The sages said: O Lomaharṣaṇa, the Māyā of the intelligent Viṣṇu, the lord of Devas has been listened to. How did Jyeṣṭhā (deity of Misfortune) originate from Viṣṇu the lord of Devas. It behoves you to recount it to us factually.

The sages said: O Lomaharṣaṇa, the Māyā of the intelligent Viṣṇu, the lord of Devas has been listened to. How did Jyeṣṭhā (deity of Misfortune) originate from Viṣṇu the lord of Devas. It behoves you to recount it to us factually.

The sages said: O Lomaharṣaṇa, the Māyā of the intelligent Viṣṇu, the lord of Devas has been listened to. How did Jyeṣṭhā (deity of Misfortune) originate from Viṣṇu the lord of Devas. It behoves you to recount it to us factually.

The sages said: O Lomaharṣaṇa, the Māyā of the intelligent Viṣṇu, the lord of Devas has been listened to. How did Jyeṣṭhā (deity of Misfortune) originate from Viṣṇu the lord of Devas. It behoves you to recount it to us factually.

The sages said: O Lomaharṣaṇa, the Māyā of the intelligent Viṣṇu, the lord of Devas has been listened to. How did Jyeṣṭhā (deity of Misfortune) originate from Viṣṇu the lord of Devas. It behoves you to recount it to us factually.

The sages said: O Lomaharṣaṇa, the Māyā of the intelligent Viṣṇu, the lord of Devas has been listened to. How did Jyeṣṭhā (deity of Misfortune) originate from Viṣṇu the lord of Devas. It behoves you to recount it to us factually.

The sages said: O Lomaharṣaṇa, the Māyā of the intelligent Viṣṇu, the lord of Devas has been listened to. How did Jyeṣṭhā (deity of Misfortune) originate from Viṣṇu the lord of Devas. It behoves you to recount it to us factually.

Sūta said: A brahminical sage Duḥsaha married the inauspicious Jyeṣṭhā after seeing her fully stabilised mentally. Accompanied by her the delighted sage wandered all round the world. O brahmins, wherever there was a loud chanting sound of the names of Viṣṇu and Śiva the great Atman, wherever there was a loud sound of the Vedic mantras, wherever these was the column of smoke rising from sacrifices and wherever there were people with their limbs smeared with Bhasman, the deity of misfortune was extremely frightened. She used to close her ears and run about here and there. On seeing jyeṣṭhā behaving thus, sage Duḥsaha became confused and bewildered. Accompanied by her he went to the forest. In the terrible forest he performed a great penance. Saying “I will not perform the penance” the girl Jyeṣṭhā roamed about from house to house. The pious sage, the leading yogin, devoted to the practice of yoga and perfect wisdom saw the noble Mārkaṇḍeya coming there.[1] Bowing down to the great sage, Duḥsaha said:

Sūta said: A brahminical sage Duḥsaha married the inauspicious Jyeṣṭhā after seeing her fully stabilised mentally. Accompanied by her the delighted sage wandered all round the world. O brahmins, wherever there was a loud chanting sound of the names of Viṣṇu and Śiva the great Atman, wherever there was a loud sound of the Vedic mantras, wherever these was the column of smoke rising from sacrifices and wherever there were people with their limbs smeared with Bhasman, the deity of misfortune was extremely frightened. She used to close her ears and run about here and there. On seeing jyeṣṭhā behaving thus, sage Duḥsaha became confused and bewildered. Accompanied by her he went to the forest. In the terrible forest he performed a great penance. Saying “I will not perform the penance” the girl Jyeṣṭhā roamed about from house to house. The pious sage, the leading yogin, devoted to the practice of yoga and perfect wisdom saw the noble Mārkaṇḍeya coming there.[1] Bowing down to the great sage, Duḥsaha said:

Sūta said: A brahminical sage Duḥsaha married the inauspicious Jyeṣṭhā after seeing her fully stabilised mentally. Accompanied by her the delighted sage wandered all round the world. O brahmins, wherever there was a loud chanting sound of the names of Viṣṇu and Śiva the great Atman, wherever there was a loud sound of the Vedic mantras, wherever these was the column of smoke rising from sacrifices and wherever there were people with their limbs smeared with Bhasman, the deity of misfortune was extremely frightened. She used to close her ears and run about here and there. On seeing jyeṣṭhā behaving thus, sage Duḥsaha became confused and bewildered. Accompanied by her he went to the forest. In the terrible forest he performed a great penance. Saying “I will not perform the penance” the girl Jyeṣṭhā roamed about from house to house. The pious sage, the leading yogin, devoted to the practice of yoga and perfect wisdom saw the noble Mārkaṇḍeya coming there.[1] Bowing down to the great sage, Duḥsaha said:

Sūta said: A brahminical sage Duḥsaha married the inauspicious Jyeṣṭhā after seeing her fully stabilised mentally. Accompanied by her the delighted sage wandered all round the world. O brahmins, wherever there was a loud chanting sound of the names of Viṣṇu and Śiva the great Atman, wherever there was a loud sound of the Vedic mantras, wherever these was the column of smoke rising from sacrifices and wherever there were people with their limbs smeared with Bhasman, the deity of misfortune was extremely frightened. She used to close her ears and run about here and there. On seeing jyeṣṭhā behaving thus, sage Duḥsaha became confused and bewildered. Accompanied by her he went to the forest. In the terrible forest he performed a great penance. Saying “I will not perform the penance” the girl Jyeṣṭhā roamed about from house to house. The pious sage, the leading yogin, devoted to the practice of yoga and perfect wisdom saw the noble Mārkaṇḍeya coming there.[1] Bowing down to the great sage, Duḥsaha said:

Sūta said: A brahminical sage Duḥsaha married the inauspicious Jyeṣṭhā after seeing her fully stabilised mentally. Accompanied by her the delighted sage wandered all round the world. O brahmins, wherever there was a loud chanting sound of the names of Viṣṇu and Śiva the great Atman, wherever there was a loud sound of the Vedic mantras, wherever these was the column of smoke rising from sacrifices and wherever there were people with their limbs smeared with Bhasman, the deity of misfortune was extremely frightened. She used to close her ears and run about here and there. On seeing jyeṣṭhā behaving thus, sage Duḥsaha became confused and bewildered. Accompanied by her he went to the forest. In the terrible forest he performed a great penance. Saying “I will not perform the penance” the girl Jyeṣṭhā roamed about from house to house. The pious sage, the leading yogin, devoted to the practice of yoga and perfect wisdom saw the noble Mārkaṇḍeya coming there.[1] Bowing down to the great sage, Duḥsaha said:

Sūta said: A brahminical sage Duḥsaha married the inauspicious Jyeṣṭhā after seeing her fully stabilised mentally. Accompanied by her the delighted sage wandered all round the world. O brahmins, wherever there was a loud chanting sound of the names of Viṣṇu and Śiva the great Atman, wherever there was a loud sound of the Vedic mantras, wherever these was the column of smoke rising from sacrifices and wherever there were people with their limbs smeared with Bhasman, the deity of misfortune was extremely frightened. She used to close her ears and run about here and there. On seeing jyeṣṭhā behaving thus, sage Duḥsaha became confused and bewildered. Accompanied by her he went to the forest. In the terrible forest he performed a great penance. Saying “I will not perform the penance” the girl Jyeṣṭhā roamed about from house to house. The pious sage, the leading yogin, devoted to the practice of yoga and perfect wisdom saw the noble Mārkaṇḍeya coming there.[1] Bowing down to the great sage, Duḥsaha said:

Sūta said: A brahminical sage Duḥsaha married the inauspicious Jyeṣṭhā after seeing her fully stabilised mentally. Accompanied by her the delighted sage wandered all round the world. O brahmins, wherever there was a loud chanting sound of the names of Viṣṇu and Śiva the great Atman, wherever there was a loud sound of the Vedic mantras, wherever these was the column of smoke rising from sacrifices and wherever there were people with their limbs smeared with Bhasman, the deity of misfortune was extremely frightened. She used to close her ears and run about here and there. On seeing jyeṣṭhā behaving thus, sage Duḥsaha became confused and bewildered. Accompanied by her he went to the forest. In the terrible forest he performed a great penance. Saying “I will not perform the penance” the girl Jyeṣṭhā roamed about from house to house. The pious sage, the leading yogin, devoted to the practice of yoga and perfect wisdom saw the noble Mārkaṇḍeya coming there.[1] Bowing down to the great sage, Duḥsaha said:

Sūta said: O saintly lord! this wife of mine will not stand me by any means. O brahminical sage, what shall I do with this wife? Where shall I enter and where shall I not enter?

Sūta said: O saintly lord! this wife of mine will not stand me by any means. O brahminical sage, what shall I do with this wife? Where shall I enter and where shall I not enter?

Sūta said: O saintly lord! this wife of mine will not stand me by any means. O brahminical sage, what shall I do with this wife? Where shall I enter and where shall I not enter?

Sūta said: O saintly lord! this wife of mine will not stand me by any means. O brahminical sage, what shall I do with this wife? Where shall I enter and where shall I not enter?

Mārkaṇḍeya said: By no means enter the precincts of the parks, cowpens, wealth and abodes of those delighted Brahmins, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas and Śūdras who repeat the names and prayers of the lord as follows:—O Nārāyaṇa, O Hṛṣīkeśa, O Puṇḍarīkākṣa, O Mādhava, O Acyuta, O Ananta, O Govinda, O Vāsudeva, O Janārdana, O Rudra, O Rudra, obeisance, obeisance to Śiva; obeisance for ever to Śaṅkara the extremely auspicious one; O Mahādeva, obeisance to the consort of Umā, to the lord of gold; obeisance to you with golden arms; obeisance to the bull-emblemed lord; O Nṛsiṃha, O Vāmana, O incomprehensible one, O Mādhava.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: By no means enter the precincts of the parks, cowpens, wealth and abodes of those delighted Brahmins, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas and Śūdras who repeat the names and prayers of the lord as follows:—O Nārāyaṇa, O Hṛṣīkeśa, O Puṇḍarīkākṣa, O Mādhava, O Acyuta, O Ananta, O Govinda, O Vāsudeva, O Janārdana, O Rudra, O Rudra, obeisance, obeisance to Śiva; obeisance for ever to Śaṅkara the extremely auspicious one; O Mahādeva, obeisance to the consort of Umā, to the lord of gold; obeisance to you with golden arms; obeisance to the bull-emblemed lord; O Nṛsiṃha, O Vāmana, O incomprehensible one, O Mādhava.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: By no means enter the precincts of the parks, cowpens, wealth and abodes of those delighted Brahmins, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas and Śūdras who repeat the names and prayers of the lord as follows:—O Nārāyaṇa, O Hṛṣīkeśa, O Puṇḍarīkākṣa, O Mādhava, O Acyuta, O Ananta, O Govinda, O Vāsudeva, O Janārdana, O Rudra, O Rudra, obeisance, obeisance to Śiva; obeisance for ever to Śaṅkara the extremely auspicious one; O Mahādeva, obeisance to the consort of Umā, to the lord of gold; obeisance to you with golden arms; obeisance to the bull-emblemed lord; O Nṛsiṃha, O Vāmana, O incomprehensible one, O Mādhava.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: By no means enter the precincts of the parks, cowpens, wealth and abodes of those delighted Brahmins, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas and Śūdras who repeat the names and prayers of the lord as follows:—O Nārāyaṇa, O Hṛṣīkeśa, O Puṇḍarīkākṣa, O Mādhava, O Acyuta, O Ananta, O Govinda, O Vāsudeva, O Janārdana, O Rudra, O Rudra, obeisance, obeisance to Śiva; obeisance for ever to Śaṅkara the extremely auspicious one; O Mahādeva, obeisance to the consort of Umā, to the lord of gold; obeisance to you with golden arms; obeisance to the bull-emblemed lord; O Nṛsiṃha, O Vāmana, O incomprehensible one, O Mādhava.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: By no means enter the precincts of the parks, cowpens, wealth and abodes of those delighted Brahmins, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas and Śūdras who repeat the names and prayers of the lord as follows:—O Nārāyaṇa, O Hṛṣīkeśa, O Puṇḍarīkākṣa, O Mādhava, O Acyuta, O Ananta, O Govinda, O Vāsudeva, O Janārdana, O Rudra, O Rudra, obeisance, obeisance to Śiva; obeisance for ever to Śaṅkara the extremely auspicious one; O Mahādeva, obeisance to the consort of Umā, to the lord of gold; obeisance to you with golden arms; obeisance to the bull-emblemed lord; O Nṛsiṃha, O Vāmana, O incomprehensible one, O Mādhava.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Viṣṇu’s discus which is very terrible with clusters of flames and which resembles a thousand suns dispels their inauspiciousness for ever.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Avoid that house wherein there is Svāhākāra[2] and Vaṣaṭkāra[3] and go elsewhere. Eschew from a distance the places where there is a loud chanting of the Sāman hymns and where people engrossed in repeating the Vedic hymns, devoted to their daily rituals and engaged in worshipping Vāsudeva are ever present.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Avoid that house wherein there is Svāhākāra[2] and Vaṣaṭkāra[3] and go elsewhere. Eschew from a distance the places where there is a loud chanting of the Sāman hymns and where people engrossed in repeating the Vedic hymns, devoted to their daily rituals and engaged in worshipping Vāsudeva are ever present.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Avoid the houses where the holy rite of Agnihotra is performed, where the Liṅga is worshipped and where the idols of Vāsudeva and Caṇḍika are present. Avoid persons devoid of all sins and move away from them. Avoid persons who worship Maheśvara by means of Nitya (obligatory) and Naimittika[4] (conditional) yajñas, O Duḥsaha and go elsewhere along with this lady; you must eschew those persons by whom brahmins well-versed in Śrutis, cows, preceptors, guests and the devotees of Rudra are always worshipped.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Avoid the houses where the holy rite of Agnihotra is performed, where the Liṅga is worshipped and where the idols of Vāsudeva and Caṇḍika are present. Avoid persons devoid of all sins and move away from them. Avoid persons who worship Maheśvara by means of Nitya (obligatory) and Naimittika[4] (conditional) yajñas, O Duḥsaha and go elsewhere along with this lady; you must eschew those persons by whom brahmins well-versed in Śrutis, cows, preceptors, guests and the devotees of Rudra are always worshipped.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Avoid the houses where the holy rite of Agnihotra is performed, where the Liṅga is worshipped and where the idols of Vāsudeva and Caṇḍika are present. Avoid persons devoid of all sins and move away from them. Avoid persons who worship Maheśvara by means of Nitya (obligatory) and Naimittika[4] (conditional) yajñas, O Duḥsaha and go elsewhere along with this lady; you must eschew those persons by whom brahmins well-versed in Śrutis, cows, preceptors, guests and the devotees of Rudra are always worshipped.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Avoid the houses where the holy rite of Agnihotra is performed, where the Liṅga is worshipped and where the idols of Vāsudeva and Caṇḍika are present. Avoid persons devoid of all sins and move away from them. Avoid persons who worship Maheśvara by means of Nitya (obligatory) and Naimittika[4] (conditional) yajñas, O Duḥsaha and go elsewhere along with this lady; you must eschew those persons by whom brahmins well-versed in Śrutis, cows, preceptors, guests and the devotees of Rudra are always worshipped.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Devoid of fear and accompanied by your wife you shall enter the house where husband and wife are at logger heads and where brahmins well-versed in the Vedic lore as well as cows, preceptors and guests are never present. Without the least tinge of fear enter that place where Rudra the lord of Devas, Mahādeva the lord of the three worlds is despised. O dear one, accompanied by your wife, enter the houses of the following:—Where there is no devotion to Vāsudeva; where Sadāśiva is not present; Japa, Homa, etc. are not performed; Bhasman is not kept in the house; where there is no worship of Rudra on ceremonious occasions and particularly on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) and Aṣṭamī (eighth) days of the dark halves; where people are devoid of Bhasman during the Sandhyas (at dawn and dusk); where they do not worship Mahādeva on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) days; where they are devoid of the names of Viṣṇu; where they associate with wicked men. Accompanied by your wife you shall enter the houses of even those brahmins who are deluded and wicked and who do not repeat thus—“Obeisance to Kṛṣṇa, to Śiva, to Śarva, to Parameṣṭhin”.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Devoid of fear and accompanied by your wife you shall enter the house where husband and wife are at logger heads and where brahmins well-versed in the Vedic lore as well as cows, preceptors and guests are never present. Without the least tinge of fear enter that place where Rudra the lord of Devas, Mahādeva the lord of the three worlds is despised. O dear one, accompanied by your wife, enter the houses of the following:—Where there is no devotion to Vāsudeva; where Sadāśiva is not present; Japa, Homa, etc. are not performed; Bhasman is not kept in the house; where there is no worship of Rudra on ceremonious occasions and particularly on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) and Aṣṭamī (eighth) days of the dark halves; where people are devoid of Bhasman during the Sandhyas (at dawn and dusk); where they do not worship Mahādeva on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) days; where they are devoid of the names of Viṣṇu; where they associate with wicked men. Accompanied by your wife you shall enter the houses of even those brahmins who are deluded and wicked and who do not repeat thus—“Obeisance to Kṛṣṇa, to Śiva, to Śarva, to Parameṣṭhin”.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Devoid of fear and accompanied by your wife you shall enter the house where husband and wife are at logger heads and where brahmins well-versed in the Vedic lore as well as cows, preceptors and guests are never present. Without the least tinge of fear enter that place where Rudra the lord of Devas, Mahādeva the lord of the three worlds is despised. O dear one, accompanied by your wife, enter the houses of the following:—Where there is no devotion to Vāsudeva; where Sadāśiva is not present; Japa, Homa, etc. are not performed; Bhasman is not kept in the house; where there is no worship of Rudra on ceremonious occasions and particularly on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) and Aṣṭamī (eighth) days of the dark halves; where people are devoid of Bhasman during the Sandhyas (at dawn and dusk); where they do not worship Mahādeva on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) days; where they are devoid of the names of Viṣṇu; where they associate with wicked men. Accompanied by your wife you shall enter the houses of even those brahmins who are deluded and wicked and who do not repeat thus—“Obeisance to Kṛṣṇa, to Śiva, to Śarva, to Parameṣṭhin”.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Devoid of fear and accompanied by your wife you shall enter the house where husband and wife are at logger heads and where brahmins well-versed in the Vedic lore as well as cows, preceptors and guests are never present. Without the least tinge of fear enter that place where Rudra the lord of Devas, Mahādeva the lord of the three worlds is despised. O dear one, accompanied by your wife, enter the houses of the following:—Where there is no devotion to Vāsudeva; where Sadāśiva is not present; Japa, Homa, etc. are not performed; Bhasman is not kept in the house; where there is no worship of Rudra on ceremonious occasions and particularly on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) and Aṣṭamī (eighth) days of the dark halves; where people are devoid of Bhasman during the Sandhyas (at dawn and dusk); where they do not worship Mahādeva on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) days; where they are devoid of the names of Viṣṇu; where they associate with wicked men. Accompanied by your wife you shall enter the houses of even those brahmins who are deluded and wicked and who do not repeat thus—“Obeisance to Kṛṣṇa, to Śiva, to Śarva, to Parameṣṭhin”.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Devoid of fear and accompanied by your wife you shall enter the house where husband and wife are at logger heads and where brahmins well-versed in the Vedic lore as well as cows, preceptors and guests are never present. Without the least tinge of fear enter that place where Rudra the lord of Devas, Mahādeva the lord of the three worlds is despised. O dear one, accompanied by your wife, enter the houses of the following:—Where there is no devotion to Vāsudeva; where Sadāśiva is not present; Japa, Homa, etc. are not performed; Bhasman is not kept in the house; where there is no worship of Rudra on ceremonious occasions and particularly on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) and Aṣṭamī (eighth) days of the dark halves; where people are devoid of Bhasman during the Sandhyas (at dawn and dusk); where they do not worship Mahādeva on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) days; where they are devoid of the names of Viṣṇu; where they associate with wicked men. Accompanied by your wife you shall enter the houses of even those brahmins who are deluded and wicked and who do not repeat thus—“Obeisance to Kṛṣṇa, to Śiva, to Śarva, to Parameṣṭhin”.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Devoid of fear and accompanied by your wife you shall enter the house where husband and wife are at logger heads and where brahmins well-versed in the Vedic lore as well as cows, preceptors and guests are never present. Without the least tinge of fear enter that place where Rudra the lord of Devas, Mahādeva the lord of the three worlds is despised. O dear one, accompanied by your wife, enter the houses of the following:—Where there is no devotion to Vāsudeva; where Sadāśiva is not present; Japa, Homa, etc. are not performed; Bhasman is not kept in the house; where there is no worship of Rudra on ceremonious occasions and particularly on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) and Aṣṭamī (eighth) days of the dark halves; where people are devoid of Bhasman during the Sandhyas (at dawn and dusk); where they do not worship Mahādeva on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) days; where they are devoid of the names of Viṣṇu; where they associate with wicked men. Accompanied by your wife you shall enter the houses of even those brahmins who are deluded and wicked and who do not repeat thus—“Obeisance to Kṛṣṇa, to Śiva, to Śarva, to Parameṣṭhin”.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Devoid of fear and accompanied by your wife you shall enter the house where husband and wife are at logger heads and where brahmins well-versed in the Vedic lore as well as cows, preceptors and guests are never present. Without the least tinge of fear enter that place where Rudra the lord of Devas, Mahādeva the lord of the three worlds is despised. O dear one, accompanied by your wife, enter the houses of the following:—Where there is no devotion to Vāsudeva; where Sadāśiva is not present; Japa, Homa, etc. are not performed; Bhasman is not kept in the house; where there is no worship of Rudra on ceremonious occasions and particularly on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) and Aṣṭamī (eighth) days of the dark halves; where people are devoid of Bhasman during the Sandhyas (at dawn and dusk); where they do not worship Mahādeva on Caturdaśī (fourteenth) days; where they are devoid of the names of Viṣṇu; where they associate with wicked men. Accompanied by your wife you shall enter the houses of even those brahmins who are deluded and wicked and who do not repeat thus—“Obeisance to Kṛṣṇa, to Śiva, to Śarva, to Parameṣṭhin”.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife you shall enter those places where there is no loud chanting of the Vedic mantras, where there is no worship of preceptors and where the people are devoid of rites relating to their -ancestors.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Devoid of fear and accompanied by this lady, always enter the house where every night, there is mutual quarrel among the inmates.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Fearlessly enter that place where there is no worship of Liṅga, where men do not perform japa and where devotion to Rudra is censured.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: In the company of your wife enter that house where there is no guest well-versed in the Vedic lore, where there is no preceptor and where there is no Vaiṣṇava nor cows present.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: With your wife, you delightedly enter that place where people eat foodstuffs without giving anything to children who keep on watching the same.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Always enter that place where people do not worship Mahādeva or Vāsudeva nor perform sacrifices duly.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Enter that house or realm where people are engaged in sinful activities, are deluded, have no mutual mercy and remain lethargic.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Approach that house where the housewife never keeps secret[5] and destroys domestic felicity and is never worthy of praise. Always stay there with a delighted mind.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife enter that place where there are thorny trees, where there is the winding creeper of Niṣpāva[6] and where there is Brahmavṛkṣa.[7] If the following trees grow in the houses enter them accompanied by your wife Agastya[8] tree, Arka[9] plant, Bandhujīva,[10] Karavīra[11] in particular, Nandyāvarta[12], Mallikā,[13] the creeping plant Kanyā[14] Drohi[15] Jaṭī,[16] the black[17] plantain[18] trees, Tāla,[19] Tamāla,[20] Bhalāta,[21] Tintiḍīkhaṇḍa [Tittiḍīkhaṇḍa],[22] Kadamba,[23] Khadira,[24] Nyagrodha,[25] Aśvattha,[26] Cūta,[27] Udumbara[28] and Panasa.[29] If there is a Nimba[30] tree in any park or house housing crows, enter that in the company of your wife. If there is a Daṇḍinī or a Muṇḍinī[31] enter that place along with your wife.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife enter that place where there are thorny trees, where there is the winding creeper of Niṣpāva[6] and where there is Brahmavṛkṣa.[7] If the following trees grow in the houses enter them accompanied by your wife Agastya[8] tree, Arka[9] plant, Bandhujīva,[10] Karavīra[11] in particular, Nandyāvarta[12], Mallikā,[13] the creeping plant Kanyā[14] Drohi[15] Jaṭī,[16] the black[17] plantain[18] trees, Tāla,[19] Tamāla,[20] Bhalāta,[21] Tintiḍīkhaṇḍa [Tittiḍīkhaṇḍa],[22] Kadamba,[23] Khadira,[24] Nyagrodha,[25] Aśvattha,[26] Cūta,[27] Udumbara[28] and Panasa.[29] If there is a Nimba[30] tree in any park or house housing crows, enter that in the company of your wife. If there is a Daṇḍinī or a Muṇḍinī[31] enter that place along with your wife.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife enter that place where there are thorny trees, where there is the winding creeper of Niṣpāva[6] and where there is Brahmavṛkṣa.[7] If the following trees grow in the houses enter them accompanied by your wife Agastya[8] tree, Arka[9] plant, Bandhujīva,[10] Karavīra[11] in particular, Nandyāvarta[12], Mallikā,[13] the creeping plant Kanyā[14] Drohi[15] Jaṭī,[16] the black[17] plantain[18] trees, Tāla,[19] Tamāla,[20] Bhalāta,[21] Tintiḍīkhaṇḍa [Tittiḍīkhaṇḍa],[22] Kadamba,[23] Khadira,[24] Nyagrodha,[25] Aśvattha,[26] Cūta,[27] Udumbara[28] and Panasa.[29] If there is a Nimba[30] tree in any park or house housing crows, enter that in the company of your wife. If there is a Daṇḍinī or a Muṇḍinī[31] enter that place along with your wife.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife enter that place where there are thorny trees, where there is the winding creeper of Niṣpāva[6] and where there is Brahmavṛkṣa.[7] If the following trees grow in the houses enter them accompanied by your wife Agastya[8] tree, Arka[9] plant, Bandhujīva,[10] Karavīra[11] in particular, Nandyāvarta[12], Mallikā,[13] the creeping plant Kanyā[14] Drohi[15] Jaṭī,[16] the black[17] plantain[18] trees, Tāla,[19] Tamāla,[20] Bhalāta,[21] Tintiḍīkhaṇḍa [Tittiḍīkhaṇḍa],[22] Kadamba,[23] Khadira,[24] Nyagrodha,[25] Aśvattha,[26] Cūta,[27] Udumbara[28] and Panasa.[29] If there is a Nimba[30] tree in any park or house housing crows, enter that in the company of your wife. If there is a Daṇḍinī or a Muṇḍinī[31] enter that place along with your wife.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife enter that place where there are thorny trees, where there is the winding creeper of Niṣpāva[6] and where there is Brahmavṛkṣa.[7] If the following trees grow in the houses enter them accompanied by your wife Agastya[8] tree, Arka[9] plant, Bandhujīva,[10] Karavīra[11] in particular, Nandyāvarta[12], Mallikā,[13] the creeping plant Kanyā[14] Drohi[15] Jaṭī,[16] the black[17] plantain[18] trees, Tāla,[19] Tamāla,[20] Bhalāta,[21] Tintiḍīkhaṇḍa [Tittiḍīkhaṇḍa],[22] Kadamba,[23] Khadira,[24] Nyagrodha,[25] Aśvattha,[26] Cūta,[27] Udumbara[28] and Panasa.[29] If there is a Nimba[30] tree in any park or house housing crows, enter that in the company of your wife. If there is a Daṇḍinī or a Muṇḍinī[31] enter that place along with your wife.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife enter that place where there are thorny trees, where there is the winding creeper of Niṣpāva[6] and where there is Brahmavṛkṣa.[7] If the following trees grow in the houses enter them accompanied by your wife Agastya[8] tree, Arka[9] plant, Bandhujīva,[10] Karavīra[11] in particular, Nandyāvarta[12], Mallikā,[13] the creeping plant Kanyā[14] Drohi[15] Jaṭī,[16] the black[17] plantain[18] trees, Tāla,[19] Tamāla,[20] Bhalāta,[21] Tintiḍīkhaṇḍa [Tittiḍīkhaṇḍa],[22] Kadamba,[23] Khadira,[24] Nyagrodha,[25] Aśvattha,[26] Cūta,[27] Udumbara[28] and Panasa.[29] If there is a Nimba[30] tree in any park or house housing crows, enter that in the company of your wife. If there is a Daṇḍinī or a Muṇḍinī[31] enter that place along with your wife.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife enter that house where there is a single maid-servant, three cows, five buffaloes, six horses or seven elephants. With your wife enter the house of that person whose household deity is Kālī, Ḍākinī,[32] of the form of a ghost[33] or Kṣetrapāla (guardian of the holy centre). Freely enter the house wherein there is the idol of a Buddhist mendicant[34] (a buddhist anchorite)[35] or the statue of Buddha.[36] That house where the tongues of the inmates do not utter the name of Viṣṇu when going to bed, or taking up a seat, or moving about in the course of their activities such as taking food etc., is indeed yours. Enter that house along with your wife.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife enter that house where there is a single maid-servant, three cows, five buffaloes, six horses or seven elephants. With your wife enter the house of that person whose household deity is Kālī, Ḍākinī,[32] of the form of a ghost[33] or Kṣetrapāla (guardian of the holy centre). Freely enter the house wherein there is the idol of a Buddhist mendicant[34] (a buddhist anchorite)[35] or the statue of Buddha.[36] That house where the tongues of the inmates do not utter the name of Viṣṇu when going to bed, or taking up a seat, or moving about in the course of their activities such as taking food etc., is indeed yours. Enter that house along with your wife.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife enter that house where there is a single maid-servant, three cows, five buffaloes, six horses or seven elephants. With your wife enter the house of that person whose household deity is Kālī, Ḍākinī,[32] of the form of a ghost[33] or Kṣetrapāla (guardian of the holy centre). Freely enter the house wherein there is the idol of a Buddhist mendicant[34] (a buddhist anchorite)[35] or the statue of Buddha.[36] That house where the tongues of the inmates do not utter the name of Viṣṇu when going to bed, or taking up a seat, or moving about in the course of their activities such as taking food etc., is indeed yours. Enter that house along with your wife.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife enter that house where there is a single maid-servant, three cows, five buffaloes, six horses or seven elephants. With your wife enter the house of that person whose household deity is Kālī, Ḍākinī,[32] of the form of a ghost[33] or Kṣetrapāla (guardian of the holy centre). Freely enter the house wherein there is the idol of a Buddhist mendicant[34] (a buddhist anchorite)[35] or the statue of Buddha.[36] That house where the tongues of the inmates do not utter the name of Viṣṇu when going to bed, or taking up a seat, or moving about in the course of their activities such as taking food etc., is indeed yours. Enter that house along with your wife.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Accompanied by your wife enter that house where there is a single maid-servant, three cows, five buffaloes, six horses or seven elephants. With your wife enter the house of that person whose household deity is Kālī, Ḍākinī,[32] of the form of a ghost[33] or Kṣetrapāla (guardian of the holy centre). Freely enter the house wherein there is the idol of a Buddhist mendicant[34] (a buddhist anchorite)[35] or the statue of Buddha.[36] That house where the tongues of the inmates do not utter the name of Viṣṇu when going to bed, or taking up a seat, or moving about in the course of their activities such as taking food etc., is indeed yours. Enter that house along with your wife.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Together with your wife enter that place where there are persons engaged in heretic activities, people excluded from the sacred rites laid down in the Vedas and Smṛtis, persons devoid of devotion to Viṣṇu, persons who censure Mahādeva, atheists and knaves. Accompanied by your wife enter the abode of the persons who do not believe in the superiority of the Pināka-bearing lord and who remember him only as an ordinary deity. It is only the wicked who do not say that Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Indra the ruler of Devas are all born by the grace of Rudra. Foolish persons of confounded mind would say that the glow-worm and the sun are on a par. They would say that Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Indra are equal to lord Śiva. Even if their houses are full and flourishing, enter them without fear and enjoy yourself along with this lady.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Together with your wife enter that place where there are persons engaged in heretic activities, people excluded from the sacred rites laid down in the Vedas and Smṛtis, persons devoid of devotion to Viṣṇu, persons who censure Mahādeva, atheists and knaves. Accompanied by your wife enter the abode of the persons who do not believe in the superiority of the Pināka-bearing lord and who remember him only as an ordinary deity. It is only the wicked who do not say that Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Indra the ruler of Devas are all born by the grace of Rudra. Foolish persons of confounded mind would say that the glow-worm and the sun are on a par. They would say that Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Indra are equal to lord Śiva. Even if their houses are full and flourishing, enter them without fear and enjoy yourself along with this lady.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Together with your wife enter that place where there are persons engaged in heretic activities, people excluded from the sacred rites laid down in the Vedas and Smṛtis, persons devoid of devotion to Viṣṇu, persons who censure Mahādeva, atheists and knaves. Accompanied by your wife enter the abode of the persons who do not believe in the superiority of the Pināka-bearing lord and who remember him only as an ordinary deity. It is only the wicked who do not say that Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Indra the ruler of Devas are all born by the grace of Rudra. Foolish persons of confounded mind would say that the glow-worm and the sun are on a par. They would say that Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Indra are equal to lord Śiva. Even if their houses are full and flourishing, enter them without fear and enjoy yourself along with this lady.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Together with your wife enter that place where there are persons engaged in heretic activities, people excluded from the sacred rites laid down in the Vedas and Smṛtis, persons devoid of devotion to Viṣṇu, persons who censure Mahādeva, atheists and knaves. Accompanied by your wife enter the abode of the persons who do not believe in the superiority of the Pināka-bearing lord and who remember him only as an ordinary deity. It is only the wicked who do not say that Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Indra the ruler of Devas are all born by the grace of Rudra. Foolish persons of confounded mind would say that the glow-worm and the sun are on a par. They would say that Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Indra are equal to lord Śiva. Even if their houses are full and flourishing, enter them without fear and enjoy yourself along with this lady.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Together with your wife enter that place where there are persons engaged in heretic activities, people excluded from the sacred rites laid down in the Vedas and Smṛtis, persons devoid of devotion to Viṣṇu, persons who censure Mahādeva, atheists and knaves. Accompanied by your wife enter the abode of the persons who do not believe in the superiority of the Pināka-bearing lord and who remember him only as an ordinary deity. It is only the wicked who do not say that Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Indra the ruler of Devas are all born by the grace of Rudra. Foolish persons of confounded mind would say that the glow-worm and the sun are on a par. They would say that Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Indra are equal to lord Śiva. Even if their houses are full and flourishing, enter them without fear and enjoy yourself along with this lady.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Enter the abode of those stupid persons of deluded minds who eat cooked rice by themselves and who are devoid of ablution and other auspicious rites. Enter their houses. Enter the abode of that woman who falls off from the ideal of cleanliness, who is devoid of purificatory rites of the body and who is continuously engaged in eating all kinds of foodstuff. Enter the houses of men who have dirty faces, who wear dirty clothes; whose teeth are full of dirt though they are householders; who do not wash their feet; who lie down and who take their food at dusk.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Enter the abode of those stupid persons of deluded minds who eat cooked rice by themselves and who are devoid of ablution and other auspicious rites. Enter their houses. Enter the abode of that woman who falls off from the ideal of cleanliness, who is devoid of purificatory rites of the body and who is continuously engaged in eating all kinds of foodstuff. Enter the houses of men who have dirty faces, who wear dirty clothes; whose teeth are full of dirt though they are householders; who do not wash their feet; who lie down and who take their food at dusk.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Enter the abode of those stupid persons of deluded minds who eat cooked rice by themselves and who are devoid of ablution and other auspicious rites. Enter their houses. Enter the abode of that woman who falls off from the ideal of cleanliness, who is devoid of purificatory rites of the body and who is continuously engaged in eating all kinds of foodstuff. Enter the houses of men who have dirty faces, who wear dirty clothes; whose teeth are full of dirt though they are householders; who do not wash their feet; who lie down and who take their food at dusk.

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Enter the abode of those stupid persons of deluded minds who eat cooked rice by themselves and who are devoid of ablution and other auspicious rites. Enter their houses. Enter the abode of that woman who falls off from the ideal of cleanliness, who is devoid of purificatory rites of the body and who is continuously engaged in eating all kinds of foodstuff. Enter the houses of men who have dirty faces, who wear dirty clothes; whose teeth are full of dirt though they are householders; who do not wash their feet; who lie down and who take their food at dusk.

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Sūta said: In the company of his wife the leading sage went particularly to the abodes of those engaged in despising Viṣṇu, the lord of Devas.

Sūta said: Once Duḥsaha said to her thus:—“You stay here in this hermitage on the banks of the lake. I will be entering the Nether worlds. After finding out a spot for our residence I will return to you again.” On being told thus, she said:

Sūta said: Once Duḥsaha said to her thus:—“You stay here in this hermitage on the banks of the lake. I will be entering the Nether worlds. After finding out a spot for our residence I will return to you again.” On being told thus, she said:

Sūta said: “O blessed one, what shall I eat? Who will give oblation unto me?”

Sūta said: “O blessed one, what shall I eat? Who will give oblation unto me?”

Sūta said: “O blessed one, what shall I eat? Who will give oblation unto me?”

Sūta said: Casually, Viṣṇu, the lord of the chiefs of Devas, the overlord of the three worlds, was seen by her along with Lakṣmī. Alakṣmī said to Janārdana:

Sūta said: “O lord of long brawny arms, my husband has gone unto the crevasse after abandoning me. O lord of the universe, I am devoid of a leader and support. Give unto me the means of sustenance. Obeisance be to thee.”

Sūta said: Lord Viṣṇu, the lord of Devas, the husband of Lakṣmī, the slayer of Madhu, laughed and said to her.

Lord Viṣṇu said: “Yours indeed is the wealth of those persons who censure Rudra the sinless deity, Śarva, Nīlalohita, Śaṅkara; Ambā the daughter of the Himavān, the mother of all the worlds and my devotees. Even if my devotees censure Mahādeva and worship me they are stupid and unfortunate. Their wealth belongs to you. It is at his behest and due to his grace that Brahma and I exist.

Lord Viṣṇu said: “Yours indeed is the wealth of those persons who censure Rudra the sinless deity, Śarva, Nīlalohita, Śaṅkara; Ambā the daughter of the Himavān, the mother of all the worlds and my devotees. Even if my devotees censure Mahādeva and worship me they are stupid and unfortunate. Their wealth belongs to you. It is at his behest and due to his grace that Brahma and I exist.

Lord Viṣṇu said: “Yours indeed is the wealth of those persons who censure Rudra the sinless deity, Śarva, Nīlalohita, Śaṅkara; Ambā the daughter of the Himavān, the mother of all the worlds and my devotees. Even if my devotees censure Mahādeva and worship me they are stupid and unfortunate. Their wealth belongs to you. It is at his behest and due to his grace that Brahma and I exist.

Lord Viṣṇu said: Those who cause my enmity after despising my devotees are not my devotees even if they worship me. They are arrogant persons who seem to be my devotees. Yours indeed is their wealth, abode, field and meritorious deeds such as worship and digging wells and the like.”

Lord Viṣṇu said: Those who cause my enmity after despising my devotees are not my devotees even if they worship me. They are arrogant persons who seem to be my devotees. Yours indeed is their wealth, abode, field and meritorious deeds such as worship and digging wells and the like.”

Lord Viṣṇu said: Those who cause my enmity after despising my devotees are not my devotees even if they worship me. They are arrogant persons who seem to be my devotees. Yours indeed is their wealth, abode, field and meritorious deeds such as worship and digging wells and the like.”

Lord Viṣṇu said: Those who cause my enmity after despising my devotees are not my devotees even if they worship me. They are arrogant persons who seem to be my devotees. Yours indeed is their wealth, abode, field and meritorious deeds such as worship and digging wells and the like.”

Lord Viṣṇu said: Those who cause my enmity after despising my devotees are not my devotees even if they worship me. They are arrogant persons who seem to be my devotees. Yours indeed is their wealth, abode, field and meritorious deeds such as worship and digging wells and the like.”