60 - Shantivrata

Agastya said:

1. O king, I shall now tell you about Shäntivrata by performing which all householders get peace of mind—Bliss. Listen.

2. It should be performed on Pañchami tithi of the bright half (starting from) the month of Kärttika. During the year hot things should be avoided in food.

3-4. In the night Vishnu should be worshipped in his form reposing The feet should be worshipped as Ananta, the waist as Väsuki, the belly as Takshaka, the chest as Kärkotaka, the neck as Padma, the hands as Mahäpadma, the face as Shañkhapäla and the head as Kutila.

5. Worshipping (the great serpents) as contained in Vishnu, püjä may be offered to them separately also.

6. With them in mind, Vishnu should be bathed with milk, and then homa should be performed with milk and sesamum.

7. At the end of the year, Brahmins should be fed and a golden image of a serpent should be gifted to one of them.

8. O king, he who observes this vrata with a devoted mind, will certainly get full peace of mind and freedom from the fear of snakes.

Summary of chapter 60 of the Varāha Mahā Purana is as follows:

Maharshi Pulastya details the sacred observance of the Nakshatra-Purusha vrata, a powerful devotional vow in which the twenty-seven stellar constellations are worshipped as the various divine limbs of Bhagavān Vishṇu. The text prescribes the specific lunar days, mantras, food offerings, and charity to be given to virtuous brāhmaṇas during each nakshatra phase across the year. Observing this holy vow with pristine faith purifies the practitioner of all physical ailments, karmic afflictions, and sins, bestowing health, longevity, royal prosperity, and ultimate absorption into Vishṇu's divine frame.