18 - Performance of Śhräddha Under Different Constellations

This chapter is adopted from Mbh. Anushsana ch. 89 with slight variations in words. Vá.P. Ch. 82 is practically (textually) identical with this Chapter. 

This chapter is incorporated from Mbh. Anushasana Ch. 89. It is probably Vișhnu Dharma Sutra (78.8-15) which first mentions the fruits obtained by performing Shraddha under different constellations from Kruttika to Bharani. Yajnavalkya Smru. I.265-268, MK.P.30.8-16, BM.P.220.33-42, KP.II.20.9-15, Vå P Ch. 82 deal with the same topic though there is some disagreement about the rewards so promised. 

Bruhaspati said: 

1. “Listen from me to the details of the Shraddhas that should be separately performed under different constellations, These had been recounted to Shaśhabindu by Yama. 

2. The man who always performs the Shraddha under the Křuttikä сonstellation after gathering the sacred fires, shines in the heaven. He must strictly adhere to the obervances of these holy rites. 

3. He who desires children should perform Shraddha-under Rohiņi constellation. 

He who performs Shrāddha under Saumya constellation (i.e. Mrugashiras) becomes brilliant. 

One who performs Śhrāddha under Ardră constellation is usually one who commits cruel acts. 

4. By performing Śhrāddha under Punarvasu constellation one inherits a share in fields (agricultural lands) and becomes blessed with sons. 

The man who desires nourishment should perform Shraddha under Tişhya (i.e. Puşhya) constellation. 

5. One who worships the Pitrus under Ashleșhă constellation shall attain heroic sons. 

One who performs Śhräddha under the Maghă constellation becomes the most excellent of all castes. 

6. The man who worships the Pitrus under Pūrvá Phálguni constellation obtains good fortune. 

He who performs under Uttarā Phålguni constellation becomes habitually charitable and endowed with children. 

7. By worshipping the Pitrus under the constellation Hasta, one becomes the chief man in the assemblies. 

He who performs Shrāddha under Chitră constellation will beget handsome sons. 

8. He who performs Shraddha under Svåti constellation shall acquire profit in trade. 

A man who seeks sons should desire to perform Śhråddha under Vishakhả constellation. 

9. One who performs Shraddha under the constellation Anuradha shall be able to exercise the sovereignty of a realm. He who always performs Shrāddha under Jyeșhthả constellation shall acquire excellent overlordship.

 10. They who wish for freedom from illness should perform Shräddha under Müla constellation. 

Those who perform Shraddha under Pūrväşhådhá constellation gain great fame. 

The man who performs Shraddha under Uttarāshādha constellation shall be free from grief. 

11. By performing Shraddha under Śhravaņa constellation one attains the greatest goal in the worlds. 

One who performs Shraddha under Dhanișhthă constellation inherits a share in kingdom and vast amount of wealth. 

12. By performing Shräddha under the constellation per- taining to Varuna (i.e. constellation Shatabhishak) one conquers the worlds by means of the Shräddhas, attains (the mastery of) the Vedas along with the ancillary subjects and obtains the greatest achievements of physicians. 

13. One who performs Shraddha under Purva-Praushthapada (Bhadrapada,) constellation shall obtain many ways and means of sustenance. 

By not transgressing (i.e. by performing Shraddha) under the Uttara-Praușhthapadā (Bhādrapadā) constellation one gets thousands of cows. 

14. One who performs Śhräddha under the excellent constellation Revati acquires much wealth by means of metals other than silver and gold. 

One who is a devotee of the constellation Aśhvayuk (Ashvinī) obtains horses. 

One who performs Shraddha under Bharani constellation becomes the most excellent among good men. 

15. By performing Shraddhas, in accordance with these injunctions regarding Śhrāddhas, Śhaśhabindu acquired the entire earth through his prowess with ease (lit. without any strain) and ruled over it.