दानानि बहुरूपाणि नानाशास्त्रोदितानि च
There are many kinds of gifts, as taught in various scriptures.
किं तु प्रधानमेकं ते दानं वक्ष्यामि भारत
But, O Bhārata, I will tell you of one principal gift.
आधयो व्याधयश्चैव ग्रहपीडा सुदारुणाः
Afflictions, diseases, and severe troubles caused by planets—
येन दत्तेन नश्यंति पुण्यमाप्नोति चोत्तमम्
—are destroyed by giving this, and one attains supreme merit.
दानमेतत्प्रदातव्यं विषुवे सूर्यसंक्रमे
This gift should be given at the solstice, at the sun’s transition.
संस्थाप्य दारुजं दिव्यं हेमपट्टैरलंकृतम् 4.180.
One should establish a divine wooden image, adorned with golden cloths.
सुवर्णध्वजसंयुक्तं सितासितपताकिनम्
It should be furnished with a golden banner, with white and black pennants.
नद्यास्तीरेऽथ वा गोष्ठे विचित्रे वा गृहांगणे
On the riverbank, or in a cowshed, or in a splendid house courtyard—
पुराणवेदविद्यावान्विनयाचारसंयुतः
—a learned person, versed in the Purāṇas and Vedas, endowed with discipline and good conduct—
मध्ये ब्रह्मा प्रतिष्ठाप्यः पूजयेत्प्रणवेन तम्
—should install Brahmā in the center and worship him with the sacred syllable.
सूक्तेन रुद्रं रौद्रेण दक्षिणस्यां समर्चयेत् पुष्पैर्गंधैः फलैर्भक्ष्यैर्दीपमालाभिरेव च
He should worship Rudra in the southern direction with the Rudra hymn, with flowers, scents, fruits, offerings of food, and rows of lamps.
पूजयेद्गंधकुसुमैः श्वेतवस्त्रैः सचंदनैः
He should be worshipped with fragrant flowers, white garments, and sandalwood.
ब्रह्मघोषविमिश्रैश्च कारयेत महोत्सवम्
A great festival should be arranged, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic hymns.
आग्नेय्यां दिशि राजेंद्र ब्राह्मणांस्तत्र पूजयेत्
O king, in the southeast direction, one should worship the Brāhmaṇas there.
चतुरोष्टौ महाराज गुरुरेकोऽथवा भवेत्
There should be four or eight, O great king, or there may be only one guru.
अग्निकार्यं ततः कुर्याद्यथावद्विधिपूर्वकम् 4.180.
Then, one should perform the fire ritual properly, according to the prescribed rules.
विष्णवे शितिकण्ठाय मंत्रैः पूर्वोदितैः शुभैः
With auspicious mantras previously taught, one should worship Viṣṇu and Śitikaṇṭha.
एवं यज्ञविधिं कृत्वा यजमानो द्विजैः सह
Having performed the sacrifice in this manner, together with the twice-born, the sacrificer—
विचित्रतनुसंवीतौ शुभकक्षौ सुघंटिकी
Clad in wondrous forms, with auspicious harness and fine bells.
दिव्यमुक्तापरिच्छन्नौ दिव्यांकुशसमन्वितौ
Adorned with divine pearls, equipped with celestial goads.
एवं विधिं ततः कृत्वा रथं तं सगजं नरः
Having performed such a rite, a man prepares that chariot along with elephants.
भूषितं कण्ठकटकैः कर्णवेष्टांगुलीयकैः
Decorated with necklets, bracelets, earrings, and rings.
बद्धतूणिं धनुष्पाणिं बहुचर्मविभूषितम्
With a quiver fastened, holding a bow, adorned with many hides.
यजमानस्ततः प्राज्ञः शुक्लांबरधरः शुचिः
Then the wise sacrificer, pure and clad in white garments,
इममुच्चारयेन्मन्त्रं सर्वपापप्रणाशनम् सुप्रतीकोंजनः सार्वभौमोऽष्टौ देवयोनयः
Should recite this mantra, which destroys all sins: 'Of noble form, universal ruler, eight divine lineages.'
तेषां वंशप्रसूतौ तु बलरूपसमन्वितौ 4.180.
Born in their lineage, endowed with strength and beauty.
ममेभरथदानेन प्रीयेतां शिवकेशवौ
May Shiva and Kesava be pleased by my gift of elephants and chariots.
इत्युच्चार्य महाभागे पूजयित्वा पुनःपुनः
Having spoken thus, O noble one, and having worshipped again and again,
स्वदारनिरतं शांतं वेदवेदांगपारगम्
One who is devoted to his own wife, peaceful, and accomplished in the Vedas and their branches.
पुनः प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य रथस्थं द्विजसत्तमम्
Again, having circumambulated the excellent Brahmin seated on the chariot,