram-uddumbara; kapittham-kapittha; ca-and; tathä-so; danta-çaöham-jambira; ca-and; yat-what; evam-thus; ädéni-beginning; deväya-to ther Supreme Personality of Godhead; na-not; deyäni-to be offered; kadäcana-ever.

"One should never offer to the Supreme Personality of Godhead food that has been touched by a rat's tail, food that is rejected by others, or food that has been sneezed on, nor should one ever offer uòòumbara, kapittha, or danta-çaöha." 

Text 158

athäbhakñyäëi 
kaurme 
våntäkaà jälikäçäkaà
kusumbhäçmantakaà tathä
phaläëòuà laçunaà çuklaà
niryäsaà caiva varjayet
atha-now; abhakñyäëi-inedible; kaurme-in the Kürma Puräëa; våntäkam-eggplant; jälikäçäkam-plantain; kusumbha-safflower; äçmantakam-açmantaka; tathä-so; phaläëòum-onion; laçunam-garlic; çuklam-sour cereal; niryäsam-tree sap; ca-and; eva-indeed; varjayet-one should avoid.

What Is Inedible (For the Purpose of Offering to the Lord)
In the Kürma Puräëa it is said:
"One should avoid eggplant, plantain, safflower, açmantaka, onion, garlic, sour cereal, and the sap of trees.

Text 159

grïjanaà kiàçukaà caiva
kukuëòaà ca tathaiva ca
uòumbaram alävuà ca
jagdhvä patati vai dvijaù
grïjanam-grnjana; kiàçukam-kimsuka; ca-and; eva-indeed; kukuëòam-kukunda; ca-and; tatha-so; eva-indeed; ca-and; uòumbaram-uddumbara; alävum-alavu; ca-and; jagdhvä-eating; patati'falls; vai-indeed; dvijaù-a brähmaëa.

"A brähmaëa who eats grïjana, kiàçuka, kukuëòa, uòumbara, or alävu falls down from his exalted position."

Text 160

vaiñëave 
bhuïjétodhåta-säräëi
na kadäcin nareçvara
vaiñëave-in the Viñëu Puräëa; bhuïjéta-eats; udhåta-säräëi-udhåta-sära; na-not; kadäcin-ever; nareçvara-O king. 
In the Viñëu Puräëa it is said:
"O king, one should never eat udhåta-sära."

Text 161

skände 
na bhakñayati våntäkaà
tasya dürataro hariù
skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; na-not; bhakñayati-eats; våntäkam-eggplant; tasya-of him; dürataraù-far away; hariù-Lord Hari.

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"Lord Kåñëa stays far away from anyone who eats eggplant."

Text 162

kià cänyatra 
värtäkuà båhatéà caiva
dagdham annaà masürakam
yasyodare pravarteta
tasya dürataro hariù
kim- ca-furthermore; anyatra-in another place; värtäkum-eggplant; båhatém-eggplant; ca-and; eva-indeed; dagdham-burned; annam-food; masürakam-masura dal; yasya-of whom; udare-in the stomach; pravarteta-is; tasya-of him; dürataraù-far away; hariù-Lord Kåñëa.

In another scripture it is said:
"Lord Kåñëa stays far away from anyone who places eggplant, burned food, or masüra däl in his stomach."

Text 163

kià ca 
alävuà bhakñayed yas tu
dagdham annaà kalambikäm
sa nirlajjaù kathaà brüte
püjayämi janärdanam
kim- ca-furthermore; alävum-alavu; bhokñayet-eats; yaù-one; tu-indeed; dagdham-burned; annam-food; kalambikäm-kalambika; sa-he; nirlajjaù-shameless; katham-how?; brüte-speak; püjayämi-I worship; janärdanam-Lord Hari.

It is also said:
"How can a shameless person who eats alävu, kalambikä, and burned food, say the words: 'I worship Lord Hari'?

Text 164

ata evoktaà yämale 
yatra madyaà tathä mäàsaà
tathä våntäka-mülake
nivedayen naiva tatra
harer aikäntiké ratiù
ata eva-therefore; uktam-said; yämale-in the Yamala; yatra-where; madyam-liquor; tathä-so; mäàsam-meat; tathä-so; våntäka-eggplant; mülake-and radish; nivedayen-may offer; na-not; eva-inded; tatra-there; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; aikäntiké-unalloyed; ratiù-love.

In the Yämala it is said:
"Only a person without genuine devotion for the Lord will offer Him wine, meat, eggplant, or radish."

Text 165

atha naivedyärpaëa-mähätmyam 
skände 
naivedyäni manojïäni
kåñëasyägre nivedayet
kalpäntaà tat-pitåëäà tu
tåptir bhavati çäçvaté
atha-now; naivedyärpaëa-of offering food; mähätmyam-the glories; skände-in thr Skanda Puräëa; naivedyäni-should be offered; manojïäni-beautiful; kåñëasyägre-in Lord Kåñëa's presence; nivedayet-should offer; kalpäntam-to the end of the kalpa; tat-pitåëäm-of his ancestors; tu-indeed; tåptiù-satisfaction; bhavati-becomes; çäçvaté-eternal.

The Glories of Offering Food to the Lord
In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"By offering many delicious foods to Lord Kåñëa, a person makes his ancestors happy until the end of the kalpa.

Text 166

phaläni yacchate yo vai
suhådyäni nareçvara
kalpäntaà jäyate tasya
sa-phalaà ca manorathaù
phaläni-fruits; yacchate-offers; yaù-who; vai-indeed; suhådyäni-pleasing; nareçvara-O king; kalpäntam-to the end of the kalpa; jäyate-is born; tasya-of him; sa-phalam-successful; ca-and; manorathaù-desire.

"O king, by offering many delicious foods to Lord Kåñëa, a person attains all his desires until the end of the kalpa."

Texts 167 and 168

närasiàhe 
haviù çälyodanaà diyyaà
äjya-yuktaà sa-çarkaram
nivedya narasiàhäya
yävakaà päyasaà tathä
samäs taëòula-saìkhyäyä
yävatyas tävatér nåpa
viñëuloke mahä-bhogän
bhuïjänas te sa-vaiñëaväù
närasiàhe-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa; haviù-ghee; çälyodanam-rice; divyam-splendid; äjya-yuktam-with ghee; sa-with; çarkaram-sugar; nivedya-offering; narasiàhäya-to Lord Nåsiàha; yävakam-as; päyasam-sweet-rice; tathä-so; samäù-years; taëòula-saìkhyäyä-with the number of grains of rice; yävatyaù-as many; tävatéù-so many; nåpa-O King; viñëuloke-in Viñëuloka; mahä-bhogän-great enjoyment; bhuïjänaù-enjoy; te-they; sa-vaiñëaväù-with the Vaiñëavas.
.

In the Nåsiàha Puräëa it is said:
"By offering to Lord Hari sweet rice with sugar and ghee, a person enjoys for one year with the Vaiñëavas in Viñëuloka for each grain of rice he offered." 

Text 169

viñëu-dharmottare 
anna-das tåptim äpnoti
svargalokaà ca gacchati
dattvä ca samvibhägäya
tathaivännam atandritaù 
trailokya-tarpite puëyam- 
tat-kñaëät samaväpnuyät
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; anna-daù-offering food; tåptim-happiness; äpnoti-attains; svargalokam-Svargaloka; ca-and; gacchati-goes; dattvä-giving; ca-and; samvibhägäya-for an offering; tatha-so; eva-indeed; annam-food; atandritaù-diligent; trailokya-tarpite-pleasing the three worlds; puëyam-sacred; tat-kñaëät-from that moment; samaväpnuyät-attains.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A person who offers food to Lord Hari goes to Svargaloka and becomes happy. By diligently offering food to the Lord, a person becomes very pious. He pleases the three worlds.

Text 170

akñayyam anna-pänaà ca
pitåbhyaç copatiñöhate
odanaà vyaïjanopetaà
dattvä svargam aväpnuyät
akñayyam-imperishable; anna-pänam-food and drink; ca-and; pitåbhyaç-with the pitäs; ca-and; upatiñöhate-stays; odanam-rice; vyaïjana-spices; upetam-with; dattvä-giving; svargam-to SAvargaloka; aväpnuyät-attains.

"A person who offers to the Lord rice and cuddy goes to Svargaloka where, in the company of the pitäs, he enjoys imperishable food and drink."

Text 171

paramännaà tathä dattvä
tåptim äpnoti çäçvatém
viñëulokam aväpnoti
kulam uddharate tathä
paramännam-sweet rice; tathä-so; dattvä-giving; tåptim-happiness; äpnoti-attains; çäçvatém-eternal; viñëulokam-Viñëuloka; aväpnoti-attains; kulam-family; uddharate-delivers; tathä-so.

"A person who offers sweet-rice to Lord Kåñëa attains eternal happiness, delivers his relatives, and goes to Viñëuloka.

Text 172

ghåtaudana-pradänena
dérgham äyur aväpnuyät
dadhy-odana-pradänena
çriyam äpnoty anuttamam
ghåta-ghee; odana-rice; pradänena-by giving; dérgham-long; äyuù-life; aväpnuyät-attains; dadhy-odana-yogurt and rice; pradänena-by giving; çriyam-opulence; äpnoty-attains; anuttamam-peerless.

"By offering to the Lord rice and ghee one attains long life. By offering rice and yogurt one attains peerless wealth."

Text 173

kñirodana-pradänena
dérgha-jévitam äpnuyät
ékñüëäà ca pradänena
paraà saubhägyam açnute
kñérodana-pradänena-by offering milk and rice; dérgha-jévitam'long life; äpnuyät-attains; ékñüëäm-of sugarcane; ca-and; pradänena-by offering; param-great; saubhägyam-good fortunte; açnute-enjoys.

"By offering rice and milk one attains long life. By offering sugarcane one attains great good fortune.

Text 174

ratnänäà caiva bhägé syät
svargalokaà ca gacchati
phäëitasya pradänena
agnyädhäna-phalaà labhet
ratnänäm-of jewels; ca-and; eva-indeed; bhägé-possessing; syät'becomes; svargalokam-to Svargaloka; ca-and; gacchati-goes; phäëitasya-of raw sugar; pradänena-by offering; agnyädhäna-phalam-the result of offering a yajna; labhet-attains.

"Such a person goes to Svargaloka and becomes wealthy with many jewels. By offering raw sugar to the Lord one attains the result of offering a yajïa.

Text 175

tathä guòa-pradänena
kämitäbhéñöam äpnuyät
tathä-so; guòa-pradänena-by offering mollasses; kämitäbhéñöam'the attainment of desire; äpnuyät-attains.

"By offering molasses to the Lord one attains his desire.

Text 176

nivedyekñu-rasaà bhaktyä
paraà saubhägyam äpnuyät
sarvän kämän aväpnoti
kñaudraà yaç ca prayacchati
nivedya-offering; ikñu-sugarcane; rasam-juice; bhaktyä-with devotion; param-great; saubhägyam-good fortune; äpnuyät-attains; sarvän-all; kämän-desires; aväpnoti-attains; kñaudram-honey; yaç-one who; ca-and; prayacchati-offers.

"By offering sugarcane juice to the Lord one attains great good fortune. By offering honey to the Lord one attains all his desires.

Text 177

tad eva tuhitopetaà
räjasüyam aväpnuyät
vahniñöomam aväpnoti
yävakasya nivedakaù 
ati-rätram aväpnoti 
tathä püpa-nivedakaù
tat-that; eva-indeed; tuhinopetam-cool; räjasüyam-rajasuya; aväpnuyät-attains; vahniñöomam-agnistoma; aväpnoti-attains; yävakasya-of barely; nivedakaù-offering; ati-rätram-atiratra; aväpnoti-attains; tathä-so; püpa-nivedakaù-a person who offers cakes.

"By offering cold honey to the Lord one attains the result of a räjasüya-yajïa. By offering barley to the Lord one attains the result of an agniñöoma-yajïa. By offering cakes to the Lord one attains the result of an atirätra-yajïa. 

Text 178

vaidalänäà ca bhakñyänäà
dänät kämän aväpnuyät
dérgha-jévitam äpnoti
ghåta-püra-nivedakaù
vaidalänäm-of dal; ca-and; bhakñyänäm-to be eaten; dänät-by giving; kämän-desires; aväpnuyät-attains; dérgha-long; jévitam-life; äpnoti-attains; ghåta-püra-nivedakaù-offering ghrtapura candy.

"By offering däl to the Lord one attains his desire. By offering ghåtapüra candy to the Lord one attains a long life. 

Text 179

modakänäà pradänena
kämän äpnoty abhépsitän
modakänäm-of modaka candy; pradänena-by offering; kämän-desires; äpnoty-attains; abhépsitän-desired.

"By offering modaka candy to the Lord one attains his desires. 
Text 180

nänä-vidhänäà bhakñyänäà
dänät svargam aväpnuyät
bhojanéya-pradänena
tåptim äpnoty anuttamäm
"By offering to the Lord delicious drinks one attains good fortune. By offering foods that are sucked one attains power and glory.

Text 182

kulmäñolläsikä-dätä
vahny-ädheyaà phalaà labhet
tathä kåñara-dänena
vahniñöomam aväpnuyät
kulmäña-ulläsikä-dätä-one who offers kulmasa and ullasika; vahny-ädheyam-an agnyadhana-yajna; phalam-result; 
labhet-attains; 
tathä-so; kåñara-dänena-by offering krsara; 
vahniñöomam-agnistoma-yajna; aväpnuyät-attains.

"By offering kulmäña and ulläsikä one attains 
the result of an agnyädhäna-yajïa. By offering kåñara to 
the Lord one attains the result of an agniñöoma-yajïa.

Text 183

dhänänäà kñaudra-yuktänäà
läjänäà ca nivedakaù
mukhyäà caiva çaktünäà
vahniñöomam aväpnuyät
dhänänäm-of freid barley; kñaudra-yuktänäm-with honey; läjänäm-of freid grains; ca-and; nivedakaù-a persojn who offers; 
mukhyäm-primarily; 
ca-and; eva-indeed; çaktünäm-of barley meal; 
vahniñöomam-agnistoma-yajna; aväpnuyät-attains.

"A person who offers fried barley with honey and 
other fried grains and barley meal attains the result of an 
agniñöoma-yajïa.

Text 184

vänaprasthäçritaà puëyaà
labhec chäka-nivedakaù
dattvä haritakaà caiva
tad eva phalam äpnuyät
vänaprasthäçritam-in thr vanaprastha asrama; puëyam-piety; labhec-attains; chäka-nivedakaù-offering vegetables; dattvä-offering; haritakam-haritaka; ca-and; eva-indeed; tat-that; eva-indeed; phalam-result; äpnuyät-attains.

"A person who offers vegetables to the Lord attains 
the pious result of following the vow of vänaprastha. A person 
who offers haritaka to the Lord also attains that same result.

Text 185

dattvä çäkäni ramyäëi
viçokas tö abhijäyate
dattvä ca vyaïjanärthäya
tathopakaraëäni ca
dattvä-offering; çäkäni-vegetables; ramyäëi-delicious; viçokaù-free of grief; tv-indeed; abhijäyate-is born; dattvä-offering; ca-and; vyaïjanärthäya-condiments and spices; tathä-so; upakaraëäni-offerings; ca-and.

"A person who offers delicious spiced vegetables to 
the Lord becomes free of grief.

Text 186

su-kule labhate janma
kanda-müla-nivedakaù
nélotpala-vidäréëäà
taruöasya tathä dvijäù
su-kule-in a good family; labhate-attains; janma-birth; kanda-müla-nivedakaù'offering roots and herbs; nélotpala-blue lotus; vidäréëäm-seeds; taruöasya-of lotus root; tathä-so; dvijäù-O brähmaëas.

"O brähmaëas, a person who offers to the Lord roots, 
herbs, lotus roots, and lotus seeds takes birth in a good family.

Text 187

kanda-dänäd aväpnoti
vänaprastha-phalaà çubham
trapuñer värukaà dattvä
puëòaréka-phalaà labhet
kanda-dänät-by offering roots; aväpnoti-attains; vänaprastha-phalam-the result of vanaprastha; çubham-auspicious; trapuñeù-cucumber; värukam-varuka; dattvä-offering; puëòaréka-phalam-lotus fruit; labhet-attains.

"A person who offers to the Lord väruka, cucumbers, 
and lotus fruits attains the auspicious result of following the 
vänaprastha vow.

Text 188

karkandhu-vadare dattvä
tathä päraivataà kalam
parüñakaà tathäbhraà ca
panasaà närikelakam
karkandhu-vadare-karkandhu and vadara; dattvä-offering; tathä-so; päraivatam-paraivata; kalam-kala; parüñakam-parisaka; tathä-so; abhram-abhra; ca-and; panasam-panasa; närikelakam-coconut.

"A person who with devotion offers to Lord Kåñëa, 
the master of the demigods, karkandhu, vadara, päraivata, kala, 
parüñaka, abhra, panasa, coconut, . . . 

Text 189

bhavyaà mocaà tathä cocaà
kharjüram atha däòimam
ämrätaka-sruvämloöa-
phala-mäna-priyälakam
bhavyam-bhavya; mocam-moca; tathä-so; cocam-coca; kharjüram-kharjura; atha-then; däòimam-pomegranate; 
ämrätaka-mango; sruva-sruva; amloöa-amlota; 
phalamäna-phalamana; priyälakam-priyalaka.

. . . bhavya, moca, coca, kharjüra, pomegranate, mango, sruva, 
amloöa, phalamäna, priyälaka, . . . 

Text 190

jambu-bilvämalaà caiva
jätyaà véëätakaà tathä
näraìga-véjapüre ca
véja-phalguphaläny api
jambu-bilvämalam-jambu, bilva, amala; ca-and; eva-indeed; jätyam-jatya; véëätakam-vinataka; tathä-so; näraìga-oranges; véjapüre-vijapura; ca-and; véja-phalguphaläni-vija and phlaguphala; api-also.

. . . jambu, bilva, ämala, jätya, véëätaka, oranges, véjapüra, 
véja, phalguphala, . . .

Text 191

evam ädéni divyäni
yaù phaläni prayacchati
tathä kandäni mukhyäni
deva-deväya bhaktitaù
evam-thus; ädéni-beginning; divyäni-splendid; yaù-who; phaläni'fruits; prayacchati-offers; tathä-so; kandäni-roots; mukhyäni-beginning with; deva-deväya-to the master of the demigods; bhaktitaù-with devotion.

. . . and other splendid fuits and roots, . . .

Text 192

kriyä-säphalyam äpnoti
svargalokaà tathaiöa ca
präpnoti phalam arogyaà
mådvékänäà nivedakaù
kriyä-of activities; säphalyam-success; äpnoti-attains; svargalokam-Svargaloka; tathä-so; eva-indeed; ca-and; präpnoti-attains; phalam-result; arogyam-without disease; mådvékänäm-grapes; nivedakaù-one who offers.

. . . attains the result of many pious deeds. He goes to 
Svargaloka. A person who offers grapes to the Lord attains 
freedom from disease.

Text 193

rasän mukhyän aväpnoti
saubhägyam api cottamam
ämrair abhyarcya deveçaà
äçvamedha-phalaà labhet
rasän-nectar; mukhyän-beginning with; aväpnoti-attains; saubhägyam-good fortune; api-also; ca-and; uttamam-best; ämraiù-with mangoes; abhyarcya-worshiping; deveçam-the master of the dmeigods; äçvamedha-phalam-the result of an asvamedha-yajna; labhet-attains.

"He attains sweet happiness. He attains great good 
fortune. A person who offers mangoes to Lord Kåñëa, the master of 
the demigods, attains the result of an açvamedha-yajïa."

Text 194

kià ca 
mocakaà panasaà jambü
tathänyat kumbhalé-phalam
präcénämalakaà çreñöhaà
madhukoòòumbarasya ca 
yatna-pakvam api grahyam- 
kadalé-phalam uttamam

kim- ca-furthermore; mocakam-mocaka; panasam-panasa; 
jambü-jambu; tathä-so; anyat-another; kumbhalé-phalam-kumbhali-
phala; präcénämalakam-pracinamalaka; çreñöham-best; 
madhukoòòumbarasya-madhukodumbara; ca-and; yatna-pakvam-properly 
ripe; api-also; grahyam-to ber taken; kadalé-phalam-kadali-phala; 
uttamam-best.

It is also said:
"One should offer to the Supreme Personality of Godhead mocaka, panasa, jambü, kumbhalé-phala, präcénämalaka, madhukoòòumbara, and other excellent, perfectly ripe fruits."

Text 195

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye ca 
yat kiïcid alpaà naivedyaà
bhakta-bhakti-rasa-plutam
pratibhojayati çréças
tad-dätån sva-sukhaà drutam. iti.
hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya; ca-and; yat-what; kiïcit-something; alpam-little; naivedyam-offering; bhakta-bhakti-rasa-plutam-plunged in the nectar of the devotee's love; pratibhojayati-enjoys; çréçaù-the master of the goddess of fortune; tad-dätån-to the givers; 
sva-sukham-own happiness; drutam.-at once; iti-thus.

In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said:
"When He enjoys even a very small offering that His devotees have showered with the nectar of love and devotion, then Lord Kåñëa, the master of the goddess of fortune gives His own happiness to them." 

Text 196

tataù prägvad viciträëi
pänakäny uttamäni ca
su-gandhi çétalaà svacchaà
jalam apy arpayet tataù
tataù-then; prägvat-as before; viciträëi-variegated; pänakäni-drinks; uttamäni-excellent; ca-and; su-gandhi-fragrant; çétalam-cool; svaccham-clear; jalam-water; api-also; arpayet-should offer; tataù-then.

As one offers food to the Lord so one should also offer many 
kinds of delicious nectar drinks and one should also offer clear, 
cool, scented water.

Text 197

atha pänakäni 

tan-mahätmyam- ca 
viñëu-dharmottare 
pänakäni su-gandhéni
çétaläni viçeñataù
nivedya deva-deväya
väjimedham aväpnuyät
atha-now; pänakäni-drinks; tan-mahätmyam-the glory of them; ca-and; viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; pänakäni-drinks; su-gandhéni-scented; çétaläni-cool; viçeñataù-various; nivedya-offering; deva-deväya-to the master of the demigods; väjimedham-an asvamedha-yajna; aväpnuyät-attains.

Drinks
The Glory of Offering Drinks to the Lord
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A person who offers cool, scented, delicious drinks to the Lord attains the result of an açvamedha-yajïa. 

Text 198

tvagelä-näga-kusuma-
karpüra-sita-samyutaiù
sitä-kñaudra-guòopetair
gandha-varëa-guëänvitaiù
tvagelä-tvagela; näga-kusuma-naga flowers; karpüra-camphor; sita-yogurt; samyutaiù-with; sitä-sugar; kñaudra-honey; guòa-molasses; upetaiù-with; gandha-varëa-guëänvitaiù-fragrant.

"A person who offers to the Lord nectar drinks made 
with tvagela, näga flowers, camphor, yogurt, sugar, honey, 
molasses, fragrances, . . . 

Text 199

véjapüraka-näraìga-
sahakära-samanvitaiù
räjasüyam aväpnoti
pänakair viniveditaiù
véjapüraka-vijapuraka; näraìga-oranges; sahakära-mango; samanvitaiù-with; räjasüyam-a rajasuya-yajna; aväpnoti-attains; pänakaiù-with the drinks; viniveditaiù-described.

. . . véjapüraka, orange, and mango, attains the result of a 
räjasüya-yajïa.

Text 200

nivedya närikelämbu-
vahniñöoma-phalaà labhet
sarva-käma-vahä nadyo
nityaà yatra manoramäù 
tatra päna-pradä yänti 
yatra rämä guëänvitaù. iti.
nivedya-offering; närikelämbu-coconut juice; vahniñöoma-phalam-the result of an agnistoma-yajna; labhet-attains; sarva-käma-all desires; vahä-fulfilling; nadyaù-rivers; nityam-always; yatra-where; manoramäù-beautiful; tatra-there; päna-pradä-giving drinks; yänti-go; yatra-where; rämä-beasutiful; guëänvitaù.-virtuous; iti-thus.

"A person who offers coconut-juice to the Lord 
attains the result of an agniñöoma-yajïa. A person who 
offers nectar drinks to the Lord goes to the spiritual world, 
where beautiful flowing rivers fulfill all desires, and where 
many beautiful and virtuous goddesses of fortune reside."

Text 201

itthaà samarpya naivedyaà
dattvä javanikäà tataù
bahir bhüya yathä çakti
japaà sandhyänam äcaret
ittham-thus; samarpya-offering; naivedyam-food; dattvä-offering; javanikäm-curtain; tataù-then; bahiù-outside; 
bhüya-being; yathä-as; çakti-power; japam-japa; 
sandhyänam-meditation; äcaret-should perform.

"After thus making the offering to the Lord, one 
should go to the other side of the curtain, and then chant the 
mantras and meditate on the Lord as far as one is able.

Text 202

atha dhyänaà 
brahmeçädyaiù parita åñibhiù süpaviñöaiù sameto
lakñmyä çiïjad alaya-karayä sädaraà véjyamänä
marma-kréòä-prahasita-mukho häsayan paìkti-bhoktån
bhuìkte pätre kanaka-ghaöite ñaò-rasaà çré-rameçaù. iti.
atha-now; dhyänam-meditation; brahmeçädyaiù-by the demigods headed by Brahma' and Çiva; parita-everywhere; åñibhiù-by the sages; süpaviñöaiù-entered; sametaù-accompanied; lakñmyä-by ther goddess of fortune; çiïjat-sounding; valaya-karayä-with the bracelets; sädaram-respectfully; véjyamänä-being fanned; marma-heart; kréòä-pastimes; prahasita-smiling; mukhaù-face; häsayan-making smile; paìkti-bhoktån-enjoying; bhuìkte-eats; 
pätre-on a plate; kanaka-ghaöite-golden; ñaò-rasam-siø kinds of food; çré-rameçaù-the master of the goddess of fortune; 
iti-thus.

Meditation
"Smiling as He enjoys transcendental pastimes, surrounded by Brahmä, Çiva, the demigods, and the sages, and fanned by the goddess of fortune as her bracelets tinkle, the Supreme Personality of Godhead enjoys eating siø kinds of delicious food from a golden plate."

Text 203

ekäntibhiç cätma-kåtaà
sa-vayasyasya gokule
yaçodä-lälyamänasya
dhyeyaà kåñëasya bhojanam
ekäntibhiù-unalloyed; ca-and; ätma-self; kåtam-done; sa-vayasyasya'with friends; gokule-in Gokula; yaçodä-by Yaçodä; lälyamänasya-showered with love; dhyeyam-to be meditated on; kåñëasya'of Lord Kåñëa; bhojanam-the meal.

In this way the pure devotees meditate on Lord Kåñëa, who is 
accompanied by His friends, and who is showered with love 
Mother Yaçoda' as He enjoys His meal in Gokula.

Text 204

atha homaù 
nityaà cävaçyakaà homaà
kuryät çakty-anusärataù
homäçaktau tu kurvéta
japaà tasya catur-guëam
atha-now; homaù-homa; nityam-always; ca-and; avaçyakam-necessarily; homam-homa; kuryät-should do; çakty-anusärataù'as far as one is able; homäçaktau-unable to perform homa; tu-indeed; kurvéta-should do; � japam'chanting; tasya-of Him; catur-guëam-four kinds.

Homa
As far as one is able, one should perform homa daily. If unable to perform homa, one should chant the four kinds of mantras.

Text 205

ke 'py evaà manvate 'vaçyaà
nitya-homaà sadäcaret
puraçcaraëa-homasyä-
çaktau hi sa vidhir mataù

ke 'pi-some; evam-thus; manvate-think; avaçyam-mandatory; 
nitya-homam-daily homa; sadä-always; äcaret-should perform; 
puraçcaraëa-homasya-of purascarana and homa; açaktau-inability; 
hi-indeed; sa-that; vidhiù-way; mataù-considered.

Some think that one must always perform daily homa. However, 
if unable to perform puraçcaraëa and homa, one may chant 
mantras instead.

Text 206

pürvaà dékñä-vidhau homa-
vidhiç ca likhitaù kiyän
tad-vistäraç ca vijïeyas
tat-tac-chäträt tad-icchubhiù
pürvam-beginning; dékña-vidhau-in initiation; homa-of homa; vidhiù-rules; ca-and; likhitaù-written; kiyän-how many?; tat-of that; vistäraù-elaboration; ca-and; vijïeyaù-may be known; tat-tä-chäträt-from various scriptures; tad-icchubhiù-by they who desire to study that.

How many rules are there for performing homa? They who wish 
to know may study the various scriptures that describe this in 
elaborate detail.

Text 207

samäptià bhojane dhyätvä
dattvä gaëòüñikaà jalam
amåtäpidhänam asi
svähety uccärayet sudhéù
samäptim-attainment; bhojane-in eating; dhyätvä-meditationg; dattvä-giving; gaëòüñikam-a mouthful; jalam-water; amåta-nectar; äpidhänam-covering; asi-You are; svähä-svaha; iti-thus; uccärayet-should recite; sudhéù-intelligent.

When one meditates on the Lord finishing His meal, one 
should offer the Lord a mouthful of water and one should chant 
the mantra, "amåtäpidhänam asi svähä" (You are 
sprinkling nectar).

Text 208

visåjed deva-vaktre tat
tejaù saàhära-mudrayä
sa-känti-tejasaù kuryän
niñkräntim iva saìkramam
visåjet-should emit; deva-vaktra-the Lord's mouth; tat-that; tejaù-splendor; saàhära-mudrayä-with the samhara-mudra; sa-känti-tejasaù-splendor; kuryän-should do; niñkräntim-departure; iva-like; saìkramam-moving.

Then one should show the saàhära-mudrä. One should meditate 
on effulgence emanating from the Lord's mouth and again returning 
there.

Text 209

atha bali-dänaà 
tato javanikäà vidvän
apasärya yathä-vidhi
viñvaksenäya bhagavan-
naivedyäàçaà nivedayet
atha-then; bali-dänam-offering of gifts; tataù-then; javanikäm-the curtain; vidvän-a wise person; apasärya-removing; yathä-vidhi-properly; viñvaksenäya-to Viñvaksena; bhagavat-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; naivedyäàçam-a part of the offering; nivedayet-should offer.

Offering Gifts
After properly withdrawing the curtain, the intelligent devotee should offer to Viñvaksena a portion of the remnants of the Lord's meal.

Text 210

tathä ca païcarätre çré-närada-vacanaà 
viñvaksenäya dätavyaà
naivedyaà tac-chatäàçakam
pädodakaà prasädaà ca
liìge caëòeçvaräya ca
tathä-so; ca-and; païcarätre-in the Pancaratra; çré-närada-vacanam-the wprds pf Çré Narada; viñvaksenäya-to Visvaksena; dätavyam-shouldf be given; naivedyam-offering; tä-chatäàçakam-a hundredth part; pädodakam-the water that washed the Lord's feet; prasädam-prasada; ca-and; liìge-on the linga; caëòeçvaräya-of Lord Çiva, the husband of Durgä; ca-also.

In the Païcarätra, Çré Närada explains:
"One should offer a one-hundredth part of the remnants of Lord Viñëu's meal and the water that has washed His feet to Viñ/vaksena and also to the liìga of Lord Çiva."

Texts 211-213

tad-vidhiù 
mukhyäd éçänataù päträn
naivedyäàçaà samuddharet
sarva-deva-svarüpäya
paräya parameñöhine
çré-kåñëa-seva-yuktäya
viñvaksenäya te namaù
ity uktvä çré-harer vame
tértha-klinnaà samarpayet
çatäàçaà vä sahasräàçaà
anyathä niñphalaà bhavet
tad vidhiù-the way of that; mukhyät-primarily; éçänataù-from the north; päträn-objects; naivedyäàçam-part of the offering; samuddharet-should offer; sarva-deva-svarüpäya-the form of all the demigods; paräya-the master; parameñöhine-lord; çré-kåñëa-seva-yuktäya-engaged in service to Lordf Kåñëa; viñvaksenäya-to Visvaksena; te-to you; namaù-obeisances; iti-thus; uktvä-saying; çré-hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; vame-on the left; tértha-klinnam-water of the feet; samarpayet-should offer; çatäàçam-a hundredth part; vä-or; sahasräàçam-a thousandth part; anyathä-otherwise; niñphalam-useless; bhavet-becomes.

The Proper Method To Do This
Facing north one should offer part of the remnants of the Lord's meal by chanting the mantra: 
sarva-deva-svarüpäya
paräya parameñöhine
çré-kåñëa-seva-yuktäya
viñvaksenäya te namaù
"O Viñvaksena, O master of the demigods, O master engaged in Lord Kåñëa's service, obeisances to you!"
After reciting this mantra one should on the left offer a one-hundredth or a a one-thousandth portion of the water that washed Lord Hari's feet. Otherwise everything is useless.

Text 214

paçcäc ca balir-ity-ädi-
çlokäv uccärya vaiñëavaù
sarvebhyo vaiñëavebhyas tac-
chatäàçaà vinivedayet
paçcät-after; ca-and; balir-ity-ädi-beginning with bali; çlokäv-verses; uccärya-reciting; vaiñëavaù-Vaiñëava; sarvebhyaù-to all; vaiñëavebhyaù-Vaiñëavas; tat-of that; çatäàçam-hundreth part; vinivedayet-should offer.

Then, reciting two verses, the devotee should offer a 
hundredth part of the Lord's remnants to all the Vaiñëavas.

Text 215

tau ca çlokau 
balir vibhéñaëo bhéñmaù
kapilo närado 'rjunaù
prahlädaç cämbaréñaç ca
vasur väyu-sutaù çivaù
viñvaksenoddhaväkrüräù
sanakädyäù çukädayaù
çré-kåñëasya prasädo 'yaà
sarve gåhëantu vaiñëaväù
tau-they; ca-and; çlokau-two verses; baliù-Bali; vibhéñaëaù-Vibhisana; bhéñmaù-Bhisma; kapilaù-Kapila; näradaù-Narada; arjunaù-Arjuna; prahlädaù-Prahlada; cämbaréñaù-Ambarisa; ca-and; vasuù-Vasudeva; väyu-sutaù-Hanuman; çivaù-Çiva; viñvaksenoddhaväkrüräù-Visvakseba, Uddhava, and Akrura; sanakädyäù-the sages headed by Sanaka; çukädayaù-the sages headed by Sukadeva; çré-kåñëasya-of Lord Kåñëa; prasädaù-the mercy; ayam-this; sarve-all; gåhëantu-please accept; vaiñëaväù-Vaiñëavas.

These two verses follow:
"May Bali, Vibhéñaëa, Bhéñma, Kapila, Närada, 
Arjuna, Prahläda, Ambaréña, Vasu, Hanumän, Çiva, Viñvaksena, 
Uddhava, Akrüra, the four kumäras headed by Sanaka, and the 
sages headed by Çukadeva accept these remnants, which are the 
mercy of Lord Çré Kåñëa."

Text 217

idaà yadyapi yujyeta
darpaëärpaëataù param
tathäpi bhakta-vätsalyät
kåñëasyäträpi sambhavet
idam-this; yadyapi-although; yujyeta-engaged; darpaëärpaëataù-by offering a mirror; param-then; tathäpi-still; bhakta-devotee; vätsalyät-out of love; kåñëasya-of Lord Kåñëa; atra-here; api-also; sambhavet-may be.

After offering the Lord a mirror one should offer the 
remnants of His meal to the devotees. There is no fault in this 
because Lord Kåñëa loves His devotees.

Text 218

atha bali-däna-mähätmyaà 
närasiàhe 
tatas tad-anna-çeñena
pärñadebhyaù samäntataù
puñpakñatair vimiçreëa
balià yas tu prayacchati
balinä vaiñëavenätha
tåptäù santo divaukasaù
çäntià tasya prayacchanti
çriyam arogyam eva ca
atha-now; bali-däna-mähätmyam-the glories of offering the remnants; närasiàhe-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa; tataù-then; tad-anna-çeñena-with the remnant of the meal; pärñadebhyaù-to the associates; samäntataù-comepletely; puñpa-flowers; akñataiù-unbroken; vimiçreëa-mixed; balim-offering; yaù-who; 
tu-indeed; prayacchati-gives; balinä-by the offering; 
vaiñëavena-the Vaiñëava; atha-then; tåptäù-pleased; 
santaù-saintly; divaukasaù-in Devaloka; çäntim-peace; tasya-to him; 
prayacchanti-give; çriyam-handsomeness and wealth; arogyam-freedom 
from disease; eva-indeed; ca-also.

The Glories of Offering the Remnants of the Lord's Meal to 
the Devotees
In the Nåsiàha Puräëa it is said:
"One who offers to the devotees the remnants of Lord Kåñëa's meal and the remnants of the flowers offered to Him, pleases the demigods in the higher worlds. The demigods then give to him peacefulness, handsomeness, wealth, and freedom from disease."

Text 220

atha jala-gaëòüñädy-arpaëam 
upalipya tato bhümià
punar gaëòüñikaà jalam
dadyät trir agre kåñëasya
tato 'smai danta-çodhanam
atha-now; jala-gaëòüñädy-arpaëam-offering a mouthful of water; upalipya-cleaning; tataù-then; bhümim-the ground; punaù-again; gaëòüñikam-mouthful of water; jalam-water; dadyät-should offer; triù-three; agre-in the presence; kåñëasya-of Lord Kåñëa; tataù-then; asmai-to Him; danta-çodhanam-an instrument for cleaning the teeth.

Offering a Mouthful of Water
Then one should wipe the ground. Then one should three times offer a mouthful of water to Lord Kåñëa. Then one should offer Him a toothbrush-twig.

Text 221

punar äcamanaà dattvä
çré-päëyoù çré-mukhasya ca
märjanäyäàçukaà dattvä
sarväëy aìgäni märjayet
punaù-again; äcamanam-water for rinsing the mouth; dattvä-offering; çré-päëyoù-on both hands; çré-mukhasya-on the mouth; ca-and; märjanäya-for washing; aàçukam-a cloth; dattvä-offering; sarväëi-all; aìgäni-limbs; märjayet-should wash.

One should again offer water for rinsing the mouth 
(äcamana). One should offer a cloth for wiping the mouth and 
hands. Then one should clean all the limbs of the Lord.

Text 222

paridhäpyäpare vastre
punar dattväsanäntaram
padyam äcamanéyaà ca
pürvavat punar arpayet
paridhäpya-offering; apare-another; vastre-two garments; punaù-again; dattvä-placing; äsana-seat; antaram-on; padyam-padya; äcamanéyam-acamana; ca-and; pürvavat-as before; punaù-again; arpayet-should offer.

Then one should dress the Lord in another set of garments, 
again place Him on His throne, and again offer Him padya and 
äcamana as before.

Text 223

candanäguru-cüånädi
pradadyät kara-märjanam
karpürädy-äsya-väsaà ca
tämbülaà tulasém api
candanäguru-cüånädi-sandal paste, aguru paste, and other scented substances; pradadyät-should offer; kara-märjanam-washing the hand; karpüra-camphor; ädi-beginning; äsya-of the mouth; väsam-scenting; ca-and; tämbülam-betelnuts; tulasém-tulasé; api-also.

Then one should offer the Lord sandal paste, aguru paste, 
and other fragrances as kara-märjana. Then one should offer 
camphor and other similar things to scent the Lord's mouth. Then 
one should offer betelnuts and tulasé.

Texts 224 and 225

atha mukha-vasädi-mähätmyam- 
viñëu-dharmottare tåtéya-khaëòe 
püga-jäté-phalaà dattvä
jäté-patraà tathaiva ca
lavaìga-phala-kakkola-
melä-kaöa-phalaà tathä
tämbülénäà kiçalayaà
svargalokam aväpnuyät
saubhägyam atulaà loke
tathä rüpam anuttamam
atha-then; mukha-mouth; väsa-scenting; ädi-beginning; mähätmyam-the glroies; viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; tåtéya-khaëòe-Third Part; püga-betelnuts; jäté-jati; phalam-fruits; dattvä-offering; jäté-jati; patram-leaves or petals; tathä-so; eva-indeed; ca-and; lavaìga-clove; phala-fruits; kakkola-melä-kaöa-phalam-kakkola, mela, and kata fruits; tathä-so; tämbülénäm-of betel; kiçalayam-the sprouts; svargalokam-to Svargaloka; 
aväpnuyät-attains; saubhägyam-good fortune; atulam-incomparable; 
loke-in the world; tathä-so; rüpam-handsomeness; anuttamam-peerless.

The Glory of Scenting the Lord's Mouth
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A person who offers to the Lord betelnuts, jäté-phala, jäté-patra, lavaìga-phala, kakkola-phala, melä-phala, kaöa-phala, and tämbülé-kiçalaya attains Svargaloka. He attains peerless handsomeness and good fortune in this world."

Text 226

skände 
tämbülaà ca sa-karpüraà
sa-pügaà nara-näyaka
kåñëäya yacchati prétyä
tasya tuñöo hariù sadä
skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; tämbülam-betelnuts; ca-and; sa-karpüram-with camphor; sa-pügam-with betelnuts; nara-näyaka-O king; kåñëäya-to Lord Kåñëa; yacchati-offers; prétyä-with love; tasya-of him; tuñöaù-pleased; hariù-Lord Kåñëa; sadä-always.

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"O king, Lord Kåñëa is always pleased with a person who affectionately offers Him betelnuts and camphor."

Text 227

atha punar gandhärpaëaà 
divyaà gandhaà punar dattvä
yatheñöam anulepanaiù
divyair vicitraiù çré-kåñëaà
bhakti-cchedena lepayet

atha-now; punaù-again; gandha-scents; arpaëam-offering; 
divyam-splendid; gandham-scent; punaù-again; dattvä-offering; 
yathä-as; iñöam-desired; anulepanaiù-with ointments; 
divyaiù-splendid; vicitraiù-wonderful; çré-kåñëam-to Lord Kåñëa; 
bhakti-chedena-with devotion; lepayet-should anoint.

Again Offering Fragrances to the Lord
One should again offer fragrance to the Lord. To one's heart's content one should anoint the Lord with splendidly fragrant ointments.

Text 228

ramyäni cordhva-puëòräëi
sad-varëena yathäspadam
su-gandhinänulepena
kåñëasya racayettaram
ramyäni-beautiful; ca-and; ürdhva-puëòräëi-tilaka; sad-varëena'of a nice color; yathä-as; aspadam-the place; su-gandhina-fragrant; anulepena-with ointment; kåñëasya-of Lord Kåñëa; racayettaram-should do.

Then one should anoint the Lord with splendid, beautiful, and fragrant 
tilaka.

Text 229

tathä cägame dhyäna-prasaìge 
laläöe hådaye kukñau
kaëöhe bähvoç ca pärçvayoù
viräjatordhva-puëòreëa
sauvarëena vibhüñitam. iti.
tathä-so; ca-and; ägame-in the Agama; dhyäna-prasaìge-in connection withmeditation; laläöe-on the forehead; hådaye-on the chest; kukñau-on the belly; kaëöhe-on the neck; bähvoù-on both arms; ca-and; pärçvayoù-on both sides; viräjata-splendid; ürdhva-puëòreëa-with tilaka; sauvarëena-golden; vibhüñitam-is decorated; iti-thus.

In the Agama-çästra it is said:
"The Lord is decorated with splendid golden tilaka on His forehead, chest, abdomen, neck, arms, and sides."

Text 230

divyäni kaïcukoñëéña-
käïcy-ädéni paräëy api
vasträëi su-viciträëi
çré-kåñëaà paridhäpayet

divyäni-splendid; kaïcuka-garments; 
uñëéña-crown or turban; käïci-belt; ädéni-beginning; 
paräëi-others; api-also; vasträëi-garments; su-viciträëi-very 
wonderful and colorful; çré-kåñëam-to Çré Kåñëa; 
paridhäpayet-should give.

One should dress Lord Kåñëa in a splendid upper-garment, 
crown or turban, belt, and other wonderful and colorful garments.

Text 231

tato divya-kiréöädi-
bhüñaëäni yathä-ruci
vicitra-divya-mälyäni
paridhäpya vibhüñayet
tataù-then; divya-splendid; kiréöa-crown; ädi-beginning with; bhüñaëäni-ornaments; yathä-ruci-gracefully; vicitra-wonderful; divya-splendid; mälyäni-garlands; paridhäpya-placing; vibhüñayet-should decorate.

Then one should gracefully decorate the Lord with a splendid crown, 
other ornaments, and wonderful flower garlands.

Text 232

atha mahä-räjopacärärpaëaà 
tataç ca cämara-cchatra-
pädukädén parän api
mahä-räjopacäräàç ca
dattvädarçaà pradarçayet
atha-now; mahä-of a great; räja-king; upacära-worship; arpaëam-offering; tataù-then; ca-and; cämara-camara; chatra-parasol;  päduka-slippers; ädén-beginning; parän-others; api-also; mahä-räjopacäräàù-worthy of a great king; ca-and; dattvä-offering; adarçam-mirror; pradarçayet-should show.

Worshiping the Lord With Royal Opulence
One should worship the Lord with royal opulence, serving Him with cämara, parasol, and other signs of royalty. One should show Him a mirror.

Text 233

viñëu-dharmottare 
yathädeçaà yathä-kälaà
räja-liìgaà surälaye
dattvä bhavati räjaiva
nätra käryä vicäraëä
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; yathä-as; deçam-country; yathä-as; kälam-time; räja-
liìgam-the signs of a king; surälaye-in the temple; 
dattvä-offering; bhavati-is; räjä-a king; eva-indeed; na-not; 
atra-here; käryä-to be done; vicäraëä-doubt.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A person who, according to time and place, worships Lord Kåñëa, treating Him like a king in the temple, himself becomes a king. Of this there is no doubt."

Text 234

tatra cämara-mähätmyaà 
tathä cämara-dänena
çrémän bhavati bhü-tale
mucyate ca tathä päpaiù
svargalokaà ca gacchati
tatra-there; cämara-mähätmyam-the glories of acamara; tathä-so; cämara-dänena-by offering a camara; çrémän-glorious; bhavati-is; bhü-tale-in the world; mucyate-is liberated; ca-and; tathä-so; päpaiù-by sins; svargalokam-to Svargaloka; ca-and; gacchati-goes.

The Glory of Worshiping the Lord with a Cämara
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
A person who fans the Lord with a cämara becomes glorious, handsome, and wealthy in this world. He becomes free of sins. He goes to Svargaloka.

Texts 235 and 236

chatrasya mähätmyaà tatraiva 
chatraà bahu-çaläkaà ca
jhallaré-vastra-samyutam
divya-vastraiç ca samyuktaà
hema-daëòa-samanvitam
yaù prayacchati kåñëasya
chatra-lakña-yutair våtaù
prärthyate so 'maraiù sarvaiù
kréòäte pitåbhiù saha
chatrasya-of a parasol; mähätmyam-the glory; tatra-there; 
eva-indeed; chatram-a parasol; bahu-çaläkam-with many sticks; 
ca-and; jhallaré-vastra-samyutam-with with splendid cloth; divya-
vastraiù-with spelndid cloth; ca-and; samyuktam-endowed; hema-
daëòa-with a golden handle; samanvitam-with; yaù-who; 
prayacchati-offers; kåñëasya-to Lord Kåñëa; chatra-lakña-yutaiù-with 
a hundred thousand parasols; våtaù-covered; prärthyate-is offered prayers; saù-he; amaraiù-by the demigods; sarvaiù-all; 
kréòäte-enjoys; pitåbhiù-the pitas; saha-with.

The Glory of Worshiping the Lord with a Parasol
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A person who offers to Lord Kåñëa a parasol with a golden handle, many wooden ribs, and a covering of splendid and glorious cloth, is himself served with a hundred thousand parasols. All the demigods offer prayers to him. He enjoys with the pitäs."

Text 237

tatraiva vänyatra 
räja bhavati loke 'smin
chatraà dattvä dvijottamäù
näpnoti ripujaà duùkhaà
saìgrame ripu-jid bhayet
tatra-there; eva-indeed; vä-or; anyatra-in another place; räja-a king; bhavati-is; loke-world; asmin-in this; chatram-a parasol; dattvä-giving; dvijottamäù-O best of the brähmaëas; na-not; äpnoti-attains; ripu-from enemies; jam-born; duùkham-suffering; saìgrame-in battle; ripu-jit-victory of the enemy; bhayet-fears.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"O best of the brähmaëas, a person who offers a parasol to Lord Kåñëa becomes a king in this world. Enemies will never trouble him. He will never need to fear that an enemy will defeat him in battle.

Text 238

upänat-sampradänena
vimänam adhirohati
yatheñöaà tena lokeñu
vicaraty amara-prabhaù
upänat-a sandal; sampradänena-by offering; vimänam-an airplane; adhirohati-ascends; yathä-as; iñöam-desired; tena-by him; lokeñu-in the worlds; vicarati-goes; amara-prabhaù-splendid demigod.

"A person who offers sandals or shoes to Lord Kåñëa 
flies in an airplane to any planet he desires. He becomes 
splendid like a demigod."

Text 239

dhvajasya mähätmyaà tatraiva 

lokeñu dhvaja-bhütaù syäd
dattvä viñëor varaà dhvajam
çakralokam aväpnoti
bahün abda-gaëän naraù
dhvajasya-of a flag; mähätmyam-the glory; tatra-there; eva-indeed; lokeñu-in the worlds; dhvaja-bhütaù-a flag; syät-may be; dattvä-offering; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; varam-excellent; dhvajam-flag; çakra-lokam-Indraloka; aväpnoti-attains; bahün-many; abda-gaëän-years; naraù-a person.

The Glory of Offering the Lord a Flag
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A person who offers a flag to Lord Viñëu becomes like a flag himself, famous in all the worlds. He goes to Indraloka, where he stays for many years."

Text 240

kià ca 
yuktaà péta-patäkäbhiù
nivedya garuòa-dhvajam
keçaväya dvija-çreñöhäù
sarva-loke mahéyate. iti.
kim- ca-also; yuktam-engaged; péta-patäkäbhiù-with yellow flags; nivedya-offering; garuòa-dhvajam-a Garuòa flag; keçaväya-to Lord Kåñëa; dvija-çreñöhäù-O best of brähmaëas; sarva-loke'in all the worlds; mahéyate.-is glorified; iti-thus.

It is also said:
"O best of brähmaëas, a person who offers Lord Kåñëa a Garuòa flag and many yellow flags is praised in all the worlds."

Text 241

yat-präsäde dhvajäropa-
mähätmyaà likhitaà purä
tad aträpy akhilaà jïeyaà
taträtratyam idaà tathä
yat-präsäde-in whose temple; dhvajäropa-raising the flag; mähätmyam-the glory; likhitam-written; purä-before; tat-that; 
atra-here; api-also; 
akhilam-all; jïeyam-to be known; tatra-there; 
atratyam-here; idam-this; tathä-so.

The glories of raising a flag over the Lord's temple have 
already been completely described in this book. Still, one quote will be given here.

Text 242

kià ca bhaviñye 
viñëor dhvaje tu sauvarëaà
daëòaà kuryäd vicakñaëaù
paytäkä cäpi pétä syäd
garuòasya samépa-gä
kim- ca-furthermore; bhaviñye-in the Bhavisya Puräëa; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; dhvaje-the flag; tu-indeed; sauvarëam-gold; daëòam-pole; kuryät-should do; vicakñaëaù-wise; paytäkä-flag; ca-and; api-also; pétä-yellow; syät-should be; garuòasya-of Garuòa; samépa-gä-near.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa it is said:
"An intelligent person should raise Lord Viñëu's flag on a golden staff. The flag should be yellow and bear the picture of Garuòa."

Text 243

vyajanasya mähätmyaà 
viñëu-dharmottare 
täla-vånta-pradänena
nirvåtià präpnuyät param
vyajanasya-of a fan; mähätmyam-the glory; viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; täla-vånta-pradänena-ây giving a palm-frond fan; nirvåtim-happiness; präpnuyät-attains; param-great.

The Glory of Giving a Fan
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A person who serves the Lord with a palm-frond fan becomes happy."

Text 244

vitänasya mähätmyaà 
tatraiva 
vitänaka-pradänena
sarva-päpaiù pramucyate
paraà nirvåtim äpnoti
yatra taträbhijäyate

vitänasya-of a canopy; mähätmyam-the glory; tatra-there; 
eva-indeed; vitänaka-pradänena-by giving a canopy; sarva-all; 
päpaiù-sins; pramucyate-freed; param-great; nirvåtim-happiness; 
äpnoti'attains; yatra-where;  tatra-there; abhijäyate-is born.

The Glory of Giving a Canopy
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A person who gives a canopy to the Lord becomes free from all sins. Wherever he takes birth he becomes very happy."

Text 245

khaògädénäà mähätmyaà 
dattvä nistriàçakän mukhyän
çatrubhir näbhibhüyate
dattvä tad-bandhanaà mukhyaà
agnyädheya-phalaà labhet
khaògädénäm-beginning with a sword; mähätmyam-the glories; dattvä-giving; nistriàçakän-swords; mukhyän-excellent; çatrubhiù-by enemies; na-not; abhibhüyate-is defeated; dattvä-giving; tad-bandhanam-in relation to that; mukhyam-excellent; agnyädheya-phalam-the reasult of an agnistoma-yajna; labhet-attains.

The Glory of Giving a Sword or a Similar Gift
"A person who gives an excellent sword to Lord Viñëu is never defeated by enemies. A person who gives many excellent swords attains the result of an agniñöoma-yaj.sy 241a."

Text 246

kià ca 
patad-grahaà tathä dattvä
çubha-das tö abhijäyate
päda-péöha-pradänena
sthänaà sarvatra vindati
kim- ca-furthermore; patad-graham-a spitoon; tathä-so; dattvä-giving; çubha-daù-giving auspiciousness; tv-indeed; abhijäyate'is born; päda-péöha-pradänena-by giving a footstool; sthänam-a place; sarvatra'everywhere; vindati-finds.

It is also said:
"A person who gives the Lord a spittoon becomes happy. A person who gives the Lord a footstool finds that he has a home everywhere.

Text 247

darpaëasya pradänena
rüpavän darpavän bhavet
märjayitvä tathä taà ca
çubhagas tö abhijäyate
darpaëasya-of as mirror; pradänena-by the gift; rüpavän-handsome; darpavän-glorious; bhavet-is; märjayitvä-by cleaning;  tathä-so; tam-Him; ca-and; çubhagaù-happiness; tv-indeed; abhijäyate-is born.

"By giving the Lord a mirror one becomes handsome 
and glorious. By cleaning the Lord's mirror one becomes happy.

Text 248

yat kiïcid deva-deväya
dadyäd bhakti-samanvitaù
tad eväkñayam äpnoti
svargalokaà sa gacchati
yat kiïcit-whatever; deva-deväya-to the master of the demigods; dadyät-one gives; bhakti-samanvitaù-with devotion; tat-that; eva-indeed; akñayam-imperishable; äpnoti-attains; svargalokam-Svargaloka; sa-he; gacchati-goes.

"Whatever one gives to the Lord with devotion, one 
receives back as an eternal gift. One who gives gifts to the Lord 
goes to Svargaloka."

Text 249

kià ca vämana-puräëe çré-balià prati çré-prahlädoktau 
çraddadhänair bhakti-parair
yäny uddiçya janärdanam
bali-dänäni déyante
akñayäëi vidur budhäù
kim- ca-furthermore; vämana-puräëe-in the Vämana Puräëa; çré-balim-to Çré  Bali; prati-to; çré-prahlädoktau-in the statement of Çré  Prahläda; çraddadhänaiù-faithful; bhakti-paraiù-devoted; yäni-what; uddiçya'in relatiuon to; janärdanam-to Lord Kåñëa; bali-dänäni-gifts; déyante-are given; akñayäëi-eternal; viduù-know; budhaù-the wise.

In the Vämana Puräëa, Çré Prahläda tells Çré Bali:
"The wise know that whatever the faithful devotees give to Lord Kåñëa they receive back as eternal gifts.

Text 250

aträpi kecid icchanti
dattvä puñpäïjali-trayam
pürvoktä daça çaìkhädyä
mudräù sandarçayed iti
aträpi-still; kecit-some; icchanti-desire; dattvä-offering; puñpäïjali-trayam-three handsful of flowers; pürvoktä-previously described; daça-ten; çaìkha-ädyä-beginning with sankha; mudräù-mudras; sandarçayet-should show; iti-thus.

They who desire in this way should, when they offer 
gifts to the Lord, offer three handsful of flowers and show the 
previously described ten mudräs that begin with the çaìkha-
mudrä.

Text 251

atha géta-vädya-nåtyäni 
tato vicitrair lalitaiù
käritair vä svayaà kåtaiù
gétair vädyaiç ca nåtyaiç ca
çré-kåñëaà paritoñayet
atha-now; géta-singing; vädya-music; nåtyäni-dancing; tataù-then; vicitraiù-wonderful; lalitaiù-graceful; käritaiù-caused; vä-or; svayam-personally; kåtaiù-done; gétaiù-with singing; vädyaiù-music; ca-and; nåtyaiù-dancing; ca-and; çré-kåñëam-Lord Kåñëa; paritoñayet-should please.

Singing, Music, and Dancing
One should please Lord Kåñëa with singing, music, and dancing, performed either by oneself or by others.

Text 252

atha tatra niñiddhaà 
nåtyädi kurvato bhaktän
nopaviñöo 'valokayet
na ca tiryag vrajet tatra
taiù sahäntarayan prabhum
atha-now; tatra-there; niñiddham-prohibitions; nåtyädi-beginning with dancing; kurvataù-performing; bhaktän-devotees; na-not; upaviñöaù-sitting; avalokayet-should see; na-not; ca-and; tiryag-crossing; vrajet-should go; tatra-there; taiù-with them; saha-with; antarayan-making obstacles; prabhum-to the Lord.

Prohibitions
One should not passively sit down and look while the devotees are singing and dancing. Nor should one enter among them but act badly and become an obstacle to their activities.

Text 253

tathä coktaà 
nåtyantaà vaiñëavaà harñäd
äséno yas tu paçyati
khaïjo bhavati räjendra
so 'yaà janmani janmani
tathä-so; ca-and; uktam-spoken; nåtyantam-dancing; vaiñëavam-Vaiñëava; harñät-out of happiness; äsénaù-sitting; yaù-who; tu-indeed; paçyati-sees; khaïjaù-lame; bhavati-becomes; räjendra-O great king; saù-he; ayam-that person; janmani-birth; janmani-after birth.

It is said:
"O king, a person who sits down and passively watches the happily dancing devotees becomes lame for many births."

Text 254

kià ca 
nåtyatäà gäyatäà madhye
bhaktänäà keçavasya ca
tän åte yas tiro yäti
tiryag-yoëià sa gacchati
kim- ca-furthermore; nåtyatäm-dancing; gäyatäm-singing; madhye-in the midst; bhaktänäm-of the devotees; keçavasya-of Lord Kåñëa; ca-and; tän-to them; åte-without; yaù-who; tiraù-obstacle; yäti-does; tiryag-yoëim-birth as an animal; sa-he; gacchati-goes.

It is also said:
"A non-devotee who troubles the singing and dancing devotees of Lord Kåñëa becomes an animal in his next birth.

Text 255

atha gétädi-mähätmyam ädau sämänyataù 
närasiàhe 
géta-vädyädikam- näöyaà
çaìkha-turyädi-nisvanam
yaù kärayati viñëos tu
sandhyäyäà mandire naraù 
sarva-käle viçeñena 
kämagaù käma-rüpavän
atha-now; géta-singing; ädi-beginning with; mähätmyam-the glories; ädau-in the beginning ; sämänyataù-in general; närasiàhe-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa; géta-singing; vädya-and music; ädikam-beginning with; näöyam-dancing; çaìkha-turyädi-nisvanam-the sounds of conchshells and drums; yaù-who; kärayati-causes; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; tu-indeed; sandhyäyäm-at sandhya; mandire-in the temple; naraù-a person; sarva-käle-at all times; viçeñena-specifically; kämagaù-attaining desires; käma-rüpavän-any form he wishes.

The Glories of Singing, Music, and Dancing Described, At 
First, in a General Way
In the Nåsiàha Puräëa it is said:
"A person who arranges that at all times, or especially at sunrise, noon, and sunset, there be in the Lord's temple singing, dancing, and musé with the sounds of conchshells and drums, attains his desires. He attains the power to assume any form he wishes.

Text 256

su-saìgéta-vidagdhaiç ca
sevyamäno 'psaro-gaëaiù
mahärheëa vimänena
vicitreëa viräjätä 
svargät svargam anupräpya 
viñëuloke mahéyate
su-saìgéta-at graceful singing; vidagdhaiù-expert; ca-and; sevyamänaù-served; apsaro-gaëaiù-by apsaras; mahärheëa-glorious; vimänena-with an airplane; vicitreëa-wonderful; viräjätä-shining; svargät-from Svarga; svargam-to Svarga; anupräpya-attaining; 
viñëuloke'in Viñëuloka; 
mahéyate-is glorified.

"Served by gracefully singing apsaräs, he travels 
among the heavenly planets in a splendid and glorious airplane. 
He is glorified in Viñëuloka."  

Text 257

skände viñëu-närada-samväde 
gétaà vädyaà ca nåtyaà ca
näöyaà viñëu-kathäà mune
yaù karoti sa puëyätmä
trailokyopari saàsthitaù
skände-In the Skanda Puräëa; viñëu-närada-samväde-Lord Viñëu tells Närada Muni; gétam-singing; vädyam-music; ca-and; nåtyam-dancing; ca-and; näöyam-drama; viñëu-kathäm-the topics of Lord Viñëu; mune-O sage; yaù-one who; karoti-does; sa-he; puëyätmä-very pious; trailokyopari-above the three worlds; saàsthitaù-situated.

In the Skanda Puräëa, Lord Viñëu tells Närada Muni:
"O sage, a person who arranges for singing, music, dancing, and drama glorifying Lord Viñëu is very saintly and pure at heart. His home is above the three worlds."

Text 258

båhan-närädéye çré-yama-bhagératha-samväde 
devatäyatane yas tu
bhakti-yuktaù pranåtyati
gétäni gäyaty athavä
tat-phalaà çåëu bhü-pate
båhan-närädéye çré-yama-bhagératha-samväde-in the Närada Puräëa, Çré Yama tells King Bhagératha;; devatäyatane-in the Lord's temple; yaù-who; tu-indeed; bhakti-yuktaù-with devotion; pranåtyati-dances; gétäni'songs; gäyati-sings; athavä-or; tat-phalam-that result; çåëu-please hear; bhü-pate-O master of the earth.

In the Närada Puräëa, Çré Yama tells King Bhagératha:
"O king, please hear the pious result attained by a person who with devotion sings or dances in the Lord's temple.

Text 259

gandharva-räjatäà gänair
nåtyäd rudra-gaëeçatäm
präpnoty añöa-kulair yuktas
tataù syän mokña-bhäì naraù
gandharva-räjatäm-the king of the gandharvas; gänaiù-with singing; nåtyät-dancing; rudra-gaëeçatäm-the king of the rudras; präpnoti-attains; añöa-kulaiù-with eight generations; yuktaù-engaged; tataù-then; syän-is; mokña-bhäk-liberated; naraù-person.

"By singing he becomes king of the gandharvas. By 
dancing he becomes king of the rudras. With eight generations of 
his family he attains liberation."

Texts 260 and 261

laiìge çré-märkaëòeyämbaréña-samväde 
viñëu-kñetre tu yo vidvän
kärayed bhakti-samyutaù
gäna-nåtyädikaà caiva
viñëv-äkhyäà ca kathäà tathä
jätià småtià ca medhäà ca
tathaiva paramäà sthitim
präpnoti viñëu-sälokyaà
satyam etan narädhipa
laiìge çré-märkaëòeyämbaréña-samväde-in the Liìga Puräëa, Çré Märkaëòeya tells King Ambaréña; viñëu-kñetre-in the realm of Lord Viñëu; tu-indeed; yaù-who; vidvän-wise; kärayet-causes to be done; bhakti-samyutaù-with devotion; gäna-nåtyädikam-beginning with singing and dancing; ca-and; eva-indeed; viñëö-äkhyäm-the name of Lord Viñëu; ca-and; kathäm-topics; tathä-so; jätim-birth; småtim-memory; ca-and; medhäm-intelligence; ca-and; tatha-so; eva-indeed; paramäm-supreme; sthitim-destination; präpnoti-attains; viñëu-sälokyam-the same planet as Lord Viñëu; satyam'truth; etan-this; narädhipa-O king.

In the Liìga Puräëa, Çré Märkaëòeya tells King Ambaréña:
"A wise devotee who arranges that in the Lord's temple there be singing, dancing, the chanting of Lord Viñëu's holy names, the description of Lord Viñëu's glories, and other activities glorifying Lord Viñëu attains good birth, memory, intelligence, and the supreme destination. He goes to the realm of Lord Viñëu. O king, that is the truth."

Text 262

anyatra ca çré-bhagavad-uktau 
visåjya lajjäà yo 'dhéte
gäyate nåtyate 'pi ca
kula-koöi-samayukto
labhate mämakaà padam
anyatra-in another place; ca-and; çré-bhagavad-uktau-in the words of the Lord; visåjya-abandoning; lajjäm-shyness; yaù-one who; adhéte-reads; gäyate-sings; nåtyate-dances; api-and; ca-also; kula-koöi-samayuktaù-with ten million relatives; labhate-attains; mämakam-My; padam-abode.

In another scripture the Supreme Personality of Godhead 
declares:
"A person who, throwing away all shyness, glorifies Me by singing, dancing, or study, goes to My abode with ten million of his relatives."

Text 263

ata evoktaà 
bhärate nåtya-géte tu
kuryät sväbhävike 'pi vä
sväbhävikena bhagavän
préëätéty äha çaunakaù
ata eva-therefore; uktam-said; bhärate-in the Bharata-sastra; nåtya-géte-singing and dancing; tu-indeed; kuryät-should do; sväbhävike-natural; api-even; vä-or; sväbhävikena-natural; bhagavän-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; préëäti-is pleased; iti-thus; äha-saud; çaunakaù-Saunaka Muni.

It is also said:
"Çaunaka Muni explains that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is pleased when one glorifies Him with song and dance following the Bharata-çästra."

Text 264

ata eva näradéye 
viñëor gétaà ca nåtyaà ca
naöanaà ca viçeñataù
brahman brähmaëa-jäténäà
kartavyaà nitya-karma-vat
ata eva-therefore; näradéye-in the Närada Puräëa; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; gétam-song; ca-and; nåtyam-dance; ca-and; naöanam-drama; ca-and; viçeñataù-specifically; brahman-O brähmaëa; brähmaëa-jäténäm-of they who are brähmaëas; kartavyam-should be done; nitya-karma-vat-constant activity.

In the Närada Puräëa it is said:
"O great brähmaëa, they who are brähmaëas should always glorify Lord Viñëu with song, dance, and theater."

Text 265

kintu småtau 
géta-nåtyäni kurvéta
dvija-devädi-tuñöaye
na jévanäya yuïjéta
vipraù päpa-bhiyä kvacit. iti.
kintu-however; småtau-In the Småti-sastra; géta-nåtyäni-song and dance; kurvéta-should be done; dvija-devädi-tuñöaye-to please the master of the demigods and brähmaëas; na-not; jévanäya-for a livelihood; yuïjéta-should do; vipraù-a brähmaëa; päpa-bhiyä-with fear of sin; kvacit-ever; iti-thus.

In the Småti-çästra it is said:
"One should sing and dance for the pleasure of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of the demigods and brähmaëas. A brähmaëa will never sing and dance to earn his livelihood. He fears that will be a a sin."

Text 266

evaà kåñëa-préëanatväd
gétäder nityatä parä
saàsiddhair aviçeñena
jïeyä sä hari-väsare
evam-thus; kåñëa-préëanatvät-because of pleasing Lord Kåñëa; gétädeù-beginning weith singing; nityatä-regularity; parä-great; saàsiddhaiù-by the perfect; aviçeñena-without distinction; jïeyä-should be known; sä-that; hari-väsare-on ekädaçé.

Thus, to please Lord Kåñëa the perfect souls should glorify 
Him with song, dance, and theater every day and especially on 
ekädaçé.

Text 267

tathä coktaà 
keçavägre nåtya-gétaà
na karoti harer dine
vahninä kià na dagdho 'sau
gataù kià na rasätalam
tathä-so; ca-and; uktam-said; keçavägre-in the presence of Lord Keçava; nåtya-gétam-song and dance; na-not; karoti-does; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; dine-in a day; vahninä-by fire; kim-how?; na-not; dagdhaù-burned; asau-he; gataù-gone; kim-whather?; na-not; rasätalam-to hell.

It is therefore said:
"Will a person not be burned when fire touches him?  Will a person not go to hell when he does not sing and dance before Lord Keçava on the ekädaçé day?"

Text 268

atha viçeñato gétasya mähätmyaà 
dvaraka-mähätmye çré-märkaëòeyendradyumna-samväde 
kåñëaà santoñayed yas tu
su-gétair madhura-svanaiù
sarva-veda-phalaà tasya
jäyate nätra saàçayaù
atha-now; viçeñataù-specifically; gétasya-of singing; mähätmyam-the glories; dvaraka-mähätmye çré-märkaëòeyendradyumna-samväde-in the Dvaraka-mähätmya, Märkaëòeya Muni tells King Indradyumna; kåñëam-Lord Kåñëa; santoñayet-pleases; yaù-one who; tu-indeed; su-gétaiù-with singing; madhura-svanaiù-sweet; sarva-veda-phalam-the result of asll the Vedas; tasya-of him; jäyate-is born; na-not; atra-here; saàçayaù-doubt.

The Glories of Singing
In the Dvaraka-mähätmya, Märkaëòeya Muni tells King Indradyumna:
"A person who with sweet singing pleases Lord Kåñëa attains the result of studying all the Vedas. Of this there is no doubt."

Text 269

skände çré-mahädevoktau 
çruti-koöi-samaà japyaà
japa-koöi-samaà haviù
haviù-koöi-samaà geyaà
geyaà geya-samaà viduù
skände çré-mahädevoktau-in the Skanda Puräëa, Lord Çiva explains:; çruti-koöi-samam-equal to ten million Çrutis; japyam-to be chanted; japa-koöi-samam-equal to ten million japas; haviù-yajna; haviù-koöi-samam-equal to ten million yajnas; geyam-song; geyam-to be sung; geya-samam-equal to son; viduù-they know. 

In the Skanda Puräëa, Lord Çiva explains:
"The wise know that chanting mantras is equal to ten million Vedé studies, yajïas are equal to ten million mantra-chantings, and songs glorifying Lord Viñëu are equal to ten million yajïas."

Text 270

käçé-khaëòe viñëuduta-çivaçarma-samväde 
yadi gétaà kvacid gétaà
çrémad-dhari-haräìkitam
mokñaà tu tat phalaà prahuù
sannidhyäm athavä tayoù
käçé-khaëòe viñëuduta-çivaçarma-samväde-in the Käçé-khaëòa, in a conversation bewteen the Viñëudütas and Çivaçarma, it is said:; yadi-if; gétam-sung; kvacit-sometime; gétam-song; çrémad-dhari-haräìkitam-glorifying Lord Hari; mokñam-liberation; tu-indeed; tat-that; phalam-result; prahuù-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; sannidhyäm-nearness; athavä-of; tayoù-of the two.

In the Käçé-khaëòa, in a conversation bewteen the 
Viñëudütas and Çivaçarma, it is said:
"A person will attain liberation if he sings songs glorifying Lord Hari. He will attain Lord Hari's association." 

Text 271

viñëuçarme çré-bhagavad-uktau 
rägeëäkåñyate ceto
gandharväbhimukhaà yadi
mayi buddhià samasthäya
gäyetha mama sat-kathäù
viñëuçarme çré-bhagavad-uktau-the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains to Viñëuçarma; rägeëa-by music; äkåñyate-is attracted; cetaù-the heart; gandharva-O gandharva; abhimukham-facing; yadi-if; mayi-in Me; buddhim-intelligence; samasthäya-placing; gäyetha-please sing; mama-of Me; sat-kathäù-the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

The Supreme Personality of Godhead explains to Viñëuçarma:
"O gandharva, if your heart is attracted to music, then place your intelligence in Me and sing about My glories."

Text 272

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye 
yo gäyatéçam aniçaà bhuvi bhakta uccaiù
sa drak samasta-jana-päpa-bhide 'lam ekaù
dépeñv asatsö api nanu prati-geham antar
dhväntaà kim atra vilasaty amale dyu-näthe
hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya; yaù-one who; gäyati-sings; éçam-to the Puräëa; aniçam-day and night; bhuvi-on the earth; bhakta-a devotee; uccaiù-aloud; sa-he; drak-quickly; samasta-jana-päpa-bhide-for breaking the sins of all the people; alam-able; ekaù-alone; dépeñv-in the lamps; asatsv-among the temporary; api-even; nanu-indeed; prati-geham-to every home; äntaù-within; dhväntam-darkness; kim-what?; atra-here; vilasati-shines; amale-pure; dyu-näthe-sun.

In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said:
"A devotee who always sings aloud of Lord Kåñëa's glories has the power to purify the sins of every person in the world. Even when all candles are extinguished, how can darkness devour any home once the sun has risen in the sky?"

Text 273

yad-änanda-kalaà gäyan
bhaktaù puëyäçru varñati
tat sarva-tértha-salila-
snänaà sva-mala-çodhanam
yad-änanda-bliss; kalam-music; gäyan-singing; bhaktaù-devotee; puëya-pure; açru-tears; varñati-showers; tat-that; sarva-all; tértha-holy places; salila-weater; snänam-bath; sva-mala-çodhanam-purifying sins.

"A person who rains tears of love as he sings 
blissful songs of Lord Kåñëa's glories washes away all his sins 
with those tears as if he had bathed in all holy rivers and 
lakes."

Texts 274-276

värähe 
brähmaëo vasudevärthaà
gäyamäno 'niçaà param
samyak täla-prayogena
sannipätena vä punaù
nava varña-sahasräëi
nava varña-çatäni ca
kuvera-bhavanaà gatvä
modate vai yadåcchayä
kuvera-bhavanäd bhrañöaù
svacchanda-gamanälayaù
phalam äpnoti su-çroëi
mama karma-paräyaëaù
värähe-in the Varäha Puräëa; brähmaëaù-a brähmaëa; vasudevärtham-for Lord Kåñëa's sake; gäyamänaù-singing; aniçam-always; param'best; samyak-completely; täla-prayogena-with rhythm; sannipätena-by placing; vä-or; punaù-again; nava varña-sahasräëi-9,000 years; nava varña-çatäni-900 years; ca-and; kuvera-bhavanam-the abode of Kuvera; gatvä-going; modate-enjoys; vai-indeed; yadåcchayä-spontaneously; kuvera-bhavanät-from Kuvera's abode; bhrañöaù-fallen; svacchanda-gamanälayaù-going wherever he wishes; phalam-result; äpnoti-attains; su-çroëi-O girl with the beautiful thighs; mama-of Me; karma-paräyaëaù-devoted to the work.

In the Varäha Puräëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead 
says:
"A brähmaëa who with graceful rhythms always sings songs to please Lord Kåñëa enjoys in Kuvera's abode for 9,900 years, and when he falls down from there he may go wherever he wishes. O girl with the beautiful thighs, a person who is devoted to serving Me attains the greatest benefit.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The greatest benefit here means that he attains the 
spiritual world of Vaikuëöha.

Text 277

näräyaëänäà vidhinä
gänaà çreñöhatamaà småtam
gänenärädhito viñëuù
sva-kérti-jïäna-varcasä 
dadäti tuñöaù sthänaà svam- 
yathäsmai kauçikäya vai
näräyaëänäm-of Lord Näräyaëa; vidhinä-properly; gänam-song; çreñöhatamam-most excellent; småtam-remembered; gänena-by song; ärädhitaù-worshiped; viñëuù-Lord Viñëu; sva-kérti-j.sy 241äna-varcasä-by the power of the knowledge of His glories; dadäti-gives; tuñöaù-pleased; sthänam-place; svam-own; yathä-as; asmai-to him; kauçikäya-to kausika; vai-indeed.

"Of the different ways one may serve Lord Näräyaëa, 
singing His glories is the best. Pleased with someone who sings 
His glories, Lord Näräyaëa gives him residence in the spiritual 
world, as he did to Kauçika Vipra."

Text 278

kià ca 
eña vo muni-çardülaù
prokto géta-kramo muneù
brähmaëo väsudeväkhyaà
gäyamäno 'niçaà param
kim- ca-furthermore; eña-he; vaù-of you; muni-çardülaù-O tigers of the sages; proktaù-spoken; géta-kramaù-songs; muneù-of the sage; brähmaëaù-brähmaëa; väsudeväkhyam-the names of Lord Kåñëa; gäyamänaù-singing; aniçam-day and night; param-greatly.

It is also said:
"O tigers of the sages, in our presence Närada has sung Lord Kåñëa's glories again and again.

Text 279

hareù sälokyam äpnoti
rudra-gänädhiko bhavet
karmaëä manasä vacä
väsudeva-paräyaëaù 
gäyan nåtyaàs tam äpnoti 
tasmäd geyaà paraà viduù
hareù-of Lord Hari; sälokyam-residence on the same planet; äpnoti-attains; rudra-gänädhikaù-great songs; bhavet-is; karmaëä-by deeds; manasä-mind; vacä-words; väsudeva-paräyaëaù-devoted to Lord Kåñëa; gäyan-singing; nåtyaàù-dancing; tam-that; äpnoti-attains; tasmät-from that; geyam-to be sung; param-great; viduù-they know.

"A person who is devoted to singing Lord Kåñëa's 
glories goes to the realm where Lord Kåñëa stays. A person who 
with mind, words, and deeds is devoted to Lord Kåñëa and who 
glorifies Him with songs and dances, attains Him. That is why the 
wise say that singing about the Lord's glories is the best of all 
spiritual deeds."

Text 280

prathama-skandhe çré-näradoktau 
pragäyataù sva-véryäëi
tértha-padaù priya-çraväù
ähüta iva me çéghraà
darçanaà yäti cetasi
prathama-skandhe-in the First Canto; çré-näradoktau-in the words of Çré  Närada; pragäyataù-thus singing; sva-véryäëi-own activities; tértha-padaù-the Lord, whose lotus feet are the source of all virtues or holiness; priya-çraväù-pleasing to hear; ähüta-called for; iva-just like; me-to me; çéghram-very soon; darçanam-sight; yati-appears; cetasi-on the seat of the heart.

In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (1.6.33, Çré Närada explains:
"The Supreme Lord Çré Kåñëa, whose glories and 
activities are pleasing to hear, at once appears on the seat of 
my heart, as if called for, as soon as I begin to chant His holy 
activities."*

Text 281

dvädaça-skandhe çré-sütoktau 
måñä giras ta hy asatir asat-kathä
na kathyate yad bhagavän adhokñajaù
tad eva satyaà tad uhaiva maìgalaà
tad eva puëyaà bhagavad-guëodayam
davaça-skandhe-in the eleventh canto; çré-sütoktau-in the words of Çré Suta Gosvami; måñä-false; giraù-words; ta-they; hi-indeed; asatiù-untrue; asat-kathä-improper words; na-not; kathyate-to be spoken; yat-what; bhagavän-the Lord; adhokñajaù-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; tat-that; eva-indeed; satyam-truth; tat-that; u-indeed; ha-indeed; eva-indeed; maìgalam-auspicious; tat-that; eva-indeed; puëyam-sacred; bhagavad-guëodayam-describing the Lord's transcendental qualities.

In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (12.12.49-50), Çré Süta Gosvämé 
explains:
"Words that do not describe the transcendental 
Supreme Personality of Godhead but instead deal with temporary 
matters are simply false and useless. Only those words that 
manifest the transcendental qualities of the Supreme Lord are 
actually truthful, auspicious, and pious.***

Text 282

tad evaà ramyaà ruciraà navaà navaà
tad eva çaçvan manaso mahotsavam
tad eva çokärëava-çoñaëaà nåëäà
yad uttama-çloka-yaço 'nugéyate
tat-that; evam-indeed; ramyam-beautiful; ruciram-charming; navam-newer; navam-newer; tat-that; eva-indeed; çaçvan-always; manasaù-of the heart; mahotsavam-a great festival; tat-that; eva-indeed; çokärëava-çoñaëam-drying up the ocean of grief; nåëäm-of the people; yat-what; uttama-çloka-yaçaù-the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; anugéyate-are sung.

"Those words describing the glories of the all-
famous Supreme Personality of Godhead are attractive, relishable, 
and ever fresh. Indeed, such words are a perpetual festival for 
the mind, and they dry up the ocean of misery."***

Text 283

viñëu-dharmottare 
dattvä ca gétaà dharma-jïa
gandharvaiù saha modate
svayaà gétena sampüjya
tasyaivänucaro bhavet
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; dattvä-giving; ca-and; gétam-song; dharma-jïa-o knower of religon; gandharvaiù-gandharvas; saha-with; modate-pleases; svayam-personally; gétena-with song; sampüjya-worshiping; tasya-of Him; eva-indeed; anucaraù-an associate; bhavet-becomes.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"O knower of religion, the Supreme Lord enjoys pastimes with the gandharvas, who glorify Him with song. A person who worships Him by glorifying Him in song becomes a personal companion of the Lord."

Text 284

pädme çré-kåñëa-satyabhämä-samvädéya-kärttika-mähätmye çré-
påthu-närada-samaväde çré-bhagavad-uktau 
nähaà vasämi vaikuëöhe
na yogi-hådayeñu vä
mad-bhaktä yatra gäyanti
tatra tiñöhämi närada
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; çré-kåñëa-satyabhämä-samvädéya-in a conversation of Kåñëa and Satyabhämä; kärttika-mähätmye-in the Karttika-mahatmya; çré-påthu-närada-samaväde-in a conversation of Påthu and Narada; çré-bhagavad-uktau-in the words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; na-not; aham-I; vasämi-reside; vaikuëöhe-in Vaikuëöha; na-not; yogi-hådayeñu-in the hearts of the yogis; vä-or; mad-bhakta-My devotees; yatra-where; gäyanti-sing; tatra-there; tiñöhämi-I stay; närada-O Narada.

In the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Kåñëa and 
Satyabhämä, in the Kärttika-mähätmya, in a conversation of Påthu 
and Närada, the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"O Närada, I am not in Vaikuëöha, nor in the 
hearts of the yogés. I remain where My devotees engage in 
glorifying My activities.*

Text 285

teñäà püjädikaà gandha-
padyädyaiù kriyate naraiù
tena prétià paräà yämi
na tathä mat-püjanät
teñäm-of them; püjä-worship; ädikaàbeginning eith; gandha-fragrance; padya-padya; ädyaiù-beginning eith; kriyate-is done; naraiù-by people;; tena-by that; prétim-pleasure; paräm-great; yämi-I attain; na-not; tathä-so; mat-püjanät-from worshiping Me.

"When the people, with fragrances, padya, and other 
things, worship My devotees, who are always singing My 
glories, I become very pleased. I am not pleased in the same way 
when the people worship Me directly."

Text 286

ata evoktaà 
karmaëy aupayikatvena
brähmaëo 'nya iti småtaù
kärikäyäm ataù proktaà
vipro gétai ramed iti
ata eva-therfore; uktam-said; karmaëi-in action; aupayikatvena-by the method; brähmaëaù-a brähmaëa; anya-another; iti-thus; småtaù-considered; kärikäyäm-in verses; ataù-then; proktam-said; vipraù-a brähmaëa; gétai-with songs; ramet-enjoys; iti-thus.

It is also said:
"Whether a person is a brähmaëa or is not a brähmaëa is determined by his actions. The scriptures declare that a brähmaëa is very happy to sing the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead."

Text 287

atha nåtyasya mähätmyam
dvärakä-mähätmye tatraiva 
yo nåtyati prahåñöätmä
bhävair bahu-su-bhaktitaù
sa nirdahati päpäni
janmäntara-çateñv api
atha-now; nåtyasya-of dancing; mähätmyam-the glories; dvärakä-mähätmye-in the Dvärakä-mähätmya; tatra-there; eva-indeed; yaù-a person who; nåtyati-dances; prahåñöätmä-happy at heart; bhävaiù-with love; bahu-su-bhaktitaù-with great devotion; sa-he; nirdahati-burns; päpäni-sins; janmäntara-çateñv-in a hundred births; api-even.

The Glory of Dancing
In the Dvärakä-mähätmya it is said:
"A person who with a happy heart and with great love and devotion, dances to please the Lord burns to ashes the sins of a hundred births." 

Text 288

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye 
bahudhotsäryate harñäd
viñëu-bhaktasya nåtyataù
padbhyäà bhümer diço 'kñibhyäà
dorbhyäà vämäìgalaà divaù
hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya; bahudhä-greatly; utsäryate-expelled; harñät-by happiness; viñëu-of Lord Viñëu; bhaktasya-of a devotee; nåtyataù-dancing; padbhyäm-with feet; bhümeù-of the earth; diçaù-the directions; 
akñibhyäm-with eyes; dorbhyäm-with arms; vä-or; 
amaìgalam-inauspiciousness; divaù-to heaven.

In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said:
"Striking the ground, the feet of a blissfully dancing devotee of Lord Viñëu chase away all inauspiciousness.  So also do his moving arms and eyes turning to every direction."

Text 289

värähe 
yaç ca nåtyati su-çroëi
puräëoktaà samäsataù
triàçad-varña-sahasräëi
triàçad-varña-çatäni ca 
puñkara-dvépam äsädya 
modate vai yadåcchayä
värähe-in the Varäha Puräëa; yaù-who; ca-and; nåtyati-dances; su-çroëi-O girl with the beautioful thighs; puräëa-in the Puräëas; uktam-said; samäsataù-completely; triàçad-varña-sahasräëi-30,000 years; triàçad-varña-çatäni-3,000 years; ca-and; puñkara-dvépam-to Puñkara-dvépa; äsädya-attaining; modate-enjoys; vai-indeed; yadåcchayä-spontaneously.

In the Varäha Puräëa the Supreme Personality of Godhead 
explains:
"O girl with the beautiful thighs, in the Puräëas it is said that a person who dances to please Me goes to Puñkara-dvépa, where he enjoys as he likes for 33,000 years."

Text 290

puñkaräc ca paribhrañöaù
svacchanda-gamanälayaù
phalam äpnoti su-çroëi
mama karma-paräyaëaù
puñkarät-from Puskara; ca-and; paribhrañöaù-fallen; svacchanda-gamanälayaù-free to go anywhere he wishes; phalam-result; äpnoti-attains; su-çroëi-O girlw ith the beautiful thiughs; mama-of Me; karma-paräyaëaù-devoted to work.

"When he finally falls from Puñkara-dvépa, he is 
free to go wherever he wishes. O girl with the beautiful thighs, 
that is the great benefit attained by My devoted servant."

Text 291

viñëu-dharmottare 
nåtyaà dattvä tathäpnoti
rudralokam asaàçayam
svayaà nåtyena sampüjya
tasyaivänucaro bhavet
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; nåtyam-dancing; dattvä-giving; tathä-so; äpnoti-attains; rudralokam-Rudraloka; asaàçayam-without doubt; svayam-personally; nåtyena-by dancing; sampüjya-worshiping; tasya-of him; eva-indeed; anucaraù-a follower; bhavet-becomes.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A person who dances to please the Lord goes to Rudraloka. Of this there is no doubt. A person who with his dancing worships the Lord becomes a personal associate of the Lord." 

Text 292

anyatra çré-näradoktau 
nåtyatäà çré-pater agre
tälikä-vädanair bhåçam
uòòéyante çaréra-sthäù
sarve pätaka-pakñiëaù
anyatra-in another place; çré-närada-of Narada Muni; uktau-in the words; nåtyatäm-dancing; çré-pateù-of the master of the goddess of fortune; agre-in the presence; tälikä-vädanaiù-with rhytm and music; bhåçam-greatly; uòòéyante-fly away; çaréra-sthäù-in the body; sarve-all; pätaka-of sins; pakñiëaù-the birds.

In another scripture Närada Muni explains:
"When musé plays, drums sound, and the devotees dance before the Supreme Personality of Godhead, all the birds of past sins fly far away."

Text 293

atha vädyasya mähätmyam
saìgéta-çästre 
véëä-vädana-tattva-jïaù
çruti-jäti-viçäradaù
tälajïaç cäprayäsena
mokña-märgaà niyacchati
atha-now; vädyasya-of music; mähätmyam-the glory; saìgéta-çästre-In the Saìgéta-çästra; véëä-vädana-tattva-j.sy 241aù-expert at playing the vina; çruti-jäti-viçäradaù-expert in music; tälajïaù-expert in rhythm; ca-and; aprayäsena-easily; mokña-märgam-the path of liberation; niyacchati-gives.

The Glory of Instrumental Music
In the Saìgéta-çästra it is said:
"A véëa player expert in melody and rhythm who glorifies the Lord with musé easily walks on the path to liberation." 

Text 294

viñëu-dharmottare 
vädyaà dattvä tathä vipraù
çakralokam aväpnuyät
svayaà vädyena sampüjya
tasyaivänucaro bhavet
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; vädyam-music; dattvä-giving; tathä-so; vipraù-dear; çakralokam-to Indraloka; aväpnuyät-attains; svayam-personally; vädyena-with music; sampüjya-worshiping; tasya-of him; eva-indeed; anucaraù-a follower; bhavet-becomes.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A brähmaëa who glorifies the Lord with musé goes to Indraloka. A person who worships the Lord with musé becomes a personal associate of the Lord.

Text 295

vädyänäm api devasya
tantré-vädyaà sadä priyam
tena sampüjya varadaà.
gäëapatyam aväpnuyät
vädyänäm-of music; api-and; devasya-of the Lord; tantré-vädyam-musé of string isntruments; sadä-always; priyam-dear; tena-by that; sampüjya-worshiping; varadam-the giver of boons; gäëapatyam-Gaëeçaloka; aväpnuyät-attains.

"The Lord is especially fond of the musé of string 
instruments. A person who worships the Lord with the musé of a 
string instrument goes to Gaëeçaloka.

Text 296

ataù çaktau punaù püjä 
çaktaç cet sa-paréväraà
kåñëaà gandhädibhiù punaù
païcopacärair mülena
sampüjyärghyaà samarpayet
ataù-then; çaktau-in the ability; punaù-again; püjä-worship; çaktaù-able; cet-if; sa-paréväram-with associates; kåñëam-Lord Kåñëa; gandhädibhiù-with things beginning with fragrances; punaù-again; païca-five; upacäraiù-with services; mülena-with the root; sampüjya-worshiping; arghyam-arghya; samarpayet-should offer.

Worshiping the Lord According to One's Ability
"If one is able, one should worship Lord Kåñëa and His associates by offering arghya and the five items beginning with sweet fragrances.

Text 297

atha néräjanaà 
tataç ca müla-mantreëa
dattvä puñpäïjali-trayam
mahä-néräjanaà kuryän
mahä-vädya-jaya-svanaiù
atha-now; néräjanam-arati; tataù-then; ca-and; müla-mantreëa-with the mula-mantra; dattvä-giving; puñpäïjali-trayam-three handsful of flowers; mahä-néräjanam-great arati; kuryän-should do; mahä-vädya-jaya-svanaiù-with geat instrumental musé and jaya-mantras.

Arati
After chanting the müla-mantras and offering three handsful of flowers one should offer a great ärati accompanied by great instrumental musé and the chanting of jaya-mantras.

Text 298

prajjvälayet tad-arthaà ca
karpüreëa ghåtena vä
ärätrikaà çubhe patre
viñamäneka-vartikam
prajjvälayet-one should light; tad-artham-for that purpose; 
ca-and; karpüreëa-with camphor; ghåtena-with ghee; vä-or; ärätrikam-arati; çubhe-beautiful; pätre-in a cup; viñama-not an 
even number; aneka-plural; vartikam-with wicks.

During ärati one should offer to the Lord a lamp burning 
with ghee or camphor on an uneven plural number of wicks in a beautiful dish.

Text 299

atha néräjana-mähätmyam- 
skände brahma-närada-samväde 
bahu-vartti-samäyuktaà
jvalantaà keçavopari
kuryäd ärätrikaà yas tu
kalpa-koöià vased divi
atha-now; néräjana-mähätmyam-the glory of arati; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Brahma and Narada; bahu-many; vartti-wicks; samäyuktam-with; jvalantam-burning; keçavopari-o Lord Kåñëa; kuryät-should do; ärätrikam-arai; yaù-one who; tu-indeed; kalpa-koöim-for ten million kalpas; vaset-resides; divi-in Devaloka.

The Glory of Arati
In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada, it is said:
"A person who offers to Lord Keçava a lamp burning with many wicks resides in Devaloka for ten million kalpas.

Text 300

karpüreëa tu yaù kuryäd
bhaktyä keçava-mürdhani
ärätrikaà muni-çreñöha
praviçed viñëum avyayam
karpüreëa-with camphor; tu-indeed; yaù-who; kuryät-does; bhaktyä-withy devotion; keçava-mürdhani-to Lord Kåñëa's head; ärätrikam-lamp; muni-çreñöha-O best of sages; praviçet-enters; viñëum avyayam-the eternal world of Lord Viñëu.

"O best of sages, a person who with devotion offers 
a camphor lamp to Lord Keçava enters the eternal world of Lord 
Viñëu."

Text 301

tatraivänyatra 
déptimantaà sa-karpüraà
karoty ärätrikaà nåpa
kåñëasya vasate loke
sapta kalpäni mänavaù
tatra-there; eva-indeed; anyatra-in another place; déptimantam-shining; sa-karpüram-with camphor; karoti-does; ärätrikam-arati; nåpa-O king; kåñëasya-of Lord Kåñëa; vasate-resides; loke-in the world; sapta-seven; kalpäni-kalpas; mänavaù-person.

In another verse of the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"O king, a person who offers a camphor-lamp to the Lord resides in Lord Kåñëa's realm for seven kalpas."

Text 302

tatraiva çré-çivomä-samväde 
mantra-hénaà kriyä-hénaà
yat kåtaà püjanaà hareù
sarvaà sampürëatäm eti
kåte néräjane çive
tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-çivomä-samväde-in a conversation of Çiva and Umä; mantra-hénam-without mantras; kriyä-hénam-without pious deeds; yat-what; kåtam-done; püjanam-worship; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; sarvam-all; sampürëatäm-perfection; eti-attains; kåte-done; néräjane-arati; çive-O Umä.

In another verse of the Skanda Puräëa, Lord Çiva tells Umä:
"O beautiful one, even if it is performed without the proper mantras or the proper actions, a person who offers ärati to Lord Kåñëa attains all perfection.

Text 303

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye 
kåtvä néräjanaà viñëor
dépävalyä sudåçyayä
tamo-vikäraà jayati
jite tasmiàç ca ko bhavaù
hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya; kåtvä-doing; néräjanam-arati; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; dépävalyä-with many lamps; sudåçyayä-beautiful; tamo-vikäram-darkness; jayati-defeats; jite-defeated; tasmiàù-in that; ca-and; kaù-what?; bhavaù-repeated birth and death.

In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said:
"By offering ärati with many beautiful lamps to Lord Viñëu, a person defeats all darkness. How can the cycle of birth and death survive that defeat?"

Text 304

anyatra ca 
koöayo brahma-hatyänäà
agamyägama-koöayaù
dahaty äloka-mätreëa
viñëoù särätrikaà mukham. iti.
anyatra-in anogther place; ca-and; koöayaù-ten million; brahma-hatyänäm-murders of brähmaëas; agamyägama-koöayaù-ten million adulteries; dahati-burns; äloka-mätreëa-simply by seeing; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; särätrikam-in arati; mukham.-the face; iti-thus.

In another place it is said:
"Simply by seeing Lord Viñëu's face during ärati, a person burns away the sinful reactions of ten million adulteries and ten million brähmaëa murders."

Text 305

yä ca dépasya mähätmyaà 
pürvaà likhitam asti tat
drañöavyaà sarvaträpi
präyeëäbhedato 'nayoù
yat-what; ca-and; dépasya-of a lamp; mähätmyam- -the glory; pürvam-before; likhitam-written; asti-is; tat-that; drañöavyam-should be seen; sarvatra-everywhere; api-also; präyeëa-primarily; abhedataù-because of the lack of difference; anayoù-of the two.

The glories of offering a lamp, glories that have already 
been described in this book, apply in all situations. There is 
not a difference because of different situations.

Text 306

ataù sädaram utthäya
mahä-néräjanaà tö idam
drañöavyaà dépavat sarvair
vandyam ärätrikaà ca yat
ataù-then; sädaram-respectfully; utthäya-rising; mahä-néräjanam-great arati; tv-indeed; idam-this; drañöavyam-should be seen; dépavat-with a lamp; sarvaiù-by all; vandyam-to be worshiped; ärätrikam-offering a lamp; ca-and; yat-what.

The ärati ceremony, where a lamp is offered to the Lord, 
should be seen and honored by all.

Text 307

tad uktaà çré-pulastyena viñëu-dharme 
dhüpaà cärätrikaà paçyet
karäbhyäà ca pravandate
kula-koöià samuddhåtya
yati viñëoù paraà padam
tat-that; uktam-said; çré-pulastyena-by Çré Pulastya Muni; viñëu-dharme-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa; dhüpam-incense; ca-and; ärätrikam-lamp; paçyet-should see; karäbhyäm-with both hands; ca-and; pravandate-should offer obeisances; kula-koöim-ten million relatives; samuddhåtya-delivering; yati-goes; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; param-to the supreme; padam-abode.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Pulastya Muni explains:
"A person who see the ärati ceremony, where incense and a lamp are offered to the Lord, and then bows down with both hands, goes to Lord Viñëu's supreme abode and takes ten million of his kinsmen with him.

Text 308

mülägame ca 
néräjanaà ca yaù paçyed
deva-devasya cakriëaù
sapta janmäni vipraù syäd
ante ca paramaà padam
mülägame-in the Mülägama; ca-and; néräjanam-arati; ca-and; yaù-who; paçyet-sees; deva-devasya-of the master of the demigods; cakriëaù-who holds the cakra; sapta-seven; janmäni-births; vipraù-a brähmaëa; syät-is; ante-atthe end; ca-and; paramam-the supreme; padam-abode.

In the Mülägama it is said:
"A person who sees an ärati ceremony offered to Lord Viñëu, who holds the Sudarçana-cakra and who is the master of the demigods, becomes a brähmaëa for seven births, and at the end goes to the Lord's supreme abode."

Text 309

atha çaìkhädi-vadana-mähätmyaà 
brhan-näradéya çré-yama-bhagératha-samväde 
keçaväyatane räjan
kurvan çaìkha-ravaà naraù
sarva-päpa-vinirmukto
brahmaëä saha modate
atha-now; çaìkhädi-vadana-mähätmyam-     The Glories of Sounding the Conchshell and Other Musical Instruments; brhan-näradéya'in the Narada Puräëa; çré-yama-pf Çré  yama; bhagératha-and King Bhagiratha; samväde-in a conversation; keçaväyatane-in the temple of Lord Kåñëa; räjan-O king; kurvän-doing; çaìkha-ravam-the sound of a conchshell; naraù-a person; sarva-päpa-vinirmuktaù-free of all sins; brahmaëä-with Brahma; saha'with; modate-enjoys.

The Glories of Sounding the Conchshell and Other Musical 
Instruments
"O king, a person who sounds a conchshell in Lord Keçava's temple becomes free of all sins. He goes to Brahmaloka where he enjoys with Lord Brahmä."

Text 310

kara-çabdaà prakurvanti
keçaväyataneñu ye
te sarve päpa-nirmuktä
vimäneçä yuga-dvayam
kara-çabdam-clapping the hands;; prakurvanti-do; keçaväyataneñu-in Lord Kåñëa's temple; ye-who; te-they; sarve-all; päpa-sins; nirmuktä-freed; vimäneçä-the masters of airplanes; yuga-dvayam-for two yugas.

"They who clap their hands in Lord Keçava's temple 
become free from all sins. For two yugas they travel in their own 
celestial airplanes.

Text 311

tälädi-kaàsya-ninadaà
kurvan viñëu-gåhe naraù
yat phalaà labhate räjan
çåëuñöa gadato mama
tälädi-kaàsya-ninadam-the sound of karatalas; kurvan-making; viñëu-gåhe-in Lord Viñëu's house; naraù-a person; yat-what; phalam-result; labhate-attain; räjan-O king; çåëuñva-please hear; gadataù-speaking; mama-from me.

"O king, please listen and I will tell you the 
benefit attained by a person who plays karatälas in Lord 
Viñëu's temple.

Text 312

sarva-päpa-vinirmukto
vimäna-çata-saìkulaù
géyamänaç ca gandharvair
viñëunä saha modate
sarva-päpa-vinirmuktaù-free of all sins; vimäna-çata-saìkulaù-with a hundred airplanes; géyamänaù-glorified; ca-and; gandharvaiù-by the gandharvas; viñëunä-Lord Viñëu; saha-with; modate-enjoys.

"He becomes free of all sins. Glorified by the 
gandharvas, he leaves this world in a fleet of a hundred 
celestial airplanes. He enjoys with Lord Viñëu.

Text 313

bheré-mådaìga-paöaha-
niçänädyaiç ca òiëòimaiù
santarpya deva-deveçaà
yat phalaà labhate çåëu
bheré-mådaìga-paöaha-bherés, mådaìgas, paöahas; niçäna-nisana; ädyaiù-beginning with; ca-and; òiëòimaiù-with dindimas; santarpya-pleasing; deva-deveçam-the master of the demigods; yat-what; phalam-result; labhate-attains; çåëu-please hear.

"Please hear the benefit attained by a person who 
pleases Lord Viñëu with the musé of bherés, mådaìgas, 
paöahas, niçänas, and òiëòimas. 

Text 314

deva-stré-çata-samyuktaù
sarva-käma-samanvitaù
svargalokam anupräpya
modate païca-kalpakam. iti.
deva-stré-çata-samyuktaù-with a hundred demigoddesses; sarva-käma-samanvitaù-all desires fulfilled; svargalokam-Svargaloka; anupräpya-attaining; modate-enjoys; pa.sy 241ca-kalpakam-for five kalpas; iti-thus.

"He goes to Svargaloka where, surrounded by a 
hundred demigoddesses, and his every desire fulfilled, he enjoys 
for five kalpas.

Text 315

atha sa-jala-çaìkha-néräjanaà 
tataç ca sa-jalaà çaìkhaà
bhagavan-mastakopari
tri-bhrämayitvä kurvéta
punar néräjanaà prabhoù
atha-now; sa-with; jala-water; çaìkha-conchshell; néräjanam-arati; tataù-then; ca-and; sa-jalam-with water; çaìkham-conchshell; bhagavat-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; mastaka-head; upari-abode; tri-bhrämayitvä-circling three times; kurvéta-should do; punaù-again; néräjanam-arati; prabhoù-of the Lord.

Offering a Conchshell Filled With Water
One should offer a conchshell filled with water, circling it three times over the head of the Supreme Lord.

Text 316

tan-mähätmyaà ca 
dvärakä-mähätmye tatraiva 
çaìkhe kåtvä tu pänéyaà
bhrämitaà keçavopari
sannidhau vasate viñëoù
kalpäntaà kñéra-sägare. iti.
tan-mähätmyam-the glory of that; ca-and; dvärakä-mähätmye-in the Dvaraka-mahatmya; tatra-there; eva-indeed; çaìkhe-conchshell; kåtvä-doing; tu-indeed; pänéyam-with water; bhrämitam-circled; keçavopari-over Lord Kåñëa; sannidhau-near; vasate-resides; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; kalpäntam-to the end of the kalpa; kñéra-sägare-in the ocean of milk; iti-thus.

The Glory of Offering a Conchshell Filled With Water
In the Dvärakä-mähätmya it is said:
"A person who before Lord Keçava circles a conchshell filled with water stays with the Lord in the ocean of milk until the end of the kalpa."

Text 317

néräjana-dvayaà caitat
tämbülasyärpaëaà param
kecid icchanti kecé ca
darpaëärpaëataù param
néräjana-dvayam-two aratis; ca-and; etat-this; tämbülasya-of betelnuts; arpaëam-offering; param-supreme; kecit-some; icchanti-desire; kecit-some; ca-and; darpaëärpaëataù-from offering a mirror; param-then.

There are two kinds of ärati. In one betelnuts are offered. 
In another one may prefer to offer a mirror.

Text 318

tathä ca païcarätre 
punar äcamanaà dadyät
karod vartanam eva ca
sa-karpüraà ca tämbülaà
kuryän néräjanaà tathä
tathä-so; ca-and; païcarätre-in the Pa.sy 
241carätra; punaù-again; äcamanam-acamana; dadyät-should offer; 
karot-does; 
vartanam-offering; eva-indeed; ca-and; sa-karpüram-with camphor; 
ca-and; tämbülam-betelnuts; kuryän-should do; néräjanam-arati; 
tathä-so.

In the Païcarätra it is said:
"One should perform the ärati ceremony, offering to the Lord äcamana and betelnuts mixed with camphor. 

Text 319

samarpya mukuöädéni
bhüñaëäni vicakñaëaù
adarçayet tathädarçaà
prakalpya chatra-cämare
samarpya-offering; mukuöa-a crown; ädéni-beginning with; bhüñaëäni-ornaments; vicakñaëaù-an intelligent person; adarçayet-should show; tathä-so; ädarçam-a mirror; prakalpya-arranging; chatra-cämare-a parasol and camara.

"A wise devotee should offer the Lord a crown, many 
ornaments, a parasol, and a cämara. Then the devotee should place 
a mirror there so the Lord may see Himself.

Text 320

gäruòe ca 
atha bhuktavate dattvä
jalaiù karpüra-väsitaiù
äcamanam- ca tämbülaà
candanaiù karamärjanam
gäruòe-in the Garuda Puräëa; ca-and; atha-then; bhuktavate-eaten; dattvä-giving; jalaiù-with water; karpüra-väsitaiù'scented with camphor; äcamanam-acamana; ca-and; tämbülam-betelnuts; candanaiù-with sandal; karamärjanam-water for washing the hands.

In the Garuòa Puräëa it is said:
"When the Lord has finished His meal, the devotee should offer Him äcamana water scented with camphor so the Lord may rinse His mouth. Then the devotee should offer betelnuts, and then water scented with sandal paste so the Lord may wash His hands."

Text 321

puñpäïjalià tataù kåtvä
bhaktyädarçaà pradarçayet
néräjanaà punaù käryaà
karpüraà vibhave sati
puñpäïjalim-a handful of flowers; tataù-then; kåtvä-doing; bhaktyä-with devotion; ädarçam-a mirror; pradarçayet-should show; néräjanam-arati; punaù-again; karyam-to be done; karpüram-camphor; vibhave-O glorious one; sati-O saintly girl.

"O glorious and saintly girl, then the devotee 
should with devotion offer a handful of flowers, a mirror, and 
again camphor."

Text 322

ata eva väyu-puraëe 
ärätrikaà tu niùsnehaà
niùsnehayati devatäm
ataù saàçamayitvaiva
punaù püjanam äcaret
ata eva-therefore; väyu-puraëe-in the Vayu Puräëa; ärätrikam-arati; tu-indeed; niùsneham-without ghee of roil; niùsnehayati-causing to not love of be merciful; devatäm-the Lord; ataù-then; saàçamayitvä-extinguishing; eva-indeed; punaù-again; püjanam-worship; äcaret-should do.

In the Väyu Puräëa it is said:
"If a devotee offers the Lord a lamp that has neither ghee nor oil in it, the devotee will not earn the Lord's love and mercy. If the lamp becomes extinguished, the worship should be done again."

Text 323

ata eva dvärakä-mähätmye 
tatraiva kåtvä püjädikaà sarvaà
jvalantaà kåñëa-murdhani
ärätrikaà prakurväëo
modate kåñëa-sannidhau. iti.
ata eva-therefore; dvärakä-mähätmye-In the Dvärakä-mähätmya; tatra-there; eva-indeed; kåtvä-doing; püjädikam-beginning with worship; sarvam-all; jvalantam-shining; kåñëa-murdhani-at Lord Kåñëa's head; ärätrikam-lamp; prakurväëaù-doing; modate-enjoys; kåñëa-sannidhau-in the company of Lord Kåñëa; iti-thus.

In the Dvärakä-mähätmya it is said:
"A person who offers a shining lamp, placing it before Lord Kåñëa's face, enjoys in Lord Kåñëa's company."

Text 324

kecin néräjanät paçcäd
icchanti praëatià tataù
pradakñiëaà tataù stotraà
géta-nåtyädikaà tataù
kecit-some; néräjanät-arati; paçcät-after; icchanti-desire; praëatim-bowing down; tataù-then; pradakñiëam-circumambulation; 
tataù-then; stotram-prayers; géta-nåtyädikam-beginning with singing 
and dancing; tataù-then.

When the ärati is completed, some devotees wish to offer 
obeisances, then circumambulate, then recite prayers, and then 
glorify the Lord with singing, dancing, and other activities.

Text 325

evaà bhagavataù sva-sva-
sampradäyänusärataù
pravartante prabhor bhaktau
bhaktyä sarvaà hi çobhanam
evam-thus; bhagavataù-of the Lord; sva-sva-pwn; sampradäya-sampradaya; anusärataù-following; pravartante-do; prabhoù-of the Lord; bhaktau-in devotion; bhaktyä-with devotion; sarvam-all; hi-indeed; çobhanam-glorious.

Each following his own sampradäya, the devotees engage in 
devotional service to the Lord in different ways. All these 
services are glorious.

Text 326

tato nékñipya devasyo-
pari puñpäïjali-trayam
vicitrair madhuraiù stotraiù
stutià kurvéta bhaktimän
tataù-then; nékñipya-offering; devasya-of the Lord; upari-above; puñpa-of flowers; aïjali-handsful; trayam-three; vicitraiù-wonderful; madhuraiù-sweet; stotraiù-with prayers; stutim-prayers; kurvéta-should do; bhaktimän-devotee.

Then the devotee should offer three handsful of flowers to 
the Lord, and then he should glorify the Lord with many sweet and 
wonderful prayers.

Text 327

atha stuti-vidhiù 
mahäbhärate 
ärirädhäyiñuù kåñëaà
väcaà jigädisämi yam
tayä vyäsa-samäsinyä
préyatäà madhusüdanaù. iti.
atha-now; stuti-vidhiù-offering prayers; mahäbhärate-in the Mahabharata; ärirädhäyiñuù-desiring to worship; kåñëam-Lord Kåñëa; väcam-words; jigädisämi-I desire to speak; yam-which; tayä-by that; vyäsa-elaborate; samäsinyä-concise; préyatäm-may be pleased; madhusüdanaù-Lord Kåñëa; iti-thus.

Offering Prayers to the Lord
In the Mahäbhärata it is said:
"I desire to worship the Lord with my words. I pray that Lord Kåñëa will be pleased with these prayers, where much is said with few words."

Text 328

ärambhe ca stuter etaà
çlokaà stuti-paraù paöhet
satyäà tasyäà samäptau ca
çlokaà saìkértayed imam
ärambhe-in the beginning; ca-and; stuteù-of the prayers; etam-this; çlokam-verse; stuti-paraù-devoted to offering prayers; paöhet'should recite; satyäm-truth; tasyäm-in this; samäptau-in the conclusion; ca-and; çlokam-verse; saìkértayet-should recite; imam-this.

A devotee who wishes to offer prayers should begin his 
prayers with this verse. At the end of his prayers he should 
recite the following verse:

Text 329

iti vidyä-tapo-yonir
ayonir viñëur éritaù
väg-yajïenärcito devaù
préyatäà me janärdanaù
iti-thus; vidyä-of knowledge; tapaù-and austerity; yoniù-the place of birth; ayoniù-who has no birth; viñëuù-Lord Viñëu; éritaù-is glorified; väk-of words; yajïena-by the yajna; arcitaù-worshiped; devaù-the Lord; préyatäm-may be pleased; me-with me; janärdanaù-who rescues His devotees from grief.

"With these words I have glorified Lord Viñëu, 
who, although He never takes birth, is the parent from whom 
knowledge and austerity are born. I pray that Lord Viñëu, who 
has been worshiped with the yajïa of these words, and who 
rescues His devotees from distress, will be pleased with me."

Text 330

atha stoträëi
pürva-täpané-çrutiñu
oà namo viçva-rüpäya
viçva-sthity-anta-hetave
viçveçvaräya viçväya
govindäya namo namaù
atha-now; stoträëi-prayers; pürva-täpané-çrutiñu-in 
Gopala-tapani Upanisad; om namaù-I offer my respectful 
obeisances; viçva-within the universe; rüpäya-beauty 
and glory; viçva-of the universe; 
sthiti-maintenance; anta-anihillation; 
hetave-cause; viçva-of the universe; éçvaräya-the 
supreme controller; viçväya-the universe; 
govindäya-unto Lord Govinda; namaù namaù-I repeatedly offer 
my respectful obeisances.

Prayers
In Çré Gopäla-täpané Upaniñad the following prayers are given:
"Om- namaù. To Lord Govinda, who is the form of the universe, the creator, maintainer, and destroyer of the universe, the master of the universe, and the universe itself, I offer my respectful obeisances.

Text 331

namo vijïäna-rüpäya
paramänanda-rüpiëe
kåñëäya gopénäthäya
govindäya namo manaù
namaù-I offer my respectful obeisances; vij.sy 241äna-of transcendental knowledge; rüpäya-the form; parama-supreme; änanda-bliss; rüpiëe-form; kåñëäya-unto Lord Kåñëa; gopénäthäya-unto the master of the gopés; govindäya-the Lord who pleases the cows, land and senses; namaù-namaù-I repeatedly offer my respectful obeisances. 

"Obeisances to Lord Govinda, whose form is full of knowledge, 
whose form is full of supreme bliss, who is all-attractive, and 
who is the master of the gopés.

Text 332

namaù kamala-neträya
namaù kamala-mäline
namaù kamala-näbhäya
kamalä-pataye namaù
namaù-obeisances; kamala-lotus; neträya-eyes; namaù' obeisances; kamala-of lotuses; mäline-wearing a garland; namaù-obeisances; kamala-lotus; näbhäya-navel; kamalä-of the gopés; pataye-the master; namaù-obeisances. 

"Obeisances to Him, His eyes lotus flowers. Obeisances to 
Him, garlanded with lotuses. Obeisances to Him, His navel a 
lotus. Obeisances to Him, the husband of the goddesses of fortune.

Text 333

barhäpéòäbhiramäya
ràäyäkuëöha-medhase
ramä-mänasa-haàsäya
govindäya namo namaù
barha-äpéòa-whose crown is decorated with a peacock feather; abhirämäya-very beautiful; rämäya-who also appears as Lord Balaräma; akuëöha-very sharp; medhase-with intelligence; ramä-of Çrématé Rädhäräëé; mänasa-in the mänasa lake of the thoughts; haàsäya-the swan; govindäya-unto Lord Govinda; namaù namaù-I repeatedly offer my respectful obeisances.

"Obeisances to Lord Govinda, handsome with a peacock-feather 
crown, identical with Balaräma, His intelligence sharp, and He 
the swan in the Mänasa lake of the goddess of fortune's thoughts.

Text 334

kaàsa-vaàça-vinäçäya
keçi-cäëüra-ghätine
våçabhadhvaja-vandyäya
pärtha-särathaye namaù
käàsa-vaàça-Kaàsa and all His messengers; 
vinäçäya-killing; kesi-Kesi; cäëüra-and Cäëüra; 
ghätine' killing; våçabhadhvaja-by Lord Çiva; 
vandyäya-worshiped and glorified; pärtha-of Arjuna; 
särathaye-the chariot driver; namaù-I offer my respectful 
obeisances.

"Obeisances to Him, the death of Kaàsa and his allies, the 
killer of Keçé and Cäëüra, the object of worship for Çiva, and 
the chariot-driver of Arjuna.

Text 335

veëu-vädana-çéläya
gopäläyähi-mardine
kälindé-küla-loläya
lola-kuëòala-valgave
veëu-vädana-çéläya-expert at playing the flute; 
gopäläya-cowherd boy; ahi-the Käliya serpent; 
mardine-defeating; kälindé-of the Yamuna river; 
küla-on the shore; loläya-moving; lola-moving; 
kuëòala-earrings; valgave' beautiful.

"Obeisances to Him, the cowherd boy fond of playing the 
flute, the crusher of Käliya, the person who walks on the 
Yamunä's shore and whose earrings gracefully swing to and fro.

Text 336

ballavé-nayanämbhoja-
mäline nåtya-çäline
namaù praëata-päläya
çré-kåñëäya namo namaù
ballavé-of the gopés; nayana-of the eyes; ambhoja' of lotus flowers; mäline-garlanded; nåtya-çäline-fond of dancing; namaù-I offer my respectful obeisances; praëata-of the surrendered souls; päläya-unto the protector; çré-kåñëäya-unto Lord Kåñëa; namaù namaù-I repeatedly offer my respectful obeisances.

"Obeisances to Çré Kåñëa, the protector of the surrendered 
souls. Obeisances to Him, the expert dancer garlanded with the 
gopés' lotus glances.

Text 337

namaù päpa-pranäçäya
govardhana-dharäya ca
pütanä-jévitäntäya
tåëävartäsu-häriëe
namaù-I offer my respectful obeisances; päpa-of sins; pranäçäya-to the dwstroyer; govardhana-of Govardhana Hill; dharäya-to the lifter; ca-also; pütanä-of Pütanä; jévita-the life; 
antäya-ending; tåëävarta-of Tåëävarta; asu-the 
life; häriëe-removing.

"Obeisances to Him, the death of sin, the lifter of 
Govardhana Hill, the end of Pütanä's life, the thief of 
Tåëävarta's life.

Text 338

niñkaläya vimohäya
çuddhäyäçuddhi-vairiëe
advitéyäya mahate
çré-kåñëäya namo namaù
niçkaläya-decorated with golden necklace (or beyond the spell of the material energy, vimohäya-who rescues the devotees from material illusion; çuddhäya-pure; açuddhi-vairiëe' enemy of the impure; advitéyäya-without a second; 
mahate-full of all powers and opulences; çré-kåñëäya-unto 
Lord Kåñëa; namaù namaù-I repeatedly offer my respectful 
obeisances.

"Obeisances to Çré Kåñëa, decorated with a golden 
necklace, charming, pure, the enemy of impurity, one without a second, the 
greatest.

Text 339

praséda paramänanda
praséda parameçvara
ädhi-vyädhi-bhujaìgena
dañöaà mäm uddhara prabho
praséda-please be merciful; parama-supreme; 
änanda' bliss; praséda-please be merciful; 
parama-supreme; éçvara-O controller; ädhi-mental 
suffering; vyädhi-physical suffering; bhujaìgenea-by 
the snake; dañöam-bitten; mäm-me; 
uddhara-please rescue; prabhaù-O Lord.

"Be kind, O blissful one. Be kind, O Supreme Lord. O Lord, 
please rescue me, who am bitten by the snake of physical and mental 
pain.

Text 340

çré-kåñëa rukmiëé-känta
gopéjana-manohara
saàsära-sägare magnaà
mäm uddhara jagad-guro
çré-kåñëa-O Kåñëa; rukmiëé-of Rukmini; känta-O 
husband; gopéjana-of the gopés; manaù-the minds; hara' enchanting; saàsära-of birth and death in material 
existance; sägare-in the ocean; magnam-drowing; mam-me; uddhara-please rescue; jagat-of the 
universe; guraù-O master.

"O Kåñëa, O husband of Rukmiëé, O enchanter of the gopés, O 
master of the universe, please rescue me, drowning in the ocean 
of repeated birth and death.

Text 341

keçava kleça-haraëa
näräyaëa janärdana
govinda paramänanda
mäà samuddhara mädhava
keçava-O father of Brahma' and Çiva; kleça-of distress; haraëa-O remover; näräyaëa-O resting place of all living beings; janärdana-O LOrd who fulfills the desires of the distressed conditioned souls; govinda-O Pleaser of the cows, land, and senses; parama-O supreme; änanda-bliss; mäm-me; 
samuddhara-please rescue; mädhava-O lover of Çrématé 
Rädhäräëé.

"O Keçava, O Näräyaëa, O Govinda, O Janärdana, O source 
of all transcendental bliss, O Lord who rescues the devotees from 
distress, O Mädhava, please rescue me."

Text 342

viçeñataù kali-käle stoträëi 
ekädaça-skandhe 
dhyeyam- sadä paribhaväghnam abhiñöa-dohaà
térthäspadaà çiva-viriïci-nutaà çaraëyam
bhåtyärti-haà praëata-päla bhaväbdhi-potaà
vande mahä-puruña te caraëäravindam
viçeñataù-specifically; kali-käle-in the time of Kali; stoträëi-prayers; ekädaça-skandhe-in the eleventh canto; dhyeyam-fit to be meditated upon; sadä-always; paribhava-the insults of masterial existence; ghnam-which destroy; abhiñöa-the true desire of the soul; doham-which amply reward; tértha-of all the holy places and hreat saintly personalities; aspadam-the abode; çiva-viriïci-by the greatest of the demigods, Lord Çiva and Brahmä; nutam-which are bowed down to; çaraëyam-most woprthy of taking shelter of; bhåtya-of Your servants; ärti-ham-which relieve the distress; praëata-päla-O protector of all who simply offer respects to You; bhaväbdhi-of the ocean of birth and death; potam-which are a suitable boat (for crossing); vande-I offer my homage; mahä-puruña-O Lord Mahäprabhu; te-to Your; caraëäravindam-lotus feet.

Prayers Specifically Suitable for the Kali-yuga
In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (11.5.33 and 34, the following prayers are given:
"We offer our respectful obeisances unto the lotus 
feet of Him, the Lord, upon whom we should always meditate. He 
destroys insults to His devotees. He removes the distresses of 
His devotees and satisfies their desires. He, the abode of all 
holy places and the shelter of all sages, is worshipable by Lord 
Çiva and Lord Brahmä. He is the boat of the demigods for crossing 
the ocean of birth and death.*

Text 343

tyaktvä su-dustyaja-surepsita-räjya-lakñméà
dharmiñöha ärya-vacasä yad-agädarapyam
mäyä-mågaà dayitepsitam anvadhävad
vande mahä-puruña te caraëäravindam
tyaktvä-abandoning; su-dustyaja-most difficult ot give up; sura-épsita-anxiously desired by the demigods; räjya-lakñmém-the goddess of fortune and her opulence; dharmiñöha-most perfectly fixed in religiousness; ärya-vacasä-according to the words of a brähmaëa (who had cursed Him to be deprived of all the happiness of family life); yat-He who; agät-went; araëyam-to the forest (taking to the renounced order of life); mäyä-mågam-the conditioned soul who is always searching out illusory enjoyment; dayitayä-out of sheer mercy; épsitam-His desired object; anvadhävat-running after; vande-I offer my homage; mahä-puruña-O Lord Mahäprabhu; te-to Your; caraëäravindam-lotus feet.

"We offer our respectful obeisances unto the lotus 
feet of the Lord, upon whom one should always meditate. He left 
His householder life, leaving aside His eternal consort, whom 
even the denizens of heaven adore. He went into the forest to 
deliver the fallen souls, who are put into illusion by material 
energy."*

Text 344

vaidikänédåçäny eva
kåñëe pauräëikäny api
tantrikäni ca çästräëi
stoträëy abhinaväny api
vaidikäni-Vedic; édåçäni-like this; eva-indeed; kåñëe-to Lord Kåñëa; pauräëikäni-Puranic; api-also; tantrikäni-Tantric; ca-and; çästräëi-scriptures; stoträëi-prayers; abhinaväni-new; api-also.

In this way there are many prayers to Lord Kåñëa, prayers 
from the Vedas, Puräëas, Tantras, and recent authors also.

Text 345

viñëu-dharmottare haàsa-gétäyäm 
abhrañöa-lakñaëaiù kåtvä
svayaà viracitäkñaraiù
stavaà brähmaëa-çardüläs
tasmät kämän aväpnuyät
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; haàsa-gétäyäm-in the Hamsa-gita; abhrañöa-not fallen; lakñaëaiù-nature; kåtvä-doing; svayam-personally; viracita-created; akñaraiù-with words; stavam-prayers; brähmaëa-çardüläù-O tigers of the sages; tasmät-from that; kämän-desires; aväpnuyät-attain.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Haàsa-gétä, it is 
said:
"O tigers of the brähmaëas, they who compose eloquent prayers glorifying Lord Kåñëa attain what they desire."

Text 346

stuti-mähätmyaà 
viñëu-dharme 
sarva-deveñu yat puëyaà
sarva-desveñu yat phalam
naras tat phalam äpnoti
stutvä devaà janärdanam
stuti-mähätmyam-the Glories of Offering Prayers; viñëu-dharme-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa; sarva-deveñu-to all the demigods; yat'what; puëyam-piety; sarva-all; desveñu-the demigods; yat-what; phalam-result; naraù-a person; tat-that; phalam-result; äpnoti-attains; stutvä-praying; devam-to Lord; janärdanam-Kåñëa.

The Glories of Offering Prayers
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa it is said:
"By reciting prayers glorifying to Lord Kåñëa one attains the pious result of praying to all the demigods."

Text 347

viñëu-dharmottare 
na vitta-däna-nicayair
bähubhir madhusüdanaù
tathä toñam aväpnoti
yathä stotrair dvijottamäù
viñëu-dharmottare-Ti    In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said; na-not; vitta-däna-nicayaiù-by giving great wealth in charity; bähubhiù-many; madhusüdanaù-Lord Kåñëa; tathä-so; toñam-satisfaction; aväpnoti-attains; yathä-as; stotraiù-with prayers; dvijottamäù-O best of brähmaëas.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"O best of brähmaëa, Lord Kåñëa is not as pleased with very generous charity as he is with hearing eloquent prayers."

Text 348

närasiàhe 
stotrair japaiç ca devägre
yaù stauti madhusüdanam
sarva-päpa-vinirmukto
viñëulokam aväpnuyät
närasiàhe-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa; stotraiù-with prayers; japaiù-with japa; ca-and; devägre-in ther Lord's presence; yaù-one who; stauti-offers prayers; madhusüdanam-to Lord Kåñëa; sarva-päpa-vinirmuktaù-free from all sins; viñëulokam-Viñëuloka; aväpnuyät-attains.

In the Nåsiàha Puräëa it is said:
"A person who chants japa and recites prayers before Lord Hari becomes free of all sins and goes to Viñëuloka."

Text 349

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye 
stuvann ameya-mähätmyaà
bhakti-granthi-taramya-väk
bhaved brahmädi-durlabhya-
prabhu-käruëya-bhäjanam

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya; 
stuvann-praying; ameya-mähätmyam-limitless glories; bhakti-of 
devotion; granthi-taramya-väk-with eloquent words; bhavet-may be; 
brahmädi-by Brahma and the other demigods; durlabhya-difficult to 
attain; prabhu-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; käruëya-of 
mercy; bhäjanam-the object.

In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said:
"A person who with eloquent words praises the limitless glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead attains the Lord's mercy, which even Brahma' and the demigods find difficult to attain.

Text 350

yathä narasya stuvato
bälakasyeva tuñyati
mugdha-väkyair na hi tathä
vibudhänäà jagat-pitä
yathä-as; narasya-of a person; stuvataù-offering prayers; bälakasya-of a child; iva-like; tuñyati-is pleased; mugdha-väkyaiù-with charming and bewildered words; na-not; hi-indeed; tathä-so; vibudhänäm-of the intelligent demigods; jagat-pitä-teh father of the universe.

"When Lord Kåñëa, the father of the universes, hears 
the prayers of a sincere devotee, he is pleased as a father is 
pleased to hear the broken words of his small son. The Lord is 
not as pleased when he hears the elegant prayers of the very 
intelligent demigods.

Text 351

abalaà prabhur épsitonnatià
kåta-yatnaà sva-yasaù-stave ghåëé
svayam uddharati stanärthinaà
pada-lagnaà jananéva bälakam
abalam-weak; prabhuù-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; épsita-desired; unnatim-great; kåta-yatnam-with a great effort; sva-yasaù-stave-in prayers glorifying the Lord; ghåëé-compassionate; svayam-personally; uddharati-picks up; stanärthinam-eager for the breast; pada-lagnam-grasping the foot; janané-a mother; iva-like; bälakam-an infant.

"When, wishing to drink from her breast, an infant 
son clutches his mother's foot, the kind mother picks him up. 
In the same way when a sincere devotee, although not expert with 
words, yearns to speak many words of praise, the Supreme Lord 
picks him up."

Text 352

skände amåta-säroddhäre 
çré-kåñëa-stava-ratnaughair
yeñäà jihvä tö alaìkåtä
namasyä muni-siddhänäà
vandanéyä divaukasäm
skände amåta-säroddhare-in the Skanda Puräëa, Amåta-säroddhära; çré-kåñëa-stava-ratnaughaiù-with many jewels of prayers to Lord Kåñëa; yeñäm-of whom; jihvä-the tongue; tv-indeed; alaìkåtä-ddecorated; namasyä-obeisdances; muni-siddhänäm-of the sages and perfect saints; vandanéyä-to be offered obeisances; divaukasäm-of the residents of the higher planets.

In the Skanda Puräëa, Amåta-säroddhära, it is said: 
"They whose tongues are decorated with jewel prayers glorifying Lord Kåñëa are praised by the residents of Devaloka.  The great munis and siddhas bow down before them."

Text 353

tatraiva kärttika-mähätmye çré-brahma-närada-samväde 
stoträëäà paramaà stotraà
viñëor näma-sahasrakam
hitvä stotra-sahasräëi
paöhanéyaà mahä-mune
tatra-there; eva-indeed; kärttika-mähätmye-in the Kärttika-mähätmya; çré-brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Çré Brahma and Çré Narada; stoträëäm-of prayers; paramam-supreme; stotram-prayer; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; näma-sahasrakam-thousand names; hitvä-offering; stotra-of prayers; sahasräëi-thousands; paöhanéyam-to be recited; mahä-mune-O great sage.

In the Skanda Puräëa, Kärttika-mähätmya, Çré Brahmä tells 
Çré Närada:
"Of all prayers the thousand names of Lord Viñëu is the best. O great sage, put aside the other prayers and recite the Lord's thousand names.

Text 354

tenaikena muni-çreñöha
paöhitena sadä hariù
prétim äyati deveço
yuga-koöi-çatäni ca. iti.
tena-by this; ekena-one; muni-çreñöha-O best of sages; paöhitena-recited; sadä-always; hariù-Lord Hari; prétim-pleasure; äyati-attains; deveçaù-the master of the dmeigods; yuga-koöi-çatäni-hundreds and millions of yugas; ca-and; iti-thus.

"When a person once recites these thousand names, 
Lord Hari, the master of the demigods becomes very pleased. That 
pleasure stays with Him for hundreds and millions of yugas."

Text 355

snäne yat stotra-mähätmyaà
likhitaà lekhyam agrataù
yä ca kértana-mähätmyaà
sarvaà jïeyam ihäpi tat
snäne-in bathing; yat-what; stotra-mähätmyam-glorification ofm prayers; likhitam-written; lekhyam-to be written; agrataù-in the presence; yac-ehat; ca-and; kértana-mähätmyam-the glory of praises; 
sarvam-all; jïeyam-to be known; iha-here; api-also; 
tat-that.

The glories of chanting this prayer as one bathes 
have already been described in this book. In this place the 
glories of reciting the Lord's thousand names as one offers 
prayers is described.

Text 356

tan-nityatä 
viñëu-dharme 
nünaà tat kaëöha-çälükaà
athavä prati-jihvikä
rogo vänyo na sä jihvä
yä na stauti harer guëän
tan-of that; nityatä-regularity; viñëu-dharme-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa; nünam-indeed; tat-that; kaëöha-çälükam-a tumor in the throat; athavä-or; prati-jihvikä-soft palate; rogaù-disease; vä-or; anyaù-another; na-not; sä-that; jihvä-tongue; yä-which; na-not; stauti-praises; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; guëän-the virtues.

One Should Always Chant the Lord's Glories
In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa it is said:
"A tongue that will not chant Lord Hari's glories will be attacked by a disease."

Text 357

atha vandanaà 
praëamed atha säñöäìgaà
tan-mudräà ca pradarçayet
paöhet prati-praëämaà ca
praséda bhagavann iti
atha-now; vandanam-obeisances; praëamet-one should bow down; atha-now; säñöäìgam-with eight limbs; tan-mudräm-that mudra; ca-and; pradarçayet-should show; paöhet-should recite; prati-praëämam-with every obeisance; ca-and; praséda-be pleased; bhagavann-O Supreme Personality of Godhead; iti-thus.

Bowing Down
One should bow down with all eight parts of the body and also show the appropriate mudrä. Each time one bows down, one should recite, "praséda bhagavan" (O Lord, please be merciful to me!).

Text 358

tad-uktam ekädaçe çré-bhagavatä 
stavair uccävacaiù stotraiù
pauräëaiù präkåtair api
stutvä praséda bhagavann
iti vandeta daëòavat
tat-that; uktam-said; ekädaçe-in the eleventh canto; çré-bhagavatä-by the Supreme Personality of Godhead; stavaiù-with prayers; uccävacaiù-great and small; stotraiù-with prayers; pauräëaiù-from the Puräëas; präkåtaiù-ordinary; api-also; stutvä-praying; praséda-be mericful; bhagavann-O Lord; iti-thus; � vandeta-shoudl bow down; daëòavat-like a stick.

In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (11.27.45), the Supreme Personality of 
Godhead explains:
"The devotee should offer homage to the Lord with 
all kinds of hymns and prayers, both from the Puräëas and other 
ancient scriptures, and also from ordinary traditions. Praying, 
'O Lord, please be merciful to me!' he should fall down flat like 
a rod and offer obeisances."***

Text 359

atha praëäma-vidhiù 
tatraiva 
çiro mat-pädayoù kåtvä
bähubhyäà ca parasparam
präpannaà pähi mäm éça
bhétaà måtyu-grahärëavät
atha-now; praëäma-vidhiù-the way to bow down; tatra-there; eva-indeed; çiraù-head; mat-pädayoù-at My feet; kåtvä-doing; bähubhyäm-with both arms; ca-and; parasparam-together; präpannam-surrendered; pähi-please protecte; mäm-me; éça-O Lord; bhétam-aftraid; måtyu-grahärëavät-of the ocean of death.

The Way to Bow Down
In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (11.27.45), the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"Placing his head at the feet of the Deity, he 
should then stand with folded hands before the Lord and pray, 'O 
my Lord, please protect me, who am surrendered unto You. I am 
most fearful of this ocean of material existence, standing as I 
am in the mouth of death.' "***

Text 360

kià cägame 
dorbhyäà padbhyäà ca jänubhyäà
urasä çirasä dåçä
manasä vacasä ceti
praëämo 'ñöäìga éritaù
kim- ca-furthermore; agame-in the Aagama-sastra; dorbhyäm-with both arms; padbhyäm-with both feet; ca-and; jänubhyäm-with both knees; urasä-with the chest; çirasä-with the head; dåçä-with the eyes; manasä-with the heart; vacasä-with the words; ca-and; iti-thus; praëämaù-bowing down; añöa-eight; aìga-parts of the body; éritaù-said.

In the Agama-çästra it is said:
"One should bow down with both arms, both feet, both knees, the chest, head, eyes, heart, and words. This is called bowing down with eight parts of the body.

Text 361

jänubhyäà caiva bähubhyäà
çirasä vacasä dhiyä
païcäìgakaù praëämaù syät
püjäsu pravaräv imau. iti.
jänubhyäm-with both knees; ca-and; eva-indeed; bähubhyäm-with 
both arms; çirasä-with the head; vacasä-with words; 
dhiyä-intell;igence; pa.sy 
241cäìgakaù-with five parts of the body; praëämaù-bowing down; 
syät-is; püjäsu-in worship; pravaräv-excellent; imau.-these two; 
iti-thus.

"One should bow down with both arms, both knees, the 
head, words, and intelligence. This is called bowing down with 
five parts of the body. These two kinds of bowing down are 
excellent when one worships the Lord."

Text 362

garuòaà dakñiëe kåtvä
kuryät tat-påñöhato budhaù
avaçyaà ca praëämäàs trén
çaktaç ced adhikädhikän
garuòam-garuòa; dakñiëe-on the right; kåtvä-doing; kuryät-should do; tat-påñöhataù-on the back; budhaù-wise; avaçyam-necessarily; ca-and; praëäman-bwoing down; trén-three; çaktaù-able; cet-if; adhika-better; adhikän-better.

A wise devotee should bow down, keeping Garuòa on one's 
right. One should bow down three times. If one is able, he should 
bow down many times.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Garuòa stands facing the Lord, so if Garuòa is at one's 
right, then the Lord is at one's left. One should not bow down 
keeping the Lord at one's right. One also should not bow down directly 
facing the Lord. As one is forbidden to circumambulate only once, 
so also one is forbidden to bow down only once. One should bow 
down three times. If one is able, he should bow down many times: 
siø times, eight times, or 108 times. The more times the better.

Text 363

tathä ca närada-païcarätre 
sandhià vékñya harià cädyaà
gurün sva-gurum eva ca
dvi-catur-viàçad athavä
catur-viàçät tad-ardhakam 
namet tad-ardham athavä 
tad-ardhaà sarvathä namet
tathä-so; ca-and; närada-païcarätre-in the Närada-païcarätra; sandhim-an opportunity; vékñya-seeing; harim-to Lord Hari; ca-and; ädyam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; gurün-to the gurus; sva-gurum-to one's own guru; eva-indeed; ca-and; dvi-twice; catur-viàçat-24; athavä-or; catur-viàçät-24; tad-ardhakam-half of that; namet-should bow down; tad-ardham-half of that; athavä-or; tad-ardham-half of that; sarvathä-in all respects; namet-one should bow down.

In the Närada-païcarätra it is said:
"At an appropriate time one should bow down before the original Supreme Personality of Godhead, the many spiritual masters, and one's own spiritual master. One should bow down 48 times, or 36 times, or 18 times, or 9 times."
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The original Supreme Personality of Godhead is Lord Kåñëa. 
The many spiritual masters are described in the Kürma Puräëa:

yo bhävayati yä süte
yena vidyopadiçyate
jyeñöo bhrätä ca bhartä ca
pa,sy 241caite guravaù småtäù

"The five spiritual masters are a person's father, 
mother, teacher, elder brother, and husband."

Text 364

viñëu-dharmottare 
devärcä-darçanäd eva
praëamen madhusüdanam
snänäpekñä na kartavyä
dåñövärcäà dvija-sattamäù 
devärcä-dåñöa-pütaà hi 
çuci-sarvaà prakértitam
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; devärcädarçanät-by seeing the worship of the Lord; eva-indeed; praëamen-may bow down; madhusüdanam-to Lord Kåñëa; snäna-bathing in holy places; apekñäin relation to; na-not; kartavyä-needing to be done; dåñövä-seeing; arcäm-the worship; dvija-sattamäù-O best of brähmaëas; devärcä-the worship of the Lord; dåñöa-by seeing; pütam-purified; hi-indeed; çuci-sarvam-completely purified; prakértitam-said.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A person who sees the worship ceremony of the Lord and then bows down before Lord Kåñëa does not need to bathe in sacred rivers. O best of brähmaëas, simply by seeing the worship of the Lord he has become completely purified."

Text 365

atha namaskära-mähätmyaà 
närasiàhe 
namaskäraù småto yajïaù
sarva-yajïeñu cottamaù
namaskäreëa caikena
naraù püto harià vrajet
atha-now; namaskära-mähätmyam-the Glories of Bowing Down; närasiàhe-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa; namaskäraù-obeisances; småtaù-remembered; yajïaù-yajna; sarva-yaj.sy 241eñu-among all yajnas; ca-and; uttamaù-the best; namaskäreëa-by obeisances; ca-and; ekena-one; naraù-a person; pütaù-purified; harim-to Lord Kåñëa; vrajet-goes.

The Glories of Bowing Down
In the Nåsiàha Puräëa it is said:
"The yajïa of bowing down before the Lord is the best of all yajïas. By bowing down only once a person becomes purified and goes to Lord Kåñëa."

Text 366

skände 
daëòa-praëämaà kurute
viñëave bhakti-bhävitaù
reëu-saìkhyaà vaset svarge
manvantara-çataà naraù
skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; daëòa-praëämam-bowing down like a stick; kurute-does; viñëave-to Lord Viñëu; bhakti-bhävitaù-with love and devotion; reëu-of paritcles of dust; saìkhyam-the number; vaset-resides; svarge-in Svargaloka; manvantara-çatam-for a hundred manvantaras; naraù-a person.

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"A person who with love and devotion bows down like a stick (daëòavat, before Lord Viñëu resides in Svargaloka for a period of time equal to a hundred manvantaras multiplied by the number of particles of dust he touches as he bows down."

Text 367

tatraiva çré-brahma-närada-samväde 
praëamya daëòavad bhümau
namaskäreëa yo 'rcayet
sa yaà gatim aväpnoti
na taà kratu-çatair api 
namaskäreëa caikena 
naraù püto harià vrajet
tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Çré Brahma and Çré Narada; praëamya-bowing down; daëòavat-like a stick; bhümau-to the ground; namaskäreëa-with obeisances; yaù-one who; arcayet-worships; sa-he; yam-whom; gatim-destination; aväpnoti-attains; na-not; tam-that; kratu-çataiù-with a hundred yajnas; api-even; namaskäreëa-with obeisances; ca-and; ekena-one; naraù-a person; pütaù-purified; harim-to Lord Kåñëa; vrajet-goes.

In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Çré Brahma' and 
Çré Närada, it is said:
"A person who worships Lord Hari by bowing down like a stick falling to the ground (daëòavat, attains a destination not to be attained by performing a hundred yajïas. By bowing down only once a person becomes purified and goes to Lord Kåñëa."

Text 368

tatraiva çré-çivomä-samväde 
bhümim äpéòya jänubhyäà
çira äropya vai bhuvi
praëamed yo hi deveçaà
so 'çvamedha-phalaà labhet
tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-çivomä-samväde-in a conversation of Çré Çiva and Çré Umä, it is said; bhümim-to the ground; äpéòya-pressing; jänubhyäm-with both knees; çiraù-head; äropya-placing; vai-indeed; bhuvi-to the ground; praëamet-bows; yaù-who; hi-indeed; deveçam-the master of the demigods; saù-he; açvamedha-of an asvamedha-yajna; phalam-the result; labhet-attains.

In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Çré Çiva and Çré 
Umä, it is said:
"A person who, His head and knees touching the ground, bows down before Lord Kåñëa, the master of the demigods, attains the result of an açvamedha-yajïa."

Text 369

tatraivänyatra 
tértha-koöi-sahasräëi
tértha-koöi-çatäni ca
näräyaëa-praëämasya
kaläà närhanti ñoòañém
tatra-there; eva-indeed; anyatra-in another place; tértha-koöi-sahasräëi-thousands and millions of holy places; tértha-koöi-çatäni-hundreds and millions of holy places; ca-and; näräyaëa-praëämasya-of one who bows down before the Lord; kaläm-a part; na-not; arhanti-is worthy; ñoòañém-sixteenth.

In the Skanda Puräëa, in another passage, it is also said:
"Hundreds and thousands and millions of pilgrimages are not equal to even a sixteenth part of bowing down before Lord Näräyaëa.

Text 370

çäöheynäpi namaskäraà
kurvataù çärìga-dhanvane
çataçan märjitaà päpaà
tat kñaëäd eva naçyati
çäöheyna-by cheating; api-even; namaskäram-obeisances; kurvataù-doing; çärìga-dhanvane-to the Lord who holds the Çärìga bow; çataçan-hundreds; märjitam-purified; päpam-sins; tat-that; kñaëät-from the moment; eva-indeed; naçyati-is destroyed.

"A hypocrite who makes a show of bowing down before 
Lord Kåñëa, who holds the Çärìga bow, becomes purified of 
hundreds of sins. His sins are destroyed in a moment.

Text 371

reëu-maëòita-gätrasya
kaëä dehe bhavanti yat
tävad varña-sahasräëi
viñëuloke mahéyate
reëu-maëòita-gätrasya-limbs decorated with dust; kaëä-particles; dehe-on the body; bhavanti-are; yat-what; tävat-so many; varña-sahasräëi-thousand years; viñëuloke-in Viñëuloka; mahéyate-is glorified.

"A person who bows down before Lord Viñëu is 
glorified on Viñëuloka for a period of time equal to a 
thousand years multiplied by the number of particles of dust that decorated 
his body as he bowed down.

Text 372

viñëu-dharmottare 
abhivädyaà jagannäthaà
kåtärthaç ca tathä bhavet
namaskära-kriyäà tasya
sarva-päpa-praëäçiné
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; abhivädyam-obeisances; jagannätham-the Lord of the universes; kåtärthaù-successful; ca-and; tathä-so; bhavet-may be; namaskära-kréyam-obeisances; tasya-of him; sarva-päpa-praëäçiné-destroying all sins.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"A person who bows down before Lord Kåñëa, the master of the universes, becomes all-successful and all-perfect.  By bowing down he becomes free of all sins.

Text 373

jänubhyäà caiva päëibhyäà
çirasä ca vicakñaëaù
kåtvä praëämaà devasya
sarvän kämän aväpnuyät
jänubhyäm-with knees; ca-and; eva-indeed; päëibhyäm-with both hands; çirasä-with head; ca-and; vicakñaëaù-intelligent; kåtvä-doing; praëämam-bowing down; devasya-to the Lord; sarvän-all; kämän-desires; aväpnuyät-attains.

"A wise devotee who with his head, both hands, 
and both knees bows down before Lord Kåñëa attains all his 
desires." 

Text 374

viñëu-puräëe 
anädi-nidhanaà devaà
daitya-dänava-daraëam
ye namanti narä nityaà
na hi paçyanti te yamam
viñëu-puräëe-in the Viñëu Puräëa; anädi-nidhanam-without beginning or end; devam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; daitya-dänava-daraëam'who kills the demons; ye-who; namanti-bow; narä-people; nityam-always; na-not; hi-indeed; paçyanti-see; te-they; yamam-Yamaräja.

In the Viñëu Puräëa it is said:
"They who again and again bow down before Lord Kåñëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead who has neither beginning nor end, and who crushes the demons, never see Yamaräja.

Text 375

ye janä jagatäà näthaà
nityaà näräyaëaà dvijäù
namanti na hi te viñëoù
sthänäd anyatra gäminaù
ye-who; janä-persons; jagatäm-of the universes; nätham-the master; nityam-always; näräyaëam-Lord Näräyaëa; dvijäù-brähmaëas; namanti-bow down; na-they; hi-indeed; te-they; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; sthänät-place; anyatra-in another place; gäminaù-go.

"O brähmaëas, they who again and again bow down 
before Lord Näräyaëa, the master of the universes, go to the 
Lord's transcendental abode. They do not go to any other place."

Text 376

näradéye 
eko 'pi kåñëasya kåtaù praëämo
daçäçvamedhävabhåtair na tulyaù
daçäçvamedhé punar eti janma
kåñëa-praëämé na punar-bhaväya
näradéye-in the Närada Puräë; ekaù-one; api-even; kåñëasya-of Lord Kåñëa; kåtaù-done; praëämaù-obeisances; daçäçvamedhävabhåtaiù-with ten asvamedhas and avabhrtas; na-not; tulyaù-equal; daçäçvamedhé-a person who mperforms ten asvamedhas; punaù-atain; eti-goes; janma-to a birth; kåñëa-praëämé-a person who bows down before Lord Kåñëa; na-not; punar-bhaväya-for another birth.

In the Närada Puräëa it is said:
"Ten açvamedha-yajïas and avabhåtas are not equal to once bowing down before Lord Kåñëa. A person who performs ten açvamedha-yajïas must still take birth again, but a person who bows down before Lord Kåñëa will never take birth again."

Text 377

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye 
viñëor daëòa-praëämärthaà
bhaktena patito bhuvi
patitaà pätakaà kåtsnaà
nottiñöhati punaù saha
hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; daëòa-praëämärtham-dandavat obeisances; bhaktena-by a devotee; patitaù-fallen; bhuvi-to the ground; patitam-fallen; pätakam-sins; kåtsnam-all; na-not; uttiñöhati-rise up; punaù-again; saha-with.

In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said:
"A devotee who falls down to the ground to offer daëòavat obeisances to Lord Viñëu drops all his sins at that spot. They will never rise from there again."

Text 378

pädme devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde 
tapas taptvä naro ghoraà
araëye niyatendriyaù
yat phalaà samaväpnoti
tan natvä garuòa-dhvajam
pädme devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde-in the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Devadüta and Vikuëòala; tapaù-auspterities; taptvä-performing; naraù-a person; ghoram-terruble; araëye-in the forest; niyatendriyaù-controlling the senses; yat-what; phalam-result; samaväpnoti-attains; tan-that; natvä-bowing down; garuòa-dhvajam-before the Lord who holds a flag of Garuòa.

In the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Devadüta and 
Vikuëòala, it is said:
"A person who bows down before Lord Kåñëa, whose flag is marked with the picture of Garuòa, attains the same result earned by an asceté who performs terrible austerities in the forest."

Text 379

kåtväpi bahuçaù päpaà
naro moha-samanvitaù
na yäti narakaà natvä
sarva-päpa-haraà harim
kåtvä-performed; api-even; bahuçaù-many; päpam-sins; naraù-a person; moha-samanvitaù-bewildered; na-not; yäti-goes; narakam-to hell; natvä-bowing; sarva-päpa-haram-who removes all sins; harim-to Lord Hari.

"A very sinful fool who bows down to Lord Hari, who 
removes all sins, will not go to hell."

Text 380

tatraiva vedanidhi-stutau 
api päpaà duräcäraà
naraù tat praëato hareù
nekñante kiìkarä yämyä
jalükäs tapanaà yathä
tatra-there; eva-indeed; vedanidhi-stutau-ijn the prayers of Vedanidhi; api-whether?; päpam-sin; duräcäram-mischief; naraù-a person; tat-that; praëataù-bowing down; hareù-to Lord Hari; na-not; 
ékñante-see; kiìkarä-the servants; yämyä-of Yama; 
jalükäù-leeches; tapanam-the sun; yathä-so.

In the Padma Puräëa, in the prayers of Vedanidhi, it is 
said:
"Is it possible that a person who has bowed down before Lord Hari will be held guilty of sin? As leeches cannot see the sun, so the servants of Yamaräja cannot find any sins on such a person."

Text 381

viñëu-puräëe çré-yamasya nija-bhaöänuçäsane 
harim amara-ganärcitäìghri-padmaà
praëamati yaù paramärthato hi martyäù
tam apagata-samasta-päpa-bandhaà
vraja parihåtya yathägnim äjya-siktam
viñëu-puräëe-in the Viñëu Puräëa; çré-yamasya-of Çré Yamaräja; nija-own; bhaöa-soldiers; anuçäsane-in the teaching; harim-to Lord Kåñëa; amara-gaëa-by the demigods; arcita-worshiped; aìghri-padmam-lotus feet; praëamati-bows; yaù-who; paramärthataù-in truth; hi-indeed; martyäù-mortals; tam-to Him; apagata-gone; samasta-all; päpa-of sins; bandham-bondage; vraja-go; parihåtya-removing; yathä-as; agnim-fire; äjya-with ghee; siktam-anointed.

In the Viñëu Puräëa, Çré Yamaräja teaches his soldiers:
"They who bow down before Lord Hari, whose lotus feet are worshiped by all the demigods, have no sins. Avoid them as you would avoid jumping into a fire burning with ghee."

Text 382

brahma-vaivarte 
çaraëägata-rakñaëodyataà
harim éçaà praëamanti ye naräù
na patanti bhavämbudhau sphuöaà
patitän uddharati sma tän asau
brahma-vaivarte-in the Brahma-vaivarta Puräëa; çaraëägata-the surrendered souls; rakñaëa-protection; udyatam-prepared; harim-Lord Kåñëa; éçam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; praëamanti-bow; ye-they; naräù-people; na-not; patanti-fall down; bhavämbudhau-into the ocean of birth and death; sphuöam-clearly; patitän-fallen; uddharati sma-delivered; tän-them; asau-He.

In the Brahma-vaivarta Puräëa it is said:
"They who bow down before Lord Hari, who is always eager to protect the surrendered souls, never fall into the ocean of repeated birth and death. If somehow they do fall, Lord Hari delivers them."

Text 383

añöama-skändhe ca bali-väkye 
aho praëämäya kåtaù samudyataù
präpanna-bhaktärtha-vidhau samähitaù
yal-loka-pälais tvad-anugraho 'marair
alabdha-pürvo 'pasade 'sure 'rpitaù
añöama-skändhe-ijn the eighth canto; ca-also; bali-väkye-in the statement of King Bali; ahaù-alas!; praëämäya-to offer my respectful obeisances; kåtaù-I did; samudyataù-only an endeavor; präpanna-bhaktärtha-vidhau-in the regulative principles observed by pure devotees; samähitaù-is capable; yal-what; loka-pälaiù-by the leaders of various planets; tvad-anugrahaù-Your causeless mercy; amaraiù-by the demigods; alabdha-pürvaù-not achieved previously; apasade-unto a fallen person like me; asure-belonging to the asura community; arpitaù-endowed.

In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (8.23.2, Bali Mahäräja explains:
"What a wonderful effect there is in even attempting 
to offer respectful obeisances to You! I merely endeavored to 
offer You obeisances, but nonetheless the attempt was as 
successful as those of pure devotees. The causeless mercy You 
have shown to me, a fallen demon, was never achieved even by the 
demigods or the leaders of the various planets."*

Text 384

ata eva näräyaëa-vyüha-stave 
aho bhägyam aho bhägyaà
aho bhägyaà nåëäm idam
yeñäà hari-padäbjägre
çiro nyastaà yathä tathä
ata eva-therefore; näräyaëa-vyüha-stave-in the Näräyaëa-vyüha-stava; ahaù-Oh; bhägyam-fortunate; ahaù-Oh; bhägyam-fortune; ahaù-Oh; bhägyam-fortunate; nåëäm-of the people; idam-this; yeñäm-of whom; hari-padäbjägre-at Lord Kåñëa's lotus feet; çiraù-head; nyastam-placed; yathä-as; tathä-so.

In the Näräyaëa-vyüha-stava it is said:
"How fortunate! How fortunate! How fortunate are they who place their heads before Lord Hari's lotus feet!"

Text 385

kià ca närasiàhe çré-yamoktau 
tasya vai narasiàhasya
viñëor amita-tejasaù
praëämaà ye prakurvanti
teñäm api namo namaù
kim- ca-furthermore; närasiàhe-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa; çré-yamoktau-in the words of Yama; tasya-of Him; vai-indeed; narasiàhasya'Lord Nåsiàha; viñëoù-Lord Viñëu; amita-tejasaù-whose power is limitless; praëämam-obeisances; ye-who; prakurvanti-do; teñäm-to them; api-also; namaù-obeisances; namaù-obeisances.

In the Nåsiàha Puräëa, Yamaräja declares:

Text 386

bhaviñyottare ca 
viñëor deva-jagad-dhätur
janärdana-jagat-pateù
praëämaà ye prakurvanti
teñäm api namo namaù. iti.
bhaviñyottare-in the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; ca-and; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; deva-jagad-dhätuù-the creator of the universe and the demigods; janärdana-who rescues the devotees form sufferings; jagat-pateù-who is ther master of the universes; 
praëämam-obeisances; ye-who; prakurvanti-do; teñäm-of them; api-also; 
namaù-obeisances; namaù.-obeisances; iti-thus.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"Again and again I bow down before the devotees who themselves bow down before Lord Viñëu, who is the master of the universes, the creator of the universes and the demigods, and the protector who rescues His devotees from dangers and sufferings."

Text 387

atha praëäma-nityatä
båhan-näradéye lubdhakopäkhyänärambhe 
sakåd vä na named yas tu
viñëave çarma-käriëe
çavoparaà vijänéyät
kadäcid api nälapet
atha-now; praëäma-nityatä-regularly bowing down; båhan-näradéye-in the Narada Puräëa; lubdhaka-of a hunter; upäkhyäna-of the story; ärambhe-in the beginning; sakåt-once; vä-or; na-not; namet-bows; yaù-who; tu-indeed; viñëave-to Lord Viñëu; çarma-käriëe-who grants auspiciousness and happiness; çavoparam-a corpse; vijänéyät-know; kadäcit-ever; api-even; na-not; älapet-should talk.

One Should Regularly Bow Down Before the Lord
In the Närada Puräëa, in the beginning of the hunter's story, it is said:
"He is like a living corpse who has never, not even a single time, bowed down before Lord Viñëu, who brings happiness and good fortune. A devotee should know that and never even speak to such a sinner."

Text 388

kim- ca pädme vaiçäkha-mähätmye yama-brähmaëa-samväde 
paçyanto bhagavad-dväraà
näma çastra-paricchadam
akåtvä tat-praëämädi
yänti te narakaukasaù
kim- ca-furthermore; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; vaiçäkha-mähätmye-in the Vaisakha-mahatmya; yama-brähmaëa-samväde-in a conversation of yamaraja and a brähmaëa; paçyantaù-seeing; bhagavat-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; dväram-the door; näma-indeed; çastra-paricchadam-with the weapon; akåtvä-not doing; tat-praëämädi-beginning with offering obeisances; yänti-go; te-they; narakaukasaù-to a home in hell.

In the Padma Puräëa, Vaiçäkha-mähätmya, in a conversation 
of Yamaräja and a brähmaëa, it is said:
"They who see the Sudarçana-cakra-marked entrance to Lord Viñëu's temple but do not bow down to offer respects, make for themselves a home in hell."

Text 389

atha namaskära-niñiddhäni 
viñëu-småtau 
janma-prabhåti yat kiïcit
pumän vai dharmam äcaret
sarvaà tan niñphalaà yäti
eka-hastäbhivädanät
atha-now; namaskära-nisiddhäni-prohibitions in bowing down; 
viñëu-småtau-in the Viñëu-småti; janma-prabhåti-beginning from 
âirth; yat-what; 
kiïcit-something; pumän-a person; vai-indeed; 
dharmam-religion; äcaret-does; sarvam-all; tan-that; 
niñphalam-useless; yäti'goes; 
eka-hasta-with one hand; abhivädanät-by offering obeisances with 
one hand.

Prohibitions in Offering Obeisances
In the Viñëu-småti it is said:
"A person who since his birth has carefully followed the principles of religion, but who nevertheless bows with only one hand before the Lord, negates all that he has done." 

Text 390

värähe 
vastra-prävåta-dehas tu
yo naraù praëameta mäm
çvitré sa jäyate mürkhaù
sapta janmäni bhämini
värähe-in the Varäha Puräëa; vastra-with cloth; prävåta-covered; dehaù-body; tu-indeed; yaù-who; naraù-a person; praëameta-bows down; mäm-to Me; çvitré-a leper; sa-he; jäyate-is born; mürkhaù-a fool; sapta-seven; janmäni-births; bhämini-O beautiful one.

In the Varäha Puräëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead 
declares:
"O beautiful one, a fool who bows down before me when his entire body is completely covered with cloth becomes a leper for seven births."

Text 391

kià cänyatra 
agre påñöhe väma-bhäge
samépe garbha-mandire
japa-homa-namaskärän
na kuryät keçavälaye
kim- ca-furthermore; anyatra-in another place; agre-in the presewnce; påñöhe-in the back; väma-bhäge-on the left; samépe-near; garbha-mandire-at the altar; japa-homa-namaskärän-japa, yajnas, and obeisances; na-not; kuryät-does; keçavälaye-in Lord Kåñëa's temple.

In another scripture it is said:
"In Lord Kåñëa's temple one should not perform japa, yajïa, or obeisances directly facing the altar, very close to the altar, or with the altar at the right or back."

Text 392

api ca 
sakåd bhümau nipatito
na çaktaù praëamen muhuù
utthayotthäya kartavyaà
daëòavat praëipätanam. iti.
api ca-also; sakåt-once; bhümau-to the ground; nipatitaù-fallen; na-not; çaktaù-able; praëamen-offers obeisances; muhuù-again and again; utthaya-rising; utthäya-and rising; kartavyam-to be done; daëòavat-like a stick; praëipätanam-bowing down; iti-thus.

It is also said:
"One should not fall to the ground to offer obeisances only once. If one is able, one should offer obeisances in this way again and again. One should stand up, fall down like a stick, and stand up again. Thus one should offer obeisances."

Text 393

atha pradakñiëä 
tataù pradakñiëäà kuryäd
bhaktyä bhagavato hareù
nämäni kértayan çaktau
taà ca säñöäìga-vandanam
atha-now; pradakñiëä-circumambulation; tataù-then; pradakñiëäm-circumambulation; kuryät-should do; bhaktyä-with devotion; bhagavataù-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; hareù-Lord Kåñëa; nämäni-the names; kértayan-chanting; çaktau-in the ability; tam-to Him; ca-and; säñöäìga-vandanam-obeisances with eight parts of the body.

Circumambulation
Chanting Lord Hari's holy names one should perform circumambulation with devotion. If one is able, he should 
circumambulate by again and again bowing down with eight parts of 
the body.

Text 394

pradakñiëä-saìkhyä 
närasiàhe 
ekaà caëòyäà ravau sapta
tisro dadyäd vinäyake
catasraù keçave dadyät
çive tö ardha-pradakñiëäm
pradakñiëä-of circumambulation; saìkhyä-the number; närasiàhe-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa; ekam-one; caëòyäm-Durgä; ravau-the sun; sapta-seven; tisraù-three; dadyät-should do; vinäyake-Gaëeça; catasraù-four; keçave-Kåñëa; dadyät-should do; çive-Çiva; tv-indeed; ardha-half; pradakñiëäm-circumambulation.

The Number of Circumambulations
In the Nåsiàha Puräëa it is said:
"One should circumambulate Durga' one time, the sun-god seven times, Gaëeça three times, Lord Kåñëa four times, and Çiva half a time."

Text 395

atha pradakñiëä-mähätmyaà 
värähe 
pradakñiëäà ye kurvanti
bhakti-yuktena cetasä
na te yama-puraà yänti
yänti puëya-kåtäà gatim
atha-now; pradakñiëä-mähätmyam-trhe glories of circumambulation; värähe-in the Varäha Puräëa; pradakñiëäm-circumambulation; ye-who; kurvanti-do; bhakti-yuktena-with devotion; cetasä-in the heart; na-not; te-they; yama-puram-the city of yamaräja; yänti-go; yänti-go; puëya-kåtäm-of they who act piously; gatim-to the goal.

The Glories of Circumambulation
In the Varäha Puräëa it is said:
"They who, their hearts filled with devotion, circumambulate the Lord do not enter Yamaräja's city. They go to the place where the saintly devotees go.

Text 396

yas triù pradakñiëaà kuryät
säñöäìgaka-praëämakam
daçäçvamedhasya phalaà
präpnuyän nätra saàçayaù
yaù-one who; triù-thrice; pradakñiëam-circumambulation; kuryät-does; säñöäìgaka-praëämakam-with eight parts of the body; daçäçvamedhasya-of ten asvamedha-yajnas; phalam-the result; präpnuyän'attains; na-not; atra-here; saàçayaù-doubt.

"A person who, bowing down again and again with 
eight parts of his body, performs circumambulation, attains the 
result of ten açvamedha-yajïas. Of this there is no 
doubt."

Text 397

skände çré-brahma-närada-samväde 
viñëor vimänaà yaù kuryät
sakåd bhaktyä pradakñiëam
açvamedha-sahasrasya
phalam äpnoti mänavaù
skände çré-brahma-närada-samväde-in the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; vimänam-the temple or chariot; yaù-who; kuryät-does; sakåt-once; bhaktyä-with devotion; pradakñiëam-circumambulation; açvamedha-sahasrasya-of a thousand asvamedha-yajnas; phalam-the result; äpnoti-attains; mänavaù-a person.

In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada, it 
is said:
"A person who with devotion once circumambulates the temple or chariot of Lord Viñëu attains the result of a thousand açvamedha-yajïas."

Text 398

tatra cäturmäsya-mähätmye 
catur-väraà bhramébhis tu
jagat sarvaà caräcaram
kräntaà bhavati viprägrya
tat tértha-gamanädhikam
tatra-there; cäturmäsya-mähätmye-the glories of Caturmasya; catur-väram-four times; bhramébhiù-with circumambulation; tu-indeed; jagat-the universe; sarvam-entire; caräcaram-with moving and unmvoing beings; kräntam-passing through; bhavati-does; viprägrya-O best of brähmaëas; tat-that; tértha-gamanädhikam-better than pilgrimage.

In the Skanda Puräëa, Cäturmäsya-mähätmya, it is said:
"O best of brähmaëas, a person who four times circumambulates the Lord attains the result of circumambulating the entire universe filled with moving and unmoving beings. He attains a result better than going on all pilgrimages."

Text 399

tatraivänyatra 
pradakñiëaà tu yaù kuryät
harià bhaktyä samanvitaù
haàsa-yukta-vimänena
viñëulokaà sa gacchati
tatra-there; eva-indeed; anyatra-in another place; pradakñiëam-circumambulation; tu-indeed; yaù-who; kuryät-does; harim-Lord Kåñëa; bhaktyä-with devotion; samanvitaù-with; haàsa-yukta-vimänena-flying on a swan; viñëulokam-to Viñëuloka; sa-he; gacchati-goes.

In the Cäturmäsya-mähätmya it is also said:
"A person who with devotion circumambulates Lord Hari flies on a swan to Lord Viñëu's world."

Text 400

närasiàhe 
pradakñiëena caikena
deva-devasya mandire
kåtena yat phalaà nåëäà
tä chånuñva nåpätmaja 
påthvé-pradakñiëa-phalam- 
yat tat präpya harià vrajet
närasiàhe-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa; pradakñiëena-circuma,bul;ation; ca-and; ekena-with one; deva-devasya-of the master of the demiogds; mandire-in ther temple; kåtena-done; yat-what; phalam-result; nåëäm-of the people; tac-that; chånuñva-please hear; nåpätmaja-O prince; påthvé-pradakñiëa-phalam-the result of circumambulating the earth; yat-what; tat-that; präpya-attaining; harim-to Lord Hari; vrajet-goes.

In the Nåsiàha Puräëa it is said:
"O prince, please hear the result attained by a person who once circumambulates Lord Hari in His temple. Such a person attains the result of circumambulating the earth. He goes to Lord Hari."

Text 401

anyatra ca 
evaà kåtvä tu kåñëasya
yaù kuryäd dviù pradakñiëam
sapta-dvépavaté-puëyaà
labhate tu pade pade 
paöhan näma-sahasraà tu 
nämäny evätha kevalam
anyatra-in another place; ca-and; evam-thus; kåtvä-doing; tu-indeed; kåñëasya-of Lord Kåñëa; yaù-who; kuryät-does; dviù-two; pradakñiëam-circumambulations; sapta-dvépavaté-puëyam-the piety of circumambulating the earth with its seven continents; labhate-attains; tu-indeed; pade-step; pade-by step; paöhan-reciting; näma-sahasram-the thousand names of the Lord; tu-indeed; nämäni-names; eva-indeed; atha-then; kevalam-only.

In another place it is said:
"A person who, as he chants the holy names of Lord Kåñëa or the thousand names of the Lord, twice circumambulates Lord Kåñëa attains the result of circumambulating the earth or giving the earth in charity."

Text 402

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye 
viñëuà pradakñiëé-kurvan
yas taträvartate punaù
tad evävartanaà tasya
punar nävartate bhave
hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya; viñëum-Lord Viñëu; pradakñiëé-kurvan-circumambulating; yaù-one who; tatra-there; ävartate-returns; punaù-again; tat-that; eva-indeed; ävartanam-return; tasya-of him; punaù-again; na-not; ävartate-returns; bhave-to the world of birth and death.

In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said:
"A person who walks around Lord Viñëu and then returns to the place where he began guarantees that he will not return to the world of birth and death."

Text 403

båhan-näradéye yama-bhagératha-samväde 
pradakñiëa-trayaà kuryäd
yo viñëor manujeçvara
sarva-päpa-vinirmukto
devendratvaà samaçnute
båhan-näradéye yama-bhagératha-samväde-in the Närada Puräëa, in a conversation of Yamaräja and King Bhagératha; pradakñiëa-trayam-three circumambulations; kuryät-does; yaù-who; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; manujeçvara-O king; sarva-päpa-vinirmuktaù-freed from all sins; devendratvam-the post of Lord Indra; samaçnute-enjoys.

In the Närada Puräëa, Yamaräja tells King Bhagératha:
"O king, a person who three times circumambulates Lord Viñëu become free of all sins. He enjoys the post of King Indra."

Text 404

tatraiva pradakñiëa-mähätmye sudharmopäkhyänärambhe 
bhaktyä kurvanti ye viñëoù
pradakñiëa-catuñöayam
te 'pi yänti paraà sthänaà
sarva-lokottamottamam. iti.
tatra-there; eva-indeed; pradakñiëa-mähätmye-in the Pradaksina-mahatmya; sudharmopäkhyänärambhe-in the beginning of the story of Sudharma; bhaktyä-with devotion; kurvanti-do; ye-who; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; pradakñiëa-catuñöayam-four circumambulations; te-they; api-also; yänti-go; param-to the supreme; sthänam-abode; sarva-lokottamottamam.-above all the worlds; iti-thus.

In the Närada Puräëa, Pradakñiëa-mähätmya, in the beginning 
of Sudharma's story, it is said:
"They who with devotion circumambulate Lord Viñëu go to the supreme abode above all the worlds.

Text 405

tat khyätaà yat su-dharmasya
pürvasmin gådhra-janmani
kåñëa-pradakñiëäbhyäsän
mahä-siddhir abhüd iti
tat-that; khyätam-fame; yat-ehat; su-dharmasya-of Sudharma; pürvasmin'prwviously; gådhra-janmani-in the birth as a vulture; kåñëa-pradakñiëäbhyäsät-by circumambulating Lord Kåñëa; mahä-siddhiù-great perfection; abhüt-was; iti-thus.

"Because in his previous life as a vulture he had 
circumambulated Lord Kåñëa, Sudharma attained perfection."

Text 406

atha pradakñiëäyäà niñiddhaà 
viñëu-småtau 
eka-hasta-praëämaç ca
eka caiva pradakñiëä
akäle darçanaà viñëor
hanti puëyaà purä-kåtam
atha-now; pradakñiëäyäm-in circumambulation; niñiddham-forbidden; viñëu-småtau-in the Viñëu-småti; eka-hasta-with one hand; praëämaù-obeisances; ca-and; eka-one; ca-and; eva-indeed; pradakñiëä-circumambulation; akäle-at the wrong time; darçanam-seeing; viñëoù-of Lord Viiñëu; hanti-kills; puëyam-piety; purä-kåtam-of previous time.

Prohibitions in Circumambulation
In the Viñëu-småti it is said:
"Offering obeisances with only one hand, circumambulating only once, and seeing the Deity of Lord Viñëu at the wrong time kill the pious merit earned before."

Text 407

kià ca 
kåñëasya purato naiva
süryasyaiva pradakñiëäm
kuryäd bhramarikä-rüpaà
vaimukhyäpadanéà prabhoù
kim- ca-furthermore; kåñëasya-of Lord k; purataù-in the presence; na-not; eva-indeed; süryasya-of the sun; eva-indeed; pradakñiëäm-circumambulation; kuryät-should do; bhramarikä-rüpam-circumambulation; vaimukhyäpadaném-turned from the face; prabhoù-of the Lord.

It is also said:
"A person who does not perform circumambulation before Lord Kåñëa, the supreme Deity of the sun, is not allowed to appear before the Lord."

Text 408

tathä coktaà 
pradakñiëaà na kartavyaà
vimukhatväc ca karaëät
tathä-so; ca-and; uktaàsaid; pradakñiëam-circumambulation; na-not; kartavyam-to be done; vimukhatvät-because of not facing; ca-and; karaëät-for the reason.

It is also said:
"During circumambulation one should not place one's back to the Lord."

Text 409

atha karmädy-arpaëaà 
tataù çré-kåñëa-pädäbje
däsyenaiva samarpayet
tribhir mantraiù sva-karmäëi
sarväëy ätmänam apy atha
atha-now; karma-work; ädi-beginning with; arpaëam-offering; tataù-then; çré-kåñëa-pädäbje-to Lord Kåñëa's lotus feet; däsyena-by service; eva-indeed; samarpayet-should offer; tribhiù-with three; mantraiù-mantras; sva-karmäëi-own work; sarväëi-all; ätmänam-self; api-also; atha-then.

Giving the Results of Work and Other Offerings to the Lord
Thinking oneself a servant of Lord Kåñëa's lotus feet, and chanting three mantras, one should offer all the results of one's work to the Lord. One should also offer oneself to the Lord.

Text 410

mantras" ca 
itaù pürvam- präëa-buddhi-dharmädhikarato jägrat-sväpna-suñupty-avasthäsu manasä väcä karmaëä hastäbhyäm- padbhyäm udareëa çiñëä yat småtam- yad uktam- yat kåtam- tat sarvam- çré-kåñëärpaëam- bhavatu svähä. mäm- madéyam- ca sakalam- haraye samarpayäméti. om- tat sat. iti.
mantraù-the mantra; ca-and; itaù-thus; pürvam-before; präëa-life; buddhi-intelligence; dharma-and religion; adhikarataù-being more; jägrat-waking; sväpna-dreaming; suñupti-and dreamless sleep; avasthäsu-in the conditions; manasä-with the mind; väcä-words; karmaëä-deeds; hastäbhyäm-with both hands; padbhyäm-with both feet; udareëa-with stomach; çiñëä-with genitals; yat-what; småtam-remembered; yat-what; uktam-said; yat-what; kåtam-done; tat-that; sarvam-all; çré-kåñëärpaëam-an offering to Lord Kåñëa; bhavatu-may be; svähä-Svähä; mäm-to me; madéyam-mine; ca-and; sakalam-all; haraye-to Lord Hari; samarpayämi-I offer; iti-thus; om- tat sat-Om- Tat Sat; iti-thus.

The Mantra
"My life, intelligence, pious deeds, whatever in waking, dreaming, or dreamless sleep I have done with my mind, words, actions, hands, feet, stomach, and genitals, and everything I have remembered, spoken, and done is now offered to Lord Kåñëa.  Svähä. I now offer myself and everything I possess to Lord Hari. 
Om- Tat Sat."

Text 411

atha tatra karmärpaëaà 
brhan-näradéye 
virägé cet karma-phale
na kiïcid api kärayet
arpayet sva-kåtaà karma
préyatäm iti me hariù
atha-now; tatra-there; karmärpaëam-offering work; brhan-näradéye-in the Narada Puräëa; virägé-renounced; cet-if; karma-of work; phale-in the result; na-not; kiïcit-anything; api-even; kärayet-may do; arpayet-may iffer; sva-kåtam-personally done; karma-work; préyatäm-may be pleased; iti-thus; me-with me; hariù-Lord Kåñëa.

Offering the Results of One's Work
In the Närada Puräëa it is said:
"Even if a person is renounced and does not engage in fruitive work, he may still offer what he does to the Lord and pray, 'May Lord Kåñëa have mercy on me'."

Text 412

ata eva kürma-puräëe 
préëatu bhagavän éçaù
karmaëänena çaçvataù
karoti satataà buddhyä
brahmärpaëam idaà param
ata eva-therefore; kürma-puräëe-in the Kürma Puräëa; préëatu-may be pleased; bhagavän-the Lord; éçaù-the Supreme; karmaëä-by work; anena-this; çaçvataù-always; karoti-soes; satatam-always; buddhyä-with intelligence; brahmärpaëam-an offering to the Supreme; idam-this; param-then.

In the Kürma Puräëa it is said:
"May the Supreme Personality of Godhead always be pleased with my work. Because He gives intelligence it is He who does everything. This work is therefore offered to Him. 

Text 413

yad vä phalänäà sannyäsaà
prakuryät parameçvare
karmaëäm etad apy ähur
brahmärpaëam anuttamam
yat-what; vä-or; phalänäm-of the results; sannyäsäm-renunciation; prakuryät-should do; parameçvare-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; karmaëäm-of work; etat-this; api-also; ähuù-said; brahmärpaëam-an offering to the Supreme; anuttamam-peerless.

"In this way one should renounce the fruits of one's 
work, offering them to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. the 
sages say this is the best offering to the Supreme4."

Text 414

atha karmärpaëa-vidhiù 
dakñeëa päëinärghya-sthaà
gåhétvä cülukodakam
nidhäya kåñëa-pädäbja-
samépe prärthayed idam
atha-now; karmärpaëa-vidhiù-the way to offer one;s work; dakñeëa-with the right; päëinä-hand; arghya-stham-arghya; gåhétvä-taking; cülukodakam-a handful of water; nidhäya-placing; kåñëa-pädäbja-samépe-at Lord Kåñëa's lotus feet; prärthayet-should pray; idam-this.

The Way to Offer the Results of One's Work
In one;s right hand one should take a palmful of water, place it near Lord Kåñëa's lotus feet, and recite the following prayer.

Text 415

päda-traya-kramäkräntä
trailokeçvara keçava
tvat-prasädäd idaà toyaà
pädyaà te 'stu janärdana
päda-traya-kramäkräntä-O Lord who covered the universe in three steps; trailokeçvara-O master of the three worlds; keçava-O Kåñëa; tvat-of You; prasädät-by mercy; idam-this; toyam-water; pädyam-for washing the feet; te-of You; astu-may be; janärdana-O Lord who rescues the devotees from troubles and sufferings.

"O Lord Keçava, O master of the three worlds, O Lord 
who traversed the universe in three steps, O Lord who rescues the 
devotees from dangers and sufferings, by Your mercy may this 
water be accepted to wash Your feet."

Text 416

atha karmärpaëa-mähätmyaà 
båhan-näradéye 
para-loka-phala-prepsuù
kuryät karmäëy atandritaù
harer nivedayet täni
tat sarvaà tö akñayaà bhavet
atha-now; karmärpaëa-mähätmyam-the glory of offering one's work; båhan-näradéye-in the Narada Puräëa; para-loka-phala-the 
result of the supreme world; prepsuù-desiring; kuryät-should do; 
karmäëi-work; atandritaù-without fatigue; hareù-to Lord Kåñëa; 
nivedayet-should offer; täni-that; tat-that; sarvam-all; tv-indeed; 
akñayam-eternal; bhavet-may become.

The Glories of Offering the Results of One's Work to the 
Lord
In the Närada Puräëa it is said:
"A person who desires to attain the spiritual world should work tirelessly on the Lord's behalf. He should offer everything to the Lord and everything will bring an eternal result."

Text 417

ata eva näräyaëa-vyüha-stave 
kåñëärpita-phaläù kåñëaà
sva-dharmeëa yajanti ye
viñëu-bhakty-arthino dhanyäs
tebhyo 'péha namo namaù
ata eva-therefore; näräyaëa-vyüha-stave-in the Näräyaëa-vyüha-stava;kåñëärpita-phaläù kåñëam-the results offered to Çré Kåñëa; sva-dharmeëa-by one;s own nature; yajanti-worship; ye-who; viñëu-bhakty-arthinaù-desiring devotional service to Lord Viñëu; dhanyäù-fortunate; tebhyaù-to them; api-also; iha-here; namo namaù-obeisances.

In the Näräyaëa-vyüha-stava it is said:
"I offer my respectful obeisances to they who, desiring to attain pure devotion to Lord Kåñëa, worship Him by following their own religious duties and offering all the results of their work to Him."

Text 418

atha svärpaëa-vidhiù 
ahaà bhagavato 'àço 'smi
sadä däso 'smi sarvathä
tat-kåpäpekñako nityaà
ity ätmänaà samarpayet
atha-now; svärpaëa-vidhiù-the way to offer oneself; aham-I; bhagavataù-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; aàçaù-par and parcel; asmi-I am; sadä-eternally; däsaù-servant; asmi-I am; sarvathä-in all ways; tat-kåpäpekñakaù-dependent on His mercy; nityam-eternally; iti-thus; ätmänam-myself; samarpayet-I offer.

The Way to Offer Oneself to the Lord
"I am part and parcel of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I am His servant eternally. I am always dependent on His mercy." Saying this, one should offer oneself to the Lord.

Text 419

tathä coktaà çré-saìkaräcarya-padaiù 
saty api bhedägame nätha
tavähaà na mämakénas tvam
samudro hi taraìgaù kvacana
samudro na taraìgaù
tathä-so; ca-and; uktam-said; çré-saìkaräcarya-padaiù-by AkrüraÇaìkaracarya; sati-in the Supreme; api-even; bheda-difference; ägame-in the arrival; nätha-O Lord; tava-of You; aham-i; na-not; mämakénaù-mine; tvam-You; samudraù-an ocean; hi-indeed; taraìgaù-wave; kvacana-somwhere; samudraù-oceasn; na-not; taraìgaù-wave.

Çrépada Çaìkaräcärya explains:
"O Lord, when we meet I will be Your property, but You will not be my property. A wave is part of the ocean, but the ocean is not part of the wave."
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Living in the material world, one is separated from the 
Supreme Lord. When a person becomes enlightened with spiritual 
knowledge he is not longer separated from the Lord. This verse 
gives a good example to describe the truth that the living 
entities are simultaneously one and different from the Lord.

Text 420

athätmärpaëa-mähätmyam- 
saptama-skändhe çré-prahlädoktau 
dharmärtha-kämä iti yo 'bhihitäs tri-varga
ékñä trayé naya-damau vividha ca värtä
manye tad etad akhilaà nigamasya satyaà
svätmärpaëaà sva-suhådaù paramasya puàsaù
atha-now; ätmärpaëa-mähätmyam-the glories of offering oneself; saptama-skändhe-in the Seventh Canto; çré-prahlädoktau-in the words of Çré Prahlada; dharma-religion; artha-economé development; kämä-regulated sense gratification; iti-thus; yaù-which; abhihitäù-prescribed; tri-varga-the group of three; ékñä-self realization; trayé-the Vedé ritualisté ceremonies; naya-logic; damau-and the science of law and order; vividha-varieties of ; ca-also; värtä-occupational duties, or one;s livelihood; manye-I consider; tat-them; etat-these; akhilam-all; nigamasya-of the Vedas; satyam-truth; svätmärpaëam-the full surrendering of one's self; sva-suhådaù-unto the supreme friend; paramasya-the ultimate; puàsaù-pesonality.

The Glories of Offering Oneself to the Lord
In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (7.6.26, Prahläda Mahäräja explains:
"Religion, economé development, and sense 
gratification: these are described in the Vedas as tri-varga, or 
three ways to salvation. Within these three categories are 
education and self realization, ritualisté ceremonies performed 
according to Vedé injunction, logic, the science of law and 
order, and the various means of earning one's livelihood. These 
are the external subject matters of study in the Vedas, and 
therefore I consider them material. However, I consider surrender 
to the lotus feet of Lord Viñëu to be transcendental."*

Text 421

ekädaçe çré-bhagavad-uddhava-samväde 
martyo yadä tyakta-samasta-karmä
niveditätmä vicikérñito me
tadämåtatvaà pratipadyamäno
mayätma-bhüyäya ca kalpate vai
ekädaçe-in the eleventh canto; çré-bhagavad-uddhava-samväde-in a conversation of Uddhava and the Supreme Personality of Godhead; martyaù-the living entity sibjected to birth and death; yadä'as soon as; tyakta-given up; samasta-all; karmä-fruitive activities; niveditätmä-a fully surrendered soul; vicikérñitaù-desired to act; me-by me; tadä-at that time; amåtatvam-immortality; pratipadyamänaù-attaining; mayä-with Me; ätma-bhüyäya-for becoming of a similar nature; ca-also; kalpate-is eligible; vai-certainly.

In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (11.29.34, the 
Supreme Personality of Godhead tells Uddhava:
"The living entity who is subjected to birth and 
death attains immortality when he gives up all material 
activities, dedicates his life to the execution of My order, and 
acts according to My directions. In this way he becomes fit to 
enjoy the spiritual bliss derived from exchanging loving mellows 
with Me."*

Text 422

atha japaù 
japasya purato kåtvä
präëäyäma-trayaà budhaù
manträrtha-småti-pürvaà ca
japed añöottaraà çatam 
mülaà lekhyena vidhinä 
sadaiva japa-mälayä
atha-now; japaù-japa; japasya-of japa; purataù-in the presence; kåtvä-doing; präëäyäma-trayam-three pranayamas; budhaù-wise; manträrtha-småti-pürvam-remembrance of the mantra's meaning; ca-and; japet-should chant; añöottaram- çatam-108; mülam-mula; lekhyena-what is written; vidhinä-by rules; sadä-always; eva-indeed; japa-mälayä-of a garland of japa.

Japa
After performing three präëäyäamas and remembering the purpose of the mantra, one should, following the regulations written in scripture, chant one's japa mantra 108 times regularly.

Text 423

çaktau 'ñöädhika-sähasraà
japet taà cärpayan japam
präëäyämaç ca kåtvä trén
dadyät kåñëa-kare jalam
çaktau-in ability; añöädhika-sähasram-1,008; japet-should chant japa; tam-that; ca-and; arpayan-offering; japam-japa; präëäyämaù-pranayama; ca-and; kåtvä-doing; trén-three; dadyät-should give; kåñëa-kare-in Lord Kåñëa's hand; jalam-water.

If one is able, one should chant the japa 
mantra 1,008 times. After performing three 
präëäyämas one should offer water to Lord 
Kåñëa's hand.

Text 424

tatra cäyaà mantraù 
guhyäti-guhya-goptä tvaà
gåhäëäsmat-kåtaà japam
siddhir bhavatu me deva
tvat-prasädät tvayi sthite. iti.
tatra-there; ca-and; ayam-this; mantraù-mantra; guhyäti-guhya-goptä-the protector of the greatest secrets; tvam-You; gåhäëa-please accept; äsmat-by us; kåtam-done; japam-japa; siddhiù-perfection; bhavatu-may be; me-of me; deva-O Lord; tvat-prasädät-by Your mercy; tvayi-in You; sthite-situated; iti-thus.

That Mantra
"O Lord, You are the protector of 
the most confidential secrets. Please accept my 
offering of japa. O Lord, by Your mercy may I 
attain spiritual perfection."

Text 425

japa-prakäro yo 'pekñyo
mälädi-niyamätmakaù
puraçcarya-prasaìge tu
sa vilikhiñyate 'grataù
japa-of japa; prakäraù-the method; 
yaù-which; apekñyaù-to be considered; mälädi-
niyamätmakaù'a prescribed number of chantings; puraçcarya-
prasaìge-in relation to purascarana; tu-indeed; 
sa-that; vilikhiñyate-will be written; 
agrataù-in the beginning.

The method one should adopt for chanting japa will be 
described later in this book.

Text 426

arpitaà taà ca saïcintya
svi-kåtaà prabhunäkhilam
punaù stutvä yatha-çakti
praëamya prärthayed imam
arpitam-offered; tam-that; ca-and; sa.sy 
241cintya-thinking; svi-kåtam-accepted; prabhunä-by the Lord; 
akhilam-all; punaù-again; stutvä-praying; yatha-çakti-as one is 
able; praëamya-bowing down; prärthayet-should offer prayers; 
imam-this.

When one has offered his chanting of japa and one thinks the 
Lord has accepted it all, then, as far as one is able, one should 
bow down and recite prayers.

Text 427

atha prärthanam 
ägame 
mantra-hénaà kriyä-hénaà
bhakti-hénaà janärdana
yat püjitaà mayä deva
paripürëaà tad astu me
atha-now; prärthanam-prayers; ägame-in the Agama-sastra; mantra-hénam-without mantras; kriyä-hénam-without proper actions; bhakti-devotion; hénam-without; janärdana-O Lord Kåñëa; yat-what; püjitam-worshiped; mayä-by me; deva-O Lord; paripürëam-perfect; tat-that; astu-may be; me-of me.

Prayers
In the Agama-çästra it is said:
"O Lord Kåñëa, may my worship become perfect, even though it is offered without proper actions, proper mantras, or real devotion."

Text 428

kià ca 
yad dattaà bhakti-mätreëa
patraà puñpaà phalaà jalam
äveditaà nivedyaà tu
tad gåhäëänukampayä
kim- ca-furthermore; yat-what; dattam-offered; bhakti-mätreëa-simply with devotion; patram-leaf; puñpam-flower; phalam-fruit; jalam-water; äveditam-offered; nivedyam-offering; tu-indeed; tat-that; gåhäëa-please accept; anukampayä-with mercy.

It is also said:
"O Lord, please accept this fruit, leaf, flower, and water that I have offered with love.

Text 429

vidhi-hénaà mantra-hénaà
yat kiïcid upapäditam
kriyä-mantra-vihénaà vä
tat sarvaà kñantum arhasi
vidhi-hénam-without rules; mantra-hénam-without mantras; yat-what; kiïcit-something; upapäditam-done; kriyä-mantra-vihénam-without mantras or proper actions; vä-or; tat'that; sarvam-all; kñantum-to forgive; arhasi-are worthy.

"Please forgive all that I have done without proper 
mantras or proper actions."

Text 430

kià ca 
ajïänäd athavä jïänäd
açubhaà yan mayä kåtam
kñantum arhasi tat sarvaà
däsyenaiva gåhäëa mäm
kim- ca-furthermore; ajïänät-out of ignorance; athavä-or; jïänät-with knowledge; açubham-inauspicious; yan-what; mayä-by me; kåtam-done; kñantum-to forgive; arhasi-are worthy; tat-that; sarvam-all; däsyena-by service; eva-indeed; gåhäëa-please accept; mäm-me.

It is also said:
"Please forgive whatever wrong I have done, either knowingly or unknowingly. Please accept me as Your servant.

Text 431

sthitiù sevä gatir yäträ
småtiç cintä stutir vacaù
bhüyät sarvätmanä viñëo
madéyaà tvayi ceñöitam
sthitiù-situation; sevä-service; gatiù-goal; yäträ-travel; småtiù-memory; cintä-meditation; stutiù-prayers; vacaù-words; bhüyät-may be; sarvätmanä-with the entire heart; viñëaù-O Lord Viñëu; madéyam-my; tvayi-in You; ceñöitam-deeds.

"My place, service, goal, travel, memory, 
thought, prayers, words, and everything I do, O Lord Viñëu, I 
offer to You with all my heart."

Text 432

api ca 
kåñëa räma mukunda vämana väsudeva jagad-guro
matsya kacchapa närasiàha varäha räghava pähi mäm
api-also; ca-and; kåñëa-O Kåñëa; räma-O Räma; mukunda-O Mukunda; vämana-O Vämana; väsudeva-O Väsudeva; jagad-guraù-O master of the worlds; matsya-O Matsya; kacchapa-O Kürma; närasiàha-O Nåsiàha; varäha-O Varäha; räghava-O Rämacandra; pähi-please protect; mäm-me.

It is also said:
"O Kåñëa, O Räma, O Mukunda, O Vämana, O Väsudeva, O master of the worlds, O Matsya, O Kürma, O Nåsiàha, O Varäha, O Rämacandra, please protect me.

Text 433

deva-dänava-näradädi-vandya dayä-nidhe
devaké-suta dehi me tava päda-bhaktim acaïcaläm
deva-dänava-näradädi-vandya-worshiped by the devas and danavas headed by Narada; dayä-nidhe-O ocean of mercy; devaké-suta'O son of Devaké; dehi-please give; me-to me; tava-of You; päda-bhaktim-devotion for the feet; aca.sy 241caläm-unwavering.

"O Lord worshiped by the devas and dänavas headed by 
Närada, O ocean of mercy, O son of Devaké, please give me 
unwavering devotion for Your feet."

Text 434

çré-viñëu-puräëe 
nätha yoëi-sahasreñu
yeñu yeñu vrajämy aham
teñu teñv acyutä bhaktir
acyutästu sadä tvayi
çré-viñëu-puräëe-in the Viñëu Puräëa; nätha-O Lord; yoëi-sahasreñu-in thousands of wombs; yeñu yeñu-in whatever; vrajämi-I go; aham-I; teñu teñu-in them; acyutä-unwavering; bhaktiù-devotion; acyutä-O infallible one; astu-may be; sadä-always; tvayi-for You.

In the Viñëu Puräëa it is said:
"O infallible Lord, in whatever thousands of births I will take in this world may I always have unflinching devotion for You.

Text 435

yä prétir avivekänäà
viñayeñv anapäyiné
tväm anusmarataù sä me
hådayän mäpasarpatu 
yä-what; prétiù-happiness; avivekänäm-of the fools; viñayeñv-in the objects of the material senses; anapäyiné-following; tvam-You; anusmarataù-by remembering; sä-that; me-of me; hådayän-from the heart; mä-may not; apasarpatu-depart.

"O Lord, as the fools love material sense objects, 
let me always love and remember You. May love for You never leave 
my heart."
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

If the last word is divided "mäpa sarpatu", the word 
"mä" may mean "the goddess of fortune, and .sy 
168pa" may mean "husband". Thus the word mäpa" means 
"O husband of the goddess of fortune". Interpreted in 
this way the verse means: 
"O husband of the goddess of fortune, the fools love material sense objects. Please let me always remember You. May the love for material sense objects leave my heart."

Text 436

päëòava-gétäyäà 
kéöeñu pakñiñu mågeñu sarésåpeñu
rakñaù-piçäcä-manujeñv api yatra tatra
jätasya me bhavatu keçava te prasädät
tvayy eva bhaktir atulä vyäbhicäriëé ca
päëòava-gétäyäm-in the Päëòava-gétä; kéöeñu-in insects and worms; pakñiñu-in birds; mågeñu-in beasts; sarésåpeñu-in snakes; rakñaù-in raksasas; piçäcä-witches; manujeñv-human beings; api-and; yatra-where; tatra-there; jätasya-born; me-of me; bhavatu-may be; keçava-O Keçava; te-of You; prasädät-by the mercy; tvayi-in You; eva-indeed; bhaktiù-devotion; atulä-peerless; vyäbhicäriëé-unwavering; ca-and.

In the Päëòava-gétä it is said:
"O Lord Keçava, wherever I take birth, whether as a worm, an insect, a beast, a snake, a demon, a witch, or a human being, may I, by Your mercy, always have unflinching devotion to You."

Text 437

pädme 
yuvaténäà yathä yuni
yunäà ca yuvatau yathä
mano 'bhiramate tadvan
mano me ramatäà tvayi
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; yuvaténäm-of young girls; yathä-as; yuni-fro a young boy; yunäm-of young boys; ca-and; yuvatau-for a young girl; yathä-as; manaù-mind; abhiramate-takes pleasure; tadvan-so; manaù-mind; me-of me; ramatäm-may take pleasure; � tvayi-in You.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"O my Lord, I know that young girls have natural 
affection for young boys, and that young boys have natural 
affection for young girls. I am praying at Your lotus feet that 
my mind may become attracted unto You in the same spontaneous 
way."*

Text 438

athäparädha-kñamärpaëaà 
tato 'parädhän çré-kåñëaà
kñamä-çélaà kñamäpayet
sa-käku kértayan çlokän
uttamän sampradäyikän
atha-now; aparädha-offenses; kñamä-forgiveness; arpaëam-offering; tataù-then; aparädhän-offenses; çré-kåñëam-to Lord Kåñëa; kñamä-frgiveness; çélam-by nature; kñamäpayet-may forgive; sa-käku-with plaintive words; kértayan-glorifying; çlokän-verses; uttamän-peerless; sampradäyikän-from the sampradaya.

The Forgiveness of Offenses
Then, glorifying Him with peerless prayers handed down in the disciplé succession, with words filled with emotion one should beg merciful Lord Kåñëa to forgive one's offenses.

Text 439

tathä hi 
aparädha-sahasräëi
kriyante 'har-niçaà mayä
däso 'ham iti mäà matvä
kñamasva madhusüdana
tathä hi-furthermore; aparädha-sahasräëi-thousands of offesnes; kriyante-are done; ahaù-day; niçam-and night; mayä-by me; däsaù-servant; aham-I; iti-thus; mäm-me; matvä-considering; kñamasva-please forgive; madhusüdana-O Kåñëa.

It is said:
"Day and night I commit thousands of offenses. O Lord Madhusüdana, please think of me as Your servant and forgive me."

Text 440

kià ca 
pratijïä tava govinda
na me bhaktaù praëaçyati
iti saàsrtya saàsmåtya
präëän sandhärayämy aham
kim- ca-furthermore; pratijïä-promise; tava-of You; govinda-O Lord Kåñëa; na-not; me-of Me; bhaktaù-the devotee; praëaçyati-pewrishes; iti-this; saàsrtya-remembering; saàsmåtya-and remem,bering; präëän-life; sandhärayämi-I maintain; aham-I.

It is also said:
"'My devotee will never perish.' O Lord Govinda, that was Your promise. I remember that promise again and again.  That is how I stay alive."

Text 441

athäparädhäù 
ägame 
yänair vä pädukair väpi
gamanaà bhagavad-gåhe
devotsavädy-asevä ca
apraëämas tvad-agrataù
atha-now; aparädhäù-offenses; ägame-in the Agama-sastra; yänaiù-by vehicles; vä-or; pädukaiù-with shoes; vä-or; api-also; gamanam-going; bhagavad-gåhe-in the temple of the Lord; deva-of the Lord; utsava-festivals; ädi-beginning with; asevä-without service; ca-and; apraëämaù-without bowing down; tvad-agrataù-in Your presence.

Offenses
In the Agama-çästra it is said:
"1. One should not enter the temple of the Deity in 
a car or palanquin or with shoes on the feet, 2. One should not 
fail to observe the various festivals for the pleasure of the 
Supreme Personality of Godhead, such as Janmäñöamé and 
Rathayäträ, 3. One should not avoid bowing down before the Deity, 
. . .*

Text 442

ucchiñöe väthaväçauce
bhagavad-darçanädikam
eka-hasta-praëämaç ca
tat-purastät pradakñiëam
ucchiñöe-in eating remnants; vä-or; athavä-or; 
açauce-uncelan; bhagavad-darçanädikam-beginning with seeing the 
Lord; eka-hasta-with one hand; 
praëämaù-bowing; ca-and; tat-purastät-before Him; 
pradakñiëam-circumambulating.

. . . 4. One should not enter the temple to worship the Lord 
without having washed one's hands and feet after eating, 5. one 
should not enter the temple in a contaminated state, (According 
to Vedé scripture, if someone dies in the family the whole 
family becomes contaminated for some time, according to its 
status. For example, if the family is brähmaëa their 
contamination period is twelve days, for the ksatriyas and 
vaiçyas it is fifteen days, and for the çüdras thirty days., 6. 
One should not bow down on one hand, 7. One should not 
circumambulate in front of Çré Kåñëa, (the process of 
circumambulating the temple is that one should begin 
circumambulating from the Deity's right-hand side of the temple 
and come round. Such circumambulation should be performed outside 
the temple structure at least three times daily., . . .*

Text 443

päda-prasäraëaà cägre
tathä paryaìka-bandhanam
çayanaà bhakñaëaà väpi
mithyä-bhäñaëam eva ca
päda-prasäraëam-spreading the feet; ca-and; agre-in the presence; tathä-so; paryaìka-bandhanam-holding on the seat; çayanam-lying down; bhakñaëam-eating; vä-or; api-also; mithyä-bhäñaëam-speaking lies; eva-indeed; ca-and.

. . . 8. One should not spread his legs before the Deity, 9. One 
should not sit before the Deity holding the ankles, elbows, or 
knees with one's hands, 10. One should not lie down before the 
Deity of Kåñëa, 11. One should not accept prasäda before the 
Deity, 12. One should never speak a lie before the Deity, . . .*

Text 444

uccair bhäñä mitho jalpo
rodanäni ca vigrahaù
nigrahänugrahau caiva
nåñu ca krüra-bhäñaëam
uccaiù-loudly; bhäñä-talking; mithaù-together; jalpaù-talking; rodanäni-crying out; ca-and; vigrahaù-fighting; nigraha-rebuking; anugrahau-being kind; ca-and; eva-certainly; nåñu-to the people; ca-and; krüra-bhäñaëam-speaking harshly.

. . . 13. One should not talk very loudly before the Deity, 14. 
One should not talk with others before the Deity, 15. One should 
not cry or howl before the Deity, 16. One should not quarrel or 
fight before the Deity, 17. One should not chastise anyone before 
the Deity, 18. One should not be charitable to beggars before the 
Deity, 19. One should not speak very harshly to others before the 
Deity, . . .*

Text 445

kambalävaraëaà caiva
para-nindä para-stutiù
açléla-bhäñaëaà caiva
adho-väyu-vimokñaëam
kambalävaraëam-a fur blanket; ca-and; eva-indeed; para-nindä-rebuking others; para-stutiù-praising others; açléla-bhäñaëam-speaking ill names; ca-and; eva-indeed; adho-väyu-vimokñaëam-passing air.

. . . 20. One should not wear a fur blanket before the Deity, 
21.	One should not eulogize or praise anyone before the Deity, 
22.	One should not speak any ill names before the Deity, 23. One should not pass air before the Deity, . . .*

Text 446

çaktau gauëopacäraç ca
anivedita-bhakñaëam
tat-tat-kälodbhavänäà ca
phalädénäm anarpaëam
çaktau-in ability; gauëopacäraù-worshiping; ca-and; anivedita-waht is not offered to the Deity; bhakñaëam-eating; tat-tat-käla-various times; udbhavänäm-grown; ca-and; phalädénäm-fruits and other things; anarpaëam-not offering.

. . . 24. One should not fail to worship the Deity according to 
one's means, (In the Bhagavad-géta' it is stated that the Lord is 
satisfied if some devotee offers Him a leaf or a little water. 
This formula prescribed by the Lord is universally applicable, 
even for the poorest man. But that does not mean that one who has 
sufficient means to worship the Lord very nicely should also 
adopt this method and try to satisfy the Lord simply by offering 
water and a leaf. If he has sufficient means, he should offer 
nice decorations, nice flowers, and nice foodstuffs and observe 
all ceremonies. It is not that one should try to satisfy the 
Supreme Lord with a little water and a leaf, and for himself 
spend all his money in sense gratification.), 25. One should not 
eat anything that is not offered first to Kåñëa, 26. One should 
not fail to offer fresh fruit and grains to Kåñëa, according to 
the season, . . . *

Text 447

viniyuktävaçiñöasya
pradänaà vyaïjanädike
påñöhé-kåtväsanaà caiva
pareñäm abhivädanam
viniyuktävaçiñöasya-of what is not offered; pradänam-offering; vyaïjanädike-foodstuffs; påñöhé-kåtväsanam-sitting by placing the back; ca-and; eva-certainly; pareñäm-of superiors; abhivädanam-obeisances.

. . . 27. After food has been cooked, no one should be 
offered any foodstuff unless it is first offered to the Deity, 
28. One should not sit with his back toward the Deity, . . . *

Text 448

gurau maunaà nija-stotraà
devatä-nindanaà tathä
aparädhäs tathä viñëor
dva-triàçat parikértitäù
gurau-before the spiritual master; maunam-silence; nija-stotram-praising oneself; devatä-nindanam-insulting the demigods; tathä'so; aparädhäù-offenses; tathä-so; viñëoù-of Lord Viñnu; dva-triàçat-32; parikértitäù-said.

. . . 29. One should not offer obeisances silently to the 
spiritual master, or in other words, one should recite aloud the 
prayers to the spiritual master while offering obeisances, 30. 
One should not fail to offer some praise in the presence of the 
spiritual master, 31. One should not praise himself before the 
spiritual master, 32. One should not deride the demigods before 
the Deity.ª These are thirty-two offenses to Lord Viñëu."

Text 449

värähe 
dva-triàçad aparädhä ye
kértyante vasudhe mayä
vaiñëavena sadä te tu
varjanéyäù prayatnataù
värähe-in the Varäha Puräëa; dva-triàçat-32; aparädhä-offenses; ye-which; kértyante-said; vasudhe-O earth; mayä-by Me; vaiñëavena-by a Vaiñëava; sadä-always; te-they; tu-indeed; varjanéyäù-to be avoided; prayatnataù-carefully.

In the Varäha Puräëa the Supreme Personality of Godhead 
says:
"O earth-goddess, now I will describe to you thirty-two offenses that the Vaiñëavas should avoid with care.

Text 450

ye vai na varjayanty etän
aparädhän mayoditän
sarva-dharma-paribhrañöäù
pacyante narake ciram
ye-who; vai-indeen; na-not; varjayanti-avoid; etän-these; aparädhän-offenses; mayä-by me; uditän-spoken; sarva-all; dharma-religion; paribhrañöäù-broken; pacyante-burn; narake-in hell; ciram-for a long time.

"They who do not avoid these offenses I will describe 
will burn in hell for a long time.

Texts 451-469

räjänna-bhakñaëaà caivaà
äpady api bhayävaham
dhväntägäre hareù sparçaù
paraà su-kåta-näçanaù
tathaiva vidhim ullaìghya
sahasä sparçanaà hareù
dvärodghäöo vinä vädyaà
kroòa-mäàsa-nivedanam
pädhukäbhyäà tathä viñëor
mandiräyopasarpaëam
kukkurocchiñöa-kalanaà
mauna-bhaìgo 'cyutärcane
tathä püjana-käle ca
viò-utsargäya sarpaëam
çraddhädikam akåtvä ca
navännasya ca bhakñaëam
adattvä gandha-mälyädi
dhüpanaà madhughätinaù
akarmaëy aprasünena
püjanaà ca hares tathä
akåtvä daëòa-käñöhaà ca
kåtvä nidhüvanaà tathä
spåñövä rajasvaläà dépaà
tathä måtakam eva ca
raktaà nélam adhautaà ca
pärakyaà malinaà paöam
paridhäya måtaà dåñövä
vimucyäpäna-märutam
krodhaà kåtvä çmaçänaà ca
gatvä bhütväpy ajérëa-bhuk
bhakñayitvä kroda-mäàsaà
piëyäkaà jala-pädakam
tathä kusumbha-çäkaà ca
tailäbhyaìgaà vidhäya ca
hareù sparço hareù karma-
käraëaà pätakävaham
kià ca tatraiva 
mama çästraà bahiñ-kåtya
asmäkaà yaù prapadyate
muktvä ca mama çästräëi
çästram anyat prabhäñate
madyapas tu samäsädya
praviçed bhavanaà mama
yo me kusumbha-çäkena
präpaëaà kurute naraù
api ca 
mama dåñöer abhimukhaà
tämbülaà cärcayet tu yaù
kurüvaka-paläça-sthaiù
puñpaiù kuryän mamärcanam
mamärcäm äsure käle
yaù karoti vimüòha-dhéù
péöhäsanopaviñöo yaù
püjayed vä niräsanaù
väma-hastena mäà dhåtvä
snäpayed vä vimüòha-dhéù
püjä paryuñitaiù puñpaiù
ñöhévanaà garva-kalpanam
tiryak-puëòra-dharo bhütvä
yaù karoti mamärcanam
yäcitaiù patra-puñpadyair
yaù karoti mamärcanam
aprakñälita-pädo yaù
praviçen mama mandiram
avaiñëavasya pakvännaà
yo mahyaà vinivedayet
avaiñëaveñu paçyatsu
mama püjäà karoti yaù
apüjayitvä vighneçaà
sambhäñya ca kapälinam
naraù püjäà tu yaù kuryät
snäpanaà ca nakhämbhasä
amauné gharma-liptäìgo
mama püjäà karoti yaù
räjänna-bhakñaëam-eating rajanna; ca-and; evam-thus; äpady-in calamity; api-also; bhayävaham-bringing fear; dhväntägäre-in a dark room; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; sparçaù-touchinng; param-then; su-kåta-näçanaù-self-destructive; tathä-so; eva-indeed; vidhim-rules; ullaìghya-jumping over; sahasä-suddenly; sparçanam-touching; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; dvärodghäöaù-coming to the door; vinä-without; vädyam-sound; kroòa-mäàsa-nivedanam-offering kroda-mamsa; pädhukäbhyäm-with shoes; tathä-so; viñëoù-of Lord Viñnu; mandiräya-to the temple; upasarpaëam-going; kukkurocchiñöa-kalanam-seen by dogs; mauna-bhaìgaù-breaking the siulence; acyuta-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; arcane-in the worship; tathä-so; püjana-käle-at the time of worship; ca-and; viò-utsargäya-passing stool; sarpaëam-going; çraddhädikam-beginning with faith; akåtvä-not doing; ca-and; navännasya-of new grains; ca-and; bhakñaëam-eating; adattvä-not offering; gandha-mälyädi-fragrant flowers; dhüpanam-incense; madhughätinaù-to Lord Kåñëa; akarmaëy-not done; apasünena-without a flower; püjanam-worship; ca-and; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; tathä-so; akåtvä-not doing; daëòa-käñöham-a wooden stick; ca-and; kåtvä-doing; nidhüvanam-sex; tathä-so; spåñövä-touching; rajasvaläm-a woman in her menstrual periood; dépam-lamp; tathä-so; måtakam-corpse; eva-indeed; ca-and; raktam-red; nélam-blue; adhautam-unwashed; ca-and; pärakyam-of another; malinam-dirty; paöam-garment; paridhäya-wearing; måtam-corspe; dåñövä-seeing; vimucyäpäna-märutam-passing air; krodham-anger; kåtvä-doing; çmaçänam-crematorium; ca-and; gatvä-going; bhütvä-becoming; api-also; ajérëa-bhuk-eating 3waht isn not offered; bhakñayitvä-feedintg; kroda-mäàsam-kroda-mamsa; piëyäkam-pinyaka; jala-pädakam-jala-padaka; tathä-so; kusumbha-çäkam-kusumbha-saka; ca-and; tailäbhyaìgam-anointed with oil; vidhäya-placing; ca-and; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; sparçaù-touching; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; karma-work; käraëam-cause; pätakävaham-bringing sin; kim- ca-furthewrmore; tatra-there; eva-indeed; mama-of Me; çästram-scripture; bahiñ-kåtya-ouside; asmäkam-of us; yaù-who; prapadyate-attaining; muktvä-leaving; ca-and; mama-of Me; çästräëi-scriptires; çästram-scripture; anyat-qanother; prabhäñate-speaks; madyapaù-chewing betelnuts; tu-indeed; samäsädya-attaining; praviçet-enters; bhavanam-temple; mama-of Me; yaù-who; me-of Me; kusumbha-çäkena präpaëam-a flower in an unclean pot; kurute-does; naraù-person; api ca-also; mama-of Me; dåñöeù-in the sight; abhimukham-facingg; tämbülam-betelnuts; cärcayet-should chew; tu-indeed; yaù-who; kurüvaka-paläça-sthaiù-kept in an unclean pot; puñpaiù-with flowers; kuryän-should do; mama-of Me; arcanam-worship; mama-of Me; ärcäm-worship; äsure-demonic; käle-time; yaù-who; karoti-does; vimüòha-dhéù-fool; péöhäsanopaviñöaù-sitting down; yaù-who; püjayet-worships; vä-or; niräsanaù-without a sitting place; väma-hastena-with the left hand; mäm-Me; dhåtvä-holding; snäpayet-should bathe; vä-or; vimüòha-dhéù-fool; püjä-worship; paryuñitaiù-bad; puñpaiù-with flowers; ñöhévanam-spitting; garva-kalpanam-bragging; tiryak-puëòradharaù-wearing th3e wrong tilaka; bhütvä-being; yaù-who; karoti-does; mama-of Me; arcanam-worship; yäcitaiù-praying; patra-puñpadyaiù-with flowers, leaves, and other offerings; yaù-who; karoti-does; mama-of Me; arcanam-the worship; aprakñälita-unwashed; pädaù-feet; yaù-who; praviçen-enters; mama-My; mandiram-temple; avaiñëavasya-of one who is not a Vaiñëava; pakvä-cooked; annam-food; yaù-one who; mahyam-to Me; vinivedayet-offers; avaiñëaveñu-as they who are not Vaiñëavas; paçyatsu-look on; mama-of Me; püjäm-worship; karoti-does; yaù-who; apüjayitvä-not worshiping; vighneçam-Gaëeça; sambhäñya-talking; ca-and; kapälinam-to an outcaste; naraù-person; püjäm-worship; tu-indeed; yaù-who; kuryät-does; snäpanam-bathing; ca-and; nakhämbhasä-with water touching the nails; amauné-not silent; gharma-liptäìgaù-perspiring; mama-of Me; püjäm-worship; karoti-does; yaù-who.

"1. One should not touch the Deity in a dark room, 
2. one should not fail to strictly follow the rules and 
regulations in worshiping the Deity, 3. One should not enter the 
temple of the Deity without first making some sound, 4. One 
should not offer any foodstuff to the Deity which has been seen 
by dogs or other lower animals, 5. One should not break silence 
while worshiping, 6. One should not pass urine or evacuate while 
engaged in worshiping, 7. One should not offer incense without 
offerings some flower, 8. Useless flowers without any fragrance 
should not be offered, 9. One should not fail to wash his teeth 
very carefully every day, 10. One should not enter the temple 
directly after sexual intercourse. 11. One should not touch a 
woman during her menstrual period, 12. One should not enter the 
temple after touching a dead body, 13. One should not enter the 
temple wearing garments of red or blue color or garments that are 
unwashed, 14. One should not enter the temple after seeing a dead 
body, 15. One should not pass air within the temple, 16. One 
should not be angry within the temple, 17. One should not enter 
the temple after visiting a crematorium, 18. One should not belch 
before the Deity. So, until one has fully digested his food, he 
should not enter the temple, 19. One should not smoke marijuana, 
or ganja, 20. One should not take opium or similar intoxicants, 
21. One should never enter the Deity room or touch the body of 
the Deity after having smeared oil over his body, 22. one should 
not show disrespect to a scripture teaching about the supremacy 
of the Lord, 23. One should not introduce any opposing scripture, 
24.	One should not chew betel before the Deity, 25. One should not offer a flower that was kept in an unclean pot, 26. One should not worship the Lord while sitting on the bare floor. One must have a sitting place or carpet, 27. One should not touch the Deity before one has completed taking bath, 28. One should not decorate his forehead with three-lined tilaka, 29. One should not enter the temple without having washed his hands and feet, 30.  One should not offer foodstuff which is cooked by a non-Vaiñëava, 31. One should not worship the Deity before a non-devotee, 32.  One should begin the worship of the demigod Gaëapati, who drives away all impediments in the execution of devotional service. (In the Brahma-saàhita' it is stated that Gaëapati worships the lotus feet of Lord Nåsiàhadeva and in that way has become auspicious for the devotees in clearing out all impediments. Therefore all devotees should worship gaëapati., Also, the Deities should not be bathed in water that has been touched by the nails or fingers 
When a devotee is perspiring, he should not engage himself in 
worshiping the Deity."*

Text 470

jïeyäù pare 'pi bahavo
'parädhäù sad-asammataiù
äcaraiù çästra-vihita-
niñiddhäti-kramädibhiù 
taträpi sarvathä kåñëa 
nirmälyaà tu na laìghayet
jïeyäù-should be known; pare-others; api-also; bahavaù-many; aparädhäù-offenses; sat-by the Vaiñëavas; asammataiù-not approved; äcaraiù-byactivities; çästra-by the scriptures; vihita-given; niñiddha-prohibited; äti-kramädibhiù-by transgressions;  taträpi-nevertheless; sarvathä-in all respects; kåñëa-of Lord Kåñëa; nirmälyam-the remnants of offerings of flowers the Lord; tu-indeed; na-not; laìghayet-should cross or step over.

The scriptures and the Vaiñëavas explain that there are also 
many other prohibitions. For example, one should not cross or 
step over the flowers offered to the Deities.*

Text 471

tathä ca närasiàhe çäntanuà prati närada-väkyam 
ataù paraà tu nirmälyaà
na laìghaya mahé-pate
narasiàhasya devasya
tathänyeñäà divaukasäm
tathä-so; ca-and; närasiàhe-in the Nåsiàha Puräëa; çäntanum-King Santanu; prati-to; närada-väkyam-the words of Narada Muni; ataù-then; param-then; tu-indeed; nirmälyam-offerings of flowers; na-not; laìghaya-step over; mahé-pate-O king; narasiàhasya-of Nåsiàha; devasya-Lord; tathä-so; anyeñäm-of other; divaukasäm-Deities.

In the Nåsiàha Puräëa, Närada Muni tells King Çäntanu:
"O king, one should not cross or step over the flowers offered to Lord Nåsiàha or any other Deity.

Text 472

kåñëasya paritoñepsur
na tac-chapatham äcaret
nänä-devasya nirmälyaà
upayuïjéta na kvacit
kåñëasya-of Lord Kåñëa; paritoña-the satisfaction; épsuù-desiring; na-not; tä-chapatham-taking a vow in His name; äcaret'should do; nänä-devasya-of various demigods; nirmälyam-offerings of flowers; upayuïjéta-should enjoy; na'not; kvacit-ever.

"One should not take a vow in the name of God. One 
should not accept the remnants of flowers offered to the various 
demigods."

Text 473

tathä viñëu-dharmottare 
äpady api ca kastäyäà
deveça-çapathaà naraù
na karoti hi yo brahmaàs
tasya tuñyati keçavaù
tathä-so; viñëu-dharmottare'in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; äpady-in calamity; api-even; ca-and; kastäyäm-in distress; deveça-çapatham-taking a vow in the Lord's name; naraù-a person; na-not; karoti-does; hi-indeed; yaù-wjo; brahmaàù-O brähmaëa; tasya-of him; tuñyati'pleased; keçavaù-Lord Kåñëa.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"O brähmaëa, a person who, even in danger or calamity, does not take a vow in the name of God, pleases Lord Keçava.

Text 474

na dhärayati nirmälyaà
anya-deva-dhåtaà tu yaù
bhuìkte na cänya-naivedyaà
tasya tuñyati keçavaù. iti. 
na-not; dhärayati-wears; nirmälyam-flowers; anya-deva-dhåtam-worn by any other deity; tu-indeed; yaù-who; bhuìkte-enjoys; na-not; ca-and; anya-of any demigod; naivedyam-offerings of food; tasya-of him; tuñyati-is pleased; keçavaù-Lord Kåñëa; iti-thus.

"O brähmaëa, a person who does not accept the 
remnants of food or flowers offered to any demigod pleases Lord 
Keçava."

Text 475

athäparädha-çamanaà 
samvatsarasya madhye ca
térthe çaukarake mama
kåtopaväsaù snänena
gaìgäyäà çuddhim äpnuyät
atha-now; aparädha-of offenses; çamanam-pacification; samvatsarasya-of a year; madhye-in the midst; ca-and; térthe-at a holy place; çaukarake-Çaukara-tértha; mama-of Me; kåtopaväsaù-fasting; snänena-with bathing; gaìgäyäm-in the Gaìgä; çuddhim-purity; äpnuyät-attains.

Becoming Free of Offenses
The Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"A person who stays at Çaukara-tértha for one year, fasts for My sake, and bathes in the Gaìgä, is purified of his offenses.

Text 476

mathuräyäà tathäpy evaà
säparädhäù çucir bhavet
mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; tathäpy-still; evam-thus; säparädhäù-an offender; çuciù-pure; bhavet-becomes.

"A person who stays at Mathura' for one year, fasts 
for My sake, and bathes in the Yamunä, is also purified of his 
offenses.

Text 477

anayos térthayor aìke
yaù sevet sukåté naraù
sahasra-janma-janitän
aparädhän jahäti saù
anayoù-of bothe; térthayoù-holy places; aìke-on the lap; yaù-one who; sevet-serves; sukåté-pious; naraù-person; sahasra-janma-a thousand births; janitän-born; aparädhän-offenses; jahäti-abandons; saù-he.

"Anyone who stays in either of these holy places and 
engages in My devotional service becomes free from the offenses 
of a thousand births."

Text 478

skände 
ahany ahani yo martyo
gétädhyäyaà tu sampaöhet
dva-triàçad-aparädhais tu
ahany ahani mucyate
skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; ahany-day; ahani-after day; yaù-who; martyaù-a person; gétädhyäyam-study of Bhagavad-gétä; tu-indeed; sampaöhet-studies; dva-triàçad-aparädhaiù-32; tu-indeed; ahany-day; ahani-by day; mucyate-is freed.

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"A person who every day reads Bhagavad-géta' is every day freed of the thirty-two offenses."

Text 479

tatra kärttika-mähätmye 
tulasyä kurute yas tu
çäla-gräma-çilärcanam
dva-triàçad-aparädhäàç ca
kñamate tasya keçavaù
tatra-there; kärttika-mähätmye-in the kärttika-mähätmya; tulasyä'of Tulasé; kurute-does; yaù-who; tu-indeed; çäla-gräma-çilä-of the Çälagräma-çilä; arcanam-worship; dva-triàçad-aparädhäàç'32 offenses; ca-and; kñamate-forgives; tasya-of him; keçavaù-Lord Kåñëa.

In the Skanda Puräëa, Kärttika-mähätmya, it is said:
"Lord Keçava forgives the thirty-two offenses committed by a devotee who worships the Çälagräma-çila' and Tulasé."

Text 480

tatraivänyatra 
dvädaçyaà jägare viñëor
yaù paöhet tulasé-stavam
dva-triàçad-aparädhäni
kñamate tasya keçavaù
tatra-there; eva-indeed; anyatra-in another place; dvädaçyam-on dvadasi; jägare-vigil; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; yaù-who; paöhet'recites; tulasé-of Tulasé; stavam-prayer; dva-triàçad-aparädhäni-32 offenses; kñamate-forgives; tasya'of him; keçavaù-Lord Kåñëa.

In another passage of the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"Lord Keçava forgives the thirty-two offenses committed by a devotee who on dvädaçé keeps an all-night vigil and recites prayers to Tulasé-devé.

Text 481

yaù karoti hareù püjäà
kåñëa-çästräìkito naraù
aparädha-sahasräëi
nityaà harati keçavaù. iti.
yaù-who; karoti-does; hareù-of Lord Hari; püjäm-worship; kåñëa-çästräìkitaù-marked with Lord Kåñëa's cakra; naraù-a person; aparädha-offenses; sahasräëi-thousands; nityam-always; harati-removes; keçavaù-Lord Keçava; iti-thus.

"Lord Keçava again and again removes many thousands 
of offenses committed by a devotee who, marked with the Lord's 
cakra, worships Lord Hari."

Text 482

atha çeña-grahanaà 
tato bhagavatä dattaà
manyamäno dayälunä
mahä-prasäda ity uktvä
çeñaà çirasi dhärayet
atha-now; çeña-grahanam-accepting the remnants; tataù-then; bhagavata-by the Supreme Personality of Godhead; dattam-given; manyamänaù-considering; dayälunä-by the merciful; mahä-prasäda-great mercy; ity-thus; uktvä-saying; çeñam-the remnants; çirasi-on the head; dhärayet-should place.

Accepting the Remnants
Thinking, "This is the great mercy of the merciful Supreme Lord", one should place on one's head the remnants of flowers offered to Lord Kåñëa.

Text 483

atha nirmälya-dhäraëa-nityatä 
pädme çré-gautamaàbaréña-samväde 
ambaréña harer lagnaà
niåaà puñpaà vilepanam
bhaktyä na dhatte çirasä
çvapacäd adhiko hi saù
atha-now; nirmälya-the remnants of flowers; dhäraëa-wearing; nityatä-regularity; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; çré-gautamaàbaréña-samväde-in a conversation of Gautama Muni and Kin g Ambarisa; ambaréña-O Ambarisa; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; lagnam-touching; niåam-water; puñpam-flower; vilepanam-ointment; bhaktyä-with devotion; na-not; dhatte-p;aces; çirasä-on the head; çvapacät-than a dogeater; adhikaù-lower; hi-indeed; saù-he.

    One Should Always Accept the Remnants of Flowers Offered to 
the Lord

In the Padma Puräëa, Gautama Muni tells King Ambaréñaq:
"O King Ambaréña, a person who does not place on his head the remnants of flowers, water, or sandal paste offered to Lord Hari is lower than a dogeater."

Text 484

atha çré-bhagavan-nirmälya-mähätmyam- 
skände brahma-närada-samväde 
kåñëottérëaà tu nirmälyaà
yasyäìgaà spåçate mune
sarva-rogair tathä päpair
mukto bhavati närada
atha-now; çré-bhagavan-nirmälya-mähätmyam-the Glories of the Remnants of Flowers Offered to the Lord; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; brahma-närada-samväde-in a conevsration of Brahma and Narada; 
kåñëottérëam-offered to Lord Kåñëa; tu-indeed; nirmälyam-flower 
remnants; yasya-of whom; aìgam-the body; spåçate-touches; mune-O 
sage; sarva-all; 
rogaiù-diseases; tathä-so; päpaiù-sins; muktaù-free; bhavati-is; 
närada-O Narada.

The Glories of the Remnants of Flowers Offered to the Lord
In the Skanda Puräëa, Brahma' tells Närada:
"O sage Närada, a person whose body touches the remnants of flowers offered to Lord Kåñëa is never touched by sins or diseases."

Text 485

viñëor nirmälya-çeñeëa
yo gätraà parimärjayet
duritäni vinaçyanti
vyädhayo yänti khaëòaçaù
viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; nirmälya-çeñeëa-by ther remnants of flowers; yaù-whose; gätram-limbs; parimärjayet-wipes; duritäni-sins; 
vinaçyanti-destroys; vyädhayaù-diseases; yänti-go; 
khaëòaçaù-broken.

"Sins die and, broken into pieces, diseases flee, 
when a person touches to his body flowers offered to Lord 
Viñëu.

Text 486

mukhe çirasi dehe tu
viñëüttérëaà tu yo vahet
tulaséà muni-çardüla
na tasya spåçate kaliù
mukhe-in the mouth; çirasi-on the head; dehe-on the body; tu-indeed; viñëüttérëam-offered to Lord Viñëu; tu-indeed; yaù-who; vahet-carries; tulasém-Tulasé; muni-çardüla-O tiger of the sages; na-not; tasya-of him; spåçate-toühes; kaliù-Kali-yuga.

"O tiger of the sages, Kali-yuga cannot touch a 
person who places to his head, mouth, and limbs, tulasé leaves 
offered to Lord Viñëu."

Text 487

kià ca 
viñëu-mürti-sthitaà puñpaà
çirasä yo vahen naraù
aparyuñita-päpas tu
yävad yuga-catuñöayam
kim- ca-furthermore; viñëu-mürti-sthitam-situated on the Deity of Lord Viñëu; puñpam-flower; çirasä-with the head; yaù-who; vahen-carries; naraù-a person; aparyuñita-päpaù-free of sin; tu-indeed; yävat-as; yuga-catuñöayam-four yugas.

It is also said:
"A person who places to his head a flower offered to Lord Viñëu becomes free from the sins of four yugas.

Text 488

kià kariñyati su-snäto
gaìgäyäà bhüsurottama
yo vahet çirasä nityaà
tulaséà viñëu-sevitäm
kim-what?; kariñyati-will do; su-snätaù-carefgully bathed; gaìgäyäm-in the Gaìgä; bhüsurottama-O best of brähmaëas; yaù-who; vahet-carries; çirasä-with his head; nityam-regularly; tulasém-tulasé; viñëu-sevitäm-offered to Lord Viñëu.

"O best of brähmaëas, why should a person who 
regularly places on his head tulasé leaves offered to Lord 
Viñëu be very interested to bathe in the Gaìgä?

Text 489

viñëu-pädäbja-samlagnäà
aho-ratroñitäà çubhäm
tulaséà dhärayed yo vai
tasya puëyam anantakam
viñëu-pädäbja-samlagnäm-offered to Lord Viñëu's lotus feet; aho-ratroñitäm-day and night; çubhäm-auspiciousness; tulasém-tulasé; dhärayet-carries; yaù-who; vai-indeed; tasya-of him; puëyam-piety; anantakam-limitless.

"A person who day and night places on his head 
tulasé leaves offered to Lord Viñëu's lotus feet attains piety 
that has no end.

Text 490

aho-rätraà çire yasya
tulasé viñëu-sevitä
na sa lipyati päpena
padma-patram ivämbhasä
aho-rätram-day and night; çire-on the head; yasya-of whom; tulasé-tulasé; viñëu-sevitä-offered to Lord Viñëu; na-not; sa-he; lipyati-touched; päpena-by sin; padma-patram-a lotus leaf; iva-like; ambhasä-by the water.

"As a lotus leaf is never touched by water, so a 
person who day and night places on his head tulasé leaves offered 
to Lord Viñëu's lotus feet is never touched by sin."

Text 491

kià ca 
viñëoù çiraù-paribhrañöäà
bhaktyä yas tulaséà vahet
sidhyanti sarva-käryäëi
manasäcintitäni ca
kim- ca-furthermore; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; çiraù-paribhrañöäm-on the head; bhaktyä-with devotion; yaù-who; 
tulasém-tulasé; vahet-carries; 
sidhyanti-become perfect; sarva-käryäëi-all work; 
manasäcintitäni'conceived by the mind; ca-and.

It is also said:
"A person who with devotion places a tulasé leaf to his head attains success in all his plans and endeavors.

Text 492

api ca 
pramärjayati yo dehaà
tulasyä vaiñëavo naraù
sarva-térthamayaà dehaà
tat-kñaëät dvija jäyate
api ca-also; pramärjayati-touches; yaù-who; deham-body; tulasyä'with tulasé; vaiñëavaù-a Vaiñëava; naraù-person; sarva-all; térthamayam-consisting of holy places; deham-body; tat-kñaëät-from that moment; dvija-O brähmaëa; jäyate-is born.

"O brähmaëa, when a devotee touches a tulasé leaf 
his body at once becomes the home of all holy places."

Text 493

gäruòe 
harer mürty-avaçeñaà tu
tulasé-käñöha-candanam
nirmälyaà tu vahed yas tu
koöi-tértha-phalaà labhet
gäruòe-in the Garuòa Puräëa; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; mürty-from the Deity; avaçeñam-remnant of an offering; tu-indeed; tulasé-käñöha-candanam-candana and tulasé; nirmälyam-flower; tu-indeed; vahet-carries; yaù-who; tu-indeed; koöi-tértha-phalam-the result of ten million pilgrimages; labhet-attains.

In the Garuòa Puräëa it is said:
"A person who accepts a tulaséwoodpaste-sandalpaste flower offered to the Deity of Lord Hari attains the result of ten million pilgrimages.

Text 494

närada-païcarätre 
bhojanänantaraà viñëor
arpitaà tulasé-dalam
tat-kñaëät päpa-nirmoktas
cändräyaëa-çatädhikaù
närada-païcarätre-in the Närada-pa.sy 
241carätra; bhojanänantaram-after food; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; 
arpitam-offered; 
tulasé-dalam-a tulasé leaf; tat-kñaëät-from that moment; päpa-
nirmoktaù-free of sin; cändräyaëa-çatädhikaù-more than observing 
a hundred candrayana fasts.

In the Närada-païcarätra it is said:
"By honoring food and a tulasé leaf offered to Lord Viñëu, a person becomes more free of sins than if he had followed a hundred cändräyaëa fasts."

Text 495

kià cänyatra 
kautukaà çåëu me devi
viñëor nirmälya-vahninä
täpitaà näçam äyäti
brahma-hatyädi-pätakam
kim- ca-furthermore; anyatra-in another place; kautukam-wonder; çåëu-please hear; me-of me; devi-O goddess; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; nirmälya-of the remnants of flowers; vahninä-by the fire; täpitam-heated; näçam-destruction; äyäti-attains; brahma-hatyädi-pätakam-a host of sins, beginning with the murder of a brähmaëa.

It is also said:
"O goddess, please hear from me something very wonderful. the act of touching a flower offered to Lord Viñëu is a fire that burns away a host of sins, beginning with the murder of a brähmaëa."

Text 496

ekädaça-skandhe çré-bhagavantaà praty uddhavoktau 
tvayopayukta-srag-gandha-
vaso-'laìkära-carcitaù
ucchiñöa-bhogino däsäs
tava mäyäà jayema hi
ekädaça-skandhe-in the eleventh canto; çré-bhagavantam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; praty-to; uddhavoktau-in the words of Uddhava; tvayä-by You; upayukta-used; srag-flower garlands; gandha-scented substances like sandalwood pulp; vasaù-garments; alaìkära-ornaments; carcitaù-being decorated with; ucchiñöa-remnants of food; bhoginaù-eating; däsäù-servants; tava-Your; mäyäm-illusory energy; jayema-can conquer over; hi-certainly.

In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (11.6.46,, Uddhava tells the Supreme 
Personality of Godhead:
"My dear Lord, the garlands, scented substances, 
garments, ornaments, and other such things that have been offered 
to You may later be used by Your servants. By partaking of these 
things and eating the remnants of food You have left, we will be 
able to conquer the illusory energy."*

Text 497

ata eva skände çré-yamasya dütän anuçäsane 
pädodaka-ratä ye ca
harer nirmälya-dhärakäù
viñëu-bhakti-ratä ye vai
te tu tyäjyäù su-dürataù. iti.
ata eva-therefore; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; çré-yamasya-of Çré Yama; dütän-to the messengers; anuçäsane-in instyruction; pädodaka-the water that has washed the feet; ratä-devoted; ye-who; ca-and; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; nirmälya-dhärakäù-holding the flowers; viñëu-bhakti-ratä-devoted to Lord Öiñëu; ye-who; vai-indeed; te-they; tu-indeed; tyäjyäù-should be abandoned; su-dürataù.-far away; iti.-thus.

In the Skanda Puräëa, Yamaräja teaches his messengers:
"Stay far way from the Lord Viñëu's devotees, who touch water that has washed the Lord's feet and hold flowers offered to the Lord."

Text 498

visarjanaà tu cet käryaà
visåjyävaraëäni tat
deve tan-mudrayä prärthya
devaà hådi visarjayet
visarjanam-offering; tu-indeed; cet-if; käryam-to be done; visåjya-removing; ävaraëäni-coverings; tat-that; deve-to the Lord; tan-mudrayä-with that mudrä; prärthya-praying; devam-to the Lord; hådi-in the heart; visarjayet-should offer.

Then one should open his heart and, showing the visarjané-
mudrä, invite the Lord to enter there.

Text 499

tathä coktaà 
püjito 'si mayä bhaktyä
bhagavan kamalä-pate
sa lakñméko mama sväntaà
viça viçränti-hetave
tathä-so; ca-and; uktam-said; püjitaù-worshiped; asi-You are; mayä-by me; bhaktyä-with devotion; bhagavan-O Lord; kamalä-pate-O husband of the goddess of fortune; sa-accompanied by; lakñmékaù-the goddess of fortune; mama-of me; sväntam-the heart; viça-please enter; viçränti-hetave-to rest.

Then one should say:
"O Supreme Personality of Godhead, O husband of the goddess of fortune, I have worshiped You with devotion. Now, taking with You the goddess of fortune, please enter my heart and take rest there."

Text 500

prärthyaivaà päduke dattvä
saìgam udväsayed dharim
präëäyämaà ñaò-aìgaà ca
kåtvä mudräà visarjaném
prärthya-praying; evam-thus; päduke-shoes; dattvä-offering; sa-with; aìgam-body; udväsayet-should leave; harim-Lord Kåñëa; präëäyämam-pranayama; ñaò-aìgam-siø limbs; ca-and; kåtvä-doing; mudräm-mudra; visarjaném-visarjani.

After speaking this prayer, one should perform präëäyäma, 
ñaò-aìga-nyäsa, and visarjané-mudrä. Then one should offer 
sandals to the Lord and give Him leave to go.

Text 501

atha püjä-vidhi-vivekaù 
ayaà püjä-vidhir mantra-
siddhy-arthasya japasya hi
aìgaà bhaktes tu tan-niñöhair
nyäsädén antareñyate
atha-now; püjä-of worship; vidhi-rules; vivekaù-distinction; ayam-this; püjä-vidhiù-rules of worship; mantra-of mantras; siddhy-perfection; arthasya-purpose; japasya-chanting japa; hi-indeed; aìgam-body; bhakteù-of devotional service; tu-indeed; tan-niñöhaiù-faith in that; nyäsädén-beginning with nyasa; antarä-without; éñyate-is approved.

The Rules of Worship
The rules of worship we have described and the chanting of mantras we have described should be performed. However, they who have faith that the Deity in the temple is identical with the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself need not perform nyäsa and other rituals.

Text 502

tatra devälaye püjä
nityatvena mahä-prabhoù
kämyatvenäpi gehe tu
präyo nityatayä matä
tatra-there; devälaye-in the temple; püjä-worship; nityatvena-regularly; mahä-prabhoù-of thr Supreme Personality of Godhead; kämyatvena-to attain a specifé desire; api-also; gehe-in the home; tu-indeed; präyaù-for the most part; nityatayä-regularly; matä-considered.

The worship of the Lord should regularly be performed in the 
temple. The Lord may also be worshiped to attain a specifé 
desire. The Lord may be also be regularly worshiped at home.

Text 503

sevädi-niyamo devä-
laye devasya ceñyate
präyaù sva-gehe svacchanda-
sevä sva-vrata-rakñayä
sevädi-niyamaù-the rules of worship; devälaye-in the temple; 
devasya-of the Lord; ca-and; éñyate-is appropriate; 
präyaù-mostly; sva-gehe'in one's own home; 
svacchanda-spontaneous; sevä-service; sva-vrata-rakñayä-following 
one's vow.

The rules of worship should be followed in the temple. 
However, at home one may follow less strictly.

Text 504

kià ca viñëu-dharmottare 
ghåtena snäpitaà devaà
candanenänulepayet
sita-jätyäç ca kusumaiù
püjayet tad-anantaram
kim- ca-furthermore; viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; ghåtena-with ghee; snäpitam-bathed; devam-the Lord; candanena-sandal paste; anulepayet-one should anoint; sita-jätyäç-with white jasmine flowers; ca-and; kusumaiù-with flowers; püjayet-should worship; tad-anantaram-then.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
"One should bathe the Deity with ghee, anoint Him with sandal paste, worship Him with white jasmine flowers, . . .

Text 505

çvetena vastra-yugmena
tathä muktä-phalaiù çubhaiù
mukhya-karpüra-dhüpena
payasä päyasena ca
svetena-white; vastra-yugmena-with both garments; tathä-so; muktä-phalaiù'with pearls; çubhaiù-beautiful; mukhya-karpüra-with camphor; dhüpena-incense; payasä-milk; päyasena-sweetrice; ca-and.

. . . offer Him white garments, beautiful pearls, camphor,. 
incense, milk, and sweet-rice, . . .

Text 506

padma-sütrasya varttyä ca
ghåta-dhépena cäpy atha
püjayet sarvathä yatnät
sarva-käma-pradärcanam
padma-sütrasya-of lotus fiber; varttyä-with a wick; ca-and; ghåta-dhépena-with a ghee lamp; ca-and; api-also; atha-then; püjayet-should worship; sarvathä-in all respects; yatnät-carefully; sarva-käma-pradärcanam-the worship the gives all desires.

. . . and carefully worship Him with a ghee lamp burning with a 
lotus-fiber wick. This worship fulfills all desires.

Text 507

kåtvemaà mucyate rogé
rogät çéghram asaàçayam
duùkharto mucyate duùkhäd
baddho mucyeta bandhanät
kåtvä-doing; imam-this; mucyate-is fee; rogé-diseased; rogät-from disease; çéghram-quickly; asaàçayam-without doubt; duùkhartaù-unhappy; mucyate-free; duùkhät-from unhappiness; baddhaù-imprisoned; mucyeta-free; bandhanät-from prison.

"By worshiping in this way a diseased person is 
quickly freed from disease, a person afflicted with sufferings is 
quickly freed from his sufferings, a prisoner is quickly freed 
from prison, . . .

Text 508

räja-grastaç ca mucyeta
tathä räja-bhayän naraù
kñemena gacched adhvänaà
sarvänartha-vivarjitaù. iti.
räja-grastaù-in the grip of the king; ca-and; mucyeta-is freed; tathä-so; räja-bhayän-from fear of the king; naraù-a pewrson; kñemena'happily; gacchet-goes; adhvänam-on the path; sarva-all; anartha-vivarjitaù-free from calamities; iti-thus.

. . . a criminal caught by the king is quickly freed from the king's 
wrath, and person troubled by calamity is quickly made happy and free 
from troubles."
Ninth vilasa
Text 1

sa prasédatu caitanya-
    devo yasya prasädataù
mahä-prasäda-jätärhaù
    sadyaù syäd adhamo 'py aham

    saù-He; prasédatu-may be pleased; caitanyadevaù-Lord Caitanya; yasya-of whom; prasädataù-by the mercy; mahä-prasäda-great mercy; jäta-born; arhaù-worthy; sadyaù-suddenly; syät-is; adhamaù-fallen; api-although; aham-I.

    May Lord Caitanyadeva be merciful to me. Even though I am fallen, may He be merciful to me.

Text 2

atha çaìkhodakaà tä 
    kåñëa-dåñöi-sudhokñitam
vaiñëavebhyaù pradäyäbhi-
    vandya mürdhani dhärayet

    atha-now; çaìkha-of a conchshell; udakam-water; tat-that; kåñëa-of Lord Kåñëa; dåñöi-sight; sudhä-nectar; ukñitam-sprinkled; vaiñëavebhyaù-to the Vaiñëavas; pradäya-giving; abhivandya-bowing down; mürdhani-on the head; dhärayet-should place.

    One should offer to the Lord water in a conchshell. When by Lord Kåñëa's glance the water is transformed into nectar, one should sprinkle it on the Vaiñëavas, offer obeisances to it, and sprinkle it on one's own head.

Text 3

çaìkhodaka-mähätmyaà 

skände brahma-närada-samväde 

çaìkhodakaà harer bhaktir
    nirmälyaà pädayor jalam
candanaà dhüpa-çeñaà tu
    brahma-hatyäpahärakam

    çaìkhodaka-mähätmyam-the glories of the conchell-water; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Brashma and Narada; çaìkhodakam-the concshell water; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; bhaktiù-devotion; nirmälyam-flower remnants; pädayoù-of the feet; jalam-waster; candanam-sandal paste; dhüpa-incense; çeñam-tremnants; tu-indeed; brahma-hatyä-of the sin of brähmaëa murder; apahärakam-removing.

    The Glories of Water Offered in a Conchshell     

    In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada, it is said:

    "Devotion to Lord Hari and the remnants of offerings to Lord Hari of water offered in a conchshell, flowers, water offered at His feet, sandal paste, and incense, all remove the sin of murdering a brähmaëa."

Text 4

tatraiva çaìkha-mähätmye 

çaìkha-sthitaà tu yat toyaà
    bhrämitaà keçavopari
vandate çirasä nityaà
    gaìgä-snänena tasya kim

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; çaìkha-mähätmye-in the Çaìkha-mähätmys; çaìkha-sthitam-situated in a conchshell; tu-indeed; yat-what; toyam-water; bhrämitam-circled; keçavopari-over Lord Kåñëa; vandate-bows down; çirasä-with the head; nityam-regularly; gaìgä-snänena-by bathing in the Gaìgä; tasya-of him; kim-what is the need?

    In the Skanda Puräëa, Çaìkha-mähätmya, it is said:

    "Why should a person who regularly bows his head before the conchshell-water circled over Lord Keçava be very interested to bathe in the Gaìgä? 

Text 5

na däho na klamo närtir
    narakägni-bhayaà na hi
yasya çaìkhodakaà mürdhni
    kåñëa-dåñöyävalokitam

    na-not; dahaù-fire; na-not; klamaù-fatiugue; na-not; ärtiù--suffering; narakägni-bhayam-fear of the fires of hell; na-not; hi-indeed; yasya-of whom; çaìkhodakam-conchshell water; mürdhni-on the herad; kåñëa-dåñöyävalokitam-seen by Lord Kåñëa.

    "A person who places on his head the conchshell-water seen by Lord Kåñëa does not experience fever, fatigue, suffering, or the fear of hellfire.

Text 6

na grahä na ca kuñmaëòäù
    piçäcoraga-rakñakäù
dåñövä çaìkhodakaà mürdhni
    vidravanti diço daça

    na-not; grahä-grahas; na-not; ca-and; kuñmaëòäù-kusmandas; piçäca-witches; uraga-snakes; rakñakäù-cannibals; dåñövä-seeing; çaìkhodakam-conchshell water; mürdhni-on the head; vidravanti-flee; diçaù-in the directions; daça-ten.

    "Ghosts, demons, witches, snakes, and cannibals do not trouble him. Seeing the Lord's conchshell water on his head, they flee in the ten directions.

Text 7

kåñëa-mürdhni bhrämitaà tu
    jalaà tac-chaìkha-saàsthitam
kåtvä mürdhany aväpnoti
    muktià viñëoù prasädataù

    kåñëa-of Lord Kåñëa; mürdhni-on the head; bhrämitam-circled; tu-indeed; jalam-water; tä-chaìkha-saàsthitam-in the conchshell; kåtvä-soing; mürdhani-on the head; aväpnoti-attains; muktim-liberation; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; prasädataù-by the mercy.

    "A person who places on his head the conchshell water circled over Lord Kåñëa attains liberation by the Lord's mercy.

Text 8

bhrämayitvä harer mürdhni
    mandiraà çaìkha-väriëä
prokñayed vaiñëavo yas tu
    näçubhaà tad-gåhe bhavet

    bhrämayitvä-circiling; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; mürdhni-on the head; mandiram-the temple; çaìkha-värinä-with conchshell water; prokñayet-sprinkles; vaiñëavaù-Vaiñëava; yaù-who; tu-indeed; na-not; açubham-inauspiciousness; tad-gåhe-in his home; bhavet-will be.

    "Nothing inauspicious will happen in the home of a Vaiñëava who circles conchshell-water over Lord Hari's head and then sprinkles it in the temple.

Text 9

néräjana-jalaà yatra
    yatra pädodakaà hareù
tiñöhati muni-çärdüla
    vardhante tatra sampadaù

    néräjana-offered in arati; jalam-water; yatra yatra-wherever; pädodakam-water that washed the Lord's feet; hareù-of Lord Hari; tiñöhati-stays; muni-of sages; çärdüla-O tiger; vardhante-increases; tatra-there; sampadaù-good fortune.

    "O tiger of sages, prosperity and good fortune will stay in any place where there is water that has washed Lord Hari's feet or water offered to Lord Hari during ärati."

Text 10

tatraivägre 

néräjana-jalaà viñëor
    yasya gäträëi saàspåçet
yajïävabhåta-lakñaëaà
    snänajaà labhate phalam

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; agre-in the beginning; néräjana-jalam-water from arati; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; yasya-of whom; gäträëi-the limbs; saàspåçet-touches; yajïävabhåta-lakñaëam-the nature of an avabhrta bath in a yajna; snänajam-born from the bath; labhate-attains; phalam-the result.

    In the Skanda Puräëa it is also said:

    "Whoever touches to his limbs the ärati-water of Lord Viñëu attains the result of an avabhåta bath."

Text 11

tatraiva çré-çivoktau 

pädodakena devasya
    hatyäyuta-samanvitaù
çudhyate nätra sandehas
    tathä çaìkhodakena hi

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-çivoktau-in the statement of Lord  Çiva; pädodakena-with the weater from the feet; devasya-of the Lord; hatyä-of murders; ayuta-ten thousand; samanvitaù-with; çudhyate-is purified; na-not; atra-here; sandehaù-doubt; tathä-so; çaìkhodakena-with conchsell-water; hi-indeed.

    In the Skanda Puräëa, Lord Çiva explains:

    "Even a sinner who has committed ten thousand murders will become purified by touching the Lord's conchshell-water or the water that has washed the Lord's feet. Of this there is no doubt."

Text 12

båhad-viñëu-puräëe ca 

térthädhikaà yajïa-çatät ca pävanaà
    jalaà sadä keçava-dåñöi-saàsthitam
chinatti päpaà tulasé-vimiçritaà
    viçeñataç cakra-çilä-vinirmitam

    båhad-viñëu-puräëe-in the Viñëu Puräëa; ca-and; térthädhikam-more than pilgrimages; yajïa-çatät-than a hundred yajnas; ca-and; pävanam-purifying; jalam-water; sadä-always; keçava-dåñöi-saàsthitam-seen by Lord Kåñëa; chinatti-cuts; päpam-sin; tulasé-vimiçritam-mixed with tulasé; viçeñataù-specifically; cakra-cakra; çilä-stone; vinirmitam-done.

    In the Viñëu Puräëa it is said:

    "the water seen by Lord Kåñëa is a more purifying that a hundred yajïas and a host of pilgrimages. The water, mixed with tulasé leaves, that has washed the Çälagräma-çila' cuts apart all sins."

Text 13

atha tértha-dhäraëaà 

kåñëa-pädäbja-térthaà ca
    vaiñëavebhyaù pradäya hi
svayaà bhaktyäbhivandyädau
    pétvä çirasi dhärayet

    atha-now; tértha-dhäraëam-the water that has washed the Lord's feet; kåñëa-pädäbja-tértham-the lotus feet of Lord Kåñëa; ca-and; vaiñëavebhyaù-to the Vaiñëavas; pradäya-giving; hi-indeed; svayam-personally; bhaktyä-with devotion; abhivandya-bowing; ädau-in the beginning; pétvä-drinking; çirasi-on the head; dhärayet-should place.

    The Water That Has Washed the Lord's Feet

    One should give to the devotees the water that has washed the Lord's feet. With devotion one should offer obeisances to that water, drink it, and sprinkle it on one's head.

Text 14

tasya mantra-vidhiç ca präk
    prätaù-snäna-prasaìgataù
likhito hy adhunä päne
    viçeño likhyate kiyän

    tasya-of that; mantra-vidhiù-the way of chanting the mantra; ca-and; präk-first; prätaù-snäna-prasaìgataù-at early morning bath; likhitaù-written; hi-indeed; adhunä-now; päne-in drinking; viçeñaù-specifically; likhyate-is written; kiyän-how much?

    How much can be written about drinking this water that has washed the Lord's feet! Now I will give the mantra for honoring the water of the Lord's early-morning bath.

Text 15

sa coktaù 

oà caraëaà pavitraà vitataà puräëaà
    yena pütas tarati duñkåtäni
tena pavitreëa çuddhena pütä
    api päpmänam arätià tarema

    sa-it; ca-and; uktaù-said; om-Oà; caraëam-feed; pavitram-poure; vitatam-manifested; puräëam-ancient; yena-by which; pütaù-purified; tarati-crosses; duñkåtäni-sins; tena-by it; pavitreëa-pure; çuddhena-pure; pütä-pure; api-also; päpmänam-of sins; arätim-the enemy; tarema-we cross.

    The Mantra

    "Oà. The sacred water that has washed the Lord's feet and that is famous from ancient times washes away all sins. Purified by that sacred water, we will will escape the hostile world of birth and death, the home of sins.

Text 16

    lokasya dväram ärcayat pavitram- jyotiñmat vibhräjamänam- mahas tad amåtasya dhärä bahudhä dohamänam- caraëam- loke sudhitäm- dadhätu. iti.

    lokasya-of the world; dväram-the door; arcayat-should worship; pavitram-sacred; jyotiñmat-with effulgence; vibhräjamänam-shining; mahaù-splendor; tad -that; dhärä-stream; bahudhä-in many ways; dohamänam-milking; caraëam-feet; loke-in the world; sudhitäm-nectar; dadhätu-may give; iti-thus.

    "The splendid and sacred stream of nectar that has washed the Lord feet is the door to the spiritual world. Running in many swelling streams, it floods the world with nectar."

Text 17

imaà mantraà samuccärya
    sarva-duñöa-grahäpaham
präçnéyät prokñayed dehaà
    putra-mitra-parigraham

    imam-this; mantram-mantra; samuccärya-reciting; sarva-duñöa-graha-all sins; apaham-removing; präçnéyät-should drink; prokñayet-should sprinkle; deham-the body; putra-mitra-parigraham-family, children, and friends.

    Reciting this mantra, one should drink the water that has washed the Lord's feet, sprinkle it on his body, and sprinkle it on his wife, children, family, and friends.

Text 18

kià ca 

viñëoù pädodakaà pétaà
    koöi-hatyägha-näçanam
tad eväñöa-guëaà päpaà
    bhümau bindu-nipätanät

    kim- ca-furthermore; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; päda-feet; udakam-water; pétam-drunk; koöi-hatyägha-näçanam-destroying millions of sins; tat-that; eva-indeed; añöa-guëam-eight times; päpam-of sin; bhümau-on the earth; bindu-of drops; nipätanät-by the falling.

    It is also said:

    "By drinking the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet one atones for ten million murders and other sins. Sprinkling that water is even more effective than drinking it. Sprinkling it destroys sins eight times more than drinking it."

Text 19

atha çré-caraëodaka-päna-mähätmyaà 

pädme gautamämbaréña-samväde 

hareù snänävaçeñas tu
    jalaà yasodare sthitam
ambaréña praëamyoccaiù
    päda-päàçuù pragåhyatäm

    atha-now; çré-caraëa-of the Lord's feet; udaka-of the water; päna-drinking; mähätmyam-the glory; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; gautama-ambaréña-of Gautama Muni and King Ambarisa; samväde-ina conversation; hareù-of Lord Hari; snäna-bathing; avaçeñaù-remnant; tu-indeed; jalam-water; yasya-of whom; udare-in the stomach; sthitam-is situated; ambariña-O King Ambarisa; praëamya-bowing; uccaiù-greatly; päda-päàçuù-the dust; pragåhyatäm-should be taken.

    The Glory of Drinking the Water That Has Washed the Lord's Feet

    In the Padma Puräëa, Gautama Muni tells King Ambaréña:

    "O King Ambaréña, please bow down before a person who places in his stomach the water that has washed the Lord 's feet. You should touch the dust from that devotee's feet."

Text 20

tatraiva devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde 

ye pibanti narä nityaà
    çälagräma-çilä-jalam
païca-gavya-sahasrais tu
    sevitaiù kià prayojanam

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde-in a conversation of Devaduta and Vikundala; ye-who; pibanti-drink; narä-people; nityam-regularly; çälagräma-çilä-jalam-the water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä; païca-gavya-sahasraiù-with a thousand panca-gavyas; tu-indeed; sevitaiù-served; kim-what?; prayojanam-is the need.

    In the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Devadüta and Vikuëòala, it is said:

    "Why should they who regularly drink the water that has washed the Çälagräma-çila' think drinking a thousand païca-gavyas is very important?"

Text 21

koöi-tértha-sahasrais tu
    sevitaiù kià prayojanam
nityaà yadi pibet punayà
    çälagräma-çilä-jalam

    koöi-tértha-sahasraiù-with ten million pilgrimages; tu-indeed; sevitaiù-served; kim-what?; prayojanam-need; nityam-regularly; yadi-if; pibet-drink; puëyam-sacred; çälagräma-çilä-jalam-water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä.

    "Why should they who regularly drink the water that has washed the Çälagräma-çila' think ten million pilgirmages are very important?

Text 22

çälagräma-çilä-toyaà
    yaù pibed bindunä samam
mätuù stanyaà punar naiva
    na pibed bhakti-bhän- naraù

    çälagräma-çilä-toyam-water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä; yaù-who; pibet-drinks; bindunä-with a drop; samam-equal; matuù-of a mother; stanyam-the breast milk; punaù-again; na-not; eva-indeed; na-not; pibet-drinks; bhakti-bhäk-devotee; naraù-person.

    "A devotee who drinks even a single drop of water that has washed the Çälagräma-çila' will never again drink a mother's milk."

Text 23

kià ca 

dahanti narakän sarvän
    garbha-väsaà ca däruëam
pétaà yasi tu sadä nityaà
    çälagräma-çilä-jalam

    kim- ca-furthermore; dahanti-burn; narakän-hells; sarvän-all; garbha-väsam-residence in the womb; ca-and; däruëam-terrible; pétam-drunk; yaiù-by whom; tu-indeed; sadä-regularly; nityam-always; çälagräma-çilä-jalam-Çälagräma-çilä-water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä.

    It is also said:

    "By regularly drinking water that has washed the Çälagräma-çila' one burns away that chance that in the future he live in hell or enter the horrible prison of a mother's womb."

Text 24

tatraiva çré-yama-dhümraketu-samväde 

çälagräma-çilä-toyaà
    bindu-mätraà tu yaù pibet
sarva-päpaiù pramucyeta
    bhakti-märge kåtodyamaù

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-yama-dhümraketu-samväde-in a conversation of Çré Yama and Çré Dhumraketu; çälagräma-çilä-toyam-water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä; bindu-a drop; mätram-oly; tu-indeed; yaù-who; pibet-drinks; sarva-päpaiù-from all sins; pramucyeta-freed; bhakti-märge-on the path of devotional service; kåtodyamaù-endeavoring.

    In the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Çré Yama and Çré Dhümraketu, it is said:

    "A person who drinks a single drop of the water that has washed the Çälagräma-çila' become free from all sins. He becomes advanced on the path of devotional service."

Text 25

tatraiva pulastya-bhagératha-samväde 

pädodakasya mähätmyaà
    bhagératha vadämi te
pävanaà sarva-térthebhyo
    hatyä-koöi-vinäçakam

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; pulastya-bhagératha-samväde-in a conversatio  of Pulastya and Bhagiratha; pädodakasya-of the water that has washed the feet; mähätmyam-the glory; bhagératha-O King Bhagiratha; vadämi-I tell; te-to you; pävanam-purifying; sarva-térthebhyaù-than all holy places; hatyä-of murders; koöi-ten million; vinäçakam-destroying.

    In the Padma Puräëa, Pulastya Muni tells King Bhagératha:

    "O King Bhagératha, I will tell you the glories of the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet. That water is more purifying than all holy places. That water kills the sinful reactions of ten million murders."

Text 26

dhåte çirasi péte ca
    sarväs tuñyanti devatäù
präyaçcittaà tu päpänäà
    kalau pädodakaà hareù

    dhåte-held; çirasi-on the head; péte-drunk; ca-and; sarväù-all; tuñyanti-are satisfied; devataù-the demigods; präyaçcittam-atonement; tu-indeed; päpänäm-of sins; kalau-in Kali-yuga; pädodakam-the water that has washed the feet; hareù-of Lord Hari.

    "In Kali-yuga the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet is the atonement for all sins. When a person drinks that water or places it on his head, all the demigods become pleased with him."

Texts 27 and 28

kià ca 

tribhiù särasvataà toyaà
    saptähena tu närmadam
sadyaù punäti gäìgeyaà
    darçanäd eva yämunam

punanty etäni toyäni
    snäna-darçana-kértanaiù
punäti smaraëäd eva
    kalau pädodakaà hareù

    kim- ca-furthermore; tribhiù-with three; särasvatam-of the Sarasvati; toyam-water; saptähena-wityh seven days; tu-indeed; närmadam-of the Narmada; sadyaù-at once; punäti-purifies; gaìgeyam-of the Gaìgä; darçanät-by seeing; eva-indeed; yämunam-of the Yamunä; punanti-purify; etäni-they; toyäni-water; snäna-darçana-kértanaiù-by bathing, seeing, or gloi\rifying; punäti-purifies; smaraëät-by remembering; eva-indeed; kalau-in kali-yuga; pädodakam-the water that has washed the feet; hareù-of Lord Hari.

    It is also said:

    "The same result attained by bathing for three days in the Sarasvaté, seven days in the Narmadä, or once in the Gaìgä, or by simply seeing the Yamunä, or by seeing, glorifying, and bathing in all these sacred rivers, is attained in Kali-yuga by simply remembering the water that has washed the Lord Hari's feet." 

Text 29

kià ca 

arcitaiù koöibhir liìgair
    nityaà yat kriyate phalam
tat phalaà çata-sähasraà
    péte pädodake hareù

    kim- ca-furthermore; arcitaiù-worshiped; koöibhiù-ten million; liìgaiù-Çiva-liìgas; nityam-regularly; yat-what; kriyate-done; phalam-piety; tat-that; phalam-result; çata-sähasram-100,000 times; péte-drunk; pädodake-the water that has washed the feet; hareù-of Lord Hari.

    It is also said:

    "By once drinking the water that has washed the feet of Lord Hari one attains a hundred thousand times the pious benefit of daily worshiping ten million Çiva-liìgas.

Text 30

açucir vä duräcäro
    mahä-pätaka-samyutaù
spåñövä pädodakaà viñëoù
    sadä çudhyati mänavaù

    açuciù-impure; vä-or; duräcäraù-misbehaved; mahä-pätaka-samyutaù'a great sinner; spåñövä-touching; pädodakam-the water that has washed the feet; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; sadä-eternally; çudhyati-is purified; mänavaù'a person.

    "Whether impure, or ill-behaved, or a great sinner, anyone who once touches the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet becomes eternally purified.

Text 31

päpa-koöi-yuto yas tu
    måtyu-kale çiro-mukhe
dehe pädodakaà tasya
    na prayäti yamälayam

    päpa-koöi-yutaù-committed millions of sins; yaù-who; tu-indeed; måtyu-kale-at the time of death; çiro-mukhe-on his head; dehe-on his body; pädodakam-the water that has washed the feet; tasya-of him; na-not; prayäti-goes; yamälayam-to the abode of Yamaräja.

    "Anyone, even if he has committed many millions of sins, who at the time of his death places on his head or his body the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet will not go to Yama's abode.

Text 32

na dänaà na havir yeñäà
    svädhyäyo na surärcanam
te 'pi pädodakaà pétvä
    prayänti paramäà gatim

    na-not; dänam-charity; na-not; haviù-yajna; yeñäm-of whom; svädhyäyaù-study; na-not; surärcanam-worship of the demigods; te-they; api-even; pädodakam-the water that has washed the feet; pétvä-drinkiong; prayänti-go; paramäm-to the supreme; gatim-abode.

    "They who, even though they never gave any charity, performed any yajïas, studied the Vedas, or worshiped the demigods, have one drunk the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet, will go to the Lord's supreme abode.

Text 33

kärttike kärttiké-yoge
    kià kariñyati puñkare
nityaà ca puñkaraà tasya
    yasya pädodakaà hareù

    kärttike-in the month of Kärttika; kärttiké-yoge-with the star Krttika; kim-what?; kariñyati-will do; puñkare-at Puskara; nityam-always; ca-and; puñkaram-Puskara; tasya-of him; yasya-of whom; pädodakam-the water that has washed the feet; hareù-of Lord Hari.

    "Why would a person who has once drunk the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet be very interested to stay at Puñkara-tértha during the month of Kärttika, when the star Kåttika' is prominent?

Text 34

viçäkhä-åkña-samyuktä
    vaiçäkhé hi kariñyati
piëòärake mahä-térthe
    ujjäyinyäà bhagératha

    viçäkhä-åkña-samyuktä-with the star visakha; vaiçäkhé'the month of Visakha; hi-what; kariñyati-will do; piëòärake-at POindaraka; mahä-térthe-the great holy place; ujjäyinyäm-in Ujjain; bhagératha-O King Bhagiratha.

    "Why would a person who has once drunk the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet be very interested to stay at Piëòäraka-tértha during the month of Vaiçäkhä, when the star Viçäkhä is prominent?

Text 35

mägha-mäse prayäge tu
    snänaà kià kariñyati
prayägaà satataà tasya
    yasya pädodakaà hareù

    mägha-mäse-in the month of Magha; prayäge-at Prayaga; tu-indeed; snänam-bath; kim-what?; kariñyati-will do; prayägam-Prayaga; satatam-always; tasya-of him; yasya-of whom; pädodakam-the water that has washed the feet; hareù-of Lord Hari.

    "Why would a person who has once drunk the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet be very interested to bathe at Prayäga during the month of Mägha?

Text 36

prabodha-väsare präpte
    mathuräyäà ca tasya kim
nityaà ca yämunaà snänaà
    yasya pädodakaà hareù

    prabodha-väsare-probodhini ekädaçé; präpte-attained; mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; ca-and; tasya-of him; kim-what?; nityam-always; ca-and; yämunam-in the Yamuna; snänam-bath; yasya-of whom; pädodakam-the water from the feet; hareù-of Lord Hari.

    "Why would a person who has once drunk the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet be very interested to bathe in the Yamuna' at Mathurä during the prabodhiné ekädaçé?

Text 37

käçyäm uttara-vähinyäà
    gaìgäyäà tu måtasya kim
yasya pädodakaà viñëor
    mukhe caivävatiñöhate

    käçyäm-in Varanasi; uttara-vähinyäm-most sacred; gaìgäyäm-in the Ganga; tu-indeed; måtasya-corpse; kim-what?; yasya-of whom; pädodakam-water from the feet; viñëoù-of Lord Hari; mukhe-in the mouth; ca-and; eva-indeed; avatiñöhate-is situated.

    "Why would a person who has once drunk the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet be very interested to have his dead body placed in the most sacred Gaìga' at Väräëasé?"

Text 38

kià ca 

hitvä pädodakaà viñëor
    yo 'nya-térthäni gacchati
anarghaà ratnam utsåjya
    loñöraà väïchati durmatiù

    kim- ca-furthermore; hitvä-leaving; pädodakam-the water from the feet; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; yaù-who; anya-térthäni-to other holy places; gacchati-goes; anargham-priceless; ratnam-jewel; utsåjya-rejecdting; loñöram-a clod of earth; väïchati-desires; durmatiù-fool.

    It is also said:

    "A person who leaves behind the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet and goes on pilgrimage to many holy places is a fool who has left behind a priceless gem to search for clumps of earth.

Text 39

kurukñetra-samo deço
    binduù pädodakaà mataù

    kurukñetra-samaù-equal to Kuruksetra; deçaù-place; binduù-drop; pädodakam-water from the feet; mataù-considered.

    "Any place where a drop of the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet falls is sacred like Kurukñetra.

Text 40

pated yaträkñayaà puëyaà
    nityaà bhavati tad-gåhe
gayä-piëòä-samaà puëyaà
    puträëäm api jäyate

    patet-falls; yatra-where; akñayam-eternal; puëyam-piety; nityam-always; bhavati-is; tad-gåhe-in his home; gayä-piëòä-samam-equal to offering pinda at Gaya; puëyam-piety; puträëäm-of sons; api-also; jäyate-is born.

    "Any home where there is always water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet falls is sacred always. The sons born in that home will always offer piëòa at Gayä.

Text 41

pädodakena devasya
    ye kuryuù pitå-tarpaëam
näsuräëäà bhayaà tasya
    pretä-janyaà ca räkñasam

    pädodakena-with the water of the feet; devasya-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; ye-who; kuryuù-do; pitr„-tarpaëam-pitr-tarpana; na-not; asuräëäm-of the demons; bhayam-fear; tasya-of him; pretä-janyam-of ghosts; ca-and; räkñasam-of cannibals.

    "A person who offers pitr„-tarpaëa with water that has washed Lord Hari's feet need never fear demons, ghosts, or cannibals.

Text 42

na rogasya bhayaà caiva
    nästi vighna-kåtaà bhayam
na duñöä naiva ghoräkñäù
    sväpa-dottha-bhayaà na hi

    na-not; rogasya-of disease; bhayam-fear; ca-and; eva-indeed; na-not; asti-is; vighna-kåtam-created by obstacles; bhayam-fear; na-not; duñöä-wicked; na-not' eva-indeed; ghoräkñäù-with horrible eyes; sväpa-dottha-bhayam-fears born from nightmares; na-not; hi-indeed.

    "He need never fear diseases, obstacles, nightmares, or wicked men with fearful eyes.

Text 43

grahäù péòäà na kurvanti
    caurä naçyanti däruëäù
kià tasya tértha-gamane
    devarñéëäà ca darçane

    grahäù-ghosts; péòäm-trouble; na-not; kurvanti-do; caurä-theives; naçyanti-perish; däruëäù-terrible; kim-what?; tasya-of him; tértha-gamane-pilgrimage; devarñéëäm-of the demigods and sages; ca-and; darçane-in seeing.

    "Ghosts will not trouble him. Thieves that try to roâ him will perish. What to him are pilgrimages or the audience of demigods and sages?

Text 44

yasya pädodakaà mürdhni
    çälagräma-çilodbhavam
préto bhavati martaëòaù
    préto bhavati keçavaù 
brahmä bhavati su-prétaù 
    préto bhavati çaìkaraù

    yasya-of whom; pädodakam-the water from the feet; mürdhni-on the head; çälagräma-çilodbhavam-from the Çälagräma-çilä; prétaù-pleased; bhavati-is; martaëòaù-the sun-god; prétaù-pleased; bhavati-is; keçavaù'Lord Kåñëa; brahmä-Brahmä; bhavati-is; su-prétaù-very pleased; prétaù-pleased; bhavati-is; çaìkaraù-Lord Çiva.

    "Lord Kåñëa is pleased with a person who places on his head the water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä. Çiva is pleased with him. Brahma' is pleased with him. Sürya is pleased with him.

Text 45

pädodakasya mähätmyaà
    yaù paöhet keçavägrataù
sa yäti paramaà sthänaà
    yatra devo janärdanaù

    pädodakasya-of the water that has washed the feet; mähätmyam-the glories; yaù-who; paöhet-recites; keçavägrataù-in the presence of Lord Kåñëa; sa-he; yäti-goes; paramam-to the supreme; sthänam-abode; yatra-where; devaù-the Lord; janärdanaù-Kåñëa.

    "A person who before the Deity of Lord Kåñëa chants the glories of the water that has washed the Lord's feet goes to the spiritual world where Lord Kåñëa always stays."

Text 46

brahmäëòa-puräëe çré-brahma-närada-samväde 

präyaçcittaà yadi präptaà
    kåcchraà vä tö agha-marñaëam
so 'pi pädodakaà pétvä
    çuddhià präpnoti tat-kñaëät

    brahmäëòa-puräëe çré-brayhma-närada-samväde-in the Brahmäëòa Puräëa, in a conversation of Lord Brahma' and Närada Muni; präyaçcittam-atonement; yadi-if; präptam-attained; kåcchram-difficulty; vä-or; tv-indeed; agha-marñaëam-the crushing of sins; saù-he; api-even; pädodakam-the waster from the feet; pétvä-drinking; çuddhim-purity; präpnoti-attains; tat-kñaëät-at that moment.

    In the Brahmäëòa Puräëa, in a conversation of Lord Brahma' and Närada Muni, it is said:

    "A person who drinks the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet at once becomes pure. He has performed severe penance. He has crushed all his sins.

Text 47

açaucaà naiva vidyeta
    sütake måtake 'pi ca
yeñäà pädodakà mürdhni
    präçanaà ye ca kurvate

    açaucam-impure; na-not; eva-indeed; vidyeta-becomes; sütake-in birth; måtake-in death; api-even; ca-and; yeñäm-of whom; pädodakm-the water from the feet; mürdhni-on the head; präçanam-drinking; ye-who; ca-and; kurvate-do.

    "A person who at the time of birth and the time of death drinks the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet and places that water on his head becomes completely pure.

Text 48

anta-käle 'pi yasyeha
    déyate pädayor jalam
so 'pi sad-gatim äpnoti
    sad-äcärair bahiñ-kåtaù

    anta-käle-at the last moment; api-also; yasya-of whom; iha-here; déyate-is given; pädayoù-of the feet; jalam-the water; saù api-he; sad-gatim-the spiritula world; äpnoti-attains; sad-äcäraiù-with saintly deeds; bahiñ-kåtaù-outside.

    "A person who at the moment of death receives the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet goes to the spiritual world even if he lived far away from any pious deeds.

Text 49

apeyaà pibate yas tu
    bhuìkte yaç cäpy abhojanam
agamyägamanä ye vai
    päpäcäräç ca ye naräù 
te 'pi püjyä bhavanty äçu 
    sadyaù pädämbu-sevanät

    apeyam-not to be drunk; pibate-drinks; yaù-who; tu-indeed; bhuìkte'eats; yaù-who; ca-and; api-also; abhojanam-not to be eaten; agamyä-women who should not be approached; gamanä-approaching; ye-who; vai-indeed; päpäcäräù-sinners; ca-and; ye-who; naräù-people; te'they; api-also; püjyä-to be worshiped; bhavanti-are; äçu-at once; sadyaù-suddenly; pädämbu-sevanät-by serving the water that has washed the Lord's feet.

    "Even they who drink what should not be drunk, eat what should not be eaten, approach women who should not be approached, and commit a host of sinful deeds, become at once worshipable if they honor the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet."

Text 50

kià ca 

apavitraà yad-annaà syät
    pänéyaà cäpi päpinäm
bhuktvä pétvä viçuddhaù syät
    pétvä pädodakaà hareù

    kim- ca-furthermore; apavitram-impure; yad-annam-whose food; syät-is; pänéyam-drink; ca-and; api-and; päpinäm-of sinners; bhuktvä-eating; pétvä-drinking; viçuddhaù-pure; syät-is; pétvä-drinking; pädodakam-the water from the feet; hareù-of Lord Hari.

    It is also said:

    "Sinners who eat and drink impure things become purified by drinking the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet.

Text 51

tapta-kåcchrät païca-gavyän
    mahä-kåcchräd viçiñyate
cändräyaëät pära-kåcchrät
    paräkäd api suvrata 
käya-çuddhir bhavaty äçu 
    pétvä pädodakaà hareù

    täpta-kåcchrät-from severe austerities; païca-gavyät-from panca-gavya; mahä-kåcchrät-from great troubles; viçiñyate-is distinguished; cändräyaëät-from candrayana; pära-kåcchrät-very difficult; parakät-great; api-even; suvrata-O saintly one; käya-çuddhiù-purification of the body; bhavati-is; äçu-at once; pétvä-drinking; pädodakam-the water that has washed the feet; hareù-of Lord Hari.

    "O saintly one, drinking the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet is more purifying that performing païca-gavya, tapta-kåcchra, cändräyaëa, pära-kåcchra, or paräka-vrata. By drinking the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet one's body becomes completely pure.

Text 52

aguruà kuìkumaà cäpi
    karpüraà cänulepanam
viñëu-pädämbu-samlagnaà
    tad vai pävana-pävanam

    agurum-aguru; kuìkumam-kunkuma; ca-and; api-and; karpüram-camphor; ca-and; anulepanam-sandal; viñëu-pädämbu-samlagnam-the water from Lord Viñëu's feet; tat-that; vai-indeed; pävana-pävanam-the most purifying.

    "Touched by the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet, aguru, kuìkuma, camphor, and sandal paste become supremely purifying.

Text 53

dåñöi-pütaà tu yat toyaà
    viñëunä prabhaviñëunä
tad vai päpa-haraà putra
    kià punaù padayor jalam

    dåñöi-by seeing; pütam-purified; tu-indeed; yat-what; toyam-water; viñëunä-by Lord Viñëu; prabhaviñëunä-all-powerful; tat-that; vai-indeed; päpa-sins; haram-removing; putra-O son; kim-what?; punaù-again; padayoù-of the feet; jalam-water.

    "My son, water that all-powerful Lord Viñëu has glanced upon has the power to remove all sins. What, then, can be said of the water that has washed His feet?

Text 54

etad-artham ahaà putra
    çirasä viñëu-tat-paraù
dhärayämi pibämy adya
    mähätmyaà viditaà mama

    etad-artham-for tyhis purpose; aham-I; putra-O son; çirasä-with the head; viñëu-tat-paraù-devoted to Lord Viñëu; dhärayämi-I hold; pibämi-I drink; adya-now; mähätmyam-the glory; viditam-known; mama-of me.

    "My son, that is why I, who am a devotee of Lord Viñëu, drink that water and place it on my head. Now you have learned from me about the glories of the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet.

Text 55

priyas tvam agrajaù putras
    tad-arthaà gaditaà mayä
rahasyaà me tö anarhasya
    na vaktavyaà kadäcana

    priyaù-dear; tvam-you; agrajaù-first-born; putraù-son; tad-artham-for that reason; gaditam-spoken; maya-by me; rahasyam-secret; me-of me; tv-indeed; anarhasya-unworthy; na-not; vaktavyam-to be spoken; kadäcana-ever.

    "You are my first son and you are very dear to me. That is why I have told you this secret knowledge. Please do not repeat it to anyone who is unworthy.

Text 56

dhärayasva sadä mürdhni
    präçanaà kuru nityaçaù
janma-måtyu-jara-duùkhair
    mokñaà yäsyasi putraka

    dhärayasva-please hold; sadä-always; mürdhni-on the head; präçanam-drinking; kuru-do; nityaçaù-always; janma-birth; måtyu-death; jarä-old-age; duùkhaiù-with suffering; mokñam-freedom; yasyasi-you will attain; putraka-O son.

    "Always place this water on your head. Always drink this water. My son, in this way you will become free from birth, death, and old-age."

Texts 57 and 58

viñëu-dharmottare

sadyaù phala-pradaà puëyaà
    sarva-päpa-vinäçanam
sarva-maìgala-maìgalyaà
    sarva-duùkha-vinäçanam

duùsvapna-näçanaà puëyaà
    viñëu-pädodakaà çubham
sarvopadrava-häntäraà
    sarva-vyädhi-vinäçanam

    viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; sadyaù-at once; phala-pradam-giving the result; puëyam-pious; sarva-päpa-all sins; vinäçanam-destroying; sarva-maìgala-maìgalyam-all-auspiciousness; sarva-duùkha-vinäçanam-destroying all sufferings; duùsvapna-näçanam-destruction of nightmares; puëyam-piety; viñëu-pädodakam-water that has wasehd Lord Viñëu;s feet; çubham-beautiful; sarvopadrava-häntäram-removing all obstacles; sarva-vyädhi-vinäçanam-destroying all diseases.

    In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:

    "The beautiful water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet quickly brings great auspiciousness and the benefits of pious deeds, destroys all sins, nightmares, obstacles, diseases, and sufferings, . . .

Text 59

sarvotpäta-praçamanaà
    sarva-päpa-niväraëam
sarva-kalyäëa-sukhadaà
    sarva-käma-phala-pradam

    sarvotpäta-praçamanam-quells all calamities; sarva-päpa-niväraëam'removes all sins; sarva-kalyäëa-sukhadam-brings all-auspicious happiness; sarva-käma-phala-pradam-fulfills all desires.

. . . stops all calamities, removes all sins, brings all-auspicious happiness, fulfills all desires, . . .

Text 60

sarva-siddhi-pradaà dhanyaà
    sarva-dharma-vivardhanam
sarva-çatru-praçamanaà
    sarva-bhoga-pradäyakam

    sarva-siddhi-pradam-gives all perfection; dhanyam-glorious; sarva-dharma-vivardhanam'increases all piety; sarva-çatru-praçamanam-quiets all enemies; sarva-bhoga-pradäyakam-gives all pleasures.

. . . brings all perfections, glories, piety, and pleasures, and quiets all enemies.

Text 61

sarva-térthasya phala-daà
    mürdhni pädämbu-dhäraëam
prayägasya prabhäsasya
    puñkarasya ca sevane 
påthüdakasya térthasya 
    äcänto labhate phalam

    sarva-térthasya-of all holy places; phala-dam-giving the results; mürdhni-on the head; pädämbu-dhäraëam-the water from the lotus feet; prayägasya-of Prayaga; prabhäsasya-of Prabhasa; puñkarasya-of Puskara; ca-and; sevane-in service; påthüdakasya-of the water; térthasya-from the feet; äcäntaù-sipping; labhate-attains; phalam-the result.

    "A person who places on his head the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet attains the benefit of all pilgrimages. A person who sips some of the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet attains the benefit of going on pilgrimage to Prayäga, Prabhäsa, and Puñkara.

Text 62

cakra-térthaà phalaà yädåk
    tädåk pädämbu-dhäraëät
sarasvatyäà gayäyäà ca
    gatvä yat präpnuyät phalam 
tat phalaà labhate çreñöham- 
    mürdhni pädämbu-dhäraëät

    cakra-tértham-Cakra-tirtha; phalam-result; yädåk-as; tädåk-that; pädämbu-dhäraëät-by placing on one;s head the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet; sarasvatyäm-in the Sarasvati; gayäyäm-in Gaya; ca-and; gatvä-going; yat-what; präpnuyät-attains; phalam-result; tat-that; phalam-result; labhate-attains; çreñöham-best; mürdhni-on the head; pädämbu-dhäraëät-by accepting the water from the Lord's feet.

    "By placing on one's head the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet one attains the benefit of going on pilgrimage to Cakra-tértha and Gayä, and bathing in the Sarasvaté."

Text 63

skände 

pädodakasya mähätmyaà
    devo jänäti çaìkaraù
viñëu-päda-cyutä gaìgä
    çirasä yena dhäritä 
sthänaà naivästi päpasya 
    dehinäà deha-madhyataù

    skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; pädodakasya-of the water that has washed the Lord';s feet; mähätmyam-the glorty; devaù-the Lord; jänäti-knows; çaìkaraù-Çiva; viñëu-of Lord Viñëu; päda-from the feet; cyutä-fallen; gaìgä-the Gaìgä; çirasä-by the head; yena-by which; dhäritä-held; sthänam-abode; na-not; eba-indeed; asti-is; päpasya-of sin; dehinäm-of the embodies souls; deha-madhyataù-in the midst of bodies.

    In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:

    "Lord Çiva, who carries on his head the Gaìgä, which flows from Lord Viñëu's feet, well knows the glory of the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet. That is why sin can never touch him.

Texts 64 and 65

sa-bähyäbhyantaraà yasya
    vyäptaà pädodakena vai
pädodaà viñëu-naivedyaà
    udare yasya tiñöhati

näçrayaà labhate päpaà
    svayam eva vinaçyati
mahä-päpa-graha-grasto
    vyäpto roga-çatair yadi

    sa-bähyäbhyantaram-within and without; yasya-of whom; vyäptam-pervaded; pädodakena-with the water of the feet; vai-indeed; pädodam-the water of the feet; viñëu-naivedyam-food offered to Lord Viñëu; udare-in the stomach; yasya-of whom; tiñöhati-stays; na-not; äçrayam-shelter; labhate-attains; päpam-sin; svayam-personally; eva-indeed; vinaçyati-perishes; mahä-päpa-graha-grastaù-haunted by great sins; vyäptaù-pervaded; roga-çataiù-by hundreds of diseases; yadi-if.

    "When a person places on his head and in his stomach the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet, and when he places in his stomach the remnants of food offered to Lord Viñëu, sin cannot make its home in him. Even if he is haunted by many great sins, and even if he is tormented by hundreds of diseases, all his sins perish.

Texts 66 and 67

hareù pädodakaà pétvä
    mucyate nätra saàçayaù
çirasä tiñöhate yeñäà
    nityaà pädodakaà hareù

kià kariñyati te loke
    tértha-koöi-manorathaiù
ayam eva paro dharma
    idam eva paraà tapaù 
idam eva paraà tértham- 
    viñëu-pädämbu yat pibet

    hareù-of Lord Hari; pädodakam-the water that has washed the feet; pétvä-drinking; mucyate-is released; na-not; atra-here; saàçayaù-doubt; çirasä-with the head; tiñöhate-stands; yeñäm-of whom; nityam-always; pädodakam-the water of the feet; hareù-of Lord Hari; kim-why?; kariñyati-will do; te-they; loke-in the world; tértha-koöi-manorathaiù-with the desire for millions of pilgrimages; ayam-this; eva-indeed; paraù-supreme; dharma-piety; idam-this; eva-indeed; param-supreme; tapaù-austerity; idam-this; eva-indeed; param-supreme; tértham-pilgirmage; viñëu-pädämbu-the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet; yat-what; pibet-drinks.

    "A person who drinks the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet becomes liberated. Of this there is no doubt. Why would they who place on their heads the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet be very interested to go on millions of pilgrimages? To drink the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet is the greatest pilgrimage, the greatest pious act, the greatest austerity."

Text 68

tatraiva çré-çivoma-samväde 

vilayaà yänti päpäni
    péte pädodake hareù
kià punar viñëu-pädodaà
    çälagräma-çilä-cyutam

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-çivoma-samväde-in a conversation of Lord Çiva and Umä; vilayam-to destruction; yänti-go; päpäni-sins; péte-when drunk; pädodake-the water of the feet; hareù-of Lord Hari; kim-what?; punaù-more; viñëu-pädodam-the water of Lord Viñëu's feet; çälagräma-çilä-cyutam-faleen from the Çälagräma-çilä.

    In the Skanda Puräëa Lord Çiva tells Goddess Umä:

    "When a person drinks the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet, all his sins perish. What, then, can be said when a person drinks the water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä?

Text 69

viçeñena haret päpaà
    brahma-hatyädikaà priye
péte pädodake viñëor
    yadi präëair vimucyate 
hatvä yama-bhaöän sarvän 
    vaiñëavaà lokam äpnuyät

    viçeñena-specifically; haret-removes; päpam-sin; brahma-hatyädikam-beginning with the murder of a brähmaëa; priye-O beloved; péte-drunk; pädodake-the water of the feet; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; yadi-if; praëaiù-with life; vimucyate-released; hatvä-killing; yama-bhaöän-from the soldiers of Yama; sarvän-all; vaiñëavam-of Lord Viñëu; lokam-the world; äpnuyät-attains.

    "O beloved, the act of drinking the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet removes all sins, beginning with the sin of killing a brähmaëa. When a person who has drunk this water dies, he defeats Yama's soldiers and goes to the world of Lord Viñëu."

Text 70

tatraiva çré-çiva-kärttikeya-samväde çré-çälagräma-çilä-mähätmye 

chinnas tena mahä-sena
    garbhäväsaù su-däruëaù
pétäà yena sadä viñëoù
    çälagräma-çilä-jalam

    tatraiva çré-çiva-kärttikeya-samväde çré-çälagräma-çilä-mähätmye-in the Skanda Puräëa, in the Çré Çälagräma-çilä-mähätmya, Lord Çiva tells Kärttikeya; chinnaù-broken; tena-by that; mahä-sena-O great general; garbhäväsaù-living in a mother's womb; su-däruëaù-very terrible; pétäm-drunk; yena-by whom; sadä-regularly; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; çälagräma-çilä-jalam-the water of the Çälagräma-çilä.

    In the Skanda Puräëa, in the Çré Çälagräma-çilä-mähätmya, Lord Çiva tells Kärttikeya:

    "O great general, they who regularly drink the water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä are rescued from having again to enter a mother's womb.

Text 71

ye pibanti narä nityaà
    çälagräma-çilä-jalam
païca-gavya-sahasrais tu
    präçitaiù kià prayojanam

    ye-who; pibanti-drink; narä-people; nityam-regularly; çälagräma-çilä-jalam-the water of the Çälagräma-çilä; païca-gavya-sahasraiù-with a thousand panca-gavyas; tu-indeed; präçitaiù-drunk; kim-what?; prayojanam-is the need.

    "Why should they who regularly drink the water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä be very interested to drink a thousand païca-gavyas?

Text 72

präyaçcitte samutpanne
    kià dänaiù kim upoñaëaiù
cändräyaëaiç ca térthaiç ca
    pétvä pädodakaà çuci

    präyaçcitte-atonement; samutpanne-performed; kim-what?; dänaiù'with charity; kim-what?; upoñaëaiù-with fasting; cändräyaëaiù-with candrayana; ca-and; térthaiù-with pilgrimages; ca-and; pétvä-having drunk; pädodakam-the water that has washed the feet; çuci-sacred.

    "What need is there for charity, fasting, cändräyaëa-vrata, and pilgrimages for a person who already atoned for his sins by drinking the sacred water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet?"

Text 73

båhan-näradiye lubdhakopakhyänärambhe 

hari-pädodakaà yas tu
    kñaëa-mätraà ca dhärayet
sa snätaù sarva-térthesu
    viñëoù priyataras tathä

    båhan-näradiye lubdhakopakhyänärambhe-in the Närada Puräëa, in the beginning of the hunter's story; hari-pädodakam-the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet; yaù-who; tu-indeed; kñaëa-mätram-for a single moment; ca-and; dhärayet-holds; sa-he; snätaù-bathed; sarva-térthesu-in all holy rivers; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; priyataraù-very dear; tathä-so.

    In the Närada Puräëa, in the beginning of the hunter's story, it is said:

    "A person who for a single moment places on his head the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet has bathed in all holy rivers. He is very dear to Lord Viñëu.

Text 74

akäla-måtyu-çamanaà
    sarva-vyädhi-vinäçanam
sarva-duùkhopaçamanaà
    hari-pädodakaà çubham

    akäla-untimely; måtyu-death; çamanam-making quiet; sarva-vyädhi-vinäçanam'destroying all diseases; sarva-duùkhopaçamanam-quieting all sufferings; hari-pädodakam-the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet; çubham-sacred.

    "The sacred water that has washed Lord Hari's feet stops untimely death, all diseases, and all sufferings."

Text 75

tatraiva tad-upäkhyänänte 

hari-pädodaka-sparçäl
    lubdhako vita-kalmañaù
divyaà vimänäm äruhya
    munim enam athäbravét

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; tad-upäkhyänänte-at the end of the story; hari-pädodaka-sparçäl-by touching th water that has washed Lord Hari's feet; lubdhakaù-the hunter; vita-kalmañaù-freed of sins; divyam-celestial; vimänäm-airplane; äruhya-climbing; munim-sage; enam-to the; atha-then; abravét-said.

    In the Närada Puräëa, at the end of the hunter's story, it is said:

    "By touching the water that had washed Lord Hari's feet, the hunter became at once free of all sins. Entering the celestial airplane, he said to the sage:

Text 76

hari-pädodakaà yasmän
    mayi tvaà kñiptavän mune
präpito 'smi tvayä tasmät
    tad viñëoù paramaà padam

    hari-pädodakam-the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet; yasmän-because; mayi-on me; tvam-you; kñiptavän-thrown; mune-O sage; präpitaù-attained; asmi-I have; tvayä-by you; tasmät-therefore; tat-that; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; paramam-the supreme; padam-abode.

    " `O sage, it is because you sprinkled on me the water that washed Lord Hari's feet that I am now about to enter Lord Viñëu's supreme abode.' "

Text 77

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye 

pädaà pürvaà kila spåñövä
    gaìgäbhüt smartå-mokña-dä
viñëoù sadyas tu tat-saìgé
    pädämbu katham éòyate

    hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya; pädam-foot; pürvam-before; kila-indeed; spåñövä-touching; gaìgä-the Gaìgä; abhüt-was; smartå-to they who remember; mokña-liberation; dä-giving; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; sadyaù-at once; tu-indeed; tat-saìgé-touching that; pädämbu-the water of the feet; katham-why?; éòyate-is glorified.

    In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said:

    "In ancient times the Gaìga' touched Lord Viñëu's foot. The Gaìga' gives liberation to they who think of her. Why should the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet be glorified in this way? Why should it be thought more purifying that the Gaìgä?

Text 78

täpa-trayänalo yo 'sau
    na çämyet sakaläbdhibhiù
drutaà çämyati so 'lpena
    çrémad-viñëu-padämbunä

    täpa-sufferings; traya-three; analaù-fire; yaù-which; asau-that; na-not; çämyet-remembers; sakala-all; abdhibhiù-by oceans; drutam-at once; çämyati-extinguishes; saù-that; alpena-small; çrémad-viñëu-padämbunä-with the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet.

    "The fire of the threefold material miseries, a fire all the oceans in the world cannot extinguish, is extinguished at once by a single drop of the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet.

Text 79

yuddhästräbhedya-kavacaà
    bhavägni-stambhanauñadham
sarväìgaiù sarvathä dhäryaà
    pädyaà çuci-padaù sadä

    yuddhästra-by weapons; abhedya-unbreakable; kavacam-armor; bhava-of birth and death; agni-the fever; stambhana-stopping; auñadham-medicine; sarväìgaiù-with all limbs; sarvathä-in all respects; dhäryam-to be held; pädyam-the water of the feet; çuci-padaù-sacred; sadä-always.

    "One should always place on all his limbs the water that has washed Lord hari's feet, water that is an armor invincible to all weapons, water that is a medicine to cure the fever of repeated birth and death.

Text 80

amåtatvävahaà nityaà
    viñëu-pädämbu yaù pibet
sa pibaty amåtaà nityaà
    mäse mäse tu devatäù

    amåtatva-immortality; avaham-bringing; nityam-always; viñëu-pädämbu-the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet; yaù-who; pibet'drinks; sa-he; pibati-drinks; amåtam-nectar; nityam-daily; mäse-month; mäse-after month; tu-indeed; devatäù-a demigod.

    "Every month the demigods drink nectar, but still they do not become immortal. It is they who regularly drink the water that has washed Lords Viñëu's feet who attain immortality.

Text 81

mähätmyam iyad ity asya
    vaktä yo 'pi sa nirbhayaù
nanö anargha-maëer mülyaà
    kalpayann agham açnute

    mähätmyam-glory; iyat-attain; iti-thus; asya-of him; vaktä-the speaker; yaù-who; api-also; sa-he; nirbhayaù-fearless; nanv-indeed; anargha-maëeù-of a priceless jewel; mülyam-price; kalpayann-considering; agham-sin; açnute-attain.

    "A person who glorifies the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet becomes fearless. A person who tries to set a limit on the value of the priceless gem of that water commits a sin."

Text 82

anyaträpi 

sa brahmacäré sa vraté
    äçramé ca sadä-çuciù
viñëu-pädodakaà yasya
    mukhe çirasi vigrahe

    anyatra-in another place; api-also; sa-he; brahmacäré-brahmacari; sa-he; vraté-following vows; äçramé-following the asrmas; ca-and; sadä-çuciù-always pure; viñëu-pädodakam-the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet; yasya-of whom; mukhe-in the mouth; çirasi-on the head; vigrahe-on the body.

    In another place it is said:

    "A person who places the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet on his head, on his body, and in his mouth is always pure. He is a brahmacäré. He is a follower of vows. He is a follower of varëäçrama. 

Text 83

janma-prabhåti-päpänäà
    prayaçcittaà yadécchati
çälagräma-çilä-väri
    päpa-haré niñevyatäm

    janma-from birth; prabhåti-beginning; päpänäm-of sins; prayaçcittam-atonement; yadi-if; icchati-desires; çälagräma-çilä-väri-the water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä; päpa-haré-removing sins; niñevyatäm-should be served.

    "If a person wishes to become free from all the sins committed since the time of his birth, he should honor the water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä, water that removes all sins."

Text 84

ata eva tejodraviëa-païcarätre çré-brahmaëoktam- 

péöha-praëäläd udakaà
    påthag ädäya putraka
siïcayen mürdhni bhaktänäà
    sarva-tértha-mayaà hi tat. iti.

    ata eva-therefore; tejodraviëa-païcarätre çré-brahmaëoktam-in the Tejodraviëa-païcarätra, Çré Brahma' explains; péöha-of the feet; praëälät-flowing in a current; udakam-the water; påthag-specifically; ädäya-taking; putraka-O son; siïcayet-should sprinkle; mürdhni-on th ehead; bhaktänäm-of the devotees; sarva-tértha-mayam-consiting of all holy places; hi-indeed; tat-that; iti-thus.

    In the Tejodraviëa-païcarätra, Çré Brahma' explains:

    "My son, a person should take the water that has washed Lord Hari's feet and sprinkle it over the Vaiñëavas' heads. That water contains within it all holy places."

Text 85

pädodakasya mähätmyaà
    vikhyätaà sarva-çästrataù
likhituà çaknuyät ko hi
    sindhürmén gaëayann api

    pädodakasya-of the water that has washed the feet; mähätmyam-the glory; vikhyätam-famous; sarva-çästrataù-in all the scriptures; likhitum-to write; çaknuyät-may be able; kaù-who?; hi-indeed; sindhürmén-the waves in the ocean; gaëayann-counting; api-even.

    The glories of the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet are described in all the scriptures. What person, even if he has the power to count all the waves in the ocean, has the power to write about them all.

Text 86

viçeñataç ca pädodaà
    tulasé-dala-samyutam
çaìkhe kåtvä vaiñëavebhyo
    dattvä prägvat pibet svayam

    viçeñataù-specifically; ca-and; pädodam-the water of the feet; tulasé-dala-samyutam-with tulasé leaves; çaìkhe-in a conchshell; kåtvä-doing; vaiñëavebhyaù-to the Vaiñëavas; dattvä-offered; prägvat-as before; pibet-should drink; svayam-personally.

    One should offer to Lord Hari water mixed with tulasé leaves in a conchshell. One should then offer the remnants of this water to the Vaiñëavas and one should then also drink it himself.

Text 87

atha çaìkha-kåta-pädodaka-mähätmyaà 

skände çré-brahma-närada-samväde 

kåtvä pädodakaà çaìkhe
    vaiñëavänäà mähätmanäm
yo dadyät tulasé-miçraà
    cändräyaëa-çataà labhet

    atha-now; çaìkha-kåta-pädodaka-mähätmyam-the Glories of Water Offered in a Conchshell; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; çré-brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Çré Brahma and Çré Narada; kåtvä-doing; pädodakam-water fo thew feet; çaìkhe-in a conchshell; vaiñëavänäm-of the Vaiñëavas; mähätmanäm-great souls; yaù-who; dadyät-offers; tulasé-miçram-mixed with tulasé leaves; cändräyaëa-çatam-a hundred candrayanas; labhet-attains.

    The Glories of Water Offered in a Conchshell

    In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Çré Brahma' and Çré Närada, it is said:

    "A person who offers to Lord Hari water mixed with tulasé leaves in a conchshell, and then offers the remnants of this water to the saintly-hearted Vaiñëavas attains the pious benefit of a hundred cändräyaëas.

Text 88

gåhétvä kåñëa-pädämbu
    çaìkhe kåtvä tu vaiñëavaù
yo vahet çirasä nityaà
    sa munis tapasottamaù

    gåhétvä-taking; kåñëa-pädämbu-the water of Lord Kåñëa's feet; çaìkhe-in a conchshell; kåtvä-doing; tu-indeed; vaiñëavaù-Vaiñëava; yaù-who; vahet-should carry; çirasä-on his head; nityam-always; sa-he; muniù-sage; tapasottamaù-the most austere.

    "A Vaiñëava who regularly places on his head the water offered in a conchshell to Lord Kåñëa is the most austere of saintly sages.

Text 89

pädme devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde 

çälagräma-çilä-toyaà
    yadi çaìkha-bhåtaà pibet
hatyä-koöi-vinäçaà ca
    kurute nätra saàçayaù

    pädme devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde-in the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Devadüta and Vikuëòala; çälagräma-çilä-toyam-the water of the Çälagräma-çilä; yadi-if; çaìkha-bhåtam-in a conchshell; pibet-drinks; hatyä-koöi-vinäçam-the destruction of ten million murders; ca-and; kurute-does; na-not; atra-here; saàçayaù-doubt.

    In the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Devadüta and Vikuëòala, it is said:

    "A person who drinks the water that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä destroys the sinful reactions of ten million murders. Of this there is no doubt."

Text 90

agastya-saàhitäyaà 

çälagräma-çilä-toyaà
    tulasé-dala-väsitam
ye pibanti punas teñäà
    stanya-pänaà na vidyate. iti.

    agastya-saàhitäyam-in the Agastya-saàhitä; çälagräma-çilä-toyam-the water of the Çälagräma-çilä; tulasé-dala-väsitam-scented with a tulasé leaf; ye-who; pibanti-drink; punaù-again; teñäm-of them; stanya-pänam-the drinking of a mother's milk; na-not; vidyate-is; iti-thus.

    In the Agastya-saàhitä 

    "A person who drinks the water mixed the tulasé leaves that has washed the Çälagräma-çilä will never again drink from a mother's breast." 

Text 91

çré-viñëor vaiñëavänäà ca
    pävanaà caraëodakam
sarva-tértha-mayaà pétvä
    kuryäd äcamanaà na hi

    çré-viñëoù-of Çré Viñëu; vaiñëavänäm-of the Vaiñëavas; ca-and; pävanam-purifying; caraëodakam-water from the feet; sarva-tértha-mayam-consisting of all holy places; pétvä-drinking; kuryät-should do; äcamanam-sipping; na-not; hi-indeed.

    "A person who drinks the water that has washed the feet of Lord Viñëu and the Vaiñëavas, supremely purifying water that contains within it all sacred rivers, need never drink any other sacred water to become purified.

Text 92

tad uktaà skände çivena 

viñëoù pädodakaà pétvä
    paçcäd açuci-çaìkayä
äcämati ca yo mohäd
    brahma-hä sa nigadyate

    tat-that; uktam-said; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; çivena-by Lord Çiva; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; pädodakam-the water that has washed the feet; pétvä-drinking; paçcät-after; açuci-impurity; çaìkayä-with anxiety; äcämati-sips; ca-and; yaù-who; mohät-our of bewilderment; brahma-hä-the killing of a brähmaëa; sa-he; nigadyate-is said.

    In the Skanda Puräëa, Lord Çiva explains:

    "A person who after drinking the water that has washed Lord Viñëu's feet worries that he is still impure is a sinner. He is the killer of a brähmaëa."

Text 93

çrutiç ca 

    bhagavän pavitram. bhagavat-pädau pavitram. bhagavat-pädodakaà pavitram. na tat-päna äcamanéyam. yathä hi soma iti.

    çrutiù-the Çruti-sastra; ca-and; bhagavän-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; pavitram-pure; bhagavat-pädau-the feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; pavitram-pure; bhagavat-padodakam-the water that has washed the feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; pavitram-pure; na-not; tat-päna-drinking that; äcamanéyam-to be spat out; yathä-as; hi-indeed; soma'soma; iti-thus.

    The Çruti-çästra explains:

    "The Supreme Personality of Godhead is supremely purifying.
The feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead are supremely purifying.
The water that has washed the feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is supremely purifying. One should not drink that water and then spit it out. It is purifying like soma."

Text 94

sauparëe ca 

viñëu-pädodakaà pétvä
    bhakta-pädodakaà tathä
ya äcämati sammohäd
    brahma-hä sa nigadyate. iti.

    sauparëe-in the Garuòa Puräëa; ca-and; viñëu-pädodakam-the water of Lord Viñëu's feet; pétvä-drinking; bhakta-pädodakam-the water of the devotees' feet; tathä-so; ya-who; äcämati-spits; sammohät-out of illusion; brahma-hä-a killer of a brähmaëa; sa-he; nigadyate-is called; iti-thus.

    In the Garuòa Puräëa it is said:

    "A person who first sips and then foolishly spits out the water that has washed the feet of Lord Viñëu or the Vaiñëavas is sinful like the killer of a brähmaëa."

Text 95

tataù çuddhaà payaù-pürëaà
    gandha-puñpäkñatänvitam
adharopari sannyasec
    chaìkhaà bhagavad-agrataù

    tataù-then; çuddham-pure; payaù-pürëam-water; gandha-puñpäkñatänvitam-with scents and flowers and whole grains of rice; adhara-lips; upari-above; sannyasec-should offer; çaìkham-conchshell; bhagavad-agrataù-in the presence of the Lord.

    Then one should offer to the lips of the Deity a conchshell filled with pure water in which are scents, flowers, and unbroken grains of rice.    

Text 96

atha çré-bhagavad-agrataù çaìkha-sthäpana-mähätamyaà 

skände brahma-närada-samväde çaìkha-mähätmye 

purato väsudevasya
    sa-puñpaà sa-jaläkñatam
çaìkham abhyarcitaà paçyet
    tasya lakñmér na durlabhä

    atha-then; çré-bhagavad-agrataù-in the presence opf the Supreme Personality of Godhead; çaìkha-sthäpana-mähätamyam-the glories of offering a conchshell; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Brahma and Narada; çaìkha-mähätmye-in the Sankha-mahatmya; purataù-in the presence; väsudevasya'of Lord Kåñëa; sa-puñpam-with flowers; sa-jala-with water; akñatam-with unbroklen grains of rice; çaìkham-conchshell; abhyarcitam-worshiped; paçyet-should see; tasya-of him; lakñméù-opulence;  na-not; durlabhä-difficult to obtain.

    In the Skanda Puräëa, Çaìkha-mähätmya, in a conversation of Brahma and Närada, it is said:

    "For a person who looks on as a conchshell filled with water in which are scents, flowers, and unbroken grains of rice, is offered to the Deity, opulence and prosperity are not difficult to obtain.

Text 97

sa-puñpaà väri-jaà yasya
    durväkñata-samanvitam
purato väsudevasya
    tasya çréù sarvato-mukhi. iti.

    sa-puñpam-with flowers; väri-jam-a conchshell; yasya-of whom; durvä-druva grass; akñata-unbroken grains of rice; samanvitam-with; purataù-in the presence; väsudevasya-of Lorrd Kåñëa; tasya-of him; çréù-opulence; sarvato-mukhi'is everywhere; iti-thus.

    "At every turn opulence and prosperity rush to meet a person who offers to the Deity of Lord Kåñëa a conchshell filled with water in which are dürva' grass, flowers, and unbroken grains of rice.

Text 98

bhütvätha bhaktimän çrémat-
    tulasyä känane prabhum
sampüjyäbhyarcayet täà ca
    çré-kåñëa-caraëa-priyäm

    bhütvä-becoming; atha-then; bhaktimän-a devotee; çrémat-glorious; tulasyä-of Tulasé; känane-in the forest; prabhum-the Lord; sampüjya-worshiping; abhyarcayet-should worship; täm-her; ca-and; çré-kåñëa-caraëa-priyäm-dear to the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

    "A devotee should go to a glorious Tulasé forest and worship Tulasé-devé, who is dear to Lord Kåñëa's feet.

Text 99

atha çré-tulasé-vana-püjä 

prägvat tö arghyaà tato 'bhyarcya
    gandha-puñpäkñatädinä
stutvä bhagavatéà taà ca
    praëamet prärthya daëòavat

    atha-now; çré-tulasé-vana-püjä-the worship of the Tulasé forest; prägvat-as before; tv-indeed; arghyam-arghya; tataù-then; abhyarcya-worshiping; gandha-puñpäkñatädinä-with scents, flowers, unroken grains fo rice, and other things; stutvä-offering prayers; bhagavatém-to the goddess; tam-to her; ca-and; praëamet-should bow down; prärthya-pffering prayers; daëòavat-like a stick.

    The worship of the Beautiful Tulasé Forest

    As before, one should offer arghya with scents, flowers, unbroken grains of rice, and other things. Then one should glorify Tulasé-devé, bow down like a stick (daëòavat, before her, and make some request.

Text 100

athärghya-mantraù 

çriyaù çriye çriyäväse
    nityaà çrédhara-satkåte
bhaktyä dattaà mayä devi
    arghyaà gåhëa namo 'stu te

    atha-then; arghya-mantraù-the arghya mantra; çriyaù-of the goddess of fortune; çriye-to the goddess of fortune; çriyäväse-the home of the goddess of fortune; nityam-always; çrédhara-of the husband of the goddess of fortune; satkåte-honored; bhaktyä-with devotion; dattam-given; mayä-by me; devi-o goddess; arghyam-arghya; gåhëa-please accept; namaù-obeisances; astu-are; te-to you.

    The Mantra For Offering Arghya

    "O goddess, O glory of the goddess of fortune, O home of the goddess of fortune, O object of worship for the goddess of fortune's husband, please accept this arghya I offer to you with devotion. I offer my respectful obeisances to you."

Text 101

püjä-mantraù 

nirmitä tvaà purä devair
    arcitä tvaà suräsuraiù
tulasi hara me päpaà
    püjäà gåhëa namo 'stu te

    püjä-for worship; mantraù-the mantra; nirmitä-created; tvam-you; purä-before; devaiù-by the demigods; arcitä-worshiped; tvam-you; suräsuraiù-by the suras and asuras; tulasi-O Tulasé; hara-please remove; me-of me; päpam-the sin; püjäm-worship; gåhëa-please accept; namaù-obeisances; astu-are; te-unto you.

    The Mantra For Worshiping Tulasé-devé

    "In ancient times you were planted by the demigods. You are worshiped by the suras and asuras. O Tulasé, please remove my sins. Please accept the worship I offer you. I offer my respectful obeisances to you."

Text 102

stutiç ca 

mahä-prasäda-janané
    sarva-saubhagya-vardhiné
ädhi-vyädhi-haré nityaà
    tulasi tvaà namo 'stu te

    stutiù-glorification; ca-and; mahä-prasäda-janané-the mother of great mercy; sarva-saubhagya-vardhiné-in the increaser of all good fortune; ädhi-vyädhi-haré-the remover of all diseases and anxieties; nityam-always; tulasi-O Tulasé; tvam-you; namaù-obesiances; astu-are; te-to you.

    A Prayer Chanting the Glories of Tulasé-devé

    "You are the mother of great mercy. You grant all good fortune. You remove diseases and anxieties. O Tulasé-devé, again and again I offer my respectful obeisances to you."

Text 103

prärthanä 

çriyaà dehi yaço dehi
    kértim äyus tathä sukham
balaà puñöià tathä dharmaà
    tulasi tvaà praséda me

    prärthanä-request; çriyam-wealth; dehi-please give; yaçaù-fame; dehi-please give; kértim-glory; äyuù-long life; tathä-so; sukham-happiness; balam-strength; puñöim-properity; tathä-so; dharmam-piety; tulasé-O Tulasé; tvam-you; praséda-please be merciful; me-to me.

    A Prayer Filled With Requests

    "Please give me wealth. Please give me fame, glory, long life, happiness, strength, prosperity, and piety. O Tulasé-devé, please be merciful to me."

Text 104

praëäma-väkyam 

avanté-khaëòe 

yä dåñöä nikhilägha-saìgha-çamané spåñöä vapuù-pävané
    rogäëäm abhivanditä nirasiné siktäntaka-träsiné
pratyäsatti-vidhäyiné bhagavataù kåñëasya samropitä
    nyastä tac-caraëe vimukti-phaladä tasyai tulasyai namaù

    praëäma-väkyam-words for bowing down; avanté-khaëòe-in the Avanti-khanda; yä-who; dåñöä-seen; nikhilägha-all sins; saìgha-multitude; çamané-pacifying; spåñöä-touched; vapuù-pävané-purifying the body; rogäëäm-of diseases; abhivanditä-bowed down; nirasiné-expellling; siktä-watered; antaka-death; träsiné-terrifying; pratyäsatti-vidhäyiné-giving nearness; bhagavataù-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; kåñëasya-Lord Kåñëa; samropitä-planted; nyastä-placed; tä-caraëe-at the feet; vimukti-phaladä-giving liberation; tasyai-to her; tulasyai-Tulasé-devé; namaù-obeisances.

    Words to Recite While Offering Obeisances to Tulasé-devé

    In the Avanté-khaëòa it is said:

    "I offer my respectful obeisances to Tulasé-devé. When someone sees her, she destroys all his sins. When someone touches her, she purifies his body. When someone offers obeisances to her, she cures his diseases. When someone waters her, she makes Yamaräja afraid of him. When someone plants her, she brings him near to Lord Kåñëa. When someone places her at Lord Kåñëa's feet, she gives him liberation.

Text 105

bhagavatyäs tulasyäs tu
    mähätmyämåta-sägare
lobhät kürditum icchämi
    kñudras tat kñamyatäà tvayä

    bhagavatyäù-of Goddess; tulasyäù-Tulasé; tu-indeed; mähätmyämåta-sägare-in the ocean of the nectar glories; lobhät-out of greed; kürditum-to jump; icchämi-I wish; kñudraù-tiny; tat-that; kñamyatäm-to be forgiven; tvayä-by you.

    "Even though I am only a tiny creature, I still yearn to dive into the nectar ocean of Goddess Tulasé's glories. O goddess, please forgive me."

Text 106

atha tulasé-vana-püja-mähätmyaà 

skände 

çravaëa-dvädaçé-yoge
    çälagräma-çilärcane
yat phalaà saìgame proktaà
    tulasé-püjanena tat

    atha-now; tulasé-vana-püja-mähätmyam-the Glories of Worshiping the Tulasé Forest; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; çravaëa-dvädaçé-yoge-on sravana-dvadasi; çälagräma-çilärcane-in thwe worship of the Çälagräma-çilä; yat-what; phalam-result; saìgame-in the contact; proktam-said; tulasé-of Tulasé; püjanena-by the worship; tat-that.

    The Glories of Worshiping the Tulasé Forest

    In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:

    "By worshiping Tulasé-devé one attains the same result that is obtained by worshiping the Çälagräma-çila' on Çravaëa' dvädaçé."

Text 107

gäruòe 

dhätré-phalena yat puëyaà
    jayantyäà samupoñaëe
khagendra bhavate nåëäà
    tulasé-püjanena tat

    gäruòe-in the Garuòa Puräëa; dhätré-phalena-by the dhatri fruit; yat-what; puëyam-piety; jayantyäm-on Jayanti; samupoñaëe-fasting; khagendra-O king of birds; bhavate-is; nåëäm-of the people; tulasé-püjanena-by worshipign Tulasé; tat-that.

    In the Garuòa Puräëa it is said:

    "O king of birds, by worshiping Tulasé-devé one attains the same result as one attains by honoring the dhätré fruit or by fasting on Janmäñöamé. 

Text 108

prayäga-snäna-niratau
    käçyäà präëa-vimokñaëe
yat phalaà vihitaà devais
    tulasé-püjanena tat

    prayäga-snäna-niratau-bathing at Prayaga; käçyäm-at Varanasi; präëa-vimokñaëe-dying; yat-what; phalam-result; vihitam-placed; devaiù-by the devas; tulasé-püjanena-ây worshiping Tulasé-0devé; tat-that.

    "O king of birds, the demigods say that by worshiping Tulasé-devé one attains the same result as one attains by bathing at Prayäga or dying at Väräëasé."

Text 109

agastya-saàhitäyäà 

caturëäm api varëäëäà
    äçramäëäà viçeñataù
stréëäà ca puruñänäà ca
    püjiteñöaà dadäti hi

    agastya-saàhitäyäm-in the Agastya-saàhitä; caturëäm-four; api-indeed; varëäëäm-of varnas; äçramäëäm-of asramas; viçeñataù-specifically; stréëäm-of women; ca-and; puruñänäm-of men; ca-and; püjita-worshiped; iñöam-desired; dadäti-gives; hi-thus.

    In the Agastya-saàhitä it is said:

    "When she is properly worshiped, Tulasé-devé fulfills the desires of the men and women of the four varëas and äçramas.

Text 110

tulasé ropitä siktä
    dåñöä spåñöä ca pävayet
ärädhitä prayatnena
    sarva-käma-phala-pradä

    tulasé-Tulasé; ropitä-planted; siktä-watered; dåñöä-seen; spåñöä'touched; ca-and; pävayet-purifies; ärädhitä-worshiped; prayatnena-with care; sarva-käma-phala-pradä-fulfilling all desires.

    "When she is planted, watered, seen, or touched, Tulasé-devé brings purification. When she is worshiped she fulfills all desires.

Text 111

kià ca 

pradakñinäà bhramitvä ye
    namaskurvanti nityaçaù
na teñäà duritaà kiïcid
    akñénam avaçiñyate

    kim- ca-furthermore; pradakñinäm-circumambulation; bhramitvä-going around; ye-who; namaskurvanti-bow down; nityaçaù-regularly; na-not; teñäm-of them; duritam-sin; kiïcit-anything; akñénam-great; avaçiñyate-remains.

    It is also said:

    "They who regularly circumambulate Tulasé-devé and bow down before her become free from sin.

Text 112

båhan-näradéye yajïadhvajopäkhyänänte 

püjyamänä ca tulasé
    yasya veçmani tiñöhati
tasya sarväëi sreyäàsi
    vardhante 'har ahar dvijäù

    båhan-näradéye yajïadhvajopäkhyänänte-in the Närada Puräëa, at the end of Yajïadhvaja's story; püjyamänä-worshiped; ca-and; tulasé-Tulasé; yasya-of whom; veçmani-in the home; tiñöhati-stays; tasya-of him; sarväëi-all; sreyäàsi-good; vardhante-increases; ahar ahaù-day after day; dvijäù-O brähmaëas.

   In the Närada Puräëa, at the end of Yajïadhvaja's story, it is said:

    "A person who worships Tulasé-devé in his home finds that his good fortune increases day by day."

Text 113

ata eva pädme devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde 

pakñe pakñe tu sampräpte
    dvädaçyäà vaiçya-sattama
brahmädayo 'pi kurvanti
    tulasé-vana-püjanam

    ata eva-therefore; pädme devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde-in the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Devadüta and Vikuëòala; pakñe pakñe-fortnight after fortnight; tu-indeed; sampräpte-attained; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; vaiçya-sattama-O best of vaisyas; brahmädayaù-headed by Brahmä; api-even; kurvanti-do; tulasé-vana-püjanam-worship of the Tulasé forest.

    In the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Devadüta and Vikuëòala, it is said:

    "O best of vaiçyas, dvädaçé after dvädaçé, the demigods headed by Brahma' worship the Tulasé forest."

Text 114

ata eva çré-tulasé-stuti-mahimä 

ananya-manasä nityaà
    tulaséà stauti yo naraù
pitå-deva-manuñyänäà
    priyo bhavati sarvadä

    ata eva-therefore; çré-tulasé-stuti-mahimä-the glory of offering prayers to Tulasé; ananya-manasä-with unwavering mind; nityam-regularly; tulasém-Tulasé; stauti-praises; yaù-who; naraù-a person; pitr„-deva-manuñyänäm-of the pitas, devas, and human beings; priyaù-dear; bhavati-is; sarvadä-in all respects.

    The Glories of Offering Prayers Praising Tulasé

    A person who with an unwavering heart glorifies Tulasé with prayers becomes very dear to the devas, pitäs, and human beings.

Text 115

atha tulasé-vana-mähätmyaà 

skände 

ratià badhnäti nänyatra
    tulasé-känanaà vinä
deva-devo jagat-svämé
    kali-käle viçeñataù

    atha-now; tulasé-vana-mähätmyam-the glories of the Tulasé fgorest; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; ratim-love; badhnäti-does; na-not; anyatra-in any other object; tulasé-känanam-Tulasé forest; vinä-without; deva-devaù-the master of the demigods; jagat-svämé-the master of the universe; kali-käle-at the time of Kali; viçeñataù-specifically.

    The Glory of the Tulasé Forest

    In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:

    "In the age of Kali, Lord Hari, the master of the universes and demigods, is especially pleased by a Tulasé forest and by nothing else. 

Text 116

hitvä tértha-sahasräëi
    sarvän api çiloccayän
tulasé-känane nityaà
    kalau tiñöhati keçavaù

    hitvä-leaving aside; tértha-sahasräëi-thousands of holy places; sarvän-all; api-even; çiloccayän-mountains; tulasé-känane-in a Tulasé forest; nityam-always; kalau-in kali-yuga; tiñöhati-stays; keçavaù-Lord Kåñëa.

    "Avoiding a thousand holy places and the chains of sacred mountains, in Kali-yuga Lord Kåñëa stays always in a Tulasé forest.

Text 117

nirékñitä narair yais tu
    tulasé-vana-väöikä
ropitä yaiç ca vidhinä
    sapräptaà paramaà padam

    nirékñitä-seen; naraiù-by people; yaiù-who; tu-indeed; tulasé-vana-väöikä-the Tulasé forest; ropitä-planted; yaiù-by whom; ca-and; vidhinä-properlu; sapräptam-attained; paramam-the supreme; padam-abode.

    "They who see or plant a Tulasé forest attain the Lord's supreme abode.

Text 118

na dhätré sa-phalä yatra
    na viñëus tulasé-vanam
tat çmaçäna-samaà sthänaà
    santi yatra na vaiñëaväù

    na-not; dhätré-dhatri; sa-phalä-with fruit; yatra-where; na-not; viñëuù-Lord Viñëu; tulasé-vanam'a Tulasé forest; tat-that; çmaçäna-samam-like a crematorioum; sthänam-plance; santi-are; yatra'where; na-no; vaiñëaväù-Vaiñëavas.

    "Any place where there is no Deity of Lord Viñëu, no fruit-bearing dhätré tree, no Tulasé forest, or no Vaiñëavas is like a cremation-ground.

Text 119

keçavärthe kalau ye tu
    ropayantéha bhü-tale
kià kariñyaty asantuñöo
    yamo 'pi saha kiìkaraiù

    keçava-of Lord Kåñëa; arthe-for the sake; kalau-in kali-yuga; ye-who; tu-indeed; ropayanti-plant; iha-here; bhü-tale-on the earth; kim-what?; kariñyaty-will do; asantuñöaù-displeased; yamaù-yamaräja; api-even; saha-with; kiìkaraiù-his servants.

    "Even if they are displeased with him, what can Yamaräja and his servants do to a person who in this world has planted a Tulasé forest for Lord Kåñëa's sake.

Texts 120 and 121

tulasyä ropaëaà käryaà
    çravaëena viçeñataù
aparädha-sahasräëi
    kñamate puruñottamaù

devälayeñu sarveñu
    puëya-kñetreñu yo naraù
väpayet tulaséà puëyäà
    tat térthaà cakra-päëinaù

    tulasyäù-of Tulasé; ropaëam-planting; käryam-to be done; çravaëena-bythe star Sravana; viçeñataù-specifically; aparädha-sahasräëi-thousands of offenses; kñamate-forguves; puruñottamaù-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; devälayeñu-in temples; sarveñu-all; puëya-kñetreñu-in holy places; yaù-who; naraù-a person; väpayet-plants; tulasém-Tulasé; puëyäm-sacred; tat-that; tértham-place; cakra-päëinaù-to Lord Kåñëa.

    "One should plant Tulasé at the time of the star Çravaëa. The Supreme Personality of Godhead forgives a thousand offenses for one who plants Tulasé in holy places and temples. Wherever Tulasé is planted, that place becomes sacred to Lord Viñëu.

Text 122

ghaöair yantra-ghaöébhiç ca
    siïcitaà tulasé-vanam
jala-dhäräbhir viprendra
    préëitaà bhuvana-trayam

    ghaöaiù-with pitchers; yantra-ghaöébhiç-with watering devices; ca-and; siïcitam-watered; tulasé-vanam-the Tulasé forest; jala-dhäräbhiù-with streams of water; viprendra-O king of brähmaëas; préëitam-pleased; bhuvana-trayam-the three worlds.

    "O king of brähmaëas, he pleases the three worlds who, with streams of water from pitchers and other watering devices, waters a Tulasé forest."

Text 123

tatraiva çré-brahma-närada-samväde 

tulasé-gandham ädäya
    yatra gacchati märutaù
diço daça ca pütäù syur
    bhüta-grämaç catur-vidhaù

    tatraiva çré-brahma-närada-samväde-in the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada; tulasé-gandham-the scent of Tulasé; ädäya-taking; yatra-where; gacchati-goes; märutaù-breeze; diçaù-directions; daça-ten; ca-and; pütäù-purified; syuù-are; bhüta-grämaç-living entities; catur-vidhaù-four kinds.

    In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada, it is said:

    "When a breeze picks up the scent of Tulasé and carries that scent in the ten directions, the four kinds of living entities there all become purified.

Text 124

tulasé-känanodbhütä
    chäyä yatra bhaved dvija
tatra çräddhaà pradätavyaà
    pitåëäà tåpti-hetave

    tulasé-känanodbhütä-born from aTulasé forest; chäyä-shade; yatra-where; bhavet-is; dvija-O d; tatra-there; çräddham-sraddha; pradätavyam-should be given; pitåëäm-to the pitas; tåpti-hetave-for satisfaction.

    "O brähmaëa, offerings of çräddha to please the pitäs should be given in the shade of a Tulasé forest.

Text 125

tulasé-béja-nikaraù
    patate yatra närada
piëòa-dänaà kåtaà tatra
    pitåëäà dattam akñayam

    tulasé-béja-nikaraù-Tulasé seeds; patate-fall; yatra-where; närada'O Narada; piëòa-dänam-offering of pinda; kåtam-done; tatra-theer; pitåëäm-to the pitas; dattam-given; akñayam-without failure.

    "O Närada, to be perfectly successful, piëòa offerings to the pitäs should be presented in a place where Tulasé seeds have fallen."

Text 126

tatraivägre 

dåñöä spåñöä tathä dhyätä
    kértitä namitä çrutä
ropitä sevitä nityaà
    püjitä tulasé çubhä

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; agre-in the beginning; dåñöä-seen; spåñöä-touched; tathä-so; dhyätä-remembered; kértitä-praised; namitä-bowed before; çrutä-heard; ropitä-planted; sevitä-served; nityam-regularly; püjitä-worshiped; tulasé'Tulasé; çubhä-auspicious.

    In the Skanda Puräëa it is also said:

    "When she is regularly seen, touched, remembered, glorified, bowed before, heard about, planted, served, or worshiped, Tulasé-devé brings great auspiciousness.

Text 127

navadhä tulaséà nityaà
    ye bhajanti dine dine
yuga-koöi-sahasräëi
    te vasanti harer gåhe

    navadhä-in nine ways; tulasém-Tulasé; nityam-regularly; ye-who; bhajanti-worship; dine-day; dine-after day; yuga-koöi-sahasräëi-ten billion yugas; te-they; vasanti-reside; hareù-of Lord Hari; gåhe-in the home.

    "They who daily worship Tulasé-devé in these nine ways reside in Lord Hari's spiritual realm for ten billion yugas.

Text 128

ropitä tulasé yävat
    kurute müla-vistäram
tävat koöi-sahasraà tu
    tanoti sukåtaà kalau

    ropitä-planted; tulasé-Tulasé; yävat-as; kurute-does; müla-vistäram'spreading of roots; tävat-so; koöi-sahasram-ten billion; tu-indeed; tanoti-spread; sukåtam-pious deeds; kalau-in Kali-yuga.

    "As each new root appears on Tulasé-devé, the person in Kali-yuga who planted her earns ten billion pious deeds.

Text 129

yävä chäkhä-praçäkhäbhir
    béja-puñpaiù phalair mune
ropitä tulasé pumbhir
    vardhate vasudhä-tale

    yävat-as; çäkhä-praçäkhäbhiù-with branches and suâ-braqnches; béja-puñpaiù-with seeds and flowers; phalaiù-with fruits; mune-O sage; ropitä-planted; tulasé-Tulasé; pumbhiù-by people; vardhate-prosper; vasudhä-tale-on the earth.

    "As each new branch, twig, seed, flower, and fruit appears on Tulasé-devé, the human being who planted her gains a host of pious descendants.

Text 130

kule teñäà tu ye jätä
    ye bhaviñyanti ye måtäù
äkalpaà yuga-sähasraà
    teñäà väso harer gåhe

    kule-in the family; teñäm-of them; tu-indeed; ye-who; jätä-born; ye-who; bhaviñyanti-will be; ye-who; måtäù-died; äkalpam-to the kalpa; yuga-yugas; sähasram-a thousand; teñäm-of them; väsaù-resieence; hareù-of Lord Hari; gåhe-in the home.

    "All who were born in his family and all who will be born in his family, beginning with the start of the kalpa and extending a thousand yugas into the future, will reside in Lord Hari's transcendental abode."

Text 131

tatraiva cävanté-khaëòe 

tulasé ye vicinvanti
    dhanyäs tat-kara-pallaväù
keçavärthe kalau ye ca
    ropayantéha bhü-tale

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; ca-and; avanté-khaëòe-in the Avanté-khaëòa; tulasé-Tulasé; ye-who; vicinvanti-collect; dhanyäù-fortunate; tat-kara-pallaväù-leaves; keçavärthe-for Lord Kåñëa; kalau-in Kali-yuga; ye-who; ca-and; ropayanti-plant; iha-here; bhü-tale-ojn the earth.

    In the Avanté-khaëòa it is said:

    "They are very fortunate who in Kali-yuga plant Tulasé, pick her leaves, and offer them to Lord Kåñëa.

Text 132

snäne däne tathä dhyäne
    präçane keçavärcane
tulasé dahate päpaà
    ropaëe kértane kalau

    snäne-in bathing; däne-in giving; tathä-so; dhyäne-in remembering; präçane-in eating; keçavärcane-in the worship of Lord Kåñëa; tulasé-Tulasé; dahate-burns; päpam-sins; ropaëe-in planting; kértane-in praising; kalau-in Kali-yuga.

    "In Kali-yuga when she is planted, glorified, bathed, given in charity, remembered, offered to Lord Kåñëa, and when the remnants of her offered leaves are eaten, Tulasé-devé burs away all sins.

Text 133

käçé-khaëòe sva-dütän prati çré-yamänuçäsane 

tulasy-alaìkåtä ye ye
    tulasé-näma-jäpakäù
tulasé-vana-pälä ye
    te tyäjyä dürato bhaöäù

    käçé-khaëòe-in the kasi-khanda; sva-dütän-own messengers; prati-to; çré-yamänuçäsane-in the instruction of Yamaraja; tulasy-with Tulasé; alaìkåtä-decorated; ye ye-whoever; tulasé-näma-jäpakäù-chanting the name of Tulasé; tulasé-vana-pälä-protecting a Tulasé forest; ye-who; te-they; tyäjyä-left alone; dürataù-far away; bhaöäù-O soldiers.

    In the Käçé-khaëòa, Yamaräja teaches his messengers: 

    "O my soldiers, you should stay far away from anyone who has been decorated with Tulasé, who has chanted Tulasé's names, or who has protected a Tulasé forest.

Text 134

tatraiva dhruva-carite 

tulasé yasya bhavane
    praty-ahaà paripüjyate
tad-gåhe nopasarpanti
    kadäcid yama-kiìkaräù

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; dhruva-carite-in the Dhruva-carita; tulasé-Tulasé; yasya-of whom; bhavane-in the home; praty-aham-every day; paripüjyate-is worshiped; tad-gåhe-in his home; na-not; upasarpanti-approahces; kadäcit-ever; yama-kiìkaräù-Yama's servants.

    In the Käçé-khaëòa, Dhruva-carita, it is said: 

    "Yama's servants will never enter a home where Tulasé is worshiped every day."

Text 135

pädme devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde 

na paçyanti yamaà vaiçya
    tulasé-vana-ropaëät
sarva-päpa-haraà sarva-
    kämadaà tulasé-vanam

    pädme devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde-in the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Devadüta and Vikuëòala; na-not; paçyanti-see; yamam-Yama; vaiçyä-O Vaisya; tulasé-vana-ropaëät-because of planting a Tulasé forest; sarva-päpa-haram-removing all sins; sarva-all; käma-desires; dam-fulfilling; tulasé-vanam-Tulasé forest.

    In the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Devadüta and Vikuëòala, it is said:

    "O noble vaiçya, they who plant a Tulasé forest will not see Yamaräja. A Tulasé forest removes all sins and grants all desires.

Text 136

tulasé-känanaà vaiçya
    gåhe yasmiàs tu tiñöhate
tad-gåhaà térthi-bhütaà hi
    no yänti yama-kiìkaräù

    tulasé-känanam-a Tulasé forest; vaiçya-O vaisya; gåhe-in the home; yasmiàù-in which; tu-indeed; tiñöhate-stays; tad-gåham-that home; térthi-bhütam-a holy place; hi-indeed; na-not; u-indeed; yänti-go; yama-kiìkaräù-Yama's servants.

    "A person who keeps a Tulasé forest there transforms his home into a holy place. Yamaräja's servants will never enter that home.

Text 137

tävad varña-sahasräëi
    yävad béja-daläni ca
vasanti devaloke tu
    tulaséà ropayanti ye

    tävat-so; varña-sahasräëi-for a thousand years; yävat-so; béja-daläni-seeds and leaves; ca-and; vasanti-resides; devaloke-in Devaloka; tu-indeed; tulasém-Tulasé; ropayanti-plant; ye-they.

    "They who plant Tulasé stay, for each seed and leaf, a thousand years in Devaloka.

Text 138

tulasé-gandham äghräya
    pitaras tuñöa-mänasäù
prayänti garuòärüòhas
    tat padaà cakra-päëinaù

    tulasé-gandham-the scent of Tulasé; äghräya-smelling; pitaraù-pitas; tuñöa-mänasäù-pleased at heart; prayänti-go; garuòärüòhaù-riding on Garuòa; tat-that; padam-abode; cakra-päëinaù-of Lord Hari.

    "When they smell the scent of Tulasé, the pitäs become happy at heart. Riding on Garuòa, they go to Lord Hari's spiritual abode.

Text 139

darçanaà narmadäyäs tu
    gaìgä-snänaà viçäà vara
tulasé-dala-saàsparçaù
    samam etat trayaà småtam

    darçanam-the sight; narmadäyäù-of the Narmada; tu-indeed; gaìgä-snänam-bathing in the Ganga; viçäm-of vaisyas; vara-O best; tulasé-Tulasé; dala-leaf; saàsparçaù-touching; samam-equal; etat-these; trayam-three; småtam-considered.

    "Seeing the Narmadä, bathing in the Gaìgä, and touching a Tulasé leaf are three equally pious actions."

Text 140

ropaëät pälanät sekäd
    darçanät sparçanän nåëäm
tulasé dahate päpaà
    väì-manaù-käya-saïcitam

    ropaëät-from planting; pälanät-from protecting; sekät-from watering; darçanät-from seeintg; sparçanän-from touching; nåëäm-of people; tulasé-Tulasé; dahate-burns; päpam-sin; väk-words; manaù-mind; käya-body; saïcitam-performed.

    "When the people plant, protect, water, see, or touch her, Tulasé burns away any sins they may have committed with their bodies, minds, or words.

Text 141

amra-våkña-sahasreëa
    pippalänäà çatena ca
yat phalaà hi tad ekena
    tulasé-viöapena tu

    amra-våkña-sahasreëa-of a thousand mango trees; pippalänäm-of pippala trees; çatena-with a hundred; ca-and; yat-what; phalam-fruit; hi'indeed; tat-that; ekena-with one; tulasé-vitapena-a single branch of a Tulasé tree; tu-indeed.

    "A single branch of Tulasé is equal to a hundred pippala trees or a thousand mango trees.

Text 142

viñëu-püjana-samyuktas
    tulaséà yas tu ropayet
yugäyuta-daçaikaà sa
    ropako ramate divi

    viñëu-püjana-samyuktaù-engaged in the worship,of Lord Viñëu; tulasém-Tulasé; yaù-who; tu-indeed; ropayet-plants; yugäyuta-ten thousand yugas; daça-ten; ekam-one; sa-he; ropakaù-planter; ramate-enjoys; divi-in heaven.

    "A Vaiñëava who plants a Tulasé tree enjoys in Devaloka for a hundred thousand yugas."

Text 143

tatraiva vaiçäkha-mähätmye 

puñkarädéni térthäni
    gaìgädyäù saritas tathä
väsudevädayo devä
    vasanti tulasé-dale

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; vaiçäkha-mähätmye-in the Vaisakha-mahatmya; puñkarädéni-beginnign wuth Puskara; térthäni-holy places; gaìgädyäù-beginning with the Ganga; saritaù-holy rivers; tathä-so; väsudevädayaù-beginning with Lord k; devä-Deities; vasanti-reside; tulasé-dale-in a Tulasé leaf.

    In the Padma Puräëa, Vaiçäkha-mähätmya, it is said:

    "Puñkara and all other holy places, the Gaìga' and all other holy rivers, as well as Lord Kåñëa and all other Deities reside in every Tulasé leaf.

Text 144

däridrya-duùkha-rogärti-
    päpäni su-bahüny api
tulasé harato kñipraà
    rogän iva harétaké

    däridrya-poverty; duùkha-suffering; roga-disease; arti-torment; päpäni-sins; su-bahüny-very many; api-also; tulasé-Tulasé; harati-removes; kñipram-at once; rogän-diseases; iva-as; harétaké-haritaki.

    "As the harétaké cures diseases, so Tulasé quickly removes poverty, suffering, disease, and sin."

Text 145

tatraiva kärttika-mähätmye 

yad-gåhe tulasé bhäti
    rakñäbhir jala-secanaiù
tad-gåhe yamadütäç ca
    dürato varjayanti hi

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; kärttika-mähätmye-in the Karttika-mahatmya; yad-gåhe-in whose home; tulasé-Tulasé; bhäti-is; rakñäbhiù-with protection; jala-secanaiù-with watering; tad-gåhe-in that home; yamadütäç-the messengers of Yama; ca-and; dürataù-far away; varjayanti-avoid; hi-indeed.

    In the Padma Puräëa, Kärttika-mähätmya, it is said:

    "The messengers of Yamaräja stay far away from any home where Tulasé-devé is protected and watered.

Text 146

tulasyäs tarpaëaà ye ca
    pitån uddiçya mänaväù
kurvanti teñäà pitaras
    tåptä varñäyutaà jalaiù

    tulasyäù-of Tulasé; tarpaëam-tarpana; ye-who; ca-and; pitån-to the pitas; uddiçya-in relation to; mänaväù-people; kurvanti-do; teñäm-of them; pitaraù-the pitas; tåptä-pleased; varñäyutam-for ten thousand years; jalaiù-with water.

    "When they are given the remnants of an offering of water and Tulasé, the pitäs are pleased as if they were offered water for ten thousand years.

Text 147

paricäryäà ca ye tasya
    rakñayäbala-bandhanaiù
çuçrüñito haris tais tu
    nätra käryä vicäraëä

    paricäryäm-worship; ca-and; ye-who; tasya-of Him; rakñayä-with protection; äbäla-bandhanaiù-with a trench; çuçrüñitaù-worshiped; hariù-Lord Kåñëa; taiù-by them; tu-indeed; na-not; atra-here; käryä-to be done; vicäraëä-doubt.

    "They worship Tulasé and protect her by arranging a water-trench to circle her base, worship Lord Kåñëa with these deeds. Of this there is no doubt.

Texts 148-150

nävajïä jätu käryäsyä
    våkña-bhävän manéñibhiù
yathä hi väsudevasya
    vaikuëöha-bhoga-vigrahaù

çälagräma-çilä-rüpaà
    sthävaraà bhuvi dåçyate
tathä lakñmyaikam äpannä
    tulasé bhoga-vigrahä

aparaà sthävaraà rüpaà
    bhuvi loka-hitäya vai
spåñöä dåñöä rakñitä ca
    mahä-pätaka-näçiné

    na-not; avajïä-offense; jätu-ever; käryä-should be done; asyäù-of her; våkña-bhävän-thinking to be a tree; manéñibhiù-by the wise; yathä-as; hi-indeed; väsudevasya-of Lord Väsudeva; vaikuëöha-bhoga-vigrahaù-enjoying in Vaikuëöha; çälagräma-çilä-rüpam-the form of the Çälagräma-çilä; sthävaram-a stone; bhuvi-on the earth; dåçyate-is seen; tathä-so; lakñmyaikam-oneness with the goddess of fortune; äpannä-attained; tulasé-Tulasé; bhoga-vigrahä-Tulasé form; aparam-another; sthävaram-immobile; rüpam-form; bhuvi-on the earth; loka-hitäya-for the benefit of the people; vai-indeed; spåñöä-touched; dåñöä-seen; rakñitä-protected; ca-and; mahä-pätaka-näçiné-destroying great sins.

    "As they should not commit the offense of thinking Lord Väsudeva is an ordinary person who happens to be enjoying in Vaikuëöha, or the offense of thinking that the Çälagräma-çilä is an ordinary stone, so the wise should not commit the offense of thinking that Tulasé-devé is an ordinary tree. Tulasé-devé is an incarnation of the goddess of fortune, and she appears as a tree in order to benefit the people of the world. When she is seen, touched, or protected, she destroys the greatest sins."

Text 151

agastya-saàhitäyäà 

viñëos trailokya-näthasya
    rämasya janakätmajä
priyä tathaiva tulasé
    sarva-lokaika-pävané

    agastya-saàhitäyäm-in the Agastya-saàhitä; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; trailokya-näthasya-the master of the three worlds; rämasya'of Lord Räma; janakätmajä-the daughter of King Janaka; priyä-beloved; tathä-so; eva-indeed; tulasé-Tulasé; sarva-lokaika-pävané-the purifier of all the worlds.

    In the Agastya-saàhitä it is said:

    "As Séta'-devé is dear to Lord Räma, the all-pervading master of the three worlds, so Tulasé-devé, the purifier of all the worlds, is also dear to Him.

Text 152

tulasé-väöikä yatra
    puñpäntara-çatävåtä
çobhate räghavas tatra
    sétayä sahitaà svayam

    tulasé-väöikä-a Tulasé forest; yatra-where; puñpäntara-çatävåtä-with hundreds of other flowers; çobhate-is beautiful; räghavaù-Lord Räma; tatra-there; sétayä-Séö; sahitam-with; svayam-personally.

    "Lord Räma personally stayed with Séta'-devé in a forest filled with Tulasé and with hundreds of other flowers

Text 153

tulasé-vipinasyäpi
    samantät pävanaà sthalam
kroça-mätraà bhavaty eva
    gäìgeyasyaiva päthasaù

    tulasé-vipinasya-of a Tulasé tree; api-even; samantät-everywhere; pävanam-purifying; sthalam-place; kroça-mätram-two miles; bhavaty-is; eva-indeed; gäìgeyasya-of the Ganga shore; eva-indeed; päthasaù-from the water.

    "A single Tulasé plant purifies every place for two miles around. It is as if the entire area had been flooded by the Gaìgä.

Text 154

tulasé-sannidhau präëän
    ye tyajanti munéçvara
na teñäà naraka-klesäù
    prayänti paramaà padam

    tulasé-Tulasé; sannidhau-near; präëän-life; ye-who; tyajanti-abandon; munéçvara-O king of sages; na-not; teñäm-of them; naraka-klesäù-the suffering of hell; prayänti-they go; paramam-to the supreme; padam-abode.

    "O king of the sages, they who die near Tulasé do not suffer in hell. They go to the spiritual world."

Text 155

kià ca 

ananya-darçanäù prätar
    ye paçyanti tapo-dhana
aho-rätra-kåtaà päpaà
    tat-kñaëät praharanti te

    kim- ca-furthermore; ananya-darçanäù-without seeing anything else; prätaù-in the morning; ye-who; paçyanti-see; tapo-dhana-O sages whose wealth is austerity; ahaù-day; rätra-and night; kåtam-done; päpam-sin; tat-kñaëät-from that moment; praharanti-remove; te-they.

    It is also said:

    "O sage whose wealth is austerity, they who see Tulasé when they first open their eyes in the morning become from that moment free from all the sins of all their days and nights."

Text 156

gäruòe 

kåtaà yena mahä-bhäga
    tulasé-vana-ropaëam
muktis tena bhaved dattä
    präëinäà vinatä-suta

    gäruòe-in the Garuòa Puräëa; kåtam-done; yena-by whom; mahä-bhäga-O very fortunate one; tulasé-vana-ropaëam-the planting of a Tulasé forest; muktiù-liberation; tena-by him; bhavet-may be; dattä-given; präëinäm-of living entities; vinatä-suta-O son of Vinatä.

    In the Garuòa Puräëa it is said:

    "O fortunate Garuòa, O son of Vinatä, a person who plants a Tulasé forest attains liberation.

Text 157

tulasé väpitä yena
    puëyäräme vane gåhe
pakñéndra tena satyoktaà
    lokäù sapta pratiñöitäù

    tulasé-Tulasé; väpitä-planted; yena-by whom; puëyäräme-in a pleasant garned; vane-in a forest; gåhe-in a home; pakñéndra-O king of birds; tena-by him; satyoktam-in truth; lokäù-worlds; sapta-seven; pratiñöitäù-established.

    "O king of birds, a person who plants a Tulasé tree in a beautiful garden, in a forest, or in his home has done a very important deed. It is as if he has created the seven worlds. 

Text 158

tulasé-känane yas tu
    muhürtam api viçramet
janma-koöi-kåtät päpän
    mucyate nätra saàçayaù

    tulasé-Tulasé; känane-in a forest; yaù-one who; tu-indeed; muhürtam-for a moment; api-even; viçramet-rests; janma-koöi-ten million births; kåtät-done; päpän-from the sins; mucyate-is freed; na-not; atra-here; saàçayaù-doubt.

    "A person who for even a moment rests in a Tulasé forest becomes freed from the sins of ten million births. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 159

pradakñinäà yaù kurute
    paöhan näma-sahasrakam
tulasé-känane nityaà
    yajïäyuta-phalaà labhet

    pradakñinäm-circumambulation; yaù-who; kurute-does; paöhan-reciting; näma-sahasrakam-the thousand names; tulasé-känane-in the Tulasé forest; nityam-regularly; yajïa-of yajnas; ayuta-ten thousand; phalam-results; labhet-attains.

    "A person who, chanting the thousand names, circumambulates a Tulasé forest attains the result of ten thousand yajïas.

Text 160

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye 

nityaà sannihito viñëuù
    samspåhas tulasé-vane
api me 'kñata-patraikaà
    kaçcid dhanyo 'rpayed iti

    hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said; nityam-always; sannihitaù-staying; viñëuù-Lord Viñëu; samspåhaù-desiring; tulasé-vane-in the Tulasé forest; api-also; me-of me; akñata-patraikam-a single unbroken Tulasé leaf; kaçcit-someone; dhanyaù-fortunate; arpayet-may offer; iti-thus.

    In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya it is said:

    " `Perhaps someone will offer Me an unbroken Tulasé leaf.' Thinking these words, Lord Viñëu always stays in a Tulasé forest."

Text 161

båhan-näradéye 

gaìgä-prasaìge saàsära-päpa-vicchedi
    gaìgä-näma prakértitam
tathä tulasyä bhaktiç ca
    hari-kérti-pravaktaré

    båhan-näradéye-in thr Narada Puräëa; gaìgä-prasaìge-by touching the Ganga; saàsära-päpa-vicchedé-which destroys all sins; gaìgä-näma-with the name Ganga; prakértitam-called; tathä-so; tulasyä-of Tulasé; bhaktiç-devotion; ca-and; hari-kérti-pravaktaré-chanting the glories of Lord Kåñëa.

    In the Närada Puräëa it is said:

    "When one chants the name Gaìgä, the Gaìga' destroys all his sins. When one chants the names of Lord Hari, Tulasé gives one the gift of devotional service.

Text 162

tulasé-känanaà yatra

    yatra padma-vanäni ca
puräëa-paöhanaà yatra
    tatra sannihito hariù

    tulasé-känanam-the Tulasé forest; yatra-where; yatra-where; padma-vanäni-lotus forests; ca-and; puräëa-paöhanam-reading the Pura'ëas; yatra tatra-there; sannihitaù-stays; hariù-Lord Kåñëa.

    "Lord Hari stays wherever there is a lotus forest or a Tulasé forest, or wherever the Puräëas are read."

Text 163

tatraiva çré-yama-bhagératha-samväde 

tulasé-ropaëaà ye tu
    kurvate manujeçvara
teñäà puëya-phalaà vakñye
    vadatas tvaà niçämaya

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-yama-bhagératha-samväde-in a conversation of Yama and Bhagiuratha; tulasé-ropaëam-planting Tulasé; ye-who; tu-indeed; kurvate-does; manujeçvara-O master of men; teñäm-of them; puëya-phalam-pious result; vakñye-I will tell; vadataù-speaking; tvam-you; niçämaya-please hear.

    In the Närada Puräëa, Yamaräja tells King Bhagératha:

    "O king, please listen and I will tell you the pious benefit gained by a person who plants Tulasé.

Text 164

sapta-koöi-kulair yukto
    mätåtaù pitåtas tathä
vaset kalpa-çataà sägraà
    näräyaëa-samépagaù

    sapta-koöi-kulaiù-with seventy million relatives; yuktaù-accopanied; mätåtaù-from hsi mother's side; pitåtaù-from his father's side; tathä-so; vaset-resides; kalpa-çatam-for a hundred kalpas; sägram-in the presence; näräyaëa-samépagaù-near Lord Näräyaëa.

    "Accompanied by seventy million relatives from his father's and mother's families, for a hundred kalpas he stays near Lord Näräyaëa.

Text 165

tåëäni tulasé-mülät
    yävanty apahiëoti vai
tävatér brahma-hatyä hi
    chinatty eva na saàçayaù

    tåëäni-grass; tulasé-mülät-at Tulasé's roots; yävanty-as many; apahiëoti-removes; vai-indeed; tävatéù-that many; brahma-hatyä-murders of a brähmaëa; hi-indeed; chinatty-cuts; eva-indeed; na-no; saàçayaù-doubt.

    "When a person removes the blades of grass growing at Tulasé's roots, with each blade of grass he becomes free of the sin of killing a brähmaëa.

Text 166

tulasyäà siïcayed yas tu
    culukodaka-mätrakam
kñéroda-çäyinä särdhaà
    vased äcandra-tärakam

    tulasyäm-on Tulasé; siïcayet-sprinkles; yaù-who; tu-indeed; culukodaka-mätrakam-a palmful of water; kñiroda-çäyinä-with Lord Kñérodakaçäyé Viñëu; särdham-with; vaset-resides; äcandra-tärakam-for as long as the sun and the moon shine.

    "A person who waters Tulasé with even a small palmful of water stays with Lord Kñérodakaçäyé Viñëu for as long as the sun and moon shine in the sky.

Text 167

kaëöakävaraëaà väpi
    våtià käñöhaiù karoti yaù
tulasyäù çåëu räjendra
    tasya puëya-phalaà mahat

    kaëöaka-of thorns; ävaraëam-covering; vä-or; api-also; våtim-fence; käñöhaiù-with wood; karoti-does; yaù-who; tulasyäù-of Tulasé-devi; çåëu-please hear; räjendra-O king; tasya-of him; puëya-phalam-the pious result; mahat-great.

    "O king, please hear the pious result attained by a person who protects Tulasé with a wooden fence or a hedge of thorns.

Text 168

yävad dinäni santiñöhet
    kaëöakävaraëaà prabho
kula-traya-yutas tävat
    tiñöhed brahma-pade yugam

    yävat-as; dinäni-days; santiñöhet-stays; kaëöakävaraëam-thorn hedge; prabhaù-O king; kula-traya-yutaù-with three generations; tävat-so long; tiñöhet-stays; brahma-pade'in the abode of Brahma; yugam-for a yuga.

    "For each day that thorn hedge remains he stays for a yuga with three generations of his kinsmen in Brahmaloka.

Text 169

präkära-kalpako yas tu
    tulasyä manujeçvara
kula-trayeëa sahito
    viñëoù särüpyataà vrajet

    präkära-kalpakaù-building a wall; yaù-who; tu-indeed; tulasyä-of t; manujeçvara-O king; kula-trayeëa-with three generations; sahitaù-with; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; särüpyatam-attaining the same form; vrajet-attains.

    "O king, when a person builds a wall around Tulasé-devé, he and three generations of his kinsmen attain spiritual forms like that of Lord Viñëu."

Text 170

ata eva tatraiva yajïadhvajopäkhyänänte 

durlabhä tulasé-sevä
    durlabhä saìgatiù satäm
durlabhhä hari-bhaktiç ca
    saàsärärëava-pätinäm

    ata eva tatraiva yajïadhvaopäkhyänänte-in the Närada Puräëa, at the end of Yajïadhvaja's story; durlabhä-rare; tulasé-sevä-service to Tulasé; durlabhä-rare; saìgatiù-aswsociate; satäm-of the devotees; durlabhhä-rare; hari-bhaktiç-devotion to Lord Hari; ca-and; saàsärärëava-pätinäm-for they who have fallen in the ocean of birth and death.

    In the Närada Puräëa, at the end of Yajïadhvaja's story, it is said:

    "Service to Tulasé, association with the devotees, and devotion to Lord Hari are rarely attained by they who have fallen into the ocean of birth and death."

Text 171

puräëäntareñu ca 

yat phalaà kratubhiù sviñöaiù
    samäpta-vara-dakñiëaiù
tat phalaà koöi-guëitaà
    ropayitvä hareù priyäm

    puräëäntareñu-in another Puräëa; ca-and; yat-what; phalam-result; kratubhiù-by yajnas; sviñöaiù-by worship; samäpta-attained; vara-dakñiëaiù-daksina; tat-that; phalam-result; koöi-guëitam-multiplied ten million times; ropayitvä-having planted; hareù'to Lord Kåñëa; priyäm-dear.

    In other Puräëas it is said:

    "They who plant Lord Hari's dear Tulasé attain a pious result ten million times better than what is attained by performing a host of yajïas and giving very generous dakñiëa' to the brähmaëas.

Text 172

tulaséà ye prayacchanti
    suräëäm arcanäya vai
ropayanti çucau deçe
    teñäà loko 'kñayaù småtaù

    tulasém-Tulasé; ye-who; prayacchanti-give; suräëäm-of the Lord; arcanäya-for worship; vai-indeed; ropayanti-plant; çucau-in a sacred; deçe-place; teñäm-of them; lokaù-world; akñayaù-eternal; småtaù-considered.

    "They whom plant Tulasé in a pure place and offer her leaves in worship to Lord Viñëu attain the eternal spiritual world.

Text 173

ropitäà tulaséà dåñövä
    nareëa bhuvi bhümipa
vivarëa-vadano bhütvä
    tal-lipià märjayed yamaù

    ropitäm-planted; tulasém-Tulasé; dåñövä-seeing; nareëa-by a person; bhuvi-on the earth; bhümipa-O king; vivarëa-vadanaù-with a silent mouth; bhütvä-becoming; tal-lipim-his letters; märjayet-wipes away; yamaù-Yamaräja.

    "When he sees that someone has planted a Tulasé tree, from his book Yamaåja silently erases that person's name.

Text 174

tulaséti ca yo brüyät
    tri-kälaà vadane yadi
nityaà sa go-sahasrasya
    phalam äpnoti bhüsura

    tulasé-Tulasé; iti-thus; ca-and; yaù-who; brüyät-says; tri-kälam-three times; vadane-in the mouth; yadi-if; nityam-regularly; sa-he; go-sahasrasya-of giving a thousand cows in charity; phalam-the result; äpnoti'attains; bhüsura-O brähmaëa.

    "O brähmaëa, a person who morning, noon, and night, regularly speaks the name of Tulasé attains the result of giving a thousand cows in charity.

Text 175

tena dattaà hutaà japtaà
    kåtaà çräddhaà gayä-çire
tapas taptaà khaga-çreñöha
    tulasé yena ropitä

    tena-by him; dattam-offered; hutam-yajna; jäptam-japa; kåtam-done; çräddham-sraddha; gayä-çire-at Gayä; tapaù-austerities; taptam-performed; khaga-çreñöha-O best of birds; tulasé-Tulasé; yena'by whom; ropitä-planted.

    "O best of birds, a person who plants Tulasé attains the benefit of offering yajïas, chanting japa, and following austere vows.

Text 176

çrutäbhilañitä dåñöä
    ropiträ siïcitä natä
tulasé dahate päpaà
    yugäntägnir iväkhilam

    çrutä-heard; abhilañitä-desired; dåñöä-seen; ropiträ-planted; siïcitä-watered; natä-bowed before; tulasé'Tulasé; dahate-burns; päpam-sin; yugäntägniù-the fire at the end of the yuga; iva-like; akhilam-all.

    "When she is heard about, desired, seen, planted, watered, or offered respectful obeisances, Tulasé burns away all sins. She becomes like the great fire at the yuga's end.

Text 177

keçaväyatane yas tu
    kärayet tulasé-vanam
labhate cäkñayaà sthänaà
    pitåbhiù saha vaiñëavaù

    keçaväyatane-in Lord Keçava's temple; yaù-who; tu-indeed; kärayet-causes; tulasé-vanam-a Tulasé forest; labhate-attains; ca-and; akñayam-eternal; sthänam-place; pitåbhiù-pitas; saha-with; vaiñëavaù-Vaiñëava.

    "A person who plants a Tulasé forest in Lord Kåñëa's temple attains the eternal spiritual world with his devotee ancestors."

Text 178

anyaträpi 

tulasé-känane çräddhaà
    pitåëäà kurute tu yaù
gayä-çräddhaà kåtaà tena
    bhäñitaà viñëunä purä

    anyatra-in another place; api-even; tulasé-känane-in a Tulasé forest; çräddham-sraddha; pitåëäm-of the pitas; kurute-does; tu-indeed; yaù-who; gayä-çräddham-sraddha at Gaya; kåtam-done; tena-by him; bhäñitam-spoken; viñëunä-by Lord Viñëu; purä-in ancient times.

    In another place it is said:

    "A person who in a Tulasé forest offers çräddha to the pitäs attains the result of offering çräddha in Gayä. Lord Viñëu Himself said this long ago.

Text 179

tulasé-gahanaà dåñövä
    vimukto yäti pätakät
sarvathä muni-çärdüla
    brahma-hä puëya-bhäg bhavet

    tulasé-gahanam-a Tulasé forest; dåñövä-seeing; vimuktaù-liberated; yäti-goes; pätakät-from sin; sarvathä-in all respects; muni-çärdüla-O tiger of sages; brahma-hä-a brähmaëa killer; puëya-bhäg-pious; bhavet-become.

    "O tiger of sages, a person who sees a Tulasé forest becomes free from all sins. Although in the past he may have killed many brähmaëas, he becomes pure and saintly.

Text 180

kià ca skände vaçiñöha-mandhätå-samväde 

çukla-pakñe yadä räjan
    tåtéyä budha-samyutä
çravaëena mahä-bhaga
    tulasé cäti-puëyadä. iti.

    kim- ca-furthermore; skände vaçiñöha-mandhätr„-samväde-in the Skanda Puräëa, Vaçiñöha Muni tells King Mandhätä; çukla-pakñe-on the sukla paksa; yadä-when; räjan-O king; tåtéyä-third; budha-samyutä-with mercury; çravaëena-with Sravana; mahä-bhagä-O very fortunate one; tulasé-Tulasé; ca-an; ati--puëyadä-giving great piety; iti-thus.

    In the Skanda Puräëa, Vaçiñöha Muni tells King Mandhätä:

    "O very fortunate king, Tulasé-devé gives great pious benefits to anyone who worships her on a third tithi of the çukla-pakña when Mercury is conjoined with the star Çravaëa.

Text 181

prasaìgät çré-tulasyä hi
    mådaù käñöhasya cädhunä
mähätmyaà likhyate kåñëe
    arpitasya dalasya ca

    prasaìgät-by the touch; çré-tulasyä-of Çré Tulasé; hi-indeed; mådaù-of the earth; käñöhasya-of the wood; ca-and; adhunä-now; mähätmyam-glory; likhyate-is written; kåñëe-to Lord Kåñëa; arpitasya-offered; dalasya-leaf; ca-and.

    Now will be written the glories of the Tulasé's leaves offered to Lord Kåñëa and the glories of the touch of Tulasé's wood and earth.

Text 182

çré-tulasé-måttikä-käñöhädi-mähätmyaà 

skände çré-brahma-närada-samväde 

bhü-gatais tulasé-mülair
    måttikä sparçitä tu yä
tértha-koöi-samä jïeyä
    dhäryä yatnena sä gåhe

    çré-tulasé-måttikä-käñöhädi-mähätmyam-the Glories of Tulasé's Wood and Earth; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; çré-brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Brahma and Narada; bhü-gataiù-on the ground; tulasé-mülaiù-with Tulasé roots; måttikä-earth; sparçitä'touched; tu-indeed; yä-which; tértha-koöi-samä-equal to ten million pilgrimages; jïeyä-should be known; dhäryä-to be held; yatnena-with care; sä-that; gåhe-in the home.

    The Glories of Tulasé's Wood and Earth

    In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:

    "Touching the earth at Tulasé's roots is equal to ten million pilgrimages. One should carefully keep some of this earth in his home.

Text 183

yasmin gåhe dvija-çreñöha
    tulasé-müla-måttikä
sarvadä tiñöhate dehe
    devatä na sa mänusaù

    yasmin-in which; gåhe-home; dvija-çreñöha-O best of brähmaëas; tulasé-müla-måttikä-the earth at Tulasé's roots; sarvadä-in all respects; tiñöhate-stays; dehe-in the body; devatä-a demigod; na-not; sa-he; mänusaù-a human being.

    "O best of the brähmaëas, a person who in his home keeps some earth from Tulasé's roots is no longer a human being. Now he is a demigod.

Text 184

tulasé-måttika-lipto
    yadi präëät parityajet
yamena nekñituà çakto
    yuktaù päpa-çatair api

    tulasé-måttika-liptaù-anointed with the earth from Tulasé; yadi-if; präëät-life; parityajet-leaves; yamena-by Yamaraja; na-not; ékñitum-to be seen; çaktaù-is able; yuktaù-endowed; päpa-çataiù-with a hundred sins; api-even.

    "A person who at his death is anointed with Tulasé earth is invisible to Yamaräja. Yamaräja cannot even see him, even if he has committed a hundred sins.

Text 185

çirasi kriyate yais tu
    tulasé-müla-måttikä
vighnäni tasya naçyanti
    sänukulä grahäs tathä

    çirasi-on the head; kriyate-is done; yaiù-by whom; tu-indeed; tulasé-müla-måttikä-Tulasé earth; vighnäni-obstacles; tasya-of him; naçyanti-perish; sänukulä-favorable; grahäù-planets; tathä-so.

    "When a person places Tulasé earth on his head, all obstacles that trouble him perish. All the planets become auspicious for him.

Text 186

tulasé-måttikä yatra
    käñöhaà patraà ca veçmani
tiñöhate muni-çärdüla
    niçcalaà vaiñëavaà padam

    tulasé-måttikä-Tulasé earth; yatra-where; käñöham-wood; patram-leaf; ca-and; veçmani-ijn the home; tiñöhate-stays; muni-çärdüla-O tiger of the sages; niçcalam-eternal; vaiñëavam-of Lord Viñëu; padam-the abode.

    "O tiger of sages, a person who keeps Tulasé's earth, wood, and leaves transforms his home into the eternal world of Lord Viñëu."

Text 187

tatraivänyatra 

maìgalärthaà ca doña-ghnaà
    paviträrthaà dvijottama
tulasé-müla-samlagnaà
    måttikäm ävahed budhaù

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; anyatra-in another place; maìgalärtham-for auspiciousness; ca-and; doña-ghnam-destroying faults; paviträrtham-for purification; dvijottama-O best of brähmaëas; tulasé-müla-samlagnam-touching Tulasé's roots; måttikäm-earth; ävahet-should carry; budhaù-wise.

    In the Skanda Puräëa it is also said:

    "O best of the brähmaëas, in order to create auspiciousness, drive away faults, and bring purification, a wise man should carry with him some of the earth that has touched Tulasé-devé's roots.

Text 188

tan-müla-måttikäà yo vai
    dhärayiñyati mastake
tasya tuñöo varän kämän
    pradadäti janärdanaù

    tan-müla-måttikäm-the earth fropm Tulasé's roots; yaù-who; vai-indeed; dhärayiñyati-will place; mastake-on the head; tasya-of him; tuñöaù-pleased; varän-boons; kämän-desires; pradadäti-gives; janärdanaù-Lord Kåñëa.

    "Lord Kåñëa is pleased with whoever places the earth from Tulasé's roots on his head. Lord Kåñëa grants him anything he may desire."

Text 189

båhan-näradéye gaìgä-prasaìge 

tulasé-müla-sambhütä
    hari-bhakta-padodbhavä
gaìgodbhavä ca mål-lekhä
    nayaty acyuta-rüpatäm

    båhan-näradéye-in the narada Puräëa; gaìgä-prasaìge-in connection with the Ganga; tulasé-müla-sambhütä-from Tulasé's roots; hari-bhakta-padodbhavä-from Lord Hari's devotees; gaìgodbhavä-from the Gangä; ca-and; mål-lekhä-earth; nayaty-brings; acyuta-rüpatäm-an eternal form.

    In the Närada Puräëa's description of the Gaìgä, it is said:

    "A person who touches the earth that has touched Tulasé, Lord Hari's devotees, or the Gaìgä, attains an eternal spiritual form."

Text 190

gäruòe 

yad-gåhe tulasé-käñöhaà
    patraà suñkam athärdrakam
bhavate naiva päpaà tad-
    gåhe saìkramate kalau

    gäruòe-in the Garuòa Puräëa; yad-gåhe-in whose home; tulasé-käñöham-Tulasé wood; patram-leaf; suñkam-dry; atha-then; ardrakam-moist; bhavate-is; na-not; eva-indeed; päpam-sin; tat-of him; gåhe-in the home; saìkramate-enters; kalau-in Kali-yuga.

    In the Garuòa Puräëa it is said:

    "When in the Kali-yuga a person keeps in his home Tulasé wood and Tulasé leaves, either dry or moist, sin cannot enter his home."

Text 191

çré-prahläda-saàhitäyäà tathä viñëu-dharmottare' pi 

patraà puñpaà phalaà käñöhaà
    tvak-çäkhä-pallaväìkuram
tulasé-sambhavaà mülaà
    pävanaà måttikädy api

    çré-prahläda-saàhitäyäm- tathä viñëu-dharmottare-in both the Çré Prahläda-saàhitä and the Çré Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; api-also; patram-leaf; puñpam-flower; phalam-fruit; käñöham-wood; tvak-bark; çäkhä-branches; pallava-twigs; aìkuram'-sprout; tulasé-sambhavam-from Tulasé; mülam-root; pävanam-purifying; måttikädy-beginning with earth; api-even.

    In both the Çré Prahläda-saàhitä and the Çré Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:

    "Tulasé's leaves, flowers, fruits, wood, bark, branches, twigs, sprouts, roots, and earth are all supremely purifying.

Text 192

homaà kurvanti ye vipräs

    tulasé-käñöha-vahninä
lave lave bhavet puëyaà
    agniñöoma-çatodbhavam

    homam-yajna; kurvanti-do; ye-who; vipräù-brähmaëas; tulasé-käñöha-vahninä-with fire lit with Tulasé wood; lave-moment; lave-after moment; bhavet-is; puëyam-piety; agniñöoma-çatodbhavam-equal to a hundred agnistomas.

    "brähmaëas who offer homa with a fire burning with Tulasé wood attain at every moment the piety of offering a hundred agniñöoma-yajïas.

Text 193

naivedyaà pacate yas tu
    tulasé-käñöha-vahninä
meru-tulyaà bhaved annaà
    tad dattaà keçaväya hi

    naivedyam-an offering fo food; pacate-cooks; yaù-who; tu-indeed; tulasé-käñöha-vahninä-with a fire burning with Tulasé wood; meru-tulyam-equal to Mount Meru; bhavet-is; annam-food; tat-that; dattam-given; keçaväya-to Lord Kåñëa; hi-indeed.

    "When someone, using a fire burning with Tulasé wood, cooks an offering of food to give to Lord Keçava, that offering becomes like a great Mount Meru of food. 

Text 194

çaréraà dahyate yeñäà
    tulasé-käñöha-vahninä
na teñäà punar ävåttir
    viñëulokät kathaïcana

    çaréram-body; dahyate-is burning; yeñäm-of whom; tulasé-käñöha-vahninä-with a fire of Tulasé wood; na-not; teñäm-of them; punaù-again; ävåttiù-return; viñëulokät-from Viñëuloka; kathaïcana-ever.

    "A person whose dead body burns in a fire of Tulasé wood goes to Viñëuloka. He never returns to this world.

Text 195

grasto yadi mahä-päpair
    agamyägamanädikaiù
måtaù çudhyati dahena
    tulasé-käñöha-vahninä

    grastaù-haunted; yadi-if; mahä-päpaiù-by great sins; agamyägamanädikaiù-beginning with approaching a woman who should not be approached; måtaù-dead; çudhyati-is purified; dahena-by burning; tulasé-käñöha-vahninä-in a fire of Tulasé wood.

    "Even if he was haunted by many great sins beginning with the sin of approaching a woman who should not be approached, a person who dies and is cremated in a fire of Tulasé wood becomes completely pure.

Text 196

térthaà yadi na sampräptaà
    småtir vä kértanaà hareù
tulasé-käñöha-dagdhasya
    måtasya na punar bhavaù

    tértham-holy place; yadi-if; na-not; sampräptam-attained; småtiù-memory; vä-of; kértanam-chanting the glories; hareù-of Lord Kås„ëa; tulasé-of Tulasé; käñöha-with the wood; dagdhasya-burned; måtasya-dead; na-not; punaù-again; bhavaù-birth.

    "Even if a person never went on pilgrimage to any holy places, never meditated on Lord Hari, and never chanted Lord Hari's glories, if when he dies he is cremated in a fire of Tulasé wood, he will not take birth again.

Text 197

yady ekaà tulasé-käñöhaà
    madhye käñöha-cayasya hi
daha-käle bhaven muktiù
    päpa-koöi-yutasya ca

    yady-if; ekam-one; tulasé-käñöham-Tulasé wood; madhye-in the middle; käñöha-cayasya-of much wood; hi-indeed; daha-käle-at the time of burning; bhavet-is; muktiù-liberation; päpa-koöi-yutasya-committed ten million sins; ca-and.

    "A person who commits ten million sins, dies, and is cremated in a fire where among much other wood there is a single piece of Tulasé, attains liberation.

Text 198

janma-koöi-sahasrais tu
    toñito yair janärdanaù
dahyante te janä loke
    tulasé-käñöha-vahninä

    janma-koöi-sahasraiù-ten billion births; tu-indeed; toñitaù-pleased; yaiù-by whom; janärdanaù-Lord Kåñëa; dahyante-burn; te-they; janä-persons; loke-in this world; tulasé-käñöha-vahninä-in a fire of Tulasé wood.

    "They who die and then are cremated in a fire burning with Tulasé wood please Lord Hari as if they had performed pious deeds for ten billion births.

Text 199

agastya-saàhitäyäà 

yaù kuryät tulasé-käñöhair
    akña-mäläà su-rüpiëém
kaëöha-mäläà ca yantena
    kåtaà tasyäkñayaà bhavet

    agastya-saàhitäyäm-in the Agastya-saàhitä; yaù-who; kuryät-does; tulasé-käñöhaiù-with Tulasé wood; akña-mäläm-japa beads; su-rüpiëém-beautiful; kaëöha-mäläm-neck beads; ca-and; yantena-cearefully; kåtam-done; tasya-of him; akñayam-eternal; bhavet-is.

    In the Agastya-saàhitä it is said:

    "A person who carefully makes beautiful japa beads or neck beads out of Tulasé wood attains a benefit that is eternal.

Text 200

atha tulasé-patra-dhäraëa-mähätmyaà 

skände çré-brahma-närada-samväde 

yasya näbhi-sthitaà patraà
    mukhe çirasi karëayoù
tulasé-sambhavaà nityaà
    térthais tasya makhaiç ca kim

    atha-now; tulasé-patra-dhäraëa-mähätmyam-the Glories of Honoring a Tulasé Leaf; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; çré-brahma-närada-samväde-in a convesration of Çré Brahma and Çré Narada; yasya-of whom; näbhi-sthitam-onm the navel; patram-leaf; mukhe-on the mouth; çirasi-on the head; karëayoù-on the ears; tulasé-sambhavam-born from Tulasé; nityam-always; térthaiù-with holy places; tasya-of him; makhaiç-with yajnas; ca-and; kim-what is the use?

    The Glories of Honoring a Tulasé Leaf

    In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:

    "What is the use of many pilgrimages and yajïas for a person who places on his mouth, head, ears, and navel, a Tulasé leaf offered to Lord Hari?"

Text 201

tatraivänyatra 

çatrughnaà ca supuëyaà ca
    çré-karaà roga-näçanam
kåtvä dharmam aväpnoti
    çirasä tulasé-dalam

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; anyatra-in another place; çatrughnam-killing enemies; ca-and; supuëyam-very pious; ca-and; çré-karam-bringing opulences; roga-diseases; näçanam-destroying; kåtvä-doing; dharmam-piety; aväpnoti-attains; çirasä'by the head; tulasé-dalam-a Tulasé leaf.

    In the Skanda Puräëa it is also said:

    "A person who places on his head a Tulasé leaf offered to Lord Hari attains purity, piety, wealth, and the destruction of all diseases. He vanquishes his enemies.

Text 202

yaù kaçcid vaiñëavo loke
    mithyäcäro 'py anäçramé
punäti sakaläl lokän
    çirasä tulaséà vahan

    yaù-who; kaçcit-someone; vaiñëavaù-a Vaiñëava; loke-in the world; mithyäcäraù-a lier; api-even; anäçramé-not following varnasrama; punäti-purifies; sakalän-all; lokän-worlds; çirasä-with the head; tulasém-Tulasé; vahan-carrying.

    "A person who rejects varëäçrama and is addicted to telling lies, but nevertheless worships Lord Viñëu and places on his head a Tulasé leaf offered to Lord Viñëu, purifies all the worlds."

Text 203

båhan-näradéye çré-yama-bhagératha-samväde 

karëena dhärayed yas tu
    tulaséà satataà naraù
tat-käñöhaà väpi räjendra
    tasya nästy upapätakam

    båhan-näradéye-in the Narada Puräëa; çré-yama-bhagératha-samväde-in a conversation of Yama and Bhagiratha; karëena-with the ear; dhärayet-holds; yaù-who; tu-indeed; tulasém-Tulasé; satatam-always; naraù-a person; tat-käñöham-Tulasé wood; vä-or; api-also; räjendra-O great king; tasya-of him; na-not; asti-is; upapätakam-sin.

    In the Närada Puräëa, Çré Yama tells King Bhagératha:

    "O great king, a person who regularly touches to his ear a Tulasé leaf or a portion of Tulasé wood, is never touched by sin.

Text 204

hari-bhakti-sudhodaye vaiñëava-vipram- prati yamadütänäm uktau 

kasmäd iti na jänémas
    tulasyä hi priyo hariù
gacchantaà tulasé-hastaà
    rakñann evänugacchati

    hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya; vaiñëava-vipram-a Vaiñëava brähmaëa; prati-to; yamadütänäm-of the Yamadutas; uktau-in the words; kasmät-how?; iti-thus; na-not; jänémaù-we know; tulasyä-of Tulasé; hi-indeed; priyaù-dear; hariù-Lord Hari; gacchantam-going; tulasé-hastam-Tulasé in the hand; rakñann-protecting; eva-indeed; anugacchati-follows.

    In the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya, the messengers of Yamaräja tell a Vaiñëava brähmaëa:

    "We did not understand. Lord Hari loves Tulasé-devé. When a person carries Tulasé in his hand, Lord Hari follows him and gives him all protection.

Text 205

puräëäntare ca 

yaù kåtvä tulasé-patraà
    çirasä viñëu-tat-paraù
karoti dharma-käryäëi
    phalam äpnoti cäkñayam

    puräëäntare-in another Puräëa; ca-and; yaù-who; kåtvä-doing; tulasé-patram-a Tulasé leaf; çirasä-with the head; viñëu-tat-paraù-a Vaiñëava; karoti-does; dharma-käryäëi-pious deeds; phalam-result; äpnoti-attains; ca-and; akñayam-eternal.

    In another Puräëa it is said:

    "By placing a Tulasé leaf to his head, a Vaiñëava performs a host of pious deeds. He attains a result that is eternal."

Text 206

garuòa-puräëe 

mukhe tu tulasé-patraà
    dåñövä çirasi karëayoù
kurute bhäskaris tasya
    duñkåtasya tu märjanam

    garuòa-puräëe-in the Garuòa Puräëa; mukhe-in the mouth; tu-indeed; tulasé-patram-a t leaf; dåñövä-seeing; çirasi-on the head; karëayoù-on the ears; kurute-does; bhäskariù-Yama; tasya-of him; duñkåtasya-impiety; tu-indeed; märjanam-cleansing.

    In the Garuòa Puräëa it is said:

    "When he sees that a person has touched a Tulasé leaf to his mouth, head, or ears, from his book Yamaräja at once erases all his sins.

Text 207

tri-kälaà vinatä-putra
    präçayet tulaséà yadi
viçiñyate käya-çuddhis
    cändräyaëa-çataà vinä

    tri-kälam-three times; vinatä-putra-O Garuòa; präçayet-eats; tulasém-Tulasé; yadi-if; viçiñyate-is distinguished; käya-of the body; çuddhiù-purity; cändräyaëa-çatam-a hundred candrasyana-vratas; vinä-without.

    "O son of Vinatä, if he eats a Tulasé leaf at sunrise, noon and sunset, a person becomes very pure. He does not need to perform a hundred cändräyaëa-vratas.

Text 208

skände çré-vaçiñöha-mandhätå-samväde 

cändräyaëät tapta-kåcchrät
    brahma-kurchät kuçodakät
viçiñyate käya-çuddhis
    tulasé-patra-bhakñaëät

    skände çré-vaçiñöha-mandhätr„-samväde-in the Skanda Puräëa, Çré Vaçiñöha Muni tells King Mandhätä; cändräyaëät-than candrayana; tapta-kåcchrät-than great austerities; brahma-kurchät-brahma-kurcha; kuçodakät'kusodaka; viçiñyate-better; käya-çuddhiù-purity; tulasé-patra-bhakñaëät-from eating a Tulasé leaf.

    In the Skanda Puräëa, Çré Vaçiñöha Muni tells King Mandhätä;

    "By eating a Tulasé leaf one becomes very pure. More pure than if he had followed the cändräyaëa-vrata, tapta-kåcchra-vrata, brahma-kurcha-vrata, or kuçodaka-vrata.

Text 209

tathä ca tulasé-patra-
    bhakñaëäd bhäva-varjitaù
päpo 'pi sad-gatià präpta
    ity etad api viçrutam

    tathä-so; ca-and; tulasé-patra-a Tulasé leaf; bhakñaëät--by eating; bhäva-varjitaù-without spiritual love; päpaù-a sinner; api-even; sad-gatim-the spiritual world; präpta-attained; ity-thus; etat-this; api-also; viçrutam-heard.

    "It is well known that simply by eating a Tulasé leaf offered to the Lord, even a sinner who has no spiritual love will attain the abode of the Lord."

Text 210

tathä ca skände çré-brahmä näradam- prati kathite amåta-säroddhare lubdhakopäkhyänänte yamadütän prati çré-viñëudütänäm- vacanam- 

kñiräbdhau mathyamäne hi
    tulasé käma-rüpiëé
utpäditä mahä-bhägä
    lokoddhäraëa-hetave

    tathä-so; ca-and; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; çré-brahmä-Çré Brahma; näradam-Narada; prati-to; kathite-spoken; amåta-säroddhare-in ther Amrta-saroddhara; lubdhakopäkhyänänte-at the end of the hunter;s stor; yamadütän-the yamadutas; prati-to; çré-viñëudütänäm-of the Çré Viñëudütas; vacanam-the words; kñiräbdhau-in the milk ocean; mathyamäne-churned; hi-indeed; tulasé-Tulasé; käma-rüpiëé-who has the power to assume any form at will; utpäditä-born; mahä-bhägä-very fortunate and beautiful; lokoddhäraëa-hetave-to deliver the worlds.

    In the Skanda Puräëa, where Çré Brahmä speaks this verse to Çré Närada, as well as in the Amåta-säroddhara, where, at the end of the hunter's story, the Çré Viñëudütas speak this verse to the Yamadütas, it is said:

    "As the milk ocean was being churned, beautiful Tulasé, who has the power to assume any form at will, and whose purpose was to deliver all the worlds, suddenly appeared.

Text 211

yasyäù smaraëa-mätreëa
    darçanät kértanäd api
vilayaà yänti päpäni
    kià punar viñëu-püjanät

    yasyäù-of whom; smaraëa-by remembering; mätreëa-simply; darçanät-by seeing; kértanät-by glorifying; api-also; vilayam-to destruction; yänti-go; päpäni-sins; kim-what?; punaù-more; viñëu-püjanät-by worshiping Lord Viñëu.

    "When she is remembered, seen, or glorified, sins race to destruction. How much more, then, are sins destroyed when Lord Viñëu Himself is worshiped?

Text 212

jäta-rüpa-mayaà puñpaà

    padmaräga-mayaà çubham
hitvä tu ratna-jätäni
    gåhëäti tulasé-dalam

    jäta-rüpa-mayam-made of gold; puñpam-flower; padmaräga-mayam-made of rubies; çubham-beautiful; hitvä-offering; tu-indeed; ratna-jätäni-made of jewels; gåhëäti-accepts; tulasé-dalam-a Tulasé leaf.

    "Lord Viñëu will push aside a flower of gold, a flower of rubies, or a flower of many jewels, and choose instead a single Tulasé leaf.

Text 213

bhakñitaà lubdhakenäpi
    patraà tulasé-sambhavam
paçcäd diñöäntam äpanno
    bhasmé-bhütaà kalevaram

    bhakñitam-eaten; lubdhakena-by a hunter; api-even; patram-leaf; tulasé-sambhavam-Tulasé; paçcät-after; diñöäntam-death; äpannaù-attained; bhasmé-bhütam-burned to ashes; kalevaram-body.

    "Even a cruel hunter who eats a Tulasé leaf at the time of death burns all his sins to ashes.

Text 214

sitäsitaà yathä néraà
    sarva-päpa-kñayävaham
tathä ca tulasé-patraà
    präçitaà sarva-käma-dam

    sita-white; asitam-black; yathä-as; néram-water; sarva-päpa-kñayävaham-removes sins; tathä-so; ca-and; tulasé-patram-a Tulasé leaf; präçitam-eaten; sarva-käma-dam-fulfills all desires.

    As the Gaìga' and the Yamuna' was away all sins, so does eating a Tulasé leaf. Eating a Tulasé leaf bring the fulfillment of all desires. 

Text 215

yathä jäta-balo vahnir
    dahate känanädikam
präçitaà tulasé-patraà
    yathä dahati pätakam

    yathä-as; jäta-balaù-powerful; vahniù-fire; dahate-burns; känanädikam'beginning with a forest; präçitam-eaten; tulasé-Tulasé; patram-leaf; yathä-as; dahati-burns; pätakam-sins.

    "As a great fire burns away a forest and many other things, so eating a Tulasé leaf burns away sins.

Text 216

yathä bhakti-rato nityaà
    naro dahati pätakam
tulasé-bhakñaëät tat tad
    dahate päpa-saïcayam

    yathä-as; bhakti-rataù-a devotee; nityam-always; naraù-a person; dahati-burns; pätakam-sin; tulasé-Tulasé; bhakñaëät-by eating; tat-that; tat-that; dahate-burns; päpa-saïcayam-a multitude of sins.

    "By serving Lord Viñëu, a person burns away his sins. In the same way, by eating a Tulasé leaf, a person burns away a great multitude of sins.

Text 217

cändräyaëa-sahasrasya
    paräkäëäà çatasya ca
na tulyaà jäyate puëyaà
    tulasé-patra-bhakñaëät

    cändräyaëa-sahasrasya-of a thousand candrayanas; paräkäëäm-of parakas; çatasya-of a hundred; ca-and; na-not; tulyam-equality; jäyate-is born; puëyam-piety; tulasé-patra-bhakñaëät-by eating a Tulasé leaf.

    "A thousand cändräyaëa-vratas and a hundred paräka-vratas do not bring piety equal to what is attained by eating a Tulasé leaf.

Text 218

kåtvä päpa-sahasräëi
    pürve vayasi mänavaù
tulasé-bhakñaëän mucyet
    çrutam etat purä hareù

    kåtvä-doing; päpa-sahasräëi-a thousand sins; pürve-in the first; vayasi-age; mänavaù-a person; tulasé-bhakñaëän-by eating a Tulasé leaf; mucyet-is released; çrutam-heard; etat-that; purä-before; hareù-from Lord Hari.

    "I heard Lord Hari say that a person who eats a Tulasé leaf becomes free form a thousands sins committed in his youth.

Text 219

tävat tiñöhanti päpäni
    dehinäà yama-kiìkaräù
yävan na tulasé-patraà

    mukhe çirasi tiñöhati

    tävat-so; tiñöhanti-stand; päpäni-sins; dehinäm-of the embodied beings; yama-kiìkaräù-the servnats of Yamaräja; yävan-as; na-not; tulasé-Tulasé; patram-leaf; mukhe-in the mouth; çirasi-on the head; tiñöhati-stays.

    "When a person places a Tulasé leaf on his mouth or on his head, neither sins nor Yama's servants can again approach him.

Text 220

amåtäd utthitä dhätré
    tulasé viñëu-vallabhä
småtä saìkértitä dhyätä
    präçitä sarva-käma-dä

    amåtät-from nectar; utthitä-arisen; dhätré-dhatri; tulasé-Tulasé; viñëu-vallabhä-dear to Lord Viñëu; småtä-remembered; saìkértitä-glorified; dhyätä-meditated; präçitä-eaten; sarva-käma-dä-fulfilling all desires.

    "The dhätré fruit was manifested from nectar. The Tulasé plant is dear to Lord Viñëu. When they are remembered, praised, meditated on, or eaten, they fulfill all desires.

Text 221

tatraiva çré-yamaà prati çré-bhagavad-väkyaà 

dhätré-phalaà ca tulasé
    måtyu-käle bhaved yadi
mukhe yasya çire dehe
    durgatir nästi tasya vai

    tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-yamam-Çré Yama; prati-to; çré-bhagavad-väkyam-the words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; dhätré-phalam-the dhatri fruit; ca-and; tulasé-Tulasé; måtyu-käle-at the time fo death; bhavet-may be; yadi-if; mukhe-on the mouth; yasya-of whom; çire-on the head; dehe'on the body; durgatiù-trouble; na-not; asti-is; tasya-of him; vai-indeed.

    In the Skanda Puräëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead tells Yamaräja:

    "A person who places Tulasé or the dhätré fruit on his mouth, head, or body at the moment of his death does not attain an inauspicious destination.

Text 222

yukto yadi mahä-päpaiù

    sukåtaà närjitaà kvacit
tathäpi déyate mokñas
    tulasé bhakñitä yadi

    yuktaù-endowed; yadi-if; mahä-päpaiù-with great sins; sukåtam-piety; na-not; arjitam-earned; kvacit-ever; tathäpi-still; déyate-is given; mokñaù-liberation; tulasé-Tulasé; bhakñitä-eaten; yadi-if.

    "Even a great sinner who has not done a single pious deed will attain liberation if he eats a Tulasé leaf.

Text 223

lubdhakenätma-dehena
    bhakñitaà tulasé-dalam
sampräpto mat-padaà nünaà
    kåtvä präëasya samkñayam

    lubdhakena-by the hunter; ätma-dehena-his own body; bhakñitam-eaten; tulasé-dalam-Tulasé leaf; sampräptaù-attained; mat-padam-My abode; nünam-indeed; kåtvä-doing; präëasya-of the life; samkñayam-death.

    "That hunter ate a Tulasé leaf, and therefore when he died he went to My abode."

Text 224

puräëäntare ca 

upoñya dvädaçéà çuddhäà
    päraëe tulasé-dalam
präçayed yadi viprendra
    açvamedhäñöakaà labhet. iti.

    puräëa-Puräëa; antare-in another; ca-and; upoñya-fasting; dvädaçém-on dvadasi; çuddhäm-pure; päraëe-on breaking the fast; tulasé-dalam-a Tulasé leaf; präçayet-eats; yadi-if; viprendra-O king of brähmaëas; açvamedhäñöakam-eight asvamedha-yajanas; labhet-attains; iti-thus.

    In another Puräëa it is said:

    "A person who fasts on a pure dvädaçé, and then on the next day breaks his fast by eating a Tulasé leaf, attains the result of eight açvamedha-yajïas.

Text 225

tathaiva tulasé-sparsät
    kåñëa-cakreëa rakñitaù
brahma-bandhur iti khyäto
    hari-bhakti-sudhodaye

    tathä-so; eva-indeed; tulasé-sparsät-by touchign Tulasé; kåñëa-cakreëa-by Lord Kåñëa's cakra; rakñitaù-"rotected; brahma-bandhuù-a brähmaëa's friend; iti-thus; khyätaù-famous; hari-bhakti-sudhodaye-in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya.

    "A brahma-bandhu who ate a Tulasé leaf was protected by Lord Kåñëa's cakra. This story is famous in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya.

Text 226

ata evoktaà 

kià citram asyäù patitaà tulasyä
    dalaà jalaà vä patitaà punéte
lagnädhibhäla-sthalam älaväla-
    måt-snäpé kåtsnägha-vinäçanäya. iti.

    ata eva-therefore; uktam-said; kim-what?; citram-wonder; asyäù-of this; patitam-fallen; tulasyä-of Tulasé; dalam-a leaf; jalam-water; vä-or; patitam-fallen; punéte-purifies; lagnädhibhäla-sthalam-on the forehead; älaväla-around the roots; måt-earth; snäpé-bathing; kåtsna-all; agha-sins; vinäçanäya-for destruction; iti-thus.

    It is also said:

    "How wonderful it is! A fallen Tulasé leaf, some water placed on Tulasé, or some earth from Tulasé's roots placed on one's forehead destroy every sin."

Text 227

çrémat-tulasyäù patrasya
    mähätmyaà yady apédåçam
tathäpi vaiñëavais tan na
    grähyaà kåñëärpaëaà vinä

    çrémat-tulasyäù-of Çré Tulasé; patrasya-of a leaf; mähätmyam-the glory; yady-if; api-evem; édåçam-like this; tathäpi-nevertheless; vaiñëavaiù-by the Vaiñëavas; tan-that; na-not; grähyam-to be tasken; kåñëärpaëam-being offered to Lord Kåñëa; vinä-without.

    Even though Tulasé's leaves are glorious in this way, the Vaiñëavas will never accept them unless they are first offered to Lord Kåñëa.

Text 228

kåñëa-priyatvät sarvatra
    çré-tulasyäù prasaìgataù
saìkértyamänaà dhätryäç ca
    mähätmyaà likhyate 'dhunä

    kåñëa-priyatvät-because of being dear to Kåñëa; sarvatra-everywhere; çré-tulasyäù-of Çré Tulasé; prasaìgataù-by the touch; saìkértyamänam-being glorified; dhätryäç-of dhatri; ca-and; mähätmyam-glory; likhyate-is written; adhunä-now.

    Because she is very dear to Lord Kåñëa, Çré Tulasé-devé is glorified in all the scriptures. Now we will write about the glories of the dhätré fruit.

Text 229

atha dhätré-mähätmyaà skände brahma-närada-samväde dhätré-cchäyäà samäçritya
    yo 'rcayet cakra-päëinam
puñpe puñpe 'svamedhasya
    phalaà präpnoti mänavaù

Text 230

tatraivägre dhätré-cchäyäà tu saàsprsya
    kuryät piëòaà tu yo mune
muktià prayänti pitaraù
    prasädän mädhavasya ca

Text 231

mürdhni ghräëe mukhe caiva
    dehe ca muni-sattama
dhatte dhätré-phalaà yas tu
    sa mähätmä su-durlabhaù

Text 232

dhätré-phala-viliptäìgo
    dhätré-phala-vibhüñitaù
dhätré-phala-kåtaharo
    naro näräyaëo bhavet

Text 233

yaù kaçcid vaiñëavo loke
    dhatte dhätré-phalaà mune
priyo bhavati devänäà
    manuñyänäà tu kä kathä

Text 234

yaù kaçcid vaiñëavo loke
    mithyäcaro 'pi duysta-dhiù
punäti sakaläl lokän
    dhätré-phala-dalänvitaù

Text 235

dhätré-phaläni yo nityaà
    vahate kara-sampuöe
tasya näräyaëo devo
    varam ekaà prayacchati

Text 236

dhätå-phalaà ca bhoktavyaà
    kadäcit kara-sampuöät
yaçaù çriyam aväpnoti
    prasädäc cakra-päëinaù

Text 237

dhätré-phalaà ca tulasé
    måttikä dvarakodbhava
saphalaà jévitaà tasya
    tritayaà yasya veçmäni

Text 238

dhätré-phalais tu sammiçraà
    tulasé-dala-väsitam
pibate vahate yas tu
    tértha-koöi-phalaà labhet

Text 239

yasmin gåhe bhavet toyaà
    tulasé-dala-väsitam
dhätré-phalaiç ca viprendra
    gäìgeyaiù kià prayojanam

Text 240

tulasé-dala-naivedyaà
    dhätryä yasya phalaà gåhe
kavacaà vaiñëavaà tasya
    sarva-päpa-vinäsanam

Text 241

brahma-puraëe ca dhätré-phaläni tulasé
    hy anta-käle bhaved yadi
mukhe caiva çirasy aìge
    pätakaà nästi tasya vai

Text 242

kåtvä tu bhagavat-püjaà
    na térthaà snänam äcaret
na ca devalayopeta

    'sprsya-saàsprsanädinä

Text 243

atha snäna-viçeña-kälaù småty-artha-sare na snäyäd utsave térthe
    maìgalyaà vinivartya ca
anuvrajya suhåd-bandhun
    arcayitveñöa-devatäm

Text 244

viñëu-småtau ca viçv-alaya-smipa-sthän
    viñëu-sevärtham ägatän
candalän patitän väpi
    spåñövä na snänam äcaret

Text 245

deva-yatra-vivaheñu
    yajïopakaraëeñu ca
utsaveñu ca sarveñu
    spåñöaspåñöir na vidyate

Text 246

evaà prataù samabhyarcya
    çré-kåñëaà tad-anäntaram
çästräbhyäsäà dvijaù saktyä
    kuryäd vipro viçeñataù

Text 247

yad uktaà çruti-småti ubhe netre
    vipräëäà parikértite
ekena vikalaù kano
    dväbhyäm andhaù prakértitaù

Text 248

kià ca kaurme vyasa-gitäyäà yo 'nyatra kurute yatnaà
    anadhitya çrutià dvijaù
sa sa-mudho na sambhasyo
    veda-bahyo dvijatibhiù

Text 249

na veda-paöha-mätreëa
    santuñyed eña vai dvijaù
yathoktäcära-hénas tu
    paìke gaur iva sidati

Text 250

yo 'dhitya vidhivad vedaà
    vedärthaà na vicärayet

sa candhaù çudra-kalpas tu
    padärthaà na präpädyate. iti.

Text 251

ato 'dhitanvahaà vidvän
    athadhyäpya ca vaiñëavaù
samarpya tä ca kåñëäya
    yatena nija-våttaye

Text 252

våttau satyaà ca çåëuyät
    sadhün saìgatya sat-katham

Text 253

atha våtti-sampadänaà saptama-skandhe rtämåtäbhyäà jéveta
    måtena prämåtena vä
satyanåtäbhyäm api vä
    na sva-våttya kadäcana

Text 254

rtam uïcha-silaà proktaà
    amåtaà syäd ayacitam
måtaà tu nityaà yacna syät
    prämåtaà karsanaà småtam

Text 255

satyanåtaà tu vanijyaà
    sva-våttir nica-sevanam

Text 256

ätmano nica-lokänäà
    sevanaà våtti-siddhaye
nitaraà nindyate sadbhir
    vaiñëavasya viçeñataù

Text 256

tad uktaà seva sva-våttir yair uktä
    na samyak tair udahåtam
svacchanda-caritaù kva sva
    vikritasuù kva sevakaù

Text 258

pani-kåtyätmanaù präëän
    ye vartante dvijadhamaù
teñäà durätmanäm annaà
    bhuktvä cändräyaëaà caret. iti.

Text 259

çukla-våtter asiddhau ca
    bhojyännän çudra-vargataù
tathaiva grähyägrähyäni
    janéyäc chastrato budhaù

Text 260

çukla-våttiç ca çré-viñëu-dharmottare tåtéya-khaëòe pratigrahena yal labdhaà
    yajyataù çiñyatas tathä
guëänvitebhyo viprasya
    çuklaà tat tri-vidhaà småtam

Text 261

yuddhopakaräl labdhaà ca
    dandäc ca vyavaharataù
kñatriyasya dhanaà çuklaà
    tri-vidhaà parikértitam

Text 262

krsi-vanijya-go-rakñaù
    kåtvä çuklaà tathä visaù
dvija-suçrusayä labdhaà
    çuklaà çudrasya kértitam

Text 263

kramägataà préti-dänaà
    präptaà ca saha bharyayä
aviçeñena sarveñäà
    dhanaà çuklaà prakértitam

Text 264

atha grähyägrähyäni kaurme tatraiva nadyäc chudrasya vipro 'nnaà
    mohäd vä yadi kämataù
na çudra-yonià vrajati
    yas tu bhuìkte hy anapadi

Text 265

duñkåtaà h8i manuñyasya
    sarvam anne pratiñöhitam
yo yasyännaà samasnäti
    sa tasyasnäti kilbisam

Text 266

ardhikaù kula-mitraç ca
    sva-gopälaç ca napitaù
ete çudreñu bhojyännä
    dattvä sv-alpa-panaà budhaiù

Text 267

payäsäà sneha-pakvaà yad
    gorasaà caiva saktavaù
pinyakaà caiva tailaà ca
    çudräd grähyaà tathaiva ca

Text 268

aìgiraù gorasaà caiva saktuàç ca
    taila-pinyakam eva ca
apupän bhakñayet chudrät
    yat kiïcit payasä kåtam

Text 269

atri-småtau sva-sutayaç ca yo bhuìkte
    sa bhuìkte påthivi-mäläm
narendra-bhavane bhuktvä
    viñöhäyäà jäyate krmiù

Text 270

anyatra ca daça-napita-gopäla-
    kula-miträrdha-sirinaù
bhojyännaù çudra-varge 'mi
    tathätma-vinivedakaù

Text 271

madhudakaà phalaà mülaà
    edhaàsya-bhaya-dakñinä
abhyudyatäni tö etäni
    grähyäny api nikåñöataù

Text 272

khala-kñetra-gataà dhanyaà
    kupa-vapiñu yaj-jalam
agrähyäd api tad-grähyaà
    yä ca goñöha-gataà payaù

Text 273

panéyaà payäsäà bhakñyaà
    ghåtaà lavanam eva ca
hasta-dattaà na gåhnéyät
    tulyaà go-maàsa-bhakñaëaiù

Text 274

manu-småtau samudraà saindhavaà caiva
    lavane paramädbhute
pratyakñe pai tu grähye

    nisedhas tö anya-gocaraù

Text 275

ayasenaiva patreëa
    yad annam upanéyate
bhoktä tad vit-samaà bhuìkte
    datä ca narakaà vrajet

Text 276

go-rakñakän vanijakän
    tathä karuka-silinaù
prosyän vardhusikaàç caiva
    viprän çudravad äcaret

Text 277

kaurme ca tatraiva trnaà käñöhaà phalaà puñpaà
    prakasaà vai harer budhaù
dharmärthaà kevalaà vipra
    hy anyathä patito bhavet

Text 278

tila-mudga-yavädénäà
    muñöir grähya pathi sthitaiù
kñudhärthair nänyathä vipra
    dharma-vidbhir iti sthitiù

Text 279

vaiñëavänäà hi bhoktavyaà
    prärthyännaà vaiñëavaiù sadä
avaiñëavänäm annaà tu
    parivarjyam amedhyavat

Text 280

tathä ca pädme devadüta-vikuëòala-samväde prärthayed vaiñëaväd annaà
    prayatnena vicakñaëaù
sarva-päpa-viçudhy-arthaà
    tad-abhave jalaà pibet

Text 281

näradéye mahä-pätaka-samyukto
    vrajed vaiñëava-mandiram
yacayed annam amåtaà
    tad-abhave jalaà pibet

Text 282

viñëu-småtau srotriyännaà vaiñëavännaà
    huta-çeñaà ca yad-dhaviù

anakhät sodhayet päpaà
    tusagniù kanakaà yathä

Text 283

skände markandeya-bhagératha-samväde çuddhaà bhagavatasyännaà
    çuddhaà bhagérathi-jalam
çuddhaà viñëu-paraà cittaà
    çuddham ekadäsi-vratam

Text 284

avaiñëava-gåhe bhuktvä
    pitvä vä jïanato 'pi vä
çuddhiç cändräyaëe proktä
    iñöapurtaà våtha sadä

Text 285

çré-prahlada-vakye ca keçavärca gåhe yasya
    na tiñöhati mahi-pate
tasyännaà naiva bhoktavyaà
    abhakñyena samaà småtam

Text 286

kecid våtty-anapekñasya
    japa-çräddhavataù prabho
viçvas tasyädisanty asmin
    käle 'pi kåtino japam

Text 287

atha madhyähnika-kåtyäni madhyähne snänataù pürvaà
    puñpädy ahåtya vä svayam
bhåtyädinä vä sampädya
    kuryän madhyähnikiù kriyaù

Text 288

snänasaktau ca madhyähne
    snänam äcarya mantrikam
yathoktaà bhagavat-püjaà
    saktaç cet pragvad äcaret

Text 289

atha vaiñëava-vaisvadevädi-vidhiù tataù kåñëarpitenaiva
    çuddhenanena vaiñëavaù
vaisvadevädikaà daivaà
    karma paitraà ca sadhayet

Text 290

tad uktaà sasthe dina-vibhage tu

    kuryät païca mahä-makhän
daivo homena yajïa syät
    bhautas tu bali-dänataù

Text 291

paitro vipränna-danena
    paitreëa balinäthavä
kiïcid anna-pradänäd vä
    tarpaëäd vä catur-vidhaù

Text 292

nr-yajïo 'tithi-satkarät
    hanta-kareëa cambunä
brahma-yajïo veda-japat
    puraëa-paöhanena vä

Text 293

tan-nityatä kaurme akåtvä tu dvijaù païca
    mahä-yajïän dvijottamaù
bhuïjita cet su-mudhätmä
    tiryag-yonià na gacchati

Text 294

atha vaiñëava-çräddha-vidhiù präpte çräddha-dine 'pi prag
    annaà bhagavate 'rpayet
tac-chesenaiva kurvéta
    çräddhaà bhagavato naraù

Text 295

yä ca småtau gåhagni-çisu-devänäà
    yaténäà brahmacarinäm
pitå-pako na datavyo
    yävat piëòän na nirvapet. iti.

Text 296

idrk samänya-vacanaà
    viçeña-vacana-vrajaiù
çruti-småti-puraëädi-
    varttibhir badhyate dhruvam

Text 297

tathä ca pädme viñëor niveditännena
    yastavyaà devatäntaram
pitåbhyaç cäpi tad deyaà
    tad anantyäya kalpate

Text 298

mokña-dharme näradoktau satvataà vidhim asthäya
    prak surya-mukha-nisrtam
püjayäm äsa devesaà
    tac-chesena pitamahän

Text 299

brahmanda-puraëe yaù çräddha-käle hari-bhukta-çeñaà
    dadäti bhaktyä pitå-devatänäm
tenaiva piëòaàs tulasé-vimiçrän
    akalpa-koöià pitaraù su-tåptaù

Text 300

skände devän pitån samuddiçya
    yad viñëor viniveditam
tän uddiçya tathä kuryät
    pradänäà tasya caiva hi

Text 301

prayänti tåptim atulaà
    sodakena tu tena vai
mukunda-gatra-lagnena
    brahmanänäà vilepanam

Text 302

candanena tu piëòänäà
    kartavyaà pitå-tåptaye
devänäà ca pitåëäà ca
    jäyate tåpti-rakñayä

Text 303

evaà kåte mahi-päla
    ma bhavet saàçayaù kvacit

Text 304

tatraiva çré-puruñottama-khaëòe annädyaà çräddha-käle tu
    patitädyair nirékñitam
tulasé-dala-miçreëa
    salilenäbhisiïcayet

Text 305

tad-ännaà çuddhatam eti
    viñëor naivedya-miçritam
viñëor naivedya-çeñaà tu
    tasmäd deyaà dvijätmanäm
piëòe caiva viçeñena
    pitåëäà tåptim icchatä

Text 306

tatraiva çré-brahma-närada-samväde pitån uddiçya yaiù püjä
    keçavasya kåtä naraiù
tyaktvä te narakià pidaà
    muktià yänti mahä-mune

Text 307

dhanyas te mänava loke
    kali-käle viçeñataù
ye kurvanti harer nityaà
    pitå-arthaà püjanaà mune

Text 308

kià dattair bahubhir piëòair
    gaya-çräddhädibhir mune
yair arcito harir bhaktyä
    pitå-arthaà ca dine dine

Text 309

yam uddiçya hareù püjä
    kriyate muni-puìgava
uddhåtya narakavasät
    taà nayet paramaà padam

Text 310

yo dadäti hareù sthänaà
    pitån uddiçya närada
kartavyaà hi pitåëäà yat
    tat kåtaà tena bho dvija

Text 311

çrutau ca eka eva näräyaë asit. na brahma. neme dyäva-préthivyau. sarve devah. sarve pitarah. sarve manuñyah, viñëuna asitam asnänti. viñëunaghrätaà jighranti. viñëuna pitaà pibantiu. tasmäd vidhvaàso viñëupahåtaà bhakñayeyuh. iti.

Text 312

ata evoktaà çré-bhagavatä viñëu-dharme präëebhyo juhuyäd ännaà
    man-niveditam uttamam
tåpyanti sarvada präëä
    man-nivedita-bhakñaëät

Text 313

tasmät sarva-prayatnena
    pradeyaà man-niveditam
mamäpi hådaya-sthasya
    pitåëäà ca viçeñataù

Text 314

kià ca tatraivänyatra bhakñyaà bhojyaà ca yat kiïcid
    anivedyägra-bhoktari
na deyaà pitå-devebhyaù
    prayacitti yato bhavet

Text 315

svargädau kathito devair
    agra-bhug bhagavän hariù
yajïa-bhaga-bhujo devas
    tatas tena prakalpitaù

Fifteenth Vilasa, Volume Two                

Text 246 

atha bhädra-kåtyam
bhädre bhagavato janma-
dine käryo mahotsavaù
viçeñeëa mahä-püjäà
vrata-pürëena vaiñëavaiù
atha-now; bhädra-kåtyam-the duties of Bhadra; bhädre-in Bhadra; bhagavataù-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; janma-of ther birth; dine-the day; käryaù-to be done; mahotsavaù-great festival; viçeñeëa-specifically; mahä-püjäm-great worship; vrata-pürëena-with a a vow fulfilled; vaiñëavaiù-by the Vaiñëavas.

Duties in the Month of Bhädra (August-September)
In the month of Bhädra the Vaiñëavas should celebrate a great festival on the birthday of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. They should perform great worship and fulfill a vow.

Text 247 

atha janmäñöamé-vratam
sarvair avaçyaà kartavyaà
janmäñöamé-vrataà naraiù
nityatvät päpa-häritvät
sarvärtha-präpanäd api
atha-now; janmäñöamé-vratam-the vow of Janmäñöamé; sarvaiù-by all; avaçyam-compulsory; kartavyam-to be done; janmäñöamé-vratam-the vow of Janmäñöamé; naraiù-by people; nityatvät-because of regularity; päpa-häritvät-because of removing sins; sarvärtha-all benefirs; präpanät-because of attainment; api-also.

The Vow of Janmäñöamé
The vow of Janmäñöamé is compulsory for everyone. This is because it is a regular observance, it removes sins, and it grants all benefits.

Text 248 

atha çré-janmäñöamé-vratotpattiù 
bhaviñyottare çré-yudhiñöhira uväca 
janmäñöamé-vratam- brühi
vistäreëa mamäcyuta
kasmin käle samutpannaà
kià puëyaà ko vidhiù småtaù
atha-now; çré-janmäñöamé-vratotpattiù-the creation of the Janmäñöamé vow; bhaviñyottare-in the Bhavisya Purana, Uttara-khanda; çré-yudhiñöhira uväca-Çré Yudhiñöhira said; janmäñöamé-vratam-the vow of Janmäñöamé; brühi-please tell; vistäreëa-elaborately; mama-to me; acyuta-O infallible Lord; kasmin-at what; käle-time; samutpannam-manifested; kim-what; puëyam-piety; kaù-what; vidhiù-rules; småtaù-considered.

The Origin of Çré Janmäñöamé
In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Çré Yudhiñöhira says:
O infallible Lord, please describe to me the vow of Janmäñöamé in great detail. When did this vow begin? What piety does it grant? How is it performed?

Text 249 

çré-kåñëa uväca 
hate kaàsäsure duñöe
mathuräyäà yudhiñöhira
devaké mäà pariñvajya
kåtvotsaìge ruroda ha
çré-kåñëa uväca-Çré Kåñëa said; hate-killed ; kaàsäsure-the demon Kamsa; duñöe-wicked; mathuräyäm-in Mathura; yudhiñöhira-O Yudhiñöhira; devaké-Devaki; mäm-Me; pariñvajya-embracing; kåtvä-placing; utsaìge-on the lap; ruroda-wept; ha-indeed.

Çré Kåñëa said: O Yudhiñöhira, after I had killed the demon Kaàsa, Devaké embraced Me, placed Me on her lap, and wept.

Text 250 

tatraiva raìga-väöe sä
maïcärüòhä janotsave
malla-yuddhe purä våtte
saàstutä kukurändhakaiù
tatra-there; eva-indeed; raìga-väte-in teh arena; sä-she; maïca-on the grandstand; ärüòhä-high; janotsave-in the festival; malla-yuddhe-in the wrestling; purä-before; våtte-done; saàstutä-praised; kukurändhakaiù-by the Kukuras and Andhakas.

When the wrestling was over she stood up in the grandstand. The Kukuras and Andhakas praised her.

Text 251 

svajanair bahubhiù snigdhais
teñäà strébhiù samävåtä
vasudevo 'pi tatraiva
vatsalyät praruroda me 
samägamya pariñvajya 
putra putrety uväca ha
svajanaiù-own people; bahubhiù-many; snigdhaiù-affectionate; teñäm-of them; strébhiù-by the women; samävåtä-surrounded; vasudevaù-Vasudeva; api-also; tatra-there; eva-indeed; vatsalyät-out of parental affection; praruroda-wept; me-Me; samägamya-approaching; pariñvajya-embracing; putra-son!; putra-son!; iti-thus; uväca-said; ha-indeed;.

Her affectionate kinsmen and their wives surrounded her. Vasudeva came, embraced me, said, "Son! Son!" and wept with a father's love.

Text 252 

sa gadgada-svaro dino
bäñpa-paryäkulekñaëaù
balabhädraà ca mäà caiva
pariñvajyedam abravét
sa-he; gadgada-svaraù-his voice choked up; dinaù-poor; bäñpa-paryäkulekñaëaù-his eyes filled with tears; balabhädram-Balaräma; ca-and; mäm-Me; ca-and; eva-indeed; pariñvajya-embracing; idam-this; abravét-said.

His eyes filled with tears, he embraced Balaräma and Me. In a choked voice he said:

Text 253 

adya me saphalaà janma
jévitaà ca sujévitam
yadu-bhäbhyäà sutäbhyäà me
samudbhütaù samägamaù
adya-today; me-of me; saphalam-fruitful; janma-birth; jévitam-lived; ca-and; sujévitam-well lived; yadu-bhäbhyäm-the two lights of the Yadus; sutäbhyäm-with the sons; me-of me; samudbhütaù-born; samägamaù-met.

Today my birth has born fruit. Today my life is lived well. Now I have met my sons, the two glories of the Yadu dynasty.

Text 254 

evaà harñeëa dam-patyor
håñöaà sarvaà tadä nåpa
praëipatya janäù sarve
mäm ücus te praharñitäù
evam-thus; harñena-with joy; dam-patyoù-of the husband and wife; håñöam-happy; sarvam-all; tadä-then; nåpa-O king; praëipatya-bowing down; janäù-people; sarve-all; mäm-to Me; ücuù-said; te-they; praharñitäù-happy.

O king, seeing My parents' happiness, everyone else became happy. Bowing before Me, everyone spoke these words:

Text 255 

adya praharño hy asmäkaà
adya jäto janärdanaù
adya malläìga-yuddhena
duñöaù kaàso nipätitaù
adya-today; praharñaù-happiness; hi-indeed; asmäkam-of us; adya-today; jätaù-born; janärdanaù-Kåñëa; adya-today; malläìga-yuddhena-in the wrestling battle; duñöaù-wicked; kaàsaù-Kamsa; nipätitaù-fallen.

Today we are happy. Today Kåñëa is born. Today the demon Kaàsa has fallen in a wrestling match.

Text 256 

evaà mahotsavaà dåñövä
samäje madhusüdana
prasädaù kriyatäm asya
lokasyänyo 'pi çéghrataù
evam-thus; mahotsavam-a great festival; dåñövä-seeing; samäje-in the assembly; madhusüdana-O Kåñëa; prasädaù-mercy; kriyatäm-should be done; asya-of him; lokasya-of the people; anyaù-another; api-also; çéghrataù-quickly.

O Lord Kåñëa, please glance at the people in this festival. Please give Your mercy to them and to others also. 

Text 257 

yasmin dine prasüyeta
devaké tväà janärdana
tad-dinaà dehi vaikuëöha
kurmas te tatra cotsavam
samyag-bhakti-präpannänäm- 
prasädam- kuru keçava
yasmin-in which; dine-day; prasüyeta-gave birth; devaké-Devcaké; tväm-to You; janärdana-O Kåñëa; tad-dinam-that day; dehi-please give; vaikuëöha-O Lord who destroys all sufferings; kurmaù-we will do; te-for You; tatra-there; ca-and; utsavam-a festival; samyag-bhakti-präpannänäm-of Your sincere devotees; prasädam-mercy; kuru-please do; keçava-O Kåñëa.

O Kåñëa, O Lord who removes all sufferings, please give to us the day when Devaké gave birth to You. We will celebrate a festival in Your honor. O Kåñëa, please be kind to Your sincere devotees.

Text 258 

evam ukte janaughena
vasudevo 'pi vismitaù
vilokya balabhädraà taà
samprahåñöa-tanüruhaù 
evam-thus; ukte-spoken; janaughena-by the multitude of people; vasudevaù-Vasudeva; api-also; vismitaù-surprised; vilokya-seeing; balabhädram-Balaräma; tam-Him; samprahåñöa-tanüruhaù-the hairs of his body erect in ecstasy.

Filled with wonder to hear the people speak these words, and the hairs of his body now erect in ecstasy, Vasudeva glanced at Balaräma and said:

Text 259

evam astö iti lokänäà 
kathayasva yathä-tatham
evam-so; astv-be it; iti-thus; lokänäm- -of the people; kathayasva'please tell; yathä-tatham-as it is.

It should be so. Please tell the people.

Text 260 

tatas täta-samädeçän
mayä janmäñöamé-vratam
mathuräyäà janaughaya
pärtha samyak prakäçitam
tataù-then; täta-of father; samädeçät-because of the instruction; mayä-by Me; janmäñöamé-vratam-Janmäñöamé; mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; janaughäya-to the people; pärtha-O son of Påthä; samyak-properly; prakäçitam-revealed.

O son of Påthä, then, on My father's order, I revealed the vow of Janmäñöamé to the people of Mathurä.

Text 261 

pauräç ca taj-janma-dinaà
varñe garbhäñöame gate
punar janmäñöaméà lokäù
kurvantu brähmaëädayaù 
kñatriyä vaiçya-jätéyäù 
çüdrä ye 'nye 'pi dharmiëaù
pauräù-the people of the city; ca-and; taê-janma-dinam-on the borthday; varñe-in the year; garbhäñöame-the eighth; gate-had come; punaù-again; janmäñöamém-Janmäñöamé; lokäù-the people; kurvantu-should do; brähmaëädayaù-beginning with the brahmanas; kñatriyä-the ksatriyas; vaiçya-jätéyäù-the vaisyas; çüdrä-the sudras; ye-who; anye-others; api-also; dharmiëaù-pious.

The brähmaëas, kñatriyas, vaiçyas, çüdras, and all others who are pious, from the age of eight years and older, should observe this vow of Janmäñöamé.
Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé comments:

The same is true for observing ekädaçé. In the scriptures it is said:

añöa-varñädhiko bälaù

"Children eight years and older should also observe ekädaçé."

Text 262 

siàha-räçi-gate sürye
gagane jaladägame
mäsi bhädra-pade 'ñöamyäà
kåñëa-pakñe 'rdha-rätrake
çaçäìke våña-räçi-sthe
präjäpatyarkña-samyute
vasudevena devakyäà
ahaà jäto janaù svayam
siàha-räçi-gate-in Leo; sürye-when the sun; gagane-in the sky; jalada-of clouds; ägame-at the arrival; mäsi-in the month; bhädra-pade-of Bhadra; añöamyäm-on the añöamé; kåñëa-pakñe-on the dark fortnight; ardha-rätrake-in the middle of the night; çaçäìke-the moon; våña-räçi-sthe-in Taurus; präjäpatyarkña-samyute'with the star Rohiëé; vasudevena-by Vasudeva; devakyäm-in Devaké; aham-I; jätaù-born; janäù-O people; svayam-personally.

O people, during the monsoon season, on the añöamé of the dark fortnight (kåñëa-pakña, of the month of Bhädra, when the sun was in Leo and the moon and the star Rohiëé were both in Taurus, in the middle of the night I was born as the son of Vasudeva and Devaké.

Text 264 

evam etat samäkhyätaà
loke janmäñöamé-vratam
bhagavatyäç ca tatraiva
kurudhvaà su-mahotsavaà 
mathuräyäà tataù paçcäl 
loke khyätià gamiñyati
evam-thus; etat-that; samäkhyätam-called; loke-in the world janmäñöamé-vratam-the vow of Janmäñöamé; bhagavatyäù-of the goddess; ca-also; tatra-there; eva-indeed; kurudhvam-should do; su-mahotsavam-a great festival; mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; tataù-then; paçcät-after; loke-in the world; khyätim-fame; gamiñyati-will go.

This day will be known in this world as the vow of Janmäñöamé. On this day celebrate a great festival honoring both Me and the goddess. First this festival will be celebrated in Mathurä. Later it will become famous in the whole world.
Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé comments:

The word "bhagavatyäù" (goddess, here refers to Devaké. It may also refer to Durgä.

Text 265 

ity äkarëya yathäkhyätaà
tathä lokair anuñöhitam
çäntir astu sukhaà cästu
lokäù santu nirämayäù. iti.
iti-thus; äkarëya-hearing; yathäkhyätam-as called; tathä-so; lokaiù-by the people; anuñöhitam-established; çäntiù-peace; astu-may be; sukham-happiness; ca-also; ästu-may be; lokäù-people; santu-may be; nirämayäù.-free of disease; iti.-thus.

Hearing of this festival, the people began to observe it. May there be peace amongst them. May they be happy. May they have good health.

Text 266 

nityatvaà ca paraà tasya
bhagavat-préëanän matam
vidhi-väkya-viçeñäc ca-
käraëe pratyaväyataù
nityatvam-regularity; ca-and; param-then; tasya-of that; bhagavat-préëanät-because of pleasing the Lord; matam-considered; vidhi-method; väkya-statement; viçeñät-specifically; ca-and; akäraëe-in non-performance; pratyaväyataù-because of obstacles.

This festival should be observed every year, for that is pleasing to the Lord. The scriptures also describe some offenses in its observance.

Text 267 

atha çré-janmäñöamé-vrata-nityatvam
tatra çré-bhagavat-préëanam- vidhis" ca skände 
prahlädädyaiç ca bhü-pälaiù
kåtä janmäñöamé çubhä
çraddhayä parayä viñëoù
prétaye kåñëa-vallabhä
atha-now; çré-janmäñöamé-vrata-nityatvam.-the regular performance of this vow; tatra-there; çré-bhagavat-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; préëanam-pleasing; vidhiù-method; ca-and; skände-in the Skanda Purana; prahlädädyaiù-beginning with Prahlada; ca-and; bhü-pälaiù-by kings; kåtä-done; janmäñöamé-Janmäñöamé; çubhä-auspicious; çraddhayä-with faith; parayä-great; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; prétaye-for the pleasure; kåñëa-vallabhä-dear to Lord Kåñëa.

Çré Janmäñöamé Should Be Observed Every Year
The Observance of Çré Janmäñöamé Is Pleasing to the Supreme Personality of Godhead
In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
Prahläda and other great kings very faithfully observe the auspicious vow of Janmäñöamé, which is dear to Lord Kåñëa. Their purpose is to please Lord Viñëu, 

Text 268 

kià ca 
präjäpatyarkña-samyuktä
çrävaëasyäsitäñöamé
varñe varñe tu kartavyä
tuñöy-arthaà cakra-päëinaù
kim- ca-furthermore; präjäpatyarkña-samyuktä-with the star Rohini; çrävaëasya-of Sravana; asita-dark; añöamé-astami; varñe-in year; varñe-after year; tu-indeed; kartavyä-to be done; tuñöy-artham-for the pleasure; cakra-päëinaù-of Lord Kåñëa, who holds the cakra in His hand.

It is also said:
To please Lord Kåñëa, who holds a cakra in His hand, the añöamé of the dark fortnight in the month of Çrävaëa, when the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon, should be observed year after year.

Text 269 

athäkaraëa-pratyaväye 
prathamam- bhojane pratyaväyaù 
çré-viñëu-rahasye brahma-närada-samväde 
çüdrännena tu yat päpaà
çava-hasta-stha-bhojane
tat päpaà labhate pumbhir
jayantyäà bhojane kåte
atha-now; akaraëa-pratyaväye-obstacles; prathamam-first; bhojane-in eating; pratyaväyaù-obstacles; çré-viñëu-rahasye-in Çré  Viñëu-rahasya; brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversdation of Brahma and Narada; çüdra-of sudras; annena-by food; tu-but; yat-what; päpam-sin; çava-of a corpse; hasta-in the hand; stha-situated; bhojane-in food; tat-that; päpam-sin; labhyate-is attained; pumbhiù-by the people; jayantyäm-on Jayanti; bhojane-eating; kåte-done.

Offenses in This Vow
First, the Offense of Eating
In the Çré Viñëu-rahasya, Brahma' tells Närada:
By eating on Jayanté one commits a sin equal to the sin of eating a çüdra's food or eating the food in the hand of a corpse.

Text 270 

gåhdhra-mäàsaà kharaà käkaà
syenaà vä muni-sattama
mäàsaà ca dvipadäà bhuktaà
bhuktaà janmäñöamé-dine
gåhdhra-of a vulture; mäàsam-flesh; kharam-heron; käkam-crow; syenam-hawk; vä-or; muni-sattama-O best of sages; mäàsam-flesh; ca-and; dvipadäm-of two-legged creatures; bhuktam-eated; bhuktam-eaten; janmäñöamé-dine-on Janmäñöamé day.

A person who eats on Janmäñöamé day commits the sin of eating the flesh of a vulture, heron, crow, or hawk, or the flesh of a human being.

Text 271 

janmäñöamé-dine präpte
yena bhuktaà dvijottama
trailokya-sambhavaà päpaà
bhuktam eva na saàçayaù
janmäñöamé-dine-on Janmäñöamé day; präpte-attained; yena-by whom; bhuktam-eaten; dvijottama-O best of brahmanas; trailokya-in the three worlds; sambhavam-born; päpam-sin; bhuktam-eaten; eva-indeed; na-not; saàçayaù-doubt.

O best of brähmaëas, one who eats on Janmäñöamé day commits all the sins in the three worlds. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 272 

kià ca 
jayanté-väsare präpte
karoty udara-puräëam
péòyate tila-mätraà tu
yama-dütaiù kalevaram
kim- ca-furthermore; jayanté-väsare-on Jayanti day; präpte-attained; karoti-does; udara-puräëam-filling the belly; péòyate-is tortured; tila-mätram-only a sesamum seed; tu-indeed; yama-dütaiù-by the messengers of Yama; kalevaram-the body.

It is also said:
A person who fills his belly in the Jayanté day is tortured by the messengers of Yamaräja. They will not allow him to eat anything more than a single sesamum seed.

Text 273 

yo bhuìkte yo vimüòhätmä
jayanté-väsare nåpa
na tasya narakottäro
dvädaçéà ca prakurvataù
yaù-who; bhuìkte-eats; yaù-who; vimüòhätmä-bewildered; jayanté-väsare-in Jayanti day; nåpa-O king; na-not; tasya-of him; naraka-from hell; uttäraù-deliverance; dvädaçém-dvadasi; ca-and; prakurvataù-doing.

O king, a fool who eats on the Jayanté day will not easily be delivered from hell, even if he observes the vow of dvädaçé.

Text 274 

atétänägataà tena
kulam ekottaraà çatam
patitaà narake ghore
bhuïjatä kåñëa-väsare
atéta-passed; anägatam-not yet arrived; tena-by him; kulam-family; eka-une; uttaram-more; çatam-hundred; patitam-fallen; narake-into hell; ghore-horrible; bhuïjatä-eating; kåñëa-väsare-on Lord Kåñëa's day.

A person who eats on Lord Kåñëa's holy day pushes into a horrible hell a hundred and one generations of his relatives past and yet to come.

Text 275 

athopaväsa-pürvaka-püjä-viçeña-mahotsavädi-vrata-tyäga-pratyaväyaù 
tatraiva 
ye na kurvanti jänantaù
kåñëa-janmäñöamé-vratam
te bhavanti mahä-präjïa
vyälä mahati känane
atha-now; upaväsa-fasting; pürvaka-first; püjä-worship; viçeña-specific; mahotsava-great festuval; ädi-beginning with; vrata-vow; tyäga-abandoning; pratyaväyaù-offense; tatra-there; eva-indeed; ye-who; na-not; kurvanti-do; jänantaù-knowing; kåñëa-janmäñöamé-vratam-the vow of Kåñëa Janmäñöamé; te-they; bhavanti-are; mahä-präjïa-O wise one; vyälä-beasts of prey; mahati-in the great; känane-jungle.

The Offense of Failing to Follow the Vow by Fasting, Worshiping, Observing a Great Festival, and Performing Other Duties
In the Çré Viñëu-rahasya it is said:
O wise sage, they who knowingly neglect the vow of Çré Kåñëa-janmäñöamé become ferocious beasts in the jungle.

Text 276 

brahma-hatyä surä-pänaà
go-vadhaù stréc-vadho 'pi vä
na loko muni-çärdüla
jayanté-vimukhasya ca
brahma-hatyä-killing a brahmana; surä-pänam-drinking liquor; go-vadhaù-killing a cow; stré...-vadhaù-killing a woman; api-even; vä-or; na-not; lokaù-world; muni-çärdüla-O tiger of the sages; jayanté-vimukhasya-averse to Jayanté; ca-and.

O tiger of the sages, a person averse to observing the holy day of Jayanté will not find happiness in this life or the next. His sin is equal to that of killing a brähmaëa, a cow, or a woman, or drinking liquor.

Text 277 

varñe varñe tu yä näré
kåñëa-janmäñöamé-vratam
na karoti mahä-präjïa
vyälé bhavati känane
varñe varñe-year aftyer year; tu-indeed; yä-who; näré-woman; kåñëa-janmäñöamé-vratam-the vow of Kåñëa Janmäñöamé; na-not; karoti-does; mahä-präjïa-O wise onme; vyälé-a ferocious beast; bhavati-is; känane-in the jungle.

O wise sage, a woman who year after year declines to observe the vow of Çré Kåñëa-janmäñöamé becomes in her next birth a ferocious beast in the jungle.

Text 278 

çrävaëe bahule pakñe
kåñëa-janmäñöamé-vratam
na karoti naro yas tu
sa bhavet krüra-räkñasaù
çrävaëe-in Sravana; bahule-great; pakñe-side; kåñëa-janmäñöamé-vratam-the vow of Çré Kåñëa-Janmäñöamé; na-not; karoti-does; naraù-a man; yaù-who; tu-indeed; sa-he; bhavet-becomes; krüra-räkñasaù-a cruel raksasa.

A man who does not observe Çré Kåñëa-janmäñöamé in the bahula-pakña of the month of Çrävaëa becomes in his next life a cruel räkñasa.

Text 279 

çrävaëe bahule pakñe
na karoti yadäñöamém
krüräyudhaù krüra-mukhä
hiàsanti yama-kiìkaräù
çrävaëe-in Sravana; bahule pakñe-in the bahula-paksa; na-not; karoti-does; yadä-when; añöamém-astami; krüräyudhaù-with cruel weapons; krüra-mukhäù-with cruel faces; hiàsanti-torture; yama-kiìkaräù-the servants of Yamaräja.

With cruel faces and cruel weapons the servants of Yamaräja torture whoever does not observe the añöamé day in the bahula-pakña of the month of Çrävaëa.

Text 280 

na karoti yadä viñëor
jayanté-sambhavaà vratam
yamasya vaçam äpannaù
sahate närakéà vyathäm
na-not; karoti-does; yadä-when; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; jayanté-sambhavam-the Jayanti day; vratam-vow; yamasya-of Yama; vaçam-the abode; äpannaù-attains; sahate-suffers; närakém-of hell; vyathäm-the torments.

Whoever does not observe the vow of Lord Viñëu's Jayanté day goes to Yama's world where he suffers the torments of hell.

Text 281 

kià ca tatraiva 
kåñëa-janmäñöaméà tyaktvä
yo 'nya-vratam upäsate
näpnoti sukåtaà kiïcid
dåñöaà çrutam athäpi vä
kim- ca-furthermore; tatra-there; eva-indeed; kåñëa-janmäñöamém-Kåñëa-Janmäñöamé; tyaktvä-abandoning; yaù-who; anya-another; vratam-vow; upäsate-observes; na-not; äpnoti-attains; sukåtam-piety; kiïcit-something; dåñöam-seen; çrutam-heard; atha-then; api-even; vä-or.

In that scripture it is also said:
A person who neglects the vow of Çré Kåñëa-janmäñöamé and observes another vow instead does not attain any pious benefit seen or heard anywhere.

Text 282 

kià ca 
tuñöy-arthaà devaké-sünor
jayanté-sambhavaà vratam
kartavyaà vitta-çäöhyena
bhaktyä bhakta-janair api 
akurvan yäti nirayaà 
yävad indraç caturdasa
kim- ca-furthermore; tuñöy-artham-for satisfaction; devaké-sünoù-of the son of DEvaké; jayanté-sambhavam-in the day of Jayanté; vratam-the vow; kartavyam-to be done; vitta-çäöhyena-by cheating on wealth; bhaktyä-with devotion; bhakta-janaiù-by devotees; api-even; akurvan-not doing; yäti-goes; nirayam-to hell; yävat-as long as; indräù-Indras; caturdasa-fourteen.

It is also said:
One should observe the vow of Jayanté to please Lord Kåñëa, the son of Devaké. If one does not devotedly observe this vow with the devotees, or if one does not observe it in a way appropriate to his financial situation, he will go to hell for as long as the fourteen Indras rule in their posts.

Text 283 

atha janmäñöamé-mähätmyam
bhaviñyottare çré-kåñëa-yudhiñöhira-samväde janmäñöamé-vrata-kathane 
ekenaivopaväsena
kåtena kuru-nandana
sapta-janma-kåtät päpän
mucyate nätra saàçayaù
atha-now; janmäñöamé-mähätmyam-the glories of Janmäñöamé; bhaviñyottare-in the Bhavisya Purana, Uttara-khanda; çré-kåñëa-yudhiñöhira-samväde-in a conversatuon of Çré Kåñëa and King Yudhisthira; janmäñöamé-vrata-kathane-in the description of the vow of Janmäñöamé; ekena-by one; eva-indeed; upaväsena-fasting; kåtena-done; kuru-nandana-O delioght of the Kurus; sapta-janma-kåtät-done in seven births; päpän-from the sins; mucyate-released; na-not; atra-here; saàçayaù-doubt.

The Glories of Janmäñöamé
In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Lord Kåñëa tells King Yudhiñöhira:
O delight of the Kurus, by once fasting during Janmäñöamé a person becomes free from the sins of seven births. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 284 

putra-santänam ärogyaà
saubhägyam atulaà labhet
satya-dharma-rato bhütvä
måto vaikuëöham äpnuyät
putra-santänam-descendents; ärogyam-healthy; saubhägyam-fortune; atulam-peerless; labhet-attains; satya-dharma-rataù-devoted to religion and truth; bhütvä-becoming; måtaù-dead; vaikuëöham-Vaikuntha; äpnuyät-attains.

His descendants are righteous. He attains health and peerless good fortune. He becomes devoted to truth and religion, and when he dies he goes to Vaikuëöha.

Text 285 

tatra nityaà vimänena
varña-lakñaà yudhiñöhira
bhogän nänä-vidhän bhuktvä
puëya-çeñäd ihägataù
tatra-there; nityam-always; vimänena-by airplane; varña-lakñam-a hundred thousand years; yudhiñöhira-O Yudhisthira; bhogän-enjoyments; nänä-vidhän-many kinds; bhuktvä-enjoying; puëya-çeñät-with the remnants of his piety; iha-here; ägataùcome.

O Yudhiñöhira, that person travels on an airplane, sightseeing the universe and enjoying many pleasures. This he does for a hundred thousand years. Then, with what remains of his pious credits, he returns here, to this earth.

Texts 286 and 287 

sarva-käma-samåddhe tu
sarväsukha-vivarjite
sarva-dharma-yute pärtha
sarva-gokula-saìkule
tasmin räñöre prabhur bhuìkte
dérghäyur manasepsitän
bhogän ante ca paramaà
padaà yäty apunar-bhavam
sarva-käma-samåddhe-filled with all desires; tu-indeed; sarväsukha-vivarjite-without any sufferings; sarva-dharma-all piety; yute-with; pärtha-O Partha; sarva-gokula-saìkule-filled with many cows; tasmin-in that; räñöre-kingdom; prabhuù-master; bhuìkte-enjoys; dérghäyuù-long life; manasä-by the mind; épsitän-desired; bhogän-enjoyment; ante-at the end; ca-and; paramam-the supreme; padam-abode; yäti-goes; apunar-bhavam-where there is no repeated birth.

Here on this earth He becomes the ruler of a great kingdom, a kingdom filled with all desirable things, all pious deeds, and many cows, and free of any sufferings. There he lives for a long time and enjoys whatever his heart desires. At the end he goes to the spiritual world, where there is no repetition of birth and death.

Text 288 

tat-kule rüpa-vikhyätä
jäyante hådayaìgamäù
tat-kule-in his family; rüpa-handsome; vikhyätä-famous; jäyante'born; hådayaìgamäù-dear to the heart.

His descendants are famous for their handsome forms. They are all saintly and pleasing to everyone's hearts.

Text 289 

yasmin sadaiva deçe tu
likhitaà väpi carcitam
mama janma-dinaà puëya-
sarvälaìkära-çobhitaà 
püjyate päëòava-çreñöha 
janair utsava-samyutam
yasmin-in which; sadä-always; eva-indeed; deçe-country; tu-indeed; likhitam-written; vä-or; api-indeed; carcitam-anointed; mama-of Me; janma-dinam-the birthday; puëya-piety; sarva-all; alaìkära-ornaments; çobhitam-decorated; püjyate-worshiped; päëòava-çreñöha-O best of the Pandavas; janaiù-by people; utsava-samyutam-with a festival.

A country where the day of My birth is always shown in pictures and anointed with sandal paste becomes beautiful with all the ornaments of spiritual life. It becomes a great festival. It is worshiped by all.
Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé comments

If the word "likhitam" is interpreted to mean "written" and "carcitam" to mean "studied", then the first phrase of this verse may be interpreted to mean, "a country where the day of My birth is always written in many books and studied with care".

Text 290

para-cakra-bhayaà tatra
na kadäcid bhavaty uta
parjanyaù käma-varñé syäd
étibhyo na bhayaà bhavet
para-cakra-bhayam-fear of others; tatra-there; na-not; kadäcit-ever; bhavati-is; uta-indeed; parjanyaù-rain; käma-as desired; varñé-raining; syät-is; étibhyaù-from plagues and calamities; na-not; bhayam-fear; bhavet-is.

In that country there is no fear of others and no fear of plagues or other calamities. There the rain falls as much as could be desired.
Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé comments

There are siø kinds of calamities (éti): 1. excessive rain, 2. drought, 3. plague of locusts, 4. plague of rats, 5. plague of birds, and 6. invasion of foreign armies.

Text 291 

gåhe vä püjyate yasmin
devakyäç caritaà mama
tatra sarva-samåddhiù syän
nopasargädikaà bhayam
gåhe-in the home; vä-or; püjyate-is worshiped; yasmin-in which; devakyäù-of Devaké; caritam-pastimes; mama-of Me; tatra-there; sarva-samåddhiù-all opulences; syät-are; na-not; upasarga-with disease; ädikam-beginning; bhayam-fear.

All opulences come to a home where My pastimes with Devaké are worshiped. Fearful diseases and other calamities can never enter there.

Text 292 

paçuto nakuläd vyälät
päpa-rogäc ca pätakät
räjataç caurato väpi
na kadäcid bhayaà bhavet
paçutaù-from a bull; nakulät-from a mongoose; vyälät-from a snake or a tiger; päpa-rogät-from sinful diseases; ca-and; pätakät-from sins; räjataù-from a king; caurataù-from a thief; vä-or; api-also; na-not; kadäcit-ever; bhayam-fear; bhavet-is.

In that home there is no fear of bulls, a mongoose, snakes, tigers, sinful diseases, sins, thieves, or the king.

Text 293 

kià ca 
yasmin gåhe päëòu-putra
likhyate devaké-vratam
na tatra måta-niñkräntir
na garbha-patanaà tathä
kim- ca-furthermore; yasmin-in which; gåhe-home; päëòu-putra-O son of Päëòu; likhyate-is written; devaké-vratam-the vow of Devaké; na-not; tatra-there; måta-dead; niñkräntiù-birth; na-not; garbha-patanam-miscarriage; tathä-so.

The Lord also said:
O son of Päëòu, in a home where there is a book describing this vow of worshiping Devaké-devé, there will never be a miscarriage. Nor will any child be born dead.

Text 294 

na ca vyädhi-bhayaà tatra
bhaved iti mataà mama
na vaidhavyaà na daurbhägyaà
na dambhaù kalaho gåhe
na-nor; ca-and; vyädhi-bhayam-fear of disease; tatra-there; bhavet-is; iti-thus; matam-considered; mama-by Me; na-not; vaidhavyam-widowhood; na-not; daurbhägyam-misfortune; na-not; dambhaù'deception; kalahaù-quarrel; gåhe-in the home.

In that home there need be no fear of disease. That is My opinion. In that home no woman will become a widow. In that home there will be no misfortune, deception, or quarrel.

Text 295 

samparkeëäpi yaù kuryät
kaçciê janmäñöamé-vratam
viñëulokam aväpnoti
so 'pi pärtha na saàçayaù
samparkeëa-by contact; api-even; yaù-who; kuryät-does; kaçcit-someone; janmäñöamé-vratam-the Janmäñöamé vow; viñëulokam-Viñëukloka; aväpnoti-attains; so 'pi-that person; pärtha-O Partha; na-no; saàçayaù-doubt.

Even a person who accidentally observes the vow of Janmäñöamé will go to the spiritual world of Lord Viñëu. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 296 

janmäñöamé jana-mano-nayanotsaväòhyä
päpäpahä sapadi nandita-nanda-gopä
yo devakéà sadayitäà yajatéha tasyäà
puträn aväpya samupaiti padaà sa viñëoù
janmäñöamé-Janmäñöamé; jana-of the people; manaù-of the mind; nayana-of the eyes; utsava-festival; äòhyä-enriched; päpa-sins; apahä-removing; sapadi-at once; nandita-delighted; nanda-gopä-the gopa Nanda; yaù-who; devakém-Devaké; sadayitäm-with her dear husband; yajati-worships; iha-here; tasyäm-on this; puträn-good children; aväpya-attaining; samupaiti-attains; padam-the abode; sa-he; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu.

Janmäñöamé is a festival of happiness for the eyes and the heart. It delights Nanda Mahäräja. It removes all sins. A person who on Janmäñöamé worships Devaké and her husband Vasudeva attains many good children and at the end goes to the spiritual world of Lord Viñëu.

Text 297 

viñëu-dharme 
rohiëé ca yadä kåñëa-
pakñe 'ñöamyäà dvijottama
jayanté näma sä proktä
sarva-päpa-harä tithiù
viñëu-dharme-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa; rohiëé-Rohiëé; ca-and; yadä-when; kåñëa-pakñe-in the kåñëa-pakña; añöamyäm-on thwe astami; dvijottama-O best of brahmanas; jayanté-Jayanté; näma-named; sä-that; proktä-called; sarva-päpa-harä-removing all sins; tithiù-the day.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa it is said:
O best of brähmaëas, when the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon on the añtamé of the dark fortnight, that day is called Jayanté, a day that removes all sins. 
Text 298 

yad bälye yä ca kaumäre
yauvane vardhake 'pi yat
sapta-janma-kåtaà päpaà
sö-alpaà vä yadi vä bahu 
tat kñalayati govindaà 
tasyäm abhyarcya bhaktitaù
yat-what; bälye-in balya; yat-what; ca-also; kaumäre-in kaumara; yauvane-in yauvana; vardhake-in vardhaka; api-also; yat-what; sapta-janma-kåtam-done in seven births; päpam-sins; sö-alpam-slight; vä-even; yadi-if; vä-or; bahu-great; tat-that; kñalayati-washes away; govindam-Lord Kåñëa; tasyäm-onnthat day; abhyarcya-worshiping; bhaktitaù-with devotion.

A person who on that day worships Lord Govinda washes away his sins, either great or small, or performed in childhood, youth, or maturity, in seven births.

Text 299 

homa-yajïädi-dänänäà
phalaà ca çata-sammitam
sampräpnoti na sandeho
yä cänyan manasepsitam
homa-yajïädi-dänänäm-of homa, yajna, and charity; phalam-the result; ca-and; çata-sammitam-a hundred times; sampräpnoti-attains; na-no; sandehaù-doubt; yat-what; ca-and; anyat-others; manasä-by the mind; épsitam-desired.

He attains the results of homas, yajïas, and charity multiplied a hundred times. He attains whatever his heart desires.

Text 300

upaväsaç ca tatrokto
mahä-pätaka-näçanaù
upaväsaù-fasting; ca-and; tatrqa-there; uktaù-said; mahä-pätaka-näçanaù-destroying the greatest sins.

A person who fasts on that day becomes freed from the greatest sins.

Text 301

viñëu-rahasye 
jayantyäm upaväsaà tu
kåtvä yo 'rcayate harim
tasya janma-çatodbhütaà
päpaà naçyati sarvathä
viñëu-rahasye-in the Viñëu-rahasya; jayantyäm-on Jayanté; upaväsam-fasting; tu-indeed; kåtvä-doing; yaù-who; arcayate-worships; harim-Lord Hari; tasya-of him; janma-çatodbhütam-created in a hundred births; päpam-sin; naçyati-destroys; sarvathä-completely.

In the Viñëu-rahasya it is said:
A person who on Jayanté fasts and worships Lord Hari completely destroys the sins of a hundred births. 
Text 302 

kaumäre yauvane bälye
värdhakye yad upärjitam
tat päpaà çamayet kåñëas
tithäv asyäà su-püjitaù
kaumäre-in kumara years; yauvane-in youth; bälye-in childhood; värdhakye-in maturity; yat-what; upärjitam-gained; tat-that; päpam-sin; çamayet-pacifies; kåñëaù-Lord Kåñëa; tithau-day; asyäm-on that; su-püjitaù-nicely worshiped.

Lord Kåñëa forgives the sins of a child, youth, or adult who carefully worships Him on this day.

Text 303 

snänaà dänaà tathä homaù
svadhyäyo 'tha japas tapaù
sarvaà çata-guëaà proktaà
jayantyäà yat kåtaà hareù
snänam-bathign; dänam-charity; tathä-so; homaù-homa; svadhyäyaù-Vedé study; atha-then; japaù-japa; tapaù-austerity; sarvam-all; çata-guëam-multiplied a hundred times; proktam-said; jayantyäm-on Jayanté; yat-what; kåtam-done; hareù-of Lord Hari.

When they are done to please Lord Hari, bathing, charity, homa, Vedé study, japa, and austerity are multiplied a hundred times when performed on Jayanté.

Text 304 

dhana-dhänya-vahä puëyä
sarva-päpa-harä çubhä
samupoñyä janair yatnäj
jayanté kåñëa-bhakti-dä
dhana-wealth; dhänya-and grain; vahä-bringing; puëyä-piety; sarva-päpa-harä-removing all sins; çubhä-auspicious; samupoñyä-to be fasted; janaiù-by the people; yatnät-carefully; jayanté-Jayanté; kåñëa-bhakti-dä-bringing devotion to Lord Kåñëa.

Jayanté is sacred and auspicious. It brings wealth and grains. It brings devotion to Lord Kåñëa. On Jayanté the people should carefully observe a fast. 

Text 305 

brahma-puräëe pürva-khaëòe janmäñöamé-mähätmye çré-sütoktau 
yä tu kåñëäñöamé näma
viçrutä vaiñëavé tithiù
tasyäù prabhävam äçritya
pütäù sarve kalau janäù
brahma-puräëe-in the Brahma Purana; pürva-khaëòe-Purva-khanda; janmäñöamé-mähätmye-Janmäñöamé-mahatmya; çré-sütoktau-in the words of Çré Suta Gosvami; yä-which; tu-indeed; kåñëäñöamé-Kåñëa Janmäñöamé; näma-named; viçrutä-famous; vaiñëavé-Vaiñëava; tithiù-day; tasyäù-of that; prabhävam-power; äçritya-taking shelter; pütäù-purified; sarve-all; kalau-in kali-yuga; janäù-people.

In the Brahma Puräëa, Pürva-khaëòa, Janmäñöamé-mähätmya, Çréla Süta Gosvämé explains:
Kåñëa Janmäñöamé is a famous Vaiñëava holy day. They who in Kali-yuga take shelter of the glory of that day become purified of all sins.

Text 306 

çrävaëe mäsi bahulä
rohiëé-samyutäñöamé
jayantéti samäkhyätä
sarväghaugha-vinäçiné
çrävaëe-of Çrävaëa; mäsi-in the month; bahulä-great; rohiëé-samyutäñöamé-the astami with Rohini; jayanté-Jayanté; iti-thus; samäkhyätä-called; sarva-all; agha-of sins; augha-a flood; vinäçiné-destroying.

When the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon on the añöamé of the Çravaëa month, that day is called Jayanté. That day destroys a flood of sins.

Texts 307 and 308 

tasyäà viñëu-tithau kecid
dhanyäù kali-yuge janäù
ye 'bhyarcayanti deveçaà
jägrataù samupoñitäù
na teñäà vidyate kväpi
saàsära-bhayam ulbaëam
yatra tiñöhanti te deçe
kalis tatra na tiñöhati
tasyäm-on that; viñëu-tithau-day holy to Lord Viñëu; kecit-some; dhanyäù-fortunate; kali-yuge-in Kali-yuga; janäù-people; ye-who; abhyarcayanti-worship; deveçam-the master of the demigods; jägrataù-keeping a vigil; samupoñitäù-fasting; na-not; teñäm-of them; vidyate-is; kväpi-anywhere; saàsära-bhayam-fear of the material world; ulbaëam-great; yatra-where; tiñöhanti-stay; te-they; deçe-in the country; kaliù-Kali; tatra-there; na-not; tiñöhati-stays.

The fortunate persons who on that day sacred to Lord Viñëu fast, keep an all-night vigil, and worship Lord Hari, the master of the demigods, never fear having to take birth again in this world. Wherever they stay, Kali-yuga cannot enter.

Text 309 

tatraiva çré-çuka-janamejaya-samväde 
ya eña bhagavän viñëur
devakyäà vasudevataù
jätaù kaàsa-vadhärthaà hi
tad-dinaà maìgaläyanam
tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-çuka-janamejaya-samväde-in a conversation of Çré Sukadeva Gosvami and King Janamejaya; ya-who; eña-He; bhagavän-Lord; viñëuù-Viñëu; devakyäm-in Devaki; vasudevataù-from Vasudeva; jätaù-born; kaàsa-vadhärtham-to kill Kamsa; hi-indeed; tad-dinam-that day; maìgaläyanam-auspicious.

In that scripture Çréla Çukadeva Gosvämé tells King Janamejaya:
Then, in order to kill Kaàsa, Lord Viñëu took birth as the son of Vasudeva and Devaké. That day is the abode of auspiciousness.

Text 310 

yä sä praty-abdam äyäti
çrävaëe bahuläñöamé
saìgatä rohiëyarkñena
nåëäà mukti-phala-pradä
yä-which; sä-that; praty-abdam-every year; äyäti-comes; çrävaëe-in Sravana; bahuläñöamé-Bahuläñöamé; saìgatä-meeting; rohiëyarkñena-with the star Rohini; nåëäm-of people; mukti-phala-pradä-giving liberation.

When, as happens every year, there is a day when the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon during the month of Çrävaëa, that day is called Bahuläñöami. That day brings liberation to the people.

Text 311 

yasyäà sanätanaù sakñät
puräëaù puruñottamaù
avatérëaù kñitau saiñä
mukti-deti kim adbhutam
yasyäm-on which; sanätanaù-eternal; sakñät-directly; puräëaù-ancient; puruñottamaù-Supreme Personality of Godhead; avatérëaù-descended; kñitau-to the earth; sä eñä-that; mukti-dä-giving liberation; iti-thus; kim-what?; adbhutam-wonder.

On that day the eternal and primeval Supreme Personality of Godhead descended to the earth. Why should it be a source of wonder that this day brings liberation?

Text 312 

tatraivägre vrata-vidhi-kathane 
idam eva paraà çreya
idam eva paraà tapaù
idam eva paro dharmo
yad-viñëu-vrata-dhäraëam
tatra-there; eva-indeed; agre-in the presence; vrata-vidhi-kathane-description of the vow; idam-this; eva-indeed; param-supreme; çreya-good; idam-this; eva-indeed; param-supreme; tapaù-austerity; idam-this; eva-indeed; paraù-supreme; dharmaù-religion; yad-viñëu-vrata-dhäraëam-following this vow for Lord Viñëu.

In that scripture this vow is described in these words:
Following this vow for Lord Viñëu is the greatest good, the greatest austerity, and the greatest religious duty.

Text 313 

skände brahma-närada-samväde 
kåñëa-janmäñöamé loke
prasiddhä päpa-näçiné
kratu-koöi-samä tö eñä
térthayuta-çataiù samä
skände-in the Skanda Purana; brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Brahma and Narada; kåñëa-janmäñöamé-Kåñëa Janmäñöamé; loke-in the world; prasiddhä-famous; päpa-näçiné-destroying sins; kratu-koöi-samä-equal to ten million yajnas; tv-indeed; eñä-this; térthayuta-çataiù-to many millions of pilgrimages; samä-equal.

In the Skanda Puräëa, Brahma' tell Närada:
Kåñëa Janmäñöamé is famous in this world. It destroys sins. It is equal to many millions of yajïas. It is equal to many millions of pilgrimages.

Text 314 

kapilä-go-sahasraà tu
yo dadäti dine dine
tat-phalaà samaväpnoti
jayantyäà samupoñaëe
kapilä-go-sahasram-a thousand cows; tu-indeed; yaù-who; dadäti'gives; dine-day; dine-after day; tat-phalam-that result; samaväpnoti-attains; jayantyäm-on Jayanti; samupoñaëe-in fasting.

By fasting on Jayanté one attains the same pious result attained by giving a thousand cows in charity day after day.

Text 315 

hema-bhära-sahasraà tu
kurukñetre prayacchati
tat phalaà samaväpnoti
jayantyäà samupoñaëe
hema-bhära-sahasram-a thousand bharas of gold; tu-indeed; kurukñetre'at Kuruksetra; prayacchati-gives; tat-that; phalam-result; samaväpnoti-attains; jayantyäm-on Jayanti; samupoñaëe-by fasting.

By fasting on Jayanté one attains the same pious result attained by giving a thousand bhäras of gold in charity at Kurukñetra.

Text 316 

ratna-koöi-sahasräëi
yo dadäti dvijottama
tat-phalaà samaväpnoti
jayantyäà samupoñaëe
ratna-koöi-sahasräëi-many billions opf jewels; yaù-who; dadäti'gives; dvijottama-O best of brahmanas; tat-that; phalam-result; samaväpnoti-attains; jayantyäm-on Jayanti; samupoñaëe-by fasting.

O best of brähmaëas, by fasting on Jayanté one attains the same pious result attained by giving many millions of jewels in charity.

Text 317 

väpé-küpa-sahasräëi
devatäyatanäni ca
kanyä-koöi-pradänena
yat-phalam- kavibhiù småtam
mätä-pitror gurüëäm- ca 
bhaktim udvahatäà phalam
väpé-küpa-sahasräëi-thousands of lakes and ponds; devatäyatanäni-temples; ca-and; kanyä-girls; koöi-millions; pradänena-by giving; yat-phalam-which result; kavibhiù-by philosophers; småtam-considered; mätä-pitroù-of father and mother; gurüëäm-of gurus; ca-and; bhaktim-devotion; udvahatäm-carring; phalam-the result.

By fasting on Jayanté one attains the same pious result attained by digging thousands of wells and ponds, building many temples, giving millions of daughters in charity to their prospective bridegrooms, and devotedly serving parents and gurus.

Text 318 

gurv-arthe brähmaëärthe vä
svämy-arthe vä tyajet tanum
paropkära-yuktänäà
tértha-seva-ratätmanäm
satya-vratänäà yat puëyaà 
jayantyäà samupoñaëe
gurö-arthe-for the sake of the guru; brähmaëärthe-for the sake of the brahmanas; vä-or; svämy-arthe-fro the sake of the master; vä-or; tyajet-should abandon; tanum-body; paropkära-yuktänäm-of they who are engaged in helping others; tértha-seva-ratätmanäm-of they who devotedly go on pilgrimages; satya-vratänäm-of they who follow a vow of truthfulness; yat-what; puëyam-piety; jayantyäm-on Jayanté; samupoñaëe-fasting.

By fasting on Jayanté one attains the same pious result attained by one who gives up his body for the sake of his guru, or for the sake of the brähmaëas, or for the sake of his master, or the same pious result attained by they who have dedicated their lives to helping others, or by they who devotedly go on pilgrimages, or by they who follow a vow of truthfulness.

Text 319 

niräçrayeñu vasatäà
tapasänäà tu yat phalam
räjasüya-sahasreñu
çata-varñägnihotrataù 
ekenaivopaväsena 
jayantyäm- tat phalaà småtam
niräçrayeñwithout a shelter; vasatäm-residing; tapasänäm-of austerities; tu-indeed; yat-what; phalam-result; räjasüya-of rajasuya-yajnas; sahasreñu-in thousands; çata-varña-a hundred years; agnihotrataù-from an agnihotra-yajna; ekena-by one; eva-indeed; upaväsena-fasting; jayantyäm-on Jayanti; tat-that; phalam-result; småtam-considered.

By once fasting on Jayanté one attains the result of performing austerities and remaining homeless, of performing a thousand räjasüya-yajïas, or of performing an agnihotra-yajïa of a hundred years.

Text 320 

kåtvä räjyaà mahéà bhuktvä
präpya kértià ca çäsvatém
jayantyäà copaväsena
viñëor bhümau layaà gataù
kåtvä-doing; räjyam-a kingdom; mahém-the earth; bhuktvä-enjoying; präpya-attaining; kértim-fame; ca-and; çäsvatém-eternal; jayantyäm-on jayanti; ca-and; upaväsena-by fasting; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; bhümau-in the realm; layam-liberation; gataù-attained.

By fasting on Jayanté one attains a great kingdom and eternal fame, enjoys the pleasures of the earth, and at the end enters the spiritual world of Lord Viñëu.

Text 321 

dharmam arthaà ca kämaà ca
muktià ca muni-puìgava
dadäti väïchitän kämän
çrävaëe mäsi cäñöamé
dharmam-piety; artham-wealth; ca-and; kämam-sense gratification; ca-and; muktim-liberation; ca-and; muni-puìgava-O best of sages; dadäti-gives; väïchitän-desires; kämän-pleasures; çrävaëe-in Sravana; mäsi-month; ca-and; añöamé-the añöamé.

O best of sages, the añöamé day of the month of Çrävaëa brings piety, wealth, sense gratification, and liberation. It fulfills all desires.

Text 322 

janmäñöamé-vrataà ye vai
prakurvanti narottamäù
kärayanti ca viprendra
lakñmés teñäà sadä sthirä
janmäñöamé-vratam-the vow of Janmäñöamé; ye-who; vai-indeed; prakurvanti-do; narottamäù-the best of people; kärayanti-cause to do; ca-and; viprendra-O king of brahmanas; lakñméù-the goddess of fortune; teñäm-of them; sadä-always; sthirä-steady.

O king of brähmaëas, Goddess Lakñmé always stays among those great souls who observe the vow of Janmäñöamé.

Text 323 

na vedair na puräëaiç ca
mayä dåñöaà mahä-mune
yat-samaà cädhikaà väpi
kåñëa-janmäñöamé-vratät
na-not; vedaiù-by the Vedas; na-not; puräëaiù-by the Puranas; ca-and; mayä-by me; dåñöam-seen; mahä-mune-O great sage; yat-samam-equal to that; ca-and; adhikam-better; vä-or; api-also; kåñëa-janmäñöamé-vratät-than the vow of Kåñëa-janmäñöamé.

O great sage, I have not seen anything in the Vedas or the Puräëas equal to or better than the vow of Çré Kåñëa-janmäñöamé.

Text 324 

niyama-sthaà naraà dåñövä
janmäñöamyäà dvijottama
vivarëa-vadano bhütvä
tal-lipià marjayed yamaù
niyama-stham-restraining the senses; naram-a person; dåñövä-seeing; janmäñöamyäm-on Janmäñöamé; dvijottama-O best of brahmanas; vivarëa-without color; vadanaù-face; bhütvä-becopming; tal-lipim-the writing of him; marjayet-wipes away; yamaù-Yamaräja.

O best of brähmaëas, when he sees a self-controlled person observing the vow of Janmäñöamé, Yamaräja, his face turned white, at once erases what is written of him.

Text 325 

kià ca 
vratenärädhya taà devaà
devaké-sahitaà harim
tyaktvä yama-pathaà ghoraà
yäti viñëoù paraà padam
kim- ca-furthermore; vratena-with a vow; ärädhya-worshiping; tam-Him; devam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; devaké-sahitam-with Devaké; harim-Lord Kåñëa; tyaktvä-leaving; yama-patham-the path to Yama; ghoram-horrible; yati-goes; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; param-to the supreme; padam-abode.

It is also said:
A person who with a vow worships Lord Kåñëa and Devaké leaves the horrible path to Yamaloka and goes to the supreme abode of Lord Viñëu.

Text 326 

smaraëaà väsudevasya
måtyu-käle bhaven mune
sidhyanti sarva-käryäëi
kåte janmäñöamé-vrate 
mamäjïayä kurudhvaà 
taê-jayantéà muktaye tathä
smaraëam-remembering; väsudevasya-of Lord Kåñëa; måtyu-käle-at the moment of death; bhavet-does; mune-O sage; sidhyanti-becomes perfect; sarva-käryäëi-all duties; kåte-done; janmäñöamé-vrate-in the vow of Janmäñöamé; mama-of Me; äjïayä-by the order; kurudhvam-please do; taê-jayantém-Janmäñöamé; muktaye-for liberation; tathä-so.

O sage, a person who at the moment of his death remembers Lord Kåñëa, attains perfection. In the same way when a person follows the vow of Janmäñöamé, all he has done becomes perfect. Therefore, by my order, please observe the vow of Janmäñöamé and thus attain liberation from this world of birth and death. 

Text 327 

brahma-khaëòe çré-sütoktau ca tad-vrata-mahimänuvarëanänte 
ity etat kathitam açeña-çästra-guhyaà
çré-kåñëa-vrata-mahimänuvarëanaà yat
çrutvaitat sakåd api pätakair vimukto
dehänte vrajati naro muräri-lokam
brahma-khaëòe-in the Brahma-khaëòa; çré-süta-of Çré Suta; uktau-in the statement; ca-and; tad-vrata-mahimänuvarëanänte-after describing the glories of that vow; iti-thsu; etat-this; kathitam-said; açeña-çästra-guhyam-hidden in all the scriptures; çré-kåñëa-vrata-mahimänuvarëanam-the descriptionê of the glories of this vow to please Lord Kåñëa; yat-what; çrutvä-hearing; etat-this; sakåt-once; api-even; pätakaiù-by sins; vimuktaù-freed; dehänte-at the end of the body; vrajati-goes; naraù-a pwerson; muräri-lokam-to the world of Lord Kåñëa.

In the Brahma-khaëòa, after describing the glories of this vow, Çré Süta Gosvämé says:
Thus I have described the glories of the Çré Kåñëa-Janmäñöamé vow, which is very confidential and hidden in all the scriptures. By once hearing this description a person becomes free from all his sins. At the end of his body he goes to the world of Lord Kåñëa.

Text 328 

atha çré-janmäñöamé-vrata-nirëayaù 
kåñëopäsyäñöamé bhädre
rohiëy-äòhyä mahä-phalä
niçéthe 'träpi kià cendau
jïe väpi navamé-yutä
atha-now; çré-janmäñöamé-vrata-nirëayaù-following the vow of Janmäñöamé; kåñëa-Lord Kåñëa; upäsyä-to be worshiped; añöamé-the astami; bhädre-in the month of Bhadra; rohiëy-äòhyä-opulent with the star Rophini; mahä-phalä-a great result; niçéthe-in the middle of the night; atra-here; api-also; kim-what?; ca-and; indau-in the moon; jïe-knowing; vä-or; api-also; navamé-yutä-with the navami.

The Method of Observing Janmäñöamé
When at midnight of Janmäñöamé in the month of Bhädra the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon, that Janmäñöamé brings a specially great result. Janmäñöamé also brings a great result when it falls on a Monday or a Wednesday, or when there is a navamé-yoga. 

Text 329 

atha rohiëé-yukta-janmäñöamé 
viñëu-rahasye 
präjäpatyarkña-samyuktä
kåñëä nabhasi cäñöamé
muhürtam api labhyeta
saivopoñyä mahä-phalä
atha-now; rohiëé-yukta-janmäñöamé-Janmäñöamé with Rohini; viñëu-rahasye-in the Viñëu-rahasya; präjäpatyarkña-the star Rohini; samyuktä-with; kåñëä-dark; nabhasi-in the sky; ca-and; añöamé-astami; muhürtam-moment; api-even; labhyeta-is attained; sa-that; eva-indeed; upoñyä-to be fasted; mahä-phalä-a greta result.

Janmäñöamé When Rohiëé Is Conjoined With the Moon
In the Viñëu-rahasya it is said:
When on the añöamé of the dark fortnight the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon for even a single muhürta, fasting on that añöamé day brings a great result.

Text 330 
muhürtam apy aho-rätre
yasmin yuktaà tu labhyate
añöamyä rohiëé-åkñaà
taà su-puëyam upävaset
muhürtam-a muhurta; api-even; aho-rätre-day and night; yasmin-in which; yuktam-joined; tu-indeed; labhyate-is obtained; añöamyä-of the astami; rohiëé-åkñam-the star Rohini; tam-that; su-puëyam-very sacred; upävaset-should fast.

When on the añöamé the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the 
moon for even a single muhürta of the day or night, that time is 
very sacred. On that day one should observe a fast.

Text 331 

kià ca tatraiva 
äñöamé kåñëa-pakñasya
rohiëé-åkña-samyutä
bhavet prauñöha-pade mäsi
jayanté näma sä småtä
kim- ca-furthermore; tatra-there; eva-inded; äñöamé-añöamé; kåñëa-pakñasya-of the krsna-paksa; rohiëé-åkña-samyutä-with the star Rohiëé; bhavet-is; prauñöha-pade-Bhadra; mäsi-in the month; jayanté-Jayanté; näma-named; sä-that; småtä-considered.

In that scripture it is also said:
When the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon on the Kåñëa-pakña añöamé of the month of Bhädra, that day is called Jayanté.

Text 332 

viñëu-dharmottare 
rohiëy-åkñaà yadä kåñëa-
pakñe 'ñöamyäà dvijottama
jayanté näma sä proktä
sarva-päpa-harä tithiù
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa; rohiëy-åkñam-with the star Rohiëé; yadä-when; kåñëa-pakñe-in the Kåñëa-paksa; añöamyäm-on the añöamé; dvijottama-O best of brahmanas; jayanté-Jayanté; näma-named; sä-that; proktä-said; sarva-päpa-harä-removing all sins; tithiù-say.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa it is said:
O best of brähmaëas, when the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon on the Kåñëa-pakña añöamé of the month of Bhädra, that day is called Jayanté. That day removes all sins.

Text 333 

yad bälye yä ca kaumäre
yauvane värdhake tathä
bahu-janma-kåtaà päpaà
hanti sopoñitä tithiù
yat-what; bälye-in childhoopd; yat-what; ca-and; kaumäre-in kumara; yauvane-in youth; värdhake-in maturity; tathä-so; bahu-many; janma-births; kåtam-done; päpam-sin; hanti-kills; sa-with; upoñitä-fasting; tithiù-day.

By fasting on that day one destroys many births' sins of 
childhood, youth, and maturity.

Text 334 

skände 
präjäpatyena samyuktä
äñöamé tu yadä bhavet
çrävaëe bahule pakñe
sarva-päpa-praëäçiné
skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; präjäpatyena-the star Rohiëi; samyuktä-with; äñöamé-añöamé; tu-indeed; yadä-when; bhavet-is; çrävaëe-in the month of Sravana; bahule pakñe-in the Kåñëa-paksa; sarva-päpa-praëäçiné-destroying all sins.

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
When the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon on the kåñëa-pakña of the Çrävaëa month, that day destroys all sins.

Text 335 

jayaà puëyaà ca kurute
jayantéà tena taà viduù
jayam-victory; puëyam-piety; ca-and; kurute-does; jayantém-Jayanté; tena'by that; tam-that; viduù-they know.

Because it brings victory (jaya, and piety, the wise call 
that day "Jayanté".

Text 336 

viñëu-puräëe 
kåñëäñöamyäà bhaved yatra
kalaikä rohiëé nåpa
jayanté näma sä jïeyä
upoñyä sa prayatnataù
viñëu-puräëe-in the Viñëu Puräëa; kåñëäñöamyäm-on kåñëäñöami; bhavet-is; yatra-where; kalä-phase; ekä-one; rohiëé-Rohiëé; nåpa-O king; jayanté-Jayanté; näma-called; sä-that; 
jïeyä-to be known; upoñyä-to be fasted; sa-that; 
prayatnataù-carefully.

In the Viñëu Puräëa it is said:
O king, when, on the añöamé of the kåñëa-pakña, the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon for even a single kalä, that day is called Jayanté. One should carefully fast on that day.

Text 337 

sapta-janma-kåtaà päpaà
räjan yat tri-vidhaà nåëäm
tat phälayati govindas
titthau tasyäà tu bhävitaù
sapta-janma-kåtam-done in seven births; päpam-sin; räjan-O king; yat-what; tri-vidham-three kinds; nåëäm-of the people; tat-that; phälayati-gives result; govindaù-Lord Kåñëa; tithau-day; tasyäm-on that; tu-indeed; bhävitaù-meditated upon.

O king, Lord Govinda destroys seven births of the three 
kinds of sins for one who worships Him or meditates on Him during 
that day.

Text 338 

upaväsaç ca tatrokto
mahä-pätaka-näçanaù
jayantyäà jagaté-päla
vidhinätra na saàçayaù
upaväsaù-fasting; ca-and; tatra-there; uktaù-said; mahä-pätaka-näçanaù-destroying the greatest sins; jayantyäm-on Jayanté; jagaté-the world; päla-protector; vidhinä-by rules; atra-here; na-no; saàçayaù-doubt.

O king, proper fasting on Jayanté destroys the greatest 
sins. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 339 

tretäyäà dväpare caiva
räjan kåta-yuge tathä
rohiëé-samyutä ceyaà
vidvadbhiù samupoñitä
tretäyäm-in Treta-yuga; dväpare-in Dvapara-yuga; ca-and; eva-indeed; räjan-O king; kåta-yuge-in Satya-yuga; tathä-so; rohiëé-samyutä-with Rohiëé; ca-and; iyam-this; vidvadbhiù-by the wise; samupoñitä-to be fasted.

O king, wise persons in Satya, Tretä, and Dväpara yuga fast 
on that day, when Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon.

Text 340 

agni-puräëe 
ardha-räträd adhaç cordhvaà
kalayä vä yadä bhavet
jayanté näma sä proktä
sarva-päpa-praëäçiné

agni-puräëe-in the Agni Puräëa; ardha-räträt-from half the 
night; adhaù-below; ca-and; urdhvam-above; kalayä-by a kala; vä-or; 
yadä-when; bhavet-is; jayanté-Jayanté; näma-named; sä-that; 
proktä-said; sarva-päpa-praëäçiné-destroying all sins.

In the Agni Puräëa it is said:
When for one kala' before or after the middle of the night the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon, that day is called Jayanté, a day that destroys all sins.

Text 341 

atha ardha-rätra-yutä janmäñöamé 
bhaviñya-viñëudharmayoù 
rohiëyäm ardha-rätre ca
yadä kåñëäñöamé bhavet
tasyäm abhyarcanaà çaure
hanti päpaà tri-janma-jam
atha-now; ardha-rätra-yutä-with the middle of the night; janmäñöamé-Janmäñöamé; bhaviñya-viñëudharmayoù-in the Bhavisya and Viñëu-dharma Puräëas; rohiëyäm-when Rohiëé; ardha-rätre-in the middle of the night; ca-and; yadä-when; kåñëäñöamé-Janmäñöamé; bhavet-is; tasyam-then; abhyarcanam-worship; çaure-O descendent of King Durasena; hanti-kills; päpam-sin; tri-janma-jam-created in three births.

Janmäñöamé When the Star Rohiëé Is Conjoined With the Moon 
in the Middle of the Night
In both the Bhaviñya and Viñëu-dharma Puräëas it is said:
O descendant of Çürasena, when one worships Lord Kåñëa on a Kåñëäñöamé day when the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon in the middle of the night, that worship destroys the sins of three births.

Text 342 

präjäpatyarkña-samyuktä
kåñëä nabhasi cäñöamé
sopaväso hareù püjäà
tatra kåtvä na sédati 
ardha-rätre ca yoge 'yaà 
täräpaty-udaye sati
präjäpatyarkña-samyuktä-with the star Rohiëé; kåñëä-Kåñëa; nabhasi-in the sky; ca-and; añöamé-añöamé; sopaväsaù-with fasting; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; püjäm-worship; tatra-there; kåtvä-doing; na-not; 
sidati-stays; ardha-rätre-in the middle of the night; ca-and; yoge-in yoga; ayam-this; täräpati-of the moon; udaye-the rising; 
sati-being.

When the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon on the 
Kåñëa-pakña añöamé, one should fast and worship Lord Hari. 
This is so even if the rising moon is not conjoined with Rohiëé 
in the middle of the night.

Texts 343 and 344 

kià ca 
rohiëé-sahitä kåñëä
mäsi bhädra-pade 'ñöamé
ardha-räträd adhaç cordhvaà
kalayäpi yadä bhavet
tatra jäto jagan-näthaù
kauñöubhé harir avyayaù
tam evopavaset kälaà
kuryät tatraiva jägaram
kim- ca-furthermore; rohiëé-sahitä-with Rohiëé; kåñëä-Kåñëa; mäsi-in the month; bhädra-pade-of Bhadra; añöamé-ther añöamé; ardha-half; räträt-night; adhaù-below; ca-and; ürdhvam-above; kalayä-by a kala; api-also; yadä-when; bhavet-may be; tatra-there; jätaù-born; jagan-näthaù-the master ofn the universes; kauñöubhé-who wears a Kaustubha jewel; hariù-Lord Kåñëa; avyayaù-eternal and infallible; tam-that; eva-indeed; upavaset-should fast; kälam-time; kuryät-should do; tatra-there; eva-indeed; jägaram-vigil.

It is also said:
When for one kala' before or after the middle of the night the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon on the kåñëa-pakña añöamé of the month Bhädra, that is the moment of the birth of Lord Hari, the infallible Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the master of the universes, and who is decorated with the Kaustubha jewel. On that day one should fast and keep an all-night vigil.

Text 345 

jayanté näma sä rätris
tatra jäto janärdanaù
niyatätmä çuciù snätvä
püjäà tatra pravartayet
jayanté-Jayanté; näma-named; sä-that; rätriù-night; tatra-there; jätaù-born; janärdanaù-Lord Kåñëa; niyatätmä-self-controlled; çuciù-pure; snätvä-bathing; püjäm-worship; tatra-then; pravartayet-should perform.

On that night, which bears the name Jayanté, Lord Kåñëa was born. At that time a self-controlled and pure-hearted person 
should bathe himself and then worship Lord Kåñëa.

Text 346 

vahni-puräëe 
sama-yoge tu rohiëyäc
niçéthe räja-sattama
samajäyata govindo
bäla-rüpé catur-bhujaù 
tasmät tam- püjayet tatra 
yathä-vittänusarataù
vahni-puräëe-in the Agni Puräëa; sama-yoge-conjoined; tu-indeed; rohiëyäc-with Rohiëé; niçéthe-in the middle of the night; räja-sattama-O best of kings; samajäyata-was born; govindaù-Kåñëa; bäla-rüpé-in the form of a child; catur-bhujaù-with four arms; tasmät-then; tam-Him; püjayet-should worship; tatra-there; yathä-vittänusarataù-as one has the wealth.

In the Agni Puräëa it is said: 
O best of kings, in the middle of the night, at a time when the star Rohiëé was conjoined with the moon, Lord Govinda was born as a four-armed infant. At that time one should worship the � Lord in a way appropriate to one's own wealth.

Text 347 

bhaviñyottare 
mäsi bhädra-pade 'ñöamyäà
kåñëa-pakñe 'rdha-rätrake
çaçäìke våña-räçi-sthe
präjäpatyarkña-samyute 
upoñito 'rcayet kåñëaà 
yaçodäà devakéà tathä
bhaviñyottare-in the Bhavisya Puräëa, Uttara-khanda; mäsi-in the month; bhädra-pade-of Bhadra; añöamyäm-on the añöamé; kåñëa-pakñe-on the Kåñëa-paksa; ardha-rätrake-in the middle of the night; çaçäìke-the moon; våña-räçi-sthe-in Taurus; präjäpatyarkña-samyute-withthe star Rohiëé; upoñitaù-fasting; arcayet-should worship; kåñëam-Lord Kåñëa; yaçodäm-Yaçodä; devakém-Devaké; tathä-so.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa it is said:
On the kåñëa-pakña añöamé of the month of Bhädra, in the middle of the night, when the moon is with the star Rohiëé in Taurus, one should fast and worship Lord Kåñëa along with Yaçoda' and Devaké.

Text 348 

kià ca 
mäsi bhädra-pade 'ñöamyäà
niçéthe kåñëa-pakñake
çaçäìke våña-räçi-sthe
åkñe rohiëé-samjïake 
yoge 'smin vasudeväd dhi 
devé devam ajéjanat
kim- ca-furthermore; mäsi-in the month; bhädra-pade-of Bhadra; añöamyäm-on the astmami; niçéthe-in the middle of the night; kåñëa-pakñake'in the Kåñëa-paksa; çaçäìke-the moon; våña-räçi-sthe-in taurus; åkñe-the star; rohiëé-samjïake-named Rohiëé; yoge-in conjunction; asmin-in this; vasudevät-from Vasudeva; hi-indeed; devé-Devaké; devam'the Supreme Personality of Godhead; ajéjanat-gave birth.

It is also said:
On the kåñëa-pakña añöamé of the month of Bhädra, in the middle of the night, when the moon was with the star Rohiëé in Taurus, Devaké gave birth to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who was begotten by Mahäräja Vasudeva.

Text 349 

tasmät sampüjayed atra
çuciù samyag-upoñitaù
tasmät-therefore; sampüjayet-one should worship; atra-then; çuciù'pure; samyag-upoñitaù-properly fasting.

On that day a pure-hearted person should properly fast and 
worship Lord Kåñëa.

Text 350 

pädme 
preta-yonià gatänäà tu
pretatvaà näçitaà naraiù
yaiù kåtvä çrävaëe mäsi
añöamé rohiëé-yutä
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; preta-yonim-birth as a preta; gatänäm-attained; tu-indeed; pretatvam-status as a preta; näçitam-dcestroyed; naraiù-by people; yaiù-who; kåtvä-doing; çrävaëe-of Sravabna; mäsi-in the month; añöamé-the añöamé; rohiëé-yutä-with Rohiëé.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
Ghosts who observe the añöamé when Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon in the month of Çravaëa become free from having to be ghosts.

Text 351 

kià punar budha-väreëa
somenäpi viçeñataù
kià punar navamé-yuktä
kula-koöyas tu mukti-dä
kim-what?; punaù-more; budha-väreëa-by Wednesday; somena-by the moon; api-also; viçeñataù-especially; kim-what?; punaù-more; navamé-navami; yuktä-with; kula-koöyaù-ten million relatives; tu-indeed; mukti-dä-giving liberation.

How much more is this true when this day falls on a Wednesday 
or Monday? How much more is this true when this day is joined 
with the navamé? At that time this day brings liberation to ten 
million of one's kinsmen.

Text 352 

skände 
udaye cäñöamé kiïcin
navamé sa-kalä yadi
bhavate budha-samyuktä
präjäpatyarkña-samyutä 
api varña-çatenäpi 
labhyate vä na vä vibho
skände-Skanda; udaye-rising; ca-and; añöamé-añöamé; ki.sy 241cit-something; navamé-navami; sa-kalä-with the kala; yadi-if; bhavate-is; budha-samyuktä-with mercury; präjäpatyarkña-samyutä-with Rohiëé; api-also; varña-çatena-with a hundred years; api-also; labhyate-is attained; vä-or; na-not; vä-or; vibhaù-O almighty Lord.

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
If a kala' of the navamé is present in the añöamé, and if both Mercury and Rohiëé are conjoined with the moon, that is a very rare occurrence. Such a time may come after a hundred years, or then, O almighty Lord, it may not come, even after a hundred years.

Text 353 

bhaviñye ca 
navamyäà yoga-nidrayä
janmäñöamyäà hares tataù
navamyä sahitopoñyä
rohiëé-budha-samyutä. iti.
bhaviñye-in the Bhavisya Puräëa; ca-and; navamyäm-on the navami; yoga-nidrayä-with yoga-nidra; janmäñöamyäm-on Janmäñöamé; 
hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; tataù-then; navamyä-by the navami; 
sahitopoñyä-to be fasted; rohiëé-budha-samyutä-with Rohiëé and 
Mercury; iti-thus.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa it is said:
One should fast on Kåñëa-janmäñöamé when there is navamé and yoga-nidra' and when Rohiëé and Mercury are conjoined with the moon.

Text 354 

induù pürve 'hani jïe vä
pare ced rohiëé-yutä
kevalä cäñöamé våddhä
sopoñyä navamé-yutä
induù-the moon; pürve-on the previous; ahani-day; j.sy 241e-Mercury; vä-or; pare-on the nexct; cet-if; rohiëé-yutä-with Rohiëé; kevalä-alone; ca-and; äñöamé-añöamé; våddhä-increased; sopoñyä-increased; navamé-yutä-with the navamé.

One should fast on the añöamé when on the previous day 
the moon is conjoined with Mercury, or when on the following day 
the moon is conjoined with Rohiëé, or when the añöamé is 
joined with the navamé.

Text 355 

tathä ca pädme 
muhürtenäpi samyuktä
sampürëä cäñöamé bhavet
kià punar navamé-yuktä
kula-koöyas tu mukti-dä
tathä-so; ca-and; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; muhürtena-with a muhurta; api-even; samyuktä-conjpined; sampürëä-full; ca-and; añöamé-añöamé; bhavet-is; kim-what?; punaù-more; navamé-yuktä-with the navami; kula-koöyaù-ten million relatives; tu-indeed; mukti-dä-giving liberation.

How much more is this true when on the añöamé even for a 
muhüta the moon is conjoined with Rohiëé and this day is joined 
with the navamé? At that time this day brings liberation to ten 
million of one's kinsmen.

Text 356 

sütoktau ca 
mäsi bhädra-pade kåñëä
añöamé navamé bhavet
püjyäñöamé tataù pumbhiù
strébhiç cäpi viçeñataù
süta-of Süta Gosvami; uktau-in the statement; ca-and; mäsi-in the month; bhädra-pade-of Bhadra; kåñëä-Kåñëa; añöamé-añöamé; navamé-navami; bhavet-is; püjyä-to be worshiped; añöamé-añöamé; tataù-then; pumbhiù-by men; strébhiù-by women; ca-and; api-and; viçeñataù-especially.

Çré Süta Gosvämé explains:
When in the month of Bhädra the kåñëa-pakña añöamé is joined with the navamé, that añöamé should be worshiped by all men and women.

Text 357 

rohiëy-äder viyuktäpi
sopoñyä kevaläñöamé
tat-tad-yogas tu vaisiñöye
vrata-lopo 'nyathä bhavet
rohiëy-ädeù-beginning with Rohiëé; viyuktä-separtaed; api-even; sopoñyä-tpo be fasted; kevalä-only; añöamé-añöamé; tat-tad-yogaù-conjoined to that; tu-but; vaisiñöye-specifically; vrata-of the vow; lopaù-omission; anyathä-otherwise; bhavet-should be.

Even if the auspicious conjunction of Rohiëé and other 
luminaries are not present, one should still fast on Janmäñöamé. 
However, in the absence of these especially auspicious situations 
it is possible not to observe the vow.

Text 358 

itthaà çuddhaiva likhitä
yogäd bahu-vidhäñöamé
tyäjyä viddhä ca saptamyä
sä viddhaikädaçé yathä     
ittham-thus; çuddhä-pure; eva-indeed; likhitä-written; yogät-from yoga; bahu-vidhä-many kinds; añöamé-añöamés; tyäjyä-to be abandoned; viddhä-wounded; ca-and; saptamyä-by the saptami; sä-and; viddha-wounded; ekädaçéelkadasi; yathä-as.

In this way the many different kinds of pure añöamés are 
described in the writing of the scriptures. However, when it is 
mixed with the saptamé, the añöamé should not be observed. This 
is like an ekädaçé that should not observed.

Text 359 

atha saptamé-viddha-janmäñöamé-niñedhaù 
brahma-vaivarte 

varjanéyä prayatnena 
saptamé-sahitäñöamé
sa-rkñäpi na kartavyä
saptamé-samyutäñöamé
atha-; saptamé-viddha-viddha by the saptami; janmäñöamé-Janmäñöamé; niñedhaù-forbidden; brahma-vaivarte-in Brahma-vaivarta Puräëa; varjanéyä-to be avoided; prayatnena-carefully; saptamé-sahitäñöamé-the saptami; sa-rkñä-with the star; api-even; na-not; kartavyä-to be done; saptamé-samyutä-with the saptami; añöamé-the añöamé.

When It Is Viddha by the Saptamé, Janmäñöamé Should Not Be 
Observed
In the Brahma-vaivarta Puräëa it is said:
One should carefully avoid the añöamé that is viddha by the saptamé. Even if Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon, one should not observe an añöamé that is viddha by the saptamé.

Text 360 

pädme 
païca-gavyaà yathä çuddhaà
na grähyaà madya-samyutam
ravi-viddhä tathä tyäjyä
rohiëé-sahitä yadi
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; païca-gavyam-pancay-gavya; yathä-as; çuddham-pure; na-not; grähyam-to be ataken; madya-with wine; samyutam-mixed; ravi-viddhä-wounded by the saptami; tathä-so; tyäjyä-to be rejected; rohiëé-sahitä-with Rohiëé; yadi-if.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
As one should not accept pure païca-gavya if it is mixed with wine, so one should not observe Janmäñöamé if it is viddha by the saptamé. This is so even if Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon.

Text 361 

pürva-viddhä yathä nandä
varjitä çrävaëänvitä
tathäñöaméà pürva-viddhäà
sa-åkñaà ca vivarjayet
pürva-viddhä-prteviously wounded; yathä-as; nandä-ekadasi; varjitä'avoided; çrävaëänvitä-with Sravana; tathä-so; añöamém-añöamé; pürva-viddhäm-wounded by the previous; sa-åkñam-with the star; ca-and; vivarjayet-should avoid.

As ekädaçé should not observed when it is viddha by the 
previous day, so Janmäñöamé should not be observed when it is 
viddha by the previous day. This is so even when the star Rohiëé 
is conjoined with the moon.

Text 362 

varjanéyä prayatnena
saptamé-samyutäñöamé
vinä åkñena kartavyä
navamé-samyutäñöamé
varjanéyä-to be avoided; prayatnena-carefully; saptamé-samyutäñöamé-Janmäñöamé viddha by the saptami; vinä-with; 
åkñena-the star; kartavyä-to be done; navamé-
samyutäñöamé-Janmäñöamé viddha by the navamé.

One should take care not to observe Janmäñöamé when it is 
viddha by the saptamé. However one should observe Janmäñöamé when 
it is viddha by the navamé. This is true even if the star Rohiëé 
is not conjoined with the moon.

Text 363 

aviddhäyäà sa-åkñäyäà
jäto devaké-nandanaù
aviddhäyäm-not viddha; sa-åkñäyäm-with the star; jätaù-born; devaké-nandanaù-the son of Devaké.

Lord Kåñëa, the son of Devaké, was born when the añöamé 
was not viddha and when the star Rohiëé was conjoined with the 
moon.

Text 364 

väsare vä niçärdhe vä
saptamyäà ca yadäñöamé
pürva-miçrä tadä tyäjyä
präjäpatyarkña-samyutä
väsare-in the day; vä-or; niçärdhe-in the middle of the night; vä-or; saptamyäm-on the saptami; ca-and; yadä-when; añöamé-the añöamé; pürva-miçrä-mixed with the previous day; tadä-then; tyäjyä-to be rejected; präjäpatyarkña-samyutä-with the star Rohiëé.

If, during the day or in the middle of the night, the 
añtamé is mixed with the saptamé, that añöamé should not be 
observed, even if the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon.

Text 365 

pädme 

janmäñöaméà pürva-viddhäà
sa-åkñäà sa-kaläm api
vihäya navaméà çuddhäà
upoñya vratam äcaret
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; janmäñöamém-Janmäñöamé; pürva-viddhäm-viddha by the previous day; sa-åkñäm-with the star; sa-kaläm-with a kala; api-even; vihäya-rejecting; navamém-navami; çuddhäm-pure; upoñya-fasting; vratam-vow; äcaret-should observe.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
If it is viddha by the previous day, Janmäñöamé should not be observed. This is true even if it is sa-kala' and even if the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon. In that situation one should fast and observe the vow on the pure navamé instead of on the añöamé.

Text 366 

sa-kaläpi sa-åkñäpi
navamé-samyutäpi ca
janmäñöamé pürva-viddhä
na kartavyä kadäcana
sa-kalä-with kala; api-even; sa-åkñä-with the star; api-even; navamé-samyutä-with the navami; api-even; ca-and; janmäñöamé'Janmäñöamé; pürva-by the previous day; viddhä-viddhq; na-not; kartavyä-to be done; kadäcana-ever.

Even if it is sa-kala' and even if the star Rohiëé is 
conjoined with the moon, Janmäñöamé should never be observed on 
an añtamé that is viddha by the previous day. 

Text 367 

palavedhe tu viprendra
saptamyä cäñöaméà tyajet
surayä bindunä spåñöaà
gaìgämbhaù-kalasaà yathä
palavedhe-for a moment; tu-but; viprendra-O king of brahmanas; saptamyä-with the saptami; ca-and; añöamém-añöamé; tyajet-sghould abandon; surayä-with wine; bindunä-with adrop; spåñöam-touched; gaìgämbhaù-kalasam-a pot of Ganges water; yathä-as.

As one should reject a pitcher of Ganges water that has been 
touched by a single drop of liquor, so one should reject a 
Janmäñöamé touched for even a moment by the saptamé.

Text 368 

vinä rkñeëa kartavyä
navamé-samyutäñöamé
sa-åkñäpi na kartavyä
saptamé-samyutäñöamé
vinä-without; rkñeëa-the star; kartavyä-to be done; navamé-samyutä-with the navami; añöamé-añöamé; sa-åkñä-with the star; api-even; na-not; kartavyä-to be done; saptamé-samyutä-with the saptami; añöamé-añöamé.

Even if the star Rohiëé is not conjoined with the moon, one 
should observe the Janmäñöamé that is touched by the navamé. But, 
even if the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon, one should 
not observe the Janmäñöamé that is touched by the saptamé.

Text 369 

tasmät sarva-prayatnena
tyäjyam eväçubhaà budhaiù
vedhe puëya-kñayaà yäti
tamaù süryodaye yathä
tasmät-there; sarva-prayatnena-with all care; tyäjyam-to be avoided; eva-in deed; açubham-inauspicious; budhaiù-by the wise; vedhe-a moment; puëya-of piety; kñayam-destruction; yäti-attains; tamaù-darkness; sürya-of the sun; udaye-in the rising; yathä-as.

Therefore the wise should carefully avoid celebrating 
Janmäñöamé at that inauspicious time. By celebrating at that time 
all one's piety is at once destroyed in the same way the darkness 
of night is destroyed when the sun rises.

Text 370 

yäjïavalkya-småtau 
sampürëä cärdha-rätre tu
rohiëé yadi labhyate
kartavyä sä prayatnena
pürva-viddhäà vivarjayet. iti.
yäjïavalkya-småtau-in the Yajnavalkya-smrti; sampürëä-full; ca-and; ardha-rätre-in the middle of the night; tu-indeed; rohiëé-Rohiëé; yadi-if; labhyate-is attained; kartavyä-to be done; sa-that; prayatnena-with care; pürva-viddhäm-viddha by the previous day; vivarjayet-should avoid; iti-thus.

In the Yäjïavalkya-småti it is said:
Even if the star Rohiëé is perfectly conjoined with the moon in the middle of the night, an añöamé that is viddha by the previous day should not be celebrated.

Text 371 

yä ca vahni-puraëädau
proktaà viddhäñöamé-vratam
avaiñëava-paraà tä ca
kåtaà tad deva-mäyayä
yat-what; ca-aznd; vahni-puraëädau-in the Agni Puräëa and other scriptures; proktam-said; viddhäñöamé-vratam-an añöamé that is viddha;; avaiñëava-param-not dear to the Vaiñëavas; tat-that; ca-and; kåtam-done; tat-that; deva-mäyayä-by the illusory potency of the Lord.

In the Agni Puräëa and other scriptures it is said that the 
añöamé that is viddha in this way is not dear to the 
Vaiñëavas. Such an añöamé is a creation of the Lord's illusory 
potency, mäyä.

Text 372 

tathä ca skände 
purä devair åñi-gaëaiù
sva-pada-cyuti-çaìkayä
saptamé-vedha-jälena
gopitaà hy añöamé-vratam
tathä-so; ca-and; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; purä-previously; devaiù-by the demigods; åñi-gaëaiù-by the sages; sva-pada-from the status; cyuti-falling; çaìkayä-by the fear; saptamé-of the spatami; vedha-of moments; jälena-by the network; gopitam-hidden; hi-indeed; añöamé-vratam-the vow odf the añöamé.

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
Fearing that they would fall from their exalted posts, in ancient times the demigods and sages carefully avoided observing this vow on an añöamé viddha by the saptamé.

Text 373 

iyaà prämäëikaiù kåñëa-
deväcäryädi-vaiñëavaiù
vyavasthänyä ca nirëétä
likhitäcärataù satäm
iyam-this; prämäëikaiù-by the evidence; kåñëa-deväcärya-Kåñëadevacarya; ädi-beginning with; vaiñëavaiù-by the Vaiñëavas; vyavasthä-situation; anyä-another; ca-and; nirëétä-concluded; likhitä-written; äcärataù-from the activities; satäm-of the saintly devotees.

In this way, following the evidence presented by Çré 
Kåñëadeväcärya and other saintly Vaiñëavas and also following the 
practical actions of the great devotees, the way of observing 
Janmäñöamé and other holy days is described in this book.

Text 374 

çuddhä ca rohiëé-yuktä
pürve 'hani paratra ca
añöamy upoñyä pürvaiva
tithi-bhänte ca päraëam
çuddhä-pure; ca-and; rohiëé-yuktä-with Rohiëé; pürve-on the previous; ahani-day; paratra-on the next; ca-and; añöami-the añöamé; upoñyä-to be fasted; pürva-previous; eva-indeed; tithi-of the day; bhä-of the star; ante-after; ca-and; päraëam-breaking the fast.

On a pure añöamé, when the star Rohiëé is conjoined with 
the moon and when the previous and following days are also pure, 
one should fast. One should break the fast after both the tithi 
and conjunction of the star Rohiëé have ended.

Texts 375 and 376 

kevala-kåñëopäsanä-çästre gautaméya-tantre tantra-dékñäm 
uddiçya yathoktam 
atha bhädräsitäñöamyäà
präduräsét svayaà hariù
brahmaëä prärthitaù pürvaà
devakyäà kåpayä vibhuù
rohiëy-åkñe çubha-tithau
daityänäà näça-hetave
mahotsavaà prakurvéta
yatnatas tad-dine çubhe
kevala-kåñëopäsanä-çästre-scripture describing pure devotional service to Lord Kåñëa; gautaméya-tantre-in the Gautamiya Tantra; tantra-Tantric; dékñäm-initiation; uddiçya-in relation to; yathä-as; uktam-said; atha-then; bhädra-of the month of Bhadra; asita-in the Kåñëa-paksa; añöamyäm-on the añöamé; präduräsét-appeared; svayam-personally; hariù-Lord Kåñëa; brahmaëä-by Brahmä; prärthitaù-requested; pürvam-previously; devakyäm-in Devaké; kåpayä-mercifully; vibhuù-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; rohiëy-åkñe-the star Rohiëé; çubha-tithau-on the auspicious day; daityänäm-of the demigopds; näça-hetave-for destructionm; mahotsavam-a great festival; prakurvéta-should do; yatnataù-carefully; tad-dine-on that day; çubhe-auspicious.

In the Gautaméya Tantra, which describes pure devotional 
service to Lord Kåñëa, in the course of describing Vaiñëava 
tantré initiation, it is said:
On the demigod Brahmä's request, Lord Kåñëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, mercifully appeared in the womâ of Devaké on the kåñëa-pakña añöamé of the month Bhädra, an auspicious day when the star Rohiëé was conjoined with the moon. The Lord's mission then was to kill the demons. One should carefully celebrate a great festival on that auspicious day.

Text 377 

räjanyair brähmaëair vaiçyaiù
çüdraiç caiva sva-çaktitaù
upaväsaù prakartavyo
na bhoktavyaà kadäcana
räjanyaiù-by ksatriyas; brähmaëaiù-by brahmanas; vaiçyaiù-by vaisyas; çüdraiù-by sudras; caiva-and; sva-çaktitaù-according to therir ability; upaväsaù-fasting; prakartavyaù-to be done; na-not; bhoktavyam-to beeaten; kadäcana-ever.

On that day brähmaëas, kñatriyas, vaiçyas, and çüdras 
should all observe a fast, each according to his own ability. At 
no time on that day should anything be eaten.

Text 378 

kåñëa-janma-dine yas tu
bhuìkte sa tu narädhamaù
nivasen narake ghore
yävad ähüta-samplavam
kåñëa-janma-dine-on the day of Lord Kåñëa's birth; yaù-who; tu-indeed; bhuìkte-eats; sa-he; tu-indeed; narädhamaù-the lowest of men; nivaset-will reside; narake-in hell; ghore-horrible; yävat-as long as; ähüta-samplavam-the time of cosmé devastation.

One who eats on the day of Lord Kåñëa's birth is the lowest 
of men. He will live in a horrible hell until the time when the 
material universe is destroyed.

Text 379 

añöamé rohiëé-yuktä
cärdha-rätraà yadä spåçet
upoñya taà tithià vidvän
koöi-yajïa-phalaà labhet
añöamé-the añöamé; rohiëé-yuktä-with Rohiëé; ca-and; ardha-half; rätram-the night; yadä-when; spåçet-touches; upoñya-fasting; tam-that; tithim-day; vidvän-the wise; koöi-yajïa-phalam-the result of ten million yajnas; labhet-attains.

A wise devotee who fasts on the añöamé when the star 
Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon at the middle of the night 
attains the result of performing ten million yajïas.

Text 380 

somähni budha-väre vä
cäñöamé rohiëé-yutä
jayanté näma sä khyätä
taà labhet puëya-saïcayaiù
somähni-Monday; budha-väre-on Wednesday; vä-or; ca-and; añöamé-the añöamé; rohiëé-yutä-with Rohiëé; jayanté-Jayanté; näma-named; sä-that; khyätä-called; tam-that; labhet-attains; puëya-saïcayaiù-with great piety.

When the añöamé falls on a Monday or Wednesday when the 
star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon, that day is called 
Jayanté. That day brings great piety.

Text 381 

tasyäm upoñya yat päpaà
lokaù koöi-bhavodbhavam
vimucya nivased vipra
vaikuëöhe viraje pure
tasyäm-on that day; upoñya-fastring; yat-what; päpam-sin; lokaù-the people; koöi-bhavodbhavam-in ten million births; vimucya-becoming free; nivaset-resides; vipra-O brahmanas; vaikuëöhe-in the spiritual world; viraje-pure; pure-in the city.

One who fasts on that day becomes free from the sins of ten 
million births. He resides in the pure spiritual world.

Text 382 

añöamé navamé-viddhä
umä-maheçvaré-tithiù
saivopoñyä sadä puëya-
kaìkñibhé rohiëéà vinä
añöamé-añöamé; navamé-viddhä-viddha by the navami; umä-maheçvaré-tithiù-the day of Goddess Umä; sa-that; eva-indeed; upoñyä-to be fasted; sadä-always; puëya-piety; kaìkñibhiù-by they who desire; rohiëém-Rohiëé; vinä-without.

The añtamé viddha by the navamé is also sacred to Goddess 
Umä. They who desire piety should fast on that day, even if the 
star Rohiëé is not conjoined with the moon.

Text 383 

para-viddhä sadä käryä
pürva-viddhäà tu varjayet
añöamé saptamé-viddhä
hanyät puëyaà purä-kåtam
para-viddhä-viddha by the following day; sadä-always; käryä-to be observed; pürva-viddhäm-viddha by the previous day; tu-but; varjayet'should avoid; añöamé-añöamé; saptamé-viddhä-viddha by the saptami; hanyät-destroys; puëyam-piety; purä-kåtam-previous acquired.

One should observe the Janmäñöamé that is viddha by the 
following day and one should not observe it when it is viddha by 
the previous day. When it is viddha by the previous day, the 
añöamé destroys one's previously acquired piety.

Text 384 

brahma-hatyä-phalaà dadyäd
dhari-vaimukhya-käraëät
kevalas tö arkña-yogena
upaväsa-sthitim- vinä 
na yacchati çubham- käryam- 
munibhiù parikértitam
brahma-hatyä-phalam-the result of killing a brahmana; dadyät-gives; hari-vaimukhya-käraëät-from being averse to Lord Kåñëa; kevalaù-only; tu-indeed; arkña-yogena-with the star; upaväsa-sthitim-fasting; vinä-without; na-not; yacchati-gives; çubham-auspoiciousness; käryam-to be done; munibhiù-by the sages; parikértitam-glorified.

One who, because he is averse to Lord Kåñëa, does not 
observe a fast on the Janmäñöamé when the star Rohiëé is 
conjoined with the moon attains the sinful reaction of murdering 
a brähmaëa. He does not attain the pious benefits described by 
the sages.

Text 385 

pare 'hni päraëaà kuryät
tithy-ante vätha åkñataù
pare-on the following; ahni-day; päraëam-breaking the fast; kuryät-should do; tithy-ante-at the end of the tithi; vä-or; atha-then; åkñataù-from the star.

On the following day one should break his fast. The fast 
should be broken either at the end of the tithi or at the end of 
the time when the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the moon.

Text 386 

yad-åkñaà vä tithir väpi
rätrià vyäpya vyavasthitä
divase päraëaà kuryäd
anyathä patanaà bhavet. iti
yad-åkñam-the star; vä-or; tithiù-the tithi; vä-or; api-also; rätrim-the night; vyäpya-extending; vyavasthitä-situated; divase-in the day; päraëam-breaking the fast; kuryät-should do; anyathä-otherwise; patanam-falling down; bhavet-may be; iti-thus.

If either the tithi or the Rohiëé-moon conjunction extend 
through the entire night, then one should break his fast on the following day. By failing to do this one falls down.

Text 387 

umä-maheçvaré-tithiù. iti tat-samjïety arthaù.
umä-maheçvaré-tithiù-Umä-maheçvaré-tithih; iti-thus; tat-samjïä-named that; iti-thus; arthaù-the meaning.

This day is also called Umä-maheçvaré-tithi.

Text 388 

atra käraëaà yathoktaà bhoja-räjéye 
añöamyäà püjayec chambhuà
navamyäà çaktir ijyate
tayor yoge tu sampräpte
dvayoù pujä mahä-phalä. iti.
atra-here; käraëam-the reason; yathä-as; uktam-said; bhoja-räjéye-in the Bhoja-rajiya; añöamyäm-on the añöamé; püjayet-should worship; çambhum-Çambhu; navamyäm-on the navami; çaktiù-Çakti; ijyate-is worshiped; tayoù-of them; yoge-in the meeting; tu-indeed; sampräpte-attained; dvayoù-of them both; pujä-worship; mahä-phalä-great result; iti-thus.

The reason this is so is given in the following words of the 
Bhoja-räjéya:
On the añöamé one should worship Lord Çiva, and on the navamé one should worship his potency. When these two holy days meet, the performance of worship brings a great result.

Text 389 

atra kevalam ity ädäv
umä-maheçvaré tithiù
tithiù proktä saiva yasmäd
upoñyatvena niçcitä
atra-here; kevalam-only; iti-thus; ädäu-beginning; umä-maheçvaré-Uma-maheçvaré; tithiù-day; tithiù-day; proktä-said; sa-that; eva-indeed; yasmät-from which; upoñyatvena-because of being suitable for fasting; niçcitä-is considered.

The passage beginning with the word "kevalam" 
declares that this day is also called Uma'-maheçvaré-tithi. 
Therefore one should fast on this day (the añtamé that is 
viddha by the navamé).

Text 390 

api-çabdas tu tatra syäd
yad-uktaà rohiëéà vinä
tasmäd aträpi saptamyä
viddhäñöamy eva varjitä
api-çabdaù-the word api; tu-indeed; tatra-there; syät-is; yad-uktam-said; rohiëém-Rohiëé; vinä-without; tasmät-therefore; atra-here; api-even; saptamyä-by the saptami; viddha-viddha; añöami-the añöamé; eva-indeed; varjitä-to be avoided.

The word "api" here means "even if the star 
Rohiëé is not conjoined with the moon." However, the añöamé 
should not be observed when it is viddha by the saptamé.

Text 391 

yad-åkñaà ceti yad-väkyaà
tat tu sämänya-tad-yutau
prasaìgäd uktam asmin hi
viddhä tyaktaiva sägraham
yad-åkñam-the star; ca-and; iti-thus; yad-väkyam-which statement; tat-that; tu-indeed; sämänya-tad-yutau-with that; prasaìgät-from contact; uktam-said; asmin-in that; hi-indeed; 
viddhä-viddha; tyaktä-to be avoided; eva-indeed; 
sägraham-carefully.

Therefore, even if the star Rohiëé is conjoined with the 
moon, one should take care not to observe an añtamé that is 
viddha by the saptamé. 

Text 392 

çruti-liìgädika-nyäyäc
chruter eva hi mukhyatä
tad evam añöamé-hänau
vrata-lopaù prasajyate 
tan-nirastam- pürvam eva 
skända-väkyänusärataù
çruti-liìgädika-nyäyät-from the indications of Sruti-sastra; chruteù-from Sruti; eva-indeed; hi-indeed; mukhyatä-predominence; tat-that; evam-thus; añöamé-añöamé; hänau-destroying; vrata-lopaù-breaking the ow; prasajyate-is attached; tan-nirastam-leaving that; pürvam-before; eva-indeed; skända-väkyänusärataù-accroding to the words of Skanda Puräëa.

Both the Çruti-çästra and the Skanda Puräëa affirm that one 
should not observe the añöamé that is viddha by the saptamé.

Text 393 

janmäñöaméà pürva-viddhäà
ity ädyaà yad-udéritam
nåsiàha-paricaryäyäà
dåñöäntaç ca pradarç#itaù

janmäñöamém-Janmäñöamé; pürva-viddhäm-viddha by the previous 
day; iti-thus; ädyam-beginning; yad-udéritam-said; nåsiàha-
paricaryäyäm-in the Nåsiàha-paricaryä; dåñöäntaù-an example; 
ca'and; pradarç#itaù-shown.

This is described in the passage beginning with the words 
"Janmäñöamém- pürva-viddhäm". The Nåsiàha-paricaryä also 
gives an example to show this. 

Text 394 

daçamé-vedha-yogena
çuddhaà hi dvädaçé-vratam
saptamy-avedha-vedhokti-
vyavasthä yä kåtä paraiù 
nirastä sä purä devair 
ity ädi vacaso balät
daçamé-vedha-yogena-with the touch of the dasami; çuddham-pure; hi-indeed; dvädaçé-vratam-dvadasi vow; saptamy-a-not; vedha-vedhokti-vyavasthä-with the saptami; yä-which; kåtä-done; paraiù-by thers; nirastä-rejected; sä-that; purä-in ancient times; devaiù-by the devas; iti-thus; ädi-beginning; vacasaù-of words; balät-by the power.

A dvädaçé that is viddha by the daçamé is still pure. 
However, an añtamé that is viddha by the saptamé is rejected. 
This is confirmed by the passage beginning with the words .sy 
168nirastä sä purä devaiù".

Text 395 

vaiñëavävaiñëava-dvaidhäd
dvyasthaiva tad arhati
vaiñëava-of Vaiñëavas; avaiñëava-and non-Vaiñëavas; dvaidhät-because of the difference; dvyasthä-two positions; eva-indeed; tat-that; arhati-should be.

It is because the Vaiñëavas and non-Vaiñëavas are different 
that there are two opinions about this.

Text 396 

yata uktam ägneya-viñëudharmayoù 
dvau bhüta-sargau loke 'smin
daivä äsura eva ca
viñëu-bhaktaù småto daiva
äsuras tad-viparyayaù
yataù-because; uktam-said; ägneya-viñëudharmayoù-in the Agni 
Puräëa and Visnu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khanda; dvau-two; bhüta' of 
the living beings; sargau-dispositions; loke-in the world; asmin-in this; daivä-godly; äsura-demonic; eva-certainly; ca-and; 
viñëu-bhaktaù-a devotee of Lord Viñëu; småtaù-remembered; 
daiva-godly; äsuraù-demoné tad-viparyayaù-the oppoiste of that.

In both the Agni Puräëa and the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-
khaëòa, it is said:
There are two classes of men in the created world. One 
consists of the demoniä and the other of the godly. The devotees 
of Viñëu are the godly, whereas those who are just the opposite 
are called demons.*

Text 397 

atha janmäñöamé-päraëa-käla-nirëayaù 
çuddhäyäù kevaläyäç ca-
ñöamé-våddhau tu päraëam
tithy-ante bhe 'dhike bhänte
dvi-våddhau caika-bhedataù
atha-now; janmäñöamé-päraëa-käla-nirëayaù-the time of breaking the fast after Janmäñöamé; çuddhäyäù-pure; kevaläyäù-only; ca-and; añöamé-añöamé; våddhau-in maturity; tu-indeed; päraëam-breaking the fast; tithy-ante-at the end of the tithi; bhe-at the star; adhike-more; bhänte-at rthe star; dvi-two; våddhau-mature; ca-and; eka-one; bhedataù-because of the difference.

The Time of Breaking the Janmäñöamé Fast
When the pure añtamé comes to an end, one should break the fast. The fast may be broken at the end of the tithi or at the end of the Rohiëé-moon conjunction.

Text 398 

tathä ca vahni-puräëe 
bhänte kuryät tither väpi
çastaà bhärata päraëam
tathä-so; ca-and; vahni-puräëe-in the Agni Puräëa; bhänte-the star; kuryät-should do; titheù-of the tithi; vä-or; api-also; çastam-renjoined; bhärata-O Bharata; päraëam-breaking the fast.

In the Agni Puräëa it is said:
O descendant of Bharata, one may break the fast at the end of the tithi or at the end of the Rohiëé-moon conjunction.

Text 399 

kià ca 

rohiëé-samyutä ceyaà
vidvadbhiù samupoñitä
viyoge päraëaà kuryur
munayo brahma-vädinaù
kim- ca-furthermore; rohiëé-samyutä-with Rohiëé; ca-and; iyam-this; vidvadbhiù-bythe wise; samupoñitä-fasted; viyoge-in separation; päraëam-breaking the fast; kuryuù-should do; munayaù-the sages; brahma-vädinaù-who speak of Brahman.

It is also said:
The wise fast during the Rohiëé-moon conjunction. When the conjunction is over, the brahmavädé sages break their fast.

Text 400

samyaugike tu sampräpte
yatra ko 'pi viyujyate
tatraiva päraëaà kuryäd
evaà veda-vido viduù
samyaugike-conjunction; tu-indeed; sampräpte-attained; yatra-where; ko 'pi-something; viyujyate-is separated; tatra-there; eva-indeed; päraëam-breaking the fast; kuryät-should do; evam-thus; veda-vidaù-the knowers of the Vedas; viduù-wise.

The wise fast during the Rohiëé-moon conjunction. When the 
conjunction is over, the knowers of the Vedas should break their fast.

Text 401

yad vä 
tithy-åkñayor eva
dvayor ante tu päraëam
samarthänäm açaktänäà
dvayor eka-viyogataù
yat-what; vä-or; tithy-åkñayoù-of the tithi or the star; eva-indeed; dvayoù-both; ante-at the end; tu-indeed; päraëam-breaking the fast; samarthänäm-able; açaktänäm-unable; dvayoù-of both; eka-viyogataù-because of bthe absence of one.

It is also said:
They who are able should break their fast after both the tithi and the Rohiëé-moon conjunction have come to an end. They who are not able may break their fast after one of these comes to an end.

Text 402 

ata evoktam yäjïavalkyena 

yä kaçcit tithayaù proktäù
puëya-nakñatra-samyutäù
åkñänte päraëaà kuryäd
vinä çravaëa-rohiëé
ata eva-therefore; uktam-said; yäjïavalkyena-by Yajnavalkya; yä-which; kaçcit-some; tithayaù-tithis; proktäù-said; puëya-nakñatra-samyutäù-wioth the star; åkñänte-at the end of the star; päraëam-fasting; kuryät-should do; vinä-without; çravaëa-rohiëé-the star Rohiëé.

Yäjïavalkya explains:
When auspicious tithis are connected to auspicious stars one should break his fast at the time when the star's conjunction with the moon ends. The star Rohiëé is an exception to this rule.

Text 403 

ata eva brahma-vaivarte 
añöamyäm atha rohiëyäà
na kuryät päraëaà kvacit
hanyät purä-kåtaà karma
upaväsärjitaà phalam
ata eva-therefore; brahma-vaivarte-in the Brahma-vaivarta Puräëa; añöamyäm-on the añöamé; atha-then; rohiëyäm-in Rohiëé; na-not; kuryät-should do; päraëam-breaking the fast; kvacit-sometime; hanyät-destroys; purä-kåtam-previously done; karma-pious deeds; upaväsa-by fasting; arjitam-earned; phalam-result.

In the Brahma-vaivarta Puräëa it is said:
One should break his fast after both the añöamé and the Rohiëé-moon conjunction come to an end. If he does not, he destroys the pious merit he earned by fasting.

Text 404 

tithir añöa-guëaà hanti
nakñatraà ca catur-guëam
tasmät prayatnataù kuryät
tithi-bhänte ca päraëam
tithiù-day; añöa-guëam-eight times; hanti-kills; nakñatram-star; ca-and; catur-guëam-four times; tasmät-therefore; prayatnataù-with care; kuryät-should do; tithi-bhänte-at the end of the tithi and the star; ca-and; päraëam-breaking the fast.

By breaking the fast before the tithi's end one destroys his 
piety eight times over. By breaking the fast before the Rohiëé-moon conjunction's end one destroys his piety four times over.

Text 405 

kecé ca bhagavaj-janma-
mahotsava-dine çubhe
bhaktyotsavänte kurvanti
vaiñëavä vrata-päraëam
kecit-some; ca-and; bhagavaê-janma-of the birtth of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; mahotsava-dine-onm the day opf the festival; çubhe-auspicious; bhaktyä-with devotion; utsava-the festival; ante-at the end; kurvanti-do; vaiñëavä-Vaiñëavas; vrata-päraëam-breaking the fast.

The Vaiñëavas observe a great festival on the birthday of 
the Supreme Personality of Godhead. At the festival's end, the 
devotees break their fast.

Text 406 

tathä coktaà gäruòe 
tithy-ante cotsavänte vä
vraté kurvéta päraëam
tathä-so; ca-and; uktam-saisd; gäruòe-in the Garuòa Puräëa; tithy-ante-at the tithi's end; ca-and; utsavänte-at the festuival's end; vä-or; vraté-observing the vow; kurvéta-should do; päraëam-breaking the fast.

In the Garuòa Puräëa it is said:
At the tithi's end or the festival's end, one should break his fast.

Text 407 

väyu-puräëe ca 
yadécchet sarva-päpäni
hantuà niravaçeñataù
utsavänte sadä vipra
jagannäthännam äçayet. iti.
väyu-puräëe-in the Vayu Puräëa; ca-and; yadi-if; icchet-desires; sarva-päpäni-all sins; hantum-to destroy; niravaçeñataù-completely; utsavante-at the festival's end; sadä-always; vipra-O brahmana; jagannäthännam-the prasadam remnant's of Lord Jagannätha; äçayet-should eat; iti-thus.

In the Väyu Puräëa it is said:
If one desires to destroy all his sins, without a single sin remaining alive, one should, at the festival's end, break his 
fast by eating the prasäda remnants from Lord Jagannätha.

Text 408 

atha janmäñöamé-vrata-vidhiù 
vrata-sädharanatväc ca
saptamy-ädi-dina-traye
kartavyä niyamäù sarve
daçamy-ädi-dineñö iva
atha -now;janmäñöamé-vrata-vidhiù vrata-sädharanatväc-the method to observe the vow of Janmäñöamé; ca-and; saptamy-ädi-beginning with the saptami; dina-days; traye-three; kartavyä-to be done; niyamäù-self control; sarve-all; daçamy-ädi-begionning with the dasami; dineñu-in days; iva-like.

The Method of Observing the Janmäñöamé Vow
As one should be austere and self-controlled during the three-day period of daçamé, ekädaçé, and dvädaçé, so one should also be austere and self-controlled during the three-day period of saptamé, Janmäñöamé, and navamé.

Text 409 

atha vidhi-viçeñaù 
bhaviñyottare çré-yudhiñöhira uväca 
tad vrataà kédåçaà deva
lokai sarvair anuñöhitam
janmäñöamé-vrataà näma
pavitraà puruñottama
atha-now; vidhi-viçeñaù-the sepcifé method; bhaviñyottare-in the Bhavisya Puräëa, Uttara-khanda; çré-yudhiñöhira-Çré Yudhiñöhira; uväca-said; tat-that; vratam-vow; kédåçam-like what?; deva-O Lord; lokai-by the people; sarvaiù-all; anuñöhitam-established; janmäñöamé-vratam-Janmäñöamé vow; näma-named; pavitram-purifying; puruñottama-O Supreme Personality of Godhead.

The Method of Observing the Vow
In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khanda, Çré Yudhiñöhira said:
O Supreme Person, what is the nature of this vow named Janmäñöamé-vrata, which should be observed by all people?

Text 410 

tena tvaà tuñöim äyäsi
lokänäà prabhavävyaya
etan me bhagavan brühi
prasädän madhusüdana
tena-by this; tvam-You; tuñöim-happiness; äyäsi-attained; lokänäm-of the people; prabhavävyaya-O Lord whose power is limitless; etat-this; me-to me; bhagavan-O Lord; brühi-please tell; prasädät-mercifully; madhusüdana-O Kåñëa.

This vow pleases You. O all-powerful Lord Kåñëa, please 
kindly describe this vow to me.

Text 411 

çré-kåñëa uväca 
pärtha tad-divase präpte
danta-dhävana-pürvakam
upaväsasya niyamaà
grhëéyäd yata-mänasaù
çré-kåñëa uväca-Çré Kåñëa; pärtha-O Partha; tad-divase-on the day; präpte-attaineed; danta-dhävana-pürvakam-first brushing the teeth; upaväsasya-of fasting; niyamam-rule; grhëéyät-should accept; yata-mänasaù-with a controlled mind.

Çré Kåñëa said: O Pärtha, on that day one should first brush 
one's teeth, and then, with a controlled mind, follow the rules 
of fasting.

Text 412 

ekenaivopaväsena
kåtena kuru-nandana
sapta-janma-kåtän päpän
mucyate nätra saàçayaù
ekena-once; eva-indeed; upväsena-by fasting; kåtena-done; kuru-nandana-O delight of the Kurus; sapta-janma-kåtän-done in seven births; päpät-from sins; mucyate-freed; na-not; atra-here; saàçayaù-doubt.

O delight of the Kurus, by once fasting on this day a person 
becomes freed from the sins of seven births. Of this there is no 
doubt.

Text 413 

upavåttasya päpebhyo
yas tu väso guëaiù saha
upaväsaù sa vijïeyo
nopaväsas tu laìghanam

upavåttasya-freed; päpebhyaù-from sins; yaù-who; tu-indeed; 
väsaù-the home; guëaiù-virtues; saha-wiuth; upaväsaù-fasting; 
sa-he; vijïeyaù-known; na-not; upaväsaù-fasting; tu-but; 
laìghanam-rebellion.

One who fasts on this day becomes free from sin. He becomes 
the home of many virtues. One who does not fast jumps over the 
rules of religion.

Text 414 

atha tatra mantraù 
adya sthitva nirähäraù
sarva-bhoga-vivarjitaù
bhokñye 'haà puëòarékäkña
çaraëam me bhaväcyuta
atha-now; tatra-there; mantrah-situated; adya-today; sthitva-standing; nirähäraù-fasting; sarva-bhoga-vivarjitaù-without eating any food; bhokñye-will eat; aham-I; puëòarékäkña'O lotus-eyed one; çaraëam-shelter; me-to me; bhava-please become; acyuta-O infallible.

The Mantra For That
Today I stand before You. I am fasting. I have not eaten anything. Only tomorrow will I eat. O infallible, lotus-eyed Lord, please become my shelter.

Text 415 

tataù snätvä tu madhyähne
nady-ädau vimale jale
devakyäù çobhanaà kuryät
su-guptaà sütikä-gåham
tataù-then; snätvä-bathing; tu-indeed; madhyähne-at midday; nady-ädau-in a river or other like place; vimale-pure; jale-in water; devakyäù-of Devaké; çobhanam-decoration; kuryät-should do; su-guptam-hidden; sütikä-gåham-maternity-room.

Then, at midday, one should bathe in the pure water of a 
river or other appropriate place. Then one should decorate the 
prison maternity-room of Devaké.

Text 416 

atha sütikä-gåha-nirmäëa-vidhiù 
padmarägair paöair netrair
maëòitaà carcitaà çubhaiù
ramyaà vandana-mäläbhé
rakñä-maëi-vibhüñitam

atha-now; sütikä-gåha-nirmäëa-vidhiù-the method of 
constructing the maternity room; padmarägaiù-with rubies; 
paöaiù-with cloth; netraiù-fine silk; maëòitam-decorated; 
carcitam-anointed; çubhaiù-with auspicious ointments; 
ramyam-beautiful; vandana-mäläbhiù-with garlands strung across 
the entrances; rakñä-maëi-with jewel amulets; 
vibhüñitam-decorated.

The Method of Constructing the Maternity-room
The maternity-room should be decorated with rubies, fine silk, and jewel-amulets. Garlands should be strung across the entrances. The room should be anointed with auspicious ointments. 

Text 417 

sarvaà gokula-vat käryaà
gopéjana-samäkulam
ghaëöä-mardula-saìgétaà
mäìgalya-kalasänvitam
sarvam-all; gokula-vat-like Gokula; käryam-to be done; gopéjana-samäkulam-filled with gopés; ghaëöä-bells; mardula-sweet; saìgétam-singing and music; mäìgalya-kalasänvitam-with auspicious waterpots.

Everything should be like Gokula. There should be many 
gopés. There should be auspicious waterpots. There should be 
sweet singing and the sounds of bells.

Text 418 

yavärdra-svastikäbjädyaiù
çaìkha-väditra-saìkulam
bandhakaré-loha-khaògair
dépa-chäga-samanvitam
yava-barelycorns; adra-moistened; svastika-svastikas; abja-lotus flowers; ädyaiù-beginning with; çaìkha-väditra-saìkulam'filled with the sounds of conchshells; bandhakaré-shackles; loha-iron; khaògaiù-with swords; dépa-lamps; chäga-a chaga; samanvitam-with.

There should be moistened barleycorns, svastikas, lotus 
flowers, and other like things. There should be the sounds of 
conchshells. There should be shackles, an iron sword, a lamp, and 
a chäga.

Text 419 

manthäna-väri-yüpaiç ca
bhüti-sarñapa-vahnibhiù
dväri vinasta-muñalaà
rakñitaà raksa-pälakaiù

manthäna-churnig rod; väri-water; yüpaiù-yupa; ca-and; 
bhüti-bhuti; sarñapa-sarsapa; vahnibhiù-with fire; 
dväri-at the door; vinasta-placed; muñalam-a club; 
rakñitam-guarded; raksa-pälakaiù-by guards.

There should be a churning rod, water, a yüpa, a bhüti, a 
sarñapa, and a fire. A cluâ should be placed at the door. the 
room should be protected by guards.

Text 420 

ñañöhyä devyäç ca tatraiva
vidhänaà vidhi-vat tathä
evam-vidhaà yathä-çakti
kartavyaà sütikä-gåham
ñañöhyä devyäù-of Goddess Ñañöhé; ca-and; tatra-there; eva-indeed; vidhänam-establihsment; vidhi-vat-properly; tathä-so; evam-vidham-in this way; yathä-çakti-as one is able; kartavyam-should be done; sütikä-gåham-the maternity room.

Goddess Ñañöhé should also be placed there. Thus, as far as 
one is able, one should construct the maternity-room.

Text 421 

tan-madhye pratimä sthäpyä
sä cäpy añöa-vidhä småtä
käïcané räjaté tämré
paittalé månmayé tathä 
värkñé maëimayé caiva 
varëikä likhitäthavä
tan-madhye-in the midts of that; pratimä-a Deity; sthäpyä-should be placed; sä-that; ca-and; api-also; añöa-vidhä-eight kinds; småtä-considered; käïcané-golden; räjaté-silver; tämré-copper; paittalé-brass; månmayé-clay; tathä-so; värkñé-wood; maëimayé-jewel; ca-and; eva-indeed; varëikä likhitä-a picture; athavä-or.

In the midst of that room a Deity should be placed. The 
Deity may be made of one of these eight substances: 1. gold, 2. 
silver, 3. copper, 4. brass, 5. clay, 6. wood, or 7. jewels, or 
8. the Deity may be a picture.

Text 422 

sarva-lakñaëa-sampannä
paryaìke cärdha-suptikä
pratapta-käïcanäbhäsä
kåtä sä tu tapasviné 
prasütä ca prasnütä ca 
tat-kñaëäc ca praharñitä

sarva-lakñaëa-sampannä-endowed with all virtues; 
paryaìke-on the bed; ca-also; ardha-suptikä-half asleep; 
pratapta-käïcanäbhäsä-splendid like molten gold; kåtä-done; 
sä-she; tu-indeed; tapasviné-austere; prasütä-mother; ca-and; 
prasnütä-affectionate; ca-and; tat-kñaëät-from that moment; 
ca-and; praharñitä-joyful.

Devaké should should be resting, half-asleep, on the bed. 
She should be splendid like molten gold, filled with all virtues, 
austere, filled with maternal love, and, at that moment, joyful.

Texts 423 and 424 

mäà cäpi bälakaà suptaà
paryaìke stana-päyinam
çrévatsa-vakñasaà devaà
nélotpala-dala-prabham
çankha-cakra-gadä-çärìga-
vana-mälä-vibhüñitam
catur-bhujaà mahaù-pürëaà
sthäpayet tatra bhaktitaù
mäm-Me; ca-and; api-also; bälakam-child; suptam-asleep; paryaìke-on the bed; stana-päyinam-drinking from the breast; çrévatsa-vakñasam-chest marked with Çrévatsa; devam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; nélotpala-dala-prabham-splendid like a blue lotus petal çankha-cakra-gadä-çärìga-vana-mälä-vibhüñitam-decorated with conchshell, cakra, club, Çärìga bow, and forest garland; catur-bhujam-with four arms; mahaù-pürëam-effulent; sthäpayet-should place; tatra-there; bhaktitaù-with devotion.

With devotion one should place Me there on the bed. I should 
be a sleeping infant splendid like a blue lotus petal, My chest 
marked with Çrévatsa, effulgent, decorated with a forest garland, 
and in My four hands a conchshell, cakra, cluâ, and Çarìga bow.

Text 425 

yaçodäà cäpi tatraiva
prasüta-vara-kanyakäm
yaçodäm-Yasoda; ca-and; api-also; tatra-there; eva-indeed; prasüta-vara-kanyakäm-the recently born beautiful infant girl.

Yaçoda' and her beautiful newborn daughter should also be 
there.

Text 426 

tatra devä grahä nägä
yakña-vidyädharoragäù
praëatäù puñpa-mäläbhir
vyagra-hastäù suräsuräù 
saïcaranta iväkäçe 
prakärair muditoditaiù
tatra-there; devä-the demigods; grahä-the rulers of the planets; nägä-the divine serpents; yakña-vidyädharoragäù-the yaksas, vidyadharas, and uragas; praëatäù-bowing down; puñpa-mäläbhiù-with flower garlands; vyagra-hastäù-in their hands; suräsuräù-the demigods and demons; saïcarantaù-flying; 
iva-as if; äkäçe-in the sky; prakäraiù-in ways; 
muditoditaiù-filled with happiness.

The devas, rulers of the planets, nägas, yakñas, 
vidyädharas, uragas, suras, and asuras should be happily flying 
in the sky. They should be offering respectful obeisances and 
carrying presents of flower-garlands in their hands.

Text 427 

vasudevo 'pi tatraiva
khaòga-carma-dhara-sthitaù
vasudevaù-Vasudeva; api-also; tatra-there; eva-indeed; khaòga-sword; carma-and shielf; dhara-sthitaù-holding.

Vasudeva should be holding a sword and shield.

Text 428 

kaçyapo vasudevo 'yam
aditis cäpi devaké
çeña-nägo halé cätra
yasodäditir eva ca
kaçyapaù-Kaçyapa; vasudevaù-Vasudeva; ayam-he; aditiù-Aditi; ca-and; api-and; devaké-Devaké; çeña-nägaù-Çeña-näga; halé-Balaräma; ca-and; atra-here; yasodä-Yaçodä; aditiù-Aditi; eva'indeed; ca-also.

Vasudeva was Kaçyapa, Devaké was Aditi, Balaräma was Çeña-
näga, and Yaçoda' was also Aditi. They should all be there.

Text 429 

nandaù prajäpatir dakño
gargaç cäpi catur-mukhaù
eño 'vatäro räjendra
kaàso vai kalinemi-jaù
nandaù-Nanda; prajäpatiù-Prajapati; dakñaù-Dakña; gargaù-Garga; ca-and; api-also; catur-mukhaù-the demigod Brahmä; eñaù-he; avatäraù-incarnation; räjendra-O king of kings; kaàsaù-Kaàsa; vai-indeed; kalinemi-jaù-prteviously bron as Kalanemi.

O king of kings, Nanda was Prajäpati Dakña, Garga Muni was the demigod Brahmä, and Kaàsa was Kalanemi. They should all be 
there.

Text 430 

tatra kaàsa-niyuktä ye
dänavä vividhäyudhäù
te ca prahärikäù sarve
suptä nidra-vimohitäù 
ariñöo dhenukaù keçé 
dänaväù çastra-päëayaù
tatra-there; kaàsa-by Kamsa; niyuktä-employed; ye-which; dänavä-demons; vividhäyudhäù-with various weapons; te-they; ca-and; prahärikäù-guards; sarve-all; suptä-asleep; nidra-vimohitäù-bewildered by sleep; ariñöaù-Arista; dhenukaù-Dhenuka; keçé-Kesi; dänaväù-demons; çastra-päëayaù-with weapons in their hands.

There also should be demon-guards sent by Kaàsa. Holding 
various weapons in their hands, they should all be asleep. Their 
names are: Ariñöa, Dhenuka, and Keçé.

Text 431 

nåtyanto 'psaraso håñöäù
gandharvä géta-tatparäù
lekhanéyäç ca tatraiva
käliyo yamunä-jale 
nanda-gopaç ca gopäç ca 
yaçodä ca prasütikä
nåtyantaù-dancing; apsarasaù-apsaras; håñöäù-joyful; gandharvä-gandharvas; géta-tatparäù-singing; lekhanéyäù-to be drawn; ca-and; tatra-there; eva-indeed; käliyaù-Kaliya; yamunä-jale-in the Yamuna's waters; nanda-gopaù-the gopa Nanda; ca-and; gopäù-the gopas; ca-and; yaçodä-Yasoda; ca-and; prasütikä-who has recently given birth.

In this picture should also be drawn or painted happily 
dancing apsaräs, singing gandharvas, Käliya in the Yamunä's 
waters, Nanda-gopa, many other gopas, and Yaçoda' soon after she 
gave birth.

Texts 432-434 

tataù püjopakramaù 
ramyäm evam-vidhäà kåtvä
devakéà nava-sütikäm
täà pärtha püjayed bhaktyä
gandha-puñpäkñataiù phalaiù
kuñmaëòair närikelaiç ca
kharjürair daòimé-phalaiù
véja-püraiù püga-phalair
naraìgaiù panasais tathä
deça-kälodbhavair miñöaiù
puñpaiç cäpi su-gandhibhiù
dhyätvävatärän prag-uktän
mantreëänena püjayet
tataù-then; püjä-of worship; upakramaù-beginning; � ramyam-beautiful; evam-vidham-like this; kåtvä-doing; devakém-Devaké; nava-sütikäm-recently given birth; täm-her; pärtha-O son of Prtha; püjayet-should worship; bhaktyä-with devotion; gandha-puñpäkñataiù-with fragrances, flowers, and unbroken grains of rice; phalaiù-with fruits; kuñmaëòaiù-with kuñmaëòas; närikelaiù-coconuts; ca-and; kharjüraiù-kharjüras; daòimé-phalaiù-pomegranates; véjapüraiù-vijapuras; püga-phalaiù-betelnuts; naraìgaiù-oranges; panasaiù-panasas; tathä-so; deça-kälodbhavaiù-born in that place and time; miñöaiù-sweet; puñpaiù-with flowers; ca-and; api-also; su-gandhibhiù-very fragrant; dhyätvä-meditating; avatärän-on the incarnations; prag-uktän-previously described; mantreëa-mantra; anena-with this; püjayet-should worship.

The Worship Begins
Thus one should make a beautiful picture. Then one should devotedly worship Devaké, who has recently given birth to Lord Kåñëa. One should worship her with fragrances, flowers, fruits, unbroken grains, kuñmaëòas, coconuts, kharjüras, pomegranates, véjapüras, betelnuts, oranges, panasas, with sweet and delicious fruits in season, and with fragrant flowers.  Then one should meditate on the previously described incarnations. Then one should worship Devaké with the following mantra.
Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé comments

The phrase "previously described incarnations" 
refers to Devaké's incarnation as Aditi, and the other like 
incarnations already described.

Text 435 

atha püjä-mantraù 
aditir deva-matä tvaà
sarva-päpa-praëäçiné
atas tväà püjayiñyämi
bhaya-bhéto bhavasya ca
atha-now; püjä-mantraù-the mantra for worship; aditiù-Aditi; deva-matä-the mother of the demigods; tvam-you; sarva-päpa-all sins; praëäçiné-destroying; ataù-therefore; tväm-you; püjayiñyämi-I will worship; bhaya-bhétaù-afraid; bhavasya-of repeated birth and death; ca-and.

The Mantra For Worshiping Devaké
You are Aditi, the mother of the demigods. You destroy all sins. Therefore I, who am afraid of this world of birth and death, will now worship You.

Text 436 

püjitäsi yadä devaiù
prasannä tvaà varänane
tathä me püjitä bhaktyä
prasädaà kuru su-vrate
püjitä-worshiped; asi-you are; yadä-when; devaiù-by the demigods; prasannä-pleased; tvam-you; varänane-with the beautiful face; tathä-so; me-by me; püjitä-worshiped; bhaktyä-with devotion; prasädam-mercy; kuru-please do; su-vrate-O saintly one.

O girl with the beautiful face, You were pleased when the 
demigods worshiped you. Now I worship you with devotion. O 
saintly one, please be merciful to me.

Text 437 

yathä putraà priyaà labdhvä
praptä te nirvåtiù parä
tathä me nirvåtià devi
sa-puträ tvaà dadasva me
yathä-as; putram-to a son; priyam-dear; labdhvä-attaining; praptä-attained; te-of you; nirvåtiù-happiness; parä-great; tathä-so; me-of me; nirvåtim-happiness; devi-O goddess; sa-puträ-with a son; tvam-you; dadasva-please give; me-to me.

You are very happy to have a dear son. O goddess, please 
give a like happiness to me.

Text 438 

gäyadbhiù kinnarädyaiù satata-parivåtä veëu-véëädi-nädair
bhåìgärädarça-kumbha-prakara-håta-karaiù kinnaraiù sevyamänä
paryaìke tväståte yä muditatara-mukhé putriëé samyag aste
sä devé deva-mätä jayati su-vadanä devaké känta-rupä
gäyadbhiù-singing; kinnarädyaiù-beginning with the kinnaras; satata-parivåtä-always surrounded; veëu-véëädi-beginning with flutes and vinas; nädaiù-with sounds; bhåìgära-golden pitchers; ädarça-mirrors; kumbha-waterpots; prakara-multitudes; håta-held; karaiù-in their hands; kinnaraiù-by kinnaras; sevyamänä-beings served; paryaìke-on the bed; tu-indeed; äståte-covered; yä-who; muditatara-mukhé-happy face; putriëé-with a son; samyag-properly; aste-stays; sä-she; devé-goddess; deva-mätä-the mother of the demigods; jayati-all glories; su-vadanä-beautiful face; devaké-Devaké; känta-beautiful; rupä-form.

All glories to beautiful, beautiful-faced Devaké, the mother 
of the demigods. The happy-faced mother of a newborn son, she 
rests on her great bed. She is served by many kinnaras and other 
demigods, who sing songs, play musé on flutes, véëäs, and other 
instruments, and carry in their hands gifts of golden vases, 
waterpots, and glistening mirrors.

Text 439 

pädäö abhyaïjayanté çrér
devakyäç caraëäntike
niñannä paìkaje püjyä
namo devyai çriye iti
pädau-feet; abhyaïjayanté-anointing; çréù-the goddess of fortune; devakyäù-of Devaké; caraëäntike-the feet; niñannä-resting; paìkaje-on a lotus flower; püjyä-to be worshiped; namaù-obeisances; devyai-to the goddess; çriye-Çré; iti-thus.

Goddess Lakñmé anoints Devaké's feet with sweet fragrances. 
Reciting the mantra "namo devyai çriye" (Obeisances to 
Goddess Lakñmé), one should also worship Goddess Lakñmé, who sits 
on a lotus flower.

Text 440 

avatära-sahasraà vai
kåtaà te madhusüdana
na saìkhyam avataräëäà
kaçciê jänäti vai bhuvi
avatära-of incarnations; sahasram-thousands; vai-indeed; kåtam-done; te-of You; madhusüdana-O Lord Kåñëa; na-not; saìkhyam-counting; avataräëäm-of incarnations; kaçcit-someone; jänäti-knows; vai-indeed; bhuvi-in this world.

O Lord Kåñëa, You descend to this world in the forms of many 
thousands of incarnations. No one can count all Your incarnations 
in this world.

Text 441 

brahmä çivädayo väpi
svarüpaà na vidus tava
atas tväà püjayämy adya
mätur utsaìga-çäyinam
brahmä-Brahmä; çivädayaù-beginning withÇiva; vä-or; api-also; svarüpam-transcendental form; na-not; viduù-understand; tava-of You; ataù-then; tväm-You; püjayämi-I worship; adya-now; mätuù-of Your mother; utsaìga-çäyinam-sittting on the lap.

Brahmä, Çiva, and all the demigods cannot understand the 
truth of Your transcendental form. O Lord, I worship You as You 
sit on Your mother's lap.

Text 442 

sva-nämabhiç caturthyaà taiù
praëavädi-namo-'ntakaiù
püjayeyur dvijäù sarve
stré-çüdrä mantra-varjitäù
sva-nämabhiù-with Your names; caturthyam-in the datuve case; taiù-by them; praëavädi-namo-'ntakaiù-with Om- in the beginning and namaù at the end; püjayeyuù-should worship; dvijäù-the devas; sarve-all; stré-çüdrä-women and sudras; mantra-varjitäù-without mantras.

All the brähmaëas, and even the women and çüdras, who are 
not eligible to chant Vedé mantras, worship You by chanting your 
names in the dative case, names preceded by om- and followed by 
namaù.
Çré Sanätana Gosvämé comments:

An example of this is the the mantra "om- väsudeväya 
namaù".

Text 443 

vidhy-antaram apécchanti
kecid atra dvijottamäù
candrodaye çaçäìkäya
dadyäd arghyaà harià smaran
vidhi-rule; antaram-another; api-even; icchanti-desire; kecit-some; atra-here; dvijottamäù-the best fo brahmanas; candrodaye-at moonrise; çaçäìkäya-to the moon-god; dadyät-should offer; arghyam-arghya; harim-Lord Hari; smaran-remembering.

If some exalted brähmaëas desire to perform more rituals, 
they may offer arghya to the moon-god at moonrise. As they thus 
offer arghya, they should meditate on Lord Hari, . . .

Text 444 

anaghaà vämanaà çaurià
vaikuëöhaà puruñottamam
aparäjitaà väsudevaà
mädhavaà madhusüdanam
anagham-sinless; vämanam-Vämana; çaurim-who appeared in the sürya-vaàça; vaikuëöham-the master of Vaikuëöha; puruñottamam'the supreme person; 
aparäjitam-invincible; väsudevam-Väsudeva; mädhavam-Mädhava; 
madhusüdanam-the killer of the Madhu demon.

. . . who is sinless, Vämana, the descendant of the sun-god, the 
master of Vaikuëöha, the supreme person, invincible, the son of 
Vasudeva, the husband of the goddess of fortune, the killer of 
the Madhu demon, . . .

Text 445 

varähaà puëòarékäkñaà
nåsiàhaà dharaëé-dharam
dämodaraà padmanäbhaà
keçavaà garuòa-dhvajam
varäham-Lord Varäha; puëòarékäkñam-lotus-eyed; nåsiàham-Lord Nåsiàha; dharaëé-dharam-the maintainer of the earth; dämodaram-whose waist was tied with a rope; padmanäbham-lotus-navel; keçavam-the master of Brahma' and Çiva; garuòa-dhvajam-who carries the flag of Garuòa.

. . . Lord Varäha, lotus-eyed, Lord Nåsiàha, the maintainer of the 
earth, the Lord whose waist was tied with a rope, the Lord whose 
navel is a lotus flower, the master of Brahma' and Çiva, the Lord 
who carries the flag of Garuòa, . . .

Text 446 

govindam acyutaà kåñëaà
anantaà puruñottamam
adhokñajaà jagad-béjaà
sarga-sthity-anta-käraëam
govindam-the pleasure of the cows, land, and senses; acyutam-infallible; kåñëam-all-attractive; anantam-limitless; puruñottamam-the supreme person; adhokñajam-beyond the perception of material senses; jagad-béjam-the seed of the universes; sarga-sthity-anta-käraëam-the creator, maintainer, and destroyer.

. . . the pleasure of the cows, land, and senses, infallible, 
all-attractive, limitless, the supreme person, beyond the perception 
of material senses, the seed of the universes, the creator, maintainer, and 
destroyer, . . .

Text 447 

anädi-nidhanaà viñëuà
trilokeçaà trivikramam
näräyaëaà caturbähuà
çaìkha-cakra-gadä-dharam
anädi-nidhanam-without beginning or end; viñëum-all-pervading; trilokeçam-the master of the three worlds; trivikramam-who took three steps; näräyaëam-the resting place of all living entities; caturbähum-four-armed; çaìkha-cakra-gadä-dharam-who holds a conch, disc, and club.

. . . without beginning or end, all-pervading, the master of the 
three worlds, the Lord who took three steps, the resting place of 
all living entities, four-armed, the Lord who holds a conch, 
disc, and club, . . .

Text 448 

pétämbara-dharaà nityaà
vana-mälä-vibhüñitam
çrévatsäìkaà jagat-setuà
çré-patià çré-dharaà harim
pétämbara-dharam-who wears yellow garments; nityam-eternal; vana-mälä-vibhüñitam-decorated with a forest garland; çrévatsäìkam-marked with Çrévatsa; jagat-setum-the ruler of the universes; çré-patim-the husband of the goddess of fortune; çré-dharam-the maintainer of the goddess of fortune; harim-the Lord who removes all that is inauspicious.

. . . the Lord who wears yellow garments, who is eternal, 
decorated with a forest garland, marked with Çrévatsa, the ruler 
of the universes, the husband of the goddess of fortune, the 
maintainer of the goddess of fortune, the Lord who removes all 
that is inauspicious, . . .

Text 449 

devaké-garbha-sambhütaà
daitya-sainya-vinäçanam
gåhäëärghyam idaà deva
govindäya namo namaù 
ity arghya-mantraù 
devaké-garbha-sambhütam-born in the womâ of Devaké; daitya-sainya-vinäçanam-destroying the armies of demons; gåhäëa-please accept; arghyam-arghya; idam-this; deva-O Lord; govindäya-to Lord Govinda; namaù-obeisances; namaù-obeisnaces; iti-thus; arghya-the arghya; mantraù-mantra.

. . . who was born from Devaké's womb, and who destroyed the demon 
armies. The arghya mantra is, "gåhäëärghyam idam- deva 
govindäya namo namaù" (O Lord, please accept this arghya. 
Obeisances, obeisances to Lord Govinda.).

Text 450 

atha snäna-mantraù 
yogeçvaräya yoga-sambhaväya yoga-pataye govindäya namo namaù
atha-now; snäna-mantraù-the bathing mantra; yogesvaräya-to 
the master of yoga; yoga-sambhaväya-to the father of yoga; yoga-pataye-to the master of yoga; govindäya-to Lord Govinda; 
namaù-obeisances; namaù-obeisances.

The bathing mantra is, "yogeçvaräya yoga-sambhaväya 
yoga-pataye govindäya namo namaù" (Obeisances, obeisances to Lord 
Govinda, who is the controller of yoga, the father of yoga, and 
the master of yoga).

Text 451 

atha vastra-däna-mantraù 
yajïesvaräya yajïa-sambhaväya yajïa-pataye govindäya namo 
namaù
atha-now; vastra-garments; däna-offering; mantraù-mantra; yajïesvaräya-to the controller of yajnas; yajna-sambhaväya-to the father of yajnas; yajna-pataye-to the mater of yajnas; govindäya-to Lord Govinda; namaù-obeisances; namaù-obeisances.

The mantra for offering garments is, "yajïesvaräya 
yajïa-sambhaväya yajïa-pataye govindäya namo namaù" (Obeisances, 
obeisances to Lord Govinda, who is the controller of yajïa, the 
father of yajïa, and the master of yajïa).

Text 452

atha dhüpa-däna-mantraù 
viçveçvaräya viçva-sambhaväya viçva-pataye govindäya namo namaù.
atha-now; dhüpa-däna-mantraù-the mantra for offering incense; viçveçvaräya-to the controller of the universe; viçva-sambhaväya'the father of the universe; viçva-pataye-the master of the universe; govindäya-to Lord Govinda; namaù-obeisances; namaù-obeisances.

The mantra for offering incense is, "viçveçvaräya 
viçva-sambhaväya viçva-pataye govindäya namo namaù" 
(Obeisances, obeisances to Lord Govinda, who is the controller of 
the universes, the father of the universes, and the master of the 
universes.

Text 453

atha naivedyärpaëa-mantraù 
dharmeçvaräya dharma-sambhaväya dharma-pataye govindäya namo namaù
atha-now; naivedyärpaëa-mantraù-the mantra for offering food; dharmeçvaräya-to the controller of religion; dharma-sambhaväya-the father of religion; dharma-pataye-the master of religion; govindäya-to Lord Govinda; namaù-obeisances; namaù-obeisances.

The mantra for offering food is, "dharmeçvaräya 
dharma-sambhaväya dharma-pataye govindäya namo namaù" 
(Obeisances, obeisances to Lord Govinda, who is the controller 
of religion, the father of religion, and the master of religion).

Text 454 

atha candrärghya-däna-mantraù 
kñérodärëava-sambhüta
atri-netra-samudbhava
gåhäëärghyaà çaçäìkemaà
rohiné-sahito mama
atha-now; candra-to the moon-god; arghya-arghya; däna-offering; mantraù-mantra; kñérodärëava-sambhüta-born from the milk-ocean; atri-netra-samudbhava-born from Atri Muni's eye; gåhäëa-please accept; arghyam-arghya; çaçäìka-O moon-god; imaàthis; rohiné-Rohiëé; sahitaù-with; mama-of me.

The mantra for offering arghya to the moon-god:
O moon-god born from the milk-ocean and from Atri Muni's eye, O moon-god now associating with Rohiëé, please accept this arghya I offer to you.

Text 455 

sthaëòile sthäpayed devaà
çaçäìkaà rohiëéà tathä
devakéà vasudevaà ca
yaçodäà nandaà eva ca
sthaëòile-on the altar; sthäpayet-should place; devam-the Lord; çaçäìkam-the moon-god; rohiëém-Rohiëé; tathä-so; devakém-Devaké; vasudevam-Vasudeva; ca-and; yaçodäm-Yaçodä; nandam-Nanda; eva-indeed; ca-and.

Then one should place on the altar Lord Kåñëa, the moon-god, 
Rohiëé, Devaké, Vasudeva, Yaçodä, Nanda, . . .

Text 456 

balabhadraà tathä gopän
gopé-gokulam eva ca
evaà kåte na sandeho
naraù päpät pramucyate
balabhadram-Balaräma; tathä-so; gopän-the gopas; gopé-gokulam-the cows and gopés; eva-indeed; ca-and; evam-thus; kåte-done; na-no; sandehaù-doubt; naraù-person; päpät-from sin; pramucyate-is freed.

. . . Balaräma, the gopas, the gopés, and the cows. One who does 
this becomes free from sins. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 457 

ardha-rätre vasor dhäraà
pätayed güòa-sarpiñä
tato vardhäpanaà çañöhé
nämädi-karaëaà tataù
ardha-rätre-in the middle of the night; vasoù-of water; dhäräm-a stream; pätayet-on eshould cause to fall; güòa-with mollasses; sarpiñä-and ghee; tataù-then; vardhäpanam-the ceremony of cutting the umbilical cord; çañöhé-Goddess Ñañöhé; nämädi-karaëam-the name giving ceremony; tataù-then.

In the middle of the night one should bathe Lord Kåñëa with 
a stream of water and with molasses and ghee. Then one should 
observe the ceremony for cutting the umbilical cord. Then one should 
worship Goddess Ñañöhé. Then one should observe the name-giving 
ceremony.

Text 458 

kartavyaà tat-kñanäd rätrau
prabhäte navamé-dine
yathä mama tathä käryo
bhagavatyä mahotsavaù
kartavyam-to be done; tat-kñanät-from that moment; rätrau-in the night; prabhäte-at sunrise; navamé-dine-on the navami; yathä-as; mama-of me; tathä-so; käryaù-duty; bhagavatyä-of the goddess; mahotsavaù-a festival.

Then, at daybreak of the navamé, one should celebrate a great 
festival honoring Goddess Durgä.

Text 459 

brähmaëän bhojayed bhaktyä
tebhyo dadyäc ca dakñiëäm
hiraëyaà rajataà gävo
väsäàsi vividhäni ca
brähmaëän-brahmanas; bhojayet-should feed; bhaktyä-with devotion; tebhyaù-to them; dadyät-should give; ca-and; dakñiëäm-daksina; hiraëyam-gold; rajatam-silver; gävaù-cows; väsäàsi-garmewnts; vividhäni'various; ca-and.

Then one should offer a great feast to the brähmaëas and 
also offer them dakñiëa' of gold, silver, cows, and many kinds of 
exquisite garments.

Text 460 

yad yad iñöatmaà tena
kåñëo me priyatäm iti
yad yat-whatever; iñöatmam-desired; tena-by that; kåñëaù-Lord Kås„ëa; me-with me; priyatäm-may be pleased; iti-thus.

One should give the brähmaëas whatever they desire. At this 
time one should pray, "May Lord Kåñëa be pleased with 
me".

Text 461 

yaà devaà devaké devé
vasudeväd ajéjanat
bhaumasya brahmaëo guptyai
tasmai brahmätmane namaù
yam-which; devam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; devaké-Devaké; devé-goddess; vasudevät-from Vasudeva; ajéjanat-gave birth; bhaumasya-of the earth; brahmaëaù-of Brahma; guptyai-for protection; tasmai-to Him; brahmätmane-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; namaù-obeisances.

I offer my respectful obeisances to the Supreme Personality 
of Godhead, who, in order to give protection to Brahma' and all 
other living entities in this world, was born as the son of 
Vasudeva and Devaké.

Text 462 

su-janma-väsudeväya
go-brähmaëa-hitäya ca
çäntir astu çivaà cästu
ity uktvä taà visarjayet
su-good; janma-birth; väsudeväya-to the son of Vasudeva; go-brähmaëa-hitäya-who protects the welfare of the cows and brahmanas; ca-and; çäntiù-peace; astu-may be; çivam-auspiciousness; ca-and; astu-may be; iti-thus; 
uktvä-speaking; tam-Him; visarjayet-should allow to go.

Obeisances to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the 
son of Vasudeva and the auspiciousness of the cows and brähmaëas. 
May there be peace. May there be auspiciousness.
After speaking these words, one should take one's leave of the Deity.

Text 463 

evaà yaù kurute devyä
devakyäù su-mahotsavam
varñe varñe tu mad-bhakto
dharmärthé dharma-nandana 
naro vä yadi vä näré 
yathoktaà phalam äpnuyät
evam-thus; yaù-who; kurute-does; devyä-goddess; devakyäù-of Devaké; su-mahotsavam-great festival; varñe-year; varñe-after year; tu-indeed; mad-bhaktaù-My devotee; dharmärthé-desiring piety; dharma-nandana-O son of Dharma; naraù-a man; vä-or; yadi-if; vä-or; näré-a woman; yathä-as; uktam-said; phalam-result; äpnuyät-will obtain.

O son of Dharma, a man or a woman who is devoted to Me, 
desires piety, and in this way year after year celebrates a great 
festival in honor of Goddess Devaké, will attain the pious 
results described here. 

Text 464 

bhaviñye 
ghåëéyän niyamaà pürvaà
danta-dhävana-pürvakam
niyamät phalam äpnoti
na çreyo niyamaà vinä
bhaviñye-in the Bhaviñya Puräëa; ghåëéyät-may accept; niyamam-the sankalpa mantra; pürvam-before; danta-dhävana-brushing the teeth; pürvakam-before; niyamät-from the sankalpa mantra; phalam-the result; äpnoti-attains; na-not; çreyaù-better; niyamam-the sankalpa mantra; vinä-without.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa it is said:
One should brush one's teeth and then recite the saìkalpa-mantra. It is the saìkalpa-mantra that brings results. Without first reciting the saìkalpa-mantra one does not obtain the most auspicious result. 

Text 465 

niyama-mantraù 
adya sthitvä nirähäraù
çvo-bhüte parameçvara
bhokñyämi devaké-putra
asmin janmäñöamé-vrate
niyama-mantraù-the saìkalpa-mantra; adya-now; sthitvä-standing; nirähäraù-without eating; çvo-bhüte-tomorrow; parameçvara-O Supreme Personality of Godhead; bhokñyämi-I will eat; devaké-putra-O son of Devaké; asmin-on this; janmäñöamé-vrate-the vow of Janmäñöamé.

The Saìkalpa-mantra
O Supreme Personality of Godhead, O son of Devaké, now I stand before You. Today I will not eat. Only tomorrow will I eat.  Today I will observe the vow of Janmäñöamé.

Text 466 

upoñitas tu madhyähne
snätvä kåñëa-tilaiù çubhaiù
dhätré-phalaà çiro dadyän
mahä-puëya-vivåddhaye
upoñitaù-fasting; tu-indeed; madhyähne-at midday; snätvä-bathing; kåñëa-tilaiù-with Kåñëa oil; çubhaiù-auspicious; dhätré-phalam-an amalaki fruit; çiraù-to the head; dadyän-should place; mahä-puëya-vivåddhaye-to increase piety.

One should thus fast. At midday one should bathe, using 
auspicious kåñëa-oil as soap. Then, to increase one's piety, one 
should place a dhätré (ämalaké, fruit to one's head.
Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé comments

Because the ämalaké fruit is very dear to the Supreme 
Personality of Godhead, placing it to one's head brings one the 
great piety of devotional service to the Lord.

Text 467 

kåtvä madhyähnikaà karma
sthäpayed avraëaà ghaöam
païca-ratna-samäyuktaà
pavitrodaka-püritam
kåtvä-doing; madhyähnikam-midday; karma-duty; sthäpayet-should place; avraëam-unbroken; ghaöam-pot; païca-ratna-samäyuktam-with five jewels; pavitrodaka-püritam-filled with pure water.

After performing one's midday duties one should take an 
unbroken pot decorated with five jewels and filled with pure 
water.

Text 468 

tasyopari nyaset patraà
karpüräguru-väsitam
su-dhüpa-väsitaà çubhraà
puñpa-mäläbhiçobhitam- 
sauvarëaà vittavän bhaktyä 
tad-abhäve 'tha vaiëavam
tasya-that; upari-above; nyaset-should place; patram-a leaf; karpüräguru-väsitam-scented with camphor and aguru; su-dhüpa-with fragrant incense; väsitam-scenbted; çubhram-beautiful; puñpa-mäläbhiçobhitam-decorated with flower garlands; sauvarëam-gold; vittavän-wealthy; bhaktyä-with devotion; tad-abhäve-in the absence of that; atha-then; vaiëavam-bamboo leaf.

Above the pot one should devotedly place a beautiful leaf 
scented with camphor, aguru, and incense and decorated with a 
flower-garland. If one is wealthy one may place there a leaf of 
gold. If that is not possible one may place a bamboo-leaf.

Text 469 

tasyopari nyased devéà
haiméà lakñaëa-samyuktäm
dadämänaà# tu putrasya
stanaà vai vismitänanäm
tasya-that; upari-over; nyaset-should place; devém-the goddess; haimém-golden; lakñaëa-samyuktäm-with the features; dadämänam-offering; tu-indeed; putrasya-of the son; stanam-the breast; vai-indeed; vismita-surprised; änanäm-face.

Over that one should place a golden Deity of Goddess Devaké. 
Her face should have an expression of wonder. She should be 
offering her breast to her infant son.

Text 470 

péyamänaù stanaà so 'tha
kucägre päëinä spåçan
avalokamänaù premëä vai
mukhaà mätur muhur muhuù 
péyamänaù-drinking; stanam-the breast; saù-He; atha-then; kucägre'the nipple; päëinä-with a hand; spåçan-touching; avalokamänaù-looking; premëä-with love; vai-indeed; mukham-face; mätuù-of mother; muhuù-again; muhuù -and again.

Touching her nipple with one hand, the infant Kåñëa should 
be drinking from her breast. With great love He should again and 
again gaze at His mother's face.

Text 471 

kåtvä caivaà tu vaikuëöhaà
mäträ saha jagat-prabhum
kñérädi-snapanaà kåtvä
candanena vilepayet
kåtvä-doing; ca-and; evam-thus; tu-indeed; vaikuëöham-the master of the spiritual world; mäträ-His mother; saha-with; jagat-prabhum-the master of the universes; kñéra-milk; ädi-beginning with; snapanam-bathing; kåtvä-doing; candanena-with sandal paste; vilepayet-should anoint.

Then with milk and other substances one should bathe Lord 
Kåñëa and His mother, Lord Kåñëa who is the master of the 
spiritual and material worlds. Then one should anoint Them both 
with sandal paste.

Text 472 

kuìkumena mahä-bhäga
karpüräguru-carcitam
padma-koçéra-gandhaiç ca
måganäbhi-vimiçritam
kuìkumena-with kunkuma; mahä-bhäga-O very fortunate one; karpüräguru-carcitam'anointed with camphor and aguru; padma-koçéra-gandhaiù-with fragrance from the lotus whorl; ca-and; måganäbhi-vimiçritam-mixed with musk.

O fortunate one, one should then anoint Them with kuìkuma, 
camphor, aguru, musk and the fragrance of lotus-whorls.

Text 473 

çveta-vastra-yuga-cchannaà
puñpa-mälä-su-çobhitam
mälaté-mallikä-puñpais
campakaiù ketaké-dalaiù
çveta-vastra-yuga-cchannam-with white garments; puñpa-mälä-su-çobhitam'decorated with flower garlands; mälaté-mallikä-puñpaiù-with malati and mallika flowers; campakaiù'with campaka flowers; ketaké-dalaiù-with ketaki petals.

Then one should dress Them in white garments and decorate them 
with flower garlands and with mälaté, mallikä, and campaka 
flowers and with ketaké petals.

Text 474 

bilva-patrair akhaëòaiç ca
tulasé-patra-komalaiù
anyair nänä-vidhaiù puñpaiù
karavéraiù sitäsitaiù
bilva-with bilva; patraiù-leaves; akhaëòaiù-unbroken; ca-and; tulasé-patra-komalaiù-with soft tulasé leaves; anyaiù-other; nänä-vidhaiù-various; puñpaiù-flowers; karavéraiù-karavira; sitäsitaiù-light and dark colored.

Then one should also decorate Them with unbroken bilva 
leaves, soft tulasé leaves, karavéra flowers, and various kinds 
of light-colored and dark-colored flowers.

Text 475 

yüthikä-çatapatraiç ca
tathänyaiù kala-sambhavaiù
püjanéyo mahä-bhäga
mahä-bhaktyä janärdanaù
yüthikä-çatapatraiù-with yüthikä and çatapatra; ca-and; tathä-so; anyaiù-with others; kala-sambhavaiù-in season; püjanéyaù-to be worshiped; mahä-bhäga-O very fortunate one; mahä-bhaktyä'with great devotion; janärdanaù-Lord Kåñëa.

Then one should decorate Them with yüthika' and çatapatra 
flowers and with other flowers in season. O fortunate one, in 
this way one should worship Lord Kåñëa with great devotion.

Text 476 

kuñmaëòair närikelaiç ca
kharjürair daòimé-phalaiù
cüta-vrkña-samudbhütaiù
phalai rambha-samudbhavaiù
kuñmaëòaiù-with kuñmaëòa; närikelaiù-with coconut; ca-and; kharjüraiù-with kharjüra; daòimé-phalaiù-with pomegranates; cüta-vrkña-samudbhütaiù-born from the mango tree; phalaiù-with fruits; rambha-samudbhavaiù-with bananas.

Then one should offer Lord Kåñëa kuñàaëòas, coconuts, 
kharjüras, pomegranates, mangoes, and bananas.

Text 477 

tat-käla-sambhavair divyaiù
phalair nänä-vidhair mune
naivedyair vividhaiù çubhrair
ghåta-pakvair anekadhä
tat-käla-sambhavaiù-in season; divyaiù-with splendid; phalaiù-fruits; nänä-vidhaiù-many kinds; mune-O sage; naivedyaiù-with foods; vividhaiù-various; çubhraiù-beautiful; ghåta-pakvaiù-cooked in ghee; anekadhä-many kinds.

O sage, in this way one should offer Lord Kåñëa many 
kinds of splendid fruits that are in season. One should also 
offer Him many kinds of delicious foods cooked in ghee.

Text 478 

dépän vai kärayec cägre
tathä kusuma-maëòapam
gétaà vädyaà tathä nåtyaà
stotra-päöhaà ca kärayet 
bälasya caritaà viñëoù 
päöhanéyaà punaù punaù
dépän-lamps; vai-indeed; kärayet-should cause to be; ca-and; agre-in His presence; tathä-so; kusuma-maëòapam-a flower-pavilion; gétam-songs; vädyam-instrumental music; tathä-so; nåtyam-dancing; stotra-päöham-reciting prayers; ca-and; kärayet-should cause to be; bälasya-of the child; caritam-the pastimes; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; päöhanéyam-to be recited; punaù-again; punaù-and again.

One should light many lamps before the Lord, and one should 
also offer Him a flower-pavilion, singing, instrumental music, 
dancing, and recitation of prayers. Again and again one should 
recite Lord Viñëu's childhood pastimes.

Text 479 

sva-guruà püjya çaktyä vai
püjanéyas tathä hariù
niçi püjä vidhätavyä
devakyäù keçavasya ca 
mantreëänena viprendra 
puräëa-vihitena vai
sva-gurum-one's own spiritual master; püjya-worshiping; çaktyä-with ability; vai-indeed; püjanéyaù-to be worshiped; tathä-so; hariù-Lord k; niçi-at night; püjä-worship; vidhätavyä-to be offered; devakyäù-of Devaké; keçavasya-of Lord Kåñëa; ca-and; mantreëa-mantra; anena-with this; viprendra-O king of brahmanas; puräëa-vihitena-given in the Puräëas; vai-indeed.

Then, as far as one is able, one should worship one's 
spiritual master, and then one should worship Lord Kåñëa. O king 
of brähmaëas, in the middle of the night one should worship Lord 
Kåñëa and Devaké with the following mantra from the Puräëas. 

Text 480 

atha devaké-püjä-mantraù 
adite deva-mätas tvaà
sarva-päpa-praëäçiné
atas tväà püjayiñyämi
bhéto bhava-bhayasya ca
atha-now; devaké-püjä-mantraù-the mantras for worshiping Decvaki; adite-O Aditi; deva-mätaù-O mother of the demigods; tvam-You; sarva-päpa-praëäçiné-destroying all sins; ataù-therefore; tväm-You; püjayiñyämi-I will worship; bhétaù-frightened; bhava-bhayasya-of the fear of repeated birth and death; ca-and.

The Mantras For Worshiping Devaké
O Aditi, O mother of the demigods, You destroy all sins.  That is why I, who am afraid of taking birth again in this world, will now worship You.

Text 481 

püjitä tu yathä devaiù
prasannä tvam varänane
püjitä tu mayä bhaktyä
prasädaà kuru su-vrate
püjitä-worshiped; tu-indeed; yathä-as; devaiù-by the devas; prasannä-pleased; tvam-You; varänane-O beautiful-faced one; püjitä-worshiped; tu-indeed; mayä-by me; bhaktyä-with devotion; prasädam-mercy; kuru-please do; su-vrate-O saintly one.

O beautiful-faced one, you are pleased when the demigods 
worship you. O saintly one, as they worship you with devotion so 
will I. Please be merciful to me.

Text 482 

yathä putraà harià labdhvä
präptä te niåvrtiù parä
nirvåtià devi täm eva
sa-puträ tvam prayaccha me
yathä-as; putram-son; harim-Lord Hari; labdhvä-attained; präptä-attained; te-of you; niåvrtiù-happiness; parä-transcendental; nirvåtim-happiness; devi-O goddess; täm-that; eva-indeed; sa-puträ-with your son; tvam-you; prayaccha-please give; me-to me.

You became very happy to attain Lord Hari as your son. O 
goddess, please give that same kind of happiness to me.

Text 483 

çré-kåñëa-püjä-mantraù 
avatärän sahasräëi
karoñi madhusüdana
na te saìkhyävatäräëäà
kaçciê jätäni vai bhuvi
çré-kåñëa-püjä-mantraù-the mantras for worshiping Lord Kåñëa; avatärän-incarnations; sahasräëi-thousands; karoñi-You do; madhusüdana-O k; na-not; te-of You; saìkhyä-number; avatäräëäm-of incarnations; kaçcij-something; jätäni-born; vai-indeed; bhuvi-on the earth.

The Mantras For Worshiping Lord Kåñëa
O Lord Kåñëa, You descend to this world in many thousands of incarnations. No one can count the number of Your incarnations in this world.

Text 484 

devä brahmädayo väpi
svarüpaà na vidus tava
atas tväà püjayiñyämi
mätur utsaìga-saàsthitam
devä-the demigods; brahmädayaù-headed by Brahma; vä-or; api-even; svarüpam-the form; na-not; viduù-know; tava-of You; ataù-then; tväm-You; püjayiñyämi-I will worship; mätuù-of the mother; utsaìga-saàsthitam-on the lap.

Brahma' and the demigods do not understand the true nature of 
Your transcendental form. Now I will worship You as You sit on 
Your mother's lap.

Text 485 

väïchitam kuru me deva
duñkåtaà caiva näçaya
kuruñva me dayäà deva
samsärärti-bhayäpaha
väïchitam-desire; kuru-do; me-of me; deva-O Lord; duñkåtam-sins; ca-and; eva-indeed; näçaya-destroy; kuruñva-please do; me-of me; dayäm-mercy; deva-O Lord; samsärärti-bhayäpaha-who removes the fearful sufferings of repeated birth and death.

O Lord please fulfill my desires and destroy my sins. O Lord 
who removes the fears and sufferings of this world of birth and 
death, please be merciful to me.

Text 486 

evaà sampüjya govindaà
pätre tilamaye sthitam
tataç# ca däpayed arghyam
indor udayataù çuciù
evam-thus; sampüjya-worshiping; govindam-Lord Kåñëa; pätre-in a bowl; tilamaye-made with sesame seeds; sthitam-situated; tataù-then; ca-and; däpayet-should offer; arghyam-arghya; indoù-of the moon; udayataù-rising; çuciù-purity.

After worshiping Lord Govinda in this way, one should offer 
Him arghya splendid and pure like the rising moon, arghya in a 
bowl with sesame seeds.

Text 487 

kåñëäya prathamaà dadyäd
devaké-sahitäya vai
arghyam åñi-vara-çreñöha
sarva-käma-phala-pradam
kåñëäya-to Lord Kåñëa; prathamam-first; dadyät-should offer; devaké-sahitäya-with Devaké; vai-indeed; arghyam-arghya; åñi-vara-çreñöha-O best of the sages; sarva-käma-phala-pradam-fulfilling all desires.

O best of sages, thus one should begin by offering arghya to 
Lord Kåñëa and Devaké, arghya that brings the fulfillment of all 
desires.

Text 488 

atha arghya-däna-mantraù 
jätaù kaàsa-vadhärthäya
bhü-bhärottäraëäya ca
devatänäà hitärthäya
dharma-saàsthäpanäya ca
kauraväëäà vinäçäya
daitanyänäà nidhanäya ca
atha-now; arghya-däna-mantraù-the mantras for offering arghya; jätaù-born; kaàsa-vadhärthäya-to kill Kamsa; bhü-bhärottäraëäya-to remove the birden opf the earth; ca-and; devatänäm-of the demigods; hitärthäya-to bring auspiciousness; dharma-saàsthäpanäya-to establish religion; ca-and; kauraväëäm-of the Kauravas; vinäçäya-for destruction; daitanyänäm-of the demons; nidhanäya-for destruction; ca-and.

The Mantras For Offering Arghya
O Lord Kåñëa, You took birth in this world to kill Kaàsa, remove the earth's burden, establish religion, and kill the demons and the Kauravas.

Text 489 

gåhäëärghyaà mayä dattaà
devaké-sahito mama
gåhäëa-please accept; arghyam-arghya; mayä-by me; dattam-offered; devaké-sahitaù-with Devaké; mama-of me.

O Lord who stays with Devaké, please accept this arghya I 
offer to You.

Text 490 

çré-kåñëäya devaké-sahitäya sa-parivaräya lakñmé-
sahitäya arghyaà namaù

çré-kåñëäya-to Çré Kåñëa; devaké-
sahitäya-accompanied by DFevaki; sa-parivaräya-with Your 
associates; lakñmé-sahitäya-with Lakñài; arghyam-arghyam; 
namaù-obeisances.
I offer this arghya to Lord Kåñëa, who is accompanied by Devaké, by Goddess Lakñmé, and by His other associates. I offer my respectful obeisances to Him.

Text 491 

atha candrärghya-mantraù 
dadhi-puñpäkñatair miçraà
tato 'rghyam çaçine mudä
kñérodärëava-sambhüta
atri-netra-samudbhava 
arghyam indo gåhäëa tvaà 
rohiëyä sahito mama
atha-now; candrärghya-mantraù-the mantras for offering arghya to the moon; dadhi-puñpäkñataiù-with yogurt, flowers, and unbroken grains; miçram-mixed; tataù-then; arghyam-arghya; çaçine-to the moon; mudä-happily; kñérodärëava-sambhüta-born from the ocean of milk; atri-netra-samudbhava-born from Atri's eye; arghyam-arghyam; indaù-O moon; gåhäëa-please accept; tvam-you; rohiëyä-Rohiëé; sahitaù-with; mama-of me.

Mantras For Offering Arghya to the Moon-god

O Moon-god born from the milk-ocean and from Atri's eye, O 
Moon-god now associating with Rohiëé, please accept this arghya 
mixed with yogurt, flowers, and unbroken rice.

Text 492 

närikelena çubhreëa
dadyäd arghyaà vicakñaëaù
kåñëäya parayä bhaktyä
çaìkhe kåtvä vidhänataù
närikelena-with a coconut; çubhreëa-splendid; dadyät-should give; arghyam-arghya; vicakñaëaù-wise; kåñëäya-to Lord Kåñëa; parayä-with great; bhaktyä-devotion; çaìkhe-in a conchshell; kåtvä'doing; vidhänataù-properly.

A wise devotee should first offer arghya in a coconut shell. 
Then, with great devotion, he should offer arghya in a conchshell 
to Lord Kåñëa.

Text 493 

dadyäd bhü-maëòalaà kåtsnaà
sa-sägara-nagänvitam
arghya-dänena tat puëyaà
labhate mänavo bhuvi
dadyät-should offer; bhü-maëòalam-the entire earth; kåtsnam-entire; sa-sägara-nagänvitam-with oceans and and mountaiuns; arghya-dänena-by offering arghya; tat-that; puëyam-piety; labhate-attains; mänavaù-a person; bhuvi-in this world.

By offering arghya in this way a person in this world 
attains the same piety he would attain by offering the entire 
earth, with all its seas and mountains.

Text 494 

géta-çästra-kathäläpaiù
kuryäê jägaraëaà niçi
dhüpa-dépaà ca naivedyaà
tämbülaà däpayed dhareù
géta-çästra-kathäläpaiù-with talk of Bhagavad-gita; kuryät-should do; jägaraëam-all night vigil; niçi-at night; dhüpa-incense; dépam-lamos; ca-and; naivedyam-food; tämbülam-betelnuts; däpayet-should offer; hareù-to Lord Kåñëa.

Spending the time with talks of the scripture Bhagavad-gétä, 
one should keep an all-night vigil. To Lord Kåñëa one should 
offer incense, lamps, food, and betelnuts.

Text 495 

evaà janmäñöméà kåtvä
kartavyaà nävaçiñyate
sarvaà puëya-phalaà präpya
ante yäti padaà hareù
evam-thus; janmäñömém-Janmäñöamé; kåtvä-doing; kartavyam-to bedone; na-not; avaçiñyate-remains; sarvam-all; puëya-phalam-results of piety; präpya-attaining; ante-atthe end; yäti'goes; padam-to the abode; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa.

When one observes Janmäñöamé in this way, nothing else 
remains that he need do. He has already attained all pious 
benefits. At the end of this lifetime he will go to the abode of 
Lord Kåñëa.

Text 496 

brahma-puräëe ca 
atha bhädra-pade mäsi
kåñëäñömyäà kalau yuge
añöoviàçatime jätaù
kåñëo 'sau devaké-sutaù
brahma-puräëe-in the Brahma Purana; ca-and; atha-now; bhädra-pade-Bhadra; mäsi-in the month; kåñëäñömyäm-on Kåñëa-Janmäñöamé; kalau-in Kali; yuge-yuga; añöoviàçatime-28th; jätaù-born; kåñëaù-Lord Kåñëa; asau-He; devaké-sutaù-the son of Devaké.

In the Brahma Puräëa it is said:
In the twenty-eighth Kali-yuga, in the month of Bhädra, on the kåñëa-pakña añöamé, Lord Kåñëa was born as Devaké son.

Text 497 

bhärävatäraëärthäya
kñatriyäëäà kñayäya ca
tasmät sa tatra sampüjyo
yaçodä devaké tathä
bhära-the burden; avatäraëa-removing; arthäya-for the purpose; kñatriyäëäm-of the ksatriyas; kñayäya-for destruction; ca-and; tasmät-therefore; sa-He; tatra-there; sampüjyaù-to be worshiped; yaçodä-Yasoda; devaké-Devaki; tathä-so.

Lord Kåñëa come to this world to remove the earth's burden 
and kill a host of demoné kñatriyas. That is why Lord Kåñëa 
should be worshiped on this day. Devaké and Yaçoda' should also be 
worshiped on this day.

Text 498 

gandha-mälyais tathä yävair
yava-godhüma-sambhavaiù
sa-gorasair bhakyña-bhojyaiù
phalais" ca vividhair api 
rätrau prajägaraù käryo 
nåtya-géta-samäkulaù. iti.
gandha-with scents; mälyaiù-with garlands; tathä-so; yavaiù-with barley; yava-godhüma-sambhavaiù-made from wheat; sa-gorasaiù-with milk; bhakyña-bhojyaiù-with foods; phalaiù-with fruits; ca-and; vividhaiù-various; api-also; rätrau-at night; 
prajägaraù-awake; käryaù-to be done; nåtya-géta-
samäkulaù-with singing and dancing; iti-thus.

One should keep an all-night vigil. One should glorify the 
Lord with singing and dancing. One should offer Lord Kåñëa 
fragrances, flower garlands, various kinds of fruits, and 
delicious foods made with wheat, barley, milk, and other 
substances.

Text 499 

yo bhaviñyottarädy-ukto
vidhis tad-anusärataù
sarvaà janmäñömé-kåtyaà
eki-kåtyätra likhyate
yaù-who; bhaviñyottarädy-uktaù-said in Bhavisya Purana, Uttara-khanda and other scriptures; vidhiù-rule; tad-anusärataù-by following that; sarvam-all; janmäñömé-kåtyam-duties of Janmäñöamé; eki-kåtya-becoming one; atra-here; likhyate-is written.

In this book are gathered in one place all the Janmäñöamé 
duties described in the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa and in 
other scriptures also.

Text 500

eka-bhaktänantaraà tu
danta-dhävana-pürvakam
säptamyäm athaväñömyäà
prätaù saìkalpaà äcaret
eka-bhaktänantaram-devotee; tu-indeed; danta-dhävana-pürvakam-previously brishing the teeth; säptamyäm-on the saptami; athavä-or; añömyäm-on the astami; prätaù-early in the morning; saìkalpam-sankalpa; äcaret-should do.

On the saptamé, or in the early morning of the añöamé, a 
devotee should brush his teeth and then recite the saìkalpa-
mantra.

Text 501

atha tatra mantraù 
adya sthitvä nirähäraù
sarva-bhoga-vivarjitaù
bhokñe 'haà puëòarikakña
çaraëaà me bhaväcyuta
atha-then; tatra-there; mantraù-mantra; adya-now; sthitvä-standing; nirähäraù-without eating; sarva-bhoga-all eating; vivarjitaù-without; bhokñe-eat; aham-I; puëòarikakña-O lotus-eyed Lord; çaraëam-shelter; me-of me; bhava-please be; acyuta-O infallible Lord.

The Saìkalpa-mantra
Now I stand before You. Today I will not eat. I will not eat anything. Only tomorrow will I eat. O lotus-eyed one, O infallible Lord, please become my shelter.

Text 502

kurvéta prätar añömyäà
snapanädi tilaiù prabhoù
arpayec ca navaà sarvaà
çiñöäcäränusärataù
kurvéta-should do; prätaù-in the early morning; añömyäm-on the astami; snapanädi-beginning with bathing; tilaiù-with oil; prabhoù-of the Lord; arpayet-should offer; ca-and; navam-new; sarvam-all; çiñöäcäränusärataù-by following the orders.

Early on the añöamé morning one should, using oil as 
soap, bathe the Deity of the Lord. Then one should obediently 
dress the Deity of the Lord in new garments.

Text 503

madhyähne ca çubhe térthe
'nyatra vä saj-jale vraté
mürdhni dhätré-phalaà dattvä
snäyät kåñëa-tilaiù çubhaiù
madhyähne-in midday; ca-and; çubhe-auspicious; térthe-on a day; anyatra-another; vä-or; sat-jale-in pure water; vraté-following the vow; mürdhni-to the head; dhätré-phalam-amalaki fruit; dattvä-placing; snäyät-should bathe; kåñëa-tilaiù-with Kåñëa-oil; çubhaiù-auspicious.

A midday the person following this vow should touch an 
ämalaké fruit to his head and then, using kåñëa-oil as soap, 
bathe in a holy river or in the pure water of an ordinary place.

Text 504

atha madhyähnikaà nitya-
kåtam anyat samäpya hi
su-deçe racayed divyaà
devakyäù sütikä-gåham
atha-then; madhyähnikam-midday; nitya-regular; kåtam-duties; anyat-other; samäpya-completing; hi-indeed; su-deçe-in a good place; racayet-should make; divyam-transcendental; devakyäù-of Devaké; sütikä-gåham-the delivery-room.

After completing his other midday duties, in an appropriate 
place this person should then construct the transcendental 
maternity-room of Devaké-devé.

Text 505

bhüñitaà maëibhir vastra-
vitänais toraëair api
abaddhaiù phala-puñpaiç ca
ghåta-pakvädibhis tathä
bhüñitam-dedcorated; maëibhiù-with jewels; vastra-cloth; vitänaiù-with curtains; toraëaiù-with arches; api-also; äbaddhaiù-tied; phala-puñpaiù-with fruits and flowers; ca-and; ghåta-pakvädibhiù-cooked in ghee; tathä-so.

He should then decorate the room with jewels, curtains, 
archways, flowers, and fruits, and he should place in it 
different foods cooked in ghee.

Text 506

yava-dürdhvämbujädy-äòhyaà
vädya-gétädi-saìkulam
dväre ca çåìkhalä-loha-
khaòga-cchägädi-samyutam
yava-barley; dürdhva-durva grass; ambuja-lotus; ädi-beginning; ädyam-opulent; vädya-gétädi-saìkulam-with singing and music; dväre-at the door; ca-and; çåìkhalä-shackles; loha-iron; khaòga-sword; chäga-chaga; ädi-samyutam-beginning with.

In the room should be barley, dürva grass, lotus 
flowers, and other things. There should be singing and 
instrumental music. At the door should be placed shackles, an 
iron sword, a chäga, and other items.

Text 507

gokulaà vilikhet tatra
gopa-gopéjanävåtam
rakña-päläàç ca gehasya
sarvato 'vasthitän likhet
gokulam-gokula; vilikhet-there; tatra-should draw; gopa-gopéjanävåtam-withgopas and gopé; rakña-päläàù-guards; 
ca-and; gehasya-of the house; sarvataù-everywhere; 
avasthitän-situated; likhet-should draw.

There he should draw a picture of Gokula filled with many 
gopas and gopés. He should also draw a picture of the prison with 
guard's everywhere.

Text 508

tan-madhye sarvatobhadra-
maëòale sthäpayed ghaöam
pätraà tad-upari nyased
dhaimaà vaiëavam eva vä
tan-madhye-in the middle of that; sarvatobhadra-maëòale-a sarvatobhadra design; sthäpayet-should place; ghaöam-a waterpot; pätram-leaf; tad-upari-above that; nyaset-should place; dhaimam-golden; vaiëavam-bamboo; eva-indeed; vä-or.

In the middle of that he should place a sarvatobhadra 
design, and there he should place a waterpot. Above the waterpot he 
should place a leaf of gold, or if not of gold then a bamboo 
leaf.

Text 509 

devakéà sthäpayet tatra
svarëenänyena vä kåtam
sal-lakñaëaà su-paryaìke
suptäà snuta-payodharäm
devakém-Devaki; sthäpayet-should place; tatra-there; svarëena-gold; anyena-with another; vä-or; kåtam-make; sat-lakñaëam-beautiful; su-paryaìke-on the beautiful bed; suptäm-asleep; snuta-payodharäm-milk flowing from her breasts.

There one should place a beautiful deity of Devaké, a deity 
made of gold, or of another material. Her breasts filled with 
milk, beautiful Devaké should be asleep on the beautiful bed.

Text 510 

tathaiva bhagavantaà ca
tad-utsaìge stanan-dhayam
nija-lakñaëa-sampannaà
sthäpayec chayitaà sukham
tathä-so; eva-indeed; bhagavantam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; ca-also; tad-utsaìge-on her embrace; stanan-dhayam-an infant drinking milk; nija-lakñaëa-sampannam-with His own qualities; sthäpayet-should place; çayitam-sleeping; sukham-happily.

So also one should place a Deity of Lord Kåñëa. Lord Kåñëa 
should be an infant happily sleeping in his mother's embrace.

Text 511 

tathä kvacit pradeçe ca
çré-yaçodäà sa-kanyakäm
çré-nandaà rohiëéà rämaà
gopän gopéç ca gä api
tathä-so; kvacit-somewhere; pradeçe-in the place; ca-and; çré-yaçodäm-Çré Yasoda; sa-kanyakäm-with her daughter; çré-nandam-Çré Nanda; rohiëém-Rohini; rämam-Balaräma; gopän-gopas; gopéù-gopés; ca-and; gä-cows; api-also.

There also one should place Çré Yaçoda, her daughter, Çré 
Nanda, Rohiëé, Balaräma, and the gopas and gopés.

Text 512 

vasudevaà ca devakyäù
samépe muditänanam
khaòga-päëià stuvantaà ca
vismayotphulla-locanam
vasudevam-vasudeva; ca-and; devakyäù-Ddvaki; samépe-near; muditänanam-with a happy expression on his face; khaòga-päëim-a sword in his hand; stuvantam-offering prayers; ca-and; vismayotphulla-locanam-his eyes wide-open with wonder.

Near Devaké should be Vasudeva, his face filled with 
happiness. His eyes should be wide-open with wonder, he should be 
holding a sword in his hand, and he should be offering prayers.

Text 513 

devän munéàç ca tatrordhve
praëatän puñpa-varñiëaù
gandharväpsarasädéàç ca
géta-nåtyädi-tatparän
devän-demigods; munéàù-sages; ca-and; tatra-there; ürdhve-aâove; praëatän-bowing; puñpa-varñiëaù-showering flowers; gandharväpsarasädéàù-gandharvas, apsaras, and others; ca-and; géta-nåtyädi-tatparän-singing and dancing.

In the sky should be demigods and sages. They should be 
bowing down and showering flowers. There should also be 
gandharvas, apsara's and others enthusiastically singing and dancing.    

Text 514 

kaà#saà ca tat-parévärän
gåhétästräàç ca nidrayä
mohitän sthäpayet kväpi
kåñëäyäà käliyaà likhet
kaà#sam-Kamsa; ca-and; tat-parévärät-his associates; gåhéta-taken; asträàù-sword; ca-and; nidrayä-with sleep; mohitän-bewildered; sthäpayet-should place; kväpi-somewhere; kåñëäyäm-in the Yamunä; käliyam-Käliya; likhet-should draw.

One should also draw Kaàsa and his companions, sound asleep 
and their swords in their hands. One should also draw Käliya in 
the Yamunä.

Text 515 

itthaà kåtvä yatha-çobhaà
sva-çaktyä sütikä-gåham
tat-tan-mürtéç ca vinyasya
prärabhetärcanaà niçi
ittham-thus; kåtvä-doing; yatha-çobham-beautiful; sva-çaktyä-as far as one is able; sütikä-gåham-the maternity-room; tat-tan-mürtéù-various deities; ca-and; vinyasya-placing; prärabheta-should begin; arcanam-the worship; niçi-at night.

Thus one should make the deities and the room as beautiful 
as one can. One should begin the worship at night.

Text 516 

gandha-puñpäkñatädéni
vasträlaìkäraëäni ca
naivedyäni viciträëi
phaläni sthäpayet tathä
gandha-puñpäkñatädéni-beginning with scents, flowers, and unbroken grains; vasträlaìkäraëäni-graments and ornaments; ca-and; naivedyäni-food; viciträëi-variegated; phaläni-fruits; sthäpayet-should place; tathä-so.

There one should place fragrances, flowers, unbroken grains, 
garments, ornaments, and a great variety of fruits and foods.

Text 517 

tataù çästrokta-mantreëa
vidhinävähya devakém
pratiñöhäpya ca tasyai präk
puñpäïjalim arthärpayet
tataù-then; çästrokta-mantreëa-with mantras spoken in the scriptures; vidhinä-properly; ävähya-invoking the presence; devakém-Devaké; pratiñöhäpya-establishing; ca-and; tasyai-top her; präk-before; puñpa-of flowers aïjalim-a handful; artha-thne; arpayet-should offer.

Reciting mantras from the scriptures, one should then invite 
Devaké to appear in her deity-form. When the deity is thus 
installed, one should offer her a handful of flowers.

Text 518 

atha devaké-dhyänaà 
gäyadbhiù kinnarädyaiù satata-parivåtä veëu-véëädi-nädair
bhåìgärädarça-kumbha-prakara-håta-karaiù kinnaraiù sevyamänä
paryaìke tväståte yä muditatara-mukhé putriëé samyag aste
sä devé deva-mätä jayati su-vadanä devaké känta-rüpä
atha-now; devaké-dhyänam-meditation on Devaké; gäyadbhiù-siìgiìg; kinnarädyaiù-beginniìg witù the kinnaras; satata-parivåtä-always surrounded; veëu-véëädi-beginniìg witù flutes and vinas; nädaiù-witù sounds; bhåìgära-golden pitchers; ädarça-mirrors; kumbha-waterpots; prakara-multitudes; håta-held; karaiù-in their hands; kinnaraiù-by kinnaras; sevyamänä-beiìgs served; paryaìke-on the bed; tu-indeed; äståte-covered; yä-who; muditatara-mukhé-happy face; putriëé-witù a son; samyag-properly; aste-stays; sä-she; devé-goddess; deva-mätä-the mother of the demigods; jayati-all glories; su-vadanä-beautiful face; devaké-Devaké; känta-beautiful; rüpä-form.

Meditation on Devaké
All glories to beautiful, beautiful-faced Devaké, the mother of the demigods. The happy-faced mother of a newborn son, she rests on her great bed. She is served by many kinnaras and other demigods, who sing songs, play musé on flutes, véëäs, and other instruments, and carry in their hands gifts of golden vases, waterpots, and glistening mirrors.

Text 519 

tathä çré-kåñëadevasya
prägvad ävähanaà budhaù
pratiñöhäà ca vidhäyäsmai
dadyät puñpäïjalià tataù
tathä-so; çré-kåñëadevasya-of Lord Kåñëa; prägvat-as before; ävähanam-invocation; budhaù-wise; pratiñöhäm-establishment; ca-and; vidhäya-doing; asmai-to Him; dadyät-should gove; puñpäïjalim-a handful fo flowers; tataù-then.

As he did before with Devaké, the wise devotee should then invite 
Lord Kåñëa to appear in His Deity-form. When the Deity is thus 
installed, the devotee should offer Him a handful of flowers.

Text 520 

candrodaye bahir gehät
sammärjyäbjoparéndave
närikelädikaà çaìkhe
kåtvä tenärghyam arpayet
candrodaye-in the moonrise; bahiù-outside; gehät-the hoouse; sammärjya-cleaning; abja-lotus; upari-above; indave-to the moon; närikelädikam-beginning with a coconut; çaìkhe-in a conchshell; kåtvä'doing; tena-by that; arghyam-arghya; arpayet-should offer.

When the moon rises, one should go outside the house, 
cleanse a place, put there a lotus flower, and there offer to the 
moon-god arghya in a conchshell and a coconut-shell.

Text 521 

atha tatra mantraù 
kñérodärëava-sambhüta
atri-netra-samudbhava
gåhaëärghyaà çaçäìkeça
rohiëyä sahito mama
atha-now; tatra-there; mantraù-mantra; kñérodärëava-sambhüta'born from the milk-ocean; atri-netra-from Atri's eye; samudbhava-born; gåhaëa-please accept; arghyam-arghya; çaçäìkeça'O moon-god; rohiëyä-Rohiëiä; sahitaù-with; mama-of me.

The Mantra For That
O moon-god born from the milk-ocean and from Atri Muni's eye, O moon-god now associating with Rohiëé, please accept this arghya I offer to you.

Text 522 

jyotsnä-pate namas tubhyaà
namas te jyotiñäà pate
namas te rohiëé-känta
arghyaà me pratigåhyatäm
jyotsnä-pate-O master of moonlight; namaù-obeisances; tubhyam-to you; namaù-obeisances; te-to you; jyotiñäm-of moonlight; pate'O master; namaù-obeisances; te-to you; rohiëé-känta-O beloved of Rohini; arghyam-arghyam; me-from me; pratigåhyatäm-may be accepted.

O master of moonlight, obeisances to You! O master of 
moonlight, obeisances to You! O beloved of Rohiëé, obeisances to 
You! Please accept the arghya I offer to you.

Text 523 

tato gåhäntar ägatya
kåtvä jaya-jaya-dhvanim
dhyätvä çré-bhagavaj-janma
kåñëäyärghyaà nivedayet
tataù-then; gåhäntaù-within the house; ägatya-arriving; kåtvä-doing; jaya-jaya-dhvanim-sounds of jaya jaya; dhyätvä-meditating; çré-bhagavaê-janma-on the birth of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; kåñëäya-to Lord Kåñëa; arghyam-arghya; nivedayet-should offer.

Returning inside the house, one should say "Jaya! 
Jaya!", meditate on Lord Kåñëa's birth, and then offer arghya to 
Lord Kåñëa.

Text 524 

atha tatra mantraù 
jätaù kaàsa-vadhärthäya. ity ädi.
atha-here; tatra-there; mantraù-the mantra; jätaù-born; kaàsa-vadhärthäya'to kill Kaàsa; iti-thus; ädi-beginning.

The Mantra For that
The mantra for that is the mantra beginning with the words, "jätaù kaàsa-vadhärthäya".

Text 525

tataù kñérädinä çuddho-
dakena tu yathä-vidhi
devaké-sahitaà bhaktyä
çré-kåñëaà snäpayet kåté
tataù-then; kñéra-with milk; ädinä-beginning; çuddha-pure; udakena-with water; tu-indeed; yathä-vidhi-as proper; devaké-Devaké; sahitam-with; bhaktyä-with devotion; çré-kåñëam-Lord Kåñëa; snäpayet-should bathe; kåté-devotee.

Then one should devotedly and properly bathe Lord Kåñëa and 
Devaké with pure water, milk, and other substances.

Text 526 

atha tatra mantraù 
yogeçvaräya yoga-sambhaväya yoga-pataye govindäya namo namaù
atha-now; tatra-there; mantraù-the mantra; yogeçvaräya-to the master of yoga; yoga-sambhaväya-to the father of yoga; yoga-pataye-to the master of yoga; govindäya-to Lord Govinda; namaù-obeisances; namaù-obeisances.

The mantra is, "yogeçvaräya yoga-sambhaväya 
yoga-pataye govindäya namo namaù" (Obeisances, obeisances to Lord 
Govinda, who is the controller of yoga, the father of yoga, and 
the master of yoga).

Text 527 

kvacé ca 
yogeçvaräya deväya
devaké-nandanäya ca
yogodbhaväya nityäya
govindäya namo namaù
kvacit-somewhere; ca-also; yogeçvaräya-to the master of yoga; deväya-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; devaké-nandanäya-to the son of Devaké; ca-and; yogodbhaväya-to the father of yoga; nityäya-eternal; govindäya-to Lord Kåñëa; namaù-obeisnaces; namaù-obeisnaces.

The following mantra may also be used:
Obeisances, obeisances to Lord Govinda, the eternal Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of yoga, the father of yoga, the son of Devaké.

Text 528 

adite deva-mätas tvaà
ity ädi prärthya devakém
gandhädény arpayet tasyai
namo devyai çriye iti
adite deva-mätas tvam ity ädi prärthya-witrh the prayer beginning with the words "adite deva-mätas tvam; devakém-to Devaki; gandhädéni-beginning with scents; arpayet-shoulkd offer; tasyai-to her; namaù-obeisances; devyai-to the goddess; çriye-to the goddess; iti-thus.

Reciting the mantra beginning with the words "adite 
deva-mätas tvam", as well as the mantra "namo devyai 
çriye", one should offer fragrances and other gifts to 
Devaké.

Text 529 

avatära-sahasräëéty-
ädinäbhyarcya ca prabhum
pädyädi vastra-bhüñädi
dhüpa-dépädi cärpayet
avatära-sahasräni iti ädinä-with the mantra beginning with the words "avatära-sahasräni; abhyarcya-worshiping; ca-and; prabhum-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; pädyädi-beginning with padya; vastra-bhüñädi-beginning with garments and ornaments; dhüpa-dépädi-beginning with incense and lamps; ca-and; arpayet-should offer.

Reciting the mantra beginning with the words .sy 
168avatära-sahasräëi", one should worship Lord Kåñëa. One 
should offer Him pädya (water for washing the feet), garments, 
ornaments, incense, lamps, and other gifts.

Text 530 

atha tatra padyädi-dépänta-mantraù 
om- yajïeçvaräya yajïa-sambhaväya yajïa-
pataye govindäya namo namaù

atha-now; tatra-there; padyädi-dépänta-mantraù-the mantra for 
offering the gifts that begin with padya and conclude with lamps; 
om-Oà; yajïesvaräya-to the controller of yajnas; 
yajna-sambhaväya-to the father of yajnas; yajna-pataye-to 
the mater of yajnas; govindäya-to Lord Govinda; 
namaù-obeisances; namaù-obeisances.

The mantra for offering these gifts, which begin with pädya 
and conclude with lamps, is, "om- yajïesvaräya 
yajïa-sambhaväya yajïa-pataye govindäya namo 
namaù" (Oà. Obeisances, obeisances to Lord Govinda, who is the 
controller of yajïa, the father of yajïa, and the 
master of yajïa).

Text 531 

atha naivedya-mantraù 
om- viçveçvaräya viçva-sambhaväya viçva-pataye govindäya namo 
namaù
atha-now; naivedya-for offering food; mantraù-the mantra; om-Oà; viçveçvaräya-to the controller of the universe; viçva-sambhaväya'the father of the universe; viçva-pataye-the master of the universe; govindäya-to Lord Govinda; namaù-obeisances; namaù-obeisances.

The mantra for offering food is, "om- viçveçvaräya 
viçva-sambhaväya viçva-pataye govindäya namo namaù" (Oà. 
Obeisances, obeisances to Lord Govinda, who is the controller of 
the universes, the father of the universes, and the master of the 
universes.

Text 532 

vasudevaà yaçodäà ca
nandaà rämaà ca rohiëém
anyäàç ca püjayet tat-tan-
näma-mantrair yathä-vidhi
vasudevam-vasudeva; yaçodäm-Yasoda; ca-and; nandam-Nanda; rämam-Balaräma; ca-and; rohiëém-Rohini; anyäàù-others; ca-and; püjayet-should worship; tat-tan-various; näma-names; mantraiù-with mantra; yathä-vidhi-appropriately.

Then, reciting the proper mantras with the proper names, one 
should worship Vasudeva, Yaçodä, Nanda, Balaräma, Rohiëé, and 
others of the Lord's personal associates.

Text 533 

pakvännäni viciträëi
khädyäni vividhäni ca
tat-käléna-phaläny atra
tämbülaà ca samarpayet
pakva-cooked; annäni-food; viciträëi-many varieties; 
khädyäni'foods; vividhäni-various; ca-and; tat-
käléna-in season; phaläni-fruits; atra-here; 
tämbülam-betelnuts; ca-and; samarpayet-should offer.

Then one should offer many varieties of cooked grains, many 
varieties of other delicious foods, and many varieties of fruits 
in season, and one should also offer betelnuts.

Text 534 

atha tatra mantraù 
dharmeçvaräya dharma-sambhaväya dharma-pataye govindäya namo 
namaù
atha-now; tatra-there; mantraù-the mantra; dharmeçvaräya-to the 
controller of religion; dharma-sambhaväya-the father of 
religion; dharma-pataye-the master of religion; 
govindäya-to Lord Govinda; namaù-obeisances; 
namaù-obeisances.

The mantra for that offering is, "dharmeçvaräya 
dharma-sambhaväya dharma-pataye govindäya namo namaù" 
(Obeisances, obeisances to Lord Govinda, who is the controller 
of religion, the father of religion, and the master of religion).

Text 535 

niçéthe guòa-sarpibhyäà
vasor dhäräà ca pätayet
niçéthe-in the middle of the night; guòa-sarpibhyäm-with molasses and ghee; vasoù-of water; dhäräm-a stream; ca-and; pätayet-should cause to fall.

Then, in the middle of the night, one should bathe the Lord 
with a stream of water and with molasses and ghee.

Text 536 

atha kuryäd bhagavato
jäta-karma-mahotsavam
çré-näla-vardhanaà kuryät
ñañöhé-niùsäraëaà tataù
atha-then; kuryät-should do; bhagavataù-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; jäta-karma-mahotsavam-the jata-karma ceremony; çré-näla-vardhanam-the ceremony of cutting the umbilical cord; kuryät-should do; ñañöhé-niùsäraëam-the worship of Goddess S„añöhé; tataù-then.

Then one should perform the jäta-karma ceremony of the Lord, 
then the ceremony of cutting the umbilical cord, and then the 
worship of Goddess Ñañöhé.
Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé comments:

The mantra for worshiping the goddess is, .sy 
168ñañöhikäyai namaù".

Text 537 

çré-näma-karaëa-tat-tal-
lélänukaraëaà tathä
athäcäryaà samabhyarcya
kuryäê jägaraëaà mudä 
géta-nåtyädinä bälya
kréòä-çravaëa-pürvakam
çré-näma-karaëa-the name giving ceremony; tat-tat-various; léla-of pastimes; anukaraëam-imitation; tathä-so; atha-then; äcäryam-the spiritual master; samabhyarcya-worshiping; kuryät-should do; jägaraëam-vigil; mudä-happily; géta-nåtyädinä-beginning weith singing and dancing; bälya-childhood;  kréòä-pastimes; çravaëa-hearing; pürvakam-first.

Then one should perform the name-giving ceremony, then 
perform dramas of various pastimes of the Lord, then worship the 
spiritual master, then hear narrations of Lord Kåñëa's childhood 
pastimes, and then keep an all-night vigil filled with happy 
singing, dancing, and other like activities.
Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé comments:

The pastimes depicted in dramas should begin with the 
pastime of killing Pütana' and end with the pastime of killing 
Kaàsa.

Text 538 

skände brahma-närada-samväde 
äjanmoparjitaà päpaà
tat-kñaëäd eva léyate
rätrau jägaraëe vipra
dåñöe naçyati dehinäm
skände-in thre Skanda Purana; brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Brahma and Narada; äjanma-from birth; uparjitam-accumulated; päpam-sins; tat-kñaëät-from that moment; eva-indeed; léyate-are destroyed; rätrau-at night; jägaraëe-in a vigil; vipra-O brahmana; dåñöe-seen; naçyati-perishes; dehinäm-of the conditioned souls.

In the Skanda Puräëa, Brahma' tells Närada:
O brähmaëa, when one observes such an all-night vigil, all his sins from the time of his birth are at once destroyed.

Text 539 

prabhäte sati nirvartya
nitya-karmäëi vaiñëavaù
devam abhyarcya samprärthya
praëamya ca visarjayet
prabhäte-dawn; sati-being so; nirvartya-performing; nitya-karmäëi-regular duties; vaiñëavaù-a devotee; devam-the Lord; abhyarcya-worshiping; samprärthya-offering prayers; praëamya-bowing down; ca-and; visarjayet-should perform.

At dawn a Vaiñëava should then perform his regular duties, 
worship the Lord, offer prayers to the Lord, and offer obeisances 
to the Lord.
Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé comments:

The regular duties here are those duties that begin with the 
early-morning bath.

Text 540 

atha praëäma-mantraù yam- devam. ity-ädi-särdha-padyam
atha-now; praëäma-mantraù-the mantra for offering 
obneisances; yam devam ity-ädi-särdha-padyam-the one-and-a-half 
verses beginning with the words "yam devam"

The mantra for offering obeisances is the one-and-a-half-
verses prayer beginning with the words "yam- devam".

Text 541 

atha prärthanä-mantraù çäntir astu ity-ädi.
atha-now; prärthanä-mantraù-the mantra for offering prayers; çäntir astu ity-ädi-the verse beginning with the words "çäntir astu".

The mantra for offering prayers is the verse beginning with 
the words "çäntir astu".

Text 542 

athäcäryäya tat sarvaà
çré-mürty-ädi sa-dakñiëäm
pradäya viprän sambhojya
vidadhyät päraëotsavam
atha-then; äcäryäya-to the spiritual master; tat-that; sarvam-evereything; çré-mürty-ädi-beginning with the Deity of the Lord; sa-dakñiëäm-with daksina; pradäya-offering; viprän-the brahmanas; sambhojya-feeding; vidadhyät-should do; päraëotsavam-breaking the fast.

Then one should give the Deities and all the paraphernalia 
employed in the festival, along with dakñiëä, to the spiritual 
master, then one should feed the brähmaëas, and then one should 
break the fast.

Text 543 

atha pärçva-parivartanotsavaù 
bhädrasya çuklaikädaçyäà
säyanotsavavat prabhoù
kaöi-dänotsavaà kuryäd
vaiñëavaiù saha vaiñëavaù
atha-now; pärçva-parivartanotsavaù-the Pärçva-parivartana festival; bhädrasya-of Bhadra; çuklaikädaçyäm-of the sukla ekadasi; säyana-taking rest; utsava-the festuval; vat-like; prabhoù-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; kaöi-dänotsavam-festival of gift of a kati; kuryät-should do; vaiñëavaiù-Vaiñëavas; saha-with; vaiñëavaù-a Vaiñëava.

The Pärçva-parivartana Festival
On the çukla-ekädaçé of Bhädra a Vaiñëava, accompanied by other Vaiñëavas, should celebrate the Kaöidäna festival, which is like the Çayana festival.

Text 544 

bhaviñyottare 
präpte bhädra-pade mäsi
ekädaçyäà site 'hani
kaöi-dänaà bhaved viñëor
mahä-pätaka-näçanam
bhaviñyottare-in the Bhavisya Purana, Uttara-khanda; präpte-attained; bhädra-pade-Bhadra; mäsi-month; ekädaçyäm-on ekadasi; site-sukla; ahani-on the day; kaöi-dänam-kari-dana; bhavet-should be; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; mahä-pätaka-näçanam-destroying great sins.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said: 
On the çukla-ekädaçé of the month of Bhädra, one should observe the kaöi-däna (turning over, festival of Lord Viñëu, a festival that destroys great sins.

Text 545 

jaläçayäntikaà nétvä
samyag abhyarcya prabhum
karëikä-parivåttià ca
dakñiëäìge prakalpayet
jaläçayäntikam-resting on the water; nétvä-bringing; samyag-properly; abhyarcya-worshiping; prabhum-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; karëikä'of the hip; parivåttim-turning; ca-and; dakñiëäìge-on the right side; prakalpayet-should arrange.

One should approach the Supreme Lord as He naps on the ocean 
and one should arrange that the Lord turns over in His sleep and 
now rests on His right side.

Text 546 

atha abhyarthana-mantraù 
deva deva jagannätha
yogi-gamya niraïjana
kaöi-dänaà kuruñvädya
mäsi bhädra-pade çubhe
atha-now; abhyarthana-mantraù-the mantra-prayer; deva-O Lord; deva-O Lord; jagannätha-O master of the universes; yogi-gamya-approached by the yogis; niraïjana-untouched by matter; kaöi-dänam-turning to the other side; kuruñva-please do; adya-now; mäsi-in the month; bhädra-pade-of Bhadra; çubhe-auspicious.

The Mantra-Prayer
O Lord, O Lord, O master of the universes, O Lord approached by the yogés, O Lord untouched by matter, now that it is the auspicious month of Bhädra, please turn over on Your other side.

Text 547 

mahä-püjäà tataù kåtvä
vaiñëavän paritoñya ca
devaà sva-mandire nétvä
yathä-pürvaà niveçayet
mahä-püjäm-great worship; tataù-then; kåtvä-doing; vaiñëavän-the Vaiñëavas; paritoñya-pleasing; ca-and; devam-the Lord; sva-mandire-in His temple; nétvä-taking; yathä-pürvam-as before; niveçayet-should be made to reside.

Then one should perform great worship, please the Vaiñëavas, 
and then return the Deity of the Lord to His place in the temple.

Text 548 

atha çravaëa-dvädaçé-vrataà 
bhädrasya çukla-dvädaçyäà
yuktäyaà çravaëena hi
upoñya saìgame snätvä
devaà vämanam arcayet
atha-now; çravaëa-dvädaçé-vratam-the vow of çravaëa-dvädaçé; bhädrasya'of Bhadra; çukla-dvädaçyäm-on the çukla-dvädaçi; yuktäyam-engaged; çravaëena-with sravana; hi-indeed; upoñya-fasting; saìgame'in junction; snätvä-bathing; devam-Lord; vämanam-Vämana; arcayet-should worship.

The Vow of Çravaëa-dvädaçé

When the star Çravaëä is conjoined with the moon on the 
çukla-dvädaçé of the month of Bhädra, one should fast, bathe, 
and worship Lord Vämana.

Text 549 

atha tan-mähätmyaà 
mäsi bhädra-pade çuklä
dvädaçé çravaëänvitä
mahaté dvädaçé jïeyä
upaväse mahä-phalä 
arcayitväcyutam- bhaktyä 
labhet puëyam- daçäbdikam
atha-now; tan-mähätmyam-the glory of that; mäsi-in the month; bhädra-pade'of Bhadra; çuklä-sukla; dvädaçé-Dvadasi; çravaëänvitä-with sravan; mahaté-great; dvädaçé-dvadasi; j.sy 241eyä-to be known; upaväse-in fasting; mahä-phalä-a great result; arcayitvä-worshiping; acyutam-the infallible Supreme Personality of Godhead; bhaktyä-with devotion; labhet-attains; puëyam-piety; daçäbdikam-of ten years.

The Glory of That
When the star Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon on the çukla-dvädaçé of the month of Bhädra, that day is known as a maha'-dvädaçé. By fasting and devotedly worshiping the infallible Supreme Personality of Godhead on that day, one attains the result of having performed ten years of pious deeds. 

Text 550 

phalaà datta-hutänäà ca
tasyäà lakña-guëaà bhavet
phalam-the result; datta-charity; hutänäm-of yajna; ca-and; tasyäm-then; lakña-guëam-a hundred thousand times; bhavet-becomes.

On that day the results of giving charity and performing 
yajïas are multiplied by a hundred thousand times.

Text 551 

skaëde 
mäsi bhädra-pade çuklä
dvädaçé çravaëänvitä
mahaté dvädaçé jïeyä
upaväse mahä-phalä
skaëde-in theâ Skanda Purana; mäsi-in the month; bhädra-pade-of Bhadra; çuklä-sukla; dvädaçé-dvadasi; çravaëänvitä-with Sravana; mahaté-great; dvädaçé-dvadasi; jïeyä-known; upaväse-in fasting; mahä-phalä-a great result.

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
When the star Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon on the çukla-dvädaçé of the month of Bhädra, that day is known as maha'-dvädaçé (great dvädaçé). Fasting on that day brings a great result.

Text 552 

saìgame saritaù puëye
dvädaçéà tam upoñitaù
äplaväd eva cäpnoti
dvädaça-dvädaçé-phalam
saìgame-in meeting; saritaù-rivers; puëye-sacred; dvädaçém-dvadasi; tam-that; upoñitaù-fasting; äplavät-immersing; eva-indeed; ca-and; äpnoti-attains; dvädaça-of twelve; dvädaçé-dvadasis; phalam-the result.

A person who on this dvädaçé fasts and bathes in a sacred 
river attains the benefits of observing twelve dvädaçés.

Text 553 

budha-çravaëa-samyuktä
saiva ced dvädaçé bhavet
atyanta-mahaté tasyäà
dattaà bhavati cäkñayam
budha-with Mercury; çravaëa-and Sravana; samyuktä-endowed; sä-that; eva-ineed; cet-if; dvädaçé-dvadasi; bhavet-is; atyanta-very; mahaté-great; tasyäm-on that day; dattam-given; bhavati-is; ca-and; akñayam-eternal.

If on that day both Mercury and Çravaëa are conjoined with 
the moon, that day is known as atyanta-maha'-dvädaçé (very great 
dvädaçé). Whatever charity is given on that day becomes eternal 
and inexhaustible.

Text 554 

arcayitväcyutaà bhaktyä
labhet puëyaà daçäbdikam
phalaà datta-hutänäà ca
tasyäà lakña-guëaà bhavet
arcayitvä-worshiping; acyutam-the infallible Supreme Personality of Godhead; bhaktyä-with devotion; labhet-attains; puëyam-piety; daçäbdikam-of ten years; phalam-result; datta-hutänäm-of charities and yajnas; ca-and; tasyäm-on that day; lakña-guëam-a hundred thousand times; bhavet-becomes.

By worshiping the infallible Supreme Personality of Godhead 
on that day one attains the results of ten years of pious deeds. 
On that day the results of charity and yajïas are multiplied a 
hundred thousand times.

Texts 555 and 556 

brahma-vaivarte pitä-putra-samväde 
mäsi bhädra-pade çukla-
pakñe yadi harer dine
budha-çravaëa-samyogaù
präpyate tatra püjitaù
prayacchati çubhän kämän
vämano manasi sthitän
vijayä nama sä proktä
tithiù préti-karé hareù
brahma-vaivarte-in the Brahma-vaivarta Purana; pitä-putra-samväde-in the conversation of a father and son; mäsi-in the month; bhädrapade-of Bhadra; çukla-pakñe-on the çukla-pakña; yadi-if; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; dine-on the day; budha-çravaëa-samyogaù-the conjunction of Mercury and Sravana; präpyate-is attained; tatra-there; püjitaù-worshiped; prayacchati-gives; çubhän-auspicious; kämän-desires; vämanaù-Lord Vämana; manasi-in the heart; sthitän-residing; vijayä-Vijaya; näma-named; sä-that; proktä-called; tithiù-day; préti-karé-pleasing; hareù-to Lord Hari.

In the Brahma-vaivarta Puräëa a father tells his son:

If Mercury and Çravaëa are both conjoined with the moon on 
the çukla-ekädaçé of the month of Bhädra, that day is called 
vijaya' ekädaçé. That day is very pleasing to Lord Hari. Lord 
Vämana fulfills the auspicious desires in the heart of one who 
worships Him on that day.

Text 557 

saìgame sarva-térthänäà
saìgamas tatra jäyate
çuklä bhädra-pade svargaà
kåñëä kaluña-saìkñayam
saìgame-in the meeting; sarva-térthänäm-of all holy places; saìgamaù-the meeting; tatra-there; jäyate-is born; çuklä-sukla; bhädra-pade-in Bhadra; svargam-Svargaloka; kåñëä-Kåñëa; kaluña-of sins; saìkñayam-destruction.

When Mercury and Çravaëa are both conjoined with the moon on 
the dvädaçé of the month of Bhädra, all holy places are 
present. When Mercury and Çravaëa are both conjoined with the 
moon on the çukla-dvädaçé of the month of Bhädra, they bring 
residence in Svargaloka, and when they are both conjoined with 
the moon on the kåñëa-dvädaçé of the month of Bhädra, they 
bring the destruction of sins. 

Text 558 

phälgune kurute mokñam
api brahma-vadhän nåëäm
mahä-puëya-pradä hy eñä
saìgame vijayä tithiù 
sarva-päpa-kñayo nünaà 
jäyate tad-upoñiëäm
phälgune-in Phalguna; kurute-doers; mokñam-liberation; api-also; brahma-vadhät-from murdering a brahmana; nåëäm-of the people; mahä-great; puëya-piety; pradä-giving; hi-indeed; eñä-this; saìgame-in the meeting; vijayä-vijaya; tithiù-day; sarva-päpa-kñayaù-destroying all sins; nünam-indeed; jäyate-is born; tad-upoñiëäm-of they who fast on that day.

When Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon on the çukla-
dvädaçé of the month of Phälguna (February-March), that day 
is called vijaya' dvädaçé. That day brings great piety. It 
purifies even the sin of murdering a brähmaëa. They who fast on 
that day become free from all sins.

Text 559 

kià ca 
sarva-térthäni bhü-påñöhe
saìgame yänti saìgamam
vijayä-väsare sarve
devänäà saìgamo bhuvi
kim- ca-furthermore; sarva-térthäni-all holy places; bhü-påñöhe-on the earth; saìgame-in meeting; yänti-go; saìgamam-meeting; vijayä-väsare-on vijaya day; sarve-all; devänäm-of the demigods; saìgamaù-meeting; bhuvi-on the earth.

It is also said:
On vijaya' dvädaçé all holy places and all demigods gather together on the earth.

Text 560 

idaà sarva-puräëeñu
rahasyaà parigéyate
saìgame vämanaà püjya
preta-yonau na jäyate
idam-this; sarva-puräëeñu-in all Puranas; rahasyam-secret; parigéyate'is sung; saìgame-in meeting; vämanam-Lord Vämana; püjya-worshiping; preta-yonau-the womâ of a preta; na-not; jäyate-is born.

This secret is told in all the Puräëas: Simply by worshiping 
Lord Vämana on this day one is protected from having take birth 
as a preta (ghost).

Text 561 

viñëu-dharmottare çré-paraçuräma uväca 
upaväsäsamarthänäà
kià syäd ekam upoñitam
mahä-phalaà mahä-deva
tan mamäcakñva suvrata
viñëu-dharmottare-in the Viñëu-dharma Purana, Uttara-khanda; çré-paraçuräma-Çré Paraçuräma; uväca-said; upaväsa-fasting; asamarthänäm-of they who are not able; kim-what?; syät-may be; ekam-one; upoñitam-fasted; mahä-phalam-great result; mahä-deva-O Çiva; tat-that; mama-to me; äcakñva-please tell; suvrata-O saintly one.

In the Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Çré 
Paraçuräma says:
What is the result attained by persons generally unable to fast who once fast on this day? O saintly Çiva, please tell this to me.

Text 562 

çré-çaìkara uväca 

yä räma çravaëopetä
dvädaçé mahaté tu sä
tasyäm upoñitaù snätaù
püjayitvä janärdanam- 
präpnoty ayatnäd dharma-jïa 
dvädaça-dvädaçé-phalam
çré-saìkara uväca-Lord Çiva said; yä-which; räma-O Räma; çravaëopetä-with Sravana; dvädaçé-dvadasi; mahaté-great; tu-indeed; sä-that; tasyäm-then; upoñitaù-fasting; snätaù-bathing; püjayitvä-worshiping; janärdanam-Lord Kåñëa; präpnoti-attains; ayatnät-easily; dharma-jïa-O knower of religion; dvädaça-dvädaçé-phalam-the result of twelve dvadasis.

O Paraçuräma wise in spiritual truth, a person who fasts, 
bathes himself, and then worships Lord Kåñëa on mahä-dvädaçé, 
when the star Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon, attains the 
results of observing twelve dvädaçés.

Text 563 

kià ca 
çravaëa-dvädaçé-yoge
budha-väro bhaved yadi
atyanta-mahaté räma
dvädaçé sä prakértitä
kim- ca-furthermore; çravaëa-dvädaçé-yoge-on Sravana-dvadasi; budha-väraù-Wednesday; bhavet-is; yadi-if; atyanta-mahaté-very great; räma-O Räma; dvädaçé-dvadasi; sä-that; prakértitä-called.

Lord Çiva also said:
O Paraçuräma, if Çravaëa-dvädaçé (when the star Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon, falls on a Wednesday, then it is said to be atyanta-mahaté (very great).

Text 564 

snänaà japyaà tathä homo
dänaà çräddhaà surärcanam
sarvam akñayam äpnoti
tasyäà bhågu-kulodvaha
snänam-bathing; japyam-japa; tathä-so; homaù-yajna; dänam-charity; çräddham-sraddha; surärcanam-worship of the demigods; sarvam-all; akñayam-imperishable; äpnoti-attains; tasyäm-then; bhågu-kulodvaha-O scion of the Bhågu dynasty.

O scion of the Bhågu dynasty, bathing, japa, yajïa, 
charity, çräddha, and demigod-worship all become limitless and 
imperishable when performed on that day.

Text 565 

tasmin dine tathä snäto
yo 'pi kvacana saìgame
sa gaìga-snäna-jaà räma
phalaà präpnoty asaàçayam
tasmin dine-on that day; tathä-so; snätaù-bathing; yo 'pi-someone; kvacana-somewhere; saìgame-in contact; sa-he; gaìga-snäna-jam-born from bathing in the Ganges; räma-O Räma; phalam-the result; präpnoti-attains; asaàçayam-without doubt.

O Paraçuräma, a person who on that day bathes in any place 
attains the result of bathing in the Ganges. Of this there is no 
doubt.

Text 566 

çravaëe saìgamaù sarve
paripuñöi-pradaù sadä
viçeñäd dvädaçé-yukte
budha-yukte viçeñataù
çravaëe-in Sravana; saìgamaù-contact; sarve-all; paripuñöi-pradaù'giving nourishment; sadä-always; viçeñät-specifically; dvädaçé-yukte-with dvadasi; budha-yukte-with Mercury; viçeñataù-specifically.

When it falls on a Wednesday, this dvädaçé it brings 
especially great piety.

Text 567 

bhaviñyottare çré-yudhiñöhira uväca 
upaväsäsamarthänäà
sadaiva puruñottama
ekä yä dvädaçé puëyä
taà vadasva mamänagha
bhaviñyottare çré-yudhiñöhira uväca-in the Bhaviñya Piräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Çré Yudhiñöhira says; upaväsäsamarthänäm-of they who are not able to fast; sadä-always; eva-indeed; puruñottama-O supreme person; ekä-one; yä-which; dvädaçé-dvadasi; puëyä-piety; tam-that; vadasva-please tell; mama-to me; anagha-O sinless one.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, Çré Yudhiñöhira 
says:
O sinless Supreme Person, please describe to me the piety attained by persons generally unable to fast who once fast on this day.

Text 568 

çré-kåñëa uväca 
mäsi bhädra-pade çuklä
dvädaçé çravaëänvitä
sarva-käma-pradä puëyä
upaväse mahä-phalä
çré-kåñëa uväca-Çré Kåñëa said; mäsi-month; bhädra-pade-of Bhadra; çuklä-sukla; dvädaçé-dvadasi; çravaëänvitä-with Sravan; sarva-käma-pradä-bringing all desires; puëyä-sacred; upaväse-in fasting; mahä-phalä-great result.

Çré Kåñëa said:
When the star Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon during the çukla-dvädaçé of the month of Bhädra, that day is very sacred. That day fulfills all desires. Fasting on that day brings a great result.

Text 569 

saìgame saritäà snatvä
gaìgä-snänädi-jaà phalam
sopaväsaù samäpnoti
nätra karyä vicäraëä
saìgame-in the meeting; saritäm-of rivers; snatvä-bathing; gaìgä-snänädi-jam-created by bathing in the Ganges; phalam-result; sopaväsaù-fasting; samäpnoti-attains; na-not; atra-here; karyä-to be done; vicäraëä-doubt.

A person who on this day fasts and bathes in any river 
attains the result of bathing in the Ganges. Of this there is no 
doubt.

Text 570 

kià ca 
budha-çravaëa-samyuktä
saiva ced dvädaçé bhavet
atéva mahaté tasyäà
sarvaà dattam ihäkñayam
kim- ca-furthermore; budha-çravaëa-samyuktä-with Mercury and Sravana; sä-that; eva-indeed; cet-if; dvädaçé-dvadasi; bhavet-is; atéva-very; mahaté-great; tasyäm-then; sarvam-all; dattam-given; iha-here; akñayam-imperishable.

It is also said:

If on this dvädaçé Çravaëa and Mercury are both conjoined 
with the moon, that is a very great dvädaçé. Any charity given on 
that day becomes limitless and imperishable.

Texts 571 and 572 

kià ca tatraiva vaëig-upäkhyäne 
çravaëa-dvädaçé-yoge
püjayitvä janärdanam
dänaà ca dattvä viprebhyaù
sopaväso jitendriyaù
mahä-nadé-saìgame ca
snätvä diñöäntam ägataù
aväpa paramaà sthänaà
durlabhaà sarva-mänavaiù
kim- ca-furthermore; tatra-there; eva-indeed; vaëig-upäkhyäne-in the story of a merchant; çravaëa-dvädaçé-yoge-on a dvadasi with Sravana; püjayitvä-worshiping; janärdanam-Lord Kåñëa; dänam-charity; ca-and; dattvä-giving; viprebhyaù-to brahmanas; sopaväsaù-with fasting jitendriyaù-controlling the senses; mahä-nadé-saìgame-in a great river; ca-and; snätvä-bathing; diñöäntam-death; ägataù-attaining; aväpa-attains; paramam- sthänam-the supreme abode; durlabham-rare; sarva-mänavaiù-for all human beings.

A person who on a çravaëa-dvädaçé fasts, controls his 
senses, bathes in a great river, gives charity to the brähmaëas, 
and worships Lord Kåñëa, attains, at the moment of death, a 
celestial world that is difficult for any human being to enter. 

Text 573 

yatra käma-phalä våkñä
nadyaù päyasa-kardamäù
çétalämala-pänéyäù
puñkariëyo manoharäù
yatra-where; käma-phalä-with desire as fruit; våkñä-tree; 
nadyaù'rivers; päyasa-kardamäù-payasa as mud; 
çétala-cvool; amala-pure; pänéyäù-delicious water; 
puñkariëyaù-lakes filled with lotus flowers; manoharäù-beautiful.

In that world the trees fulfill all desires. There the 
beautiful lotus-filled lakes have cool, pure, delicious water. 
The mud of those lakes is päyasa (condensed milk).

Text 574 

taà desäm äsädya vaëiì mahätmä
su-måñöa-jämbünada-bhüñitäìgaù
kalpaà samagraà sura-sundarébhiù
säkaà sa reme muditaù sadaiva

tam-that; desäm-country; äsädya-attaining; vaëik-merchant; 
mahätmä-great soul; su-måñöa-jämbünada-the best gold; 
bhüñita-decorated; aìgaù-limbs; kalpam-kalpa; samagram-complete; 
sura-sundarébhiù-with beautiful demigoddesses; säkam-with; sa-he; 
reme-enjoyed; muditaù-happy; sadä-always; eva-indeed.

The noble-hearted merchant attained that world. There he 
was decorated with ornaments of the finest gold. For an entire 
kalpa he enjoyed there with many beautiful demigoddesses.

Text 575 

kià cänte 
budha-çravaëa-samyukta-
dvädaçyäà saìgamodakam
dänaà bahv-odanaà çastaà
upaväsaù paro vidhiù
kim- ca-furthermore; ante-at the end; budha-çravaëa-samyukta-with Mercury and Sravana; dvädaçyäm-on the dvadasi; saìgamodakam-water; dänam-gift; bahö-odanam-much grain; çastam-ordered; upaväsaù-fasting; paraù-great; vidhiù-rule.

It is also said:
When on this dvädaçé both Çravaëa and Mercury are conjoined with the moon one is enjoined to fast and to give grains in abundant charity.

Text 576 

sagareëa kukutsthena
dhundhumäreëa gandhinä
etaç cänyaiç ca rajendra
kämadä dvädaçé kåtä
sagareëa-by Kign Sagara; kukutsthena-by Kakutstha; dhundhumäreëa-by Dundhumara; gandhinä-by Gandhi; etaù-these; ca-and; anyaiù-by others; ca-and; rajendra-O kign; kämadä-fulfilling desires; dvädaçé-dvadasi; kåtä-done.

O king of kings, Sagara, Kakutstha, Dundhumära, Gandhé, and 
many others attained their desires by observing this dvädaçé.

Text 577 

yä dvädaçé budha-yutä çravaëena särdhaà
syät sä jayeti kathitä munibhir nabhasye
tam ädareëa samupoñya naro hi samyak
präpnoti siddhim aëimädi-guëopapannaù. iti.
yä-which; dvädaçé-dvbadasi; budha-yutä-with mercury; 
çravaëena-with Sravana; särdham-with; syät-is; sä-that; jaya-jaya; iti-thus; kathitä-called; munibhiù-by the sages; nabhasye-in the 
month of Bhadra; tam-that; ädareëa-respectfully; samupoñya-fasting; 
naraù-person; hi-indeed; samyak-properly; präpnoti-attains; siddhim 
aëimädi-guëopapannaù-the siddhis beginning with anima-siddhi; 
iti-thus.

In the month of Bhädra a dvädaçé when Çravaëa and 
Mercury are both conjoined with the moon is called Jaya by the 
sages. A person who respectfully fasts on that day attains aëimä-
siddhi and the other mysté perfections.

Text 578 

atha çravaëa-dvädaçé-vrata-nirëayaù 
dvädaçy ekädaçé vä syäd
upoñyä çravaëanvitä
viñëu-çåë#khala-yogaç ca
taà trayaà miçritaà yadi
atha-now; çravaëa-dvädaçé-vrata-nirëayaù-concluding the vow of sravana-dvadasi; dvädaçi-dvadasi; ekädaçé-ekadasi; vä-or; syät-is; upoñyä-to be fasted; çravaëanvitä-with sravana; viñëu-çåë#khala-yogaù-Viñëu-çåë#khala-yoga; ca-and; tam-that; trayam-three; misritam-mixed; yadi-if.

Conclusion of the Çravaëa-dvädaçé Vow 
One should fast on either a dvädaçé or an ekädaçé when Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon. When in a single day all three of these conditions are present, that day is called Viñëu-çåìkhala-yoga. 

Text 579 

atha çravaëa-dvädaçy-upaväsaù çré-märkaëòeyaù 
çravaëarkña-samäyuktä
dvädaçé yadi labhyate
upoñyä dvädaçé tatra
trayodaçyäà tu päraëam
atha-now; çravaëa-dvädaçy-upaväsaù-fasting on çravaëa-dvädaçé; çré-märkaëòeyaù-Çré Märkaëòeya; çravaëarkña-samäyuktä-with the star Sravana; dvädaçé-dvadasi; yadi-if; labhyate-is attained; upoñyä-to be fasted; dvädaçé-dvadasi; tatra-there; trayodaçyäm-on trayodasi; tu-indeed; päraëam-breaking the fast.

Fasting on Çravaëa-dvädaçé
Çré Märkaëòeya explains:
If the star Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon on dvädaçé, one should fast on the dvädaçé and break the fast on the trayodaçé.

Text 580 

yamaç ca 
yadä tu çukla-dvädaçyäà
nakñatraà çravaëaà bhavet
tadäsau tu mahä-puëyä
dvädaçé vijayä småtä
yamaù-Yamaraja; ca-and; yadä-when; tu-indeed; çukla-dvädaçyäm-on çukla-dvädaçé; nakñatram-star; çravaëam-Sravana; bhavet-attains; tadä-then; asau-that; tu-indeed; mahä-puëyä-very sacred; dvädaçé-dvadasi; vijayä-Vijaya; småtä-called.

Yamaräja also explains:
When the star Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon on a çukla-dvädaçé, that very sacred day is called Vijaya' dvädaçé.

Text 581 

tatra dänopaväsädyaà
akñayaà parikértitam
ekädaçyä viçuddhatve
dvädaçyäà tu pare 'hani 
çravaëe sati çaktasya 
vrata-yugmaà vidhéyate
tatra-there; dänopaväsädyam-beginnign with fasting and charity; akñayam-imperishable; parikértitam-said; ekädaçyä-of ekadasi; viçuddhatve-in purity; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; tu-indeed; pare-on the next; ahani-day; çravaëe-in Sravan; sati-being; çaktasya-able; vrata-yugmam-both vows; vidhéyate-is established.

In that situation fasting, giving charity, and other pious 
deeds become limitless and imperishable. If the ekädaçé is pure 
and the star Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon on the 
dvädaçé, one should, if one is able, follow the vow on both 
ekädaçé and dvädaçé.

Text 582 

asamäpte vrate sarve
naiva kuryäd vratäntaram
ity ädi vacanasyätra
bädhakaà vaà na vidyate
asamäpte-not attained; vrate-vow; sarve-all; na-not; eva-indeed; kuryät-should do; vratäntaram-another vow; iti-thus; ädi-beginning; vacanasya-of the statement; atra-here; bädhakam-refutation; na-not; vidyate-is.

If this vow is not followed, one should try to follow another vow. There is no argument to refute these words.

Text 583 

tathä hi bhaviñyottare 
ekädaçém upoñyaiva
dvädaçéà samupoñyate
na cätra vidhi-lopaù syäd
ubhayor devatä hariù. iti.
tathä hi-furthermore; bhaviñyottare-in the Bhavisya Purana, Uttara-khanda; ekädaçém-ekadasi; upoñya-fasting; eva-indeed; dvädaçém-dvadasi; samupoñyate-fasting; na-not; ca-and; atra-here; vidhi-rules; lopaù-mission; syät-is; ubhayoù-of both; devatä-the Deity; hariù-Lord Kåñëa; iti-thus.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
If in this situation one fasts on both the ekädaçé and the dvädaçé, he is not at fault, for both days have Lord Kåñëa as their Deity.

Text 584 

açaktas tu vrata-dvandve
bhuìkte vaikädaçé-dine
upaväsaà budhaù kuryäc
chravaëa-dvädaçé-dine
açaktaù-unable; tu-indeed; vrata-dvandve-both vows; bhuìkte-eats; vä-or; ekädaçé-dine-on ekadasi; upaväsam-fasting; budhaù-wise; kuryät-should do; çravaëa-dvädaçé-dine-on sravana-dvadasi day.

If unable to fast on both days, a wise person should eat on 
ekädaçé and fast on the çravaëa-dvädaçé day.

Text 585 

tathä ca näradéye 
upoñya dvädaçéà puëyaà
viñëu-åkñena samyutam
ekädaçy-udbhavaà puëyaà
naraù präpnoty asaàçayam
tathä-so; ca-and; näradéye-in the Narada Purana; upoñya-fasting; dvädaçém-dvadasi; puëyam-piety; viñëu-åkñena-without the star sacred to Lord Viñëu; samyutam-conjoined; ekädaçy-udbhavam-created on ekadasi; puëyam-piety; naraù-a person; präpnoti-attains; asaàçayam-without doubt.

In the Närada Puräëa it is said:

By fasting on this dvädaçé when the star sacred to Lord 
Viñëu is conjoined with the moon, one attains the pious 
benefits attained by fasting on ekädaçé. Of this there is no 
doubt.

Texts 586 and 587 

väjapeye yathä yajïe
karma-héno 'pi dékñitaù
sarvaà phalam aväpnoti
asnäto 'py ahuto 'pi san
evam ekädaçéà tyaktvä
dvädaçyäà samupoñaëät
pürva-väsara-jaà puëyaà
sarvaà präpnoty asaàçayam. iti.
väjapeye-vajapeya; yathä-as; yajïe-in a yajna; karma-hénaù-without karma; api-even; dékñitaù-initiated; sarvam-all; phalam-result; aväpnoti-attains; asnätaù-without bathing; api-even; ahutaù-without offering oblations; api-even; san-being so; evam-thus; ekädaçém-ekadasi; tyaktvä-rejecting; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; samupoñaëät-from fasting; pürva-väsara-jam-created on the previous day; puëyam-piety; sarvam-all; präpnoti-attains; asaàçayam-without doubt; iti-thus.

As a person initiated into the performance of a vajapeya-yajïa 
attains all the results of the yajïa even though he personally 
did not do any of the work of the yajïa, did not offer the 
oblations, and did not perform the ritual bath, so a person who 
neglects this specifé ekädaçé and fasts instead on the dvädaçé 
attains all the pious benefits of fasting on ekädaçé. Of this 
there is no doubt.

Text 588 

aty-alpo 'py anayor yogo
bhavet tithi-bhayor yadi
upädeyaù sa eva syäd
ity atropavased budhaù
aty-alpaù-very slight; api-even anayoù-of both; yogaù-yoga; bhavet-is; tithi-bhayoù-of the tithi and the star; yadi-if; upädeyaù-to be accepted; sa-that; eva-ineed; syät-is; iti-thus; atra-here; upavaset-should fast; budhaù-wise.

Even if the junction of the tithi and star is very slight, a 
wise person will fast on that day.

Text 589 

tathä ca çravaëa-dvädaçéà prakåtya tatraivoktaà 
tithi-nakñatrayor yoge
yogaç caiva narädhipa
dvi-kalo yadi labhyeta
sa jïeyo hy añöa-yämikaù
tathä-so; ca-and; çravaëa-dvädaçém-çravaëa-dvädaçé; prakåtyä-by nature; tatra-there; eva-indeed; uktam-said; tithi-nakñatrayoù-of the tithi and the star; yoge-in the yoga; yogaù-the yoga; ca-and; eva-indeed; narädhipa-O king; dvi-kälaù-two parts; yadi'if; labhyeta-is attained; sa-that; jïeyaù-to be known; hi-indeed; añöa-yämikaù-asta-yamika.

In that scripture it is also said about çravaëa-
dvädaçé:
O king, if the yoga of tithi and star occurs for two kaläs, that day is called Añöa-yämika.

Text 590 

tathaiva mätsye 
dvädaçé çravaëa-yuktä
kåñönä puëyatamä tithiù
na tu sä tena yuktä ca
tävaty eva praçasyate
tathä-so; eva-indeed; mätsye-in the Matsya Purana; dvädaçé-dvadasi; çravaëa-yuktä-with Sravana; kåñönä-complete; puëyatamä-most sacred; tithiù-day; na-not; tu-but; sä-that; tena-with it; yuktä-engaged; ca-and; tävati-then; eva-indeed; praçasyate-is praised.

In the Matsya Puräëa it is said:
When Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon, this dvädaçé becomes a very sacred day. By that conjunction it becomes glorious.

Text 591 

atha çravaëa-nakñatra-yuktaikädaçy-upaväsaù 
näradiye 
yadi na präpyate åkñaà
dvädaçyäà vaiñëavaà kvacit
ekädaçé tadopoñyä
päpa-ghné çravaëänvitä
atha-now; çravaëa-nakñatra-yukta-with the star Sravana; ekädaçi-on ekadasi; upaväsaù-fasting; näradiye-in thre Narada Purana; yadi-if; na-not; präpyate-is attained; åkñam-teh star; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; vaiñëavam-Vaiñëava; kvacit-somewhere; ekädaçé-ekadasi; tadä-then. upoñyä-top be fasted; päpa-ghné-destroying sins; çravaëänvitä-with Çravaëa.

Fasting on an Ekädaçé When the Star Çravaëa Is Conjoined 
with the Moon
In the Närada Puräëa it is said:
If Çravaëa is not conjoined with the moon on the dvädaçé, but it is so on the ekädaçé, one should fast on the ekädaçé. That ekädaçé destroys sins.

Text 592 

ubhayor devatä viñëuù
puräëaù puruñottamaù
vibhedo 'tra na kartavyo
vibhedät patate naraù
ubhayoù-of both; devatä-the Deity; viñëuù-Lord Viñëu; puräëaù-ther ancinet; puruñottamaù-Supreme Personality of Godhead; vibhedaù-difference; atrahere; na-not; kartavyaù-to be done; vibhedät-from difference; patate-falls; naraù-a person.

Lord Viñëu, the ancient Supreme Personality of Godhead, 
is the presiding Deity of both these days. Therefore one should 
not make a distinction between them, saying one is better than 
the other. One who makes such a distinction falls down. 

Text 593 

ata eva bhaviñyottare 
ekädaçé yadä ca syät
çravaëena samanvitä
vijayä sä tithiù proktä
bhaktänäà vijaya-pradä
ata eva-therefore; bhaviñyottare-in the Bhavisya Purana, Uttara-khanda; ekädaçé-ekadasi; yadä-when; ca-qnd; syät-is; çravaëena-with sravana; samanvitä-with; vijayä-vijaya; sä-that; tithiù-day; proktä-said; bhaktänäm-of the devotees; vijaya-pradä-giving victory.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
When the star Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon on this ekädaçé, the day is called vijayä ekädaçé, for it brings victory (vijaya, to the devotees.

Text 594 

viñëu-puräëe 
yäù käçcit tithayaù proktäù
puëyä nakñatra-yogataù
täsö eva tad-vrataà kuryäc
chravaëa-dvädaçéà vinä. iti.

viñëu-puräëe-in the Viñëu Purana; yäù-who; 
käçcit-someone; tithayaù-days; proktäù-said; puëyä-sacred; 
nakñatra-yogataù-with the star; täsu-in therm; eva-indeed; tad-
vratam-thqat vow; kuryät-should do; çravaëa-dvädaçém-çravaëa-
dvädaçé; vinä-without; iti-thus.

In the Viñëu Puräëa it is said: 
Çravaëa-dvädaçé is not usually counted among the various holy days with auspicious stars. (That is because it is considered to be included in the previous ekädaçé).

Text 595 

ekädaçy-upaväse ca
dvädaçyäà kåñëam arcayet
prädurbhüte hi bhagavän
dvädaçyäm eva vämanaù
ekädaçy-upaväse-fasting on ekadasi; ca-and; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; kåñëam-Lord Kåñëa; arcayet-should worship; prädurbhüte-born; hi-indeed; bhagavän-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; eva-indeed; vämanaù-Lord Vämana.

On that ekädaçé one should fast, and on the dvädaçé one should 
worship Lord Kåñëa. This is so because Lord Vämana appeared in 
this world on that dvädaçé.

Text 596 

tathä ca matsya-puraëe 
upoñyaikädaçéà tatra
dvädaçyäà püjayed dharim. iti.
tathä-so; ca-and; matsya-puraëe-in the Matsya Purana; upoñya-fasting; ekädaçém-on ekadasi; tatra-there; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; püjayet-should worship; harim-Lord Kåñëa; iti-thus.

In the Matsya Puräëa it is said:
On that ekädaçé one should fast, and on the dvädaçé one should worship Lord Hari.

Text 597 

ato yadi na labhyeta
madhyähne dvädaçé tadä
dvädaçé-madhya evärcyo
vämanas tarhi süribhiù. iti.
ataù-then; yadi-if; na-not; labhyeta-is attained; madhyähne-in 
midday; dvädaçé-dvadasi; tadä-then; dvädaçé-madhya-in the middle of 
dvadasi; eva-indeed; arcyaù-to be worshiped; vämanaù-Lord Vämana; tarhi-then; süribhiù-by the devotees; iti-thus.

If by midday dvädaçé is not attained, then the devotees 
should wait until the day when it is dvädaçé at midday. On that 
day they should worship Lord Vämana.

Text 598 

atha çré-viñëu-çåìkhala-yogaù 
mätsye 
dvädaçé çravaëa-spåñöä
spåçed ekädaçéà yadä
sa eña vaiñëavo yogo
viñëu-çåìkhala-samjïitaù
atha-now; çré-viñëu-çåìkhala-yugaù-Çré Viñëu-çåìkhala-yoga; mätsye-in the Matsya Purana; dvädaçé-çravaëa-spåñöä-touched by the dvadasi and by Sravana; spåçet-touches; ekädaçém-ekadasi; yadä-when; sa-that; eña-that; vaiñëavaù-a Vaiñëava; yogaù-yoga; viñëu-çåìkhala-Viñëu-çåìkhala; samjïitaù-called.

Çré Viñëu-çåìkhala-yoga
In the Matsya Puräëa it is said:
When a dvädaçé touched by Çravaëa touches this ekädaçé, that day is very sacred to Lord Viñëu. That day is called Çré Viñëu-çåìkhala-yoga.

Text 599 

tasminn upoñya vidhi-van
naraù saìkñéëa-kalmasaù
präpnotö anuttamäà siddhià
punar-ävåtti-durlabhäm. iti.
tasmin-then; upoñya-fasting; vidhi-vat-properly; naraù-a person; saìkñéëa-kalmasaù'free of sin; präpnotu-attains; anuttamäm-peerless; siddhim-perfection; punar-ävåtti-durlabhäm-rare in the material world of repeated birth; iti-thus.

A person who fasts on that day becomes free from sin. He 
attains a perfection without peer, a perfection rare in this 
world of repeated births.

Text 600

ekädaçé-padenätra
tad aho-rätra ucyate
anyathä dvädaçé-sparças
tasyäà nityaà na vidyate

ekädaçé-padena-by the word ekadasi; atra-here; tat-that; aho-
rätra-day and night; ucyate-is said; anyathä-otherwise; dvädaçé-by 
dvadasi; sparçaù-touch; tasyäm-then; nityam-always; na-not; vidyate-is.

The word "ekädaçé" here refers to both the day and 
the night. Were this not so, the touch of the dvädaçé would 
almost never occur.    

Text 601

tithi-nakñatrayor yoga
ity ädyaà yat tu darçitam
tenälpa-käla-samyoge
'py añöa-yämikateñyate
tithi-nakñatrayoù-of the tithi and the star; yoga-junction; iti-thus; ädyam-beginning; yat-what; tu-indeed; darçitam-revealed; tena-by that; alpa-slight; käla-time; samyoge-in contact; api-even; añöa-yämikatä-fro eight yamikas; iñyate-is.

In text 589 it is seen that even if the yoga of tithi and 
star is very brief, the day is still called Añöa-yämika.

Text 602

atraiva dvädaçé-madhye
päraëaà çravaëe 'dhike
vakñyamänaà ca ghaöate
'nyathä prägvad dvidhä vratam
atra-here; eva-indeed; dvädaçé-madhye-in the midst of the dvadasi; päraëam-breaking the fast; çravaëe-in Sravana; adhike-great; vakñyamänam-will be spoken; ca-and; ghaöate-is; anyathä-otherwise; prägvat-as before; dvidhä-in two ways; vratam-vow.

If Çravaëa is conjoined with the moon, it is best to break 
the fast on the dvädaçé. If Çravaëa is not conjoined with the 
moon, the vow may be observed in two ways, as has already been 
described. More will be said of this later.

Text 603

dvädaçé çravaëarkñaà cety
asmin päöhe bhaved idam
dvädaçé-çravaëa-spåñöety
asmiàç ca spåñöatä khalu 
tat-tat-sähityam eväha 
pürvasmäd eva hetutaù
dvädaçé-dvadasi; çravaëa-Sravana; åkñam-the star; ca-and; 
iti-thus; asmin-in this; päöhe-reading; bhavet-is; idam-this; 
dvädaçé-dvadasi; çravaëa-by Srvana; spåñöä-touched; iti-thus; 
asmin-in this; ca-and; spåñöatä-touched; khalu-indeed; tat-tat-
sähityam-literary composition; eva-indeed; äha-said; pürvasmät-as before; eva-indeed; hetutaù-from the reason.

The first line of text 589 may also be read "dvädaçé 
çravaëarkñam- ca" (dvädaçé and the star Çravaëa). Thus  the touch 
of dvädaçé and the star Çravaëa is described. This is for the same 
reason as given previously.

Text 604

atha tasmäd ayam- tu tatraiva viçeñaù dvitéya-viñëu-çåìkhala-yogaù
yathä viñëu-dharmottare 
ekädaçé dvädaçé ca
vaiñëavyam api tad bhavet
tad viñëu-çåìkhalaà näma
viñëu-säyujya-kåd bhavet 
tasminn upoñanäd gacche 
chvetadvépa-puraà dhruvam
atha-now; tasmät-from that; ayam-this; tu-indeed; tatra-there; eva-indeed; viçeñaù-specific; dvitéya-viñëu-çåìkhala-yogaù-Dvitéya Viñëu-çåìkhala-yoga; yathä-as; viñëu-dharmottare-in Çré Viñëu-dharma Purana, Uttara-khanda; ekädaçé-ekadasi; dvädaçé-dvadasi; ca-and; vaiñëavyam-the star Çravaëa; api-also; tat-that; bhavet-is; tat-that; viñëu-çåìkhalam-Çré Viñëu-çåìkhala; näma-named; viñëu-säyujya-kåt-the cause of liberation in Lord Viñëu; bhavet-is; tasmin-in that; upoñanät-form fasting; gacchet-may go; çvetadvipa-puram-to the realm of Çvetadvépa; dhruvam-eternal.

The Second Çré Viñëu-çåìkhala-yoga
In the Çré Viñëu-dharma Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
When ekädaçé, dvädaçé, and the star Çravaëa combine in a single day, that day is called Çré Viñëu-çåìkhala-yoga. That day brings Viñëu-säyujya liberation. By fasting on that day one goes to the eternal realm of Çvetadvépa.

Text 605

dvädaçyäm upaväso 'tra
trayodaçyäà tu päraëam
niñiddham api kartavyaà
ity ajïä parameçvaré. iti.
dvädaçyäm-on the dvadasi; upaväsaù-fasting; atra-here; trayodaçyäm-on the trayodasi; tu-indeed; päraëam-breaking the fast; niñiddham-forbidden; api-also; kartavyam-to be done; iti-thus; ajïä-the order; parameçvaré-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; iti-thus.

In this situation it is forbidden to fast on the dvädaçé 
and break the fast on the trayodaçé. That is the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Text 606

yogo 'yam anyo dvädaçyäù
kñaya eveti lakñyate
dvädaçyäm upaväsäc ca
trayodaçyäà tu päraëät 
trayodaçyäà päraëaà hi 
çravaëe 'pi nisetsyate
yogaù-yoga; ayam-this; anyaù-another; dvädaçyäù-of dvadasi; kñaya-destruction; eva-indeed; iti-thus; lakñyate-is observed; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; upaväsät-from fasting; ca-and; trayodaçyäm-on trayodasi; tu-indeed; päraëät-from braking the fast; trayodaçyäm-on trayodasi; päraëam-breaking the fast; hi-indeed; çravaëe-in Sravana; api-also; nisetsyate-is forbidden.

To fast on the dvädaçé and break the fast on the 
trayodaçé breaks the special yoga of the dvädaçé in this 
situation. When the star Çravaëa is present on ekädaçé it 
is also forbidden to break the fast on the trayodaçé.

Text 607

ataù viñëu-çåìkhala eva viçeñäntaraà 
dvädaçy ekädaçé saumyaù
çravaëaà ca catuñöayam
deva-dundubhi-yogo 'yaà
yajïäyuta-phala-pradaù. iti.
ataù-now; viñëu-çåìkhale-in Viñëu-çåìkhala; eva-indeed; viçeña-specifé situation; antaram-another; dvädaçi-dvadasi; ekädaçé-ekadasi; saumyaù-Wednesday; çravaëam-sravana; ca-and; catuñöayam-fourth; deva-dundubhi-yogaù-deva-dundubhi-yoga; 
ayam-which; yajïa-of yajnas; ayuta-ten thousand; 
phala-results; pradaù-give; iti-thus.

A Different Kind of Situation in Çré Viñëu-çåìkhala-yoga 
When dvädaçé, ekädaçé, Wednesday, and the star Çravaëa meet in a single day, that meeting is called deva-dundubhi-yoga. That day gives a pious result equal to ten thousand yajïas.

Text 608

päraëähe tu dvädaçyäù
çravaëäyäç ca våddhitaù
rätrau tu päraëäbhäväd
yuktaà kartuà vrata-dvayam
päraëa-breaking the fast; ahe-in the day; tu-indeed; 
dvädaçyäù-of dvadasi; çravaëäyäù-of sravana; ca-and; våddhitaù-from 
the increase; rätrau-at night; tu-indeed; päraëa-of breaking the fast; abhävät-because of the absence; 
yuktam-engaged; kartum-to do; vrata-dvayam-both vows.

One may break the fast on a dvädaçé with Çravaëa. One may 
not break the fast at night. One may observe the vow of fasting 
on both ekädaçé and dvädaçé.    

Text 609 

na cätra vidhi-lopaù syäd
ubhayor devatä hariù
na-not; ca-and; atra-here; vidhi-of rules; lopaù-omission; syät-is; ubhayoù-of both; devatä-the Deity; hariù-Lord Kåñëa.

There is no fault in fasting on both days, for Lord Hari is 
the presiding Deity of both these days.

Text 610 

dvädaçyäm upaväso 'tra
trayodaçyäà tu päraëam
dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; upaväsaù-fasting; atra-in this situation; trayodaçyäm-onm trayodasi; tu-indeed; päraëam-breaking the fast.

In this situation one may fast on dvädaçé and break the fast 
in trayodaçé.

Text 611 

dina-dvaye 'pi çravaëä-
bhäve tad-yoga-hänitaù
ekädaçyäm upoñyaiva
dvädaçyäà vämanaà yajet
dina-dvaye-on both days; api-also; çravaëa-sravana; abhäve-in the absence; tad-yoga-hänitaù-because of destroying the yoga; ekädaçyäm-on ekadasi; upoñya-fasting; eva-indeed; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; vämanam-Lord Vämana; yajet-should worship.

If the star Çravaëa is not conjoined with the moon on 
either ekädaçé or dvädaçé, then there is no yoga. In that 
situation one should fast on ekädaçé and worship Lord Vämana 
on the dvädaçé.    

Text 612 

viñëu-çåìkhalake 'pi syäd
våttir niçi paratra cet
yad ädhikyaà tithi-bhayoù
çaktaù kuryäd vrata-dvayam
viñëu-çåìkhalake-on Viñëu-çåìkhala; api-even; syät-may be; 
våttiù-action; niçi'at night; paratra-on the next; cet-if; yat-what; ädhikyam-greater; tithi-bhayoù-of the tithi and the star; 
çaktaù-able; kuryät-should do; vrata-dvayam-both vows.

Even when there is a Çré Viñëu-çåìkhala-yuga and both the 
tithi and Çavaëa are present at night, then it is is best to 
fast, if one is able, on both days.

Text 613 

päraëäya anaucityaà
tävatyäà niçi ced bhavet
açaktas tüttaraà kuryäd
yogasyaivasya gauravat
päraëäya-for breaking the fast; anaucityam-imporpriety; tävatyäm-then; niçi-at night; cet-if; bhavet-is; açaktaù-unable; tu-indeed; uttaram-better; kuryät-should do; yogasya-of the yoga; eva-indeed; asya-of this; gauravät-because of importance.

However, it is not proper to break the fast at night. If 
one is not able to fast on both days, in this situation one should 
fast on the dvädaçé, for then the yoga is more important.

Text 614 

atha tatra päraëa-käla-nirëayaù 
sa ca vrata-vikalpe dvitéye viñëu-çåìkhale ca spañöa eva.  kevala-çravaëa-niñkarñe tu na tad-ädaraù. tithi-nakñatra-saàyoge ity ädi vakñyamänebhyaù.
atha-now; tatra-there; päraëa-käla-nirëayaù-the time of breaking the fast; sa-that; ca-and; vrata-vikalpe-in the decision to follow the vow; dvitéye-second; viñëu-çåìkhale-in the Viñëu-çåìkhala; ca-and; spañöa-clear; eva-indeed; kevala-çravaëa-niñkarñe-in the drawing our of Sravana; tu-indeed; na-not; tad-ädaraù-worship of that; tithi-nakñatra-yoge-in the yoga of tithi and star; iti-thus; ädi-beginning; vakñyamänebhyaù-which will be spoken.

The Time of Breaking the Fast
In the Second Çré Viñëu-çåìkhala this is clear. However, when the star Çravaëa is not conjoined with the moon this is not so. This will be discussed in the verse beginning with the words "tithi-nakñatra-samyoge".

Text 615

prathama-viñëu-çåìkhale päraëa-nirëayaù 
anuvåttir dvayor eva
päraëähe bhaved yadi
taträdhikye tither våtte
bhänte saty eva päraëam

prathama-viñëu-çåìkhale-First Viñëu-çåìkhala; päraëa-
nirëayaù-time of breaking the fast; anuvåttiù-following; dvayoù-of 
both; eva-indeed; päraëähe-on the day of breaking the fast; 
bhavet-is; yadi-if; tatra-there; ädhikye-more; titheù-of the tithi; 
våtte-engaged; bhä-ante-in the end of the star; sati-is; eva-indeed; 
päraëam-breaking the fast.

The Time of Breaking the Fast After the First Viñëu-
çåìkhala:
It is best to break the fast on the next day, after both the tithi and star-conjunction have ended.

Text 616 

yad uktaà näradéye 
tithi-nakñatrayor yoge
upaväso bhaved yadä
päraëaà tu na kartavyaà
yävan naikasya saìkñayaù. iti.
yat-what; uktam-said; näradéye-in the Narada Purana; tithi-nakñatrayoù-of the tithi and the star; yoge-in conjunction; upaväsaù-fasting; bhavet-is; yadä-when; päraëam-breaking the fast; tu-indeed; na-not; kartavyam-to be done; yävan-when; na-nor; ekasya-of one; saìkñayaù-the end; iti-thus.

This is described in the following words of the Närada 
Puräëa:
When the tithi and the star are both present, one should fast. One should not break the fast until at least one of these has ended.

Text 617 

åkñasya sati cädhikye
tithi-madhye tu päraëam
dvädaçé-laìghane doço
bahuço likhito yataù
åkñasya-of the star; sati-being so; ca-and; ädhikye-better; tithi-madhye-in the middle of the day; tu-indeed; päraëam-breaking the fast; dvädaçé-dvadasi; laìghane-jumping over; doçaù-fcault; bahuçaù-great; likhitaù-written; yataù-because.

If the star is still conjoined by the middle of the 
dvädaçé, one should break the fast then, for the scriptures 
affirm that it is a great fault not to break the fast on 
dvädaçé.

Text 618 

tathä coktaà 
tithi-nakñatra-samyoge
upaväso yadä bhavet
tavad eva na bhoktavyaà
yävan naikasya saìkñayaù
tathä-so; ca-and; uktam-said; tithi-nakñatra-samyoge-in the junction of tithi and star; upaväsaù-fasting; yadä-when; bhavet-is; tavat-then; eva-indeed; na-not; bhoktavyam-to be eaten; yävan-when; na-not; ekasya-of one; saìkñayaù-end.

It is said:
One should fast when the tithi and star are both present.  One should not break his fast until at least one of the two has ended.

Text 619 

viçeñena mahé-päla
çravaëaà vardhate yadi
tithi-kñayena bhoktavyaà
dvädaçéà naiva laìghayet. iti.
viçeñena-specifically; mahé-päla-O king; çravaëam-sravan; vardhate-increases; yadi-if; tithi-kñayena-by ending the tithi; bhoktavyam-to be eaten; dvädaçém-dvadasi; na-not; eva-indeed; laìghayet-should overllok; iti-thus.

O king, this is especially so when the star Çravaëa is 
prominent. One should fast when the tithi has ended. One should 
not ignore the presence of the dvädaçé.

Text 620 

evaà dvayor niça-vyäptau
cähni päraëam éritam
na rätrau päraëaà kuryäd
iti hy anyatra sammatam
evam-thus; dvayoù-of both; niça-vyäptau-exteningin the night; ca-and; ahni-in the day; päraëam-breaking the fast; éritam-said; na-not; rätrau-at night; päraëam-breaking the fast; kuryät-should do; iti-thus; hi-indeed; anyatra-in another place; sammatam-concluded.

When both are present at night, one should break the fast on 
the following day. One should not break the fast at night. That 
is also confirmed in other scriptures.

Text 621 

yato räträv åkña-labdhäv
api dvädaçy-atikramaù
ataù kåtaà paunar-uktyaà
dvädaçéà naiva laìghayet
yataù-when; räträu-at night; åkña-labdhäu-attainment of the star; api-also; dvädaçy-atikramaù-beyond dvadasi; ataù-then; kåtam-done; paunar-uktyam-again said; dvädaçém-dvadasi; na-not; eva-indeed; laìghayet-should jump over.

When the star is present the whole night and is still 
present during dvädaçé, one should not neglect the dvädaçé. 
On dvädaçé the fast should be broken. This is said again and 
again.

Text 622 

eva-käreëa ca punas
tad eva niradhäri yat
dvädaçy-anädaro nätaù
käryo bhasya tu sa småtaù
eva-käreëa-by the word eva; ca-and; punaù-again; tat-that; 
eva-indeed; niradhäri-accepts; yat-what; dvädaçy-
anädaraù-disrespecting the dvadasi; 
na-not; ataù-then; käryaù-to be don; bhasya-of the star; tu-indeed; 
sa'that; småtaù-considered.

The word "eva" (indeed, in this verse emphasizes 
that one should not disrespect the dvädaçé, even if the star is 
still present.

Text 623 

tathä ca skände 
yäù käçcit tithayaù proktäù
puëyä nakñatra-yogataù
åkñänte päraëaà kuryäd
vinä çravaëa-rohiëém. iti.
tathä-so; ca-and; skände-in the Skanda Purana; yaù-who; kaçcit-someone; tithayaù-days; proktaù-said; puëyä-holy; nakñatra-yogataù-with stars; åkñänte-at the end of the stars; päraëam-breaking the fast; kuryät-should do; vinä-without; çravaëa-rohiëém-Sravana and Rohini. iti..

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
When special star-moon conjunctions occur during holy days, one should break the fast after the stellar conjunction has ended. However, the stars Çravaëa and Rohiëi provide exceptions to this rule.

Text 624 

yato rätri-gato dvädaçy-
aàço nätra vicäryate
ato vardhata ity äha
päraëäsamayätyayam
yataù-when; rätri-gataù-at night; dvädaçi-of dvadasi; aàçaù-a part; na-not; atra-here; vicäryate-is considered; ataù-then; vardhata-increases; iti-thus; äha-said; päraëa-of breaking the fast; asamayätyayam-past the time.

The time when not even a part of the dvädaçé is present at 
night is not considered here. That time is called "ato-
vardhate". That is past the time for breaking the fast.

Text 625 

trayodaçyäà päraëaà tu
naitad viñayam iñyate
trayodaçyäm apéty etad
anukter advidhä småtaù
trayodaçyäm-on trayodasi; päraëam-breaking the fast; tu-indeed; na-not; etat-this; viñayam-the range of perception; iñyate-is; trayodaçyäm-on trayodasi; api-also; iti-thus; etat-this; anukteù-not from the statement; advidhä-not two; småtaù-considered.

One should not break the fast on the trayodaçé. This is not 
confirmed by the words of scripture.

Text 626 

praty utätra tu-çabdena
tasyaikadhyaà pradarç#itam
paryavasyed ato yuktyä
dvädaçé-kñaya eva tat
praty uta-however; atra-here; tu-çabdena-with the word tu; tasya-of that; ekadhyam-one; pradarç#itam-shown; paryavasyet-should conclude; ataù-then; yuktyä-properly; dvädaçé-kñaya-the edn of dvadasi; eva-indeed; tat-that.

Here the word "tu" (indeed, shows that one should 
properly observe the end of dvädaçé.

Text 627 

tathäpi sandihänaç ced
gåhëéyäc caraëämåtam
päraëäyäù paraà samyak
pürakaà tad bhaved yataù
tathäpi-still; sandihänaù-doubt; cet-if; gåhëéyät-should 
accept; caraëämåtam-the water that has washed the feet of the 
Deity; päraëäyäù-of breaking the fast; param-then; samyak-proper; pürakam-completing; tat-that; bhavet-may 
âe; yataù-then.

If there is doubt about whether the fast should be broken 
at that time, one may accept caraëämåta, the water that has 
washed the feet of the Deity.

Text 628 

gautaméye tu sphuöam evoktaà 
yad-åkñaà vä tithir väpi
rätrià vyäpya vyavasthitä
divase päraëaà kuryäd
anyathä patanaà bhavet. iti.
gautaméye-in the Gautamiya Tantra; tu-indeed; tu-indeed; sphuöam-clear; eva-indeed; uktaàsaid; yad-åkñam-the star; vä-or; tithiù-the tithi; vä-or; api-also; rätrim-the night; vyäpya-extending; vyavasthitä-situated; divase-on the day; päraëam-breaking the fast; kuryät-should do; anyathä-otherwise; patanam-falling down; bhavet-may be; iti-thus.

In the Gautaméya Tantra it is said:
When the star or tithi are present during the night, one should break the fast on the following day. Otherwise one will fall down.

Text 629 

atha çré-vämana-vrata-vidhiù 
natvä gurum anujïäpya
paçcän niyamam äcaret
na hi sidhyed guror bhaktià
niyamaà ca vinä phalam
atha-now; çré-vämana-vrata-vidhiù-the method of following the vow for Lord Vämana; natvä-bowing; gurum-to the spiritual master; anujïäpya-asking for permission; paçcät-then; niyamam-the rules; äcaret-should follow; na-not; hi-indeed; sidhyet-is perfect; guroù-to the spiritual master; 
bhaktim-devotion; niyamam-rules; ca-and; 
vinä-without; phalam-result.

The Method of Following the Vow To Please Lord Vämana
First one should bow down before one's spiritual master and ask permission to follow this vow. Without devotion to the spiritual master this vow will not bear its fruit.

Text 630 

tatra niyama-mantraù 

ekädaçyäà nirähäraù
sthitvä caiväpare 'hani
bhokñye çré-vämanänanta
çaraëägata-vatsala
tatra-there; niyama-mantraù-the mantra of the vow; ekädaçyäm-on ekadasi; nirähäraù-without eating; sthitvä-staying; ca-and; eva-indeed; apare-on the next; ahani-day; bhokñye-I will eat; çré-vämana-O Vämana; ananta-O limitless one; çaraëägata-of the surrendered devotees; vatsala-affectionate.

The Mantra For This Vow
O limitless Lord Vämana, O Lord affectionate to the surrendered devotees, on this ekädaçé day I stand, fasting, before You. Today I will not eat. I will not eat until tomorrow.

Text 631 

ekädaçyä rajanyäà vä
dvädaçyäà cärcayet prabhum
ekädaçyäù-of ekadasi; rajanyäm-at night; vä-or; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; ca-and; arcayet-should worship; prabhum-the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Then, on the night of that ekädaçé, or on the following 
dvädaçé, one should worship the Supreme Lord.

Text 632 

svarëa-rüpya-maye pätre
tämra-vaàsa-maye 'pi vä
kuëòikäà sthäpayet pärçve
chätrikä-pädukäs tathä 
çubham- ca vaiëavém- yañöim 
akña-sütraà pavitrakam
svarëa-gold; rüpya-silver; maye-made of; pätre-in a dish; tämra-copper; vaàça-bamboo; maye-made of; api-and; vä-or; kuëòikäm-a pitcher; sthäpayet-should place; pärçve-on the side; chätrikä-parasol; pädukäù-sandals; tathä-so; çubham-auspicious; ca-and; vaiëavém-bamboo; yañöim-stick; akña-sütram-aksa beads; pavitrakam-sacred thread.

One should place the Deity of the Lord on a plate made of 
gold, silver, copper, or bamboo, and by His side one should place a 
kamaëòalu, parasol, sandals, bamboo staff, akña beads, and 
sacred-thread.

Text 633 

puñpair gandhaiù phalair dhüpair
vämanaà cärcayed dharim
nänä-vidhaiç ca naivedyair
bhakñya-bhojyair guòaudanaiù 
jägaraëaà niçi kurvéta 
géta-vädyädi-nartanaiù
puñpaiù-with flowers; gandhaiù-scents; phalaiù-fruits; dhüpaiù-incense; vämanam-Lord Vämana; ca-and; arcayet-should worship; harim-Lord Hari; nänä-vidhaiù-with various kinds; ca-and; naivedyaiù-of foods; bhakñya-bhojyaiù-delicious; guòa-odanaiù-with mollasses and rice; jägaraëam-vigil; niçi-at night; kurvéta-should do; géta-vädyädi-nartanaiù-with singing, music, and dancing.

Then one should worship Lord Vämana with offerings of 
flowers, scents, fruits, incense, rice, molasses, and various 
kinds of delicious foods. With singing, dancing, and instrumental 
music, one should keep an all-night vigil.

Text 634 

evam ärädhya deveçaà
prabhäte vimale sati
ädäv arghyaà pradätavyaà
paçcäd devaà präpüjayet 
närikelena çubhreëa 
dadyäd arghyaà ca pürva-vat
evam-thus; ärädhya-worshiping; deveçam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; prabhäte-at dawn; vimale-splenidd; sati-being; ädau-in the beginning; arghyam-arghya; pradätavyam-to be given; paçcät-then; devam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; präpüjayet-should worship; närikelena-with a coconut; çubhreëa-splendid; dadyät-should give; arghyam-arghya; ca-nad; pürva-vat-as before.

After thus worshiping the Lord, at dawn one should offer 
arghya, worship the Lord again, and, as before, again offer the 
Lord arghya in a splendid coconut shell.

Text 635 

atha arghya-däna-mantraù 
vämanäya namas tubhyaà
kränta-tribhuvanäya ca
gåhäëärghyaà mayä dattaà
vämanäya namo 'stu te 
vämanäya arghyaà namaù
atha-now; arghya-däna-mantraù-the mantra for offering arghya; vämanäya-to Lord Vämana; namaù-obeisances; tubhyam-to You; kränta-with steps; tribhuvanäya-the three worlds; ca-and; gåhäëa-please accept; arghyam-arghya; mayä-by me; dattam-given; vämanäya-to Vämana; namaù-obeisances; astu-are; te-to You; vämanäya-to Lord Vämana; arghyam-arghyam; namaù-obeisances.

The Mantra For Offering Arghya
Obeisances to You, O Lord Vämana who stepped across the three worlds. Please accept this arghya I offer You. Obeisances to You, O Lord Vämana. This arghya is offered to Lord Vämana. Obeisances to Lord Vämana.

Texts 636 and 637 

matsyaà kürmaà varähaà ca
narasiàhaà ca vämanam
rämaà rämaà ca kåñëaà ca
kramäd dvau buddha-kalkinau
pädayor jänunor guhye
näbhyäm urasi kakñayoù
bhujayor mürdhni sarväìgeñv
arcayed ayudhäni ca
matsyam-Matsya; kürmam-Kürma; varäham-Varäha; ca-and; narasiàham-Narasiàham; ca-and; vämanam-Vämana; rämam-Räma; rämam-Räma; ca-and; kåñëam-Kåñëa; ca-and; kramät-in sequence; dvau-both; buddha-kalkinau-Buddha and Kalké; pädayoù-at the feet; jänunoù-on the knees; guhye-in the loins; näbhyäm-on the navel; urasi-on the chest; kakñayoù-under the arms; bhujayoù-on the arms; mürdhni-on the head; sarväìgeñu-on all the limbs; arcayet-should worship; ayudhäni-the weapons; ca-also.

One should worship different forms of the Lord on the 
different limbs of Lord Vämana. At Lord Vämana's feet one should 
worship Lord Matsya. At His knees one should worship Lord Kürma, 
at His loins Lord Varäha, at His navel Lord Nåsiàha, on His 
chest Lord Vämana, under His arms Lord Paraçuräma, on both His 
arms Lord Rämacandra, on His head Lord Kåñëa, and on all His 
limbs Buddha and Kalki. Then one should also worship the weapons 
of the Lord.
Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé comments:

The first mantra here is "om- matsyäya namaù 
pädayoù". The other mantras follow this prototype. The mantra for 
the weapons is "om- sarvebhya äyudhebhyo namaù".
Translator's note: The mantras then become: 1. om- matsyäya namaù pädayoù, 2. om- kürmäya namo jänunoù, 3. om- varähäya namo guhye, 4. om- narasiàhäya namo näbhyäm, 5. om- vämanäya nama urasi, 5. om- rämäya namaù kakñayoù, 6. om- rämäya namo bhujayoù, 7. om- kåñëäya namo mürdhni, 8. om- buddha-kalkibhyäà namaù sarväìgeñu, and 9. om- sarvebhya äyudhebhyo namaù.

Text 638 

mahä-püjäntaù kåtvä 
go-mahéà käïcanädikam
çaktyäcaryäya dätavyaà
brähmaëebhyaç ca mantrataù
mahä-püjä-the the great worship; antaùend; kåtvä -doing; go-mahém-the cows and the earth; käïcanädikam-beginning with gold; çaktyä-with ability; äcaryäya-to the spiritual master; dätavyam-should be given; brähmaëebhyaù-to the brahmanas; ca-and; mantrataù-with the mantra.

When this great worship is concluded one should offer, with 
mantras and as far as one is able, cows, land, gold, and other 
gifts to his spiritual master and to the brähmaëas.

Text 639 

brähmaëaç cäpi mantreëa
pratigåhëäti mantra-vit
dadäti mantrato hy eva
dätä bhakti-samanvitaù
brähmaëaù-a brahmana; ca-and; api-also; mantreëa-with a mnantra; pratigåhëäti-accepts; mantra-vit-knowing mantras; dadäti-gives; mantrataù-by mantra; hi-indeed; eva-indeed; dätä-the giver; bhakti-samanvitaù-with devotion.

A brähmaëa learned in mantras should, recite mantras as he 
accepts the gifts. The person who gives should recite mantras as 
he devotedly gives the gifts.

Text 640 

tatra däna-mantraù 
vämano buddhi-do dätä
dravya-stho vämanaù svayam
vämanaç ca pratigrähé
tena me vämane ratiù
tatra-there; däna-mantraù-the mantra for giving gifts; vämanaù-Lord Vämana; buddhi-daù-the giver of intelligence; dätä-the giver; dravya-sthaù-staying in the item; vämanaù-Lord Vämana; svayam-person ally; vämanaù-Lord Vämana; ca-and; pratigrähé-accepting; tena-by that; me-of me; vämane-for Lord Vämana; ratiù-devotional love.

The Mantra For Giving Gifts
Lord Vämana is the giver of intelligence. He is the real giver of the gift. Lord Vämana is Himself present in the gift. 
Lord Vämana is the final recipient of the gift. May giving this 
gift increase my love and devotion for Lord Vämana

Text 641 

pratigraha-mantraù 

vämanaù pratigåhëäti
vämano 'pi dadäti ca
vämanas tarako dväbhyäà
tenedaà vämane namaù
pratigraha-mantraù-the mantra for recieving gifts; vämanaù-Lord Vämana; pratigåhëäti-accepts; vämanaù-Lord Vämana; api-also; dadäti-gives; ca-and; vämanaù-Lord Vämana; tarakaù-the savior; dväbhyäm-both; tena-by this; idam-this; vämane-to Lord Vämana; namaù-obeisances.

The Mantra For Accepting Gifts
Lord Vämana is the final recipient of this gift. It is Lord Vämana who ultimately gave this gift. Lord Vämana is our deliverer. Obeisances to Lord Vämana.

Text 642 

evaà kåtvä vidhänena
bhojanaà påñad-äjyakam
pürvaà dadyäd brähmaëebhyaù
paçcäd bhuïjéta bandhubhiù. iti.
evam-thus; kåtvä-doing; vidhänena-properly; bhojanam-food; påñad-äjyakam-with yogurt and ghee; pürvam-before; dadyät-should offer; brähmaëebhyaù-to the brahmanas; paçcät-after; bhuïjéta-should eat; bandhubhiù-with hsi friends and kinsmen; iti-thus.

Then one should offer a feast with ghee and yogurt to the 
brähmaëas. After that, one should eat with his friends and 
kinsmen.

Text 643 

yad vämana-puräëe ca
yad bhaviñyottare vratam
vämanasyoditaà tasyä-
nusäräl likhitaà tö idam
yat-what; vämana-puräëe-in the Vämana Purana; ca-and; yat-what; bhaviñyottare-in the Bhavisya POurana, Uttara-khanda; vratam-vow; vämanasya-of Lord Vämana; uditam-said; tasya-of that; anusärät-by following; likhitam-written; tu-indeed; idam-that.

These words have followed the description of the Vämana vow 
in the Vämana Puräëa and Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa.

Texts 644 and 645 

brahma-vaivarte 
gåhétvä niyamaà prätar
gatvä nadyoç ca saìgame
sauvarëaà vämanaà kåtvä
sauvarëa-mäñakeëa ca
yathä-çaktyätha vittasya
kumbhopari jagat-patim
svarëa-pätre snäpayitvä
mantrair etaiç ca püjayet
brahma-vaivarte-in the Brahma-vaivarta Purana; gåhétvä-taking; niyamam-the vow; prätaù-at dawn; gatvä-going; nadyoù-of a river; ca-and; saìgame-in the contact; sauvarëam-golden; vämanam-Vämana; kåtvä-doing; sauvarëa-mäñakeëa-with gold weighing a masa; ca-and; yathä-çaktyä-as able; atha-then; vittasya-of wealth; kumbha-a pot; upari-above; jagat-patim-the master of the universes; svarëa-pätre-in a golden bowl; snäpayitvä-bathing; mantraiù-with mantras; etaiù-these; ca-and; püjayet-should worship.

In the Brahma-vaivarta Puräëa it is said:
A person observing the vow should recite the saìkalpa-mantra, go to a river, fashion a Deity of Lord Vämana, a Deity made of one mäña of gold, or if not of gold, then of another substance according to one's possession of wealth, place the Deity in a golden basin, bathe Him, and worship Him with the following mantras.

Text 646 

tatra vämana-püjä-mantraù 
oà vämanäya namaù padau
kaöià damodaräya ca
ürü çré-pataye guhyaà
kämadeväya püjayet
tatra-there; vämana-of Lord Vämana; püja-for worship; mantraù-mantra; om-Oà; vämanäya-to Lord Vämana; namaù-obeisances; padau-feet; kaöim-waist; damodaräya-to Lord Damodara; ca-and; ürü-thighs; çré-pataye-the husband of Goddess Lakñmé; guhyam-loins; kämadeväya-Kämadeva; püjayet-should worship.

The Mantras For Worshiping Lord Vämana
One should worship the feet of the Deity with the mantra, "Om- vämanäya namaù". One should worship the Lord's waist with the mantra, "Om- dämodaräya namaù". One should worship the Lord's thighs with the mantra, "Om- çré-pataye namaù". One should worship the Lord's loins with the mantra, "Om- kämadeväya namaù".

Text 647 

püjayeê jagatäà patyur
udaraà viçva-dhäriëe
hådayaà yoga-näthäya
kaëöhaà çré-pataye namaù
püjayet-should worship; jagatäm-of the universes; patyuù-iof the master; udaram-the belly; viçva-dhäriëe-the maintainer of the universes; hådayam-the heart; yoga-of yoga; näthäya-the master; kaëöham-the neck; çré-pataye-the husband of Goddess Lakñmé; namaù-obeisances.

One should worship the belly of the master of the universes 
with the mantra, "Om- viçva-dhäriëe namaù". One should 
worship His heart with the mantra, "Om- yoganäthäya 
namaù". One should worship His neck with the mantra "Om- 
çré-pataye namaù".

Text 648 

mukhaà ca paìkajakñäya
çiraù sarvätmane namaù
itthaà sampüjya väsobhir
äcchädya ca jagad-guruà 
dadyät su-çraddhayä cärghyaà 
närikelädibhiù phalaiù
mukham-face; ca-and; paìkajakñäya-lotus-eyed; çiraù-head; sarvätmane'the soul of all; namaù-obeisances; ittham-thus; sampüjya-worshiping; väsobhiù-with water; äcchädya-covering; ca-and; jagad-gurum-the master of the universes; dadyät-should give; su-çraddhayä'with great faith; ca-and; arghyam-arghya; närikelädibhiù-with cocnuts and others; phalaiù-with fruits.

One should worship His face with the mantra "Om- 
paìkajäkñäya namaù". One should worship His head with the mantra 
"Om- sarvätmane namaù". After thus worshiping the Lord, 
one should bathe Him with a stream of water. Then with great 
faith one should offer Him arghya along with coconuts and other 
fruits.

Text 649 

tatra arghya-däna-mantraù 
oà namo namas te govinda
budha-çravaëa-samjïaka
aghaugha-saìkñayaà kåtvä
preta-mokña-prado bhava
tatra-there; arghya-däna-mantraù-the mantra for offering arghya; om-Oà; namaù-obeisnaces; namaù-obeisances; te-to You; govinda-O Govinda; budha-çravaëa-samjïaka-Budha-çravaëa-samjnaka; aghaugha-saìkñayam-destroying a flood of sins; kåtvä-doing; preta-preta; mokña-freedom; pradaù-doing; bhava-please become.

The Mantra For Offering Arghya
O Govinda, O Budha-çravaëa-samjïaka, obeisances to You! Please destroy the great flood of my sins. Please free me from having to take birth as a preta.

Text 650 

chätropähana-go-dänaà
dadyäd atra kamaëòalum
viçeñena dvijägryäya
vämanaù priyatäm iti
chätra-parasol; upähana-sandals; gaù-cows; dänam-charity; dadyät-should give; atra-here; kamaëòalum-a kamandalu; viçeñena-esepcially; dvijägryäya-to the best of the brahmanas; vämanaù-May Lord Vämana; priyatäm-be pleased; iti-thus.

Then one should offer a parasol, sandals, cows, and a 
kamaëòalu to the best of brähmaëas. At that time one should 
recite the mantra, "vämanaù priyatäm" (May Lord Vämana 
be pleased with me).

Text 651 

yathä-çaktyä ca dänäni
dvijägryebhyaù pradäpayet
kuryäj jägaraëaà rätrau
géta-çästra-samanvitam
yathä-çaktyä-as able; ca-and; dänäni-charity; dvijägryebhyaù-to the best of brahmanas; pradäpayet-should give; kuryät-should do; jägaraëam-vigil; rätrau-at night; géta-çästra-samanvitam-with with singing a scripture-reading.

As far as one is able, one should give charity to exalted 
brähmaëas. One should keep an all-night vigil, a vigil filled 
with singing and scripture-reading.

Text 652 

çraddhayä parayä yukto
niçäm animiñekñaëaù
prabhäte bhojayed viprän
dvädaçyäà päraëaà tataù
çraddhayä-wuth faith; parayä-great; yuktaù-endowed; niçäm-at night; animiñekñaëaù-with unblinking eyes; prabhäte-at dawn; bhojayet-should feed; viprän-brahmanas; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; päraëam-breaking the fast; tataù-then.

With great faith one should keep his eyes open for the 
entire night. At dawn of the dvädaçé one should feed the 
brähmaëas. Then one should break the fast.

Text 653 

kuryät svayaà çraddhayä tat
sarvaà saphalatäà vrajet
kuryät-should do; svayam-personally; çraddhayä-with faith; tat-great; sarvam-all; saphalatäm-success; vrajet-attains.

One should do all this with great faith. In this way one 
will attain the result of this vow.

Text 654 

tan-mähätmyaà 
tatraiva 
evaà kåte tu käleya
vrate 'smin vijayä-dine
na durlabhataraà kiïcd
iha loke 'thavä pare
tan-mähätmyam-the glory of that; tatra-there; eva-indeed; evam-thus; kåte-done; tu-indeed; käleya-O Käleya; vrate-vow; asmin-in this; vijayä-dine-on the day of Vijayä; na-not; durlabhataram-very difficult; kiïct-something; iha-here; loke-in thismworld; athavä-or; pare-in the next.

The Glory of This Vow
In the same scripture it is said:
O Käleya, for one who follows this vow on the holy Vijaya' day, nothing is difficult to attain, either in this world or the next.

Text 655 

phalam asya vratasyoktaà
dattvä pitror narottamaù
vaàçoddhära-karo muktià
yäti paitryäd åëäd api
phalam-the result; asya-of this; vratasya-vow; uktam-said; dattvä-giving; pitroù-of parents; narottamaù-the best of persons; vaàça-of the family; uddhära-deliverance; karaù-doing; muktim-liberation; yäti-attains; paitryät-paternal; åëät-from the debt; api-even.

A noble-hearted person who offers the pious results of this 
vow to his parents, delivers his ancestors. He is free of any 
debts to his parents.

Text 656 

na pävanataraà kiïcid
ataù param ihocyate
vijayä-vrata-tulyaà ca
na paraà paripaöhyate
na-not; pävanataram-more purifying; ki.sy 
241cit-something; ataù-than this; param-more; iha-here; ucyate-is 
said; vijayä-vrata-tulyam-equal to the vow of Vijayä; ca-and; 
na-not; param-more; paripaöhyate-is read.

Nothing is more purifying than this vow. The scriptures do 
not describe any vow equal to this vow of the holy Vijaya' day.

Texts 657 and 658 

bhaviñyottare ca 
samäpte tu vrate tasmin
yat puëyaà tan nibodha me
catur-yugäni räjendra
sapta-saptati-saìkhyayä
präpya viñëu-puraà räjan
kréòate kälam akñayam
ihägatya bhaved räjä
pratipakña-bhayaìkaraù
bhaviñyottare-in the Bhavisya Purana, Uttara-khanda; ca-and; samäpte-attained; tu-indeed; vrate-vow; tasmin-in that; yat-what; puëyam-piety; tan-that; nibodha-please know; me-from me; catur-yugäni-four yugas; räjendra-O king of kings; sapta-saptati-saìkhyayä-with 77 times; präpya-attaining; viñëu-puram-the abode of Lord Viñëu; räjan-O king; kréòate-enjoys pastimes; kälam-time; akñayam-without end; iha-here; ägatya-returning; bhavet-is; räjä-a king; pratipakña-bhayaìkaraù-who fills his enemies with fear.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa, it is said:
O king of kings, please hear from me the pious benefit earned by following this vow. By following this vow one stays in the abode of Lord Viñëu for seventy-seven catur-yugas. When he finally returns to this earth he becomes a great king who fills his enemies with fear.

Text 659 

hasty-açva-ratha-yänänäà
dätä bhoktä vimatsaraù
rüpa-saubhägya-sampanno
dérghäyur nirujo bhavet
hasti-elephants; açva-horses; ratha-chariots; yänänäm-vehicles; dätä-giving; bhoktä-enjoying; vimatsaraù-without envy; rüpa-beauty; saubhägya-and good fortune; sampannaù-endowed; dérghäyuù-long life; nirujaù-healthy; bhavet-is.

He will have the power to give many elephants, horses, and 
chariots in charity. He will enjoy many pleasures. He will be 
free from envy. He will be handsome, fortunate, and healthy. He 
will live a long life.

Text 660 

putra-pautraiù parivåto
jévec ca çaradäà çatam
putra-with children; pautraiù-and grandchildren; parivåtaù-surrounded; jévet-will live; ca-and; çaradäm-of autumns; çatam-a hundred.

Surrounded by his children and grandchildren, he will live 
for a hundred autumns.

Text 661 

athäçvina-kåtyam 
äçvinasya site pakñe
daçamyäà vijayotsavaù
kartavyo vaiñëavaiù särdhaà
sarvatra vijayärthinä
atha-now; äçvina-of Asvina; kåtyam-duties; äçvinasya-of Asvina; site-sukla; pakñe-in the paksa; daçamyäm-on the dasami; vijaya-Vijaya; utsavaù-festival; kartavyaù-to be done; vaiñëavaiù-Vaiñëavas; särdham-with; sarvatra-always; vijayärthinä-desiring victory.

Duties of the Month of Açvina (September-October)
On the çukla-daçamé of the month of Açvina, Vaiñëavas desiring victory should always celebrate the festival of Vijaya. 

Text 662 

atha vijayotsava-vidhiù 
ratham äropya deveçaà
sarvälaìkära-çobhitam
säsitüëa-dhanur-bäëa-
päëià naktaïcaräntakam
atha-now; vijayotsava-vidhiù-the method of observing the Vijaya festival; ratham-on a chariot; äropya-placing; deveçam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; sarvälaìkära-çobhitam-decorated with all ornaments; säsitüëa-with a quiver; dhanuù-bow; bäëa-and arrows; päëim-in hand; naktaïcara-of demons; antakam-the slayer.

The Method of Observing the Vijaya Festival

One should decorate Lord Räma, the Supreme Personality of 
Godhead, the slayer of the demons, with all ornaments, place a 
bow, arrows, and quiver in His hand, and then place Him on a 
chariot.

Text 663 

sva-lélayä jagat trätuà
ävirbhütaà raghüdvaham
räjopacäraiù çré-rämaà
çamé-våkña-talaà nayet
sva-lélayä-with His own pastimes; jagat-the world; trätum-to protect; ävirbhütam-manifested; raghüdvaham-the scion of the Raghu dynasty; räja-upacäraiù-with royal service; çré-rämam-Lord Räma; çamé-våkña-talam-to the Sami tree; nayet-should lead.

Then with royal pomp one should lead Lord Räma, who appeared 
in the Raghu dynasty and manifested His pastimes to protect the 
world, to a çamé tree.

Text 664 

sétä-käntaà çamé-yuktaà
bhaktänäm abhayaìkaram
arcayitvä çamé-våkñaà
arcayed vijayäptaye
sétä-of Sétä; käntam-the beloved; çamé-yuktam-with the sami tree; bhaktänäm-to the devotees; abhayaìkaram-giving fearlessness; arcayitvä-worshiping; çamé-våkñam-the sami tree; arcayet-should worship; vijayäptaye-to attain victory.

As He stands by the çamé tree, one should worship Lord Räma, 
the beloved of Séta' and the giver of fearlessness to the 
devotees. Then, in order to attain victory, one should also 
worship the çamé tree.

Text 665 

atha tan-mantraù 
çamé çamayate päpaà
çamé lohita-kaëöhakä
dharitry-arjuna-bäëänäà
rämasya priya-vädiné
atha-then; tan-mantraù-that mantra; çamé-sami; çamayate-may päify; päpam-sins; çamé-sami; lohita-kaëöhakä-with red thorns; dharitri-the holder; arjuna-bäëänäm-of straight arrows; rämasya-of Räma; priya-vädiné-dear.

The Mantra For That

May the çamé tree, which has red thorns like a host of 
straight arrows, and which is dear to Lord Räma, purify me of my 
sins.

Text 666 

kariñyamänä yä yäträ
yäträ kälaà sukhaà mayä
tatra nirvighna-kätré tvaà
bhava çré-räma-püjite
kariñyamänä-will be done; yä-who; yäträ-journey; yathä-as; kälam-time; sukham-happiness; mayä-by me; tatra-there; nirvighna-kätré-making free of obstacles; tvam-You; bhava-please become; çré-räma-püjite-worshiped by Çré Räma.

Please make the journey easy at the appropriate time. O tree 
worshiped by Lord Räma, please remove the obstacles in my path.

Text 667 

gåhétvä säkñatämärdräà
çamé-mula-gataà mådam
géta-väditra-nirghoñais
tato devaà gåhe nayet
gåhétvä-taking; säkñatämärdräm-a clod of earth; çamé-mula-gatam-at the root of the sami tree; mådam-earth; géta-sinign; väditra-music; nirghoñaiù-with sounds; tataù-then; devam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; gåhe-to the home; nayet-should lead.

Then, taking an unbroken clod of earth from the roots of the 
çamé tree, one should, with singing and instrumental music, bring 
the Deity of the Supreme Personality of Godhead back to His 
temple.

Text 668 

kaiçcid åkñais tatra bhävyaà
kaiçcid bhävyaà ca vänaraiù
kaiçcid rakta-mukhair bhävyaà
koçalendrasya tuñöaye
kaiçcit-by some; åkñaiù-stars; tatra-there; bhävyam-to be; kaiçcit-by some; bhävyam-to be; ca-and; vänaraiù-by monkeys; kaiçcit-by some; rakta-mukhaiù-red-faced; bhävyam-to be; koçalendrasya'of Lord Räma; tuñöaye-for the pleasure.

Then, in a drama, some may be bears, some may be monkeys, 
and some may be rakta-mukha monkeys for the pleasure of Lord 
Räma.

Text 669 

nirjitä räkñasä daityä
vairiëo jagaté-tale
räma-räjyaà räma-räjyaà
räma-räjyam iti dhruvam
nirjitäù-defeated; räkñasä-raksasas; daityä-and daityas; vairiëaù-enemies; jagaté-tale-in the world; räma-räjyam-the kingdom of Räma; räma-räjyam-the kingdom of Räma;  räma-räjyam-the kingdom of Räma;  iti-thus; dhruvam-certainly.

In that drama the demons and cannibals who opposed Räma are 
all defeated. Then one should call out: "Räma-räjya (the 
kingdom of Räma,! Räma-räjya! Räma-räjya!"

Text 670 

änéya sthäpayed devaà
nija-siàhäsane sukham
tato néräjya deveçaà
praëamed daëòavad bhuvi 
mahä-prasäda-vasträdi 
dhärayed vaiñëavaiù saha
änéya-taking; sthäpayet-should place; devam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; nija-siàhäsane-on His throne; sukham-happily; tataù-then; néräjya-offering arati; deveçam-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; praëamet-should bow down; daëòavat-like a stick; bhuvi-on the ground; mahä-prasäda-vasträdi-the remnants of graments and other things; dhärayet-should accept; vaiñëavaiù-Vaiñëavas; saha-with.

Then one should place the Deity of the Lord again 
comfortably on His throne. One should offer ärati to the Deity, 
and one should offer daëòavat obeisances, falling to the ground 
like a stick. Then, with the other Vaiñëavas, one should accept 
the remnants of garments and other things offered to the Lord.

Text 671 

iti çré-viñëu-dharmoktä-
nusäreëa vyalekhyayam
vidhiù çré-räma-vijayot-
savasyotsava-kåt satäm
iti-thus; çré-viñëu-dharma-in the Çré Viñëu-dharma Purana; ukta-statement; anusäreëa-acording to; vyalekhyayam-I have written; vidhiù-method; çré-räma-vijaya-utsavasya utsava-kåt-the festival to celebrate the vitory of Lord Räma; satäm-of the devotees.

Thus, following the description in the Çré Viñëu-dharma 
Puräëa, I have summarized the way to celebrate the festival of 
Lord Räma's victory.

Text 672 

sétä dåñöeti hanumad-
väkyaà çrutväkarot prabhuù
vijayäà vänaraiù särdhaà
väsare 'smin çamé-talät
sétä-Sétä; dåñöä-is seen; iti-thus; hanumat-of Hanumë; väkyam-the words; çrutvä-hearing; akarot-did; prabhuù-the Lord; vijayäm-victory; vänaraiù-monkeys; särdham-with; väsare-on the day; asmin-this; çamé-talät-from the base of a çamé tree.

On this day, at the base of a çamé tree, Lord Räma 
celebrated with His monkey allies the festival of His victory 
when He heard Hanumän say, "I see Sétä!".

Sixteenth Vilasa, Volume One

Text 1

atha kärttika-kåtyaà 
dämodaraà prapadye 'haà
çré-rädhä-ramaëaà prabhum
prabhäväd yasya tat-preñöhaù
kärttikaù sevito bhavet
atha-now; kärttika-kåtyam-the duties of Kärttika; dämodaram-to Lord Kåñëa; prapadye-surrender; aham-I; çré-rädhä-of Çré Rädhä; ramaëam-the lover; prabhum-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; prabhavät-by the power; yasya-of whom; tat-preñöhaù-dear to Him; kärttikaù-Kärttika; sevitaù-served; bhavet-is.

Duties in the Month of Kärttika

I surrender to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who was tied about the waist with a rope, and who is the lover of Çré Rädhä. By His power one is able to serve His favored month: the month of Kärttika.

Text 2

bhäti kärttika-kåtyädi
skända-pädmädiñu sphuöam
tathäpy ekatra saìgåhya
särato 'tra vilikhyate
bhäti-manifested; kärttika-kåtyädi-the duties of Kärttika; skända-pädmädiñu-in the Skanda, Padma, and other Puräëas; sphuöam'clearly; tathäpi-still; ekatra-in one place; saìgåhya-collecting; särataù-the essence; atra-here; vilikhyate-is written.

The duties of the month of Kärttika are clearly described in the Skanda Puräëa, Padma Puräëa, and other scriptures. The essence of what they say is collected here in one place.

Text 3

kärttike 'smin viçeñeëa
nityaà kurvéta vaiñëavaù
dämodarärcanaà prätaù-
snäna-däna-vratädikam
kärttike-in Kärttika; asmin-in this; viçeñeëa-specifically; nityam-always; kurvéta-should do; vaiñëavaù-a devotee of Lord Viñëu; dämodara-of Lord Dämodara; arcanam-the worship; prätaù-in the morning; snäna-bathing; däna-gifts; vrata-vows; ädikam-beginning with.

Especially in the month of Kärttika a Vaiñëava should regularly bathe in the morning, worship Lord Dämodara, give charity, follow vows, and perform other spiritual activities.

Text 4

tathä dina-viçeñe yad
bhagavat-püjanädikam
kuryäd vidhi-viçeñeëa
lekhyam agre vivicya tat
tathä-so; dina-viçeñe-on a specifé day; yat-what; bhagavat-püjanädikam-beginning with worship of the  Supreme Personality of Godhead; kuryät-should do; vidhi-viçeñeëa-with specifé rules; lekhyam-will be written; agre-in the beginning; vivicya-considering; tat-thus.

Here I will write when the month of Kåñëa begins and how one should worship the Lord during this month.

Text 5

atha kärttika-vrata-nityatä 
skände brahma-närada-samväde 
duñpräpyam- präpya mänuñyaà
kärttikoktaà caren na hi
dharmaà dharma-bhåtaà çreñöha
sa mätå-pitå-ghätakaù
atha-now; kärttika-vrata-nityatä-one should always follow the vow of worshiping the Lord in the month of Kärttika; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada; duñpräpyam-difficult to attain; präpya-attaining; mänuñyam-human birth; kärttika-of the month of Kärttika; uktam-said; caren-follows; na-not; hi-indeed; dharmam-religion; dharma-bhåtäm-of the followers of religion; çreñöha-the best; sa-he; mätr„-pitr„-ghätakaù-the killer of his father and mother.

One Should Always Follow the Vow of Kärttika-vrata
In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada, it is said:
"O best of the followers of religion, a person who does not follow the vow of Kärttika-vrata is a sinner. He is like a person who murders his father and mother.

Text 6

avratena kñiped yas tu
mäsaà dämodara-priyam
tiryag-yoëim aväpnoti
sarva-dharma-bahis-kåtaù
avratena-without following the vow; kñipet-spends; yaù-who; tu-indeed; mäsam-the month; dämodara-to Lord Dämodara; priyam-dear; tiryag-yoëim-birth as an animal; aväpnoti-attains; sarva-dharma-bahis-kåtaù-outside all religious principles.

"A person who does not follow the vow in this month that is dear to Lord Dämodara finds himself outside all religious principles. He takes birth in an animal's womb.

Text 7

sa brahma-hä sa go-ghnaç ca
svarëa-steyé sadänåti
na karoti muni-çreñöha
yo naraù kärttike vratam
sa-he; brahma-hä-murderer of a brähmaëa; sa-he; go-ghnaù-killer of a cow; ca-and; svarëa-steyé-thief of gold; sadä-always; anåti-lying; na-not; karoti-does; muni-çreñöha-O best of sages; yaù-who; naraù-person; kärttike-in Kärttika; vratam-vow.

"O best of sages, a person who does not follow this vow in the month of Kärttika is a brähmaëa-killer, a cow-killer, a thief of gold, and a perpetual liar.

Text 8

vidhavä vä viçeñena
vrataà yadi na kärttike
karoti muni-çärdüla
narakaà yäti sa dhruvam
vidhavä-a widow; vä-or; viçeñena-specifically; vratam-vow; yadi'if; na-not; kärttike-in Kärttika; karoti-does; muni-çärdüla-O tiger of sages; narakam-to hell; yäti-goes; sa-she; dhruvam-indeed.

"O tiger of sages, a widow especially who does not follow the vow of Kärttika certainly goes to hell.

Text 9

vrataà tu kärttike mäse
yadä na kurute gåhé
iñöäpürtaà våthä tasya
yävad ähüta-näraké
vratam-vow; tu-indeed; kärttike-in Kärttika; mäse-month; yadä-when; na-not; kurute-does; gåhé-a householder; iñöäpürtam-pious deeds; våthä-useless; tasya-of him; yävat-as; ähüta-screaming; näraké-a person in hell.

"If a householder does not follow the vow of Kärttika, his pious and charitable deeds do him no good. They become like the screams of a person in hell.

Text 10

sampräpte kärttike mäse
dvijo vrata-paräì-mukhaù
bhavanti vimukhäù sarve
tasya deväù sa-vävaräù
sampräpte-attained; kärttike-Kärttika; mäse-month; dvijaù-a brähmaëa; vrata-parän-mukhaù-averse to the vow; bhavanti-become; vimukhäù-averse; sarve-all; tasya-of him; deväù-the demigods; sa-väsaväù-with Indra's followers.

"if a brähmaëa spurns the Kärttika vow, then Indra and all the demigods spurn him.

Text 11

iñövä ca bahubhir yajïaiù
kåtvä çräddha-satäni ca
svargaà näpnoti viprendra
akåtvä kärttike vratam
iñövä-worshiping; ca-and; bahubhiù-with many; yajïaiù-yajnas; kåtvä-doing; çräddha-satäni-a hundred sraddhas; ca-and; svargam-Svarga; na-not; äpnoti-attains; viprendra-O king of the brähmaëas; akåtvä-not doing; kärttike-in Kärttika; vratam-the vow.

"O king of brähmaëas, a person who performs a hundred çräddhas and a host of yajïas, but does not follow the Kärttika vow, cannot enter Svargaloka.

Text 12

yatiç ca vidhavä caiva
viçeñenä vanäçrämé
kärttikaà narakaà yänti
akåtvä vaiñëavaà vratam
yatiù-sannyasi; ca-and; vidhavä-widow; ca-and; eva-indeed; viçeñenä-specifically; vanäçrämé-vanaprastha; kärttikam-Kärttika; narakam-to hell; yänti-go; akåtvä-not doing; vaiñëavam-of Lord Viñëu; vratam-the vow.

"Especially a sannyäsé, vänaprastha, or widow who do not follow the Vaiñëava Kärttika-vow go to hell.

Text 13

vedair adhétaiù kià tasya
puräëa-paöhanaiç ca kim
kåtaà yadi na viprendra
kärttike vaiñëavaà vratam
vedaiù-Vedas; adhétaiù-studied; kim-what is the use?; tasya-of him; puräëa-paöhanaiù-studying the Puräëas; ca-and; kim-what?; kåtam-done; yadi-of; na-not; viprendra-O king of the brähmaëas; kärttike-Kärttika; vaiñëavam-Vaiñëava; vratam-vow.

"O king of brähmaëas, what good will study of the Vedas and Puräëas do for a person who does not follow the Vaiñëava Kärttika-vow?

Text 14

janma-prabhåti yat puëyaà
vidhivat samupärjitam
bhasmé-bhavati tat sarvaà
akåtvä kärttika-vratam
janma-prabhåti-beginning with birth; yat-what; puëyam-piety; vidhivat'properly; samupärjitam-earned; bhasmé-ashes; bhavati-becomes; tat-that; sarvam-all; akåtvä-not doing; kärttika-vratam-the Kärttika vow.

"A person who does not follow the Kärttika vow finds his life's pious deeds burned to ashes.

Text 15

yad dattaà ca paraà japtaà
kåtaà ca su-mahat-tapaù
sarvaà viphalatäm eti
akåtvä kärttike vratam
yat-what; dattam-given; ca-and; param-more; japtam-chanted; kåtam-doen; ca-and; su-mahat-tapaù-great austerities; sarvam-all; viphalatäm-uselessness; eti-attain; akåtvä-not performing; kärttike'in Kärttika; vratam-the vow.

"A person who does not follow the Kärttika vow finds that all his charity, great austerities, and mantra-chanting is useless.
Text 16

sapta-janmärjitaà puëyaà
våthä bhavati närada
akåtvä kärttike mäsi
vaiñëavaà vratam uttamam
sapta-janmärjitam-earned in seven births; puëyam-piety; våthä-useless; bhavati-is; närada-O Narada; akåtvä-not doing; kärttike mäsi-in Kärttika month; vaiñëavam-Vaiñëava; vratam-vow; uttamam-transcendental.

"O Näarada, if one does not follow the Vaiñëava Kärttika-vow, seven births of his pious deeds become useless.

Text 17

päpa-bhütaç ca te jïeyä
loke martyä mahä-mune
vaiñëaväkhyaà vrataà yais tu
na kåtaà kärttike çubham
päpa-bhütaù-sinners; ca-and; te-they; jïeyä-known; loke-in the world; martyä-people; mahä-mune-O great sage; vaiñëaväkhyam- vratam-the Vaiñëava vow; yaiù-by whom; tu-indeed; na-not; kåtam-done; kärttike-in Kärttika; çubham-auspicious.

"O great sage, they who do not follow the auspicious Vaiñëava Kärttika-vow are known as sinners in this world."

Text 18

kià ca 
akåtvä niyamaà viñëoù
kärttikaà yaù kñipen naraù
janmärjitasya puëyasya
phalaà näpnoti närada
kim- ca-furthermore; akåtvä-not doing; niyamam-vow; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; kärttikam-Kärttika; yaù-one who; kñipen-spends; naraù-a person; janmärjitasya-earned in an entire lifetime; puëyasya-of piety; phalam-the result; na-not; äpnoti-obtains; närada-O Narada.

It is further said:
"O Närada, a person who does not follow the Vaiñëava Kärttika-vow loses the pious deeds of an entire life."

Text 19

kià ca 
niyamena vinä caiva
yo nayet kärttikaà mune
cäturmäsyaà tathä caiva
brahma-hä sa kulädhamaù
kim- ca-furthermore; niyamena-vow; vinä-without; ca-and; eva-indeed; yaù-who; nayet-leads; kärttikam-Kärttika; mune-O sage; cäturmäsyam-Caturmasya; tathä-so; ca-and; eva-indeed; brahma-hä-a ârähmaëa-killer; sa-he; kulädhamaù-the lowest of his family.

It is also said:
"O sage, a person who does not follow the Kärttika and Cäturmäsya vows is sinful like a brähmaëa-killer. He is the most degraded person in his family.

Texts 20-22

kià ca 
piëòä-dänaà pitåëäà ca
pitå-pakñe na vai kåtam
vrataà na kärttike mäsi
çrävaëyäm åñi-tarpaëam
caitre nändolito viñëur
mägha-snänaà na saj-jale
na kåtämardaké puñye
çrävaëe rauhiëäñöamé
saìgame na kåtä yena
dvädaçé çravaëänvitä
kutra yäsyanti te müòhä
nähaà vedmi kali-priya
kim- ca-furthermore; piëòä-dänam-offering pinda; pitåëäm-to the pitas; ca-and; pitr„-pakñe-on pitr-paksa; na-not; vai-indeed; kåtam-done; vratam-vow; na-not; kärttike-in Kärttika; mäsi-month; çrävaëyäm-in the month of Sravana; åñi-tarpaëam-offering tarpaëa to the sages; caitre-in the month of Sravana; na-not; ändolitaù-moved on a swing; viñëuù-Lord Viñëu; magha-in the month of Magha; snänam-bath; na-not; saê-jale-in clear water; na-not; kåta-done; ämardaké-the ämardaké vow; puñye-in Puñya; çravaëe-in Çravaëa; rauhiëäñöamé-Rauhiëäñöamé; saìgame-in the meeting; na-not; kåtä-done; yena-by which; dvädaçé-dvädaçé; çravaëänvitä-with sravana; kutra-where?; yäsyanti-will go; te-they; müòhä-foolish; na-not; aham-I; vedmi-know; kali-priya-O Närada.

What is the fate of the fools who do not offer piëòa' to the ancestors on pitr„-pakña, who do not observe the vow of Kärttika, who do not offer tarpaëa to the sages in the month of Çrävaëa (July-August), who do not observe Lord Viñëu's swing-festival in the month of Caitra (March-April), who do not bathe in clear water in the month of Mägha (January-February), who do not follow the ämardaké vow during the time of the star Puñya, and who do not observe the Rohiëäñöämé day when in the month of Çrävaëa the star çravaëa is present on the dvädaçé day? O Närada, I do not know. 

Text 23

pädme ca çré-närada-çaunakädi-muni-gaëa-samväde 
mänuñaù karma-bhümau yaù
kärttikaà nayate mudhä
cintämaëià kare präpya
kñipyate kardamämbuni
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; ca-and; çré-närada-çaunakädi-muni-gaëa-samväde-in a conversation of Çré  Narada anmd the sages headed by Çré Saunaka; mänuñaù-a human being; karma-of karma; bhümau-in the world; yaù-who; kärttikam-Kärttika; nayate-passes; mudhä-uselessly; cintämaëim-a ciontamani jewel; kare-in the hand; präpya-attaining; kñipyate-throws; kardamämbuni-in muddy water.

In the Padma Puräëa, in a conversation of Çré Närada and the sages headed by Çré Çaunaka it is said:
"A human being in this world of karma who does not follow the vow of Kärttika takes the cintämaëi jewel placed in his hand and throws it into muddy water.

Text 24

niyamena vinä vipräù
kärttikam- yaù kñipen naraù
kåñëaù parän-mukhas tasya
yasmäd ürjo 'sya vallabhaù
niyamena-vow; vinä-without; vipräù-O brähmaëas; kärttikam-Kärttika; yaù-who; kñipen-spends; naraù-a person; kåñëaù-Lord Kåñëa; parän-mukhaù-averse; tasya-of him; yasmät-because; ürjaù-Kärttika; asya-to Him; vallabhaù-dear.

"O brähmaëas, the month of Kärttika is very dear to Lord Kåñëa. That is why Lord Kåñëa turns His face from anyone who does not follow the Kärttika vow.

Text 25

atha tatra viçeñena snäna-dänädi-tat-karma-nityatä 
skände tatraiva 
yair na dattaà hutaà japtaà
na snänaà na harer vratam
na kåtaà kärttike putra
dvijäs te vai narädhamäù
atha-now; tatra-there; viçeñena-specifically; snäna-bathing; däna-giving charity; ädi-beginning with; tat-karma-those activities; nityatä-should be done regularly; skände-in thekanda Puräëa;  tatra-there; eva-indeed; yaiù-by whom; na-not; dattam-given; hutam-yajna; japtam-chanted japa; na-not; snänam-bathed; na-not; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; vratam-the vow; na-not; kåtam-done; kärttike-in Kärttika; putra-O son; dvijäù-brähmaëas; te-they; vai-indeed; narädhamäù-the lowest of men.

One Should Always Follow the Kärttika Bow by Bathing, Giving Charity, and Performing Other Pious Deeds
In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"O son, brähmaëas who in the month of Kärttika do not give charity, perform yajïas, chant japa, bathe, or follow the vow to please Lord Kåñëa are the lowest of men."

Text 26

kià ca 
yair na dattaà hutaà japtaà
kärttike na vrataà kåtam
tenätmä härito nünaà
na präptaà prärthitaà phalam
kim- ca-furthermore; yaiù-by whom; na-not; dattam-given charity; hutam-offered yajnas; japtam-chanted japa; kärttike-in Kärttika; na-not; vratam-vow; kåtam-done; tena-by that; ätmä-slef; häritaù-robbed; nünam-indeed; na-not; präptam-attained; prärthitam-requested; phalam-result.

It is further said:
"They who in the month of Kärttika do not give charity, perform yajïas, chant japa, or follow vows are thieves who roâ themselves of their own valuables. They do not attain what they wish."

Text 27

kià ca 
sampräpte kärttike mäsi
ye ratä na janärdane
teñäà sauri-pure väsaù
pitåbhiù saha närada
kim- ca-furthermore; sampräpte-attained; kärttike-Kärttika; mäsi-month; ye-who; ratä-engaged; na-not; janärdane-in Lord Kåñëa; teñäm-of them; sauri-pure-in the city of Yamaräja; väsaù-residence; pitåbhiù-ancestors; saha-with; närada-O Narada.

It is further said:
"O Närada, they who do not worship Lord Kåñëa during the month of Kärttika reside, along with their ancestors, in hell."

Text 28

kià ca 
kärttike närcito yais tu
bhakti-bhävena keçavaù
narakaà te gamiñyanti
yamadütais tu yantritäù
kim- ca-furthermore; kärttike-in Kärttika; na-not; ärcitaù-worshiped; yaiù-by whom; tu-indeed; bhakti-bhävena-with love and devotion; keçavaù-Lord Kåñëa; narakam-to hell; te-they; gamiñyanti-will go; yamadütaiù-by the Yamadütas; tu-indeed; yantritäù-chained.

It is further said:
"They who in the month of Kärttika do not worship Lord Kåñëa with love and devotion are chained and dragged to hell by the messengers of Yamaräja.

Text 29

janma-koöi-sahasrais tu
mänuñyaà präpya durlabham
kärttike närcito viñëur
häritaà tena janma vai
janma-koöi-sahasraiù-by thousands and millions of births; tu-indeed; mänuñyam-human; präpya-attaining; durlabham-rare; kärttike-in Kärttika; na-not; arcitaù-worshiped; viñëuù-Lord Viñëu; häritam-removed; tena-by him; janma-birth; vai-indeed.

"He loses the rare human life he attained after many thousands and millions of births who does not worship Lord Viñëu in the month of Kärttika.

Text 30

viñëoù püjä kathä viñëor
vaiñëavänäà ca darçanam
na bhavet kärttike yasya
hanti puëyaà daçäbdikam
viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; püjä-worship; kathä-topics; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; vaiñëavänäm-of the Vaiñëavas; ca-qand; darçanam-sight; na-not; bhavet-is; kärttike-in Kärttika; yasya-of whom; hanti-kills; puëyam-piety; daça-ten; abdikam-years.

"A person who in the month of Kärttika does not worship Lord Viñëu, chant Lord Viñëu's glories, or associate with the Vaiñëavas, kills ten years of pious deeds."

Text 31

atha kärttika-mähätmyaà 
kärttikasya tu mähätmyaà
präk sämänyena likhyate
tato viçeñatas tatra
karma-deçädi-bhedataù
atha-now; kärttika-mähätmyam-the glories of Kärttika; kärttikasya-of Kärttika; tu-indeed; mähätmyam-the glory; präk-first; sämänyena-in a general way; likhyate-is written; tataù-then; viçeñataù-specifically; tatra-there; karma-deçädi-bhedataù-differences beginning with work and place.

The Glories of Kärttika
First I will write of the glories of Kärttika in a general way and then I will write of the different situations beginning with the differences of work and place.

Text 32

atha sämänya-kärttika-mähätmyaà 
skände tatraiva 
kärttikasya tu mäsasya
koöy-aàçenäpi närhati
sarva-tértheñu yat snänaà
sarva-däneñu yat phalam
atha-now; sämänya-in a general way; kärttika-of Kärttika; mähätmyam-the glory; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; kärttikasya-of Kärttika; tu-indeed; mäsasya-glory; koöy-aàçena-with a ten-millionth part; api-even; na-not; arhati-is worthy; sarva-in all; tértheñu-holy places; yat-what; snänam-bathing; sarva-däneñu-in all charities; yat-what; phalam-result.

A General Description of Kärttika's Glories
In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"The pious result obtained by bathing in all holy places and giving all charities is not equal to one ten-millionth part of the result obtained by following the vow of Kärttika.

Texts 33 and 34

ekataù sarva-térthäni
sarve yajïäù sa-dakñiëäù
ekataù puñkare väsaù
kurukñetre himäcale
meru-tulya-suvarëäni
sarva-dänäni caikataù
ekataù kärttiko vatsa
sarvadä keçava-priyaù
ekataù-as one; sarva-térthäni-all holy places; sarve-all; yajïäù-yajnas; sa-dakñiëäù-with daksina; ekataù-as one; puñkare-in Puñkara; väsaù-residence; kurukñetre-in Kurukñetra; himäcale-in the Himalayas; meru-tulya-suvarëäni-gold equal to Mount Meru; sarva-dänäni-all charity; ca-ad; ekataù-as one; ekataù-as one; kärttikaù-Kärttika; vatsa-child; sarvadä-in all ways; keçava-to Lord Kåñëa; priyaù-dear.

"All holy places, yajïas, dakñiëäs, residence in Puñkara, Kurukñetra, and the Himalayas, and all giving in charity a pile of gold like Mount Meru, reside in Kärttika, Lord Kåñëa's favorite month.

Text 35

yat kiïcit kriyate puëyaà
viñëum uddiçya kärttike
tad akñayaà bhavet sarvaà
satyoktaà tava närada
yat-waht; kiïcit-something; kriyate-is done; puëyam-piety; viñëum-to Lord Viñëu; uddiçya-in relation to; kärttike-in Kärttika; tat-that; akñayam-eternal; bhavet-is; sarvam-all; satya-truth; uktam-said; tava-of you; närada-O Narada.

"The service one does to Lord Viñëu in the month of Kåñëa is all eternal. O Närada, I tell you the truth.

Text 36

kärttikaà khalu vai mäsaà 
sarva-mäseñu cottamam
puëyänäà paramaà puëyaà
pävanänäà ca pävanam
kärttikam-Kärttika; khalu-indeed; vai-indeed; mäsam- -month; sarva-mäseñu-in all months; ca-and; uttamam-the best; puëyänäm-of pious deeds; paramam-the best; puëyam-pious deed; pävanänäm-of purifiers; ca-and; pävanam-the purifier.

"Kärttika is the best of months, the most pious of pious deeds, the most purifying of all that purify."

Text 37

kià ca 
yathä nadénäà viprendra
çailänäà caiva närada
udadhénäà ca viprarñe
kñayo naivopapadyate

kim- ca-furthermore; yathä-as; nadénäm-of rivers; viprendra-O king of brähmaëas; çailänäm-of mountains; ca-and; eva-indeed; närada-O Narada; udadhénäm-of oceans; ca-and; viprarñe-O sage of brähmaëas; kñayaù-destruction; na-not; eva-indeed; upapadyate-is.

It is further said:
"O Närada, O king of brähmaëas, O great sage, rivers, mountains, and oceans will all be destroyed, but the month of Kärttika will never be destroyed.

Text 38

puëyaà kärttika-mäse tu
yat kiïcit kriyate mune
na tasyästi kñayo brahman
päpasyäpy evam eva ca
puëyam-piety; kärttika-mäse-in the month of Kärttika; tu-indeed; yat-what; kiïcit-something; kriyate-does; mune-O sage; na-not; tasya-of that; asti-is; kñayaù-destruction; brahman-O brähmaëa; päpasya-of sin; api-also; evam-thus; eva-indeed; ca-and.

"O sage, in the month of Kärttika neither pious deeds nor sins are ever destroyed."

Text 39

na kärttika-samo mäso
na kåtena samaà yugam
na veda-sädåçaà çästraà
na térthaà gaìgayä samam
na-not; kärttika-samaù-equal to Kärttika; mäsaù-month; na-not; kåtena-Satya; samam-equal; yugam-yuga; na-not; veda-sädåçam-like the Vedas; çästram-scripture; na-not; tértham-holy place; gaìgayä-the Gaìgä; samam-like.

"No month is like Kärttika. No yuga is like Satya-yuga. No scripture is like the Vedas. No holy place is like the Gaìgä.

Text 40

kärttikaù pravaro mäso
vaiñëavänäà priyaù sadä
kärttikaà sakalaà yas tu
bhaktyä seveta vaiñëavaù 
pitån uddharate sarvän 
naraka-sthän mahä-mune
kärttikaù-Kärttika; pravaraù-best; mäsaù-month; vaiñëavänäm-of ther Vaiñëavas; priyaù-dear; sadä-always; kärttikam-Kärttika; sakalam-all; yaù-who; tu-indeed; bhaktyä-with devotion; seveta-serve; vaiñëavaù-Vaiñëava; pitån-the pitas; uddharate-delivers; sarvän-all; naraka-sthän-staying in hell; mahä-mune-O great sage.

"Kärttika is the best of months. Kärttika is always dear to the Vaiñëavas. O great sage, a Vaiñëava who with devotion serves Kärttika delivers his ancestors from hell. 

Text 41

pädme ca 
tatraiva dvadaçeñv api mäseñu
kärttikaù kåñëa-vallabhaù
tasmin sampüjito viñëur
alpakair apy upäyanaiù 
dadäti vaiñëavaà lokam- 
ity evaà niçcitaà mayä
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; ca-and; tatra-there; eva-indeed; dvadaçeñv-in the twelve; api-even; mäseñu-months; kärttikaù-Kärttika; kåñëa-to Lord Kåñëa; vallabhaù-dear; tasmin-in that; sampüjitaù-worshiped; viñëuù-Lord Viñëu; alpakaiù-with slight; api-even; upäyanaiù-vow; dadäti-gives; vaiñëavam-of Lord Viñëu; lokam-the world; iti-thus; evam-thus; niçcitam-concluded; mayä-by me.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"Of the twelve months, Kärttika is the most dear to Lord Kåñëa. To anyone who even slightly worships Lord Viñëu during its time, the month of Kärttika gives residence in Lord Viñëu's transcendental abode.

Text 42

yathä dämodaro bhakta-
vatsalo vidito janaiù
tasyäyaà tädåço mäsaù
sv-alpam apy uru-kärakaù
yathä-as; dämodaraù-Lord Damodara; bhakta-the devotees; vatsalaù-loves; viditaù-known; janaiù-by the people; tasya-of Him; ayam-this; tädåçaù-like this; mäsaù-month; sö-alpam-very slight; api-even; uru-kärakaù-making big.

"As everyone knows, Lord Dämodara loves His devotees. Lord Dämodara's month, the month of Kärttika, also loves the devotees. The month of Kärttika thinks even the slightest devotional service is very big and important.

Text 43

durlabho mänuño deho
dehinäà kñaëa-bhaìguraù
taträpi durlabhaù kälaù
kärttiko hari-vallabhaù
durlabhaù-rare; mänuñaù-human; dehaù-body; dehinäm-of they who possess bodies; kñaëa-bhaìguraù-breaking in a moment; taträpi-still; durlabhaù-rare; kälaù-time; kärttikaù-Kärttika; hari-vallabhaù-dear to Lord Kåñëa.

"Even though its lasts for only a brief moment, the human form of life is very rare and valuable. In the same way the brief month of Kärttika is also very rare and valuable.

Text 44

dépenäpi hi yaträsau
préyate harir éçvaraù
su-gétaà ca dadäty eva
para-dépa-prabodhanät
dépena-with a lamp; api-even; hi-indeed; yatra-where; asau-He; priyate-is pleased; hariù-Lord Hari; éçvaraù-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; su-gétam-glorified; ca-and; dadäti-gives; eva-indeed; para-dépa-prabodhanät-from liughting another's lamp.

"Lord Kåñëa is pleased by the offering of a single lamp during the month of Kärttika. Lord Kåñëa glorifies anyone who lights a lamp for someone else to offer."

Text 45

atha tatra vrata-mähätmyaà 
skände tatraiva
vratänäm iha sarveñäà
eka-janmänugaà phalam
kärttike tu vratasyoktaà
phalaà janma-çatänugam
atha-now; tatra-there; vrata-mähätmyam-glory of the vow; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; vratänäm-of vows; iha-here; sarveñäm-all; eka-one; janma-birth; anugam-following; phalam-result; kärttike-in Kärttika; tu-indeed; vratasya-of the vow; uktam-spoken; phalam-result; janma-births; çata-a hundred; anugam-following.

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"Other vows bring the results of a lifetime of pious deeds. The vow of Kärttika brings the result of a hundred lifetimes of pious deeds.

Text 46

akrüra-térthe viprendra
kärttikyaà samupoñya ca
snätvä yat phalam äpnoti
tä chrutvä vaiñëavaà vratam
akrüra-térthe-at Akrüra-tértha; viprendra-O king of brähmaëas; kärttikyam-in Kärttika; samupoñya-fasting; ca-and; snätvä-bathing; yat-what; phalam-result; äpnoti-attains; tat-that; çrutvä-hearing; vaiñëavam-Vaiñëava; vratam-vow.

"O king of brähmaëas, a person who simply hears the glories of the Kärttika vow attains the result of fasting and bathing at sacred Akrüra-tértha.

Text 47

väräëasyäà kurukñetre
naimiñe puñkare 'rbude
gatvä yat phalam äpnoti
vrataà kåtvä tu kärttike
väräëasyäm-in Varanasi; kurukñetre-at Kuruksetra; naimiñe-in Naimisaranya; puñkare-in Puskara; arbude-in Arbuda-tirtha; gatvä-going; yat-what; phalam-result; äpnoti-attains; vratam-vow; kåtvä-doing; tu-indeed; kärttike-in Kärttika.

"By following the Kärttika vow one attains the result of going on pilgrimage to Väräëasé, Kurukñetra, Naimiñäraëya, Puñkara, and Arbuda-tértha.

Text 48

aniñövä ca sadä yajïair
na kåtvä pitåbhiù svadhäm
vratena kärttike mäsi
vaiñëavaà tu padaà vrajet
aniñövä-not worshiping; ca-and; sadä-always; yajïaiù-with yajnas; na-not; kåtvä-doing; pitåbhiù-with the pitas; svadhäm-sraddha; vratena-with a vow; kärttike-in Kärttika; mäsi-month; vaiñëavam-of Lord Viñëu; tu-indeed; padam-to the abode; vrajet-goes.

"A person who never performs yajïas or offers çräddha to the ancestors, but who does follow the vow of Kärttika, will go to the abode of Lord Viñëu.

Text 49

pravåttänäà ca bhakñyänäà
kärttike niyame kåte
avaçyaà kåñëa-rüpatvaà
präpyate muktidaà çubham
pravåttänäm-done; ca-and; bhakñyänäm-of food; kärttike-in Kärttika; niyame-in restriction; kåte-done; avaçyam-inevitably; kåñëa-rüpatvam-a form, like that of Lord Kåñëa; präpyate-attains; muktidam-giving liberation; çubham-auspicious.

"One who sometimes fasts during Kärttika attains liberation. He attains a glorious spiritual form like Lord Kåñëa's.

Text 50

kià ca 
brähmaëaù kñatriyo vaiçyaù
çüdro vä muni-sattama
viyoëià na vrajaty eva
vrataà kåtvä tu kärttike
kim- ca-furthermore; brähmaëaù-a brähmaëa; kñatriyaù-a ksatriya; vaiçyaù-a vaisya; çüdraù-a sudra; vä-or; muni-sattama-O best of sages; viyoëim-a bad womb; na-not; vrajati-attains; eva-indeed; vratam-vow; kåtvä'doing; tu-indeed; kärttike-in Kärttika.

It is further said:
"O best of sages, a brähmaëa, kñatriya, vaiçya, or çüdra who follows the Kärttika vow will not take birth in a sinful family.

Text 51

kià ca 
kärttike muni-çärdüla
sva-saktyä vaiñëavaà vratam
yaù karoti yathoktaà tu
muktis tasya kare sthitä
kim- ca-furthermore; kärttike-in Kärttika; muni-çärdüla-O tiger of sages; sva-saktyä-own power; vaiñëavam-of Lord Viñëu; vratam-the vow; yaù-one who; karoti-does; yathä-as; uktam-described; tu-indeed; muktiù-liberation; tasya-of him; kare-in the hand; sthitä-staying.

It is further said:
"O tiger of sages, liberation stands in the hand of anyone who follows the Kärttika vow as I have described it to you.

Text 52

su-puëye kärttike mäsi
devarñi-pitå-sevite
kriyamäëe vrate nånäà
sv-alpe 'pi syän mahä-phalam
su-puëye-very sacred; kärttike-in Kärttika; mäsi-month; devarñi-pitr„-sevite-served by the demigods, sages, and pitas; kriyamäëe'being done; vrate-in the vow; nånäm-of the people; sö-alpe-very slight; api-even; syän-is; mahä-phalam-great result.

"He attains a great result who even very slightly follows the very sacred Kärttika vow, which is served by the demigods, sages, and pitäs.

Text 53

atha tatra karma-viçeña-mähätmyaà 
skände tatraiva 
dänaà dattaà hutaà japtaà
tapaç caiva tathä kåtam
tad akñaya-phalaà proktaà
kärttike ca dvijottama
atha-now; tatra-there; karma-viçeña-mähätmyam-the glory of specifé activities; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; dänam-charity; dattam-given; hutam-yajna; japtam-japa; tapaù-austerity; ca-and; eva-indeed; tathä-so; kåtam-done; tat-that; akñaya-phalam-eternal result; proktam-said; kärttike-in Kärttika; ca-and; dvijottama-O best of brähmaëas.

The Glories of Specifé Pious Activities Performed During Kärttika
In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"Charity, yajïa, japa, and austerity performed in the month of Kärttika bring a result, O best of brähmaëas, that will never be destroyed."

Text 54

kià ca 
yat kiïcit kärttike dattaà
viñëum uddiçya mänavaiù
tad akñayaà labhyate vai
anna-dänaà viçeñataù
kim- ca-furthermore; yat-what; kiïcit-something; kärttike-in Kärttika; dattam-given; viñëum-to Lord Viñëu; uddiçya-in relation to; mänavaiù-by human beings; tat-that; akñayam-imperishable; labhyate-is attained; vai-indeed; anna-dänam-gift of food; viçeñataù-specifically.

It is further said:
"One who during the month of Kärttika gives a small gift to Lord Viñëu attains a result that will never be destroyed. This is especially true when the gift is food.

Text 55

kià ca 
yas tu samvatsaraà pürëaà
agnihotram upäsate
kärttike svastike kåtvä
samam etan na saàçayaù
kim- ca-furthermore; yaù-one who; tu-indeed; samvatsaram-for a year; pürëam-full; agnihotram-agnihotra-yajna; upäsate-worships; kärttike-in Kärttika; svastike-auspicious; kåtvä-doing; samam-equal; etan-this; na-no; saàçayaù-doubt.

"One who follows the auspicious Kärttika vow attains the result of an entire year of performing agnihotra-yajïas. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 56

kärttike yä karoty evaà
keçavasyaiva maëòalam
svarga-sthä çobhate sä su
kapoté pakñiëé yathä
kärttike-in Kärttika; yä-who; karoti-does; evam-thus; keçavasya-of Lord Kåñëa; eva-indeed; maëòalam-the circle; svarga-sthä-staying in Svargaloka; çobhate-is splendid; sä-she; su-indeed; kapoté-a dove; pakñiëé-bird; yathä-as.

"A woman who spends the month of Kärttika in the circle where Lord Keçava stays becomes splendid like a dove in Svargaloka.

Text 57

yaù karoti naro nityaà
kärttike patra-bhojanam
na sa durgatim äpnoti
yävad indräç caturdaça
yaù-who; karoti-does; naraù-a person; nityam-always; kärttike-in Kärttika; patra-bhojanam-offering food; na-not; sa-he attains; durgatim-misfortune; äpnoti-attains; yävat-as; indraù-Indras; caturdaça-fourteen.

"One who regularly offers food to Lord Kåñëa during the month of Kärttika does not suffer troubles. For as long as the fourteen Indras rule, he is free of troubles.

Text 58

janma-prabhåti yat päpaà
mänavaiç ca kåtaà bhavet
tat sarvaà näçam äpnoti
brahma-patreñu bhojanät
janma-with birth; prabhåti-beginning; yat-what; päpam-sin; mänavaiù-by human beings; ca-and; kåtam-done; bhavet-may be; tat-indeed; sarvam-all; näçam-destruction; äpnoti-attains; brahma-of a paläça tree; patreñu-in the leaves; bhojanät-from eating.

"One who during the month of Kärttika eats prasädam from a paläça-leaf plate destroys all sins committed since the time of his birth. 

Text 59

sarva-käma-phalaà tasya
sarva-tértha-phalaà labhet
na väpi narakaà paçyed
brahma-patreñu bhojanät
sarva-all; käma-desires; phalam-result; tasya-of him; sarva-tértha-phalam-the result of all pilgrimages; labhet-attains; na-not; vä-or; api-even; narakam-hell; paçyet-sees; brahma-patreñu-in a palasa-leaf plate; bhojanät-from eating.

"One who during the month of Kärttika eats prasädam from a paläça-leaf plate attains all his desires. He attains the result of all pilgrimages. He never sees hell.

Text 60

brahma caiña småtiù sakñät
paläçaù sarva-käma-daù
madhyamaà varjitaà patraà
çüdrasya muni-sattama 
bhuïjan narakam äpnoti 
yävad indräç caturdaça
brahma-Brahma; ca-and; eña-this; småtiù-remembered; sakñät-directly; paläçaù-palasa; sarva-käma-daù-fulfilling all desires; madhyamam-middle; varjitam-without; patram-leaf; çüdrasya-of a sudra; muni-sattama-O best of sages; bhuïjan-eating; narakam-hell; äpnoti-attains; yävat-as; indräù-Indras; caturdaça-fourteen.

"The paläça tree, which is called by the name Brahma, fulfills all desires. O best of sages, a çüdra should avoid the middle leaf of the paläça tree. A çüdra who eats from such a middle-leaf plate goes to hell for as long as the fourteen Indras live.

Text 61

tila-dänam- nadé-snänaà
sat-kathä sädhu-sevanam
bhojanaà brahma-patreñu
kärttike mukti-däyakam
tila-of sesame; dänam-charity; nadé-in a river; snänam-bathing; sat-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; kathä-topics; sädhu-sevanam-service to the devotees; bhojanam-eating; brahma-patreñu-from a paläça-leaf plate; kärttike-in Kärttika; mukti-däyakam-giving liberation.

"During the month of Kärttika giving sesame seeds in charity, bathing in a sacred river, talking about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, serving the devotees, and eating prasädam from a paläça-leaf plate, all grant liberation.

Text 62

jägaraà kärttike mäsi
yaù karoty aruëodaye
dämodarägre viprendra
go-sahasra-phalaà labhet
jägaram-staying awake; kärttike-in Kärttika; mäsi-month; yaù-who; karoti-does; aruëodaye-to sunrise; dämodarägre-before Lord Dämodara; viprendra-O king of brähmaëas; go-sahasra-phalam-the result of a thousand cows; labhet-attains.

"O king of brähmaëas, a person who during the month of Kärttika keeps an all-night vigil, in the presence of Lord Dämodara staying awake until sunrise, attains the pious result of giving a thousand cows in charity.

Text 63

jägaraà paçcime yäme
yaù karoti mahä-mune
kärttike sannidhau viñëos
tat-padaà kara-saàsthitam
jägaram-a vigil; paçcime-the last; yäme-yama; yaù-who; karoti-does; mahä-mune-O great sage; kärttike-in Kärttika; sannidhau-in the presence; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; tat-padam-His abode; kara-saàsthitam-staying in the hand.

"O king of brähmaëas, a person who during the month of Kärttika keeps an all-night vigil, in the presence of Lord Viñëu staying awake until the last portion of the night, finds Lord Viñëu's spiritual abode in the palm of his hand.

Text 64

sädhu-sevä gaväà gräsaù
kathä viñëos tathärcanam
jägare paçcime yäme
durlabhaù kärttike kalau
sädhu-to the devotees; sevä-service; gaväm-of the cows; gräsaù-feeding; kathä-talking; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; tathä-so; arcanam-worship; jägare-vigil; paçcime-to the last; yäme-yama; durlabhaù-rare; kärttike-in Kärttika; kalau-in Kali-yuga.

"During the month of Kärttika serving the devotees, feeding the cows, talking about and worshiping Lord Viñëu, and keeping a vigil until the last part of the night bring, in the Kali-yuga, a very rare result."

Text 65

kià ca 
jala-dhenu-sahasraà ca
våña-saàsthe diväkare
toyaà dattvä yad äpnoti
snänaà kåtvä tu kärttike
kim- ca-furthermore; jala-dhenu-sahasram-a thousand jaladhenus; ca-and; våña-saàsthe-situated in Taurus; diväkare-in the sun; toyam-water; dattvä-giving; yat-which; äpnoti-attains; snänam-bath; kåtvä-doing; tu-indeed; kärttike-in Kärttika.

It is further said:
"One who bathes during the month of Kärttika attains the pious result of giving water and a thousand jaladhenus in charity when the sun is in Taurus.

Text 66

sannihatyäà kurukñetre
rähu-graste diväkare
sürya-väreëa yat snänaà
tad ekähena kärttike
sannihatyäm-Sannihatya; kurukñetre-at Kuruksetra; rähu-graste-swallowed by Rahu; diväkare-when the sun; sürya-väreëa-on sunday; yat-what; snänam-bath; tat-that; ekähena-by one day; kärttike-in Kärttika.

"By once bathing during the month of Kärttika one attains the pious result of bathing in Lake Sannihatya' at Kurukñetra during a solar eclipse on a Sunday.

Text 67

pitån uddiçya yad dattaà
kärttike kåñëa-vallabhe
annodakaà muni-çreñöha
akñayaà jäyate nåëäm
pitån uddiçya-to the pitas; yat-what; dattam-given; kärttike-in Kärttika; kåñëa-vallabhe-dear to Lord Viñëu; anna-food; udakam-water; muni-çreñöha-O best of sages; akñayam-immortal; jäyate-is born; nåëäm-of men.

"O best of sages, they become free from death who offer food and water to the pitäs during the month of Kärttika, which is dear to Lord Kåñëa."

Text 68

kià ca 
géta-çästra-vinodena
kärttikaà yo nayen naraù
na tasya punar ävåttir
mayä dåñöä kali-priya
kim- ca-furthermore; géta-çästra-vinodena-by happily reading Bhagavad-gétä; kärttikam-in Kärttika; yaù-who; nayen-pass; naraù-a person; na-not; tasya-of him; punaù-again; ävåttiù-return; mayä-by me; dåñöä-seen; kali-priya-O Narada.

It is further said:
"O Närada, I have personally seen that a person who happily reads Bhagavad-géta' during the month of Kärttika does not return to the world of birth and death."

Text 69

kià ca 
pradakñiëaà ca yaù kuryät
kärttike viñëu-sadmani
pade pade 'çvamedhasya
phala-bhägé bhaven naraù
kim- ca-furthermore; pradakñiëam-circumambulation; ca-and; yaù-who; kuryät-does; kärttike-in Kärttika; viñëu-sadmani-in the abode of Lord Viñëu; pade pade-at every step; açvamedhasya-of an asvamedha-yajna; phala-bhägé-attaining the result; bhaven-is; naraù-a person.

It is further said:
"By circumambulating a temple of Lord Viñëu during the month of Kärttika one attains at every step the pious result of performing an açvamedha-yajïa. 

Text 70

gétaà vädyaà ca nåtyaà ca
kärttike purato hareù
yaù karoti naro bhaktyä
labhate cäkñayaà padam
gétam-singing; vädyam-playing musical instruments; ca-and; nåtyam-dancing; ca-and; kärttike-in Kärttika; purataù-before; hareù-Lord Hari; yaù-one who; karoti-does; naraù-a person; bhaktyä-with devotion; labhate-attains; ca-and; akñayam-imperishable; padam-result.

"During the month of Kärttika a person who with devotion sings, plays a musical instrument, and dances before the Deity of Lord Hari attains a pious result that will never be lost.

Text 71

harer näma-sahasräkhyaà
gajendrasya ca mokñaëam
kärttike paöhate yas tu
punar janma na vindate
harer näma-sahasräkhyam-the thousand names of Lord Hari; gajendrasya-of Gajendra; ca-and; mokñaëam-liberation; kärttike-in Kärttika; paöhate-reads; yaù-one who; tu-indeed; punaù-again; janma-birth; na-not; vindate-is.

"A person who during the month of Kärttika reads the thousand holy names of Lord Hari and the story of Gajendra's liberation does not take birth again.

Text 72

kärttike paçcime yäme
stavaà gänaà karoti yaù
vasate çvetadvépe tu
pitåbhiù saha närada
kärttike-in Kärttika; paçcime-in the last; yäme-period; stavam-prayers; gänam-songs; karoti-does; yaù-who; vasate-stays; çvetadvépe-in Çvetadvépa; tu-indeed; pitåbhiù-anscestors; saha-with; närada-O Narada.

"O Närada, a person who during the month of Kärttika at the end of the night recites prayers and sings songs glorifying Lord Hari lives in Çvetadvépa with all his ancestors.

Text 73

naivedya-dänena tu hareù
kärttike yava-saìkhyayä
yugäni vasate svarge
tävanti muni-sattama
naivedya-food; dänena-by offering; tu-indeed; hareù-to Lord Hari; kärttike-in Kärttika; yava-of every tiny portion; saìkhyayä-with the measurement; yugäni-yugas; vasate-lives; svarge-in SDvarga; tävanti-that long; muni-sattama-O best of sages.

"O best of sages, one who offers food to Lord Hari during the month of Kärttika lives in Svargaloka for as many yugas as their were grains or crumbs in his offering.

Text 74

aguruà tu sa-karpüraà
yo dahet keçavägrataù
kärttike tu muni-çreñöha
yugänte na punar bhavaù
agurum-aguru; tu-indeed; sa-karpüram-with camphor; yaù-who; dahet-burns; keçavägrataù-in the presence of Lord Kåñëa; kärttike-in Kärttika; tu-indeed; muni-çreñöha-O best of sages; yugänte-at the end of the yuga; na-not; punaù-again; bhavaù-birth.

"O best of sages, a person who burns incense of aguru and camphor before the Deity of Lord Keçava does not take birth again at the yuga's end.

Text 75

kià ca 
niyamena kathäà viñëor
ye çåëvanti ca bhävitäù
çlokärdhaà çloka-pädaà vä
kärttike go-çataà phalam
kim- ca-furthermore; niyamena-with a vow; kathäm-talking; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; ye-who; çåëvanti-hear; ca-and; bhävitäù-with love; çlokärdham-half a verse; çloka-pädam-one fourth of a verse; vä-or; kärttike-in Kärttika; go-çatam-a hundred cows; phalam-result.

"During the month of Kåñëa, they who with love hear the topics of Lord Viñëu, even if they hear only half a verse or a fourth of a verse, attain the pious result of giving a hundred cows in charity.

Text 76

sarva-dharmän parityajya
kärttike keçavägrataù
çästrävataraëaà puëyaà
çrotavyaà ca mahä-mune
sarva-dharmän-all other religious principles; parityajya-abandoning; kärttike-in Kärttika; keçavägrataù-in the presence of Lord Keçava; çästra-of the scriptures; avataraëam-descended; puëyam-sacred; çrotavyam-should be heard; ca-and; mahä-mune-O great sage.

"O great sage, please give up all other religious practice and simply hear the sacred scriptures in the presence of the Deity of Lord Keçava during the month of Kärttika.

Text 77

çreyasä lobha-buddhyä vä
yaù karoti hareù kathäm
kärttike muni-çärdüla
kulänäà tärayec chatam
çreyasä-by the best; lobha-eager; buddhyä-with intelligence; vä-or; yaù-who; karoti-does; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; kathäm-the topics; kärttike-in Kärttika; muni-çärdüla-O tiger of sages; kulänäm-of the family; tärayet-may deliver; çatam-a hundred.

"O tiger of sages, a person who during the month of Kärttika eagerly hears the topics of Lord Kåñëa delivers a hundred generations of his family.

Text 78

nityaà çästra-vinodena
kärttikaà yaù kñipen naraù
nirdahet sarva-päpäni
yajïäyuta-phalaà labhet
nityam-always; çästra-vinodena-by pastimes of the scriptures; kärttikam-Kärttika; yaù-who; kñipen-spends; naraù-a person; nirdahet-burns; sarva-päpäni-all sins; yajïa-of yajnas; ayuta-ten thousand; phalam-the result; labhet-attains.

"A person who in the month of Kärttika passes the time in pastimes of studying the holy scriptures burns away all his sins and attains the pious result of performing ten thousand yajïas.

Text 79

na tathä tuñyate dänair
na yajïair go-gajädikaiù
yathä çästra-kathäläpaiù
kärttike madhusüdanaù
na-not; tathä-so; tuñyate-is satisfied; dänaiù-with charities; na-not; yajïaiù-with yajnas; go-gajädikaiù-beginning with cows and elephants; yathä-as; çästra-kathäläpaiù-with discussing the scriptures; kärttike-in Kärttika; madhusüdanaù-Lord Kåñëa.

"Lord Kåñëa is not as pleased with many yajïas and with charities of many cows, elephants, or other expensive gifts, as He is with discussion of scripture during the month of Kärttika.

Text 80

kärttike muni-çärdüla
yaù çåëoti hareù kathäm
sa nistarati durgäëi
janma-koöi-çatäni ca
kärttike-in Kärttika; muni-çärdüla-O tiger of sages; yaù-one who; çåëoti-hears; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; kathäm-the topics; sa-he; nistarati-crosses; durgäëi-troubles; janma-births; koöi-çatäni-hundreds and millions; ca-and.

"O tiger of sages, a person who during the month of Kärttika hears the topics of Lord Hari becomes free from the sufferings of hundreds and millions of births.

Text 81

yaù paöhet präyato nityaà
çlokaà bhägavataà mune
añöädaça-puräëänäà
kärttike phalam äpnuyät 
yaù-who; paöhet-recites; präyataù-mostly; nityam-always; çlokam-öerse; bhägavatam-of Çrémad-Bhägavatam; mune-O sage; añöädaça-puräëänäm-of the eighteen Puräëas; kärttike-in Kärttika; phalam-result; äpnuyät-attains.

"O sage, a person who in the month of Kärttika regularly recites the verses of Çrémad-Bhägavatam attains the pious result of reciting all eighteen Puräëas.

Text 82

kià ca 
sarvän dharmän parityajya
iñöäpürtädikän naraù
kärttike parayä bhaktyä
vaiñëavaiù sahä samvaset
kim- ca-furthermore; sarvän-all; dharmän-religionj; parityajya-abandoning; iñöäpürtädikän-beginning with pious deeds; naraù-a person; kärttike-in Kärttika; parayä-with great; bhaktyä-devotion; vaiñëavaiù-the Vaiñëavas; sahä-with; samvaset-should reside.

"O great sage, please give up charities and all other pious deeds. Instead engage in devotional service during the month of Kärttika and stay in the company of the Vaiñëavas.

Texts 83 and 84

pädme ca tatraiva 
kärttike bhümi-çäyé yo
brahmacäré haviñya-bhuk
paläça-patraà bhuïjäno
dämodaram athärcayet
sa sarva-pätakaà hitvä
vaikuëöhe hari-sannidhau
modate viñëu-sadåço
bhajanänanda-nirvåtaù
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; ca-nad; tatra-there; eva-indeed; kärttike-in Kärttika; bhümi-çäyé-resting on the ground; yaù-who; brahmacäré-celibate; haviñya-bhuk-eating haviñya; paläça-patram-from a palasa leaf; bhuïjänaù-eating; dämodaram-Lord Dämodara; atha-then; arcayet-should worship; sa-he; sarva-pätakam-all sins; hitvä-leaving; vaikuëöhe-in the spiritual world; hari-sannidhau-in the company of Lord Hari; modate-enjoys; viñëu-sadåçaù-like Lord Viñëu; bhajanänanda-nirvåtaù-enjoying the bliss of devotional service.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"During the month of Kärttika one should sleep on the floor, remain celibate, eat haviñya from a paläça-leaf plate, and worship Lord Dämodara. In this way one becomes free of all sins, goes to the spiritual world, attains a spiritual body like the Lord's, and enjoys the bliss of directly serving Lord Hari."

Text 85

kià ca 
kärttikaà sakalaà mäsaà
prätaù snäyé jitendriyaù
japan haviñya-bhug däntaù
sarva-päpaiù pramucyate
kim- ca-furthermore; kärttikam-Kärttika; sakalam-all; mäsam-month; prätaù-in the morning; snäyé-bathing; jitendriyaù-controlling the senses; japan-chanting japa; haviñya-bhug-eating haviñya; däntaù-peaceful; sarva-päpaiù'from all sins; pramucyate-is free.

It is further said:
"A person who, for the entire month of Kärttika rises early, bathes, controls his senses, remains peaceful, chants japa, and eats only haviñya, becomes free from all sins.

Text 86

kärttikaà tu naro mäsaà
yaù kuryäd eka-bhojanam
çüraç ca bahu-véryaç ca
kértimäàç ca sa jäyate
kärttikam-Kärttika; tu-indeed; naraù-person; mäsam-month; yaù-who; kuryät-does; eka-bhojanam-eating once; çüraù-a hero; ca-and; bahu-véryaù-very powerful; ca-and; kértimän-glorious; ca-and; sa-he; jäyate-is born.

"A person who, for the entire month of Kärttika, eats only once a day becomes very famous, powerful, and heroic." 

Text 87

kià ca 
paläça-patra-bhojo ca
kärttike puruño naraù
niñpäpaù syät tu naivedyaà
harer bhuktvä vimucyate 
madhya-stham aiçvaraà patram- 
varjayed brähmaëetaraù
kim- ca-furthermore; paläça-patra-bhojaù-eating from a palasa-leaf plate; ca-and; kärttike-in Kärttika; puruñaù-person; naraù-human; niñpäpaù-sinless; syät-is; tu-indeed; naivedyam-offering of food; hareù-to Lord Hari; bhuktvä-eating; vimucyate-is liberated; madhya-stham-staying in the middle; aiçvaram-palasa; patram-leaf; varjayet-should reject; brähmaëetaraù-a person who is not a brähmaëa.

It is further said:
"A person who during the month of Kärttika eats from a paläça-leaf plate becomes free from all sins. A person who eats the remnants of food offered to Lord Hari attains liberation. A person who is not a qualified brähmaëa should not eat from the middle leaf of the paläça tree."

Text 88

kià ca 
aparädha-sahasräëi
pätakäni mahanty api
kñamate 'sya harir devaù
püjite kärttike prabhuù
kim- ca-furthermore; aparädha-sahasräëi-a thousand offenses; pätakäni-sins; mahanti-great; api-even; kñamate-forgives; asya-of him; hariù-Lord Hari; devaù-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; püjite-worshiped; kärttike-in Kärttika; prabhuù-all-powerful.

It is further said:
"Lord Hari, the all-powerful Supreme Personality of Godhead forgives thousands of offenses and a host of terrible sins committed by one who worships Him during the month of Kärttika.

Text 89

naivedyaà päyasaà viñëoù
priyaà khaëòaà ghåtänvitam
vibhajya tä ca bhuïjäno
yajïa-sämyaà dine dine
naivedyam-offering of food; päyasam-payasa; viñëoù-to Lord Viñëu; priyam-dear; khaëòam-sugar; ghåtänvitam-with ghee; vibhajya-offering; tat-that; ca-and; bhuïjänaù-eating; yajïa-sämyam-equal to a yajna; dine-day; dine-after.

"A person who to Lord Viñëu offers delicious päyasa made with sugar and ghee, and then eats the remnants left by the Lord, attains the result of performing every day a great yajïa.

Text 90

tatraiva çré-kåñëa-satyä-samväde 
snänaà jägaraëaà dépaà
tulasé-vana-pälanam
kärttike ye prakurvanti
te narä viñëu-mürtayaù
tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-kåñëa-satyä-samväde-in a conversation of Lord Kåñëa and Satyabhämä; snänam-bathing; jägaraëam-vigil; dépam-lamp; tulasé...-vana-pälanam-protecting a tulasé forest; kärttike-in Kärttika; ye-who; prakurvanti-do; te-they; naräù-people; viñëu-of Lord Viñëu; mürtayaù-forms.

Lord Kåñëa explains to Satyabhämä:
"They who during the month of Kärttika bathe, keep an all-night vigil, offer lamps, and protect a tulasé forest, attain spiritual forms like Lord Viñëu's.

Text 91

itthaà dina-trayam api
kärttike ye prakurvate
devänäm api te vandyäù
kià yair äjanma tat kåtam
ittham-thus; dina-days; trayam-three; api-even; kärttike-in Kärttika; ye-who; prakurvate-do; devänäm-of the demigods; api-even; te-they; vandyäù-bowed down; kim-what?; yaiù-by whom; äjanma-from birth; tat-that; kåtam-done.

"They who for three days do these pious deeds are offered all respects by the demigods. What, then, can be said of they who have performed these pious deeds for their entire lives?

Text 92

tatraiva kärttika-vratäìgäni 
hari-jägaraëaà prätaù
snänaà tulasé-sevanam
udyäpanaà dépa-dänaà
vratäny etäni kärttike
tatra-there; eva-indeed; kärttika-Kärttika; vrata-of the vow; aìgäni-the parts; hari-jägaraëam-keeping an all-night vigil for the sake of Lord Hari; prätaù-in the morning; snänam-bathing; tulasé-tulasé; sevanam-serving; udyäpanam-conclusion; dépa-dänam-offering a lamp; vratäni-vows; etäni-these; kärttike-in Kärttika.

The Various Parts of the Kärttika Vow
The parts of the Kärttika vow are: 1. Keeping an all-night vigil for the sake of Lord Hari, 2. bathing early in the morning, 3. serving Tulasé, 4. properly concluding the vow, and 5. offering a lamp. 

Text 93

païcabhir vratakair ebhiù
sampürëaà kärttike vraté
phalam äpnoti tat proktaà
bhukti-mukti-phala-pradam
païcabhiù-with five; vratakaiù-vows; ebhiù-these; sampürëam-full; kärttike-in Kärttika; vraté-the person following the vow; phalam-result; äpnoti-attains; tat-that; proktam-said; bhukti-mukti-phala-pradam-giving the results of happiness and liberation.

A person who follows these five vows during the month of Kärttika attains the full result of happiness and liberation, which has already been described in this book.

Text 94

viñëoù çivasya vä kuryäd
alaye hari-jägaram
kuryäd açvattha-müle vä
tulasénäà vaneñu ca
viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; çivasya-of Lord Çiva; vä-or; kuryät-should do; alaye-in the temple; hari-jägaram-vigil; kuryät-should do; açvattha-of a banyan tree; müle-at the root; vä-or; tulasénäm-of Tulasé; vaneñu-in forests; ca-and.

"In a Viñëu temple, a Çiva temple, at the root of a banyan tree, or in a Tulasé forest, one should keep an all-night vigil for Lord Hari's sake.

Text 95

äpad-gato yadäpy ambho
na labhet savanäya saù
vyädhito vä punaù kuryäd
viñëor nämäpamärjanam
äpat-calamity; gataù-attained; yadä-when; api-even; ambhaù-water; na-not; labhet-attains; savanäya-for bathing; saù-he; vyädhitaù-diseased; vä-or; punaù-again; kuryät-should do; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; näma-with the names; apamärjanam-cleansing.

"If, because of disease or misfortune, one is not able to bathe with water, he should bathe by chanting the holy names of Lord Viñëu.

Text 96

udyäpanaà vidhià kartuà
açakto vä vrate sthitaù
brähmaëän bhojayec chaktyä
vrata-sampürëa-hetave
udyäpanam-conclusion; vidhim-rules; kartum-to do; açaktaù-unable; vä-or; vrate-in the vow; sthitaù-situated; brähmaëän-the brähmaëas; bhojayet-should feed; çaktyä-with potency; vrata-sampürëa-hetave-to make the vow complete.

"If one is not able to bring the vow to its conclusion with an elaborate ritual, he should conclude the vow by feeding the brähmaëas.

Text 97

açakto dépa-dänasya
para-dépän prabodhayet
teñäà vä rakñaëaà kuryäd
vatädibhyaù prayatnataù
açaktaù-unable; dépa-dänasya-to offer a lamp; para-dépän-the lamps of others; prabodhayet-should light; teñäm-of them; vä-or; rakñaëam-protection; kuryät-should do; vata-winds; ädibhyaù-beginning; prayatnataù-carefully.

"If one is unable to offer a lamp, he should light the lamps that others offer, he should carefully protect others' lamps from winds or other disturbances.

Text 98

abhäve tulasénäà ca
püjayed vaiñëavaà dvijam
sarväbhäve vrate kuryäd
brähmaëänäà gaväm api 
seväà vä bodhi-vaöayor 
vrata-sampürëa-hetave
abhäve-in the absence; tulasénäm-of Tulasé; ca-and; püjayet-should worship; vaiñëavam-Vaiñëava; dvijam-brähmaëa; sarväbhäve-if all are absent; vrate-in the vow; kuryät-should do; brähmaëänäm-of the brähmaëas; gaväm-of the cows; api-also; seväm-service; vä-or; bodhi-vaöayoù-of a bodhi of vaöa tree; vrata-sampürëa-hetave-to complete the vow.

"If there is no Tulasé plant, one should worship a brähmaëa-Vaiñëava. If no brähmaëa-Vaiñëava is present, one should serve the brähmaëas, cows, bodhi tree, and vaöa tree to conclude the vow.

Text 99
    
atha tatra dépa-däna-mähätmyam- 
skände tatraiva 
kalpa-koöi-sahasräëi
pätakäni bahüny api
nimeñärdhena dépasya
vilayaà yänti kärttike
atha-now; tatra-there; dépa-däna-mähätmyam-the glories of offering a lamp; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-certainly; kalpa-kalpas; koöi-ten million; sahasräëi-thousand; pätakäni-sins; bahüni-many; api-even; nimeñärdhena-in half an eyeblink; dépasya-of a lamp; vilayam-to destruction; yänti-go; kärttike-in Kärttika.

The Glories of Offering a Lamp During Kärttika
In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"When one offers a lamp during the month of Kärttika, his sins in many thousands and millions of births perish in half an eyeblink."

Text 100

kià ca 
çåëu dépasya mähätmyaà
kärttike keçava-priyam
dépa-dänena viprendra
na punar jäyate bhuvi
kim- ca-furthermore; çåëu-please hear; dépasya-of a lamp; mähätmyam-the glory; kärttike-in Kärttika; keçava-priyam-dear to Lord Keçava; dépa-lamp; dänena-by offering; viprendra-O king of brähmaëas; na-not; punaù-again; jäyate-is born; bhuvi-on the earth.

It is further said:
"Please hear the glories of offering a lamp during the month of Kärttika, an offering that is very pleasing to Lord Keçava. O king of brähmaëas, a person who offers a lamp in this way will not take birth again in this world.

Text 101

ravi-grahe kurukñetre
narmadäyäà çaçi-grahe
tat phalaà koöi-guëitaà
dépa-dänena kärttike
ravi-grahe-during a solar eclipse; kurukñetre-in Kuruksetra; narmadäyäm-in the Nramada; çaçi-grahe-during a lunar eclipse; tat-that; phalam-result; koöi-guëitam-multiplied ten million times; dépa-dänena-by offering a lamp; kärttike-in Kärttika.

"By offering a lamp during the month of Kärttika one attains a pious result ten million times greater than the result obtained by bathing at Kurukñetra during a solar a eclipse or by bathing in the river Narmada' during a lunar eclipse.

Text 102

ghåtena dépako yasya
tila-tailena vä punaù
jvalate muni-çärdüla
açvamedhena tasya kim
ghåtena-with ghee; dépakaù-a lamp; yasya-of whom; tila-tailena-with sesame oil; vä-or; punaù-again; jvalate-burns; muni-of sages; çärdüla-O tiger; açvamedhena-with an asvamedha-yajna; tasya-of him; kim-what is the need?

"O tiger of sages, for a person who thus offers a lamp burning with ghee or sesame oil, what is the use of performing an açvasmedha-yajïa?

Text 103

mantra-hénaà kriyä-hénaà
çauca-hénaà janärdane
sarvaà sampürëatäà yäti
kärttike dépa-dänataù
mantra-mantras; hénam-without;  kriyä-pious deeds; hénam-without; çauca-purity; hénam-without; janärdane-of Lord Kåñëa; sarvam-all; sampürëatäm-perfection; yäti-attains; kärttike-in Kärttika; dépa-dänataù-by offering a lamp.

"Even if there are no mantras, no pious deeds, and no purity, everything becomes perfect when a person offers a lamp during the month of Kärttika.

Text 104

teneñöaà kratubhiù sarvaiù
kåtaà térthävagähanam
dépa-dänaà kåtaà yena
kärttike keçavägrataù
tena-by him; iñöam-worshiped; kratubhiù-with yajnas; sarvaiù-all; kåtam-done; térthävagähanam-bathing in holy places; dépa-lamp; dänam-offering; kåtam-done; yena-by whom; kärttike-in Kärttika; keçavägrataù-in the presence of Lord Kåñëa.

"A person who during the month of Kärttika offers a lamp to Lord Keçava has already performed all yajïas and bathing in all holy rivers.

Text 105

tävad garjanti puëyäni
svarge martye rasätale
yävän na jvalate jyotiù
kärttike keçavägrataù
tävat-then; garjanti-scream; puëyäni-pious deeds; svarge-in Svarga; martye-in martyaloka; rasätale-in Rasätalaloka; yävän-when; na-not; jvalate-burns; jyotiù-lamp; kärttike-in Kärttika; keçavägrataù-before Lord Kåñëa.

"When in the month of Kärttika there is no lamp burning before Lord Keçava, then the pious deeds in Svargaloka, Martyaloka, and Rasätalaloka scream with dissatisfaction.

Text 106

çrüyate cäpi pitåbhir
gäthä gétä purä dvija
bhaviñyati kule 'smäkaà
pitå-bhaktaù suto bhuvi
çrüyate-is heard; ca-and; api-also; pitåbhiù-by the pitäs; gäthä-verses; gétä-songs; purä-before; dvija-O brähmaëa; bhaviñyati-will be; kule-in the family; asmäkam-of us; pitr„-bhaktaù-devoted to his father; sutaù-a son; bhuvi-on the earth.

"O brähmaëa, when the pitäs hear devotional verses and songs in the month of Kärttika, in that family will be born a son devoted to his father.

Text 107

kärttike dépa-dänena
yas toñayati keçavam
muktià präpsyämahe nünaà
prasädäc cakra-päëinaù
kärttike-in Kärttika; dépa-dänena-by offering a lamp; yaù-one who; toñayati-satisfies; keçavam-Lord Kåñëa; muktim-liberation; präpsyämahe-we will attain; nünam-indeed; prasädät-by the mercy; cakra-päëinaù-of Lord Viñëu, who holds the cakra in His hand.

"The ancestors say: When someone in our family pleases Lord Keçava by offering to Him a lamp during the month of Kärttika, then, by the mercy of the Lord who holds the Sudarçana-cakra in His hand, we will all attain liberation."

Text 108

kià ca 
meru-mandara-mäträëi
kåtvä päpäny açeñataù
dahate nätra sandeho
dépa-dänät tu kärttike
kim- ca-furthermnore; meru-mandara-mäträëi-like Mount Meru or Mount Mandara; kåtvä-doing; päpäni-sinsd; açeñataù-completely; dahate-burns; na-not; atra-here; sandehaù-doubt; dépa-a lamp; dänät-by offering; tu-indeed; kärttike-in Kärttika.

It is further said:
"By offering a lamp during the month of Kärttika one burns away a collection of sins as big as Mount Meru or Mount Mandara. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 109

gåhe väyatane väpi
dépän dadyäc ca kärttike
purato väsudevasya
mahä-phala-vidhäyinaù
gåhe-at home; vä-or; äyatane-in a temple; vä-or; api-also; dépän-lamps; dadyät-should offer; ca-and; kärttike-in Kärttika; purataù-before; väsudevasya-Lord Väsudeva; mahä-phala-vidhäyinaù-who gives a great result.

"To one who either at home it in a temple offers Him a lamp during the month of Kärttika, Lord Väsudeva gives a great result.

Text 110

sa jäto mänuñe loke
sa dhanyaù sa ca kértimän
pradattaù kärttike mäsi
dépo vai madhuhägrataù
sa-he; jätaù-born; mänuñe-human; loke-in the world; sa-he; dhanyaù-fortunate; sa-he; ca-and; kértimän-glorious; pradattaù-offered; kärttike mäsi-in the month of Kärttika; dépaù-a lamp; vai-indeed; madhuhägrataù-in the presence of Lord Kåñëa.

"A person who, after taking birth in the world of human beings, offers a lamp to Lord Kåñëa during the month of Kärttika becomes very glorious and fortunate.

Text 111

nimiñärdhärdha-mätreëa
dépa-dänena kärttike
na tat kratu-çataiù präpyaà
phalaà tértha-çatair api 
nimiñärdhärdha-mätreëa-in half an eyeblink; dépa-dänena-the offering of a lamp; kärttike-in Kärttika; na-not; tat-that; kratu-çataiù-with a hundred yajnas; präpyam-to be attained; phalam-result; tértha-çataiù-with a hundred pilgrimages; api-even.

"A person who offers a lamp during the month of Kärttika attains a result that cannot be obtained with even a hundred yajïas or a hundred pilgrimages.

Text 112

sarvänuñöhäna-héno 'pi
sarva-päpa-rato 'pi san
püyate nätra sandeho
dépaà dattvä tu kärttike
sarva-all; anuñöhäna-pious deeds; hénaù-without; api-even; sarva-päpa-rataù-addicted to all sins; api-even; san-being so; püyate-is pruified; na-not; atra-here; sandehaù-doubt; dépam-lamp; dattvä-offering; tu-indeed; kärttike-during Kärttika.

"Even a person addicted to all sins and averse to all pious deeds who somehow offers a lamp during Kärttika becomes purified. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 113

tan nästi pätakaà kiïcit
triñu lokeñu närada
yan na çodhayate dépaù
kärttike keçavägrataù
tat-that; na-not; asti-is; pätakam-sin; kiïcit-anything; triñu-in the three; lokeñu-worlds; närada-O Narada; yan-what; na-not; çodhayate-purifies; dépaù-a lamp; kärttike-in Kärttika; keçavägrataù-before Lord Kåñëa.

"O Närada, no sin exists anywhere in the three worlds that will not be purified by offering a lamp to Lord Keçava during Kärttika.

Text 114

purato väsudevasya
dépaà dattvä tu kärttike
präpnoti çäçvataà sthänaà
sarva-bädhä-vivarjitam
purataù-in the presence; väsudevasya-of Lord Kåñëa; dépam-a lamp; dattvä-offering; tu-undeed; kärttike-in Kärttika; präpnoti-attains; çäçvatam-eternal; sthänam-abode; sarva-bädhä-vivarjitam-free of all troubles.

"A person who offers a lamp to Lord Kåñëa during Kärttika attains the eternal spiritual world where there is no suffering.

Text 115

yaù kuryät kärttike mäsi
karpüreëa tu dépakam
dvädaçyäà ca viçeñena
tasya puëyaà vadämi te
yaù-one who; kuryät-does; kärttike-in Kärttika; mäsi-month; karpüreëa-with camphor; tu-indeed; dépakam-lamp; dvädaçyäm-on the dvadasi day; ca-and; viçeñena-specifically; tasya-of him; puëyam-piety; vadämi-I say; te-to you.

"Now I will describe to you the pious result attained by a person who offers a lamp during the dvädaçé day of Kärttika month.

Texts 116 and 117

kule tasya prasütä ye
ye bhaviñyanti närada
samatétäç ca ye kecid
yeñäà saìkhyä na vindate
kréòitvä su-ciraà kälaà
devaloke yadåcchayä
te sarve muktim äyänti
prasädäc cakra-päëinaù
kule-in the family; tasya-of him; prasütä-born; ye-who; ye-whoever; bhaviñyanti-will be; närada-O Narada; samatétäù-passed; ca-and; ye-who; kecit-some; yeñäm-of whom; saìkhyä-measurment; na-not; vindate-is; kréòitvä-playing; su-ciram-for a long; kälam-time; devaloke-in the worlds of the demigods; yadåcchayä-spontaneously; te-they; sarve-all; muktim-liberation; äyänti-will attain; prasädät'by the mercy; cakra-päëinaù-of Lord Kåñëa.

"His ancestors and descendants, so many they cannot be counted, will enjoy for a long time in the worlds of the demigods, and then they will all easily attain liberation by the mercy of Lord Kåñëa, who holds the Sudarçana-cakra in His hand."

Text 118

kià ca 
dyüta-vyäjena viprendra
kärttike keçavälayam
dyotayed yo mahä-bhäga
punäty äsaptataà kulam
kim- ca-furthermore; dyüta-of playing dice; vyäjena-on the pretext; viprendra-O king of brähmaëas; kärttike-in Kärttika; keçava-of Lord Keçava; alayam-the temple; dyotayet-illuminates; yaù-who; mahä-bhäga-O very fortunate one; punäti-purifies; äsaptatam- kulam-seven generations of his family.

It is further said:
"O very fortunate one, a person who in order to play dice lights a lamp in Lord Keçava's temple purifies seven generations of his family.

Text 119

kärttike dépa-dänaà tu
kuryäd yo vaiñëavälaye
dhanaà putro yaçaù kértir
bhavet tasya ca sarvadä
kärttike-in Kärttika; dépa-dänam-offering a lamp; tu-indeed; kuryät-may do; yaù-who; vaiñëavälaye-in a temple of Lord Viñëu; dhanam-wealth; putraù-children; yaçaù-fame; kértiù-glory; bhavet-is; tasya-of him; ca-and; sarvadä-always.

"A person who offers a lamp in a temple of Lord Viñëu during the month of Kärttika attains eternal wealth, good children, fame, and glory.

Text 120

yathä ca mathanäd vahniù
sarva-käñöheñu dåçyate
tathä ca dåçyate dharmo
dépa-däne na saàçayaù
yathä-as; ca-and; mathanät-by friction; vahniù-fire; sarva-käñöheñu-in all wood; dåçyate-is seen; tathä-so; ca-and; dåçyate-is seen; dharmaù-piety; dépa-däne-in offring of a lamp; na-not; saàçayaù-doubt.

"As fire is present in all wood and may be extracted by friction, so piety is always present in the offering of a lamp during the month of Kärttika. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 121

kià ca 
nirdhanenäpi viprendra
kåtvä caivätma-vikrayam
kartavyaà dépa-dänaà tu
yävat kärttika-pürëimä
kim- ca-furthermore; nirdhanena-penniless; api-even; viprendra-O king of brähmaëas; kåtvä-doing; ca-and; eva-indeed; ätma-Himself; vikrayam-selling; kartavyam-to be done; dépa-dänam-offering a lamp; tu-indeed; yävat-when; kärttika-pürëimä-on the full-moon of Kärttika.

It is further said:
"O king of brähmaëas, when someone offers Him a lamp on the full-moon day of the month of Kärttika, Lord Kåñëa, finding that He does not have sufficient money to repay that gift, gives Himself in exchange for that lamp.

Text 122

vaiñëavo na sa mantavyaù
sampräpte kärttike mune
yo na yacchati müòhätmä
dépaà keçava-sadmani
vaiñëavaù-a devotee; na-not; sa-he; mantavyaù-is considered; sampräpte-attained; kärttike-when Kärttika; mune-O sage; yaù-who; na-not; yacchati-gives; müòhätmä-fool; dépam-a lamp; keçava-sadmani-in the temple of Lord Kåñëa.

"O sage, a fool who does not offer a lamp in Lord Keçava's temple during Kärttika is not considered a Vaiñëava."

Text 123

näradéye çré-rukmäìgada-mohiné-samväde 
ekataù sarva-dänäni
dépa-dänäni caikataù
kärttike na samaà proktaà
dépa-do hy adhikaù småtaù
näradéye çré-rukmäìgada-mohiné-samväde-in the Närada Puräëa, in a conversation of Çré Mohiné-devé and Çré Rukmäìgada; ekataù-by one; sarva-dänäni-all gifts; dépa-dänäni-the gift of a lamp; ca-and; ekataù-by one; kärttike-in Kärttika; na-not; samam-equal; proktam-said; dépa-daù-giving a lamp; hi-indeed; adhikaù-better; småtaù-is considered.

In the Närada Puräëa, in a conversation of Çré Mohiné-devé and Çré Rukmäìgada, it is said:
"Of all gifts the gift of a lamp during the month of Kärttika is the best. No gift is its equal."

Text 124

pädme ca tatraiva 
kärttike 'khaëòa-dépaà yo
dadäti hari-sannidhau
divya-känti-vimänägre
ramate sa hareù pure
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; ca-and; tatra-there; eva-indeed; kärttike-in Kärttika; akhaëòa-unbroken; dépam-lamp; yaù-who; dadäti-gives; hari-of Lord Kåñëa; sannidhau-in the presence; divya-känti-vimänägre-splendid; ramate-enjoys; sa-he; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; pure-in the world.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"One who offers a steady lamp to Lord Hari during the month of Kärttika enjoys pastimes in Lord Hari's splendid spiritual world.

Text 125

atha yatra pradépa-prabodhana-mähätmyaà 
skände tatraiva 
pitå-pakñe 'nna-dänena
jyaiñöhäñädhe ca väriëä
kärttike tat phalaà puàsäà
para-dépa-prabodhanät
atha-now; yatra-where; pradépa-prabodhana-mähätmyam-the glories of lighting a lamp; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; pitr„-pakñe-on pitr„-pakñe; anna-of food; dänena-by the gift; jyaiñöhäñädhe-on Jyaiñöha añädha; ca-and; väriëä-with water; kärttike-in Kärttika; tat-that; phalam-result; puàsäm-of the people; para-dépa-prabodhanät-by lighting another's lamp.

The Glories of Lighting Another's Lamp During the Month of Kärttika
In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"By lighting another's lamp during the month of Kärttika one attains the same result as if he had offered food on pitr„-pakña or water on Jyaiñöha añädha.

Text 126

bodhanät para-dépasya
vaiñëavänäà ca sevanät
kärttike phalam äpnoti
räjasüyäçvamedhayoù
bodhanät-by lighting; para-dépasya-another's lamp; vaiñëavänäm-of the Vaiñëavas; ca-and; sevanät-by serving; kärttike-in Kärttika; phalam-the result; äpnoti-attains; räjasüyäçvamedhayoù-of räjasüya and açvamedha yajnas.

"By serving the Vaiñëavas and lighting the lamps they offer during the month of Kärttika one attains the result of performing many räjasüya and açvamedha yajïas. 

Text 127

dépamänaà tu ye dépaà
bodhayanti harer gåhe
pareëa nåpa-çärdüla
nistérëä yama-yätanä
dépamänam-glowing; tu-indeed; ye-which; dépam-lamp; bodhayanti-light; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; gåhe-in the house; pareëa-by another; nåpa-çärdüla-O tiger of kings; nistérëä-crossed; yama-yätanä-the torments of Yama.

"O tiger of kings, a person who in Lord Kåñëa's temple lights the lamps that others will offer during the month of Kärttika becomes free from the tortures of Yamaräja.

Text 128

na tad bhavati viprendra
iñöair api mahä-makhaiù
kärttike yat phalaà proktaà
para-dépa-prabodhanät
na-not; tat-that; bhavati-is; viprendra-O king of brähmaëas; iñöaiù-worshiped; api-even; mahä-makhaiù-with great yajnas; kärttike-in Kärttika; yat-what; phalam-result; proktam-said; para-dépa-prabodhanät-by lighting the lamps of others.

"O king of brähmaëas, by lighting the lamps that others will offer during the month of Kärttika one attains the result of having performed many great yajïas.

Text 129

ekädaçyäà parair dattaà
dépaà prajvalya müñikä
mänuñyaà durlabhaà präpya
paräà gatim aväpa sä
ekädaçyäm-on ekädaçé; paraiù-by others; dattam-offered; dépam-lamp; prajvalya-lighting; müñikä-a mouse; mänuñyam-a human birth; durlabham-rare; präpya-attaining; paräm-the supreme; gatim-destination; aväpa-attained; sä-she.

"Somehow or other a mouse once lit a lamp that someone offered on ekädaçé during the month of Kärttika. That mouse attained a rare human birth and then went to the supreme spiritual world.

Text 130

atha çikhara-dépa-mähätmyaà 
skände tatraiva 
yadä yadä bhäsayate
dépakaù kalasopari
tadä tadä muni-çreñöha
dravate päpa-saïcayaù
atha-then; çikhara-dépa-mähätmyam-the glory of lighting a lamp on a temple's roof; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; yadä yadä-whenever; bhäsayate-shines; dépakaù-a lamp; kalasopari-on top of the dome; tadä tadä-then; muni-çreñöha-O best of sages; dravate-flee; päpa-saïcayaù-sins.

The Glories of Lighting a Lamp on a Temple' Roof
In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"O best of sages, when a lamp placed atop a temple's dome shines in all directions, then a great host of sins quickly flees to escape its light.

Text 131

yo dadäti dvijätibhyo
mahém udadhi-mekhaläm
hareù çikhara-dépasya
kaläà närhati ñoòaçém
yaù-who; dadäti-gives; dvijätibhyaù-to the brähmaëas; mahém-the earth; udadhi-mekhaläm-which wears the oceans like a belt; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; çikhara-on the roof; dépasya-a lamp; kaläm-part; na-not; arhati-is equal; ñoòaçém-to one sixteenth.

"A person who gives the entire earth, which wears the oceans like a belt, in charity to the brähmaëas does not earn even one sixteenth of the pious merit earned by one who places a lamp on the roof of Lord Kåñëa's temple.

Text 132

yo dadäti gaväà koöià
sa-vatsaà kñéra-samyutam
hareù çikhara-dépasya
kaläà närhati ñoòaçéà
yaù-who; dadäti-gives; gaväm-of cows; koöim-ten million; sa-vatsam-with cal;ves; kñéra-samyutam-full of milk; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; çikhara-on the roof; dépasya-a lamp; kaläm-part; na-not; arhati-is equal; ñoòaçém-to one sixteenth.

"A person who gives ten million cows, all filled with milk and all the mothers of young calves, in charity to the brähmaëas does not earn even one sixteenth of the pious merit earned by one who places a lamp on the roof of Lord Kåñëa's temple.

Text 133
    
sarvasva-dänaà kurute
vaiñëavänäà mahä-mune
keçavopari dépasya
kaläà närhati ñoòaçém
sarvasva-dänam-giving great treasure; kurute-does; vaiñëavänäm-of the Vaiñëavas; mahä-mune-O great sage; keçava-of Lord Kåñëa; upari-above; dépasya-a lamp; kaläm-part; na-not; arhati-is equal; ñoòaçém-to one sixteenth.

"O great sage, a person who gives great wealth in charity to the Vaiñëavas does not earn even one sixteenth of the pious merit earned by one who places a lamp on the roof of Lord Kåñëa's temple.

Text 134

kià ca 
yaù karoti paraà dépaà
mülyenäpi mahä-mune
çikharopari madhye ca
kulänäà tärayec chatam
kim- ca-furthermore; yaù-one who; karoti-does; param-a great; dépam-lamp; mülyena-with a price; api-even; mahä-mune-O great sage; çikharopari-on a temple's roof; madhye-ihn the middle; ca-and; kulänäm-of family; tärayet-delivers; çatam-a hundred.

"O great sage, a person who places a great and costly lamp on a temple roof delivers a hundred generations of his family.

Text 135

vimänaà jyotiñä déptaà
ye nirékñyanti kärttike
keçavasya mahä-bhaktyä
kule teñäà na näraké
vimänam-a palatial temple; jyotiñä-with a lamp; déptam-shining; ye-who; nirékñyanti-gaze; kärttike-in Kärttika; keçavasya-of Lord Keçava; mahä-with great; bhaktyä-devotion; kule-in the family; teñäm-of them; na-not; näraké-a resident of hell.

"They who with great devotion gaze at a palatial temple lit with a splendid lamp have not a single relative that lives in hell.

Text 136

divi devä nirékñyante
viñëu-dépa-pradaà naram
kadä bhaviñyaty asmäkaà
saìgamaù puëya-karmaëä
divi-in the higher planets; devä-the demigods; nirékñyante-are seen; viñëu-dépa-pradam-offering lamps to Lord Viñëu; naram-a human; kadä-when?; bhaviñyati-will be; asmäkam-of all; saìgamaù-the company; puëya-karmaëä-by pious deeds.

"When they see a human being offering a lamp to Lord Viñëu, the demigods in Devaloka think: When, by performing that single pious deed, will this person join us here?

Text 137

kärttike kärttikéà yävat
präsädopari dépakam
yo dadäti muni-çreñöha
tasyendratvaà na durlabham
kärttike-in Kärttika; kärttikém-in Kärttika; yävat-when; präsäda-a temple; upari-above; dépakam-a lamp; yaù-who; dadäti-places; muni-çreñöha-O best of sages; tasya-of him; indratvam-the post of Indra; na-not; durlabham-difficult to attain.

"O best of sages, a person who places a lamp on a temple roof during the month of Kärttika does not find it difficult to attain the post of Indra.

Text 138

atha tatra dépa-mälä-mähätmyam- 
skände tatraiva 
dépa-paìktes" ca racanäà
sa-bähyäbhyantare hareù
viñëor vimäne kurute
sa naraù çaìkha-cakra-dhåk
atha-now; tatra-there; dépa-mälä-mähätmyam-the glory of a row of lamps; skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; dépa-paìkteù-of a row of lamps; ca-and; racanäm-creation; sa-bähya-outside; abhyantare-and inside; hareù-of Lord Hari; viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; vimäne-on a palatial temple; kurute-does; saù-He; naraù-a person; çaìkha-cakra-dhåk-holding a conch and cakra.

The Glories of Offering Many Lamps During the Month of Kärttika
In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"A person who lights many lamps inside and outside Lord Viñëu's temple becomes a liberated soul. Holding a diñ and conch, he attains a spiritual form like Lord Viñëu's.

Text 139

dépa-paìkteç ca racanäà
kurute keçavälaye
tasyänvaye prasütänäà
lakñäëäà narakaà na hi
dépa-paìkteù-of many lamps; ca-and; racanäm-creation; kurute-does; keçavälaye-in Lord Kåñëa;'s temple; tasya-of him; anvaye-in the family; prasütänäm-born; lakñäëäm-of hundred thousand; narakam-hell; na-not; hi-indeed.

"When a person lights many lamps in Lord Keçava's temple, not a single of his hundred thousand closest relatives lives in hell.

Text 140

viñëor vimänaà dépäòhyaà
sa-bähyäbhyantare mune
dépodyata-kare märge
tena präptaà paraà padam
viñëoù-of Lord Viñëu; vimänam-the temple; dépäòhyam-opulent with lamps; sa-bähyäbhyantare-within and without; mune-O sage; dépodyata-kare-with shining lamps; märge-on the path; tena-by him; präptam-attained; param-the supreme; padam-abode.

"O sage, a person who makes Lord Viñëu's temple splendid with many lights inside and outside, travels to the supreme abode on the path shining with light."

Texts 141 and 142

bhaviñye ca 
yaù kuryät kärttike mäsi
çobhanaà dépa-mälikäm
prabodhe caiva dvädaçyäà
ekädaçyäà viçeñataù
süryäyuta-prakäças tu
tejasä bhäsayan diçaù
tejo-räçi-vimäna-stho
jagad uddyotayaàs tviñä
bhaviñye-in the Bahviñya Puräëa; ca-and; yaù-who; kuryät-does; kärttike-in Kärttika; mäsi-month; çobhanam-beauty; dépa-mälikäm-a garland of lamps; prabodhe-lighting; ca-and; eva-indeed; dvädaçyäm-on dvadasi; ekädaçyäm-on ekädaçé; viçeñataù-specifically; sürya-suns; ayuta-tne thousand; prakäçaù-shining; tu-indeed; tejasä-with light; bhäsayan-illuminating; diçaù-the directions; tejo-räçi-vimäna-sthaù-on an airplane filled with light; jagat-the universe; uddyotayaàù-illuminates; tviñä-with light.

In the Bhaviñya Puräëa it is said:
"A person who makes the Lord's temple splendid with many lamps during the month of Kärttika, and especially during the ekädaçé or the dvädaçé of that month, becomes glorious like ten thousand suns. Traveling in a splendid airplane that fills the universe with light, he leaves this world of birth and death.

Text 143

yävat pradépa-saìkhyä tu
ghåtenäpürya bodhitä
tävad varña-sahasräëi
viñëuloke mahéyate
yävat-as; pradépa-saìkhyä-with a number of lamps; tu-indeed; ghåtenäpürya-filled with ghee; bodhitä-lighted; tävat-so; varña-sahasräëi-for a thousand years; viñëuloke-in Viñëuloka; mahéyate-is glorified.

"For each lamp that he lit on the earth he is glorified on Viñëuloka for a thousand years.

Text 144

pädme tatraiva 
uccaiù pradépam äkäçe
yo dadyät kärttike naraù
sarvaà kulaà samuddhåtya
viñëulokam aväpnuyät
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; uccaiù-greatly; pradépam-lamp; äkäçe-in the sky; yaù-who; dadyät'-places; kärttike'in Kärttika; naraù-a person; sarvam-all; kulam-family; samuddhåtya-delivering; viñëulokam'to Viñëuloka; aväpnuyät-attains.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"A person who places a great lamp high in the sky during the month of Kärttika takes all his relatives with him to Viñëuloka.

Text 145

viñëu-keçavam uddiçya
dépaà dadyät tu kärttike
äkäça-sthaà jala-sthaà ca
çåëutäsyäpi yat phalam
viñëu-keçavam-Lord Kåñëa; uddiçya-in relation to; dépam-lamp; dadyät-gives; tu-indeed; kärttike-in Kärttika; äkäça-stham-in the sky; jala-stham-in the water; ca-and; çåëuta-please hear; asya-of that; api-also; yat-what; phalam-result.

"Please hear the result obtained by a person who offers a lamp to Lord Kåñëa in the sky or over the water during the month of Kärttika.

Text 146

dhanaà dhanyaà samåddhiç ca
putravän éçvaro gåhe
locane ca çubhe tasya
vidvän api ca jäyate
dhanam-wealth; dhanyam-good fortune; samåddhiù-prosperity; ca-and; putravän-good children; éçvaraù-controller; gåhe-in the home; locane-in the eye; ca-and; çubhe-beautiful; tasya-of him; vidvän-learned; api-also; ca-and; jäyate-is born.

"He becomes wealthy, fortunate, and prosperous. He becomes a controller of others. He has good children. Everything before his eyes and in his home is beautiful. He becomes wise and learned."

Text 147

kià ca 
vipra-veçmani yo dadyät
kärttike mäsi dépakam
agniñöoma-phalaà tasya
pravadanti manéñiëaù
kim- ca-furthermore; vipra-veçmani-in a brähmaëa's home; yaù-who; dadyät-offers; kärttike-in Kärttika; mäsi-month; dépakam-lamp; agniñöoma-phalam-the result of an agniñöoma-yajna; tasya-of him; pravadanti'say; manéñiëaù-the wise.

It is further said:
"The wise say that a person who offers a lamp in a brähmaëa's home during the month of Kärttika attains the result of offering an agniñöoma-yajïa.

Text 148

catuñpaöheñu rathyäsu
brähmaëävasatheñu ca
våkña-müleñu goñöheñu
käntare gahaneñu ca 
dépa-dänäd dhi sarvatra 
mahä-phalam aväpnuyät
catuñpaöheñu-at a crossway; rathyäsu-on royal roads; brähmaëävasatheñu-in brähmaëas' homes; ca-and; våkña-müleñu-at the roots of trees; goñöheñu-in cow barns; käntäre-in a great forest; gahaneñu-in hidden places; ca-and; dépa-dänät-by offering lamps; hi-indeed; sarvatra-everywhere; mahä-phalam-a greta result; aväpnuyät-attains.

"A person who places lamps on the royal roads, on crossroads, in brähmaëas' homes, at tree roots, in cow barns, in forests, in hidden places, and everywhere, attains a great result.

Text 149

äkäça-dépa-däna-mantraù 
tatraiva 
dämodaräya nabhasi
tuläyäà lolayä saha
pradépaà te prayacchämi
namo 'nantäya vedhase. iti.
äkäça-in the sky; dépa-light; däna-placing; mantraù-mantra; tatra-there; eva-indeed; dämodaräya-to Lord Dämodara; nabhasi-in the sky; tuläyäm-during Kärttika; lolayä-the goddess of fortune; saha-with; pradépam-lamp; te-they; prayacchämi-offer; namaù-obeisances; anantäya-to the unlimited; vedhase-to the creator; iti-thus.

A Mantra For Offering a Lamp in the Sky
In the scriptures it is said:
"Reciting the mantra 'namo 'nantäya vedhase' (Obeisances to the unlimited, to the Supreme Creator), the devotees offer a lamp to Lord Dämodara and the goddess of fortune in the sky.

Text 150

atha deça-viçeñe kärttika-mähätmya-viçeñah 
pädme tatraiva 
yatra kuträpi deçe yaù
kärttika-snäna-dänataù
agnihotra-sama-phalaù
püjäyäà ca viçeñataù
atha-now; deça-places; viçeñe-in specific; kärttika-mähätmya-viçeñah-the glories of Kärttika; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; yatra kutra-wherever; api-even; deçe-in the country; yaù-one who; kärttika-in Kärttika; snäna-bathing; dänataù-and giving charity; agnihotra-sama-equal to an agnihotra-yajna; phalaù-the result; püjäyäm-in worship; ca-and; viçeñataù-specifically.

The Glories of Observing the Kärttika Vow in Certain Specifé Places
In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"Wherever one may be, by bathing, giving charity, or especially by worshiping the Lord during the month of Kärttika one attains the result of performing an agnihotra-yajïa.

Text 151

kurukñetre koöi-guëo
gaìgäyäà cäpi tat-samaù
tato 'dhikaù puñkare syäd
dvärakäyäà ca bhärgava 
kåñëa-sälokya-do mäsaù 
püjä-snänaiç ca kärttikaù
kurukñetre-in Kuruksetra; koöi-guëaù-tne million times; gaìgäyäm-by the gaìgä; ca-and; api-also; tat-samaù-equal to that; tataù-than that; adhikaù-more; puñkare-at Puskara; syät-is; dvärakäyäm-in Dvärakä;
ca-and; bhärgava-O descendent of Bhågu; kåñëa-sälokya-daù-giving residence on Lord Kåñëa's planet; mäsaù-month; püjä-worship; snänaiù-bathing; ca-and; kärttikaù-in Kärttika.

"Observing the vow of Kärttika brings a result ten million times greater when performed at Kurukñetra or by the Gaìgä's shore. The result is even greater at Puñkara-tértha. Bathing and worship at Dväraka' during the month of Kärttika carries one to the abode of Lord Kåñëa.

Text 152

anyäù puryas tat-samänä
munayo mathuräm- vinä
dämodaratvam- hi hares
tatraiväséd yataù kila
anyäù-other; puryaù-cities; tat-samänä-equal to them; munayaù-sages; mathuräm-Mathurä; vinä-except for; dämodaratvam-the nature of Dämodara; hi-indeed; hareù-of Lord Hari; tatra-there; eva-indeed; äsét-was; yataù'because; kila-indeed.

"O sages, other holy cities bring similar results. The district of Mathurä, however, is different, because Lord Kåñëa revealed His Dämodara pastimes in the district of Mathurä.

Text 153

mathuräyäà tataç corje
vaikuëöha-préti-vardhanaù
kärttike mathuräyäà vai
paramävadhir iñyate
mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; tataù-therefore; ca-and; ürje-in Kärttika; vaikuëöha-préti-vardhanaù-increased love for Lord Kåñëa; kärttike-in Kärttika; mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; vai-indeed; parama-greatly; avadhiù-the greatest; iñyate-is attained.

"Observing the vow of Kärttika in Mathura' brings love for Lord Kåñëa. In this way the best result is obtained in Mathurä.

Text 154

yathä mäghe prayägaù syäd
vaiçäkhe jähnavé yathä
kärttike mathurä sevyä
tatotkarñaù paro na hi
yathä-as; mäghe-in the month of Magha; prayägaù-Prayaga; syät-is; vaiçäkhe-in Vaiskha; jähnavé-the Gaìgä; yathä-as; kärttike-in Kärttika; mathurä-Mathurä; sevyä-to be served; tatotkarñaù-superiority; paraù-great; na-not; hi-indeed.

"As Prayäga should be served in the month of Mägha (January-February), and as the Gaìga' should be served in the month of Vaiçäkha (April-May), so Mathura' should be served in the month of Kärttika. Nothing is better than service to Mathura' in Kärttika.

Text 155

mathuräyäà narair ürje
snätvä dämodaro 'rcitaù
kåñëa-rüpä hi te jïeyä
nätra käryä vicäraëä
mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; naraiù-by people; ürje-in Kärttika; snätvä-bathing; dämodaraù-Dämodara; arcitaù-worshiped; kåñëa-rüpä-the form of Lord Kåñëa; hi-indeed; te-they; jïeyä-should be known; na-not; atra-here; käryä-to be done; vicäraëä-doubt.

"They who bathe and then worship Lord Dämodara in Mathura' during the month of Kärttika attain spiritual forms like Lord Kåñëa's. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 156

durlabhaù kärttiko vipra
mathuräyäà nåëäm iha
yaträrcitaù svakaà rüpaà
bhaktebhyaù samprayacchati
durlabhaù-rare; kärttikaù-Kärttika; vipra-O brähmaëa; mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; nåëäm-of the people; iha-here; yatra-where; arcitaù-worshiped;  svakam-own; rüpam-form; bhaktebhyaù-to the devotees; samprayacchati-gives.

"O brähmaëa, it is rare that one is allowed to spend the month of Kärttika in Mathurä. To they who worship Him in Mathura' during Kärttika, Lord Kåñëa reveals His own transcendental form.

Text 157

bhuktià muktià harir dadyäd
arcito 'nyatra sevinäm
bhaktià ca na dadäty eña
yato vaçya-karé hariù
bhuktim-happiness; muktim-;liberation; hariù-Lord Kåñëa; dadyät-gives; arcitaù-worshiped; anyatra-another place; sevinäm-of the servants; bhaktim-devotional service; ca-and; na-not; dadäti-gives; eña-He; yataù-because; vaçya-karé-brought under control; hariù-Lord Kåñëa.

"To the devotees who worship Him in other places, Lord Kåñëa gives happiness and liberation, but He does not give devotional service, for devotional service turns Him into His devotee's servant.

Text 158

sa tö aïjasä harer bhaktir
labhyate kärttike naraiù
mathuräyäà sakåd api
çré-dämodara-püjanät
saù-He; tv-indeed; aïjasä-easily; hareù-of Lord Kåñëa; bhaktiù-dfevotional service; labhyate-is obtained; kärttike-in Kärttika; naraiù-by people; mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; sakåt-once; api-even; çré-dämodara-püjanät-by worshiping Lord Dämodara.

"Still, one can very easily attain devotional service by once worshiping Lord Dämodara in Mathura' during Kärttika.

Text 159

mantra-dravya-vihénaà ca
vidhi-hénaà ca püjanam
manyate kärttike devo
mathuräyäà yad-arcanam
mantra-matras; dravya-things; vihénam-without; ca-and; vidhi-hénam-without rules; ca-and; püjanam-worship; manyate-considers; kärttike-in Kärttika; devaù-the Lord; mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; yad-arcanam-whose worship.

"Even if it is performed without the proper mantras and offerings and without following the rules and regulations, Lord Kåñëa considers worship of Him in Mathura' during Kärttika to be the most perfect kind of worship.

Text 160

yasya päpasya yujyeta
maraëäntä viniñkåtiù
tac-chuddhy-artham idaà proktaà
präyaçcittaà su-niçcitam 
kärttike mathuräyäà vai 
çré-dämodara-püjanam
yasya-of which; päpasya-sin; yujyeta-engaged; maraëäntä-until death; viniñkåtiù-atoned; tä-chuddhy-artham-for purification; idam-this; proktam-said; präyaçcittam-atonement; su-niçcitam-concluded; kärttike-in Kärttika; mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; vai-indeed; çré-dämodara-püjanam-worship of Lord Dämodara.

"Worship of Lord Dämodara in Mathura' during the month of Kärttika is the proper atonement for a lifetime of sins.

Text 161

kärttike mathuräyäà vai
püjanäd darçanaà dhruvaù
çéghraà sampräptavän bälo
durlabhaà yoga-tat-paraiù
kärttike-in Kärttika; mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; vai-indeed; püjanät-from thew worship; darçanam-seeing; dhruvaù-Dhruva; çéghram-quickly; sampräptavän-attained; bälaù-a child; durlabham-rare; yoga-tat-paraiù-by the great yogis.

"By worshiping the Lord in Mathura' during the month of Kärttika, the child Dhruva was quickly able to see Lord Kåñëa directly, an attainment rare even for the great yogés.

Text 162

sulabhä mathurä bhümau
praty-abdaà kärttikas tathä
tathäpi saàsarantéha
narä müòhä bhavämbudhau
sulabhä-easily attained; mathurä-Mathurä; bhümau-on the earth; praty-abdam-every year; kärttikaù-Kärttika; tathä-so; tathäpi-still; saàsaranti-take birth again andagain; iha-here; narä-the people; müòhä-bewildered; bhavämbudhau-in the ocean of birth and death.

"Even though every year there is a Kärttika, and even though it is easy to go to Mathurä, still the bewildered people, miss the opportunity placed before them. That is why they take birth again and again in the ocean of material life.

Text 163

kià yajïaiù kià tapobhiç ca
térthair anyaiç ca sevitaiù
kärttike mathuräyäà ced
arcyate rädhikä-priyaù
kim-what is the use?; yajïaiù-of yajnas; kim-what is the use?; tapobhiù-of uasterities; ca-and; térthaiù-pilgrimages; anyaiù-other; ca-and; sevitaiù-served; kärttike-in Kärttika; mathuräyäm-in mathurä; cet-if; arcyate'worshiped; rädhikä-priyaù-the beloved of Rädhä.

"What is the use of yajïas, austerities, and pilgrimages to a person who has the opportunity to worship Lord Kåñëa, the beloved of Rädhä, in Mathura' during the month of Kärttika? 

Text 164

yäni sarväëi térthäni
nadä nadyaù saräàsi ca
kärttike nivasanty atra
mäthure sarva-maëòale
yäni-which; sarväëi-all; térthäni-holy places; nadä-streams; nadyaù-rivers; saräàsi-lakes; ca-and; kärttike-in Kärttika; nivasanti-stay; atra-there; mäthure-in Mathurä; sarva-maëòale-in the circle.

"During the month of Kärttika all holy streams, rivers, and lakes reside in the circle of Mathurä.

Text 165

kärttike janma-sadane
keçavasya ca ye naräù
sakåt praviñöäù çré-kåñëaà
te yänti param avyayam
kärttike-in Kärttika; janma-sadane-in the birthplace; keçavasya'of Lord Kåñëa; ca-and; ye-which; naräù-people; sakåt-once; praviñöäù-entered; çré-kåñëam-Çré Kåñëa; te-they; yänti-attain; param'supreme; avyayam-eternal.

"They who once enter Lord Kåñëa's birthplace in Mathura' will enter the spiritual world and meet Lord Kåñëa, the eternal Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Text 166

paropahäsam uddiçya
kärttike hari-püjayä
mathuräyäà labhed bhaktyä
kià punaù çraddhayä naraù. iti.
paropahäsam-joking; uddiçya-in relation to; kärttike-in Kärttika; hari-püjäyä-worship of Lord Kåñëa; mathuräyäm-in Mathurä; labhet-attain; bhaktyä-with devotion; kim-what?; punaù-again; çraddhayä-with faith; naraù-a person; iti-thus.

"A person who as a joke worships Lord Kåñëa in Mathura' during Kärttika attains the Lord's supreme abode. What, then, can be said of they who worship the Lord with faith and devotion?"

Text 167

itthaà kärttika-kåtyäni
vyaktäny eva svato 'bhavan
tatra kiïcid viçeñena
tad-vidhir likhyate 'dhunä
ittham-thus; kärttika-kåtyäni-the duties of Kärttika; vyaktäni-manifested; eva-indeed; svataù-spontaneously; abhavan-became; tatra-there; kiïcit-something; viçeñena-specifically; tad-vidhiù-the way of that; likhyate-is written; adhunä-now.

Thus, in a general way I have written about the duties of Kärttika. Now I will write specifically how these duties should be performed.

Text 168

atha kärttika-kåtya-vidhiù 
tatropakrama-kälaù 
çré-kåñëa-satyä-samvädéya-kärttika-mähätmye 
açvinasya tu mäsasya
yä çuklaikädaçé bhavet
kärttikasya vratänéha
tasyäà kuryäd atandritaù
atha-now; kärttika-kåtya-vidhiù-the way the duties of Kärttika should be performed; tatra-there; upakrama-beginning; kälaù-time; çré-kåñëa-of Lord Kåñëa; satyä-and Satyabhämä; samvädéya-in a conversation; kärttika-mähätmye-in the glories of Kärttika; açvinasya-of asvina; tu-indeed; mäsasya-the month; yä-which; çuklaikädaçé-çukla-ekädaçé; bhavet-is; kärttikasya-of Kärttika; vratäni-vows; iha-here; tasyäm-in that; kuryät-should do; atandritaù-diligently.

How the Duties of Kärttika Should Be Performed
When Kärttika Begins
In the Kärttika-mähätmya, Lord Kåñëa tells Satyabhämä:
"One should diligently follow the vow of Kärttika, which begins on the çukla-ekädaçé of the month of Açvina.

Text 169

nityaà jägaraëäyäntye
yäme rätreù samutthitaù
çucir bhütvä prabodhyätha
stotrair néräjayet prabhum
nityam-regularly; jägaraëäya-for waking; äntye-in the last; yäme-portion; rätreù-of the night; samutthitaù-risen; çuciù-pure; bhütvä-becoming; prabodhya-waking; atha-then; stotraiù-with prayers; néräjayet-should offer arati; prabhum-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

"In this vow one should rise at the end of night, waken the Deity with prayers, and then offer ärati.    

Text 170

niçamya vaiñëavän dharmän
vaiñëavaiù saha harñitaù
kåtvä gétädikaà prätar
devaà néräjayet prabhum
niçamya-hearing; vaiñëavän-of Lord Viñëu; dharmän-the religion; vaiñëavaiù-the Vaiñëavas; saha-with; harñitaù-happy; kåtvä-doing; gétädikam-beginning with songs; prätaù-early in the morning; devam-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; néräjayet-should offer arati; prabhum-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

"In the company of the Vaiñëavas in the morning one should happily hear about the religion of devotional service to Lord Viñëu, sing songs glorifying Lord Viñëu, and offer ärati to Lord Viñëu.

Text 171

nady-ädau ca tato gatvä-
camya saìkalpam äcaret
prabhuà prärthyätha tasmai ca
dadyäd arghyaà yathä-vidhi
nady-ädau-beginning with rivers; ca-and; tataù-then; gatvä-going; äcamya-sipping; saìkalpam-desire; äcaret-should do; prabhum-to the Lord; prärthya-praying; atha-then; tasmai-to Him; ca-and; dadyät-should offer; arghyam-arghya; yathä-vidhi-according to the rules.

"Then one should go to a river or other source of water, perform äcamana, recite the saìkalpa mantra, recite the prärthana' mantra, and then properly offer arghya to the Lord.

Text 172

tatra saìkalpa-mantraù 
kärttike 'haà kariñyämi
prätaù snänaà janärdana
préty-arthaà tava deveça
dämodara mayä saha
tatra-there; saìkalpa-mantraù-the saìkalpa-mantra; kärttike-in Kärttika; aham-I; kariñyämi-will do; prätaù-in the morning; snänam-bath; janärdana-O Lord Kåñëa; préty-artham-for the satisfaction; tava-of You; deveça-O master of the demigods; dämodara-O Dämodara; mayä-the goddess of fortune; saha-with.

The Saìkalpa mantra
"O Lord Dämodara, O Lord who rescues the devotees from sufferings, O master of the demigods, to please You and Goddess Rädhä, I shall bathe every morning during the month of Kärttika."

Text 173

atha prärthanä-mantraù 
tava dhyänena deveça
jale 'smin snätum udyataù
tvat-prasädäc ce me päpaà
dämodara vinaçyatu
atha-then; prärthanä-mantraù-the prarthana mantra; tava-of You; dhyänena-by meditation; deveça-O master of the demigods; jale-in water; asmin-in this; snätum-to bathe; udyataù-about; tvat-prasädät-by Your mercy; ca-and; me-of me; päpam-the sin; dämodara-O Lord Dämodara; vinaçyatu.-will be destroyed. 

The Prärthanä mantra
"O master of the demigods, rapt in meditation on You, I am about to take my bath. O Lord Dämodara, by Your grace may all my sins be destroyed."

Text 174

atha arghya-mantraù 
vratinaù kärttike mäsi
snätasya vidhivan mama
dämodara gåhäëärghyaà
danujendra-nisüdana
atha-now; arghya-mantraù-arghya mantra; vratinaù-following the vow; kärttike-in Kärttika; mäsi-month; snätasya-bathing; vidhivat-properly; mama-of me; dämodara-O Lord Dämodara; gåhäëa-please accept; ärghyam-arghya; danujendra-nisüdana-O killer of the great demons.

The Arghya mantra 
"O Lord Dämodara, O killer of the kings of the demons, please accept this arghya that I, who have bathed and who follow this vow, properly offer to You.

Text 175

nitye naimittike kåtsne
kärttike päpa-çoñaëe
gåhäëärghyaà mayä dattaà
rädhayä sahito hare
nitye-regular; naimittike-occasional; kåtsne-all; kärttike-in Ka'rttika; päpa-çoñaëe-drying up sins; gåhäëa-please accept; arghyam-arghya; mayä-by me; dattam-offered; rädhayä'Rädhä; sahitaù-with; hare-O Kåñëa.

"O Lord Kåñëa accompanied by Goddess Rädhä, please accept this arghya I offer to You. May the regular and occasional duties I perform during this month of Kärttika dry up all my sins."

Text 176

tilair älipya dehaà svaà
nämoccäraëa-pürvakam
snätvä sa-vidhinä sandhyäà
upäsya gåham ävrajet
tilaiù-with oil; älipya-anointing; deham-body; svam-own; nämoccäraëa-pürvakam'calling out the holy name; snätvä-bathing; sa-vidhinä-properly; sandhyäm-gayatri; upäsya-worshiping; gåham-home; ävrajet-should go.

Then one should anoint his body with oil, chant the Lord's holy names, bathe, properly chant the gäyatré mantra, and then return home.

Text 177

upalipyätha devägre
nirmäya svastikaà prabhum
tulasé-mälaté-padmä-
gastya-puñpädinärcayet
upalipya-anointing; atha-then; deva-of the Lord; agre-in the presence; nirmäya-doing; svastikam-svastika; prabhum-the Lord; tulasé-with Tulasé; mälaté-padmä-gastya-puñpädinä-with mälaté, lotus, agastya, and others; puñpa-flowers; ädinä-beginning; arcayet-should worship.

Then, after anointing and making a svastika, one should worship the Deity with Tulasé and with mälaté, lotus, agastya, and other flowers. 

Text 178

nityaà vaiñëava-saìgatyä
seveta bhagavat-kathäm
sarpiñähar-niçäà dépaà
tila-tailena cärcayet
nityam-regularly; vaiñëava-saìgatyä-in the company of the Vaiñëavas; seveta-one should serve; bhagavat-kathäm-the message of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; sarpiñä-with ghee; ahar-niçäm-day and night; dépam-lamp; tila-tailena-with sesame oil; ca-and; arcayet-should worship.

In the company of the Vaiñëavas one should regularly serve the words glorifying the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Day and night a lamp of ghee or sesame oil should be used to worship the Lord.

Text 179

viçeñataç ca naivedyäny
arpayed arcayet tathä
praëamaàç ca yathä-çaktyä
eka-bhaktädika-vratam
viçeñataù-specifically; ca-and; naivedyäni-offerings of food; arpayet-should place; arcayet-should worship; tathä-then; praëaman-bowing down; ca-and; yathä-çaktyä-as far as one is able; eka-bhaktädika-vratam-with a vow of being devoted to the Supreme Personality of Godhead alone.

One should place offerings of food before the Lord, worship the Lord, and bow down before Him. In this way as far as one is able one should follow this vow of being devoted to the Lord alone.

Text 180

tathä ca pädme tatraiva 
prätar utthäya çaucädi
kåtvä gatvä jaläçaye
kåtvä ca vidhivat snänaà
tato dämodarärcanam
tathä-so; ca-and; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; prätaù-in the m,orning; utthäya-rising; çauca-cleanliness; ädi-beginning with; kåtvä-doing; gatvä-going; jaläçaye-in a body of water; kåtvä-doing; ca-and; vidhivat-according to the rules; snänam-bath; tataù-then; dämodarärcanam-the worship of Lord Dämodara.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"Early in the morning one should rise, go to a body of water, properly bathe, and then worship Lord Dämodara.

Text 181

kià ca 
maunena bhojanaà käryaà
kärttike vrata-dhäriëä
ghåtena dépa-dänaà syät
tila-tailena vä punaù
kim- ca-furthermore; maunena-in silence; bhojanam-eating; käryam-should be done; kärttike-in Kärttika; vrata-dhäriëä-following the vow; ghåtena-with ghee; dépa-dänam-offering a lamp; syät-should be; tila-sesamum; tailena-with oil; vä-or; punaù-again.

It is further said:
"One who follows the Kärttika vow should take his meals in silence. He should offer a lamp of ghee or sesame oil.

Text 182

dinaà ca kåñëa-kathayä
vaiñëavänäà ca saìgamaiù
néyatäà kärttike mäsi
saìkalpa-vrata-pälanam
dinam-the day; ca-and; kåñëa-kathayä-with talks of Lord Kåñëa; vaiñëavänäm-of the Vaiñëavas; ca-and; saìgamaiù-with association; néyatäm-should be passed; kärttike mäsi-in Kärttika month; saìkalpa-vrata-pälanam-to keep the vow he made with the saìkalpa mantra.

"To keep the vow he made with the saìkalpa mantra he should pass his days talking of Lord Kåñëa in the company of the devotees.

Texts 183 and 184

äçvine çukla-pakñasya
prärambhe hari-väsare
athavä paurëamäsétaù
saìkrantau vä tulägame
dépa-dänam akhaëòaà ca
dadyäd vai viñëu-sannidhau
devälaye tulasyäà vä
äkäçe vä tad uttamam
äçvine-of Asvina; çukla-pakñasya-on the bright fortnight; prärambhe-beginning; hari-väsare-on ekädaçé; athavä-or; paurëamäsétaù-from the full moon; saìkrantau-on sankranti; vä-or; tulägame-on Tulagama; dépa-lamp; dänam-offering; akhaëòam-unbroken; ca-and; dadyät-should offer; vai-indeed; viñëu-sannidhau-to Lord Viñëu; devälaye-in the temple; tulasyäm-to Tulasé; vä-or; äkäçe-to the sky; vä-or; tat-that; uttamam-then.

"Beginning in the month of Açvina, either on the çukla-ekädaçé, or on the full moon day, or on the tula-saìkranti day, he should offer a lamp to Lord Viñëu in the temple, or he should offer the lamp to Tulasé-devé, or to the sky."

Text 185

kià ca 
rajataà kanakaà dépän
mani-muktäphalädikam
dämodarasya préty-arthaà
pradadyät kärttike naraù
kim- ca-furthermore; rajatam-silver; kanakam-gold; dépän-lamps; maëi-jewels; muktäphala-pearls; ädikam-beginning; dämodarasya-of Lord Dämodara; préty-artham-for the pleasure; pradadyät-should give; kärttike-in Kärttika; naraù-a person.

It is further said:
"During the month of Kärttika a person should offer silver, gold, lamps, jewels, pearls, and other valuables to please Lord Dämodara."

Text 186

skände ca çré-rukmäìgada-mohiné-samväde 
na gåhe kärttike kuryäd
viçeñena tu kärttikam
térthe tu kärttikéà kuryät
sarva-yatnena bhävini. iti.
skände ca çré-rukmäìgada-mohiné-samväde-in the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Çré Mohiné and Çré Rukmäìgada; na-not; gåhe-in the home; kärttike-during Kärttika; kuryät-should do; viçeñena-specifically; tu-indeed; kärttikam-Kärttika; térthe-in a holy place; tu-indeed; kärttikém-the vow of Kärttika; kuryät-should do; sarva-all; yatnena-with endeavor; bhävini-O goddess; iti-thus.

In the Skanda Puräëa, Çré Rukmäìgada tells Çré Mohiné:
"O goddess, one should not follow the Kärttika vow at home. One should go to a holy place and follow it there very carefully."

Text 187

atha kärttike varjyäni 
tatraiva brahma-närada-samväde 
kärttike tu viçeñena
räja-mäñäàç ca bhakñayan
niñpävän muni-çärdüla
yävad ähüta-näraké
atha-now; kärttike-in Kärttika; varjyäni-waht should be avoided; tatra-there; eva-indeed; brahma-närada-samväde-in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada; kärttike-in Kärttika; tu-indeed; viçeñena-specifically; räja-mäñän-rajamasa beans; ca-and; bhakñayan-should eat; niñpävän-kidney beans; muni-of sages; çärdüla-O tiger; yävat-as; ähüta-called; näraké-a resident of hell.

What Should Be Avoided During the Month of Kärttika
In the Skanda Puräëa, in a conversation of Brahma' and Närada, it is said:
"O tiger of sages, a person who during the month of Kärttika eats räjamäña beans or kidney beans becomes a resident of hell.

Text 188

kaliìgäni paöoläni
våntakaà sandhitäni ca
na tyajet kärttike mäsi
yävad ähüta-näraké
kaliìgäni-kaliìga; paöoläni-paöola; våntakam-eggplant; sandhitäni-pickles; ca-and; na-not; tyajet-abandons; kärttike mäsi-in Kärttika month; yävat-as; ähüta-näraké-is called a resident of hell.

"A person who during the month of Kärttika does not avoid eating kaliìga, paöola, eggplant, and pickles becomes a resident of hell.

Text 189

kärttike mäsi dharmätmä
matsyaà mäàsaà na bhakñayet
tatraiva yatnatas tyäjyaà
çäçakaà çaukaraà tathä
kärttike-in Kärttika; mäsi-month; dharmätmä-a religious person; matsyam-fish; mäàsam-meat; na-not; bhakñayet-eats; tatra-there; eva-indeed; yatnataù-carefully; tyäjyam-ot be avoided; çäçakam-rabbit; çaukaram-pork; tathä-so.

"During the month of Kärttika a religious person will carefully avoid eating fish, rabbit, pork, or any kind of flesh."

Text 190

kià ca 
parännaà para-çayyäà ca
para-däraà paräìganäm
sarvadä varjayet präjïo
viçeñena tu kärttike
kim- ca-furthermore; parännam-sumptuous food; para-çayyäm-comfortable bed; ca-and; para-däram-another's wife; paräìganäm-prostitute; sarvadä-always; varjayet-should avoid; präjïaù-intelligent; viçeñena-specifically; tu-indeed; kärttike-in Kärttika.

It is further said:
"During the month of Kärttika an intelligent person should stay away from sumptuous food, comfortable bed, prostitutes, and other's wives.

Text 191

tailäbhyaìgaà tathä çayyäà
parännaà kaàsya-bhojanam
kärttike varjayed yas tu
paripürëa-vraté bhavet
taila-oil; abhyaìgam-anointing; tathä-so; çayyäm-bed; parännam-suptuous food; kaàsya-bhojanam-eating from a bell-metal plate; kärttike-in Kärttika; varjayet-should avoid; yaù-who; tu-indeed; paripürëa-vraté-completely following the vow; bhavet-should be.

"A person who properly follows the Kärttika vow should avoid being anointed with oil, eating sumptuous food, sleeping in a comfortable bed, and eating from a bell-metal plate.

Text 192

sampräpte kärttike dåñövä
parännaà yas tu varjayet
dine dine tu kåcchrasya
phalaà präpnoti mänavaù
sampräpte-attained; kärttike-Kärttika; dåñövä-seeing; parännam-sumtuous food; yaù-who; tu-indeed; varjayet-avoids; dine-day; dine-after day; tu-indeed; kåcchrasya-of severe austerities; phalam-the result; präpnoti-attains; mänavaù-a person.

"A person who avoids sumptuous food during the month of Kärttika attains every day the benefit of having performed severe austerities."

Text 193

tatraiva çré-rukmäìgada-mohiné-samväde 
kärttike varjayet tailaà
kärttike varjayen madhu 
kärttike varjayet kaàsyaà
kärttike çukla-sandhitaà
tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-rukmäìgada-mohiné-samväde-in a conversation of Çré Rukmäìgada and Çré Mohiné; kärttike-in Kärttika; varjayet-should avoid; tailam-oil; kärttike-in Kärttika; varjayen-should avoid; madhu-wine; kärttike'in Kärttika; varjayet-should avoid; kaàsyam-bell-metal; kärttike-in Kärttika; çukla-sandhitam-stale and sour.

Çré Rukmäìgada tells Çré Mohiné:
"During Kärttika one should avoid oil. During Kärttika one should avoid wine. During Kärttika one should avoid bell-metal. During Kärttika one should avoid food that is not fresh.

Text 194

na matsyaà bhakñayen mäàsaà
na kaurmaà nänyad eva hi
cäëòälaù sa bhavet su-bhru
kärttike maàsa-bhakñaëät
na-not; matsyam-fish; bhakñayen-should eat; mäàsam-meat; na-not; kaurmam-turtle; na-not; anyat-another; eva-indeed; hi-indeed; cäëòälaù-an outcaste; sa-he; bhavet-becomes; su-bhru-O girl with the beautiful eyebrows; kärttike-in Kärttika; maàsa-bhakñaëät-by eating flesh.

"O girl with the beautiful eyebrows, one should not eat fish, turtle, or any other kind of flesh. By eating meat during the month of Kärttika one becomes an outcaste.

Text 195

atha çré-rädhä-dämodara-püjä-vidhiù 
pädme tatraiva 
tataù priyatamä viñëo
rädhikä gopikäsu ca
kärttike püjanéyä ca
çré-dämodara-sannidhau
atha-now; çré-rädhä-dämodara-püjä-vidhiù-the Way to Worship Çré Çré Rädha'-Dämodara; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; tataù-from that; priyatamä-most dear; viñëaù-of Lord Viñëu; rädhikä-Rädhä; gopikäsu-among the gopés; ca-and; kärttike-in Kärttika; püjanéyä-to be worshiped; ca-and; çré-dämodara-sannidhau-near Lord Dämodara.

The Way to Worship Çré Çré Rädhä-Dämodara
In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"Because She is the gopé most dear to Lord Viñëu, Çré Rädha' should be worshiped along with Lord Dämodara during the month of Kärttika.

Text 196

dvijaà dämodaraà kåtvä
tat-patnéà rädhikäà tathä
kärttike püjanéyau tau
vaso-'laìkära-bhojanaiù
dvijam-a brähmaëa; dämodaram-Lord Dämodara; kåtvä-making; tat-patném-His wife; rädhikäm-Rädhä; tathä-so; kärttike-in Kärttika; püjanéyau-to be worshiped; tau-Them both; vasaù-with garments; alaìkära-ornaments; bhojanaiùand food.

"Dressing Lord Dämodara as a brähmaëa and Çré Rädha' as His wife, one should worship them with nice garments, ornaments, and foods during the month of Kärttika.

Text 197

rädhikä-pratimäà vipraù
püjayet kärttike tu yaù
tasya tuñyati tat-prétyai
çrémän dämodaro hariù. iti.
rädhikä-of Çré Rädhä; pratimäm-the Deity; vipraù-a brähmaëa; püjayet-should worship; kärttike-in Kärttika; tu-indeed; yaù-who; tasya-of him; tuñyati-is pleased; tat-prétyai-for His satisfaction; çrémän-glorious; dämodaraù-Lord Dämodara; hariù.-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; iti-thus.

"O brähmaëas, during the month of Kärttika one should worship the Deity of Çré Rädhä. To please Çré Rädhä, Lord Dämodara, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, will be pleased with that worshiper."

Text 198

dämodaräñöakaà näma
stotraà dämodarärcanam
nityaà dämodaräkarñi
paöhet satyavratoditam
dämodaräñöakam-Dämodaräñöaka; näma-named; stotram-prayer; dämodarärcanam-worship of Lord Dämodara; nityam-always; dämodaräkarñi-attarctive to Lord Dämodara; paöhet-should recite; satyavrata-by King Satyavrata; uditam-spoken.

One should regularly recite the prayer called Dämodaräñöaka, which was spoken by Satyavrata, which attracts Lord Dämodara, and which describes the worship of Lord Dämodara. 

Text 199

atha çré-dämodaräñöakam
namäméçvaraà sac-cid-änanda-rüpaà
lasat-kuëòalaà gokule bhräjamänam
yaçodä-bhiyolükhaläd dhävamänaà
parämåñöam atyantato drutya gopyä
atha=now; çré-dämodaräñöakam-çré-dämodaräñöaka; namämi-I offer my respectful obeisances; éçvaram-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; sä-cid-änanda-rüpam-whose form is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss; lasat-kuëòalam-with glistening earrings; gokule-in Gokula; bhräjamänam-splendidly manifested; yaçodä-by Yaçodä; bhiyä-with fear; ulükhalät-from the wooden mortar; dhävamänam-fleeing; para-greatly; ämåñöam-caught; atyantataù-greatly; drutya-quickly; gopyä-by the gopé.

Çré Dämodaräñöaka
"I offer my humble obeisances to the Supreme Controller, who possesses an eternal form of blissful knowledge, whose earrings glisten, who manifested Himself in Gokula, who ran from the wooden mortar in fear of Mother Yaçoda' but was ultimately caught, . . .
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Offering my respectful obeisances to Çré Çré Rädha'-Dämodara, I will now comment on the Dämodaräñöaka. In the beginning of this prayer the author offers his respectful obeisances as with devotion he describes the great treasure that is the form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, which was manifested in Gokula, and which is glorious with the most excellent handsomeness, pastimes, virtues, and other qualities. 
What is the Supreme Personality of Godhead like? He is "éçvara", which means "all-powerful", "the master of the universes", or "my master". His form is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. He is handsome and attractive. 
The gopés describe His handsomeness in these words (Çrémad-Bhägavatam 10.29.40,:

trailokya-saubhagam idaà ca nirékñya rüpaà
yad go-dvija-druma-mågäù pulakäny abibhran

"O Kåñëa, even the cows, birds, trees, and deer become stunned in ecstasy when they gaze at Your form, the most handsome in all the three worlds."
Çrémad-Bhägavatam (3.2.12, again explains:

vismäpanaà svasya ca saubhagarddheù
paraà padaà bhüñaëa-bhüñänäìgam

"The Lord appeared in this mortal world by His internal potency, yogamäyä. He came in His eternal form, which is just suitable for His pastimes. These pastimes were wonderful for everyone, even for those proud of their own opulence, including the Lord Hismelf as the Lord of Vaikuëöha. Thus His (Çré Kåñëa's, transcendental body is the ornament of all ornaments."ª 
Lord Kåñëa's alkl-attractuve form was splendidly manifest in Gokyla, where many cows, gopas, and gopés lived. Çrémad-Bhägavatam (10.32.14, explains:

cakäsa gopé-pariñad-gato 'rcitas
trailokya-lakñmy-eka-padaà vapur dadhat

"Worshiped by the gopés, Lord Kåñëa's transcendental form, the only home of all glory and handsomeness in the three worlds, was splendidly manifest."
The specifé pastime described in this verse of Dämodaräñöaka, where Lord Kåñëa broke the yogurt pot and fled in fear of Mother Yaçodä, is described these words of Çrémad-Bhägavatam (10.9.8-9):

ulükhalaìghrer upari vyavasthitaà
markäya kämaà dadataà çici sthitam
haiyaìgavaà caurya-viçaìkitekñaëaà
nirékñya paçcät sutam ägamä chanaiù

"Kåñëa, at that time, was sitting on an upside-down wooden mortar for grinding spices and was distributing milk preparations, such as yogurt and butter, to the monkeys as he liked. Because of having stolen He was looking all around with great anxiety, suspecting that He might be chastised by His mother. Mother Yaçodä, upon seeing HIm, very cautiously approached Him from behind.*

täm ätta-yañöià prasamékñya sa-tvaras
tato 'varuhyäpasära bhétavat
gopy anvadhävan na yam äpa yoginäà
kñamaà praveñöuà tapaseritaà manaù

"When Lord Kåñëa saw His mother, stick in hand, He very quickly got down from the top of the mortar and began to flee as if very much afraid. Although yogés try to capture Him as Paramätma' by meditation, desiring to enter into the effulgence of the Lord with great austerities and penances, they fail to reach Him. But Mother Yaçodä, thinking that same Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kåñëa, to be her son, began following Kåñëa to catch Him."* 
Then Mother Yaçoda' chased Lord Kåñëa and caught Him from behind. Çrémad-Bhägavatam (10.9.10, explains:

avaïcamänä janané båhac-calac-
chroëi-bharäkränta-gatiù su-madhyamä
javena visraàsita-keça-bandhana-
cyuta-prasünänugatiù parämåçat

"While following Kåñëa, Mother Yaçodä, her thin waist overburdened by her heavy breasts, naturally had to reduce her speed. Because of following Kåñëa very swiftly, her hair became loose, and the flowers in her hair were falling after her. Yet she did not fail to capture her son Kåñëa."*

Text 200

rudantaà muhur netra-yugmaà måjantaà
karämbhoja-yugmena sätäìka-netram
muhuù çväsa-kampa-trirekhäìka-kaëöha-
sthita-graiva-dämodaraà bhakti-baddham
rudantaàcrying; muhuù-again and again; netra-yugmam-two eyes; måjantam-rubbing; karämbhoja-yugmena-with two lotus hands; sa-with; ätäìka-fear; netram-eyes; muhuù-again and again; çväsa-breathing; kampa-trembling; tri-three; rekhä-lines; aìka-marked; kaëöha-neck; sthita-situated; graiva-necklaces; dämodaram-Lord Kåñëa; bhakti-with devotion; baddham-bound.

. . . who cried and rubbed His frightened eyes again and again with His two lotus hands, whose necklace on His three-lined neck trembled as He breathed again and again, whose waist was surrounded by a rope, and who was finally bound by love.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

This pastime is described in the following words (Çrémad-Bhägavatam (10.9.11):

kåtägasaà taà prarudantam akñiëé
kañantam aïjan-mañini sva-päëinä
udvékñamänaà bhaya-vihvalekñaëaà
haste gåhétva bhiñayanty avägurat

"When caught by Mother Yaçodä, Kåñëa became more and more afraid and admitted to being an offender. As she looked upon Him, she saw that He was crying, His tears mixing with the black ointment around His eyes, and as He rubbed His eyes with His hands, He smeared the ointment all over His face. Mother Yaçodä, catching her beautiful son by the hand, mildly began to chastise Him."*
Mother Yaçoda' then bound Him with a rope. Çrémad-Bhägavatam (10.9.14, explains:

gopikolülukhe dämnä
babandha präkåtaà yathä

"Mother Yaçodä, considering Kåñëa her own ordinary child, bound Him to the wooden mortar with a rope."*
Çrémad-Bhägavatam (10.9.18-21, continues:

sva-mätuù svinna-gätåaya
visrasta-kabara-srajaù
dåñövä pariçramaà kåñëaù
kåpayäsét sva-bandhane

"Because of Mother Yaçodä's hard labor, her whole body became covered with perspiration, and the flowers and comâ were falling from her hair. When child Kåñëa saw His mother thus fatigued, He became merciful to her and agreed to be bound.*

evam sandarçitä hy aìga
hariëä bhåtya-vaçyatä
sva-vaçenäpi kåñëena
yasyedaà seçvaraà vaçe

"O Mahäräja Parékñit, this entire universe, with its great exalted demigods like Lord Çiva, Lord Brahmä, and Lord Indra, is under the control of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Yet the Supreme Lord has one transcendental attribute: He comes under the control of His devotees. This was now exhibited by Kåñëa in this pastime.*

nemaà viriïco na bhavo
na çrér apy aìga-saàçrayä
prasädaà lebhire gopé
yat tat präpa vimuktidät

"Neither Lord Brahmä, nor Lord Çiva, nor even the goddess of fortune, who is always the better half of the Supreme Lord, can obtain from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the deliverer from this material world, such mercy as received by Mother Yaçodä.*

näyaà sukhäpo bhagavän
dehinäà gopikä-sutaù
jïäninäà cätma-bhütänäà
yathä bhaktimatäm iha

"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kåñëa, the son of Mother Yaçodä, is accessible to devotees engaged in spontaneous loving service, but He is not as easily accessible to mental speculators, to those striving for self-realization by severe austerities and penances, or to those who consider the body the same as the self."*

Text 201

itédåk-sva-léläbhir änanda-kuëòe
sva-ghoñaà nimajjantam äkhyäpayantam
tadéyeçita-jïeñu bhaktair jitatvaà
punaù prematas taà çatävåtti vande
itédåk-like this; sva-own; léläbhiù-with pastimes; änanda-of bliss; kuëòe-in a lake; sva-own; ghoñam-cowherd village; nimajjantam-plunging; äkhyäpayantam-declaring; tadéya-own; éçita-supremacy; jïeñu-among they who know; bhaktaiù-by the devotees; jitatvam-the state of being defeated; punaù-again and again; premataù-out of love; tam-to Him; çata-a hundred; ävåtti-repetitions; vande-I offer my respectful obeisances.

"A hundred times I bow down before Lord Kåñëa, who with pastimes like these plunges His own cowherd village of Vraja in pools of ecstasy, and who declares to they who know Him only as the supreme master and controller: I am conquered by My loving devotees.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

That Lord Kåñëa is controlled by the love of His devotees is described in the following words of Çrémad-Bhägavatam (10.11.7-8):

gopébhiù stobhito 'nåtyad
bhagavän bälavat kvacit
udgäyati kvacin mugdhas
tad-vaço däru-yantravat

"The gopés would say: 'If You dance, my dear Kåñëa, then I shall give You half a sweetmeat.' By saying these words or by clapping their hands, all the gopés encouraged Kåñëa in different ways. At such times, although He was the supremely powerful Personality of Godhead, he would smile and dance according to their desire, as if He were a wooden doll in their hands. Sometimes he would sing very loudly, at their bidding. In this way Kåñëa came completely under the control of the gopés.*

bibharti kvacid ajïäptaù
péöhakonmäna-pädukam
bahu-kñepaà ca kurute
svänäà ca prétim ävahan

"Sometimes Mother Yaçoda' and her gopé friends would tell Kåñëa, 'Bring this article' or 'Bring that article.' Sometimes they would order Him to bring a wooden plank, wooden shoes, or a wooden measuring pot, and Kåñëa, when thus ordered by the mothers, would try to bring them. Sometimes, however, as if unable to raise these things, He would touch them and stand there. Just to invite the pleasure of his relatives, He would strike His body with His arms to show that He had sufficient strength."*
Çrémad-Bhägavatam (10.11.9, again says:

darçayaàs tad-vidäà loka
ätmano bhåtya-vaçyatäm

"To pure devotees throughout the world who could understand His activities, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kåñëa, exhibited how much He can be subdued by His devotees, His servants."*

Text 202

varaà deva mokñaà na mokñävadhià vä
na cänyaà våëe 'haà vareçäd apéha
idaà te vapur nätha gopäla-bälaà
sadä me manasy ävirästäà kim anyaiù
varam-benediction; deva-O Lord; mokñam-liberation; na-not; mokña-liberation; ävadhim-highest limit; vä-or; na-not; ca-and; anyam-another thing; våëe-choose; aham-I; vara-of benedictions; éçät-from the master; api-even; iha-here; idam-this; te-of You; vapuù-the form; nätha-O master; gopäla-bälam-a cowherd boy; sadä-always; me-of me; manasi-in the mind; ävirästäm-may be manifested; kim-what is the use?; anyaiù-of other things.

"O Lord, I do not ask for liberation, something better than liberation, or any other thing. O Lord, all I ask from You, the master of all blessings, is that Your form as a cowherd boy always be manifest in my heart. What need have I for any other blessing?
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

The thing better that liberation here is residence in Vaikuëöhaloka. Better than impersonal liberation is residence in Vaikuëöhaloka, and better than residence in Vaikuëöhaloka is pure devotional service, which begins with hearing the glories of Lord Kåñëa. That pure devotional service is better than residence in Vaikuëöhaloka is described in the following words (Çrémad-Bhägavatam 3.15.49):
"O Lord, we pray that You let us be born in any hellish condition of life, just as long as our hearts and minds are always engaged in the service of Your lotus feet, our words are made beautiful by speaking of Your activities just as tulasé leaves are beautified when offered unto Your lotus feet, and as long as our ears are always filled with the chanting of Your transcendental qualities."*

Text 203

idaà te mukhämbhojam atyanta-nélair
våtaà kuntalaiù sìgdha-raktaiç ca gopyä
muhuç cumbitaà bimba-raktädharaà me
manasy ävirästäm alaà lakña-läbhaiù
idam-this; te-of You; mukha-face; ambhojam-lotus; atyanta-nélaiù-very dark; våtam-covered; kuntalaiù-with hairs; snigdha-glistening; raktaiù-red; ca-and; gopyä-by the gopé; muhuù-again and again; cumbitam-kissed; bimba-bimba fruit; rakta-red; adharam-lips; me-of me; manasi-in the heart; ävirästäm-may be manifested; alam-what is the need; lakña-of a hundred thousand; läbhaiù-attainments.

"May Your lotus face, decorated with glistening locks of hair and with bimba-fruit lips again and again kissed by the gopé Yaçodä, always be manifest in my heart. What need have I for a hundred thousand other blessings?
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Lord Kåñëa's face is like a blossoming lotus flower. It is blissful and the sight of it removes all sufferings.

Text 204

namo deva dämodaränanta viñëo
praséda prabho duùkha-jaläbdhi-magnam
kåpä-dåñöi-våñöyäti-dénaà batänu-
gåhäëeça mäm ajïam edhy akñi-dåçyaù
namaù-obeisances; deva-O Lord; dämodara-O Dämodara; ananta-unlimited; viñëaù-O Viñëu; praséda-please be merciful; prabhaù-O master; duùkha-of torments; jaläbdhi-in an ocean; magnam-drowning; kåpä-of mercy; dåñöi-glance; våñöyä-with a shower; ati-very; dénam-poor; bata-indeed; anugåhäëa-please be kind; éça-O Lord; mäm-to me; ajïam-foolish; edhi-please come; akñi-by the eyes; dåçyaù-visible.

"O unlimited, all-pervading Lord whose belly was bound by a rope, I bow down before You. O master, please be kind to me, who am now drowning in an ocean of sufferings. Please shower Your glance of mercy on me, who am very poor, wretched, and foolish. O master, please come before my eyes.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Here the author says that he is so distressed that he is on the verge of death. He is like a living corpse. He says: "Please be kind to me! Please rescue me! Please restore my life!" 
Here the word "prabho" (O master, means "O master of great, inconceivable, limitless, wonderful potencies!" This shows that the Lord's potencies cannot be understood by the material senses. The word "éça" (O master, means "O supremely independent one!" This shows that the Lord can do as He likes, and therefore He can bestow His mercy even on a person who is not really worthy to receive it. The word "viñëo" means "O all-pervading one!" or it also means "O Lord who stays in Våndävana!" 

Text 205

kuverätmajau baddha-mürtyaiva yadvat
tvayä mocitau bhakti-bhäjau kåtau ca
tathä prema-bhaktià svakäà me prayaccha
na mokñe graho me 'sti dämodareha
kuverätmajau-the two sons of Kuvera; baddha-bound; mürtyä-by the form; eva-indeed; yadvat-as; tvayä-by You; mocitau-freed; bhakti-bhäjau-devotees; kåtau-made; ca-and; tathä-so; prema-bhaktim-love and devotion; svakäm-own; me-to me; prayaccha-please give; na-not; mokñe-in liberation; grahaù-acceptance; me-of me; asti-is; dämodara-O Lord Dämodara; iha-here.

"Even though You were tied up, You still freed Kuvera's two sons and made them devoted to You. Please give to me love and devotion as You gave it to them. O Lord Dämodara, I will not accept impersonal liberation.
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Here, rejecting impersonal liberation, the author prays for pure devotional service. Even though, as part of His beautiful pastimes, the Lord Himself was tied up by the gopé Yaçodä, He was able to free the sons of Kuvera. Giving them the gift of pure devotional service, He said to them (Çrémad-Bhägavatam 10.10.42):
"O Nalaküvara and Maëigréva, now you may both return home. Since you desire to be always absorbed in My devotional service, your desire to develop love and affection for Me will be fulfilled, and now you will never fall from that platform."*

Text 206

namas te 'stu dhämne sphurad-dépti-dhämne
tvadéyodaräyätha viçvasya dhämne
namo rädhikäyai tvadéya-priyäyai
namo 'nanta-léläya deväya tubhyam
namaù-obeisances; te-of You; astu-may be; dhämne-to the rope; sphurad-dépti-dhämne-splendid; tvadéya-to You; udaräya-abdomen; atha-then; viçvasya-of the universe; dhämne-the resting place; namaù-obeisances; rädhikäyai-to Çré Rädhä; tvadéya-priyäyai-dear to You; namaù-obeisances; ananta-unlimited; léläya-whose pastimes; deväya-to the Lord; tubhyam-to You.

"Obeisances to Your rope, the abode of great splendor! Obeisances to Your belly, the resting-place of the universe! Obeisances to Your beloved, Çré Rädhä! Obeisances to You, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose pastimes have no end!"
Commentary by Çréla Sanätana Gosvämé

Here the word "dhämne" means "the great rope that was tied around Your belly". What was that rope like? It is described here as "the abode of splendor". That means the rope was spiritual in nature. 
Next the author says, "Obeisances to Your belly!" What is the Lord's belly like? It is the resting place of the universe, where the moving and unmoving beings live. This is so because from it sprouted the lotus flower that is the home of the fourteen worlds. By tying a rope around this belly, Mother Yaçoda' showed that she had the entire universe under her control. Actually no one has the power to tie up the Lord in that way, but out of love for His mother, Lord Kåñëa allowed her to tie Him up.
Çré Rädha' is the most important of all the gopés. She is most dear to Lord Kåñëa. Lord Kåñëa's transcendental pastimes with Çré Rädha' have no end. Therefore the Lord is described here as having pastimes that have no end. 

Text 207

pädme tatraiva 
govardhana-girau ramye
rädhä-kuëòaà priyaà hareù
kärttike bahuläñöamyäà
tatra snätvä hareù priyaù 
naro bhakto bhaved vipräs 
tad dhi tasya pratoñaëam
pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; govardhana-girau-on Govardhana Hill; ramye-beautiful; rädhä-kuëòam-Rädha'-kuëòa; priyam-dear; hareù-to Lord Kåñëa; kärttike-in Kärttika; bahuläñöamyäm-on Bahulastami; tatra-there; snätvä-bathing; hareù-to Lord Kåñëa; priyaù-dear; naraù-a person; bhaktaù-devotee; bhavet-may be; vipräù-O brähmaëas; tat-that; hi-indeed; tasya-of Him; pratoñaëam-pleasing.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"O brähmaëas, a person who during the month of  Kärttika, on the Bahuläñöamé, day bathes in Rädha'-kuëòa, which is by beautiful Govardhana Hill and which is very dear to Lord Kåñëa, becomes a great devotee. He is very pleasing to Lord Kåñëa.

Text 208

yathä rädhä priyä viñëos
tasyäù kuëòaà priyaà tathä
sarva-gopéñu saivaikä
viñëor atyanta-vallabhä
yathä-just as; rädhä-Çrématé Rädhäräëé; priyä-very dear; viñëoù-to Lord Kåñëa; tasyäù-Her; kuëòam-bathing place; priyam-very dear; tathä-so also; sarva-gopéñu-among all the gopés; sä-She; eva-certainly; ekä-alone; viñëoù-of Lord Kåñëa; atyanta-vallabhä-most dear.

"Just as Rädha' is dear to Lord Kåñëa, so Her bathing place, Rädha'-kuëòa, is dear to Him. She alone is His most beloved of all the gopés."*

Text 209

kià ca tatraiva çré-rädhikopäkhyänänte 
våndävanädhipatyaà ca
dattaà tasyäù pratuñyatä
kåñëenänyatra devé tu
rädhä våndävane vane
kim- ca-furthermore; tatra-there; eva-indeed; çré-rädhikä-of Çré Rädhä; upäkhyäna-of the story; ante-at the end; våndävana-of V.rndävana; ädhipatyam-rule; ca-and; dattam-given; tasyäù-of Her; pratuñyatä-is pleased; kåñëena-by Lord Kåñëa; anyatra-in another place; devé-goddess; tu-indeed; rädhä-Rädhä; våndävane-in Våndävana; vane-forest.

In the Padma Puräëa, at the end of the story of Çré Rädhä, it is said:
"Pleased with Her, Lord Kåñëa made Rädha' the queen of Våndävana. In other places She is Goddess Lakñmé, but in Våndävana forest She is Çré Rädhä.

Text 210

tat-kuëòe kärttikäñöamyäà
snätvä püjyo janärdanaù
subodhanyäà yathä prétis
tathä prétis tato bhavet
tat-kuëòe-in her lake; kärttikäñöamyäm-on the Janmäñöamé day of Ka'rttika; snätvä-bathing; püjyaù-worshiped; janärdanaù-Lord Kåñëa; subodhanyäm-on Utthana ekädaçé; yathä-as; prétiù-p-leased; tathä-so; prétiù-pleased; tataù-then; bhavet-may be.

"When, on Janmäñöamé or Utthäna ekädaçé, a person bathes in Rädha'-kuëòa and then worships Lord Kåñëa, Lord Kåñëa becomes very pleased with him.

Text 211

atha kåñëa-trayodaçé-kåtyaà 
pädme ca tatraiva 
kärttike kåñëa-pakñe tu
trayodaçyäà niçä-mukhe
yama-dépaà bahir dadyäd
apamåtyur vinaçyati
atha-npw; kåñëa-trayodaçé-kåtyam-duties of Kåñëa-trayodaçé; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; ca-and; tatra-there; eva-indeed; kärttike-in Kärttika; kåñëa-pakñe-on the dark fortnight; tu-indeed; trayodaçyäm-on trayopdasi; niçä-mukhe-in the beginning of the night; yama-dépam-a lamp for Yamaräja; bahiù-outside; dadyät-should place; apamåtyuù-untimely death; vinaçyati-is destroyed.

Duties of Kåñëa-trayodaçé
In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"When on the Kåñëa-trayodaçé of the month of Kärttika a person places a lamp for Yamaräja outside, then the danger of his untimely death is at once destroyed.

Text 212

atha tatra mantraù 
måtyunä päça-daëòäbhyäà
kälaù çyämalayä saha
trayodaçyäà dépa-dänät
süryajaù priyatäm
atha-now; tatra-there; mantraù-mantra; måtyunä-by death; päça-daëòäbhyäm-with noose and rod; kälaù-time; syämalayäblack; saha-with; trayodaçyäm-on trayodasi; dépa-dänät-by offering a lamp; süryajaù-the son of the sun; priyatäm-is pleased.

The Mantra For That
"With this offering of a lamp on the Kåñëa-trayodaçé day, may Lord Yamaräja, who is the son of the sun-god, who is time personified, who is accompanied by Goddess Durgä, and who carries with him a noose, a rod, and death itself, be pleased with me.

Text 213

atha kåñëa-caturdaçé-kåtyaà 
tatraiva 
caturdaçyäà dharma-räja-
püjä käryä prayatnataù
snänam avaçyakaà käryaà
narair naraka-bhérubhiù
atha-now; kåñëa-caturdaçé-kåtyam-the Duties of Kåñëa-caturdaçé; tatra-there; eva-indeed; caturdaçyäm-on caturdasi; dharma-räja-Yamaräja; püjä-worship; käryä-should be done; prayatnataù-carefully; snänam-bath; avaçyakam-should be done; käryam-done; naraiù-by people; naraka-bhérubhiù-who fear hell.

The Duties of Kåñëa-caturdaçé
They are described in the following words:
"They who fear going to hell must bathe and then carefully worship Yamaräja on the Kåñëa-caturdaçé day.

Text 214

aruëodayato 'nyatra
riktäyäà snäti yo naraù
tasyäbdhika-bhavo dharmo
naçyaty eva na saàçayaù
aruëodayataù-from sunrise; anyatra-in another place; riktäyäm-empty; snäti-bathes; yaù-who; naraù-aperson; tasya-of him; abdhika-a year; bhavaù-being; dharmaù-religion; naçyati-perishes; eva-indeed; na-no; saàçayaù-doubt.

"A person who on the caturthé, navamé and caturdaçé waits until after sunrise to bathe loses a year of pious deeds.

Text 215

skände ca tatraiva 
kärttike kåñëa-pakñe tu
caturdaçyäà vidhüdyate
avaçyam eva kartavyaà
snänaà naraka-bhérubhiù
skände-in the Skanda Puräëa; ca-and; tatra-there; eva-indeed; kärttike-in Kärttika; kåñëa-pakñe-on the dark fortnight; tu-indeed; caturdaçyäà-on caturdasi; vidhu-moon; udaye-in the rising; avaçyam-inevitably; eva-indeed; kartavyaà-should be done; snänaà-bathing; naraka-bhérubhiù-by they who fear hell.

In the Skanda Puräëa it is said:
"They who fear hell should bathe during the moonrise of the Kåñëa-caturdaçé in the month of Kärttika.

Text 216

kià ca pädme tatraiva 
tataç ca tarpaëaà käryaà
dharmaräjasya nämabhiù
jévat-pitä tu kurvéta
tarpaëaà yama-bhéñmayoù
kim- ca-furthermore; pädme-in the Padma Puräëa; tatra-there; eva-indeed; tataç-from that; ca-and; tarpaëaà-tarpaëa; käryaà-should be done; dharmaräjasya-to Yamaräja; nämabhiù-with names; jévat-pitä-whose father is alive; tu-indeed; kurvéta-should do; tarpaëaà-tarpaëa; yama-bhéñmayoù-to Yama and Bhéñma.

In the Padma Puräëa it is said:
"On the Kåñëa-caturdaçé one should offer tarpaëa and chant the names of Yamaräja. If one's father is stil living, one should offer tarpaëa to Yamaräja and Bhéñma.

Text 217

yajïopavétinä käryaà
präcénävétinä tathä
devatvaà ca pitåtvaà ca
yamasyästi dvi-rüpatä
yajïopavétinä-with a sacred thread; käryaà-should be done; präcéna-avétinä-with the sacred thread worn over the right shoulder; tathä-so; devatvaà-the status of d demigod; ca-and; pitåtvaà-the status of a pitä; ca-and; yamasya-Yamaräja; asti-is; dvi-rüpatä-two forms.

"Wearing the sacred thread over the right shoulder, one should offer tarpaëa to Yamaräja, who has two forms: one as a demigod and the other as a pitä.

Text 218

naktaà yama-caturdaçyäà
yaù kuryäc chiva-sannidhau
na tat kratu-çatenäpi
präpyate puëyam édåçam
naktaà-night; yama-caturdaçyäà-of Yama-caturdaçé; yaù-who; kuryät-should do; çiva-Çiva; sannidhau-in the presence; na-indeed; tat-that; kratu-çatena-with a hundred yajnas; api-also; präpyate-is attainmed; puëyam-piety; édåçam-like that.

"A person who spends the night of this Yama-caturdaçé near the Deity of Lord Çiva attains great piety. Even with a hundred yajïas one cannot attain piety like it.

Text 219

kumäré baöukän püjya
tathä çaiva-tapo-dhanän
räjasüya-phalaà tena
präpyate nätra saàçayaù
kumäré-a young girl; baöukän-brähmaëa boys; püjya-worshiping; tathä'so; çaiva-tapo-dhanän-of austerities for Lord Çiva; räjasüya-phalaà-the result of a rajasuya-yajna; tena-by that; präpyate-is attained; na-not; atra-here; saàçayaù-doubt.

"A young girl who at that time worships brähmaëa boys who perform austerities to please Lord Çiva attains the result of performing a räjasüya-yajïa. Of this there is no doubt.

Text 220

kärttike bhauma-väreëa
citrä kåñëä caturdaçé
tasyäà bhüteñäm abhyarcya
gacche chiva-puraà naraù
kärttike-during the month of Kärttika; bhauma-väreëa-on Tuesday; citrä-wonderful; kåñëa-Kåñëa; caturdaçé-caturdasé;; tasyäà-on that; bhüteçam-Lord Çiva; abhyarcya-worshiping; gacchet-may go; çiva-puraà-to the abode of Lord Suva; naraù-a person.

"When it falls on a Tuesday the Kåñëa-ekädaçé of the month of Kärttika is especially wonderful. A person who worships Lord Çiva on that day goes to the abode of Lord Çiva.

Text 221

kià ca 
amävasyä-caturdaçyoù
pradoñe dépa-dänataù
yama-märgändhakärebhyo
mucyate kärttike naraù
kim- ca-furthermore; amävasyä-caturdaçyoù-of amavasya and caturdasi; pradoñe-in the evening; dépa-dänataù-by offering a lamp; yama-märga-on the path of Yamaräja; andhakärebhyaù-from the blindness; mucyate-is liberated; kärttike-in Kärttika; naraù-a person.

It is further said:
"A person who offers a lamp on the evening of the amävasya' and the caturdaçé becomes free from the darkness of the path to Yamaräja."