266 - The mode of performing the ceremonial bathing to wash off obstacles

Pushkara said: 

1-6a. Ishall describe the bathing that would be beneficial for those afflicted by (the evil spirit called) Vinảyaka. The spirit Vinayaka was commissioned by (Lords) Keśhava (Vishņu), Isa (Siva) and Pitåmaha (Brahma) as the leader of the attendants in order to frustrate the work of men. One who is possessed by Vinayaka dreams as if he is , bathing in water excessively, seesshaven heads, rides the demons (in a dream) and as he goes thinks that he is being followed by others. The fruitless beginning (of a task) leads to frustation and (the body) emaciates without any reason. A girl does not get a (suitable) bridegroom, a married woman does not get progeny, a brahmin does not become a preceptor and a pupil does not get instruction. A trader does not get profit and a cultivator, the produce. A king does not get a kingdom. In such cases a (ceremonial) bath has to be done. 

6b-9a. (Itshould be done) on an auspicious seat in (the asterisms) hasta, pushya, aśhvini, margasirsa and Sravaņa. Levigated powders of white mustard mixed with clarified butter, all herbs and perfumesshould be besmeared on the head (of the person concerned). Heshould be bathed with (the waters in) four pitchers into which all herbs have been put. Earth brought from stables of horses and elephants, anthill and confluence of rivers as well as resin got from a cow, perfumes and guggulushould be put (into the pitchers). 

9b-17. (The bathing is done with the repetition of the following sacred formulas) “Sahasraksham satadharam rushibhiḥ påvanam krutam¹. I bathe you with the waters that have been made holy by the sages. May the removers of sins protect you." Bhagam te varuno raja bhagam sūryo bruhaspatiḥ bhagamindrascha vayuscha bhagam saptarsayo daduh². "May Varuņa, the Sun, Bruhaspati, Indra, Väyu and the seven sages give you wealth.” “May the misfortune that sticks to your hair, the parting line of the hair, head, fore-head, ears and eyes always be removed by the water." Then the preceptorshould hold the leaf of the darbha (grass) on the left hand and pour the mustard oil on the head of the person that has bathed with a ladle made of udumbara (tree). Then oblationshould be made holding the kusa grass on the head with the left hand (repeating) the names Mita, Sammita, Sálaka, Kanthaka, Küshmånda and Rajaputra together with (the word) oblation, the sacred formulas for oblation and obeisance. Then after having spread the kusa (grass) everywhere at the crossroads, one should offer cooked and uncooked rice, meat, food, large quantities of raw fish, coloured flower, wine, mülaka, cake, sweet cake of flour, garland of eņdavika (?), curd rice, sweet porridge (payasa), pistaka (a cake made of any grain), modaka (a kind of sweetmeat in the form of balls) and treacle on a winnowing basket. 

18-20. Then Ambikå (mother goddess; consort of Siva), the mother of Vinayaka,should be worshipped after having offered dūrvā (grass), mustard and flowers and the final oblation is made. (The following request is made): O Fortunate one! You give me beauty, fame, good fortune, progeny, wealth and all desired things. The brahminsshould be fed and a pair of clothesshould be given to the preceptor also. One would get the fruit of his action and wealth after worshipping the (spirit) Vinayaka and the planets.