Chapter 198 - Vows performed in different months (māsa-vrata)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Fire-god said:

1-2. I shall describe vows (to be performed) in different months [i.e., māsa-vrata/vrataka], that would yield enjoyment and emancipation. A wise man should avoid bathing with oil for four months commencing with āṣāḍha. One who abstains (from using) flower and salt and gives a cow (as a gift) in vaiśākha would become a king. One who gives a cow and fasts a month is said to practise a terrible vow and is deemed to be lord Hari.

3-4. One who bathes (daily) early in the morning for four months commencing with āṣāḍha would reach lord Viṣṇu. One who gives molasses and cow in the month of māgha or caitra on the third day would be the great performer of the guḍavrata (vow of giving away molasses) and he would get (an identical form of) consort of Gaurī. One who eats food only in the night in the months of mārgaśīrṣa etc. would attain the world of lord Viṣṇu.

5-7. So also one who eats only once a day and observes the twelfth day vow would do. One who rejects fruit for four months commencing with śrāvaṇa and gives (the fruits) as gift would get everything. One should fast on the eleventh day in the bright fortnight in āṣāḍha and prepare to do the vows lasting for four months. One should worship lord Hari in the āṣāḍha at the entry of the Sun (into a constellation) in karkaṭa.

8-10. “O lord! This vow has been undertaken by me in your presence. O Keśava! When you are pleased let it be accomplished without impediment. O lord! If I die after taking this vow and the vow becomes incomplete, let it become completed by your grace, O Janārdana!” One should avoid eating flesh and a brahmin should refrain from (the use of) oil and worship lord Hari. One who fasts on alternate days and for three nights would reach the world of lord Viṣṇu.

11. One who practises the cāndrāyaṇa would reach the world of Viṣṇu, the vow of silence would be fit for liberation, the vow of prājāpatya eating the flour of barley would reach heaven.

12-15. One who takes milk etc. and one who takes five things got from a cow would reach heaven. A person eating vegetables, roots and fruits would reach the world of Viṣṇu. One who avoids flesh and tasty food and takes barley would reach lord Hari. I shall describe the Kaumudavrata. Having observed a fast on the twelfth day in kārttika one should besmear lord Viṣṇu (with sandal) and worship (him) with lotuses and blue lotuses and offer a lamp lit by ghee and sesamum oil. “Oṃ obeisance to Vāsudeva.” One should worship him with a garland of mālatī (flowers). One who practises the kaumudavrata would get piety, pleasure, wealth and liberation. One who practises the vow of fasting in the months (specified) and worships lord Hari would get everything.