The Linga Purana

by J. L. Shastri | 1951 | 265,005 words | ISBN-10: 812080340X | ISBN-13: 9788120803404

This page describes The description of the Jaya ablution which is chapter 27 of the English translation of the Linga Purana, traditionally authored by Vyasa in roughly 11,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with Shaiva pilosophy, the Linga (symbol of Shiva), Cosmology, Yugas, Manvantaras, Creation theories, mythology, Astronomy, Yoga, Geography, Sacred pilgrimage guides (i.e., Tirthas) and Ethics. The Lingapurana is an important text in Shaivism but also contains stories on Vishnu and Brahma.

Chapter 27 - The description of the Jaya ablution

The sages said:

1-3. It is due to the grace and power of Nandin that the benefit of the worship of the Liṅga has been heard. O Romaharṣaṇa of good holy rites, everything that we heard is on a par with the Vedas. The rite of “Jayābhiṣeka” had been recounted formerly on the top of the Meru by the trident-bearing lord Īśa to Manu for the welfare of the Kṣatriyas. How is that? How is the splendid Mahādāna (great gift) of sixteen varieties? O Sūta, the most excellent among the intellectuals, it behoves you to recount it to us.

Sūta said:

4. At the outset the self-born lord Manu performed the rite of Jīvacchrāddha (the Śrāddha unto the living). After going to the Meru, then, he eulogised Nīlalohita, the lord of Devas.

5. Delighted at his penance, Bhava, Īśāna granted unto that humble devotee his divine vision. Thereby he saw the unchanging lord.

6. After bowing to and worshipping him duly he stood there with his palms joined in reverence. With his voice choked due to excess of delight he spoke thus.

7-9. O lord of Devas, O lord of the Universe, O lord of the worlds, obeisance unto you. Thanks to the grace of the great lord, Jīvacchrāddha has been offered by me and the lord has been worshipped. Therefore, the lord has been seen by me now. O lord, O lord of Devas, it behoves you to recount to me the rite of Jayābhiṣeka that yields virtue, love, wealth and salvation and that has been previously related to Indra by you.

Sūta said:

Lord Mahādeva, Nīlalohita, Parameśvara recounted to him the rite of Jayābhiṣeka in all details.

The glorious lord said:

10-13. With a desire for the welfare of kings I shall recount the Jayābhiṣeka rite that is conducive to the victory over enemies and premature death. When the time to go to war has arrived the king shall perform this ablution rite, sprinkle water over the lord and then go to the battlefield. After duly making a raised platform, a water shed[1] or a prominent abode[2] the brahmin who is a master of the Vedas shall deposit fire in nine places. Thereafter, for the purpose of ablution, he shall make lines with threads.

14-18. The first thread from the east and the first thread from the south shall be coloured. Altogether there shall be two thousand four hundred threads. With these as boundaries a square shall be made. Outside, all round, a marginal pathway a foot in width shall be made. The subsidiary threads shall be separately taken. For each line thirty-six threads shall be twisted together. There shall be thirty-six squares formed by seven rows running east to west and seven rows running from south to north. Therefore, there shall be forty-nine rows (i.e. boundary lines for the squares?). He shall clean nine rows in the middle with water mixed with cow-dung.

19. There, he shall draw the diagram of a splendid lotus of a hand’s width. It shall be circular and white in colour with eight petals. It shall have the pericarp and the filaments.

20. The pericarp resembling gold in lustre shall be eight aṅgulas long. The filaments shall be four aṅgulas long.

21. In the corners beginning with the south-east he shall install Dharma (virtue) Jñāna (knowledge), Vairāgya (Detachment) and Aiśvarya (prosperity) in due order repeating the Praṇava.

22. He shall fix Avvakta, etc. in the quarters beginning with east in the form of their bodies. The four are Avyakta (the unmanifest) Niyata (the regular) Kāla (time) and Kālī.

23. Dharma, etc. have these colours in order—white, red, golden and black. O sages of good holy rites, the body is in the shape of a swan and has the refulgence of gold.

24. The lotus that is the cause of creation is in the middle of the supporting Śakti. In the middle of the Kalā, there is only the Bindu and beyond that is the shape of Nāda (sound).

25. Above the Nāda he shall meditate on Śiva the preceptor of the universe, called Oṃkara. He shall meditate on Manonmanī and Mahādeva having the lustre of the lotus.

26-27. The filaments, Vāmā, etc., shall be meditated upon, beginning with the east and in order. They are—Vāmā, Jyeṣṭhā, Raudrī, Kālī, Vikarṇī, Balā, Pramathinī and goddess Damanī. They are to be fixed along with Vāmadeva and others by means of the Praṇava.

28-30. With these mantras he shall duly worship the circular assembly:—“Obeisance to Vāmadeva; obeisance to trident-bearing Jyeṣṭha; obeisance to Rudra; obeisance to the lord having the form of Kala; obeisance to Kalavikaraṇa; obeisance to Bala; obeisance to the suppressor of all living beings; obeisance to bold Manonmana; obeisance, obeisance to Manonmanī”.

31. The first Āvaraṇa (covering) has been recounted. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa. In the second Āvaraṇa there are sixteen Śaktis.

32-35. In the third Āvaraṇa there are twenty-four Śaktis in order. The Piśācavīthi (the pathway of ghosts) is in the middle. The Nābhivīthi is all round. It is laid down that the worship of the Piśācas should be duly performed by means of these mantras. The Padas (words, steps) are one thousand and eight and each Pada has eight corners. The devotee shall conceive a lotus in each of these Padas separately by means of Śāli rice grains, Nīvāra rice grains, wheat grains, barley grains, rice grains or gingelly seeds mixed with white mustard. Or he shall formulate these in accordance with the injunctions as and when the time comes.

36-37. In them he shall draw an eight-petalled lotus equipped with pericarp and filaments. An Āḍhaka measure of Śāli rice grains shall be used severally for each of the lotuses. Rice grains shall be half of that. Barley grains; etc. shall be still half of it. A Droṇa measure of that shall be put in the chief pot. Rice grains shall be half of it.

38-43. An Āḍhaka of gingelly seeds is put in the middle. Half that quantity of barley grains is also put. He shall then sprinkle the lotus with water repeating the Praṇava. He shall fix the Praṇava in all of them duly and in order. After concluding this and sprinkling the thousand excellent Padas, he shall make a thousand Kalaśas (water pots) of gold, silver or copper. They shall be splendid having the characteristics mentioned. They shall be duly sprinkled with the Arghya water repeating the Praṇava. Each of the Kalaśas shall be twelve aṅgulas wide at the belly and shall curve downwards. Its umbilicus shall be half of it in width. The neck shall be two aṅgulas in height and its width shall be four aṅgulas. The lip shall be two aṅgulas in height. The Nirgama, the spout through which the water comes out, shall be two aṅgulas (in length). In the Śivakumbha (the vessel pertaining to Śiva) all these measurements are doubled.

44-50. A space to the extent of a barley grain shall be tied well with a thread. The vessel shall be closed, sprinkled with water and placed on Kuśa grass duly. As before, he shall fill it with scented water repeating the Praṇava. He shall install the Vardhanī[3] vessel along with Śivakumbha in accordance with the injunctions in the middle of the central lotus along with Kūrca (bundle of Kuśa grass) and Akṣata (raw rice grains). Each of the thousand waterpots shall be severally wrapped with a pair of cloth and covered with a golden lotus studded with jewels of diverse colours. Śiva shall be installed in the Śivakumbha by means of Gāyatrī and the Praṇava—“We know the Puruṣa. We meditate on Mahādeva. Hence, may Rudra urge and guide us”. Always Rudra’s presence is invoked by means of this Mantra. He shall install goddess in Vardhanī by means of Devīgāyatrī and worship with the mantra “We know the mother of the Gaṇas. We meditate on Mahātapa (the great scorcher). Hence, may Gaurī urge and guide us.”

51. Vāmā and others are glorified in the first Āvaraṇa. The first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

52. O sages of good holy rites, here there are sixteen Śaktis beginning with and ending with the east. He shall install and worship Subhadrā in the middle of Aindravyūha in the group in the east.

53-54. In the group in the South-east he shall worship Bhadrā. He shall worship Kanakāṇḍajā (one born of golden egg) in the southern group, Ambika in the south-western group as well as the group in the middle. In the western side he shall worship Śrīdevī; in the north-western quarter he shall worship Vāgīśā. He shall worship Gomukhī in the north as well as in the central vessel.

55. He shall worship Bhadrakarṇā in the middle of Rudravyūha (group belonging to Rudra in the north). In the middle of the east and south-east quarters he shall worship the excellent Aṇimā (the attribute of minuteness).

56. He shall fix Laghimā (lightness) in the lotus in the middle of south and south-east quarters. He shall worship Mahimā (greatness) in the middle of south and south-west.

57. He shall worship Prāpti (the power that procures every thing) in the middle of the west and south-west quarters. He shall fix Prākāmya (Irresistible Will) in the lotus in the middle of the west and north-west quarters.

58. He shall install Īśitva (superiority) in the middle of the north and north-west quarters and worship. He shall install Vaśitva (subduing of passions) in the middle of the north and north-east quarters and worship.

59. He shall worship Kāmāvasāyitva in the middle of the east and north-east quarters. Thus, the second Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the third Āvaraṇa.

60-61. There are twenty-four Śaktis in the chief lotuses. As before he shall worship them in the middle of the group in accordance with the injunctions. He shall worship Dīkṣā, Dīkṣāyikā, Caṇḍā, Caṇḍāṃśunāyikā, Sumatī, Sumatyāyī, Gopā and Gopāyikā.

62-69. Then he shall duly install Nandā, Nandāyī, Pitāmaha, Pitāmahāyī beginning with the east and worship. After worshipping the excellent third Āvaraṇa thus in accordance with the injunctions he shall go over to Saubhadra group in the first Āvaraṇa. He shall duly instalL the eight Śaktis beginning with the east and in order. Listen to the Śaktis beginning with the east. After worshipping the sixteen Śaktis he shall show the gesture of lotus (Padma mudrā). These are the eight Śaktis in the first Āvaraṇa—Bindukā, Bindugarbhā, Nādinī, Nādagarbbajā, Śaktikā, Śaktigarbhā, Parā and Parāparā.

The sixteen Śaktis mentioned in the second Āvaraṇa are:—Caṇḍā, Caṇḍamukhī, Caṇḍavegā, Manojavā, Caṇḍākṣī, Caṇḍanirghoṣā, Bhṛkuṭī, Caṇḍanāyikā, Manotsedhā, Manodhyakṣā, Mānasī, Mānanāyikā, Manoharī, Manohlādī, Manaḥprīti and Maheśvarī. The Saubhadra group has thus been mentioned. Now listen to the Bhadra group.

70-73. The eight Śaktis in the first Āvaraṇa are—Aindrī, Hautāśanī, Yāmyā, Nairṛtī, Vāruṇī, Vāyavyā, Kauberī and Aiśānī. The first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa. The sixteen Śaktis in the second Āvaraṇa are—Hariṇi [Hariṇā?], Suvarṇā, Kāñcanī, Hāṭakī, Rukmiṇī, Satyabhāmā, Subhagā, Jambunāyikā, Vāgbhavā, Vākpathā, Vāṇī, Bhīmā, Citrarathā, Sudhī, Vedamātā and Hiraṇyākṣī.

Thus the group called Bhadra has been mentioned. Now listen to the group called Kanaka.

74. The Śaktis in the first Āvaraṇa are—Vajra, Śakti, Daṇḍa (staff), Khaḍga (sword), Pāśa (noose), Dhvaja (flag), Gadā (mace), aud Triśūla (trident).

75-76. The sixteen Śaktis (in the second Āvaraṇa) are—Yuddhā, Prabuddhā, Caṇḍā, Muṇḍā, Kapālinī, Mṛtyu, Hantrī, Virūpākṣī, Kapardī, Kamalāsanā, Daṃṣṭriṇī, Raṅgiṇī, Lambākṣī, Kaṅkabhūṣaṇī, Sambhāvā and Bhāvanī.

77-78. The Kanaka group has been mentioned. Now listen to the group called Ambikā. The eight Śaktis in the first Āvaraṇa are—Khecarī, Atmanāsā [Ātmanāsā?], Bhavānī, Vahnirūpiṇī, Vahninī, Vahninābhā, Mahimā and Amṛtalālasā.

79-80 The sixteen Śaktis in the second Āvaraṇa are—Kṣamā, Śikharādevī, Ṛturatnā, Śilā, Chāyā, Bhūtapatī, Dhanyā, Indramātā, Vaiṣṇavī, Tṛṣṇā, Rāgavatī, Mohā, Kāmakopā, Mahotkaṭā, Indrā and Badhirādevī.

81-84. Thus, the Ambikā group has been mentioned. O sage of good holy rites, now listen to Śrī group. The Śaktis in the first Āvaraṇa are—Sparśā, Sparśavatī, Sandhā, Prāṇā, Apānā, Samānakā, Udānā and Vyānā. The sixteen Śaktis in the second Āvaraṇa, approved by all are—Tamohatā, Prabhā, Moghā, Tejanī, Dahanī, Bhīmāsyā, Jālanī, Coṣā (or Uṣā), Śoṣaṇī, Rudranāyika, Vīrabhadrā, Gaṇādhyakṣā, Candrahāsā, Gahvarā, Gaṇamātā and Ambikā.

85-86. Thus, the excellent Śrī group has been mentioned. O sage of good holy rites, listen to the group Vāgīśa. These are the eight Śaktis glorified in the first Āvaraṇa—Dhārā, Vāridharā, Vahnikī, Nāśaki, Martyātītā, Mahāmāyā, Vajriṇī, and Kāmadhenukā.

87-89. The sixteen Śaktis in the second Āvaraṇa approved by all are—Payoṣṇī, Vāruṇī, Śāntā, Jayantī, Varapradā, Plāvanī, Jalamātā, Payomātā, Mahāmbikā, Raktā, Karālī, Caṇḍālī, Mahocchuṣmā, Payasvinī, Māyāvidyeśvarī and the dark Kālikā. The group of Vāgīśvara has been mentioned. Now the group of Gomukha is being mentioned.

90-93. Eight Śaktis are mentioned in the firts Āvaraṇa—Śaṅkhinī, Halinī, Laṅkāvarṇā, Kalkinī, Yakṣiṇī, Mālinī, Vamanī and Rasātmanī. There are sixteen Śaktis in the second Āvaraṇa viz. Caṇḍā, Ghaṇṭā, Mahānādā, Sumukhī, Durmukhī, Balā, Revatī, Prathamā, Ghorā, Sainyā, Līnā, Mahābalā, Jayā, Vijayā, Aparā and Aparājitā. Thus, the group of Gomukhī has been mentioned. Now listen to the group of Bhadrakarṇī.

94-97. The following eight Śaktis are mentioned in the first Āvaraṇa viz. Mahājayā, Virūpākṣī, Śuklābhā, Ākāśamātṛkā, Saṃhārī, Jātahārī, Daṃṣṭrālī and Śuṣkarevatī. There are sixteen Śaktis (in the second Āvaraṇa) viz. Pipīlikā, Puṇyahārī, Aśanī, Sarvahāriṇī, Bhadrahā, Viśvahārī, Himā, Yogeśvarī, Chidrā, Bhānumatī, Chidrā, Saiṃhikī, Surabhi, Samā, Sarvabhavyā and Vegākhyā.

Thus, the eight major groups have been mentioned. Listen to eight minor groups.

98-99. The Śaktis in the first Āvaraṇa enveloping the Aṇimā group are—Aindrā, Citrabhānu, Vāruṇī, Daṇḍi, Prāṇarūpī, Haṃsa, Svātmaśakti and Pitāmaha. Thus, the first Avaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

100-101. The following sixteen are in the second Āvaraṇa:—Keśava, lord Rudra, Candramā, Bhāskara, Mahātmā, Ātmā, Antarātmā, Maheśvara, Paramātmā, Aṇujīva, Piṅgala, Puruṣa, Paśu, Bhoktā, Bhūtapati and Bhīma.

102-103. Thus, the Aṇimā group has been mentioned. I shall mention to you the group called Laghimā. The first Āvaraṇa consists of—Śrīkaṇṭha, Anta (? Ananta), Sūkṣma, Trimūrti, Śaśaka, Amareśa, Sthitīśa and the eighth Dārata. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

104-106. There are sixteen Rudras in the second Āvaraṇa viz. Sthāṇu, Hara, Daṇḍeśa, Bhauktīśa, the chief of Devas, Sadyojāta Anugraheśa, Krūrasena, Sureśvara, Krodhīśā, Caṇḍa, Pracaṇḍa, Śiva, Ekarudra, Kūrma, Ekanetra, and Caturmukha.

Thus, the Laghimā group has been mentioned. O sage of good holy rites, now listen to Mahimā group.

107-108. The following sixteen constitute the group viz. Ajeśa, Kṣemarudra, Somāṃśa, Lāṅgalī, Daṇḍāru, Ardhanārī, Ekānta, Anta, Pālī, Bhujaṅganāmā, Pinākī, Khaḍgi, Kāma, Īśa, Śveta and Bhṛgu.

109-110. Thus, the Mahimā group has been mentioned. Now listen to Prāpti group. These constitute the first Āvaraṇa viz. Saṃvarta, Lakulīśa, Vāḍava, Hasti, Caṇḍayakṣa, Gaṇapati, Mahātmā and Bhṛguja the eighth. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

111-112. The following sixteen constitute the second Āvaraṇa viz. Trivikrama, Mahājihva, Ṛkṣa, Śrībhadra, Mahādeva, Dadhīca, Kumāra, Parāvara, Mahādaṃṣṭra, Karāla, Sūcaka, Suvardhana, Mahādhvāṅkṣa, Mahānanda, Daṇḍī and Gopālaka.

113-114. Thus, the Prāpti group has been mentioned. O sage of good holy rites, now listen to the group of Prākāmya. The following eight constitute the first Āvaraṇa:—Puṣpadanta, Mahānāga, Vipulānandakāraka, Śukla, Viśāla, Kamala, Bilva and Aruṇa. The first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

115-117. The following constitute the second Āvaraṇa—Ratipriya, Sureśāna, Citrāṅga, Sudurjaya, Vināyaka, Kṣetrapāla, Mohāmoha, Jaṅgala, Vatsaputra, Mahāputra, Grāmadeśādhipa, Sarvāvasthādhipa, Deva, Meghanāda, Pracaṇḍaka, and Kāladūta. Thus, the group of Prākāmya has been mentioned. I shall mention the group of Aiśvarya.

118-121. The following eight Śaktis constitute the first Āvaraṇa viz.—Maṅgalā, Carcikā, Yogeśā, Haradāyikā, Bhāsurā, Asuramātā, Sundarī and Mātṛkā the eighth. The Śaktis of the first Āvaraṇa have been mentioned. Now listen to those who constitute the second Āvaraṇa—Gaṇādhipa, Mantrajña, Varadeva, Ṣaḍānana, Vidagdha, Vicitra, Amogha, Mogha, Aśvīrudra, Someśa, Uttama, Udumbara, Nārasiṃha, Vijaya, Indraguha the lord, and Apāmpati.

122-123. Thus, the Vyūha of Aiśvarya has been mentioned. Now listen to the group ofVaśitva. The following are in the first Āvaraṇa viz.—Gagana, Bhavana, Vijaya, Ajaya, Mahājaya, Aṅgāra, Vyaṅgāra and Mahāyaśas. Thus, the group of the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the group in the second Āvaraṇa.

124-127. They are—Sundara, Pracaṇḍeśa, Mahāvarṇa, Mahāsura, Mahāromā, Mahāgarbha, Prathama, Kanaka, Kharaja, Garuḍa, Meghanāda, Garjaka, Gaja, Chedakabāhu, Triśikha and Māri. The group of Vaśitva has been mentioned. Now listen to the group of Kāmāvasāyika.

The following constitute the first Āvaraṇa—Vināda, Vikaṭa, Vasanta, Maya, Vidyut, Mahābala, Kamala and Damana. The first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

128-130. They are Dharma, Atibala, Sarpa, Mahākāya, Mahāhanu, Sabala, Bhasmāṅgī, Durjaya, Duratikrama, Vetāla, Raurava, Durdhara, Bhoga, Vajrakālāgnirudra, Sadyonāda, and Mahāguha.

Thus, the second Āvaraṇa has been mentioned, so also the group of Kāmāvasāyika. Thus, the sixteen groups have been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

131. In the Dakṣa group of the second Āvaraṇa there are eight Śaktis in the first Āvaraṇa and sixteen in the external Āvaraṇa.

132-135. The Śaktis in the first are Manoharā, Mahānādā Citrā, Citrarathā, Rohiṇī, Citrāṅgī, Citrarekhā and Vicitrikā. The Śaktis in the first Āvaraṇa have been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa—Cittā, Vicitrarūpā, Śubhadā, Kāmadā, Śubhā, Krūrā, Devī Piṅgalā, Khaḍgikā, Lambikā, Satī, Daṃṣṭrālī, Rākṣasī, Dhvaṃsī, Lolupā, Lohitā and Mukhī.

The sixteen Śaktis in the second Āvaraṇa have been succinctly mentioned. Thus, the group of Dakṣa has been mentioned. Now listen to the Dākṣa group.

136-139. The following constitute the first Āvaraṇa:—Sarvāsatī, Viśvarūpā, Lampaṭā, Āmiṣapriyā, Dīrghadaṃṣṭrā, Vajrā, Lamboṣṭhī, Prāṇahāriṇī. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa. Gajakarṇā, Aśvakarṇā, Mahākālī, Subhīṣaṇā, Vātavegaravā, Aghorā, Ghanāghanaravā, Varaghoṣā, Mahāvarṇā, Sughaṇṭā, Ghaṇṭikā, Ghaṇṭā, Īśvarī, Mahāghorā, Ghorā and Atighorikā. Thus, the sixteen Śaktis in the second Āvaraṇa have been mentioned.

140-141. Thus, the Dākṣa group has been mentioned. Now listen to the Caṇḍa group.

These constitute the first Āvaraṇa:—Atighaṇṭā, Atighorā, Karālā, Karabhā, Vibhūti, Bhogadā, Kānti and the eighth one Śaṅkhinī. Thus, the Śaktis in the first Āvaraṇa have been mentioned. Now listen to those in the second Āvaraṇa.

142-147. They are:—Patriṇī, Gāndhārī, Yogamātā, Supīvarā, Raktamālā, Raktāṃśukā, Vīrā, Saṃhārī, Māṃsahāriṇī, Phalahārī, Jīvahārī, Svecchāhārī, Tuṇḍikā, Revatī, Raṅgiṇī, and Saṅgā. Thus, there are sixteen in the second Āvaraṇa. Thus, the Caṇḍa group has been mentioned. Now listen to the group of Caṇḍā.

The first Āvaraṇa consists of Caṇḍī, Caṇḍamukhī, Caṇḍā, Caṇḍavegā, Mahāravā, Bhrukuṭī, Caṇḍabhū, and the eighth one Caṇḍarūpā. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa:—Candraghrāṇā, Balā, Balajihvā, Baleśvarī, Balavegā, Mahākāyā, Mahākopā, Vidyutā, Kaṅkālī, Kalaśī, Vidyutā, Caṇḍaghoṣikā, Mahāghoṣā, Mahārāvā, Caṇḍabhā and Anaṅga Caṇḍikā. The group of Caṇḍā has been mentioned. Now listen to Hara group.

148-149. In the first Āvaraṇa the following Śaktis are mentioned Caṇḍākṣī, Kāmadā Devī, Sūkarā, Kukkuṭānanā, Gāndhārī, Dundubhī, Durgā and Saumitrā the eighth one. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

150-155. The sixteen Śaktis of the second Āvaraṇa are:—Mṛtodbhavā, Mahālakṣmī, Varṇadā, Jīvarakṣinī, Hariṇī, Kṣīṇajīvā, Daṇḍavaktrā. Caturbhujā, Vyomacārī, Vyomarūpā, Vyomavyāpī, Śubhodayā, Gṛhacārī, Sucāri, Viṣāhārī, and Viṣārtihā. Thus, the group, pertaining to Hara has been mentioned. Now listen to the group of Harā.

The following constitute the first Āvaraṇa, viz. Jambhā, Acyutā, Kaṅkārī, Devikā, Durdharā, Āvahā, Caṇḍikā and Capalā.

The following constitute the second Āvaraṇa:—Caṇḍikā, Cāmarī, Bhaṇḍikā, Śubhānanā, Piṇḍikā, Muṇḍinī, Muṇḍā, Śākinī, Śāṅgarī, Kartarī, Bhartarī, Bhāginī, Yajñadāyinī, Yamadaṃṣṭrā, Mahādaṃṣṭrā and Karālā. Thus, the group of Harā has been mentioned. Now listen to the Śauṇḍa group.

156-159. The first Āvaraṇa consists of the following Śaktis:—Vikarālī, Karālī, Kālajaṅghā, Yaśasvinī, Vegā, Vegavatī, Yajñā and the eighth Vedāṅgā.

Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa:—

The following sixteen duly constitute the second Āvaraṇa:—Vajrā, Śaṅkhā, Atiśaṅkhā, Balā, Abalā, Añjanī, Mohanī, Māyā, Vikaṭāṅgī, Nalī, Gaṇḍakī, Daṇḍakī, Ghoṇā, Śoṇā, Satyavatī and Kallolā. Thus, the Śauṇḍa group has been mentioned. Now listen to the group of Śauṇḍā.

160-163. The following constitute the first Āvaraṇa:—Danturā, Raudrabhāgā, Amṛtā, Sakulāśubhā, Calajihvā, Āryanetrā, Rūpiṇī and Dārikā.

Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

There are sixteen Śaktis in the second Āvaraṇa, viz. Khādakā, Rūpanāmā, Saṃhārī, Kṣamā, Antakā, Kaṇḍinī, Peṣiṇī, Mahātrāsā, Kṛtāntikā, Daṇḍinī, Kiṅkarī, Bimbā, Varṇinī, Amalāṅginī, Draviṇīs, and Drāviṇī.

Thus, the excellent and charming Śauṇḍāvyūha has been mentioned.

164-167. I shall mention the Śaktis pertaining to the very excellent group named Prathama. The Śaktis in the first Āvaraṇa are:—Plavanī, Plāvanī, Śobhā, Amandā, Mahotkaṭā, Mandā, Ākṣepā and Mahādevī. The following constitute the second Āvaraṇa. The goddess Kāmasandīpanī, Atirūpā, Manoharā, Mahāvaśā, Madagrāhā, Vihvalā, Madavihvalā, Aruṇā, Śoṣaṇā, Divyā, Revatī, Bhāṇḍanāyikā, Stambhinī, Ghoraraktākṣī, Smararūpā and Sughoṣaṇā.

O son of the self-born deity, thus, the group of Prathamā has been mentioned precisely.

168-169. I shall now mention the group of Prathama. Listen to me. The following eight constitute the first Āvaraṇa:—Ghorā, Ghoratarā, Aghorā, Atighorā, Aghanāyikā, Dhāvanī, Koṣṭukā and Muṇḍā the eighth. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

170-171. They are sixteen, viz. Bhīmā, Bhīmatarā, great Śastā, Suvartulā, Stambhinī, Rodinī, Raudrā, Rudravatī, Acalācalā, Mahābalā, Mahāśānti, Śālā, Śāntā, Śivāśivā, Bṛhatkakṣā and Mahānāsā.

172-174. The group of Prathamā has been mentioned. Now listen to the Manmathavyūha group. The following constitute the first Āvaraṇa:—Tālakarṇī, Bālā, Kalyāṇī, Kapilā, Śivā, Iṣṭi, Tuṣṭi and Pratijña. The Śaktis in the second Āvaraṇa are:—Khyāti, Puṣṭikarī, Tuṣṭi, Jalā, Śruti, Dhṛti, Kāmadā, Śubhadā, Saumyā, Tejanī, Kāmatantrikā, Dharmā, Adharmavaśā, Śīlā, Pāpahā and Dharmavardhinī.

175-176. Thus, the Manmatha group has been mentioned. Now listen to the group of Manmathā.

The following constitute the first Āvaraṇa:—Dharmarakṣā, Vidhānā, Dharmā, Adharmavatī, Sumati, Durmati, Medhā and Vimalā the eighth. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

177-178. The following sixteen Śaktis constitute the second Āvaraṇa:—Śuddhi, Buddhi, Dyuti, Kānti, Vartulā, Mohavardhanī, Balā, Atibalā, Bhīmā, Prāṇavṛddhikari, Nirlajjā, Nirghṛṇā, Mandā, Sarvapāpakṣayaṅkarī, Kapilā and Atividhurā.

179-180. Thus, the group of Manmathā has been mentioned. Now I shall mention Bhīma group to you. It consists of Raktā, Viraktā, Udvegā, Aśokavardhinī, Kāmā, Tṛṣṇā, Kṣudhā and Mohā the eighth. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

181-182. They are Jayā, Nidrā, Abhayā, Ālasyā, Jalatṛṣṇodarī, Darā, Kṛṣṇā, Kṛṣṇāṅginī, Vṛddhā, Śuddocchiṣṭāśanī, Vṛṣā, Kāmanā, Śobhanī, Dagdhā, Duḥkhadā Sukhadā, and Balī. Thus, the Bhīma group has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the Bhīmāyī group.

183-186. Ānandā, Sunandā, Mahānandā, Śubhaṅkarī, Vītarāgā, Mahotsāhā, Jitarāgā and Manorathā. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa. The following constitute the second Āvaraṇa:—Manonmanī, Manakṣobhā, Madonmattā, Madākulā, Mandagarbhā, Mahābhāsā, Kāmā, Ānandā, Suvihvalā, Mahāvegā, Suvegā, Mahābhogā, Kṣayāvahā, Kramaṇī, Krāmaṇī and Vakrā. Thus, the very excellent Bhīmāyī has been mentioned to you.

187-188. O son of the self-born lord, I shall now mention the Śākuna group.

Yogāvegā, Suvegā, Ativegā, Suvāsinī, Goddess Manorayā, Āvegā, Jalāvartā the intelligent. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

189-190. They are:—Rodhanī, Kṣobhaṇī, Bālā, Viprā, Śeṣā, Suśoṣaṇī, Vidyutābhāsinī, Goddess Manovegā, Cāpalā, Vidyujjihvā, Mahājihvā, Bhṛkuṭikuṭilānanā, Phullajvālā, Mahājvālā, Sujvālā and Kṣayāntikā.

191-192. Thus, the Śākunavyūha has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the group of Śākunā:—Jvālinī, Bhasmāṅgī, Bhasmā, Antagā, Bhāvinī, Prajā, Vidyā and Khyāti the eighth. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

193-194. Ullekhā, Patākā, Bhogā, Bhogavatī, Khagā, Bhogā, Bhogavratā, Yogā, Bhogākhyā, Yogapāragā, Ṛddhi, Buddhi, Dhṛti, Kānti, Smṛti Śruti and Dharā. Thus, the Śākunā group that bestows desires has been mentioned.

195-198. O son of the self-born lord, now listen to the very excellent group named Sumati. They are: Pareṣṭā, Parādṛṣṭā, Amṛtā, Phalanāśinī, Hiraṇyākṣī, Suvarṇākṣī, Devīkapiñjalā and Kāmarekhā. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa:—Ratnadvīpā, Sudvīpā, Ratnadā, Ratnamālinī, Ratnaśobhā, Suśobhā, Mahādyuti, Śāmbarī, Bandhurā, Granthi, Pādakarṇā, Akarānanā, Hayagrīvā, Jihvā and Sarvabhāsā.

Thus, the group of Sumati (male) has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the group of Sumati (female).

199-202. Sarvāśī, Mahābhakṣā, Mahādaṃṣṭrā, Atirauravā, Visphuliṅgā, Viliṅgā, Kṛtāntā and Bhāskarānanā constitute the first Āvaraṇa. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa:—Rāgā, Raṅgavatī, Śreṣṭhā, Mahākrodhā, Rauravā, Krodhanī, Vasanī, Kalahā, Mahābalā, Kalantikā, Caturbhedā, Durgā, Durgamāninī, Nālī, Sunālī and Saumyā. Thus, the Sumati group has been mentioned to you.

203-204. Now I shall mention Gopa group here. O son of the self-born lord, listen to everything. Pāṭalī, Pāṭavī, Pāṭī, Viṭipiṭā, Kaṅkaṭā, Supaṭā, Praghaṭā and Gaṭodbhavā. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned clearly.

205-206. The Śaktis (in the second Āvaraṇa) are Nādākṣī, Nādarūpā, Sarvakārī, Gamā, Agamā, Anucārī, Sucārī, Caṇḍanāḍī. Suvāhinī, Suyogā, Viyogā, Haṃsākhyā, Vilāsinī, Sarvagā, Suvicārā, and Vañcanī.

207-208. Gopa group has been mentioned. Now listen to Gopāyī group.

Bhedinī, Chedinī, Sarvakārī, Kṣudhāśanī, Ucchuṣmā, Gāndhārī, Bhasmāśī and Vaḍavānalā—these constitute the first Āvaraṇa. Listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

209-210. The Śaktis are Andhā, Bāhvāsinī, Bālā, Dīpā, Kṣamā[4] Akṣā Tryakṣā, Hṛllekhā, Hṛdgatā,[5] Māyikā, Parā,[6] Āmayā, Sādinī Bhillī, Sahyā, Asahyā,[7] Sarasvati, Rudraśakti, Mahāśakti, Mahāmohā and Gonadī.

211-212. Thus, Gopāyī group has been mentioned. I shall now mention Nanda group to you: Nandinī, Nivṛtti, Pratiṣṭhā, Vidyā, Nāsā[8] Khagrasinī, Cāmūṇḍā and Priyadarśinī. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

213-214. The following Śaktis constitute the second Āvaraṇa:—Gṛhyā, Narāyaṇī, Mohā, Goddess Prajā, Cakriṇī, Kaṅkaṭā, Kālī, Śivā, Ādyā, Uṣā, Virā, Mā, Āyā, Vāgīśī, Vāhinī, Bhīṣaṇī, Śugamā, and Nirdiṣṭā.

215-216. Thus, Nanda group has been mentioned to you. Now listen to Nandā group. Vināyakī, Purṇimā, Raṅkārī, Kuṇḍalī, Icchā, Kapālinī, Dvīpinī and Jayantikā, these eight Śaktis are glorified in the first Āvaraṇa.

217-219. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa:—Pāvanī, Ambikā, Sarvātmā, Pūtanā, Chagalī, Goddess Modinī[9] herself, Lambodarī, Saṃhārī, Kālinī, Kusumā, Śukrā, Tārā, Jñānā, Kriyā, Gāyatrikā and Sāvitrī; these duly constitute the second Āvaraṇa.

220-221. Thus, Nandā group has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the group of Pitāmaha.

Nandinī, Phetkārī, Krodhā, Haṃsa, Ṣaḍaṅgulā, Ānandā, Vasudurgā, and Saṃhārā the eighth. Thus, the first Āvaraṇa has been mentioned to you. Now listen to the second Āvaraṇa.

222-224. Kulāntikā, Nalā, Pracaṇḍā, Mardinī, Sarvabhūtābhayā, Dayā, Vaḍavāmukhī, Lampaṭā, goddess[10] Pannagā, Kusumā, Vipulāntaka, Kedārā, Kūrmā, Duritā, Mandaodarī and Khaḍgacakrā. These duly constitute the second Āvaraṇa. Thus, the Paitāmaha group that bestows virtue, love, wealth and salvation has been mentioned to you.

225-228. Now I shall mention to you the group of Pitāmaha. Now listen to me. Vajrā, Nandanā, Śāvā, Rāvikā, Ripubhedinī, Rūpā, Caturthā, and Yogā constitute the first Āvaraṇa.

Bhūtanādā, Mahābālā, Kharparā, Bhasmā, Kāntā, Vṛṣṭi, Brahmarūpiṇī with two arms,[11] Saihyā, Vaikārikājātā, Karmamoṭī, Mahāmohā, Mahāmāyā, Gāndhārī, Puṣpamālinī,[12] Śabdāpī and Mahāghoṣā. These constitute the Sixteen Śaktis of the second Āvaraṇa in the final group.

229-233. These Śaktis[13] have two arms. They resemble the rising sun in refulgence; hold the lotus and the conch; are calm; wear red garlands, clothes and ornaments; are bedecked in all ornaments and adorned by coronets etc. studded with pearls and divine exquisite jewels pleasing to the mind. The embellished goddesses white in colour should be severally meditated upon. Thus, a thousand[14] water pots made of copper or mud and with the characteristics as mentioned before are installed in the Rudra Kṣetra. After worshipping them with the thousand names uttered by Viṣṇu, Bhava, etc. the water pots shall be placed in front. The devotee shall then perform the ablution of the Bāṇa idol.[15] After this ablution the water shall be poured over the king.

234. These thousand water-potŚ are conducive to the achievement of all Siddhis. These are the forty[16] major groups, each marked with its characteristic signs.

235-237. The vessels shall be made of gold. As before, they shall be filled with scented water and each shall have five jewels (precious stones) put within it, as also gold pieces. The vessels of the lord shall be filled with ghee, milk, curds, pañcagavya or brahmakūrca. The ablution[17] pertaining to the sacrifice is being ordained. O excellent one, listen. The Abhiṣeka of the king is performed by repeating the Rudrādhyāya mantras of Rudra.

238-239. Mantra—“Obeisance to you, obeisance to Aghoras who are terrible, nay more and more terrible. Obeisance to all, to all Śarvas. Obeisance to all Rudras.” Repeating the above mantra the water shall be poured over the king. Homa shall also be performed with the mantra of Aghoras, that dispels all sins.

240-243. Homa shall be performed in the Kuṇḍa of the lord or on the bare ground with ghee, etc. beginning with the east(?). Sacrificial twigs, ghee, caru, fried grains or Śāli or Nīvāra rice grains shall be used for Homa. After pouring hundred and eight āhutis the king shall be rendered fragrant with the odorous smoke. Puṇyāha water shall be sprinkled repeating the Svastirudra mantra. A holy golden thread shall be tied round the right hand and Bhasman shall be dusted over it with lotus stalk.

Mantra[18] —“We worship the three-eyed lord who has fragrance, who increases nourishment as the cucumber fruit from its root. May I be liberated from bondage, from death and attain immortality.” Water shall be sprinkled over the king with this mantra. Homa shall then be performed.

244. The rite of ablution with ail materials shall be performed with the materials of Homa in due order. Homa in the eastern Kuṇḍa shall be performed with Vedic mantras[19] together with all materials used in due order.

245-246. “We know Tatpuruṣa. We meditate on Mahādeva. May that Rudra, therefore, urge and guide us.” The brahmin shall perform Homa in the eastern Kuṇḍa with this mantra ending with Svāhā. He shall perform Homa in the southern Kuṇḍa by repeating the Aghora mantra with a piece of black cloth.[20]

247. “Obeisance to Vāmadeva, obeisance to the eldest, obeisance to the most excellent one, obeisance to Rudra etc., by repeating this mantra the devotee shall perforin Homa in the western Kuṇḍa.

248-250. Homa in the western Kuṇḍa is then, performed by repeating the Sadya mantra with all materials in due order. “I resort to Sadyojāta. Obeisance to Sadyojāta. When attacked by worldly existence come to my succour. Obeisance unto the origin of the world. The intelligent devotee shall perform Homa by repeating this mantra ending with Svāhā. He shall perform Homa in the south-eastern Kuṇḍa by repeating the mantra pertaining to Rudra.[21] “In. the sacrificial rite we shall extract the juice of Soma” etc.[22] By repeating this mantra Homa shall be performed in the south-western Kuṇḍa with all materials of worship.

251. “Niminiśidiśaḥ (?) Svāhā, O sword.” [nimi niśi diśa svāhā khaḍga] With this divine mantra that brings about all Siddhis the rite of Rākṣasa-bhedana (piercing the demon) shall be performed.

252. “Svāhā unto Rudhirājyārdranairṛti (?) Obeisance, Svadhā, obeisance” with this mantra he shall perform Homa as he pases by means all materials.

253. O excellent brahmins, in the southern Kuṇḍa,[23] Homa shall be performed by the Īśāna mantra with all kinds of materials. Then, he shall perform Homa in the north-eastern Kuṇḍa with the materials mentioned before.

254. “Obeisance to Īśāna, to Kadrudra, to the three-eyed Pracetas, to Śarva. Hence, may Rudra urge and guide us.”

255-256. O excellent brahmins, the chief Homa[24] shall be performed as before with the usual materials repeating the Īśāna mantra. In the presence of the king he shall perform a thousand Homas with each one of the materials.

The king, a favourite devotee of Śiva, shall also perform Homa.

“Īśāna is the lord of all lores, he is the overlord of all living beings, he is the lord of Brahmā, he is the overlord of the Brahman. May Sadāśiva be auspicious unto me Oṃ.”

257-258. The rite of expiation shall be performed by repeating the Aghora mantra. The rest of the rite shall be performed in the usual manner. Then after rendering the king fragrant by means of the odorous smoke of Homa, water shall be poured on him accompanied with loud and splendid shouts of victory, Vedic chants, the sounds of conches, bheri drums etc. Or the excellent king shall be sprinkled with the Kūrca of Kuśa grass.

259-261. The king shall smear Rudrabhasman[25] all over his body repeating the Rudrādhyāya mantras.

The king shall have all the auspicious royal paraphernalia such as conch, cāmara (chowries), bherī (drum) etc., Śibikā (palanquin) and the royal banner Vaijayantī. These royal emblems are offered only to a Kṣatriya lord who has been crowned in his kingdom and not to other Kṣatriyas. The size of these shall be upto twelve Aṅgulas.

262. Twigs of Palāśa, Udumbara, Aśvattha or Vaṭa shall be fixed beginning with the east. The festoons shall be hung thereon. The Paṭṭikās shall be silken alone.

263-264. The king shall be encircled with garlands of Darbhas with the Aṣṭamaṅgalas (eight auspicious fragrant objects). There shall be eight flags in the eight quarters. They shall be enriched by Dvārakumbhas (water-pots at the entrances. Golden festoons shall embellish the king. The priests shall then bathe him. He shall be seated above all others. He shall be sprinkled with the water from the Śivakumbha.

265-266. “We know Maheśa. We meditate on the lord purified in speech. May Śiva hence urge and guide us”.

The king shall be sprinkled with this mantra and the Gaurīgītā[26] with a broom. Again, he shall be sprinkled with Rudrādhyāya mantras or Aghora mantras.

267. Then, he shall be offered divine ornaments, crown, etc. exquisitely made and white silken garments.

268-270. With sixty-eight Palas of gold a lovely ornament shall be made and embellished with the nine precious stones. It shall be offered as charitable gift to the preceptor. Ten cows and a good field shall also be given along with garments. Hundred droṇas of gingelly seeds and hundred of rice grains, bed, vehicle, bedsheets, pillows etc. shall also be given. To the yogins thirty palas of gold shall also be offered.

271. With half of that he shall delight the remaining priests. With still half of that he shall propitiate devotees of Śiva. Then, the king shall perform the great worship of Śiva.

272. Thus, succinctly the excellent rite of Jayābhiṣeka has been mentioned to you. Indra whose Abhiṣeka had been performed thus, formerly, attained the status of the lord.

273. Brahmā attained the status of Brahmā, Viṣṇu of Viṣṇu and Ambikā of Ambikā as well as incomparable good fortune of married blessedness.

274. Sāvitrī, Lakṣmī and Kātyāyanī too attained the same. Formerly, Mṛtyu was conquered by Nandin by means of Rudrādhyāya.

275. Formerly, this Abhiṣeka was performed on the very powerful Asura Tāraka. Vidyunmālī and Hiraṇyākṣa were conquered by Viṣṇu.

276-277. Formerly the Daitya Hiraṇyakaśipu was killed by Nṛsiṃha. Tāraka and others were killed by Skanda. Formerly, the sons of Sunda and Upasunda worshipped by leading Daityas were conquered by the mother Kauśikī. Vasudeva and Sudeva were killed by Kṛtakṛtyā.

278. By this rite of ablution laid down by Brahmā, the sons of Diti were conquered.

279. It is by performing this ablution that divine Siddhis were achieved by the kings and brahmins. No doubt need be entertained in this respect.

280. Wonderful indeed is the greatness of this Abhiṣeka whereby death was conquered by those who became Siddhas due to Abhiṣeka.

281-284, There is no doubt about this that by ablution a king is liberated from sins even if the sins were accumulated in the course of a hundred crores of kalpas. A king who is laid down by the ailments of consumption, leprosy, etc. is liberated from them. He becomes victorious always. He is blessed with sons and grandsons. He is richly endowed with the love of the people like another Indra. Devoid of sins he rejoices along with his virtuous wife. Only a general idea of the benefit accruing from this splendid rite has been mentioned to you as I heard it from Manu, the son of the self-born Brahmā. It has been mentioned to you for the sake of helping kings.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

prapām pānīyaśālām Śivatoṣiṇī. a place where water is distributed to travellers.

[2]:

kuṭa [kuṭam]—a resting place.

[3]:

vardhanīm khaḍgākārām, a sword Cf. vardhanīm khaḍga-rūpiṇīm—Agnipurāṇa—cited in Śivatoṣiṇī.

[4]:

N.S. Edition reads dīkṣapāmā, obviously a misprint for dīpā kṣamā. Śivatoṣiṇī. disjoins as dīpā akṣamā.

[5]:

hṛdgatā māyikā. Śivatoṣiṇī, disjoins as hṛdgatā amāyikā.

[6]:

māyikā parā. Śivatoṣiṇī. disjoins as māyikā aparā.

[7]:

sahyāsahyā Śivatoṣiṇī. takes sahyāsahyā as a single word.

[8]:

Vidyānāsā. Śivatoṣiṇī. takes it as a single word.

[9]:

sākṣāddevī. According to Śivatoṣiṇī. it qualifies Lambodarī.

[10]:

pannagā devī. According to Śivatoṣiṇī. devi is an epithet of pannagā.

[11]:

dvibhujā. It qualifies brahmarūpiṇī,

[12]:

puṣpamālinī. It is an epithet of gāndhārī.

[13]:

sarvāś ca. Verses 229 to 231 describe the common characteristics of all the goddesses.

[14]:

sahasrakalaśa [kalaśam].—The number ‘one thousand’ is obtained from the forty-eight principal and the nine hundred fifty-two group goddesses as mentioned in the foregoing verses.

[15]:

Bāṇavigraha [Bāṇa-vigraham]—this refers to Bāṇa liṅga. It is so called because it was worshipped by the asura Bāṇa.

[16]:

Catvāriṃśat [Catvāriṃśad]—this refers to the forty mahāvyūhas as described in the foregoing verses of this chapter.

[17]:

N.S. reads ‘madhya [madhyam]’ (i.e. the middle) on the authority of Śivatoṣiṇī.

[18]:

tryambaka [tryambakam] etc. Tattirīya Saṃhitā. I.8. 6.2; Sāmaveda. 3. 60.

[19]:

brahman [brahmabhiḥ]—with the pañca-brahma mantras.

[20]:

Kṛṣṇavāsa [Kṛṣṇa-vāsasā]. But Śivatoṣiṇī. supplies ‘ācāryeṇa’ i.e. through ācārya who shall be clad in black robes.

[21]:

raudra [raudreṇa]—with the mantra of Rudra:—[yo rudro agnau yo apsu]—Tattirīya Saṃhitā. 5.5.9.3.

[22]:

jātavedase sunavāma somam Taittirīya Āraṇyaka 10.1.16.

[23]:

yamyām. But Śivatoṣiṇī. takes it as the north-west quarter (vāyavī dik) presided over by Vāyu.

[24]:

pradhānam mukhyam Śivatoṣiṇī.—the principal deity.

[25]:

But according to Śivatoṣiṇī. Rudra=Rudrākṣa—a rosary of rudrākṣa tree and bhasman (ashes).

[26]:

gaurīgītayā—by gaurī gāyatrī.

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