Chapter 70 - Mode of planting trees (vṛkṣa-pratiṣṭhā)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

The Lord said:

1-2. I shall describe the mode of planting trees [i.e., vṛkṣa-pratiṣṭhā] conferring enjoyment and emancipation. The trees having been smeared with all the herbs and adorned with fragrant powders should be decorated with flower garlands. Cloth should be put around them. (The rite known as) the perforation of the ear should be done for them with a golden needle.

3-4. Collyrium should be applied with a short stick. Seven kinds of fruits (should be placed) on the platform. The pitchers should be consecrated. The offering should be made for (the gods) Indra and others and the consecration should be done. Oblations to the fire should be done for (the sake of) plants.. Remaining in the midst of trees [i.e., vṛkṣa] a cow should be let off with the (recitation of) abhiṣekamantra.

5-6. Brahmins should bathe the trees as well as the yajamāna with the waters of pitchers placed in the platform with (the recitation of) the ṛk, yajus, sāma mantras and also that of varuṇa accompanied by auspicious music. The yajamāna should adorn (himself) and should present the fees as well as a cow, ornament and cloth.

7. Food should be given along with milk (to brahmins) for four days consecutively. Oblation should be made with sesamum and twigs of palāśa (tree). The sacrificial priest should be paid the fees double (the value of what is given to other brahmins).

8. The construction of sheds etc. here should be done as. laid down earlier. The consecration of trees [i.e., vṛkṣa] and a garden destroys one’s sins and gets the highest merit.

9. Listen to the (mode of) installation (of the image) of Sūrya (sun), Gaṇeśa, the goddess (Gaurī) and the attendant deities of Lord Hari as described by Īśa (Śiva) to Skanda (earlier).