आरोपयेद्रथे देवं मूलमंत्रेण मंत्रवित्
The knower of mantras should place the deity on the chariot with the root mantra.
रथे तिष्ठन्नयति वाजिनः पुरो यत्रयत्र कामयते सुषारथिः शंखदुंदुभिनिर्घोषैः काहलानां च निःस्वनैः
Standing on the chariot, the excellent charioteer guides the horses wherever he wishes, accompanied by the sounds of conches, drums, and the resonant tones of kahalas.
दोषासुखेन रमितं प्रेषणीयपुरःसरम्
Delighted by the joy of the night, with the procession led forward,
तांबूलानि रथे दद्यात्पुष्पमालायुतानि च
He should place betel leaves on the chariot, along with garlands of flowers.
यस्ययस्य गृहेभ्येति प्रेरितो रथिना रथः । ।। 4.134.
Whichever house the chariot, driven by the charioteer, is sent to—
इतरोऽपि भवेत्पूज्यः संप्राप्ते गृहिणां गृहे
There too, when it arrives at the householder’s home, the other should also be honored.
कदाचिदक्षभङ्गः स्याद्ध्वजभंगोऽथ वा भवेत्
Sometimes the axle may break, or the banner may be damaged.
ब्राह्मणांस्तत्र संपूज्य होमः कार्यो विजानता
There, one should honor the Brahmins and perform a fire offering with understanding.
प्रेरणीप्रेक्षणीयैश्च भ्रामयित्वा रथोत्तमम्
Having displayed the chariot with those who urge it on and those who observe it,
दोलाग्राहैश्चक्रदोलाभ्रमैर्डमरकैस्तथा
With those who swing the chariot, with the turning of the wheel-swing, and with drums as well,
एवं यः कुरुते पार्थ सुखदं तु रथोत्सवम्
Whoever, O Partha, thus conducts the joyful chariot festival,
यः कारयित्वा सौवर्णं रौप्यं वा रथमुत्तमम्
Who, having made a most excellent chariot of gold or silver,
वर्णकैश्चित्रितं दिव्यं दारुजं वा सुशोभनम्
Or a splendid wooden one, adorned with colors and divine decorations,
स मर्त्यलोके सुचिरात्सुखानि च समश्नुते
He enjoys happiness for a long time in the world of mortals.
स्थापयेत्सर्वभागे तु गेयं वाद्यपुरःसरम् 4.134.
He should arrange music and singing in every part, led by instruments.
तत्रापि जागरं कुर्याद्वाद्यगीतसुमं गलैः
There too, one should hold a vigil with music, song, and garlands of flowers.
प्रेक्षणीयविनोदेन तां रात्रिमतिवाहयेत्
One should pass that night with delightful performances and entertainments.
महायात्रां प्रकुर्वीत तत्राप्यद्भुतचेष्टितम् ६३ पूजयित्वा विधानेन षष्ठेऽह्नि भवनं नयेत्
One should conduct a great procession there, with wondrous acts; after worshiping according to rule, on the sixth day, bring it to the house.
सर्वपापहरा पुण्या किञ्चिदन्यन्निबोध मे
This is holy and removes all sins; now listen to something else.
पञ्चम्यां पंकजकरां पूजयेद्वा सरस्वतीम्
On the fifth day, one should worship Sarasvati, who holds the lotus in her hand.
अष्टम्यां च चतुर्दश्यां सम्पूज्यः शशिशेखरः
On the eighth and fourteenth days, one should worship the moon-crested one.
दशम्यामृषयः शांताः सर्वे व्यासपुरस्सराः
On the tenth day, the peaceful sages, with Vyasa at their head, are to be honored.
त्रयोदश्यां त्रिनेत्रोत्थवह्निना शांतविग्रहम्
On the thirteenth day, by the fire arising from the three-eyed one, the form is pacified.
आंदोलके मदनके रथयात्रासु चैव हि यात्रा वासंतिकी चेयं चित्तस्वास्थ्यकरी परा।।4.134.
In the swing festival, in the festival of love, and during chariot processions, this springtime journey brings supreme peace of mind.
सम्यक्सुधाधवलिते भवने सुराणामंतस्सुवस्त्रमणिमौक्तिकदानचित्रे
In a house thoroughly whitened with nectar, among the gods, gifts of garments, jewels, and pearls are displayed.
मदनमहोत्सववर्णनम् उमापतिः पशुपतिर्ध्यानासक्तो बभूव ह
The lord of Uma, Paśupati, became absorbed in meditation.
ब्रह्मादिभिः समामंत्र्य विबुधैः पुत्रलब्धये
Invited by Brahma and the other gods, for the sake of obtaining a son,
प्रहितः क्षोभणार्थाय समर्थ इति मन्मथः
Kāma, deemed capable, was sent to stir him.
रतिप्रीतिमदोन्मादवसंतश्रीसहायवान्
Accompanied by Rati, delight, intoxication, and the goddess of spring,
आम्राशोकवनोत्तंसो मालतीकृतशेखरः
Adorned with mango and ashoka garlands, with a crown of jasmine flowers,