The Rites of Vatsa-Dvadashi, Yama-Trayodashi, Naraka-Chaturdashi, and Dipavali

Verse 1 (skanda.2.106.1)

वालखिल्या ऊचुः । कृष्णः प्रोवाच धर्माय द्वादशीं वत्ससंज्ञिताम् । गोधूलिकालसंयुक्ता द्वादशी वत्सपूजने

vālakhilyā ūcuḥ kṛṣṇaḥ provāca dharmāya dvādaśīṁ vatsasaṁjñitām godhūlikālasaṁyuktā dvādaśī vatsapūjane

The Valakhilyas said: Krishna declared to Dharma the twelfth day called Vatsa. The dvadashi, at the time of cow-dust, is for the worship of the calf.

Verse 2 (skanda.2.106.2)

वत्सपूजा वटे चैव कर्तव्या प्रथमेऽहनि । सवत्सां तुल्यवर्णां च शीलिनीं गां पयस्विनीम् । चंदनादिभिरालिप्य पुष्पमालाभिरर्चयेत्

vatsapūjā vaṭe caiva kartavyā prathame'hani savatsāṁ tulyavarṇāṁ ca śīlinīṁ gāṁ payasvinīm caṁdanādibhirālipya puṣpamālābhirarcayet

Worship of the calf should be performed at a banyan tree on the first day; a cow with its calf, of matching color, well-behaved and milk-giving, should be anointed with sandal-paste and worshipped with garlands of flowers.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.106.3)

तद्दिने तैलपक्वं च स्थालीपक्वं युधिष्ठिर । गोक्षीरं गोघृतं चैव दधिक्षीरं च वर्जयेत्

taddine tailapakvaṁ ca sthālīpakvaṁ yudhiṣṭhira gokṣīraṁ goghṛtaṁ caiva dadhikṣīraṁ ca varjayet

On that day, O Yudhishthira, one should avoid food fried in oil and food cooked in a vessel, cow's milk, cow's ghee, and curdled milk.

Verse 4 (skanda.2.106.4)

दिनांते सूर्यबिंबार्धादुभयत्र घटीदलम् । ततो नीराजनं कार्य्यं निरीक्षेच्च शुभाऽशुभम्

dināṁte sūryabiṁbārdhādubhayatra ghaṭīdalam tato nīrājanaṁ kāryyaṁ nirīkṣecca śubhā'śubham

At the end of the day, from half the sun's disc being visible, for half a ghati on either side, the waving of lamps should be performed, and the auspicious or inauspicious signs observed.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.106.5)

नानादीपान्प्रकल्प्याऽऽदौ स्वर्णपात्रादि संस्थितान् । नीराजयेद्दीपपूर्वं निरीक्षेत शुभाऽशुभम्

nānādīpānprakalpyā''dau svarṇapātrādi saṁsthitān nīrājayeddīpapūrvaṁ nirīkṣeta śubhā'śubham

Having first prepared various lamps set in gold vessels, one should perform the waving of lamps, and observe the auspicious or inauspicious signs.

Verse 6 (skanda.2.106.6)

लापयित्वा सर्वदीपानुत्तराभिमुखान्न्यसेत् । मुख्या दीपा नव प्रोक्ता अन्यानपि च कल्पयेत्

lāpayitvā sarvadīpānuttarābhimukhānnyaset mukhyā dīpā nava proktā anyānapi ca kalpayet

Having lit all the lamps, one should place them facing north. The principal lamps are said to be nine; others too may be arranged.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.106.7)

ज्वाला चेद्दक्षिणासंस्था सतेजस्का शिखान्विता । स्थिरा चेत्सौख्यदा प्रोक्ता विपरीता तु दुःखदा

jvālā ceddakṣiṇāsaṁsthā satejaskā śikhānvitā sthirā cetsaukhyadā proktā viparītā tu duḥkhadā

If the flame inclines to the south, is bright and possessed of a good point, and is steady, it is said to bestow happiness; the opposite brings sorrow.

Verse 8 (skanda.2.106.8)

कार्तिके कृष्णपत्रे तु द्वादश्यादिषु पंचसु । तिथिषूक्तः पूर्वरात्रे नृणां नीराजनाविधिः

kārtike kṛṣṇapatre tu dvādaśyādiṣu paṁcasu tithiṣūktaḥ pūrvarātre nṛṇāṁ nīrājanāvidhiḥ

In the dark fortnight of Kartika, on the five lunar days beginning with the twelfth, the rite of the waving of lamps for men is prescribed in the early part of the night.

Verse 9 (skanda.2.106.9)

पक्षं संसूचयत्यादिर्द्वितीयो मासमेव च । तृतीय ऋतुमेवेह चतुर्थस्त्वयनं तथा । वर्षं तु पंचमो दीपः शुभाशुभं विनिर्णयेत्

pakṣaṁ saṁsūcayatyādirdvitīyo māsameva ca tṛtīya ṛtumeveha caturthastvayanaṁ tathā varṣaṁ tu paṁcamo dīpaḥ śubhāśubhaṁ vinirṇayet

The first lamp indicates the fortnight, the second the month, the third the season, the fourth the half-year, and the fifth lamp determines the auspicious or inauspicious for the year.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.106.10)

सूर्यांशसंभवा दीपा अंधकारविनाशकाः । त्रिकाले मां दीपयंतु दिशंतु च शुभाऽशुभम्

sūryāṁśasaṁbhavā dīpā aṁdhakāravināśakāḥ trikāle māṁ dīpayaṁtu diśaṁtu ca śubhā'śubham

'O lamps, born of a portion of the sun, destroyers of darkness, illumine me at the three times of day, and reveal what is auspicious and inauspicious.'

Verse 11 (skanda.2.106.11)

अभिमंत्र्य च मंत्रेण ततो नीराजयेत्क्रमात् । आदौ देवांस्ततो विप्रान्हस्तिनश्च तुरंगमान् । ज्येष्ठाञ्च्छ्रेष्ठाञ्जघन्यांश्च मातृमुख्याश्च योषितः

abhimaṁtrya ca maṁtreṇa tato nīrājayetkramāt ādau devāṁstato viprānhastinaśca turaṁgamān jyeṣṭhāñcchreṣṭhāñjaghanyāṁśca mātṛmukhyāśca yoṣitaḥ

Having consecrated the lamps with the mantra, one should then perform the waving of lamps in order — first for the gods, then for brahmins, elephants, and horses; for elders, for the eminent, for lesser ranks, and for women, beginning with one's mother.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.106.12)

ततो नीराजितान्दीपान्स्वस्वस्थानेषु विन्यसेत् । रूक्षैर्लक्ष्मीविनाशः स्याच्छ्वेतैरन्नक्षयो भवेत् । अतिरक्तेषु युद्धानि मृत्युः कृष्णशिखेषु च

tato nīrājitāndīpānsvasvasthāneṣu vinyaset rūkṣairlakṣmīvināśaḥ syācchvetairannakṣayo bhavet atirakteṣu yuddhāni mṛtyuḥ kṛṣṇaśikheṣu ca

Then the lamps that have been so waved should be placed in their respective positions. Rough flames indicate the loss of wealth; white flames, the failure of grain; excessively red flames, war; and black-tipped flames, death.

Verse 13 (skanda.2.106.13)

एकांगीनाम गोपाला तयैतच्च व्रतं कृतम् । धनधान्यसमायुक्ता जाता वर्षत्रयेण सा

ekāṁgīnāma gopālā tayaitacca vrataṁ kṛtam dhanadhānyasamāyuktā jātā varṣatrayeṇa sā

There was a cowherd woman named Ekangi who performed this vow; she became endowed with wealth and grain within three years.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.106.14)

तस्माद्गोपूजनं कार्यं द्वादश्यां कार्तिकस्य तु । एतद्गोव्रतमाहात्म्यं श्रुत्वा कुर्वंति ये नराः

tasmādgopūjanaṁ kāryaṁ dvādaśyāṁ kārtikasya tu etadgovratamāhātmyaṁ śrutvā kurvaṁti ye narāḥ

Therefore worship of the cow should be performed on the twelfth day of Kartika. Those men who, having heard this greatness of the cow-vow, perform it,

Verse 15 (skanda.2.106.15)

ते गोव्रतप्रभावेन न गोभिर्विच्युता भुवि । गोऽपराधः कृतो यः स्यात्स व्रताद्विलयं व्रजेत्

te govrataprabhāvena na gobhirvicyutā bhuvi go'parādhaḥ kṛto yaḥ syātsa vratādvilayaṁ vrajet

by the power of the cow-vow, are never separated from cattle on earth. Whatever offense has been committed against a cow is annulled by this vow.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.106.16)

वालखिल्या ऊचुः । कृष्णपक्षे चतुर्दश्यां मासि चाऽऽश्वयुजे तथा । दीपोत्सव समीपे तु व्रतमेतत्समाचरेत्

vālakhilyā ūcuḥ kṛṣṇapakṣe caturdaśyāṁ māsi cā''śvayuje tathā dīpotsava samīpe tu vratametatsamācaret

The Valakhilyas said: On the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashvina, near the festival of lamps, this vow should be observed.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.106.17)

प्रातः स्नात्वा त्रयोदश्यां कृत्वा वै दंतधावनम् । त्रिरात्रनियमं कृत्वा गोविंदे भक्तितत्परः

prātaḥ snātvā trayodaśyāṁ kṛtvā vai daṁtadhāvanam trirātraniyamaṁ kṛtvā goviṁde bhaktitatparaḥ

Having bathed at dawn on the thirteenth day, and having cleaned the teeth, and having observed the three-night rule, devoted to Govinda,

Verse 18 (skanda.2.106.18)

कार्य एतद्व्रतस्यांते तथा गोवर्द्धनोत्सवः । त्रिमुहूर्ताऽधिका ग्राह्या परवेधो न दोषभाक्

kārya etadvratasyāṁte tathā govarddhanotsavaḥ trimuhūrtā'dhikā grāhyā paravedho na doṣabhāk

at the end of this vow the festival of Govardhana should be performed. The tithi extended by three muhurtas should be taken; encroachment into the next day incurs no fault.

Verse 19 (skanda.2.106.19)

आश्विनस्याऽसिते पक्षे त्रयोदश्यां निशामुखे । यमदीपं बलिं दद्यादपमृत्युर्विनश्यति

āśvinasyā'site pakṣe trayodaśyāṁ niśāmukhe yamadīpaṁ baliṁ dadyādapamṛtyurvinaśyati

In the dark fortnight of Ashvina, on the thirteenth day, at nightfall, one should offer the lamp-oblation to Yama; untimely death is thereby destroyed.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.106.20)

पुरा हेमनकस्यैव बालकश्चाऽपमृत्युतः । मुक्तोभूदाश्विने कृष्णत्रयोदश्यां दयावशात्

purā hemanakasyaiva bālakaścā'pamṛtyutaḥ muktobhūdāśvine kṛṣṇatrayodaśyāṁ dayāvaśāt

Long ago, the son of Hemanaka was freed from an untimely death, by Yama's mercy, on the dark thirteenth day of Ashvina.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.106.21)

दूता ऊचुः । यथा न जीविताद्भ्रश्येदीदृशे तु महोत्सवे । तथोपायं ब्रूहि यम कृपां कृत्वाऽस्मदग्रतः

dūtā ūcuḥ yathā na jīvitādbhraśyedīdṛśe tu mahotsave tathopāyaṁ brūhi yama kṛpāṁ kṛtvā'smadagrataḥ

The messengers of Yama said: Tell us, O Yama, out of mercy towards us, the means by which no one shall fall from life during such a great festival.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.106.22)

यम उवाच । आश्विनस्याऽसिते पक्षे त्रयोदश्यां निशामुखे । प्रतिवर्षं तु यो दद्याद्गृहद्वारे सुदीपकम्

yama uvāca āśvinasyā'site pakṣe trayodaśyāṁ niśāmukhe prativarṣaṁ tu yo dadyādgṛhadvāre sudīpakam

Yama said: In the dark fortnight of Ashvina, on the thirteenth day, at nightfall, whoever offers, every year, a beautiful lamp at the door of his house,

Verse 23 (skanda.2.106.23)

मन्त्रेणाऽनेन भो दूताः समानेयः स नोत्सवे । प्राप्तेऽपमृत्यावपि च शासनं क्रियतां मम

mantreṇā'nena bho dūtāḥ samāneyaḥ sa notsave prāpte'pamṛtyāvapi ca śāsanaṁ kriyatāṁ mama

with this mantra — O messengers, he should not be brought to our festival; even should an untimely death threaten him, let my command be carried out.

Verse 24 (skanda.2.106.24)

मृत्युना पाशदंडाभ्यां कालेन च मया सह । त्रयोदश्यां दीपदानात्सूर्यजः प्रीयतामिति

mṛtyunā pāśadaṁḍābhyāṁ kālena ca mayā saha trayodaśyāṁ dīpadānātsūryajaḥ prīyatāmiti

'By death, by noose and staff, by Time, and together with me — may the son of the Sun, Yama, be pleased through the gift of a lamp on the thirteenth day.'

Verse 25 (skanda.2.106.25)

मन्त्रेणानेन यो दीपं द्वारदेशे प्रयच्छति । उत्सवे चाऽपमृत्योश्च भयं तस्य न जायते

mantreṇānena yo dīpaṁ dvāradeśe prayacchati utsave cā'pamṛtyośca bhayaṁ tasya na jāyate

Whoever offers a lamp at the doorway with this mantra — for him there arises no fear of death, either at that festival or otherwise.

Verse 26 (skanda.2.106.26)

वालखिल्या ऊचुः । पूर्वविद्धचतुर्दश्यामाश्विनस्य सितेतरे । पक्षे प्रत्यूषसमये स्नानं कुर्यात्प्रयत्नतः

vālakhilyā ūcuḥ pūrvaviddhacaturdaśyāmāśvinasya sitetare pakṣe pratyūṣasamaye snānaṁ kuryātprayatnataḥ

The Valakhilyas said: On the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashvina, when touched by the previous day, one should bathe at dawn with great care.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.106.27)

अरुणोदयतोऽन्यत्र रिक्तायां स्नाति यो नरः । तस्याऽब्दिकभवो धर्मो नश्यत्येव न संशयः

aruṇodayato'nyatra riktāyāṁ snāti yo naraḥ tasyā'bdikabhavo dharmo naśyatyeva na saṁśayaḥ

The man who bathes at a time other than the rising of dawn, on the void tithi, his merit arising from the yearly observance is surely destroyed.

Verse 28 (skanda.2.106.28)

तथा कृष्णचतुर्दश्यामाश्विनेऽर्कोदये सुराः । यामिन्याः पश्चिमे यामे तैलाभ्यंगो विशिष्यते

tathā kṛṣṇacaturdaśyāmāśvine'rkodaye surāḥ yāminyāḥ paścime yāme tailābhyaṁgo viśiṣyate

Likewise, on the dark fourteenth of Ashvina, at the rising of the sun — O sages — the oil-massage in the last watch of the night is especially prescribed.

Verse 29 (skanda.2.106.29)

यदा चतुर्दशी न स्याद्द्विदिने चेद्विधूदये । दिनद्वये भवेच्चाऽपि तदा पूर्वैव गृह्यते

yadā caturdaśī na syāddvidine cedvidhūdaye dinadvaye bhaveccā'pi tadā pūrvaiva gṛhyate

When the fourteenth tithi does not occur at sunrise, or occurs over two days, or occurs on both days, then the earlier day alone is to be taken.

Verse 30 (skanda.2.106.30)

बलात्काराद्धठाद्वाऽपि शिष्टत्वान्न करोति चेत् । तैलाभ्यंगं चतुर्दश्यां रौरवं नरकं व्रजेत्

balātkārāddhaṭhādvā'pi śiṣṭatvānna karoti cet tailābhyaṁgaṁ caturdaśyāṁ rauravaṁ narakaṁ vrajet

If, through compulsion, obstinacy, or thinking oneself too refined, one does not perform the oil-massage on the fourteenth day, one goes to the hell called Raurava.

Verse 31 (skanda.2.106.31)

तैले लक्ष्मीर्जले गंगा दीपावल्याश्चतुर्दशीम् । प्रातःस्नानं हि यः कुर्याद्यमलोकं न पश्यति

taile lakṣmīrjale gaṁgā dīpāvalyāścaturdaśīm prātaḥsnānaṁ hi yaḥ kuryādyamalokaṁ na paśyati

Lakshmi dwells in the oil, and the Ganga in the water; whoever performs the morning bath on the fourteenth day of the festival of lamps, does not behold the world of Yama.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.106.32)

अपामार्गमथो तुंबीं प्रपुन्नाडमथाऽपरम् । भ्रामयेत्स्नानमध्ये तु नरकस्य क्षयाय वै

apāmārgamatho tuṁbīṁ prapunnāḍamathā'param bhrāmayetsnānamadhye tu narakasya kṣayāya vai

Apamarga, a gourd, and prapunnada should be waved around the body during the bath, for the destruction of hell-bound sin.

Verse 33 (skanda.2.106.33)

वारत्रयं त्रिवारं च पठित्वा मन्त्रमुत्तमम् । सीतालोष्टसमायुक्त सकंटकदलान्वित । हर पापमपामार्ग भ्राम्यमाणः पुनः पुनः । अपामार्गं प्रपुन्नाडं भ्रामयेच्छिरसोपरि

vāratrayaṁ trivāraṁ ca paṭhitvā mantramuttamam sītāloṣṭasamāyukta sakaṁṭakadalānvita hara pāpamapāmārga bhrāmyamāṇaḥ punaḥ punaḥ apāmārgaṁ prapunnāḍaṁ bhrāmayecchirasopari

Having recited this excellent mantra three times over: 'O apamarga, joined with a clod of white earth, possessed of thorny leaves, being waved again and again, take away sin' — one should wave the apamarga and prapunnada over one's head.

Verse 34 (skanda.2.106.34)

स्नात्वार्द्रवाससा दद्याद्दीपकं मृत्युपुत्रयोः । शुनकौ श्यामशबलौ भ्रातरौ यमसेवकौ । तुष्टौ स्यातां चतुर्दश्यां दीपदानेन मृत्युजौ

snātvārdravāsasā dadyāddīpakaṁ mṛtyuputrayoḥ śunakau śyāmaśabalau bhrātarau yamasevakau tuṣṭau syātāṁ caturdaśyāṁ dīpadānena mṛtyujau

Having bathed, with a wet garment, one should offer a lamp to the two sons of Death — the two dogs, Shyama and Shabala, brothers, servants of Yama, who become satisfied by the gift of the lamp on the fourteenth day.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.106.35)

इष्टवंधुजनैः सार्द्धमेतत्स्नानं समाचरेत् । स्नानांगतर्पणं कृत्वा यमं संतर्पयेत्ततः

iṣṭavaṁdhujanaiḥ sārddhametatsnānaṁ samācaret snānāṁgatarpaṇaṁ kṛtvā yamaṁ saṁtarpayettataḥ

This bath should be performed together with beloved kinsfolk. Having performed the libation that is part of the bath, one should then offer libation to Yama,

Verse 36 (skanda.2.106.36)

यमाय धर्मराजाय मृत्यवे चाऽन्तकाय च । वैवस्वताय कालाय सर्वभूतक्षयाय च

yamāya dharmarājāya mṛtyave cā'ntakāya ca vaivasvatāya kālāya sarvabhūtakṣayāya ca

with the mantras: 'To Yama, to Dharmaraja, to Mrityu, and to Antaka; to Vaivasvata, to Kala, and to him who is the destruction of all beings,'

Verse 37 (skanda.2.106.37)

औदुंबराय दध्नाय नीलाय परमेष्ठिने । वृकोदराय चित्राय चित्रगुप्ताय ते नमः

auduṁbarāya dadhnāya nīlāya parameṣṭhine vṛkodarāya citrāya citraguptāya te namaḥ

'to Audumbara, to Dadhna, to Nila, to Parameshthin, to Vrikodara, to Chitra, to Chitragupta — salutation to you.'

Verse 38 (skanda.2.106.38)

चतुर्दशैते मन्त्राः स्युः प्रत्येकं च नमोऽन्विताः । एकैकेन तिलैर्मिश्रान्दद्यात्त्रीनुदकाञ्जलीन्

caturdaśaite mantrāḥ syuḥ pratyekaṁ ca namo'nvitāḥ ekaikena tilairmiśrāndadyāttrīnudakāñjalīn

These are the fourteen names, each joined with 'salutation'; with each one, three handfuls of water mixed with sesame should be offered.

Verse 39 (skanda.2.106.39)

यज्ञोपवीतिना कार्यं प्राचीनावीतिनाऽथवा । देवत्वं च पितृत्वं च यमस्याऽस्ति द्विरूपता

yajñopavītinā kāryaṁ prācīnāvītinā'thavā devatvaṁ ca pitṛtvaṁ ca yamasyā'sti dvirūpatā

This should be done with the sacred thread worn in the normal fashion, or reversed; for Yama has a twofold nature — as a god and as lord of the ancestors.

Verse 40 (skanda.2.106.40)

जीवत्पिताऽपि कुर्वीत तर्पणं यमभीष्मयोः । नरकाय प्रदातव्यो दीपः संपूज्य देवताः

jīvatpitā'pi kurvīta tarpaṇaṁ yamabhīṣmayoḥ narakāya pradātavyo dīpaḥ saṁpūjya devatāḥ

Even one whose father is living should perform the libation to Yama and to Bhishma. A lamp should be offered for averting hell, after duly worshipping the deities.

Verse 41 (skanda.2.106.41)

अत्रैव लक्ष्मीकामस्य विधिः स्नाने मयोच्यते । इषे भूते च दर्शे च कार्तिके प्रथमे दिने

atraiva lakṣmīkāmasya vidhiḥ snāne mayocyate iṣe bhūte ca darśe ca kārtike prathame dine

Here I shall also tell the procedure of bathing for one desirous of Lakshmi. On the full moon, fourteenth, and new moon of Ashvina, on the first day of Kartika,

Verse 42 (skanda.2.106.42)

यदा स्नाति तदाऽभ्यंगस्नानं कुर्याद्विधूदये। ऊर्ज्जशुक्लद्वितीयायां तिथौ च स्वातियुग्मगे

yadā snāti tadā'bhyaṁgasnānaṁ kuryādvidhūdaye ūrjjaśukladvitīyāyāṁ tithau ca svātiyugmage

whenever one bathes, one should perform the oil-massage bath at moonrise; and on the second day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, on a tithi conjoined with the Svati nakshatra,

Verse 43 (skanda.2.106.43)

मानवो मंगलस्नायी नैव लक्ष्म्या वियुज्यते । दीपैर्नीराजनादत्र सैषा दीपावलिः स्मृता

mānavo maṁgalasnāyī naiva lakṣmyā viyujyate dīpairnīrājanādatra saiṣā dīpāvaliḥ smṛtā

a man who performs this auspicious bath is never separated from Lakshmi. From the waving of lamps in this connection, this festival is remembered as Dipavali.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.106.44)

इंदुक्षयेऽपि संक्रातौ रवौ पाते दिनक्षये । अत्राऽभ्यंगो न दोषाय प्रातः पापाऽपनुत्तये

iṁdukṣaye'pi saṁkrātau ravau pāte dinakṣaye atrā'bhyaṁgo na doṣāya prātaḥ pāpā'panuttaye

Even when the moon is waning, at a sankranti, or when the tithi ends near sunrise, the oil-massage here incurs no fault; at dawn it removes sin.

Verse 45 (skanda.2.106.45)

माषपत्रस्य शाकं वै भुक्त्वा तस्मिन्दिने नरः । प्रेताख्यायां चतुर्दश्यां सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते

māṣapatrasya śākaṁ vai bhuktvā tasmindine naraḥ pretākhyāyāṁ caturdaśyāṁ sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate

Having eaten a vegetable dish of black-gram leaves on that day, a man, on the fourteenth day called Preta, is freed from all sins.

Verse 46 (skanda.2.106.46)

इषासितचतुर्दश्यामिन्दुक्षयतिथावपि । दर्शादौ स्वातिसंयुक्ते तदा दीपावलिर्भवेत्

iṣāsitacaturdaśyāmindukṣayatithāvapi darśādau svātisaṁyukte tadā dīpāvalirbhavet

On the dark fourteenth of Ashvina, even on a tithi where the moon wanes, at the beginning of the new moon, conjoined with Svati — then occurs the Dipavali.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.106.47)

कुर्यात्संलग्नमेतच्च दीपोत्सवदिनत्रयम् । महाराजो बलिः प्रोक्तस्तुष्टेन हरिणा तथा

kuryātsaṁlagnametacca dīpotsavadinatrayam mahārājo baliḥ proktastuṣṭena hariṇā tathā

One should observe these three consecutive days of the festival of lamps. It is said that King Bali was pleased by Hari,

Verse 48 (skanda.2.106.48)

वरं याचस्व भद्रं ते यद्यन्मनसि वर्तते । इति विष्णुवचः श्रुत्वा बलिर्वचनमब्रवीत्

varaṁ yācasva bhadraṁ te yadyanmanasi vartate iti viṣṇuvacaḥ śrutvā balirvacanamabravīt

who said: 'Ask a boon, may good befall you, whatever is in your mind.' Having heard Vishnu's words, Bali spoke thus:

Verse 49 (skanda.2.106.49)

आत्मार्थं किं याचनीयं सर्वं दत्तं मया तथा । लोकार्थं याचयिष्यामि शक्तश्चेद्देहि तच्च मे

ātmārthaṁ kiṁ yācanīyaṁ sarvaṁ dattaṁ mayā tathā lokārthaṁ yācayiṣyāmi śaktaśceddehi tacca me

'What should I ask for myself? I have already given everything. I shall ask on behalf of the world; if you are able, grant me that.'

Verse 50 (skanda.2.106.50)

मयाऽद्य ते धरा दत्ता वामनच्छद्मरूपिणे । त्रिभिः पदैस्त्रिदिवसैः सा चाऽऽक्रांता यतस्त्वया

mayā'dya te dharā dattā vāmanacchadmarūpiṇe tribhiḥ padaistridivasaiḥ sā cā''krāṁtā yatastvayā

'Since I gave you the earth today, you in the disguised form of Vamana, and since you covered it with three steps in three worlds,'

Verse 51 (skanda.2.106.51)

तस्माद्भूमितले राज्यमस्तु घस्रत्रये हरे । मद्राज्ये ये दीपदानं भुवि कुर्वंति मानवाः । तेषां गृहे तव स्त्रीयं सदा तिष्ठतु सुस्थिरा

tasmādbhūmitale rājyamastu ghasratraye hare madrājye ye dīpadānaṁ bhuvi kurvaṁti mānavāḥ teṣāṁ gṛhe tava strīyaṁ sadā tiṣṭhatu susthirā

'therefore, O Hari, let there be my kingdom on the earth for three days. In my kingdom, those men who perform the gift of lamps — in their houses may your consort dwell forever, firmly established.'

Verse 52 (skanda.2.106.52)

मम राज्ये गृहे यैषामंधकारः पतिष्यति । लक्ष्मीसंतानांधकारः सदा पततु तद्गृहे

mama rājye gṛhe yaiṣāmaṁdhakāraḥ patiṣyati lakṣmīsaṁtānāṁdhakāraḥ sadā patatu tadgṛhe

'In my kingdom, in whatever house darkness falls, may the darkness of the loss of Lakshmi and offspring fall upon that house forever.'

Verse 53 (skanda.2.106.53)

चतुर्दश्यां च ये दीपान्नरकाय ददंति च । तेषां पितृगणाः सर्वे नरके न वसंति च

caturdaśyāṁ ca ye dīpānnarakāya dadaṁti ca teṣāṁ pitṛgaṇāḥ sarve narake na vasaṁti ca

Those who offer lamps for averting hell on the fourteenth day — all their ancestors do not dwell in hell.

Verse 54 (skanda.2.106.54)

बलिराज्यं समासाद्य यैर्न दीपावलिः कृता । तेषां गृहे कथं दीपाः प्रज्वलिष्यंति केशव

balirājyaṁ samāsādya yairna dīpāvaliḥ kṛtā teṣāṁ gṛhe kathaṁ dīpāḥ prajvaliṣyaṁti keśava

O Keshava, in those houses where, during the reign of Bali, the festival of lamps has not been performed — how shall lamps of prosperity ever burn there?

Verse 55 (skanda.2.106.55)

बलिराज्ये तु ये लोकाः शोकाऽनुत्साहकारिणः । तेषां गृहे सदा शोकः पतेदिति न संशयः

balirājye tu ye lokāḥ śokā'nutsāhakāriṇaḥ teṣāṁ gṛhe sadā śokaḥ patediti na saṁśayaḥ

Those people who, during the reign of Bali, act with sorrow and without enthusiasm — sorrow shall surely fall upon their houses forever, there is no doubt.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.106.56)

चतुर्दशीत्रये राज्यं बलेरस्त्विति याचयेत् । पुरा वामनरूपेण प्रार्थयित्वा धरामिमाम् । ददावतिथयेंद्राय बलिं पातालवासिनम्

caturdaśītraye rājyaṁ balerastviti yācayet purā vāmanarūpeṇa prārthayitvā dharāmimām dadāvatithayeṁdrāya baliṁ pātālavāsinam

Bali asked that, for these three days, the kingdom should be his own. Long ago, having, in the form of Vamana, requested this earth, Vishnu gave, as a guest to Indra, Bali, made a dweller in Patala.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.106.57)

दत्तं दैत्यपतेरित्थं हरिणा तद्दिनत्रयम् । तस्मान्महोत्सवं चात्र सर्वथैव हि कारयेत्

dattaṁ daityapateritthaṁ hariṇā taddinatrayam tasmānmahotsavaṁ cātra sarvathaiva hi kārayet

Thus these three days were granted by Hari to the lord of the daityas; therefore a great festival should certainly be held in this connection.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.106.58)

महारात्रिः समुत्पन्ना चतुर्दश्यां मुनीश्वराः । अतस्तदुत्सवः कार्यः शक्तिपूजापरायणैः

mahārātriḥ samutpannā caturdaśyāṁ munīśvarāḥ atastadutsavaḥ kāryaḥ śaktipūjāparāyaṇaiḥ

O lords of sages, the Great Night arose on the fourteenth day; therefore that festival should be observed by those devoted to the worship of Shakti.

Verse 59 (skanda.2.106.59)

बलिराज्यं समासाद्य यक्षगंधर्वकिन्नराः । औषध्यश्च पिशाचाश्च मंत्राश्च मणयस्तथा

balirājyaṁ samāsādya yakṣagaṁdharvakinnarāḥ auṣadhyaśca piśācāśca maṁtrāśca maṇayastathā

During the reign of Bali, the yakshas, gandharvas, kinnaras, herbs, pishachas, mantras, and gems likewise —

Verse 60 (skanda.2.106.60)

सर्व एव प्रहृष्यंति नृत्यंति च निशामुखे । तत्तन्मंत्राश्च सिद्ध्यंति बलिराज्ये न संशयः

sarva eva prahṛṣyaṁti nṛtyaṁti ca niśāmukhe tattanmaṁtrāśca siddhyaṁti balirājye na saṁśayaḥ

all of them rejoice and dance at nightfall; and their respective mantras attain siddhi during the reign of Bali — there is no doubt.

Verse 61 (skanda.2.106.61)

बलिराज्यं समासाद्य यथा लोकाः सुहर्षिताः । तथा तद्दिनमध्ये तु लोकाः स्युर्हर्षिता भृशम्

balirājyaṁ samāsādya yathā lokāḥ suharṣitāḥ tathā taddinamadhye tu lokāḥ syurharṣitā bhṛśam

Just as the people were greatly delighted during the reign of Bali, so during those days people should be exceedingly joyful.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.106.62)

तुलासंस्थे सहस्रांशौ प्रदोषे भूतदर्शयोः । उल्काहस्ता नराः कुर्युः पितॄणां मार्गदर्शनम्

tulāsaṁsthe sahasrāṁśau pradoṣe bhūtadarśayoḥ ulkāhastā narāḥ kuryuḥ pitṝṇāṁ mārgadarśanam

While the sun is in Libra, at twilight, on the fourteenth and the new moon, men, torches in hand, should show the ancestors their way.

Verse 63 (skanda.2.106.63)

नरकस्थास्तु ये प्रेतास्ते मार्गं तु व्रतात्सदा । पश्यंत्येव न संदेहः कार्योऽत्र मुनिपुंगवैः

narakasthāstu ye pretāste mārgaṁ tu vratātsadā paśyaṁtyeva na saṁdehaḥ kāryo'tra munipuṁgavaiḥ

Those departed spirits who dwell in hell always, through this vow, indeed see their way — there is no doubt; this should be performed by the foremost of sages.

Verse 64 (skanda.2.106.64)

आश्विने मासि भूतादितिथयः कीर्तितास्त्रयः । दीपदानादिकार्येषु ग्राह्या मध्याह्नकालिकाः

āśvine māsi bhūtāditithayaḥ kīrtitāstrayaḥ dīpadānādikāryeṣu grāhyā madhyāhnakālikāḥ

In the month of Ashvina, the three tithis beginning with the fourteenth are celebrated; for the purposes of the gift of lamps, they are to be reckoned as prevailing at midday.

Verse 65 (skanda.2.106.65)

यदि स्युः संगवादर्वागेताश्च तिथयस्त्रयः । दीपदानादिकार्येषु कर्तव्याः पूर्वसंयुताः

yadi syuḥ saṁgavādarvāgetāśca tithayastrayaḥ dīpadānādikāryeṣu kartavyāḥ pūrvasaṁyutāḥ

If these three tithis occur before the mid-morning period, then, for the gift of lamps and the rest, they should be joined with the preceding day.

Verse 66 (skanda.2.106.66)

ऋषय ऊचुः । कौमोदिन्यास्तु माहात्म्यं प्रष्टुमिच्छामहे द्विजाः । तस्मिन्दिने तु किं भोज्यं कस्य पूजां तु कारयेत्

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ kaumodinyāstu māhātmyaṁ praṣṭumicchāmahe dvijāḥ tasmindine tu kiṁ bhojyaṁ kasya pūjāṁ tu kārayet

The sages said: O brahmins, we wish to ask the greatness of Kaumudi. What should be eaten on that day, and whose worship should be performed?

Verse 67 (skanda.2.106.67)

किमर्थं क्रियते सा तु तस्याः का देवता भवेत् । किं च तत्र भवेद्देयं किं न देयं विशेषतः

kimarthaṁ kriyate sā tu tasyāḥ kā devatā bhavet kiṁ ca tatra bhaveddeyaṁ kiṁ na deyaṁ viśeṣataḥ

For what purpose is it performed, and who is its presiding deity? And what should be given there, and what especially should not be given?

Verse 68 (skanda.2.106.68)

प्रहर्षः कोऽत्र निर्दिष्टः क्रीडा काऽत्र प्रकीर्तिता । दीपावल्याः फलं सर्वं वदन्तु ऋषिसत्तमाः

praharṣaḥ ko'tra nirdiṣṭaḥ krīḍā kā'tra prakīrtitā dīpāvalyāḥ phalaṁ sarvaṁ vadantu ṛṣisattamāḥ

What joy is prescribed here, and what sport is celebrated here? Let the excellent sages tell the entire fruit of the festival of lamps.

Verse 69 (skanda.2.106.69)

वालखिल्या ऊचुः । ततः प्रभात समये त्वमायां तु मुनीश्वराः । स्नात्वा देवान्पितॄन्भक्त्या संपूज्याऽथ प्रणम्य च

vālakhilyā ūcuḥ tataḥ prabhāta samaye tvamāyāṁ tu munīśvarāḥ snātvā devānpitṝnbhaktyā saṁpūjyā'tha praṇamya ca

The Valakhilyas said: Then, O lords of sages, at the time of dawn on the new-moon day, having bathed, having devotedly worshipped the gods and ancestors, and having bowed,

Verse 70 (skanda.2.106.70)

कृत्वा तु पार्वणश्राद्धं दधिक्षीरघृतादिभिः । दिवा तत्र न भोक्तव्यमृते बालातुराज्जनात्

kṛtvā tu pārvaṇaśrāddhaṁ dadhikṣīraghṛtādibhiḥ divā tatra na bhoktavyamṛte bālāturājjanāt

and having performed the Parvana shraddha with curd, milk, ghee, and the like, one should not eat food during the day, except children and the sick.

Verse 71 (skanda.2.106.71)

ततः प्रदोषसमये पूजयेदिंदिरां शुभाम् । कुर्यान्नानाविधैर्वस्त्रैः स्वच्छं लक्ष्म्याश्च मण्डपम्

tataḥ pradoṣasamaye pūjayediṁdirāṁ śubhām kuryānnānāvidhairvastraiḥ svacchaṁ lakṣmyāśca maṇḍapam

Then, at the time of twilight, one should worship the auspicious Indira; one should make a clean pavilion for Lakshmi with various cloths,

Verse 72 (skanda.2.106.72)

नानापुष्पैः पल्लवैश्च चित्रैश्चाऽपि विचित्रितम् । तत्र संपूजयेल्लक्ष्मीं देवांश्चाऽपि प्रपूजयेत्

nānāpuṣpaiḥ pallavaiśca citraiścā'pi vicitritam tatra saṁpūjayellakṣmīṁ devāṁścā'pi prapūjayet

decorated with various flowers, sprouts, and paintings; there one should duly worship Lakshmi, and worship the other gods as well.

Verse 73 (skanda.2.106.73)

संपूज्या देवनार्योऽपि वहुभिश्चोपचारकैः । पादसंवाहनं कुर्याल्लक्ष्म्यादीनां तु भक्तितः

saṁpūjyā devanāryo'pi vahubhiścopacārakaiḥ pādasaṁvāhanaṁ kuryāllakṣmyādīnāṁ tu bhaktitaḥ

The celestial women too should be worshipped with many offerings; one should devotedly massage the feet of Lakshmi and the others.

Verse 74 (skanda.2.106.74)

अस्मिन्नहनि सर्वेऽपि विष्णुना मोचिताः पुरा । बलिकारागृहाद्देवा लक्ष्मीश्चाऽपि विमोचिता

asminnahani sarve'pi viṣṇunā mocitāḥ purā balikārāgṛhāddevā lakṣmīścā'pi vimocitā

On this very day, long ago, all the gods were freed by Vishnu from Bali's prison, and Lakshmi too was released.

Verse 75 (skanda.2.106.75)

लक्ष्म्या सार्द्धं ततो देवा जग्मुः क्षीरोदधौ पुनः । प्रसुप्ता बहुकालं ते सुखं तस्मान्मुनीश्वराः

lakṣmyā sārddhaṁ tato devā jagmuḥ kṣīrodadhau punaḥ prasuptā bahukālaṁ te sukhaṁ tasmānmunīśvarāḥ

Then the gods, together with Lakshmi, went again to the ocean of milk; there, O lords of sages, they slept happily for a long time.

Verse 76 (skanda.2.106.76)

रचनीयाः सूत्रगर्भाः पर्यंकाश्च सुतूलिकाः । दुग्धफेनोपमैर्वस्त्रैरास्तृताश्च यथादिशम्

racanīyāḥ sūtragarbhāḥ paryaṁkāśca sutūlikāḥ dugdhaphenopamairvastrairāstṛtāśca yathādiśam

Therefore beds with cord-woven frames and fine mattresses should be prepared, spread with garments resembling the foam of milk, placed according to direction,

Verse 77 (skanda.2.106.77)

स्थापयेत्तान्सुराँल्लक्ष्मीं वेदघोषसमन्वितः । लक्ष्मीर्दैत्यभयान्मुक्ता सुखं सुप्तांबुजोदरे

sthāpayettānsurām̐llakṣmīṁ vedaghoṣasamanvitaḥ lakṣmīrdaityabhayānmuktā sukhaṁ suptāṁbujodare

and there, accompanied by the chanting of the Vedas, one should install the gods and Lakshmi; for Lakshmi, freed from fear of the demons, sleeps happily within the lotus.

Verse 78 (skanda.2.106.78)

अतोऽत्र विधिवत्कार्या तुष्ट्यै तु सुखसुप्तिका । तदह्नि पद्मशय्यां यः पद्मासौख्यविवृद्धये

ato'tra vidhivatkāryā tuṣṭyai tu sukhasuptikā tadahni padmaśayyāṁ yaḥ padmāsaukhyavivṛddhaye

Therefore on this day, for Lakshmi's satisfaction, the rite of the 'happy sleep-bed' should be duly performed. He who, on that day, prepares the lotus-bed for the increase of Padma's comfort,

Verse 79 (skanda.2.106.79)

कुर्यात्तस्य गृहं मुक्त्वा तत्पद्मा क्वाऽपि न व्रजेत् । न कुर्वंति नरा इत्थं लक्ष्म्या ये सुखसुप्तिकाम्

kuryāttasya gṛhaṁ muktvā tatpadmā kvā'pi na vrajet na kurvaṁti narā itthaṁ lakṣmyā ye sukhasuptikām

— that Lakshmi, leaving aside his house, goes nowhere else. Those men who do not perform this happy sleep-bed for Lakshmi thus,

Verse 80 (skanda.2.106.80)

धनचिन्ता विहीनास्ते कथं रात्रौ स्वपंति हि । तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन लक्ष्मीं संपूजयेन्नरः

dhanacintā vihīnāste kathaṁ rātrau svapaṁti hi tasmātsarvaprayatnena lakṣmīṁ saṁpūjayennaraḥ

how, being free of anxiety about wealth, do they sleep at night? Therefore a man should worship Lakshmi with every effort;

Verse 81 (skanda.2.106.81)

स तु दारिद्र्यनिर्मुक्तः स्वजातौ स्यात्प्रतिष्ठितः । जातिपत्रलंवगैलात्वक्कर्पूरसमन्वितम्

sa tu dāridryanirmuktaḥ svajātau syātpratiṣṭhitaḥ jātipatralaṁvagailātvakkarpūrasamanvitam

he becomes freed from poverty and established with honor among his own kind. Mace, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and camphor,

Verse 82 (skanda.2.106.82)

पाचयित्वा गव्यदुग्धं सितां दत्त्वा यथोचिताम् । लड्डुकांस्तस्य कुर्वीत तांश्च लक्ष्म्यै समर्पयेत्

pācayitvā gavyadugdhaṁ sitāṁ dattvā yathocitām laḍḍukāṁstasya kurvīta tāṁśca lakṣmyai samarpayet

having cooked cow's milk with these, and having added an appropriate amount of sugar, one should make sweet balls from it, and offer them to Lakshmi,

Verse 83 (skanda.2.106.83)

अन्यच्चतुर्विधं भक्ष्यं दद्याच्छ्रीः प्रीयतामिति । अप्रबुद्धे हरौ पूर्वं स्त्रीभिर्लक्ष्मीं प्रबोधयेत्

anyaccaturvidhaṁ bhakṣyaṁ dadyācchrīḥ prīyatāmiti aprabuddhe harau pūrvaṁ strībhirlakṣmīṁ prabodhayet

and give other foods of four kinds, praying 'may Shri be pleased.' Before Hari is awakened, women should awaken Lakshmi.

Verse 84 (skanda.2.106.84)

प्रबोधसमये लक्ष्मीं बोधयित्वा भुनक्ति या । पुमान्वा वत्सरं यावल्लक्ष्मीस्तं नैव मुञ्चति

prabodhasamaye lakṣmīṁ bodhayitvā bhunakti yā pumānvā vatsaraṁ yāvallakṣmīstaṁ naiva muñcati

Whatever woman or man, having awakened Lakshmi at the time of her awakening, then eats the offering, Lakshmi does not leave that person for a whole year.

Verse 85 (skanda.2.106.85)

अभयं प्राप्य विप्रेभ्यो विष्णुभीताः सुरद्विषः । क्षीराब्धौ तुष्टुवुर्ज्ञात्वा सुप्तां पद्माश्रितां श्रियम्

abhayaṁ prāpya viprebhyo viṣṇubhītāḥ suradviṣaḥ kṣīrābdhau tuṣṭuvurjñātvā suptāṁ padmāśritāṁ śriyam

Having obtained safety from the brahmins, the enemies of the gods, afraid of Vishnu, praised, in the ocean of milk, Lakshmi — knowing her to be asleep, resting on the lotus.

Verse 86 (skanda.2.106.86)

त्वं ज्योतिः श्रीरवीन्द्वग्निविद्युत्सौवर्णतारकाः । सर्वेषां ज्योतिषां ज्योतिर्दीपज्योतिःस्थिते नमः

tvaṁ jyotiḥ śrīravīndvagnividyutsauvarṇatārakāḥ sarveṣāṁ jyotiṣāṁ jyotirdīpajyotiḥsthite namaḥ

'You are the light — the sun, the moon, fire, lightning, and the golden stars; you are the light of all lights; salutation to you who abide in the light of the lamp.'

Verse 87 (skanda.2.106.87)

या लक्ष्मीर्दिवसे पुण्ये दीपावल्यां च भूतले । गवां गोष्ठे तु कार्तिक्यां सा लक्ष्मीर्वरदा मम

yā lakṣmīrdivase puṇye dīpāvalyāṁ ca bhūtale gavāṁ goṣṭhe tu kārtikyāṁ sā lakṣmīrvaradā mama

'That Lakshmi who, on this holy day, at the festival of lamps on earth, and in the cow-pen in Kartika — may that Lakshmi be a bestower of boons to me.'

Verse 88 (skanda.2.106.88)

दीपदानं ततः कुर्यात्प्रदोषे च तथोल्मुकम् । भ्रामयेत्स्वस्य शिरसि सर्वाऽरिष्टनिवारणम्

dīpadānaṁ tataḥ kuryātpradoṣe ca tatholmukam bhrāmayetsvasya śirasi sarvā'riṣṭanivāraṇam

Then one should perform the gift of lamps at twilight, and likewise wave a torch over one's own head, for the removal of all misfortune.

Verse 89 (skanda.2.106.89)

दीपवृक्षास्तथा कार्याः शक्त्या देवगृहादिषु । चतुष्पथे श्मशाने च नदीपर्वतवेश्मसु

dīpavṛkṣāstathā kāryāḥ śaktyā devagṛhādiṣu catuṣpathe śmaśāne ca nadīparvataveśmasu

Lamp-trees should also be set up, according to one's means, at temples and the like, at crossroads, in cremation grounds, and in dwellings by rivers and mountains,

Verse 90 (skanda.2.106.90)

वृक्षमूलेषु गोष्ठेषु चत्वरेषु गृहेषु च । वस्त्रैः पुष्पैः शोभितव्या राजमार्गस्य भूमयः

vṛkṣamūleṣu goṣṭheṣu catvareṣu gṛheṣu ca vastraiḥ puṣpaiḥ śobhitavyā rājamārgasya bhūmayaḥ

at the foot of trees, in cow-pens, in open squares, and in houses. The ground of the public road should be decorated with cloths and flowers.

Verse 91 (skanda.2.106.91)

सर्वं पुरमलंकृत्य प्रदोषे तदनन्तरम् । ब्राह्मणान्भोजयित्वाऽऽदौ संभोज्य च बुभुक्षितान्

sarvaṁ puramalaṁkṛtya pradoṣe tadanantaram brāhmaṇānbhojayitvā''dau saṁbhojya ca bubhukṣitān

Having decorated the entire city, then at twilight thereafter, having first fed brahmins, and having fed the hungry,

Verse 92 (skanda.2.106.92)

अलंकृतेन भोक्तव्यं नववस्त्रोपशोभिना । ततोऽपराह्नसमये घोषयेन्नगरं नृपः

alaṁkṛtena bhoktavyaṁ navavastropaśobhinā tato'parāhnasamaye ghoṣayennagaraṁ nṛpaḥ

one should then eat, adorned, resplendent in new garments. Then, at the time of the afternoon, the king should have it proclaimed in the city:

Verse 93 (skanda.2.106.93)

अद्य राज्यं बलेर्लोका यथेच्छं क्रीड्यतामिति । यथेच्छं क्रीडतां बाला इत्याज्ञाप्य नृपेण तु

adya rājyaṁ balerlokā yathecchaṁ krīḍyatāmiti yathecchaṁ krīḍatāṁ bālā ityājñāpya nṛpeṇa tu

'Today the kingdom belongs to Bali; let the people play as they wish.' Having thus ordered, and let the children play as they wish, by the king's command,

Verse 94 (skanda.2.106.94)

तेभ्यो दद्यात्क्रीडनकं ततः पश्येच्छुभाशुभ्य । बलिराज्ये प्रकर्तव्यं यद्यन्मनसि वर्तते

tebhyo dadyātkrīḍanakaṁ tataḥ paśyecchubhāśubhya balirājye prakartavyaṁ yadyanmanasi vartate

one should give them playthings; then one should observe the auspicious and inauspicious signs. During the reign of Bali, whatever is in one's mind may be done —

Verse 95 (skanda.2.106.95)

जीवहिंसा सुरापानमगम्यागमनं तथा । चौर्यं विश्वासघातश्च पंचैतानि मुनीश्वराः । बलिराज्ये तु नरकद्वाराण्युक्तानि संत्यजेत्

jīvahiṁsā surāpānamagamyāgamanaṁ tathā cauryaṁ viśvāsaghātaśca paṁcaitāni munīśvarāḥ balirājye tu narakadvārāṇyuktāni saṁtyajet

except these five — killing living beings, drinking liquor, going to a forbidden woman, theft, and betrayal of trust — O lords of sages, these gateways to hell should be avoided even during the reign of Bali.

Verse 96 (skanda.2.106.96)

ततोऽर्द्धरात्रसमये स्वयं राजा व्रजेत्पुरम् । अवलोकयितुं रम्यं पद्भ्यामेव शनैःशनैः । बलिराज्यप्रमोदं च दृष्ट्वा स्वगृहमाव्रजेत्

tato'rddharātrasamaye svayaṁ rājā vrajetpuram avalokayituṁ ramyaṁ padbhyāmeva śanaiḥśanaiḥ balirājyapramodaṁ ca dṛṣṭvā svagṛhamāvrajet

Then, at midnight, the king himself should go through the city, slowly, on foot, to view its beauty; and having seen the joy of Bali's reign, he should return to his own house.

Verse 97 (skanda.2.106.97)

एवं गते निशीथे च जने निद्रार्द्धलोचने । एवं नगरनारीभिः शूर्पडिंडिमवादनैः । निष्कास्यते प्रदृष्टाभिरलक्ष्मीः स्वगृहांऽगणात्

evaṁ gate niśīthe ca jane nidrārddhalocane evaṁ nagaranārībhiḥ śūrpaḍiṁḍimavādanaiḥ niṣkāsyate pradṛṣṭābhiralakṣmīḥ svagṛhāṁ'gaṇāt

When midnight has thus passed, and the people's eyes are half-closed with sleep, thus, by the women of the city, with the sound of winnowing-fans and small drums, ill-fortune is driven out from the courtyard of each house.

Verse 98 (skanda.2.106.98)

दंडैकरजनीयोगे दर्शः स्यात्तु परेऽहनि । तदा विहाय पूर्वेद्युः परेऽह्नि सुखरात्रिका

daṁḍaikarajanīyoge darśaḥ syāttu pare'hani tadā vihāya pūrvedyuḥ pare'hni sukharātrikā

If the new-moon tithi, joined for one danda of the night, falls truly on the next day, then, leaving aside the previous day, the night of joy should be observed on the next day.

Verse 99 (skanda.2.106.99)

ये वैष्णवाऽवैष्णवाश्च बलिराज्योत्सवं नराः । न कुर्वंति वृथा तेषां धर्माः स्युर्नात्र संशयः

ye vaiṣṇavā'vaiṣṇavāśca balirājyotsavaṁ narāḥ na kurvaṁti vṛthā teṣāṁ dharmāḥ syurnātra saṁśayaḥ

Whatever men, whether Vaishnava or not, do not observe the festival of Bali's reign — their other religious observances are in vain, there is no doubt of this.

Verse 100 (skanda.2.106.100)

रात्रौ जागरणं कुर्यात्पुराणपठनादिभिः । द्यूतेन वा हरेरग्रे गीतया वा तथैव च

rātrau jāgaraṇaṁ kuryātpurāṇapaṭhanādibhiḥ dyūtena vā hareragre gītayā vā tathaiva ca

At night one should keep vigil through the recitation of the Puranas and the like, or through ritual gambling before Hari, or likewise through singing the Gita.