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.
पक्वान्नानि विचित्राणि कृत्वा सा स्वर्णभाजने
She prepared various cooked foods and placed them in a golden vessel.
भुक्त्वा यमोऽपि भगिनीमलंकारैः समर्चयत् इति तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा यमुना वाक्यमब्रवीत्
Having eaten, Yama too honored his sister with ornaments; hearing those words, Yamunā spoke.
अद्य सर्वे मोचनीयाः पापिनो नरकाद्यम तेषां सौख्यं प्रदेहि त्वमेतदेव वृणोम्यहम्
Today all sinners must be released from hell, O Yama; grant them happiness—this alone I choose.
भुंक्ते च भगिनीगेहे भगिनीं पूजयेदपि
He eats in his sister's house and also worships his sister.
वीरेशैशानदिग्भागे यमतीर्थं प्रकीर्तितम्
In the northeastern direction of Vīreśa, the Yama-tīrtha is renowned.
पठेदेतानि नामानि आमध्याह्नं नरोत्तमः
The best of men should recite these names until midday.
यमो निहंता पितृधर्मराजो वैवस्वतो दंडधरश्च कालः
Yama, the slayer, king of ancestral law, son of Vivasvat, bearer of the staff, and Time.
ततो यमेश्वरं पूज्य भगिनीगृहमाव्रजेत्
Afterwards, one should worship Lord Yama and then proceed to the sister’s house.
भ्रातस्तवानुजाताऽहं भुंक्ष्व भक्तमिदं शुभम्
Brother, I am born after you; please accept this auspicious food offered with devotion.
ततः संतोष्य भगिनीं वस्त्रालंकरणादिभिः
Then, having pleased the sister with garments, ornaments, and other gifts—