117 - Sacred Rites (Vratas)

Brahma said:

1-2. In the month of Margashirsha (Oct-Nov.) on the thirteenth day of the bright half, which is called Ananga Thrayodashi, Lord Shiva shall be worshipped with Dhattura3 flowers and tooth pick twigs of the tree Mallika,4 with the Naivedya (food offering) of honey saying that it is for the Cupid. In the month Pausha, Yogeshvara should be worshipped with the Bilva flowers, the Kadamba5 twig is the tooth pick; sandal paste and Naivedya of Shashkuli (rice dough fried in ghee or oil) should be given.

3. Perhaps the same as dhattura--datura, GVDB, p. 214.

4. Jasminum sambac.

5. Anthocephalus indicus.

3. In the month of Magha (Dec-Jan.) Lord Nateshvara1 should be worshipped with Kunda flowers and necklace of pearls. The tooth pick is of Plaksha tree and the Naivedya, O sage, is fried pancake.

1. Shiva.

4. In the month of Phalguna (Jan-Feb.) Lord Vireshvara2 should be worshipped with Maruvaka3 flowers. The Naivedya consists of sugar candy, vegetables and rice gruel. The tooth pick is of mango4 tree.

2. Shiva. 

3. Perhaps the same as Phanijjhaka-Ocimum basilicum. But identity is not certain. (GVDB, p. 266). 

4. Mangifera indica.

5. In the month of Chaitra (Feb-Mar.) Lord Surupa5 shall be worshipped. Flowers of Karpura6 plant shall be taken if no fast is undertaken. The tooth pick is of Vata tree and Naivedya is Shashkuli (rice dough fried in ghee or oil).

5. Shiva.

6. Either Cinnamomum camphora or D. aromatics, GVDB, p. 82.

6-8. In the month of Vaishakha (Mar-April) Lord Shambhu is worshipped with Ashoka7 flowers and Modakas and the Naivedya of cooked rice with jaggery is offered to Maharupa. Jatiphala (nutmeg) too should be offered and the tooth pick is of Udumbara tree. In the month of Jyestha (Apr-May) Pradyumna should be worshipped with Champaka8 flowers and Lavanga9 (clove) offered. The tooth pick should be of Bilva twigs. In the month of Ashadha lord Umi-Bhadra should be worshipped with Apamarga10 flowers. The tooth pick is of Aguru tree.

7. Saracha indica

8. Michelia champaka.

9. Syzygium aromaticum.

10. Achyranthes aspera.

9. In the month of Shravana (June-July) Lord Shambhu with the trident in his hand should be worshipped with Karavira1 flowers. Fragrant pastes and seat are offered. The Naivedya is ghee, etc. and the tooth pick is of Karavira tree.

1. Nerium indicum.

10-12. In the month of Bhadrapada (July-Aug.) lord Sadyojata2 should be worshipped with Bakula3 flowers. Pupaka (cake) is the naivedya. In the month of Ashvina (Aug-Sep.) the gandharva lord Madanaja and Indra, the lord of the deities should be worshipped in water in a gold pot, with the offerings of Modaka. The tooth pick is of Khadari3 tree (catechu). In the month of Karttika (Sep-Oct.) Rudra should be worshipped. The tooth pick should be of Badari4 tree. The devotee should either fast or take one tenth of the usual food. At the end of the year, he should worship Shiva with lotuses offering milk and vegetables as naivedya.

2. Shiva.

3. Mimusops, elengi.

4. Zizyphus jujubs.

13. Lord Ananga accompanied by Rati should be worshipped on a golden throne. Gingelly seeds and rice grains should be offered in the fire ten thousand times. 

14. He should keep awake in the night in singing songs or playing on instruments. In the morning worship should again be performed. Bed, vessels, cloth, umbrella and shoes should be given to brahmins. 

15. He should feed cows and brahmins with devotion. He should be delighted. This is the concluding rite for all Vratas. The fruit of all these Vratas is prosperity, health, and good fortune.