Chapter 78 - The History of the Punyaka Rite

1. Janamejaya said:—O foremost of the twice-born, by the grace of Dvaipayana you are informed of all things. Relate to me, therefore, the origin of the religious rite of Punyaka.

2. Vaishampayana said:—O foremost of the pious kings, hear, how, according to the ordinances of Uma, the rite of Punyaka was introduced before amongst mankind

3-4. O sinless king, after the tree Parijata had been carried away from the celestial region by Krishna of unwearied actions, the battle between the gods and demons had commenced and the dreadful slaughter of the Danavas, of Shatpur, had been brought about the intelligent Muni Narada went to the city of Dvaravati.

5-9. O king, after the goddess-like Jamvavati, the honorable Satyabhana, the ascetic daughter of the king of Gandhara and numberless other virtuous, chaste and accomplished wives of Keshava had assembled there, Rukshmini, the daughter of Bhishma, asked the foremost of Brahmanas Narada, well read in theology, who was there with Krishna. Rukshmini said:—"O Muni, O foremost of speakers and virtuous men, we are greatly stricken with curiosity to listen to an account of the origin of pious rites, the rules regulating their performance, fruits, time and gifts connected with them. Kindly remove it by describing them in detail."

10. Narada said:—O sinless lady Vaidharbi, cognizant of religious rites, hear how Uma described the regulations of the Punyaka rite in the days of yore.

11-14. O goddess, on one occasion, the goddess Uma, of pure vows, performed the religious rite of Punyaka; and at the termination of the ceremony she invited all her friends. Aditi and other daughters of Daksha of indomitable energy, Puloma’s daughter Saci, renowned in the world for her devotion to her husband, the great Sati, Soma’s beloved spouse Rohini, Purvaphalguni, Revati, Shatabhisa and Magha had all come there before and had been worshipping the great goddess Uma.

15-21. The worshipful presiding goddesses of the charming rivers Ganga, Sarasvati, Vena, Goda, Vaitarani, Gandaki and others, the auspicious and chaste lady Lopamudra and others who, all, by virtue of their own prowess, have been upholding the universe, the auspicious daughters of the mountains, the daughters of the fire, of firm vows, Shaha, the wife of the Regent of fire, the illustrious goddess Savitri, Hriddhi, the beloved wife of Kuvera, the queen of the lord of waters, the wife of the Regent of departed manes, the wives of Vasus, the ascetic and vow-observing Hri, Shree, Dhriti, Kirti, Asha, Medha, Priti, Mati, Khyati, Sannati and other chaste ladies, ever engaged in the well-being of creatures, (were all present there) O highly youthful lady. At the termination of the ceremony Amvika, with mountains of various corns and jewels, cloths of various colours and most excellent ornaments, honored them all.

22. Having accepted the offerings of the goddess those chaste ascetic ladies took their seats and engaged in conversation on different topics.

23. O you having your husband as your god, when the subject of the Punyaka rite was cropped up in the course of their conversation the goddess spoke many things about it and of the regulations regarding its performance.

24. Thereupon with the consent of that assembly of chaste ladies Arundhati, the daughter of Soma, addressed the goddess Uma about the most important regulation regarding the Punyaka rite.

25. O Vaidarbhi, to please them all, the goddess Uma, compassing the well-being of all creatures, gave them an account of religious rites in my presence.

26. O fair one, at that time Uma made over the mountain of jewels to me; and I too, having accepted that present, dedicated it to the service of the Brahmanas.

27-28. O auspicious lady, listen, with all these (ladies), to what I saw about the Punyaka rites and what Uma said to the chaste Arundhati. I shall relate it in full from the very beginning.