185 - Vows observed on the ninth lunar day

Agni said:

1. Ishall describe the vow (performed) on the ninth lunar day which would accomplish enjoyment, emancipation etc. The goddessshould be worshipped in the bright (fortnight) in (the month of)āśvina (October-November). It is known as the gaurinavamivrata. 

2-4. The ninth lunar day known as the pishtaka (cake made of the flour of any grain) (is called so) on account of eating the cake and worshipping the goddess. On thc eighth lunar day in the bright (fortnight) in (the month of) åśvina (October-November) when the sun is in the constellation) Virgo in the asterism müla is said to be the great navami (ninth lunar day) which destroys the sin always. (Goddess) Durgā (a form of the consort of Siva)should be worshipped as housed in nine places or as stationed in one place having eighteen hands. The rest (of the images) (should have) sixteen hands. The collyrium and damaru (little drum) (should be held in two hands). 

5-10. (The forms of the goddess) to be worshipped (are) Rudrachaņdā, Prachandā, Chaņdogrā, Chandanayikā, Chandā, Chaņdavati, Chandarūpå, Atichaņdikā and Ugrachanda (other wise known as) Durgā, the killer of the buffalo (demon) in order at the centre. The ten-syllabled mystic formula is Om Durgå! Durgå! The protector! Oblations! It begins with the long letter å, has nine eyes and ends with ‘obeisance'. Obeisance, svadhā, vashatkāra and hrut etc. occupy six places. After having assigned the limbs in the toes to the little finger, (goddess) Siváshould be chanted. One who repeats thus the secret (syllable) would not be affected by anybody. Oneshould worship (the goddess) as holding human skull, khețaka (club), bell, mirror, threatening posture, bow, banner, little drum and noose in left hands. Oneshould worship (her as holding) the weapons spear, club, pike, thunderbolt, sword, dart, conch, disc and stick (in right hands). 

11-15. After having repeated (the name) Kāli (twice) (a form of consort of Siva), the animal (that is to be offered to her)should be killed with a sword. “O Kali! Kali! Vajreśvari (the goddess with the thunderbolt)! Obeisance to the one having the metal rod!” (is the formula). The blood and flesh got from that (killing) (should be offered) to Pūtanā (a demonness) on the south-west, to Päparåkshasi (the demoness representing sin) on the north-west, to Charaki (a forin of the goddess) on the north-east, to Vidärikä on the south-east and Mahā kausika (should be worshipped) for the fire. The kingshould bathe in front of that and kill the (form of the) enemy made of the cake. Offeringsshould be made to Skanda and Visakha (the progeny of Siva and Pärvati). (The goddesses) Brahmi and othersshould be worshipped in the night. Obeisance to you O Jayanti (victorious)! Mangalā (auspicious)! Kāli (dreadful)! Bhadrakali (Benevolent Käli)! Kapālini (the bearer of (the skull)! Durgā (difficult to reach)! Sivá (auspicious)! Kshamā (forbearance)! Dhátri (supporter)! Svähä and Svadhả (the two syllables used at the time of oblations made into fire). After having bathed the goddess with the five sweet things,sheshould be worshipped with veneration etc. One who carries the goddess in a chariot with banner etc. and offers a victim would get all benefits.