13.110
The fruit of fasting.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
The grandfather (Brahmā), the great-souled one, has declared the sacrifices according to the proper rule. The qualities of all these have been described in their true nature, both after death and here, in every respect. (13-110-1)
O grandfather, sacrifices cannot be accomplished by a poor person. Sacrifices require many implements and a wide array of various materials. (13-110-2)
O grandsire, this can be attained by kings or princes—not by those lacking in wealth, having defects, being united in spirit, or not assembled. (13-110-3)
O Grandsire, tell me that method which even the poor may always be able to accomplish, and which is equal to these fruits of sacrifice. (13-110-4)
Bhīṣma said.
O Yudhiṣṭhira, understand this procedure regarding the fruit of fasting, spoken by Aṅgiras, which is equal to the fruit of sacrifices. (13-110-5)
But he who eats in the morning and also in the evening, not drinking in between, always devoted to non-violence, making offerings to Jātavedas (the Fire), (13-110-6)
There is no doubt that he is accomplished in just six years; the man obtains a celestial vehicle of the color of molten gold. (13-110-7)
Padma should reside in the celestial abode of divine women, which is resounding with dance and song, and in the mansion of Prajāpati, shining among the years like fire. (13-110-8)
Whoever, for three years, continually eats only one meal a day and is always devoted to his lawful wife, attains the merit of an Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (13-110-9)
But he who should eat only one meal on the second day, is regarded as having made oblations to the fire for twelve months and as having performed a sacrifice with much gold or with gifts pleasing to Indra. (13-110-10)
He who speaks the truth, whose nature is giving, who is devoted to brahman, free from envy, forbearing, self-controlled, and who has conquered anger—he attains the supreme goal. (13-110-11)
He would dwell together with the apsarases on the lotus, in the aerial car resembling a white cloud and marked with a swan, after completing the two (stages). (13-110-12)
Who, on the third day, should eat only one meal, such a person is as if offering oblations to Jātavedas (Agni) continually for twelve months. (13-110-13)
A man attains the unsurpassed result of the atirātra sacrifice. He obtains a chariot adorned with peacocks and swans. (13-110-14)
He should always dwell in the world of the Seven Sages together with the Apsarases; and as for his return there, they indeed know it to be three lotuses. (13-110-15)
Who eats only one meal on every fourth day during the day, always for twelve months, making offerings to Jātavedas (Agni, the fire-god), (he...) (13-110-16)
The man attains the greatest reward of the Vājapeya sacrifice, and also obtains a celestial chariot ridden by Indra's maidens. (13-110-17)
At the boundary of the ocean, he dwells in Indra's realm and always beholds the sport of the king of the gods. (13-110-18)
He who, on the fifth day, eats only one meal and continually offers (oblations) to Jātavedas (Agni) for twelve months, (is commended). (13-110-19)
One who is not greedy, speaks the truth, is devoted to brahman, non-violent, not envious, and free from sin obtains the fruit of a twelve-day sacrifice. (13-110-20)
He may ascend the divine aerial car made of Jāmbūnad gold, marked with swans, shining like a garland of the sun—the white house. (13-110-21)
There are four movements, and twelve lotuses as well; with the measure of a reed-fire, he resides there happily. (13-110-22)
If a sage eats food only on the sixth day, always for twelve months he is regarded as one who offers to Jātavedas (Agni). (13-110-23)
He who always bathes at the three sandhyās, maintains celibacy, and is free from envy, attains the highest fruit of the sacrifice involving cow-dung. (13-110-24)
One should arrange an excellent vehicle, made of refined gold, shining like a flame of fire, and attended by swans and peacocks. (13-110-25)
Just so, he, having fallen asleep on the lap of the apsarases, awakens to the sound of their anklets and the tinkling of their girdles. (13-110-26)
Ten million thousand years, three hundred crores, eighteen padmas, and similarly two flags as well. (13-110-27)
Tens of thousands and fifty, and the value of a hundred bear hides, measured by the number of hairs, are all honored equally in the world of Brahma. (13-110-28)
Whoever eats only one meal on the seventh day, doing so always for twelve months, is as if continually making offerings to Jātavedas (the fire god). (13-110-29)
While protecting Sarasvatī and practising celibacy, one should certainly abstain from substances with the color of a good flower, as well as honey and meat. (13-110-30)
The man goes to the world of the Maruts and to Indra's world. There, in various places, the accomplished one is carried by divine maidens. (13-110-31)
A man attains the result of a sacrifice performed with abundant gold, and also rejoices in those worlds with merits surpassing number. (13-110-32)
But the man who has endured for a year, who eats on the eighth day, who is always engaged in divine duties, offering to Jātavedas (Agni), (he is praised). (13-110-33)
He attains the highest result of the sacrifice of Pauṇḍarīka, and furthermore, ascends a celestial chariot shining like a lotus. (13-110-34)
Dark-complexioned, golden-fair, and dusky women, as well as others—women delighting in youth and beauty—certainly obtain (enjoyment); there is no doubt about this here. (13-110-35)
But he who, offering oblations to Jātavedas (Agni) always on each ninth day, enjoys the twelve months of the year—(13-110-36)
A man attains the results of the horse sacrifice and also obtains a celestial chariot with the radiance of a white lotus. (13-110-37)
He is escorted by the daughters of Rudra, with the blazing brightness of the Sun and Fire and adorned with celestial garlands, to the eternal sky. (13-110-38)
He enjoys eighteen thousand years, an entire kalpa, and (for) a hundred thousand crores (years) in those worlds. (13-110-39)
But he who, during each receding ten-day period throughout the year, always offers oblations to Jātavedas (Agni) during the twelve months, (he enjoys the fruits). (13-110-40)
Whoever establishes (a residence for) the daughter of Brahma, which delights all beings, attains the unsurpassed fruit, equal to that of a thousand horse sacrifices. (13-110-41)
The beautiful maidens always delight that man with colors resembling blue lotus and also with those resembling red lotus. (13-110-42)
One should construct an excellent aerial vehicle with circular motion, surrounded by dense whirlpools, and resembling the waves of the ocean. (13-110-43)
A magnificent vehicle, adorned with various gem garlands, resounding with the sound of conches and lotuses, set with crystals and pillars hard as diamond, and having a beautifully crafted platform, ascends—drawn by swans and cranes. (13-110-44)
But whoever eats the oblation when the eleventh day arrives is, in effect, offering to Jātavedas (Agni) for twelve months continuously. (13-110-45)
One should not desire other women, not even in speech or in mind; nor should one speak falsehood, even for the sake of mother or father. (13-110-46)
He should approach Mahādeva, of great strength, situated in the aerial chariot; and he should see the self-born (Brahmā) along with the aerial chariot now present. (13-110-47)
Maidens, golden in appearance and beautiful in form, lead him to that delightful divine abode of the Rudras in heaven. (13-110-48)
He would remain for immeasurable years, even until the end of an age—ten thousand crores, and hundreds of crores and thousands. (13-110-49)
Whoever always bows to Rudra, respected by gods and demons, may daily obtain a vision of him. (13-110-50)
Whoever eats the consecrated food on the twelfth day, always attains, for twelve months, the fruit of the Sarvamedha sacrifice. (13-110-51)
His palace is constructed by the twelve Ādityas and is adorned with precious gems, pearls, and corals. (13-110-52)
Surrounded by swan rows, crowded with rows of cobras, and adorned by the cooing of peacocks and cakravāka birds. (13-110-53)
O king, there, joined with great mansions and established in the world of Brahma, always dwells surrounded by men and women. Thus the highly fortunate sage Angiras, knower of dharma, spoke. (13-110-54)
But one who eats the oblation on the thirteenth day, upon its arrival, always obtains the fruit of a twelve-month long sacrifice to the gods. (13-110-55)
A man should accomplish a celestial chariot named 'Red Lotus Udaya', adorned with gold and a collection of jewels. (13-110-56)
Filled with the daughters of the gods, adorned with divine ornaments, possessing a divine auspicious fragrance, and made resplendent by celestial breezes. (13-110-57)
There, one should reside where there is a conch-banner, at the end of an age, or for an aeon, or for ten thousand times ten thousand years, or where there is a lotus and an ocean. (13-110-58)
He is always delighted by the sounds of songs, Gandharvas, and the music of drums, lutes, and flutes, and is praised by those divine maidens. (13-110-59)
But whoever offers oblation on the fourteenth day at the full moon always obtains the fruit of a great sacrifice for twelve months. (13-110-60)
The divine maidens, adorned beautifully, of indescribable youth and form, wearing polished, heated armlets, follow him in aerial cars. (13-110-61)
In various places, it is awakened by the calls of swans, the jingling of anklets, and the movements of girdles. (13-110-62)
A man dwells in the abode of the daughter of the gods (Ganga); in that place, on the sand-strewn bank of the Jahnavi, the man remains for the full year. (13-110-63)
But the person who, at the conclusion of a fortnight, eats only one meal, having conquered his senses, and always, for twelve months, makes offerings to Jātavedas (Agni), attains the supreme result equivalent to a thousand Rājasūya sacrifices. (13-110-64)
He always mounts a vehicle attended by swans and peacocks, adorned with jeweled circles and covered with gold. (13-110-65)
Adorned by the radiance of divine ornaments and noble women, with a single pillar, four gates, seven platforms, and an auspicious form, resplendent with thousands of Vaijayantī garlands and resounding with the melodies of song. (13-110-66)
He ascends a divine chariot endowed with divine qualities, adorned with gems, pearls, and corals, shining with the brilliance of lightning. He dwells for a thousand ages, possessing horse and elephant vehicles. (13-110-67)
Whoever eats the oblation on the sixteenth day, when it has arrived, always obtains the fruit of the Soma sacrifice for twelve months. (13-110-68)
He always dwells in the abodes of the daughters of Soma, anointed with gentle fragrances, and may move about as he wishes. (13-110-69)
He who is situated in the aerial vehicle is worshipped and served by beautiful, sweet women, and is also attended by enjoyable sensual pleasures. (13-110-70)
The fruit, equal to a hundred lotuses, is attained after a great kalpa plus ten (more), as this person proceeds through four cycles in the ocean (of existence). (13-110-71)
Whoever, on the seventeenth day, offers oblation to Jātavedas (Agni), and who does so continually for twelve months—such is declared. (13-110-72)
He attains the place of Varuṇa, Indra, and Rudra. He also goes to the realms of Marut, Uśanas, and indeed to Brahmaloka. (13-110-73)
There, he is honored with a seat by the divine maidens. The earth and the mid-region also behold the divine sage of universal form. (13-110-74)
There, the maidens of the lord of the gods, thirty-two in number, sweet and well-adorned, delight him. (13-110-75)
O Lord, as long as both the Moon and the Sun move in the sky, so long will that hero, who partakes of the essence of nectar and ambrosia, continue to exist. (13-110-76)
But on the eighteenth day, one should eat only one meal; always, for twelve months, he indeed beholds the seven worlds. (13-110-77)
He is followed from behind by chariots making cheerful sounds, which are mounted by divine maidens, radiant and beautifully adorned. (13-110-78)
He, being very comfortable, indeed ascends the excellent and divine aerial chariot, which is impelled by tigers and lions and resounds with the noise of thunder. (13-110-79)
There, he rejoices with his beloveds for a thousand aeons, and enjoys a supreme nectar-essence, like ambrosia. (13-110-80)
Whoever on the nineteenth day eats one meal, he always beholds the seven worlds for twelve months. (13-110-81)
He attains an excellent place, attended by groups of apsarases, a celestial vehicle radiant like the sun, praised by the gandharvas. (13-110-82)
There, he, freed from suffering, rejoices with noble celestial women, resplendent and clad in divine garments, for a hundred thousand years. (13-110-83)
When a person, after the completion of the twentieth day, eats only one meal continuously for twelve months, remaining truth-speaking and steadfast in his vow, (that is the rule.) (13-110-84)
He who abstains from meat, practices celibacy, and is devoted to the welfare of all beings attains the expansive, divine worlds of the Ādityas. (13-110-85)
He is followed from behind by Gandharvas and Apsarases, with divine garlands and unguents, and by golden, divine aerial vehicles. (13-110-86)
Whoever, on the twenty-first day, eats only one meal, always, for twelve months, is as if always offering oblations to Jātavedas (Agni). (13-110-87)
He attains the divine world of Uśanas and also the world of Śakra. He is ever delighted in the worlds of the Aśvins, the Maruts, and in pleasures. (13-110-88)
Unaware of sufferings, the lord, seated in a splendid aerial palace and attended by noble women, enjoys himself like a god. (13-110-89)
When the twenty-second day has come, whoever eats only one meal, is as if always offering to Jātavedas (Agni) for twelve months. (13-110-90)
One who is endowed with fortitude, devoted to non-injury, speaks the truth, and is free from envy, attains the worlds of the Vasus and shines with brilliance like the sun. (13-110-91)
He moves at will and feeds on nectar, seated in an excellent aerial car, enjoys with divine maidens, adorned with divine ornaments. (13-110-92)
But on the twenty-third day, one who has controlled his senses and eats measured food should always take only one meal for twelve months. (13-110-93)
He attains the realms of Vāyu, Uśanas, and Rudra; moving at will and going wherever he wishes, he is honored by hosts of apsarases. (13-110-94)
Seated in the most splendid celestial chariot, possessed of many virtues, he enjoys the company of celestial maidens, adorned with divine ornaments. (13-110-95)
He who, on the twenty-fourth day, eats only one meal, ever for twelve months indeed, is as if offering (oblation) to Jātavedas (Agni). (13-110-96)
May he rejoice in the abode of the Ādityas and dwell there for a long time, adorned with divine garlands and garments, and anointed with divine fragrances. (13-110-97)
In a beautiful, golden, divine aerial chariot joined with swans, he delights together with thousands and tens of thousands of celestial maidens in the same way. (13-110-98)
But whoever, on the twenty-fifth day, eats only one meal, will always for twelve months ascend to an abundant vehicle. (13-110-99)
He is followed from behind by chariots drawn by lions and tigers, echoing like thunder, and filled with joyous sounds. (13-110-100)
Having ascended an excellent and divine aerial chariot, which was very enchanting, mounted by divine maidens, shining, pure, and auspicious. (13-110-101)
There, he dwells for a thousand aeons, surrounded by a hundred women, sustaining himself with the best nectar-juice, which is like ambrosia. (13-110-102)
He who should eat only one meal every twenty-sixth day, always, for twelve months, as a disciplined and restrained eater. (13-110-103)
He who has conquered his senses and is free from passion, making offerings to Jātavedas, becomes greatly fortunate and is honored by hosts of apsaras. (13-110-104)
He attains the worlds of the seven Maruts and of the Vasus as well, in a divine crystal aerial car adorned with all kinds of jewels. (13-110-105)
He, being worshipped by Gandharvas and Apsarases, rejoices, and abides for two thousand divine aeons by his divine splendor. (13-110-106)
But he who, offering to Jātavedas (Agni), eats one meal on the twenty-seventh day, doing so always for twelve months, (attains the fruit). (13-110-107)
He obtains abundant fruit, is worshipped in the world of the gods, and living there as an eater of nectar, he rejoices, fully satisfied. (13-110-108)
O king, the deeds of the divine sage, overseen by the royal sages, above the divine soul resides, situated in the excellent aerial chariot. (13-110-109)
Enjoying with women who are charming to the mind and possessed with intense pride, he dwells happily for three thousand yuga and kalpa cycles. (13-110-110)
He who, on the twenty-eighth day, should take only one meal—such a self-controlled one should continue this always, for twelve months, being master of himself and of his senses. (13-110-111)
He fully attains the great fruit of the deed of the divine sage; possessing enjoyment, he shines by his brilliance, pure like the thousand-rayed sun. (13-110-112)
Delicate women, radiant and enjoying his company, with full breasts and broad hips, adorned with divine ornaments.
The beloveds delight the mind in the divine, sun-like aerial car, fulfilling all desires, for a hundred thousand aeons (years). (13-110-114)
Whoever, for twelve months, always eats one meal on the twenty-ninth day, and remains devoted to the vow of truth. (13-110-115)
He attains the auspicious and divine worlds that are worshipped by gods, kings, and sages, as well as a divine celestial vehicle with the brilliance of the moon. (13-110-116)
It was made of gold, adorned and decorated with every jewel, filled with groups of apsarases, and resounded with music by the Gandharvas. (13-110-117)
There, auspicious women adorned with divine ornaments, pleasing to the mind and sweet, who are greatly intoxicated, delight him. (13-110-118)
Endowed with splendor and enjoyment, shining with a radiance like Vaiśvānara, possessing a divine body, he appeared brilliant like an immortal. (13-110-119)
He goes to the worlds of the Vasus, Maruts, Sādhyas, Aśvins, and also to the worlds of the Rudras and to Brahma's world. (13-110-120)
But, the one who, being of tranquil nature, eats only one meal after a month has passed, always, for twelve months indeed, would attain Brahma-loka. (13-110-121)
He whose food is the essence of nectar, endowed with fortune, completely captivating; by brilliance, form, and beauty, he shines like the radiant one (the sun). (13-110-122)
The yogi, wearing divine garlands and garments and anointed with divine fragrances, delights in pleasures and is unaware of sufferings. (13-110-123)
Dwelling in an aerial-car, he is honored by self-luminous women, and is constantly worshipped by the daughters of Rudras and divine sages. (13-110-124)
With various beautiful forms, various attachments, indeed, and with various sweet speeches and various delights as well. (13-110-125)
In the aerial chariot shaped like a city, shining like the sun and resembling the sun, behind which appeared something like the moon, and above, it seemed like a mass of clouds. (13-110-126)
But in the southern region, in the red-hued part, beneath the blue circle and above the multicolored shining one, not a single worshipped one resides. (13-110-127)
For as many thousand years as it rains in Jambudvīpa, just so many years are said to constitute a year in the world of Brahma, the wise. (13-110-128)
And, as many raindrops as fall from the sky during the rainy season, for that long does the lord of the immortals reside there. (13-110-129)
A person who fasts by the month, through ten years, attains the highest heaven. Then, having attained the state of a great sage, may obtain passage to heaven in the body. (13-110-130)
The sage, who is self-restrained, has conquered anger and the urges of lust and hunger, always offers oblations to the sacred fires, is self-controlled, and devoted to the practice of sandhyā (twilight) worship. (13-110-131)
A man who spends many months like this with numerous restraints is called one whose shelter is the open sky. (13-110-132)
O king, having reached heaven with his own body, he, like an immortal, enjoys the meritorious heaven according to proper rule, as he wishes. (13-110-133)
O best of the Bharatas, to you the supreme method of sacrifices—which consists in the fruit of fasting—has indeed been explained sequentially. (13-110-134)
O Pārtha, by poor men, just as the fruit of sacrifice is to be obtained, by performing this fast, one should attain the supreme goal. Being engaged in the worship of gods and twice-born, O best of the Bharatas. (13-110-135)
But this procedure of fasting has been described in detail specifically for those who are self-restrained, vigilant, pure, and great-souled individuals. (13-110-136)
O Bhārata, regarding those who have given up hypocrisy and malice, who have made firm resolve, who are unmoving and unshakable, let there be no doubt for you here. (13-110-137)
