303 - The propitiation of the letters on one's limbs to ward off evil

Agni said:

1. It is known to be the period of pausna when the Moon reaches the natal asterism and the Sun occupies the seventh house. One has to examine one's breath then. 

2. The throat and the lips move from their position, the nose (becomes) bent and the tongue (becomes) black. That person would live for seven days only. 

3-4a. (The following is the mantra for warding off this evil consequence): "taro meso misum danti naro dirgha ghana rasah, to kruddholka, maholka, virolka, ulka and sahasrolka." This is the cight-syllabled mantra of (Lord) Vishņu. 

4b-7. Theseshould be located in the folds of the eight fingers beginning with the little finger. The eight letters of the eight) asterisms represented by the eight folds beginning with the first fold on the middle fingershould be located in order on the head. The asterism (is located) on the index finger, the lagnas on the thumb as also with the middle finger. In the same way the letters of the asterisms etc. are located on the palm and thumb. (The letters of the mantrasshould be contemplated) -as red, white, tawny, green, golden and (the remaining) three as white. These letters having the above colours and set with their true stateshould be located in order at the heart, face, eyes, head, feet, palate, private organ and hands. 

8. After having assigned the principal letters on the hand and body, the location of the constituent parts. The location on (the image of) the deityshould be done as in the case of oneself except (that) the hand (is not involved). 

9-12. The letters located in the different places such as the heartshould be worshipped with incense and flowers. The virtues etc., fire etc. and unrighteousness etc. are located respectively on the body, seat and the lotus. The three orbs of the Sun, Moon and Fire pervading the filaments of the lotus)should be located in order with their distinctions. The qualities sattva etc. and the female energies Vimala, Utkarshiņi, Jñana, Kriya, Yoga, Prahvi, Satya and Ishänänugraha (are to be located) in the filaments therein in order. After having worshipped the yogic seat at the centre, (Lord) Harishould be invoked and worshipped. 

13. The five practices of worship such as water for washing the feet, arghya (respectful offering), water for sipping, yellow clothes and ornament are all offered with the principal (mantra). 

14. The images of (gods) Vasudeva (a form of Vishnu) and others, namely four1,should be worshipped in the four (principal) directions. (Goddesses) Sri (Lakshmi), Sarasvati, Rati and Såntishould be worshipped in the intermediary directions. 

1 Vasudeva, Pradyumna, Aniruddha and Sankarshana. 

15. The conch, disc, mace, lotus, pestle, sword, śāranga (bow) and the garland of wild flowersshould duly be worshipped in the principal and intermediary directions. 

16. After having worshipped Tärkshya (eagle vehicle of Lord Vishnu) outside in front (of the Lord), Vishvaksena and Somesashould be worshipped outside at the centre and Indra and other attendant gods outside the enclosure. One would obtain everything by this worship.