The Garuda Purana

by Manmatha Nath Dutt | 1908 | 245,256 words | ISBN-13: 9788183150736

The English translation of the Garuda Purana: contents include a creation theory, description of vratas (religious observances), sacred holidays, sacred places dedicated to the sun, but also prayers from the Tantrika ritual, addressed to the sun, to Shiva, and to Vishnu. The Garuda Purana also contains treatises on astrology, palmistry, and preci...

Chapter CXXXVI - The Sravana Dvadasi Vratas etc

Brahma said:—I shall now deal with the mode of performing shravana-Dvadashi Vrata, a practice whereof grants enjoyment and salvation to the person who practises it. The day of the eleventh or twelfth phase of the moon’s increase, marked by the asterism shravana is called Vijaya. A Puja done unto the God Hari on that day bears immortal fruit. A night meal, or a single meal in the day time, or a meal voluntarily offered to the votary without any solicitation on his part and taken by him on the occasion, does not vitiate the vow of Dvadashi Vrata. He should refrain from using any utensil of bell-metal, honey, lentil and collyrium, and renounce all false talk, greed, physical exercise; and sexual intercourse.

The day of the twelfth phase of the moon’s increase in the month of Bhadra marked by the asterism shravana, is called Mahati Dvadashi. A fast observed under the auspices of this astral combination, bears immortal fruits. Great is the merit of a ceremonial ablution performed at a junction of streams on the occasion, specially if the combination happens to fall on a day when the moon is in opposition with the Mercury. Gems should be immersed in water contained in a pitcher of gold which should be covered with a pair of cloths, and the god Vamana should be worshipped with offerings of umbrella, shoes, etc. Naividyas consisting of Payasam and clarified butter should be offered to the God, and the votary should pass the night in a holy vigil, and make gifts of Modakas and water-pitchers to the Brahmanas.

Then having bathed and taken some light refreshments (water according to others,) on the day following, he should again worship the Dwarf Manifestation of the God, and address him as follows:—

“Salutation unto Govinda, who is the presiding Deity of of the asterism shravana, and who is also called the Mercury. Expiate my sins, O lord, and bless me with all the pleasures and comforts of this life Be pleased with me, O thou the God of the gods” The Vrata may be as well performed on the bank of a river.

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