त्वयोक्तं भगवन्ध्यानं तद्ब्रूहि मम तत्त्वतः
O Lord, you have spoken of meditation; please tell me its true nature.
चित्तस्यालं वनीभूतो विष्णुरेवात्र कारणम्
When the mind is completely restrained, only Viṣṇu remains as the cause here.
तिष्ठन्भुञ्जन्स्वपन्गच्छंस्तथा धावन्नितस्ततः
Whether standing, eating, sleeping, going, or running here and there—
यं यञ्चापि स्मरन्भावं त्यजन्यन्ते कलेवरम् 4.126.
Whatever state one remembers while giving up the body at the end—
तस्मात्प्रधानमंत्रोक्तं वासुदेवस्य चिन्तनम्
Therefore, the chief instruction is to contemplate Vāsudeva as declared in the mantra.
पुरा मे कथितं पार्थ मार्कंडेयेन धीमता
O Pārtha, this was formerly told to me by the wise Mārkaṇḍeya.
राज्योपभोगशयनासनवाहनेषु स्त्रीगंधमाल्यमणिवस्त्रविभूषणेषु
In the enjoyment of kingdom, beds, seats, vehicles, the fragrance of women, garlands, jewels, clothes, and ornaments—
संछेदनैर्दहनताडनपीडनैश्च गात्रप्रहारदमनैर्विनिकर्तनैश्च
Through cutting, burning, striking, tormenting, blows to the body, subduing, and mutilation—
सूत्रार्थमार्गणमहाव्रतभावनाभिर्बंधप्रमोक्षगतिरागतिहेतु चिन्ता
By seeking the meaning of the scriptures, by great vows, by thoughts of bondage and liberation, by contemplating the causes of coming and going—
यस्येन्द्रियाणि विषयैर्न विवर्जितानि सङ्कल्पनात्मज विकल्पविकारयोगैः
He whose senses are not withdrawn from objects, due to the modifications and transformations born of imagination—
आद्ये तिर्यगधोगतिश्च नियतं ध्याने तु रौद्रे सदा धर्म्ये देवगतिः शुभं फलमहोशुक्ले च जन्मक्षयः
At first, there is certainly a downward or animal birth; in fierce meditation, always, a divine birth is the auspicious result, and in pure meditation, there is the end of birth.
समाः सहस्राणि तु सप्त वै जले दशैकमग्नौ पवने च षोडश
But for seven thousand years in water, eleven in fire, and sixteen in wind—
वापीकूपतडागोत्सर्गविधिवर्णनम् कथयस्व महाभाग मम देवकिनंदन
O greatly fortunate one, O son of Devakī, describe to me the procedure for dedicating wells, ponds, and reservoirs.
वापीकूपोदकानाञ्च के मंत्राः परिकीर्तिताः
What mantras are prescribed for wells, ponds, and waters?
दानं किमत्र निर्दिष्टं बलयः के प्रकीर्तिताः
What gifts are prescribed here, and what offerings are mentioned?
तडागवापीकूपानामुत्सर्गं कथयामि ते
I shall tell you about the dedication of tanks, wells, and ponds.
निष्पन्ने बद्धपालीके सर्वोद्भेदविवर्जिते
When it is completed, with a proper enclosure, and free from all leaks—
तस्मिन्सलिलसंपूर्णे कार्तिके वा विशेषतः
When it is filled with water, especially in the month of Kārtika—
मुनयः केचिदिच्छंति व्यतीते चोत्तरायणे
Some sages desire it after the Uttarayana has passed.
तडागपालशीर्षे तु मंडलं कारयेच्छुभम्
At the head of the pond, one should construct an auspicious mandala.
तोरणानि तु चत्वारि चतुर्दिक्षु विचक्षणैः
Four gateways should be made in the four directions by the wise.
नानावर्णास्तु परितः पताकाः परिकल्पयेत् 4.127.
All around, variously colored flags should be arranged.
चतुर्हस्ता भवेद्वेदी मध्ये पञ्चकराथ वा
The altar should be four hands in size, or five if desired, at the center.
कदंबाश्वत्थपालाशवैकंकतमयः शुभः
It should be made from kadamba, ashvattha, palasha, or vaikankata wood, auspicious in nature.
न्यग्रोधबिल्वजः प्रोक्तः क्षत्रियाणां च खादिरः
Nyagrodha and bilva are prescribed; for Kshatriyas, khadira wood.
बिभीतकोदुंबरजः शाकशाल्मलिसंभवः
Bibhitaka, udumbara, shaka, and shalmali are also mentioned.
लोकपालाष्टकं तत्र रजसा च विलेखयेत्
There, the eight guardians of the world should be depicted with colored powders.
सावित्री सहिता कार्या पुष्पधूपैरथार्चयेत्
The Savitri mantra should be included, and worship performed with flowers and incense.
मेखलात्रययुक्तानि हस्तमात्राणि सर्वतः
All sides should be adorned with three girdles, each the measure of a hand.
अहतांबरसंवीताः स्रक्चन्दनविभूषिताः
Clad in untorn garments, adorned with garlands and sandalwood.