The Glory of Prabodhini Ekadashi and the Bhishma-Panchaka Vow

Verse 1 (padma.6.124.1)

ईश्वर उवाच। प्रबोधिन्याश्च माहात्म्यं पापघ्नं पुण्यवर्द्धनम् । मुक्तिदं तत्वबुद्धीनां शृणुष्व सुरसत्तम

īśvara uvāca prabodhinyāśca māhātmyaṁ pāpaghnaṁ puṇyavarddhanam muktidaṁ tatvabuddhīnāṁ śṛṇuṣva surasattama

Ishvara said: Hear, O best of gods, the glory of Prabodhini [Ekadashi], which destroys sin, increases merit, and bestows liberation upon those of true understanding.

Verse 2 (padma.6.124.2)

तावद्गर्जति सेनानि गंगा भागीरथी क्षितौ । यावन्नायाति पापघ्नी कार्तिके हरिबोधिनी

tāvadgarjati senāni gaṁgā bhāgīrathī kṣitau yāvannāyāti pāpaghnī kārtike haribodhinī

O commander, the Bhagirathi Ganga only roars in pride upon the earth until the sin-destroying day of Hari's awakening arrives in Kartika.

Verse 3 (padma.6.124.3)

तावद्गच्छंति तीर्थानि आसमुद्र सरांसि च । यावत्प्रबोधिनी विष्णोस्तिथिर्नायाति कार्तिके

tāvadgacchaṁti tīrthāni āsamudra sarāṁsi ca yāvatprabodhinī viṣṇostithirnāyāti kārtike

Pilgrims only go to the tirthas and lakes as far as the ocean until the tithi of Vishnu's awakening arrives in Kartika.

Verse 4 (padma.6.124.4)

अश्वमेधसहस्राणि राजसूयशतानि च । एकेनैवोपवासेन प्रबोधिन्यां यथाऽभवत्

aśvamedhasahasrāṇi rājasūyaśatāni ca ekenaivopavāsena prabodhinyāṁ yathā'bhavat

As the merit of a thousand Ashvamedhas and a hundred Rajasuyas is obtained through a single fast on the Prabodhini —

Verse 5 (padma.6.124.5)

दुर्लभं चैव दुष्प्राप्यं त्रैलोक्ये सचराचरे । तदपि प्रार्थितं विप्र ददाति प्रतिबोधिनी

durlabhaṁ caiva duṣprāpyaṁ trailokye sacarācare tadapi prārthitaṁ vipra dadāti pratibodhinī

— O brahmin, whatever is rare and hard to attain in the three worlds, moving and unmoving, that too, when prayed for, is granted by the Prabodhini.

Verse 6 (padma.6.124.6)

ऐश्वर्यं संसृतिं ज्ञानं राज्यं च सुखसंपदम् । ददात्युपोषिता विप्र हेलया हरिबोधिनी

aiśvaryaṁ saṁsṛtiṁ jñānaṁ rājyaṁ ca sukhasaṁpadam dadātyupoṣitā vipra helayā haribodhinī

O brahmin, when observed by fasting, the day of Hari's awakening bestows sovereignty, freedom from worldly bondage, knowledge, kingship, and the wealth of happiness, with ease.

Verse 7 (padma.6.124.7)

मेरुमंदरतुल्यानि पापान्युपार्जितानि च । एकेनैवोपवासेन दहते हरिबोधिनी

merumaṁdaratulyāni pāpānyupārjitāni ca ekenaivopavāsena dahate haribodhinī

Sins accumulated equal in size to Meru and Mandara are burnt away by the day of Hari's awakening through a single fast.

Verse 8 (padma.6.124.8)

उपवासं प्रबोधिन्यां यः करोति स्वभावतः । विधिना नरशार्दूल यथोक्तं लभते फलम्

upavāsaṁ prabodhinyāṁ yaḥ karoti svabhāvataḥ vidhinā naraśārdūla yathoktaṁ labhate phalam

O tiger among men, whoever naturally observes the fast on the Prabodhini, according to the prescribed rule, obtains the fruit as declared.

Verse 9 (padma.6.124.9)

पूर्वजन्मसहस्रेषु पापं यत्समुपार्जितम् । जागरेण प्रबोधिन्यां दह्यते तूलराशिवत्

pūrvajanmasahasreṣu pāpaṁ yatsamupārjitam jāgareṇa prabodhinyāṁ dahyate tūlarāśivat

Whatever sin has been accumulated over a thousand former births is burnt away, like a heap of cotton, through the night-vigil on the Prabodhini.

Verse 10 (padma.6.124.10)

शृणु षण्मुख वक्ष्यामि जागरस्य च लक्षणम् । यस्य विज्ञानमात्रेण दुर्लभो न जनार्दनः

śṛṇu ṣaṇmukha vakṣyāmi jāgarasya ca lakṣaṇam yasya vijñānamātreṇa durlabho na janārdanaḥ

Hear, O six-faced one, I shall tell the marks of the proper vigil, by the mere knowledge of which Janardana does not remain hard to attain.

Verse 11 (padma.6.124.11)

गीतं वाद्यं च नृत्यं च पुराणपठनं तथा । धूपं दीपं च नैवेद्यं पुष्पं गंधानुलेपनम्

gītaṁ vādyaṁ ca nṛtyaṁ ca purāṇapaṭhanaṁ tathā dhūpaṁ dīpaṁ ca naivedyaṁ puṣpaṁ gaṁdhānulepanam

Song, instrumental music, dance, and the recitation of the Puranas; incense, lamps, food-offerings, flowers, and fragrant unguents —

Verse 12 (padma.6.124.12)

फलमर्घ्यं च श्रद्धा च दानमिंद्रियसंयमम् । सत्यान्वितं विनिद्रं च मुदायुक्तं क्रियान्वितम्

phalamarghyaṁ ca śraddhā ca dānamiṁdriyasaṁyamam satyānvitaṁ vinidraṁ ca mudāyuktaṁ kriyānvitam

— fruit, the guest-offering, faith, giving, restraint of the senses; joined with truthfulness, free of sleep, filled with joy, accompanied by proper rites,

Verse 13 (padma.6.124.13)

साश्चर्चं चैव सोत्साहमालस्यादिविवर्जितम् । प्रदक्षिणादिसंयुक्तं नमस्कारपुरःसरम्

sāścarcaṁ caiva sotsāhamālasyādivivarjitam pradakṣiṇādisaṁyuktaṁ namaskārapuraḥsaram

— with wonder, with enthusiasm, free of laziness and the like; joined with circumambulation and the rest, preceded by prostration,

Verse 14 (padma.6.124.14)

नीराजनसमायुक्तमनिर्विण्णेन चेतसा । यामे यामे महाभाग कुर्वन्नीराजनं हरेः

nīrājanasamāyuktamanirviṇṇena cetasā yāme yāme mahābhāga kurvannīrājanaṁ hareḥ

— joined with the lamp-waving rite, with an undiscouraged mind; O illustrious one, performing the lamp-waving of Hari in each watch of the night —

Verse 15 (padma.6.124.15)

एतैर्गुणैः समायुक्तं कुर्याज्जागरणं विभोः । एकाग्रमानसो यस्तु न पुनर्जायते भुवि

etairguṇaiḥ samāyuktaṁ kuryājjāgaraṇaṁ vibhoḥ ekāgramānaso yastu na punarjāyate bhuvi

— endowed with these qualities, one should keep the vigil for the Lord. Whoever does so with a one-pointed mind is not born again on this earth.

Verse 16 (padma.6.124.16)

य एवं कुरुते भक्त्या वित्तशाठ्यविवर्जितैः । जागरं वासरे विष्णोर्नीयते परमां गतिम्

ya evaṁ kurute bhaktyā vittaśāṭhyavivarjitaiḥ jāgaraṁ vāsare viṣṇornīyate paramāṁ gatim

Whoever thus performs, with devotion and without meanness regarding wealth, the vigil on Vishnu's day, is led to the supreme destination.

Verse 17 (padma.6.124.17)

पुरुषसूक्तेन यो नित्यं कार्तिके अर्चयेद्धरिम् । वर्षकोटिसहस्राणि पूजितस्तेन केशवः

puruṣasūktena yo nityaṁ kārtike arcayeddharim varṣakoṭisahasrāṇi pūjitastena keśavaḥ

Whoever daily worships Hari in Kartika with the Purusha-sukta — by him Keshava is worshipped for a thousand ten-million years.

Verse 18 (padma.6.124.18)

यथोक्तेन विधानेन पंचरात्रोदितेन वै । कार्तिके त्वर्चयेन्नित्यं मुक्तिभागी भवेन्नरः

yathoktena vidhānena paṁcarātroditena vai kārtike tvarcayennityaṁ muktibhāgī bhavennaraḥ

Whoever daily worships in Kartika according to the prescribed rite, declared in the Pancharatra scriptures, that man becomes a sharer in liberation.

Verse 19 (padma.6.124.19)

नमोनारायणायेति कार्तिके योऽर्चयेद्धरिम् । स मुक्तो नारकैर्दुःखैः पदं गच्छत्यनामयम्

namonārāyaṇāyeti kārtike yo'rcayeddharim sa mukto nārakairduḥkhaiḥ padaṁ gacchatyanāmayam

Whoever worships Hari in Kartika with "Om Namo Narayanaya," he, freed from the sufferings of hell, goes to the untroubled state.

Verse 20 (padma.6.124.20)

हरेर्नामसहस्रं च गजराजस्य मोक्षणम् । कार्तिके पठते यस्तु पुनर्जन्म न विंदति

harernāmasahasraṁ ca gajarājasya mokṣaṇam kārtike paṭhate yastu punarjanma na viṁdati

Whoever recites in Kartika the thousand names of Hari and the account of the deliverance of the king of elephants does not undergo rebirth.

Verse 21 (padma.6.124.21)

युगकोटिसहस्राणि मन्वंतरशतानि च । द्वादश्यां कार्तिके मासि जागरी वसते दिवि

yugakoṭisahasrāṇi manvaṁtaraśatāni ca dvādaśyāṁ kārtike māsi jāgarī vasate divi

Whoever keeps vigil on the Dvadashi of the month of Kartika dwells in heaven for a thousand ten-million ages and a hundred Manvantaras.

Verse 22 (padma.6.124.22)

कुले तस्य च संजाताः शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः । प्राप्नुवंति पदं विष्णोस्तस्मात्कुर्वीत जागरम्

kule tasya ca saṁjātāḥ śataśo'tha sahasraśaḥ prāpnuvaṁti padaṁ viṣṇostasmātkurvīta jāgaram

And those born in his family, by the hundreds and thousands, attain the abode of Vishnu; therefore one should keep the vigil.

Verse 23 (padma.6.124.23)

कार्तिके पश्चिमे यामे स्तवं गानं करोति यः । श्वेतद्वीपे तु वसते पितृभिः सह भामिनि

kārtike paścime yāme stavaṁ gānaṁ karoti yaḥ śvetadvīpe tu vasate pitṛbhiḥ saha bhāmini

O lady, whoever sings hymns of praise in the last watch of the night in Kartika dwells in Shvetadvipa together with his ancestors.

Verse 24 (padma.6.124.24)

नैवेद्यदानं हरये कार्तिके दिनसंक्षये । युगानि वसते स्वर्गे तावंति मुनिसत्तमाः

naivedyadānaṁ haraye kārtike dinasaṁkṣaye yugāni vasate svarge tāvaṁti munisattamāḥ

O best of sages, by offering food to Hari at the close of a day in Kartika, one dwells in heaven for as many ages as there are grains offered.

Verse 25 (padma.6.124.25)

अक्षयं मुनिशार्दूल मालतीकमलार्चनम् । अर्चयेद्देवदेवेशं स याति परमं पदम्

akṣayaṁ muniśārdūla mālatīkamalārcanam arcayeddevadeveśaṁ sa yāti paramaṁ padam

O tiger among sages, the worship of Hari with malati flowers and lotuses bears imperishable fruit; whoever worships the Lord of gods thus attains the supreme state.

Verse 26 (padma.6.124.26)

कार्तिके शुक्लपक्षे तु कृत्वा ह्येकादशीं नरः । प्रातर्दत्त्वा शुभान्कुंभान्स याति मम मंदिरम्

kārtike śuklapakṣe tu kṛtvā hyekādaśīṁ naraḥ prātardattvā śubhānkuṁbhānsa yāti mama maṁdiram

[Vishnu says:] Whatever man, having observed the Ekadashi of the bright fortnight of Kartika, gives auspicious water-jars in the morning, goes to my own abode.

Verse 27 (padma.6.124.27)

कार्त्तिकेय उवाच। भगवन्नुच्यतां पुण्यं व्रतानां परमं व्रतम् । कर्तव्यं कार्तिके मासि भवता भीष्मपंचकम्

kārttikeya uvāca bhagavannucyatāṁ puṇyaṁ vratānāṁ paramaṁ vratam kartavyaṁ kārtike māsi bhavatā bhīṣmapaṁcakam

Kartikeya said: O Lord, tell me of that most meritorious of vows, the supreme vow, the Bhishma-Panchaka, which is to be performed by you in the month of Kartika.

Verse 28 (padma.6.124.28)

विधानं तस्य च फलं तथैव सुरसत्तम । कथयस्व प्रसादान्मे मुनीनां च पितामह

vidhānaṁ tasya ca phalaṁ tathaiva surasattama kathayasva prasādānme munīnāṁ ca pitāmaha

O best of gods, tell me, out of grace, its procedure and its fruit likewise, O grandfather of the sages.

Verse 29 (padma.6.124.29)

ईश्वर उवाच। प्रवक्ष्यामि महापुण्यं व्रतं विधिमतां वरः । भीष्मेणैतद्यतः प्राप्तं व्रतं पंचदिनात्मकम्

īśvara uvāca pravakṣyāmi mahāpuṇyaṁ vrataṁ vidhimatāṁ varaḥ bhīṣmeṇaitadyataḥ prāptaṁ vrataṁ paṁcadinātmakam

Ishvara said: I shall tell you, O foremost of ritualists, of this most meritorious vow, since this five-day vow was received by Bhishma —

Verse 30 (padma.6.124.30)

सकाशाद्वासुदेवस्य तेनोक्तं भीष्मपंचकम् । व्रतस्यास्य गुणान्वक्तुं कः शक्तः केशवादृते

sakāśādvāsudevasya tenoktaṁ bhīṣmapaṁcakam vratasyāsya guṇānvaktuṁ kaḥ śaktaḥ keśavādṛte

— from the very presence of Vasudeva; therefore it is called Bhishma-Panchaka. Who is capable of telling the merits of this vow, apart from Keshava himself?

Verse 31 (padma.6.124.31)

कार्त्तिके शुक्लपक्षे तु शृणु धर्मं पुरातनम् । वसिष्ठभृगुगर्गाद्यैश्चीर्णं कृतयुगादिषु

kārttike śuklapakṣe tu śṛṇu dharmaṁ purātanam vasiṣṭhabhṛgugargādyaiścīrṇaṁ kṛtayugādiṣu

Hear this ancient dharma, observed in the bright fortnight of Kartika, practiced by Vasishtha, Bhrigu, Garga and the rest in the Krita Yuga and the ages that followed —

Verse 32 (padma.6.124.32)

अंबरीषेण भोगाद्यैश्चीर्णं त्रेतायुगादिषु । ब्राह्मणैर्ब्रह्मचर्येण जपहोमक्रियादिभिः

aṁbarīṣeṇa bhogādyaiścīrṇaṁ tretāyugādiṣu brāhmaṇairbrahmacaryeṇa japahomakriyādibhiḥ

— practiced by Ambarisha and others devoted to worldly enjoyment in the Treta Yuga and beyond; by brahmins through celibacy, japa, fire-offering, and other rites,

Verse 33 (padma.6.124.33)

क्षत्रियैश्च तथा वैश्यैः सत्यशौचपरायणैः । दुष्करं सत्यहीनानामशक्यं बालचेतसाम्

kṣatriyaiśca tathā vaiśyaiḥ satyaśaucaparāyaṇaiḥ duṣkaraṁ satyahīnānāmaśakyaṁ bālacetasām

— and by kshatriyas and vaishyas devoted to truth and purity. It is difficult for those devoid of truth, and impossible for those of childish mind.

Verse 34 (padma.6.124.34)

दुष्करं भीष्ममित्याहुर्न शक्यं प्राकृतैर्नरैः । यस्तत्करोति विप्रेंद्र तेन सर्वं कृतं भवेत्

duṣkaraṁ bhīṣmamityāhurna śakyaṁ prākṛtairnaraiḥ yastatkaroti vipreṁdra tena sarvaṁ kṛtaṁ bhavet

They say it is "difficult" (dushkara), hence "Bhishma," and it is not possible for ordinary men. O foremost of brahmins, by whomever it is performed, by him everything is accomplished.

Verse 35 (padma.6.124.35)

व्रतं चैतन्महापुण्यं महापातकनाशनम् । अतो नरैः प्रयत्नेन कर्त्तव्यं भीष्मपंचकम्

vrataṁ caitanmahāpuṇyaṁ mahāpātakanāśanam ato naraiḥ prayatnena karttavyaṁ bhīṣmapaṁcakam

This vow is of great merit, destroying great sins; therefore men should carefully perform the Bhishma-Panchaka.

Verse 36 (padma.6.124.36)

कार्तिकस्यामलेपक्षे स्नात्वा सम्यग्विधानतः । एकादश्यां तु गृह्णीयाद्व्रतं पंचदिनात्मकम्

kārtikasyāmalepakṣe snātvā samyagvidhānataḥ ekādaśyāṁ tu gṛhṇīyādvrataṁ paṁcadinātmakam

Having duly bathed according to rule in the bright fortnight of Kartika, one should take up this five-day vow on the Ekadashi.

Verse 37 (padma.6.124.37)

प्रातः स्नात्वा विशेषेण मध्याह्ने च तथा व्रती । नद्यां निर्झरगर्ते वा समालभ्य च गोमयम्

prātaḥ snātvā viśeṣeṇa madhyāhne ca tathā vratī nadyāṁ nirjharagarte vā samālabhya ca gomayam

The observer of the vow should bathe especially in the morning, and likewise at midday, in a river or a mountain stream-pool, and should apply cow-dung.

Verse 38 (padma.6.124.38)

यवव्रीहितिलैः सम्यक्पितॄन्संतर्पयेत्क्रमात् । स्नात्वा मौनं नरः कृत्वा धौतवासा दृढव्रतः

yavavrīhitilaiḥ samyakpitṝnsaṁtarpayetkramāt snātvā maunaṁ naraḥ kṛtvā dhautavāsā dṛḍhavrataḥ

With barley, rice, and sesame, he should duly offer libations to the ancestors in due order. Having bathed, keeping silence, wearing washed clothes, firm in his vow —

Verse 39 (padma.6.124.39)

भीष्मायोदकदानं च अर्घ्यं चैव प्रयत्नतः । पूजा भीष्मस्य कर्त्तव्या दानं दद्यात्प्रयत्नतः

bhīṣmāyodakadānaṁ ca arghyaṁ caiva prayatnataḥ pūjā bhīṣmasya karttavyā dānaṁ dadyātprayatnataḥ

— he should carefully offer water and the guest-offering to Bhishma. The worship of Bhishma should be performed, and gifts should carefully be given.

Verse 40 (padma.6.124.40)

पंचरत्नं विशेषेण दत्त्वा विप्राय यत्नतः । वासुदेवोऽपि संपूज्यो लक्ष्मीयुक्तः सदा प्रभुः

paṁcaratnaṁ viśeṣeṇa dattvā viprāya yatnataḥ vāsudevo'pi saṁpūjyo lakṣmīyuktaḥ sadā prabhuḥ

Especially, having carefully given the five jewels to a brahmin, Vasudeva too should be worshipped, the Lord who is ever accompanied by Lakshmi.

Verse 41 (padma.6.124.41)

पंचके पूजयित्वा तु कोटिकल्पानि तुष्यति । यत्किंचित्क्रियते सर्वं पंचधातुप्रकल्पयेत्

paṁcake pūjayitvā tu koṭikalpāni tuṣyati yatkiṁcitkriyate sarvaṁ paṁcadhātuprakalpayet

Worshipped during these five days, he is pleased for ten million kalpas. Whatever act is performed in worship should be made complete with the five metals.

Verse 42 (padma.6.124.42)

संवत्सरव्रतानां च लभते सकलं फलम् । कृत्वा तूदकदानं तु तथार्घ्यस्य च दापनम्

saṁvatsaravratānāṁ ca labhate sakalaṁ phalam kṛtvā tūdakadānaṁ tu tathārghyasya ca dāpanam

One obtains the entire fruit of a whole year's vows. Having made the offering of water and the offering of the guest-water —

Verse 43 (padma.6.124.43)

मंत्रेणानेन यः कुर्यान्मुक्तिभागी भवेन्नरः

maṁtreṇānena yaḥ kuryānmuktibhāgī bhavennaraḥ

— whoever does so with this mantra becomes a sharer in liberation:

Verse 44 (padma.6.124.44)

वैयाघ्रपादगोत्राय सांकृते प्रवराय च । अपुत्राय ददाम्येतदुदकं भीष्मवर्मणे

vaiyāghrapādagotrāya sāṁkṛte pravarāya ca aputrāya dadāmyetadudakaṁ bhīṣmavarmaṇe

"To him of the Vaiyaghrapada gotra, of the Sankriti lineage and its foremost branch, to the sonless one, I offer this water, to Bhishma."

Verse 45 (padma.6.124.45)

वसूनामवताराय शंतनोरात्मजाय च । अर्घ्यं ददामि भीष्माय आजन्मब्रह्मचारिणे

vasūnāmavatārāya śaṁtanorātmajāya ca arghyaṁ dadāmi bhīṣmāya ājanmabrahmacāriṇe

"To him who is the incarnation of the Vasus, and the son of Shantanu, I offer this guest-water to Bhishma, the celibate from birth."

Verse 46 (padma.6.124.46)

अनेन विधिना यस्तु पंचकं तु समापयेत् । अश्वमेधसमं पुण्यं प्राप्नोत्यत्र न संशयः

anena vidhinā yastu paṁcakaṁ tu samāpayet aśvamedhasamaṁ puṇyaṁ prāpnotyatra na saṁśayaḥ

Whoever completes these five days by this rite obtains merit equal to the Ashvamedha sacrifice, without doubt.

Verse 47 (padma.6.124.47)

पंचाहमपि कर्तव्यं नियमं च प्रयत्नतः । नियमेन विना पुत्र न भाव्यं व्रतकर्मणा

paṁcāhamapi kartavyaṁ niyamaṁ ca prayatnataḥ niyamena vinā putra na bhāvyaṁ vratakarmaṇā

The rules must be carefully observed even for these five days; my son, without observing the rules, the performance of the vow is not accomplished.

Verse 48 (padma.6.124.48)

उत्तरायणहीनाय भीष्माय प्रददौ हरिः । उत्तरायणहीनोऽपि शुद्धिं लग्नं विना शुभाः

uttarāyaṇahīnāya bhīṣmāya pradadau hariḥ uttarāyaṇahīno'pi śuddhiṁ lagnaṁ vinā śubhāḥ

Hari granted this boon to Bhishma, though he lacked the northward course of the sun; even without the northward course, these days remain auspicious and purifying, without need of an astrological ascendant.

Verse 49 (padma.6.124.49)

ततः संपूजयेद्देवं सर्वपापहरं हरिम् । अनंतरं प्रयत्नेन कर्तव्यं भीष्मपंचकम्

tataḥ saṁpūjayeddevaṁ sarvapāpaharaṁ harim anaṁtaraṁ prayatnena kartavyaṁ bhīṣmapaṁcakam

Then one should worship the god Hari, remover of all sins; immediately thereafter, the Bhishma-Panchaka should be carefully performed.

Verse 50 (padma.6.124.50)

स्नापयेत जलैर्भक्त्या मधुक्षीरघृतेन च । तथैव पंचगव्येन गंधचंदनवारिणा

snāpayeta jalairbhaktyā madhukṣīraghṛtena ca tathaiva paṁcagavyena gaṁdhacaṁdanavāriṇā

One should bathe the image devotedly with water, honey, milk, and ghee, and likewise with panchagavya, and with scented sandal-water.

Verse 51 (padma.6.124.51)

चंदनेन सुगंधेन कुंकुमेनाथ केशवम् । कर्पूरोशीरमिश्रेण लेपयेद्गरुडध्वजम्

caṁdanena sugaṁdhena kuṁkumenātha keśavam karpūrośīramiśreṇa lepayedgaruḍadhvajam

One should anoint Keshava, the Bearer of the Garuda-banner, with fragrant sandal, saffron, and a mixture of camphor and vetiver.

Verse 52 (padma.6.124.52)

अर्चयेद्रुचिरैः पुष्पैर्गंधधूपसमन्वितैः । गुग्गुलुं घृतंसंयुक्तं दहेत्कृष्णाय भक्तिमान्

arcayedruciraiḥ puṣpairgaṁdhadhūpasamanvitaiḥ gugguluṁ ghṛtaṁsaṁyuktaṁ dahetkṛṣṇāya bhaktimān

One should worship him with beautiful flowers accompanied by fragrance and incense; the devotee should burn guggulu resin mixed with ghee for Krishna.

Verse 53 (padma.6.124.53)

दीपकं तु दिवारात्रौ दद्यात्पंचदिनादिषु । नैवेद्यं देवदेवस्य परमान्नं निवेदयेत्

dīpakaṁ tu divārātrau dadyātpaṁcadinādiṣu naivedyaṁ devadevasya paramānnaṁ nivedayet

A lamp should be offered day and night through the five days; excellent food should be offered as food-offering to the Lord of gods.

Verse 54 (padma.6.124.54)

एवमभ्यर्चयेद्देवं संस्मृत्य च प्रणम्य च । ॐ नमो वासुदेवाय जपेदष्टोत्तरं शतम्

evamabhyarcayeddevaṁ saṁsmṛtya ca praṇamya ca ॐ namo vāsudevāya japedaṣṭottaraṁ śatam

Thus one should worship the god, remembering and bowing to him; one should recite "Om Namo Vasudevaya" one hundred and eight times.

Verse 55 (padma.6.124.55)

जुहुयाच्च घृताभ्यक्तैस्तिलव्रीहियवादिभिः । षडक्षरेण मंत्रेण स्वाहाकारान्वितेन च

juhuyācca ghṛtābhyaktaistilavrīhiyavādibhiḥ ṣaḍakṣareṇa maṁtreṇa svāhākārānvitena ca

One should offer oblation with sesame, rice, and barley soaked in ghee, using the six-syllabled mantra together with the "svaha" exclamation.

Verse 56 (padma.6.124.56)

उपास्य पश्चिमां संध्यां प्रणम्य गरुडध्वजम् । जपित्वा पूर्ववन्मंत्रं क्षितिशायी भवेद्व्रती

upāsya paścimāṁ saṁdhyāṁ praṇamya garuḍadhvajam japitvā pūrvavanmaṁtraṁ kṣitiśāyī bhavedvratī

Having performed the evening twilight rite, having bowed to the Bearer of the Garuda-banner, and having recited the mantra as before, the observer of the vow should sleep upon the ground.

Verse 57 (padma.6.124.57)

सर्वमेतद्विधानं तु कार्यं पंचदिनानि तु । विशेषोऽत्र व्रते ह्यस्मिन्यदन्यूनं शृणुष्व तत्

sarvametadvidhānaṁ tu kāryaṁ paṁcadināni tu viśeṣo'tra vrate hyasminyadanyūnaṁ śṛṇuṣva tat

All this procedure should be performed for the five days. Hear now the particular distinctions of this vow that have not yet been mentioned.

Verse 58 (padma.6.124.58)

प्रथमेऽह्नि हरेः पादौ पूजयेत्कमलैर्व्रती । द्वितीये बिल्वपत्रेण जानुदेशं समर्चयेत्

prathame'hni hareḥ pādau pūjayetkamalairvratī dvitīye bilvapatreṇa jānudeśaṁ samarcayet

On the first day, the observer of the vow should worship Hari's feet with lotuses; on the second, he should worship the region of the knees with bilva leaves.

Verse 59 (padma.6.124.59)

ततोनुपूजयेच्छीर्षं मालत्या चक्रपाणिनः । कार्तिक्यां देवदेवस्य भक्त्या तद्गतमानसः

tatonupūjayecchīrṣaṁ mālatyā cakrapāṇinaḥ kārtikyāṁ devadevasya bhaktyā tadgatamānasaḥ

Then he should worship the head of the Discus-bearer with malati flowers, in Kartika, with devotion, his mind fixed on the Lord of gods.

Verse 60 (padma.6.124.60)

अर्चित्वा तं हृषीकेशमेकादश्यां समासतः । निष्प्राश्य गोमयं सम्यगेकादश्यामुपावसेत्

arcitvā taṁ hṛṣīkeśamekādaśyāṁ samāsataḥ niṣprāśya gomayaṁ samyagekādaśyāmupāvaset

Having thus worshipped Hrishikesha on the Ekadashi, in brief — having duly consumed cow-dung in minute quantity — one should fast on the Ekadashi.

Verse 61 (padma.6.124.61)

गोमूत्रं मंत्रवद्भूमौ द्वादश्यां प्राशयेद्व्रती । क्षीरं चैव त्रयोदश्यां चतुर्दश्यां तथा दधि

gomūtraṁ maṁtravadbhūmau dvādaśyāṁ prāśayedvratī kṣīraṁ caiva trayodaśyāṁ caturdaśyāṁ tathā dadhi

The observer of the vow should consume cow's urine, seated on the ground, with the proper mantra, on the Dvadashi; and milk on the Trayodashi; and likewise curd on the Chaturdashi.

Verse 62 (padma.6.124.62)

संप्राश्य कायशुद्ध्यर्थं लंघयित्वा चतुर्दिनम् । पंचमे दिवसे स्नात्वा विधिवत्पूज्य केशवम्

saṁprāśya kāyaśuddhyarthaṁ laṁghayitvā caturdinam paṁcame divase snātvā vidhivatpūjya keśavam

Having consumed these for the purification of the body, and having fasted over these four days, on the fifth day, having bathed and duly worshipped Keshava,

Verse 63 (padma.6.124.63)

भोजयेद्ब्राह्मणान्भक्त्या तेभ्यो दद्याच्च दक्षिणाम् । पापबुद्धिं परित्यज्य ब्रह्मचर्येण धीमता

bhojayedbrāhmaṇānbhaktyā tebhyo dadyācca dakṣiṇām pāpabuddhiṁ parityajya brahmacaryeṇa dhīmatā

— one should devotedly feed brahmins and give them offerings. Abandoning sinful thoughts, with a wise mind and through celibacy,

Verse 64 (padma.6.124.64)

मद्यं मांसं परित्यज्य मैथुनं पापकारिणम् । शाकाहारेण मुन्यन्नैः कृष्णार्चनपरो नरः

madyaṁ māṁsaṁ parityajya maithunaṁ pāpakāriṇam śākāhāreṇa munyannaiḥ kṛṣṇārcanaparo naraḥ

— giving up liquor, meat, and sinful sexual union, that man, devoted to the worship of Krishna, living on vegetables and food fit for sages,

Verse 65 (padma.6.124.65)

ततो नक्तं समाश्नीयात्पंचगव्यपुरः सरम् । एवं सम्यक्समाप्तस्य यथोक्तं फलमाप्नुयात्

tato naktaṁ samāśnīyātpaṁcagavyapuraḥ saram evaṁ samyaksamāptasya yathoktaṁ phalamāpnuyāt

— should then eat once at night, preceded by the panchagavya. Thus, having duly completed the vow, one obtains the fruit as declared.

Verse 66 (padma.6.124.66)

मद्यपो यत्पिबेन्मद्यं जन्मनो मरणांतिकम् । एतद्भीष्मव्रतं कृत्वा प्राप्नोति परमं पदम्

madyapo yatpibenmadyaṁ janmano maraṇāṁtikam etadbhīṣmavrataṁ kṛtvā prāpnoti paramaṁ padam

Even one who has drunk liquor his whole life, from birth until the point of death, having performed this Bhishma-vow, attains the supreme state.

Verse 67 (padma.6.124.67)

स्त्रीभिर्ब्राह्मणवाक्येन कर्तव्यं धर्मवर्द्धनम् । विधवाभिश्च कर्तव्यं मोक्षसौख्याभिवृद्धये

strībhirbrāhmaṇavākyena kartavyaṁ dharmavarddhanam vidhavābhiśca kartavyaṁ mokṣasaukhyābhivṛddhaye

This dharma-enhancing vow should be performed by women according to a brahmin's instruction, and by widows too, for the increase of the happiness of liberation.

Verse 68 (padma.6.124.68)

सर्वकामसमृद्ध्यर्थं पुण्यार्थमपि पावके । नित्यस्नाने तथा दाने ये कार्तिकमुपासते

sarvakāmasamṛddhyarthaṁ puṇyārthamapi pāvake nityasnāne tathā dāne ye kārtikamupāsate

For the fulfillment of every desire, and for the sake of merit as well, in this sacred fire-tide, those who observe Kartika through daily bathing and giving —

Verse 69 (padma.6.124.69)

वैश्वदेवश्च कर्तव्यो विष्णुध्यानपरायणैः । आरोग्य पुत्रदो वत्स महापातकनाशनः

vaiśvadevaśca kartavyo viṣṇudhyānaparāyaṇaiḥ ārogya putrado vatsa mahāpātakanāśanaḥ

— should also perform the Vaishvadeva rite, devoted to meditation on Vishnu. My child, this bestows health and sons, and destroys great sins.

Verse 70 (padma.6.124.70)

तीर्थेषु कार्तिकं कुर्यात्सर्वयत्नेन षण्मुख । संवत्सरव्रतानां तु समाप्तिः कार्तिके मता

tīrtheṣu kārtikaṁ kuryātsarvayatnena ṣaṇmukha saṁvatsaravratānāṁ tu samāptiḥ kārtike matā

O six-faced one, one should observe Kartika at the sacred tirthas with every effort. The completion of a whole year's vows is regarded as taking place in Kartika.

Verse 71 (padma.6.124.71)

पापस्य प्रतिमा कार्या रौद्रवस्त्राति भीषणा । खड्गहस्ता विनिष्क्रांता लोहदंष्ट्राकरालिनी

pāpasya pratimā kāryā raudravastrāti bhīṣaṇā khaḍgahastā viniṣkrāṁtā lohadaṁṣṭrākarālinī

An image of Sin should be made, terrifying, in fierce garb, sword in hand, thrust forward, and dreadful with iron fangs.

Verse 72 (padma.6.124.72)

तिलप्रस्थोपरि स्थाप्या कृष्णवस्त्राभिवेष्टिता । रक्तपुष्पकृतापीडा ज्वलत्कांचनकुंडला

tilaprasthopari sthāpyā kṛṣṇavastrābhiveṣṭitā raktapuṣpakṛtāpīḍā jvalatkāṁcanakuṁḍalā

It should be placed upon a measure of sesame, wrapped in black cloth, crowned with red flowers, and adorned with blazing golden earrings.

Verse 73 (padma.6.124.73)

संपूज्य परया भक्त्या धर्मराजस्य नामभिः । इममुच्चारयेन्मंत्रं गृहीतकुसुमांजलिः

saṁpūjya parayā bhaktyā dharmarājasya nāmabhiḥ imamuccārayenmaṁtraṁ gṛhītakusumāṁjaliḥ

Having worshipped it with supreme devotion, with the names of Dharmaraja, one should, with a handful of flowers, utter this mantra:

Verse 74 (padma.6.124.74)

यदन्यजन्मनि कृतमिह जन्मनि वा पुनः । पापं प्रशममायातु तव पादप्रसादतः

yadanyajanmani kṛtamiha janmani vā punaḥ pāpaṁ praśamamāyātu tava pādaprasādataḥ

"Whatever sin has been committed in another birth, or again in this birth — may it be pacified through the grace of your feet."

Verse 75 (padma.6.124.75)

एवं संपूज्य विधिवत्प्रतिमां तां च कांचनीम् । कृत्वा पूजां यथाशक्त्या विप्राणां वेदवादिनाम्

evaṁ saṁpūjya vidhivatpratimāṁ tāṁ ca kāṁcanīm kṛtvā pūjāṁ yathāśaktyā viprāṇāṁ vedavādinām

Having thus duly worshipped that image, along with a golden image, and having performed worship according to one's means for Veda-reciting brahmins —

Verse 76 (padma.6.124.76)

प्रीतये देवदेवस्य कृष्णस्याक्लिष्टकर्मणः । ब्राह्मणाय प्रदातव्यं धर्मो मे प्रीयतामिति

prītaye devadevasya kṛṣṇasyākliṣṭakarmaṇaḥ brāhmaṇāya pradātavyaṁ dharmo me prīyatāmiti

— it should be given to a brahmin for the pleasure of the Lord of gods, Krishna, whose acts are effortless, saying: "May Dharma be pleased with me."

Verse 77 (padma.6.124.77)

वाचकाय प्रदातव्या यथाशक्त्या च दक्षिणा । दद्याद्धिरण्यं गाश्चैव कृष्णो मे प्रीयतामिति

vācakāya pradātavyā yathāśaktyā ca dakṣiṇā dadyāddhiraṇyaṁ gāścaiva kṛṣṇo me prīyatāmiti

An offering should be given, according to one's means, to the reciter; one should give gold and cows, saying: "May Krishna be pleased with me."

Verse 78 (padma.6.124.78)

कृतकृत्य स्थितो भूत्वा विरक्तः संयतो भवेत् । अन्येषामपि दातव्यं स्वशक्त्या दानमुत्तमम्

kṛtakṛtya sthito bhūtvā viraktaḥ saṁyato bhavet anyeṣāmapi dātavyaṁ svaśaktyā dānamuttamam

Having thus become fulfilled, one should remain detached and self-controlled. Excellent gifts should also be given to others, according to one's means.

Verse 79 (padma.6.124.79)

शांतचित्तो निरपराधः परं पदमवाप्नुयात् । नीलोत्पलदलश्यामश्चतुर्दंष्ट्रश्चतुर्भुजः

śāṁtacitto niraparādhaḥ paraṁ padamavāpnuyāt nīlotpaladalaśyāmaścaturdaṁṣṭraścaturbhujaḥ

With a peaceful mind and free of fault, one attains the supreme state. [The image of Sin, described further:] dark as a blue lotus petal, four-fanged and four-armed,

Verse 80 (padma.6.124.80)

अष्टपादैकनयनः शंकुकर्णः खरस्वनः । जडी द्विजिह्वस्ताम्राक्षो मृगराजतनुच्छदः

aṣṭapādaikanayanaḥ śaṁkukarṇaḥ kharasvanaḥ jaḍī dvijihvastāmrākṣo mṛgarājatanucchadaḥ

— eight-footed, one-eyed, with spike-like ears, harsh-voiced, matted-haired, double-tongued, copper-eyed, and covered with lion-skin.

Verse 81 (padma.6.124.81)

चिंतनीयो महादेवो यस्य रूपं न विद्यते । इदं भीष्मेण कथितं शरतल्पगतेन मे

ciṁtanīyo mahādevo yasya rūpaṁ na vidyate idaṁ bhīṣmeṇa kathitaṁ śaratalpagatena me

[Krishna says:] "Mahadeva is to be contemplated, whose form is not otherwise known." This was told to me by Bhishma, as he lay upon his bed of arrows.

Verse 82 (padma.6.124.82)

तदेतत्ते मयाख्यातं दुष्करं भीष्मपंचकं । धन्यं पुण्यं पापहरं युधिष्ठिर महाव्रतम् । यत्कृत्वा ब्रह्महा गोघ्नः सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते

tadetatte mayākhyātaṁ duṣkaraṁ bhīṣmapaṁcakaṁ dhanyaṁ puṇyaṁ pāpaharaṁ yudhiṣṭhira mahāvratam yatkṛtvā brahmahā goghnaḥ sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate

"O Yudhishthira, this difficult Bhishma-Panchaka has thus been told to you by me — blessed, meritorious, sin-removing, this great vow, by performing which even a killer of a brahmin, or of a cow, is freed from all sins."

Verse 83 (padma.6.124.83)

यद्भीष्मपंचकमिति प्रथितं पृथिव्यामेकादशीप्रभृतिपंचदशी निरुद्धम् । उक्तं न भोजनपरस्य तदा निषेधस्तस्मिन्व्रते शुभफलं प्रददाति विष्णुः

yadbhīṣmapaṁcakamiti prathitaṁ pṛthivyāmekādaśīprabhṛtipaṁcadaśī niruddham uktaṁ na bhojanaparasya tadā niṣedhastasminvrate śubhaphalaṁ pradadāti viṣṇuḥ

That which is renowned on this earth as "Bhishma-Panchaka," bound within the days from the Ekadashi through the Purnima — even for one not intent solely on abstaining from food, no strict prohibition applies; in that vow, Vishnu grants auspicious fruit.

Verse 84 (padma.6.124.84)

सूत उवाच। एतत्सर्वाधिकं पुण्यं दुर्लभं भुवने कृतम् । इदं गुह्यं मयाख्यातं शास्त्रसारसमुच्चयम्

sūta uvāca etatsarvādhikaṁ puṇyaṁ durlabhaṁ bhuvane kṛtam idaṁ guhyaṁ mayākhyātaṁ śāstrasārasamuccayam

Sūta said: This is the highest of all merits, rarely accomplished in this world. This secret essence, gathered from all the scriptures, has been told by me.

Verse 85 (padma.6.124.85)

सुराणां गोपितं सर्वमतिगुह्यं च मोक्षदम् । श्रुत्वा चैकपदे देवि अगम्यागमने रताः

surāṇāṁ gopitaṁ sarvamatiguhyaṁ ca mokṣadam śrutvā caikapade devi agamyāgamane ratāḥ

O goddess, this, hidden even from the gods, exceedingly secret and bestowing liberation — merely by hearing even a single verse of it, those devoted to approaching forbidden women —

Verse 86 (padma.6.124.86)

कन्याविक्री स्वसाविक्री ह्युभयं तु विमोचयेत् । मोक्षदं च इदं शास्त्रं प्रकाशं नेतरे जने

kanyāvikrī svasāvikrī hyubhayaṁ tu vimocayet mokṣadaṁ ca idaṁ śāstraṁ prakāśaṁ netare jane

— the seller of a daughter, the seller of a sister — both these are freed of their sin. This scripture bestows liberation, but should not be revealed to unworthy persons.

Verse 87 (padma.6.124.87)

श्रुत्वा चैकपदे यस्तु मोक्षं गच्छति मानवः । गोपनीयं प्रयत्नेन ये चापि त्यागिनो नराः

śrutvā caikapade yastu mokṣaṁ gacchati mānavaḥ gopanīyaṁ prayatnena ye cāpi tyāgino narāḥ

Whatever man, having heard even a single verse of it, attains liberation — it should carefully be kept concealed; and as for those men who are renunciants —

Verse 88 (padma.6.124.88)

न तेषां कथ्यते पुण्यं सत्यं सत्यं च षण्मुख । इत्येतत्सर्वमाख्यातं कार्तिकस्य तु यत्फलम्

na teṣāṁ kathyate puṇyaṁ satyaṁ satyaṁ ca ṣaṇmukha ityetatsarvamākhyātaṁ kārtikasya tu yatphalam

— to them its merit need not even be told; this is true, truly true, O six-faced one. Thus has all this been told, the fruit of Kartika.

Verse 89 (padma.6.124.89)

श्रीविष्णुरुवाच। कथितं देवदेवेन पुत्राय हितकाम्यया । पितुस्तद्वाक्यमाकर्ण्य षण्मुखो हर्षनिर्भरः

śrīviṣṇuruvāca kathitaṁ devadevena putrāya hitakāmyayā pitustadvākyamākarṇya ṣaṇmukho harṣanirbharaḥ

Śrī Vishnu said: This was told by the God of gods to his son, out of a wish for his welfare. Hearing his father's words, Shanmukha, overflowing with joy —

Verse 90 (padma.6.124.90)

ऊचुः प्रांजलयः सर्वे तं देवं जगदायुषम् । कृतकृत्या वयं जाताः श्रुत्वा कार्तिकजं फलम्

ūcuḥ prāṁjalayaḥ sarve taṁ devaṁ jagadāyuṣam kṛtakṛtyā vayaṁ jātāḥ śrutvā kārtikajaṁ phalam

— all said to that god, the very life of the universe, with joined palms: "We have become fulfilled, having heard the fruit born of Kartika.

Verse 91 (padma.6.124.91)

अपरं नास्ति श्रोतव्यं प्राप्तं मे जन्मनः फलम् । माहात्म्यमेतदाकर्ण्य पूजयेद्यस्तु पाठकम्

aparaṁ nāsti śrotavyaṁ prāptaṁ me janmanaḥ phalam māhātmyametadākarṇya pūjayedyastu pāṭhakam

There is nothing further to be heard; I have obtained the fruit of my birth." Whoever, having heard this glory, honors the reciter of it —

Verse 92 (padma.6.124.92)

गोभूहिरण्यवस्त्रैश्च विष्णुतुल्यो यतो हि सः । वाचके पूजिते यस्माद्विष्णुर्भवति पूजितः

gobhūhiraṇyavastraiśca viṣṇutulyo yato hi saḥ vācake pūjite yasmādviṣṇurbhavati pūjitaḥ

— with cows, land, gold, and clothes, becomes as one who honors Vishnu himself, for the reciter is equal to Vishnu; since, when the reciter is honored, Vishnu himself becomes honored.

Verse 93 (padma.6.124.93)

तथा तं पूजयेन्नित्यं यदीच्छेत्सफलं शुभम् । धर्मशास्त्रं पुराणं च वेदविद्यादिकं च यत्

tathā taṁ pūjayennityaṁ yadīcchetsaphalaṁ śubham dharmaśāstraṁ purāṇaṁ ca vedavidyādikaṁ ca yat

Therefore one should always honor him, if one desires auspicious fruit. Whatever dharma-shastra, Purana, Vedic knowledge and the like —

Verse 94 (padma.6.124.94)

पुस्तकं वाचकायैव दातव्यं धर्ममिच्छता । पुराणविद्या दातारो ह्यनंतफलभोजिनः

pustakaṁ vācakāyaiva dātavyaṁ dharmamicchatā purāṇavidyā dātāro hyanaṁtaphalabhojinaḥ

— a book of these should be given only to a reciter, by one who desires dharma. Those who give the knowledge of the Puranas enjoy fruit without end.

Verse 95 (padma.6.124.95)

यः पठेत इदं भक्त्या श्रुत्वा चैवावधारयेत् । मुच्यते सर्वपापेभ्यो विष्णुलोकं स गच्छति

yaḥ paṭheta idaṁ bhaktyā śrutvā caivāvadhārayet mucyate sarvapāpebhyo viṣṇulokaṁ sa gacchati

Whoever reads this with devotion, or having heard it retains it firmly in mind, is freed from all sins and goes to the world of Vishnu.

Verse 96 (padma.6.124.96)

धनं धान्यं यशः पुत्रानायुरारोग्यमेव च । माहात्म्यश्रवणादेव लभ्यते च न संशयः

dhanaṁ dhānyaṁ yaśaḥ putrānāyurārogyameva ca māhātmyaśravaṇādeva labhyate ca na saṁśayaḥ

Wealth, grain, fame, sons, long life, and health as well — all these are obtained merely by hearing this glory, without doubt.