ESSENCE OF PURANAS SERIES
Chapter 9: ‘Maha Shanti’ in ‘Chaitra Shukla Paksha’ and worship to various Devas
Condensed English Translation by Sri V.D.N. Rao
Chaitra Shukla samaarambhey prathamehani Kaashyapa,
Pitaamasya kartavyaa tadaa puja vichakshanaih/
Pushpair naanaa vidhair gandhair vastraalankaara dhupanaih,
Hutaashapujanai Brahman Braahmanaanaancha tarpanaih,
Tasminnevaahni kartavyaa Mahaashanti Dwijotthama/
(King Nila addressed Chandradeva the descendant of Kashyapa Prajapati as follows: On the first day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha, Pitamaha Brahma ought to be worshipped with Pushpas, various Gandhas, Vastraalankara and Dhupas and Agni homaas, besides providing contentment to Brahmanas; on the same day, Maha Shanti Ceremony should be performed too as would be the duty of the Prosperous persons intending to further their wealth. On the same day again, there would be a duty to perform puja to ‘Kaala’ or Time, since the calculations of Time commenced from that day). It was again on that day; Brahma Deva initiated the process of creating human beings at the Sun-rise. It was on the same day, one should worship Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara; for securing Graha Shanti, pujas should be done to ‘Nava Grahas’ as also to Nakshatras. Other denominations of Time like Kalpas, Manvantaras, Yugas, Samvatsaraas, Uttara and Dakshina ‘Ayanas’; Shat Ritus or Six Seasons; ‘Dwadasha Maasaas’ or Twelve Months; Pakshas of Shukla and Krishna; weeks; days; hours; Muhurtas, Rashis and so on too need to be worshipped. The Fourteen Manus including the Seven Past ones viz. Swayambhu, Swarochisha, Uttama, Tamasa, Raivata and Chakshusa; the current Manu Vaivaswata; and the future Manus viz. Arkasavarni, Brahma Savarni, Bhadresa, Daksha Savarni, Rouchya and Bhautya need be worshipped.
Worship of Maharshis would be an important part of the Pujas on this historic day of Chaitra Shukla Prathama:
Marichimatrayaangeerasou Pulastyam Pulaham Kratum,
Bhrigum Sanatkumaram cha Sanakam cha Sanandanam/
Dharmam Varishtham Satyam cha Kaamaarthou cha Hutaashanam,
Vasu Rudraamllokapalaamllokaaloka nivaasinah/
Sudaamanaa Shankhapaadam Ketumantam tathaivacha,
Tathaa Hiranyaromaanaam Dikpaalaamscha pujayet/
(Worship should also be performed to Marichi, Atreya, Angeerasa, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhrigu, Sanatkumara, Sanaka, Sanandana, Dharma, Vasishtha, Kaama, Artha, Hutashana,Vasus, Rudras, Lokapalakas, Lokaaloka Nivaasis, Sudama, Shankha paada, Ketumaan, Hiranyaroma, and Dikpalakas). Besides Indra, puja should also be done to Daksha Prajapati’s daughters viz. Sati, Khyati, Smriti, Swaha, Anasuya, Swadha, Preeti, Kshama, Sambhuti, Sannati, Arundhati, Keerti, Lakshmi, Dhriti, Medha, Tushti, Shraddha, Kriya, Mati, Buddhi, Lajja, Vasu, Shanti, Pushti, Siddhi, Rati, Arundhati, Vasudhashi, Lamba, Bhanu, Meruvati, Sankalpa, Muhurta, Saadhyaa, Vishwa, Kaashyapa, Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kaalaa, Danaayu, Simhika, Muni, Kadru, Krodha, Ira, Praava, Vinata, Surabhi, Khasha, Bhrigaashva, Pujya, Suprabha and Jaya.
On this auspicious occasion, reverences be paid to Bahuputra and his two wives, Arishtanemi and his four wives, Ruddhi, Vriddhi, Nidra, Dhanesha, Nadakubara, Shankhapadma, Nidhi, Pujya, Bhadrakaali and Saraswati; Vedas, Upavedas, Vedangas and all the Places of ‘Vidya’; Nagas, Yakshas, Piscachas, Guruda Deva and Aruna Deva. A comprehensive Puja must also be performed to Sapta Dwipas viz. Jambu, Shaaka, Kusha, Krouncha, Shalmali, Gomeda, Pushkara; Sapta Samudras viz. Lavana, Ksheera, Aaajya, Dadhi, Maraada, Sura and Udaka ( Salt, Milk, Ghee, Curd, Butter, Wine and Water respectively); Uttara, Kuru, Punya, Ramya, Hairavatastha, Bhadraashva, Ketumala, Varsha, Ilavrita, Harivarsha, Kimpurusha, Varsha and BharataVarsha; the ‘Nava Bhaagaas’( Nine Branches) of Bharata Varsha viz. Indradyumna, Kasheruman, Tamavarna, Gabhastimaan, Nagadwipa, Sowmya, Gandharva, Vaaruna and Maanava dwipa, surrounded by three Seas; Seven Patala lokas viz. Rukmabhouma, Shilabhouma, Pataaala, Nilamritthika, Raktabhouma, Shweta, and Krishnakshiti; as also Kaalaagni Rudra, Seha, Varaha and Hari.
King Nila suggested to Chandra Deva:
Bhurbhuvahswarmahaschaiva Janascha Tapasaa saha,
Satyalokastathaa lokaah Pujaneeyaahj Dwijottama/
Prithivyaapastathaa Tejah Pavanaambarameyvacha,
Manobuddhitathaatmaanaavyaktam Purusham tathaa/
(Sapta Lokas viz. Bhu, Bhuva, Swah, Maha, Jana, Tapah and Satya should be worshipped, besides the ‘Pancha Bhutas’ viz. Prithvi, Water, Radiance, Air and Sky; most significantly, veneration of Heart, Mind, Soul, and the Ever Unknown Purusha / Paramatma.). Adulation should then be extended to the Great Mountains like Himalayas, Hemakuta, Nishadha, Nila Parvata, Sweta, Shrigamaaan, Meru, Maalyavaan, Gandhamaadana, Maanasarovara, Mahendra, Malaya, Sahyadri, Shaktimaan, Rukshavaan, Vindhya, Paariyatra, and Kailasa; to Great Rivers of Bharata Desha like the Sapta Nadis viz. Bhagirathi, Pavani, Hlaadini, Hardini, Sita, Vankshu, Sindhu, besides Maanada, Suprabha, Kaanchanaakshi, Vishala, Maanasaahlada, Sarasvati, Sumeru, Pushkara Tirtha, and Vitasta; and Devis like Shachi, Vanaspati, Gouri, Dhumrorna, Ruchrakriti, Sinivali, Kuhu, Raaka, Anumati, Ayati, Niyati, Pragna, Mati, Vela and Dhaarini. Dhata, Vidhata, Sapta Chhandas, Iravata, Surabhi, Shravasa, Dhanvantari, Dhruva, Vnayaka, Kumara, Vishaakha, Maruds, Grahas, and Rishis like Baalaakhilya, Kashyapa and Narada would also have to be adulated.
The other significant Deities to be adored would include: Dwadashaadityas viz. Dhata, Mitra, Aryama, Pusha, Shakra, Varuna, Bhaga, Twashta, Vivaswan, Savita, and Vishnu; Ashta Vasus viz.Dhara, Dhruva, Bhoja, Apa, Anila, Anala, Pratyusha, Prabhasa, and Vasava; Ekaadasha Rudraas viz. Angaaraka, Nirruti, Ghosha, Ajaikapaad, Abhirbudhna, Dhumaketu, Dhwaja, Vaahana, Mrityu, Kapaali and Kankana; Dasha Vishwadevas viz. Kratu, Daksha, Vasu, Satya, Kaala, Kaama, Dhwani, Kuru, Vaak and Danuja; two Ashwinaas viz. Nasatya and Nasra; Dwadasha Bhrigus viz. Bhuvana, Bhavana, Sujanya, Sujana, Tyaaja, Suva, Murtha, Daksha, Vaya, Bandhuka, Prasava and Vyaya; Dwadasha Saadhyaas viz. Manas, Mada, Prashna, Nara, Pala, Diti, Haya, Naya, Hamsa, Narayana, Vishnu and Prabhu; Ekona Panchaashat Marutas viz. Ekajyoti, Divya Jyoti, Jyoti, Ekachakra, Trichakra, Rutajit, Satyajit, Sushena, Senajit, Agnimitra, Arimitra, Prabhumitra, Aparaajita, Ruta, Rutavaan, Dharta, Nidharta, Varuna, Dhruva, Vidhaarana, Devadeva, Idriksha, Adriksha, Ihadrik, Amitaashana, Krutina, Prasakrud, Daksha, Samara, Dhata, Ugra, Dhanu, Bhasma, Abhiyukta, Sadaasaha, Dyuti, Vasuratha, Adrushya, Vaama, Kaamajaya and Virat. The others to be respected on the occasion should include Vishwakarma, the Sarvashilpa Prakavartaka or the Chief of Architects and Engineers along with his ‘Aayudhas’ (weapons), ‘Vahanas’(chariots), ‘Chhatra’ (Umbrella), ‘Aasana’ (Seat), and his Insignia / symbol of ‘Dhundhubhi’(Drum) along with ‘gandha maalyaanu -lepana’ and ‘dhupadeepa naivedyas’; as also to Grahas, Nagas, ‘Maasaas’ and ‘Varshas’.
Omkarapurvakam Brahman Ghrutaakshatayavai sthilaih,
Taan pruthak prudhaguddishya deyaa Vipreshyu Dakshinaa,
Brahmanaa bhojaneeyaascha suhrutsambhandi baandhavaah/
Viseshavaccha bhoktavyam Kaaryamchamadutsuvam,
Pujaneeya Dwijasreshthaa tathaa Jyotishakaa Dwijaah/
(Agni-Homas should be performed wih ghee, ‘yavaas’/ barley and ‘tilaas’/sesame seeds with the reverberation of ‘Omkaara’Mantra and Brahmanaas are respected with Dakshinas with reference to separate Deites, grand meals are organised to Brahmanas / Jyotisha Panditaas, relatives and friends).
Kathitoyam Mahashaantih Sarvaaghavinisudani,
Sarvotpaata shamani Kaliduhkha pranaashani/
Ayushpradaa pushtikari dhanasoubhagya vardhini,
Vyaadhi shatru prashamani Rajyaraashtra vivardhini/
Mangalyaacha Pavitraacha Lokaadwaya sukhaavaha,
Chaitramaasaarambhey ye mayaabhihitaatavaa/
(Such is the procedure of ‘Maha Shanti’which demolishes sins / wrongdoings, appeases malevolent forces, obliterates dreadful dreams of ‘Kalikaala’, bestows longevity and wealth, annihilates enemies, provides happiness and auspiciousness to the Naga Desha as a whole).
On the fifth day of Chaitra Shukla Panchami, Nagas celebrated Shri Panchami; in fact, Lakshmi puja was an on-going affair throught one’s life to sustain and develop prosperity and to Vishnu for Salvation. Skanda Shashti was performed with great veneration by Nagas:
Skandasya tatra kartavyaa pujaa maalaih sugandbhibhih,
Gandhaalankaara vaasaamsi kukkutam cha nivedanayet/
Ghantaamajam kreedanakam naivedyam cha manoharam,
Dhruveyam Chaitra Shashthicha paritoshaastu kaamatah,
Yah karoti gruhey tasya virogah sarva baalakaah/
(Puja on Shukla Shasthi to Skanda Deva comprised flower garlands, fragrances, decorations, bells and toys, and sacrifices of cock and goat for Naivedya; those homes where pujas were performed likewise would never experience any diseases, especially to children). Bhadra Kaali was worshipped traditionally on Chaitra Shukla Navami for ‘Karya Siddhi’ or attainment of all auspicious deeds, while pujas were performed to ‘Ishta’ Devatas or the ‘Home Deities’ normally as well as to Agni and Brahmanaas on Ekadashis. On the Dwadashi day, Bhagavan Vaasudeva was worshipped by day long fasting and formal puja by the evening. On Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi, Nagas had the unique tradition of worshipping ‘Manmadha’ or the Deity of Love. Husbands stored pitchersful of scented water with flowers and fragrant grasses kept over the previous night before the Idol of ‘Kama Devata’who was neatly dressed up, decorated and ornamented for worship. The next morning on Trayodashi the husbands bathe the wives and thereafter perform formal puja together to Manmatha and Rati Devi to secure firm and everlasting love and affection for ever mutually.
Pitaamasya kartavyaa tadaa puja vichakshanaih/
Pushpair naanaa vidhair gandhair vastraalankaara dhupanaih,
Hutaashapujanai Brahman Braahmanaanaancha tarpanaih,
Tasminnevaahni kartavyaa Mahaashanti Dwijotthama/
(King Nila addressed Chandradeva the descendant of Kashyapa Prajapati as follows: On the first day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha, Pitamaha Brahma ought to be worshipped with Pushpas, various Gandhas, Vastraalankara and Dhupas and Agni homaas, besides providing contentment to Brahmanas; on the same day, Maha Shanti Ceremony should be performed too as would be the duty of the Prosperous persons intending to further their wealth. On the same day again, there would be a duty to perform puja to ‘Kaala’ or Time, since the calculations of Time commenced from that day). It was again on that day; Brahma Deva initiated the process of creating human beings at the Sun-rise. It was on the same day, one should worship Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara; for securing Graha Shanti, pujas should be done to ‘Nava Grahas’ as also to Nakshatras. Other denominations of Time like Kalpas, Manvantaras, Yugas, Samvatsaraas, Uttara and Dakshina ‘Ayanas’; Shat Ritus or Six Seasons; ‘Dwadasha Maasaas’ or Twelve Months; Pakshas of Shukla and Krishna; weeks; days; hours; Muhurtas, Rashis and so on too need to be worshipped. The Fourteen Manus including the Seven Past ones viz. Swayambhu, Swarochisha, Uttama, Tamasa, Raivata and Chakshusa; the current Manu Vaivaswata; and the future Manus viz. Arkasavarni, Brahma Savarni, Bhadresa, Daksha Savarni, Rouchya and Bhautya need be worshipped.
Worship of Maharshis would be an important part of the Pujas on this historic day of Chaitra Shukla Prathama:
Marichimatrayaangeerasou Pulastyam Pulaham Kratum,
Bhrigum Sanatkumaram cha Sanakam cha Sanandanam/
Dharmam Varishtham Satyam cha Kaamaarthou cha Hutaashanam,
Vasu Rudraamllokapalaamllokaaloka nivaasinah/
Sudaamanaa Shankhapaadam Ketumantam tathaivacha,
Tathaa Hiranyaromaanaam Dikpaalaamscha pujayet/
(Worship should also be performed to Marichi, Atreya, Angeerasa, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhrigu, Sanatkumara, Sanaka, Sanandana, Dharma, Vasishtha, Kaama, Artha, Hutashana,Vasus, Rudras, Lokapalakas, Lokaaloka Nivaasis, Sudama, Shankha paada, Ketumaan, Hiranyaroma, and Dikpalakas). Besides Indra, puja should also be done to Daksha Prajapati’s daughters viz. Sati, Khyati, Smriti, Swaha, Anasuya, Swadha, Preeti, Kshama, Sambhuti, Sannati, Arundhati, Keerti, Lakshmi, Dhriti, Medha, Tushti, Shraddha, Kriya, Mati, Buddhi, Lajja, Vasu, Shanti, Pushti, Siddhi, Rati, Arundhati, Vasudhashi, Lamba, Bhanu, Meruvati, Sankalpa, Muhurta, Saadhyaa, Vishwa, Kaashyapa, Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kaalaa, Danaayu, Simhika, Muni, Kadru, Krodha, Ira, Praava, Vinata, Surabhi, Khasha, Bhrigaashva, Pujya, Suprabha and Jaya.
On this auspicious occasion, reverences be paid to Bahuputra and his two wives, Arishtanemi and his four wives, Ruddhi, Vriddhi, Nidra, Dhanesha, Nadakubara, Shankhapadma, Nidhi, Pujya, Bhadrakaali and Saraswati; Vedas, Upavedas, Vedangas and all the Places of ‘Vidya’; Nagas, Yakshas, Piscachas, Guruda Deva and Aruna Deva. A comprehensive Puja must also be performed to Sapta Dwipas viz. Jambu, Shaaka, Kusha, Krouncha, Shalmali, Gomeda, Pushkara; Sapta Samudras viz. Lavana, Ksheera, Aaajya, Dadhi, Maraada, Sura and Udaka ( Salt, Milk, Ghee, Curd, Butter, Wine and Water respectively); Uttara, Kuru, Punya, Ramya, Hairavatastha, Bhadraashva, Ketumala, Varsha, Ilavrita, Harivarsha, Kimpurusha, Varsha and BharataVarsha; the ‘Nava Bhaagaas’( Nine Branches) of Bharata Varsha viz. Indradyumna, Kasheruman, Tamavarna, Gabhastimaan, Nagadwipa, Sowmya, Gandharva, Vaaruna and Maanava dwipa, surrounded by three Seas; Seven Patala lokas viz. Rukmabhouma, Shilabhouma, Pataaala, Nilamritthika, Raktabhouma, Shweta, and Krishnakshiti; as also Kaalaagni Rudra, Seha, Varaha and Hari.
King Nila suggested to Chandra Deva:
Bhurbhuvahswarmahaschaiva Janascha Tapasaa saha,
Satyalokastathaa lokaah Pujaneeyaahj Dwijottama/
Prithivyaapastathaa Tejah Pavanaambarameyvacha,
Manobuddhitathaatmaanaavyaktam Purusham tathaa/
(Sapta Lokas viz. Bhu, Bhuva, Swah, Maha, Jana, Tapah and Satya should be worshipped, besides the ‘Pancha Bhutas’ viz. Prithvi, Water, Radiance, Air and Sky; most significantly, veneration of Heart, Mind, Soul, and the Ever Unknown Purusha / Paramatma.). Adulation should then be extended to the Great Mountains like Himalayas, Hemakuta, Nishadha, Nila Parvata, Sweta, Shrigamaaan, Meru, Maalyavaan, Gandhamaadana, Maanasarovara, Mahendra, Malaya, Sahyadri, Shaktimaan, Rukshavaan, Vindhya, Paariyatra, and Kailasa; to Great Rivers of Bharata Desha like the Sapta Nadis viz. Bhagirathi, Pavani, Hlaadini, Hardini, Sita, Vankshu, Sindhu, besides Maanada, Suprabha, Kaanchanaakshi, Vishala, Maanasaahlada, Sarasvati, Sumeru, Pushkara Tirtha, and Vitasta; and Devis like Shachi, Vanaspati, Gouri, Dhumrorna, Ruchrakriti, Sinivali, Kuhu, Raaka, Anumati, Ayati, Niyati, Pragna, Mati, Vela and Dhaarini. Dhata, Vidhata, Sapta Chhandas, Iravata, Surabhi, Shravasa, Dhanvantari, Dhruva, Vnayaka, Kumara, Vishaakha, Maruds, Grahas, and Rishis like Baalaakhilya, Kashyapa and Narada would also have to be adulated.
The other significant Deities to be adored would include: Dwadashaadityas viz. Dhata, Mitra, Aryama, Pusha, Shakra, Varuna, Bhaga, Twashta, Vivaswan, Savita, and Vishnu; Ashta Vasus viz.Dhara, Dhruva, Bhoja, Apa, Anila, Anala, Pratyusha, Prabhasa, and Vasava; Ekaadasha Rudraas viz. Angaaraka, Nirruti, Ghosha, Ajaikapaad, Abhirbudhna, Dhumaketu, Dhwaja, Vaahana, Mrityu, Kapaali and Kankana; Dasha Vishwadevas viz. Kratu, Daksha, Vasu, Satya, Kaala, Kaama, Dhwani, Kuru, Vaak and Danuja; two Ashwinaas viz. Nasatya and Nasra; Dwadasha Bhrigus viz. Bhuvana, Bhavana, Sujanya, Sujana, Tyaaja, Suva, Murtha, Daksha, Vaya, Bandhuka, Prasava and Vyaya; Dwadasha Saadhyaas viz. Manas, Mada, Prashna, Nara, Pala, Diti, Haya, Naya, Hamsa, Narayana, Vishnu and Prabhu; Ekona Panchaashat Marutas viz. Ekajyoti, Divya Jyoti, Jyoti, Ekachakra, Trichakra, Rutajit, Satyajit, Sushena, Senajit, Agnimitra, Arimitra, Prabhumitra, Aparaajita, Ruta, Rutavaan, Dharta, Nidharta, Varuna, Dhruva, Vidhaarana, Devadeva, Idriksha, Adriksha, Ihadrik, Amitaashana, Krutina, Prasakrud, Daksha, Samara, Dhata, Ugra, Dhanu, Bhasma, Abhiyukta, Sadaasaha, Dyuti, Vasuratha, Adrushya, Vaama, Kaamajaya and Virat. The others to be respected on the occasion should include Vishwakarma, the Sarvashilpa Prakavartaka or the Chief of Architects and Engineers along with his ‘Aayudhas’ (weapons), ‘Vahanas’(chariots), ‘Chhatra’ (Umbrella), ‘Aasana’ (Seat), and his Insignia / symbol of ‘Dhundhubhi’(Drum) along with ‘gandha maalyaanu -lepana’ and ‘dhupadeepa naivedyas’; as also to Grahas, Nagas, ‘Maasaas’ and ‘Varshas’.
Omkarapurvakam Brahman Ghrutaakshatayavai sthilaih,
Taan pruthak prudhaguddishya deyaa Vipreshyu Dakshinaa,
Brahmanaa bhojaneeyaascha suhrutsambhandi baandhavaah/
Viseshavaccha bhoktavyam Kaaryamchamadutsuvam,
Pujaneeya Dwijasreshthaa tathaa Jyotishakaa Dwijaah/
(Agni-Homas should be performed wih ghee, ‘yavaas’/ barley and ‘tilaas’/sesame seeds with the reverberation of ‘Omkaara’Mantra and Brahmanaas are respected with Dakshinas with reference to separate Deites, grand meals are organised to Brahmanas / Jyotisha Panditaas, relatives and friends).
Kathitoyam Mahashaantih Sarvaaghavinisudani,
Sarvotpaata shamani Kaliduhkha pranaashani/
Ayushpradaa pushtikari dhanasoubhagya vardhini,
Vyaadhi shatru prashamani Rajyaraashtra vivardhini/
Mangalyaacha Pavitraacha Lokaadwaya sukhaavaha,
Chaitramaasaarambhey ye mayaabhihitaatavaa/
(Such is the procedure of ‘Maha Shanti’which demolishes sins / wrongdoings, appeases malevolent forces, obliterates dreadful dreams of ‘Kalikaala’, bestows longevity and wealth, annihilates enemies, provides happiness and auspiciousness to the Naga Desha as a whole).
On the fifth day of Chaitra Shukla Panchami, Nagas celebrated Shri Panchami; in fact, Lakshmi puja was an on-going affair throught one’s life to sustain and develop prosperity and to Vishnu for Salvation. Skanda Shashti was performed with great veneration by Nagas:
Skandasya tatra kartavyaa pujaa maalaih sugandbhibhih,
Gandhaalankaara vaasaamsi kukkutam cha nivedanayet/
Ghantaamajam kreedanakam naivedyam cha manoharam,
Dhruveyam Chaitra Shashthicha paritoshaastu kaamatah,
Yah karoti gruhey tasya virogah sarva baalakaah/
(Puja on Shukla Shasthi to Skanda Deva comprised flower garlands, fragrances, decorations, bells and toys, and sacrifices of cock and goat for Naivedya; those homes where pujas were performed likewise would never experience any diseases, especially to children). Bhadra Kaali was worshipped traditionally on Chaitra Shukla Navami for ‘Karya Siddhi’ or attainment of all auspicious deeds, while pujas were performed to ‘Ishta’ Devatas or the ‘Home Deities’ normally as well as to Agni and Brahmanaas on Ekadashis. On the Dwadashi day, Bhagavan Vaasudeva was worshipped by day long fasting and formal puja by the evening. On Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi, Nagas had the unique tradition of worshipping ‘Manmadha’ or the Deity of Love. Husbands stored pitchersful of scented water with flowers and fragrant grasses kept over the previous night before the Idol of ‘Kama Devata’who was neatly dressed up, decorated and ornamented for worship. The next morning on Trayodashi the husbands bathe the wives and thereafter perform formal puja together to Manmatha and Rati Devi to secure firm and everlasting love and affection for ever mutually.