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.
इतिहासपुराणज्ञाः प्रियवाचोऽनसूयकाः
Those knowledgeable in history and Purana, pleasant in speech, free from envy.
व्यंजनानि च कार्याणि होमार्थं समिधस्तिलाः 4.127.
Offerings should be prepared for the fire ritual: kindling and sesame seeds.
वेद्याधिवासितानां च सुराणां होम इष्यते
For the deities installed on the altar, the fire offering is prescribed.
इन्द्रादिलोकपालानां पूर्वादिक्रमयोगतः
For Indra and the other guardians of the world, in the proper order and manner.
द्वारेषु कलशान्दद्यात्सहिरण्यान्सपल्लवान्
At the entrances, one should place pots with gold and fresh leaves.
सौवर्णं कारयेत्कूर्मं ताम्रेण मकरं तथा
A tortoise should be made of gold, and likewise a makara of copper.
शिशुमारजलौकाञ्च रजतेनैव कारयेत्
He should make a dolphin and a leech out of silver.
एषा प्रतिष्ठा नामेति मन्त्रेणामंत्रयेच्च तान्
This is called the installation; he should consecrate them with the installation mantra.
कुंकुमेन समालभ्य पुष्पैर्धूपैः समर्चयेत्
Having anointed them with saffron, he should worship with flowers and incense.
ततो द्विजातिप्रवरः श्रपयित्वा चरुं नवम्
Then, the foremost among the twice-born, having cooked a fresh oblation, should offer it.