Sūta said:: For the welfare of men, women and other creatures, O excellent sages, I shall recount the holy rite of Umā-Maheśvara, mentioned by Īśvara himself.

Sūta said:: For the period of a year the devotee shall prepare Haviṣya at night[1] on the full moon and new moon days and on the eighth and fourteenth day and worship Bhava.

Sūta said:: The devotee shall make a splendid image of Umā-Maheśa in gold or in silver and install it duly. At the end of the year, he shall feed the brahmins and give them gifts according to capacity. He shall take the lord of Devas to the temple of Rudra on chariots, etc., fitted with all excellent things and decorated with umbrellas and chowries. He shall dedicate the Vrata unto Śiva, Parameṣṭhin. He attains identity with Śiva. If the devotee is a woman she will attain Sāyujya (identity) with the goddess. If the devotee is a virgin or a widow she shall abstain from taking food on the eighth and fourteenth day. She shall observe celibacy and continue the holy rite for a year. At the end of the year she shall make an idol in accordance with the injunction laid down before and instal it duly. She shall then feed the brahmins after taking the idol to the temple of Rudra. Thanks to this holy rite she rejoices with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: The devotee shall make a splendid image of Umā-Maheśa in gold or in silver and install it duly. At the end of the year, he shall feed the brahmins and give them gifts according to capacity. He shall take the lord of Devas to the temple of Rudra on chariots, etc., fitted with all excellent things and decorated with umbrellas and chowries. He shall dedicate the Vrata unto Śiva, Parameṣṭhin. He attains identity with Śiva. If the devotee is a woman she will attain Sāyujya (identity) with the goddess. If the devotee is a virgin or a widow she shall abstain from taking food on the eighth and fourteenth day. She shall observe celibacy and continue the holy rite for a year. At the end of the year she shall make an idol in accordance with the injunction laid down before and instal it duly. She shall then feed the brahmins after taking the idol to the temple of Rudra. Thanks to this holy rite she rejoices with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: The devotee shall make a splendid image of Umā-Maheśa in gold or in silver and install it duly. At the end of the year, he shall feed the brahmins and give them gifts according to capacity. He shall take the lord of Devas to the temple of Rudra on chariots, etc., fitted with all excellent things and decorated with umbrellas and chowries. He shall dedicate the Vrata unto Śiva, Parameṣṭhin. He attains identity with Śiva. If the devotee is a woman she will attain Sāyujya (identity) with the goddess. If the devotee is a virgin or a widow she shall abstain from taking food on the eighth and fourteenth day. She shall observe celibacy and continue the holy rite for a year. At the end of the year she shall make an idol in accordance with the injunction laid down before and instal it duly. She shall then feed the brahmins after taking the idol to the temple of Rudra. Thanks to this holy rite she rejoices with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: The devotee shall make a splendid image of Umā-Maheśa in gold or in silver and install it duly. At the end of the year, he shall feed the brahmins and give them gifts according to capacity. He shall take the lord of Devas to the temple of Rudra on chariots, etc., fitted with all excellent things and decorated with umbrellas and chowries. He shall dedicate the Vrata unto Śiva, Parameṣṭhin. He attains identity with Śiva. If the devotee is a woman she will attain Sāyujya (identity) with the goddess. If the devotee is a virgin or a widow she shall abstain from taking food on the eighth and fourteenth day. She shall observe celibacy and continue the holy rite for a year. At the end of the year she shall make an idol in accordance with the injunction laid down before and instal it duly. She shall then feed the brahmins after taking the idol to the temple of Rudra. Thanks to this holy rite she rejoices with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: The devotee shall make a splendid image of Umā-Maheśa in gold or in silver and install it duly. At the end of the year, he shall feed the brahmins and give them gifts according to capacity. He shall take the lord of Devas to the temple of Rudra on chariots, etc., fitted with all excellent things and decorated with umbrellas and chowries. He shall dedicate the Vrata unto Śiva, Parameṣṭhin. He attains identity with Śiva. If the devotee is a woman she will attain Sāyujya (identity) with the goddess. If the devotee is a virgin or a widow she shall abstain from taking food on the eighth and fourteenth day. She shall observe celibacy and continue the holy rite for a year. At the end of the year she shall make an idol in accordance with the injunction laid down before and instal it duly. She shall then feed the brahmins after taking the idol to the temple of Rudra. Thanks to this holy rite she rejoices with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: The devotee shall make a splendid image of Umā-Maheśa in gold or in silver and install it duly. At the end of the year, he shall feed the brahmins and give them gifts according to capacity. He shall take the lord of Devas to the temple of Rudra on chariots, etc., fitted with all excellent things and decorated with umbrellas and chowries. He shall dedicate the Vrata unto Śiva, Parameṣṭhin. He attains identity with Śiva. If the devotee is a woman she will attain Sāyujya (identity) with the goddess. If the devotee is a virgin or a widow she shall abstain from taking food on the eighth and fourteenth day. She shall observe celibacy and continue the holy rite for a year. At the end of the year she shall make an idol in accordance with the injunction laid down before and instal it duly. She shall then feed the brahmins after taking the idol to the temple of Rudra. Thanks to this holy rite she rejoices with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: If any woman continues for a year performing the rite only on the fourteenth day in the dark half, and, O brahmins, at the end of the year she makes an idol (of Śiva) in any material whatsoever and worships as mentioned above, she rejoices with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: If any woman continues for a year performing the rite only on the fourteenth day in the dark half, and, O brahmins, at the end of the year she makes an idol (of Śiva) in any material whatsoever and worships as mentioned above, she rejoices with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: If any woman continues for a year performing the rite only on the fourteenth day in the dark half, and, O brahmins, at the end of the year she makes an idol (of Śiva) in any material whatsoever and worships as mentioned above, she rejoices with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: If any woman continues for a year performing the rite only on the fourteenth day in the dark half, and, O brahmins, at the end of the year she makes an idol (of Śiva) in any material whatsoever and worships as mentioned above, she rejoices with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: If any woman continues for a year performing the rite only on the fourteenth day in the dark half, and, O brahmins, at the end of the year she makes an idol (of Śiva) in any material whatsoever and worships as mentioned above, she rejoices with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: If any woman continues for a year performing the rite only on the fourteenth day in the dark half, and, O brahmins, at the end of the year she makes an idol (of Śiva) in any material whatsoever and worships as mentioned above, she rejoices with Bhavānī.

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Sūta said:: The common characteristics of all vratas are:—Forbearance, truthfulness, mercy, charity, cleanliness, curb on the sense-organs and the worship of Rudra. I shall succinctly recount to you the extensive holy vrata for every month in due order beginning with Mārgaśīrṣa and ending with Kārttika. This has been recounted at the outset by Nandin.

Sūta said:: The common characteristics of all vratas are:—Forbearance, truthfulness, mercy, charity, cleanliness, curb on the sense-organs and the worship of Rudra. I shall succinctly recount to you the extensive holy vrata for every month in due order beginning with Mārgaśīrṣa and ending with Kārttika. This has been recounted at the outset by Nandin.

Sūta said:: In the month of Mārgaśīrṣa the woman devotee shall duly embellish an excellent bull having all limbs in perfect condition, and dedicate it to Śiva. There is no doubt about this that she rejoices along with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: In the month of Mārgaśīrṣa the woman devotee shall duly embellish an excellent bull having all limbs in perfect condition, and dedicate it to Śiva. There is no doubt about this that she rejoices along with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: In the month of Mārgaśīrṣa the woman devotee shall duly embellish an excellent bull having all limbs in perfect condition, and dedicate it to Śiva. There is no doubt about this that she rejoices along with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: In the month of Mārgaśīrṣa the woman devotee shall duly embellish an excellent bull having all limbs in perfect condition, and dedicate it to Śiva. There is no doubt about this that she rejoices along with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: In the month of Mārgaśīrṣa the woman devotee shall duly embellish an excellent bull having all limbs in perfect condition, and dedicate it to Śiva. There is no doubt about this that she rejoices along with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: In the month of Mārgaśīrṣa the woman devotee shall duly embellish an excellent bull having all limbs in perfect condition, and dedicate it to Śiva. There is no doubt about this that she rejoices along with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: In the month of Mārgaśīrṣa the woman devotee shall duly embellish an excellent bull having all limbs in perfect condition, and dedicate it to Śiva. There is no doubt about this that she rejoices along with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: In the month of Mārgaśīrṣa the woman devotee shall duly embellish an excellent bull having all limbs in perfect condition, and dedicate it to Śiva. There is no doubt about this that she rejoices along with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: In the month of Vaiśākha the devotee shall perform the excellent rite of Kailāsa vrata thus:—The shining abode of Kubera (i.e., Kailāsa mountain) shall be made out of silver with Iśvara and Uma therein along with the lords of Gaṇas. It must be embellished with all jewels and duly deposited in the splendid abode of Bhava, Parameśa. Thereby she attains the mountain Kailāsa and rejoices along with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: In the month of Vaiśākha the devotee shall perform the excellent rite of Kailāsa vrata thus:—The shining abode of Kubera (i.e., Kailāsa mountain) shall be made out of silver with Iśvara and Uma therein along with the lords of Gaṇas. It must be embellished with all jewels and duly deposited in the splendid abode of Bhava, Parameśa. Thereby she attains the mountain Kailāsa and rejoices along with Bhavānī.

Sūta said:: In the month of Vaiśākha the devotee shall perform the excellent rite of Kailāsa vrata thus:—The shining abode of Kubera (i.e., Kailāsa mountain) shall be made out of silver with Iśvara and Uma therein along with the lords of Gaṇas. It must be embellished with all jewels and duly deposited in the splendid abode of Bhava, Parameśa. Thereby she attains the mountain Kailāsa and rejoices along with Bhavānī.

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Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: Mahāmeru vrata.

Sūta said:: In the month of Kārttika the woman shall make a splendid image of goddess Umā fully bedecked in all ornaments and marked with all auspicious characteristics. The image may be made in gold, copper etc. and shall be duly installed. The image of the lord of Devas shall be equipped with all characteristics. In front the fire-god shall be depicted. Brahmā shall be depicted holding the sacrificial ladle. Nārāyaṇa the munificent shall be depicted bedecked in all ornaments and surrounded by the guardians of quarters and Siddhas. The vrata shall be offered in the temple of Rudra with devotion. By observing this vrata she will attain the body of Bhavānī and rejoice with Bhava. In every month it is meritorious to have the holy rite with one meal a day. Thus, the holy rites beginning with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa and, ending with Kārttika have been observed. O excellent sages, they are for the benefit of all creatures, men or women. The devoted man will attain Sāyujya with Śiva by performing the vrata and the devoted woman will attain Sāyujya with the goddess. There is no doubt that this has been so ordained by Śiva.

Sūta said:: In the month of Kārttika the woman shall make a splendid image of goddess Umā fully bedecked in all ornaments and marked with all auspicious characteristics. The image may be made in gold, copper etc. and shall be duly installed. The image of the lord of Devas shall be equipped with all characteristics. In front the fire-god shall be depicted. Brahmā shall be depicted holding the sacrificial ladle. Nārāyaṇa the munificent shall be depicted bedecked in all ornaments and surrounded by the guardians of quarters and Siddhas. The vrata shall be offered in the temple of Rudra with devotion. By observing this vrata she will attain the body of Bhavānī and rejoice with Bhava. In every month it is meritorious to have the holy rite with one meal a day. Thus, the holy rites beginning with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa and, ending with Kārttika have been observed. O excellent sages, they are for the benefit of all creatures, men or women. The devoted man will attain Sāyujya with Śiva by performing the vrata and the devoted woman will attain Sāyujya with the goddess. There is no doubt that this has been so ordained by Śiva.

Sūta said:: In the month of Kārttika the woman shall make a splendid image of goddess Umā fully bedecked in all ornaments and marked with all auspicious characteristics. The image may be made in gold, copper etc. and shall be duly installed. The image of the lord of Devas shall be equipped with all characteristics. In front the fire-god shall be depicted. Brahmā shall be depicted holding the sacrificial ladle. Nārāyaṇa the munificent shall be depicted bedecked in all ornaments and surrounded by the guardians of quarters and Siddhas. The vrata shall be offered in the temple of Rudra with devotion. By observing this vrata she will attain the body of Bhavānī and rejoice with Bhava. In every month it is meritorious to have the holy rite with one meal a day. Thus, the holy rites beginning with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa and, ending with Kārttika have been observed. O excellent sages, they are for the benefit of all creatures, men or women. The devoted man will attain Sāyujya with Śiva by performing the vrata and the devoted woman will attain Sāyujya with the goddess. There is no doubt that this has been so ordained by Śiva.

Sūta said:: In the month of Kārttika the woman shall make a splendid image of goddess Umā fully bedecked in all ornaments and marked with all auspicious characteristics. The image may be made in gold, copper etc. and shall be duly installed. The image of the lord of Devas shall be equipped with all characteristics. In front the fire-god shall be depicted. Brahmā shall be depicted holding the sacrificial ladle. Nārāyaṇa the munificent shall be depicted bedecked in all ornaments and surrounded by the guardians of quarters and Siddhas. The vrata shall be offered in the temple of Rudra with devotion. By observing this vrata she will attain the body of Bhavānī and rejoice with Bhava. In every month it is meritorious to have the holy rite with one meal a day. Thus, the holy rites beginning with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa and, ending with Kārttika have been observed. O excellent sages, they are for the benefit of all creatures, men or women. The devoted man will attain Sāyujya with Śiva by performing the vrata and the devoted woman will attain Sāyujya with the goddess. There is no doubt that this has been so ordained by Śiva.

Sūta said:: In the month of Kārttika the woman shall make a splendid image of goddess Umā fully bedecked in all ornaments and marked with all auspicious characteristics. The image may be made in gold, copper etc. and shall be duly installed. The image of the lord of Devas shall be equipped with all characteristics. In front the fire-god shall be depicted. Brahmā shall be depicted holding the sacrificial ladle. Nārāyaṇa the munificent shall be depicted bedecked in all ornaments and surrounded by the guardians of quarters and Siddhas. The vrata shall be offered in the temple of Rudra with devotion. By observing this vrata she will attain the body of Bhavānī and rejoice with Bhava. In every month it is meritorious to have the holy rite with one meal a day. Thus, the holy rites beginning with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa and, ending with Kārttika have been observed. O excellent sages, they are for the benefit of all creatures, men or women. The devoted man will attain Sāyujya with Śiva by performing the vrata and the devoted woman will attain Sāyujya with the goddess. There is no doubt that this has been so ordained by Śiva.

Sūta said:: In the month of Kārttika the woman shall make a splendid image of goddess Umā fully bedecked in all ornaments and marked with all auspicious characteristics. The image may be made in gold, copper etc. and shall be duly installed. The image of the lord of Devas shall be equipped with all characteristics. In front the fire-god shall be depicted. Brahmā shall be depicted holding the sacrificial ladle. Nārāyaṇa the munificent shall be depicted bedecked in all ornaments and surrounded by the guardians of quarters and Siddhas. The vrata shall be offered in the temple of Rudra with devotion. By observing this vrata she will attain the body of Bhavānī and rejoice with Bhava. In every month it is meritorious to have the holy rite with one meal a day. Thus, the holy rites beginning with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa and, ending with Kārttika have been observed. O excellent sages, they are for the benefit of all creatures, men or women. The devoted man will attain Sāyujya with Śiva by performing the vrata and the devoted woman will attain Sāyujya with the goddess. There is no doubt that this has been so ordained by Śiva.

Sūta said:: In the month of Kārttika the woman shall make a splendid image of goddess Umā fully bedecked in all ornaments and marked with all auspicious characteristics. The image may be made in gold, copper etc. and shall be duly installed. The image of the lord of Devas shall be equipped with all characteristics. In front the fire-god shall be depicted. Brahmā shall be depicted holding the sacrificial ladle. Nārāyaṇa the munificent shall be depicted bedecked in all ornaments and surrounded by the guardians of quarters and Siddhas. The vrata shall be offered in the temple of Rudra with devotion. By observing this vrata she will attain the body of Bhavānī and rejoice with Bhava. In every month it is meritorious to have the holy rite with one meal a day. Thus, the holy rites beginning with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa and, ending with Kārttika have been observed. O excellent sages, they are for the benefit of all creatures, men or women. The devoted man will attain Sāyujya with Śiva by performing the vrata and the devoted woman will attain Sāyujya with the goddess. There is no doubt that this has been so ordained by Śiva.