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| Devi Temple, Mahabalipuram 8c. CE. |
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
Wednesday, 11 January 2023 VI.19 - Sage Shuka explains the spirit and content of Pumsavana Vrata performed by Diti.
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King Parikshit is keen to understand what types of prayers and austerities constituted the Pumsavana Vrata undertaken by Diti under the instruction of Sage Kashyapa. What fruits can be obtained by such a Vrata?
Sage Shuka is happy to elaborate.
श्रीशुक उवाच
शुक्ले मार्गशिरे पक्षे योषिद्भर्तुरनुज्ञया । आरभेत व्रतमिदं सार्वकामिकमादित: ॥
स्नत्वा शुक्लदती शुक्ले वसीतालङ्कृताम्बरे | पूजयेत्प्रातराशात्प्राग्भगवन्तं श्रिया सह ॥
T: " Pumsavana Vrata is to be undertaken after getting permission from the husband by a lady who wants to fulfil all her desires by worshipping Bhagavan Maha Vishnu along with Sri Lakshmi Devi. This year-long Vrata or ritualistic practice should be begun in the bright half of Margashirsha Masa. This should be done after hearing the story of Diti and her sons Maruts."
He details how the woman should clean herself, how to dress herself, and what worship should be done before eating, and so on. It is a pretty detailed list of instructions. There is a mantra to be uttered during the offering. There is fasting on Full Moon, and on Krittika star days. There is a distribution of food to Brahmins.
The prayers are jointly made to Maha Vishnu and Lakshmi. If the woman for whatever reason is unable to do the Vrata on any particular day, the husband should do it without fail.
Girls waiting for marriage will get good husbands. Women will bear good children, and become beautiful and prosperous.
तुष्टा: प्रयच्छन्ति समस्तकामान्हो मावसाने हुतभुक् श्रीहरिश्च
T: The deities will receive all the offerings (made to Brahmins and also directly) and Lord Maha Vshnu will be immensely pleased to grant all that one desires."
This ends the Sixth Skandha!
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॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
