118 - The Exposition of the Vratas to be observed on Navami (ninth) day (in the lunar fortnight)

Sanatana said: 

1. O leading Brāhmaṇa, henceforth, I shall recount to you the Vratas to be observed on the Navami day (i.e. ninth day in the lunar fortnight). On performing these rites, people in the world attain the desired fruit. 

2. The holy rite of Śhri Rama Navami1 is on the ninth day in the bright half of the month of Chaitra. A devotee who is physically strong, should duly observe full fast on that day. 

1. VV. 2-5a briefly state the outline of Ramanavami Vrata. We find its detailed description in works like VRJ. (pp. 149-154) where the dialogue of Sage Agasti and Sutikshña (regarding the observance of this Vrata) from SK. P. is quoted, Hemådri’s mention of the Vrata (CC. Vrata I, pp. 951-46) shows that it was popular in Maharashtra before 12th Cent. A.D. at least. NP.’s cursory treatment shows that it was not attached much importance then, though Rama-navami is now a national festival. 

3. If he is incapable physically (to observe full fast), he should take a single meal on that day after the midday festival. He shall propitiate Rāma, by feeding the Brāhmaṇas with sweet cooked rice. 

4-5a. By means of (gifts of) cows, plots of lands, gingelly seeds, gold etc, and by means (of gifts of) clothes and ornaments, Bråhmaņas should be propitiated. He who devoutly performs the holy rite of Śhri Ramanavami shall shake off all his sins in this world and attain the region of Vishņu. 

5b-7. The holy rite of Mātruvrata is also to be observed on this same day. The Yoginis, sixtyfour in number, accompanied by Bhairava, are to be propitiated by means of garlands, scents, clothes and Naivedyas. O prominent Brāhmaṇa, it was on this day that Bhadrakāli was crowned in the chieftaincy of all mothers. Hence, one should worship her by observing fast and controlling his sense-organs, on this day. 

8. He who worships Chandikä on the ninth day in either of the fortnights of the month of Vaišhākha, in accordance with the injunctions in the matter, rejoices alongwith the Devas. 

9-11a. On the ninth day in the bright half of the month of Jyeshtha, the excellent man who observes fast, should worship Uma duly and feed virgins and Brāhmaṇas in accordance with his ability. He should give them monetary gifts to the extent of his capacity. He should partake of only cooked Sali rice along with milk. O Bråhmaņa, the man who duly performs this Uma Vrata1 enjoys great pleasures in this world. In the end, he attains the goal of heaven. 

1. VV. 9-11a describe a special Uma Vrata not recorded by Kane in HD V.1. 

11b-12. (Defective) O chief of Brāhmaṇas, he who performs (the following) holy rite on the ninth day in either of the fortnights in the month of Ashādha and worships the fair complexioned goddess Amdri riding the elephant Airavata and partakes food only at night, shall become the enjoyer of pleasures in the world of the Devas. He will move about in the vehicle of the Devas or he will proceed along the path called Devayana, 

13-15. In the month of Śhrāvana, O leading Brāhmaṇa, the devotee should take food only at night, or he shall observe fast for two fortnights and worship Kaumāri Chaņdikā. He should worship the goddess, the remover of sins, by means of scents, fragrant flowers, incense, lights and different Naivedyas. He should feed virgins. He who performs the excel lent Kaumāri Vrata2 devotedly in this manner, shall go to the eternal world of the goddess by means of an aerial chariot. 

2. VV. 13-15 describe a special Kaumári Vrata with Chandika as the main deity. This is not noted by Kane in HD, V. i. 

16-17a. The ninth day in the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada is glorified by the name of Nandā Navami. He who worships Durgā duly with all Upachāras (articles of worship and other formalities) on that day, attains the benefit of a horse sacrifice and is honoured in the world of Vishņu. 

17b-20. The ninth day in the bright half of the month of Aśhvina is glorified by the name Mahånavami.3 On this day, O Brāhmaṇa, the worship of the Shami tree should be performed in the afternoon in the eastern quarter. Then, at night, in the first watch (Yama) = 3 hours), the following (pertaining to the goddess) should be worshipped viz— sword, bow, arrows, iron club, trident, javelin, axe, dagger, leathern shield, and umbrella, banner, elephant, horse, cow and bull, book, balance, baton, noose and discus and the conch. After worshipping a buffalo with scents and other articles of worship (Upachāra), it should be chopped off and dedicated to Bhadrakālī. 

3. VV. 176-22 describe the Mahå-navami in honour of Durgå. As a part of Navy-ratra or the Durga puja festival, it is observed all over India. VR), p. 158 gives a detailed procedure on the basis of the Bhavihsya, Devi, Vishnu-dharma P. and Vårahi Tantra. Kane notes more varieties and records a grant by King Pulakesin (early Chålukya dynasty) on Mahả-navami in Kärttika (HD. V. i. pp. 373-74). In Maharashtra we worship the Shami tree and all our implements on this day. 

21. After offering oblations and after partaking of only cooked rice, the devotee should give the monetary gifts to the Brāhmaṇa and formally conclude the Vrata. 

22. He who thus worships Durgā, the destroyer of miseries and sufferings of men, enjoys excellent worldly pleasures here and shall attain heavenly region in the end. 

23. The ninth day in the bright half of the month of Kārttika is glorified as Akshaya Navami (everlasting Navami) On that day, the devotee should perform the rite of Tarpaņa at the roots of Aśhvattha (the holy fig tree). 

24. O Nārada, with mantras special to his own branch of the Vedas, that Tarpaņa rite of the Devas, sages and Pitris should be performed correctly. Then the devotee should offer Arghya to the sun. 

25. Then he should feed Brāhmaṇas with sweet cooked rice. After taking his food and giving Dakshiņā to the Brāhmaṇas, he should rest and relax, O chief of sages. 

26. It is the word (precept) of Vidhi (god Brahmā) that, if anyone performs Japa, Dāna, worship of the Brāhmaņas, Homa thus, everything of such acts shall be entirely everlasting. 

27-28a. The ninth day in the bright half of the month of Märgaśhīrṣha is glorified as Nandini (Navami). He who observes fast on that day and worships elaborately goddess Jagadambå (the mother of the Universe) with scents and other things, attains the benefit of a horse-sacrifice. There is no doubt in this respect. 

28b-29a. The devotee should worship Mahāmāyā on the ninth day in the bright half of the month of Pausha. O Brāhmaṇa, that is conducive to the acquisition of the fruit of a Vājapeya-sacrifice provided he takes only a single meal every day. 

29b-31a. The ninth day in the bright half of the month of Māgha is worshipped by the people. It is called Mahanandā as it always causes delight to men. No doubt need be entertained in this respect that the holy bath, charitable gift, Japa, Homa, observance of fast, everything performed on that day has an everlasting benefit. 

31b. O excellent Brāhmaṇa, the ninth day in the bright fortnight of the month of Phālguna is of a highly meritorious nature. It is called Anandā.1 It is remembered as the remover of all sins. O excellent Brahmaņa, he who observes fast on that day and worships goddess Anandå attains all desired benefits. It is the Truth. It is the Truth that is spoken by me. 

1. It appears that some navami Vratas are associated with ananda vide Nandini in Margashirsha, mahananda in Mägha and Ananda in Phalguna. The last is recorded as Ananda by Hemådri (Vrata I. 948-850). The procedure in the NP. is different from the one recorded by Kane (HD. V. i. P. 270).