Chapter 45 - The Procedure of Splitting Damanaka Grass

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Note: Damanaka (Artemisia indica) is a fragrant variety of grass which is used in the worship of Viṣṇu (Jagannātha) and Śiva on the 14th day of the bright half of Caitra. The legend to justify this, viz. the killing of a demon called Damanaka and the boon granted to the dying demon to wear him on his person by Viṣṇu is mentioned already. This chapter gives formal recognition to this as a festival ‘Damanabhañjikā’ (splitting of Damana) with its usual Tāntric formalities. Caitra being the first month of the spring season, this is called the Spring Festival.

The sages said:

1-2. O sage, this Vrata named Mūrti Pañjara has been heard of (by us). It causes joy within. It is great with its own grandeur. You spoke of twelve meritorious festivals of which the Lord is very fond. Two of them yet remain (to be told). Recount them to us, O great sage.

Jaimini replied:

3. I shall recount the festival named Damanabhañjikā (‘Splitting the grass, Artemisia indica’). This is a Spring Festival. If it is performed or witnessed, Puruṣottama becomes pleased.

4. O Brāhmaṇas, previously I have spoken about the grass named Damanaka. The devotee should bring it along with its root on the thirteenth day in the bright half of the month of Caitra.

5. In its (Mansion’s) middle he should make a splendid mystic diagram named Padma (Lotus). A replica of the Lord should be worshipped and then kept within it.

6. The image must be accompanied (by the images of) Śrī and Satyabhāmā. The devotee should worship them in accordance with the injunctions. He should perform this rite of the Lord of Devas at midnight.

7. Formerly it was at midnight that the Lord thrashed Damanāsura. After thrashing him, he attained great pleasure. This grass has originated from his body.

8. On the same Trayodaśī (thirteenth day) the devotee should consider the grass to be the Daitya. With palms joined in reverence he should utter these sentences:

9-10. “Formerly you killed the Daitya Damanaka who was a thorn unto the three worlds. He has become transformed thus and stands in front of you. At that time when this was produced you felt pleased, O Mādhava. May you have now too the same pleasure in splitting Damana”.

11. After saying thus the devotee places the grass in a hand of the Lord. Then he should spend the remaining part of the night by means of dances, songs etc.

12. When the sun has risen, the Lord and the grass should be taken to the presence of the Lord of the universe, O excellent Brāhmaṇas.

13-14. Thereafter, he should worship the Lord of the universe as before by means of offerings and courteous services:

“After killing Hiraṇyakaśipu and putting round your neck the entrails taken out of his body, you became delighted. Similarly, O Lord, this Damana grass is given into your hand by me for the sake of your delight.”

15. After uttering this the devotee should place the splendid fragrant grass on Hari’s head. At that time one who is distressed through the worldly miseries joyously sees Hari’s lotus-like face beaming with pleasure and therefore attains excellent happiness.

16. The devotee should take away that blade of grass from Viṣṇu’s head and place it on his own head. He shall be rid of all sins. He shall then certainly dwell in the city of Viṣṇu.