Chapter 266 - The mode of performing the ceremonial bathing to wash off obstacles

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

[Full title: The mode of performing the ceremonial bathing to wash off obstacles (vināyaka-snāna)]

Puṣkara said:

1-6a. I shall describe the bathing [i.e., snāna] that would be beneficial for those afflicted by (the evil spirit called) Vināyaka. The spirit Vināyaka was commissioned by (Lords) Keśava (Viṣṇu), Īśa (Śiva) and Pitāmaha (Brahmā) as the leader of the attendants in order to frustrate the work of men. One who is possessed by Vināyaka dreams as if he is bathing in water excessively, sees shaven heads, rides the demons (in a dream) and as he goes thinks that he is being followed by others. The fruitless beginning (of a task) leads to frustration and (the body) emaciates without any reason. A girl does not get a (suitable) bridegroom, a married woman does not get progeny, a brahmin does not become a preceptor and a pupil does not get instruction. A trader does not get profit and a cultivator, the produce. A king does not get a kingdom. In such cases a (ceremonial) bath has to be done.

6b-9a. (It should be done) on an auspicious seat in (the asterisms) hasta, puṣya, aśvinī, mṛgaśīrṣa and śravaṇa. Levigated powders of white mustard mixed with clarified butter, all herbs and perfumes should be besmeared on the head (of the person concerned). He should be bathed with (the waters in) four pitchers into which all herbs have been put. Earth brought from stables of horses and elephants, anthill and confluence of rivers as well as resin got from a cow, perfumes and guggulu should be put (into the pitchers).

9b-17. (The bathing is done with the repetition of the following sacred formulas) “Sahasrākṣam śatadhāram ṛṣibhiḥ pāvanaṃ kṛtaṃ^[1]. I bathe you with the waters that have been made holy by the sages. May the removers of sins protect you.” Bhagaṃ te varuṇo rājā bhagaṃ sūryo bṛhaspatiḥ bhagamindraśca vāyuśca bhagaṃ saptarṣayo daduḥ^[2]. “May Varuṇa, the Sun, Bṛhaspati, Indra, Vāyu and the seven sages give you wealth.” “May the misfortune that sticks to your hair, the parting line of the hair, head, fore-head, ears and eyes always be removed by the water.” Then the preceptor should hold the leaf of the darbha (grass) on the left hand and pour the mustard oil on the head of the person that has bathed with a ladle made of udumbara (tree). Then oblation should be made holding the kuśa grass on the head with the left hand (repeating) the names Mita, Sammita, Śālaka, Kaṇṭhaka, Kūṣmāṇḍa and Rājaputra together with (the word) oblation, the sacred formulas for oblation and obeisance. Then after having spread the kuśa (grass) everywhere at the crossroads, one should offer cooked and uncooked rice, meat, food, large quantities of raw fish, coloured flower, wine, mūlaka, cake, sweet cake of flour, garland of eṇḍavikā (?), curd rice, sweet porridge (pīyasa), piṣṭaka (a cake made of any grain), modaka (a kind of sweetmeat in the form of balls) and treacle on a winnowing basket.

18-20. Then Ambikā (mother goddess; consort of Śiva), the mother of Vināyaka, should be worshipped after having offered dūrvā (grass), mustard and flowers and the final oblation is made. (The following request is made): O Fortunate one! You give me beauty, fame, good fortune, progeny, wealth and all desired things. The brahmins should be fed and a pair of clothes should be given to the preceptor also. One would get the fruit of his action and wealth after worshipping the (spirit) Vināyaka and the planets.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

YDh. l.280.

[2]:

YDh. l.281a.