Agni Purāṇa

207 - Mode of performing Kaumudavrata

Agni said:

1. 'The Kaumudavrata, which has been described¹ by me,should be practised in the bright (fortnight) in āšvayuji. After fasting on the eleventh day, lord Harishould be worshipped for a month.

1. See Ch. 198 13-14.

2. (Oneshould resolve as follows): “Ishall practise the Kaumudavrata taking food only once (daily) in the brightfort night in āśvina after repeating (the name of) Hari for a month, for the sake of enjoyment and emancipation”,

3-4. After fasting, heshould worship lord Vishņu, after having besmcared the lord with sandals, agallochum and saffron with lotus, blue lotus flowers or white lotuses or malati (flower). (Heshould offer) a lamp with oil silently. Offering of sweet gruel, cakes and sweet balls (should be made) day and night.

5. “Om obeisance to Vasudeva”. Having made the offering (with this syllable) (the vow)should be completed. Food and other thingsshould be given to a brahmin. The fast for a month would continue until the lord wakes up. (If it is continued) beyond that it would get) greater benefit.

Summary of chapter 207 of the Agni Purāṇa is as follows:

Agni describes the Vidveṣaṇa rite for sowing discord among enemies. The chapter lists specific abhicāra mantras directed toward Niṛṛti and Kṣetrapāla. The ritual involves binding an effigy of the enemy at midnight while reciting the prescribed mantra. The chapter includes cautionary teachings that these rites, if performed without proper adhikāra, rebound upon the performer.