यदुपोष्य न दुःखानां भाजनो जायते जनः
By observing what does a person not become a recipient of suffering?
माघमासे सिते पक्षे द्वादशी पावनी स्मृता
In the bright fortnight of the month of Māgha, the twelfth day is considered purifying.
विधिना केन विप्रेन्द्र तन्मे ब्रूहि यथाक्रमम्
O foremost of Brahmins, by what procedure should it be observed? Tell me in order.
तव शुश्रूषणाद्वाच्यं ममाप्येतन्न संशयः ।। 4.74.
Because of your service, this should indeed be spoken to you by me, without doubt.
अदीक्षिताय नो देया नाशिष्याय कदाचन
It should never be given to one who is uninitiated or not a disciple.
वाच्यमेतन्महाराज भवतान्यस्य न क्वचित्
O great king, this should be spoken by you to no one else.
कृतघ्नो मित्रध्रुक्चौरः क्षुद्रो भग्नव्रतस्तथा
One who is ungrateful, betrays friends, is a thief, base, or who has broken a vow—
शुद्धे तिथौ मुहूर्ते च मंडपं कारयेत्ततः
On a pure lunar day and at an auspicious time, one should then have a pavilion constructed.
तन्मध्ये पञ्चहस्तां तु वेदिकां परिकल्पयेत्
In the midst of that, one should construct an altar measuring five hastas.
विलिखेन्मंडलं तत्र पंचवर्णैर्विधानतः
There, one should draw a mandala according to rule, using five colors.
पञ्चविंशतितत्त्वज्ञः स्वाचाराभिरतस्तथा
One who knows the twenty-five principles, devoted to their own conduct, likewise—
ब्राह्मणांस्तेषु युंजीत चातुश्चरणिकाञ्छुभान्
Should engage Brahmins there, who possess the four pure Vedic recensions.
प्रत्यङ्मुखं न्यसेद्देवं चतुर्बाहुमरिंदम
O subduer of enemies, one should place the deity facing west, with four arms.
गन्धैः पुष्पैस्तथा धूपैर्नैवेद्यैर्विविधैरपि 4.74.
With fragrances, flowers, incense, and various offerings of food as well.
न्यसेत्स्तंभद्वयं पश्चात्तिष्ठन्काष्ठसमन्वितम्
Afterwards, two pillars made of wood should be set up, standing together.
षट्त्रिंशदंगुलं श्रेष्ठं चतुरस्रं समंततः
The best should be thirty-six angulas, perfectly square on all sides.
आरोपयेद्धटं तत्र यादृशं तच्छृणुष्व मे
One should place a pot there; listen from me as to what kind it should be.
सर्वलक्षणसंयुक्तं दृढं व्यंगविवर्जितम्
It should possess all auspicious marks, be firm, and free from defects.
कुशलत्वानुरूपेण पाशैकच्छिद्रमेव वा
According to skill, it may have a single opening for the rope, or as appropriate.
होमार्थं कल्पयेच्चापि पालाश्यः समिधः शुभाः
For the purpose of the sacrifice, one should also prepare auspicious palāśa sticks.
वेद्याः पूर्वोत्तरे भागे ग्रहपीठं प्रकल्पयेत्
In the northeast part of the altar, one should arrange the seat for the planets.
पूर्वस्यां दिशि शक्रस्य पूजां कुर्वीत यत्नतः ३८ कुबेरस्य तथोदीच्यां बलिं कुर्यात्फलाक्षतैः
In the eastern direction, one should carefully perform the worship of Indra; likewise, in the north, one should offer oblations to Kubera with fruits and grains.
समालभ्य शुभैर्गंधैर्द्दर्भपाणिरतंद्रितः 4.74.
Having anointed with auspicious fragrances, holding darbha grass in hand, with diligence.
यजमानोऽपि देवस्य संमुखः प्रयतः शुचिः
The sacrificer, too, should stand facing the deity, attentive and pure.
नमस्ते देवदेवेश नमस्ते भुवने श्वर
"Salutations to you, Lord of gods; salutations to you, Lord of the world."
ततोदकस्य धारास्ताः प्रत्यंगषु समन्विताः
Then streams of water are poured, touching each limb.
होमं कुर्युस्ततो विप्रा दिक्षु सर्वासु तत्पराः
Then the devoted Brahmins should perform the fire ritual in all directions.
वादित्रैस्ताड्यमानैश्च शंखगेय स्वनैस्तथा
With the sounds of musical instruments being played, and the resonant notes of conches and songs,
मंगलैः स्तुतिसंयुक्तैः कारयेत्तन्महोत्सवम्
He should arrange that great festival with auspicious hymns and praises.
हरिवंशादिकं सर्वं श्रावयेद्ब्राह्मणो वरः
The excellent Brahmin should recite the entire Harivamsha and other texts.