Chapter 138 - The six accessory acts relating to all Mantras (ṣaṭkarman)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

The Lord said:

1-5. I shall describe six acts [i.e., ṣaṭkarman] (to be used) in all sacred syllables. Listen (to me). The sādhya (to be accomplished) should be written first being followed by the sacred syllable. This is known as the pallava (bud) and should be used in all incantations. First the sacred syllable (is written), then the sādhya and then the sacred syllable. This is known as the yoga (combination). This should be employed for the utsādana (extinction) of one’s race. The sacred syllable is written first and the sādhya is added at the middle and again the sacred syllable at the end. This tradition is (known as) the rodhaka (that which arrests) and should be employed in stambhana (stupefying the faculties of the enemy). The sādhya should be added at the bottom and top, left, right and middle. This is known as the sampuṭa (casket) and should be employed in vaśya (subjugation) and ākarṣa (attraction).

6. When the letters composing any particular sacred syllable are of the category of sādhya letters, that sacred syllable is known to be the first class. It is capable of attracting and subjugating (another person).

7. Two of the letters constituting the sacred syllable are written first and one sādhya letter afterwards. This is known to be the vidarbha and should be made use of in attraction and subjugation.

8-10. The acts of ākarṣaṇa etc. as also (in subduing) high fever should be performed only in the spring. The term svāhā (oblations) is auspicious in attraction and subjugation. The term namaskāra (obeisance) should be employed for peace and prosperity. The term vaṣaṭ (should be made use of) for good health and in acts of attraction and subjugation. (The term) phaṭ would be (used) for creating dissension, causing death and to break an auspicious one. The term vaṣaṭ gives accomplishment in gains and initiation in sacred syllables.

11. You are Yama (god of death). You are the sovereign over the dead (Yamarāja). You are of the form of time. You are the reign of righteousness. You quickly make dead this enemy offered by me.

12. The priest, who is the destroyer of the enemy, should say with pleased mind, “O Votary! Be calm! I shall kill (him) with (all my) efforts.”

13-14. This gets accomplished after worshipping the god of, death in white lotus and making oblations contemplating himself as Bhairava and Kuleśvarī (as remaining) at the centre. (The votary) would know in the night the result (of the incantation) on himself and the person (concerned). One would become the killer of his enemy by propitiating the (goddess) Durgā with the formula “O (goddess) Durgā! Durgā! You are the guardian!” One should kill the enemy by the repetition of letters “ha, sa, kṣa, ma, la, va, ra and ya” sacred to (the goddess) Bhairavī.