Tulasi, the Ashvattha Tree, and the Three Pretas: Dhanasharma's Deliverance of His Father

Verse 1 (padma.5.98.1)

सूत उवाच- एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य धर्मराजस्य भूसुरः । पुनः पप्रच्छ मासस्य माधवस्य विधिं शुभम्

sūta uvāca- etacchrutvā vacastasya dharmarājasya bhūsuraḥ punaḥ papraccha māsasya mādhavasya vidhiṁ śubham

Suta said: Having heard these words of Dharmaraja, that Brahmin again asked about the auspicious rite of the month of Madhava.

Verse 2 (padma.5.98.2)

ब्राह्मण उवाच- धर्मराज महाभाग सम्यग्गुह्यं प्रकाशितम् । माधवस्नानजं पुण्यं नराणां मुक्तिदं परम्

brāhmaṇa uvāca- dharmarāja mahābhāga samyagguhyaṁ prakāśitam mādhavasnānajaṁ puṇyaṁ narāṇāṁ muktidaṁ param

The Brahmin said: O greatly fortunate Dharmaraja, you have well revealed this secret — the merit born of the Madhava bath, supreme bestower of liberation for men.

Verse 3 (padma.5.98.3)

माधवं माधवे मासि स्नात्वा प्रातः समाहितः । कथं संपूजयेद्देवं कैः पुष्पैस्तद्विधिं वद

mādhavaṁ mādhave māsi snātvā prātaḥ samāhitaḥ kathaṁ saṁpūjayeddevaṁ kaiḥ puṣpaistadvidhiṁ vada

Having bathed at dawn, composed in mind, in the month of Madhava — how should one worship the god Madhava, and with what flowers? Tell me that procedure.

Verse 4 (padma.5.98.4)

धर्मराज उवाच- सर्वेषां पत्रजातीनां तुलसी केशवप्रिया । पुष्करादीनि तीर्थानि गंगाद्याः सरितस्तथा

dharmarāja uvāca- sarveṣāṁ patrajātīnāṁ tulasī keśavapriyā puṣkarādīni tīrthāni gaṁgādyāḥ saritastathā

Dharmaraja said: Among all kinds of leaves, the Tulasi is dear to Keshava. Sacred fords such as Pushkara, and rivers such as the Ganga—

Verse 5 (padma.5.98.5)

वासुदेवादयो देवा वसंति तुलसीदले । सर्वदा सर्वकालेषु तुलसी विष्णुवल्लभा

vāsudevādayo devā vasaṁti tulasīdale sarvadā sarvakāleṣu tulasī viṣṇuvallabhā

—and gods beginning with Vasudeva all dwell in the Tulasi leaf. At all times, in every season, the Tulasi is beloved of Vishnu.

Verse 6 (padma.5.98.6)

त्यक्त्वा तु मालती पुष्पं मुक्त्वा च सरसीरुहम् । गृहीत्वा तुलसीपत्रं भक्त्या माधवमर्चयेत्

tyaktvā tu mālatī puṣpaṁ muktvā ca sarasīruham gṛhītvā tulasīpatraṁ bhaktyā mādhavamarcayet

Setting aside even the jasmine flower and even the lotus, one should take up the Tulasi leaf and worship Madhava with devotion.

Verse 7 (padma.5.98.7)

तस्य पुण्यफलं वक्तुमलं शेषोऽपि नो भवेत् । अस्नात्वा तुलसीं छित्त्वा देवार्थं पितृकर्मणि

tasya puṇyaphalaṁ vaktumalaṁ śeṣo'pi no bhavet asnātvā tulasīṁ chittvā devārthaṁ pitṛkarmaṇi

Even Shesha, the serpent, would not be capable of declaring the merit-fruit of that. If one plucks Tulasi without having bathed, for divine or ancestral rites—

Verse 8 (padma.5.98.8)

तत्सर्वं निष्फलं याति पंचगव्येन शुध्यति । दारिद्र्यदुःखभोगादि पापानि सुबहून्यपि

tatsarvaṁ niṣphalaṁ yāti paṁcagavyena śudhyati dāridryaduḥkhabhogādi pāpāni subahūnyapi

—all of it becomes fruitless; it is purified only by panchagavya. Poverty, sorrow, and many other sins too—

Verse 9 (padma.5.98.9)

तुलसी हरते क्षिप्रं रोगानिव हरीतकी । तुलसी कृष्णगौराख्या तयाभ्यर्च्य मधुद्विषम्

tulasī harate kṣipraṁ rogāniva harītakī tulasī kṛṣṇagaurākhyā tayābhyarcya madhudviṣam

—Tulasi swiftly removes them, as haritaki removes disease. Tulasi is known in dark and pale forms; worshipping the enemy of Madhu with it—

Verse 10 (padma.5.98.10)

विशेषेण हरेर्भक्तो नरो नारायणो भवेत् । माधवं सकलं मासं तुलस्या योऽर्चयेद्यतः

viśeṣeṇa harerbhakto naro nārāyaṇo bhavet mādhavaṁ sakalaṁ māsaṁ tulasyā yo'rcayedyataḥ

—makes a man especially a devotee of Hari, as if becoming Narayana himself. He who worships Madhava with Tulasi throughout the whole month—

Verse 11 (padma.5.98.11)

त्रिसंध्यं मधुहंतारं नास्ति तस्य पुनर्भवः । अलाभे पुष्पपत्राणामन्नाद्येनापि पूजयेत्

trisaṁdhyaṁ madhuhaṁtāraṁ nāsti tasya punarbhavaḥ alābhe puṣpapatrāṇāmannādyenāpi pūjayet

—at the three junctures of the day worshipping the slayer of Madhu, for him there is no rebirth. If flowers and leaves are unavailable, one should worship even with food.

Verse 12 (padma.5.98.12)

शालितंडुल गोधूमैर्यवैर्वापि हरिं सदा । प्रातः स्नात्वा विधानेन माधवे माधवप्रिये

śālitaṁḍula godhūmairyavairvāpi hariṁ sadā prātaḥ snātvā vidhānena mādhave mādhavapriye

With rice, wheat, or barley, one should ever worship Hari. Having bathed at dawn according to rule in the month of Madhava, dear to Madhava—

Verse 13 (padma.5.98.13)

पितृदेवमनुष्यांश्च तर्प्पयेत्सचराचरम् । योऽश्वत्थमूलं वै सिंचेत्तोयेन बहुना सदा

pitṛdevamanuṣyāṁśca tarppayetsacarācaram yo'śvatthamūlaṁ vai siṁcettoyena bahunā sadā

—one should offer tarpana to ancestors, gods, and men, and to all moving and unmoving beings. He who ever waters the ashvattha's root abundantly—

Verse 14 (padma.5.98.14)

कुर्यात्प्रदक्षिणां तं तु सर्वदेवमयं ततः । योऽश्वत्थमर्चयेद्देवमुदकेन समंततः । कुलानामयुतं तेन तारितं स्यान्नसंशयः

kuryātpradakṣiṇāṁ taṁ tu sarvadevamayaṁ tataḥ yo'śvatthamarcayeddevamudakena samaṁtataḥ kulānāmayutaṁ tena tāritaṁ syānnasaṁśayaḥ

—and circumambulates it, that tree which embodies all the gods; he who worships the ashvattha as a deity all around with water — by him ten thousand of his lineage are saved, without doubt.

Verse 15 (padma.5.98.15)

अलक्ष्मीः कालकर्णी च दुःस्वप्नो दुर्विचिंतितम् । अश्वत्थ तर्प्पणात्तात सर्वदुःखं विलीयते

alakṣmīḥ kālakarṇī ca duḥsvapno durviciṁtitam aśvattha tarppaṇāttāta sarvaduḥkhaṁ vilīyate

Misfortune, Kalakarni, bad dreams, evil thoughts — O son, through the tarpana of the ashvattha, all sorrow dissolves.

Verse 16 (padma.5.98.16)

तर्पिताः पितरस्तेन तेन विष्णुः समर्चितः । योऽश्वत्थमर्चयेद्वीरो ग्रहास्तेनैव पूजिताः

tarpitāḥ pitarastena tena viṣṇuḥ samarcitaḥ yo'śvatthamarcayedvīro grahāstenaiva pūjitāḥ

By that, the ancestors are satisfied, and Vishnu is duly worshipped. That hero who worships the ashvattha — by him the planetary deities too are worshipped.

Verse 17 (padma.5.98.17)

श्वेताश्वपुष्पाणि तथा शमीं च हुताशनं चंदनमर्कबिंबम् । अश्वत्थवृक्षं च समालभेत ततश्च कुर्यान्निज जातिधर्मान्

śvetāśvapuṣpāṇi tathā śamīṁ ca hutāśanaṁ caṁdanamarkabiṁbam aśvatthavṛkṣaṁ ca samālabheta tataśca kuryānnija jātidharmān

He should touch, in worship, white flowers, the shami tree, fire, sandal, the disc of the sun, and the ashvattha tree, and thereafter perform the duties proper to his own caste.

Verse 18 (padma.5.98.18)

कंडूयनं च गोग्रासं स्नात्वा पिप्पलतर्प्पणम् । कृत्वा गोविंदपूजां च न स दुर्गतिमाप्नुयात्

kaṁḍūyanaṁ ca gogrāsaṁ snātvā pippalatarppaṇam kṛtvā goviṁdapūjāṁ ca na sa durgatimāpnuyāt

He who, having bathed, caresses a cow, gives a mouthful of grass to a cow, performs the tarpana of the pipal tree, and worships Govinda, does not attain misfortune.

Verse 19 (padma.5.98.19)

त्रयोदश्यां चतुर्दश्यां वैशाख्यां च दिनत्रयम् । सर्वाशक्तोपि विधिना नारी वा पुरुषोपि वा

trayodaśyāṁ caturdaśyāṁ vaiśākhyāṁ ca dinatrayam sarvāśaktopi vidhinā nārī vā puruṣopi vā

On the thirteenth, fourteenth, and for three days in Vaishakha, even one incapable of the full rite — whether woman or man—

Verse 20 (padma.5.98.20)

पूर्वोक्तनियमैर्युक्तः प्रातः स्नात्वा च शक्तितः । विमुक्तः पातकैः सर्वैः स्वर्गमक्षयमश्नुते

pūrvoktaniyamairyuktaḥ prātaḥ snātvā ca śaktitaḥ vimuktaḥ pātakaiḥ sarvaiḥ svargamakṣayamaśnute

—endowed with the previously mentioned observances, having bathed at dawn according to their ability, is freed from all sins and obtains imperishable heaven.

Verse 21 (padma.5.98.21)

वैशाख्यामपि शक्त्या वा भोजयेद्ब्राह्मणान्दश । त्रिरात्रमुत्थितः स्नात्वा सकृच्च प्रयतः शुचिः

vaiśākhyāmapi śaktyā vā bhojayedbrāhmaṇāndaśa trirātramutthitaḥ snātvā sakṛcca prayataḥ śuciḥ

In Vaishakha, according to one's means, one should feed ten Brahmins; rising for three nights, having bathed once daily, disciplined and pure—

Verse 22 (padma.5.98.22)

गौरान्वा यदि वा कृष्णांस्तिलान्क्षौद्रेण संयुतान् । दत्वा द्वादशविप्रेभ्यस्तेनैव स्वस्ति वाचयेत्

gaurānvā yadi vā kṛṣṇāṁstilānkṣaudreṇa saṁyutān datvā dvādaśaviprebhyastenaiva svasti vācayet

—having given white or black sesame mixed with honey to twelve Brahmins, one should have them recite a blessing accordingly—

Verse 23 (padma.5.98.23)

प्रीयतां धर्मराजो मे पितॄन्देवांश्च तर्प्पयेत् । यावज्जीवकृतं पापं तत्क्षणादेव नश्यति

prīyatāṁ dharmarājo me pitṝndevāṁśca tarppayet yāvajjīvakṛtaṁ pāpaṁ tatkṣaṇādeva naśyati

—[saying] 'May Dharmaraja be pleased with me,' and offer tarpana to ancestors and gods. Whatever sin has been committed throughout life is destroyed that very instant.

Verse 24 (padma.5.98.24)

अयुतायुतं च तिष्ठेत्स स्वर्गलोके यथासुखम् । मामेव तु न पश्येत्स पूजितोऽखिल दैवतैः

ayutāyutaṁ ca tiṣṭhetsa svargaloke yathāsukham māmeva tu na paśyetsa pūjito'khila daivataiḥ

He dwells for ten thousand times ten thousand years happily in the world of heaven; honored by all the gods, he does not even set eyes on me.

Verse 25 (padma.5.98.25)

पाकान्नोदक कुंभादि पितृदैवत तुष्टये । त्रयोदश्यां चतुर्दश्यां पूर्णायां च दिनत्रयम्

pākānnodaka kuṁbhādi pitṛdaivata tuṣṭaye trayodaśyāṁ caturdaśyāṁ pūrṇāyāṁ ca dinatrayam

For the satisfaction of ancestors and gods, cooked food, water-pots, and the like, on the thirteenth, fourteenth, and full-moon day — for three days—

Verse 26 (padma.5.98.26)

यो दद्याद्भक्तितो विप्र महापापैः प्रमुच्यते । सुवर्णतिलपात्रैस्तु ब्राह्मणाञ्छक्तितोऽन्वहम्

yo dadyādbhaktito vipra mahāpāpaiḥ pramucyate suvarṇatilapātraistu brāhmaṇāñchaktito'nvaham

—whoever gives these with devotion is freed from great sins. With vessels of gold and sesame, daily, according to his means—

Verse 27 (padma.5.98.27)

तर्प्पयेदुदपात्रैस्तु ब्रह्महत्यां व्यपोहति । वैशाख्यां पौर्णमास्यां च सृष्टाः कमलयोनिना

tarppayedudapātraistu brahmahatyāṁ vyapohati vaiśākhyāṁ paurṇamāsyāṁ ca sṛṣṭāḥ kamalayoninā

—and offers tarpana with water-vessels, he wards off even the sin of Brahmin-slaying. On the full-moon day of Vaishakha, sesame created by the lotus-born—

Verse 28 (padma.5.98.28)

तिला देयाश्च भक्त्या च श्रेयः संतति हेतवे । इहार्थे च पुरावृत्तं तदाकर्णय सुव्रत

tilā deyāśca bhaktyā ca śreyaḥ saṁtati hetave ihārthe ca purāvṛttaṁ tadākarṇaya suvrata

—should be given with devotion, for the sake of good fortune and progeny. Hear, O one of good vows, an ancient account concerning this.

Verse 29 (padma.5.98.29)

फलं माधवमासस्य पूर्णायां परमाद्भुतम् । मेषसंक्रममारभ्य तिथयस्त्रिंशदुत्तमाः

phalaṁ mādhavamāsasya pūrṇāyāṁ paramādbhutam meṣasaṁkramamārabhya tithayastriṁśaduttamāḥ

The fruit of the month of Madhava, on the full-moon day, is supremely wondrous. Beginning with the entry of the sun into Aries, the thirty excellent tithis—

Verse 30 (padma.5.98.30)

सर्वयज्ञाधिकाः पुण्याः पुराणेषु प्रकीर्तिताः । विशेषतोऽपि तास्तिस्रः पवित्राः पापिदुर्लभाः

sarvayajñādhikāḥ puṇyāḥ purāṇeṣu prakīrtitāḥ viśeṣato'pi tāstisraḥ pavitrāḥ pāpidurlabhāḥ

—are declared in the Puranas to be more meritorious than all sacrifices. Especially sacred among these are three, hard for sinners to attain.

Verse 31 (padma.5.98.31)

ततोपि पूर्णिमा पुण्या माधवी माधवप्रिया । एषा वाराहकल्पादि तिथिराद्या महाफला

tatopi pūrṇimā puṇyā mādhavī mādhavapriyā eṣā vārāhakalpādi tithirādyā mahāphalā

And even more meritorious than these is the full-moon day of Madhava, dear to Madhava. This is the very first tithi of the Varaha-kalpa, of great fruit.

Verse 32 (padma.5.98.32)

पुरा नारायणेनास्यामादिदैत्यौ विमोहितौ । हिरण्याक्ष मधू विप्र पृथिवी च समुद्धृता

purā nārāyaṇenāsyāmādidaityau vimohitau hiraṇyākṣa madhū vipra pṛthivī ca samuddhṛtā

Long ago, on this very day, Narayana bewildered the two primordial demons; O Brahmin, he slew Hiranyaksha and Madhu, and lifted up the earth.

Verse 33 (padma.5.98.33)

त्रयोदश्यां चतुर्दश्यां पौर्णमास्यामयं विभुः । क्रमादेतत्त्रयं चक्रे शुक्लेऽस्मिन्मासि माधवे

trayodaśyāṁ caturdaśyāṁ paurṇamāsyāmayaṁ vibhuḥ kramādetattrayaṁ cakre śukle'sminmāsi mādhave

On the thirteenth, the fourteenth, and the full-moon day, this mighty one performed these three deeds in order, in this bright fortnight of the month of Madhava.

Verse 34 (padma.5.98.34)

ततः प्रभृति विप्रेंद्र विशेषादेव पूर्णिमा । कल्पादिः पावना ख्याता कर्मणः कल्पसाक्षिणी

tataḥ prabhṛti vipreṁdra viśeṣādeva pūrṇimā kalpādiḥ pāvanā khyātā karmaṇaḥ kalpasākṣiṇī

From then on, O foremost of Brahmins, this full-moon day especially became renowned as sacred, called Kalpadi, the very witness of all deeds through the kalpa.

Verse 35 (padma.5.98.35)

येन स्नानं न वैशाखे प्रातर्नियमशालिना । किं तस्य जन्मना विप्र नूनमात्मापकारिणा

yena snānaṁ na vaiśākhe prātarniyamaśālinā kiṁ tasya janmanā vipra nūnamātmāpakāriṇā

He who does not bathe in Vaishakha at dawn, observing the vow — of what use, O Brahmin, is his very birth, since he surely does himself harm?

Verse 36 (padma.5.98.36)

त्रयोदश्यां चतुर्दश्यां पौर्णमास्यां विशेषतः । अपिसम्यग्विधानेन नारी वा पुरुषोऽपि च

trayodaśyāṁ caturdaśyāṁ paurṇamāsyāṁ viśeṣataḥ apisamyagvidhānena nārī vā puruṣo'pi ca

On the thirteenth, the fourteenth, and especially the full-moon day, according to proper procedure — whether woman or man—

Verse 37 (padma.5.98.37)

प्रातः स्नातः सनियमः सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते । स्नानदानार्चनश्राद्धक्रियापुण्यादिवर्जिता

prātaḥ snātaḥ saniyamaḥ sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate snānadānārcanaśrāddhakriyāpuṇyādivarjitā

—having bathed at dawn, observing the vow, is freed from all sins. He whose Vaishakha has passed devoid of the merits of bathing, giving, worship, and shraddha—

Verse 38 (padma.5.98.38)

यस्यातीता च वैशाखी स नूनं निरयालयः । न वेदेन समं शास्त्रं न तीर्थं गंगया समम्

yasyātītā ca vaiśākhī sa nūnaṁ nirayālayaḥ na vedena samaṁ śāstraṁ na tīrthaṁ gaṁgayā samam

—he surely becomes a dweller in hell. There is no scripture equal to the Veda, no sacred ford equal to the Ganga—

Verse 39 (padma.5.98.39)

न दानं जलगोतुल्यं न वैशाखी समा तिथिः । जलधेनुं च यो दद्याद्वैशाख्यां विष्णुतत्परः

na dānaṁ jalagotulyaṁ na vaiśākhī samā tithiḥ jaladhenuṁ ca yo dadyādvaiśākhyāṁ viṣṇutatparaḥ

—no gift equal to that of water or a cow, no tithi equal to Vaishakha. He who, devoted to Vishnu, gives a jala-dhenu in Vaishakha—

Verse 40 (padma.5.98.40)

त्रयाणामपि देवानां चतुर्थोऽयं विशेषतः । मातृहा पितृहा चैव भ्रूणहा गुरुतल्पगः

trayāṇāmapi devānāṁ caturtho'yaṁ viśeṣataḥ mātṛhā pitṛhā caiva bhrūṇahā gurutalpagaḥ

—that gift is especially equal to a fourth offering to the three gods. One who has killed his mother, father, or an embryo, or violated his guru's bed—

Verse 41 (padma.5.98.41)

जलधेनुं समालोक्य मुच्यते सर्वपातकैः । दशपूर्वान्परान्वंश्यान्नरकात्तारयंतिते

jaladhenuṁ samālokya mucyate sarvapātakaiḥ daśapūrvānparānvaṁśyānnarakāttārayaṁtite

—merely by beholding the jala-dhenu, is freed from all such sins. They deliver ten generations before and ten after them from hell—

Verse 42 (padma.5.98.42)

जलधेनुं प्रयच्छंति वैशाख्यां विधिनात्र ये । शर्करा फल तांबूलमुपानत्करपत्रिकाः

jaladhenuṁ prayacchaṁti vaiśākhyāṁ vidhinātra ye śarkarā phala tāṁbūlamupānatkarapatrikāḥ

—those who duly give a jala-dhenu here in Vaishakha. Sugar, fruit, betel, footwear, and fans—

Verse 43 (padma.5.98.43)

प्रयच्छंति द्विजाग्र्येभ्यो धन्यास्ते चात्र कीर्तिताः । मणिकोदककुंभांश्च पक्वान्नं हैमदक्षिणाम्

prayacchaṁti dvijāgryebhyo dhanyāste cātra kīrtitāḥ maṇikodakakuṁbhāṁśca pakvānnaṁ haimadakṣiṇām

—those who give these to foremost Brahmins are blessed and celebrated here. He who gives jeweled water-pots, cooked food, and a golden gift—

Verse 44 (padma.5.98.44)

यः प्रयच्छति वैशाख्यां सोऽश्वमेधफलं लभेत् । अत्राप्युदाहरंतीममितिहासं पुरातनम्

yaḥ prayacchati vaiśākhyāṁ so'śvamedhaphalaṁ labhet atrāpyudāharaṁtīmamitihāsaṁ purātanam

—in Vaishakha, obtains the fruit of an Ashvamedha sacrifice. In this matter too, people relate this ancient history—

Verse 45 (padma.5.98.45)

ब्राह्मणस्य च संवादं प्रेतैः सार्द्धं महावने । ब्राह्मणो धनशर्मासीन्मध्यदेशे पुरानघ

brāhmaṇasya ca saṁvādaṁ pretaiḥ sārddhaṁ mahāvane brāhmaṇo dhanaśarmāsīnmadhyadeśe purānagha

—the dialogue of a Brahmin with pretas in a great forest. Long ago, O sinless one, in the Middle Country, there was a Brahmin named Dhanasharma.

Verse 46 (padma.5.98.46)

कुशाद्यर्थं वनं यातो ददर्शेदमथाद्भुतम् । भीतोऽपश्यदसौ प्रेतान्दुष्टांस्त्रीनति दारुणान्

kuśādyarthaṁ vanaṁ yāto dadarśedamathādbhutam bhīto'paśyadasau pretānduṣṭāṁstrīnati dāruṇān

Having gone to the forest to gather kusha grass and the like, he saw this wondrous thing: frightened, he saw three wicked and terrible pretas—

Verse 47 (padma.5.98.47)

ऊर्ध्वकेशान्सरक्ताक्षान्कृष्णदंतान्कृशोदरान् । कुर्वतो विविधा रावान्धावतोपि यतस्ततः

ūrdhvakeśānsaraktākṣānkṛṣṇadaṁtānkṛśodarān kurvato vividhā rāvāndhāvatopi yatastataḥ

—their hair standing on end, their eyes red, their teeth black, their bellies emaciated, making various cries, running here and there.

Verse 48 (padma.5.98.48)

तान्दृष्ट्वा भयसंत्रस्तो ब्राह्मणो विद्रुतो जवात् । क्रंदमानास्ततस्तेपि तमेवानु ययुस्तदा

tāndṛṣṭvā bhayasaṁtrasto brāhmaṇo vidruto javāt kraṁdamānāstatastepi tamevānu yayustadā

Seeing them, the terrified Brahmin fled swiftly. Crying out, those pretas then followed after him.

Verse 49 (padma.5.98.49)

सधर्ष्यमाणस्तैः प्रेतैरुवाच मधुरं वचः । धनशर्मोवाच- के यूयं वः कुतोऽवस्था जातेति निरयोचिता

sadharṣyamāṇastaiḥ pretairuvāca madhuraṁ vacaḥ dhanaśarmovāca- ke yūyaṁ vaḥ kuto'vasthā jāteti nirayocitā

Being pressed hard by those pretas, he spoke sweet words. Dhanasharma said: "Who are you, and how has this hellish state of yours come about?"

Verse 50 (padma.5.98.50)

भयार्त्तमनुकंप्यं मां दुःखितं त्रातुमर्हथ । वैष्णवं बहुभृत्यं च निःस्वं विप्रं वनागतम्

bhayārttamanukaṁpyaṁ māṁ duḥkhitaṁ trātumarhatha vaiṣṇavaṁ bahubhṛtyaṁ ca niḥsvaṁ vipraṁ vanāgatam

"You should show pity on me — frightened, worthy of compassion, sorrowful, once a Vaishnava of many servants, now destitute, a Brahmin who has come to this forest."

Verse 51 (padma.5.98.51)

भवतामपि सश्रेयो नूनं दास्यति केशवः । ब्रह्मण्यो भगवान्विष्णुस्तुष्टोमय्यनुकंपया

bhavatāmapi saśreyo nūnaṁ dāsyati keśavaḥ brahmaṇyo bhagavānviṣṇustuṣṭomayyanukaṁpayā

"To you too, Keshava will surely grant good fortune. The Lord Vishnu, favorable to Brahmins, is pleased through compassion for me."

Verse 52 (padma.5.98.52)

अतसीपुष्पसंकाशो विष्णुः पीतांबरो हरिः । यस्य श्रवणमात्रेण नाम्नो याति महा तमः

atasīpuṣpasaṁkāśo viṣṇuḥ pītāṁbaro hariḥ yasya śravaṇamātreṇa nāmno yāti mahā tamaḥ

"Vishnu, resembling the flax flower, Hari, clad in yellow — by the mere hearing of whose name great darkness departs."

Verse 53 (padma.5.98.53)

अनादिनिधनो देवः शंख चक्र गदाधरः । अक्षयः पुंडरीकाक्षः प्रेतमोक्षप्रदायकः

anādinidhano devaḥ śaṁkha cakra gadādharaḥ akṣayaḥ puṁḍarīkākṣaḥ pretamokṣapradāyakaḥ

"The god without beginning or end, bearer of the conch, discus, and mace; the imperishable, lotus-eyed one, bestower of liberation even upon pretas."

Verse 54 (padma.5.98.54)

यम उवाच- नामश्रवण मात्रेण विष्णोस्ते परितोषिताः । पिशाचाः पुण्यभावस्था दया दाक्षिण्य यंत्रिताः

yama uvāca- nāmaśravaṇa mātreṇa viṣṇoste paritoṣitāḥ piśācāḥ puṇyabhāvasthā dayā dākṣiṇya yaṁtritāḥ

Yama said: By the mere hearing of the name of Vishnu, those pishachas were gladdened; established in a meritorious state, bound by compassion and courtesy—

Verse 55 (padma.5.98.55)

प्रीणितास्तस्यवचसा तदादिष्टेन नोदिताः । इदमूचुर्द्विजं प्रेताः क्षुत्तृष्णापूरपीडिताः

prīṇitāstasyavacasā tadādiṣṭena noditāḥ idamūcurdvijaṁ pretāḥ kṣuttṛṣṇāpūrapīḍitāḥ

—pleased by his words, and prompted by what he had said, those pretas, afflicted by hunger and thirst, spoke thus to the Brahmin.

Verse 56 (padma.5.98.56)

प्रेता ऊचु- दर्शनेनैव ते विप्र नामश्रवणतो हरेः । भावमन्यमनुप्राप्ता वयं जाता दयालवः

pretā ūcu- darśanenaiva te vipra nāmaśravaṇato hareḥ bhāvamanyamanuprāptā vayaṁ jātā dayālavaḥ

The pretas said: By the mere sight of you, O Brahmin, and by hearing the name of Hari, we have attained another state of being and have become compassionate.

Verse 57 (padma.5.98.57)

अपाकरोति दुरितं श्रेयश्च योजयत्यपि । यशो विस्तारयत्याशु नूनं वैष्णवसंगमः

apākaroti duritaṁ śreyaśca yojayatyapi yaśo vistārayatyāśu nūnaṁ vaiṣṇavasaṁgamaḥ

Fellowship with a Vaishnava removes misfortune, brings about good fortune, and swiftly spreads one's fame — this is certain.

Verse 58 (padma.5.98.58)

रसायनमयी शीता परमानंददायिनी । नानंदयति कं नाम वैष्णवामृतचंद्रिका

rasāyanamayī śītā paramānaṁdadāyinī nānaṁdayati kaṁ nāma vaiṣṇavāmṛtacaṁdrikā

Cool, made of elixir, bestower of the highest bliss — whom indeed does the nectar-moonlight of the Vaishnavas not delight?

Verse 59 (padma.5.98.59)

अयं कृतघ्न नामास्ति द्वितीयोऽयं विदैवतः । अवैशाखस्तृतीयोऽयं त्रयाणामपि पापकृत्

ayaṁ kṛtaghna nāmāsti dvitīyo'yaṁ vidaivataḥ avaiśākhastṛtīyo'yaṁ trayāṇāmapi pāpakṛt

This one here is named Kritaghna ('the Ungrateful'); this second is Vidaivata ('the Faithless'); this third is Avaishakha ('the One without Vaishakha'). All three of us are doers of sin.

Verse 60 (padma.5.98.60)

सदैवानुष्ठितानेन पापेनाति कृतघ्नता । तेनास्य कर्मजं नाम कृतघ्नाख्यं व्यवस्थितम्

sadaivānuṣṭhitānena pāpenāti kṛtaghnatā tenāsya karmajaṁ nāma kṛtaghnākhyaṁ vyavasthitam

By him, ingratitude was ever practiced as an extreme sin; therefore, this name born of his deed, 'the Ungrateful,' has become fixed for him.

Verse 61 (padma.5.98.61)

सुदास इति नाम्नायं शूद्रो ऽभूत्पूर्वजन्मनि । कृतघ्नस्तेन पापेन प्राप्तोऽवस्थामिमां द्विज

sudāsa iti nāmnāyaṁ śūdro 'bhūtpūrvajanmani kṛtaghnastena pāpena prāpto'vasthāmimāṁ dvija

This one was, in a former birth, a Shudra named Sudasa; through the sin of ingratitude, O Brahmin, he attained this present state.

Verse 62 (padma.5.98.62)

अतिपापिनि धूर्ते च गुरुस्वाम्यहितेऽपि च । निष्कृतिर्विद्यते विप्र कृतघ्ने नास्ति निष्कृतिः

atipāpini dhūrte ca gurusvāmyahite'pi ca niṣkṛtirvidyate vipra kṛtaghne nāsti niṣkṛtiḥ

For the most sinful, for the deceitful, and even for one who harms his guru or master, atonement exists, O Brahmin — but for the ungrateful, there is no atonement.

Verse 63 (padma.5.98.63)

नानानिरयसंघातं शरीरैर्यातना क्षमैः । अनुभूयतांत्ववस्थामंत्यामेतां गतो द्विज

nānānirayasaṁghātaṁ śarīrairyātanā kṣamaiḥ anubhūyatāṁtvavasthāmaṁtyāmetāṁ gato dvija

Having endured a multitude of various hells, with bodies capable of enduring torment, O Brahmin, he has come to this, his final present state.

Verse 64 (padma.5.98.64)

अनेनान्नं सदा भुक्तमकृत्वा देवतार्चनम् । अदत्वा गुरुविप्रेभ्यस्तेनैवायं विदैवतः

anenānnaṁ sadā bhuktamakṛtvā devatārcanam adatvā guruviprebhyastenaivāyaṁ vidaivataḥ

This one always ate food without performing worship of the gods, and without giving to guru and Brahmins; for that very reason he is 'the Faithless.'

Verse 65 (padma.5.98.65)

अयं दशसहस्राणां ग्रामाणामीश्वरो नृपः । हरिवीर इति ख्यातो नाम्नासीत्पूर्वजन्मनि

ayaṁ daśasahasrāṇāṁ grāmāṇāmīśvaro nṛpaḥ harivīra iti khyāto nāmnāsītpūrvajanmani

This one was, in a former birth, a king, lord of ten thousand villages, renowned by the name Harivira.

Verse 66 (padma.5.98.66)

रोषाहंकारनास्तिक्यैर्गुर्वाज्ञालंघनोद्यतः । अकृत्वैव महायज्ञान्भुक्तवान्विप्र निंदकः

roṣāhaṁkāranāstikyairgurvājñālaṁghanodyataḥ akṛtvaiva mahāyajñānbhuktavānvipra niṁdakaḥ

Given, through anger, arrogance, and unbelief, to transgressing his guru's commands, reviling Brahmins, he enjoyed his kingdom without ever performing great sacrifices.

Verse 67 (padma.5.98.67)

कर्मणा तेन पापेन महानरकसंकटम् । अनुभूय ततः प्रेतो जातो नाम्ना विदैवतः

karmaṇā tena pāpena mahānarakasaṁkaṭam anubhūya tataḥ preto jāto nāmnā vidaivataḥ

By that sinful deed, having endured the great affliction of hell, he was afterward born a preta, named Vidaivata.

Verse 68 (padma.5.98.68)

अवैशाखस्तृतीयोऽहं त्रयाणामपि पापकृत् । तेन मे कर्मजं नाम ब्राह्मणोऽहं व्यवस्थितः

avaiśākhastṛtīyo'haṁ trayāṇāmapi pāpakṛt tena me karmajaṁ nāma brāhmaṇo'haṁ vyavasthitaḥ

"And I am the third, Avaishakha, all three of us doers of sin. This too is my name, born of my deed; I too was once a Brahmin."

Verse 69 (padma.5.98.69)

मध्यदेशे भवं नाम्ना गौतमो गोत्रतोऽप्यहम् । विप्रो वासपुरेवासी यज्वाऽऽसं पूर्वजन्मनि

madhyadeśe bhavaṁ nāmnā gautamo gotrato'pyaham vipro vāsapurevāsī yajvā''saṁ pūrvajanmani

"I lived in the Middle Country, of the Gautama gotra, a Brahmin dwelling in Vasapura, a performer of sacrifices in my former birth."

Verse 70 (padma.5.98.70)

मया केवलमेवैकं श्रौतमार्गानुसारिणा । उद्दिश्य माधवं देवं न स्नातं मासि माधवे

mayā kevalamevaikaṁ śrautamārgānusāriṇā uddiśya mādhavaṁ devaṁ na snātaṁ māsi mādhave

"Following only the Vedic path alone, even with reference to the god Madhava, I did not bathe in the month of Madhava."

Verse 71 (padma.5.98.71)

न दत्तं न हुतं किंचिद्वैशाख्यां चाविशेषतः । नार्चितो मधुहा तत्र तोषिता न मनीषिणः

na dattaṁ na hutaṁ kiṁcidvaiśākhyāṁ cāviśeṣataḥ nārcito madhuhā tatra toṣitā na manīṣiṇaḥ

"Nothing was given, nothing offered in fire, in Vaishakha; the slayer of Madhu was not worshipped; the wise were not gratified."

Verse 72 (padma.5.98.72)

मणिकोदककुंभैश्च न दानैः पितृदेवताः । तर्पिता न तिला दत्ताः सक्षौद्राः श्रोत्रियेषु च

maṇikodakakuṁbhaiśca na dānaiḥ pitṛdevatāḥ tarpitā na tilā dattāḥ sakṣaudrāḥ śrotriyeṣu ca

"The ancestor-gods were not satisfied with jeweled water-pots; sesame mixed with honey was not given to learned Brahmins."

Verse 73 (padma.5.98.73)

न पुष्पफलतांबूल चंदन व्यजनांबरैः । विद्वांसो नार्चितास्तत्र पितृदैवततुष्टये

na puṣpaphalatāṁbūla caṁdana vyajanāṁbaraiḥ vidvāṁso nārcitāstatra pitṛdaivatatuṣṭaye

"Nor with flowers, fruit, betel, sandal, fans, and garments were the learned honored, for the satisfaction of ancestors and gods."

Verse 74 (padma.5.98.74)

मया नैकापि वैशाखी पूर्णा पूर्णफल प्रदा । स्नानदानक्रियापूजा सुकृतैः परिपालिता

mayā naikāpi vaiśākhī pūrṇā pūrṇaphala pradā snānadānakriyāpūjā sukṛtaiḥ paripālitā

"Not even one Vaishakha full-moon, full and bestower of full fruit, was by me observed with the good deeds of bathing, giving, rites, and worship."

Verse 75 (padma.5.98.75)

तेन मे वैदिकं कर्म सर्वं चैव तु निष्फलम् । ततोऽवैशाखनामाहं प्रेतो जातोऽस्मि सर्वतः

tena me vaidikaṁ karma sarvaṁ caiva tu niṣphalam tato'vaiśākhanāmāhaṁ preto jāto'smi sarvataḥ

"For that reason all my Vedic rites became entirely fruitless. Thus I have been born, in every respect, a preta named Avaishakha."

Verse 76 (padma.5.98.76)

एतत्ते सर्वमाख्यातं त्रयाणामपि कारणम् । त्वं नो भव समुद्धर्ता पापाद्विप्रोसि वै यतः

etatte sarvamākhyātaṁ trayāṇāmapi kāraṇam tvaṁ no bhava samuddhartā pāpādviprosi vai yataḥ

"All this, the cause for all three of us, has been told to you. You, since you are a Brahmin, should become our deliverer."

Verse 77 (padma.5.98.77)

विमुक्तं ब्रह्मतीर्थं च साधवः परमं यतः । तारयंति महापापान्निरयेभ्योऽपि संश्रितान्

vimuktaṁ brahmatīrthaṁ ca sādhavaḥ paramaṁ yataḥ tārayaṁti mahāpāpānnirayebhyo'pi saṁśritān

"For a Brahmin, once freed of impurity, and the virtuous are supreme in that they deliver even great sinners who have fallen into hell."

Verse 78 (padma.5.98.78)

गंगादि पुण्यतीर्थेषु यो नरः स्नाति सर्वदा । यः करोति सतां संगं तयोः सत्संगमो वरः

gaṁgādi puṇyatīrtheṣu yo naraḥ snāti sarvadā yaḥ karoti satāṁ saṁgaṁ tayoḥ satsaṁgamo varaḥ

"That man who always bathes at sacred fords like the Ganga, and he who keeps the company of the virtuous — of the two, the company of the good is superior."

Verse 79 (padma.5.98.79)

अथवा मम पुत्रोऽस्ति धनशर्मेति विश्रुतः । तं गत्वा बोधय स्वामिन्नस्मदर्थे कृतोद्यमः

athavā mama putro'sti dhanaśarmeti viśrutaḥ taṁ gatvā bodhaya svāminnasmadarthe kṛtodyamaḥ

"Or else, I have a son, renowned by the name Dhanasharma; go to him, my lord, and, having exerted yourself for our sake, instruct him."

Verse 80 (padma.5.98.80)

कार्ये समुद्यमं कृत्वा परेषां समुपस्थिते । पुष्कलं फलमाप्नोति यज्ञदानक्रियाधिकम्

kārye samudyamaṁ kṛtvā pareṣāṁ samupasthite puṣkalaṁ phalamāpnoti yajñadānakriyādhikam

"One who exerts himself, when the occasion arises, in the affairs of others, obtains an abundant fruit, exceeding even sacrifice and giving."

Verse 81 (padma.5.98.81)

यम उवाच- प्रेतवाक्यं तदाकर्ण्य धनशर्माति दुःखितः । स तं जनकमाज्ञाय पतितं निरये निजम्

yama uvāca- pretavākyaṁ tadākarṇya dhanaśarmāti duḥkhitaḥ sa taṁ janakamājñāya patitaṁ niraye nijam

Yama said: Having heard the pretas' words, Dhanasharma, greatly grieved, and recognizing that this was his own father, fallen into a hellish state—

Verse 82 (padma.5.98.82)

आत्मानमभितो निंदन्निदं वचनमब्रवीत् । धनशर्मोवाच- अहं तव सुतः स्वामिन्गौतमस्य निरर्थकः

ātmānamabhito niṁdannidaṁ vacanamabravīt dhanaśarmovāca- ahaṁ tava sutaḥ svāmingautamasya nirarthakaḥ

—reproaching himself on all sides, spoke these words. Dhanasharma said: "I, O lord, am the useless son of Gautama."

Verse 83 (padma.5.98.83)

यस्तु पुत्रो न निस्तारं पितुः कुर्यादतंद्रितः । आत्मानं पावयेन्नासावदाता द्रव्यवानिति

yastu putro na nistāraṁ pituḥ kuryādataṁdritaḥ ātmānaṁ pāvayennāsāvadātā dravyavāniti

"That son who, without laziness, does not effect the deliverance of his father, does not purify himself — however generous or wealthy he may be."

Verse 84 (padma.5.98.84)

धर्मो हि गहनो ज्ञेयः प्रयत्नेनापि धीमता । यथा मम पिता च त्वमिमां प्राप्तोसि दुर्गतिम्

dharmo hi gahano jñeyaḥ prayatnenāpi dhīmatā yathā mama pitā ca tvamimāṁ prāptosi durgatim

"Dharma indeed must be known as profound, even by the wise, through diligent effort — since you, my own father, have come to this misfortune."

Verse 85 (padma.5.98.85)

यदा च सुखसंतानं न मत्तः प्राप्तवानसि । लोकयोः सुखसंताने तथा स तनयो मतः

yadā ca sukhasaṁtānaṁ na mattaḥ prāptavānasi lokayoḥ sukhasaṁtāne tathā sa tanayo mataḥ

"And since you did not obtain from me a continuity of happiness — a true son is he by whom happiness continues in both worlds."

Verse 86 (padma.5.98.86)

द्वौ गुरू पुरुषस्येह पिता माता च धर्मतः । तयोरपि पिता श्रेयान्बीजप्राधान्यदर्शनात्

dvau gurū puruṣasyeha pitā mātā ca dharmataḥ tayorapi pitā śreyānbījaprādhānyadarśanāt

"A man's two gurus in this world are, by dharma, his father and mother; of the two, the father is superior, seen through the primacy of the seed."

Verse 87 (padma.5.98.87)

किं करोमि क्व गच्छामि कथं तातगतिस्तव । धर्मतत्त्वं न जानामि संश्रयामि भवद्वचः

kiṁ karomi kva gacchāmi kathaṁ tātagatistava dharmatattvaṁ na jānāmi saṁśrayāmi bhavadvacaḥ

"What shall I do? Where shall I go? How shall your fate be, O father? I do not know the truth of dharma; I take refuge in your own word."

Verse 88 (padma.5.98.88)

प्रेत उवाच- शृणु पुत्र वचः सत्यं भाविनोऽर्थस्य मे बलात् । अथ पुण्येन केनापि भवित्री सुगतिर्मम

preta uvāca- śṛṇu putra vacaḥ satyaṁ bhāvino'rthasya me balāt atha puṇyena kenāpi bhavitrī sugatirmama

The preta said: "Hear, O son, this true word, by the force of the good fortune that is to come — [tell me] by what merit a good fate might be mine."

Verse 89 (padma.5.98.89)

मया श्रौतानि कर्माणि कुर्वता किल गर्वतः । अनादृतं गुरुवचो गुरुस्तत्रावमानितः

mayā śrautāni karmāṇi kurvatā kila garvataḥ anādṛtaṁ guruvaco gurustatrāvamānitaḥ

"While performing the Vedic rites, out of pride, my guru's word was disregarded, and my guru was disrespected in that very act."

Verse 90 (padma.5.98.90)

गुरूणामपमानेन प्रहर्षक्रोधविस्मयैः । पुण्यानि क्षयमायांति यशांसीव हि दुर्नयैः

gurūṇāmapamānena praharṣakrodhavismayaiḥ puṇyāni kṣayamāyāṁti yaśāṁsīva hi durnayaiḥ

"Through the dishonoring of gurus, and through excessive elation, anger, and astonishment, merits come to ruin — just as fame comes to ruin through misconduct."

Verse 91 (padma.5.98.91)

पौराणिक विधानेन कर्म श्रौताविरोधि यत् । केवलं वैदिकं कर्म कृतमज्ञानतो मया

paurāṇika vidhānena karma śrautāvirodhi yat kevalaṁ vaidikaṁ karma kṛtamajñānato mayā

"That rite which, according to Puranic prescription, does not conflict with the Vedic rite — only the strict Vedic rite alone did I perform, out of ignorance."

Verse 92 (padma.5.98.92)

पापेंधन दवज्वाला पापद्रुमकुठारिका । कृता नैकापि वैशाखी विधिना पुत्र पूर्णिमा

pāpeṁdhana davajvālā pāpadrumakuṭhārikā kṛtā naikāpi vaiśākhī vidhinā putra pūrṇimā

"A forest-fire to the fuel of sin, an axe to the tree of sin — not even one Vaishakha full-moon was, O son, duly observed by me."

Verse 93 (padma.5.98.93)

अव्रता यस्य वैशाखी सोऽवैशाखो भवेन्नरः । दशजन्मानि च ततस्तिर्यग्योनिषु जायते

avratā yasya vaiśākhī so'vaiśākho bhavennaraḥ daśajanmāni ca tatastiryagyoniṣu jāyate

"He whose Vaishakha passes without the vow becomes a man known as Avaishakha; thereafter he is born for ten lifetimes in animal wombs."

Verse 94 (padma.5.98.94)

चिरं भुक्त्वा दुःखमंते प्रेतः पर्यायतो भवेत् । लभते मानुषं जन्म कथंचिदपि दुर्लभम्

ciraṁ bhuktvā duḥkhamaṁte pretaḥ paryāyato bhavet labhate mānuṣaṁ janma kathaṁcidapi durlabham

"Having long endured suffering, in the end he becomes, in turn, a preta; he obtains a human birth only with the greatest difficulty, if at all."

Verse 95 (padma.5.98.95)

उपायं ते वदिष्यामि प्रेतमोक्षकरं परम् । श्रुतवान्यदहंपूर्वजन्मनिस्वगुरोर्मुखात्

upāyaṁ te vadiṣyāmi pretamokṣakaraṁ param śrutavānyadahaṁpūrvajanmanisvagurormukhāt

"I shall tell you the supreme means for the liberation of a preta, which I heard, in a former birth, from my own guru's mouth."

Verse 96 (padma.5.98.96)

गच्छ पुत्र गृहं स्नात्वा यमुनायां विधानतः । अद्यतः सर्वगतिदा कल्पाद्या साप्युपागता । पश्चिमेऽहनि वैशाखी पितृदेवार्चने हिता

gaccha putra gṛhaṁ snātvā yamunāyāṁ vidhānataḥ adyataḥ sarvagatidā kalpādyā sāpyupāgatā paścime'hani vaiśākhī pitṛdevārcane hitā

"Go home, my son, having duly bathed in the Yamuna. From today, that first day of the kalpa, bestower of every good state, has arrived; the last day of Vaishakha is auspicious for the worship of ancestors and gods."

Verse 97 (padma.5.98.97)

पानीयमप्यत्र तिलैर्विमिश्रं सहोदकुंभान्नफलानि भक्त्या । दद्यात्पितृभ्यो भवतीह दत्तं श्राद्धं सदा तेन समा सहस्रम्

pānīyamapyatra tilairvimiśraṁ sahodakuṁbhānnaphalāni bhaktyā dadyātpitṛbhyo bhavatīha dattaṁ śrāddhaṁ sadā tena samā sahasram

"Water mixed with sesame, together with water-pots, food, and fruit, given here with devotion to the ancestors — the shraddha thus given becomes equal to a thousand ordinary shraddhas."

Verse 98 (padma.5.98.98)

वैशाख्यां पौर्णमास्यां यो भोजयेद्भूमिदेवताः । सिक्थेसिक्थे भवेत्तृप्तिः पितॄणां युगसंख्यया

vaiśākhyāṁ paurṇamāsyāṁ yo bhojayedbhūmidevatāḥ sikthesikthe bhavettṛptiḥ pitṝṇāṁ yugasaṁkhyayā

"He who feeds the earthly gods on the full-moon day of Vaishakha — with every mouthful, satisfaction comes to his ancestors, counted by the ages."

Verse 99 (padma.5.98.99)

वैशाख्यां विधिना स्नात्वा भोजयेद्ब्राह्मणान्दश । पायसं सर्वपापेभ्यो मुच्यते नात्र संशयः

vaiśākhyāṁ vidhinā snātvā bhojayedbrāhmaṇāndaśa pāyasaṁ sarvapāpebhyo mucyate nātra saṁśayaḥ

"Having duly bathed in Vaishakha, one should feed ten Brahmins with milk-rice; he is freed from all sins — there is no doubt of this."

Verse 100 (padma.5.98.100)

गौरान्वा यदि वा कृष्णांस्तिलान्क्षौद्रेण संयुतान् । दत्वा दशभ्यो विप्रेभ्यस्तेनैव स्वस्ति वाचयेत्

gaurānvā yadi vā kṛṣṇāṁstilānkṣaudreṇa saṁyutān datvā daśabhyo viprebhyastenaiva svasti vācayet

"Having given white or black sesame mixed with honey to ten Brahmins, one should have them recite a blessing accordingly."

Verse 101 (padma.5.98.101)

प्रीयतां धर्मराजेति पितॄन्देवांश्च तर्पयेत् । यावज्जीवकृतं पापं तत्क्षणादेव नश्यति

prīyatāṁ dharmarājeti pitṝndevāṁśca tarpayet yāvajjīvakṛtaṁ pāpaṁ tatkṣaṇādeva naśyati

"Saying 'May Dharmaraja be pleased,' one should offer tarpana to ancestors and gods. Whatever sin has been committed throughout life is destroyed that very instant."

Verse 102 (padma.5.98.102)

वैशाख्यां पौर्णमास्यां च सृष्टाः कमलयोनिना । तिला देयाश्च भक्त्या च स्पृश्याः सर्वांगतो द्विज

vaiśākhyāṁ paurṇamāsyāṁ ca sṛṣṭāḥ kamalayoninā tilā deyāśca bhaktyā ca spṛśyāḥ sarvāṁgato dvija

"On the full-moon day of Vaishakha, sesame created by the lotus-born should be given with devotion, O Brahmin, and touched to every limb of the body."

Verse 103 (padma.5.98.103)

यस्तिलैर्यवसम्मिश्रैः स्नाति सर्वांगतस्तदा । तस्य ब्रह्मा च धर्मोऽत्र ददाति वरमीप्सितम्

yastilairyavasammiśraiḥ snāti sarvāṁgatastadā tasya brahmā ca dharmo'tra dadāti varamīpsitam

"He who bathes his whole body with sesame mixed with barley — to him Brahma and Dharma here grant the boon he desires."

Verse 104 (padma.5.98.104)

प्रीतये धर्मराजस्य यो दद्यादुदकुंभकान् । सप्तसप्त कुलं तेन तारितं स्यान्न संशयः

prītaye dharmarājasya yo dadyādudakuṁbhakān saptasapta kulaṁ tena tāritaṁ syānna saṁśayaḥ

"He who gives water-pots for the pleasure of Dharmaraja saves seven generations before and seven after him — there is no doubt."

Verse 105 (padma.5.98.105)

त्रयोदश्यां चतुर्दश्यां पूर्णायां भक्तितत्परः । स्नात्वा जप्त्वा तथा हुत्वा दत्वा संपूज्य माधवम्

trayodaśyāṁ caturdaśyāṁ pūrṇāyāṁ bhaktitatparaḥ snātvā japtvā tathā hutvā datvā saṁpūjya mādhavam

"On the thirteenth, fourteenth, and full-moon day, devoted to bhakti, having bathed, recited mantras, performed the fire-offering, given gifts, and duly worshipped Madhava—"

Verse 106 (padma.5.98.106)

यत्फलं जायते पुत्र तदस्माकं प्रयच्छ भोः । नैतौ परिचितौ प्रेतौ हित्वा स्वर्गतिमाश्रये

yatphalaṁ jāyate putra tadasmākaṁ prayaccha bhoḥ naitau paricitau pretau hitvā svargatimāśraye

"—whatever fruit arises from that, O son, grant it to us. Without abandoning these two familiar pretas, I shall take refuge in the path to heaven."

Verse 107 (padma.5.98.107)

एतयोरपिपापस्य ह्यं तोयं समुपस्थितः । यम उवाच- तथेत्युक्त्वा गतः सर्वं ततश्चक्रे स वै द्विजः

etayorapipāpasya hyaṁ toyaṁ samupasthitaḥ yama uvāca- tathetyuktvā gataḥ sarvaṁ tataścakre sa vai dvijaḥ

"For the sin of these two as well, that water-offering now due should be performed." Yama said: Saying "so be it," he departed, and then that Brahmin performed all of it.

Verse 108 (padma.5.98.108)

प्रीतः परमया भक्त्या वैशाख्यां स्नानदानकृत् । स्नातः समुदितो भक्त्या प्राप्य माधवपूर्णिमाम्

prītaḥ paramayā bhaktyā vaiśākhyāṁ snānadānakṛt snātaḥ samudito bhaktyā prāpya mādhavapūrṇimām

Pleased, with the highest devotion, he performed bathing and giving in Vaishakha; having bathed, elated with devotion, and reaching the full-moon of Madhava—

Verse 109 (padma.5.98.109)

दत्वा बहूनि दानानि तेभ्यः पुण्यं ददौ पृथक् । तत्क्षणादेव ते सर्वे विमानस्था दिवं ययुः

datvā bahūni dānāni tebhyaḥ puṇyaṁ dadau pṛthak tatkṣaṇādeva te sarve vimānasthā divaṁ yayuḥ

—having given many gifts, he separately dedicated the merit to them. That very instant, all of them, mounted on celestial cars, went to heaven.

Verse 110 (padma.5.98.110)

तत्पुण्यदानयोगेन मुदिता द्विजसत्तम । धनशर्मापि विप्रेंद्र श्रुःतिस्मृतिपुराणवित्

tatpuṇyadānayogena muditā dvijasattama dhanaśarmāpi vipreṁdra śruḥtismṛtipurāṇavit

By the union of that meritorious giving, delighted, O best of Brahmins, O foremost of Brahmins — Dhanasharma too, versed in Shruti, Smriti, and the Puranas—

Verse 111 (padma.5.98.111)

भुक्त्वा भोगांश्चिरं कालं ब्रह्मलोकमवाप्तवान् । एषा पुण्यतमा तस्माद्वैशाखी विश्वपावनी

bhuktvā bhogāṁściraṁ kālaṁ brahmalokamavāptavān eṣā puṇyatamā tasmādvaiśākhī viśvapāvanī

—having enjoyed pleasures for a long time, attained the world of Brahma. Therefore this Vaishakha full-moon is the most meritorious, the purifier of the whole world.

Verse 112 (padma.5.98.112)

कथ्यते तु मया विप्र समासेनातिगौरवात्

kathyate tu mayā vipra samāsenātigauravāt

This, O Brahmin, has been told by me to you in brief, out of the greatest regard.

Verse 113 (padma.5.98.113)

धन्यास्त एव कृतिनश्च त एव जाता लोके त एव पुरुषाः पुरुषार्थभाजः । ये माधवे मधुनिषूदनमर्चयंति प्रातर्निमज्ज्य नियमेन विशुद्धचित्ताः

dhanyāsta eva kṛtinaśca ta eva jātā loke ta eva puruṣāḥ puruṣārthabhājaḥ ye mādhave madhuniṣūdanamarcayaṁti prātarnimajjya niyamena viśuddhacittāḥ

Blessed indeed are they, accomplished indeed are they, well-born indeed in this world, true sharers of the goals of human life indeed are they — who, in the month of Madhava, having immersed themselves at dawn according to the vow, with purified minds, worship the slayer of Madhu.

Verse 114 (padma.5.98.114)

यो माधवे मासि नरः प्रभाते स्नातः समाराधयते रमेशम् । यमैरुपेतो नियमैरशेषैर्वृतोऽपि नूनं स निहंति पापम्

yo mādhave māsi naraḥ prabhāte snātaḥ samārādhayate rameśam yamairupeto niyamairaśeṣairvṛto'pi nūnaṁ sa nihaṁti pāpam

That man who, in the month of Madhava, bathed at dawn, worships the Lord of Lakshmi — even surrounded by every observance and restraint — he indeed destroys sin.

Verse 115 (padma.5.98.115)

तैरेवकालो विजितस्त एव नरेषु धन्या विगतैनसस्ते । त एव गर्भे न विशंति भूयो मज्जंति ये माधवमासि युक्ताः

tairevakālo vijitasta eva nareṣu dhanyā vigatainasaste ta eva garbhe na viśaṁti bhūyo majjaṁti ye mādhavamāsi yuktāḥ

By them alone is time conquered; they alone among men are blessed, they alone are free of sin; they alone do not enter the womb again — those who, devoted, immerse themselves in the month of Madhava.

Verse 116 (padma.5.98.116)

स माधवो गर्जति यज्ञयोगात्तपः क्रिया दानविधान योगात् । यस्मिन्कृतं मासि कथंचिदल्पं पुण्यं पुनः स्यादिह कल्पतुल्यम्

sa mādhavo garjati yajñayogāttapaḥ kriyā dānavidhāna yogāt yasminkṛtaṁ māsi kathaṁcidalpaṁ puṇyaṁ punaḥ syādiha kalpatulyam

That Madhava roars in triumph over sacrifice, austerity, ritual action, and the ordinance of giving — that month in which even a small merit, done somehow, becomes here equal to that of a whole kalpa.

Verse 117 (padma.5.98.117)

मज्जतो हि मनुजस्य माधवे माधवार्चनकृते दिनोदये । तामसोपि जलबिंदुसंगमादंगमावहति पावनं यतः

majjato hi manujasya mādhave mādhavārcanakṛte dinodaye tāmasopi jalabiṁdusaṁgamādaṁgamāvahati pāvanaṁ yataḥ

For, of a man who immerses himself in the month of Madhava, engaged in the worship of Madhava, at the break of day — even one of dark nature attains, through contact with a single drop of that water, a purified body.

Verse 119 (padma.5.98.119)

तानि देहमधिरुह्य देहिनस्तावदेव विचरंत्यघानि च । यावदेति न स माधवाह्वयः श्रीरमारमणवल्लभो विराट्

tāni dehamadhiruhya dehinastāvadeva vicaraṁtyaghāni ca yāvadeti na sa mādhavāhvayaḥ śrīramāramaṇavallabho virāṭ

Those sins, having mounted upon the embodied being, wander about within him only so long as that mighty, universal Lord called Madhava, the beloved of the Lord of Lakshmi, has not arrived.

Verse 120 (padma.5.98.120)

मेरुमंदरतुल्यानि पापान्युग्राण्यनेकशः । दहते माधवो मासः स्नातो माधववल्लभः

merumaṁdaratulyāni pāpānyugrāṇyanekaśaḥ dahate mādhavo māsaḥ snāto mādhavavallabhaḥ

The month of Madhava, when its bathing is dear to Madhava and duly performed, burns away sins fierce and manifold, equal in mass to Meru and Mandara.

Verse 121 (padma.5.98.121)

इदं संक्षेपतः प्रोक्तं मया तेऽनुग्रहाद्द्विज । वैशाखस्नानमाहात्म्यं श्रोतुः पापक्षयं करम्

idaṁ saṁkṣepataḥ proktaṁ mayā te'nugrahāddvija vaiśākhasnānamāhātmyaṁ śrotuḥ pāpakṣayaṁ karam

This has been told by me to you in brief, O Brahmin, out of favor — the glory of Vaishakha-bathing, which brings about the destruction of sin for the hearer.

Verse 122 (padma.5.98.122)

यस्तु श्रोष्यति भक्त्यैनमितिहासं मयोदितम् । सोऽपि पापविनिर्मुक्तो न मामालोकयिष्यति

yastu śroṣyati bhaktyainamitihāsaṁ mayoditam so'pi pāpavinirmukto na māmālokayiṣyati

And whoever shall hear, with devotion, this history declared by me — he too, freed from sin, shall not need to set eyes on me.

Verse 123 (padma.5.98.123)

ब्रह्महत्यादि पापानि बहुशोऽपि कृतान्यपि । वैशाखस्य विधानेन तानि नश्यंति निश्चितम्

brahmahatyādi pāpāni bahuśo'pi kṛtānyapi vaiśākhasya vidhānena tāni naśyaṁti niścitam

Sins such as the killing of a Brahmin, even if committed many times over, are certainly destroyed through the observance of Vaishakha.

Verse 124 (padma.5.98.124)

त्रिंशत्पूर्वान्परांस्त्रिंशत्त्रिंशच्चैव परावरान् । वैशाखे विधिना स्नातो नरकादुद्धरेत्पितॄन्

triṁśatpūrvānparāṁstriṁśattriṁśaccaiva parāvarān vaiśākhe vidhinā snāto narakāduddharetpitṝn

He who has duly bathed in Vaishakha delivers from hell thirty generations before him, thirty after him, and thirty more, both prior and subsequent.

Verse 125 (padma.5.98.125)

एकतः सर्वतीर्थानि सर्वेयज्ञाः सदक्षिणाः । एकतो माधवो मासो नियमादनुपालितः

ekataḥ sarvatīrthāni sarveyajñāḥ sadakṣiṇāḥ ekato mādhavo māso niyamādanupālitaḥ

On one side, all the sacred fords, all sacrifices with their sacrificial fees; on the other, the month of Madhava, duly observed according to the vow—

Verse 126 (padma.5.98.126)

यतो भगवतस्तस्य हरेरुत्कृष्टकर्मणः । प्रियोऽसौ माधवोमासः सर्वेभ्यः प्रवरोऽधिकः

yato bhagavatastasya harerutkṛṣṭakarmaṇaḥ priyo'sau mādhavomāsaḥ sarvebhyaḥ pravaro'dhikaḥ

—since that month of Madhava is dear to the Lord Hari of excellent deeds, it is superior to and greater than all of them.

Verse 127 (padma.5.98.127)

संशयं नो विधेहीति महीदेव कथंचन । वैशाखं प्रति वै मासं समासाद्यन्मयोदितम्

saṁśayaṁ no vidhehīti mahīdeva kathaṁcana vaiśākhaṁ prati vai māsaṁ samāsādyanmayoditam

"Have no doubt whatsoever about this," O lord of the earth — such is what I have declared, in brief, concerning the month of Vaishakha.

Verse 128 (padma.5.98.128)

इहार्थे यत्पुरावृत्तं तदाकर्णय चाद्भुतम् । अनाख्येयमपीदं ते कथयिष्ये कथानकम्

ihārthe yatpurāvṛttaṁ tadākarṇaya cādbhutam anākhyeyamapīdaṁ te kathayiṣye kathānakam

Hear now, on this matter, a wondrous ancient account; even though it is not ordinarily to be told, I shall relate this tale to you.