Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 11 Chapter 27:40-47

Book 11: Chapter 27

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 11: Chapter 27: Verses 40-47

Visualizing and worshipping Me (as such) and casting (into the fire) sacrificial sticks soaked in ghee and having made the two offerings of ghee known by the name of Agharas (and consisting of sprinkling ghee across the sacrificial pit from the northern to the southern end and from the southern to the [1] northern end, uttering the formulas' and ' ') and two (more) offerings known by the name of Ajyabhagas (and consisting of pouring ghee into the sacred fire uttering the formulas ' ' and respectively), should offer oblations soaked in ghee,uttering the fundamental Mantra and then the hymn known by the name of Purusa-Sukta (consisting of sixteen Mantras); taking a fresh oblation (in a limited quantity with every utterance). The knowing devotee should (further) offer oblations (through the fire) to Dharma and others in the order mentioned before (in verse 25 above), uttering the name of the deity with the indeclinable "Swaha" added to it and (then) the oblation known as "Swistakrt" (which is offered at the end of a sacrifice with the formula( ' and is so-called because it is believed to turn the sacrifice into a success). Having worshipped Me (as indwelling the fire) and saluted Me, the votary should offer oblations (in the eight directions) to My attendants (Nanda and others, mentioned in verse 28 above) and (then returning to the place of worship and taking his seat before Me), should repeat the Mula (principal) Mantra (as long as possible), contemplating (all the while) on the Infinite in the form of Lord Narayana. (Then, visualizing Me as having finished My dinner in the meantime,) he should offer water (to Me) for rinsing My mouth with and (again inviting Me back to My seat) should make over the remnants to Viswaksena (the foremost attendant to the Lord). (Again,) offering betel-leaves etc., containing aromatic substances, intended to perfume the mouth, he should then conclude the worship (by showering on Me flowers placed in the hollow of one's joined palms). (Then) celebrating, recounting and dramatically representing My exploits, dancing (out of joy while doing so) and narrating or listening to My stories, one should remain immersed in joy awhile. Glorifying Me through long or short hymns found in ancient works (such as the Vedas and Puranas) as well as through those composed by human beings, and praying in the words "Be pleased, 0 Lord I" he should salute Me falling flat (on the ground) like a log, placing his head at My feet and with his arms joined together (at his back after the fashion of a criminal) and saying, "O Lord, protect me, afraid (as I am) of the ocean of worldly existence rendered all the more fearful by the presence of the alligator in the shape of death, and (as such) come to You (for protection)." Praying thus he should respectfully place on his head as if given by Me the flowers etc., offered to Me and in case he must send back the deity (from the image in the event of its being intended for temporary worship); the (divine) effulgence invoked into the image should be drawn back (from it and merged) into the (divine) flame burning in the lotus of the heart (and the image deposited into some holy tank or river).

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References

  1. The 16 Mantras of Rgveda. X. xc; Atharva. XIX. vi; the first 16 Mantras of Sukla Yajurveda XXXI and Krsna Yajurveda fll. xii; Samaveda 617-621

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