THE SKANDA-PURANA PART VU MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PRIVATE LIMITED @ DELHIFirst Edition: Delhi, 1951 Also available at: MOTILAL BANARSIDASS 41 U.A. Bungalow Road, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi 110 007 120 Royapettah High Road, Mylapore, Madras 600 004 16 St. Mark's Road, Bangalore 560 001 Ashok Rajpath, Patna 800 004 Chowk, Varanasi 221 001 PRINTED IN INDIA BY JAINENDRA PRAKASH JAIN AT SHRI JAINENDRA PRESS, A-45 NARAINA, PHASE I, NEW DELHI 110 028 AND PUBLISHED BY NARENDRA PRAKASH JAIN FOR MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PRIVATE LIMITED, BUNGALOW ROAD, DELHI 110 007CONTENTS SKANDA PURANA Book II: VAISNAVAKHANDA Section VII: VAISAKHAMASA-MAHATMYA Chapters 1. The Greatness of the Holy Bath in Vaisakha 1 2. The Benefit of Different Kinds of Charitable Gifts 3 3. Charitable Gifts (Continued) 7 4. The Holy Rites to be Observed in Vaisakha i 5. The Excellence of Vaisikha 1S 6. The Story of a House-Lizard 18 7. Salvation of a Pigaca (Goblin) 23 8. Daksa’s Yajfia; Parvati’s Birth etc. 27 9. The Birth of Kumara 34 10. Glorification of the Gift of Umbrellas:The Story of Hemakanta 41 I]. The Anecdote of King Kirtiman 48 12. Yama’s Lamentation 57 13. Yama is Consoled 60 14, Liberation of a Pisaca 66 15. Story of a Ruler of Paficdladesa 70 16. The Paiicdla King Attains Sayujya 6 17. Story of Dantila and Kohala 81 18. Previous Birth of the Hunter 86 19. The Curse of Wind-god 92 20. The Bhagavata Dharmas 98 21. Birth of Valmiki 106 22. Liberation of Pits Ml 23. The Greatness of Aksaya Trtiya 120 24. Salvation of a Bitch: Importance of Dvadast 124 25. The Conclusion 132 Section VII: AYODHYA-MAHATMYA 1. The Greatness of Visnuhari 139 149 N . Brahmakunda and SahasradhiraSkanda Purdina |. The Tirthas: Svargadvara: Candrahari:Conclusion of Candra Sahasra Vrata The Greatness of Dharmahari |. The Efficacy of Tilodaki ‘The Greatness of Svargadvara and Gopratara Brhaspati, Rukmini and Other Kundas Ratikunda and other Holy Tirthas The Glory of Various Tirthas ). Pilgrimage to Ayodhya Section IX: VASUDEVA-MAMATMYA « Query by Savamni . Meeting of Narayana and Narada . $17 Vasudeva to Be Worshipped by All . Sveta-Dvipa Upericara Vasu, a Pious King . Fall of Uparicara Vasu Uparicara Vasu Attains Liberation . Curse to Devendra . Genesis of Yajiias involving Hirhsd ). The Grace of Sri Vasudeva . Chumning for the Nectar: Birth of the Poison Kalakita . Chusning of the Ocean: Birth of Fourteen Precious Jewels . Gods Drink the Nectar |. The Marriage Festival of Laksmi and N2riyana . Eulogy of Laksmi-Narayana . Description of Goloka . Manifestation of Vasudeva . Incarnations of Vasudeva . Narada Meets Nara and Naryana . The Duties of the Four Varnas . Duties of Celibates (Students) . Duties of Householders |. Duties of Forest-Hermits and Recluses |. The Nature of Knowledge . Vairdgya and Bhakti . Eligibility for Kriya-Yoga etc. . Procedure of Piija Mandala Construction . Kriya-Yoga: Meditation on the Forms of Radha and Krsna 157 164 171 173 191 202 211 216 225 228 231 234 238 241 245, 249 251 254 257 261 263 270 277 281 285 290 293 298 299 310 316 321 325 333Contents 29. Kriyé-Yoga: Procedure of the Worship of Vasudeva 30. Description of Yoga with Eight Limbs 31. Eulogy of Nara and Narayana 32. Text-transmission of Vasudeva-Mahatmya Index to Section VII om VI 336 341 346 351 356 359SKANDA PURANA Book II: VAISNAVAKHANDA Section VII : VAISAKHAMASA-MAHATMYA* CHAPTER ONE The Greatness of the Holy Bath in Vaisakha Obeisance to Sri Ganesa After bowing down to Narayana, Nara the most excellent one among men, Goddess Sarasvati and Vyasa, one should recite Jaya (the Purdana).! ‘Siita said: 1. Once again, the king (Arnbarisa) asked Narada, the son of Brahma Paramesthin, about the meritorious greatness of the month of Vaisakha. Arhbarisa said: 2-6. The greatness of all the months has been truly heard by me from you, O Brahmana, formerly. It was then said by you that among these months VaiSikha was the most excellent one. Hence, O Brahmana. I have great curiosity to hear the greatness of the month of VaiSakha. How is it that this month is dear to Visnu? What are those holy rites which Visnu likes to be performed in the month that is a favourite of Madhava? Out of these too, what are those holy rites most dear to Visnu and worthy of being per- formed? What is to be given as charitable gift? What is its ben- efit? With whom (what deity) in view are we to perform these * Vaigikha is another month which is favourite with Visnu. In PdP, Patila Khanda, Ch. 84, as a background of this Mahdtmya, we are told that once Narada went to Mathura to see King Aribariga, a great devotee of Krsna (vv 8-10). Vaisakha-Maharmva is thus a dialogue between these two. 1, This benedictory verse shows that Vaisikhmisa-Mahatmya (VM) is an inde- pendent work incorporated in SkP. We have a VM in PdP V (Pitila-Khanda), Chs. 84-98,2 Skanda Purana rites? What are those materials of worship with which Madhava is to be worshipped at the advent of the month of Vatsakha? O Narada, describe this in detail to me who am full of devotion. SriNarada replied: 7. Formerly, on being asked by me, Brahma described the ancient (traditional) holy rites pertaining to the different months as had been described previously to Sri by the Supreme Atman (Visnu). 8. Thereupon, some months were particularly mentioned (such as) Karttika and Magha. Madhava (Visnu) made Vaisakha the most excellent one among the months. 9-14, (The month of VaiSakha) is the bestower of the desired things upon all the living beings, like a mother forever. It is the destroyer of all sins by means of charitable gifts, holy rites and ablutions. It is the essence of all virtues (religious acts), Yajiias and holy rites. It is the essence of all austerities. It is worshipped by Suras. Like the Vedic lore among all lores,' like Pranava among all Mantras, like the divine Kalpa (wish-yielding) tree among trees, like the Kamadhenu (wish-yielding cow) among all cows, like Sega among all serpents, like Garuda among all birds, like Visnu among all Devas, like Brahmana among all castes, like the vital air among the dearest objects, like wife among intimate ones, like Ganga among all rivers, like the sun among luminaries, like discus among all the weapons, like gold among all metals, like Rudra among all Vaisnavas and like Kaustubha among all jewels, Vaigakha is the most excellent one among all the months conducive to piety and virtuousness. 15-17. There is nothing else like this in the world which is conducive to the pleasure of Visnu. The Lord accompanied by Laksmi is much delighted with a person habitually engaged in the holy bath before sunrise in the month of Vaisakha (when the Sun is) in Aries.? Just as creatures are pleased with food, so also Visnu is un- doubtedly pleased with the holy bath in the month of Vaisakha. On 1. VV [1-14 are an echo of BG X (Vibhiti-Yoga). 2. VV 15-26 describe the meritorious nature of early bath (before sunrise) in Vaisikha. The deities of Tirthas go away from them after six ghajts from sunrise.IL.vii.1.18—IL.vii.2.5 3 seeing people engaged in holy bath in the month of Vaisakha, he becomes highly pleased. 18-22a. By that itself one is liberated from sins and is honoured in the world of Visnu. By taking bath once in the morning when the Sun is in Aries and performing the daily round of duties, the devotee is liberated from great sins. He shall attain Sayujya (iden- tity) with Visnu. If a man takes a step for the purpose of ablution in the month of Vaisakha, he undoubtedly attains the benefit of ten thousands of horse-sacrifices. Or a man of crooked mind may simply resolve (this) within his mind. Even he will obtain the merit of a hundred sacrifices. There is no doubt in it. He who goes a distance of a Dhanus (=distance of three and a half hands) in order to bathe when the Sun is in Aries, shall be liberated from all bondages. He shall attain Sdyujya with Visnu. 22b-26. O eminent king, all the Tirthas in the three worlds within the Cosmic Egg are present even in very little of water in streams etc. Sins entered in the records of Yama roar only as long as a living being does not take bath in cold water in the month of Vaisakha! All the deities of the Tirthas etc., O king, are always present in the external water (i.e., in rivers, lakes etc.,) in the month of Vaisikha. At the behest of Visnu and with a desire for the welfare of men they stay there for six ghatikas (24x6=144 Minutes) from sunrise. If men do not take bath by that time, they curse them terribly and go over to their respective abodes. Hence, O great king one should take bath (as stated). CHAPTER TWO The Benefit of Different Kinds of Charitable Gifts Narada said: 1-5. There is no monih equal to Vajsakha.' There is no Yuga equal to Krta; there is no holy text equal to the Veda; there is no Tirtha equal to Ganga. 1. Again an echo of BG X. The comparisons are made to confirm the supreme position (meritorious nature) of Vaigakha.4 Skanda Purana There is no charitable gift comparable to that of water; there is no happiness on a par with that of a wife; there is no wealth comparable to agriculture and there is no gain greater than life. There is no austerity comparable to observance of fast; there is no happiness greater than that of a charitable gift. There is no holy rite equal to mercifulness; there is no refulgence on a par with the eye. There is no satisfaction similar to that of taking food; there is no business activity comparable to agriculture. There is no friend on a par with virtue; there is no reputation like that of truthfulness. There is no acquisition on a par with good health; there is no saviour greater than KeSava; there is no purifier equal to Vaisakha, as the learned know. 6-10. Vaisakha is the greatest month. It is always a favourite of Visnu. If anyone were to pass this month dearest to Visnu, without observing holy rites, he is reborn in the wombs of sub-human species like birds, animals. He is excluded from all pious activi- ties. If any human being spends the month of Vaigakha without observing Vratas, his Istapirta (performing sacrifices, building ghats, repairing lakes and wells etc.) is futile. If there is any (self-imposed) restraint on having food one is accustomed to have in Vaisakha, certainly, he will attain Sdyujya with Visnu. There is no doubt about it. In this world there are different kinds of Vratas that can be observed only by spending much wealth. They cause much strain to the body and they yield (result in) rebirth. But merely by taking holy bath in the month of Vaisakha, one is not reborn on the earth. 11. By offering water in the month of Vaisakha one attains that merit which is obtained by making all types of charitable gifts and visiting all Tirthas. 12. If one is incapable of offering water, one should induce others to do it, if one is desirous of prosperity. It is more condu- cive to welfare than all charitable gifts. 13. If all charitable gifts are placed in one pan and the gift of water is placed in the other pan and weighed in a balance, the gift of water excels. 14, One who donates Prapds (free-water sheds) for wayfarers, uplifts a crore of the members of his family. He is honoured in the world of Visnu.ILvii.2.15-28 5 Offering water through Prapas gives excessive pleasure to s, Pitrs and Sages, O excellent king. It is true. There is no doubt at all. 16. If those who are tired due to long walk along the road are delighted by means of Prapas, Devas including Brahma, Visnu and Siva are propitiated by him. 17-19. Water should be given to those who wish for it. An umbrella should be given to those who desire shade. In the month of Vaisakha, O king, fans should be given to those who wish for fans. At the advent of the month of Vaisakha, water, umbrella and fan should be given to a Brahmana householder. The gift of these articles is (considered) excellent. By not giving a waterpot, one is reborn as a Cataka bird (who depends on rainfall for drinking water). 20. If a person gives cool water to a noble-souled person oppressed by thirst, O eminent king, by that act itself he shall get the merit of ten thousand Rajasiyas. 21. He who fans a Brahmana oppressed by heat and fatigue shall become free from sins by that (act) itself. He shall become the overlord of heaven-walkers (Devas etc). 22. By not giving fans to Brahmanas in the month of Vaisakha ‘one becomes afflicted with hundred types of rheumatic ailments and goes to hell. 23. If a person fans with even a cloth an excellent Brahmana tired by (a walk) along the road, he shall become liberated by that itself and shall attain Sayujya with Visnu. 24. By giving a fan made of Palmyra leaf with a pure mind, one gets rid of all sins and goes to the world of Brahma. 25. If a man does not give the meritorious fan that dispels fatigue, he suffers torture in hell and is reborn on the earth as a leper. 26. O lord of men, one shall ardently give an umbrella at least once in the month of Vaisdkha for suppressing the three types of miseries, viz. those originating in the body, those from other crea- tures and those from destiny. 27. One who does not give an umbrella in the course of the month of Vaigakha of which Madhava is fond, is reborn on the earth as a highly cruel ghost in a place devoid of any shade. 28. He who gives excellent sandals in the month of Vaigakha is liked by Visnu, disregards the messengers of Yama and goes to6 Skanda Puréna the world of Visnu. 29. If a person gives footwear in the month of Vaisakha at the advent of the vernal season, he has not to suffer the distresses of this world nor will he go to the world of hells. 30. He who gives footwear to a Brahmana who requests for it, is reborn as a king on the earth in the course of a crore births undoubtedly. 31. It is not possible even for Brahma to describe the merit of that person who erects a pavilion on the way that dispels the fatigue of helpless persons. 32. The limit of the benefit of that person has not been seen (even) by Brahma, who feeds a Brahmana who has come (to his house) as a guest. 33. Oking, the gift of cooked food is conducive to immediate satisfaction. Hence there is no other gift on a par with cooked food in all the worlds. 34. Even Brahma is not competent to describe the merit of that person who offers shelter to a Brahmana who is weary due to long walk on the way. 35. If a person does not eat sufficiently, wives, children, abodes etc., clothes, ornaments, embellishments etc. are unbearable to him. To a person who feeds himself properly, all these are cer- tainly tolerable. 36-37. Hence a gift equal to that of food has never been seen before, nor will ever be seen in future. He who has not made the gift (of food) in the month of Vaisakha to a Brahmana who plods his weary way, shall be born on the earth as a ghost eating his own flesh. Hence cooked food must be given to Brahmanas in accordance with one’s affluence. 38. king, the giver of cooked food makes (the recipient) forget his own parents and others (but not the giver of food). Hence all the people residing in the three worlds praise cooked food. 39. Mothers and fathers are mere causes of birth. Learned men in the world say that the giver of food is the (real) father. 40. All the Tirthas are present in one who gives cooked food. All the deities are present in one who gives cooked food. O con- queror of the realms of enemies, all virtues are present in the giver of food.T.vii.3.1-13a 1 CHAPTER THREE Charitable Gifts (Continued) Narada said:' 1-6. If a person gives a cot to an excellent Brahmana where he lies (can lie) down happily and comfortably enjoying the cool breeze, that person attains freedom from all ailments in his body that is a means to achieve Dharma. By giving it he gets rid of all distress and becomes free from sins. He attains the state of unbroken (bliss) which is very difficult for even Yogins to attain. After giving very excellent cot that dispels weariness, to the Brahmanas tired and distressed due to the heat (of the sun) in the month of Vaisakha, O lord of men, one never languishes in the world on account of births, deaths, old age etc. If a Brahmana accepts a cot and lies down on it all through his life, all the sins (of the donor) whether committed knowingly or unknowingly perish, O great king, like camphor in contact with fire. That man certainly attains absorption in Brahman if the Brahmana lies on it. 7-10a. If a person gives food and clothing in the month of Vaisakha (in) which Hari likes the holy bath, that person will pe endowed with all kinds of worldly pleasures in that very birth. Along with his family he certainly remains unafflicted with ail- ments etc. He obtains longevity, very sound health, fame and fortitude. Till a hundred generations are over, no unrighteous per- son is born in his family. He will die only after enjoying all worldly pleasures. After getting rid of all sins, he attains salvation. 10b- 13a, If a person gives to a prominent Brahmana well-versed in the Vedas, a pillow without which no man can sleep happily anywhere, he shall enjoy a kingdom on the earth after becoming the supporter of all. Again and again he will enjoy all pleasures and will be devoted to virtue. For seven births, O great king, he will be all-conqueror. Thereafter, he becomes competent to go to 1. The last chapter discussed the meritori water, shelter and other amenities which relieve the oppressive heat of Vaifikha. This chapter describes the importance of the gift of a cot, bedstead (vv 1-132), blankets (vw 130-18) and other things helping to minimise the heat-effects of VaiGikha.8 Skanda Purana the world of Brahma accompanied by the members of his family up to seven generations. 13b-15. If a person gives a grass-mat or any other kind of mat, Visnu himself shall lie down there. Paramesvara will stay there. Just as wool soaked in water is not broken or ruffled by the water, so also that person living in the mundane world is not bound to the worldly existence. The person who gives a mat is in every respect happy while engaged in sitting or lying down on it (?). 16. Ifa person offers shelter (like a caravanserai) and gives a mat and a blanket for the purpose of lying down, he shall become liberated by that much alone. No doubt need be entertained in this respect. 17. Misery is dispelled by means of sleep. Fatigue is dispelled by means of sleep. The sleep of a person lying on a mat becomes sound and happy surely. 18. O king, he who gives a blanket in the month of Vaisakha at the advent of the spring season shall become free from prema- ture or accidental death. He will live for a hundred (years). 19. He who gives clothes of fine texture to a good Brahmana afflicted with heat, shall attain full span of life and the highest goal hereafter. 20. By giving excellent camphor that dispels internal heat, to a Brahmana, one attains salvation. His miseries are all over. 21. He who gives flowers and saffron to a Brahmana, shall become an emperor, a ruler who will win over all the peoples. 22-24a. He shall enjoy all worldly pleasures with sons, grand- sons etc, and shall attain salvation. Sandalpaste dispels instantaneously heat and distress of skin and bones. By giving it (sandalpaste) one shall be free from the threefold distress and shall attain salvation. He who gives the different kinds of unguents, viz. Ausira*, Casaka (?) and Kausa (?) rendered fragrant by the addition of water, shall have the assistance of Devas, O great king, in (the enjoyment of) worldly pleasures. 24b-25. His sins will be destroyed and miseries will disappear. He shall attain the supreme bliss of salvation. If the devotee con- versant with the religious duties in the month of Vaisakha gives Goroca (yellow orpiment) and musk, he shall be rid of the three- * Prepared from the roots of Andropogon muricutus.IL.vii.3.26-40 9 fold distress. He shall attain the greatest bliss of salvation. 26. He who gives betel leaves with camphor when the Sun is in Aries, shall share the happiness of an emperor and then attain the highest bliss of salvation. 27. A man who gives blue lotus and jasmine in the month of Mesa becomes an emperor. Afterwards he attains salvation. 28. He who gives Ketaki or Mallika at the time of the advent of vernal season shall attain salvation at the behest of the Slayer of Madhu. 29. Listen to the fruit or reward enjoyed by that person, O king, who does the good work of giving arecanuts, coconuts and sweet scents to a Brahmana. 30. For seven births he shall be a Brahmana endowed with wealth. He shall be a master of the Vedas. Afterwards, accompa- nied by seven generations of his family, he shall go to the world of Visnu. 31. O king, I am unable to recount the fruit enjoyed by that person who erects a pavilion for rest and recreation and gives it to a Brahmana. 32. He who makes a pavilion with good shade, with sand scattered properly and endued with a Prapa (shed for free supply of water) shall become ruler of the world. He who makes parks along the highways, digs lakes and nd erects pavilion, is a righteous-souled one. Of what use ns to him? 34-36, Santana (progeny) is proclaimed to be of seven types: a well, a lake, a park, a pavilion, Prapa, performing holy rites and a son. If at least one of these is not present, men do not go up (to heaven). Excellent men conversant with everything know that these seven are to be known as Santéna (progeny): listening to good holy texts, pilgrimage to Tirthas, association with good people, gift of water, gift of cooked food, planting the seedlings of Asvattha (holy fig tree) and a son. 37. One without Santana cannot attain higher worlds, though he may perform hundreds of holy rites, Hence one shall seek Santana. He should go in for one among the Santanas. 38-40, None among animals, birds, deer and trees goes easily to the higher world. How can we expect it from human beings! If one gives excellent betel leaves along with arecanuts, cam-10 Skanda Purana phor and agallochum, one is liberated from all bodily sins. There is no doubt about it. The person who gives Tambila (collection of all the above) certainly obtains fame, courage and glory.” 41-46. If a sick man gives it, he shall be free from illness. A healthy man who gives it shall attain salvation. He who gives buttermilk that is destructive of heat and distress in the month of Vaisakha, becomes learned and wealthy on the earth. There is no other gift on a par with that of buttermilk in summer season. Hence buttermilk should be given to a Brahmana weary on the way. He who gives buttermilk mixed with the excellent juice of Jarnbira (citron fruit) and fine salt which removes loss of apputite, shall attain salvation. O king, I am not capable of recounting the fruit enjoyed by that person who gives curds in the month of Vaisakha for quelling heat. He who gives excellent rice (in the month of Vaisakha) that is a favourite of Visnu, shall obtain full span of life. He shall obtain the fruit of all Yajnas. He who gives ghee from cow's milk which is a form of Tejas (fire element), to a Brahmana, obtains the fruit of a horse-sacrifice and rejoices in the world of Visnu. 47. (He who gives) a mixture of tender cucumber and jaggery in the month of Vaisakha when the Sun is in Aries, shall be rid of all sins and certainly live in Svetadvipa, 48. Infinite is the merit of that person who gives a Brahmana a sugarcane stump in the evening or during the day, for the sake of cessation (cooling) of heat and distress. 49. By giving Panaka (mixture of water and treacle) in the evening in the month of Vaisakha for alleviating fatigue, one shall be rid of all sins. He shall obtain Sayujya with Visnu. 50. One should give Panaka along with fruits in the evening in the month of Mesa to a Brahmana. Thereby the Pitrs shall have a drink of nectar undoubtedly. 51. If anyone gives Panaka mixed with fully ripe mango fruits in the month of Vaisakha, all his sins shall certainly perish. 52. If anyone gives a (big) pot full of Panaka juice on the new-moon day in the month of Caitra, undoubtedly a hundred Gayasraddhas have been performed by him.i 53. On the new-moon day in the month of Caitra, a man should give on behalf of the manes, a potful of Panaka mixed with musk, camphor, jasmine and the fragrant root of the plant Andropogon muricatus. It is as good as offering ninety-six Sraddhas. CHAPTER FOUR The Holy Rites to be Observed in Vaisakha Narada said: 1-6. One who observes vows during the month of Vaisakha shall avoid the (following) eight acts': smearing the body with oil, sleeping during day-time, taking food in a bell-metal vessel, sleep- ing on a cot, taking bath in the house, eating forbidden food, taking food twice a day and taking food at night He who observes the vows in the month of Vaisakha and takes his meal on a lotus leaf, shall be rid of sins. He shall go to the world of Visnu One shall wash the feet of Brahmanas who are tired at midday in the month of Vaisakha. That shall be a holy rite, the most excellent one among all holy rites. If a Brahmana fatigued by travelling on foot comes to one’s house at midday and if one makes that Brahmana occupy a beau- tiful seat and washes his feet and sprinkles*that water over his (own) head, he shall have all the fetters (of Sarhsira) broken down. He is certainly on a par with that person who has taken his holy bath in Ganga and all other Tirthas. 7. A person who does not take bath in the month of Vaisakha, one who passes the month of Vaisakha without taking food on Palaga leaf, shall be reborn first as a donkey and thereafter as a mule.” 8. ‘If a healthy man of a strong constitution, devoid of ail- 1. VV 1-6 enumerate the don'ts and dos in Vaisakha. 2. VV 7-11 describe the punishment for violation of the Vrata-injunctions of Vuigakha,2 Skanda Purana ments, takes bath in the house during Vaisakha, he shall attain rebirth in the womb of a Candala woman. 9. O great king, if a person does not take bath outside’(i.e., in rivers, lakes etc.) in the month of Vaisakha when the Sun is in Aries, he shall be born as a dog a hundred times. 10. If the month of Vaisakha is passed without the stipulated baths and charitable gifts, the person shall certainly become a ghost. By not observing the holy rites pertaining to the month of Vaiéakha, one shall go down (i.e. become degraded). 11. A man of greedy mind who does not offer water and cooked food in the month of Vaisakha, never gets his sins and miseries destroyed. There is no doubt about it. 12. He who is devoted to Visnu and takes bath in a river in the month of Vaisakha, is liberated from the sins accumulated in the course of three births. There is no doubt about it. 13. If a person takes his bath at sunrise' in a river that flows into a sea, he shall at the very instant be released from sins ac- quired in the course of seven births. 14-15, Jahnavi (Ganga), Vrddhaganga (Bidhi Ganga), Kalindi (Yamuna), Sarasvati, Kaveri, Narmada and Veni (Krsna)—these are glorified as the “Seven Gaigas”. A man who takes his holy bath early in the morning in (anyone of) the “Seven Gangs” is liberated from the sins acquired in the course of a crore of births. There is no doubt about this. 16. A person who takes the holy plunge in the morning during the month of Vaisakha in natural reservoirs of water, shall be liberated from the sins committed ever since his birth. There is no doubt about this. 17. He who, at the advent of the month of Vaisakha, takes his bath in wells (outside the house) in the morning, gets (his) great sins destroyed. 18-20, It is certain that all the rivers including Ganga are present in water-receptacles outside, even if they be small like the pits made by cows’ hoofs. He who realizes this, attains the benefit more than from all the Tirthas. (lust as) Milk is superior to water, O king, curd is superior to 1. VV 13-19 describe the meritorious effects of morning bath, especially outside one’s house.IL.vii.4.21-30 13 milk and ghee superior to curd, so Karttika is superior to the other months, the month of Magha is superior to Karttika and Vaisakha is superior to Magha. The holy rite performed in that month grows like the (minute) seed of a banyan tree (into a big tree). 21-22. A man may be rich or extremely poor or dependent, but whatever object he obtains should be given to a Brahmana, whether it is a bulb, root, fruit, vegetable, salt, jaggery, jujube fruit, leaf, water or buttermilk. It is conducive to infinite benefit. 23-28a. Nowhere does a man get anything if it has not been given by him (previously), not from even Devas including Brahma. One who has never given charitable gifts will become indigent. Due to poverty he commits (further) sin. Due to sinfulness he falls into hell. Hence charitable gifts should be made by one who wishes for happiness. Just as a house endowed with all good features is not (consid- ered) splendid if it is devoid of goods and chattels, so also holy rites and pious observances performed in all the months go in vain, if the vows of the month of Vaisakha are not observed.' Just as a girl though endowed with all good qualities and fea- tures (does not shine) should she not have a living husband, so also a holy rite may be perfect in every detail with all ancillaries, but they know that it is futile if it is bereft of the Vaisakha vows. Just as all other qualities are futile if there is no mercifulness, so also all holy rites are futile if they are without the Vaisakha vows. A vegetable dish may have all the good features and ingre- dients, but it is not relished if there is no salt therein. Similarly a meritorious deed unconnected with Vaisakha should not be re- sorted to by good people. Nor is it conducive to the attainment of the good. 28b-30. A young woman may be exceedingly beautiful and may have all the ornaments, but she does not shine without (adequate) clothing. So also a series of holy rites performed exceedingly well by men does not shine without the Vaisakha rites. So it is decided that holy rites are to be performed in the month of Vaisakha by all means by every type of living being. With the Slayer of Madhu in view, the devotee shall take holy bath in the morning when the Sun is in Aries and then worship Visnu. Otherwise he will fall into hell. 1. wv 25- importance of observing rites in Vaisikha.14 Skanda Puréna 31-32. There was a king named Mahiratha.' He was lecherous and lustful without any control over his passions. But due to holy ablution in the month of Vaisakha he went to Vaikuntha directly. Vaisakha is a beneficial month with Madhusiidana as the deity. It yields more benefit for (the various holy rites such as) pilgrim- ages, austerities, Yajfias, charitable gifts and Homas. The Mantra for prayer: 33. “O Madhusiidana, O lord of the Devas, I shall take the holy bath in the morning in the month of Vaisakha when the Sun is in Aries. Make it free from hindrances, O Madhava.” The Mantra for Arghya: 34, “In the month of Vaisakha when the Sun is in Aries, 1 am engaged in the early morning ablution. I shall give you Arghya. Accept it, O Madhusiidana. 35. O ye all rivers including Ganga, accept the Arghya of- fered by me. O Tirthas and whirlpools, accept the Arghya offered by me. Be well pleased. 36. © Yama, you are the leader. You are the chastiser of sinners. You view (everyone) impartially. Accept the Arghya of- fered by me. Be the bestower of the benefit mentioned.” 37-39. The devotee should offer Arghyas thus and then take the holy bath, He then wears two clothes and performs all the rites. He worships Madhusidana with flowers growing in the vernal season. He shall then listen to the divine narratives and anecdotes of Visnu praising this month. He shall be liberated from sins acquired in the course of a crore of births and attain salvation. 40. He will never undergo distress on the earth, neither in heaven nor in the nether worlds. He is not born anywhere again in any womb. He does not suck the breasts further (i.e. is liberated). 41. One who takes food in a bell-metal vessel in the month of 1. For the story of Mahiratha see PdP V (Patala Khanda), Ch. 99. The king improved his conduct and performed Vi th he expressed his desire to see hells. When he went to have a view, the hellish beings felt happy. Seeing their plight, the king offered his merit of Vaisakha-rites and then the hellish beings went to heaven and only after their redemption the king agreed to go to Vatkuntha.I.vii.4.42—IL.vii.5.4 15 Vaigakha, one who does not listen to good stories, one who does not take holy bath or make charitable gifts, falls into hells. 42-47. Somehow the sin of killing a thousand Bramanas can be dispelled, but the sin of that person who has not taken holy bath in the month of Vaisakha can never be dispelled. That base man is undoubtedly dead though living, who does not take holy bath in the month of VaiSikha, though he has his body under his control, can freely enter and stay in water and his tongue is free enough to utter the two syllables HA-RI (but does not do so). If a stupid and deluded soul does not worship Madhusidana in the month of Vaisakha, by some means or the other, he shall be reborn as a pig. He who worships Madhusiidana in the month of Vaigakha with Tulasi leaves, shall become an emperor and enjoy pleasures in a crore of births. Afterwards, he attains Sayujya with Visnu along with a crore of the members of his family. The devotee shall serve Visnu both Saguna and Nirguna (with or without attributes) by means of dif- ferent paths of devotion. He shall meditate upon him always with the mind not dwelling on anything else. CHAPTER FIVE The Excellence of Vaisakha Aribarisa said: 1. Why should Vaisakha be considered to be superior to all the other months and special holy rites, austerities, charitable gifts and all the other types of pious observances (enjoined during its course)? Narada replied: 2-4, Let me tell you, O highly intelligent one. Listen with single-minded attention. At the end of the Kalpa, the great Lord, the Lord of Devas, lies on his couch of Sesa, the Serpent. With all the groups of worlds inside his belly, he lies down in the vast sea of Pralaya. All the16 Skanda Purdna different categories (of worldly objects), the multifarious things, become unified into one mass due to his yogic Maya and the superior powers. At the end of the slumber he is awakened by the Srutis. The Lord, the storehouse of mercy, protected all the groups and species of beings stationed in his belly. 5. He became inclined to create in order to enable the living beings to experience the fruits of their respective Karmas. From his navel arose a golden lotus, support of all the worlds. 6. He created Brahmi, Vairaja (son of Virat), called Purusa. In him the Lord created the fourteen worlds. 7-11.He created various groups of living beings of different activities and mental proclivities. He created three Gunas, Prakrti, boundaries and overlords. He made the distinctions (in the duties) of the different castes and stages of life. He defined Dharma. He made the sages the custodians of Dharma. The great Lord made them active workers in the propagation and protection of Dharma according to the four Vedas, Tantra texts, Smrtis, Pura and Itihasas all in the form of his commands. The duties propa- gated by them are based on the distinction of castes and stages of life. All the people had faith in the Dharmas befitting them and giving delight to Visnu. In order to ensure proper functioning of (the system of) the stages of life, the immutable Lord is stationed in the heart itself. Still (he manifests himself outside) in order to test and frighten (people) (lest they should cease performance of their duties). 12. The wise Lord thought thus: ‘What can be that time when the people will perform all the excellent Dharmas perfectly? 13-14, The rainy season has been created by me. People are afflicted and helpless then. Obstructed by mud etc. they are unable to perform excellent Dharmas. On seeing them anger alone will arise in me. I shall not be delighted with them. Let not the people looked at by me become disturbed and helpless. Hence I do (should) not see them. 15-16. In autumn too there is no fulfilment (of the needs) be- cause of agricultural activities. Some are eagerly attached to ripe fruits. Some are afflicted by heavy showers and some by chillness. On seeing them I (may) become furious indeed. It does not give me any satisfaction, when I notice lack of good qualities. 17-20. When early winter season sets in, people do not wish to get up early in the morning. | become angry on seeirg that people asILvii.5.21-32 17 do not get up even when the sun has risen. In the same manner people are distressed in the morning during late winter. So also they are not capable of taking in ripe fruits with care. Further they are afflicted by chillness and they are worried about the early morning ablution. There shall be omission of duties on their part. It will never be recompensed in any man- ner. This is not the time for survey.’ Thus the Lord became agi- tated in his mind. He considered vernal season to be one dispelling all calamities. 21. “In performing holy bath, charitable gifts, in Yajiia, in holy rites, in the enjoyment of pleasures and in the execution of different kinds of pious observances and vows, this season is favourable. 22-27. Certainly (some) objects would be accessible to living beings without much strain. Whatever object will satisfy embodied beings for whom Visnu is the support, that object is the means of acquiring virtue and piety to them, since they are endowed with devotion. In vernal season all objects are conducive to happiness to living beings. Those objects are worthy of being distributed as charitable gifts, worthy of holy rites and also of being enjoyed in every respect. There is no doubt about this, that poor people, those who are lame and those who are disabled in other limbs, as well as noble-souled ones (without valuable possessions) can easily get the things such as water etc. My devotees (lit. to whom I am dear) perform holy rites conducive to their own welfare with such things as leaves, flowers, fruits, vegetables and other things, with pleas- ing words, with flower garlands, betel leaves, sandalpaste and other things, by washing the feet and similar rites and with humil- ity etc. Thereby I become the bestower of boons on them.” Think- ing and speaking thus (to Rama), Lord Visnu started along with Rama. 28-32. He went along surveying the forests and full-blown flowers. He saw places inhabited by delighted and well-nourished people and resorted to by inebriated bees and birds. He saw the beautiful courtyards of the rich hermitages of the residents of forests and villages. He saw gardens and vast lands. He pointed out all these to Rama. Visnu was eulogized by Siddhas, Caranas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Serpents and Raksasas as well as by Devas and eminent sages. Thus he visited the houses of those householders who followed the system of castes and stages of life. Beginning with the month of Mina and ending with the18 Skanda Purana month of Karkata, he stayed there along with Rama and Suras. He tested people by the services (and offerings) perfofmed or omitted. There he gives to the persons endowed with virtue all their cherished things. 33-36. He does not brook haughty, intoxicated men. He de- prives them of their span of life, wealth etc. In the month of Vaisakha they perform worship of the Supreme Atman. The Lord brooks it even if omission of rites happens in the other months in the case of good men who have been otherwise constant. If people in the outlying districts go and serve the king who goes over to their land, offer him presents and humble obeisance, then the king ignores the deficiencies and shortages in their pay- ment of taxes and tributes. He considers it as paid in full as it were. Further, he becomes pleased with them and certainly gives them something more also. 37-39. If they do not revere and worship him, he metes out punishment too. In the same manner, Visnu behaves with his own people in the month of Vaigakha during the advent of the vernal season. To the persons who offer him worship, he grants all cher- ished things. In the case of those persons who do not perform obeisance etc. he deprives them of their wealth etc. This is the time when the Lord of Devas, the Sarnga-bearing Visnu, the protector of Dharma, tests the devotees. Hence this is the most excellent of all months. CHAPTER SIX The Story of a House-Lizard Narada said. 1. © king, one who does not offer water in the month of Vaigakha to those who are excessively thirsty and tired of journey over a long way, shall be born as an animal (in lower species). 2. In this connection they cite the following old story and a very wonderful dialogue between a Brahmana and a house-lizard. 3. Formerly in the family of Iksvaku, there was a king namedILvii.6.4-15 19 Hemanga.' He was a benefactor of Brahmanas. He was exceed- ingly munificent. He had conquered enemies and had all the sense- organs perfectly under his control. 4. He gifted away as many cows as there are particles in the earth, as there are drops of water (in seas etc.) and as there are stars in the sky. 5. The whole earth became splendid with plenty of Kusa grass as they were left strewn by him after his Yajfias were over. Many Brahmanas were propitiated by him with the donation of cows, lands, gingelly seeds, gold and other things. 6. It is well-known that there were no charitable gifts not made by him. Of course, water was the sole thing not given by him, O king, because he thought that it was easily available. 7-8. He was advised by Vasistha, the noble-souled son of Brahmi, Yet he argued, “What fruit can a donor acquire—a donor of a valueless thing which is available everywhere?” With this wrong notion and arguments in support thereof, he did not offer water to any Brahmana. His statement (apparently) well-founded was, “There shall be merit in giving what is not available.” 9. He worshipped Brahmanas wanting in limbs, poor Brahmanas and those devoid of means of livelihood. He did not adore those Brahmanas who were well-versed in the Vedas, were knowers of truth and those who expounded Brahman. 10-11. ‘All people will worship well-reputed persons, offering them rich presents. Who will help the helpless ones—Brahmanas without learning, those disabled ones without limbs and the poor ones? Hence they deserve sympathy.’ Thinking thus he, of his own accord, offered some (wealth) to undeserving persons (without the concurrence of his preceptor). 12-15. On account of this great sin the king became a Cataka bird in the course of three births, a vulture in one birth, and a dog in the course of seven births. Afterwards he was born as a house- lizard in the abode of a king of Mithilé named Srutakit he sustained himself by feeding on insects. That evil~ remained thus in the loft of the inner apartment for eighty-seven years. 1. The story of King Heminga illustrates how free offer of water in Vai superior to all other gifts, Yajias etc. and refusal to do it leads to terrible punishment. Neither PE nor Mbh record any such king. The names may be imaginary but they ‘emphasize the importance of gifts of water.