समुपोद्धातपादो ऽयं तृतीयो मध्यमे दले
This is the third section, the introductory portion, in the middle division.
वैवस्वतान्तराख्यानं विस्तरेण यथातथाम्
The story of Vaivasvata is told in detail, just as it occurred.
भविष्याणां मनूनां च चरितं हि ततः परम्
Then, the deeds of the future Manus are also recounted.
लोकाश्चतुर्द्दश ततः कथिताः प्राप्तलक्षणैः
After that, the fourteen worlds are described, each with their respective characteristics.
मनोमयपुराख्यानं लयः प्राकृतिकस्ततः
The narrative of Manomaya-pura is given, followed by the account of the natural dissolution.
त्रिविधा गुणसंबन्धाज्जन्तूनां कीर्तिता गतिः
The threefold destinies of beings, arising from their connection with the guṇas, are explained.
अन्वयव्यतिरेकाभ्यां वर्णनं हि ततः परम्
After that, the description proceeds by means of agreement and difference.
चतुष्पादं पुराणं ते ब्रह्माण्डं समुदाहृतकम्
Thus, the Purāṇa in four sections, called the Brahmāṇḍa, has been declared to you.
ब्रह्माण्डं यच्चतुर्लक्षं पुराणं येन वठ्यते
The Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa, which consists of four hundred thousand verses, is thus composed.
पासशर्येण मुनिना सर्वेषामपि मानद
By the sage Pāraśarya, O bestower of honor, this was compiled for all.
मत्तः श्रुत्वा पुराणानि लोकेभ्यः प्रचकाशिरे
Having heard the Purāṇas from me, they were made known to the worlds.
मयाचेदं पुराणं तु वसिष्टाय पुरोदितम्
Indeed, this Purāṇa was previously declared by me to Vasiṣṭha.
व्यासो लब्ध्वा ततश्चैतत्प्रभञ्जनमुखोद्गतम्
Then Vyāsa received it, emerging from the mouth of Prabhañjana.
य इदं कीर्तयेद्वत्स शृणोति च समाहितः
O dear one, whoever recites or attentively listens to this—
लिखित्वैतत्पुराणं तु स्वर्णसिंहासनस्थितम्
Having written this Purāṇa, and placing it upon a golden throne,
स यादि ब्रह्मणो लोकं नात्र कार्या विचारणा
if he departs to the world of Brahmā, there need be no further deliberation about him.
पुराणानि तु संक्षेपाच्छ्रोतव्यानि च विस्तरात्
The Purāṇas should be heard both in summary and in detail.
कथयेद्वा विधानेन नेह भूयः स जायते
Or, if one narrates them according to the prescribed method, he is not born here again.
तन्नित्यं शीलनीयं हि पुराणफलमिच्छता
One who desires the fruit of the Purāṇa should indeed practice this always.
देयं कदापि साधूनां द्वेषिणे न शठाय च
It should sometimes be given to the virtuous, but never to an enemy or a deceitful person.
निर्मत्सराय शुचये देयं सद्वैष्णवाय च
It should be given to one who is free from envy, pure, and truly devoted to Viṣṇu.
मरूचये यथा प्रोक्तं ब्रह्मणा परमेष्ठिना
As was declared to Marīci by Brahmā, the Supreme Lord,
क्रमतो मह्यमाख्याहि यथा स्याद्वतनिश्चयः
tell me in order how certainty in the lineage may be established.
यद्विधानं च पूजादेस्तत्सर्वं वद सांप्रतम्
And whatever the procedure is for worship and so forth, tell me all of that now.
तिथीशानुक्रमादेव सर्वसिद्धिविधायकम्
By following the sequence of lunar days and lords, all accomplishments are attained.
शुक्लपक्षे समग्रं वै तदा सूर्योदये सति
In the bright fortnight, when the sun has risen, the entire rite should be performed.
पूर्वविद्धैव कर्तव्या प्रतिपत्सर्वदा बुधैः
The wise should always perform the rite on the first day, even if it is partially joined with the previous day.
सर्वोत्पातप्रशमनी कलिदुष्कृतहारिणी
It dispels all calamities and destroys the misdeeds of the Kali age.
मङ्गल्या च पवित्रा च लोकद्वयमुखावहा
It is auspicious, pure, and brings forth the two worlds.
पाद्यार्ध्यपुष्पधूपैश्च वस्त्रालङ्कारभोजनैः
With water for washing the feet, arghya, flowers, incense, garments, ornaments, and food,