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ESSENCE OF VARAHA PURANA

By assuming the incarnation of Varaha, Lord Vishnu salvaged Earth (Bhu Devi) from
being sunk into the under-world of Rasatala by the fierceful demon Hiranyakasipu. The
Great Boar lifted up Earth by His damshtra (Jaws) even as the demon was annihilated.
Bhu Devi was stupified in bewilderment but after recovering from the shock, she was
emboldened to pose a volley of queries to Varaha Deva as to how the entire Universe got
dissolved, how the process of Creation was revived after each Kalpa, how Dharma
(Virtue) and Adharma (Vice) were balanced and in which kind of extreme situations
that Lord Vishnu would incarnate in various forms. Lord Varaha outlined Bhu Devis
difficult queries in a brief manner:

The Origin of Creation

The Supernatural Power is indeed singular and eternal. Once this fundamental fact is
recognised, explanations on the above queries would not be far to seek. At the
commencement of Creation, the Supreme Energy created Pancha Bhuthas (The Five
Elements) of Air, Sky, Fire, Water and Earth; Ahamkara(Ego or the Sense of Self or
Personality); the Maha Tatva ( The Great Element); Nature; the Collective and Individual
Consciousness reflected in the Tri-Gunas or Three Aspects or qualities of Behaviour
viz. Satva ( Pure as coloured white), Rajas ( Passion as coloured red) and Tamas
(Ignorance as coloured dark) in varying permutations and combinations; the Atman or
Kshetrajna (Soul) and Prakriti or Maya (Illusion); theTanmatras or the subtle forms
of Matter as produced by the interaction of the Three Gunas; the Pancha- Indriyas
(Sense Organs) which are created by Tanmatras viz. Eyes, Ears, Nose, Tongue and Skin;
the extensions of the Five Sense Organs or the Jnanendriyas( Cognitive) as perceived in
the forms of Vision, Sound, Smell, Taste and Touch as also the further extensions viz. the
Karmendriyasor the Active Expressions of Speaking, Grasping, Moving, Eliminating
and Reproducing. (Together, the Jnanendriyas constitute the Entrance Doors of the Sense
Organs and the Karmendriyas constitute the Exit Doors).

Before the conception of the basic canons of Creation as described above, the Supreme
Force manifested as Lord Narayan-Nara meaning water and ayandenoting abode- who
in turn created Earth. Together, Narayan and Earth produced an Egg and from the navel
of the Lord, who was lying in yogic sleep, sprouted a lotus; on the top of the lotus stem
appeared Lord Brahma who was asked to commence Creation. Lord Brahma could not
succeed and out of anger and frustration appeared Lord Rudra who too entered water to
perform penance. Brahma executed severe penace too and eventually attained the powers
of Creation. He created Prajapathi from the left toe of his right foot and also created the
latters consort from the right toe of his left foot. The copulative action of Prajapati and
his consort had thus paved the way of Srishti in a formal manner. Swayambhu Manu
who was born from the Prajapathis had thus launched the creation in a regular manner.

While Creation was initiated at the end of each Kalpa, there were more of such steps in
the Process. For instance, there were five kinds of Avidyas (False Knowledge)

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produced by Lord Narayana viz. Tamas (Darkness), Moha (Attachment), Maha
Moha (Extreme attachment), Tasmira (Jealousy) and Andha Tasmira (Anger).
Thereafter, there was the Mukhya Sarga or the principal creation of immovable objects
like mountains and trees. Also, there was Thiryaksrota related to animals (quadruped);
the sixth creation was called Satvik Sargaor of Deities with Virtuous nature; the
Seventh creation was called Arvaaksrota Sarga related to human beings; the Eighth
creation viz. Anugraha Sarga pertaining to Sages and hermits and finally the ninth
creation was of Kaumara Sarga related to Eternal Adolescents like Sanaka, Sanandana,
Sanatana, and Sanat Kumara; then emerged the Ten Manasa Putras viz.Marichi, Angira,
Atri, Pulah, Kratu, Pulasya, Pracheta, Bhrigu, Narad and Vasishtha. But, the foremost
creation of Lord Rudra was as Artha Nareeswara; collectively there were Eleven
Rudras, viz. Maha Deva, Shiva, Maha Rudra, Shankara, Neelalohita, Esana Rudra,
Vijaya Rudra, Bheema Rudra, Deva Deva, Bhavodbhava and Adityatmika Sri Rudra;
their corresponding consorts are Dhee Devi, Dhriti Devi, Ushna or Rasala Devi, Uma
Devi, Neeyut Devi, Sarpi Devi, Ela Devi, Ambika Devi, Iravati Devi, Sudha Devi and
Deeksha Devi.

Exemplary Devotion of Priyavrata, Ashvasira, Vasu and Raibhya


(Pundarikaksha and Gadadhara Mantras included)

In the context of balancing the forces of Dharma and Adharma, instances of exemplary
devotion displayed by Illustrious Kings and Sages through the ages were cited by
Bhagavan Varaha to Prithvi. King Priyavrata, son of Swayambhu Manu, relinquished
his Kingdom to his sons and Sage Narada visited his hermitage once.The Sage narrated
his own interesting experiences. In one case, he passed by a lake in Swethadvipa and
found a highly attractive and lonely damsel when he felt infatuated and lusty. Soon he
discovered that she was Devi Savitri Herself- the embodiment of Virtue- and felt an
unpardonable sense of shame for his sin. From Her body emerged three male figures, viz.
the three Vedas of Rik, Yajur and Sama. However, Devi Savitri pardoned Naradas
momentary indiscretion and embarrassment and blessed him with his knowledge of past
lives. In one of his earlier lives, Narada was a rich and virtuous youth in a Brahmin
family, became a Scholar, donated lot of his wealth for several noble causes, performed
pilgrimages, Sacrifices, penances etc; constantly recited Om Namo Narayana and
finally secured Lord Vishnus Darshan(Direct Appearance). But the Lord declined
Mukti (Eternal Bliss) to Narada as he was to play important roles through many births
ahead till he became a Brahma Manasa Putra (Lord Brahmas mind-born son).Exhorted
by Narada, King Priyavrata decided to emulate the example of Narada through out his
remaining life.
King Ashvasira was another example of a highly righteous and worthy devotee of Lord
Vishnu who performed several donations, Sacrifices and an Aswamedha Yajna. Sage
Kapila, accompanied by Sage Jaigishvya visited Ashvasiras Court and the King received
the Sages with great veneration and devotion. The King desired to know from the Sages
as to how best he could attain Sayujyam or oneness with Lord Vishnu. They replied that
they were the Lord Vishnu themselves! The King replied politely that the Sages were
indeed most revered and memorable no doubt but how could they claim to be Vishnu
himself; for one thing the Supreme Lord is unique and singular! The Sages created a

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make believe situation by the help of illusion that they were Vishnu and His Carrier
Garuda.They taught a lesson to the King that Lord Vishnu resided in each and every
being and the Pure Soul in each object is as good as Lord Vishnu among all. The Sages
had thus helped the Kings Jnananethra or the Eye of Wisdom open up to witness that
Lord Vishnu was all pervasive and Omni Present and that he should be able to witness
Lord Vishnu all over! The King was apparently convinced, yet had raised a doubt that the
Sages should please clear up: who is able to realise Almighty?-a Knowledgeable person
or a person who does his rightful deed or duty? In reply,the Sages Kapila and Jaigishvya
narrated a story to the King that Sage Raibhya and King Vasu too sought a reply on a
similar query from Deva Guru Brihaspati.The Guru explained that who ever would
perform his duty with a sense of complete detachment would also have access to
Salvation. To illustrate this, Deva Guru described an incident: There was a Brahmana,
named Sanyaman, who was a descendent of Sage Atri. While he was taking bath in a
river, he met a person named Nishthoor who was a fowler, killing birds and animals for
his living.The Brahmana scolded the fowler for his evil deeds, but the latter did not show
any signs of remorse; instead he justified the acts. He said that whoever sought salvation
ought to keep in mind that the doer was God, the act was His own and the reason for
doing the act too was God Himself-Karanam, Kaaranam and Kartha! The moment ego
came to play while performing the act, the doer would be called cruel, but when he did it
with perfect detachment and as a duty, then the situation would be different.Thus spoke
Brihaspati that anybody could certainly aspire for salvation, be he a householder or a
hermit or a seeker of knowledge.King Ashvasira was thus convinced about his doubts
from the Sages Kapila and Jaigishvya, moved on to Naimisharanya for the rest of his life
and in the course of several Yagnas that he conducted he found a sheet of effulgence
approching him and got engulfed into Lord Vishnu finally.
King Vasu and Sage Raibhya were totally convinced by the preachings of Deva guru as
mentioned above.The King renounced his kingship in favour of his son and left for
Pushkar Teertha always reciting Pundarikaksha Mantra.
Pundarikaksha Mantra : Namastey Pundarikaksha Namastey Madhusudana, Namasthey
Sarva lokesha Namasthey Thigmachakriney, Vishvamurthi Mahabahum Varadam
Sarvatejasam, Namami Pundarikaksham Vidyaavidyatmakam Vibhum, Adidevam
Mahadevam Veda Vedangapaaragam, Gambhiram Sarva Devaanam Namami
Madhusudanam, Vishva Murthi Maha Murthi Vidya Murthi Trimurthikam, Kavacham
Sarva Devaanam Namasye Vaarijekshanam, Sahasrasirshinam Devam Sahasraaksham
Mahabhujam, Jagat- samvyaapya Thishthanthim Namasye Parameswaram, Sharanya
Sharanam Devam Vishnum Jishnum Sanatanam, Neelamegha pratikamsham Namasye
Chakrapaaninam, Suddham Sarvagathim Nityam Vyomarupam Sanaatanam,
Bhavaabhava Vinurmuktam Namasya Sarvagum Harim, Naanyat kinchit prapashyami
Vyatiriktam thvada-Achuta, Tvanmayamcha prapashyami Sarvametatcharacharam.
The Mantra means: I greet Pundarikaksha, I greet Madhusudan, I greet Sarva Lokesha
or the Lord of all the Worlds, I greet Tigmachakrinam or He who carries a fearful and
glowing wheel; You are Visva Murthi, Maha bahu (mighty armed), Varadam (Giver of
boons), Sarva Tejo Swarupa or All Radiant Figure, I greet Pundarikaksha,
Vidyaavidyatmikam(The Embodiment of Learning and Ignorance alike), Vibhumor
the Super Lord, Adi Devam or the Original God; Maha Devam( The Greatest Deity),
Veda Vedanga Paaranam ( The Supreme Sourcer of Vedas and other Scriptures),

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Gambhiram( The Complex), Sarva Devaanam ( All in one of Devas), I greet
Madhusudanam ( Destroyer of The Demon Madhu), Viswa Murthim, Maha Murthim,
Vidya Murthim, Tri Murthikam or The Union of Three Gods of Brahma, Vishnu and
Maheswara; Kavacham Sarva Devanam or the Safeguard of all Devas, I greet
Varijekshanamor He who is Lotus Eyed, Sahsrasirsham Devam or He who has
Thousand (countless) Heads, Sahasraaksham or countless Eyes; Maha Bhujam (Great
Shoulders), Jagasamvyapya( All Pervasive); I greet Parameswaram, ( Supreme God);
Sharanyam Sharanam ( Protect me , hey Vishnu, Jishnu, Sanatanam or Omni Present,
Omni Scient and Ageless), Nilameghapratikasham or He who is likened to blue clouds,
Chakrapaninam or He who carries the famous and all powerful Sacred Wheel;
Suddham or Pure, Sarvagatam or All Present, Nityam (Permanent), Vyomarupam or
Resembler of Sky; Bhavabhava nirmuktam (He who is devoid of materialistic feelings or
otherwise); Namaste Sarvagum Harimor I greet Hari who is replete all over; Naanyat
kinchit Prapasyaami Vyatiriktam Twadaachyuta or I cannot visualise any thing else
other than You Achyuta! You are all over the Universe comprising all movable and
immobile objects!)
While the King was chanting the Mantra, a blue human form emerged from the Kings
body and conveyed that in an earlier birth he (Vasu) was a King too who killed a
Brahmin in disguise as a deer and as a penance performed Eakadasi Vrathas, donated
cows and many other austerities. But at the time of death uttered his wifes name
Narayani instead of the name of Narayan. In his next birth too, King Vasu was a King of
Kashmir but then again he no doubt did Yagnas and many other virtuous deeds but not
heeded to chant the name of Lord Vishnu; out of vengence the soul of the Brahmin in the
form of the dead deer continued to haunt the King of Kashmir. Since in the current birth
as King Vasu continued the chanting of the Pundarikaksha Mantra at Pushkar Teertha,
not only the tormented soul of the Brahmin dead as a deer got relieved but the King Vasu
got rid of the sin of killing a Brahmana and eventually reached Vishnu Loka.
Sage Raibhya decided to emulate the example of King Vasu in the quest of Salvation.He
left for Gaya to perform the Shraddh (Annual Ceremony) of his ancestors.One of
Brahma Manasa Putras-Sanat Kumara was pleased with the Shraddha or complete
dedication with which the Sage Raibhya performed by the Ceremony. Sanat Kumara
complimented the Sage and confirmed that visiting the Sacred Place of Gaya and
performing Pindapradan to the ancestors in a systematic manner ought to be considered
as highly significant; what is more, Gaya is the the abode of Gadadhar Sri Hari Himself
and the Ceremonies performed with sincerity and devotion to Gadadhar would yield
immense results to the Karthaor the Performer and the ancestors of three generations as
well. In this connection, Sanat Kumara gave the example of King Vishal who was greatly
perturbed as he had no son and thus called for a Conference of Brahmanas to suggest a
solution. The advice received was that the King was cursed by his ancestors and their
souls were being tormented in the abscence of the Annual Ceremonies which were never
performed in the past. Hence he should perform a Shraddha Ceremony at Gaya. During
the course of the Ceremony, the King found three elderly Brahmanas and introduced
themselves as the deceased of three generations viz. the Father, Grand Father and the
Great Grand Father.Thus as a result of the success of the function performed at Gaya by
the King, the souls of the deceased three generations were liberated. Sage Raibhya
continued to stay at Gaya till the end of his life and prayed to Lord Gadadhar till he

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joined the league of Vaikuntha.The Gadadhara Mantra with the power of which Sage
Raibhya was blessed to attain Vaikuntha is as follows:

(1) Gadadharam Vibhudhajanaira- bheeshtitham dhrutakshamam kshuditha janaarthi


nashanam, Shivam Visalaasurasainya mardanam, Namaamyaham hatasakalaasubham
smruthou (I pray to Lord Gadadhara who is praised by all the Devas for the fulfillment
of their desires; who is ever-kind to respond to the wails of human beings and demolish
their needs; who is a lasting source of propitiousness as also a merciless destroyer of
Demons and Evil Forces); (2) Puranapurvam Purusham Purushottamam Puratanam
Vimalaamalam Nrinam Gatim, Trivikramam Dhrutadharanim Bleham Gadadharam
Rahasi Namami Kesavam(I bow to Gadadhar Kesav who is Originless, Existent far
before the Universe, Most Ancient, Pure, Spotless, Capable, Trend setter to Humanity,
Trivikram, the Holder of Earth, and Appointer of Bali); (3) Susuddha bhavam
Vibhavirupavritam Shriyavrutam Vigataamalam Vichakshanam, Kshithiswarair- apagata
kilbishaih Stutam Gadadharam Pranamati yah sukham vaset( I implore Gadadharam
who is charming, pure hearted, highly prosperous and flourishing, immaculate,
featureless, scholarly, bright, sinless, Ever eulogized and blissful); (4) Surasurairarchita
pada pankajam Kaiyura haaraangada mouli dharinam, Abdhou Shananam cha rathanga
paaninam ( I revere Him whose lotus-like feet are worshipped, wears hand-jewellery,
necklace, body part adornments and headgear, relaxes comfortably on milk-ocean, and
holds Sudarshan wheel and mace); (5) Sitam kruthey Tretayugerunam Vibhum tatha
Tritiye peetha varnamachyutam, Kalou Ghanaalipratimam Maheshwaram Gadadharam
pranamati yah sukham vaseth ( I beseech the blessings of Maheswara Gadadhara who is
happily coloured white in Kritha Yuga, crimson in Treta Yuga, yellow during Dwapara
Yuga and cloud-like in Kali Yuga); (6) Bijoddhvo yah Sujathey Chaturmukhastayaiva
Narayana Rupathojagat, Prapaalayet Rudra vapurastathantakrut Gadadharo Jayatu
Shadartrimurthiman (Victory to Gadadhara who assumed three forms of Lord Brahma
born out of the formers seed being responsible for the task of Creation, Lord Narayana
being responsible for Administration and Lord Rudra for Universal destruction); (7)
Satva Rajaschiva Tamo Gunaastraya sthaveteshu naanyasya samudbhavah kila, sa
chaika eva thrividho Gadadharo dadhatu dhairya mama Dharma mokshiyoh; (There are
Satva, Rajas and Tamo Gunas and beyond these three Gunas there are none else; Hey
Gadadharo, kindly bestow me strength and courage to secure Dharma/ Virtuousness and
Moksha / Salvation to obtain a proper mix of these Gunas);(8) Samsara thoyarna vadum
khatanthubhi viyogana kramakramanih subheeshanaih, Majjanthamujjaih sutaraam
Mahaplavey Gadadharo mamu dadhaatu pothavat; (May Gadadhar pull me up from the
frightful Ocean of Samsara and from the strong ropes of attachments like the body,
family and constant fear of death); (9) Swayam Trimurthih Svamivatmanaatmani
Svashaktitah anda midam sasarjaha, thasmijjalothaasanam arya thejasam sasarja yasthah
pranatosmi Bhudharam ( I salute Gadadhar as He holds Earth and the Trimurthis by His
own might, created the Universe and the highly radiant Kamalaasan Brahma);(10)
Matsyadi namani jagatsu kevalam Suraadi samrakshanato Vrushakapih, Mukhya
swarupena smanthato Vibhu Gadadharo me Vidudhaatu sadgatim(May Incarnations of
Gadadhar like Matsya meant only to protect Devas and the Virtuous be kind to lead me to
Salvation!)

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Overview of Lord Vishnus Incarnations

To one of the queries of Bhu Devi about the instances when Lord Vishnu assumed
various forms as extreme situations were faced by the Universe, especially when injustice
and evil forces reached a point of no return, the reply from Lord Varaha was quite
positive. In an earlier case, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Matsya or a Giant Fish.
As the Lord found in His Yoga Nidra at the time of Pralay that The Four Vedas were
being destroyed, He took the very first Incarnation to rescue the Sciptures. Even Dieties
were frightened to find the collossal form of Matsya and after the retrieval of the Vedas
from the Ocean bed, euloguised and entreated the Lord to reduce the size of the Fish. On
another occasion, Lord Vishnu assumed various other forms such as Kurma (Tortoise)
at the time of Ocean-churning to balance the Manthara Mountain by using the Great
Serpent Vasu as the huge string as both Devas and Danavas toiled to fetch Amrit
(Ambrosia). On occasions following the Varaha Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnated as
Narasimha Avatar (The Man-Lion form) to destroy Demon Hiranyaksha and save the
highly dedicated devotee of Vishnu. The Lord assumed Vamana Avatar (The Dwarf) to
control the ambitions of King Bali and threw him down under the Sub-terranian world. In
a conscious effort to obliterate the clan of Kshatriyas or Rulers who oppressed and
tormented the contemporary world and became tyrannical, Lord Vishnu incarnated as
Parasurama and vindicated Virtue against Vice. Bhagavan Vishnu incarnted asShri
Rama - a Maryada Purusha or a Model Man of Dignity and Valour who established
bench- marks to humanity and annihilated the clan of Demons in Lanka headed by
Ravana who not only terrorised the world but trampled all limits of decency by abducting
Lady Sita and performing endless acts of cruelty. In Dwapara Yuga, the most charismatic
was the Avatar of Sri Krishna, the Central Figure of the momerable Epic Maha Bharata
who declared: Yada Yadahi Dharmasya glanir bhavati Bharata! Abhyuthana
madharmasya tadatmanam srijamyaham/ (As and when Virtue is trampled and
Wickedness dominates, I incarnate myself to correct the balance); Paritranaya
Sadhuunam vinasaayacha dushkrutam Dharma Samsthapanaardhaaya Sambhavaami
Yuge Yuge/ (I make my presence felt in various Yugas to save the Virtuous and root out
the Wicked). In the earlier phase of Kali Yuga, Lord Buddha was born to preach the
triumph of Dharma (Virtue), Nyaya (Justice) and Ahimsa (Non- Violence) and
popularised Buddhism as a powerful tool in the quest of Truth and Self-Realisation. The
tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu at the termination of Kali Yuga is to be that of Kalki
Avatar brandishing a sword on a horse back to herald a New Age of Dharma.

Rituals of Shraddha (Amavasya Tarpana Mantra included)

Once Maharshi Markandeya visited Sage Gomukh in Naimsharanya and discussed


matters related to Pitras and Rituals for venerating the deceased souls. First about the
Pitras: While Lord Narayana is the Adi Guru and created Brahma, the latter created
Sapta Rishis or Seven Sages (Brahma Manasa Puthras) and instructed them to worship
him but instead they worshipped themselves and disobeyed Brahmas oders. They were
cursed that the knowledge acquired by them be forgotten. Eventually, the Seven Sages
known as Vimaniks procreated a number of sons. Pursuant to the death of the Seven
Sages, the progeny performed Shraddhas by way of Pindadaanmantras to the deceased

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and the latter attained Swarga Loka. Of the Sapta Rishis, four of them such as Marichi
were entitled to Amrit.The remaining three were not; some were sent to the Santanak
Loka or Bhaswar Loka residents of which were Amurthis or without Bodies ie.
Chinmatra or Abhouthik category. Sages Sanatana, Kashyap, Vasu and so on belong to
this classification. Some Pitras belong to another category viz. Vairaj, named after
Prajapati Viraj and so on. [Sapta Rishis are stated to vary as per Manvantaras: The First
Manvantara Group is mentioned as Marichi, Atri, Angirasa, Pulaha, Kratu, Pulasthya and
Vasistha; in the Current Seventh Vaivasvata Manvantara, the Group is stated as
Kashyapa, Atri, Vasishtha, Viswamitra, Gautami, Jamadagni and Bharadwaja]
Appropriate days for performing Kamya Shraddha include: the days when Uttarayan or
Dakshinayan commence, during Solar/Lunar eclipses, if apprehended or experienced by
evil influences of specific planet or constellation, when Sun changes its course from
zodiac to another and so on. Days falling with Stars Anuradha, Visakha and Swati
especially coinciding with Amavasya are considered auspicious.Similarly Shraddhas on
Amavasya days coinciding with Stars of Pushya or Punarvasi are extremely auspicious to
the ancestors and the Karthas (those who perform the Ceremonies). The third day of the
bright half of Vaisakha month, the Ninth day of the bright half of Kartik, the thirteenth
day of the dark half of Bhadrapad and Amavasya of Magha month are also commended
for performing Kamya Shraddhas. Tarpana (Libation) to Pitras and Forefathers of three
generations atleast constitutes as an essential component of Kamya Shraddha, besides
physical and internal cleanliness.The Pitrugan keep expecting anxiously as to when
would Rainy Season arrive in Makha Star, or when would Magha months Amavasya
would come soon to quench the thirst of the departed souls! The Kartha ought to observe
distinct mind, affordable charity, ample time and attention, devotion, Shraddha or
Patience and dedication to satisfy the tormented souls!

[Amavaasya Tarpana Vidhaanam : Achamya.Punya tithoupreethyathamPrayukta


Punya kaaley Devarshi Pitruunuddhishya Devarshi Pithru Preethyartham Devarshi Pitru
Tarpanam karishye (Ithi Samkalpya); Note: Recite Tarpayami once at the end of each
Mantra; twice or thrice as indicated in each category below; leave spoonful of water each
time after saying Tarpayami:Brahmodayo ye Devah thaan Devagumstrapayami-Sarvaan
Devaagumstrapayami- Sarvaan Devaganaagum strapayami-Sarvaan Deva
patneestharpayami-Sarvaan Deva Putraagumstarpayami-Sarvaan Deva
poutragumstarpayami-Bhuur Devaagumstarpayami-Bhuvardevaagumsturpayami-
Suvardevaagumstarpayami-Bhurbhuvassuvardevaagum starpayami [ Now wear
Yajnopaveetham as a Maala] Atha Krishna dwaipaya naadayo ye Rishaah: Thaan
Risheegumstarpayami Tarpayaami (2)-Sarvaan Rishi ganaagumstarpayami Tarpayami
(2)-Sarvah Rishi Patneestrapayami tarpayami (2)-Sarvaan Rishigum Putraamstarpayami
tarpayami(2)-Sarvaan Risheegum Poutraamstarpayami Tarpayami (2)-Bhur Risheegum
starpayami Tharpayami (2)-Bhuvar Risheegum starpayami Tarpayami (2)-Suvar
Risheegumstarpayami Tarpayami(2)-Bhurbhuvassuvar Risheegum starpayami Tarpayami
(2)-Kaandarshi Tarpanam:-Prajapatim Kaanda Rishim-Starpayami Tarpayami (2)-
Somam Kaanda Rishim Tarpayami Tarpayami(2)-Agnim Kaanda Rishim Tarpayami
Tharpayami (2) Sarvaan Devaan Kaanda Risheegum Tarpayami Tarpayami (2)
Saagumhiteer devata Upanishada Tarpayami Tarpayani (2)-Yaajnikir Devataa
Upanishada Tarpayami Tarpayami (2) Vaarunir Devata Upanishada Tarpayami

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Tarpayami (2)-Havyavaaham Tarpayami Tarpayami (2)-Viswaan Devaan
Kandarsheegum Tarpayami Tarpayami (2)-Brahmaanagum Swayam Bhuvam Tarpayami
Tarpayami (2)-Vanaspatim Tarpayami Tarpayami (2)
NOW Tarpanam to Pitarah (Note: Yagnopaveetam to be turned left as Praacheenaaveeti)
Somah Pitruman Yamom Girasvanagnisshaatvaagni kavyavaahanaadayo ye thaan
Pitarah Pitruun SwadhanamastarpayamiSwadhanamastarpayami
Swadhaanamastarpayami (3)
Punarvisvaan Devan
Kaandarsheegum -Do- -Do- -Do-
Arunaan Kaandarsheegum -Do- -Do- -Do-
Sarvaan Pitruugum -Do- -Do- -Do-
Sarvaan Pitruganaagum -Do- -Do- -Do-
Sarvah Pitru Patnee -Do- -Do- -Do-
Sarvaan Pitru Putraagum -Do- -Do- -Do-
Sarvaan Poutraagum -Do- -Do- -Do-
Bhuh Pitruugum -Do- -Do- -Do-
Bhuvah Pitruugum -Do- -Do- -Do-
Suvah Pitruugum -Do- -Do- -Do-
Bhurbhvassuvah Pitruugum -Do- -Do- -Do-
Anena Devarshi Pitru Tarpanena Bhagavan Sarvaatmakah Sri Parameswarah Preeyataam
Yetat Phalam Sri Parameswara arpanamasthu.
Pitru Tarpanam:
Achamya, Evam .Preetyartham Pituh Pitruunaam Akshayya Punyalokaphala
vaapartham Darsa Prayukta Maha Punya Kaley Thila Tarpanam karishye (Praacheenaa
-veeti, Daksinaamukhah Savyam Jaanvaachya or facing South with left knee bent seated).
While performing Tarpan Brahmanas recite Sharmaanam, Ksatriyas say Varmaanam
and Vysyas say Guptam).
The seriatim of the departed souls for the purpose of performing Tarpanam is as follows
by taking care of those who are alive should not, repeat not, be included in the process as
the list is only suggestive; The Tarpana Vidhanam or Procedure is to recite (A) the
relationship of the Karta (Performer) to the Concerned Departed Soul, (B) His/Her
Gotram, and (C) the Name of the Soul and then perform the Tarpanam three times by
saying the Mantram thrice viz. Svadhanamaha Tarpayami.For example:
Pitaram-Haradasa Gothram-Narayana Murti Sharmanaam-Swadhaanamah Tarpayami
(The last word to be uttered thrice and simultaneously tarpanam be left thrice as well)
Note: Tila or Sesame / Ginjelley seeds must be mixed with the water to be utilised for
Tarpanam)
Pitaram-Father, Pitamaham- Grand Father, Prapitamaham-Great Grand Father, Mataram-
Mother, Pitamahim- Fathers mother, Prapitamahim- Fathers Grand Mother,
Sapnatimataram- Fathers another wife if applicable; if Karta (Performer) was adopted to
another family then to his adopted parents viz. Janaka Pitaram and Janaka Mataram;
Matamaham- Mothers Father, Mathuh Pitamaham- Maternal Grand Father, Mathu
Prapithamaham-Mothers Great Grand Father, Matamahim- Mothers Mother, Mathuh
Pitamahim-Mothers Grand Mother, Mathuh prapitamahim- Mothers Great Grand
Mother, Atma Patnim-Wife, Sutham- Sons, Bhrataram- Brothers, Pitravyam-Fathers
Brothers, Mathulam- Maternal Uncles and their Wives, Duhitaram-Daughters,

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Bhagineem-Sisters, Dauhitram-Grand Sons, Bhagineyam- Nephews, Pitru Bhagineem-
Fathers Sisters, Matru Bhagineem- Mothers elder/younger Sisters, Jamatharam-Son in
laws, Bhavukam- Brothers in laws and their wives, Snushaam-Daughter in law,
Swasuram / Swasrum- Wifes father/ mother, Syalakam-Wifes brothers and their wives,
Guru and Rikthinam- the Main Shop Keeper ( in fact ,wherever not mentioned tarpanam
may be done as Sapatneekam or Sabhartreekam as the case may be, if the departed Souls
are devoid of wives/husbands. As a round up-Evam Tarpanam kuryat: Echasrutkuley
Jaata Aputhro gotrinomrutah, they gruhnanthu maya dattam sutra nishpeedanodakam
(May my Tarpanas be please accepted on behalf of those in our Vamsam, the Sagotras or
those who died without sons by way of sqeezing water from my Yajnopaveeth; this
Mantra be recited by wearing the Holy Thread as a mala or long necklace and be left in
the Tarpana Plate)]

Regular Annual Shraddha

Maharshi Markandeya emphasised to Sage Gomukha about the best suitability of


Brahmanas to execute Shraddh. He quoted Brahma Putra Sanandana that Brahmanas who
are experts in Mantras related to Trinachiket (Adhrvyu Yajna), Trimadhu
(Madhuvvata) and Trisuparna or expert in Vedic Dicsiplines like Siksha, Chhand,
Vyakaran, Jyotish and Shat Vedanga as also in Vedas would please Brahma Himself!
Contrarily, those Brahmanas who are cheaters of friends, crooked-hand nailed, black
teethed, ignorant of Vedas and Agni, thieves, Gram yachaks or beggars, remarried, those
who abandoned parents, or those who have not married according to their traditions be
certainly disqualified to partake in Shraddhas. The Ceremony be performed by any of the
close relatives of the deceased apart from a son, such as maternal nephew, grand son of
daughter, father in law, son in law, maternal uncle, failing which a Tapasvi Brahmana.
Scriptures had prescribed the number of Brahmins as odd numbers, say one, three, five
etc.But the Shraddh involving deities be engaged in even numbers, unless however there
is a limitation in obtaining the even number. In other words, atleast one Brahmin
repesenting Devas and one repesenting Pitrugan might be in order. The Brahmins invited
for the Ceremony be invited atleast one day ahead. While performing the Pitru Shraddh,
especially involving Deities, it is mandatory to invoke Vaishva Deva. The invocation to
Agni Deva is to be performed thrice with Anna (Cooked Rice) by the Mantras: 1)
Agnaye Kavyahanaya Swaha 2) Somaya Pitrumatey Swaha and 3) Vaivasvataya
Swaha.Then, Brahmanas (Bhoktas) are welcomed formally by relevant Mantras by
washing their feet and with the request of taking Food with Bhakshya (Special Recipes,
Snacks and Sweets), Bhojya (Main Course with Vegetables, Dals, and Chutneys), Lehya
(Preparations which are licked with tongue), Choshya (Items which are sucked) and
Paniyas or a variety of drinks with Mouna (Silence) and comfort. There after Shraddha-
Karta is to be conveyed through Rakshodhana and other Mantras recited by the
Brahmanas that Bhumi is cleansed by Tilas and that the Bhokta Brahmanas are of the
form of Pitaras (the departed three generations) and Deities.Tarpanas are a part of the
Ceremony in favour of those deceased as detailed above. One another significant ritual
relates to Pinda Daan; Pindas made of Cooked rice or Wheat Flour along with black
Sesame (Tila) seeds and water, each rounded in equal size placed on Kusa all facing
South are worshipped by Dhup, Deep and Naivedyas.The Pindas represent the forefathers

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of three generations, viz. Father, Grand Father and Great Grand Father; in case of
Shradda for mother, the two other gerations would be fathers mother and fathers grand
mother Bali Vaishva Deva Rituals mark the end of Shraddha and Prasad as the
remains of what Bhoktas and other Brahmanas had eaten is consumed. The Kartha/s
should not leave the Shraddha Ceremony at any point of time till the end nor get
destracted. The Entire Ceremony as a composite and uninterrupted Sacred Duty and any
infringement is considered as a wanton Sin. Not only are the Forefathers affected but
more importantly the Kartha and the Brahmanas responsible for the success or otherwise
of the Ceremony attract the blame or the benefit.

Origin of some Deities, specific days for worship and fruitful results

There lived a noble King during Satya Yuga by name Prajapal who met a Sage Mahatapa
in the latters hermitage during a hunting session in a forest. During the meeting, the
King enquired about the prominence of specific Deities and their importance. The Sage
underlined that all the Deities are of the manifestation of Lord Vishnu and the fruits of
worship to each and every Deity belong to the Lord. Prajapal asked sage Mahatapa as to
how various Deities like Agni, Ashvini Kumars, Gauri, Gajanan, Seshnag, Kartikeya,
Aditya, Chandrama, Durga, Ashta Matrikas, Dishatey, Kuber, Vayu, Yama, Rudra,
Dharma, Pitra Ganas etc.were created, what is the Sanjna (Number) and the Tithi.

Creation of Agni Deva, his several names and implication of worship

When Maha Vishnu created Panchabhutas9Five Elements) and Loka Pitamah Brahma
and commanded the latter to initiate creation, Brahma could not do so and he was
extermely confused and hence angry and the rage created thousands of flames called
Agni who became extremely thirsty. When Agni asked Brahma as to how his thirst could
be quenched, Brahma showed three types of satisfying it viz.sharing the Dakshinas
received by Devas and hence Agni was known as Dakshinagni; the second way of
Agnis thirst was by carrying the Havans (Homas and Yajnas) performed in the Trilokas
(Three Worlds) in favour of various Deities as their Vahan, thus becoming Agni
popular as Havyavahan; the third way is that since Agni is present in each Griha or
household, he is known as Garhapatyagni. Brahma further named Agni as Vaisvanara
as the latter provides the means of bestowing Sadgati (Salvation) to the virtuous beings
performing havans and other good deeds. Agni is Jataveda or protector of both Known
and Unknown material; Naaraa Prashamsa-Naaror people, especially Dwijasor twice
born Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and Vysyas do Prashamsa or praise; Known as
Dravinodaas Agni provides money power. The other popular names accorded by
Brahma to Agni are Tanunpath (Agni protects Sharir/Asharir), Prapurna (full of
everything) and many other names. Agni desired to Brahma to designate a day of each
Month so that all concerned would perform worship to Him. Since this was a unique
request made by any Deity for the first time, Brahma confirmed Pratipada as a day of
significance for Agni. Brahma blessed Agni that Pratipada be popularised among all the
Lokas and worship to Agni by way of fasting (Upavas) or at the most by taking milk
would quality a devotee to acquire prosperity and Tejas (radiance) during the current
birth and to secure Kingship in the next birth and certainly please the Pitru Loka.

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Origin of Aswini Kumars and their worship on Dviteeya
(Narayana Mantra included)

Sage Mahatapa explained to Prajapal how Aswini Kumars were born. Marichi was
Brahmas son and Kashyap was the son of Marichi. Kashyap and Aditi begot Twelve
Adityas (Suns). [According to Vishnupurana the Adityas were Amsa, Aryaman, Bhaga,
Dhuti, Mitra, Pusan, Sakra, Savitur, Twastha, Varuna, Vishnu/Vamana, Vaivaswat;
Martand too was known as one of these, but Aditi appeared to have disowned him?]
Martand wedded Viswakarmas daughter Sangya and begot two children-Yama and
Yami. Sangya was unable to bear the extreme heat of Martand, thus created her shadow
counterpart with instructions to serve her husband in all ways and left for a place known
as Uttarkuru. Eventually Martand came to know the truth, discovered her in the form of a
mare, married her and gave birth to two Aswini Kumars! Martand instructed the sons to
dedicate themselves in the worship of Narayana and after severe Tapasyaby incessantly
uttering Narayana Mantra which was taught by Martand, Prajapati Narayan was finally
pleased to appear Himself before them. When King Prajapal desired to learn the Mantra
from the Sage Mahatapa, the latter obliged and recited it.
The Text of the Narayana Mantra is as follows:
Namastey Nishkriya Nishprapancha Nirashraya Nirapeksha, Niralamba Nirguna
Niraloka Niradhara Nirjara Nirakara-Brahman Maha Brahman Brahmanapriya Purusha
Maha Puroshottama-Deva Maha Devottam Sthano Sthitasthapaka, Bhuta Maha Bhuta
Bhutadhipati Yaksha Maha Yaksha Yakshadhipatey-Griha Maha Grihatipatey Sowmya
Maha Sowmya Sowmyadhipathey, Pakshi Mahapakshapathey Ditya Maha Dityadhi
pathey-Rudra Maha Rudradhipathey Vishnu Maha Vishnupathey, Parameswara Narayana
Prajapathaye Namah-Evam Stuthastada Thabhyama Sivabhyam sa Prajapathih, Thrutosha
Paramapreetya Vakyamcheda mukhavachah-Varam Varayatham Sheeghram Daivaih
Paramadurlabham, yena me varadaaney charathastridivam Sukham.
Aswini Kumars had Darshanof Narayana and were blessed with boons of securing
portions of Yajna, the authority of obtaining Amrit along with Devas, handsome figures,
radiance and knowledge of medicine. As the Aswini Kumars are two in number, Brahma
designated the second day of month or Dviteeyaas the day of worship to them. Whoever
reads or hears the story of Asvini Kumars and recites Narayana Matra would be blessed
with noble sons and be relieved of sins.

Significance of Triteeya as the day of worship to Devi Gauri /Devi Parvati


(Rudra Stuti included)

Brahma created Lord Rudra and instructed Him to organise Creation, but Rudra being
extremely spiritual executed penance. Meanwhile Devi Gauri was born to Daksha
Prajapati and was known as Dakshayani. Rudra got disturbed in His Tapasya as Daksha
initiated one Yagna which was supported by Lord Vishnu. There was an altercation
between Rudra and Vishnu but Brahma intervened as both of them were imperative in the
context of Universal Existence and thus declared that both Hari and Hara would be
equally crucial. To appease Rudra, Brahma offered a major portion of Havis or the

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oblations to Agni for distribution to various Devas who sought to cool down Rudra by
extolling Him:
Rudra Stuti:

Bhaganetra haram Devam Pushno danta vinasanam,


Stutim kuruth ma Seeghram Geetyirethesthu Namami
Namo Vishama netraya Nameste Triambakayacha,
Namah Sahsara netraya Namasthe Suulipaanine-
Namah Khatvanga hasthaaya Dandabhrutey kare,
Tvam Deva Hutabhungjwala kotibhanu samaprabahah-
Adarshaneyat Deva Mridavijnanatodhuna,
Krutamasmabhirevesha Thadatra kshayataam Prabho-
Namah Trinetrayatriharaya Shambho,
Trisulapaney Vikritasya rupa-
Samasta Deveswara Suddha bhava,
Praseeda Rudrachyuta Sarvabhava-
Pushnosya Dantatmaka Bhima rupa Pralambabhogindra lulinthakanthah,
Vishala Dehachyuta Neelakantha Praseeda Visweswara Viswamurthih-
Bhagakshi Samsphotana Dakshakarma,
Grihanabhagam muhatah pradhanam,
Praseeda Deveshvara Neela kantha Prapahinah Sarvagunopapannah-
Sitangaraga pratipanna murthyem Kapaladhaarim Tripuraghna Deva,
Prapahinah Sarva Bhayashu chaiva Umapathey Pushakaranala janma-
Pashyamte Dehagatan Suresh Sargadayo Vedavaraanananta,
Saangaan Savidhyan Sapadakramancha Sarvaan Nileenaamsthvayi Deva Deva-
Bhava Sarva Mahadeva Pinaakin Rudra the Hara,
Natah sma Sarvam Viswesa Aaahinah Parameswara.

Rudra was pleased with Devas who prevailed on Rudra to wed Devi Gauri eventually. As
time passed on, Daksha Prajapati planned another Yagna but did not invite either his
daughter or Rudra who ought to have occupied the Prime Seat being eligible for the
major portion of the Havis! More than Rudra who was immune from such lapses as not
inviting Him, Devi Gauri felt insulted and despite Rudras protests attended her fathers
Yagna Ceremony uninvited. Daksha was not only cool at his daughter but started abusing
Rudra; she could not control Herself and immolated Her life in Yoga Agni. As a sequel to
this most unfortunate development, Rudra created Veerabhadra, got the Daksha Yagna
devastated and severed the head of Daksha. Later on, Rudra was reconciled and as Devas
sincerely entreated to forgive Daksha in the interest of Universal Governance as he was
Prajapati, revived the latter by refixing the head of the Goat meant for Sacrifice at the
Yagna. As time rolled on, Devi Parvati was born to the King of Himalayas viz.
Himavanth and since Her childhood yearned to wed Lord Siva. A powerful Asura
(Demon) named Tarakasura secured boons from Brahma that none in the Universe could
kill him except Lord Sivas son, presumably since Lord Siva would never marry,
especially after the Daksha incident of Devi Gauri. Brahma and Vishnu accompanied by
all the Devas and related Deities approached Lord Siva to marry but Maha Deva was in
Tapasya. Devi Parvati in Her firm resolve to wed Siva approached Him to perform

12
services like timely provision of flowers and such other material such as fruits, Dhoop
and Arthi (Light) to Siva for enabling worship by Himself to the Supreme Power.
Devas utilised the services of Mammadha-son of Lord Narayana- and his wife Devi Sati
to somehow draw Sivas attention to Devi Parvati and change Sivas attitude in favour of
Devi Parvati and pave the way for their wedding so that Siva would beget a son who
could kill the Demon Tarakasura.But unfortunately the desires of Devi Parvati, Devas
and indeed the whole world misfired and Siva opened His third eye to punish Manmadha
by converting him as Ashes! As time passed, Lord Siva married Devi Parvati and was
blessed with Son, Lord Subrahmanya who annihilated Takasura the dreaded Demon.
Since the birth and wedding of Devi Gauri as also of Devi Parvati coincided on the
Thriteeya day of a month, Lord Brahma declared that this day is worthy of special
worship and austerity to Devi Gauri / Devi Parvati. Both men and women ought to avoid
consumption of salt or salted material and those who observe this practice would
certainly become prosperous, healthy and famous.

Birth of Gajanana, Priority Invocation and adoration on Chaturthi


(Ganesha Vrata Vidhana included)

As Devas faced a strange problem of recurring failures as and when they take up a fresh
assignment whereas Demons seemed to be going ahead with novel operations, they
approached Lord Siva and Devi Parvati to provide a solution. In reply Bhagavan Siva
started thinking that among the Panchabhutas (Five Elements), there was an identifiable
personification of a Deity among Prithvi (Earth), Varun (Water), Tejas (Fire) and Vayu
(Wind God), but how was it that Akash (Sky) did not have? By so thinking Lord Siva
laughed loudly and Devi Parvati could guess by her Jnana Shakti (Power of Knowledge)
what Bhagavan was laughing boisterously about. From that energetic hilarity with an
open mouth emerged a replica of Siva who was strong, handsome and powerful whom
Devi Parvati kept gazing and got mesmerised. Lord Siva got annoyed by the instant
reaction of Devi Parvati, became jealous of the Super Boy and infact got angry and
cursed him saying that he would possess an elephant face, disproportionate belly and
serpented Yagnopaveeth (Holy Thread).Siva was still angry and from His body hair roots
kept on multiplying innumerable Vinayaks resembling the original and Lord Brahma
flew over the Sky and as Akashvani( a loud announcement from the Sky) declared that
Devas should be grateful to Lord Siva to have provided the solution to the problem posed
by them and that the various forms of Vinayak which got materialised would indeed
ensure that as and when Devas ( and human beings) initiated a task they should invoke
the blessings of Vinayak foremost. As the announcement from Brahma was heard, Siva
was by then cooled down and addressed Vinayaka endearingly; Ganesh Puja:
Vinayako Vighnakaro Gajasyo Ganesha naamaacha Bhavasya Putrah, Yethecha Sarvam
thava yanthu Bhruthya Vinayakayaah Kruura drishtah Prachandah-Vucchushma daanaadi
vuvruddhva dehaha Karyeshu siddhim prati paadayanthah, Bhavaamsva Deveshu thadha
makeshu kaaryashu chanteshu Mahanubhavat-Agreshu Pujam Labhatenyatha cha
Vinashayishyastatha kaarya siddhim ( Hey Putra! Vinayaka, Vighnakara, Gajavadana,
Ganesha, Shankara Putra; all these cruel-eyed, harsh and angry Vinayaks will be your
servants; those who are desirous of giving well earned materials as daanas or alms be

13
provided with Siddhis or boons. At Yajnas or various Propitious Tasks, all the devotees
shall be provided the highest veneration, lest their tasks or worships be discounted).
As Devas performed Abhishek (Sacred Bath to Ganesha, they extolled him as follows:
Namasthe Gajavaktraya Namasthe Gananayaka, Viyayaka Namastestu Namaste Chanda
Vikrama-Namastestu tey Vighna kartha Namaste Sarpa Mekhala Namaste Rudra
Vaktrotha Pralambajatharaasrita- Sarva Deva Namaskaaradavighnam kuru Sarvada (We
greet you Gajavadan, Gananayak, Prachanda Vikram, Vighna kartha, Naga bhushana,
Rudra Mukha Utpanna, Lambodhara, Avighna Karak, Kalyan Pradata ; Sarva devas are
greeting you, Kindy ensure that we enjoy Avighnam always). Since Ganapati was born
on Chaturthi, this day of each month is worthy of His worship; but Bhadrapada Sukla
Paksha Chaturdhi is the most auspicious day for a fulfledged worship with Shodasa
Upacharas or Sixteen Services of Avahana ( Welcome), Asana ( Seating), Padyam
( water for washing feet), Arghya (water for sipping), Snana or body wash, Gandham
(Sandal wood paste), Dhupam (Incense), Deepam ( offering lights), Naivedyam ( Food
and Fruits) Tambula ( betel leaves and nuts), Paneeya (coconut water), Vastram
(clothing), Alankaram ( Decoration), Abharanam (Jewellery), Stotram (Extolling) and
Arati (Camphor lighting).

Adulation of Nag Devatas on every Panchami day

Before Sage Mahatapas explanation to King Prajapal about the significance of Panchami
Puja every month, he first narrated the origin of the Serpents. In Lord Brahmas creation,
Sage Marichi gave birth to Kashyap and the latters wife Kadru begot mighty sons like
Ananth Nag, Vasuki, Kambal, Karkotak, Padma, Maha Padma, Shankh, Kulik, and
Aparajit. No doubt some of these serpents were illustrious and were utilised for Deva
Karyas (or tasks entrusted to them by Devas) like Vasuki used for churning the Ocean to
secure Amrit, Sesha Nag underneath Lord Narayana as his bed and a few more
exceptions, but by virtue of their nature and nurture, the majority of the race of serpents
was ferocious, vengeful and crooked utilising their natural tendency of producing poison
most of which being ued for killings. In fact some of the notorious leaders of serpents as
mentioned above kill for kicks, some out of spite and some for self-defence. Lord
Brahma was approached by Devas and Great Sages that the untimely, indiscriminate and
defenceless deaths especially among human beings were very frequent, unprovoked and
unnatural. Lord Brahma called for a large gathering of Serpents and threatened them for
dire consequences and warned them severly; He commanded them to migrate to their
abodes permanently to the lower regions of the Universe like Rasatala, Patala and so on.
He threatened them that if they did not mend their ways, He would have the immoral
serpents exterminated in the ensuing Vaivasvata Manvantara and encourage Sarpa
Yagnas as King Janamejaya would indeed execute when only the virtuous ones might
manage to survive.In response to the warning by Brahma, most of the venomous serpents
did migrate to the lower regions, barring a very few still moving surreptitiously causing
sporadic incidents of poisonous killings.Brahma advised the serpents as a race to refrain
from the areas where herbs, medicinal plants and Kites fly on the Sky which have a
powerful eyesight from far off distances. Unfortunately, even the well meaning serpents
of non-poisonous type are hunted out and killed by human beings. But those remaining
type are venerated especially girls desirous of marrying good husbands and women

14
craving for children by providing milk and eats. Come Naga Panchami, especially in the
week following Deepavali celebrations, women observe fast and refrain from eating sour
and milk praparations of food in several parts of Bharat till date.

Kartikeyas worship on Shasthi and its auspiciousness

In a ferocious battle between Devas and Demons once, Devas were defeated severely and
the lack of a suitable Commander-in- Chief was realised as the major cause for the defeat.
Devas and Brahma approched Maha Deva Siva for a quick solution. It was realised that
in the union of Siva and Devi Parvati, an unknown power was created called Ahamkar a
Personality Ego or Self-Image. It was this Ahamkar which was personified and created
as Lord Kartikeya. Maha Deva declared that Kumar would be the best choice for the
position of Deva Senapati or the Commander-in-Chief of the Deities. He was named
after Krittikas who fed the boy with their breast-milk. Infact, as Sage Mahatapa
explained to King Prajapaal, Krittikas, Agni, other Matru Gana, and Devi Parvati, aside
from, of course, Maha Deva the Principal Cause and the Ahankar were all responsible
for the Genesis of Kartikeya. [Krittikas were the the Six wives of Sapta Rishis-named
the Pleides or the Nymphs in modern Astronomy; when Lord Siva and Devi Parvati were
enjoying conjugal happiness at Kailasa, all the Devas, Brahma and Vishnu sought an
emergency audience with Lord Siva who in a hurry spilt his semen on the ground and
Agni Deva transformed as a pigeon pecked up the drops but could not bear the
inflammation. Maha Deva Himself advised the pigeon to inject the drops into a woman of
unparalelled virtue. Agni identified Six Women-supposed to be the Six wives of Sapta
Rishis- and injected the drops into the pores of hairs of their body; the Six women too
could not bear the extreme effervescence and relocated the drops into the violent flow of
River Ganges which in turn carried to the bushes of the reed (Sarkanda) and there
appeared a boy of mysterious magnificence. Devi Parvati came to learn of the incident
and cursed all the Devas who disturbed Her privacy with Siva and cursed their wives to
become barren. Sage Visvamitra appeared at the bushes and named the boy as
Guha and bestowed him the totality of Vedic Knowledge and the title Brahmarshi; the
Six Krittikas tried to breast feed and the boy solved the problem by assuming six heads
and mouths and is called Shanmukha.]

Lord Siva gifted Kumar two significant toys to play with, one a live Kukkut( rooster)
and branch of Tree as also a play mate named Visakha. All the Devas who present
congratulated Kumar and commended (Stuti) him as follows:

Bhavasva Deva Senani Maheswarastuta Prabho


Shanmukha Kanda Visvesha kukkutadwaja Paavake-
Kampitare Kumaresha Skanda Balagrahnuga
Jitaare Krounchavidhvamsa Krittikasuta Matruja-
Bhutagrahapati sreshtha Paavaki Priya Darshana,
Maha Bhutapateh Putra Trilochana Namostutey-
Yvam Stutastada Devaihi vavardha Bhavanandanah,
Dwadasaadithya samkaso vabhuvaadhuta Darshanah
Trilokyamapi tattejasthaapayamaasa Parthiva!

15
The birth of Kartikeya at the Krittika Star on the Sixth day of the bright fortnight of
Margasira month (Krittika Nakshatra of Shashthi Tithi of Suddha Paksha of Margasirsha
Month) brought relief to the Universe, immense joy to the Siva Couple, sense of
liberation to all Devas who were indeed the direct beneficiaries since Brahmas boon was
that only Sivas son could terminate the Demon Tarakasura and finally great fear and
apprehension to Tarakasura and followers! Brahma had formally declared Shashthi of
every month would be a day of austerity and fast only with Phalaahar or fruits as food.
Those who are deviod of sons, prosperity and status ought to observe the fast and recite
the above Karikeya Stuti for instant results.

Devotion to Surya on Saptamis (Text of Adithya Hridayam included)

The unparalelled and ageless Jnana Shakti of the Supreme Energy is but a token sign on
the Sky in the form of Suryas everlasting luminosity and heat, constantly reminding
human beings of the wonder of Creation. The unique radiance of Surya on the Sky
providing fleeting glimpses of Mahan Atma is named Ravi. Surya is also called
Bhaskar or Prabhakar. As he is visible during daytime, Surya is called Diwakar. Since
He is the known Deity from the beginning, one calls Him Aditya. Although the presence
of Surya was a matter of immense happiness initially, Devas started to feel the excessive
illumination and heat and as such prayed to Him to tone down these to bearable
levels;They said that He was too sizzling and literally burning Devalokas; the glow
emerging from the Chariot is too dazzling to look at; that He was always invited to share
the oblations of Ghee ( Classified butter) in Yagnas and they were grateful to do so; but
He must become far less blistering and radiant to limits of tolerance and that they would
sincerely beseech Him to do so. Sun God responded to the requests of Devas and since
that day of Saptami became visible at Prithvi also initially.Those human beings on
Earth sincerely worship Surya Deva along with recitation of Aditya Hridayam on this
day would certainly have their desires fulfilled.

Aditya Hridayam:
Thato Yuddha parishrantham Samare chinmayaasthitham,
Raavanam chaagratho dhrushtva Yuddhaya Samupasthitham /
Daivathescha samaagamya drashtumaabhayagato ranam,
Upagamya braveedrama magastyo Bhagavan Rishih/
Raama Raama mahabaho, Shrunu Guhyam Sanaathanam,
Ena sarvaanareenvathsa Samere vijayashasi.
Aditya Hridayam Punyam Sarva Shathru vinaasanam,
Jayaavaham Japennithyam akshayyam pramam Shivam /
Sarva Mangala maanganglyam sarva paapa pranasanam
chintashoka prashamana mayurvardhhana muttamam /
Rashmimantham Samudyantam Devasura Namaskrutam,

16
Pujayaswa vivaswantham Bhaaskaram Bhuvaneshwaram/
Sarva Vedaanthako heysshas Tejasvi rasmibhaavanah
yesha Devaassura gananlokan paathi gabhastibhih /
Esha Brahmecha Vishnuscha Shiva Skanda Prajapathih,
Mahendro Dhanadah Kaalo Yama Somohyapaampathim/
Pitaro Vasavassaadhya Hyashvino marutomaruh,
Vaayurvahnih Prajaaprana ritukartha Prabhakarah/
Aaditya Savithassuryah khagah pushaa Gabhastiman,
Suvarna sadruso Bhaanuh vishva retha Divaakarah/
Hardasyva ssahasararchi Sapta Saptir Marichiman /
Timironmadhana Shambhustwasthta Martandam Anushman/
Hiranyagarbhas sisirahstapano Bhaskaro Ravih,
Agnigarbhodite putrah sankhassisira naashanah/
Vyomanathahstamo bhedi Rig yajur Saama paaragah
Ghanavrishtirapam mitro vindhya Veedheeh plavangamaha/
Aatapee mandalir mrutyur pingalah sarva thaapanah,
Kavirvisvo Maha Tejah rakta sarva ssabodbhavah/
Nakshatragana Taaraana madhipo Viswa bhaavana,
Tejasamapi Tejasvi Dwadashatma namosthutey/
Namah purvaya giraye paschimaadrayenamah,
Jyotiragaanam dinadhi pathaye namah/
Jayaya Jaya Bhadraya Haryasvaya namonamah,
Namo namassahasramso Adityaya nomonamah/
Namah Ugraya Veeraya Saarangaya namonamah,
Namah Padma Prabhodaya Marthaandaya namah /
Brahmeshanaachuteshaya Suryaadithya varchase,
Bhaaswate Sarva bhakshaya Roudraya Vapushe namah /
Tamoghnaya Himaghnaya Shatrughnaya amithatmanye
Krithaghna hanyaya Devaya Jyotishampathaye namah/
Taptachaamika rabhyaya Haraye Vishvakarmane,
Namasthamobhignaya Ruchaye Loka Saakshiney/
Naasayatyesha vibhutam tha Deva srujatih Prabhuh,
Payatyesha Tapatyesha varshatyesha gabhasitih/
Esha Supteshu Jaagarti Bhuteshu parinishthithah,
Esha evagnihothramcha phalam chaivagnihotrinam/
Vedantha kratavaschiva Kratuunam Phalamevacha,
Yani krutyani lokeshu Sarva esha Ravi Prabhuh/
Yena maapathsyu krushcheshu kanthareshu bhayeshucha,
kirthayan Purusha kaschinnavaseedhati Raghava/
Pujasvinamekagro Deva Devam Jagatpatim,
ethah Trigunitham jatva Yuddesh vijaishyasi/
Asmin kshane Maha Baaho Ravanam twam Vadhishyasi,
Evamuktwa Agasthyo jagam yadhagatham/
Edhat srutwa Maha Teja nashta shoka abhavat tada,
Dharayamasa Suptreetho Raghava prayathtmaavan/
Adithya preksha japtwa thu pavan Harsha mavaptavaan,

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Thriraachamya Suchirbhuthva dhanuraadhaaya Viryavan/
Ravanam preshya hrushtatma yuddhaya samupagamat,
Sarva yathnena Mahata vadhetasya dhruto bhavat/
Adhaaraveera vadha nireekshya Ramam, Muditamana paramam prahurshyamana/
Nisicharapathi Samakshyam vidhitwa, Suragana madhyo vachaswarethi/

(A meditatve Lord Rama was about to commence the battle with Ravana and an all-
knowing Sage Agasthya who joined Gods to witness the Great Battle assured that the
victory would indeed be Lord Ramas for sure!
This Sacred Hymn Adithya Hridayam dedicated to Sun God is highly propitious,
extinguishes all enemies, ushers Glorious Victory and is worthy of reciting always
ensuring eternal bliss.This Holy Prayer is a guarantee to achieve Prosperity; destroys sins,
anxieties and wavering thoughts as also secures long life with contentment. We pray to
Sun God as He has fully risen on the sky and is revered by Devas for the high splendour
providing to the entire Universe.He embodies the totality of Celestial Deities and is self-
radiant nourished by His own rays and heat, energising the whole world with its
inhabitants including all the Objects of Gods creation. He is Brahma, Vishnu, Siva,
Skanda, Prajapathi, Mahendra, Kubera, Kala, Soma, and Varuna. He is Pitras, Vasus,
Sadhyas, Asvini Kumars (Physicians of Gods), Marud Ganas responsible for breeze,
Manu, Vayu, Agni, Prana, the Season Maker and Prabhakara, the Provider of radiance.
He is the son of Aditi, Savitha, Surya, Traversor of Sky, the Energy to perform various
things, the cause for rains, the One to create shining Golden rays and the Maker of the
Day. He has propitiously green horses, emits innumerable rays, rides seven horses,
dispels darkness, destroys life, enables rebirth and provides unending effulgence. He is
the Sourcer of Gold, imparts coolness, provides heat, causes illumination, has fire within,
praised by one and all, melts off snow and enjoys sky-wide rides. He is the Lord of the
Sky; Master of Rig, Yajur and Sama Vedas; cause of heavy rains, friend of water and
rapid traveller over Vindhya Mountains. He originates heat, causes death, provides shape
to the Universe, assumes colour of gold, heats up everything, connoisseur of knowledge,
loved universally, Manager of the Universe and Great Organiser. Our Salutations to Him
who has Twelve Forms, is the Chief of Stars, Planets and Zodiac and the Great
Illuminator. Our reverences to Him who rises from the East and sinks in the West, the
Master of Jyotirganas, the Sovereign of the Days and the Lord of Objects that shines. Our
veneration to Him the embodiment and basis of Victories and Eternal Rider of the
memorable Green Horses, the immortal personality of Thousand Rays and the Illustrious
Son of Aditi Devi. Greetings to Him, who is a terror to the Vicious, a hero to the
admirers, a prompt and fast voyager of the Sky, an efficient opener of Lotus and an
efficient Energiser of lives. Our worship to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva as also Surya who
is blessed with Aditi; He is ever shining, consumes everything and has a formidable form
of Rudra! He destroys darkness, snow and enemies; has a huge body, devastates the
ungrateful and the Lord of everything that shines. Our Salutations to Him who is yellow
like molten gold, has the form of Fire, is the Creator of the World and the demolisher of
ignorance; He endears one and all, and the ready witness to all! This God facilitates
everything to grow and also demolishes; with His powerful rays, He generates extreme
heat and also causes heavy rains! He is awake and active when everybody is fast asleep
without even our knowing about it; He is the Fire Sacrifice Himself and also the one who

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performs the Sacrifice too. All the pious tasks carried on in the Universe related to Vedas,
Yagnas and Yagas are Lord Surya Himself. Hey Raghava, any one who recites this Hymn
in praise of Adithya in times of danger or suffering or in wild forests, and in times of fear
shall indeed cross over the problems for sure. Do worship this Lord of the Universe with
single minded devotion and faith thrice and indeed the Victory shall be yours. Sri Rama,
the Her of Heros, you shall annihilate the Demon Ravana in a second, thus said Sage
Agasthya and left his way. On hearing this, Lord Rama became free from any sorrow and
prepared Himself to execute the Prayer with utmost devotion; He cleaned Himself, did
Achamanathrice, lifted the bow towards Sun God and was excited with happiness to
commence the Battle. He faced Ravana with the firm resolve to destroy the Demon. The
Lord of Skies Bhagavan Adithya, along a bevy of Gods, blessed Rama to kill the Demon
forthwith.]

Manifestations of Ashta Matrikas and worship on Ashtami

The entire Universe was upset by the wickedness and glaring transgression of morals by
the uninterrupted evils displayed by Demon Andhakasura [Siva Purana states that Devi
Parvati was playful with Maha Deva by closing His eyes tightly and from the Lords
perspiration on His forehead a boy of muscular strength was created.]Eventually
Andhakasura became the Unconquered King of the Lower Regions like Patala and
tormented the entire Universe. After a series of battles were won with Devas who were
driven away from the Heaven, Indra approached Brahma and Vishnu who too were
ineffective to conquer the Demon as he was fortified with the boons of Brahma. They had
finally approached Maha Deva and to His utter surprise He too could not conquer him as
each time Maha Deva applied His trident against the Demon, blood streams of the
Demons body created endless number of Andhakasuras with each drop of his blood.
Lord Rudra became so infuriated that from His face produced a mighty conflagration or
an inferno-like flame viz. the Yogishwari Shakti. Vishnu too created a highly powerful
Shakti named Devi Vaishnavi and other Deities followed suit by creating their Shakti
counter-parts viz. Brahmi from Brahma, Kaumari from Kartikeya, Mahendri from
Indra, Yami or Poushunyam from Yama, Varahi from Varaha Deva and Maheswari
from Narayana. The Eight Matrikas represented the Eight Mind born Enemies viz. Kama
or Desire from Yogeswari, Krodha or fury from Maheswari, lobha or avarice from
Vaishnavi, Mada or Ego from Brahmani, Moha or infatuation from Kaumari, Poushunya
or wickedness from Yamadharani, Matsarya from Indrani and Jealousy from Varahi. The
blood streams from Andhakas body got dried up by the Matrikas; the Rakshasa Maya or
the illusion created by the Demon was terminated and Andhaka too got exterminated. The
combined strengh of Marikas is an exraordinary might of Eight Shaktis providing
security and propitiousness to devotees and Lord Brahma declared Ashtami Thithi in
the Monthly Calendar. Those who observe this particular day with fast by eating Bel
patra with devotion are blessed with excellent health, well being and contentment.

Devi Durgas carnage of Vetrasur and Her puja on Navami


(Durga Stuti included)

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As a King of yore called Sindhudweep carried out a relentless Tapasya to avenge the
killing of his son by Indra, a beautiful woman approached him introducing herself as
Vetravati (a River), the wife of Deity Varuna, since she was infatuated with the King.
The King obliged and she was blessed with a boy instantly who was named Vetrasur who
became a powerful King of Pragjyotishpuram, eventally the Lord of Sapta Dwipas and
conquered all the Deities and Indra. Brahma wondered as to how a single Demon and
followers could control the Deities and succeed to pierce through the ever potent and
Univerasally spread out net of Mayaor the Adi Shakti! Even as Brahma was seriously
thinking on these lines, there emerged from water a figure with white robes, bejewelled,
head-geared, sheet of astonishing brightness, and eight arms wearing Chakra (Wheel),
Saranga (Conchshell), Gada (Mace), Paasha (chord), Khadga (Sword), Dhanush (bow)
and Thuuneer (to keep arrows). It was childs play for Devi Durga as seated on a lion to
slay the potent followers and of Vetrasura with ease and Maha Deva Shankara Himself
complimented and praised as follows:

Jayasva Devi Gayatri Maha Maaye Maha Prabho,


Maha Devi Mahabhaage Maha Satve-Divyagandhanu liptanga
Divyastragdhama bhushithey,
Vedamatar namastubhyam Tryaksharasthey Maheswari,
Trilokasthey Tri-tatvasthey Trivahnisthey Tri Sulini-
Trinetrey Bhouma Vaktre cha Bhimanetre Bhayanake-
Kamala asanaje Devi Sarasvati Namostutey,
Namah Pankaja patrakshi Mahamayamrutastravey-
Sarvagey Sarva Bhuteshu Swaahakaarey Swadembikey,
Sampurnam Purnachandraabhey Bhasvaraangey Bhavodbhavey-
Maha Vidye Maha Vaidye Maha Daityavinasini,
Mahabuddhiryudbhave Devi Veetashoke kiratini-
Tvam nitistvam Mahabhaage Twam Gostvam Goustva- maksharam,
Tvam Dhirastwam Sristatvam omkarastatve chapi Paristhitha

.(Hey Maha Maya, Mahaprabha, Mahabhaga, Mahotsava, Maha Devi Gayatri-My


Greetings- your body parts smeared with Sandalwood paste and decorated with Divinely
Mala, hey Veda Mata or Mother of Vedas and Maheswari, My Greetings! Hey
Trilokastha, Tritatvastha, Tri vahnistha, Tri Sulini, Trinetra, Bhima Vaktra, Bhima netra,
Bhayanaka, Kamalasans daughter Sarasvati, My Greetings! Hey Maha Maya with Lotus
like eyes, Omnipresent, Sarva Bhuteswari, Svahakara and Svadhakara Rupini Ambika;
With Full Moon like Face and Illuminated Body, an embodiment of Knowledge and
Medicine, Great Annihilator of Demons, Fund of Maha Buddhi, Sorrowless, Devi
Kiratini, Mahabhaga, You are the personification of Morality, Sarasvathi, You are the
origin of Sound and Undiminishing wisdom, you are the Courage, Omkarasthita and The
Provider of Boons, I greet you).
Lord Brahma requested Devi Durga to shift to Himalayas and let all the Deities worship
Her. The Navami of each month should be celebrated with sincere dedication to Devi
Durga by consuming only prasad made of wheat flour after observing day long fast till
the evening and by reciting Durga Sukti as given above. For sure, men and women who
keep this as a regular practice on Navami days would attract Devi Durgas kind blessings.

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Reverence to Dasa Dishas (Ten Directions) on Dashami

Concerned about the population of the Universe and their mind-set of Directions so that
orderliness should prevail to let them realise where they were, Lord Brahma devised a
Plan. He created from His ears Six Devis viz. Purvi, Dakshina, Prathichi, Uttara, Urdhva,
and Adhara- East, South,West, North, Above and Below respectively. The four other
Devis thus created viz. Shobhaniya, Rupavati, Maha Bhagya Shalini and Gambhira Yukta
represented the intermittent Four Directions. These virgins who were created requested
Lord Brahma to name Lokpals also who would be the male counterparts and Brahma
named them too viz. Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirruti, Varun, Vayu, Kubera and Eshana;
Brahma Himself agreed to man Urdhva and the remaining Tenth Dasha (Direction) was
spare. The Devi-Lokanayak equation was determined by Brahma. He also selected
Dashami to observe the day for penance and eat only Dahi or curd to protect human
beings from movement of Grahas, changes of Ayanasor Solar Progress and
transformations of Ritus or Seasons and astrological and astronomical aberrations.

Kubera the Lord of Wealth worshipped on Ekadasi Days

In the process of Creation, Brahma happened to bellow and the wind inside His body got
momentarily disconnected when a Divine Figure was materialized from the gush of air
from His mouth. Brahma named the Figure as Kubera and assigned him the task of
protecting the material prosperity and possessions of all the Deities. He also made Kubera
the Head of the Yaksha Clan to execute the assignment of Brahma. Also, worship of
Kubera on Ekadashi day by cooking eats with the help of clean Agni- preferably by the
person who eats himself after day-long fast would instantly make him eligible for wealth
and also protection of wealth so earned.

Adoration to Bhagavan Vishnu on Dwadasi Day destroys sins

Super Power Paratpar Narayan was concerned that to facilitate the process of Creation
there ought to be a personified Primary Murthi who should also look after the
administration of the Universe and thus manifested Himself as Vishnu. He entrusted the
tasks to Goddess Yoga Nidra for the time being and fell into meditative sleep Himself
when a lotus sprouted from His navel on top of which sat Lord Brahma who would now
on assume the duty of Creation. The Supreme Narayan was happy with these develop-
ments and blessed Vishnu to oversee Creation by Brahma and be responsible for the
upkeep of the Universe by himself. Almighty Narayan then fortified with Vishnu with
several powers in various forms; He blessed Vishnu to dispel all kinds of ignorance all
over the Universe with a Sword gifted by Almighty; He gifted a Kaal Chakra or the
Sudarshan Wheel to terminate all the Evil Forces sprouting their heads from time to time;
He desired that the sins of the Worlds be destroyed by a mace provided to Vishnu; He
also strengthened one of the hands by the energy of Vayu- the Wind God- by a conchsell
as also decorated by a Vyjayanti mala. Almighty Narayan instructed Sun and Moon to
decorate Vishnus figure in the forms of Srivatsa and Kaustubh and redouble the Power
of Vishnu. Almighty further coached Garuda as Vishnus Carrier and Goddess Lakshmi

21
as His Consort. Thus Supreme Narayana strengthened Lord Vishnu physically, mentally
and spiritually as the Personification of Himself to assume the tasks ahead. He also made
an arrangement that from then on, Vishnus worship all over the Three Worlds would be
observed on Dwadasis during every month and those human beings-be they men or
women- who keep fast till the dusk while reciting Vishnu Stotrasand eat Ghrita-pura
Bhojan or meals with Ghee (Classified butter) are destined to reach Heavens after death
and enjoy peaceful and contented life therebefore! Those who read or hear about
Vaishnavi Srishti or Vishnus Glories should qualify themselves for better times ahead.

Dharma (Virtue), its profile over Yugas and worship on Trayodasis

As Paramatma set the process of Creation, He felt that there was need for forming an
Entity to sustain Virtue and set off the forces of the Evil and instantly, there appeared a
Bull-shaped Purushfrom the right ear of Almighty with white ear-rings and white
garland and the latter asked to maintain and promote Virtue, Justice, Penance, Purity and
Charity. The Dharma Purush so manifested by the Almighty as a Bull would have four
legs in Satya Yuga, three legs in Treta Yuga, two legs in Dvatar Yuga and with just one
leg in Kali Yuga. The four legs of Dharma Purush are Dravya (Prosperity), Guna
(Characteristic), Kriya (Industriousness / Sincerity) and Jaathi (Caste).The mix of
these four ingredients of Dharmas feet denotes the strength of these legs Yuga after
Yuga. In fact, Brahma was impressed by the way that Dharma Purush solved a
controversy raised by Moon God in enticing Devi Tara the wife of Brihaspati (the Deva
Guru was a mother figure to Moon as well as all Devas! [There was an impending war
between Devas and Demons since Sage Sukracharya the Guru of Demons sought revenge
against Brihaspati and thus espoused the cause of Moon by assuring the help of Demons
to wage a war. Dharma Purush used his good offices among Moon / Devi Tara,
Sukracharya and Demons on one side and Brihaspati, Indra and Devas on the other. The
delicate issue was settled by restoring Devi Tara back to Brihaspathis residence, even
though Tara was carrying a child of Moon and thus averted Deva-Danava war!] Lord
Brahma who flew down to Swarga Loka from Satya loka by his Swan chariot,
complimented Dharma Purush and commended that from then onward human beings
should observe Trayodasi Day, perform Shraddh and offer Ksheer (Sweet Milk and
cooked Rice) to fore fathers to ensure that their past sins are demolished and longevity
and well-being assured.

Manifestation of Rudra Deva and penance on Chaturdasis

Unable to commence the task of Creation at the beginning, Brahma got frustrated, angry
and even failed to contol emotions by crying away, when a Powerful Manifestation of the
Supreme Energy evolved as an incredible Illumination appearing gradually as a Puran
Purusha entreating Brahma not to cry; Twam ma Rudd ! Hence the Maha Purusha was
named Rudra. Brahma desired that Rudra should take up the task of Creation but the
latter jumped into water to execute penance.He got disturbed by the Yagnabeing
performed by Daksha Prajapati and was enraged as the flames from His mouth created
Ghosts and Goblins. He destroyed the Yagna but at the intervention of Brahma was
cooled down; He was pleased when a major part of the fruits of the Yajna was offered to

22
Him and as Devas eulogised Him as follows: We salute you Devadeva, Jatajutadhari,
Blood red Trinetra; you are worshipped by Bhutas and Bethals sporting ferocious
serpents all over your body, especially as your Yagnopateeth (Sacred Thread); Your
visage is ferocious, Your laughter is frightening; You are Maha Bhutapathi, Kapardi,
Sthanu, Pushna danta Vinasaya, Bhaga Netraya ; in future you are going to annihilate the
most dreaded Tripura and Andhaka demons; We salute Kalisavasi, Gajacharma dhari,
Vikaral Urdhvakeshava Bhairava, Fire like Bhayankar, Chandramastak dhari, destroyer
of Daruvana, Trisuladhari, Wearer of Sarparaja Kankana, Neelakantha, Badavagni
mukha, Vedantha Vedya, Yagna Murthi, Daksha Yagna Dhvamsi, Visweswara Deva,
Siva, Shambhu, Bhava, Devadi Deva, Bestow to us the Secrets of Vedas and Shastras!
Thereafter Brahma declared that worship of Rudra Deva on the Chaturdasi Day of a
month by sincere devotion and austerity would be blessed.

Reverence to Pitras on Amavasya day and benefits

As Lord Brahma was engaged in the serious task of Creation, He became aware of
Tanmatras or the subtle forms of matter viz. interaction of the Three Gunas or
characteristics viz. Satvik, Rajasik and Tamasik as also Panchendriyas, Jnanendriyas
and Karmendriyas. The Tanmatras displayed themselves in Dhumra Varnaor ash
colour and evinced interest to reach Heavens. But Brahma convinced them that the entire
community of Tanmatras belonged to the Pitras and whatever veneration was provided by
Grihasthies (householders) would belong to Tanmatras too. For instance, Brahmanas
execute reverences to Pitras through Agniby way of Nitya (regular), Naimittika (as
per needs of functions to be prformed) and Kamya (as per desires of the householders)
or Parvana Shraddhas; similarly Kshatriyas and Vaisyas too perform Agni Karyas or
reverences to Pitras through Fire-oriented tasks. Likewise tarpansor libations are
performed periodically. In all these cases whatever benefits would accrue to Pitras would
be accumulated toTanmatras also. Brahma thus indicated Dakshinayan route to Pitras as
also to Tanmatras. Moreso, He designated Amavasya as the most important day for
worship to Pitras and Tanmatras as well. Human beings perform Tarpanas along with
Kusha and Tilason Amavasyas falling in each month which would indeed provide
contenment to Pitras as well as Tanmatras. Thus Amavasya is required to be the special
day when fast is observed and tildaan is performed without fail, and that would not only
give satifaction to Pitras but the Kartas or the Performing Devotees who are provided
Ihamor during the current birth of prosperity, peace, health and longevity but also
Param or post life. (Details of Amavasya Tarpana given elsewhere in this Write-up)

Dakshas curse to Moon, reappearance and worship on Pournamis

One of Lord Brahmas distinguished Manasa Putras named Sage Atri begot Soma
(Moon) who too was illustrious. Prajapati Daksha married off all his twenty seven
daughters to Soma. But the latter was ignoring all the daughters, excepting Devi Rohini.
The rest of them complained to their father Daksha who reprimanded Soma to behave but
Soma ignored the repeated warnings of Daksha. Out of exasperation, Daksha cursed
Soma to gradually decline and finally disappear. In the absence of Soma, there were far
reaching adverse effects in the Universe. Devas including Vanaspati felt Somas absence

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and so did human beings, trees, animals and worst of all medicinal plants, herbs and so
on. The Sky was dark and the Stars too lost the shine. As Devas approached Vishnu, He
advised the solution of Churning the Ocean by both Devas and Danavas and latter too
agreed to the proposal for the lure of securing Amrit. In the process of churning, Moon
was given birth again. This had brought great relief to Devas, human beings whose
Ekadasha Indriyas (Eleven Body parts), Pancha Bhutas (Five Elements), Solah
Kshetra Devatas, Trees and Medicines. Even Rudras head was without Soma and so did
water. Lord Brahma blessed Pournima thithi and selected the day for worship to Chandra
Deva when fast is viewed propitious along with token amount of money and material as
charity. That specific day Yava Bhojan (Barley food) or barley made material is
considered to bless a person with Gyan (Knowledge), radiance, health, prosperity,
foodgrains and salvation.

Concepts of Bhakti (Devotion) and Aradhana (Worship) Explained

After Sage Mahatapa explained to King Dharmapal about select Deities, their origin,
brief procedure of worship as also the specific days appropiate of worship to the Deities,
Devi Prithvi sought to know from Deva Varaha as to who said that Bhav or feeling
leads to Sadhanaor practice; in other words, a seed helps to germinate a plant. Varaha
Deva also clarified that wealth or Jap (meditation) were not the suitable means of
Realisation but Bhakti (Devotion) would certainly be. Bhakti could be of various forms
based on the Kayak wayor Physical action such as fasting, one meal a day, or Jagarans
(or waking up through night) and so on; or theManasic way such as observance of
Truth, Non violence, Asteyamor non stealing, Brahmacharyam, Dharma Pravartana etc;
or theVachaka way including observance of silence, Adhyayanor reading Scriptures,
Kirtan (Singing Hymns) etc. In this context, Varaha Bhagavan cited an example of a
great Brahmana Tapsvinamed Aruni who was emerging from river after bathing and
faced a Vyagh (Hunter) with his arrows drawn in search of a kill. The Hunter had
indeed decided to kill the Brahmin but changed his mind and instead saved the Brahman
from a pouncing tiger nearby. In fact the tiger too got frightened by the loud and
desperate shout of the Brahmin saying Om Namo Narayana. Suprisingly, the tiger died
and out came a handsome male figure who was a King in his previous birth but was
cursed by Brahmanas since he became arrogant thinking that he knew all the Scriptures
known to all the Brahmanas put together. The curse was to be revesed when the tiger
would hear a sincere chanting of Om Namo Narayana. The Vyagh who witnessed the
chain of events became an instant convert from his hunting profession and begged of the
Brahmana to reveal a way out from his erstwhile sinful way of life.Tapasvi Aruni blessed
the Vyagh, directed him to perform a twin action of Vrath (Worship) viz. refraining
from eating cut and impure items and telling lies and left. As the Vyagh desired to at least
eat dried leaves from trees, a shout from the Sky (Akashvani) barred from eating
Apavitruor impure food! Thus the Vyagh could not eat anything remembering the
instructions of his Brahmana Guru. Meanwhile Maha Muni Durvasa arrived and
demanded good food like cooked rice/wheat and accompanying items as he was hungry.
This led to further misery to the Vyagh and wondered as to how the situation could be
saved. In despair he saw up to the sky and prayed to his Guru and as though the Guru
responded and to his surprise there fell a golden container from the sky! The Vyagh

24
requested Durvasa Muni to wait for a while to beg / borrow from the well- to- do men
and women nearby. After returning with food, the Vyagh requested Sage Durvasa to
wash his feet before eating. But Durvasa was too tired to go back to the river and there
was no vessel to fetch water from. The Vyagh remembered the Guru again, and an idea
was provided; he prayed to the River and brought it upto Durvasas feet! Durvasa was
amazed and blessed the Vyagh to become a Sage, a Great Gyani and an erudite Veda
expert to be named Satyatapa! Durvasa told him that the features and Purva Gyan or
past awareness of Vyagh were destroyed especially as he performed penance by fasts
literally upto death and as such his earlier body resumed a Tapomaya and pure body
eversince. Satyapal desired to know the fine distinction of the two bodies. Durvasa
corrected Satyapal that actually there were three such Physiques: the first body belonging
to a cruel and sinful Vyagh, the second one of a Dharmic and Vratayukth- a Virtuous
and penanceful- body and the third body would be of Atindriya stage (viz.
Adharmatmika, Dharmatmika and Dharma Dharmatmika). When a human is stated to be
immune of Pancha Tanmatrikas, Pancha Gyanendriyas, and Pancha Bhutas, that would be
the stage of Brahma Tatva! That Supreme Consciousness is of Pundarikaksha Himself.
As this was explained by Durvasa, Satyapal had a genuine doubt that those who
possessed adequate money could only intiate the process of Dharma through Yagnas and
charity. Durvasa corrected him at once that money or charity are no doubt the initial steps
depending on the affordability and willingness provided the Performers concerned are
not indulging in display or show; but a devotee has more effective ways open in the
Bhakti Marg, which invariably leads to the Aradhana Marg. It was in this context that
Sage Durvasa emphasised on devotion and worship by performing Vratas.

Effectiveness of Dwadasi Vrathas related to Vishnus Dasavataras


[Shodasopachara Vidhana or Procedure of Sixteen Services included]

Sage Durvasa outlined the Vrata Vidhan of Sukla Dwadasi Vratas to Satyapal, which
mostly related to the importance of Lord Vishnus Ten Incarnations.

Matsya Vrata related to the rescue of Devi Bhumi by Lord Vishnu from Rasatala in the
Incarnation of Matsya is to be performed in the month of Margaseersha. On Dashami
day itself, Deva Puja and Havan to Agni are executed and Havan Prasad be consumed.
On the following Ekadasi day, one should perform fast and worship to Pundarikaksha by
the Sankalpaor resolve pleading Him that just as He rescued Prithvi, He should rescue
him too and recite Om Nano Narayana Manthra. Next morning, Prithvi and Varun (Earth
and Water) be invoked and Ashtanga Narayana Puja be performed by touching the
concerned limbs of the Deitys Murthi and reciting the Mantras as follows: Om
Keshavayanamah (charanam Pujayami / feet), Damodarayanamah (katim / waist),
Narasimhayanah (vurum or two thighs), Srvatsadharinenamh (kantham / throat),
Sripathayenamah (Vakshasthal / chest), Trilochanayanamah (Bahum / hands),
Swaminenamah (Shiram / head), Rathangadharinenamah (chakra), Shankarayanamah
(Shankha), Gambhirayanamah (Gada), and Shantamurthayenamh (Kamal). Then the Puja
commences by offering Garland and Chandana to the Kumbha with water.

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[Shodasopacharas (Sixteen Services) to be performed to the Deity installed would be
as follows: Avahayami( Welcome); Suvarnarathna simhasanam samarpayami
(offering a Golden Throne as improvised); Padayoh Paadyam Samarpayami (washing
the feet of the Deity); Hastayorarghyam Samarpayami (providing water to clean hands);
Achamaneeyam Samarpayami (offering water for sipping); Abhishekamor
Suddhodaka Snanam (Bathing) while reciting the following Mantra: Om aapohishtha
mayo bhuvah thaa na urjey dadhatana Maheranaya chakshasey, Yo vassivatamo rasah
thasya bhajayateha nah, usateeriva maatharah, thasma aranga maamavah, yasya kshayaya
jinvathaha aapo janaatha cha nah; Snaananatharam Shuddhaachamaneeyam
Samarpayami; Vastra yugmam samarpayami ( two pieces of Cloth); wear
Yagnopaveetam or the Sacread Thread by reciting the Mantra: Om Yagnopaveetam
Paramam Pavitram, Prajaapateryat sahajam purastath, Aaayushyamagryam pratimuncha
Shubhram Yagnopaveetam balamastu Tejaha; offer next Gandham (Sandal paste) by
reciting the Mantra: Om Gandhadwaraam duradharshaam nityapushtham kareeshineem
Eswareegum sarva Bhutanaam tha mihopahvaye shriyam; then a short Puja of Sixreen
names with flowers; Dhupam (Incense) by reciting the Mantram Vanasthyudbhavaihi
divyaih naanaa Gandhiih samyutaha Aaghreyah Sarva Devaanam Dhupoyam
pratigruhyataam; then Deepam darsayaami (Oil soaked vick lighting) by uttering
Saajyam Trivarti Samyuktam vahnina yojitham Priyam, Grihaana Mangalam Deepam
Thrilokya thimiraapaham Bhaktya Deepam Prayacchaami Devaaya Paramaathmane
thrahimam narakaadghoraat Divya Jyotirnamosthuthe; offer Pushpam (flowers); then
Naivedyam (Offering Full Meal) with the following Mantra: Om bhurbhavah suvah
thatsavithurvarenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyoyonah prachodayat satyam
tvarthena parishinchaami , Amritamastu Amrithopasmtarana masi , Om Praanaya swha,
Om Apaanaya swaha, Om Vyanaya swaha Om Samaanaaya swah, Madhye madhye
Paaneeyam samarpayami, uttaraaposanam samarpayaami- hastha prakshaalanam
samarpayami paaada prakshhalanam Samarpayaami, Suddhaachamaneeyam
samarpayami ( by sprinkling water and cirle round the items meant for Naivedyamand
say Satyam tvarthena parishinchami during day time or say Rutamtva Satyena
Parishinchami if the offering is in night; then comes Tambulam (betel and nuts) by
reciting the following Mantra: Puugiphalaissa Karpuriah Nagavalleedalairyutham
Muktaachurnena samyuktam Thaambulam prathiguhyataam; therafter there should be
Karpura Aaarathi/ Neerajanam ( camphor lit lighting with hands by showing to the
Deity while bells are sounded along with the following Mantra:Om Gaanaam tva
Ganapatigum havamahe kavim Kaveena mupamasravastamam, Jyeshtha rajam
Brahmanaam Brahmanaspata Aaa naha srunvannnuthi bhih seeda saadanam; then
Mantra Pushpa Mantram and Veda Pathanam etc. are offered by reciting the relevant
Mantras. Then follows Anyadha Sharanam naasti Mantram along with three
circumambulations by reciting: Yanikaanicha paapani Janmamtara krithaanicha thani
thani Pranasyanthi pradakshina Padey Padey, Paapoham Paapakarmaham Paapaatma
Paaapa Sambhavaha, Trahi maam kripaya Deva Sharanaagatavatsalaha, Anyadha
Sharanam naasti thvameva Sharanam mamah thasmat kaarunya bhaavena raksha raksha
Janaardana. Om Maha Vishnavey Namah, Atma Pradakshina Namaskaran Samarpayami,
Chhatram Aachhadayami, Chamaram Veejayami, Nritthyam Darsayami, Geetham
Sraavayaami, Andolika marohayami, Ashvaanaanaarohayami, Gajaanaarohayami,
Samasta Raajopachaara Shaktyukapachaara Bhaktyupachaara Mantropachaara Pujaam

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samarpayami; Mantriheenam kriyaaheenam Bhaktiheenam Janardana, Yatpujitam maya
Deva paripurnam tha dasthute]
Thereafter, Brahmanas be satisfied with full meal and Dakshina (Charity).
The execution of the Vrath as above would provide longevity, good children, Dhan and
Dhanya (Prosperity and fame).
Kurma Vrata is on the basis of the Lord Vishnus enormous role in His Incarnation as
Tortoise to stabilise the massive mountain of Manthara in the context of churning the
Great Ocean to produce several holy objects and finally the Amrit on Shukla Dwadashi
of Pousyha month. The procedure of the Vrata is similar as in the case of Matsya Vrata,
excepting the Ashtanga Puja Mantras of Lord Janardana would be Om Kurmayanamah
(feet), Om Naranayanamah (katim), Om Sankarshanayanamh (abdomen), Om
Vishokayanamah ( chest), Om Bhavayanamah ( throat), Om Subahavey Namah ( two
hands), and Om Vishalayanamah ( Chakra). The fruits of executing the Vrata with faith
and diligence would help yield instant obliteration of sins, excellent family life and
salvation.
Varaha Vrata is to celebrate the victory of Lord Keshava over the killing of Demon
Hiranyakasipu and uplifting Prithvi. The Vrata is prformed on Shukla Dwadashi of
Magha month. The relevant Ashtanga Mantras are: Om Varahayanamah (feet), Om
Madhavaya namah (katim), Om Khetrajaya Namah (Stomach), Om Vishvarupayanah
(Chest), Om Sarvajnayanamah (throat), Om Prajapataye namah (Head), Om
Pradyumnayanamah (hands), Om Divyastrayanamah (Sudarshan Chakra), and Om
Amrithodbhavanamah (Sankham).The Vrata Phal or the benefits of performing the
Vrath are immediate Sowbhagya, Laksmi and Tripti (contentment).
Nrisimha Vrata is to signify the appearance of Narasimha Deva in the dual form of
Man-Lion to liberate Devotee Illustrious Prahlada from the extreme cruelties of Demon
Hiranyaksha and is achieved on Shukla Dwadashi of Phalguna month. Other details of
the Puja procedure being as in Matsya Vrata indicated above, the Ashtanga Mantras to
the Deitys Murthi would be as follows: Om Narasimhaya Namah (feet), Om Govindaya
Namah (Thighs), Om Viswabhujenamah (katim), Om Aniduddhayanamah (chest), Om
Sithikanthayanamah ( throat), Om Pingakeshayanamah ( head), Om Asuradhvanshanaya
namah ( Chakram), and Om Tayotmane namah (Sankham). Maharshi Durvasa told
Satyapal that once a King Vatsa got badly defeated in a war by enemies and took refuge
in the Ashram (hermitage) of the renowned Vasishtha. The Sage asked the fugitive King
to observe the Narasimha Vrata and taught him about the method of accomplishing it.
Lord Narasimha made a rare appearance and pleased King Vatsa, notably due to the
perfection with which the Vrat was fulfilled under the best possible of guidance of the
famed Vasishtha himself. Even as the Lord appeared before the King, all his enemies fled
away and the Kingdom was restored. The Vrat restores ones confidence, overcomes
enemies and vindicates the Victory of devotion and faith.
Vamana Vrata is performed to remind that Deva Deva incarnated as a Dwarf
Brahmachari and tricked and humbled the mighty Demon King Bali, not by valour but by
wits, by seeking merely three feet of Bhumi for His Tapasya. The Vrata is scheduled on
every Shukla Dwadasi of Chaitra Month. The Puja procedure being as above in the
Matsya Vrat, the Ashtanga Mantras are to be: Om Vamanayanamaha (feet), Om
Vishnavey namah (katim), Om Vasudevayanamaha (abdomen), Om Sampurnakaya
namah ( Chest), Om Viwakruthenamah ( throat), Om Vyomarupineynamah (head) and

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Om Vishwajiteynamah ( Sankham). There was a King named Haryashwa who
accomplished a Putra Kameshthi Vrat and an old Tapasvi Brahmana came as a Guest
who was Narayana Himself. The Brahmana desired that the King should implement
Chaitra Sukla Dwadasi Vrat sincerely as per prescribed procedure and Vamana Deva
would definitely bless a powerful and memorable Chakravarthi (Emperor) as a son,
Kuvaleshvaya; by so predicting the Old Brahmana disappeared. The Vrata would
certainly fructify a multi-desired boon by Narayana to those who attain it with devotion
and dedication.
Jaamadagnya (Parasurama) Vrata is achieved to illustrate the outstanding son of Sage
Jamadagni, incarnated as Parasurama who annihilated countless haughty and arrogant
Kshatriayas in utter disregard to the Virtuous and helpless subjects with special
reference to Brahmanas, Sages and the Pious. This Vrata occurs on Shukla Dwadasi of
Vaisakha month and is performed with veneration by the Ashtanga Matras viz. Om
Jaamadagnyaya Namah ( feet), Om Sarva dharinenamah (Abdomen), Om
Madhusudhanaya namah (katim pujayami), Om Srivatsadhaariney namah (Uram / Chest
pujayami), Om Kshtrranthakayanamah ( Baahum Pujayami), Om Manikanthayanamah
(Kantham Pujayami), Shankhayanamah (Shankham pujyami), Chakrayanamah
(Chakram Pujayami) and Brahmanda dhariney namah (Siram pujayami). The worship of
Parasurama was indicated by Sage Yagynavalka to King Virasena who had earlier
completed several Yagnas but his desire to beget a child was not fulfilled.When the Sage
taught the method of the Vrat and the King did it with full dedication, he was blessed
with the birth of the famous Nala who along with Damayanti immoralised human history
as the Greatest Lovers!
Taraka Rama Vrath is accomplished on Suddha Dwadashi of Jeyshtha month. Sage
Vasistha taught the Vrata Vidhan to King Dasaratha first. King Dasaratha made a firm
resolution to do the Vrat in the name of Maha Vishnu and the result was indeed
unbelievable as the Supreme Lord Himself incarnated as Shri Rama along His
accompanists Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. The procedure of the Vrath is to
commence with Shubh Sankalpa and Ashtanga Puja: Om Namo Ramaabhiramaya
(feet), Om Trivikramaya (kati), Om Dhrita Vishvayah Namah (Udaram), Om
Samvatsarayanamah (Chest), Om Samvarthakaya Namah (kantham Pujayami), Om
Sarvastradharineynamah (Chakra and Padma), and Sarva sirasey namah (head).
Therafter, perform Kumbha Sthapana or Setting-up of Kumbha, Vastra acchaadana
(covering with cloth) of Rama Lakshmana Murthi Puja with Shodasa upacharas (Sixteen
Services) and charity of the Murthis to Brahmanas. The fruits of the Vrata are self-
evident since sons of immense virtue, valour, fame and dignity are bound to be born as a
result of this incomparable Vrat! Moreover, those who partake in this auspcious Vrat
woud be blessed with all the above qualities and be assured of access to Vishnu loka.
Sri Krishna Vrath is scheduled on Shukla Dwadashi of Ashadha month. The origin of
the Vrath was that Vasudev and Devi Devaki together did it as advised by Sage Narada
since they were childless. Narada attended a Devasabha (Congregation of Devas) and
Devi Prithvi complained that she was no longer be able to withstand the evil deeds of
Demons in the form of cruel Kings and their associates such as Sheva, Kamsa,
Jarasandha, Naraka, Kuru, Panchala and Bhojas. They all approached Lord Vishnu who
no doubt agreed to incarnate Himself but virtuous couples like Vasudeva and Devaki
should perform Vratha on the specific day; Narada taught the procedure to carry out the

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entire function with dutifulness and conviction. After a firm resolve, the Vrath was
accomplished with Ashtangapuja as follows: Om Vasudevaya namah (charanam
pujayami), Om Sankarshanayanamah (katim pujayami), Om Padmanabhayanamah
(Udaram pujayami), Om Aniruddhayanamah (Urasthalam pujayami), Om
Chakrapaaninenamah (bhujaam pujayami), Om Bhupatayenamah (kantham pujayami),
Om Krishnayanamah (Shanka Chakram Pujayami) and Om Purushayanamah (Siram
Pujayami). After sucsessfully completing the Vrath as prescribed, the Lord confirmed
that a boy of His traits would be blessed soon.
Buddha Vrath is to be performed on Suddha Dwadasi of Shravan month in the name of
Lord Vishnu as He assumed the form of Buddha during a critical stage of Kali Yuga
when Violence and Sinfulness were rampant in the World. Lord Buddha preached the
principles of Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satyam (Truth) and Dharmam (Virtue) world-
wide and as He mustered substantial support from Sangham (Society) He created a
great following of majority of people. As a young Prince, He decided to renounce
luxurious life and wandered like a commoner. It was at that time that He strayed into
jungles by horse back and rested under a tree through a night, when He attracted attention
by several jungle men for His ornaments and cruel animals for His flesh. As He was
being attacked, a Devi Shakti protected Him and killed the thieves and animals seeking to
kill Him. A Sage in the forest explained to Buddha Deva that the Devi Shakti protecting
His body was an inherent power safeguarding His body always as in His earlier birth he
witnessed the entire proceedings of the Vrata and thus imbibed the strength in His body
as a result of the Punya or the propitiousness accrued. This was the far reaching impact
carried foward to the current birth of Buddha, told the Sage. It was against this
background that the Buddha Vrat should be performed for protection and succcess. The
Puja procedure includes the Ashtanga Mantras as follows: Om Damodarayanamah
(Charanam pujayami), Om Hrishikeshayanamah (Katim), Om Sanatanayanamah
(Udaram), Om Srivatsadharine namah (Vakshasthal), Om Chakrapaninenamah (hands),
Om Harayenamah (throat), Om Manju keshayanamah
(Head) and Bhadrayanamah (Sikha or tuft).Therafter, Shodasopacharas are to be
performed and Bhojan (Meals) and charity to Brahmanas would complete the Vrath
which ought to be effected as per Regulations for the best benefits.
Kalki Vratha is observed in Sukla Dwadasi of Bhadrapad month. Before he outlined
the broad method of carrying out the Vratha, Sage Durvasa told Satyapal that a King of
Kasipur named Vishal who was a virtuous person doing several Spiritual activities like
Yagnas and was widely liked by his subjects. But his own close relatives planned a coup
and assumed power of the kingdom. The fugitive King wandered incognito and landed on
the mountain slopes of Badari when he came across two ever-shining Sages viz. Nara and
Narayana. Sage Nara enquired about Vishals background and suggested to worship
Maha Vishnu by means of any of the various Dwadashi Vrathas occuring in the Sukla
Pakshas of most of the Months.
Sage Nara commended the Vrathas as follows:

Pujyathe Matsyarupena Sarvajnathvamabhipsubhih,


Svavamshoddharanarthaya Kurmorupi tu pujyathe/
Bhavodadhi nimagnena Varahah Pujyathe Harih,
Narasimhena rupena thaddhat Papabhaatraihi/

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Vamanam mohanaashaya Vitharthe Jamadagnidam,
Krurashatru Vinashaya yajed Daasaradhim Budha/
Bala Krishnou Yajeda Dhiman Putra Kamo na samsasayah,
Rupakamo yajeda buddhim Kalkinam Shatrughataney/

(Those who wish to become Sarvajnasor Jnanis worship Matsya Deva;


Those who are desirous of strengthening their own Vamsa or Clan pray to Kurma Deva;
To those that worldy ends like prosperity and fame are dear, they wish to worship Varaha
Deva; Those who are afraid of facing difficulties pray to Narasimha; the persons who are
detached from the worldly affairs wish to worship Vamana Deva; those who have the lure
of money and possessions worship Parasurama; Whoever wants to destroy the evil and
cruelty tend to Sri Rama; Putrabhilashi or those who love to enjoy the happiness of
children and family life would certainly like to worship Krishna and finally those who
like to take vengence do definitely worship Kalki Deva.) In response to Sage Naras
description as above, the fugitive King instantly decided to perform Kalki Vratha by
worshipping Kalki Deva with the Mantras: Om Kalkinenamah ( charanam pujayami), Om
Hrishikeshayanamah ( katim pujayami), Om Mlechhavidhvamsanaya namah (udaram
pujayam), Om Sithikanthayanamah (kantham pujayami), Om Khadgapaninenamh
(Bhujam pujayami), Om Chaturbhujayanamah (hastam pujayami) and Om
Viswamurthaye namah (Siram pujayami). In this manner, the worship was accomplished
along with Shodasopacharas, and charity to Brahmanas. He proceeded to his own
Kingdom, rearranged his loyalists, defeated his enemies and regained power with the
blessings of Kalki Deva.

Padmanabha Vrata

After describing the Vrathas related to Dasavataras (Ten Incarnations) of Lord Vishnu,
Maha Muni Durvasa outlined the Vratas of a few other Deities as also those for the
fulfillment of certain human desires. The beneficiary of the illustrious Sages narrations
was the erstwhile Vyagha (Hunter) turned subsequently as a Mahatma, now under the
name Satyapal (Refer to the Chapter on Concepts of Bhakti and Aradhana). The
Pamanabha Vrata is best performed on Shukla Dwadasi of Aswin or Asvayuja month. The
background of this Vrath was that there was a King named Bhadrashva and once Maha
Muni Agastya visited the Palace and said that he would like to stay there for a few days.
The Sage met the Queen along with the King and immediately recognising her expressed
great but pleasant shock as though he recognised her and exclaimed that the King and
Queen were blessed in their previous births.Each day the Sage met the royal couple, he
kept on repeating the same. One day the couple asked the Sage as to what happened in
their previous births. There was a Veshya (Prostitute) named Hardatt in Vidishanagar
and the King and Queen were the servant- couple of the Veshya. On a Sukla Dwadashi in
the month of Aswin, the Veshya lit a few lights in a Narayana Mandir in her house and
worshipped Lord Vishnu for a while and left the house. She asked the servant couple to
keep awake and ensure that the lights were on until she returned home. Since they did so
sincerely, they became a King and Queen in the current birth! That was why the Sage
exclaimed: how much the couple was blessed! How must have been the Veshya blessed
by Lord Narayana! Indeed how much the blessing would be to perform the Vratha fully!

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Padmanabha Vrat puja after installing the idol of Padmanabha and the warm-up Puja, the
Shadanga Puja stipulates as follows: Om Padmanabhaya namah ( charanam pujayami),
Om Padmayonayenamah (Katim Pujayami), Om Sarva Devayanamah ( udaram
pujayami), Om Pushkarakshayanamah ( Urasthalam pujayami), Om Avyayayanamah
(Dakshina hasta- astram Pujayami), and Om Prabhavayanamah (sirah pujayami). After
the Puja, Shodasopacharas as prescribed in earlier pages, Charities and Bhojans to
Brahmanas, the Padmanabha Vrata is stated to have been accomplished.

Dharani Vrata is scheduled on Shukla Dwadasi of Karthik month. After making


Sankalp (Resolution), a devotee performs the Vratha by way of Shadanga puja of
Narayana as follows: Om Sahasra Siraye namah (Sirah pujayami), Om Purushayanamah
(Bhujayanamah), Om Viswarupinenamah (kantham pujayami), Om Jnanastrayanamah
(Astrou Pujayami), Om Srivatsayanamh (Vurahsthala pujayami), Om Jagat grashismane
namah (Udar Pujayami), Om Divyamurthayenamah (Katim Pujayami), Om Sahasra
padaayanamah (Charanam Pujayami) and Om Damodarayanamah (Sarvangaaya namah).
Four Ghatas (pots) be set containing the waters of four Oceans (symbolically) and next
morning give away in charity each with Pratimas (made of gold and other metals) and
Dakshinas. In the past, Great Personalities like Prajapati who attained Sashvata Brahma,
Rajarshi Yavanashva secured a person named Mandhata who became a Chakravathi of
three worlds, Krutaveerya begot the universal figure Kartiveerya, and Shakunthala begot
Bharat. The Vratas mahaphalis so far reaching that it materialised several Emperors, or
Glorious personalities or Maharshis all being illustrious in their own ways. In a way, it
had been the luck of only those who were able to perform the Vratha.

Vratas for fulfillment of human desires

As the above Vrathas aimed at worshipping Lord Vishnu in various incarnations were
outlined, certain other Vrathas are practised to fulfil the normal wish-list of men and
women, each aiming a specific human desire. Sadbharta Vrath was suggested by Sage
Narada to Apsarasas or Heavenly Maidens since their desire was to become the wives
of Devaadi Deva Vishnu on Sukla paksha Dwadasi in Vasanta month. Shubha Vratha is
scheduled on Margasirsha month during the Shukla Paksha commencing from Pradham
to Dashami by taking single meal for four months by reciting the name of Hari Krishna
and on the concluding day by worshipping Lord Vishnu and Prithvi and on Ekasdashi
donate barley as also a cow, apparels, ornaments, umbrellas etc. as presribed and satisfy
good Bhojan to twenty four Brahmanas. Dhanya Vrata is executed as a nakta vratha or
fasting upto the evening and eating thereafter for a year from the month of Margasirsha
on Sukla Pratipada Tithi by worshipping and havans to Agni swarup Vishnu as
Vaishvaanaraaya, Agni, Havirbhuja, Dravanodaya, Samvarthaaya, Jwalaaya and so on to
seek blessings of instant Dhana ( Money), Dhanya ( Food grains), and Sowbhagya
(Prosperity). Agni would burn off the sins of the current and previous births once this
Vrata is achieved. Kubera was stated to have washed off his previous sins likewise.
Kanthi Vrata was achieved by Chandra on a Karthik Sukla Dwiteeya night by
worshipping as per regulations Lords Baladeva and Krishna since he was diminishing in
his radiance every night owing to a curse by Daksha Prajapathi; Bhagavan reversed the
curse after Samudra Manthan( Churning of Ocean) and brought back Kanthi(sparkle)

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by curing Chandrras Yakshamarog to Amritha yoga! Since then the Vratha became
popular as the curse reversing and sin-destroying boon to those who perform it with
utmost devotion. Sowbhagya Vratha is also a year long Vratha from Tritiya night and
Chaturthi of Bright Phalgun and a devotee has an option of worshipping the pair of Shiva
Parvathi or Srihari Lakshmi.Every month on these days homams are performed with
ghee and honey and through out the year, dietary restrictions are observed by eating
saltless wheat- made insipid material. At the end, charity of six vessels containing honey,
ghee, til or sesame oil, gud or jaggery, salt and cow milk along with adequate dakshina.
The idols made of gold or any other metal are donated too.This Vrath is stated to bless
the devotee with prosperity for seven births in a row!
Avighna Vratha commences on Chaturthi of Shukla Phalguna for four months with the
dietary restriction of tilanna (rice mixed with sesame seeds after daily fast and tilanna
homam as well as tila daana to Brahmanas with dakshina. On the fifth Sukla Chaturthi
after four months, homams in the name of Ganesha be made reciting Om Suraya namah,
Om Dheeraya namah, Om Gajaananaaya namah, Om Lambodaraya namha, Eka
Damshtraayanamah, Om Ganeshaya namah etc.After the Puja, five vessels made of Gold
or any other material along with tila seeds is given away to Brahmanas as charity along
with dakshina. A number of Kings did the Vrath before performing Aswamedha Yagnas.
Lord Rudra did the Vrath before proceeding to take on the task of killing Tripurasura.
Agasthya said that he also executed the Vrath before holding the entire Sea in his palm!
This Vrath blesses who ever carries out the Vrath with sincerity and devotion is protected
from Vighnas or obstacles.
Shanti Vratha is observed on Shukla Panchami of Kartik month again for a year without
sour food but after fasting day long and worshipping Pratimas of both Vishnu and
Seshanag by reciting Ananthaya namah, Vasuvakaye namah, Takshakaya namah,
Karkotakaya namah, Padmaya namah, Maha Padmaya namah, Sankha palaayanamah and
Kutilaya namah by way of Shadanga puja to charan, kati, udar, kantha, bahu, mukha, and
shira respectively. The two Idols are bathed in milk and use in tila and milk in homams.
Charity, Bhojan and Dakshinas to Brahmanas are an integrated part of the procedure.
Whoever does the Vratha earnestly would have no fear of serpents and enjoy peaceful
life.
Kama Vratha or Kamnaya Vratha to fulfill desires is observed by worshipping
Kartikeya on Poushya Shukla Chaturthi for a years day long fast on phalahar (fruits)
and Shuddha Bhojan in the night, till the Shashthi of the next year of the same month.
The essential feature of the Vrath is to keep mouna Vrath (silence) during the fast time
and daily Agnikarya or homams. At the conclusion of the Vrath, Brahmanas be
provided all the possible Sevas like Bhojan, Vastras and Dakshina, besides donating the
idol of Karthikeya to a deserving Brahmana. The fruits of the year long penance would
yield prosperity, good progeny, and regain of kingdoms lost earlier and so on.
Arogya Vratha is scheduled from Magha Shukla Saptami for a year to worship Surya
Deva. The Puja is preceded by Shashthi Bhojan, fast on the next day and Bhojan on
Ashtami Bhojan again. The series of Bhojans are irrespective of daily worship to Aditya,
Bhaskar, Ravi, Bhanu, Diwakar, Prabhakar and other names as also by recitals of Surya
Kavachas, Aditya Hridaya and so on. Year long worship on these lines would ensure
blessings from Surya Deva in respect of the devotees health, wealth, contentment and
salvation finally.

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Many more Vrathas were mentioned by Sage Durvasa to Mahatma Satya Pal such as
Puthra Prapti Vrata, Shourya and Sarva Sarvabhama Vrata, Vhaishnava Vrata, Dharma
Vrata, Indra/Rudra Vrata and many more as per the dates, procedure and Specific Deities
to be worshipped.

Bhakti in seeking Lord Vishnu-relevance of Pancha Ratra Gyan

In the context of Padmanabha Vratha mentioned above, Maha Muni Agasthya preached
on several Spiritual Issues to King Asvaashva. He gave the example of Devarshi Narada
who having worshipped Lord Vishnu for thousand years visited Sweta Dwipa and was
stunned to visualise the Maha Purusha Vishnu with His armoury and ornaments like
Shankham, Chakram, Padmam, and Koustubh and prayed to Him literally non stop. Lord
Vishnu replied that those Brahmanas who followed Purusha Suktam or the Original
Samhita describing Varnashrama Dharma and worshipped Him with devotion would
indeed realise Him.[ Purusha Suktam states Sahasra Sirsha Purushah, Sahasraksha
Sahasrapaat, Sabhumim Visvatho vruttva Athyathishtha Dasaasngulam ( The Immortal
Purusha has thousand or countless heads, Thousand Eyes and Thousand Feet, He spreads
all over the Earth that ten fingers cannot count)---Braahmanosya Mukhamaseeth Bahoo
Raajanyakruthah, Uruthathasya yadh Vaisya Pathbyaagum Shudro Ajaayatha ( His mouth
formed the Brahmana, His arms made Rajaaya or Kshatriya, His two thighs the Vaishyas
or traders/agriculturists, and from His feet the Shudras] Bhagvan said further those
devotees who observed the Pancha Rathra Shastra too would attain me. Those who
were dominated by Rajas and Tamas features would not be able to even gauge me, let
alone attain me. So saying Bhagavan bestowed to Narada the greatest gift of the
composite knowledge of Pancha Rathra Sastra with the mission of preaching its contents
and explanations to posterity. [Bhakti is Amrit and righteousness or the bliss of
Almighty; notwithstanding the turmoil of Samsasraor worldly wisdom, a bhakta has to
promote a parallel force in the name of virtuousness and alignment with Narayana and
the strength of that alignment determines the distance from the Bhakta and Narayana. The
driving force named Devi Radha is Bhakti and in fact Radha Devi Herself is the
embodiment of Bhakti. Hence the union of Radha and Krishna is Moksha or Salvation.
Narada confirms in Pancha Rathra as follows:

Satyam Satyam punah Punah Satyameva Punah Punah


Radha naamna Vinalokena matprasado na Vidyatey

(I tell you the truth and I repeat that this is the truth; one who does not pray Radha will
not secure my kindness or blessings.)]

Concept of Unity in Diversity-Maha Vishnu manifests in Triple Forms

At a Sacred Yagna being performed to worship Maha Vishnu various Devas including
Indra and Brahma attended and so did Bhagavan Siva. Since there was the question of
worhipping the seniormost Deities present , Sage Agastya asked Lord Rudra Himself as
to who should be declared as the Chief Guest at the Yagna. Lord Rudra replied that since
the Yagna was devoted to Vishnu and as such it was most appropriate that Vishnu be the

33
Chief Guest. Moreover, Satva Swarup Parama Narayana displayed Himself in three
Forms. With the complex mix of Rajas and Tamas Gunas Maha Vishnu created from
His navel the Lord Brahma seated on Lotus top and Satva Guna predominated Brahma;
with the mix of Rajas and Tamas Gunas, Deva Deva created Shiva with Tamo Guna
dominating; and finally, with the mix of Rajas and Satva Gunas, He created Vishnu with
the predominance of Satva Guna! Having stated that but for the predominance of Gunas,
all the three forms of Adi Deva are equally important, Rudra Deva declared:

Yo Vishnum Sa Svayam Brahma Yo Brahma sohamevacha,


vedatrayopi Yajnosmin Yajyam Vedeshunischayah
Yo bhedam kurutheysmaakam thrayaanam Dwijasotthama
Sa paapakari dhushtaatma durgatim gatimaapnuyat/

(Whoever is Vishnu, He is Brahma Himself, and whoever is Vishnu He is Myself or


Rudra! Hey Sreshtha Dvija, the decisive view of Vedas is that whoever makse a
distinction among the Trinity that sinner among human beings goes down to Durgati or to
Evil Ways.) Rudra said further to Sage Agastya: I am the Three Yugas, the Trimurties,
Three Vedas, Three Agnis like Garhapatmaya, Three Lokas, Three Gunas, Three
Sandhyas and Three Varnas.

Genesis of Gautami River and benevolence of Lord Rudra to Sage Gautam

Sage Gautami was blessed by a boon from Brahma after a severe Tapasya in Dandaka
forest that he should have abundant supply of Dhanya (food grains) and provide good
food to Guests daily. As there was Akal (famine) once, several Brahmanas were fed
with food. Some of the Sapta Rishis (Seven Great Sages) like Marichi were not happy
of Gautamis popularity and created an illusory cow ( Maya Cow) and left it moving
around the kitchen and Gautami threw some water on the cow and the latter pretended
death. The Sapta Rishis wantonly left the place as they alleged the killing of a cow as a
pretext. Repenting the Gohatya which was actually never done, Gautami performed
penance to Rudra Deva and requested Him to release a piece of His Jatajut (twisted
hair) so that Bhagirathi was created and revived the dead cow. The Sapta Rishis were
surprised at the tenacity of Gautam and addressed the Sage as: Sadhu Sadhuas a
gesture of admiration to the long penance to Rudra. Gautam was indeed not amused as
the jealous and flippant action of Sapta Rishis creating a Maya Cow, made him feel that
he did a crime and as a result he had to perform Tapasya for long time. Gautam cursed
the Sapta Rishis that they would lose all the knowledge of Vedas and would be unfit for
Vedic tasks.The off-shoot was that Sacred River Godavari was born. As regards the curse
of Gautam to Sapta Rishis, the latter said that this time the curse might not materialise,
but in Kaliyug the curse would indeed become true, since there would be many fake
Sages, doers of Kshudra karma (evil acts) to destroy others, smokers, liquour consumers,
womanisers and such other unscrupulous persons. But there would be a few virtuous
devotees who bathe in Pavitra Godavari and perform Pitru Tarpan especially when
Brihaspati Graha enters Simha Rasi and that they would certainly attain salvation to the
Pitras as well as themselves after their end. Such was the assurance of Lord Rudra
Himself!

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Rudra Devas realisation of Maha Purush
(Adi Deva Stuti by Rudra Deva included)

As Lord Rudra was performing Tapasya deep inside water to Maha Purush, He saw that
Eleven Entities of outstanding splendour emegring from water and even when enquired
as to who they were, they sped away in hurry without replying. Later on Rudra visualised
a Thumb-like Figure who was by far the most resplendent of the Eleven Entities who
flashed earlier. Rudra introduced Himself as Bhava and asked the new Personality as to
Who He was. The reply was that a new vision would be provided to Rudra so that the
realisation was better and that He was the Jalasayi Narayan Deva.The Eleven Entities
who hurried away without replying to Rudra were the Ekadasa Adityas or the Eleven
Suryas and they were asked to hurry up to execute Tapasya. Rudra then comprehended
the Premordial Maha Purusha and prayed to Him as follows:
My greetings You, You are Eternal, Pure and incredibly Huge Bodied, with Thousand
Hands and Thousand Rays; Your actions are pure; You are the redeemer of all human
tribulations, Shambho! You possess the unimaginable luminosity of several Suns and
speed and severity of several Vayus; You are the possessor of all kinds of Vidyas and
knowledge; You are Greeted and worshipped by all Deities; You have neither beginning
nor end nor you are destructible; You are the small symbol of Seshanag who is the holder
and supporter of the entire Universe; You are the Supreme Lord of the Universe,
Bhutapathi, Maheswara, Marutpathi, Sarvapathi, Jagatpathi, Prithvi pathi, Loka pathi: I
am ever grantful to You; You are Jalesha of Super Lord of Water, Narayana, Vishva
Shankara, Kshitisha, Vishweswara, Vishwalochana, Manifestation of Sun and Moon,
Achyuta, Veera, Vishvavyapi or Omni Present, Amrita murthi, the Opposite of blistering
flames of Fire God in the form of pleasant coolness; Universally multi faced, Oh
Narayana, do protect me as I am in Your complete control; You are engaged in the full
swing of Samsara Chakra or preserving the balance of Universe, yet no miniscule
matter could escape Your consideration; little wonder that all Jnanis with clean and clear
mind leave to you to perform, correct and obey without the least hesitation; How could I
commend or comment about you! You have the unique and accurate assessement of
infinitesimally small as well as mammoth and unsolvable issues; You are speechless,
heartless and emotionless; You are devoid of attachments; even Brahma could not fathom
Your Inner Self, excepting that Tapasya might provide You a feeling of nearness to you.
As Rudra Deva prayed to Maha Purush Vishnu, the latter confirmed that both of the two
Entities were the same. He said: Varam Varaya Bhadram the Deva Deva Umapathey, Na
Bhedaswavayo Deva ekavavaamubhavapi (Oh Umapathi, Do ask for a boon from me;
may you be blessed; We have no difference and are both the same) He affirmed further:

Devakaryavitaareshu Manushatvamupagathah,
Thvomeva araadhiyashyami thvam cha me varado Bhava /
Yat thvayoktim bahesvethi Deva Dva Umapathye,
Svoham vahaami thvaam Devam Megho Bhutva shatam samah

(Oh Umapathi! In order to perform the tasks of Devas I take to various Incarnations and
execute Tapasya for you. I shall take the form of clouds and take out water from them for

35
your sake!). Maha Vishnu gave two further dispensations viz. the Ekadasa Adityas-the
Prakritik Purushas- would spread all over Prithvi to stay there and Vishnus incarnation
as Varaha would worship Rudra Deva.

(The Sanskrit base is:

1)Namostvanantaaya Visuddha chethasey Swarupa rupaya Sahasrabaahavey,


Sahasra Rashmipravaraya Vedhasey Vishaladehaya Vishudda karminey/
2) Samasta Visvaarti haraya Shambhavey Sahasra Suryaanilathigma tejasey,
Samasta Vidyaavidhutaya Chakriney Samasta Govarninuthey Sadaanagha /
3) Anaadi Devotchyuta Sesha Sekhara Prabho Vibho Bhutapathey Maheshwara,
Marutpathey Sarvapathey Jagatpathey Bhuvah Pathey Bhuvana Pathey Sada namah/
4) Jalesha Narayana Vishavashankara Kshitisha Vishveswara Visva lochana,
Shashanka Suryarchyuta Vira Vishvaga pratakyamurtye Amrithir- avyaha/
5) Jwaladhahutaashanchi virudha mandala prapahi mam Sharanagatam Sada achyuta /
Vakranyanekani Vibho Tavaaham ma Pashyami Madhyasthagatam Puranam
6) Brahmanameesham Jagataam Prasutim Namosthu thubhyam Pitaa Mahamahaya,
Samsarachakra bhramaniranekah kvachit Bhavan Deva Varaadi Deva
7) Sanmargibhijnana vishuddha tatvaihryupaasyase ki pralapaamyaham tvaam Ekam
Bhavantam Prakruteh parastaad yo vethyasou Sarvavidadibodha/
Gunana theshu Prasambha Vibhedya Vishala murthihi Susukshma rupam
8) Nirvakyo Nirmano Vigathendriyosi Karma bhavanno vigathika Karma,
Samsaravamsthva hi na thadrushosi punah katham Deva varasi Vedhyah
9) Murthamurtha tvathulam labhyate thye the param Vapu Devah Vishuddha Bhavaih,
Samsara vicchhitthi karairyajadbhirato vasisayet Chaturbhujaswam/
Param na jaananthi yato vapusthe Devadayopyadadbhutakaranam tat,
Atovataarokti thanum Puranamamadhayeyuh Kamalasanadyah/
10) Na the Vapu vishwa srugabja yonirekanthato Ved Mahanubhavah,
Param tvaham Vedya Kavih puranam Bhavanthamadyam Tapasa vishiddhim/
11) Chaturmukho yo yadi Kota vaktro Bhavennarah kvapi Vishuddha chetah,
Sa tho Guna naamayuthi ranekaihr vadet tada Devarara Praseeda/
12) Samadhiyuktasya Visuddha Buddhehstavad bhava bhaavaikamanonrugasya,
Sada Hridisthosi Bhavannamaste na Sarvagasyaasthi Pruthagavyavastha
13) Iti Prakasham Krutamethadeesha Stvam maya sarvagatham Vibuddhva,
Samsara Chakra kramanana Yukthya Bheetim puneerhyachuta kevalatvam.).

Manifestation of Tri Shaktis-Brahmi, Vaishnavi and Rudrani

Lord Brahma led a delegation of Devas and reached Kailash when Rudra Deva and Devi
were sharing a lighter moment. The reason of the visit was that a Demon named Andhaka
defeated Devas badly and ousted them from Swargaloka. Brahma requested Narayan too
to join at Kailasa to face the emergency. As the Trinity pondered over the crisis rather
seriously and their vision crossed each others eyes, there appeared a Tri Shakti whom the
Trinity named as Tri Kala who would administer the entire Universe. Since She was the
embodiment of Tri Gunas of Satva, Rajas and Tamas, She would be known by that name
as Tri Guna; since Her physique and appearance alternate with the three colours of white,

36
red and black, She would be called Tri Varna also.Among the Tri Shaktis so manifested,
one Swarupa was extremely beautiful and benevolent as a personification of
propitiousness to be engaged in the task of Brahma Srishti as Brahmi Devi. Another
characterizasion of Tri Shakti was endowed with the quality of an administrator in the
most dignified and poised demeanor, signifying valour and Vishnu Maya was named
Vaishno Devi. With a fearful visage and physique, ready to pounce on the wicked and
the Evil, the third Image with a Trident seated on a tiger was called Rudrani Devi as
Vishva Samharinior the Destroyer of the Universe. Brahmi Devi who was Svetha Varna
or fair complexioned, lustrous and lotus eyed became a Yogini with the permission of
Brahma on Sveth Parvat or the White Mountain. Eventually this Devi of Satva Guna
became popular as Saraksharamayi, Ekakshara, Vageesha, Sarasvati, Vidyeshvari,
Vedavati, Amritakshara, Jnanavidhi, Vibhavari Devi, Vishalini, and Soumya. Vaishno
Devi who manifested from Vishnu too left with His consent for Mandarachal for
Tapasya. Rudrani left for Neel Parvat or Blue Mountain to perform Tapasya after Rudra
Devas approval. The Tri Shatkis were thus ready for facing exigencies whenever they
were recalled from the respective Lords such as when Sarasvati was asked to help in the
task of Creation etc. More than the normal duties as were assigned to them, the Tri-
Shakties were ever ready to supplement the efforts of their respective Lords as collective
endeavors were called for, such as the destruction of mighty Demons as Andhaka.

Significance of Vaishno Devi (Devi Stuti included)

Symptomatic with Rajoguna and Vishnu Maya, Vaishno Devi entered a cave named
Vishala Teertha atop Mandara Mountain for executing Tapasya. After considerable time
gap of years, She felt highly disturbed and out of that feeling of stress emerged several
Kumaris (Young Virgins) who were bluish in complexion, with curled hair, attractive
lips, broad eyes, slim waists and ornamented. Simultaneously a massive number of grown
up women too materialized. Innnumerable palaces and houses with all possible facilities
with luxurious living appeared to accommodate the Kumaris and women. Renowned
among the Kumaris were Vidyutprabha, Chandrakanthi, Suryakanthi, Para, Gambhira,
Charukeshi, Sujata, Ghritachi, Urvashi, Shashini, Sheilamanditha, Charu Kanya,
Visalakshi, Dhanya, Peenapayodhara, Chandraprabha, Girisutha, Suryaprabha, Amrita,
Swayamprabha, Charumukhi, Shivadooti, Vibhavari, Jaya, Vijaya, Jayanti, Aparajita and
many others housed in Sreshthapuri. All the Maids of Devi wearing Ankush and
Paasha surrounding Her as seated on a Golden Throne were fanning Her with white
Chamaras. Vaishno Devi was fully ornamented and garlanded with various fragrant
flowers and was seated comfortably when Sage Narada called on Her for Darshan and
left. His purpose was to convey to Demon Mahishasur about the unparalelled beauty of
Vaishno Devi. The puffed up arrogant Demon tormented the whole world, especially
Devas, Sages and all the virtuous since he attained boons of invincibility from Brahma
except from women. He called his Maha Mantri Alamsharma and select other Mantris
like Praghas, Vighas, Shankukarna, Vibhavasu, Vidyunmali, Sumali, Parjanya and Kruur
and instructed them to request Her to marry him politely and if necessary utilise the other
means of Daana or tempt with gifts; Bhedaor divide and try; and finally as a last resort
to Danda or punish or even kidnap or if need be to destroy Her! As the road map plan of
approaching Her was finalised, a highly accomplished person named Vighas was

37
commisioned to negotiate. As all means of cajoling and threatening were not fruiful, the
Demon had to declare war. Senapati Virupaksh led the Demons side and quite a few of
the Danavas were capable of defeating the Mighty Indra who carried the Vajrayudha!
Among these Daithyas were stalvarts like Lomavarshak, Anjan, Nilakukshi, Udraksh,
Meghavarna, Balahak, Lalataksh, and Subhim. While Rahu challenged Ashtavasus or
Eight Vasus, mighty Demons like Bhayankar, Dhwanksh, Dhvasta Karna, Shanka
Kukarna, Vajra Kaya, Ati Veerya, Vidyunmali, Rakthaksha, Bhimadamshtra,
Vidyutjihva, Atikaya, Mahakaya, Dirghabahu, Krithantak etc.attacked the Eleven
Adithyas by turns. Kaal, Kritanth, Raktaksha, Haran, Mitrah, Aanitya, Yajaha, Goghna,
Stridhan and Parakrami fought Eleven Rudras. Thousands of Asuras were destroyed and
in the process Devas too got defeated and fled without a scar but for the fact that they
consumed Amrit. Sage Narada alerted Kumaris of Vishno Devi that the so-called
invincible Mahisahasur had moved towards Devi Bhagavati to wage a battle.As a final
effort of demanding Devi to wed Mahishasura was personally conveyed by the Special
envoy, called Vidhyutprabha; indeed Vaishno Devi was fully aware of Mahishas
background but gave a patient hearing: there was a demoness named Mahishmati who
took the form of a Mahisha (She-baffalo) and tried to forcibly occupy the Ashram of
Sage Ambar who by his Divine Vision found the real form of the demoness and cursed
her that she would take the birth of a Mahisha (buffalo). As she fell on the feet of the
Sage, he had kindly agreed that if she begot a son then she would be back to
normalcy.After a time lag, another Sage named Sindhudveep who was performing
Tapasya on the banks of Narmada river witnessed the attractive physique of a Devakanya
without clothes and the Sage dropped his semen in the water, when the Mahisha saw the
scene. She drank up the semen water and thus begot Mahishasura who was
unconquerable. Therefore oh Devi, this would be a last chance to marry the Mighty
Mahisha and be happy for ever, said the Emissary Vidyutprabha. As this was stated,
Vaishno Devi laughed like a roar of a Lioness so much so, the Trilokas in her belly were
shaken and from that vibration came out Devi Jaya, the Dwarpalika of the Goddess and
said: You stupid, your head is as thick as your Lord Mahishasuras! Do you not realise
that Vaishno Devi is a Kumari and is the Supreme Goddess of Kumaris and the Boon
Giver to those who perform this Great Vrata; do run back soon as the rules of Dharma
Yuddha (Battle of Dharmic Rules) prohibit killing an emissary. As this conversation was
going on, Sage Narada appeared and was so mirthful that the final moment of Mahishas
annihilation had arrived. A multitude of Mahishas army was butchered by Kumaris and
there was tremendous hahakars of death all around. Vaishno Devi assumed a mammoth
form with twenty hands each carrying a weapon of mass destruction like arrows and bow,
sword, Shakti, mace, axe, damaru, huge bell, Shatagni, Mudgara, Bhushundi, Jhala,
Musal, Chakra, Bhindipal, Danda, Pasha, Dhwaja and Padma. As the entire army of the
Asura was floored totally, the Lion on which was seated by Devi made such a howl that
the Universe was frightened as though that was the signal to jump.The Asura Maya
which sought to be spread by the Demon jumping from mountain to mountain was
targetted with Vishnu Maya with such precision that the Trisul went right through the
wretched body of Mahisha, the Greatest menace of the World, fell with a terrific thud
which pierced through the ears of the entire humanity. Headed by Lord Brahma, Indra
and all the Devas extolled Vaishnavi Devi for saving them as also the World from the
peril of the Asura as follows:

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Devi Vaishnavi Stuti :

Namo Devi Mahabhagey Gambheerey Bhima Darshiney,


Jayasthey Stithi Siddhantey Trinetrey Vishvatomukhi /
Vidyavidye Jaye yajey Mahishasuramardini,
Sarvagey Sarvadeveshi Vishwarupini Vaishnavi /
Veethashokey Dhruvey Devi Padma Paptra Shubheykshaney,
Suddhasatva vrathasthey cha Chanda Rupey Vibhavari /
Ruddhi Siddhipradey Devi Vidyey Vidyomrutey Shivaey,
Shankari Vaishnavi Brahmi Sarva Deva Namaskrutey /
Ghanthaahastey Trishulaastrey Maha mahisha madrdini,
Ugra Rupey Virupakshi Mahamayemritusravey /
Sarvasatva hithey Dhruvey, Vidyaapurana shilpanaam Janani Bhutadharini /
Sarva Deva Rahasyanaam Sarva Sattvavathaam Shubhey,
Tvameva Sharanam Prapadyanthey e Devi Parameswari /
Na theshaam Jaayathey kinchithasumbha rana sankatey,
Yashva Vyaghra bhayey ghorey chorarajabhaey tatha /
Stvamennam sada Devi Pathishyati Yataatmavaan,
Nigadasthopi yo Devi twam Smarishyati Manavah/
Sopi Bandhairvimuktasthu Sumukham vasatey sukhi/

( Hey Mahabhagyashalini, Gambheera, Bhayankara Darshini, Vijayashalini, Sthitha


Swarupa, Three Eyed Devi, Universe Faced One, Our sincere Greetings to you;
Hey Vidya and Avidya Rupi, Jaya, Fit for performing Yajnas, Mahishasura Mardini,
Omni Present, Swamini for all Devas, Vishwarupini, Devi Vaishnavi: our Greetings; You
are devoid of sorrows, Everlasting, Beautiful and Lotus Eyed, You are embodiment of
Pure Satva Gunas and at the same time ferocious, brutal and night like darkness; You are
the benevolent Devi bent on enhancing Virtuous mind-sets; You are Vidya, Avidya and
Amrit in the same wavelength; You are Shankar, Vishnu, Brahma and Shakti in one go;
You carry a Ghanta ( Bell), Trishul and many other Items signifying several aspects
simultaneously; You are the force to destroy Maha Mahishi, Ugraswarupa, Virupakshi
and Maha Maya; Sarva Satvamaya, Dhruvasva Rupini, Mother of Puranas, Vidyas and
various Skills; Ambika, Virupakshi, Shantai Swarupa, Dosharahita or Sinless, Akshaya,
Avyaya,; I am in Your Sharan or safe custody; Those who read this Stuti with a clean
thought and mind shall never be troubled by ferocious animals, thieves, or those in
authority and nothing untoward would ever occur to them! Even shackled by iron chains,
those who read this Vaishavi Stuti would instantly be free and fearless!

Tri Shakti Devi Rudrani (Chamundi Stuti included)

Deva Varaha enlightened Devi Prithvi about the materialization of Tri Shakti as Rudrani
Devi at the Nilgiri mountain Range as the symbol of Tamoguna. It was at this time that
Brahma gave away boons to Daitya Ruru of impregnability by any species obviously
ignoring the women power. In a battle with Devas, Ruru created thousands of Ruru-alike
Danavas out of the Oceans and distressed Devas, Sages and the Righteous. Devas started

39
running away helter-skelter and there was an all round bewilderment when a loud voice
came from the Skies saying: do not be afraid and be panicky. Simultaneously there
were lakhs of Devis with armoury who appeared from nowhere and showered ankushas,
arrows, swords, maces etc. on the Daithyas in such numbers as were manifold compared
to those of Demons. Emboldened by the presence of lakhs of Devis, the Devas, Adithyas,
Vasuganas, Rudraganas and Ashvini kumars fought boldly and in response, Ruru spread
his Maya which lulled Devas and others to sleep. Devi Rudrani threw away Her Trishul
and pierced through the body of Daithya Ruru; but from that body came out two furious
Asuras, called Chanda and Munda who were slaughtered instantly and thus Devis
another Name was Chamunda. As She was Roudriya Samharini, the Devi was known as
Kalarathri. As She was surrounded and devoted by thousands of Anucharikas
(Servants), She was called Mahabhaga. Since the Anucharikas were ever hungry and
were ever after to feed, Rudrani requested Rudra Deva to show a way out to appease their
hunger amd Rudra Deva did indicate the ways to satisfy them: if women were in the
family way and wear the clothes of other women or worse still touch the clothes of men,
then the Anucharikas could satisfy their hunger; or babies who are neglected lying on
earth could be considered as Balior sacrifice; the remains of a childs delivery in the
delivery house could be taken as food to the Anucharikas; or just born babies too could
be the food for these women.
Chamundi Stuti:
Jayaswa Devi Chamundey Jaya Bhuthapaharini,
Jaya Sarvagathey Devi Kaalarathri Namosthuthey /
Vishwamurthi Shubhey Shuddhey Virupakshi Trilochaney,
Bheema Rupey Shivey Vidyey Mahamaye Mahodaye /
Manojavey Jaye Jrumbhey Bheemakshi Kshubithakshaye,
Mahamaari Vichitraangey Geyanrithyapriye Shubhey /
Vikaraley Mahakaali Kaalikey Paapahaarini,
Paashahasthey Dandahasthey Bheemarupey Bhayanakey /
Chamundey Jwalamaanaasye Teekshnadamshtrey Mahabaley,
Shiva yaanasthithey Devi Prethaasanagathey Shivey /
Bheemakshi Bheeshaney Devi Sarvabhuta bhayankari,
Karaaley Vikaraaley cha Mahaakaaley Karaalini /
Kaali Karaali Vikrantha Kaalaraathri Namosthuthey ,
Vikaraala Mukhi Devi Jwalaamukhi Namosthuthey /
Sarvasatwa hithey Devi Sarva Devi Namosthuthey,
Iti Sthuta tadah Devi Rudreyna Parameshtina /
Thuthosha Parama Devi Vakyam chedamuvaavacha ha,
Varam Vrushneeva Devesha yatha they Manasi Vakthrathey/
Stothraanena ye Devi twam sthuvanthi Varaananey,
Theyshaam twam Varadaa Devi Bhava Sarvagati Sati/
Yashchemam Triprakaaram thu Devi Bhaktya samanvitha,
sa Putra Poutra Pashuman Samruddhimupagacchati /
Yashchemam Srunuyad Bhaktya Trishaktyastu Samudbhavam,
Sarva paapa vinirmuktaha padam Gacchhatyanamayam /

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(Victory be with you, Chamunda Devi, Bhutaapaharini, All Pervading Devi, Kaalarathri,
Vishwa murthi Swarupa, Embodiment of Propitiousness, Essence of Purity, Virupakshi,
Three Eyed, Personification of Terror, Arch-type of Auspiciousness, Source of
Knowledge, The Great Illusion; You are as fast as mind, Victorious by nature, berserk by
behavior, Strange by demeanour, Lover of Music and Dance, Vikaral, Maha Kali, Sin
expunger, Kalika, Sporter of Pasha( rope) and club by hands, Originator of ferocity and
panic; You are highly illuminated by face, Maha Balavati, seated on dead bodies, Prethas
and images of Pisachas, horror-eyed, Bhayankar, Vikaral Kaala Swarupa, Archtype of
gallantry and ferociousness, Blazing Faced One, My Greetings, You are the Universal
Benefactor! Rudra commended Chamundi Devi with the above Stuti or eulogy; He said
that whoever reads or hears it would be blessed by Him and Devi as well.)

Those who pray to the Tri Shaktis in the Three Profiles with sincerity and mental
application would secure boons for excellent well being, offspring and prosperity.
Observance of Tri Shakti Vratha on Ashtamis, Navamis and Chaturdasis by fast and
worship would help retrieve even lost Kingdoms or secure Kingdoms anew and similarly
retrieve or gain great opportunities of life. There would be no threat of fire, theft,
serpents or any such untoward occurrences by merely preserving the Tri Shakti Stothras
in any household. Reading the Stothras would certainly help secure the following:
Pasum, Puthram, Dhanam, Dhanyam, Varastriyah, Rathnaashva Gajaa yanaaswashu
bhavanthuta yasyedam thishathey gehe thasyedam jaayathey dhruvam ( Cattle, Sons,
Money, Beautiful women, Jewellery, horses, elephants, servants and Vaahanams would
be possessed in those houses and this is certain).

Kapala Vimochan and Rudra Vratha

Varaha Deva narrated the background of Rudra Vratha to Devi Prithvi. At the time of
Creation, Brahma created Rudra and the Pingala Varna (red colour) of Rudra became
Nilalohit (blue colour). Out of fun, Brahma carried Rudra on His shoulders; Rudra
found the fifth head of Brahma uttering an Atharva Veda Mantra including a word
Kapalawhich irritated Rudra and He nipped off the Fifth Head of Brahma. As the
Kapala of Brahmas Head got stuck in Rudras hands, apparently due to the sin of
Brahman Hathya (Killing of a Brahmana), Rudra enquired of Brahma as to how to get
rid of the skull and the reply was that Rudra should perform Kapala Vrath. Rudra left for
Mahendra Mountain and split the skull into three parts; the first part having thick hairs
which was converted as Yajnopaveeth of Rudra; holding the second and third parts of the
skull on hands, Rudra wore the broken parts and used them as jatajut of Himself and the
third remainder was taken from Tirthas after Tirthas for Body Purification and penance
for twelve years among Sapta Dwipas. In the first year He bathed in the Ocean first and
in Ganga; in the subsequent years, He bathed in Sarasvathi; in the Sangam of Yamuna,
Ganges and Sarasvathi Rivers; there after in the Rivers of Shathadu, Chandrabhaga,
Gomati, Sindhu, Thungabhadra, Godavari and Gandaki. Thereafter, Lord Rudra bathed
with the skull in hands at Udveg Theerth, Rudramahalaya Theerth, Daruvan, Kedarnath,
Bhadreswar Theerth, and Gaya Theerth where Pitru Tarpan was performed. In the sixth
year, while performing Vishva Bhraman or Universal Circumambulation, Rudras
Koupeena Vastra along with the Kati Sutra ( waist string) fell in a river and since then

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He had been bathing as Nagna Murthi ( or Naked Deva). Thus in the pretext of Kapala
Vimochana, Rudra Deva was bathing in nude eversince till the Tirtha Vrata was taken up.
At Varanasi, after bathing in Ganges which was indeed the starting point of the Vratha,
Kapala Vimochan (relief of the skull) was accomplished and hence the Kasi Theerth was
declared as the Kapala Vimochana Theertha; incidentally Rudra Devas complexion
changed from Neela Varna back to Pingala Varna. The propitious Vratha of Rudra had
come to be known as Nagnakapaal Vratha, Vyabhrava Vratha (since the complexion of
Rudra got transformed) and Shuddha Shaiva Vratha eversince.

Procedure of Maha Vishnu Vratha

Varaha Deva explained to Prithi Devi that even the worst kind of Sins, (including the
Pancha Pathakas or the Five Worst Sins viz. killing Brahmana, Wine drinking,
falsehood, committing thefts, and incest with Gurus wife) could be destroyed, progeny
and prosperity are blessed, health and fame are assured and longevity and contentment
are augmented, provided Vishnu Puja is carried out with purity of body and soul. The
Vrath to be executed in the Month of Kartika during the Bright fortnight on Dwitheeya or
Samkranthi Dwadasi or during Chandra Grahan or Surya Grahan ( Lunar or Solar
Eclipses). As per prescribed Procedure in the Varaha Purana, Lord Vishnu and Devi
Lakshmi are installed in the midst of sixteen or atleast nine petals of Lotus as directed by
Guru (Preceptor). Intiation of the Vratha should be on Kartik Shukla Dashami itself by
taking fruits and milk and rest overnight in the presence of the Installed Deities and the
Guru. Now, the nine (or sixteen) mandals be arranged in bright colours installing Loka
Palas first viz. Indra in East and worship him; Agni in his direction or Agnikona or
Agneya and worship him; Yamaraja in South and Nirruti; Varun in West, Vayu in
Vayavya kona; Kuber in North and Rudra in Ishanya. Likewise, install in the middle of
the Lotus, Lord Vishnu. Also, Balaram be worshipped on the Eastern Patra; Pradyumna
on the Southern Patra; on the West Aniruddha and on the North the sin-destroyer
Vasudeva. In the Eshana Kona be installed Shankha and in Agni kona the Chakra,
Dakshin side the Mace (Gada), Vayavya kona Padma; in Ishaan kona Musalam be
worshipped and in the South Garuda; on the left side of Maha Deva be installed Devi
Lakshmi; facing the Chief Deity of Vishnu be installed Dhanush, Khadga, Sri Vatsa and
Koustubh. Subsequently, eight Kumbh or pots be arranged in ten dishas (Directions); of
these Vishnu-related nine kumbhs be installed and perform bathing to any one Murthi as
convenient. In the same way, bathe Indras Ghat in the name of Ishvarya or Prosperity;
those devotees who are keen on money and valour might bathe the Agni-related kumbh;
those desirous of victory against death would bathe Yamadharmaraja; seekers of peace of
mind might bathe into the Ghata of Varun; for instant erasure of sins, bathe the pot of
Vayu; for immediate money bathe the pot of Kubera; for Gyan to Rudra. After these
preliminaries, the Guru would advise all the Sishyas either of Self or of Guru that
Brahmanas should be respected always as they were of Vishnu Swarup! Then would
commence the Homas or oblations to Agni by uttering the Shodasakshara Mantra: Om
Namo Bhagavatey Sarva Swarupiney hum phat Swaha / [After the Homas are executed,
then follows the chapter of Dakshinas. While those who could afford such as Kings and
rich persons of the clans of Kshatriyas and Vaisyas engaged in business, the middle class
persons might satisfy the Gurus and Brahmanas according to the proven levels of

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knowledge as also the affording capacity of the devotees concerned, without
overcharging by the receivers as per demand and supply forces nor underpaying the
learned despite affordability.] Performing the Vratha, participating directly or otherwise,
or observing the Proceedings with keenness or atleast having a Darshan of the
Mandala Area and of the Deities would all yield proportionate blessings and boons!

Go daan (Charity of Cows) in various forms

Ensuring the credibility and merit of the Brahmanas concerned, offering of cows in
reality or symbolically in the form of Idols by the donors would indeed derive far
reaching Punya or the fruit of meritorious action. Quite a few kinds of Dhenu Daan
have been in vogue: Til Dhenu Daan is performed with specified quantity of Sesame
Seed along with the Idol made of gold or silver or copper, even stone or any other
material along with the same kind of calf Idol with the prayer to Goddess Dhenu that the
donor should never experience non availability of any essential material in the life of
himself or his family members. The Brahmana receiving the donation in all humility
should bless the donor and pray to Maha Vishnu to grant boons to the donor. The
procedure of donating Jal Dhenu is to first clean up and purify an area with cow dung,
place two pots representing a cow and a calf, made of any material as above, fill up the
pots with sandalwood, camphor and water of holy rivers preferably and donate it to a
worthy Brahmana and pray for happiness and abolition of sins and the receiver would
bless like-wise.A donor of Rasa Dhenu should sanctify an area and place two decorated
pots of bigger and smaller size on kusa grass filled up with sugar cane juice as also place
sugar canes on four sides to effect the donation; the donor should pray to the Rasa Dhenu
to make his life sweet and happy and the Brahmana too would pray to Vishnu to provide
contentment in the donors life and bless him to attain Vishnu loka after life. Dhenus are
similarly donated with other materials like Sharkara Dhenu donating Sugar, Madhu
Dhenu donating honey, Kheer Dhenu for donating rice, milk and sugar mix, Dhadhi
Dhenu with curd, Navaneeth (Butter), Lavan ( Salt), Kapas ( cotton) Gud ( Jaggery)
and so on. Indeed whatever may be the material donated, the charity of cows should
attract Almightys boons as per the donors wishes and forms.
Among the various types of Go-Daans mentioned above, Kapila Dhenu Daan is
considered as the most outstanding. A virtuous person waking up early morning and
washes a Kapila Dhenu with water flowing down from its head and neck to its feet with
devotion daily would most certainly washes off his sins for years. Charity of a Kapila
Dhenu in reality would secure the Punya of performing Gomedha Yajna, besides
fetching maximum benefits of any such charities put together!

Varaha Deva rescues Bhu Devi, His description, Stuti and Worship

As the entire Universe came to stand still when Dishas (Directions), Grahas (Planets),
and Celestial Beings got stuck excepting Thri Murthies, Bhu Devi and Brahma appealed
to Bhagavan Vishnu to uplift Her as She was sinking under deep Ocean and to save the
Universe. Bhu Devi prayed to Vishnu desperately saying: Praseeda mama Devesha
Lokanadha Jagatpathey, Bhaktayaam Sharanam aashraya praseeda mama Madhava:

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Hey, Jagatpathi Devesha Madhava, Kindly have mercy and save me and Devotees like
me; You are Surya, Chandra, Yama, Kubera, Indra, Varuna, Agni and Vayu; You are the
ephemeral and Eternal; You are the Dishas or Directions, Vidishas or Direction-less; You
are the Ten Incarnations; You are the Constant despite passing Yugas; You are the Earth,
Wind, Sky,Water and Fire; You are the Sound, Touch, Form, Taste and Smell; You are
the Stars, Yama, Rasi Chakraor the ever-moving Cycle of Raasis; You are the concept
of Time like months, fortnights, weeks and days; days and nights, Years and Seasons and
Six Rasas; You are the Rivers, Oceans, Mountains and Maha Sarpas( Giant Snakes);
Meru, Mandhar, Vindhya, Malaya and Dardura Mountain, Himalaya, Nishidha;
Sudarshan Chaka, Pinaka Dhanush, Yoga and Sankhya Shastra; You are the Srishthi,
Sthiti and Laya Karaka; You are the Sukshma and Brihat Swarupa; You are the
Maha Yajna, Embodiment of Vedas; Producer of Amrit with which the Deva Lokas are
sustained; You are the Adi (Initial), Madhya (Middle) and Anthasswarupa or Antaryami;
You are the Medha, Buddhi and Smriti; You are the Griha Devatha and Griha Mangal
Kara; Sarva Swarupa, Sarvesa, Sarva Vyapaka! Do save me from sinkng; thus prayed
Devi Prithvi! The Phala Sruti of Vishnu Stuti by Bhu Devi would heal the sick, bless
with progeny, grant a husband / wife, release from prison or legal entanglements and
provide contentment in life.

In reply to the Stuti by Bhu Devi, Maha Vishnu assured that as a result of Her Bhakti
(devotion) He would lift Her up along with mountains, forests, Samudra, Rivers, Seven
Dwipas and all the rest; He assumed a collosal manifestation of six thousand yojanas of
height, three thousand yojanas of width and one thousand yojanas of Varaha Roop; He
liberated Prithvi by His left damshtra (Jaw) along with the totality of mountains, forests,
Sapta Dwipas and their contents including Oceans and Rivers all in tact!

Bhu Devi was indeed excited at the unprecedented miracle that had happened and
immediately requested Lord Varaha about the Varaha Puja Vidhana.She posed
innumerable queries on the method of Sthapana, Avahana, and Visarjana; the precautions
to be observed on the preceding day of the Puja, the best timings to perform the Puja,
restrictions of eating during the Puja time and so on. Bhagavan replied that He might not
be impressed by thousands of charities or several Yajnas, but even simple-minded
persons with concentration and earnestness performed His Bhajan, although full of
imperfections, would definitely deserved His consideration! All the same, since Bhu Devi
asked certain questions, Varaha Deva gave suitable replies: Whoever prays to Him
midnight, or at the time of dusk, or at mid-day and whoever observed fast on Dwadasi
days would never be neglected. Merely performing Karma or an act of Puja devoid of
devotion and sincerity would not necessarily impress Bhagavan Vishnu. But if a devotee
with detachment and concentration did the Dwadasi fast and offered water in his anjali
(palms) facing Sun God reciting Om Namo Narayana Mantra, he would be sure of
Swargaloka Nivas for as many drops of water as spilt out from his palms! Those
devotees worshipping Narayana offered white flowers firmly trusting that Narayana was
sitting to accept the offerings along with the Mantra: Sumanah Sumana Grihnna Priyo me
Bhagavan Harih, Itena Mantrana Sumano dadat; the devotee offers next Gandham
(Sandal wood paste) saying: Namosthu Vishnavey Vyaktavyaktha Sugandhi cha, Grahan
Grahana Namo Bhagavatey Vishnavey/ Anena Mantreyna Gandham dadaatu; Dhupam

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(scented incence sticks) saying: Pravishtey me Dhupadhupanam grihnath Bhagavan
Achyutah Anena mantryena Dhupam dadathu. Bhagavan said further: Out of my
affection oh Devi, I have outlined the Pujakram; while performing Naivedyam of
Bhakshya, Bhojya and such other material, devotees tend to ignore my accompaniments
like Shanka, Chakra, and Gada and that should be avoided! Those who achieve the
Dwadashi Puja with self-satisfaction and clear conscience are exalted and devoid of ill
health, constant fear, mental confusion and discontent.

Bhagavan Varahas questionnaire to humanity about the roots of grief and Joy!

The reasons for fear, unhappiness and dissatisfaction among human beings were
described by Bhagavan Varaha Himself by posing the following questions: Why should
not human beings refrain from feelings of ego and possessive nature instead of turning to
the Supreme? Why should persons resort to consuming and selling those prohibited and
anti-social items ignoring awareness of the Supreme? Why do human beings turn away
poor guests while taking food although they well afford without realising the feelings of
the hapless? How could those who are deceitful, desirous of elses wives, always
complaining, jealous, evil minded and anti-social be not afraid of the Supreme? Why do
people act against their own inner conscience and allow death and disease chase them
closely without even being mindful of the consequences, never even blinking an eye
about Almightys Omni- presence? How is it that some persons are beautiful but
arrogant, smart but sadistic, outwardly virtuous but inwardly villainous not even with a
remote sense of Gods existence? Some persons are highly learned and intellectual but
some are deaf and dumb; this discrimination is indeed a curse of fate. Is this not a cause
of unhappiness? Which worse curse has befallen between two brothers, one with good
progeny and one without? Blessed with a human life and not that of an animal or a bird, a
person does not even think of Narayana; which worse misfortune does he have, causing
unknown mental dissatisfaction? On the contrary, a devotee shares the limited food that
he had, but decides to donate half of it to a deserving guest; what more pleasure that he
gets! If a bhakta performs Tri Sandhya and worships Vishnu; which better satisfaction
that he achieves! Every month comes one Amavasya and a pious man makes it a point
to perform Tarpana to his ancestors of three generations; what better mental contentment
that he would possess! If a persons urge does not get disturbed even if several charming
women fail to tempt him, what more happiness does the couple achieve together! A
person with two wives whom he likes equally well and the wives too are accommodative,
what more of an ideal situation there could be! If a person treats his aged parents with
respect and care and if the persons wife too is respectful and affectionate to them, could
Lord Narayana bless them all in the family any better!

Varaha Deva describes Aparadhas (Offences) to be avoided

Having narrated the causes of grief or joy to Bhu Devi, Bhagavan Varaha described
certain Aparadhas to be avoided in ones mundane life. No doubt, symbolic eating of
Bhagavans Prasad by humans is not disapproved but offering Bhog not suitable to be
offered to Devas is unpardonable. In fact, offering of that kind of Bhojan or food which
is unfit for consumption to anybody is considered as an Aparadh. Going near to a

45
person without Dantadhavanor cleaning teeth, tongue and face especially if the person
is performingDharmik Karma or a Virtuous Deed is considered as second Aparadha.
To approach near or touch the Idol of Varaha Deva is a third Aparadha. Approaching
Varah Deva for His Darshan, let alone His worship, after seeing a female in the period
of menses is noted as a fourth Aparadha. Similarly, a person should perform Achanam
after seeing a dead body. Worse still, if a person touches a dead body, one should take
head-bath, perform the Samskaras and approach Divinity. The Seventh Aparadha is to
perform ablutions during worship time and worse still not to purify the body and mind to
resume the interrupted Puja with KshamaapanaMantra. Wearing a blue Vastra or cloth
to perform Vishnu Puja is the eighth Aparadha. Telling lies during Bhagavan Puja is a
ninth offence. Touching with impure hands the Puja Items meant for worship is a Tenth
Aparadha. The eleventh offence is that an angry person engaged in unreasonable tasks
and allowed to do so. The twelfth Aparadha is to use Vishnus name in the Society to
secure favours. The thirteenth offence is to wear a red cloth while performing Vishnu
Puja. The fourteenth offence is that the puja is performed by wearing a black vastra. The
fifteenth offence is that somebody touches the body of the devotee. A devotee feeding
anAgnani/ Unethical person by himself is the sixteenth blemish. Performing puja by
wearing an uncouth cloth is a seventeenth offence. Worshipping the Deva after
consuming fish and meat is considered as a grave mistake. Eating chicken meat before
Deva Puja is the nineteenth fault. Touching Dipa (light) and without Achaman and
touching Devas is the twentieth mistake. Having visited Smashanas (burial ground) and
seeking to touch Devas Idol without purifying the self by bath etc. is a known blunder
and constitutes a grave sin. If Bhagavan Puja is taken up, after consuming Pinyakam
(Pitthi), it would be construed as the twenty second offence. Worship after consuming pig
meat, wine and kusumb flower are the twenty third, twenty fourth and twenty fifth
offences. Whoever wears somebody elses Vastra while performing the Puja of Deva is
accused of a blunder numbered twenty sixth in the series of Aparadhas. Consuming the
Anna Prasada (food) meant for offering to Devas and Pitras before the Naivedya
(Mantrapurvak- offering) constitutes an abject blunder and is the twenty seventh in the
series. Those who wear padarakshas (chappals) and perform Devas worship would
have committed a grave error which is counted as the twenty eighth Aparadha. Worship
after massage is considered as an affront to Varaha Deva bearing number twenty ninth in
the series of Aparadhas .Performers of Deva Puja suffering from Ajeerthi (Stomach
upset) attract the thirtieth offence. Those worshippers of Vishnu Deva offering Dhoop
or incense would have made a mistake for the thirty first offence since that offer has a
negative effect without Gandham (Sandal Paste) and Pushpam (flowers). Finally the Door
of Devas symbolic abode ought to be opened by the resounding sounds of Bheris, conch
shells and big bells; else this Aparadha too would have been perpetrated as the thirty third
one!

Sa-mantrak Vishnu Puja (Worship to Vishnu by Mantras)

Varaha Deva explained to Bhu Devi the Puja Vidhan (Procedure of Worship) of
Narayana supported by relevant Mantras. After taking bath and formulating a sincere
Sankalpaor mental resolve to complete Vishnu Puja successfully, the Kartaor the
Performer should turn to the East with Jwalajwali (Fire initiator) and Kushagrass in

46
folded hands and state that the Creator of all virtuous beings should bless that the
Narayana Puja be accomplished. Then turning to the West the Performer recites the
Mantra: Om Namo Narayana repeatedly. Also recites the Mantra: Yatha nu Devam
Prathamadi Karta Purana kalpam cha yatha vibhutih, Divi sthita chaadimananta rupah
Amoghamogham Samsara Mokshanam (I pray at the beginning the Original Creator or
Adikartha, Puranakalpa, Embodiment of Enormous Opulence, Anantha Swarupa,
Unfailing Decider and Provider of Mukti). Then facing North, the Karta keeps on reciting
Om Namo Narayana and states the Mantra as follows: Yajamahe Divyaparam Purana
manadi madhyanta mamantha rupam, Bhavodbhavam Samsara mokshanam /
Tatastheynaiva Kaalenabhutva vai Dakshina-, mukhah Namah Purushottamayethyuktva
imam Mantramudaarahet ( I worship to Divinely, Supreme, and Ageless Narayana, You
have neither beginning, center, nor end; You are the Creator of the Universe as also its
Destroyer; thus saying facing South, May I recite Om Namah Purushottamaya); The next
Mantra states:Yajamahey Yajnamaho Rupajnam Kaalam cha Kalaadikamaprameyam,
Anantharupam Samsaaramokshanam, Achutey th manah krutva imam Mantramudahareth
( I pray to You, Rupajnam, Kaala Swarupa, Kaaladika, Aprameya, Yajna Swarupa,
Anantha Rupa and Provider of Salvation from thee Universe).

Further the Karta becomes stable and motionless and states: Yajamahe Soma Pathena
Bhaavey Thri saptalokanatham, Jagatpradhaanam Mrityu Swarupam Samasara
mokshanam / Ethesham Thrishu Sandhyasu Karma chaiva Samaacharet, Buddhimaan
Mathiman bhutva yadeecheth Paramam gatim/ Yogonaam Paramo Yogo Gruhaanaam
Guhyaanam Guhyamutthamam Samkhyaanaam paramam Saankhyam Karanaam
Karmachotthamam/ (You are realisable by endless and selfless devotion about the Three
Worlds viz. Urdhva or the Higher World, the Madhya or the Central World and Athah or
the Lower World; Also You could be perceived about the Seven Lokas viz. Bhu, Bhuvah,
Swah, Mahah, Janah, Tapah and Satyah; as also the Lower Lokas viz. Atal, Vithal, Sutal,
talathal, Rasathal, and Patala; You are the Super Lord of the Universe, Mrityu Swarup
and Mukti daata. In case, the goal of Life is to reach Parama gati, the Karta has to
strengthen his outlook to perform Tri Sandhya or Sandhya Vandana thrice a day,
acquire Jnaan, and practise Sankhya Yoga which is the best of Karmas or activities.)

Enmarana kaalepi Guhyam Vishnu prabhaashitam,


Buddhimaan Mathimaan bhutva vismaretra kadaachana/
Ya etat pathatey nityam kalyothyaya dhridhavrathah,
mamaapi hridaye nithyam sthitah satva gunaanvithah/
ya thena vidhaanena Tri Sandhyam karma kaarayet,
Trigyanyapi samprapya mama Lokaya gacchathi/

(If a person with good mind and consciousness at the time of death remembers the
totality of the gist of the above Mantras, or Whoever reads the above Mantras in the
morning and performs Tri Sandhya shall be fortified with the consciousness of
Paramatma and shall take firm steps towards that goal). He shall indeed attain Vishnu
loka!

A few Illustrations of Vishnu Maya

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Bhu Devi was curious to learn about the oft-repeated refernces to Vishnu Maya by
Bhagavan Varaha in His discourses after He salvaged Her from sinking down under.
Bhagavan stated that even Brahma, Shankar, Indra and the entirety of Devas could not
comprehend what Vishnu Maya was all about! He gave some telling demonstrations of
Nature, Universe, Humans, Devas, Demons, and Sages as a few such occurences. For
instance, the clouds on the Sky pour water on Prithvi at certain places and others are dry.
Moon is bright at the commencement of a month but gradually wanes till the Sky gets
completely dark by the month end. It is Vishnu Maya that the day/night temperatures
change by the Seasons as Greeshmas present extreme heat and Hemants the opposite.
Surya emerges on the East early morning and disappears on the West by the dusk. It is
from the same physique that red blood and white semen flow which is a form of Maya.
During the period of pregnancy a baby has no reaction to materials or senses, but the
moment it is out into the world gets to learn, react and act. It is Vishnu Maya that human
body normally assumes identity of body parts like two feet, two hands, twenty fingers,
two ears, two eyes, back, stomach, etc.Interestingly enough whichever material is
consumed as food, water etc. is digested with the help of Jathara Agni and the wastes
are rejected out. Vishnu Maya is at work in creating sensory organs and senses and
sounds are heard, vision is facilitated, tastes are discerned, odours are smelt, reactions are
felt. It is Vishnu Maya doubt that every being of moveable or immobile nature facilitates
creation and assumes millions of beings reproduced. Maya is noticeable as rain from
Skies or water from underground remains adjusted with pluses here or minuses there,
except at the time of Pralayperhaps. Maya Shakti enables clouds to absorb salt water
from Seas and turns to tasty water from clouds. Maya in action helps medicines to
improve health and also to take away life at times. Indeed it is Vishnu Maya that after
birth a child grows from stage to stage as a youth, as a married man, as an old man and
finally at the door step of death. From a seed to an Ankur or small plant to a tree and a
seed giving tree is again the action of Vishnu Maya. Vishnu Deva gave further
illustrations of His lying in Yoga Nidra on Sesha Shayya or Sesha Serpent Bed
supported by Anantha Maya holding the entire Universe; it was Varaha Maya that lifted
up Bhu Devi from the abysmal lower World. Basically, it is all Vishnu Maya that the
negative factors of life are allowed to grow and Incarnations sport to terminate the
negative forces! Karanam Kaaranam and Karthaor the Action, Cause, and the Performer
syndrome are Vishnu Maya all about.

Tirtha Yatras (Visits to Holy Rivers and Pilgrim Centers)

Deva Varaha narrated the importance of pilgrimages to select Thirthasto Bhu Devi,
apparently as a component of human endeavour to realise Paramatma in various ways
and means through manifestations such as Deities, Holy Tirthas, Temples and Virtuous
deeds. On the aspect of Holy Tirthas, He described the value of worship and faith as the
two solid pillars of devotion as a firm stepping stone to realise the Almighty. Indeed there

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are any numbers of Pilgrim Centers, but made a selection of such Tirthas as have special
reference to Vishnu-related ones:

Kokamukha Tirtha:

Once a fisherman caught a massive fish in a big Lake called Kokamukha Tirtha and a kite
lifted the prey but could not hold it properly and as the fish slipped on ground, a
handsome prince emerged from the fish. Almost simultaneously the fishermans wife
brought pieces of meat to catch fish and as a kite took away the plate of meat the
fisherman killed the kite with his arrows and there emerged a charming Princess claiming
that she was from Chandrapur.The Prince and the Princess were married and as both of
them had memories of their previous births recalled the strange story, thanks to the
sanctity of the Kokamukha Tirtha. [The strong belief is that Kikhamukha was the
confluence of Rivers of Koka and Kosi (Kousiki) running from Nepal on the Western
District of Purnea in Bihar. The river is known in Nepal as Sun-Kosi (Swarna Kausiki).
The ancient Kokamukhi Tirtha or Varaha Kshetra is situated on the banks of Sun Kosi
now called Baraha Chhatra or the corrupted form of Varaha Kshetra]
Bhagavan Varaha depicted the prominence of Kokamukhi Tirtha to Bhu Devi: An
overnight stay on the banks of a River Jalabindu performing fast and worship to Vishnu
would fetch the knowledge of previous births! An overnight stay and bath at the
Vishnudhara waterfall in the Khoka region would yield the Punya of performing
thousand Agnishthomas. Worship of Vishnu for three days and nights by fasting and
Tarpans at Vishnupada Sthan or area reserved at Krouncha Dweep.Early morning baths
in a Sarovarfrom where Bhu Devi was pulled up by the tusks of Varaha Deva would
completely wash off the sins of persons of the current birth. A five night penance near the
Pancha Shilasor Five Rocks dedicated to Vishnu would reveal the path to Gomed
Dwipa.There was a Thunga-Kut named mountain with four Shikarsin the Koka Region
and a night long stay and bath would pave the way for Kusha Dwipa. Likewise, there
were several Punya Kshetras in and around the holiest Kokamukhi Tirtha; penance,
prayers, river bathing and homams etc. would confer various blessings. Termination of
life in the Holy Region would bestow life in Parama Lokas. He who reads or hears
about the Kokamukha Tirtha also confers effective means of attaining higher lokas.

Badari Tirtha

On top of Himalayas is situated the inaccessible Badari Tirtha which is the abode of
Badarinath Narayana. It is at this Holy Place that the illustrious Brahmakundis situated
where a person bathing on three days on fast succsessively provides the benefit of
executing Agnishtoma or the Homa/ oblation to Fire God. Performance of
Krucchavrat before Pranathyaag or termination of life might qualify a person to attain
Brahmalok or even Vishnu lok! At the Bararikashram, Tapsya at a place named
Agnikunda would please Narayana Himself. At the Place famous as Pancha Shilain the
Tirtha, it is believed that Vishnu assumes the form of Himagni and overnight fast and
worship at the Agnikunda entitles the advantage of achieving Ashvemedha Yagnya.
There are Five Shikharas at Badri Mountain and five waterfalls at a place known as
Pancha Shikha. If one recites Panchakshari at the Spot a devotee could enter Swarga

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Loka gardens for some time and if he dies there he would reside at that Place for good.
Similarly there are many other Places of spiritual significance at Badri Kshetra like
Chathustothra, Veda dhara where Brahma recited the Vedas first, Dwadasaadithya Kund,
Lokpalak Kshetra where Vishnu appointed Lokpals; Sthulakund where Mountain Top is
split and Bhagavan Narayana created Soma Deva as worship on Jyeshtha Sukla Dwadasi
on that day is considered extremely propitious; also Meruvar was the Place where Vishnu
created Meru Parvat; Panchashir where Lord Brahmas Fifth Head was plucked as a
punishment; Somabhishek where Vishnu appointed as Soma the Chief of Brahmanas;
and Urvasi Kund where Apsara Urvashi was born from Vishnus right thigh. Varaha
Deva thus described the prominence of Badari Kshetra as one of the most Sacred Spots
that Narayana Himself feels delighted to stay.

Mandara Tirtha

Situated at the foothills of Vindhya Mountain, Mandara Tirtha has unique qualities.
Named after the charming Mandara flower, its tree in the Tirtha is visible on Dwadasi
and Chaturdasi days of a month. If one takes bath in a nearby waterbody and performs
sincere meditation, the person concerned attains Mukti. A sacred kshetra named
Vaikuntha karakto the north of the Tirtha leads one to a waterfall full of yellow colour
like turmeric powder; it is believed that a nights stay after bath gives an experience of
the company of Apsaras (Celestial damsels).Some places nearby the Mandara Tirtha are
Prapan, Modan and Vaikunthakaran; it is believed that stay and penance at these places
till death blesses the persons with Swarga. Not far from the Mandara Mountain, a sacred
place known as Syamanta Panchak, there are rock formations like Chakra (wheel),
Gada (mace), Shankha (Conch) and Musal (plough)!

Shalagram Tirtha

Sage Shanlankayan of Yadu Vamsa performed rigorous Tapasya to Rudra Deva to beget
a son of Universal fame. Without realising that by the grace of Rudra and Vishnu, a boy
of great brilliance named Nandiswara was already born since the Sage continued the
Tapasya roaming from one place to another. Finally he settled for further Tapasya under
a Sal Tree at Shalagram. On a Vaisakha months Dwadasi, Vishnu blessed the Sage with
His Saakshatkaar (appearance) and conveyed that a highly virtuous boy named
Nandiswara was already manifested with the combined grace of Himself and Rudra and
was growing at Vraja Bhumi near Mathura. The Sacred Tree and the Sacred Tirtha
became renowned eversince then and the Sage was overwhelmed by the excellent and
relentless Tapasya executed by him as Vishnu and Rudra both blessed him to
immortality. In this Holy Region of Shalagram, there are fifteen Kshetras, but the best
known is that of Varaha Deva. The other Sacred Places were Bilvaprabha, Chakraswami,
Vishnupada, Kaalihrida, Swayambrabha, Gadakund, Agniprabha, Sarvayudha,
Devaprabha, Vidyadhara, Punyanadi, Devahlaad and so on.

Go-Nishkramanak Tirtha

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Situated on the Himalayan range, Go Nishkraman Tirtha has ancient reputation.
Bhagavan Vishnu arranged to bring down the progeny of seventy cows of Surabhi the
celestial cow to bathe in their milk the Lord Shiva, as the latter was cursed by a Sage
called Aurva to go about restless and extremely thirsty all over the world; Lord Shiva
entered the Sages Ashram (Hermitage) once and the trees and fruits turned into ash by
the heat of Shivas presence in the Ashram and hence the curse. Eventually, Lord Shivas
restlessness, body heat and thirst disappeared and the Sacred Place became illustrative.
Devotees taking bath in the heavy waterfall which had five streams provides
extraordinary freshness and mental peace; it is stated that a person who takes bath and
observes fast for five nights achieves the Punya of performing five Yajnas, apart from
burning off the sins accumulated. In this very Tirtha, there is a hallowed Kshetra, called
Panchapadwhere there are five massive stones and another huge stone inside a sacred
waterbody. Also there are other Kshetras reputed as Brahmapad, Vishnupad, Kotivati,
Vishnusar and Gosthalak. On Karthika Sukla Dwadasi, devotees take bath and observe
fast bestows the benefit of Three Vajapeya Yajnas near the water at Brahmapada. At
Vishnusar and a nearby Agaath(deep vallley) seen from the precipice of the mountain,
there is a Mandalakar (Rounded) place for doing Parikramas (Circumambulation) and
the number of steps taken in the last Parikrama before the death would ensure so many
years of reverence in Brahmaloka! Most significantly, the pilgrims could disinctly hear
the high pitched voices of cows at the Gosthalak Kshetra!

Sthutaswami (Krishna) Tirtha

Varaha Deva prophesied to Bhu Devi that in Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna would be born
to Devaki and Vasudeva and exterminates countless Danavas and Cruel Kings. Five
Great Sages would be the Stuthaswamis (Krishnas) followers viz. Shandilya, Gaargil,
Kapila, Upashayak and Bhrigu. Some five kosas from Mathura is situated the
Sthutaswami Teertha and is famed to absolve the sins of devotees by bathing in it with
earnestness. Besides the Five Sages aforementioned, the Sthutaswami would be prayed to
by Baladev, Pradyumna and Anirudha. Varaha Deva also prophesied that by sheer force
of unfailing faith and Bhakti (Devotion) the Virtuous would take firm steps to salvation,
while sheer jealousy and ego would be the dominant factors among the vicious persons
like Demons and demonaic Kings taking them to their ruin; indeed the most prominent
feature of the Yuga Dharma of Tretha Age! The Stutaswami Tirtha has a
Bhutagirimountain nearby where there are metal-made Idols of Lord Krishna of
indestructible nature; an interesting custom prevailing in the Region had been that the top
(head) and bottom (feet) portions oft the Krishna Idols of Metals are woshipped in awe
with flowers, Sandal paste and camphor lighting, where as the middle portion of the
Idols, especially under the chin and neck are touched or fondled with affection and
nearness of a family member! In the same Region, there are Pancharuna kshetra,
Bhrigu Kund, Manikunda and Dhootpap, each one of these Places possessing their
own sanctity and experiences of devotees.

Dwaraka Kshetra

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In the entire Life Story of Dwapara Avataar Krishna, the Dwapara Kshetra occupies a
vital role. Dwaraka was materialised by Vishvakarma on the architectural pattern of
Indrapuri of Indra himself and the citizens of Mathura were stated to have been moved
out in sleep into the luxurious beds of the glorious mansions of Dwaraka![ The overnight
transfer was stated to have been caused to avoid Krishna / Balaramas clashes with
Jarasandha and his associated Yavans of foreign origin, since Jarasandha was destined to
die in Bhimasenas hands and Yavans were destined to be destroyed by Muchukunda, son
of Mandhata] The heights of popularity of Dwaraka were witnessed under the Rule of
Yadu Vamsies with the rock like support of Krishna and Bala Deva. At the same time,
the termination of the Vamsa too had to be witnessed by Krishna and Bala Rama
pursuant to the curse of Great Sage Durvasa as he was annoyed with the light-moment
pranks of some misdirected Yadu youth as to whether a boy disguised as a girl would
deliver a boy or a girl and pat came the Sage Durvasas reply that he would deliver an
iron rod. Even after converting the rod into particles submerged into the Sea, the
members of the clan killed each other as a result of the curse excepting those who left
Dwaraka for Prabhasa Kshetra. Besides Dwaraka, Panchasar is a reputed Kshetra where
a stay of six days continuously would provide unprecedented enjoyment and death at that
place is said to bless the soul to reach Swarga. In the same Region of Panchasar, there is
a famous Peepul Tree whose fruits are not available to each and everybody, but a person
lucky to secure the fruit is stated to secure Parama Siddhi after his life. Prabhasa is the
most significant Kshetra, where in the days of yore, or perhaps even now to some extent,
it is difficult to meet those who are obsessed with passion and envy. Those who take bath
in the Sea are never disturbed by thousands of crocodiles; more interestingly, if persons
offer Pindas to forefathers at this place and tender the Pindas to crocodiles, the latter
accept the offerings from the Virtuous persons but reject from the others the same
outright! There are other important Places too in the Dwaraka / Panchasar Kshetras like
Panchakund, Brahmasangaman, Hamsakund, Kadamba, Chakra Tirth, Raivatak,
Vishnusamkraman etc. all around Manipur Mountain.

Mathura Kshetra

Varaha Deva was so fond of Mathura Kshetra that He told Bhu Devi: Na Vidyatey cha
Pataaley Naantharikshey Na Maanushey, Samathvam Mathuraaya hi Priyam mama
Vasundharey! (Devi Prithvi! Neither the Human World, nor the Higher Worlds nor
Patala could be compared with Mathura!) Whatever godsends are secured from the
worships of Magha Amavasyas at Prayaga are achieved every day at Mathura; the
boons equal to penance and bathing at Kurukshetra during Sun elipses is as good as a
days stay at Mathura; Varanasis stay a life time is like a days stay at Mathura and the
Punya of penance and bathing at Pushkar Tirtha during the entire Karthik month is like
a days stay at Mathura! River Yamuna at Mathura is far more sacred than Ganga, said
Varaha Deva and in the same vein He said that Yamuna at Prayag is hundred times more
sacred than Ganga. Devotees taking bath at Avimuktha Kshetra are blessed to reach
Vaikuntha. Also those fortunate to take baths at Vishranthi Kshetra are considered as
worship-worthy in Vaikuntha. Indeed, the hallowed baths at Vishranti are far more
superior to Yajnas, Tapas, Dhyan and Samyam or control of Senses. Three sincere
Pradakshinasof Gathasram Deva at Vishranti are like a stay in Vaikuntha. Bathing at

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Kankhal Tirtha in the vicinity of Mathura is like enjoying the undisclosed happiness of
Indraloka. Likewise, Dhruva Tirtha is popular for performing Pitru karyas or Shradhs
and Tarpans; Rishi Tirtha, Moksha Tirtha, and Koti Tirtha are known for giving away
charities. Bodhi Tirtha is well known for Pinda daans. Evidently, Mathuras uniqueness
is due to Krishnas birth at this consecrated land! In the days of yore, the entire area was
the most hallowed place where Lord Krishnas escapades in childhood ought to have
been lapped up in the contemporary period like the killings of countless Demons, lifting
of Govardhan Mountain by a childs little finger, controlling Varuna Deva by providing
shelter to the people around, besides His personal and mystifying charm, Rasaleelas, full
display of Maya and all the rest. Little wonder that Vishnu Himself incarnated as Krishna
and demonstrated how magnificent was the power of Almighty and how mean and low
that humanity in some parts would have stooped to.
Around Mathura, there are twelve Sacred Tirthas viz. Madhuvan, Taalvan, Kundanvan,
Kaamyakvan, Bahulavan, Bhadravan, Khadirvan, Mahavan, Lokajanghavan, Bilvavan,
Bhaandiravan, and finally Brindavan. Each of these Tirthas has its one distinct and
sacrosanct nature and popularity.

Gokarna Tirtha

There lived a Vaisya (merchant) of virtue at Mathura with his wife Susheela, but they
had no offspring. She was taking bath in Sangam (Prayag) and found children playing
with joy and happiness while swimming. She was overtaken by grief as she had no
children, when a Sage asked the couple to worship Lord Siva of Gokarna. After a few
years, the couple were blessed with a boy whom they named Gokarna.After Gokarna
grew and was married, he also did not beget a child and was involved in charity for
considerable time. He had then taken to his Vysya profession and decided to go out in
search of fortune. On way, he found a Divine Parrot in a cage carried by its Master and
was impressed by its knoledge. The parrot said that in his previous birth he was a learned
person named Sukodar but was cursed by a Sage Sukhadev who had however agreed to
let Sukodar to retain his memory and knowledge in his next birth aslo. The Master of the
parrot agreed to give the bird away, provided Gokarnas virtues of past good deeds were
transferred to the Master. Meanwhile, the ship got caught in a cyclone and wrecked in an
island and the Captain and crew said that the person responsible was Gokarna and his
sins. The parrot felt bad about its Master and flew away to perform worship at a Vishnu
Temple where a few Divine birds along with Jatayu their Chief were present; the divine
birds decided to help the Master. The parrot showed the way, rescued the Master and
took Gokarna to the Vishnu Temple, where he did worship and Tarpans. There were
Divine Women too in the Temple who were also sympathetic and allowed Gokarna to
stay in the Temple as long as he wished. The parrot flew to Gokarnas parents and
conveyed about the welfare of Gokarna. Meanwhile the wrecked ship too was repaired
and set sailing again. But the Divine women were sad as the King of Ayodhya decided to
destroy the gardens at Mathura; the Parrot tried to negotiate and the decision to destroy
the beautiful Mathura Gardens was reversed. The parents of Gokarna were united with
him who constructed a beautiful Suka Deva temple of Lord Shiva in the memory of the
illustrious Parrot. A grand Yajna was performed and Go Daan as also many charities

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were performed and eventually a highly Sacred Gokarna Kshetra came to emerge as a
renowned Tirtha.

Mayapuri (Haridwar) Tirtha-A glorious incident of Vishnu Maya

There was a highly religious Brahmana named Somasharma at Mayapuri who was an
extremely dedicated devotee of Narayana. For a long time, the Brahmana executed
uninterrupted Tapas, Karma, Bhakti and unique prayers to Bhagavan who had finally
appeared before him and asked for any boon that he desired. The Brahmana said that one
kept on hearing about Vishnu Maya in various ways and that he wanted to actually
experience that Maya. The Lord replied that if the Brahmana was so intensively
enamoured of a glimpse of Maya, then he should go bathe at a Kubjamarak Tirtha in
Ganga; Bhagavan said to Himself that He would furnish to him a Maya titled
Lomaharshini Rohini. As soon as Somasharma took a dip in the Ganges, he entered a
Nishad girls Garbha (belly) and felt aggrieved that having carried out such Tapasya
and accomplished the impossible Darshan ( Vision) of Maha Vishnu, was it not a twist of
fate to have insisted on Bhagavan to experience a glimpse of Vishnu Maya! What a
miserable experience this that a wreched Nishad woman would be his mother after a
detestable experience of nine months with three hundred bones through nine dwaras
(doors), blood, excretion, horrible odour and physical hardship! Why did I ask a boon
like this hey Madhava, after all my spiritual and devotional life? After the delivery, the
baby did not have any memory of Somasharmas past and grew up as a lovely Nishad
girl, got married, begot children and after fifty years, by virtue of Vishnu Maya, took bath
in Ganges one day and got converted as a hermit, sitting with the same form of
Somasharma but got utterly confused as there was an identity crisis. A few Brahmanas
told the hermit that they were searching him for the entire day and were happy to see him
back.Then prompted by an inner voice, Somasharma went back to Kubjamarak Tirtha,
pulled his head down, turned back to normalcy and got back his memory. Lord Vishnu
appeared before Somasharma again and after the latters Prana Tyaghe left for the
Sweta Deepa. Those who read this account of Vishnu Maya would certainly avoid
rebirths in the families of the vicious and despicable, but to a woman of high merit and
blessing.

Kubjaamrak Tirtha (Hrishikesh)

Varaharupa Vishnu described to Bhu Devi about the magnitude of Kubjaamrak Tirthas
greatness and the highly propitious baths in Ganga leading to indescribable merits. In the
seventeenth Kalpa, Brahma granted boons of invincibility to two Demon brothers named
Madhu and Kaitabha who were tricked to death by mutual destruction and created Prithvi
afresh. He then looked around to see the most revered Maha Tapasvi Rebhya engrossed
in meditation for thousand years with his hands held high. Being extremely pleased at the
Sages dedication, Vishnu leaned a hand on the branch of a Mangoe tree and the branch
got bent by the weight of His hand; the Sage noticed the Lords presence and broke into
spontaneous euology instantly and performed Saashtanga Namaskar with his entire
body falling on the ground. He requested Narayana to bestow him the boon of making
Hrishikesh a popular Tirtha. Kubjaamrak is of Kumudaakar or Lotus shaped. Bathing in

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Ganga especially in the months of Karthik, Margaseersh, and Vishakh is considered
excellent. In this area, there is a Manasik Tirtha reputed for Devi Vishaalanetri and the
belief is that after death, the person is born into a Vishaal vamsa with large family and
long standing reputation and prosperity. Another Tirtha is named Maya where bathing
in Ganga would certainly bring in reputation and contentment. At Purnamukha Tirtha,
Ganga water is cool and transparent and visitors prefer bathing here in summer season,
preferably on Marga Sukla Paksha Dwadasi. Karaveer Tirthas bathing in Ganges
confers jumping kind of happiness, while Pundarika Tirtha bathing gives Yajna phalor
the fruit of executing Sacrifices. Penances at Agni Tirth grant the boon of Ashvamedha
Yajna. At Vayavya Tirtha, Pitra Karyas or Tarpanas to Ancestors are performed; also
shaking off an Asvathh Tree on the banks of Ganges for its leaves provides Parameswar
Gyan, if the tree branch shaking is performed on twelve Dwadashis. Ganga assumes
different colours in Seasons at the SaptasaamudrikTirtha, some times in white like milk,
some times yellow, yet another time blood red, or of MarakathaMani!

Gokarneshwar Tirthas of Rudra Deva

While Varaha Deva delineated the prominence of Vishnu oriented Tirthas as above to
Bhu Devi, Sage Sanatkumar the Manasa Putra (Mind-born son) of Lord Brahma
approached the Lord and expressed happiness about the termination of Demon
Tarakasura by Maha Deva as the whole World was rid of the menace, especially by Indra
and Devas. But Sanatkumara felt that one mystery was still nagging in his mind as to why
there were three Gokarneswara Tirthas, one the North Gokarna, another the Dakshina
Gokarna and the third was Shringeswara. Lord Brahma explained the background in
some detail: The Northern Peak of Mandarachal Mountain known as Munjavan is
picturesque where a Nandana Garden existed with most alluring surroundings of
glittering precious stones and heaven-like ambience of streams, flowers and fruits where
Devas made their temporary resting places and so did Celestial Beings like Kinnaras who
sang their sweetest tunes and performed their dances. Most significantly, Maha Deva
used to often grace the Place in the form of Sthanu Parameswara.In the subsequent
Treta Yuga, a Maha Muni called Nandi carried out a rigorous Tapasya for thousand years
experiencing icy cold and extreme heat and Parameswara having tested his steadfast
fortitude and unnerving faith finally gave Sakshatkar and asked boons to bestow; but
Nandi never yielded for Prabhutva, Amaratva, Indratva, Brahmatva, Lokapaalatva
-Royalty, Immortality, the position of Indra, Brahma, Lokapaala but his Bhakti should
be eternal, or else there should not be Bhakti at all!Very gladly, Shankara awarded the
Worlds highest windfall that Nandi would be unique like Shiva Himself, that he would
be the conduit between all Devas and Danavas, Indra and Brahma and all the Highest
Powers that be as Shivas own conscience! Thus Nandi the Head of Nandi Ganas became
Trinetra, with Trishul, Danad, Pinaki, etc. like Second Shankara! In course of time, none
could ever witness Shankaras physical form as He had turned Himself as a Deer in the
Sleshmatak Forest, a fact not known to Nandi even! Led by Nandi, all the Deities
including Indra made vigourous searches the World over but to no avail. Lord Brahma in
His inner vision over Tapasya discovered Parameswara as a Deer in the Sleshmatak
Forest not far from the renowned Pasupathinath Temple in Nepal. Indra, Brahma and
Narayana reached the Forest and found the uni-horn Deer, chased it and nearly caught

55
hold of the horn Indra the top portion, Brahma the middle and Vishnu the lower
portion. Unfortunately for them, the horn gave way into their hands as three parts and all
the three cursed their own helplessness. A voice was then heard that the three of them
were able to catch only the horn and that too in three pieces. If only the entire body were
caught and installed then Dharma Dhenu (the Cow of Virtue) would have been on all four
legs. Anyway, they should install their respective pieces of the horn-the upper portion as
Uttar Gokarneswar, the middle portion as Dakshina Gokarneswar and the lower portion
at Slesheswar. Lord Shiva further said that on the foot hills of Himalayas called Nepal,
He would in any case emerge on His own with four resplendent faces in four directions
which would be famous as Sariresh (Pashupathinath); Sudarshan Chakra of Sri Krishna
tore the Mountains enabling Indra to terminate several Demons like Daman and the place
became occupied with Mlecchhas eventually but Surya Vamsa Kshatriyas uprooted
Mlecchhas and established a Hindu Kingdom. It is at this Illustrious Place where the
Sacred Bagamati River originating from Himalayas flows that Slesheshvar Param Guha
or the Sancrosant Cave had surfaced. There are any numbers of streams flowing where
even a touch of the waters would destroy sins. To the South of Slesheswar is situated the
Anashak Tirtha which allows firm steps towards Mukti. Another Tirtha called Bhrigu
Prapatan destroys Arishat Vargas (Six Enemies) viz. Kama (Desire) and Krodha
(Anger); Groups of Apsaras (Celestial Dansueses) take off by Vimans from this Place
to Swarga. Lord Brahma Himself established BrahmodabhedTirtha which has the
reputation of abolishing Rajo gunaif a devotee takes bath with Indriya-Nigrah or limb
control for a year to qualify him to ascend to Brahma Loka. There is also a Gorakshak
Tirth a visit of which would bestow the benefit of Sahasra-Daan or Charity of Thousand
Cows. A Climb of Gauri Shikhar provides Devi- Sayujya. Down under the Mountain a
bath in Baghmati River at Ratna Kund blesses attainment of Skandalok. Even a simple
bath at Panchanadi Tirtha bestows the Punya of performing Agnishtoma.To North of
Slesheswar is Pranthakapaniya Tirtha where Gandharvas were renowned to worship
Shiva. To North West, a sincere bath in Brahmodaya Tirthaalong with Sandhyopasana
would assure that there would be no visit to Mrityu loka and that there would not be any
difficulties for the rest of life. The devotees who perform Pitra Tarpana and Shraddha in
the Sangam Place of Bhagmati and Manivati Rivers would most certainly accomplish the
best of Shiva Devas blessings!

Lord Indra situated the top portion of the Shringa at Swarga itself. Brahma set up the
middle portion of the Deer Horn at Gokarna and Lord Vishnu set it up at Shringeshwar.
But Bhagavans body without the Horn has infinite forms! For example, Ravanaasura
secured one linga which got enrtrenched in Earth beacause of the trickstery of Ganesha
and tried to pull it tight and gave up! [Gokarna in North Karnataka is a Siddha Linga at
Mahabaleswar Temple; the coverings of the Atma Linga sought to have been brought by
Ravana fell at Dhareswar, Gunavantheswar, Murudeswar and Sajjeswar Temples, as
popularly believed]

Sins and Remedies- Observance of Vamana Vratha as cures and preventives

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A Brahmana of high virtues was travelling to Mathura on foot through dense, lonely and
frightening forest and saw five Prethas or skeleton-like goblin figures making fearful
sounds standing on way, saying that they were hungry and thirsty and would like to
satisfy themselves with the Brahmanas flesh and blood. Unnerved by the scene, the
Brave Brahmana enquired of the Five of them to tell about them! The Prethas said that
they were formed likewise as a result of curses and that their names respectively were:
Paryushith (who ate fresh food but gave rotten food to others), Suucheemukh (who
pointed and tempted many Brahmanas with attractive food but gave none), Sheeghra
(who asked Brahmanas to come quickly but denied food) Rodhak (who prevented
Brahmanas and ate all by himself) and Lekhak (who kept an account of those who were
needy but did nothing to help them). These Prethas eat and reside in such households
where there is no clealiness, no worship or Mantras of Devas, no respect for Gurus,
womanisers, unkept houses devoid of order or regulation, where there is Apathra Daan or
charity to undeserving, where good Brahmanas are insulted, evil deeds are done, etc. The
virtuous Brahmana told the Prethas that no person could ever become a Pretha if persons
observed Vrathas like Ekarathra, Trirathra, and Chandrayanas; or those who respectfully
offer good food to the Respectable persons or Sanyasins; those who perform Agni
homams in the house; those who show consideration to widows, helpless and needy;
those who perform regular pujas, care and respect for parents and elders and such acts of
goodness. The Brahmana also affirmed that those who executed Shraddhas on Shukla
Chathurthis especially Tuesdays; who did not get irritated often, be not jealous, be
forgiving, be venerable to Brahmanas, learned, visited Tirthas, Holy Rivers, Pilgrim
Centers, Temples and over all led a normally good life could never become Prethas. On
the hand, when a Brahmana dies with food provided by low class person; when a Grihasti
(house holder) indulges in extramarital relations; when a person robs donations to Devas,
Gurus, and Brahmanas; when a person acquires bridal money in weddings; when a person
leaves or cheats parents, brothers, sisters or children; when a person disables those to
perform Yajnas or enable those who should not; if a person kills or abets killing of
another person or a cow; a thankless person; a smuggler or dealer of land, women, money
and material; an atheist, an anti religion and worst of all a person who has committed
Five Mahapathakas have all qualified to turn into Prethas!

To safeguard any eventuality of becoming a Pretha, Maharshi Vasishtha prescribed a


Vamana Deva Vratha to the illustrious King Mandhata. The best day for Snan (bath),
Daan (Charity) and Havan is Bhadrapada Sukla Paksha Dwadasi (preferably
coinciding with Shravana Nakshatra). After Sangama snan, a devotee needs to give
away a Kalasha and charity of a Kapila cow. The Vratha aims at prevention of taking
birth into a domonaic family and to ensure Swarga Nivasafter demise. At the same time
the person performing the Vrath would be aiming at prevention of Punarjanma or
further birthlessness and achievement of Moksha. Thereafter a Ghata (Pot) with an Idol
of Vamana Deva with cooked rice and accompaniments is to be presented along with an
umbrella, footwear, a hand fan and a Kamandalu or a vessel full of Ganga water be
donated to a highly deserving Brahmana in the form of Vamana Deva Himself as per
Mantras and prescribed manner; The relevant Mantras are:

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Aagaccha Varadaantha Shripathey madanugrahaath,
Swarnopi nijaamshena Snaanametha dalam kuru (Aaavaahanam)-
Yatatvam Nakshatra rupena Dwadasyam Nabhasi Sthithaha,
Tannakshatramaham Vandey Mano vaanchita siddhaye
(Nakshatram)-Namah Kamalanaabhaaya Kamalaalaya Keshava,
Kamurthem Sarvatho Vyaapi Naraayana Namosthutey ( Snaanam)-
Sarvavyapi Jagadyoney Namha Sarvamaacyuta,
Shravana dwadashiyogey Pujaam kruheetva Keshava (Puja)-
Dhyupeyam Deva Devesha Shankachakra Gadadhara,
Acyutaanantha Govinda Vaasu Deva Namosthutey (Dhupam)-
Tejasa tava Lokaascha vidhutah santhi thevyaya,
Twam hi Sarvagatham thejo Janaardana Namosthutey ( Deepam)-
Adither garbhamaadhaya Vairochani shamaaya cha,
Tribhih kramaijitaLoka Vaamanaaya Namosthuthey (Naivedyam)-
Devathanaam Sambhavastvam hi Yoginaam Paraagathih,
Jalashayi Jaadyoney Argham me Prathigruhnataam (Arghyam)-
Havyabhuk Havya kartha tvam hota Havyaschameva cha,
Sarva murtha Jagadyoney Namasthey Keshavaaya cheti Swaha(Homam)-
Hiranyam annam thvam Deva Jalavastramayo Bhanaan,
Chhatra daneyna preetho bhava Janaardana (Dakshina)-
ParjanyoVarunah Suryah Salilam Keshavah Shivah,
Agnimayo Vaishravanah paapah harathu mevyayah ( Vamana Stuti)-
Annam thvashta Yamognischa Paapam harathu mevyayah ( Karaka or Ghata Daanam)-
Vamano Buddhi daathacha Dravyastho Vamanah Swayam,
Vamanastharako dvaabhyam Vamanaya Namosthutey ( Yajamano)-
Vamanah pratigruhyati Vamano me prayacchati,
Vamanastharako Dwaabhyaam Vamanaya Namo Namahc ( Dwija prathigrahe)-
Kapilaangeshu thishthanthi Bhuvanaani Chaturdasha,
Datva Kamadugdham Loka bhavanti saphalanrunaam ( Godaanam)-
Namah Paapaachhidey tubhyam Devagarbha supujitha,
maya visarjito Deva Snanam anyamalankuru ( Visarjanam)-
Evam Vidvaamsthu Dwadashayam yo Narah Shraddavaanvithah,
Yathra Tathra nabhasye thu krutva phalamaapnuyat /

(Briefly stated the Puja Vidhaan or Procedure of Vamana Deva Vrata is as follows:
Hey Vamana Deva, kindly bless me by being seated: Avaahan or Welcom- I salute the
Shravana Star on this Bhadrapada Sukla Dwadasi: Greeting to Nakshatra- Jalaswarup
Narayana, my Greetings: Bath- Sarva Swarupa Achyuta, at this auspicious time, kindly
accept my worship( Puja)-Govinda Vasudeva, please accept the Dhupa or scented incense
(Dhup)-Janardana, do accept my illumination (Deepa)-Hey Vamadeva, having begotten
of Adithi and conquered three lokas in one go, please agree to my food offering
(Naivedya)- Narayana, you are Jalashayi, consider my offer of water to quench the thirst
(Arghya)-Keshava, you are the Havya Kartha, Havya Bhoktha and Havya Swarupa, do
accept my offering of Ghee in Agni (Homa)-You are food, gold, water and clothing; may
I offer an umbrella and footwear as a token of my great devotion! (Dakshina)-You are the

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cloud, Varun, Sun, Water, Shiva Swarupa, Fire, Yama, Kubera and Anantha Deva; I am
too insignificant to praise you (Stuti) - Keshava!Please destroy my sins (Ghata Daan);
Vamana Deva! You are the performer, the action and the act (Yajananey)-Hey Vishnu;
you are the Giver, the Taker and the Taken, Vamana Deva, my repeated greetings
(Dwijapratigrahey)-Kapila Cow is considered as one of the Fourteen Worlds, may this
Kamadhenu bless both the giver and taker (Go-daan)-Vamana Deva, I have completed
this Vratha to the best of my capacity with full of inadequecies, do pardon me and help
others in their tasks (Visarjan).As the Brahmana demonstrated the detailed procedure of
the Vratha, the Prethas secured Mukti instantly. Whosoever reads or hears or atleast
retains the text of the Puja Vidhan would never ever be afraid of the Prethas or Pisachas.
If the Vrath is accomplished as instructed, the person concerned is sure to receive the
blessings of Vamana Deva who had indeed conquered the Tri Lokas!

Vishnu Puja-Aparadha Prayaschyas (Correctives for misdeeds)

Karmana Manasa Vaacha ye Paaparuchayo janaah,


Aparadhagruhaasthey thu viparithaastu Sadhava /
Ajnaanaacha pramadaaccha esham Praaptamayantaram,
Praayasthittham dahet Savamaparadha malothitham /

(Either due to ignorance or carelessness, quite a few Aparaadhaas (blunders) are


committed in the context of Vishnus worship; Corrective steps be taken to burn off all
the sins.)

The examples of such blunders are using harsh language; wearing unclean, blue coloured
and blood-mixed clothes; disrespect for Gurus and the learned; eating spoilt and inedible
food; eating while in Puja, entering Temples and Sacred Places with footwear; Puja of
Deities with prohibited flowers; puja in a condition of anger or lust or inebriated stage;
Puja in darkness without light, etc.Puja in improper clothing could be corrected by fasts
on one day, two days or three days, followed by bath and Panchagavya(or a mix of
equal measure each of cow dung, cow urine, milk, ghee or butter and curd-all cow
products) and finally food. Wearing of Blue dress should be preceded by aforesaid
procedure plus Paajaapathya Vratha including homam. Insulting or abusing Gurus or
Men of Elders must be compensated by Chandrayana Vratha or eating fistful of food in
an increasing scale from one fist on Partham day to Purnami and again from fourteen fists
to Amavasya on a decreasing scale! The blunder of eating inedible food or Abhaksha
Bakshana would attract the Corrective of Chandrayan Vratha, Prajaapathya and Go Daan
and Annadaanor food to anybody after sancifying as Prasad to any Temple God /
Goddess. The sins of Puja in an inebriated condition or wearing footwear in a Temple
precinct should be treated with Panchagavya. The indiscretions of performing Puja
without flowers or Pushp Mala to Vishnu should be absolved by Mantroktak
Panchamritha to the Deity.Surapan or far worse still, the performance of Vishnu Puja
in an inebriated condition, the Brahmanas should execute four Chandrayan Vrathas in
one hundred and twenty days. The rest of the sins ranging from bad stomach with gas to
romance or passion with women or worse still Stree Sangam attract light to heavy
punishments as per ones own conscience since the nature of Paschattapas (High sense

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of remorse) and the Aparadha Prayastischyas are to be determined by the norms afore
mentioned as per ones own conscience or the Guidelines laid. In any case, the hidden or
unnoticed Aparadhas must be warded off with the following steps viz. external and
internal cleanliness, concentration, kirthan, recitation, shravanam (hearing), pathanam
(reading), mananam( Retention), dhyanam(meditation) and surrender.

Regulations concerning Last Rites-Pitru Yagna

Varaha Deva told Bhu Devi about the significance of Pitra Yagna stating that it was Sage
Nimi who started the practice of the Last Rites when the Sage lost his son, Sage Atreya.
Nimi could not overcome the grief for three consecutive days and nights.Thereafter, he
decided to surmount the sorrow by performing the last rites on the twelfth day ie the day
of the Asuchi or impurity after the death. He performed the rituals of Shraddha on one
day which would have taken a week normally.He also executed Pinda Daanby donating
cereals, vegetables and fruits and with his hands along with kusa grass pointing to South
recited the departed soul of his sons name and Gotra. On that day, he invited Brahmanas
and gave them a feast along with those food delicacies which his son would have liked to
enjoy. But the sense of grief and guilt tormented Nimi who even contemplated a bid on
suicide. Meanwhile Maharshi Narada arrived and assuaged the intense feelings of Nimi
and confirmed that whatever was being performed was quite in consonance with the
regulations approved by Brahma. As the person whose custody was being taken by
Yamaraja and followers should be transferred to a kusha mat while chanting the Mantra
OMand Divya Gayatri and quikly wrap up over the body a Madhuparkawith the
Mantra: Om Gruhana chemam Madhuparkamaadyam Samsaranashanakaram Tvamrutena
Thulyam Narayanena Rachitam Bhagavatpriyanam Daahecha Shantikaranam Suraloka
pujuyam (Om, take this Aaadya madhuparakam; this discards Samsaarik connections and
connects with Amrit or eternal ties inspired and loved by Narayana Himself; your thirst
would be quenched and grants Peace and is adorable in Devaloka!). After applying
scented materials and oils, the permanent shine of the body and face be brought once and
for all, place the head down towards Ganga and other Tirthas available and perform
bathing, arrange head towards north and feet towards South on the chita and whoever is
the Kartha(s) should invoke Agni reciting the Mantra:Krutva Dushkaram Karma
jaanatha vaapyajaanatha, Mrityu kaala vasham praapya Narah Panchatva maagahatah /
Dharmaadharma samayuktho Lobha moha samaavrataha, Daheyam Sarva gaathraani
Divya lokaani gatcchatu / ( Either knowingly or unknowingly, this persons soul may
have committed sins and right now is in the grip of Mrithyu (death) and has been
absorbed in Pancha Tatvas; this body with Lobha ( greed) or moha ( attachment) as also
Virtue or Vice is being consigned into flames and its Soul be transferred to Divya
Lokas!). Having said this and made Pradakshina, the Kartha(s) should look at head
down to Agni Deva and after taking bath return home.Since then as Ashuchi
commences and Deva karyas should not be carried out. This Procedure of Antima
Samskar (Last Rites) is applicable to all the Four Varnas. On the Third Day of the death,
the Kartha(s) should take bath in a River or running waterbody and along with
threePindas give away three Jalaanjalis. On the fourth, fifth and sixth days, only one
Pinda and three Jalanjalis be repeated. On the Seventh and Eighth days the same be

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executed but at another place. On the Ninth day, those Brahmanas who were
commissioned for the Pitru Karya should recite Puranas without taking cooked food; they
would eat only on the thirteenth day. On the Tenth day, the Kartha (s) should have the
head tonsured and wear new clothes. On the eleventh day, all the Sagotris take bath with
oil and on the twelfth day would be performed Ekodishta Shraddah. Pinda-Pradan is to
be done as per procedure; the Pindas need to be considered as the departed souls
themselves with unmitigated reverence and selflessness.On the Thirteenth day, a feast is
arranged to Brahmanas, relatives and friends; Daanasare also performed to liberate the
deceased Soul and donations are made too in the form of cereals, umbrellas, and
dakshina.Besides other Danas, Go-daan indeed acquires significance.The procedure is to
be carried out every month till the arrival of the same day a year hence and till that time,
the departed soul is not freed from the Pretavastha. Thereafter, the Annual ceremony
becomes a regular feature as long the Kartha lives.

Nachiketas visit to Hell and return

Nachiketa was the virtuous son of Sage Uddalak who in a fit of anger once told the son to
go to hell and despite the fathers apology later on, Nachiketa was bent on visiting
Yamapuri and also returning back in his mortal body! When Nachiketa did come back,
his father knew no bounds of joy as this was indeed a miracle that anybody could return
from hell. The news spread out fast and innumerable Munis and Yogis left their daily
routines and thronged Nachiketa with questions that remained complex through out their
lives such as the description of hell, about Yama Dharmaraja and followers, the status of
sinners and the treatment meted out to them, the dispensations provided to different kinds
of sins by Chitragupta and so on. Having respectfully greeted the mighty Yamadharma
Raja, Nachiketa narrated the following: All those who are liars; killers of men, women
and children; killers of Brahmanas, the ungrateful, greedy, womanisers, rapists, non-
believers of Vedas, who curse Vedas or obstructors of Vedic paths or Brahmanas who get
Sudras to execute Yagnas are all sinners. Those who are drinkers of wine; abandon or
harass parents, loyal wife, children or Guru; who wilfully and wrongly secures property;
destroys public utilities, hampers Vratas, Yagnas, or moral causes; and such sinners of
small, medium or large sins have graded classification for the purpose of retribution of
justice! Yamalok is thousand yojanas wide and of lengh twice over; made of gold and
glittering buildings; of rivers and waterbodies of clear and tasty water; beautiful gardens
full of flowers and fruits; well fortified walls impossible to scale or escape. There are two
huge rivers Pushpodaka and Vaisvathi with divine waters. Two massive gates, one
reserved for Sages, the Virtuous and devotees who might not stay there but visualise the
fate of the Sinners and another one to let pass very huge crowd of sinners in continuous
streams are the landmarks of Hell. Nachiketa also visualised ditches of massive
magnitude, named Adoombar, Avirchiman and Uchchavatch meant for sinners to
pass through. Sinners are also forced through flames to the west of Yamapuri. Nachiketa
also witnessed the Great Assemby of Sages like Manu, Vyas, Atri, Gautam, Angira, and
Bhrigu. He visioned the Goddess of Justice, worshipped by Yamaraja and controlling all
the actions of the Sinners and found the fiery and powerful Goddess Kala too known for
retribution and revenge. Thousands of Yamaduts were on errands to fetch, classify,
arrange and direct sinners and as there was no concept of time, rest, sleep or wake up;

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there was no respite but follow a continuous and rigorous work-schedule. While lesser
content of sins were being dealt with by the Yama dootasby actions like beating,
throwing into flames, treating them with icy winds and so on, the larger intensity of sins
are to be directly dealt with byYama Raja himself. Also, there is a classification of hells
like, Tapta, Maha Taptha, Maha Rourav, Rourav, Saptataal Naraka, Kaalasutrak Naraka,
Andhakar Narak, Andhatamisra Naraka and so on. In the language of hell, there are
gradations of sins and corresponding punishments of varying descriptions and potencies
upto eight levels. After death, when the Mritak Pranior the Dead Being is brought to
hell, the surroundings are peculiarly different; the Earth is molten like metal, sky looks
like a fire ball; the experience would be of extreme hunger and thirst; food is too hot to
eat and water is too cold to drink; the Prani is thrown into stenchy water ponds to be a
target of huge fishes, crocodiles and waterborn snakes; by the time the Prani is able to
escape to the banks, huge birds hit the target or so do the big flies! In Kareeshgarth or
Kumbhipak Naraks, there are Demons with big teeth making horrible sounds of biting
and tearing the limbs of the Prani and after chewing, the limbs leap back again for
another bite or tear! In Asipatra or Shringatak forests full of sharp edged thick leaves,
the Prani is cut, pierced, twisted, or broken apart and sported by dogs or worse still by
giant scorpions. Then come the Kumbapalika Vana of Agni Jwalas or flames;
Vyalakirna or serpent infested tanks, Vaitarani Maha Nadi of fifty yojanas wide and
fifty yojanas deep which is stated to let pass through by the grace of good deeds done
only! One Yojana height of Kalgarah mount, Shingatakavannamed forest and so on
are such experiences that nothing else but the process of punishment would be wecomed
by the Soul tormented fully by now; in other words, Karma paripak or the fruition of
karmas performed by the Prani would be welcome by now as would be proposed by
Chitragupta on the basis of pluses and minuses account and finally endorsed By Lord
Yama Himself! If the Soul has an account of Virtue, he is sent to heaven; if the content of
the sin is large then the dispensations vary for the Prani to become a tree, or an animal, or
another human being of a lesser value.

Lord Yama advises Narada as to how best to avoid Hell

During his mortal visit to Yama Lok and an audience with Yama Dharma Raja, Sage
Nachiketa was present when Devarshi Narada had a Sacred Dialogue with Lord Yama as
to how could a human being aviod sufferance at Naraka Loka after death. The reply of
Yama Raja was as follows: Those who perform Agni Homam, has sons, gives away
charity of Bhumi, has a straight forward nature, has knowledge and interest in Vedas
shall not visit Hell. He should have affection for his wife and vice versa, be truthful,
practise charity, be a Vishnu Bhakta, non-argumantative, Swami Bhakta, follower of
Non-violence, and believer of Brahmacharya shall not visit hell.Those who should be
respectful to Brahmanas, have self control and restraint in respect of other women, be
considerate and merciful to other human beings as his own, be mature and well- learned
and be non-egoistic and deviod of resounding self image shall never go to hell. Those
who are ready to perform sacrifice for Gurus, interested in helping others, be of service to
Parents, and give away til-daan, cows, Gold and Bhumi are certain to avoid hell at any
cost. Those who execute Yagnas as per laid up procedure for self or on behalf of others,
follow the practice of Ahitagni and Chaturmasya Vrata, follow Gurus foot steps,

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observe silence and control of senses are sure to qualify themselves to reach Almighty.
Celibacy, desirelessness and control of Shatvargas are the essential features of
Amaratva or accomplishment of Eternity.

Yamas Prescription to achieve Salvation

Yamadharmaraja advised Sage Narada that primarily whatever Karma (action) is


executed by a person is paid back in the same intensity and volume. It is ones own
conscience that is his / her friend or foe. There is nothing else that is the deciding factor.
A person is bound by his / her past actions. This is what fate is all about. To
oversimplify that fate or Maya is responsible for any happening is improper as that
happening had its roots in ones erstwhile action. The cycle of action and reaction decides
about the movement (as well as the speed and volume) of further action and reaction and
these inner wheels specific to a particular human being decide the movement of the larger
cycle of the current and subsequent lives. In other words: As you sow, so shall you reap
or what is sown is what is produced.Only the foolish human beings blame God for their
miseries, little realising that actions need to be performed with total detachment as
attachments in current life tend to get transferred to the next births. Narada intervened at
this stage and asked Lord Yama that apart from what a persons conscience, action and
past history reveals, is there any other Force which might mitigate or add the impact of
Karmaor ones action? In reply, Lord Yama greeted Paramatma or the Supreme
Energy who has neither beginning nor end but is Everlasting, All Pervasive, and All-
Knowing; it is that Paramatma who is the Creator, Preserver and also the Destroyer;
indeed He is the only Force that could subtract or even remodel the impact of the
persons actions! It is He who is impartial and treats all the beings of His Creation
equally without favour or fear. It is He who realises Tatvartha, Prakriti and Purusha and
is unaffected or influenced by a persons deeds or the values of these deeds.It is He who
could make a precise assessment of a persons Dhyan (meditation), its quality or
quantum. It is He who could objectively decide the swing of joys and sorrows of any
human being and choose to grant or not yet grant Salvation, keeping in view the totality
of the persons Karma. Be it a Saint or Sinner, a human being is given balanced
evaluation by Paramatma without anger, prejudice or any preconceived notion, for
perhaps a Saint might falter once or a Sinner might act with improvement! He might
provide Mukti to a person practising Pranayama with concentration and by burning
off lowly emotions and impulses. A person who is desireless, devoid of attachments, and
leaves the Life ideally is blessed by Paramatma and grants Mukti. A person who is
industrious, patient, balanced, angerless, devoid of jealousy and does not eye on
possessions of others is qualified for attaining Mukthi. He, who is engrossed in doing
service to his learned Guru, follows a non-violent way of life and keeps away from lowly
deeds, performs only noble tasks and discards the wrong ones shall take forward steps to
Salvation. When a person is not interested visiting such Tirthas as are not approved by his
conscience such as pujas of questionable deities is not a sinner but a discreet being and is
hence deserving of Salvation. As soon as one notices a venerable and learned person in a

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company and automatically approaches him and touches his feet, he is indeed on the right
path towards Salvation.

Narada asked Yamaraja as to what would be the ways and means by which future births
are ensured to perform virtuous deeds and to desist from doing vicious tasks.To this
query, Yamaraja greeted the name of Brahma and suggested to follow the Holy Path of
Sisumara Chakra which stood for Para Brahma Himself; this Chakra which is within
ones own body too represents various Planets like Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Mars
etc.which are all worthy of Worship.The Sisumara Chakra or the Grand Wheel
Establishment visible on the Sky is the image of Almighty Himself. Indeed the Portrait of
Virat Purusha is impossible to vision even to Gods and Sages, but one could perhaps
percieve similarity of God-head with Sisumara and be contented with it atleast. [The
body of Sisumara which has the shape of a Dolphin is coiled with its head downward, the
Pole Star at its tail, on the body of the tail are the Planets of demi-Gods viz. Prajapati,
Agni, Indra and Dharma;the base of the tail being the Planets of Dhata and Vidhata; the
hip position being of Sapta Rishis; the right side of Sisumara being the Consteallation of
of fourteen Stars beginning from Abhijit to Punarvasu; the left side being the Stars of
Pushya to Uttarshadha thus balancing the body of Sisumara with equal weight; on the
back side of the body is the group of Stars known as Ajaviti and on the abdomen of the
Sisumara flows Ganges;on the upper chin is Agasti; on the lower chin Yamaraja; on its
mouth Mars; Genitals Saturn; Jupiter on the back of neck; on its chest the Sun; the core
of heart is Narayana Himself; within its mind the Moon; navel the Venus; breasts Ahwini
Kumars; within its life-air or Panapana is Mercury; neck Rahu; and all over the body the
comets and the pores are innumerable Stars]. It is that Sisumara that a high devotee shoul
greet and worship and attain Mukti! There are also other means like performing hundred
times a day; engaging one self in the service of cows (which is as good as performing
several pilgrimages) and observing fasts on all Ekadashi Days.ConsumingPanchagavya,
keeping cows urine on ones head, taking bath in Cows urine on rohini Nakshatra and
greeting a learned Brahmana soon after the urine bath; greeting Stars Arundhati, Dhruva
and Sapta Rishis with folded hands, observing fasts on Ekadashis and puja to Narayana;
these are some of the means that Yamaraja suggested to Narada as stepping stones for
achieving Salvation.

Phala Shruti

Lord Brahma affirmed to His Illustrious Son Sanatkumar that reading or hearing the
Sacred Varaha Purana bestows enlightenment, peace of mind, and maturity, besides the
Golden Means of Dharma, Artha, Kama (fulfillment) and Moksha. The Purana confers
prosperity, long life, victory, fame, propitiousness, and sin-extinguisher. A person who
reads this Consecrated Text will not lead to misery and misfortune. Reading it especially
in the early hours of the day will grant the benefit of bath in the Tirthas of Prabhas,
Naimisharanya, Gangadhar, Pushkar, Prayag, BrahmaTirth and Amarkantaka. It yields
the Punya of giving away in charity of Kapila Cow to a virtuous Veda Pundit. Reading
the Varaha Purana, chapter by chapter till the end, awards the fruits of executing
Agnishtoma and Atirathra.Whoever listens the Purana with devotion furnishes the
advantage of Yagnas, Charities, and Tirtha Snansaccording to Varaha Deva Himself.

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Reciting this Scripture with faith on Dwadashi Days should accord the gain of Suputra
Prapti (Excellent Sons).

Any household in the possession of the Varaha Purana and worships it would be the
residence of Narayana Himself. Those who listen to the Chapters of the Purana
frequently-even partially-would identify themselves with Bhagavan Vishnu.

(P.T.O)

Concluding Hymn

Yajamahe Divyaparam Puranamanadi Madhyantamanantha Rupam


Bhavodhbhavam Sansara mokshanam/

Yajamahe Yagnamaho Rupajnam Kalaamcha Kalaadikamaprameyam


Anantha rupam Samsara mokshanam

Yajamahe Somapathena Bhaave Trisaptalokanaatham


Jagatpradhaanam Mrutyuswarupam Samsaramokshanam

{Shri Varaha Purana Bhaghavatchhastra Ekonavimshatyadhika Shatatamodhayaha}

(I worship Parameshwara who is Divine, the most Superior, Ageless, devoid of


Beginning, Intermediate and Endless and the Creator and the Terminator of Universe;

I extol Parameswara who is Rupajna, Kaala Swarup, Kalaadik, Aprameya, Yagna


Swarupa, Anantha Rupa, and Bestower of Mukti;

I commend Parameswara who is the executor of Somayagna and through it the Lord of
Trilokas of Upper, Middle and Lower Regions and Seven Lokas of Bhu, Bhuva, Svah,
Maha, Jana and Satya; the Chief of the Universe, Mrutyu Swarupa or the Profile of Death
and the Provider of Salvation)

{Bhagavacchastra Shri Varaha Purana hundred nineteenth Adhyaya (Chapter 119)}

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