119 - Sacred Rites (Vratas)

Brahma said: 

1-2. I should now expound Agastyarghya Vrata which yields worldly enjoyment and salvation. Three days before the transit of the Sun to Kanyarashi (Virgo), an image of the sage should be made with Kasha1 flowers in a vessel and Arghya shall be offered after duly worshipping it. The devotee should keep awake in the night.

1. Saccharum Spontaneum.

3-4. The worship should be with curd, rice grains, flowers and fruits too. The pot should be painted in five colours. It may be of gold or silver. It should contain seven types of grains. It should be smeared with curd and sandal paste. While giving "Arghya" the mantra "Agastyah Khanamanah" etc. shall be recited. 

5. While worshipping, the devotee should say: "O sage Agastya! obeisance unto thee. Thou art the son of Mitra and Varuna. Thou art born of Fire and Wind. Thou art like the Kasha flower." 

6. Shudras and women should use only this mantra for offering grains, fruits and juice. The devotee shall give the vessel to a brahmin with dakshinas and feed brahmins. By doing so for seven years he will get everything he wants.