Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 8 Chapter 16:48-62

Book 8: Chapter 16

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 8: Chapter 16: Verses 48-62 The procedure of (observing the vow of) Payovrata disclosed to Aditi From the first day till the thirteenth of the bright fortnight (of Phalguna) he should observe (a vow of strict) continence, sleep on the ground and bathe thrice (everyday, viz., in the morning, at midday and in the evening). Harmless to all living beings and devoted to Lord Vasudeva, he should avoid talking with the vile as well as on unholy topics and abstain from luxuries (of every description), whether great or small. Now, on the thirteenth he should arrange a bath of Lord Visnu with five substances (viz., milk, curds, clarified butter, honey and sugar) according to the procedure found in the scriptures, under the direction of those conversant with such procedure. And absolutely free from (the fault of) niggardliness, he should perform a grand worship of the Lord. Preparing an oblation (intended) for Lord Visnu, (who is encircled by rays of light), he should with a fully concentrated mind propitiate the supreme Person by means of that oblation boiled in milk (and poured into the sacred fire) and (also) Affer to Him by way of repast excellent food that may be gratifying to the Lord (by its appetizing flavour and freedom from impure ingredients such as animal food). He should (then) gratify the learned and wise Acarya (preceptor conducting the worship) as well as the other priests with (gifts of) raiment, jewels and cows. (For) know their gratification to be the propitiation of Sri Hari (Himself). He should (also) entertain them as well as the other Brahmanas and whoever else might have gathered there with delicious and pure food according to his means, O (good) lady with innocent smiles ! (Nay,) he should offer according to merit Daksina (sacrificial fees) to the preceptor and the priests and gratify with cooked and other articles of food all those assembled including Candalas (those who cook the flesh of dogs). All including the destitute, blind and miserable having taken their food, and knowing their gratification to be the propitiation of Lord Visnu Himself, he should partake of that food (himself) along with his relatives and friends. (In this way) he should have the worship of the Lord conducted everyday with dances and music, (both) instrumental and vocal, as well as with the recitation of hymns, performance of auspicious rites and the narration of His stories. This supreme vow known by the name of Payovrata, which is intended to propitiate the supreme Person, was revealed (to me) by Brahma (my grandfather) and has (now) been made known to you in detail by me. And, having fully controlled your mind, adore you the immortal Lord Kesava (the Ruler even of Brahma and Siva) with an intellect full of pure Devotion by means of this vow duly observed, O noble lady. This is known as a universal sacrifice (yielding the fruit of all sacrifices) and is further called a universal vow (ensuring the reward of all vows). It is the quintessence of all austerities, O good lady, and a gift conducive to the gratification of God (Himself). They alone are real religious observances and they alone are the best of all disciplines; (nay,) that alone is austerity, gift, vow, and sacrifice (worth the name), by means of which Lord Visnu (who is above sense perception) is gratified. Therefore, fully disciplined, observe this vow with reverence, 0 blessed one ! Highly gratified (through this), the Lord will speedily grant (all) the objects of your desire. Thus ends the sixteenth discourse entitled The procedure of (observing the vow of) Payovrata disclosed to Aditi; in Book Eight of the great and glorious Bhagavata-Purana, otherwise known as the Paramahamsa-Samhita.