इत्युक्त्वा भगिनीं तां तु विष्णुबुद्ध्याऽभिवादयेत्
Having spoken thus, he should respectfully greet his sister with the intention of Vishnu.
भगिन्या भ्रातरं वाक्यं वक्तव्यं प्रति नारद
O Nārada, the sister should address her brother with these words.
भोक्तव्यं तेऽद्य मद्गेहे स्वायुषे कुलदीपक
You must eat today in my house, O illuminator of the lineage, for the sake of your own life.
स्वसुर्नरो वेश्मनि यो न भुंक्ते यमद्वितीयादिनमत्र लब्ध्वा 2.4.11.
A man who, having received the invitation on Yamadvitīyā, does not eat in his sister’s house—
इति पापा रटंतीह ब्रह्महत्यादयस्तथा
Here, the sins such as brahma-hatya cry out against him.
शुक्लायां तु द्वितीयायां विश्रुतायां जगत्त्रये
On the renowned second day of the bright fortnight, celebrated in all three worlds—
इत्युक्तः स तथेत्युक्ता भगिनीं पूजयेद्व्रती
Thus instructed, he replies 'so be it,' and the one observing the vow should honor his sister.
अग्रजामभिवंद्याऽथ आशिषं च प्रगृह्य च
Then, having respectfully greeted his elder sister and received her blessings—
अभावे स्वस्य तु स्वसुः पितृव्याः स्वपितुः स्वसा
If one’s own sister is absent, then the paternal aunt or the father’s sister should be honored.
एवं यः कुरुते पुत्र द्वितीयां यमनामिकाम्
O son, whoever performs Yamadvitīyā in this manner—
इह भुक्त्वा तु विपुलान्भोगानन्यान्यथेप्सितान्
Here, having enjoyed abundant pleasures and other desired enjoyments—
व्रतान्येतानि सर्वाणि दानानि विविधानि च
All these vows and various kinds of gifts—
कथां यमद्वितीयाया व्रतस्थः शृणुयान्नरः
A man observing the vow should listen to the story of Yamadvitīyā.
भानुजायां नरः स्नात्वा यमलोकं न पश्यति 2.4.11.
A man who bathes on the day of Bhānu’s daughter does not see the realm of Yama.
कार्तिके शुक्लपक्षे तु द्वितीयायां तु शौनक
O Śaunaka, on the second day of the bright fortnight in Kārtika—
द्वितीयायां महोत्सर्गो नारकीयाश्च तर्पिताः
On the second day, the great offering is made, and those in hell are appeased.
अत्राऽऽशिताश्च संतुष्टाः स्थिताः सर्वे यदृच्छया
Here, those who have eaten are satisfied and remain as they wish.
अतो यमद्वितीयेयं त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुता
Therefore, Yamadvitīyā is renowned in the three worlds.
स्नेहेन भगिनीहस्ताद्भोक्तव्यं बलवर्धनम्
With affection, one should eat the strengthening food from the hand of a sister.
महिषासनमारूढो दंडमुद्गरभृत्प्रभुः
Seated upon a buffalo throne, the lord holds a staff and a mace.
यैर्भगिन्यः सुवासिन्यो वस्त्रदानादितोषिताः
By whom sisters, adorned and married, are pleased with gifts of garments and the like,
धन्यं यशस्यमायुष्यं धर्मकामार्थसाधनम्
That is blessed, brings fame and long life, and accomplishes righteousness, desire, and wealth.
तदहं संप्रवक्ष्यामि शृणुध्वं मुनिसत्तमाः ।। 2.4.11.
Therefore, I shall now explain this; listen, O best of sages.
तत्राऽपराह्ने कर्तव्यं सर्वथैव यमार्चनम्
On that afternoon, the worship of Yama must certainly be performed.
प्रत्यहं यमुनाऽऽगत्य यमं संप्रार्थयत्पुरा
Every day, Yamunā came and earnestly prayed to Yama in the past.
अद्यश्वो वा परश्वो वा प्रत्यहं वदते यमः
Yama would reply each day, 'Today, tomorrow, or the day after.'
तदैकदा यमुनया बलात्कारान्निमंत्रितः
Then, once, Yama was forcibly invited by Yamunā.
नारकीयजनान्मुक्त्वा गणैः सह रवेः सुतः
Freed from the people of hell, the son of the Sun went with his attendants.
कृताभ्यंगो यमुनया तैलैर्गंधमनोहरैः
He was anointed by Yamunā with fragrant, delightful oils.
ततोऽलंकारकं दत्तं नानावस्त्राणि चंदनम्
Then ornaments were given, along with various garments and sandalwood paste.