112 - Enumeration of Vratas to be observed on Trutiyās (third day of a lunar fortnight

Sanatana said: 

1. O Nárada, listen. I shall recount to you the Vratas pertaining to Trutiya (third day in the lunar fort-night). On observing these Vratas perfectly, a woman shall attain married bliss and good fortune. 

2-5. An unmarried virgin desirous of a bridegroom, and one desirous of matrimonial bliss and good fortune for her sons and husband, should perform Gauri Vrata.1 The image of Gauri is made of gold, silver, copper or clay along with that of her Lord (Śhiva) on the third day in the bright half of the month of Chaitra. O Brāhmaṇa, she then worships it with scents, fragrant flowers, clothes, auspicious ornaments, and bundles of Dūrvă grass. She observes fast. She propitiates Brahmaņa women whose husbands and sons are alive and girls with auspicious characteristics, by offering them saffron, collyrium, clothes and other things. Delighted in her mind, she should keep awake that night with the desire to fulfil the Vrata. 

1. VV. 2-9 describe the Gauri Vrata which is observed for twelve years, confers a good consort to the lady observer if unmarried, uninterrupted matrimonial bliss, if married, good fortune and all desired happiness. HD V. i. p. 296 gives five varieties of this Vrata some of which are to be observed in Ashvina (Krutyaratnakara 219), on the 4th day of Jyeşhtha (Bd. p). It is similar to Gauri-trutiya-Vrata observed on the 3rd day of the bright half of Chaitra, Bhadrapada, Mägha-(Samaya-mayükha 36). 

There is another Gauri Vrata to be observed on the 4th day in the bright half of Mågha. It is also called Dhundhi Vrata, Kunda Vrata, Lalita Vrata and Shanti Vrata, vide infra I. 113. 80.85. 

6. O Brāhmaṇa, she should give that image to the preceptor if it is metallic. If it is made of clay, she should immerse it in a tank or a river. 

7. She should perform this auspicious Gauri Vrata for twelve years. With the due formal resolve to donate, she should offer twelve cows also for the achievement of her desires. 

8. What more needs be spoken? There is no other bestower of good fortune and matrimonial bliss to women in all the three worlds like Gauri. 

9. A woman attains wealth, good husband, sons, learning, ability to command, fame and happiness-in fact all desired happiness, by worshipping Gauri with devotion. 

10. The third day in the bright half of the month of Vaishakha is glorified as Akşhaya Trutiya.1 That is the Tithi on which Tretāyuga began. Whatever holy rite is performed on this day is made everlasting (Akşhaya) by this Trutīyā. 

1. VV 10-15 describe the Akşhaya Trutiya Vrata which falls on the 3rd day of the bright half of Vaishakha. Any meritorious act performed on this day, becomes ever-lasting. Hence the epithet Akşhaya. The speciality of this day is that it marks the beginning of the Tretà Yuga. The rite pertains to the worship etc. of god Vişhnu accompanied by Sri. Thw performer devotwe attains the region of Vişhņu. Cf. Vişhnu Dh. S. 90. 16-17: also Bhavishyottara P. 30. 2-3 & 19. 

As Yugadi days are recommended for the performance of Shraddha etc., the first half of the day is preferable for Yugadi day in the bright half of a month, while the latter half is recommended for the Yugadi days in the dark half of the month. 

11-12a. Wise men know that two inaugural days of Yugas (viz. that of Kruta and Treta) were in the bright half of the month, while those of the other two Yugas (viz. Dväpara and Kali) were in the dark fortnight (of the lunar month). The two (inaugural) days in the bright fortnight are to be accepted (observed) in the earlier half of the day. Out of the Yugadi days in the dark fortnight, Dvåpara began in Mägha while the Kali Age commenced in Bhadrapada. Thus commenced the Yugas on these days. 

2. VV 11-12a. give the Yugadi tithis vide Supra I 56. 147-48 for the Yugadi Tithis the tithi on which a particular Yuga began. According to the NP. the following are the Yugadi tithis for the following Yugas. 

Yuga                                    Tithi

1. Kruta             9th day Karttika, Shu. (bright half)

                                                               (Shuddha)

2. Tretă             - 3rd day Vaishakha, Shu.

3. Dvāpara - 15th day of Magha (Vd-Vadya-dark half)

4. Kali       -        - 13th day of Bhadrapada, Vd.

VP. III. 14. 12-13 supports this, though AP. 209. 14 differs about Kruta-Yuga. 

12b-13. The devotee should worship Nārāyaṇa, the preceptor of the universe accompanied by Śhrī, with flowers, incense and unguents on the third day in the bright half of the month of Vaisakha. Or if he takes his holy dip in the waters of the Gangā, he is absolved of all sins. 

14. He should worship Vişhņu with unbroken rice-grains. He shall have his ablution with water mixed with unbroken rice grains. He should feed Brāhmaṇas with the flour of barley first fried and then ground. He himself shall partake of it. 

15. O Brahmaņa, the man who performs the rites thus and who is devoted to Vişhņu attains Vişhnu’s world. He is bowed to by all the Devas. 

16. The third day in the bright half of the month of Jyeşhtha is well known by the name Rambha.1 On that day, one should duly worship and honour an excellent Brāhmaṇa accompanied by his wife. 

1. VV 16-18 mention Rambha Vralta which consists of worship of a Brāhmaṇa couple. It yields wealth, sons and inclination to Dharma. The Rambha Vrata mentioned in the Bhavishyottara P. 18. 1-36 and CC on Vrata I. 426-430 is different, as it recommends that worship of Devi, and homa, etc. are to be performed therein. 

17-18a. With the desire for conjugal blessedness a woman should perform this holy rite and worship the Brāhmaṇa couple with scents, fragrant flowers, silken garments, etc. O Brāhmaṇa, if this holy Rambhā rite is duly observed, it yields wealth, sons, and auspicious inclination towards Dharma (virtuous and religious rites). 

18b-21a. The lady who desires conjugal bliss should wear white clothes in the third day in the bright half of the month of Āşhadha and worship Keśhava accompanied by Lakşhmi symbolised or represented in a Brāhmaṇa accompanied by his wife. She should propitiate them with meals, charitable gifts of cows, clothes and ornaments and pleasing words. By observing this Vrata, the lady shall be blessed with wealth and food-grains. By the grace of the Lord of the Devas, she shall attain Vişhnu’s world. 

21b. Svarņa-Gauri Vrata2 is to be performed on the third day in the bright half of the month of Shrávaņa. 

2. VV 21b-29 describe thc Svarna Gauri Vrata to be performed by s, on the 3rd day of Śhrávana Shu. for the propitiation of goddess Gauri or Bhavåni. In Kamataka it is observed on the 3rd day of Bhadrapada (Vrj. p. 45). Herein the number 16 is very significant. Goddess Gauri is worshipped with 16 upacharas and prayed for conjugal blessedness, sons and wealth. The Vrata is to be observed for 16 years at the end of which a gold image of Gauri is to be worshipped, 16 wickerworks filled with 16 edibles are to be given to 16 couples of Bråhmaņas and the gold image to be given to the preceptor. The Vrj. quotes a story from the Sk. P. about this Vrata. The Udyapana (concluding ceremony) of this Vrata agrees with that in the Sk. P. as quoted by Vrj., pp 46-47. 

22a-23a. The lady devotee should worship goddess Bhavani by means of the sixteen Upacharas (articles and modes of worship and service) with the Prayer—” O goddess of holy rites, obeisance be to you. Be pleased to grant me sons and wealth, grant me conjugal blessedness. Do bestow on me all other desired things.” 

23b-24a. After praying thus to Bhavani the goddess of the Devas, accompanied by God Shiva, the lady devotee, desirous of completion of the holy rite should make the gift of sweet meats etc. to Bråhmaņas. 

246-25a. After performing this auspicious Vrata for sixteen years, she should perform the concluding ceremony of the Vrata (Udyāpana) with great devotion. She should not exhibit stinginess in the matter of expenses. 

25b-28. In a pandal in a pure Mandala (mystic diagram) she should perform the worship of Gaņeśha and other gods. She should then place a flat saucer-like copper-dish over the water pot and worship a gold-image of Bhaváni therein with scents and fragrant flowers. Thereafter, the Homa should be performed. Sixteen bamboo vessels (baskets) shall be filled with sweet dishes and cooked rice, offered to the Devi as Naivedya and distributed among Brahmaņas, kinsmen and relatives. 

29. The woman interested in the observance of this Vrata shall attain the full benefit by giving the gold image to the preceptor and monetary gifts to the other Brahmaņas. 

30. On the third day in the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada, the lady devotee should perform the Vrata of Haritalika1 with great devotion, in accordance with the in junctions, along with the rites of Padya (viz. offering water for washing the feet, hands, worship) Arghya and Archana. 

1. VV 30-35 describe the Haritalika Vrata. This is very popular in Maharashtra but not in Gujarat or Bengal. Only women are eligible for this and they observe a fast on this day and propitiate goddess Uma and Shiva. This Vrata is found in late mediaeval digests like the Nirnaya Sindhu (p. 133). Vrj. pp. 48 quotes the story of Haritälikå from the Bhavishyottara Purana. The Udydpana-rite in the NP is similar to that in the VRJ, pp. 48-52. Sixteen wicker-baskets containing ‘bliss-yielding articles (indicating Saubhagya-conjugal happiness) and cloth are to be given to Brahmaņas. This Vrata increases conjugal blessedness. The term Saubhagya Vardhana here does not imply a new Vrata of that name. Dr. Kane in HD. V. 1., p. 456 mentions three Saubhagya Vratas but they are quite different. 

31-32. Then the cooked rice and the Dakşhiņā should be placed in a gold, silver, copper, bamboo or a clay vessol along with fruits and clothes. The same shall then be given to a Brahmaņa. At the end of it, she should have the Päraņā (break the fast) along with the kinsmen. 

33. The woman who observes this holy rite shall enjoy all desirable pleasures. She shall become a friend and attendant of Gauri, thanks to the efficacy of this Vrata. 

34. Sixteen bamboo-baskets filled with bliss-yielding articles and clothes should be enthusiastically ‘given to a Brāhmaṇa in accordance with the injunctions. 

35-36. She should then give generous monetary gifts to the other excellent Brāhmaṇas also for the satisfaction of the goddess. The woman who performs this holy rite of Saubhāgya Vardhana (that which increases conjugal blessed ness) certainly attains it, thanks to the grace of the Goddess. 

37-38. When the Trutiya in the month of Bhadrapada coincides with the constellation Hasta, the Vrata taught by Shauri (Krişhņa?) is called Hastagaurīvrata1. The Vrata called Kotīśhvari and Lakşheśhvari2 has been proclaimed by Shiva the Pinäkabearing Lord. Its rules of procedure are being mentioned: 

1. VV 37-39 describe Hasta-Gauri-Vrata which is to be observed when the constellation Hasta coincides with the 3rd day of Bhådrapada Shu. Krishna has told this Vrata. The Vratarka requires contemplation of Gauri, Hara and Ganesha in this Vrata, for 13 years and the Udyapana (conclusion) of this Vrata in the 14th year (HD. V. i. p. 462). 

2. VV 38-45a describe the Kotishvara alias Laksheshvari Vrata to be observed on the 3rd day of Bhadrapada Shu. (Shuddha Paksha—The bright half). It is called Lakşheśhvari as a paste of one hundred thousand grains of rice or Sesame seeds is used to form the image of Pårvati. Fast is to be observed on that day. CC on Vrata I. 459-461 quotes the Sk. P. for this Vrata, also vide HD. V-I. p. 290. 

39. On this day, the Vrata has to be taken up for four years. O Nārada, every year it has to be performed along with the observance of fast. 

40. Unbroken rice grains or gingelly seeds should be selected, O leading sage, to the extent of one hundred thousand. They should be cleaned and put in boiling water. 

41. When the grains are cooked well, a splended image of the goddess should be made. It should be embellished with scented flowers and flower garlands. 

42-44. Goddess Parvati should be installed therein and worshipped with great devotion, with scents, fragrant flowers, incense, lights and detailed Naivedya offerings and fruits. O Brāhmaṇa, she should bow to the goddess and crave forgiveness. Then she should immerse the image of the goddess in the middle of a water-tank. Dakşhiņā is then offered to the Brāhmaṇas who are knowers of religious rites and procedures. She should then partake of her food the next day. Thus, O Brahmaņa, the Koți Lakşheśhvari Vrata has been narrated to you. 

45a. In the end she goes to the world of Gauri, thanks to the power of this Vrata. 

45b. On the third day in the bright half of the month of Isha (i.e. Aśhvina), the lady devotee should perform Bruhad Gauri1 Vrata. 

1. VV. 45 6-53 describe the Bruhad-Gauri-Vrata to be observed on the 3rd day of Ashvina Šhu. (Shuddha) according, to NP., but pada Ky. (Krishna) Trutiya as per VRJ. Io southern Maharashtra and in Karnataka, a plant Dorli or Ringani (in Marathi) is brought along with its roots, fruits and branches for worship. A thread is wound round the neck in the name of Gauri. VRJ. (pp. 59-54) narrates the story about this Vrata from the Bhavishyottara P. 

46. O Närada, this Vrata is to be performed for five years in accordance with the rules of procedure mentioned above. At the end, she should worship the main preceptor and other Brāhmaṇas with cash presents etc. 

47-50. Five Suvasinis (married women whose husband are alive) should be worshipped as Haripriyås (beloveds of Hari) with clothes, ornaments, sandal paste, bodices, earrings and necklaces; five bamboo baskets are used and they are tied round with threads. The baskets are filled with saffron, cumin-seeds, and bliss-yielding articles. Vayanas (presents of sweet-meats) comprising of ground wheat flour, fresh Apūpa (baked pies), fruits etc. These must be given to the Suvāsinis who also be fed. After giving as worshipful gift half the materials gathered as Vayanas, she shall silently take her food. For the increase of the desired objects, a fruit (out of the gift) should be worn round the neck. 

51. Getting up early in the morning, bedecked in ornaments and accompanied by her friends, she should go to a river to the accompaniment of songs and instrumental music. There Gauri image is ritualistically bidden farewell to (into the river) with the prayer: 

52. “O gentle lady, you had been invoked by me and worshipped duly (as per procedure), you may be pleased to go away at will, for granting me conjugal bliss”. 

53. After observing the holy rite, thus, O Bråhmaņa, and after enjoying all worldly pleasures, thanks to the grace of the goddess, she shall attain Gauri’s world after death. 

54-55. On the third day in the bright half of the month of Urja (Kārttika), she (the lady) should perform Vişhnugaurivrata.1 After worshipping the goddess worthy of being saluted by the whole world, with different modes of worship and services and after feeding the suvāsini (a married woman with husband alive) who has been honoured duly with auspicious articles, she should bid farewell to the goddess after bowing to her, for obtaining the grace of satisfaction of Vişhnugauri. 

1. VV. 54-55 briefly describes the Vrata called Vishnu Gauri

56. On the third day in the bright half of the month of Margashirşha, a woman should perform the auspicious HaraGauri Vrata2 in accordance with the injunctions laid down before, in the above-mentioned Vrata and should worship Jagadambikä (Mother of the Universe). 

2. VV. 56-57 deal with Hara-Gauri Vrata. 

57. As a result of the prowess of this Vrata, she shall enjoy all charming worldly pleasures. Attaining the world of the goddess, she rejoices with her. 

58-59a. On the third day in the bright half of the month of Pauşha, a woman should perform the Brahmagaurivrata1 in accordance with the injunctions laid down above. O excellent Brāhmaṇa, on being worshipped, BrahmaGauri shall be delighted. Thanks to her grace, the lady devotee becomes associated with the goddess and rejoices herself. 

1. VV. 58-59a describe Brahma-Gauri Vrata. It will thus be seen that the Gauri Vratas are the same but are associated with each member of the Trinity of gods and are performed on the 3rd days of lunar fortnight 

59b-60. On the third day in the bright half of the month of Mågha, (goddess) Saubhagya-Sundari2 should be worshipped in accordance with the rules of procedure mentioned before, by means of offering Arghya with coconuts. Delighted and rendered pleased by means of the Vrata, the goddess grants her own world.

2. VV. 59b-60 describe the Saubhagya-Sundari Vrata (to propitiate goddess Umá, though the NP. is silent about the namę of the deity). VRJ. prescribes its performance on Margashirşha or Mågha (Kr.) Trutiya, especially when it is conjoined with the next (4th) Tithi, and not with the previous one. VRJ (pp. 54-47) quotes a long story from the Bhavishyottara P. glorifying this Vrata. 

61. The third day in the bright half of the month of Phålguna, is the bestower of family happiness. If the goddess is worshipped with scents, fragrant flowers etc., she shall be the bestower of all auspiciousness. 

62. O sage, in all these Trutiyās (vratas on the third days of the lunar fortnight) the rules regarding the Pūjā of the goddess, the honour to the Brāhmaṇa, the charitable gifts, Homa and the ritualistic dismissal of the goddess are the same. 

63. Thus the Vratas to be performed on Trutiyås have been narrated to you here. If observed with great devotion, they shall bestow all desirable objects cherished in mind.