Ṣāṇmāsikaḥ — The First Six Months

After offering obeisances to Sri Krsna Caitanya, who is the only shelter for those who are wandering aimlessly with the material world, and who inspires even those who are devoid of pious activities and noble birth to take to the path of devotion, the worship and festivals that are to be observed in each month will now be described.

Lord Krsna has declared: Know the month of Agrahayana to be a part of My splender. Therefore, the month of Agrahayana is the principal month among all the twelve months. By observing vows and performing

ritualistic activities, such as bathing in a holy place, giving charity, and worshiping the Supreme Lord, in this month, one achieves the wealth of devotional service to the Supreme Lord. In the month of Agrahayana, one should especially worship Lord Hari in a tulasi forest, in the association of devotees, by dancing, singing, and observing festivals. In this month, one should offer colorful garments to the Lord that protect Him from the cold. When the Lord is offered such garments, He dispels the devotee's mundane conception born of material existence.

The great sage among the demigods has said: In the month of Agrahayana, by worshiping Lord Hari while eating only once a day, and feeding the brdhmanas, one attains liberation. One who spends the month of Agrahayana, which is very dear to Lord Hari, by faithfully executing the vows to be observed at night becomes qualified to attain the eternal abode of Lord Visnu.

It is the duty of Vaisnavas to observe the vows of the ten incarnations of the Supreme Lord, such as Matsya, which are to be observed on the twelfth day of each waxing moon, of Lord Padmanabha in the month of Asvina, and of Yogesvara in the month of Karttika, as recommended by the sage, Durvasa.

It is the duty of everyone to worship the Supreme Lord by chanting appropriate mantras and performing sacrifice after bathing in the morning during the month of Agrahayana. To offer sweet rice mixed with gur, or jaggery, every day is highly recommended in this month. By observing these vows throughout the month, one obtains good fortune and by the mercy of Lord Madhava, attains the abode of the Lord after death. O n e should observe the vows that are to be executed during the nights of this month as described in the Varaha Purdna. The fruit of these vows are also described therein but because they are in the category of fruitive activities, we are not describing them here.

In the first month of Autumn, or Hemanta, which is also known as Agrahayana, the unmarried damsels of Vraja ate only havisya rice once a day and worshiped Goddess Katyayanl.

In order to please Lord Hari, one should sleep on the floor and bathe three times a day for one month, starting from the Ekadas'i of the waxing moon in the month of Pausa. During this period of one month, one is advised to give up all desires for sense gratification, control his senses, and worship Lord Hari three times a day. This will award one immense piety.

By worshiping Lord Hari with great pomp, while offering Him yogurt and rice for the entire month of Pausa, or for fifteen days, or for ten days, or for even five days, one attains the lotus feet of the Lord. One should offer rice mixed with yogurt to Lord Hari, while remaining in the association of devotees and dancing, singing, and playing musical instruments. After offering this food with love and devotion, one should faithfully accept the Lord's remnants. One who devotedly honors the remnants of Lord Hari, or distributes them to others, or partakes of them with other devotees, achieves unlimited benefit. By bathing Lord Hari, the master of the demigods, with five kilos of pure cow's ghee on the full moon day joined by the Pusya star in the month of Pausa, one undoubtedly obtains the merit of performing a horse sacrifice.

in the Magha-mahatmya section of the Padma Purana it is situated) mdghe masi kuru snanarh manikuta nadi jale rsi siddhd surair juste kathaydmi ca tadvidhim tava bhdgya vasdn magho nikatah panca me'hani pausasya ekddasim sukldm drabhya sthanddesayah masam ekarh nirdhdras trivdrarh sndnam dcaret O Vidhyadhara, when the month of Magna arrives, you bathe in the river which flows by the Manikuta mountain, which is inhabited by great

sages, perfect beings, and asuras. I will now inform you of the procedure to be followed. You are very fortunate because the month of Magha begins only four days from today. It is recommended that one should bathe three times a day, observe fasting, and sleep on the floor for one full month, beginning from the Ekadasi of the waxing moon in the month of Pausa.

One must control his senses, give up desires for sense gratification, and worship Lord Visnu three times every day until the Ekadasi of the waxing moon in the month of Magha.

When the sun travels through the constellation, Makara, one should observe that auspicious and sacred day by performing pious activities, such as bathing in a holy river and giving in charity.

It is the duty of all first-class men to observe the vows that are recommended for the month of Magha. One can accumulate great pious merit by giving up his objects of enjoyment, one by one, in this month. One should sleep on the bare floor, perform fire sacrifice with sesame seeds and cow's ghee, and worship Lord Hari three times every day in this month.

For the pleasure of Lord Hari, throughout the month of Magha, one should, according to his ability, donate ghee lamps, wood, blankets, cloth, shoes, kunkuma, ghee, oil, quilts, cotton pieces of cloth, and rice. One should at least donate ten grams of gold every day to qualified brahmanas who are well-versed in the Vedas. In this sacred month of Magha, the brahmanas should neither eat food cooked nor given by others, nor give charity to others. O King, one who is desirous of auspiciousness should feed brahmanas according to his capacity and give them daksina on the last day of the month.

One who desires perpetual residence in heaven should faithfully observe the vows recommended for the month of Magha, following the procedures whereby one observes Ekadasi.

"O Acyuta! O Govinda! O Madhava, I bathe in the month of Magha, when the sun travels to the Makara-rasi. O Lord, kindly bestow upon me the appropriate fruit of this bath." After chanting this mantra, one should bathe while remaining silent. Thereafter, one should remember the holy names of Hari, Vasudeva, Visnu and Madhava.

When the sun travels to the constellation, Makara, if one bathes at home with warm water, he obtains the result of bathing in a holy place for six years. The opinion of great sages is that by bathing in a pond outside the house, one receives the benefit of bathing in a holy place for one full year. By bathing in a lake, one receives twice the above benefit, by bathing in a kunda, one receives four times the benefit, and by bathing in a sacred river, one receives one hundred times the benefit. O exalted king, by bathing at the confluence of two rivers, one receives four hundred times the benefit, and by bathing in the Ganges when the sun travels to the Makara-rasi, one receives one thousand times the benefit. Bathing at the confluence of the Gariga and Yamuna in the month of Magha awards a person one hundred thousand times the benefit.

By bathing and by performing the prescribed rituals without covering the upper portion of one's body, one obtains the merit of performing a horse sacrifice at every step.

JO SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA

recorded in the Bhavisottara Purdna, these verses are found) pausa phdlgunayor madhye prdtah sndyi sadd bhavet tatra cotthdya niyamarh grhnniydd vidhipurvvkam magha mdsam imam purnarh sndsye'harh deva mddhava One should always bathe in the morning, especially during the month of Magha, which falls between the months of Pausa and Phalguna. After waking up in the morning, one should make a vow by saying, "O Supreme Lord, Madhava, I will bathe every morning without fail during the entire month of Magha."

One who bathes early in the morning throughout the month of Magha, without covering his body with warm cloth; one who offers oblations to the sun-god, according to the Vedic injunctions; and one

who returns home from a reservoir of water after duly offering oblations tu tue forefathers obtains the merit of performing a horse sacrifice with every step. One should rub clay on his head before bathing in a holy place, and one should worship Lord Madhusudana after offering his humble obeisances to his spiritual master.

In this month, one should worship Lord Madhava, who holds a conch shell and a club in His hands, and then perform fire sacrifice with undivided attention while observing the prescribed rules and regulations. One should offer amalaki fruit and sesame seeds, smear cow dung over the sacred place, and ignite a fire to protect the brahmanas from the cold.

One should worship a brdhmana couple and give them food, sandalwood paste, a blanket, a deer skin asana, jewels, and cloth.

12 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA Especially in the month of Magha, one should give in charity quilts, warm clothes, and shoes. O King, by giving in charity in this way in the month of Magha, one pleases Lord Madhava.

bhavisyottare tatraiva (In the Bhavisottara Purana it is stated) praydgarh puskararh prapya kuruksetram athdpi va yatra va tatra sndyan mdghe nityam iti srutih It is the well-known statement of the scriptures that during the month of Magha, one should daily bathe at either Prayaga, Puskara, or Kuruksetra, or any other holy place.

In the month of Magha, it is essential for everyone to bathe in a holy place, according to prescribed rules and regulations.

Either with material desires or without material desires, everyone should ritualistic bathe in the month of Magha.

is recorded in the same literature, these verses are found)

amdgha sndnind nrndrh nisphalam janma klrttanam asuryya gaganarh yadvad candra mudu maiydalam tadvanna bhdti satkarmma magha sndnarh vind nrpa vudbudd iva toyesu puttika iva jantusu jayante marand yaiva magha sndna vivarjjitah It is a fact that the lives of those who do not bathe in a holy place during the month of Magha are passed in vain. As the sky does not look beautiful without the presence of the sun, moon, or stars, the performance of pious activities is considered incomplete without bathing in a holy place during the month of Magha. As bubbles on the surface of water and the tiny insect known as Puttika die immediately after birth, those who do not bathe in a holy place during the month of Magha are born only to die. In other words, their lives are without meaning.

Lord Madhava does not become as pleased by the observing of vows, giving of charity, or performance of austerity, as He is by a bath in a holy place during the month of Magha. It is said that the injunction that one must bathe in a holy place during the month of Magha exists simply for the satisfaction of Lord Vasudeva.

pddme tatraiva (In the Padmd Purana it is stated) sarvve'dhikdrino hyatra visnu bhaktau yatha nrpa sarvvesdm svargado mdghah sarvesdm papa ndsanah O King, just as everyone is eligible to render devotional service to Lord Visnu, everyone can a t t a i n the heavenly planets a n d have all of their sins destroyed by observing the rituals that are recommended during the m o n t h of Magha.

O King, brahmacarls, grhastas, vdnaprasthas and sannyasis always take pleasure in glorifying the morning bath in the m o n t h of Magha. W h a t to speak of them, even elderly men, women, children, and even eunuchs can obtain great benefit by bathing in a holy place during the m o n t h of Magha. T h e three varnas—brahmanas, ksatriyas, and vaisyas are advised to bathe while chanting Vedic mantras. There is no recommendation for chanting mantras for women a n d sudras and so they should bathe in silence.

One who bathes in a holy place during the month of Magha will not suffer any distress because all his mortal sins are washed away.

When the sun rises during the month of Magha, a voice from the water declares: "Who has killed brdhmanas7. Who drinks wine, or who has fallen down from his position? We will purify them all." Those who bathe in a holy place during the month of Magha will certainly attain that abode where the temples are made of god, where all the women celestially beautiful, where everything is palatable, and where the mud of the rivers is just like sweet rice.

One who bathes every morning during the month of Magha returns to Vaikuntha after enjoying life to his full satisfaction, along with his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, as well as twenty-one generations of his family. One who bathes in the water of a beautiful river when the sun rises on the eastern horizon during the month of Magha delivers seven generations of his father's and mother's families, and ascend- to heaven in a celestial body.

the Qaruda Purdna, these verses were spoken by the great sage) durlabho magha mdsastu vaisnavdndm atipriyah devatdndm rsindnca munlndm sura ndyaka visesena sacindtha mddhavasya ativallabhdh adhiko magha mdsastu mdsdndntu sacipate

pausyantu soman tayarh yavad bhavati purnirnd magha masasya devendra puja visnor vidhiyate The month of Magha is very rarely obtained and it is very dear to the demigods, Vaisnavas, and great sages. It is very pleasing to Lord Hari and it is considered to be the best of all months. O king of demigods, the month of Magha refers to that time between the full moon day in the month of Pausa, and the next full moon day. During this auspicious period, one should worship the Lord with special care and attention.

By bathing Lord Hari and offering Him sandalwood paste, incense, a ghee lamp, food, and so on during this month, all these offerings and worship award eternal benefit. Simply by worshiping Lord Hari according to one's ability during the month of Magha, even for fifteen days, or ten days, or even five days, one will attain His eternal abode.

recorded in the Shxnda Purdna, these verses are found) magha snanasya mahatmyarh srnu bhagavata priya tvatsamo nasti loke'smin visnor bhakto mahamune

18 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA cakra tirthe harirh drstvd mathurdydfica kesavam yat phalarh labhate jantur magha sndnena tat phalam jitendriyah santamandh saddcdrena sarhyutah sndnarh karoti yo mdghe sarhsdri na bhavet punah orhkdrah sarvva veddndrh yathddau parigiyate tathd visnu vratd ndntu magha sndnam mahdmune There is no Vaisnava who is comparable to you in this world! You are very dear to the Supreme Lord and so, I will now describe to you the glories of the month of Magha. One who bathes in a holy place during the month of Magha obtains the same merit that one receives by having darsana of Lord Hari at Cakratlrtha, or Lord Kesava at Mathura. By bathing at a holy place during the month of Magha, while carefully controlling one's senses and mind, and remaining pure in behavior, one will no longer experience birth in the material world. O best of sages, as the transcendental sound, orn, is the origin of all the Vedas, ritualistic bathing during the month of Magha is said to be the origin of all kinds of vows in relation to Lord Hari.

Even by simply thinking of taking a holy bath in the month of Magha, one can become delivered from the distressful condition of material existence. Those who observe the vow of bathing in a holy place during the month of Magha will not traverse the path to hell, or meet Yamaraja or his messengers even in a dream.

O sage among the demigods, if one desires to have good children, grand-children, wealth, or residence near Lord Visnu, he should bathe in a holy place every year during the month of Magha. In this material world, if one even thinks of observing the vows that are related to Lord Hari, all of his sinful reactions that were accumulated in the previous one hundred lifetimes are destroyed.

By faithfully observing the vow of bathing in a holy place during the month of Magha, while carefu'ly controlling one's mind, one can attain Lord Visnu's supreme abode, which is worshiped by the inhabitants of the Liiree worlds.

2Q SRIHARI-BHAKTI-VILASA O best of brahmanas, all kinds of grave sins that were committed knowingly or unknowingly by one who bathes in a holy place during the month of Magha are burnt to ashes, just as cotton is burnt to ashes by contact with fire.

O Narada, all the sins committed by means of one's mind, actions, and speech are destroyed simply by bathing in a holy place during the month of Magha. The great sages have said that any pious activities, such as bathing at a holy place, giving charity, chanting mantras, or performing sacrifice that is performed during the month of Magha with the aim of pleasing Lord Janardana will yield unlimited benefit.

O best of brahmanas, if one, out of illusion, performs some pious activity with miserliness, even when he can afford to spend lavishly, then it is considered to be useless labor only. If there is even one person in a family who bathes in a holy place during the month of Magha, then all past and future descendents in his family are delivered by the grace of Lord Madhava.

By the appearance of the month of Magha, which is very dear to those who perform austerities, all sinful reactions are vanquished, just as darkness is vanquished by the appearance of the sun. While observing the vow of bathing in a holy place during the month of Magha, one must give up all sense of duplicity and remain silent.

O Narada, whether one wants to experience the limit of sense gratification or attain the eternal abode of Lord Visnu, Vaikuntha, he should bathe in a holy river or pond and then devotedly worship Lord Kesava with tulasl leaves.

found in the Brahmavaivarta Vurana, it is stated) na magha mdsa snanasya soma manyad bhrgudvaha tapah kimapi tattvartha vedino munayo viduh sitakaie susitena jalena svam vapurnarah

22 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA praksdlya sadyo niyatarh visodhayati duskrtam O great sage, those who are well-versed in the knowledge of the Absolute Truth do not practice any penance other than bathing in a holy place during the month of Magha. By bathing in cold water during the winter, one becomes purified, both internally and externally.

If a iudra, or even a fisherman, bathes in a holy place during the month of M§gha, according to the rules and regulations that are prescribed in the scriptures, he can be accepted as a hrahmana. On the other hand, if a hrahmana fails to bathe in a holy place during the month of Magha, he loses his brahminical qualifications.

What could be a more suitable time for spiritual cultivation than the period before sunrise? This time is also appropriate for bathing during the month of Magna. One should rise early in the morning and go outside to bathe. With every step one takes to go out for having a bath, he will achieve the merit of performing a horse sacrifice. And, with every step that one takes while going outside to bathe in the month of Magha, he exhausts the reactions to his sins that have not yet fructified. For this reason, Yamaraja is very pleased with such a person. The result one obtains by giving a brown cow in charity at Kuruksetra during a solar eclipse can be achieved by one who bathes in a holy place every day during the month of Magha.

in the Bhumi Khanda of the Padma Pur ana it is stated) samya guktarh pararh sreyo loka dvaya hitavaham nirmmali karanarh tena munlndm varxa vdsindm Thus, the great sage nicely described these most purifying and auspicious topics, which are beneficial both in this world and in the next, to the ascetics who resided in the forest.

Those who desire to have perpetual enjoyment in the association of celestial women should always bathe in a river during the month of Magha, when the sun travels to the constellation, Makara.

24 SRIHARI-BHAKTI-VILASA

Those who wish to transfer themselves to the heavenly planets without performing any fire sacrifices or pious activities should bathe in a stream of water early in the morning during the month of Magha.

O King, let those who desire to attain the abodes of the demigods without giving cows, land, sesame seeds, cloth, gold, and grains in charity, bathe in the morning during the month of Magha. Let those who have a desire to go to heaven without giving any voluntary trouble to their bodies, such as observing various penances like trirdtra, cdndrdyana, krcchra, and pardk, always bathe in a holy place during the month of Magha. It is recommended that everyone should enthusiastically worship Lord Hari in the month of Vaisakha. One should worship the Supreme Lord and undergo austerities in the month of Karttika, and one should worship the Supreme Lord and bathe in a holy place during the month of Magha.

It is said that Aditi, the wife of Kasyapa, fasted during the month of Magha and bathed in the Manasa-sarovara. As a result of this, she was blessed with twelve excellent and brilliant sons who are known as Dvadasaditya. Because of bathing during the month of Magha, Rohini attained good fortune, Arundhati became charitable, Saci became beautiful, and Anusuya became most chaste.

Lord Murari's worshipers who bathe in a holy place during the month of Magha will happily reside in a seven-story palace that is beautified with opulent decorations, whose courtyard is bedecked with jewels, where breezes are always blowing because of the movements of the elephants' ears, where exquisitely beautiful women reside, which is filled with the sounds of various musical instruments, which is sanctified by the chanting of Vedic mantras, which is swarming with learned brahmanas, where the worship of the demigods is a mere ritual, and which is always filled with many honorable guests.

By renouncing one's favorite object, which is the root cause of attachment, and by acting according to the injunctions of the scriptures, the month of Magha, which is the source of all righteousness and which destroys all of one's sinful reactions, will become one's supreme benefactor. The month of Magha is certainly the best remedy, the best objective of life, and the best means to achieve all kinds of material enjoyment. For those who have no material desires, this month awards the gift of transcendental knowledge.

Those who rituahstically bathe during the month of Magha attain the planet which is sought after by those who give charity, who follow the principles of varnasrama, and who serve guests with great respect.

Those who go to the planets of the immortals by the strength of their pious activities, again fall down after enjoying the fruit of their karma. However, those who rituahstically bathe in the month of Magha never fall down from the planets of the immortals. There is nothing more purifying or effective in destroying sinful reactions than a sacred bath in the month of Magha. It is the best remedy for conditioned souls because it instantly takes away all sinful reactions. This fact has been disclosed by the great sage, Bhrgu, to the Vidyadharas, the intelligent Devaduta, and to Vikundala at Manigiri.

28 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA mdgho garjjati yogebhyo mdgho yogdcca garjjati tivracca tapaso mdgho bho vidyddhara garjjati puskare ca kuruksetre brahmd vartte prthudake avimukte praydge ca ganga sdgara sangame yat phalarh dasabhir varsaih prdpyate niyamair naraih tat phalarh labhate mdghe tryaharh sndndnna sarhsayah O Vidyadhara, simply by bathing in the month of Magna, one can become free from all dangers and sinful reactions. It is more beneficial than all other kinds of vows. It awards all types of benefit. The month of Magna awards special benefit that surpasses the benefit achieved by yoga, fire sacrifice, or penance. The benefit one obtains by bathing for ten years in holy places, such as Puskara, Kuruksetra, Brahmavarta, Prthudaka, Kasi, Prayaga, or Gahga-sagara can be achieved simply by bathing in the month of Magna for just three days. Of this there is no doubt.

Those who have a long-standing desire to enjoy heavenly pleasure should bathe in any reservoir of water during the month of Magha, when the sun travels in the Makara-rasi. Those who wish to have a long duration of life, good health, wealth, beauty, and good qualities should never forget to take a ritualistic bath in the month of Magha. Those who are terribly frightened by the prospect of hellish life and earthly miseries should carefully observe the vow of taking a holy bath in the month of Magha.

Bathing in the month of Magha is the only way to wash off the mire in the form of poverty, sin, and an unfortunate state of being. If a pious activity is performed without faith, it yields less benefit but the month of Magha awards complete benefit to those who carefully follow their vows.

Either with material desires, or without material desires, if one ritualistically bathes in a reservoir of water in the month of Magha, he will not have to suffer any miseries, in this life or in the next. As the moon increases and decreases during the waxing and waning fortnights, by bathing in the month of Magha, one's sinful reactions decrease and his piety increases. As jewels are produced in the ocean, all kinds of piety are produced in the sacred bath during the month of Magha. One also achieves a long duration of life, wealth, a good wife, and assets by observing this vow. As a touchstone awards one's desired results, and as a wish-fulfilling cow supplies an abundance of milk, a sacred bath in the month of Magha fulfills all kinds of desires. Performance of austerity in Satya-yuga, performance of sacrifice in Treta-yuga, Deity worship in Dvapara-yuga, and the chanting of the holy name of Hari in Kali-yuga— these are the appropriate processes for worshiping the Lord in the various ages—but a holy bath in the month of Magha is highly recommended in all the four yugas.

O King, a sacred bath in the month of Magha showers the rain of religious principles on the members of all varnas and dsramas.

It is the duty of everyone to bathe in a holy place during the month of Magha in order to please Lord Hari, and to counteract one's sinful reactions. Just as no source of light is equal to the sun, no pious activity is equal to a sacred bath in the month of Magha. What is the use of protecting a healthy, temporary, strong, or weak body if one does not take a holy bath in the month of Magha?

32 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA loluparh pisunarh krurarh krtaghnarh ksanikarh tathd duspurarh durddhararh dustarh dosa traya vidusitam asuci srdvi sacchidrarh tapa traya vimohitam nisargato'dharmma ratarh trsnasata soma kulam kdma krodha. mahdlobha naraka dvara sarhsthitam krmi varccaska bhasmadi parindme sundrh havih idrk sarirakarh vyartharh magha sndna vivarjjitam This material body is filled with bones, nerves, flesh, and blood; covered with skin; and filled with disgusting stool and urine. It is a house of old age, disease, lamentation, anxiety, and so on and it is mainly influenced by the mode of passion. It is temporary and it is a source of all types of faults. It causes distress to others, commits sinful activities, tortures other living entities, and is the birthplace of envy and hatred. This body is controlled by greed, duplicity, cruelty, and ungratefulness. It is full of insatiable desires, and the source of all faults and contamination. It is made of three principle elements—mucus, bile, and air. It is impure, it releases impure fluids, it has nine holes, and it is influenced by the threefold material miseries. This body is naturally prone to irreligiosity, it is filled with hundreds of material desires, and it is situated on the verge of hell in the form of lust, anger, and so on. When this body is dead, it becomes a feast for worms, jackals, and dogs. After death, the body is burnt to ashes. Therefore, if such a body is not engaged in observing the vow of taking a sacred bath in the month of Magha, it is undoubtedly useless.

As brdhmanas devoid of devotional service, as the sraddha ceremony performed without following the rules and regulations, and as spiritual activities executed without faith are useless, and as the whole world appears miserable for a person who is stricken with poverty, human life without a sacred bath in the month of Magha is useless.

How can one go to the heavenly planets or destroy all his sinful reactions if he does not bathe before sunrise in the month of Magha, when the sun travels to the Makara-rasi?

One who associates with the killer of a brahmana, with one who steals gold, with a drunkard, and with one who indulges in sex with the wife of his spiritual master can become delivered from all sinful reactions by taking a holy bath in the month of Magha.

34 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA upapdpdni sarvvdni pdtakdni mdhdnti ca bhasmibhavanti sarvvdrd magha sndyini mdnave Those who have killed a brdhmana, who have drunk wine, or who have fallen down from their positions, we will deliver and purify—these declarations emanate from the water when the sun rises in the morning during the month of Magha. All kinds of sinful reactions are burnt to ashes for those who observe the vow of taking a holy bath in the month of Magha.

Personified sins begin to shiver when the month of Magha arrives, thinking that the time for their destruction has come. Saintly persons become delivered from all kinds of sins by taking a holy bath in the month of Magha, so that they appear as shining as fire, or the moon in a clear sky.

As wood is burnt to ashes by fire, a bath in the month of Magha burns to ashes all sinful activities committed with one's mind, speech, and actions. Indeed, it destroys all of one's previous and present sinful reactions. Just by bathing when the sun travels to the Makara-rasi, all of one's sinful activities committed out of illusion are vanquished.

O king of kings, as a result of bathing in the month of MSgha, pious people attain heavenly planets and sinful people become purified. There is no need to have any doubt in this regard. An excellent bath in the month of Magha is the best form of mantra, the supreme austerity, and the best form of atonement.

36 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA It is due to good fortune accumulated in previous births that one becomes expert in the spiritual science. Similarly, it is due to the good practices of one's previous live whereby one becomes attracted to taking a sacred bath in the month of Magha. Bathing in the month of Magha purifies all purifying agents and washes away the mire of material existence. O fortunate one, those who take a sacred bath in the month of Magha, which fulfills all of one's desires, becomes qualified to enjoy the opulence of the sun-god and moon-god.

O king of kings, for one who takes a holy bath in the month of Magha there is nothing in life left for him to obtain. Such a person becomes completely relieved of all sinful reactions. Even the merit of performing a sacrifice and giving daksina is less than the merit of taking bath in ordinary water during the month of Magha. What then can be said of a sacred bath taken at a holy place? There is no doubt that it awards immense benefit. In this world, there is no activity better than taking a sacred bath in the month of Magha, and this is the most effective method for transferring one to the heavenly planets, or destroying one's sinful reactions. There is nothing more beneficial than taking a sacred bath in the month of Magha.

One who takes a ritualistic bath in the month of Magha will enjoy whatever kind of pleasure he desires and then he will go back to the abode of Lord Visnu, along with twenty-one generations of his family.

the story of Vikundala that is narrated in the Padma Purana) hetund kena viprarse magha sndne mahddbhutah prabhdvo varnito nunarh tanme kathaya subrata gatapdpo yadekena dviuyena divarh gatah vaisyo mdghaja punyena bruhi me tat kutiihaldt O great sage among the brdhmanas, kindly explained to me how the wonderful glories of a sacred bath in the month of Magha came into existence. I have heard that by performing a pious activity in the month of Magha, a vaisya became freed from all sinful reactions, and by a second pious activity, he ascended to heaven. I am very eager to know more about this story.

38 SRIHARI-BHAKTI-VILASA dhdrakarh sarvvabhutdndrh posaharh jwananca tat dpo ndrdyano devah sarvva vedesu pathayate grahdndnca yathd suryyo rxdksatrdnam yathd sasi mdsdndrh hi tathd mdghah sresthah sarvvesu karmmsu makarasthe ravau mdghe pratah kale tathd male gospade'pijale srUxnam svargadarh pdpindmapi Sri Dattatreya said: O foremost of human beings, by nature, water is pure, free from contamination, clear, sanctified, the destroyer of contamination, moisturizing, the destroyer of indigestion, the sustainer of life, the maintainer of human beings, and the life and soul of all. All the Vedas have glorified water as being as good as Lord Narayana. As the sun is best among all planets, and as the moon is best among all stars, the month of Magna is the best of all months, as far as the performance of pious activities is concerned. By taking bath in even the small amount of water that fills a calf's hoof print in the month of Magna, when the sun travels to the Makara-rasi, sinful people become eligible to attain the heavenly planets.

O King, this auspicious ritual is very rarely performed within the three worlds. If one is unable to bathe throughout the entire month of Magna, he should at least bathe for three days. If one wishes to improve his poverty-stricken condition then he should also give charity according to his ability. Simply by taking a holy bath for three days in the month of Magha, one can become wealthy and achieve a long duration of life. By bathing for five or seven days, one's good fortune goes on increasing, like the waxing moon.

The demigods invest their respective potencies in water during the month of Magha. That is why water in the month of Magha is naturally pure, and capable of destroying unlimited sins.

40 SRIHARI-BHAKTI-VILASA There are many other statements about the glories of the month of Magna to be found in various Vedic literatures, such as the Padma Purana. The glories of taking a bath in the month of Magna has thus been explained. Among the various rituals to be performed in the month of Magna, taking bath in the early morning is the best. There are three major festivals in the month of Magna that are to be observed by everyone. These are—Vasanta Paficaml, Bhaimi EkadasI, and Varaha Dvadasi.

One should worship Lord Hari with grandeur, offering newly-grown leaves, flowers, and sandalwood paste on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Magna. One should perform Deity worship with great devotion and serve the Vaisnavas according to one's capacity. On this day there should be singing, dancing, and the playing of musical instruments in various ways.

Beginning from the day of Vasanta Pancami, up to the day when Lord Hari goes to sleep, one should perform the Vasanta rdga for the pleasure of the Lord. Apart from this period, it is prohibited to perform this rdga. This is the opinion of people who are learned in the study of music.

By observing this festival while rendering special worship of Lord Krsna on the auspicious day of Vasanta Pancami, one certainly becomes very dear to the Lord, who enjoys pastimes in Vrndavana, just as the season spring is dear to Him.

It is the duty of everyone to offer oblations to the exalted devotee, Bhlsmadeva, for five days, beginning from the eighth day of the waxing moon in the month of Magha. To offer oblations to the great soul, Bhlsma, one should stand in the water facing north, and hang his sacred thread around his neck like a flower garland. In this way, one should offer oblations to him.

42 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA aputraya dadydmyetat salilarh bhisma varmmane Let me offer this oblation of water to the great devotee, Bhisma, who belongs to the vaiyaghra-pada line, who is enriched with spiritual understanding, and who had no son.

O lord! O master of t h e immortals, how c a n h u m a n beings acquire vast opulence a n d good h e a l t h by performing very little penance?

Sri Mahesvara said: O Brahma, t h e confidential topic t h a t you are inquiring about from me was related to Bhima. H e is the revealer a n d t h e performer of this ritual.

Lord Vasudeva, the spiritual master of the whole world, and the life and soul of the universe, will Himself reveal the process of following this excellent vow. By observing this vow, one can achieve the merit of performing all types of sacrifice. It destroys all sinful reactions, subdues all miscreants, is glorified by immortal beings, is purer than the purest, more auspicious than the most auspicious, the most beneficial among all future ritualistic performances, and it is the oldest among all kinds of vows.

O second of the Pandava brothers, if you are unable to fast on the eighth day, fourteenth day, twelfth day, or other auspicious days and nights, you should at least observe this particular EkadasI, which is very sacred, and which destroys all sinful reactions. By doing so, you will surely attain the supreme abode of Lord Visnu.

44 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA

The demigods, headed by Indra and the Vasus, previously observed this vow. Even if I had one hundred million tongues, I would not be able to adequately describe the glories of following this vow.

To learn more about the particular rules and regulations regarding this vow, and the worship of the Vaisnavas, one should refer to the Matsya Purana.

One should regularly bathe early in the morning both in the month of Magha and the month of Phalguna and then offer worship to the demigods and forefathers. By doing so, one is assured of becoming delivered from all sinful reactions.

Those who desire to enjoy unlimited sense pleasure like the sun-god or the moon-god should bathe early in the morning every day during the months of Magna and Phalguna.

One should faithfully worship the son of Devaki in the month of Phalguna by offering Him golden campaka flowers, fragrant mango flowers, incense, and sandalwood paste.

Although Vaisnavas are not required to observe the vow of Sivaratri, still, for the sake of formality and preserving proper etiquette, it is being described here. This auspicious vow occurs on the fourteenth day of the

waning moon in the month of Phalguna. In spite of what was just said, it is the duty of Vaisnavas to observe this vow for the pleasure of Lord Krsna.

Whether one is a worshiper of Lord Visnu, or the sun-god, or any other demigod, if he is averse to observing the vow of Sivaratri, his offering of worship will not yield any fruit.

offense. What happens to a person who hates the vow of Sivaratri has been explained personally by Lord Hari to the sages, headed by Bhrgu, as recorded in the Kurma Purana) pardt paratararh ydnti ndrdyana pardyanah na te tatra gamisyanti ye dvisanti mahesvaram yo mdrh samarccayen nityam ekdntarh bhdvamdsritah vinindan devamlsdnarh sa ydti narakdyutam It is a fact that the devotees of Lord Narayana go to Vaikuntha but if they are envious of Siva then they cannot achieve that supreme abode. Even though one may always worship Me without deviation, if he blasphemes Siva, he will go to hell ten thousand times.

If My devotees blaspheme Siva, or Siva's devotees blaspheme Me, then both of them will rot in hell for as long as the sun and moon exist.

of Hari and Siva, which is recorded in the Hayasirsa'pahcaratra) yah sivah so'hameveha yo'harh sa bhagavdn sivah ndvayor antaram kincid akdsa anilayor iva Siva is non-different from Me and I am non-different from Siva. One must understand that there is no difference between us, just as there is no difference between the sky and the air.

Visnu is the form of Siva and Siva is the form of Visnu. Visnu is the heart of Siva and Siva is the heart of Visnu. As Visnu is Siva conscious so

is Siva is Visnu conscious. There is no difference between the two. So, let this fact be the basis of my existence.

Being a gundvatdra, Siva is considered to be the topmost Vaisnava. Therefore, according to proper etiquette, every Vaisnava should observe the vow of Sivaratri. Some Vaisnavas are reluctant to follow this vow due to the curse of Bhrgu as described in the Srlmad-Bhdgavatam (4-2.28): One who takes a vow to satisfy Lord Siva or who follows such principles will certainly become an atheist and be diverted from transcendental scriptural injunctions.

tatra skdndhe (In the Skanda Purana it is stated) mdgha phdlgunayor madhye asitd yd caturddasi sivardtristu sd khydtd sarvva yajna uttamottamd The fourteenth day of the waning moon that falls between the months of Magna and Phalguna is called Sivaratri. It is more auspicious than all kinds of sacrifice.

The fourteenth day of the waning moon that occurs at the end of the month of Magha and the beginning of Phalguna is known as Sivaratri.

Siva, the lord of the demigods, personally remains present in all the moving and non-moving siva-lingas that exist on the earth on the day of Sivaratri. That is why this day is called Sivaratri. This day is very dear to Siva.

Sivaratri is very auspicious for everyone and everyone should fast on that day. If this day is contaminated by the presence of the previous day, or prolonged to the next day, except Vaisnavas, all others can still observe it.

50 SRIHARI-BHAKTI-VILASA rdtrau jagaranarh tasydrh yasmdt tasydm uposanam The dear devotees of Mahadeva normally observe Sivaratri up until the period called Pradosa, because fasting is recommended for that day. One should also remain awake throughout the entire night.

According to learned authorities, Pradosa refers to the period of four dandas after sunset.

Apart from Vaisnavas, all others can fast on the first day if there is no overlapping with the second day. If the first day is touched by the thirteenth day, Vaisnavas should avoid observing a fast. This is the opinion of saintly persons.

If, concerning the Sivaratri vrata, the day of CaturdasI is touched by the presence of Trayodasi, such a Caturdasi should be rejected.

If the new moon day begins on the fourteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Magha, the vow of Sivaratri should be observed. This vow is very dear to Mahadeva. But, if the Caturdasl is touched by Trayodasi, one should reject this Sivaratri.

A duration of two muhurtas makes one yoga, and a duration of one muhurta is called a vedha.

Learned persons should observe the vow of Sivaratri by fasting and worshiping Siva while remaining awake the entire night, following all the prescribed rules and regulations in this regard.

52 SRi HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA samarpya dhupa dipddin sankhe ndrghyarh nivedayet One who desires to observe this vow should go to a temple of Siva in the evening in a pure state of mind. He should first perform acamana and then make a resolution before Siva. Thereafter, he should begin his worship. Those who are twice-born should bathe the siva-linga with milk and pure water while chanting either the five-syllable mantra, or the sata-rudra mantra. According to the prescribed rules and regulations, one should worship Siva by offering him sandalwood paste, flowers, sesame seeds, incense, and a ghee lamp, and complete it by offering arghya in a conch shell.

O beloved lord of Gauri! O master of the demigods, who is decorated with a serpent and whose head is adorned with the moon, I offer you this arghya in order to become purified of the reactions to all the sinful activities that I committed throughout the year. Please accept it.

After offering arghya while chanting this mantra, one should worship his spiritual master and present him daksina. Then, according to the injunctions of the scriptures, one should remain awake the whole night and break his fast the next morning.

If one fasts on a Caturdasi that is touched by the presence of TrayodasI, and if the duration of Caturdasi extends throughout the entire next day, the breaking of the fast should be done on Caturdasi itself.

If the Caturdas'I continues until sunset of the next day, the fast should be broken during the day. By doing so, one will not incur any sin.

The vow of Sivaratri has thus been briefly described. If one wishes to know more in this regard, he should consult literatures such as the Siva-dharmottara. The glories of Sivaratri are known everywhere. It is also a well-known fact that once, long ago, a hunter attained liberation by unknowingly worshiping a siva-linga while remaining awake the entire night.

SRI H A R I - B H A K T I - V I L AS A

ndgarakhande (In the Nagarci'khanda it is stated) svayambha lingam abhrccya sopavasah sajagarah ajdnannapi nispapo nisado ganatdrh gatah O n c e , a candala who had no understanding of the glories of Sivaratri became free from all sinful reactions and achieved the position of being an associate of Siva simply by worshiping the linga and fasting while remaining awake throughout t h e night of Sivaratri.

O n e who worships Siva o n the day of Siva CaturdasI a n d t h e n remains awake throughout t h e entire night will n o longer be b o r n again in this material world.

O n e who does n o t properly execute this vow by fasting a n d performing the required worship, if, out of good fortune, h e remains awake throughout the night of Sivaratri, h e will become an associate of Rudra, even if he had been b o r n in a degraded family.

When Vaisnavas observe the Sivaratri vrata, their loving devotional service to Krsna becomes greatly enhanced by the mercy of Rudradeva, who is always ready to shower his mercy upon the devotees of the Lord.

When the twelfth day of the waxing moon in the month of Phalguna combines with the Pusya naksatra, it is called Govinda Dvadas"! because it awards devotional service to Lord Govinda. One should fast that day and worship Lord Govinda with devotion. One should follow the same procedure while observing this vow as was described in connection with Papanas'im Maha-dvadasl.

is recorded in the Padma Purana this verse is found) phdlgundma lapakse tu pusrkse dvddasi yadi govinda dvddasi ndma mahd pdtaka ndsini

55 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA If the DvadasI of the waxing moon in the month of Phalguna is joined with the Pusya star, it is known as Govinda DvadasI, which destroys even grave sins.

One who fasts on that day while observing the prescribed rules and regulations becomes free from all sinful reactions and will not take birth again in this world, but attain the rarely-achieved perfection of life.

Govinda DvadasI is also known as Amalakl DvadasI. If this DvadasI is not joined by the Pusya naksatra, it is called Amalakl Ekadasi. On that day, one should worship the dmalaki tree.

related in the Brahma Parana, this verse is found) phdlgune tu visesena visesah kathito nrpa dmarddakyd vratarh punyarh visnu loka pradarh nrndm

O King, while describing the glories of the month of Phalguna, it is stated that by observing the sacred vow of Amalakl EkadasI, one can attain the abode of Lord Visnu.

that is found in the Prabhasa Khanda it is stated) phdlgunasya site pakse ekddasydmu positah sndwd nadydrh tdddge vd vdpydm kupe grhe'pi vd gawd girau vane vd'pi yatra sd prdkhyate sivd On the EkadasI of the waxing moon in the month of Phalguna, one should observe fasting, bathe in either a river, a lake, a pond, or with water from a well, and then come before an amalakl tree if it is available.

The amalakl tree was produced when the demigods and demons churned the ocean of milk. That is why this tree also became known as amardakl. It is considered to be a form of Durga, or Laksmi and is served by the best of demigods, headed by Brahma. The amalakl is known as a Vaisnava tree.

After approaching the dmalakl tree, one should worship Lord Hari at the root of the tree, with offerings of fresh flowers. Thereafter, one should remain awake throughout the entire night.

One should install a pitcher filled with water at the root of the tree. During the day, one should eat only havisya rice, offer a ghee lamp, and then stay awake the entire night while listening to the glories of Lord Hari. By observing this vow in this manner, one can become liberated from all kinds of contamination born of Kali-yuga and after death, one will be welcomed in the abode of Lord Hari.

Vaisnavas should join an assembly of devotees and celebrate the festival of Vasanta, which is considered to be a dear devotee of Lord Krsna. It occurs on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna.

If one wishes to learn more about how to observe this vow, then he should consult the conversation between the Supreme Lord and Maharaja Yudhisthira that is recorded in the Bhavisyottara Parana.

tatraiva (In the same literature it is stated) evarh yah kurute partha sdstrokarh phdlgunotsavam matprasdddcca sidhyanti tasya sarvve manorathdh O son of Prtha, one who celebrates this festival by following the procedures prescribed in the sastra, in the month of Phalguna, will have all his desires fulfilled by My mercy.

When spring arrives after a long winter, if one worships the Supreme Lord in the early morning hours by offering Him mango flowers mixed

with sandalwood paste, on the full moon day, he will experience happiness for one hundred years.

One should observe the vow of Rama-navamI, which occurs during the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Caitra. On Ekadasi, Krsna's Dola-yatra festival should be celebrated, and on DvadasI, one should offer damanaka flowers to Lord Madana-Mohana.

In the month of Caitra, one should worship Lord Vasudeva by offering Him all varieties of flowers.

agastya samhimdyam (In the Agastya Samhita it is stated) caitre masi navamyantu sukldyarh hi raghudvahah prddurdsit pura brahman pararh brahmaiva kevalam tasmin dine tu karttavyam upavasa vrata. dikam O brdhmana, long ago, the Supreme Lord Ramacandra appeared on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Caitra. On that day, one should observe fasting and worship Lord Ramacandra.

tatraiva (In the same literature it is stated) mumuksavo'pi hi sadd sri rdma navami vratara na tyajanti surasrestho devendro'pi visesatah O best of demigods, those who desire liberation from material existence never fail be observe this great vow of Rama-navaml. Indeed, it is faithfully observed by Indra, the king of heaven.

A foolish person who does not observe fasting on Rama-navaml will fall down into the hell known as Kumbhipaka.

A foolish person who, out of illusion, takes food on Rama-navaml will fall down and rot in the formidable hell known as Kumbhipaka. Of this there is no doubt.

tatraiva (In the same literature it is stated) sri rdma navami proktd koti suryya grhddhikd

62 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA tasmin dine mahdpunye rdmam uddisya bhaktitah yat kincit kurute karma tad bhava ksaya kdranam The vow of Rama-navamI is more important than observing vows on one million solar eclipses. If one does even a little service with devotion for the pleasure of Lord Ramacandra on that day, he becomes eligible for liberation from material existence.

One who observes fasting on Rama-navami, without remaining idle, will never again enter the womb of a mother. Such a person will soon become a dear devotee of Lord Ramacandra.

Therefore, everyone should observe the sacred vow of Rama-navamI and in this way become free from all sinful reactions. By doing so, one will ultimately attain the eternal abode of Lord Ramacandra.

Simply by observing fasting on Rama-navamI, even once, one's life becomes successful and one is delivered from all sins.

Sri Ramacandra is a direct expansion of Lord Hari, and He appeared on the ninth day 01 the waxing moon in the month of Caitra. This day is joined with the Punarvasu naksatra and so it fulfills all of one's desires.

If this particular moment occurs at noon, then it becomes even more auspicious.

When the sun appeared in the Mesa-rasi and the lagna was Karkata, the Supreme Lord, Ramacandra, made His advent from the womb of Kaus'alya. He was accompanied by His plenary portions.

If Navami is contaminated by the presence of AstamI, then Vaisnavas should reject it and fast the next day, and then break their fast the following day.

Breaking the fast must be done on Dasami, in order to ensure that one properly observes Ekadasl. But, Vaisnavas must be sure that on that day there is no presence of Navami.

Because the elaborate process for observing this vrata is described in the Agastya Samhitd and Rdmdrcana-candrika, we have only described it briefly.

One should maintain strict self-control during the day before Rama- navaml, which falls on the ninth day in the fortnight of the waxing

moon in the month of Caitra. On Rama-navamI, one should rise early in the morning, brush his teeth, and take a complete bath. Thereafter, a householder with a controlled mind should invite a brahmana who is always engaged in the worship of Lord Ramacandra, who is pious, who is free from pride, who knows the mantras and processes for worshiping Lord Ramacandra, who chants the holy name of Lord Rama, and who is well-versed in the Vedic literature. The householder should duly worship him and pray to him as follows.

O exalted brahmana, 1 wish to give a Diety of Lord Ramacandra in charity. May you be pleased with me and act as my acarya because you know the truth about Lord Ramacandra.

At the completion of the worship, one should feed the acarya with palatable food and he himself should also take some milk while remembering the lotus feet of Lord Ramacandra.

O Raghava! O descendent in the Iksvaku dynasty! O dear Lord of Siva, may You be pleased with this vow that is being observed by me as part of my Rama-navaml vrata.

On the day of fasting, one should get up early in the morning, take his bath, and complete his worship and other rituals before noon. All such activities should be completed as soon as possible.

O scion of the Raghu dynasty, I will observe a fast today, for a period of eight praharas. O Lord Hari, please be merciful to me and deliver me from material existence.

Thereafter, one should sit in a properly-built mandapa and make a resolution to observe this vow strictly in the company of saintly persons.

I am eager to observe the vow of Rama-navamI and so I will fast for eight praharas, or twenty-four hours. For the pleasure of Lord Ramacandra, I will donate a golden Deity of Him with great devotion to one of His intelligent devotees. Being pleased by my worship, may Lord Ramacandra quickly remove all the reactions to the grave sinful activities that 1 had committed in many previous lifetimes.

This Deity of Lord Ramacandra should be made from one pala of gold. If one is unable to afford this, he should use one-half pala of gold, and if he is even unable to afford this, he should use one-fourth pala of gold to make the Deity.

Otherwise, one can make a Diety of Lord Ramacandra as He is sitting on the lap of mother Kausalya, using silver, the eight kinds of metal, stone, wood, or clay. A painting will also suffice.

On the left side of Lord Rama should be a Deity of Sita being embraced by Rama's left hand. On the right side of Lord Rama should be a Deity of King Dasaratha, carefully observing the face of his son.

A Deity of Laksmana, along with an umbrella and a cdmara, should be placed behind Lord Ramacandra. On both sides there should be Deities of Bharata and Satrughana, with fans made of palm leaves in Their hands. In front of the Lord there should be a Deity of Hanuman, who is always eager to serve the Lord and beg for His mercy.

Thereafter, one should sit on an dsana and after performing the required nyasas, one should first worship the conch shell with sandalwood paste, flowers, and rice paddy.

One should faithfully sprinkle some water from that conch shell on the water pitcher, which should be placed on one's left side, as well as onto the containers for keeping pddya, and so on, and also on one's own body, while chanting the appropriate mantra.

It is recommended that one chant the famous six syllable tdraka- brahma mantra, which is considered the king of all mantras related to Lord Rama.

On the raised altar for worship, one should draw beautiful and auspicious markings and paintings. It is mentioned that these auspicious paintings should be made on the altar while observing all kinds of vratas.

In the middle of the altar one should establish a pitcher filled with Ganges water and place five kinds of metal in it. The water pot should be decotated with mango twigs and flower garlands, and marked with kunkuma.

70 SRI H A R I - B H A K T I - V I L A S A alabhe vilva pithe vd kalasopari sarhsthite uparyydstiryya vastre dve dcchinne sudase subhe The pitcher should either be made of gold, silver, or copper, and it should be covered by a flat wooden board made from wood of the bilva tree. This board must be decorated with a hexagonal drawing and placed on top of the pitcher. Then, the pitcher should be covered with two pieces of beautiful, fresh cloth.

An intelligent person should then install an opulent throne on the altar. Thereafter, one should worship the altar and throne with offerings of arghya and other substances.

Thereafter, one should bathe the Deities with five kinds of substances, beginning with milk. Then, one should worship the Lord by offering Him the sixteen ingredients. Finally, the Deities should be decorated with very opulent clothing and jewelry.

With love and devotion, a devotee should apply fragrant sandalwood paste mixed with cool water, camphor, aguru, and kunkuma.

One should worship Lord Ramacandra with varieties of fragrant flowers, such as the red lotus, jasmine, jati, kumndga, and golden campaka, as well as with many other fragrant, beautiful, and excellent lotus flowers and leaves.

One should also offer the Lord mango twigs and flowers, durba grass, tulasi leaves, tender bilva leaves, and asoka flowers.

O mother of the universe, you have become the mother of Lord Ramacandra. The whole world is devoted to Him. I desire to worship you and so please accept my humble obeisances.

72 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA Thereafter, one should worship Lord Ramacandra's father by chanting dasarathaya namah. Then, one should take permission from Lord Ramacandra and begin to worship His associates. In the six corners of the abode-mentioned hexagonal drawing, one should perform the six types of nyasa, beginning with the heart.

In the eight petals of the lotus-shaped altar, one should worship Suglrva, Hanuman, Vibhisana, Bharata, Laksmana, Arigada, Satrughana and Jambuvan.

In the middle of each of the eight petals one should worship Dhrti, Jayanta, Vijaya, Surastra, Rastravardhana, Asoka, Dharmapala and Sumantra.

One must then worship the Lokapalas, headed by Indra, in the front portion of the petals.

Then, one should worship Lord Ramacandra's weapons outside the lotus petals.

Thereafter, one should offer incense and a ghee lamp to Lord Ramacandra while ringing a small bell. This should be followed by offering various kinds of palatable food with devotion while observing the prescribed rules and regulations.

Then, one should offer acamana to the Lord for washing His hands. One should offer the Lord the finest quality of betel nuts and then perform a grand arati ceremony. Thereafter, one should offer his respectful obeisances to Lord Ramacandra, offer prayers to Him, and chant mantras in His glorification.

In this way, one should spend the first three hours of Rama-navami by hearing the glories of Lord Ramacandra's appearance, and discussing and remembering other transcendental pastimes of Lord Rama in the association of His devotees.

During the first three hours of the day, one should, without lethargy, worship the conch shell, the containers for the ingredients of worship, and the altar. During the second three hours of the day, also one should

74 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA worship the Lord as it was previously described. Thereafter, one should remember the pastime of the Lord's appearance at noon.

When the five planets were situated in most auspicious positions, when Brhaspati, the spiritual master of the demigods, was enjoying with Candra, when the day was NavamI, the lagna was Karkata, the naksatra was Punarvasu, the sun was situated in the Mesa-rasI, the incomparably powerful fire-like personality appeared from the forest of Ayodhya in order to completely burn to ashes the paldsa wood of demons.

After offering excellent prayers to the Lord, one should play musical instruments for His pleasure. Then, one should offer the Lord of the universe, fruit, flowers, and arghya in a beautiful conch shell. This should be followed by an offering of asoka flowers, mango flowers, and tulasi leaves.

Lord Ramacandra is non-different from Lord Hari, and he enacted His appearance pastime in this world for the purpose of killing the ten- headed Ravana, to re-establish the principles of religion, to destroy the Danavas and Daityas, and to deliver the saintly devotees. O sinless Lord, please accept this arghya, along with Your brothers.

Without succumbing to lethargy, an intelligent person should repeatedly offer flowers to Lord Ramacandra with love and devotion, during each and every prahara of the day and night, while following the prescribed rules and regulations in this regard. In this way, one should spend his day and night.

The next day, one should rise early in the morning and after completing his daily duties, he should worship Lord Ramacandra according to the procedures mentioned in sastra. Thereafter, one should please his spiritual master with service performed with love and devotion and then honor the Lord's remnants of food in the association of qualified brdhmanas. Finally, he should reward the brdhmanas with suitable daksina.

76 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA

O Lord Ramacandra, I have thus completed my vow by honoring your remnants of food. Please be satisfied by my vow and bestow upon me peace, and devotional service at Your lotus feet.

By observing the vow of P-ama-navaml in this manner, one certainly becomes freed from all kinds of sinful reactions, including those resulting from the killing of a brahmana, and he attains the merit of giving immense wealth in charity.

It is certain that such a person will be freed from all sinful reactions that were accumulated during many, many lifetimes. What more can I say? He will surely catch devotional service to the Supreme Lord within his grip.

O great sage, even a detached person who has no material possessions should observe the Rama-navami vrata by fasting and remaining awake all night, as well as by worshiping Lord Ramacandra with love and devotion.

If the Deity of the Lord is made of clay, then one should immerse Him in the Ganges. If the Deity is in the form of a painting, then one should preserve it at home. And, if the Deity is made of gold or other metal, then He should be given to one's spiritual master.

On the EkadasI of the waxing moon in the month of Caitra, one should place the Lord on a swing facing south and gently swing Him. This festival should be joyfully performed and it should be accompanied by singing, dancing, and the playing of musical instruments.

In this age of Kali, one should place Lord Hari on a swing facing south in the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Caitra. After duly worshiping the Lord, one should swing Him throughout the month.

pddma pur one (In the Padma Purana it is stated) urjje ratharh madhau doldrh srdvane tantu parvva ca caitre damanakdropama kurvvdno vrajatyadhah O n e who does not observe t h e Rathayatra festival in t h e m o n t h of Karttika, who does n o t offer a new thread to the Lord in the m o n t h of Sravana, and who does n o t offer damanaka flowers in the m o n t h of Caitra, becomes degraded.

O n e should have darsana of the Lord as H e is seated on t h e swing, with faith and devotion, and one should remain awake the entire night in His presence while maintaining a pure state of mind.

tatraiva (In the same literature it is stated) doldrudharh prapasyanti krsnarh kalimaldpaham aparddha sahastraistu muktdste ghurne krte By observing Lord Krsna as H e is seated o n a swing, all of the c o n t a m i n a t i o n within the h e a r t t h a t is b o r n of Kali-yuga is washed away and o n e becomes freed from the effects of thousands of offenses.

O King, until a person swings Lord Krsna, the slayer of Karhsa, all his sinful reactions that were accumulated during millions of lifetimes remain intact.

On the day of Dola-yatra, all the demigods, headed by Mahadeva, joyfully dance, sing, and play musical instruments in the courtyard of the temple.

Being eager to see Lord Visnu's swing festival, the sages, Gandharvas, Apsaras like Rambha, the Nagas headed by Vasuki, the demigods and the leader of the demigods, Brahma, all come to watch the Dola-yatra festival.

O ruler of the earth, during the Dola-yatra festival in the months of Caitra and Vaisakha, those who come to take darsana of Lord Krsna as He is seated on a swing, are all as good as demigods.

The inhabitants of the three worlds become jubilant upon seeing Lord Visnu seated on a swing. Therefore, one should participate in the Dola-yatra festival, even if it means giving up hundreds of works.

O King Yudhisthira, only after remembering the benediction He awarded Prahlada does Lord Visnu sit on the swing.

Those who remain awake at night in front of Lord Krsna as he is seated on a swing, achieve all kinds of piety within a fraction of a second.

Those who take darsana of Lord Krsna as He enjoys the swing festival in the month of Caitra and Vaisakha become worshiped by the demigods and thereafter participate in the pastimes of Lord Visnu in Vaikuntha.

By seeing Govinda, t h e Lord of t h e demigods, as H e is seated o n a swing facing south, even once, o n e is freed from the sin of killing a brahmana.

After completing one's morning duties o n the twelfth day in the fortnight of the waxing moon in the m o n t h of Caitra, o n e should celebrate the Dola festival after finishing his worship of the Supreme Lord.

To celebrate this festival, one should prepare a n d offer very special food to the Lord. Thereafter, one should feed the Lord's r e m n a n t s of food to the devotees a n d after that, everyone should engage in singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments.

After performing a grand drati ceremony, one should throw colored powder that is mixed with sandalwood and other fragrant substances over the body of the Supreme Lord, again and again.

One should satisfy the Vaisnavas by throwing this fragrant colored powder on them while dancing and singing in their association. Thereafter, one should offer his obeisances to Lord Krsna and carefully place Him on the swing, which should be fully decorated.

So that everyone can watch this beautiful festival, the Lord should be brought outside the temple room and placed on a raised altar. Then, the devotees should begin to swing Krsna, after worshiping Him in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations.

In this way, one should worship Lord Krsna and place Him on a swing every three hours. With love and affection, one should joyfully celebrate this festival throughout the day and night.

In this manner, the devotees should assemble and remain awake all night, offering obeisances to the Lord, praying to Him, and offering arati to Him. At the conclusion of the festival, one should bring Krsna back to His temple room, accompanied by singing and the playing of musical instruments.

Some Vaisnavas like to celebrate this grand festival on the third day in the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Caitra. If they have the ability, they can continue the swing festival for one full month, until Aksaya Trtiya, during the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Vaisakha.

In this age of Kali, one should place the husband of LaksmI on a swing during the third day in the fottnight of the waxing moon in the month of Caitra. After duly worshiping the Lord, one should continue to swing Him for one full month.

The Dola festival should be celebrated on Raka Purnima in the month of Phalguna, when the stat, Uttara Phalguni joins the day. This is observed at Jagannatha Puri.

The procedures which are followed at Jagannatha Puri for worshiping the Deities and holding festivals, such as Dola-yatra, Candana-yatra, water pastimes, the boat festival, and Snana-yatra should be done in other parts of the country as well.

One should celebrate the festival of offering damanaka flowers to the Deities on the twelfth day in the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Caitra. Now, the method for observing this festival is being described, as presented in the Baudhdyana Samhitd.

After completing one's morning duties on the EkadasI in the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Caitra, one should go to a garden of damanaka plants and worship Kamadeva in the form of an asoka tree by offering rice paddy, sandalwood paste, and other items.

O Asoka tree, my obeisances unto you. You destroy the distress felt by the wife of Kamadeva. Kindly remove my sufferings and bestow upon me eternal happiness.

"You are very dear to Lord Krsna. Therefore, I am taking you for the worship of Krsna." After praying in this way and offering one's obeisances, one should take a damanaka plant, along with its manjaris.

After washing the plant with water and sprinkling the five products received from the cow, one should worship the plant with offerings of flowers and sandalwood paste. Then, one should cover the plant with new cloth and bring it home while chanting Vedic mantras.

One should draw auspicious markings in the temple room, in front of Lord Krsna, and place the damanaka plant on top of them. Then, adhivdsa ceremony should be performed at night.

O damanaka plant, please come and reside here. 1 invite you for the worship of Lord Visnu, the master of t h e demigods and t h e husband of Laksmi. I offer my obeisances to You.

Thereafter, one should worship the damanaka plant in the eight directions, beginning from t h e east, by offering sugarcane, rice paddy, sandalwood paste, a n d flowers, according to t h e prescribed rules and regulations. T h e eight directions should be worshiped by c h a n t i n g these mantras: Kamadevdya namah, bhasma sarlrdya namah, anahgdya namah, manmathaya namah, vasanta sakhye namah, smaraya namah, iksucapaya namah and puspavandya namah.

T h e damanaka plant should be purified by c h a n t i n g the kdma-gayatri mantra o n e h u n d r e d and eight times. T h e n , one should offer flowers at the lotus feet of Lord Krsna, and offer his obeisances to Kamadeva while c h a n t i n g the following mantra.

O lord, you carry an arrow of flowers, you give happiness to the people of the world, you are the transcendental Cupid, you are the creator of the universe, and You are the giver of pleasure to Rati. Kindly accept my obeisances.

"O controller of the demigods! O eternal Supreme Personality of Godhead, You have been invited by me so that I can offer worship unto You. O Kesava! O Visnu, please become manifest before me! I will offer a separate damanaka plant to you in the morning. I offer my respectful obeisances to You. Please be merciful to me." After inviting the Supreme Lord in this way and offering Him flowers, one should remain awake the entire night of EkadasI while singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments.

After completing one's morning b a t h and other rituals o n DvadasI, one should first offer a grand arati to t h e Lord. T h e n , to offer the damanaka plant, he should hold it in his h a n d while ringing a bell. T h e n , o n e should first offer a damanaka manjarl o n the head of Lord Krsna and t h e n offer damanka flowers at t h e His lotus feet.

O Lord of the demigods! O Lord of the universe! O fulfiller of all desires! O Krsna! O lover of Radha, please fulfill all of my desires.

O Supreme Lord, please accept these damanaka flowers out of compassion for me. O almighty Lord, may this annual worship be completed without difficulty.

Thereafter, one should offer the Lord a garland made with flowers and leaves of the damanaka plant. This should be followed by an offering of sandalwood paste and other items. Thereafter, one should celebrate the festival by singing and playing musical instruments. Finally, one should pray to Lord Krsna in the following manner.

O Lord, the flag of whose chariot bears the markings of Garuda. Kindly accept these garlands made of jewels and manddra flowers and be satisfied with this annual worship offered by me.

O Supreme Lord, just as you constantly keep a garland of forest flowers and the Kaustubha gem on Your chest, kindly keep this garland of damanaka flowers on Your chest and accept my worship of You.

Thereafter, one should offer his obeisances to the Supreme Lord, and then worship his spiritual master with love and devotion. Thereafter, one

90 S R I H A R I - B H A K T I - V I L AS A should satisfy the assembled brahmanas according to his capacity and finally have his meal, along with his friends and relatives.

If. one the day of parana, there is no presence of Dvadasi, even for a duration of one danda, then the rituals known as pavitraropana and damanakaropana should be performed on Trayodasl.

If, due to some impediment, the offering of damanka flowers during the month of Caitra cannot be made, then the same ritual can be performed on the full moon day or the twelfth day in the month of Vaisakha, or on the twelfth day in the month of Sravana.

My dear child, you should always worship Krsna, according to the prescribed rules and regulations, during the auspicious month of Caitra, by offering Him sandalwood paste, incense, arghya, food, and damanaka flower garlands.

By worshiping the Supreme Lord in this way, and by performing a fire sacrifice for His pleasure, all of one's desires are fulfilled and one attains the merit of bathing in all the holy places of pilgrimage.

found in the Patdla Khanda of the Padma Pur ana it is stated) mddhave mdsi sarhprdpte mesaste karmma sdksini kesava pritaye kuryydt kesava vrata sancayam In t h e m o n t h of Vaisakha, when the sun travels in the Mesa-rasi, o n e should observe a vow in relation to Kesava, for His pleasure.

In order to counteract all the sinful activities one may have committed during millions of previous lifetimes, one should give in charity many things, like sesame seeds a n d cow's ghee.

92 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA In order to fulfills one's desires, one should give in charity, according to his ability, water, grains, sugar, a cow with her calf, sesame seeds, and other items. One should bathe twice a day in water outside the house or preferably, in the Ganges.

Eating only havisya rice, observing strict celibacy, sleeping on the bare floor, living in the association of devotees, observing vows, eating only once a day, giving charity, carefully controlling the senses, worshiping Lord Madhusadana—these activities are to be performed in the month of Vaisakha for the pleasure of Lord Madhusudana, who is the predominating Deity of that month.

During this month, one should donate sesame seeds, water, gold, grains, sugar, cloth, cows, shoes, umbrellas, and water pots to the brahmanas.

With a controlled mind and sincere devotion, one should worship Lord Madusudana, along with Vimala, the goddess of fortune, every morning, noon, and evening.

that is recorded in the same literature, this verse is found) visesadiha ddtavyas tild madhu samanvitah dharmmdya mahate dirgha duritaksaya hetave To destroy the sinful reactions that have accumulated since a very long time, one should give sesame seeds mixed with honey in charity to qualified persons in the month of Vaisakha.

Although these vows and rituals are elaborately described in various literatures, we have collected only a few verses and presented them here.

One who gives up the vows that are to be observed in the month of Vaisakha and commits himself to some other vows, certainly rejects a most precious jewel to collect some ordinary clay.

94 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA

Even if a brdhmana who is well-versed in the Vedic literatures gives up the vows prescribed for the month of Vaisakha, he will fall down from his position and take birth as a tree.

that is found in the same literature, it is stated) na mddhava samo maso na madhava samo vibhuh po to' dhi duritdmbhodhi majjamdna janasya yah Just as there is no lord who is equal to Lord Narayana, there is no better boat for delivering those who are drowning in the ocean of sinful activities than the observance of the vows prescribed for the month of Vaisakha.

O ruler of the earth, whatever pious activity one performs in the month of Vaisakha, which is very dear to Lord Madhava, such as giving in charity, performing fire sacrifice, chanting mantras, and bathing in a holy place, awards one unlimited piety.

Sinful activities display their prominence only until the vow to be performed in the month of Vaisakha appears. Darkness remains only until the sun rises, and righteousness remains only until the propensity to harm others appears.

O King, pious activities, such as bathing in a holy place or giving charity, that are performed during the month of Karttika, when the sun enters the Tula-rasi, yield unlimited benefit. One obtains one thousand times more benefit than this when such activities are performed during the period when the sun enters the Makara-rasi in the month of Magha. One obtains one hundred times more benefit than this when the sun travels in the Mesa-rasi in the month of Vais'akha.

Glorious and pious are those who bathe in a holy place during the month of Vaisakha and worship Lord Madusudana while following the rules and regulations that are prescribed in the scriptures.

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O King, that the glories of the month of Vaisakha are superior to the glories of performing a horse sacrifice will not remain a confidential understanding in the age of Kali.

Understanding that human beings will become plunged into the ocean of hellish life by committing sinful activities in this age of Kali, Lord Hari, the master of the demigods, created this auspicious month of Vaisakha.

A birth in India is rarely achieved, a human birth in India is still more rare, and the following and preaching of religious principles is the most rare.

O ruler of the earth, rarer than this is devotional service to the Supreme Lord and even more rare than that is devotional service unto Lord Krsna performed in the month of Vaisakha, which is very dear to Lord Madhava.

Those who properly perform the rituals that are prescribed for this month, such as taking a ritualistic bath, giving in charity, and chanting mantras are glorious, and must be considered very pious people.

Simply by seeing such pious people, even those who are sinful-minded become freed from all sinful reactions, and those who are inquisitive about the principles of religion become devoted to the Supreme Lord.

tatraiva (In the same literature it is stated) pratah sndnahca vaisahhe yajha ddnam uposanam havisyarh brahma caryyanca mahapataka ndsanam Pious activities, such as bathing early in the morning, performing sacrifice, giving charity, observing fasting, eating havisya rice once a day, and observing celibacy, when they are performed in the month of Vaisakha, they destroy even grave sinful reactions.

One who bathes early in the morning every day throughout the month of Vaisakha, and who controls his senses, chants Vedic mantras, eats havisya rice, and remains peaceful is freed from all sinful reactions.

A devotee who lives in a solitary place, who eats only at night, who maintains himself without begging, and who conquers sleep in the month of Vaisakha, will obtain the fulfillment of all his desires.

One who feeds qualified brahmanas with faith and devotion in the month of Vaisakha will make his forefathers happy for one yuga with each and every morsel of food consumed.

Glorious are those who, in the month of Vaisakha, give in chaity sweet preparations, barley, rice, sesame seeds, water, food, umbrellas, clothes, and shoes. Also glorious are those who offer many things in worship for the satisfaction of Lord Hari.

No one could estimate, even in millions of years, the amount of pious merit one obtains by observing the prescribed vows in the month of Vaisakha.

Such fortunate people achieve the fulfillment of all kinds of desires, such as good children, grand-children, and a long duration of life and after death, they ascend to the kingdom of God.

that is found in the Padma Purdna it is stated) amvarisa mahapunya prdptaye kuru vlksanam mddhave mdsi yaih snatarh prdtar niyama samyutaih O King Ambarisa, you should associate with those devotees who bathe in the early morning every day, while observing the prescribed rules

100 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA and regulations, during the month of Vais'akha, so as to accumulate great pious merit.

The pious credit one achieves by residing in the holy place called Anandapura for ten million years can be obtained simply by taking a holy bath in the morning, even just once, during the month of Vaisakha.

To the extent that sinful reactions are nullified by meditating upon Lord Madhava, the husband of the goddess of fortune, one can become freed simply by ritualistic bathing in the morning during the month Vaisakha.

One who offers very opulent worship to Lord Madhusudana in the month of Vaisakha achieves the benefit of worshiping Lord Madhava throughout the entire year.

A poor man who, due to not having the proper paraphernalia, worships Lord Madhava with simply an offering of flowers in the month of Vais'akha is freed from all sinful reactions and he delivers one hundred forefathers in his family. Such a person will not have to suffer due to lamentation during his next hundreds of thousands of births.

Such a person need not be afraid of any kind of disease or poverty. His life becomes glorious as a devotee of Lord Visnu, birth after birth.

Such a person will reside in the heavenly planets for one hundred and eight thousand yugas. Thereafter, he will be born as a king and thus

102 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA enjoy all varieities of material happiness. Ultimately, by the mercy of Lord Madhava, he will attain devotional service at the Lord's lotus feet.

O mother earth, I will always be worshiped by those who devotedly engage in My devotional service during the month of Vaisakha, whether they follow the prescribed rules and regulations or neglect to do so.

O mother earth, those who faithfully worship Me during the month of Vaisakha will achieve more pious merit than those who perform various kinds of sacrifice as a daily practice.

The glories of the month of Vaisakha have been narrated in great detail in various Puranas, especially the Padma Purana, wherein many nice stories provide vivid illustrations.

that is found in the same literature, it is stated)

mesa sarhkramane bhdnor mddhave mdsi yatnatah mahdnadydrh nodi tirthe node sarasi nirjhare devakhdte tathd sndydd yathd prdpte jaldsaye dirghikd kupavdpisu niyatdtmd harirh smaran During the month of Vaisakha, when the sun travels to the Mesa-rasi, one should bathe in sacred rivers, such as the Ganges, or in holy places, kundas, ponds, lakes, streams, or with well water, or in any other reservoir of water, while carefully controlling the mind by remembering the lotus feet of Lord Hari.

After observing fasting on the EkadasI in the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Caitra, or after taking permission from a qualified brahmana on the full moon day, or when the sun travels in the Mesa-rasi, one should observe the vow of bathing in the month of Vaisakha. One should bathe early in the morning every day throughout the entire month of Vaisakha, beginning from the day when the sun enters the Mesa-rasi, after duly worshiping Lord Madhusudana and conducting a fire sacrifice. This will greatly please Lord Madhusudana.

One should pray: Let my daily sacred bath in the month of Vaisakha, which is undertaken by the mercy of Lord Madhusudana, and with the permission of the , be completed without any impediment.

O Murarl! OMadhusudana! O beloved Lord, may You bestow the fulfillment of all my desires as a result of my bathing every morning during the month of Vaisakha, as the sun remains in the Mesa-rasi.

O Lord Madhusudana, the month of Vaisakha is Your favorite month. May you take away all my sinful reactions and award me great benefit as a result of my bathing every morning during this month.

After chanting these mantras, one should first wash his feet before bathing in one of the reservoirs of watet listed previously, while silently remembering Lord Narayana.

O n e can collect more information regarding this celebrated vow from the revealed scriptures. We have only described the glories of a morning b a t h in brief.

mdtsye (In the Matysa Purana it is stated) vaisakhe mdsi sukldyarh trtiydydrh jandrddanah yavdnut pddaydmdsa yuganca krtavdn krtam T h e Supreme Lord is t h e benefactor of all kinds of living entities. He produced the food grain, barley, o n t h e third day in the fortnight of t h e waxing moon in t h e m o n t h of Vaisakha.

T h e Lord also caused t h e Ganges, which consists of t h r e e streams, to appear within this world by descending from Brahmaloka. O n t h e auspicious day of the Ganges' appearance, one should perform a fire sacrifice by offering barley as an oblation, a n d one should also worship Lord Visnu by offering H i m barley.

106 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA

One should also give barley in charity to the brahmanas, and give them food prepared with barley.

that is recorded in the Padma Purana, this verse is found) tretdyugarh trdydydrh sukldydrh mdsi mddhave pravrttanca trayi dharmmdh pravrttdste pravarttitdh On the third day of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Vaisakha, Treta-yuga, the Vedas, religious principles, and the path of increasing material attachment were inaugurated.

Because this particular third day of the fortnight is very dear to Lord Hari, it is known as Aksaya Trtlya. Whatever pious act one performs on this day, such as taking a holy bath, giving charity, offering oblations, or chanting mantras, awards an inexhaustible result. Those who worship Lord Visnu by offering Him barley on this day and who perform the sraddha ceremony to the forefathers are certainly recognized as devotees of Lord Visnu and thus, their lives are glorious.

FOURTEENTH VILAS A 107

that is found in the Padma Purdna it is stated) vaisdkha sukla saptamydm jdhnavi jahnund purd krodhdt pita punastyakta. karna randhrdttu daksinat In the ancient times, on the third day of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Vais'akha, the great sage, Jahnu, once drank the entire water of the Ganges out of anger. Later on, he released her through the hole of his right ear.

On this auspicious day, one should worship Gahga-devI, the purifier of the entire universe. Anyone who takes a complete bath in the Ganges on this day is most glorious and pious.

By abundantly satisfying the demigods, the forefathers, and member of human society on this day, by offering them Ganges water as an oblation, one blesses them to become sinless.

108 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA

Lord Nrsirhhadeva appeared on the fourteenth day in the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Vaisakha. Therefore, one should observe all the vows related to this auspicious day and worship the Lord with love and devotion.

that is found in the Brhan Nrsirhha Purdna it is said) varse varse tu karttavyarh mama samtusti kdranam mahdguhyam idam srestham mdnavair bhava bhirubhih For My pleasure, every year, one should observe the vow of Caturdasi. Those who are very fearful of material existence should certainly observe this most confidential and excellent vow.

O n e who purposely transgresses this vow incurs sin. Knowing this, one should observe this supreme vow otherwise, h e will c o n t i n u e to rot in hell for as long as the sun and t h e moon rise in the sky.

Everyone is eligible to observe this vow—especially My devotees a n d those who are inclined toward Me must observe it.

O Supreme Lord! O Visnu, 1 bow down to You. O Lord Nrsimhadeva, I offer my obeisances to You. I am Your devotee. O Lord of lords, I now express to You my heartfelt inquiry.

O Lord, how did I develop such intense devotion for You? O my Lord, kindly tell m e — h o w did I become Your exalted devotee?

110 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA

O greatly learned one! O my son, listen carefully as I explain to you the reason for your devotion to Me that has made you very dear to Me.

In the ancient times, you were born as a brdhmana but you did not study any of the scriptures. Your name was Vasudeva and you became attached to a prostitute.

In that birth, you became so attached to a prostitute that you did not bother to perform any pious activity, except for a single vow in relation to Me. As a result of observing that vow, you developed exalted devotion for Me.

O Lord Nrsirhadevadeva! O Acyuta! O Supreme Lord, who was my father in that lifetime? What was my duty? How did 1 observe Your vow, even though I was attached to a prostitute? Kindly explain all this to me in detail.

In ancient times, there was a brdhmana who was well-versed in the Vedic literature. He lived in the city of Avantipura and was known as Vasu Sarma.

This pious brdhmana used to perform fire sacrifice every day. He was very expert in performing all kinds of Vedic rituals and as such, he would satisfy the best of demigods by performing the agnistoma sacrifice. In that state of living, he did not commit any sinful activity.

112 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA His wife was very pious and humble. She was famous throughout the three worlds. She was chaste, expert in performing all kinds of pious activities, and always eager to serve her husband.

That exalted brahamana begot five sons within the womb of his wife. These sons were very pious, learned, and devoted to their father. Among them, you were the youngest and you became attached to a prostitute.

Due to being attached to a prostitute, you became accustomed to drinking wine and performing other sinful activities, so that you never engaged in the study of the Vedas.

You spent most of your time at the house of the prostitute. One day, however, you and her quarreled.

Because of that quarrel, you missed your meal that day and as a result, you unknowingly observed a sacred vow in relation to Me.

Because of that quarrel with the prostitute, you did not sleep the entire night. The prostitute also did not eat anything, nor did she sleep that night in your association.

Because of unknowingly observing this vow in relation to Me, throughout the entire day and night, both of you became purified and accumulated heaps of pious merit.

On the strength of observing this vow, the demigods are able to enjoy their lives in the heavenly planets. In order to acquire the power to create, Brahma had observed this vow.

114 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA isvarenapi taccirnam vadhdrtharh tripurasya ca mahimnaiva vratasydsya tripurarh sarhnipdtitam Being empowered due to observing this vow in relation to Me, Brahma was able to create all moving and non-moving living entities. Mahadeva also observed this vow, so that he could kill the great demon, Tripurasura. It is a fact that by the strength of this vow, Siva was able to kill that formidable demon.

Many other demigods, ancient sages, and learned and pious kings, had previously followed this great vow in relation to Me.

By the influence of this vow, all of them attained the perfection of life. The prostitute also became devoted to Me and thereafter enjoyed great happiness within the three worlds. My dear child, it is for this reason that this vow in relation to Me is celebrated through the three worlds.

This vow came into existence just to deliver such rascals. O Prahlada, by the strength of that vow, you came to render devotional service unto Me.

In her next life, the prostitute was born in heaven as an Apsara and after enjoying life there immensely, she entered My supreme abode. O Prahlada, you will also have become non-different from Me.

In order to propagate devotional service to Me, you have incarnated separately from My body. After completing the task of preaching the glories of devotional service, you will again enter My eternal abode.

Those who observe this supreme vow in relation to Me will never return to this material existence, even in hundreds and millions of kalpas.

116 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA By observing this vow, a childless person can have a beautiful and devoted child, and a poverty-stricken person can become as rich as Kuvera.

By the potency of this vow, one who desires power can have it, one who wants a kingdom can have an opulent kingdom, and one who desires a long duration of life can have a lifespan as long as that of Mahadeva.

This great vow awards good children and good fortune to women, and it prevents them from becoming a widow. It also removes the danger of losing their children.

This vow bestows prosperity, it helps women become dear to their husbands, it awards auspiciousness and the happiness of being the king of earth. It also bestows divine pleasure upon women.

To one who observes this supreme vow in relation to Me, whether a man or a woman, I award happiness, sense enjoyment, and liberation.

My dear child, what is the need for elaborating on the glories of this vow? Neither I, nor Mahadeva can adequately describe the benefit of observing this vow.

Even Brahma would be unable to describe its glories if he were to try his entire life, utilizing his four mouths.

vow in that same Purana, this verse is found) yathd yathd pravrttih sydt pdtakasya kalau yuge tathd tatha vidhdsyanti madvratarh viralarh jandh The more that sinful activities increase in Kali-yuga, the less people will observe this supreme vow of Mine.

Sinful-minded people have no interest in observing this vow of Mine. Those who are simply attached to sinful activities only engage in impious acts.

After considering all these facts, you should observe this vow, which occurs in the month of Vaisakha. O child Prahlada, when the auspicious day of Caturdasi arrives, you should observe this vow, which destroys all sinful reactions.

By observing a single vow of Nrsirhha Caturdasi, one obtains the merit of observing one thousand Dvadasi vratas. This is a fact and do not think that this statement is an exaggeration.

One who hears this description of this vow, which destroys all sins, will immediately become relieved from the sin of killing a brahmana.

One who glorifies the discussion of this most confidential and sacred vow will obtains the merit of observing this vow and as such, all of his desires will be fulfilled.

During the twilight of the fourteenth day in the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Vaisakha, Lord Hari, being unable to tolerate the torture inflicted upon Prahlada, appeared by His own sweet will as Nrsimhadeva from a pillar, thus astonishing the assembled people, while producing a formidable sound.

Because Lord Nrsimhadeva incarnated on this auspicious Caturdasi, one should carefully observe fasting and then worship Lord Visnu in the evening.

120 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA Because of My advent on the fourteenth day of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the month of Vaisakha, one should celebrate a festival on this sacred day, which destroys all sinful reactions.

This vow is generally observed on a Saturday, when the Svati-naksatra joins the auspicious day. Sometimes, by the arrangement of providence, there occurs a a very auspicious moment known as siddhi-yoga. If all these factors combine then such a auspicious day can destroy even the sinful reactions for killing millions of living entities.

Even if the moment of siddhi-yoga does not occur, those who desire auspiciousness should still observe a festival on the fourteenth day because it was the day of My appearance. Still, Vaisnavas should never observe fasting if the Caturdasi is contaminated by the presence of Trayodasi.

If Caturdasi, which is very dear to the Supreme Lord, and which takes away all sinful reactions, falls on a Tuesday, it is to be observed but even

it is enjoined with Svati-naksatra and if it is touched by the presence of TrayodasI, it should not be observed.

My dear Prahlada, on this auspicious day, one should raise early in the morning, brush his teeth, and then make a resolution to observe the vow strictly according to the prescribed rules and regulations, while constantly remembering Me.

O Lord Nrsimhadeva! O greatly powerful one, please display compassion toward me. Today, I will observe this vow of Yours and so kindly help me to complete it without any impediment.

Those who want to obtain the complete benefit of this vow should not indulge in talking with sinful people, nor should they engage in idle gossip.

122 S R I H A R I - B H A K T I - V I L AS A

On this sacred day, great souls who desire to observe this vow should give up conversing with women and playing chess. They should constantly remember My form throughout the day.

A learned person should then take his noon bath, either in a river or at home, or in a sacred kunda or a lake filled with lotus flowers, while reciting Vedic mantras.

While taking his bath, a devotee should rub his body either with cow dung, clay, dmalakl fruit, or sesame seeds, which takes away all sins. Then, he should put on a fresh dhoti and chadara and carry on with his daily rituals.

After bathing and returning home while remembering Me with love and devotion, one should smear cow dung on the altar for worship and prepare a drawing of a lotus flower with eight petals on top of the altar.

In the middle of the lotus one should install a copper pitcher decorated with jewels and place a container filled with rice paddy on top of it. On top of that container one should establish the Deities of LaksmI and Nrsimhadeva, made of gold.

One should give up all miserliness and use either one pala, one-half pala, or one-quarter pala of gold to make the Deities. The Deities should then be bathed with five substances before one begins to worship Them.

124 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA tenaiva kdreyet pujdrh drstvd sdstrdnusdratah dcdryyd vacandddimdn pujdrh kuryydccaran vratam One should engage a qualified brahmana who is devoid of greed, well- versed in sastra, peaceful, charitable, and self-controlled, as the priest. In accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations of the sastra, the priest will conduct the worship of the Deities. Intelligent devotees can also worship the Lord under the guidance of the priest.

tathd cdgame (In the Agamas it is stated) prahldda-klesandsdya ^d hi punyd caturddasi piljayet tatra yatnena hareh prahlddam agratah On the sacred day of Nrsirhha Caturdasi, which manifests in this world to destroy Prahlada's distress, one should first offer worship to Prahlada before worshiping Lord Hari.

One should install My Deity and decorate Me with a flower outfit and then devotedly worship Me by offering Me seasonal flowers. One

should offer sixteen ingredients for worship while chanting My holy names, as well as appropriate mantras. One should also recite mantras from the Puranas during the course of his worship.

O Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Nrsimhadeva, for your satisfaction, I now offer You divine, cool sandalwood paste mixed with camphor.

O Supreme Lord! O Nrsimhadeva, I worship You, along with Laksml- devi with offerings of flowers that bloom in spring, and tulasl leaves. My humble obeisances unto You.

O Maha-Visnu, just to fulfill all of my desires, 1 will worship You with and offering of black aguru, which is rarely available, even for the demigods.

126 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA

O Nrsimhadeva, by offering this ghee lamp, which destroys the darkness of ignorance, as well as all sinful reactions, one obtains special power. Therefore, I offer this ghee lamp to You.

O beloved Lord of Laksmi, I place before You these offerings of food. May You be pleased with this offering and kindly remove all my sins.

O Lord Nrsirhha! O Acyuta! O Lord of the demigods! O husband of Laksmi! O Lord of the universe, let all my desires be fulfilled by offering of this arghya to You.

O Maha-Visnu, who wears yellow garments! O destroyer of fear for Prahlada, may You be satisfied with whatever little worship I offer You to the best of my ability, so that You bestow Your mercy upon me.

One should remain awake throughout the night while dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, reciting the Puranas, and listening to discussions of My transcendental glories.

Thereafter, one should bathe early in the morning and worship Me with love and devotion while following the above-mentioned procedure, without displaying any idleness.

O master of the demigods, please deliver all those who have taken birth in my family, as well as those who will take birth in the future, from the intolerable ocean of material existence.

128 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA kara avalamvanarh dehi sesasayin jagatpate sri nrirhha ramdkdnta bhaktdndm bhayandsana O Lord who lies on the bed of Ananta Sesa! O Lord of the universe! O Nrsirhha! O husband of Laksmi! O destroyer of the devotees' fear, I am suffering from great distress due to drowning in the ocean of sinful activities and disease. So, kindly lend me Your fearless hand and give me protection.

O Janardana! O Lord who lies in the ocean of milk! O Supreme Lord, may You be pleased with my observance of this vow, and may You bestow upon me material enjoyment and liberation.

After worshiping the Lord and offering prayers to Him in this way, one should immerse the Deity into the water of the Ganges and then feed the acdrya sumptuously.

Thereafter, one should bid farewell to the assembled brdhmanas while giving them daksind, Then, one should sit down and take prasdda, along with his friends, while fixing his mind upon Me.

that is found in the Padma Purana it is stated) mesa sankrama arabhya tithaya strimsad uttamah sarvva yajnddhikah punyah puranesu prakirttitah Beginning from the time when the sun enters the Mesa-rasI, and extending for the next thirty days, this period is very auspicious, sacred, and more pious than the performance of all types of sacrifice. This is a well-known fact that is discussed in the Pur anas.

Among those thirty days, the full moon day in the month of Vaisakha, which is very dear to Lord Madhava, is especially auspicious. It is the first day of the Varaha kalpa and so it awards great piety.

One who does not perform any pious activities, such as taking a holy bath, giving in charity, worshiping the ancestors or offering them oblations, on the auspicious full moon day in the month of Vaisakha, will certainly reside in hell.

130 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA

There is no sdstra like the Vedas, no holy water like the Ganges, no charity like donating cows and water, and no auspicious day like the full moon day in the month of Vaisakha.

A devotee of Lord Visnu who, on this Vaisakhi Purnima, gives water and cows in charity, attains a form like that of Lord Visnu, which is rarely achieved even by the demigods, up to Brahma. Such a devotee easily ascends to the transcendental abode of Lord Visnu.

I never, even once, observed the auspicious Vaisakhi Purnima by performing pious activities, such as a sacred bath, the giving of charity, worship of the Lord, and so on. As a result, all of my Vedic activities have been rendered useless. It is because of my false ego that I have become a preta, or ghost, by the name of Vaisakha.

Vaisakhi Purnima is the destroyer of all kinds of suffering caused by the forest fire of sinful activities. It is like an axe for cutting off the darkness of ignorance but I have not observed even a single practice properly.

One who fails to follow the vow of Vaisakhi Purnima will be born as a multi-branched tree for ten lifetimes before taking birth as an animal.

is recorded in the same Purana, these verses are found) trayodasydrh caturddasydrh vaisdkhydnca dinatrayam sarvvdsakto'pi vidhind ndri vd puruso'pi vd purvvokta niyamair yuktah prdtah sndtvd svasaktitah vimuktah pdtakaih sarvvaih svargam aksayam asnute

132 SRI HARI-BHAKTI-VILASA If one is unable to observe all the vows that are prescribed for the month of Vaisakha, one should at least observe to the best of his ability the vows prescribed for TrayodasI, Caturdasi and Purnima. Whether a man or a woman, if one does this much, he or she will be freed from all sinful reactions and ultimately attain the Lord's eternal abode, Vaikuntha.

If one is unable to observe even these vows in relation to the month of Vaisakha, then he should feed ten qualified brdhmanas.