न गङ्गा न कुरुक्षेत्रं न काशी न च पुष्करम्
Neither Gaṅgā, nor Kurukṣetra, nor Kāśī, nor Puṣkara—
गौर्या देव्या कृतं पूर्वं शंकरेण महात्मना 4.147.
This was formerly performed by Goddess Gaurī and by the great soul Śaṃkara.
दमयन्तीवियोगेन नलेन तु तथा कृतम्
It was likewise performed by Nala due to separation from Damayantī.
कृतमेतद्व्रतं भद्रे स्वर्गमोक्षप्रदायकम्
O blessed one, this vow was performed, bestowing heaven and liberation.
शांडिल्या चाप्यरुन्धत्या उर्वश्या देवदत्तया
It was performed by Śāṇḍilya, Arundhatī, Urvaśī, and Devadattā as well.
पाताले नागकन्याभिः कृतमेतत्सुशोभनम्
In the netherworld, this was beautifully performed by the serpent maidens.
अन्याभिः सर्वनारीभिः सर्वकामफलेप्सुभिः
With other women, with all women desiring the fruits of every wish,
वसुप्रीतिकरं रम्यं व्रतानां परमं शृणु
Hear now of the supreme vow, delightful and pleasing to the gods, among all vows.
गुरुभार्याभिगामी च ह्येतेषां संगमी च यः
And one who approaches the wife of the teacher, or unites with these,
अगम्यागमनो यस्तु मांसाशी वृषलीपतिः
Who goes to forbidden women, eats meat, or is the husband of a low-born woman,
एभिः सर्वैर्महापापैर्मुच्यते नात्र संशयः
From all these great sins, one is freed—of this there is no doubt.
अतस्तेऽहं विधिं वक्ष्ये विधानमवधारय 4.147.
Therefore I shall declare the rule; understand the procedure.
यः करोति नरो देवि नारी वा भक्तिसंयुता
O goddess, whoever, man or woman, performs it with devotion,
तस्मिन्मासे च कर्तव्यं व्रतमेतच्च सुन्दरि
In that month, this vow must be observed, O beautiful one.
शुक्लकृष्णतृतीयायामेकादश्यां च पूर्णिमा
On the third day of the bright and dark fortnights, on the eleventh, and on the full moon,
पर्वस्वन्येषु सर्वेषु दातव्या काञ्चनी पुरी
On all other festival days, a golden city should be given.
मृत्तिकालंभनं कार्यं मंत्रेणानेन सुव्रते
The taking of clay should be done with this mantra, O virtuous one.
लोकानामुपकारार्थं वन्दनात्सिद्धिकामदा
For the benefit of the worlds, granting the desired success through worship.
( इति मृत्तिकामंत्रः आपस्तु विश्वयोनिर्हि विष्णुना निर्मिताः स्वयम्
(Thus the clay mantra:) The waters, indeed, are the womb of the universe, created by Viṣṇu himself.
( इत्यम्मंत्रः अनेन विधिना स्नात्वा यजमानः समाहितः
(Thus the water mantra:) Having bathed according to this rule, the sacrificer, being attentive,
पाखंडिनो विकर्मस्थान्धूर्तांश्च कितवाच्छठान्
Should avoid heretics, those engaged in unrighteous acts, rogues, gamblers, and deceivers.
उपवासस्य नियमं कुर्यान्नक्तस्य वा पुनः 4.147.
One should observe the rule of fasting, or else of night-fasting.
द्वादशाक्षरमंत्रेण तज्जलं चाभिमंत्रयेत्
With the twelve-syllable mantra, one should consecrate that water.
शमीवृक्षमया वेदी चतुःस्तंभसमन्विता
The altar should be made of śamī wood, furnished with four pillars.
वस्त्रेणावेष्टिताः स्तम्भा वितानवर मण्डिताः
The pillars should be wrapped with cloth and adorned with the best canopies.
मध्ये तु मंडलं कार्यं पद्माख्यं वर्णकैः शुभैः मंडलस्य तु मध्ये वै भद्रपीठं सुशोभनम्
In the center, a circle called the lotus should be made with auspicious colors, and in the middle of the circle, a beautiful bhadrapitha should be placed.
आसनं तत्र विन्यस्य कोमलं वस्त्रवेष्टितम्
There, a soft seat wrapped in cloth should be arranged.
अग्रे तु कलशः कार्यो जलपूर्णः सुशोभनः
In front, a beautiful water-filled pot should be placed.
पञ्चरत्नसमायुक्तं वस्त्रेणावे ष्टयेद्धनम्
It should be adorned with five kinds of gems, and wealth should be wrapped in cloth.
तस्योपरिष्टात्संस्थाप्य कांचनाख्यां पुरीं शुभाम्
Above that, a splendid city called Kanchana should be established.