The Glory of the Lamp Vow

Verse 1 (padma.6.30.1)

नारद उवाच ।ब्रह्मन्संवत्सराख्यस्य दीपस्य विधिमुत्तमम् । सर्वव्रतप्रधानस्य माहात्म्यं प्रवदस्व मे

nārada uvāca brahmansaṁvatsarākhyasya dīpasya vidhimuttamam sarvavratapradhānasya māhātmyaṁ pravadasva me

Narada said: O brahmin, tell me the supreme procedure of the year-long lamp vow, foremost of all vows, and its glory.

Verse 2 (padma.6.30.2)

येन व्रतानि सर्वाणि कृतान्येव न संशयः । सर्वकामसमृद्धिश्च सर्वपापक्षयो भवेत्

yena vratāni sarvāṇi kṛtānyeva na saṁśayaḥ sarvakāmasamṛddhiśca sarvapāpakṣayo bhavet

By which all vows are indeed fulfilled, without doubt, and by which the abundance of every desire and the destruction of every sin come about.

Verse 3 (padma.6.30.3)

महादेव उवाच ।वदामि तव देवर्षे रहस्यं पापनाशनम् । यच्छ्रुत्वा ब्रह्महा गोघ्नो मित्रघ्नो गुरुतल्पगः

mahādeva uvāca vadāmi tava devarṣe rahasyaṁ pāpanāśanam yacchrutvā brahmahā goghno mitraghno gurutalpagaḥ

Mahadeva said: O divine sage, I shall tell you a secret that destroys sin, hearing which a killer of a brahmin, a cow-killer, a killer of a friend, one who defiles his guru's bed,

Verse 4 (padma.6.30.4)

विश्वासघाती क्रूरात्मा मुक्तिमाप्नोति शाश्वतीम् । शतं कुलानामुद्धृत्य विष्णोर्लोकं स गच्छति

viśvāsaghātī krūrātmā muktimāpnoti śāśvatīm śataṁ kulānāmuddhṛtya viṣṇorlokaṁ sa gacchati

a betrayer of trust, or a cruel-souled person too, attains eternal liberation; having redeemed a hundred generations of his family, he goes to the world of Vishnu.

Verse 5 (padma.6.30.5)

तदहं कथयिष्यामि दीपव्रतमनुत्तमम् । संवत्सरप्रमाणस्य विधिं माहात्म्यमेव च

tadahaṁ kathayiṣyāmi dīpavratamanuttamam saṁvatsarapramāṇasya vidhiṁ māhātmyameva ca

That I shall tell you — this unsurpassed lamp-vow, its procedure and its glory, for the duration of a full year.

Verse 6 (padma.6.30.6)

हेमंते प्रथमे मासि प्राप्य ह्येकादशीं शुभाम् । ब्राह्मे मुहूर्त्ते चोत्थाय कामक्रोधविवर्जितः

hemaṁte prathame māsi prāpya hyekādaśīṁ śubhām brāhme muhūrtte cotthāya kāmakrodhavivarjitaḥ

In the first month of Hemanta, upon reaching the auspicious Ekadashi, rising in the Brahma-muhurta, free of desire and anger,

Verse 7 (padma.6.30.7)

नदीसंगमतीर्थेषु तडागेषु सरित्सु च । स्नानं समाचरेत्तत्र गृहे वा नियतात्मवान्

nadīsaṁgamatīrtheṣu taḍāgeṣu saritsu ca snānaṁ samācarettatra gṛhe vā niyatātmavān

one should bathe at river-confluence tirthas, in tanks and rivers, or, with a controlled mind, at home.

Verse 8 (padma.6.30.8)

स्नातोऽहं सर्वतीर्थे तत्स्नानं देहि मे सदा

snāto'haṁ sarvatīrthe tatsnānaṁ dehi me sadā

'I have bathed in every tirtha — grant me that bathing always.'

Verse 9 (padma.6.30.9)

स्नानमंत्रः । देवान्पितॄंश्च संतर्प्य कृतजप्यो जितेंद्रियः । ततः संपूजयेद्देवं लक्ष्मीनारायणं प्रभुम् । पंचामृतेन संस्नाप्य ततो गंधोदकेन च

snānamaṁtraḥ devānpitṝṁśca saṁtarpya kṛtajapyo jiteṁdriyaḥ tataḥ saṁpūjayeddevaṁ lakṣmīnārāyaṇaṁ prabhum paṁcāmṛtena saṁsnāpya tato gaṁdhodakena ca

The bathing mantra. Having offered libations to the gods and ancestors, having performed japa, senses controlled, one should then worship the Lord God Lakshmi-Narayana, bathing him with the five nectars and then with scented water.

Verse 10 (padma.6.30.10)

स्नातोऽसि लक्ष्म्या सहितो देवदेव जगत्पते । मां समुद्धर देवेश घोरात्संसारबंधनात्

snāto'si lakṣmyā sahito devadeva jagatpate māṁ samuddhara deveśa ghorātsaṁsārabaṁdhanāt

'You are bathed, together with Lakshmi, O God of gods, Lord of the universe; deliver me, O Lord of gods, from this terrible bondage of worldly existence.'

Verse 11 (padma.6.30.11)

ततः संपूजयेद्देवं लक्ष्म्या सह जनार्दनम् । मंत्रैस्तु वैदिकैर्भक्त्या तथा पौराणिकैरपि

tataḥ saṁpūjayeddevaṁ lakṣmyā saha janārdanam maṁtraistu vaidikairbhaktyā tathā paurāṇikairapi

Then one should worship the god Janardana together with Lakshmi, with Vedic mantras and with devotion, and with Puranic mantras as well.

Verse 12 (padma.6.30.12)

अतो देवेति गंधादि पौरुषेणापि वा पुनः । नमो मत्स्याय देवाय कूर्मदेवाय वै नमः

ato deveti gaṁdhādi pauruṣeṇāpi vā punaḥ namo matsyāya devāya kūrmadevāya vai namaḥ

'From now, O God' — reciting fragrance and the rest, or even in one's own words — 'Salutation to the god Matsya, salutation to the god Kurma,

Verse 13 (padma.6.30.13)

नमो वाराहदेवाय नरसिंहाय वै नमः । नमोऽस्तु बुद्धदेवाय कल्किने च नमोनमः

namo vārāhadevāya narasiṁhāya vai namaḥ namo'stu buddhadevāya kalkine ca namonamaḥ

'salutation to the god Varaha, salutation to Narasimha; salutation to the god Buddha, and salutation, salutation to Kalki,

Verse 14 (padma.6.30.14)

नमोऽस्तु रामदेवाय विष्णुदेवाय ते नमः । नमः सर्वात्मने तुभ्यं शि रइत्यभिपूजयेत् । केशवादीनि नामानि तैर्वा संपूजयेद्धरिम्

namo'stu rāmadevāya viṣṇudevāya te namaḥ namaḥ sarvātmane tubhyaṁ śi raityabhipūjayet keśavādīni nāmāni tairvā saṁpūjayeddharim

'salutation to the god Rama, salutation to you, the god Vishnu; salutation to you, the Self of all' — thus worship should be performed, reciting 'shri'; or Hari should be worshipped with the names beginning with Keshava.

Verse 15 (padma.6.30.15)

वनस्पतिरसो दिव्यः सुरभिर्गंधवाञ्छुचिः । धूपोऽयं देवदेवेश नमस्ते प्रतिगृह्यताम्

vanaspatiraso divyaḥ surabhirgaṁdhavāñchuciḥ dhūpo'yaṁ devadeveśa namaste pratigṛhyatām

'This divine essence of forest-trees, fragrant, pure — this incense, O God of gods, salutation to you — may it be accepted.'

Verse 16 (padma.6.30.16)

धूपमंत्रः । दीपस्तमो नाशयति दीपः कांतिं प्रयच्छति । तस्माद्दीपप्रदानेन प्रीयतां मे जनार्दनः

dhūpamaṁtraḥ dīpastamo nāśayati dīpaḥ kāṁtiṁ prayacchati tasmāddīpapradānena prīyatāṁ me janārdanaḥ

The incense mantra. 'The lamp destroys darkness, the lamp bestows radiance; therefore, by the offering of this lamp, may Janardana be pleased with me.'

Verse 17 (padma.6.30.17)

दीपमंत्रः । नैवेद्यमिदमन्नाद्यं देवदेव जगत्पते । लक्ष्म्या सह गृहाण त्वं परमामृतमुत्तमम्

dīpamaṁtraḥ naivedyamidamannādyaṁ devadeva jagatpate lakṣmyā saha gṛhāṇa tvaṁ paramāmṛtamuttamam

The lamp mantra. 'This food-offering, complete with food and the rest, O God of gods, Lord of the universe — accept it, together with Lakshmi, this supreme, excellent nectar.'

Verse 18 (padma.6.30.18)

नैवेद्यमंत्रः । अर्घ्यं दद्यात्ततो भक्त्या एवं ध्यात्वा जनार्दनम् । फलेन चैव हस्तेन शंखेनादाय चोदकम्

naivedyamaṁtraḥ arghyaṁ dadyāttato bhaktyā evaṁ dhyātvā janārdanam phalena caiva hastena śaṁkhenādāya codakam

The food-offering mantra. Then, meditating thus on Janardana, one should offer the oblation with devotion, with fruit in hand, taking water with a conch —

Verse 19 (padma.6.30.19)

जन्मांतरसहस्रेण यन्मया पातकं कृतम् । तत्सर्वं नाशमायातु प्रसादात्तव केशव

janmāṁtarasahasreṇa yanmayā pātakaṁ kṛtam tatsarvaṁ nāśamāyātu prasādāttava keśava

'Whatever sin I have committed through thousands of births, let all of it be destroyed, by your grace, O Keshava.'

Verse 20 (padma.6.30.20)

इति अर्घमंत्रः । ततः कुंभं नवं शुभ्रं घृतपूर्णं समानयेत् । लक्ष्मीनारायणस्याग्रे तैलपूर्णमथापि वा

iti arghamaṁtraḥ tataḥ kuṁbhaṁ navaṁ śubhraṁ ghṛtapūrṇaṁ samānayet lakṣmīnārāyaṇasyāgre tailapūrṇamathāpi vā

Thus the oblation mantra. Then a new, auspicious, ghee-filled pot should be brought before Lakshmi-Narayana, or one filled with oil.

Verse 21 (padma.6.30.21)

तस्योपरि न्यसेत्पात्रं ताम्रं मृन्मयमेव च । नवतंतुसमां वर्तिं तस्मिन्पात्रे तु निर्वपेत्

tasyopari nyasetpātraṁ tāmraṁ mṛnmayameva ca navataṁtusamāṁ vartiṁ tasminpātre tu nirvapet

Upon it a vessel of copper or clay should be placed; a wick equal to nine threads should be placed in that vessel.

Verse 22 (padma.6.30.22)

ततः प्रबोधयेद्दीपं स्थाप्य कुंभं सुनिश्चलम् । पुष्पगंधादिभिः पूज्य ततः संकल्पयेच्छुचिः

tataḥ prabodhayeddīpaṁ sthāpya kuṁbhaṁ suniścalam puṣpagaṁdhādibhiḥ pūjya tataḥ saṁkalpayecchuciḥ

Then, having set the pot firmly, the lamp should be lit; having worshipped with flowers and fragrance, one should, purified, make one's resolve —

Verse 23 (padma.6.30.23)

मंत्रेणानेन देवर्षे असमीरेषु धामसु । कामो भूतस्य भव्यस्य सम्राडेको विराजते

maṁtreṇānena devarṣe asamīreṣu dhāmasu kāmo bhūtasya bhavyasya samrāḍeko virājate

with this mantra, O divine sage — 'In the windless abodes, the desire of what has been and what shall be — the one sole emperor reigns supreme.

Verse 24 (padma.6.30.24)

दीपः संवत्सरं यावत्मयायं परिकल्पितः । अग्निहोत्रमविच्छिन्नं प्रीयतां मम केशव

dīpaḥ saṁvatsaraṁ yāvatmayāyaṁ parikalpitaḥ agnihotramavicchinnaṁ prīyatāṁ mama keśava

'This lamp, resolved by me to last a full year, an unbroken fire-oblation — may Keshava be pleased with me.'

Verse 25 (padma.6.30.25)

ततो जितेंद्रियो भूत्वा श्रुतिज्ञानपरायणः । नालपेत्पतितान्पापांस्तथा पाखण्डिनो नरान्

tato jiteṁdriyo bhūtvā śrutijñānaparāyaṇaḥ nālapetpatitānpāpāṁstathā pākhaṇḍino narān

Then, senses controlled, devoted to Vedic knowledge, one should not converse with fallen sinners, nor with heretical men.

Verse 26 (padma.6.30.26)

रात्रौ जागरणं गीतं नृत्यवाद्यादिकैस्तथा । पुण्यपाठैश्च विविधैर्धर्माख्यानैरुपोषणैः

rātrau jāgaraṇaṁ gītaṁ nṛtyavādyādikaistathā puṇyapāṭhaiśca vividhairdharmākhyānairupoṣaṇaiḥ

A night-vigil at night, with song, dance and music, and with various sacred recitations, dharma-tales, and fasting —

Verse 27 (padma.6.30.27)

ततः प्रभातसमये कृतपूर्वाह्णिक क्रियः । ब्राह्मणान्भोजयेद्भक्त्या यथाशक्त्या प्रपूजयेत्

tataḥ prabhātasamaye kṛtapūrvāhṇika kriyaḥ brāhmaṇānbhojayedbhaktyā yathāśaktyā prapūjayet

then, in the morning, having performed the morning rites, one should feed brahmins with devotion, and honor them according to one's means.

Verse 28 (padma.6.30.28)

स्वयं च पारणं कृत्वा प्रणिपत्य विसर्जयेत् । एवं संवत्सरं यावदहोरात्रं दृढव्रतः

svayaṁ ca pāraṇaṁ kṛtvā praṇipatya visarjayet evaṁ saṁvatsaraṁ yāvadahorātraṁ dṛḍhavrataḥ

Having oneself broken one's fast, one should take leave, bowing down. Thus, for a whole year, day and night, with firm vow,

Verse 29 (padma.6.30.29)

दीपं पलसुवर्णेन तदर्द्धार्द्धेन वा पुनः । वर्तिस्तु राजती प्रोक्ता द्विपलार्द्धार्द्धिकापि वा

dīpaṁ palasuvarṇena tadarddhārddhena vā punaḥ vartistu rājatī proktā dvipalārddhārddhikāpi vā

the lamp should be a pala's weight of gold, or half, or a quarter of that; and the wick declared to be of silver, two palas, or half, or a quarter of that.

Verse 30 (padma.6.30.30)

घृतपूर्णं तथा कुंभं ताम्रपात्रसमन्वितम् । लक्ष्मीनारायणो देवो यथाशक्त्या हिरण्मयः

ghṛtapūrṇaṁ tathā kuṁbhaṁ tāmrapātrasamanvitam lakṣmīnārāyaṇo devo yathāśaktyā hiraṇmayaḥ

A pot filled with ghee, together with a copper vessel; the god Lakshmi-Narayana should be made of gold, according to one's means,

Verse 31 (padma.6.30.31)

कार्यो भक्तिमता पुंसा मुक्तिद्वारमभीप्सता । ततो निमंत्रयेद्विद्वान्ब्रह्मणान्साधुसत्तमान्

kāryo bhaktimatā puṁsā muktidvāramabhīpsatā tato nimaṁtrayedvidvānbrahmaṇānsādhusattamān

by a devoted man desiring the door to liberation. Then the learned man should invite excellent, virtuous brahmins —

Verse 32 (padma.6.30.32)

द्वादशोत्तमपक्षे तु विप्रान्षण्मध्यमे तथा । अन्यथा कारयेत्त्रीन्वा एकं कर्मकरं द्विजम्

dvādaśottamapakṣe tu viprānṣaṇmadhyame tathā anyathā kārayettrīnvā ekaṁ karmakaraṁ dvijam

twelve brahmins in the best case, six in a middling one, or otherwise three, or even one working brahmin.

Verse 33 (padma.6.30.33)

सपत्नीकं द्विजं शांतं क्रियावंतं विशेषतः । इतिहासपुराणज्ञं धर्मज्ञं मृदुमेव च

sapatnīkaṁ dvijaṁ śāṁtaṁ kriyāvaṁtaṁ viśeṣataḥ itihāsapurāṇajñaṁ dharmajñaṁ mṛdumeva ca

together with his wife, peaceful, especially dutiful, learned in Itihasa and Purana, knowing dharma, and gentle,

Verse 34 (padma.6.30.34)

पितृभक्तं गुरुपरं देवब्राह्मणपूजकम् । पादार्घदानविधिना वस्त्रालंकारभूषणैः

pitṛbhaktaṁ guruparaṁ devabrāhmaṇapūjakam pādārghadānavidhinā vastrālaṁkārabhūṣaṇaiḥ

devoted to his ancestors, given to his guru, a worshipper of gods and brahmins — with the rite of offering water for the feet, with clothes, ornaments, and jewelry,

Verse 35 (padma.6.30.35)

संपूज्य पत्न्या सहितमेकं भक्त्या च पूर्ववत् । लक्ष्मीनारायणं देवं दीपवर्तियुतं तथा

saṁpūjya patnyā sahitamekaṁ bhaktyā ca pūrvavat lakṣmīnārāyaṇaṁ devaṁ dīpavartiyutaṁ tathā

having worshipped him, together with his wife, with devotion as before — one excellent brahmin especially — the god Lakshmi-Narayana together with the lamp and wick,

Verse 36 (padma.6.30.36)

ताम्रपात्रोपरिस्थाप्य घृतकुंभेन संयुतम् । ब्राह्मणाय ततो दद्याद्ध्यात्वा नारायणं परम् । मंत्रेणानेन देवर्षे तमहं कथयामि ते

tāmrapātroparisthāpya ghṛtakuṁbhena saṁyutam brāhmaṇāya tato dadyāddhyātvā nārāyaṇaṁ param maṁtreṇānena devarṣe tamahaṁ kathayāmi te

placed upon a copper vessel, together with a pot of ghee, should then be given to the brahmin, meditating on the supreme Narayana; O divine sage, I tell you that mantra —

Verse 37 (padma.6.30.37)

अविद्या तमसा व्याप्ते संसारे पापनाशनः । ज्ञानप्रदो मोक्षदश्च तस्माद्दत्तो मयानघ

avidyā tamasā vyāpte saṁsāre pāpanāśanaḥ jñānaprado mokṣadaśca tasmāddatto mayānagha

'In this world pervaded by the darkness of ignorance, this is the destroyer of sin, the giver of knowledge and liberation — therefore it is given by me, O sinless one.'

Verse 38 (padma.6.30.38)

इति दीपमंत्रः । दक्षिणां च यथाशक्त्या दत्त्वा विप्राय भक्तितः । भोजयेद्ब्राह्मणान्पश्चाद्घृतपायसमोदकैः

iti dīpamaṁtraḥ dakṣiṇāṁ ca yathāśaktyā dattvā viprāya bhaktitaḥ bhojayedbrāhmaṇānpaścādghṛtapāyasamodakaiḥ

This is the lamp-gift mantra. Having given a gift according to his means to the brahmin with devotion, one should then feed the brahmins with ghee, rice-pudding, and sweets.

Verse 39 (padma.6.30.39)

वस्त्रैराच्छादयेत्पश्चात्सपत्नीकं तथा द्विजम् । शय्यां सोपस्करां दद्याद्धेनुं चैव सवत्सकाम्

vastrairācchādayetpaścātsapatnīkaṁ tathā dvijam śayyāṁ sopaskarāṁ dadyāddhenuṁ caiva savatsakām

Then one should clothe that twice-born, together with his wife, with garments; one should also give a bed with its furnishings, and a cow together with its calf.

Verse 40 (padma.6.30.40)

तेभ्यस्तु दक्षिणां दद्याद्यथावित्तानुसारतः । सुहृत्स्वजनबंधूश्च भोजयेत्पूजयेत्तथा

tebhyastu dakṣiṇāṁ dadyādyathāvittānusārataḥ suhṛtsvajanabaṁdhūśca bhojayetpūjayettathā

One should give them gifts according to one's wealth; friends, kin, and relatives too should be fed and honored.

Verse 41 (padma.6.30.41)

एवं महोत्सवं कुर्याद्दीपव्रत समापने । ततो विसर्जयेत्पश्चात्प्रणिपत्य क्षमापयेत्

evaṁ mahotsavaṁ kuryāddīpavrata samāpane tato visarjayetpaścātpraṇipatya kṣamāpayet

Thus a great festival should be held at the completion of the lamp-vow. Then, bowing down and asking forgiveness, one should take leave.

Verse 42 (padma.6.30.42)

एवं कृते तु यत्पुण्यं तथा सांक्रांतिकैश्च यत् । संवत्सराख्य दीपस्य तत्फलं प्राप्यते नरैः

evaṁ kṛte tu yatpuṇyaṁ tathā sāṁkrāṁtikaiśca yat saṁvatsarākhya dīpasya tatphalaṁ prāpyate naraiḥ

By doing this, whatever merit arises, and whatever merit comes from solstice-observances — that fruit of the year-named lamp is obtained by men.

Verse 43 (padma.6.30.43)

मासव्रतैश्च यत्पुण्यं तत्पुण्यं प्राप्यते नरैः । संवत्सरस्य दीपस्य व्रतेन चरितेन च

māsavrataiśca yatpuṇyaṁ tatpuṇyaṁ prāpyate naraiḥ saṁvatsarasya dīpasya vratena caritena ca

Whatever merit is obtained from monthly vows, that same merit is obtained by men through the vow and practice of the year-long lamp.

Verse 44 (padma.6.30.44)

दानव्रतैर्यथासंख्यैर्यश्च योगव्रतैस्तथा । तत्फलं समवाप्नोति दीपे सांवत्सरे कृते

dānavratairyathāsaṁkhyairyaśca yogavrataistathā tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti dīpe sāṁvatsare kṛte

Whatever fruit is obtained, in due proportion, from gift-vows and from yoga-vows as well, that fruit is obtained by performing the year-long lamp.

Verse 45 (padma.6.30.45)

गोभूहिरण्यदानानि गृहादीनां विशेषतः । यत्फलं लभते विद्वान्तत्फलं दीपदो भवेत्

gobhūhiraṇyadānāni gṛhādīnāṁ viśeṣataḥ yatphalaṁ labhate vidvāntatphalaṁ dīpado bhavet

Whatever fruit the learned man obtains from gifts of cows, land, and gold, and especially of houses, that same fruit belongs to the giver of a lamp.

Verse 46 (padma.6.30.46)

दीपदः कांतिमाप्नोति दीपदो धनमक्षयम् । दीपदो ज्ञानमाप्नोति दीपदः परमं सुखम्

dīpadaḥ kāṁtimāpnoti dīpado dhanamakṣayam dīpado jñānamāpnoti dīpadaḥ paramaṁ sukham

The giver of a lamp obtains radiance; the giver of a lamp obtains imperishable wealth; the giver of a lamp obtains knowledge; the giver of a lamp obtains supreme happiness.

Verse 47 (padma.6.30.47)

दीपदानाच्च सौभाग्यं विद्यामत्यंतनिर्मलाम् । आरोग्यं परमामृद्धिं लभते नात्र संशयः

dīpadānācca saubhāgyaṁ vidyāmatyaṁtanirmalām ārogyaṁ paramāmṛddhiṁ labhate nātra saṁśayaḥ

From the gift of a lamp comes good fortune, exceedingly pure learning, health, and supreme prosperity — one obtains these, without doubt.

Verse 48 (padma.6.30.48)

दीपदः सुभगां भार्यां सर्वलक्षणसंयुताम् । पुत्रान्पौत्रान्प्रपौत्रांश्च संततिं चाक्षया लभेत्

dīpadaḥ subhagāṁ bhāryāṁ sarvalakṣaṇasaṁyutām putrānpautrānprapautrāṁśca saṁtatiṁ cākṣayā labhet

The giver of a lamp obtains a fortunate wife, endowed with every auspicious mark; he obtains sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons, and imperishable progeny.

Verse 49 (padma.6.30.49)

ब्राह्मणः परमं ज्ञानं क्षत्रियो राज्यमुत्तमम् । वैश्यो धनपशून्सर्वाञ्छूद्रः सुखमवाप्नुयात्

brāhmaṇaḥ paramaṁ jñānaṁ kṣatriyo rājyamuttamam vaiśyo dhanapaśūnsarvāñchūdraḥ sukhamavāpnuyāt

A brahmin obtains supreme knowledge, a kshatriya an excellent kingdom; a vaishya obtains all wealth and cattle, a shudra obtains happiness.

Verse 50 (padma.6.30.50)

कुमारी चापि भर्तारं सर्वलक्षणसंयुतम् । प्राप्नोति परमायुश्च पुत्रान्पौत्रांश्च पुष्कलान्

kumārī cāpi bhartāraṁ sarvalakṣaṇasaṁyutam prāpnoti paramāyuśca putrānpautrāṁśca puṣkalān

Even an unmarried girl obtains a husband endowed with every auspicious mark; she attains supreme longevity, and abundant sons and grandsons.

Verse 51 (padma.6.30.51)

वैधव्यं नैव युवती कदाचिदपि पश्यति । न वियोगमवाप्नोति दीपदानप्रभावतः

vaidhavyaṁ naiva yuvatī kadācidapi paśyati na viyogamavāpnoti dīpadānaprabhāvataḥ

A young woman never sees widowhood at any time; through the power of the lamp-gift, she never experiences separation.

Verse 52 (padma.6.30.52)

नाधयो व्याधयश्चैव जायंते दीपदानतः । भयात्प्रमुच्यते भीतो बद्धो मुच्येत बंधनात्

nādhayo vyādhayaścaiva jāyaṁte dīpadānataḥ bhayātpramucyate bhīto baddho mucyeta baṁdhanāt

Neither mental afflictions nor bodily diseases arise from the gift of a lamp; the fearful are freed from fear, the bound are freed from bondage.

Verse 53 (padma.6.30.53)

ब्रह्महत्यादिभिः पापैर्दीपव्रतपरायणः । मुच्यते नात्र संदेहो ब्रह्मणो वचनं यथा

brahmahatyādibhiḥ pāpairdīpavrataparāyaṇaḥ mucyate nātra saṁdeho brahmaṇo vacanaṁ yathā

One devoted to the lamp-vow is freed from sins such as the killing of a brahmin — there is no doubt about this, as it is the word of Brahma himself.

Verse 54 (padma.6.30.54)

चांद्रायणानि कृच्छ्राणि चरितानि न संशयः । येन सांवत्सरो दीपो बोधितः शाश्वतो हरेः

cāṁdrāyaṇāni kṛcchrāṇi caritāni na saṁśayaḥ yena sāṁvatsaro dīpo bodhitaḥ śāśvato hareḥ

There is no doubt that lunar fasts and difficult austerities have all been performed by one who has kindled the year-long lamp, eternal to Hari.

Verse 55 (padma.6.30.55)

ते धन्यास्ते महात्मानस्तैः प्राप्तं जन्मनः फलम् । यैः संपूज्य हरिं भक्त्या दीपःसांवत्सरः कृतः

te dhanyāste mahātmānastaiḥ prāptaṁ janmanaḥ phalam yaiḥ saṁpūjya hariṁ bhaktyā dīpaḥsāṁvatsaraḥ kṛtaḥ

Blessed are they, those great souls — they have obtained the very fruit of birth — by whom, having worshipped Hari with devotion, the year-long lamp has been made.

Verse 56 (padma.6.30.56)

येऽपि संवर्त्तयंतीह दीपवर्तिविलोकनाः । ते यांति परमं स्थानं यत्सुरैरपि दुर्लभम्

ye'pi saṁvarttayaṁtīha dīpavartivilokanāḥ te yāṁti paramaṁ sthānaṁ yatsurairapi durlabham

And those who here watch over and tend the lamp's wick go to that supreme abode, which is rare even for the gods.

Verse 57 (padma.6.30.57)

येन तैलं च वर्तिं च यथाशक्त्या प्रदीपके । प्रक्षेपयंति सततं ते यांति परमां गतिम्

yena tailaṁ ca vartiṁ ca yathāśaktyā pradīpake prakṣepayaṁti satataṁ te yāṁti paramāṁ gatim

Whoever, according to his means, constantly supplies oil and wick to the lamp attains the supreme goal.

Verse 58 (padma.6.30.58)

गच्छंतं दीपकं शांतिं न शक्नोति प्रबोधितुम् । कथयत्यन्यलोकानां तेऽपि तत्फलभागिनः

gacchaṁtaṁ dīpakaṁ śāṁtiṁ na śaknoti prabodhitum kathayatyanyalokānāṁ te'pi tatphalabhāginaḥ

One who cannot relight the going-out lamp, but tells others of other realms about it, they too become sharers in that fruit.

Verse 59 (padma.6.30.59)

स्तोकं स्तोकं च भिक्षित्वा तैलं दीपार्थमेव च । करोति दीपकं विष्णोः पुण्यं तेनापि लभ्यते

stokaṁ stokaṁ ca bhikṣitvā tailaṁ dīpārthameva ca karoti dīpakaṁ viṣṇoḥ puṇyaṁ tenāpi labhyate

Even one who begs a little oil, bit by bit, purely for the lamp's sake, and makes a lamp for Vishnu, obtains merit thereby.

Verse 60 (padma.6.30.60)

दीपं प्रज्वाल्यमानं तु यः पश्यत्यधमो नरः । कृतांजलिपुटो विष्णोर्विष्णुलोकमवाप्नुयात्

dīpaṁ prajvālyamānaṁ tu yaḥ paśyatyadhamo naraḥ kṛtāṁjalipuṭo viṣṇorviṣṇulokamavāpnuyāt

Whatever lowly man beholds a burning lamp with joined palms, offered to Vishnu, attains the world of Vishnu.

Verse 61 (padma.6.30.61)

दीपप्रज्वालने बुद्धिं यो दद्यात्कुरुते स्वयम् । सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तो विष्णुलोकमवाप्नुयात्

dīpaprajvālane buddhiṁ yo dadyātkurute svayam sarvapāpavinirmukto viṣṇulokamavāpnuyāt

Whoever gives thought to the lighting of a lamp, or performs it himself, is freed from all sin and attains the world of Vishnu.

Verse 62 (padma.6.30.62)

अत्राप्युदाहरंतीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । यस्य श्रवणमात्रेण मुच्यते सर्वकिल्बिषैः

atrāpyudāharaṁtīmamitihāsaṁ purātanam yasya śravaṇamātreṇa mucyate sarvakilbiṣaiḥ

Here too they cite this ancient history, hearing which alone a person is freed from every sin.

Verse 63 (padma.6.30.63)

सरस्वत्यास्तटे रम्ये सिद्धाश्रम इति श्रुतः । तत्रोवास द्विजः पूर्वं कपिलो नाम वेदवित्

sarasvatyāstaṭe ramye siddhāśrama iti śrutaḥ tatrovāsa dvijaḥ pūrvaṁ kapilo nāma vedavit

On the lovely bank of the Sarasvati there was a place renowned as Siddhashrama; there once dwelt a twice-born named Kapila, learned in the Vedas.

Verse 64 (padma.6.30.64)

व्रतोपवासनिरतो दरिद्र श्रोःत्रियस्तथा । भिक्षावृत्त्या च कुरुते कुटुंब परिपालनम्

vratopavāsanirato daridra śroḥtriyastathā bhikṣāvṛttyā ca kurute kuṭuṁba paripālanam

Devoted to vows and fasting, a poor scholar-brahmin, he supported his family by begging.

Verse 65 (padma.6.30.65)

व्रतोपवासनियमैर्विष्णुमाराधयत्यसौ । विष्णुं संपूज्य विधिवद्दीपं बोधयते सदा

vratopavāsaniyamairviṣṇumārādhayatyasau viṣṇuṁ saṁpūjya vidhivaddīpaṁ bodhayate sadā

He worshipped Vishnu through the observances of vows and fasts; having duly worshipped Vishnu, he would always light a lamp.

Verse 66 (padma.6.30.66)

समादाय च तत्तैलं स्वगृहे पूज्य केशवम् । दीपं भक्त्या च परया बोधयेद्धरितुष्टये

samādāya ca tattailaṁ svagṛhe pūjya keśavam dīpaṁ bhaktyā ca parayā bodhayeddharituṣṭaye

Taking oil, having worshipped Keshava in his own home, he would light the lamp with the finest devotion, for Hari's satisfaction.

Verse 67 (padma.6.30.67)

एवं प्रवर्त्तमानस्य कपिलस्य महात्मनः । मार्जारस्तीक्ष्णंदंष्ट्रस्तु मूषकान्भक्षयेत्सदा

evaṁ pravarttamānasya kapilasya mahātmanaḥ mārjārastīkṣṇaṁdaṁṣṭrastu mūṣakānbhakṣayetsadā

As the great-souled Kapila carried on thus, a cat with sharp fangs would always devour mice.

Verse 68 (padma.6.30.68)

तत्रागच्छति भक्ष्यार्थं मूषकानामहर्निशम् । कृत्वा ध्यानं स भक्ष्यार्थं नित्यं नारायणाग्रतः

tatrāgacchati bhakṣyārthaṁ mūṣakānāmaharniśam kṛtvā dhyānaṁ sa bhakṣyārthaṁ nityaṁ nārāyaṇāgrataḥ

It would come there day and night for food, to that place where he, seeking alms, always meditated before Narayana.

Verse 69 (padma.6.30.69)

भक्षिता बहवस्तेन मूषका द्विजवेश्मनि । ये ये तैलार्थमायांति वर्त्यपाहरणाय च

bhakṣitā bahavastena mūṣakā dvijaveśmani ye ye tailārthamāyāṁti vartyapāharaṇāya ca

In that twice-born's house, it devoured many mice — whichever mice came for the oil, or to steal the wick,

Verse 70 (padma.6.30.70)

तांस्तांस्तु भक्षयत्येव मूषकान्ध्यानतत्परः । एवं प्रवर्तमानस्य कदाचित्कालपर्ययात्

tāṁstāṁstu bhakṣayatyeva mūṣakāndhyānatatparaḥ evaṁ pravartamānasya kadācitkālaparyayāt

each and every one of those mice it would devour, while keeping careful watch. As this went on, once, with the passage of time,

Verse 71 (padma.6.30.71)

एकादश्यां स कपिलो ब्राह्मणः स्वगृहे शुचिः । सोपवासः सपत्नीकः पूजयामास चाच्युतम्

ekādaśyāṁ sa kapilo brāhmaṇaḥ svagṛhe śuciḥ sopavāsaḥ sapatnīkaḥ pūjayāmāsa cācyutam

on an Ekadashi, that brahmin Kapila, pure, in his own house, together with his wife, fasting, worshipped Achyuta.

Verse 72 (padma.6.30.72)

ततो जागरणं चक्रे स्तुतिनृत्यपरायणः । अर्द्धरात्रे तु संप्राप्ते निद्रया मोहितो द्विजः

tato jāgaraṇaṁ cakre stutinṛtyaparāyaṇaḥ arddharātre tu saṁprāpte nidrayā mohito dvijaḥ

Then he performed the night-vigil, devoted to praise and dance; when midnight came, the brahmin was overcome by sleep.

Verse 73 (padma.6.30.73)

मार्जारश्चागतस्तत्र तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्रो लघुक्रमः । लक्षयामास नैवेद्यं गृहकोणे स्थितः सदा

mārjāraścāgatastatra tīkṣṇadaṁṣṭro laghukramaḥ lakṣayāmāsa naivedyaṁ gṛhakoṇe sthitaḥ sadā

The cat, sharp-fanged, light of step, came there, and, stationed in a corner of the house, kept watch over the food-offering as always.

Verse 74 (padma.6.30.74)

अद्राक्षीन्मूषिकां क्षुद्रा तैलपानार्थमागताम् । मंदतेजसि दीपे तु वर्त्यपाहरणोचिताम्

adrākṣīnmūṣikāṁ kṣudrā tailapānārthamāgatām maṁdatejasi dīpe tu vartyapāharaṇocitām

It saw a small mouse that had come to drink the oil, intent on stealing the wick from the now dimly-burning lamp.

Verse 75 (padma.6.30.75)

समुत्पत्य पदाक्रम्य तदा सा बिलमाविशत् । तस्याः पादेन वै वर्त्या दीपः संबोधितो भृशम्

samutpatya padākramya tadā sā bilamāviśat tasyāḥ pādena vai vartyā dīpaḥ saṁbodhito bhṛśam

Leaping up, treading with its paw, that mouse then fled into its hole; by its foot the wick was jostled, and the lamp blazed up brightly.

Verse 76 (padma.6.30.76)

तैलपात्रं च नमितं सुप्रकाशोऽभवत्तदा । ब्राह्मणोऽपि जजागार त्यक्त्वा निद्रां विमोहिनीम्

tailapātraṁ ca namitaṁ suprakāśo'bhavattadā brāhmaṇo'pi jajāgāra tyaktvā nidrāṁ vimohinīm

The oil-vessel tilted, and the lamp then became exceedingly bright. The brahmin too awoke, casting off his beguiling sleep.

Verse 77 (padma.6.30.77)

मार्जारोऽपि च तां रात्रीमजाग्रच्चाखुभक्षकः । ततः प्रभाते विमले कृत्वा नित्यक्रियां द्विजः

mārjāro'pi ca tāṁ rātrīmajāgraccākhubhakṣakaḥ tataḥ prabhāte vimale kṛtvā nityakriyāṁ dvijaḥ

That mouse-eating cat too stayed awake that whole night. Then, at pure dawn, having performed his daily rites, the twice-born,

Verse 78 (padma.6.30.78)

ततश्च पारणं चक्रे विप्रो बंधुजनैः सह । एवं प्रवर्त्तमानस्य कपिलस्य महात्मनः

tataśca pāraṇaṁ cakre vipro baṁdhujanaiḥ saha evaṁ pravarttamānasya kapilasya mahātmanaḥ

then broke his fast together with his kinsmen. As this went on for that great soul, Kapila,

Verse 79 (padma.6.30.79)

बभूवुः पुत्रपौत्राश्च धनधान्यमनुत्तमम् । आरोग्यं परमामृद्धिमवाप महतीं श्रियम्

babhūvuḥ putrapautrāśca dhanadhānyamanuttamam ārogyaṁ paramāmṛddhimavāpa mahatīṁ śriyam

sons and grandsons were born to him, and unsurpassed wealth and grain; he attained health, supreme prosperity, and great fortune.

Verse 80 (padma.6.30.80)

दीपव्रतप्रभावेन कपिलो मोक्षमागतः । संभेद्य मंडलं पुण्यं सवितुः शशिनस्तथा

dīpavrataprabhāvena kapilo mokṣamāgataḥ saṁbhedya maṁḍalaṁ puṇyaṁ savituḥ śaśinastathā

By the power of the lamp-vow, Kapila attained liberation, having pierced through the sacred orbit of the sun and moon,

Verse 81 (padma.6.30.81)

दीपज्योतिःस्वरूपेण परमात्मा नियुक्तवान् । मूषिकापि च कालेन ममार बिलमध्यतः

dīpajyotiḥsvarūpeṇa paramātmā niyuktavān mūṣikāpi ca kālena mamāra bilamadhyataḥ

and the Supreme Self appointed him to the very form of the lamp's radiance. The mouse too, in time, died within its hole,

Verse 82 (padma.6.30.82)

विमानवरमासाद्य विष्णुलोकं जगाम सा । मार्जारोऽपि च कालांते मृतः स्वर्गं जगाम सः

vimānavaramāsādya viṣṇulokaṁ jagāma sā mārjāro'pi ca kālāṁte mṛtaḥ svargaṁ jagāma saḥ

and, obtaining an excellent celestial car, it went to the world of Vishnu. The cat too, at the end of its time, died and went to heaven,

Verse 83 (padma.6.30.83)

विमानवरमारुह्य देवगंधर्वसेवितम् । अप्सरोभिः परिवृतो विद्याधरगणैर्युतः

vimānavaramāruhya devagaṁdharvasevitam apsarobhiḥ parivṛto vidyādharagaṇairyutaḥ

mounting an excellent celestial car, served by gods and Gandharvas, surrounded by Apsaras, accompanied by hosts of Vidyadharas,

Verse 84 (padma.6.30.84)

स्तूयमानो महातेजा जयशब्दादि मंगलैः । स्तूयमानः स वै नागैर्विष्णुलोकं जगाम सः

stūyamāno mahātejā jayaśabdādi maṁgalaiḥ stūyamānaḥ sa vai nāgairviṣṇulokaṁ jagāma saḥ

praised with auspicious cries of 'Victory!' and the like, of great splendor, praised by Nagas too, it went to the world of Vishnu.

Verse 85 (padma.6.30.85)

कल्पकोटिसहस्राणि कल्पकोटिशतानि च । भुक्त्वा च विपुलान्भोगान्ततो राजाभवद्भुवि

kalpakoṭisahasrāṇi kalpakoṭiśatāni ca bhuktvā ca vipulānbhogāntato rājābhavadbhuvi

Having enjoyed abundant pleasures for thousands of millions of kalpas, and hundreds of millions of kalpas, it then became a king on earth,

Verse 86 (padma.6.30.86)

सुधर्मा नाम धर्मात्मा देवब्राह्मणपूजकः । रूपवान्सुभगश्चैव महाबलपराक्रमः

sudharmā nāma dharmātmā devabrāhmaṇapūjakaḥ rūpavānsubhagaścaiva mahābalaparākramaḥ

named Sudharma, righteous of soul, a worshipper of gods and brahmins, handsome, fortunate, of great strength and valor.

Verse 87 (padma.6.30.87)

तस्य प्रियतमा भार्या सर्वलक्षणसंयुता । भर्तृभक्ता तथा शीला नाम्ना सा रूपसुंदरी

tasya priyatamā bhāryā sarvalakṣaṇasaṁyutā bhartṛbhaktā tathā śīlā nāmnā sā rūpasuṁdarī

His most beloved wife, endowed with every auspicious mark, devoted to her husband and of good character, was named Rupasundari, lovely in form.

Verse 88 (padma.6.30.88)

सर्वासां चैव नारीणां मध्ये सा सुभगाभवत् । पुत्राश्च बहवो जातास्तथा दुहितरो घनाः

sarvāsāṁ caiva nārīṇāṁ madhye sā subhagābhavat putrāśca bahavo jātāstathā duhitaro ghanāḥ

Among all women, she was the most fortunate; many sons were born to them, and abundant daughters too.

Verse 89 (padma.6.30.89)

एवं विहरतोस्तद्वद्दंपत्योः प्रीतिपूर्वकम् । आगतः कार्त्तिको मासो हरिनेत्रावबोधकृत्

evaṁ viharatostadvaddaṁpatyoḥ prītipūrvakam āgataḥ kārttiko māso harinetrāvabodhakṛt

As the royal couple thus dwelt together lovingly, the month of Kartika arrived, which awakens the very eyes of Hari.

Verse 90 (padma.6.30.90)

तस्मिन्दीपाः प्रबोध्यंते नारायणपरायणैः । कृच्छ्रचांद्रायणादीनि व्रतानि नियमास्तथा

tasmindīpāḥ prabodhyaṁte nārāyaṇaparāyaṇaiḥ kṛcchracāṁdrāyaṇādīni vratāni niyamāstathā

In that month lamps are kindled by those devoted to Narayana; difficult vows like Krichchhra and Chandrayana, and other observances,

Verse 91 (padma.6.30.91)

क्रियंते विष्णुभक्तैश्च संसारभयभीरुभिः । अथ प्रबोधिनीं प्राप्य राजा राज्ञीमथाब्रवीत्

kriyaṁte viṣṇubhaktaiśca saṁsārabhayabhīrubhiḥ atha prabodhinīṁ prāpya rājā rājñīmathābravīt

are performed by devotees of Vishnu, fearful of the dangers of worldly existence. Then, upon the arrival of Prabodhini, the king said to the queen —

Verse 92 (padma.6.30.92)

भद्रे प्रबोधिनी पुण्या विष्णोर्नाभिसरोरुहे । करिष्याम्यद्य पूजां च सोपवासो जितेंद्रियः

bhadre prabodhinī puṇyā viṣṇornābhisaroruhe kariṣyāmyadya pūjāṁ ca sopavāso jiteṁdriyaḥ

'My dear, Prabodhini is a most meritorious day, at the lotus-navel of Vishnu; today I shall perform worship, fasting, with senses controlled.

Verse 93 (padma.6.30.93)

स्नात्वा च पुष्करे तीर्थे पुंडरीकाक्षमच्युतम् । पूजयिष्यामि देवेशं लक्ष्म्या सह जनार्दनम्

snātvā ca puṣkare tīrthe puṁḍarīkākṣamacyutam pūjayiṣyāmi deveśaṁ lakṣmyā saha janārdanam

'Having bathed at the Pushkara tirtha, I shall worship, together with Lakshmi, lotus-eyed Achyuta, the Lord of gods, Janardana.'

Verse 94 (padma.6.30.94)

इति सा वांछितं श्रुत्वा भर्तुः प्रियहिते रता । उवाच वचनं गुह्यं भर्त्तारं चारुहासिनी

iti sā vāṁchitaṁ śrutvā bhartuḥ priyahite ratā uvāca vacanaṁ guhyaṁ bharttāraṁ cāruhāsinī

Hearing her husband's wish thus, devoted to his welfare and pleasure, that sweetly-smiling queen spoke a secret word to her husband —

Verse 95 (padma.6.30.95)

रूपसुंदर्युवाच ।ममापि हृदये कामः समुत्पन्नो नराधिप । रूपसौंदर्यवांछा च हृदये मम वर्त्तते

rūpasuṁdaryuvāca mamāpi hṛdaye kāmaḥ samutpanno narādhipa rūpasauṁdaryavāṁchā ca hṛdaye mama varttate

Rupasundari said: 'O lord of men, in my own heart too a desire has arisen; a longing for beauty and loveliness dwells in my heart.

Verse 96 (padma.6.30.96)

पुष्करं प्रथमं तीर्थं गंतुमिच्छे त्वया सह । ततो राजा तया सार्द्धमागतः पुष्करं तदा

puṣkaraṁ prathamaṁ tīrthaṁ gaṁtumicche tvayā saha tato rājā tayā sārddhamāgataḥ puṣkaraṁ tadā

'I too wish to go with you to Pushkara, the foremost of tirthas.' Then the king went with her to Pushkara,

Verse 97 (padma.6.30.97)

हस्त्यश्वरथवृंदैश्च समागत्य पुरोहितैः । ततः स्नात्वा तथा ध्यायन्तर्पयन्पितृदेवताः

hastyaśvarathavṛṁdaiśca samāgatya purohitaiḥ tataḥ snātvā tathā dhyāyantarpayanpitṛdevatāḥ

together with troops of elephants, horses, and chariots, accompanied by priests; then, having bathed, meditating, offering libations to the gods and ancestors,

Verse 98 (padma.6.30.98)

पूजयामास देवेशं पुंडरीकाक्षमच्युतम् । दीपमालाकुले तत्र सर्वतः सुमनोहरे

pūjayāmāsa deveśaṁ puṁḍarīkākṣamacyutam dīpamālākule tatra sarvataḥ sumanohare

he worshipped the God of gods, lotus-eyed Achyuta, there in a place filled with lamp-garlands, most enchanting on every side.

Verse 99 (padma.6.30.99)

ददर्श लिखितं तत्र मार्जारं देवतालये । तं दृष्ट्वा प्राकृतं कर्म जन्म स्मृत्वा नृपस्तदा

dadarśa likhitaṁ tatra mārjāraṁ devatālaye taṁ dṛṣṭvā prākṛtaṁ karma janma smṛtvā nṛpastadā

There, in the temple, he saw a painted image of a cat. Seeing it, remembering his own deed from a former birth, the king then,

Verse 100 (padma.6.30.100)

मुखपंकजमालोक्य प्रियायाः प्रजहास च । रूपसुंदर्युवाच ।मम सन्मुखमालोक्य भर्तः किं स्मितकारणम्

mukhapaṁkajamālokya priyāyāḥ prajahāsa ca rūpasuṁdaryuvāca mama sanmukhamālokya bhartaḥ kiṁ smitakāraṇam

gazing at his beloved's lotus-face, laughed. Rupasundari said: 'My husband, gazing at my very face, what is the cause of your smile?'

Verse 101 (padma.6.30.101)

कथयामास हृष्टात्मा प्राक्तनं कर्मणः फलम् । राजोवाच ।अहमासं पुरा देवि मार्जारो ब्राह्मणालये

kathayāmāsa hṛṣṭātmā prāktanaṁ karmaṇaḥ phalam rājovāca ahamāsaṁ purā devi mārjāro brāhmaṇālaye

Delighted at heart, he told her the fruit of his former deed. The king said: 'O Goddess, I was once, in a brahmin's house, a cat.

Verse 102 (padma.6.30.102)

भक्षिता मूषकास्तत्र मया शतसहस्रशः । ततो नारायणस्याग्रे दीपः संरक्षितो यतः

bhakṣitā mūṣakāstatra mayā śatasahasraśaḥ tato nārāyaṇasyāgre dīpaḥ saṁrakṣito yataḥ

'There I devoured mice by the hundreds and thousands; but because of it, the lamp before Narayana remained protected,

Verse 103 (padma.6.30.103)

व्याजेनापि मया देविप्राप्तं तत्कर्मणः फलम् । विष्णुलोकमनुप्राप्य राज्यं प्राप्तं मयाधुना

vyājenāpi mayā deviprāptaṁ tatkarmaṇaḥ phalam viṣṇulokamanuprāpya rājyaṁ prāptaṁ mayādhunā

'O Goddess, and by that very indirect deed I obtained this fruit; having attained the world of Vishnu, I have now obtained this kingdom.'

Verse 104 (padma.6.30.104)

रूपसुंदर्युवाच । ममापि स्मरणं जातं प्राकृतस्य च जन्मनः । मूषिका चाहमप्यासं क्षुद्रा ब्राह्मणवेश्मनि

rūpasuṁdaryuvāca mamāpi smaraṇaṁ jātaṁ prākṛtasya ca janmanaḥ mūṣikā cāhamapyāsaṁ kṣudrā brāhmaṇaveśmani

Rupasundari said: 'I too have gained the memory of my former birth; I too was a small mouse in a brahmin's house.'

Verse 105 (padma.6.30.105)

कार्तिके च प्रबोधिन्यां मंदीभूते च दीपके । वर्त्यग्राहरणार्थाय निर्गताहं तदा बिलात्

kārtike ca prabodhinyāṁ maṁdībhūte ca dīpake vartyagrāharaṇārthāya nirgatāhaṁ tadā bilāt

'In Kartika, on Prabodhini, when the lamp had grown dim, I went out from my hole to seize the tip of the wick.'

Verse 106 (padma.6.30.106)

दृष्ट्वा नारायणं देवं पूजितं कुसुमैस्तथा । निद्राभिभूतं विप्रं च वर्त्तिः कृष्टा मया तदा

dṛṣṭvā nārāyaṇaṁ devaṁ pūjitaṁ kusumaistathā nidrābhibhūtaṁ vipraṁ ca varttiḥ kṛṣṭā mayā tadā

'Seeing the god Narayana, worshipped with flowers, and the brahmin overcome with sleep, I then drew at the wick.'

Verse 107 (padma.6.30.107)

उत्थितस्त्वं यदा तत्र मां गृहीतुं कृतक्षणः । दृष्ट्वा त्वं च प्रणष्टाहं प्रविष्टा बिलमध्यतः

utthitastvaṁ yadā tatra māṁ gṛhītuṁ kṛtakṣaṇaḥ dṛṣṭvā tvaṁ ca praṇaṣṭāhaṁ praviṣṭā bilamadhyataḥ

'When you rose, ready to seize me, seeing you I fled and entered into my hole.'

Verse 108 (padma.6.30.108)

विशंत्या मम पादेन दीपवर्त्तिर्विजृंभिता । तैलपात्रं च नमितं तेनाहं सुखभागिनी

viśaṁtyā mama pādena dīpavarttirvijṛṁbhitā tailapātraṁ ca namitaṁ tenāhaṁ sukhabhāginī

'As I entered, by my own foot the lamp's wick was jostled, and the oil-vessel tilted — by that I became a sharer in happiness.'

Verse 109 (padma.6.30.109)

तन्मया राजराजेंद्र दीपं चैव प्रकाशितम् । इदानीं च मया प्राप्तं रूपलावण्यमुत्तमम्

tanmayā rājarājeṁdra dīpaṁ caiva prakāśitam idānīṁ ca mayā prāptaṁ rūpalāvaṇyamuttamam

'O king of kings, by that very act the lamp was illuminated; and now I have obtained this supreme beauty and loveliness.'

Verse 110 (padma.6.30.110)

त्वं च भर्त्ता तथा राज्यं पुत्राश्चैवंविधं सुखम् । दीपप्रबोधनाज्जातं ज्ञानमत्यंत दुर्ल्लभम्

tvaṁ ca bharttā tathā rājyaṁ putrāścaivaṁvidhaṁ sukham dīpaprabodhanājjātaṁ jñānamatyaṁta durllabham

'You as husband, and this kingdom, sons, and such happiness — this most rare knowledge has come from the lighting of that lamp.'

Verse 111 (padma.6.30.111)

तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन दीपव्रतमनुत्तमम् । आवां हि परया भक्त्या कुर्वश्चैव विशेषतः

tasmātsarvaprayatnena dīpavratamanuttamam āvāṁ hi parayā bhaktyā kurvaścaiva viśeṣataḥ

'Therefore let us both, with every effort and the greatest devotion, especially perform this unsurpassed lamp-vow.'

Verse 112 (padma.6.30.112)

तदेतत्कर्मणः प्राप्तं फलं राज्यादिसंपदः । पूर्वजन्मस्मृतं चापि सर्वपापक्षयस्तथा

tadetatkarmaṇaḥ prāptaṁ phalaṁ rājyādisaṁpadaḥ pūrvajanmasmṛtaṁ cāpi sarvapāpakṣayastathā

'This fruit of a kingdom and other prosperity we have obtained from that very deed, and the remembrance of our past birth too, and the destruction of all sin as well.'

Verse 113 (padma.6.30.113)

तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन विधिमंत्रादिपूर्वकम् । दीपव्रतं कृतं पुंभिः पुण्यं चंद्रार्कतारकम्

tasmātsarvaprayatnena vidhimaṁtrādipūrvakam dīpavrataṁ kṛtaṁ puṁbhiḥ puṇyaṁ caṁdrārkatārakam

'Therefore, with every effort, and preceded by due rite and mantra, men should perform the lamp-vow, meritorious as the moon, sun, and stars.'

Verse 114 (padma.6.30.114)

इति श्रुत्वा वचो राजा चक्रे दीपव्रतं तदा । प्रियया सह देवर्षे सम्यक्श्रद्धासमन्वितः

iti śrutvā vaco rājā cakre dīpavrataṁ tadā priyayā saha devarṣe samyakśraddhāsamanvitaḥ

Hearing these words, O divine sage, the king then performed the lamp-vow, together with his beloved, endowed with proper faith.

Verse 115 (padma.6.30.115)

तस्मिंस्तु पुष्करे तीर्थे कृत्वा दीपव्रतं तु तौ । अवापतुः परां मुक्तिं देवदानवदुर्ल्लभाम्

tasmiṁstu puṣkare tīrthe kṛtvā dīpavrataṁ tu tau avāpatuḥ parāṁ muktiṁ devadānavadurllabhām

Having performed the lamp-vow there at that Pushkara tirtha, the two of them attained supreme liberation, rare even for gods and demons.

Verse 116 (padma.6.30.116)

एतद्दीपस्य माहात्म्यं ये शृण्वंति नरा भुवि । सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्ताः प्रयांति हरिमंदिरम्

etaddīpasya māhātmyaṁ ye śṛṇvaṁti narā bhuvi sarvapāpavinirmuktāḥ prayāṁti harimaṁdiram

Whatever men on this earth hear this glory of the lamp, freed from all sin, go to Hari's own temple.

Verse 117 (padma.6.30.117)

ये च कुर्वंति पुरुषाः स्त्रियो वा भक्तितत्पराः । ते सर्वे पापनिर्मुक्ता यांति ब्रह्मसनातनम्

ye ca kurvaṁti puruṣāḥ striyo vā bhaktitatparāḥ te sarve pāpanirmuktā yāṁti brahmasanātanam

Whatever men or women perform it, devoted to devotion, all of them, freed from sin, go to the eternal Brahman.

Verse 118 (padma.6.30.118)

दीपव्रतमिदं विद्वन्कथितं ते विमुक्तिदम् । सर्वसौख्यप्रदं धन्यं महाव्रतमिदं तव

dīpavratamidaṁ vidvankathitaṁ te vimuktidam sarvasaukhyapradaṁ dhanyaṁ mahāvratamidaṁ tava

O learned one, this liberation-giving lamp-vow has been told to you; this great vow of yours is auspicious and giver of all happiness.

Verse 119 (padma.6.30.119)

नेत्ररोगा विनश्यंति यथा पापप्रभावजाः । आधयो व्याधयः सर्वे नश्यंते हि कृतेक्षणात्

netrarogā vinaśyaṁti yathā pāpaprabhāvajāḥ ādhayo vyādhayaḥ sarve naśyaṁte hi kṛtekṣaṇāt

Eye-diseases born of the power of sin are destroyed; all mental and bodily afflictions are destroyed by the mere performance of this.

Verse 120 (padma.6.30.120)

न दारिद्र्यं न शोकं च न मोहो न च विभ्रमः । गृहे लक्ष्मीः समायाति जन्मजन्मनि वाडव

na dāridryaṁ na śokaṁ ca na moho na ca vibhramaḥ gṛhe lakṣmīḥ samāyāti janmajanmani vāḍava

There is no poverty, no sorrow, no delusion, no confusion; O best of brahmins, Lakshmi comes to dwell in the house, birth after birth.