श्रीभगवानुवाच तिलोत्तमा नाम पुरा ब्रह्मणा योषिदुत्तमा। तिलं तिलं समुद्धृत्य रन्तानां निर्मितां शुभा॥
The Blessed and Holy One said Formerly a blessed and foremost of women, was created by Brahman, called Tilottama, by collecting beauty from every beautiful object in the universe.
साजभ्यगच्छत मां देवि रूपेणाप्रतिमा भुवि। प्रदक्षिणं लोभयन्ती मां शुभे रुचिरानना॥
One day, that lady of beautiful face, peerless in the universe for beauty of form, came to me, O goddess, for circumambulating me but, in sooth, moved by the desire of tempting me.
यतो यतः सा सुदती मामुपाधावदन्तिके। ततस्ततो मुखं चारु मम देवि विनिर्गतम्॥
In whatever direction that lady of beautiful teeth turned, a new face to mine instantly appeared. All these faces of mine became handsome to look at.
तां दिदृक्षुरहं योगाच्चतुर्मूर्तित्वमागतः। चतुर्मुखश्च संवृत्तो दर्शयन् योगमुत्तमम्॥
Thus, on account of the desire of seeing her, I became fourfaced, through Yogapower. Thus I showed my high Yogapower in becoming fourfaced.
पूर्वेण वदनेनाहमिन्द्रत्वमनुशास्मि ह। उत्तरेण त्वया सार्धं रमाम्यहमनिन्दिते॥
With that face of mine which is turned towards the east, I exercise the sovereignty of the universe. With that face of mine which is turned towards the north, I sport with you, O you of faultless features.
पश्चिमं मे मुखं सौम्यं सर्वप्राणिसुखावहम्। दक्षिणं भीमसंकाशं रौद्रं संहरति प्रजाः॥
That face of mine which is turned towards the west is handsome and auspicious. With it I ordain the happiness of all creatures. That face cf mine which is turned towards the south is dreadful. With it I destroy all creatures.
जटिलो ब्रह्मचारी च लोकानां हितकाम्यया। देवकार्यार्थसिद्ध्यर्थं पिनाकं मे करे स्थितम्॥
I live as a Brahmacharin with matted locks on iny head, for doing good in all creatures. The bow Pinaka is always in my hand for accomplishing the work of the celestials.
इन्द्रेण च पुरा वज्रं क्षिप्तं श्रीकांक्षिणा मम) दग्ध्वा कण्ठं तु तद् यातं येन श्रीकण्ठता मम॥
Formerly, Indra, desirous of acquiring my prosperity, had hurled his thunderbolt at me. With that weapon my throat was scorched. Therefore I have become bluethroated.
उमोवाच वाहनेष्वत्र सर्वेषु श्रीमत्स्वन्येषु सत्तम। कथं च वृषभो देव वाहनत्वमुपागतः॥
Uma said When, O foremost of all creatures, there are so many excellent beautiful cars, why have you selected a bull for your vehicle?
महेश्वर उवाच सुरभीमसृजद् ब्रह्मा देवधेनुं पयोमुचम्। सा सृष्टा बहुधा जाता क्षरमाणा पयोऽमृतम्॥
Maheshvara said Formerly, the Grandfather Brahman created the celestial cow Surabhi giving profuse milk After her creation there sprang from her a large number of king all of which gave sufficient quantities of milk sweet as nectar.
तस्या वत्समुखोत्सृष्टः फेनो मद्गात्रमागतः। ततो दग्धा मया गावो नानावर्णत्वमागताः॥
Once on a time a quantity of froth fell from the mouth of one of her calves on my body. I was enraged at this and my anger scorched all the kine which there upon became diversified in colour.
ततोऽहं लोकगुरुणा शमं नीतोऽर्थवेदना। वृषं चैनं ध्वजार्थं मे ददौ वाहनमेव च॥
I was then pacified by the Lord of all the worlds, viz., Brahman, conversant this bull both as a car for bearing me and as device on my banner.
उमोवाच निवासा बहुरूपास्ते दिवि सर्वगुणान्विताः। तांश्च संत्यज्य भगवश्मशाने रमसे कथम्॥
Uma said You have many houses, in the celestial region, of various forms and possessed of every comfort and luxury. Why, O Holy One, do you live in the crematorium, abandoning all those delightful palaces.
केशास्थिकलिले भीमे कपालघटसंकुले। गृध्रगोमायुबहुले चिताग्निशतसंकुले॥
The crematorium is full of the hair and bones (of the dead), abounds with vultures and jackals, and is covered with hundreds of funeral pyres.
अशुचौ मांसकलिले वसाशोणितकर्दमे। विकीर्णान्त्रास्थिनिचये शिवानादविनादिते॥
Full of carrion and muddy with fat and blood, with entrails and bones scattered all over it, and always echoing with the howls of jackals, it is certainly an impure place.
महेश्वर उवाच मेध्यान्वेषी महीं कृत्स्नां विचराम्यनिशं सदा। न च मेध्यतरं किंचिच्छ्मशानादिह लक्ष्यते॥
Maheshvara said I always travel over the whole Earth in search after a sacred spot. I do not, however, see any spot that is more sacred than the crematorium.
तेन मे सर्ववासानां श्मशाने रमते मनः। न्यग्रोधशाखासंछन्ने निभुग्नस्रग्विभूषिते॥
Therefore, of all houses, the crematorium appears to me to be the best, shaded as it generally is by branches of the banian and adorned with torn garlands of flowers.
तत्र चैव रमन्तीमे भूतसंघाः शुचिस्मिते। न च भूतगणैर्देवि विनाहं वस्तुमुत्सहे॥
O you of sweet smiles, the multitudes of goblins that are my companions love to live in such spots. I do not like, O goddess, to live anywhere, without those goblins by my side.
एष वाप्सो हि मे मेध्यः स्वर्गीयश्च.मतः शुभे। पुण्यः परमकश्चैव मध्यकामैरुपास्यते॥
Therefore, the crematorium is a sacred house to me. Indeed, O auspicious lady, it appears to me to be very Heaven. Highly sacred and endued with great merit, the crematorium is much praised by persons desirous of having holy abodes.
उमोवाच भगवन् सर्वभूतेश सर्वधर्मविदां वर। पिनाकपाणे वरद संशयो मे महानयम्॥
Uma said O Holy One, O lord of all creatures, O foremost of all observers of duties and religious rites, I have a great doubt, O holder of Pinaka, O giver of boons.
अयं मुनिगणः सर्वस्तपस्तेप इति प्रभो। तपोवेषकरो लोके भ्रमते विविधाकृतिः॥
These ascetics, O powerful lords, have practised various kinds of austerities. In the world are seen ascetics wandering everywhere under various forms and clad in various kinds of dress.
अस्य चैवर्षिसंघस्य मम च प्रियकाम्यया। एतं ममेह संदेहं वक्तुमर्हस्यरिंदम॥
For benefiting this large number of Rishis, as also myself, do you kindly remove, O chaister of all enemies, this doubt of mine.
धर्मः किंलक्षणः प्रोक्तः कथं वा चरितुं नरैः। शक्यो धर्ममविन्दद्धिर्धर्मज्ञ वद मे प्रभो॥
What are the characteristics of Religion or Duty? How, indeed, do men unacquainted with the details of Religion or Duty succeed in observing them. O powerful lord, O you who are conversant with Religion, do you tell me this.
नारद उवाच ततो मुनिगणः सर्वस्तां देवी प्रत्यपूजयत्। वाग्भिर्ऋग्भूषितार्थाभिः स्तवैश्चार्थविशारदः॥
Narada said When the daughter of Himavat, put this question, the assemblage of Rishis there present, adored the goddess with words adorned with Richs and with hymns fraught with deep meaning.
महेश्वर उवाच अहिंसा सत्यवचनं सर्वभूतानुकम्पनम्। शमो दानं यथाशक्ति गार्हस्थ्यो धर्म उत्तमः॥
Maheshvara said Abstention from injury, truthfulness of speech, mercy towards all beings, tranquillity of soul, and the making of gifts to the best of one's power, form the foremost duties of the householder.
परदारेष्वसंसर्गो न्यासस्त्रीपरिरक्षणम्। अदत्तादानविरमो मधुमांसस्य वर्जनम्॥ एष पञ्चविधो धर्मो बहुशाखः सुखोदयः। देहिभिर्धर्मपरमैश्चर्तव्यो धर्मसम्भवः॥
Abstention from sexual union with the wife of other men, protection of the riches and the woman committed to his care, reluctance to appropriate what is not given to one, and avoidance of honey and meat, these are the five chief duties. Indeed, Religion or Duty had many branches all of which yield happy results. These are the duties which those embodied creatures who consider duty as superior, should observe and practise. These are the sources of merit.
उमोवाच भगवन् संशयः पृष्टस्तन्मे शंसितुमर्हसि। चातुर्वर्ण्यस्य यो धर्मः स्वे स्वे वर्णे गुणावहः॥
Uma said O Holy One, I wish to ask you another question about with I entertain great doubts. You should answer it and remove my doubts. What are the meritorious duties of the four castes.
ब्राह्मणे कीदृशो धर्मः क्षत्रिये कीदृशोऽभवत्। वैश्ये किंलक्षणो धर्मः शूद्रे किंलक्षणो भवेत्॥
What are the duties of the Brahmana? What of the Kshatriya? What are the duties of the Vaishya? And what are the duties of the Shudra.
महेश्वर उवाच न्यायस्तस्ते महाभागे सर्वशः समुदीरितः। भूमिदेवा महाभागाः सदा लोके द्विजातयः॥
Maheshvara said O highly blessed lady, the question you have put, is a very proper one. Those persons who belong to the twice bom order, are considered as highly blessed, and are, indeed, gods on earth.
उपवास: सदा धर्मो ब्राह्मणस्य च संशयः। स हि धर्मार्थसम्पन्नो ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते॥
Forsooth, the observance of fasts, is always the duty of the Brahmana. When the Brahmana succeeds in properly observing all his duties, he becomes at one with Brahma.
तस्य धर्मक्रिया देवि ब्रह्मचर्या च न्यायतः। व्रतोपनयनं चैव द्विजो येनापपद्यते॥
The proper observance of the duties of Brahmacharya, O goddess, are his ritual. The observar ce of vows and the investiture with the sacred thread form his other duties. It is by these that he becomes truly twice born.
गुरुदैवतपूजार्थं स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनात्मकः। देहिभिर्धर्मपरमैश्चर्तव्यो धर्मसम्भवः॥
He becomes a Brahinana for adoring his preceptors and other elders as also the celestials. Indeed, that religion which has for its soul the study of the Vedas, is the source of all virtue. Even that is the religion which those embodied creatures who are given to virtue and duty, should observe and practise.
उमोवाच भगवन् संशयो मेऽमस्ति तन्मे व्याख्यातुमर्हसि। चातुर्वर्ण्यस्य धर्मं वै नैपुण्येन प्रकीर्तय॥
Uma said O Holy One, my doubts have not been removed. You should explain in detail what the duties are of the four respective castes of men.
श्रीमहेश्वर उवाच रहस्यश्रवणं धर्मो वेदव्रतनिषेवणम्। अग्निकार्य तथा धर्मो गुरुकार्यप्रसाधनम्॥ भैक्षचर्या परो धर्मो नित्ययज्ञोपवीतिता। नित्यं स्वाध्यायिता धर्मो ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमस्तथा॥
Maheshvara said Listening to the mysteries of religion and duty, observance of the vows laid down in the Vedas, attention to the sacred fire, and accomplishment of the business of the preceptor, leading a mendicant life, always bearing the sacred thread, constant recitation of the Vedas, and rigid observance of the duties of a celebrate life, constitute the duties of the Brahmana.
गुरुणा चाभ्यनुज्ञातः समावर्तेत वै द्विजः। विन्देतानन्तरं भार्यामनुरूपां यथाविधि॥
After the student life is over, the Brahmana, at the behest of his preceptor, should leave his preceptor's abode for returning to his fathers' house. Upon his return he should duly marry a proper wife.
शूद्रान्नवर्जनं धर्मस्तथा सत्पथसेवनम्। धर्मो नित्योपवासित्वं ब्रह्मचर्ये तथैव च॥
Another duty of the Brahmana consists of avoiding the food prepared by the Shudra. Walking along the path of virtue, always obscrving fasts and the practices of Brahmacharya form his other duties.
अहिताग्निरधीयानो जुह्वानः संयतेन्द्रियः। विघसाशी यताहारो गृहस्थ: सत्यवाक् शुचिः॥
The householder should keep up his domestic fire for daily adoration. He should study the Vedas. He should pour libations in honour of the departed Manes and the celestials. He should keep his senses under proper restraint. He should eat what remains after serving gods and guests and all his dependants. He should be abstemious in food, truthful in words, and pure both in body and mind.
अतिथिव्रतता धर्मो धर्मस्त्रेताग्निधारणम्। इष्टीश्च पशुबन्धांश्च विधिपूर्वं समाचरेत्॥
Attending to guests is another duty of the householder, as also the keeping up of the three sacrificial fires. The householder should also attend to the ordinary sacrifices called Ishti and should also dedicate animals to the deities according to the ordinances.
यज्ञश्च परमो धर्मस्तथाहिंसा च देहिषु। अपूर्वभेजनं धर्मो विघसाशित्वमेव च॥
Indeed, the celebration of sacrifices is his greatest duty as also a complete abstention from injury to all creatures. Never to eat before serving the celestials and guests and dependants is another duty of the householder. The food that remains after serving gods and guests and the dependants is called Vighasa. The householder should eat Vighasa.
भुक्ते परिजने पश्चाद् भोजनं धर्म उच्यते। ब्राह्मणस्य गृहस्थस्य श्रोत्रियस्य विशेषतः॥
Indeed, to eat after the members of his family including servants and other dependants, is considered as one of the especial duties of the twiceborn householder, who should, besides, be conversant with the Vedas.
दम्पत्योः समशीलत्वं धर्मः स्याद् गृहमेधिनः। गृह्याणां चैव देवानां नित्यपुष्पबलिक्रिया॥
The conduct of husband and wife, in the case of the householder, should be equal. He should every day make offerings of flowers and other articles to those celestials who preside over domesticity.
नित्योपलेपनं धर्मस्तथा नित्योपवासिता। सुसम्पृष्टोपलिप्ते च साज्यधूमो भवेद् गृहे॥
The householder should see that his house is every day properly rubbed with (cowdung and water). He should also observe fasts every day. Wellcleaned and wellrubbed, his house should also be every day fumigated with the smoke of clarified butter poured on his sacred fire in honour of the celestials and the departed Manes.
एष द्विजजने धर्मो गार्हस्थ्यो लोकधारणः। द्विजानां च सतां नित्यं सदैवैष प्रवर्तते॥
Even these are the duties of a twice born householder. Those duties really upholds the world. Those duties always and eternally emanate from those pious persons among the Brahmanas who live like householders.
यस्तु क्षत्रगतो देवि मया धर्म उदीरितः। तमहं ते प्रवक्ष्यामि तन्मे शृणु समाहिता॥
Do you listen to me with rapt attention, O goddess, for I shall now tell you what the dutics are of the Kshatriya and about which you have asked me.
क्षत्रियस्य स्मृतो धर्मः प्रजापालनमादितः। निर्दिष्टफलभोक्ता हि राजा धर्मेण युज्यते॥
From the beginning it has been said that the duty of the Kshatriya is to protect all creatures. The king gets a fixed share of the merits acquired by his subjects. By that means the king becomes gifted with righteousness.
प्रजाः पालयते यो हि धर्मेण मनुजाधिपः। तस्य धर्मार्जिता लोकाः प्रजापालनसंचिताः॥
The king who rules and protects his subjects piously, acquires, by virtue of the protection he offers to others, many regions of happiness in the next world.
तस्य राज्ञः परो धर्मो दमः स्वाध्याय एव च। अग्निहोत्रपरिस्पन्दो दानाध्ययनमेव च॥ यज्ञोपवीतधरणं यज्ञो धर्मक्रियास्तथा।
The other duties of a Kshatriya consist of self-control and Vedic study, the pouring of libations on the sacred fire, the making of gifts, study, the bearing of the sacred thread, sacrifices, the performance of religious rites, the support of servants and dependants, and perseverance in acts that have been undertaken.
भृत्यानां भरणं धर्मः कृते कर्मण्यमोघता॥ सम्यग्दण्डे स्थितिधर्मो धर्मो वेदक्रतुक्रियाः। व्यवहारस्थितिधर्मः सत्यवाक्यरतिस्तथा।॥ आर्तहस्तप्रदो राजा प्रेत्य चेह महीयते।
Another duty of his is to give punishments proportionate to the offences committed. It is also his duty to celebrate sacrifices and other religious rites according to the ordinances laid down in the Vedas. Properly judging the disputes of litigants before him, and truthfulness of speech, and interference for helping the distressed, are the other duties by doing which the king acquires great glory both in this world and in the next. He should also sacrifice his life on the field of battle, having shown great prowess on behalf of kine and Brahmanas.
गोब्राह्मणार्थे विक्रान्तः संग्रामे निधनं गतः॥ अश्वमेधजितॉल्लोकानाप्नोति त्रिदिवालये॥
Such a king acquires in the celestial region। such regions of happiness as are capable of being acquired by the performance of Horsesacrifices.
वैश्यस्य सततं धर्मः पाशुपाल्यं कृषिस्तथा। अग्निहोत्रपरिस्पन्दो दानाध्ययनमेव च॥
The duties of the Vaishya always are the keep of cattle and agriculture, the pouring of libations on the sacred fire, the making of gifts, and study.
वाणिज्यं सत्पथस्थानमातिथ्यं प्रशमो दमः। विप्राणां स्वागतं त्यागो वैश्यधर्मः सनातनः॥
Trade, walking in the path of virtue, hospitality, peacefulness, self-control, welcoming of Brahmanas, and renouncing things are the other eternal duties of the Vaishya.
तिलान् गन्धान रसांच्चैव विक्रीणीयान्न चैव हि। वणिक्पथमुपासीनो वैश्यः सत्यपथमाश्रितः॥
The Vaishya, engaged in trade and walking in the path of virtue, should never sell sesame and perfumery and juices or liquid substances. He should perform the duties of hospitality towards all.
सर्वातिथ्यं त्रिवर्गस्य यथाशक्ति यथार्हतः। शूद्रधर्मः परो नित्यं शुश्रूषा च द्विजातिषु॥
He is at liberty to pursue virtue and profit and pleasure according to his means and asmuch as is judicious for him. The service of the three twice born classes forins the high duty of the Shudra.
स शूद्रः संशिततपाः सत्यवादी जितेन्द्रियः। शुश्रूषुरतिथिं प्राप्तं तपः संचिनुते महत्॥
That Shudra who is truthful in speech and who has controlled his senses, is considered as having acquired meritorious penances. Indeed, the Shudra, who having got a guest, performs the duties of hospitality towards him, is considered as acquiring the merit of great penances.
नित्यं स हि शुभाचारो देवताद्विजपूजकः। शूद्रो धर्मफलैरिष्टैः सम्प्रयुज्येत बुद्धिमान्॥
That intelligent Shudra whose wonduct is virtuous and who adores the deities and Brahmanas, gets desirable rewards of virtue.
एतत् ते सर्वमाख्यातं चातुर्वर्ण्यस्य शोभने। एकैकस्येह सुभगे किमन्यच्छ्रोतुमिच्छसि॥
O beautiful lady, I have thus recited to you what are the duties of the four castes. Indeed,O blessed lady, I have told you what are their respective duties. What else do you wish to hear?
उमोवाच उक्तस्त्वया पृथग्धर्मश्चातुर्वर्ण्यहितः शुभः। सर्वव्यापी तु यो धर्मो भगवंस्तद् ब्रवीहि मे॥
Uma said You have recited to me what are the respective duties of the four castes, auspicious and beneficial for them. Do you now tell me, O Holy One, what are the common duties of the all castes.
श्रीमहेश्वर उवाच ब्राह्मणा लोकसारेण सृष्टा धात्रा गुणार्थिना। लोकांस्तारयितुं कृत्स्नान् मत्र्येषु क्षितिदेवताः॥
Maheshvara said The foremost of all beings in the universe, viz., the Creator Brahmana, always seeking righteous accomplishinents, created the Brahinanas for rescuing all the worlds. Among all created beings they are gods on Earth.
तेषामपि प्रवक्ष्यामि धर्मकर्मफलोदयम्। ब्राह्मणेषु हि यो धर्मः स धर्मः परमो मतः॥
I shall at the beginning tell you what are the religious acts which they should do and what are the rewards which they acquire through them. The religion of the Brahmanas is the foremost of all religions.
इमे ते लोकधर्मार्थं त्रयः सृष्टाः स्वयम्भुवा। पृथिव्यां सर्जने नित्यं सृष्टांस्तानपि मे शृणु॥
For the sake of the virtue, three religions were created by the self-create. Whenever the world is created, those Religions are created by the Grand-father. Do you listen.
वेदोक्तः परमो धर्मः स्मृतिशास्त्रगतोऽपरः। शिष्टाचीर्णोऽपरः प्रोक्तस्त्रयो धर्माः सनातनाः॥
These are the three eternal Religions. The Religion prescribed in the Vedas is the greatest; that of the Smritis is the next in the order of importance; the Third in importance is that which is based upon the practices of the virtuous.
चैविद्यो ब्राह्मणो विद्वान् न चाध्ययनजीवकः। त्रिकर्मा त्रिपरिक्रान्तो मैत्र एष स्मृतो द्विजः॥
The Brahmana, endued with learning, should have the three Vedas. He should never make the study of the Vedas. He should devoie himself to the three well known deeds (of making gifts, studying the Vedas, and performing sacrifices). He should be above the three (viz., lust, anger and cupidity). He should be the friend of all creatures. A person who possesses these qualities is called a Brahmana.
षडिमानि तु कर्माणि प्रोवाच भुवनेश्वरः। वृत्त्यर्थ ब्राह्मणानां वै शृणु धर्मान् सनातनान्॥
The lord of the universe declared these six deeds for the observance of Brahmanas. Listen to those eternal duties.
यजनं याजनं चैव तथा दानप्रतिग्रहौ। अध्यापनं चाध्ययनं षट्कर्मा धर्मभाग द्विजः॥
The celebration of sacrifices, officiating at the sacrifices of others, the making of gifts, the acceptance of gifts, teaching and study, are the six deeds by doing which a Brahmana acquires religious merit.
नित्यः स्वाध्यायिता धर्मो धर्मो यज्ञः सनातनः। दानं प्रशस्यते चास्य यथाशक्ति यथाविधि॥
Indeed, the daily study of the Vedas is a duty. Sacrifice is (another) eternal duty. The making of gifts according to his power and the ordinance, is, in his case, much praised.
शमस्तूपरमो धर्मः प्रवृत्तः सत्सु नित्यशः। गृहस्थानां विशुद्धानां धर्मस्य निचयो महान्॥
Tranquillity of mind is a great duty that is in vogue among the righteous. Householders of pure mind are capable of acquiring very great merit.
पञ्चयज्ञविशुद्धात्मा सत्यवागनसूयकः। दाता ब्राह्मणसत्कर्ता सुसंसृष्टनिवेशनः॥ अमानी च सदाजिह्मः स्निग्धवाणीप्रदस्तथा। अतिथ्यभ्यागतरतिः शेषान्नकृतभोजनः॥
Indeed, he who purifies his soul by the performance of the five sacrifices, who is truthful in speech, who is shorn of malice, who makes gifts, who treats with hospitality and honour all regenerate guests, who lives in wellcleaned houses, who is shorn of pride, who is always sincere in his dealings, who uses sweet and assuring words towards others, who takes a pleasure in serving guests and others arrived at his house, and who eats the food that remains after the requirements have been satisfied of all the members of his family and dependants, acquires great merit.
पाद्यमर्थ्य यथान्यायमासनं शयनं तथा। दीपं प्रतिश्रयं चैव यो ददाति स धार्मिकः॥
That man who offers water to his guests for washing their feet and hands, who presents and Arghya for honouring him, who duly gives seats, and beds, and lamps for lightning the darkness, and shelter to those who come to his house, is considered, as highly righteous.
प्रातरुत्थाय चाचम्य भोजनेनोपमन्त्र्य च। सत्कृत्यानुव्रजेद् यस्तु तस्य धर्मः सनातनः॥
That householder who rises at dawn and washes his mouth and face and gives food to his guests, and having honoured them duly dismisses them from his house and follows them for a little distance, wins eternal merit.
सर्वातिथ्यं त्रिवर्गस्य यथाशक्ति निशानिशम्। शूद्रधर्मः समाख्यातस्त्रिवर्गपरिचारणम्॥
Hospitality towards all, and the pursuit of the threefold objects are the duties of the householder. The duties of the Shudra consist in the pursuit of the three fold objects.
प्रवृत्तिलक्षणो धर्मो गृहस्थेषु विधीयते। तमहं वर्तयिष्यामि सर्वभूतहितं शुभम्॥
The Religion laid down for the householder has action for its chief characteristic. Auspicious, and beneficial to all creatures, I shall explain it to you.
दातव्यमसकृच्छक्त्या यष्टव्यमसकृत् तथा। पुष्टिकर्मविधानं च कर्तव्यं भूतिमिच्छता॥
The householder should always make gifts according to his power. He should also perform sacrifices frequently. Indeed, he who wishes to secure his own good, should always achieve meritorious acts.
धर्मेणार्थः समाहार्यो धर्मलब्धं त्रिधा धनम्। कर्तव्यं धर्मपरमं मानवेन प्रयत्नतः॥
The householder should acquire riches by fair means, The riches thus acquired should be carefully divided into three parts, keeping the requirements of virtue in view.
एकेनांशेन धर्मार्थो कर्तव्यौ भूतिमिच्छता। एकनांशेन कामार्थ एकमंशं विवर्धयेत्॥
With one of those portions he should accomplish all acts of virtue. With another he should seek to satisfy his carvings for pleasure. The third portion he should lay out for increasing.
निवृत्तिलक्षणस्त्वन्यो धर्मो मोक्षाय तिष्ठति। तस्य वृत्तिं प्रवक्ष्यामि शृणु मे देवि तत्त्वतः॥
The Religion of Renunciation is different. It exists for liberation. I shall tell you the conduct that constitutes it. Listen to me in full, O goddess.
सर्वभूतदया धर्मो च चैकग्रामवासिता। आशापाशविमोक्षश्च शस्यते मोक्षकांक्षिणाम्॥
One of the duties inculcated by that Religion is Mercy towards all creatures. The man who follows it should not live in one place for more than a day. For acquiring Liberation, the followers of this Religion free themselves from the fetters of hope (or desire).
न कुट्यां नोदके सङ्गो न वाससि न चासने। न त्रिदण्डे न शयने नाग्नौ न शरणालये॥
They have no attachment to habitation, to the Kamandalu they bear for the keep of water, to the clothes that cover their loins, or the scat whereupon they rest, or the triple stick they bear in their hands, or the bed they sleep on, or the fire they want, or the chamber in which it lies.
अध्यात्मगतिचित्तो यस्तन्मनास्तत्परायणः। युक्तो योगं प्रति सदा प्रतिसंख्यानमेव च॥
A follower of this Religion fixes his heart upon the working of his soul. His mind is devoted to Supreme Brahma. He is filled with the idea of attaining to Brahman. He is always devoted to Yoga and the Sankhya philosophy.
वृक्षमूलपरो नित्यं शून्यागारनिवेशनः। नदीपुलिनशायी च नदीतीररतिश्च यः॥
He seeks for no other shelter than the foot of a tree, He lives in vacant houses of men. He sleeps on the banks of rivers. He takes a pleasure in living by such banks.
विमुक्तः सर्वसङ्गेषु स्नेहबन्धेषु च द्विजः। आत्मन्येवात्मनो भावं समासज्जेत वै द्विजः॥
He is freed from every attachment, and from every bond of affection. He merges the existence of his own soul into the Supreme Soul.
स्थाणुभूतो निराहारो मोक्षदृष्टेन कर्मणा। परिव्रजेति यो युक्तस्तस्य धर्मः सनातनः॥
Standing like a stake of wood, and abstaining from all food, he does only such deeds as point to Liberation. Or, he may wander about, devoted to Yoga. These are the eternal duties of a follower of the Religion of Renunciation
न चैकत्र समासक्तो न चैकग्रामगोचरः। मुक्तो ह्यटति निर्मुक्तो न चैकपुलिनेशयः॥
He lives aloof from men. He is freed from all attachments. He never lives in the same place for more than a day. Freed from all fetters, he roves over the world. Freed from all ties, he never sleeps on even the same riverbank for more than a day.
एष मोक्षविदां धर्मो वेदोक्तः सत्पथः सताम्। यो मार्गमनुयातीमं पदं तस्य च विद्यते॥
This is the Religion of persons conversant with Liberation, as declared in the Vedas. This is the righteous path that is trodden by this virtuous, He who follows in this path, leaves no vestige behind.
चतुर्विधा भिक्षवस्ते कुटीचकबहूदकौ। हंसः परमहंसश्च यो यः पश्चात् स उत्तमः॥
Bhikshus (mendicants) are of four kinds. They are Kutichakas, Bahudakas, Hansas, and Paramahansas. The second is superior to the first, the third to the second, and the fourth to the third.
अतः परतरं नास्ति नावरं न तिरोग्रतः। अदुःखमसुखं सौम्यमजरामरमव्ययम्॥
There is nothing superior to the Paramahansa; nor is there anything inferior to it or equal to it or superior to it. It is a condition shorn sorrow and happiness; auspicious and freed from decrepitude and death, and without any change.
उमोवाच गार्हस्थ्यो मोक्षधर्मश्च सज्जनाचरितस्त्वया। भाषितो जीवलोकस्य मार्गः श्रेयस्करो महान्॥
Uma said You have described the Religion of the householders, that of Liberation, and that which is based upon the observances of the pious. These paths are noble and highly beneficial to the world of living creatures.
ऋषिधर्मं तु धर्मज्ञ श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यतः परम्। स्पृहा भवति मे नित्यं तपोवननिवासिषु॥
you who are conversant with every religion, I wish to hear what the high Religion is of the Rishis. I always have a liking for those who live in hermitage.
आज्यधूमोद्भवो गन्धो रुणद्धीव तपोवनम्। तं दृष्ट्वा मे मनः प्रीतं महेश्वर सदा भवेत्॥
The perfume that comes out of the smoke of the libations of clarified butter poured on the sacred fire, seems to pervade all the hermitages and make them delightful. Seeing this, O great god, my heart becomes always filled with joy.
एतन्मे संशयं देव मुनिधर्मकृतं विभो। सर्वधर्मार्थतत्त्वज्ञ देवदेव वदस्व मे। निखिलेन मया पृष्टं महादेव यथातथम्॥
O powerful god, I have doubts about the Religion of the Ascetics. You are conversant with the details of all religions. Do you enlighten me, O god of gods, in detail about this subject truly about which I have asked you, O great god.
श्रीभगवानुवाच हन्त तेऽहं प्रवक्ष्यामि मुनिधर्ममनुत्तमम्। यं कृत्वा मुनयो यान्ति सिद्धिं स्वतपसा शुभे॥
The Blessed and Holy One said Yes, I shall recite to you the high and excellent Religion of the Ascetic. By following the dictates of that Religion, O auspicious lady, the Ascetics acquire success through the severe penances they practise.
फेनपानामृषीणां यो धर्मो धर्मविदां सताम्। तन्मे शृणु महाभागे धर्मज्ञे धर्ममादितः॥
O highly blessed one, do you hear, from the beginning, what are the duties of those pious Rishis who know every duty and who are known by the name of Phenapas.
उञ्छन्ति सततं ये ते ब्राह्मयं फेनोत्करं शुभम्। अमृतं ब्रह्मणा पीतमध्वरे प्रसृतं दिवि॥
The Grandfather Brahman drank some nectar. That water had flowed in the celestial। region from a great sacrifice.
एष तेषां विशुद्धानां फेनपानां तपोधने। धर्मचर्याकृतो मार्गो बालखिल्यगणैः शृणु॥
The froth of that water is highly sacred and it partook of His own nature. Those Rishis who live upon the measure of froth that thus came out are called. Phenapas (Frotheaters). This is the conduct of those pure Rishis, O lady having penances for wealth! Listen now to me as I explain to you who the Valakhilyas arc.
बालखिल्यास्तप: सिद्धा मुनयः सूर्यमण्डले। उच्छे तिष्ठन्ति धर्मज्ञाः शाकुनी वृत्तिमास्थिताः॥
The Valakhilyas are ascetics who have acquired success by their penances. They live in the solar disc. Living like birds, those Rishis, conversant with every duty of righteousness, live according to the Uncha mode.
मृगनिर्मोकवसनाश्चीरवल्कलवाससः। निर्द्वन्द्वाः सत्पथं प्राप्ता बालखिल्यास्तपोधनाः॥ अङ्गुष्ठपर्वमात्रा ये भूत्वा स्वे स्वे व्यवस्थिताः। तपश्चरणमीहन्ते तेषां धर्मफलं महत्॥
Their dress consists of deerskins or barks of trees. Freed from pairs of opposites, the Valakhilyas, having penances for wealth, walk in this track of virtue. They are as big as a digit of the thumb. Divided into classes, each class lives in the practice of its duties. They wish only to practise penances. The merits they acquire by their righteous conduct are very great.
ते सुरैः समतां यान्ति सुरकार्यार्थसिद्धये। द्योतयन्ति दिश: सर्वास्तपसा दग्धकिल्बिषाः॥
They are considered as having acquired an equality with the gods and exist for the fulfilment of the purposes of the gods. Having dissipated all their sins by severe penances, they shine in effulgence, lighting up all the points of the compass.
ये त्वन्ये शुद्धमनसो दयाधर्मपरायणाः। सन्तश्चक्रचराः पुण्या: सोमलोकचराश्च ये॥
Others, called Chakracharas, are gifted with cleansed souls and devoted to the practice of mercy, Righteous in their conduct and possessed of great purity, they live in the region of Soma.
पितृलोकसमीपस्थास्त उच्छन्ति यथाविधि। सम्प्रक्षालाश्मकुट्टाश्च दन्तोलूखलिकाश्च ते॥
Thus living near enough to the region of the departed manes, they duly live by drinking the rays of Soma. There are others called Samprakshalas and Ashmakuttas and Dantolukhalas.
सोमपानां च देवानामूष्मषाणां तथैव च। उञ्छन्ति ये समीपस्थाः सदारा नियतेन्द्रियाः॥
These live near the Somadrinking celestials and others that drink flames of fire. With their wedded wives and with passions under complete restraint, they too live upon the rays of Soma.
तेषामग्निपरिस्यन्दः पितॄणां चार्चनं तथा। यज्ञानां चैव पञ्चानां यजनं धर्म उच्यते॥
They pour libations of clarified butter on the sacred fire, and worship the departed Manes under proper forms. They also celebrate the wellknown sacrifices. This is said to form their religion.
एष चक्रचरैर्देवि देवलोकचरैर्द्विजैः। ऋषिधर्मः सदा चीर्णो योऽन्यस्तमपि मे शृणु॥
This religion of the Rishis, O goddess, is always observed by those who are houseless and who are free to go through every region including that of the celestials. There are, again, other classes about whom, I shall speak now. Do you listen.
सर्वेष्वेवर्षिधर्मेषु ज्ञेयोऽऽत्मा संयतेन्द्रियैः। कामक्रोधौ ततः पश्चाज्जेतव्याविति मे मतिः॥
It is necessary that they who observe the different religions of the Rishis, should control their passions and know the Soul. Indeed, in my opinion, lust and anger should be completely controlled.
अग्निहोत्रपरिस्पन्दो धर्मरात्रिसमासनम्। सोमयज्ञाभ्यनुज्ञानं पञ्चमी यज्ञदक्षिणा॥ नित्यं यज्ञक्रिया धर्मः पितृदेवार्चने रतिः। सर्वातिथ्यं च कर्तव्यमन्नेनोञ्छार्जितेन वै॥
With corn (wealth) acquired by the Uncha mode, they should perform the following duties, viz., the pouring of libations on the sacred fire, occupying a fixed seat employing oneself during the time in the sacrifice called Dharmaratri, performance of the SomaSacrifice, acquisition of especial knowledge, the giving of sacrificial presents, which forms the fifth, the daily performance of sacrifices, devotion to the worship of the ancestors and the deities, hospitality towards all.
निवृत्तिरुपभोगेषु गोरासानां शमे रतिः। स्थण्डिले शयने योगः शाकपर्णनिषेवणम्॥ फलमूलाशन वायुरापः शैवलभक्षणम्। ऋषीणां नियमा ह्येते यैर्जयन्त्यजितां गतिम्॥
Abstention from all luxurious dishes prepared from cow's milk, taking a pleasure in tranquility of heart, lying on naked rocks or the earth, devotion to Yoga, eating potherbs and leaves of trees, and living upon fruits and roots, and wind and water and moss, are some of practices of the Rishis by which they acquire the end that belongs to persons unsubjugated.
विधूमे सन्नमुसले व्यङ्गारे भुक्तवज्जने। अतीतपात्रसंचारे काले विगतभिक्षुके॥ अतिथिं कांक्षमाणो वै शेषान्नकृतभोजनः। सत्यधर्मरतः शान्तो मुनिधर्मेण युज्यते॥
When the smoke has ceased to curl upwards from a house, when the husking machine has ceased to play, when the hearthfire has been put out, when all the inmates have taken their food, when dishes are no longer carried from room to room when mendicants have ceased to walk the streets, it is then that the man who is devoted to the Religion of Truth and tranquillity of soul, wishing to have a guest, should eat what remnant of food may still remain in the house. By acting thus, one becomes a practiser of the Religion of the Munis.
न स्तम्भी न च मानी स्यान्नाप्रसन्नो न विस्मितः। मित्रामित्रसमो मैत्रो यः स धर्मविदुत्तमः॥
One should not be arrogant; nor proud; nor cheerless and discontented; nor wonder at anything. Indeed, one should treat his friends and enemies alike. Indeed, one who is the foremost of all persons conversant with duties should treat all creatures like friends.