Chapter 43 - The mode of worshipping Vyāsa

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Śaunaka said:—

1. O Sūta having Vyāsa as preceptor, please tell me now the mode of worshipping the preceptor. What shall be done at the end of listening to the holy book? Please mention that also.

Sūta said:—

2. After hearing the story the devotee shall worship the preceptor duly with devotion. Delighted in mind he shall make liberal gifts duly to the preceptor at the conclusion of the holy book.

3. The intelligent devotee shall bow to the propounder and worship him duly. Gifts of ornaments for hands and ears and fine garments shall be made.

4-5. After the worship of Śiva he shall present to the preceptor a cow and its calf. He shall make a book-seat with gold, a Pala in weight and cover it with a good cloth. The manuscript of the holy book written in beautiful hand shall be placed on it and given to the preceptor. The intelligent devotee will be liberated from worldly bondage.

6. O sage, a village, an elephant or a horse or other things shall be given as possible to the noble preceptor who reads and propounds the story.

7. O sage Śaunaka, Purāṇa is efficacious if it is listened to in accordance with the rules. I speak truth to you.

8. O sage, the Purāṇa full of the meanings of the Vedas, the heart of the Vedas, the meritorious holy book shall be listened to with devotion and in accordance with the rules.