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R JANMAM-VRATA-
PJOPAVSA-NIRPAA
Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam
as described in Chapter 8 of r Ka-janma-khaa
of the Brahma-vaivarta Pura

Edited by His Holiness Bhakti Virambha Mdhava Svm
2 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
Table of Contents
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Glossary ................................................... 35
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 3
COPYRIGHT
2012 Bhakti Virambha Mdhava Svm
www.bvmadhavaswami.com
mail-to: bvmadhavswami@gmail.com
TEXT 1
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r-nrada uvca
janmam-vrata brhi
vratn vratam uttamam
phala jayant-yogasya
smnyena ca smpratam
r-nrada uvcar Nrada Muni said; janmam-vratamabout the vow of Janmam;
brhiplease tell; vratnmof vows; vratamvow; uttamamthe best; phalamthe
result; jayant-yogasyaof the observance of Jayant; smnyenagenerally; caand;
smpratamnow.
r Nrada Muni* said: Now please tell me of the vow of Janmam*, which is the great
vow of vows. Please tell me the result attained by following this vow during the
combination of stars called Jayant*.
EDITORS NOTES
The editor has presented this to the community of devotees, to enable them in their
personal capacity to do much more then the minimum that was given in whatever spiritual
institution one may belong to, one should never forget that aside from ones usual traditions
on Janmam time (which for preachings sake one can have take away prasdam* for the
people coming to take darana* of Lord Ka on r Ka Janmam, still in ones
personal capacity encourage people to run the extra mile For Lord Kas pleasure by
following the following verses instructions. Yourself and the greater congregation who do
this will certainly benefit immensely by following these verses.
TEXT 2
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''='!'`^' ` ='! '''r''! ' ''r'' !! !!
ko v doo py akarae
bhojane v mah-mune
upavsa-phala ki v
jayanty ca sammatam
kawhat?; vor; doathe fault; apialso; akaraein not following; bhojanein
eating; vor; mah-muneO great sage; upavsa-phalamthe result of fasting; kim
what?; vor; jayantymon Jayant; caand; sammatamconsidered.
4 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
O great sage, what sinful reaction does one meet by not following this vow or by eating
on that day? What pious result does one attain by fasting on that day?
TEXT 3
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vrata-pj-vidhna ca
sayamasya ca smpratam
upavsa-praayo
su-vicrya vada prabho
vrata-pjof the vow and worship; vidhnamthe order; caand; sayamasyaof the
day before the vow; caand; smpratamnow; upavsaof fasting; praayoand
breaking the fast on the following day; su-vicryaconsidering; vadaplease tell; prabho
O Lord.
O Lord, please describe the result of following this vow, including the rules governing the
day before the fast, fasting, and breaking the fast on the following day.
TEXT 4
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r-nryaa uvca
ktv haviya saptamy
sayata prae tath
aruodaya-vely
samutthya pare hani
r-nryaa uvcar Nryaa i said; ktvhaving done; haviyamfood prepared
of products offerable in sacrifice; saptamymon the seventh day; sayataobserving;
praeon the next day; tathso; aruodaya-velymat dawn; samutthyarising; pare
on the following; ahaniday.
r Nryaa i* said: On the seventh day and on the day after the fast (or ninth day)
one should eat haviya* only. On the day of Janmam* (the eighth day) one should rise
at dawn.
EDITORS NOTES
No eating before sunrise of the Janmam day, and when the tithi* begins and ends.
TEXT 5
'!r'`r'' '='''!'' h'!r='! '`^'''!'r' !
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prta-ktya samvidhya
sntv sakalpam caret
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 5
vratopavsayor brahmac
chr-ka-prti-hetukam
prta-ktyammorning duties; samvidhyaperforming; sntvbathing; sakalpam
determination; caretone should do; vrataof the vow; upavsayoand the fast;
brahmanO Brhmaa; r-ka-prti-hetukamwhich is pleasing to r Ka.
O Brhmaa*, one should rise early, bathe, perform his morning duties, and be
determined to follow the vow and the fast for the pleasure of Lord Ka*.
TEXT 6
'='!='' '!F' ''r`^' h'!''''' !
`^' +''''''! +'='r`!`!! ' !! !!
manv-di-divase prpte
yat phala snna-pjanai
phala bhadra-pade amy
bhavet koi-gua dvija
manu-di-divasewithin a daytime of Manu and other celestials; prpteattained; yat
what; phalamresult; snna-pjanaiby bathing and worship; phalamresult; bhadra-
padein the month of Bhdra (August-September); aamymon the eigth day; bhavet
is; koi-guammultiplied ten million times; dvijaO Brhmaa.
O Brhmaa*, by bathing and worshiping the Lord during the eighth day (Janmam*)
of the month of Bhdra* one attains ten million times the result of bathing and
worshiping the Lord within a daytime of a Manu* and other celestials.
TEXT 7
r'''! r''! ='!'!' ''r'!! '' '''r' !
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tasy tithau vri-mtra
pit ya prayacchati
gay-rddha kta tena
atbdha ntra saaya
tasymon that; tithauday; vri-mtramonly water; pitmto the forefathers; ya
one who; prayacchatioffers; gayin Gay; rddhamrddha ceremony; ktamdone;
tenaby him; atbdhamfor a hundred years; nanot; atrahere; saayadoubt.
If on this day one offers only a little water to the forefathers, he attains the result of
performing rddha* at Gay* for a hundred years.
TEXT 8
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sntv nitya-kriy ktv
nirmya stik-gham
6 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
lauha-khaga vahni-jalair
yukta rakaka-saghakai
sntvafter bathing; nitya-kriymregular duties; ktvafter performing; nirmya
after making; stik-ghama maternity chamber; lauhairon; khagamsword; vahni
with fire; jalaiand water; yuktamendgaged; rakaka-saghakaiwith guards.
On that day, after bathing and performing his regular duties, one should arrange for a
maternity chamber with water, fire, and an iron sword in it, as well as the guards post.
TEXT 9
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tatra dravya bahu-vidha
ni-cchedana-karttanim
dhtr-svarpa nr ca
yatnata sthpayed budha
tatrathere; dravyamingredients; bahu-vidhammany kinds; ni-chedana-karttanimto
cut the umbilical cord; dhtr-svarpam nrma midwife; caand; yatnatacarefully;
sthpayetshould place; budhawise.
There this intelligent person should place with care many kinds of materials, an
instrument for cutting the umbilical cord, and have one lady playing the role of a
midwife.
TEXT 10
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pj-dravyni cri
sopacri oaa
phalny aau ca mini
dravyny eva hi nrada
pj-dravyniingredients for worship; cribeautiful; sopacriwith worship
articles; oaasixteen; phalnyfruits; aaueight; caand; minisweets; dravyni
things; evaonly; hiindeed; nradaO Nrada Muni.
O Nrada Muni*, the necessary materials include nice ingredients for worship along with
sixteen articles for worshiping the Lord, as well as eight kinds of fruits and sweets.
TEXT 11
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jti-phala ca kakkola
dimba rphala tath
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 7
nrikela ca jambra
kuma ca manoharam
jtiphalamnutmeg; caand; kakkolamKakkola; dimbampomegranate; rphalam
rphala; tathalso; nrikelamcoconut; caand; jambramcitron; kumam
pumpkin; caand; manoharambeautiful.
The eight fruits and candies are nutmeg, Kakkola*, pomegranate, rphala*, coconut,
citron, pumpkin, and Manohara*.
TEXTS 12-13
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sana vsana padya
madhuparka tathaiva ca
arghyam camanya ca
snnya ayana tath
gandha-pupa ca naivedya
tmblam anulepanam
dhpa-dpau bhaa cai-
vopacri oaa
sanama seat; vsanamgarments; padyamwater to wash feet; madhuparkamsweet
drink; tathalso; evacertainly; caand; arghyamarghya; camanyamwater for
sipping; caand; snnyamwater for bathing; ayanama bed; tathalso; gandha-
pupamfragrances (usually applied with sandalwood paste) and flowers; caand;
naivedyamoffering of food; tmblambetelnut with spices; anulepanamointments;
dhpaincense; dpauand lamp; bhaamornaments; caand; evaindeed; upacri
articles; oaasixteen.
And the sixteen articles for worship are a sitting place, garments, padya*, madhuparka*,
arghya*, water for camana*, water for bathing, a bed, fragrances, flowers, food offerings,
betelnuts, ointments, incense, lamp, and ornaments.
TEXT 14
''!''!^'' `r='! ''r='! ''!r' ' ='!'' !
!''' '!'' 'r='! ='r'='!''''='`' !! \ !!
pda-praklana ktv
dhtv dhaute ca vsas
camya csane sthitv
svasti-vcana-prvakam
8 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
pda-praklanamthe washing of the feet; ktvafter doing; dhtvafter taking; dhaute
clean; caand; vsasgarments (upper and lower); camyaafter purifying oneself by
sipping water; caand; saneon the seat; sthitvafter sitting; svasti-vcana-prvakam
preceeded by the ceremoty of invoking blessings.
After washing his feet, putting on clean clothes (both upper and lower), perform
camana*, perform the ceremony to invoke blessings, and sit on the seat.
TEXTS 15-18
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ghaasyropaa ktv
sampjya paca devat
ghaa vhana ktv
r-ka paramevaram
vasudeva devak ca
yaod nandam eva ca
rohi baladeva ca
ah-dev vasundharm
rohi caiva brahma
aam sthna-devatm
avatthma-bal caiva
hanumanta vibhaam
kpa paraurma ca
vysadeva mkaujam
sarvam vhana ktv
dhyna kuryd dhares tath
ghaasyaof a pot; ropaaminstallation; ktvhaving done; sampjyaafter
worshiping; paca devatthe five deities; ghaeon the pot; vhanamthe act of
inviting; ktvhaving done; r-kamr Ka; paramevaramthe Supreme
Personality of Godhead; vasudevamVasudeva; devakmDevak; caand; yaodm
Yaod; nandamNanda; evaindeed; caand; rohimRohi; baladevamBalarma; ca
and; ah-devmGoddess ah; vasundharmthe earth personified; rohimthe
deity of the Rohi constellation; caand; evaindeed; brahmamBrahm; aamm
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 9
Aam; sthna-devatmthe goddess of that place; avatthmaAvatthma; baland
Bali; caand; evaindeed; hanumantamHanumn; vibhaamVibhaa; kpam
Kpcrya; paraurmamParaurma; caand; vysadevamVysadeva; mkau-jam
Mrkaeya i; sarvamall; vhanammanifestation; ktvafter doing; dhynam
meditation; kurytshould do; hareof Lord Ka; taththus.
Then one should place a pot there, worship the five deities, invite r Ka*, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, to appear there, invite Vasudeva*, Devak*, Yaod*,
Nanda Mahrja*, Rohi*, Lord Balarma*, Goddess ah*, Goddess Vasundhar*, the
deity of the Rohi* constellation, Lord Brahm*, the deity of the day (Aam*), the deity
of the place, Avatthma*, Bali*, Hanumn*, Vibhaa*, Kpcrya*, Lord Paraurma*,
rla Vysadeva*, and Mrkaeya i*, and then meditate on Lord Ka.
TEXT 19
'''''` 'r'` '''' ''''''!''''! !
'''!' ' '!'='!!` '! ='''!' '! !
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pupaka mastake nyasya
punar dhyyed vicakaa
dhyna ca sma-vedokta
u vakymi nrada
brahma kathita prva
kumrya mahtmane
pupakama flower; mastaketo the head; nyasyaplacing; punaagain; dhyyet
should meditate; vicakaawise; dhynammeditation; caand; sma-vedoktam
spoken in the Sma Veda; uplease listen; vakymiI will speak; nradaO Nrada;
brahmaby Lord Brahm; kathitamspoken; prvambefore; kumryato the four
Kumras headed by Sanat-kumra; mahtmanethe great soul.
Then this wise person should place a flower to his head and meditate on the description
of the Lord spoken in the Sma Veda. O Nrada Muni*, please listen and I will tell you
that description which Lord Brahm* told the Kumras* in ancient times.
TEXT 20
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bla nlmbudbham atiaya-rucira smera-vaktrmbuja ta
brahmenanta-dharmai kati kati divasai stuyamna para yat
dhynsdhya ndrair muni-manuja-varai siddha-saghair asdhya
yogndrm acintyam atiayam atula ski-rpa bhaje ham
10 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
blama child; nlmbudbhamsplendid as a dark monsoon cloud; atiaya-ruciramvery
handsome; smera-vaktrmbujamHis lotus face smiling; tamto Him; brahmenanta-
dharmaiby Lord Brahm, Lord iva, Lord Ananta ea, and Lord Yamarja; kati kati
very many; divasaidays; stuyamnambeing praised; paramgreat; yatwhich; dhyna
by meditation; asdhyamunattainable; ndraiby the kings of sages; muni-manuja-
varaiby the best of sages and human beings; siddha-saghaiby the inhabitants of
Siddha-loka; asdhyamunattainable; yog-indrmof the kings of yogs; acintyam
unthinkable; atiayamgreat; atulamincomparable; ski-rpamthe witness (as the
Supersoul); bhajeworship; ahamI.
I worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead who is an infant boy, who is splendid as a
dark monsoon cloud, who is very handsome, whose lotus face is smiling, whom Lord
Brahm*, Lord iva*, Lord Ananta ea*, and Lord Yamarja* glorified for so many days,
whom the best sages cannot approach in their meditations, whom the sages, the
inhabitants of the Siddha-loka*, and human beings cannot attain, whom the best yogs*
cannot imagine in their thoughts, who is the greatest, who is without peer, who is all-
seeing witness as the Supersoul in everyones heart.
TEXT 21
'''!r='! ''''' ' ='! r' r'r'=' ''''='`' !
='! 'r' 'r' `''!' '' '''!`'' !! \ !!
dhytv pupa ca dattv tu
tat sarva mantra-prvakam
dattv vrat vrata kuryc
chnu mantra yath-kramam
dhytvafter meditating; pupamthe flower; caand; dattvafter placing; tuinded;
tatthat; sarvamall; mantra-prvakamprevious mantra; dattvafter placing; vrat
following the vow; vratamthe vow; kurytshould do; nuplease hear; mantramthe
mantra; yath-kramamthe sequence.
The follower of this vow should thus meditate on the Lord. Then, reciting mantras*, he
should offer the flower and all the other articles to the Lord. Please hear these mantras in
the proper sequence.
TEXT 22
!'' '=''!!+'!?' '''!''r'' !
='''r' ' ''! !Or'! '!!+'' $ !! !!
sana sarva-obhhya
sad-ratna-mai-nirmitam
vicitrita ca citrea
ghyat obhana hare
sanama seat; sarva-obhhyammost beautiful; sat-ratna-mai-nirmitammade of
precious jewels; vicitritamwonderful; caand; citreawith pictures and designs;
ghyatmplease accept; obhanambeautiful; hareO Lord Ka.
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 11
O Lord Ka*, please accept this most beautiful jewel throne, wonderfully decorated
with graceful and colorful pictures and designs.
TEXT 23
=''' ='$'!!' ' ''r' ='H`'!! !
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vasana vahni-auca ca
nirmita vivakarma
pratapta-svara-khacita
citrita ghyat hare
vasanamgarments; vahnias fire; aucampure; caand; nirmitammade;
vivakarmaby Vivakarm; pratapta-svara-khacitamstudded with pure gold; citritam
wonderful and colorful; ghyatmplease accept; hareO Lord Ka.
O Lord Ka, please accept these wonderful and colorful garments pure as fire and
made by Vivakarm* from threads of pure gold.
TEXT 24
''!''!^''!' ' ='!''!''r' '^'' !
''='' ''^' '!` ''''' ''9 ' !Or'!' !! !!
pda-praklanrtha ca
svara-ptra-sthita jalam
pavitra nirmala cru
pupa padya ca ghyatm
pda-praklana-arthamto wash the feet; caand; svara-ptra-sthitamsituated in a
golden pot; jalamwater; pavitrampure; nirmalamfree of impurity; crubeautiful;
pupamflower; padyamwater for the feet; caand; ghyatmplease accept.
Please accept this golden pot filled with water to wash Your feet. Please accept this pure
padya* water and this beautiful flower.
TEXT 25
''''''''' '!`!'''r' ''' !
='!''!''r' '' '!''! !Or'! $ !! ' !!
madhu-sarpir-dadhi-kra-
arkar-sayuta param
svara-ptra-sthita deya
sdhra ghyat hare
madhuhoney; sarpighee; dadhiyogurt; kramilk; arkarsugar; sayutam
which contains; paramgreat; svarain a golden; ptrapot; sthitamsituated; deyam
which is to be given; sdhramalong with the container; ghyatmplease accept; hare
O Lord Ka.
12 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
O Lord Ka, please accept this mix of honey, ghee, yogurt, milk, and sugar along with
the gold container in which they are held.
TEXT 26
='!'r' '!^'''''' ='r'!''''='r'' !
''!!``r' '$r' !Or'! $ !! !!
durvkata ukla-pupa
svaccha-toya-samanvitam
candanguru-kastr-
sahita ghyat hare
durvdurv grass; akatamwhole rice; ukla-pupamwhite flower (likely white rose or
jasmine flowers); svaccha-toya-samanvitammixed with clear water; candana-aguru-kastr-
sahitamwith sandalwood paste, aguru perfume, and musk; ghyatmplease accept; hare
O Lord Ka.
O Lord Ka, please accept this durv* grass, whole rice, white flower, clear water,
sandalwood paste, aguru*, and musk.
TEXT 27
'='! ='r'!'' ' ='!'r' !''='r''! !
'!('!''''' ' !Or'! '''H !! ~ !!
su-svdu svaccha-toya ca
vsita gandha-vastun
uddham camanya ca
ghyat paramevara
su-svduvery sweet; svaccha-toyamclear water; caand; vsitamscented; gandha-
vastunwith fragrance; uddhampure; camanyamcaman water; caand; ghyatm
please accept; parama-varaO Supreme Lord.
O Supreme Lord, please accept this clear, pure, sweet, scented camana* water.
TEXT 28
!''=''''!''!` =''!r'^' '='!'r'' !
!'^'''! =' '=' h'!''' !Or'! $ !! < !!
gandha-dravya-samyukta
viu-taila su-vsitam
malaky drava caiva
snnya ghyat hare
gandha-dravya-samyuktammade of a fragrant substance; viu-tailamViu oil; su-
vsitamscented; malakyof malak; dravampaste; caand; evaindeed; snnyam
water for bathing; ghyatmplease accept; hareO Lord Ka.
O Lord Ka, please accept this scented Viu-oil, paste of malak* fruit, and bath
water.
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 13
EDITORS NOTES
The use of Viu-oil is mentioned in r Caitanya-Bhgavata (di 12.73),
viu-taila, nryaa-taila dena ire
sabhe kare pratikra, yra yena sphure
They applied some medicinal oils on the Lords head and tried to cure Him any way they
could.
Regarding the use of the paste of malak fruit for bathing, it is described in r Caitanya-
Caritamta (Antya 18.100),
aiche vicitra kr kari, tre il r-hari,
sage la saba knt-gaa
gandha-taila-mardana, malak-udvartana,
sev kare tre sakh-gaa
After performing such wonderful pastimes, Lord r Ka went up on the shore of the
Yamun River, taking with Him all His beloved gops*. Then the gops on the riverbank
rendered service by massaging Ka and the other gops with scented oil and smearing
paste of malak fruit on their bodies.
TEXT 29
'''!'!! 'r'! '''!$!' !
!r'! ''='U! '!'''! !$' r' $ !! !!
sad-ratna-mai-srea
racit su-manoharm
chdit sukma-vastrea
ayy ghana te hare
sat-ratna-mai-sreawith the best of jewels; racitmadorned; su-manoharmvery
beautiful; chditmcovered; sukma-vastreawith fine cloth; ayymbed; ghana
please accept; teYou; hareO Lord Ka.
O Lord Ka, please accept this beautiful bed adorned with the best of jewels and
covered with exquisite cloth.
TEXT 30
'! ' =''+'!'! '^'!'! =''''r'' !
`r'''''!` !'' !$!! $ $ !! !!
cra ca vka-bhedn
mln drava-sayutam
kastr-rasa-sayukta
gandha gha he hare
cramcrushed, powdered; caand; vka-bhednmof different trees; mlnmof the
roots; drava-sayutamconsisting of essence; kastr-rasa-sayuktammixed with musk;
gandhamperfume; ghaplease accept; heO; hareKa.
14 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
O Lord Ka, please accept this fragrant paste made of powdered tree-roots mixed with
musk.
TEXT 31
''''' '!'''''!` =''''r'''<='' !
'''' '='='!'! !Or'! '''H !! \ !!
pupa su-gandha-sayukta
vanaspati-samudbhavam
su-priya sarva-devn
ghyat paramevara
pupamflower; su-gandha-sayuktamfragrant; vanaspati-samudbhavamoriginating
from a tree; su-priyamvery dear; sarva-devnmto all the demigods; ghyatmplease
accept; paramevaraO Supreme Lord.
O Supreme Lord, please accept this fragrant flower so dear to all the demigods and
grown from a blossoming tree.
TEXT 32
'!`!='r'`!!` ' '=''''='r'' !
'''``^'''' !` '='9 !Or'! $ !! !!
arkar-svastikkta ca
mia-dravya-samanvitam
su-pakva-phala-sayukta
naivedya ghyat hare
arkarsugar candy; svastika-aktamand svastika sweets; caand; mia-dravya-
samanvitamconsisting of sweets; su-pakvaripe; phala-sayuktamcombined with fruits;
naivedyamoffering of food; ghyatmplease accept; hareO Lord Ka.
O Lord Ka, please accept this offering of ripe fruits, sugar-candy, svastika* candy,
and other candies.
TEXT 33
^'""` '!` '=' ''' ' !" ''' !
'='!''r' '' r'` '='9 !Or'! $ !! !!
lauka modaka caiva
sarpi kra gua madhu
navoddhta dadhi takra
naivedya ghyat hare
laukamlaus; modakamsweetmeat; caand; evaindeed; sarpiclarified butter;
krammilk; guammolasses; madhuhoney; nava-uddhtamfreshly obtained; dadhi
yogurt; takrambuttermilk; naivedyamoffering of food; ghyatmplease accept; hare
O Lord Ka.
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 15
O Lord Ka, please accept this lau, sweetmeat, clarified butter, milk, molasses,
honey, fresh yogurt, and buttermilk.
TEXT 34
r'!'^' +'!!'! ' `''!''='r'' !
'''! '='r' +'r''! !Or'! '''H !! !!
tmbla bhoga-sra ca
karprdi-samanvitam
may nivedita bhakty
ghyat paramevara
tmblambetelnuts; bhoga-sramdelicious; caand; karpra-di-samanvitam
containing camphor and other scents and spices; mayby me; niveditamoffered; bhakty
with devotion; ghyatmplease accept; parama-varaO Supreme Lord.
O Supreme Lord, please accept these betelnuts mixed with camphor and other things,
which I offer to You with devotion.
TEXT 35
''!!``r' `@`'=''''r'' !
!=''! `' !Or'! '''H !! ' !!
candanguru-kastr-
kukuma-drava-sayutam
vra-cra rucira
ghyat paramevara
candana-aguru-kastr-kukuma-drava-sayutamwith sandal, aguru, musk, and kukuma;
vra-cramvra powder; rucirambeautiful; ghyatmplease accept; parama-vara
O Supreme Lord.
O Supreme Lord, please accept this beautiful vra powder made with sandal, aguru*,
musk, and kukuma*.
TEXT 36
r'`+''!r`''! !''''!`!'''! '$ !
'''' '='='!'! ''''!''' !Or'! $ !! !!
taru-bheda-rasotkaro
gandha-yukto gnin saha
su-priya sarva-devn
dhpo ya ghyat hare
taru-bhedaof various trees; rasa-utkarawith the excellent nectar; gandha-yukta
fragrant; agnin sahawith fire; su-priyavery dear; sarva-devnmto all the demigods;
dhpaincense; ayamthis; ghyatmplease accept; hareO Lord Ka.
O Lord Ka, please accept this incense made by cooking the nectars of many trees,
incense very dear to all the demigods.
16 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
TEXT 37
'!!''`!'!'!` $r'=' '!+'!='$ !
''F'! F'`! ''!''' !Or'! $ !! ~ !!
ghorndhakra-naika-
hetur eva ubhvaha
su-pradpto dpta-karo
dpo ya ghyat hare
ghora-andhakrahorrible blinding darkness; nadestruction; eka-hetuthe only
cause; evaindeed; ubha-vahabringing auspiciousness; su-pradptasplendid; dpta-
karailluminating; dpalamp; ayamthis; ghyatmplease accept; hareO Lord
Ka.
O Lord Ka, please accept this splendid and auspicious lamp which is the only way to
destroy the terrible blinding darkness.
TEXT 38
''='' ''^' r'!'' `''!'='!'r'' !
'='' '=''='!'! ''!'!' !Or'! $ !! < !!
pavitra nirmala toya
karprdi-su-vsitam
jvana sarva-jvn
pnrtha ghyat hare
pavitrampure; nirmalamspotless; toyamwater; karpra-di-su-vsitamscented with
camphor and other scents; jvanamthe life; sarvaof all; jvnmliving entities;
pnrthamfor drinking; ghyatmplease accept; hareO Lord Ka.
O Lord Ka, please accept this pure drinking water scented with camphor and other
fragrances, water that is the life of all living entities.
TEXT 39
'!'!'''''''!''!` ''r' ''r'r''! !
'!+'''!=' '!^'' ' 'r'!Or'!' !! !!
nn-pupa-samyukta
grathita sukma-tantun
arra-bhaa-vara
mlya ca pratighyatm
nn-pupa-samyuktamwith various flowers; grathitamstrung; sukma-tantunwith a
fine thread; arrabody; bhaa-varamexceptional ornament; mlyamgarland; ca
and; pratighyatmplease accept.
O Lord, as an ornament for Your transcendental body please accept this nice garland of
many flowers on a fine thread.
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 17
TEXT 40
`^'!' r'`''!' ='!' '!! ' !
=''!='(`!''=' !Or'! '''H !! !!
phalni taru-bjni
svdni sundari ca
vaa-vddhi-kary eva
ghyat paramevara
phalnifruits; taru-bjnithe seeds of trees; svdnisweet; sundaribeautiful; ca
and; vaa-vddhi-kariincreasing the family; evaindeed; ghyatmplease accept;
parama-varaO Supreme Lord.
O Supreme Lord, please accept these sweet and beautiful fruits which are the seeds of
trees, and which make ones dynasty prosper.
TEXT 41
='! ''!' =''!' '''!''''!!r'!' ' !
'r''!''r' ='' $'' '''=' ' !! \ !!
dattv deyni dravyni
pjopayogitni ca
vrata-sthna-sthita dravya
haraye deyam eva ca
dattvhaving given; deyniworthy to be given; dravynithings; pj-upayogitni
usable for worship; caand; vrata-sthna-sthitamwhile staying in the place of the vow;
dravyamthing; harayeto Lord Ka; deyamshould be given; evaindeed; caand.
In this way, at that place of performing the vow, one should offer many appropriate
things to Lord Ka.
TEXT 42
='$r'!N ='!N 'r''` ''''''r' !
''''' +'!`+'!='' 9!r'''''!'^''''' !! !!
avahit ca dev ca
pratyeka pjayed vrat
sampjya bhakti-bhvena
dadyt pupjal-trayam
avahitnplaced there; caand; devndeities; caand; pratyekameach; pjayet
should worship; vratone who follows the vow; sampjyaafter worshiping; bhakti-
bhvenain devotional mood; dadytshould give; pupjal-trayamthree palmfuls of
flowers.
The person following this vow should then devotedly worship the many deities there one
after another and then offer all of them three palmfuls of flowers.
18 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
TEXTS 43-45
'''`'!!!''!!!''N !''`!' !
!!'! `!'`'' ' '!! ' '!=' '!='!' !! !!
^'' '='r'` '=' ''!^'!N !$!r''! !
'!'' ''!' '=' ''!'''='!r''! !! !!
''''' '='='!N '!'' "='<=' !
'!!+''N '='9 ='! 9!+' '!!' !! ' !!
sunanda-nanda-kumudn
gopn gop ca rdhikm
gaea krttikeya ca
brahma ca iva ivm
lakmi sarasvat caiva
dik-pl ca ghs tath
ea sudarana caiva
prada-pravars tath
sampjya sarva-dev ca
praamya daavad bhuvi
brhmaebhya ca naivedya
dattv dadyc ca dakim
sunanda-nanda-kumudnSunanda, Nanda, and Kumuda; gopncowherd men and boys;
gopcowherd women and girls; caand; rdhikmrmat Rdhr; gaeamLord
Gaea; krttikeyamLord Krttikeya; caand; brahmamLord Brahm; caand; ivam
Lord iva; ivmGoddess Prvat; lakmimGoddess Lakm; sarasvatmGoddess
Sarasvat; caand; evaindeed; dik-plnthe demigods in charge of space directions; ca
and; grahnthe planets; tathalso; eamLord ea; sudaranamSudarana cakra;
caand; evaindeed; prada-pravarnthe principal associates; tathalso; sampjya
after worshiping; sarva-devnall the demigods; caand; praamyahaving bowed;
daavatlike a stick; bhuvion the ground; brhmaebhyato the Brhmaas; caand;
naivedyamoffering of food; dattvafter giving; dadytshould give; caand; dakim
donations.
In this way one should worship Sunanda*, Nanda*, Kumuda*, the cowherd inhabitants of
Vraja*, r Rdh*, Lord Gaea*, Lord Krttikeya*, Lord Brahm*, Lord iva*, Goddess
Prvat*, Goddess Lakm*, Goddess Sarasvat*, the demigods in charge of space
directions, the planets, Lord ea*, the Sudarana* disk weapon of the Lord, the principal
associates of the Lord, and all the demigods, and one should offer obeisances to them,
falling to the ground like a stick. Then one should offer food and donations to the
Brhmaas*.
EDITORS NOTES
If one normally doesnt worship demigods, one should worship the Vaikuha* demigods
of which the mundane demigods are but a part.
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 19
rla Narottama dsa hkura* states in his Prema-bhakti-candrik,
asat-sanga kutinticha anya paripti
anya debe na hariha rati
pana pana sthnepirti sabai tne
bhakti-pathe padaye bigati
Give up the association of the impious non-devotees. Give up the tendency to find fault
in others. Dont follow any spiritual path other than devotional service. Dont worship the
demigods. If one takes to the worship of the demigods, he becomes deviated from the path
of devotional service.
Also rla Bhaktivinoda hkura* writes in his Kalyana-kalpataru (1.4),
(1) mana, tumi boai pmora
tomra vara hari take kena parihari
kma-mrge bhajo debantora
O my wretched heart, why do you turn away from your Lord Ka? Why do you walk
on the path of material desires and worship the demigods?
(2) para-brahma eka-tattva thte sapiy sattva
nih-gue koroho dara
ra jata deba-gaa mira-sattva agaana
nija nija krjera vara
Please faithfully worship the one Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is situated in
transcendental goodness. The numberless demigods, whose goodness is mixed with other
modes, are entrusted with specific duties.
(3) se sabe sammna kori bhajo eka-mtra hari
jini sarba-vara-vara
my jra chy-akti tte aikntik bhakti
sdhi kla ko nirantara
Honor all the demigods, but worship Lord Ka alone. He is the master of all masters.
Goddess My* is His shadow potency. Please pass your time always serving Him with
unalloyed devotion.
(4) mlete sicile jala kh-pallabera bala
ire bari nhi krjakara
hari-bhakti che jara sarba-deba bandhu tra
bhakte sabe korena dara
If one waters a trees roots, the leaves and branches will become strong. One should not
water the top part of the tree. All the demigods become friends of Lord Kas devotee.
They honor him.
(5) binoda kohiche mana rdh-ka-r-caraa
bhajo bhajo bhajo nirantara
20 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
O my heart, Bhaktivinoda tells you this: Please always worship, worship, worship the
graceful feet of r r Rdh and Ka.
TEXT 46
`'! ' ''!'''!''!!` '!''!<!`+'!='r' !
r'! `'!!'' 'r='! `''!'!!! 'r' !! !!
kath ca janmdhyyokta
uyd bhakti-bhvata
tad kusane sthitv
kuryj jgaraa vrat
kathmthe story; caand; janma-adhyya-uktamspoken in the chapter about the Lords
birth; uytshould hear; bhakti-bhvatain devotional mood; tadthen; kua-sane
on a seat made of kua grass; sthitvhaving sat; kurytshould do; jgaraamall-
night vigil; vratwho is following the vow.
Then the person following this Janmam* vow should hear with devotion the chapter
of the scripture describing Lord Kas birth, and then he should, sitting on a seat of
kua* grass, keep an all-night vigil.
TEXT 47
'+'!r' '!$` `r='! ''''' '$ '! !
'!!!+'!'''r='! ' '`! $`r''' !! ~ !!
prabhte chnika ktv
sampjya r-hari sad
brhman bhojayitv ca
cakra hari-krtanam
prabhteat dawn; caand; ahnikamdaily duties; ktvafter doing; sampjyaafter
worshiping; r-harimLord Ka; sadalways; brhmanthe Brhmaas; bhojayitv
after feeding; caand; cakradid; hari-krtanamthe glorification of Lord Ka.
At dawn he should perform his regular duties and then he should worship Lord Ka.
Then he should feed the Brhmaas* and then he should chant the glories of Lord Ka.
EDITORS NOTES
Here prabhte means on the morning of the next day, navam *.
TEXTS 48-49
''! ='!'
'r'`!^'=''=''! ' ='! !`! '='''r'!' !
='!]` ' ''!^'!'' '$r'! ' ''!r''' !! < !!
''='!' '!!! 'r' ='! ` `^' +'='r' !
` ='! ''!'' r'' +'r='! =' ='='! =' !! !!
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 21
r-nrada uvca
vrata-kla-vyavasth ca
vedokt sarva-sammatm
vedga ca samlocya
sahit ca purtanm
upavse jgarae
vrate v ki phala bhavet
ki v ppa tatra bhuktv
vada veda-vid vara
r-nrada uvcar Nrada Muni said; vrata-kla-vyavasthmthe rules for this vow; ca
and; veda-uktmdescribed in the Vedas; sarva-sammatmconcluded; vedgamthe
Vedgas; caand; samlocyahaving seen; sahitmscripture; caand; purtanm
ancient; upavsein fasting; jgaraein an all-night vigil; vratein the vow; vand;
kimwhat?; phalamresult; bhavetis; kimwhat?; vor; ppamsin; tatrathere;
bhuktvhaving eaten; vadaplease tell; veda-vidmof knowers of the Vedas; varaO
best.
r Nrada Muni* said: When a person follows the Janmam* vow, fasts, and keeps the
all-night vigil, what result does he attain? What is the sin one commits by eating on this
holy day? O best of the knowers of the Vedas, referring to the Vedas, Vedgas*, and
ancient Sahits, please describe this.
TEXT 50
''!!''! ='!'
' ''!'''!`! !'''' '' '''r' !
'! =' '^''`!^'N r'' '!r' =''' $ !! ' !!
r-nryaa uvca
aam pda-sayukt
rtry-ardhe yadi dyate
s eva mukhya-kla ca
tatra jta svaya hari
r-nryaa uvcar Nryaa i said; aamthe eighth day; pda-sayuktwith a
fourth; rtri-ardhein the half of the night; yadiif; dyateis seen; sthat; eva
indeed; mukhya-klaprominent time; caand; tatrathere; jtaborn; svayam
personally; hariLord Ka.
r Nryaa i* said: If (in the dark fortnight of the month of Bhdra*) even only a
quarter of the aam* is present at midnight, that day is considered Janmam*, the
time when Lord Ka was born.
TEXT 51
''' '''' ' ``r' '''r' r'' '! 'r'! !
r''!''!''' 'r' `r='! `''!'!!! ''' !! '\ !!
22 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
jaya puya ca kurute
jayant tena s smt
tatropoya vrata ktv
kuryj jgaraa budha
jayamvictory; puyampiety; caand; kurutecreates; jayantJayant; tenaby that;
sit; smtis considered; tatrathen; upoyawhile fasting; vratamvow; ktv
while doing; kurytone should do; jgaraamall-night vigil; budhawise.
Because it brings victory (jaya) and piety, this day is called Jayant. A wise person should
fast, follow the Janmam vow, and keep an all-night vigil on this day.
TEXT 52
'='!''='! `!^'!''' '''!' '='''r'! !
1r' ='='! ='!! 'r''!`! =''''! ''! !! ' !!
sarvpavda klo ya
pradhna sarva-sammat
iti veda-vid v
cety ukt vedhas pur
sarvafor all; apavdaoverruler; klatime; ayamthis; pradhnabest; sarva-
sammatconsidered by all; itithus; vedaof the Vedas; vidmof the knowers; v
the words; caand; itithus; uktsaid; vedhasby Lord Brahm; purbefore.
This time is most auspicious and overrules everything. Lord Brahm* and knowers of the
Vedas stated this long time ago.
TEXT 53
r'' '!!! `r='! '!''!''' '''r' +'='r' !
`!`''!'r'!r''!''!'''r' '!' ''!'' !! ' !!
tatra jgaraa ktv
copoya yad-vrata bhavet
koi-janmrjitt ppn
mucyate ntra saaya
tatrathen; jgaraamall-night vigil; ktvafter doing; caand; upoyaafter fasting;
yataccording; vratamto the vow; bhavetshould be; koiten million; janmaof
births; arjittaccumulated; pptfrom the sins; mucyateis freed; nanot; atrahere;
saayadoubt.
One who fasts, follows the Janmam vow, and keeps an all-night vigil on this day
becomes freed from the sins accumulated within ten million births. Of this there is no
doubt.
TEXT 54
='''''! ''''' 'F'''$r'!' !
'! ''!'' ' `r'=''! 'F'''$r'!' !! ' !!
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 23
varjany prayatnena
saptam-sahitam
s sa-rkpi na kartavy
saptam-sahitam
varjanyto be rejected; prayatnenawith care; saptam sahitwith the saptam; aam
aam; sthis; sa-kawith the constellation (Rohi); apieven; nanot; kartavy
should be done; saptam sahitwith the seventh day; aamthe eighth day.
One should not celebrate Janmam on an aam* (the eighth day) mixed with the
saptam* (the seventh day). Even if the constellation Rohi* (is conjoined with the
moon) this aam is not considered Janmam.
TEXT 55
='(!''! r' ''!''! '!r'! ='`'' !
='='!]`!F''r' =''! ']`^' '! !
=''r'r' !$!' ' 'r' `''!+' ''!!' !! '' !!
aviddhy tu sa-rky
jto devak-nandana
veda-vedga-gupte ti-
viie magale kae
vyatte rohi-rke ca
vrat kuryc ca praam
aviddhymnot mixed with the seventh day; tubut; sa-kymwith the constellation
(Rohi); jtaborn; devak-nandanathe son of Devak (Lord Ka); veda-vedgain
the Vedas and Vedgas; guptehidden; ati-viieexalted; magaleauspicious; kae
moment; vyattepassed; rohi-kethe constellation Rohi; caand; vratwho is
following the vow; kurytshould do; caand; praambreaking the fast.
Lord Ka, the son of Devak*, was born on an aam* (eighth day of waxing moon of
the month of Bhdra*) unmixed with the saptam* (the previous seventh day), an aam
when the constellation Rohi* was conjoined with the moon. When this most auspicious
moment, the description of which is hidden in the Vedas and Vedgas*, an aam when
the moon is conjoined with Rohi, is passed, a person who has followed the Janmam
vow should break his fast.
TEXT 56
r'''r' ' $ 'r='! `r='! ='!'!''' !
''!! ''!='' '''! '='''!'''!!'!'' !! ' !!
tithy-ante ca hari smtv
ktv devsurrcanam
praa pvana pus
sarva-ppa-praanam
24 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
tithi-anteat the end of the lunar day; caand; harimLord Ka; smtvremembering;
ktvafter doing; deva-asura-arcanamworship of the demigods and demons; praam
the act of breaking the fast; pvanamwhich is deliverance; pusmof people; sarva-
ppa-praanamwhich destroys all sins.
When the tithi* (lunar day) of Janmam is over, one should remember Lord Ka,
worship the demigods and demons, and break his fast. Breaking the fast in this way is
very purifying and destroys all sins.
EDITORS NOTES
One may ask, Why would one remember the demigods and demons? Because Lord
Kas appearance He blessed many Demigods, who appeared as His personal associates to
assist Him in His decent pastimes and He killed and liberated so many demons thus
indirectly blessing them all.
Regarding the demigods assistance in the Lords pastimes it is stated in rmad-
Bhgavatam,
puraiva pusvadhto dhar-jvaro
bhavadbhir aair yadupajanyatm
sa yvad urvy bharam varevara
sva-kla-akty kapaya cared bhuvi
Lord Brahm informed the demigods: Before we submitted our petition to the Lord, He
was already aware of the distress on earth. Consequently, for as long as the Lord moves on
earth to diminish its burden by His own potency in the form of time, all of you demigods
should appear through plenary portions as sons and grandsons in the family of the Yadus.
TEXT 57
''='!'!]`+'r' ' `^' '!(`!!' !
'=''='='!''='!'!'' ='! ''!!''''r' !! '~ !!
upavsga-bhta ca
phala-da uddhi-kraam
sarvev evopaveu
div praam iyate
upavsafast; agapart; bhtamwhich is; caand; phala-damwhich gives result;
uddhi-kraamwhich causes purification; sarveuin all; evaindeed; upaveufasts;
divduring the day; praamthe breaking of the fast; iyateis prescribed.
Breaking the fast is an essential part of the fast, it brings purification and the attainment
of other results. The breaking of the fast should be performed during daytime.
EDITORS NOTES
Because at night on Janmam due to observing tradition, at the minimum one is
allowed to eat only Ekda* food if one is unable to fully fast for any reasons, breaking the
fast the next day is highly recommended. If one has to 1/2 day fast the next day, then break
it with Viu* caramtam*, then continue fasting until noon when in the afternoon eat a
full grain feast. loka* 59 mentions one should NOT eat at all on Janmam even at night.
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 25
loka 68 warns one and all not to eat on Janmam night tradition or no tradition better if
one doesnt eat!
TEXT 58
'''! `^'$!' ''!'r'''!!''!!' !! '< !!
anyath phala-hni syd
vrata-dhraa-praam
anyathotherwise; phala-hnithe destruction of the results; sytis; vrata-dhraa-
praamthe act of following the vow and breaking the fast.
Otherwise, if the fast is not broken during the daytime, the results of fasting, following
the vow, and breaking the fast are all destroyed.
TEXT 59
' !'! ''!! `''!r' =' !$!'r'!r' !
''!!''! ''!! `''!'''r='! '$!''!!' !! ' !!
na rtrau praa kuryd
te vai rohi-vratt
niy praa kuryd
varjayitv mah-nim
nanot; rtrauat night; praamthe breaking of the fast; kurytshould be done; te
except; vaiindeed; rohi-vrattfrom the vow of Rohi; niymat night; praam
breaking of the fast; kurytshould be done; varjayitvexcept for; mah-nim
midnight.
One should not break the fast at night. The only exception is the Rohi-vrata*, when the
fast may be broken at night, but not at midnight.
TEXT 60
''='!$ ''!! '!r' `r='! ='''!''' !
'='''! ''r' `''!r' =' !$!'r'' !! !!
prvhe praa asta
ktv vipra-surrcanam
sarve sammata kuryd
te vai rohi-vratam
prvhein the forenoon; praamthe breaking of the fast; astamglorious; ktv
having done; vipra-sura-arcanamworship of the Brhmaas and demigods; sarvemof
all; sammatamconsidered; kurytshould do; teexcept; vaiindeed; rohi-vratam
rohi-vrata.
In the morning one should worship the Brhmaas and demigods and then break the fast.
All the sainlty persons agree this is the best time to break the fast. Only in the Rohi-
vrata* is it not the best time.
26 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
TEXT 61
''''!'''!'' !`! '''r' '' ^'+''r' !
' `''![+'='!' ' r'' `r='! 'r' 'r' !! \ !!
budha-soma-samyukt
jayant yadi labhyate
na kuryd garbha-vsa ca
tatra ktv vrata vrat
budhaMercury; somathe moon; samyuktconnected with; jayantjayant; yadiif;
labhyateis attained; nanot; kurytshould do; garbhain the womb; vsam
residence; caand; tatrathere; ktvhaving done; vratamvow; vratfollower of a
vow.
If one follows the Janmam vow on a Janmam which is conjoined with Mercury and
the moon, he will never again enter a mothers womb.
TEXTS 62-63
'' '!' `'?'='' '`^'! '' !
+'='''''''!`! '!'!''r''''''r'! !! !!
'' =''''!r''!'' ^'+''r' ='! ' ^'+''r' !
'r' ' r''r' `r='! '''! `!` ''(r' !! !!
udaye cam kicin
navam sakal yadi
bhaved budhendu-sayukt
prjpatyarka-sayut
api vara-atenpi
labhyate v na labhyate
vrat ca tad-vrata ktv
pus koi samuddharet
udayein the rising; caand; aamthe aam; kicitsome; navamthe ninth day;
sakalall; yadiif; bhavetis; budhaMercury; induwith the moon; sayuktjoined;
prjpatya-ka-sayutjoined with the constellation Rohi; apialso; vara-atena
with a hundred years; apieven; labhyateis attained; vor; nanot; labhyateattained;
vratwho is following a vow; caand; tat-vratamthat vow; ktvhaving performed;
pusmof people; koiten million; samuddharetdelivers.
If at sunrise there is a little aam left and a full navam is conjoined with Mercury and
the moon and the constellation Rohi*, that Janmam is very auspicious. Such a
Janmam occurs perhaps in a hundred years. One who follows the Janmam vow on
that day delivers ten million of his relatives.
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 27
TEXT 64
'!! =''! 'r''!'' +'!`!'! =''=''r'!r' !
`r''='!''='!'' 'r'! +'='r' '!''=' !! !!
n vin vratenpi
bhaktn vitta-varjitt
ktenaivopavsena
prto bhavati mdhava
nmof people; vin vratenawithout a vow; apieven; bhaktnmof devotees; vitta-
varjittbecause of lack of wealth; ktenawhich is done; evaonly; upavsenaby
fasting; prtapleased; bhavatibecomes; mdhavaLord Ka, the husband of the
goddess of fortune.
Lord Ka who is the husband of the goddess of fortune is pleased with His devotees
that observe the fast of Janmam, even though, because of not having sufficient wealth,
they cannot perform the Janmam vow.
TEXT 65
+'r''! '!'!'''! !'! '!!!' ' !
`^' !r' r''!'''r''r''+'='' !! ' !!
bhakty nnopacarea
rtrau jgaraena ca
phala dadti daityrir
jayant-vrata-sambhavam
bhaktywith devotion; nnwith various; upacreaparaphernalia; rtrauat night;
jgaraenawith the vigil; caand; phalamresult; dadtigives; daitya-ariLord
Ka, the enemy of the demons; jayant-vrata-sambhavamborn from the Janmam vow.
To one who follows the vow, with devotion worshiping the Lord with various articles and
keeping an all-night vigil, Lord Ka, the enemy of the demons, gives the result of
following the Janmam vow.
TEXT 66
='''!!?''`='!! '''`^''='!'''!r' !
`='!!! ='''!!'' ' ^'+'r''''! `^'' !! !!
vitta-hyam akurva
samyak phalam avpnuyt
kurvo vitta-thya ca
labhate sada phalam
vittaof wealth; hyamact of cheating; akurvawho is not doing; samyak
properly; phalamfruit; avpnuytattains; kurvawho is doing; vittawealth;
thyamact of cheating; caand; labhateattains; asadamnot like that; phalam
result.
28 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
A person who observes Janmam in a way appropriate to his financial means attains
the proper result, but a wealthy person who does not observe Janmam in a way
appropriate to his wealth does not attain the same result.
TEXT 67
''!'' !$''! ' `''!r''!! ''' !
$''!r''='`r' '''' ''='!'!'r' `^'' !! ~ !!
aamym atha rohiy
na kuryt praa budha
hanyt prva-kta puya
upavsrjita phalam
aamymon Janmam; athathen; rohiymRohi; nanot; kurytshould do;
praambreaking the fast; budhawise; hanytwould destroy; prva-ktamdone
before; puyampiety; upavsa-arjitamearned by fasting; phalamresult.
A wise person should not break his fast during Janmam or while the constellation
Rohi* is still conjoined with the moon. To do that is to destroy ones past pious deeds
and the transcendental result earned by fasting.
TEXT 68
r''!! $r' ''' ' 'r'!! !
r''!r''''r' `''!''+'!r' ' ''!!' !! < !!
tithir aa-gua hanti
nakatra ca catur-gua
tasmt prayatnata kuryt
tithi-bhnte ca praam
tithithe lunar day; aa-guameight times; hantidestroys; nakatramthe
constellation; caand; catur-guamfour times; tasmtfrom that; prayatnatawith
care; kurytshould do; tithi-bha-anteafter passing of the lunar day and the constellation;
caand; praambreaking the fast.
Breaking the fast during the lunar day of Janmam destroys ones pious deeds eight
times over, and breaking the fast while the constellation Rohi* is conjoined with the
moon destroys ones pious deeds four times over. Therefore one should be careful to
break his fast when Janmam and the constellation Rohi have passed.
TEXT 69
'$!''!!''! '!F'!''! r''+'!r' ''! +'='r' !
r'r''''$ '''B ''!! ``r' 'r' !! !!
mah-niy prpty
tithi-bhnta yad bhavet
ttye hni muni-reha
praa kurute vrat
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 29
mah-niymmidnight; prptymattained; tithi-bha-antamthe passing of the lunar
day and the constellation; yadwhen; bhavetis; ttyeon the third; ahniday; muni-
rehaO best of sages; praambreaking the fast; kurutedoes; vratwho is following
the vow.
O best of sages, when the lunar day of Janmam and the constellation Rohi* both end
after midnight, a person following the Janmam vow should break his fast on the third
day from Janmam.
TEXT 70
r''_r' =''r'r' r' !'!='=' '$!''!! !
^'+'r' '$r''! ' r'' +'r='! ' '! !! ~ !!
tan-muhrte vyatte tu
rtrv eva mah-ni
labhate brahma-haty ca
tatra bhuktv ca nrada
tat-muhrtewhen that time; vyattehas passed; tubut; rtrauat night; evaindeed;
mah-nimidnight; labhateattains; brahma-hatymthe sin of killing a Brhmaa; ca
and; tatraat that time; bhuktveating; caand; nradaO Nrada Muni.
However, one who eats during the midnight of Janmam, when that time (of the lunar
day and the constellation) has already passed, attains the sinful reaction of killing a
Brhmaa*.
TEXT 71
!!'!'='"`'''' r'!'^' ' `^' '^'' !
'''!'+''' '!(!''!'!'''!'' `! `'! !! ~\ !!
go-msa-vi-mtra-sama
tmbla ca phala jalam
pusm abhakya uddhym
odanasypi k kath
goof a cow; msaflesh; vistool; mtraurine; samamequal; tmblam
betelnuts; caand; phalamfruit; jalamwater; pusmof people; abhakyamnot to
be eaten; uddhymon the pure (Janmam); odanasyaof boiled rice; apieven; k
what?; kathspeaking.
On a pure Janmam (not mixed with the seventh day), one should not eat even fruit or
betelnuts, or even drink water. Eating these is like eating stool or cows flesh, or like
drinking urine. What, then, can be said of eating rice?
TEXT 72
'''!'! ''` '!_r''r='!9r' 'r'''' !
'!"'! r'+' '''' =''!9r''5'r' !! ~ !!
30 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
tri-ym rajan prhus
tyaktvdy-ante catuayam
nn tad ubhe sandhye
divasdy-anta-samjite
tri-ymmnine hours (three ymas each equal to three hours); rajanmnight; prhu
they (wise men) say; tyaktvhaving disregarded; dibeginning; anteend; catuayam
four; nnmperiods of 12 minutes; tatthat; ubheboth; sandhyejunctions; divasa
of the day; dias the beginning; antaand the end; samjiteknown.
The wise say that night lasts for 9 hours and is bounded, at its beginning and end, by
sunrise and sunset, which last for 48 minutes each and are known as sandhis*.
TEXT 73
''!''! ' '!(!''! `r='! '!!! 'r'' !
'!r'''`r'!r''!''!'''r' '!' ''!'' !! ~ !!
janmamy ca uddhy
ktv jgaraa vratam
ata-janma-ktt ppn
mucyate ntra saaya
janmamymon Janmam; caand; uddhympure; ktvhaving done;
jgaraamall-night vigil; vratamvow; atawithin a hundred; janmabirths; ktt
committed; pptfrom sins; mucyateis released; nanot; atrahere; saayadoubt.
A person who on a pure Janmam (not mixed with the seventh day) follows the
Janmam vow and keeps an all-night vigil becomes free from the sins of a hundred
births. Of this there is no doubt.
TEXT 74
''!''! ' '!(!''! ''!''' `='^' ' !
H'''`^' r''' 'r' '!!! =''! !! ~ !!
janmamy ca uddhy
upoya kevala nara
avamedha-phala tasya
vrata jgaraa vin
janmamymon Janmam; caand; uddhympure; upoyahaving fasted;
kevalamonly; naraa person; avamedhaof a horse sacrifice; phalamthe result; tasya
of him; vratamthe vow; jgaraamall-night vigil; vinwithout.
A person who on a pure Janmam (not mixed with the seventh day) fasts, but does not
follow the Janmam vow or keep the all-night vigil, attains the result of performing a
horse sacrifice.
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 31
TEXT 75
''!^'' ''+' `!'! ''!='' ''+' ='''` !
'F'''`r'!r''!''!'''r' '!' ''!'' !! ~' !!
yad blye yac ca kaumre
yauvane yac ca vardhake
sapta-janma-ktt ppn
mucyate ntra saaya
yatwhat; blyein infancy; yatwhat; caand; kaumrein boyhood; yauvanein
youth; yatwhat; caand; vardhakein maturity; saptawithin seven; janmabirths;
kttdone; pptfrom the sins; mucyatefreed; nanot; atrahere; saayadoubt.
He is undoubtedly freed from the sins performed within seven lifetimes in the infancy,
childhood, youth, and maturity.
TEXT 76
'`'!''='' ''N +'_` '!''' !
' +'=''!r'!!' ' '$r''!'!r' ^'+'r' !! ~ !!
r-ka-janma-divase
ya ca bhukte nardhama
sa bhaven mt-gm ca
brahma-haty-ata labhet
r-ka-janma-divaseon Lord Kas birthday; yaone who; caand; bhukteeats;
nara-adhamathe lowest of men; sahe; bhavetbecomes; mt-gmof adultery with
his mother; caand; brahma-haty-atamof killing a hundred Brhmaas; labhetattains
(the result).
One who eats on Lord Kas birthday, is lowest of mankind. He attains the sinful
reaction of adultery with his own mother and murdering a hundred Brhmaas*.
TEXT 77
`!`''!'r' '''' r''' '!'''r' 'Nr'' !
'$N!'!' '!H[=' ''' ' `'! !! ~~ !!
koi-janmrjita puya
tasya nyati nicitam
anarha cuci avad
daive paitre ca karmai
koi-janma-arjitamearned within ten million births; puyampiety; tasyaof him;
nyatiis destroyed; nicitamconcluded; anarhaunworthy; caand; auciimpure;
avatalways; daivefor the demigods; paitreand the forefathers; caand; karmaiin
the matter of activity.
It is concluded that his pious credits of ten million births are destroyed. He becomes
always impure and unfit to worship the demigods or the forefathers.
32 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
TEXT 78
r' =''r`!^''' ''!='+'='!`! !
`'+' '!^'r'^'N r'!N +''r' !! ~< !!
ante vaset kla-stre
yvac candra-divkarau
kmibhi la-tulai ca
tka-darai ca bhakita
anteat the end; vasethe would live; kla-strein the hell named Klastra (lit. the
string of time meaning death); yvatas long as; candrathe moon (shines); divkarau
and the sun (shines); kmibhiwith worms; la-tulaiequal to lances; caand;
tkasharp; daraiwith teeth; caand; bhakitaeaten.
At the end of his life he enters the hell called Klastra*. As long as the sun and the
moon shine in the sky he is devoured by worms with teeth sharp like spears.
TEXT 79
''!'' r'r' ''r'!'' +'!r' '' '('+'r' !
'' =''''$'!! ='!''! ' `'+'='r' !! ~ !!
pp tata samutthya
bhrate janma cel labhet
ai vara-sahasri
viy ca kmir bhavet
ppsinner; tatathen; samutthyarising; bhrateon the earth; janmabirth; cetif;
labhetattains; aimfor sixty; varayears; sahasrithousands; viymin stool;
caand; kmia worm; bhavetbecomes.
When his time in hell is over this sinner rises to the earth, where he becomes a worm in
stool for sixty-thousand years.
TEXT 80
!' `!`'$'!! '!r'''!' '!` !
H!'' '!r'''!' '!!^' '!r'''' !! < !!
gdhra koi-sahasri
ata-janmni kara
v-pada ata-janmni
gla ata-janmasu
gdhraa vulture; koi-sahasrifor ten million thousands; ata-janmnia hundred
births; karaa pig; v-padamthe status of a dog; ata-janmnia hundred births;
glaa jackal; ata-janmasua hundred births.
Then he becomes a vulture for ten billion births, a pig for a hundred births, a dog for a
hundred births, and a jackal for a hundred births.
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 33
TEXT 81
'F'''' '''N `!`N 'F'''' !
r'r'! +'='?'! '`! !^'r`B '!r' !! <\ !!
sapta-janmasu sarpa ca
kka ca sapta-janmasu
tato bhaven naro mko
galat-kuh sadtura
sapta-janmasuin seven births; sarpaa snake; caand; kkaa crow; caand; sapta-
janmasuseven births; tatathen; bhavetbecomes; naraa human being; mka
unable to speak; galat-kuha leper; sadalways; turain pain.
Then he becomes a snake for seven births and then a crow for seven births. Then he takes
human birth, in which he is unable to speak and becomes a leper, always suffering.
TEXT 82
r'r'! +'='r'''!\'N =''!^''!$ r'r'! +'='r' !
r'r' ' +'='['''''$'! '\'` !! < !!
tato bhavet paughna ca
vyla-grh tato bhavet
tad-ante ca bhaved dasyur
dharma-hno nara-ghnaka
tatathen; bhavetbecomes; paughnaa killer of animals; caand; vyla-grha
snake-catcher; tatathen; bhavetbecomes; tad-anteat the end of that (life); caand;
bhavetbecomes; dasyua thief; dharma-hnabereft of religion; nara-ghnaka
murderer.
Then he becomes a butcher and then a snake-catcher. At the end he becomes a thief and a
murderer, a man with no scruples.
TEXT 83
r'r'! +'='r' '`r'^'`!r'r'! +'='r' !
r'r'! +'='[='^'N '!!N '!'!' !! < !!
tato bhavet sa rajakas
taila-kras tato bhavet
tato bhaved devala ca
brhmaa ca saduci
tatathen; bhavetbecomes; sahe; rajakaa washerman; taila-kraa maker of
oil; tatathen; bhavetbecomes; tatathen; bhavetbecomes; devalaa professional
pjr*; caand; brhmaaa Brhmaa; caand; sadalways; auciimpure.
Then he becomes a washerman, then an oil-maker, and then a professional Brhmaa*
(who subsists upon offerings made to a deity), always impure at heart.
34 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
TEXT 84
''='!'!'''N` ='' ' +'!'''r' !
r'!='('!' ='! 9!9< !`!!! +'='r' !! < !!
upavssamartha ced
eka vipra ca bhojayet
tvad dhanni v dadyd
yad-bhuktd dvi-gua bhavet
upavsaof fasting; asamarthaunable; cetif; ekamone; vipramBrhmaa; caand;
bhojayetshould feed; tvatthat much; dhanniwealth; vor; dadytshould give;
yat-bhukttfrom what was to be eaten; dvi-guamdouble; bhavetshould be.
If one is unable to fast he should feed a Brhmaa or give him charity equal to twice the
value of the food.
TEXT 85
'$'''r'! ='` '''! '!!''''' !
`''!!'!'`?'!` '''! r' r''r' ' !! <' !!
sahasra-sammit dev
japed v pra-sayamam
kuryd dvdaa-sakhyka
yath tu tad-vrate nara
sahasra-sammitma thousand times; devmto the Goddess (Durg); japetshould chant
(mantras); vor; pra-sayamamcontrolling the breath; kurytshould do; dvdaa-
sakhykamtwelve times; yathas; tuindeed; tat-vratethat vow; naraa person.
Or, he should chant mantras* to Goddess Durg* a thousand times, or he should practice
pryma* twelve times.
TEXT 86
1r''=' `'r' ='r' 'r' ''('=''r' !
'r'!''='!''''!'! ='''!''`r' ' ''r' !! < !!
ity eva kathita vatsa
ruta yad dharma-vaktrata
vratopavsa-pjn
vidhnam akte ca yat
itithus; evamin this way; kathitamspoken; vatsamy dear; rutamheard; yatas;
dharma-vaktratafrom the mouth of Lord Yamarja; vrataof the vow; upavsathe
fasting; pjnmand the worship; vidhnamperformance; akteincomplete; caand;
yatwhat.
My dear Nrada Muni*, thus I have described, as I heard it from Lord Yamarjas* mouth,
the fasting, vows and worship performed on Janmam and what makes them
incomplete.
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 35
Glossary
camana a ritual of purification in which one sips water and simultaneously chants names
of the Supreme Lord
crya spiritual master who teaches by his own example, and who sets the proper
religious example for all human beings
A guru perfume made of Aloe wood; syn. Agarwood, botanical name Aquilaria malaccensis,
Aquilaria agallocha
malak see Dhtr
A nanta ea an incarnation of the Supreme Lord in the form of thousand-headed serpent,
on which Lord Viu* rests, and who sustains the planets on His hoods
A rghya a ceremonious offering, in a conchshell, of water and other auspicious items
A am the eighth lunar day (tithi) of the waxing and waning moon
A vatthma the son of Droa; was a friend of Duryodhana and fought on his side during
the Kuruketra battle; will become one of the seven sages during the next, eighth,
manvantara
B alarma (Balabhadra, Baladeva)the first plenary expansion of the Supreme Personality
of Godhead, Lord Ka*; appeared in Vraja* as elder brother of Lord Ka*
B ali Mahrja great king of demons who conquerred the whole universe but gave it all
and then fully surrendered himself also as a donation to the Lord who appeared before
him as a Brhmaa* boy (Vmana)
B hdra Vedic lunar month corresponding to August-September
B hagavn the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who possesses in full the opulences of
wealth, beauty, strength, knowledge, fame, and renunciation; an epithet of the Supreme
Person; see Ka
B hakta devotee
B hakti devotion
B haktivinoda hkura crya* in the line of Gauya* Vaiavas* to which the editor also
belongs; the author of many important books
B rahm the first created living being and secondary creator of the material universe; the
presiding deity of the mode of passion
B rhmaa the first, intellectual and priestly, social order in Vedic society
C aitanya Mahprabhu Lord Ka* in the aspect of His own devotee; taught pure love of
God by inaugurating the congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord; is
understood by Gauya* Vaiavas* to be Lord Ka Himself; the Golden Avatra of
the Supreme Personality of Godhead who descended into the material world 500 years
ago at rdhma Mypura*
C akra 1. the disc weapon of the Supreme Lord, Viu*, also known as Sudarana*; on the
top of Viu temples there is usually a cakra; 2. one of seven centers of vital energy
located in the body: kualin, mldhra, svdhihna (nbhi), maipra, anhata,
viuddha, and j-cakra
C aramta water used to bathe a Deity form of the Lord
D arana audience with the Deity in the temple
D sa term used as addition to the name of a initiated disciple, meaning servant of Lord
Ka*
D evak the mother of Lord Ka* in Mathur
36 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
D htr sacred tree very dear to Lord Viu*; also known as malak*, eng. a.k.a. Indian
Gooseberry; botanical namePhyllanthus emblica
D urg the personification of the material energy; see also Prvat
D rv sacred grass used in sacrifices
E kda the eleventh day of waning and waxing moon when one should avoid eating
grains; fasting whilst performing spiritual practices, such as remaing without sleep
whilst simultaneously performing spiritual activities, and rememberance of the Lord
thoughout the night, is very auspicious on that day and very pleasing to the Lordthe
readers are thus encouraged to put your best foot forward i.e. try to increase ones
spiritual activities on that day and night
G anea demigod; son of Lord iva* and rmat Prvat Dev* having an elephants head
G auya pertaining to Gaua-dea, West Bengal
Gauya Vaiava Sapradyaauthorized Vaiava* disciplic succession of bona fide
spiritual masters coming through Lord Brahm*, rla Madhvcrya, and Lord r
Caitanya Mahprabhu*; the Vaiava followers in that tradition
Gaurga (Gaura)(lit. whose complexion is golden) name of Lord r Caitanya
Mahprabhu*
G ay a famous holy place on the bank of the Phalgu River in the state of Bihar, where
many pilgrims go to offer worship on behalf of their forefathers; the imprint of the
lotus feet of the Lord are enshrined there, and it was there that Lord Caitanya* met and
was initiated by Ivara Pur; Lord Buddha attained here nirva; this is one of the four
places in India where many pilgrims come to offer oblations to deparated ancestors
G op cowherd woman of Vraja* in either conjugal or parental relationship with Lord
Ka*
G uru spiritual master, preceptor
H anumn great devotee of Lord Rmacandra*
H ari see Ka or Viu
H aviya anything offerable in sacrifices; according to the Hari-bhakti-vilsa (13.10-13),
White winter rice, mung-dal, barley, sesame, kalya beans, pigweed (panic seed,
millet?), wild rice, vstka (Chenopodium Album), atika (kind of grains or potherb
that crop withing 60 days), jute (Corchorus Capsularis), radish, root bulbs except taro
(Colocasia Antiquorum), ocean- or sea-salt, cow yogurt, ghee and unskimmed milk,
jackfruit, mango, yellow myrobalan (Terminalia Chebula), pepper, cumin, oranges,
tamarind, banana, carambola (Averrhoa Acida), malak*, sugar and other products of
sugarcane (except molasses)these, if not cooked in oil, are considered by wise as
haviyas, the foodstaffs offerable in sacrifice
J anmam the appearance day of Lord Ka* celebrated on the eighth lunar day of the
waning moon of the month of Bhdra*
J ayant special combination of stars and moon indicating the time of Lord Kas*
appearance on Janmam; see also Text 51
K akkola a kind of fruit
K lastra one of the 21 hells
K alpa Lord Brahms* daytime, 4,320,000,000 years
K rttikeya name of Skanda*
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 37
K pcrya was a Brhmaa* by birth, but was inclined to the duties of a katriya; learned
the Dhanur Veda (martial arts) from his father aradvn, and taught the sons of
Dhtarra and the sons of Pu what he had learned from his father; due to politics
took the side of Duryodhana during the battle of Kuruketra; later became the teacher
of Mahrja Parkit; will become one of the seven sages during the next, eighth,
manvantara*
K a the original, two-armed form of the Supreme Lord, who is the origin of all
expansions
K umras four celibate sons of Lord Brahm*, named Sanat-kumra, Sanandana, Sanaka
and Santana, who chose to remain 5-year-old boys; founders of one of the four
authentic Vaiava* disciplic successions
K umuda one of the personal servants (a doorkeeper) of Lord Viu*
K ukuma a sweetly-flavored reddish cosmetic powder which is thrown on the bodies of
worshipable persons, also used by married women to decorate their foreheads
K ua a kind of sacred grass used in sacrifices and worship
L au a kind of sweet made of chick pea flour, butter, and sugar
L akm the goddess of fortune, the wife of Lord Viu*; an expansion of rmat
Rdhr*
M adhuparka composed of the auspicious elements of cow milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and
sugar, is a high-class refreshment given to a respected person
M adhva also known as nandatrtha and Prapraja, crya* Madhva re-established the
Brahm Sampradya* in the thirteenth century AD; considered to be the incarnation of
Lord Vyu* and Hanumn*; prolific writer and undefeatable in debate, he established
Dvaita Vednta in direct opposition to akarcryas Advaita Vednta
M anohara a kind of fruit
M antra sacred verse for meditation, sacrifice or prayer
M anu a generic name for any of the fourteen universal rulers also known as Manvantara-
avataras, who appear in each day of Lord Brahm*; the duration of life of a Manu is
306,720,000 years, his one day is 8,520 years, thus according to Text 6 bathing and
worshiping the Lord on Janmam* is 85,200,000,000 times more beneficial than on
any other day
M anvantara the duration of rule of one Manu* (306,720,000 years)
M rkaeya i sage who received the benediction to live for seven kalpas* (days of Lord
Brahm*)
M y (lit. illusion) personification of the material illusory energy; see Durg
M ypura the town near Navadvipa in West Bengal where Lord r Caitanya
Mahprabhu* appeared
N anda one of the personal servants (a doorkeeper) of Lord Viu*
N anda Mahrja father of Lord Ka* in Vraja*
N rada Muni a pure devotee of the Lord, one of the sons of Lord Brahm*, who travels
throughout the universes in his eternal body, glorifying devotional service while
delivering the science of bhakti*
N ryaa an expansion of Lord Ka*; the presiding Deity of the Vaikuha* planets
N ryaa i an expansion of the Lord in the form of a sage
38 Brahma-vaivarta Pura, Ka-janma-khaa
N arottama dsa hkura crya* and poet in the line of Gauya* Vaiavas* to which
the editor also belongs
N avam the ninth lunar day (tithi*) of the waxing and waning moon
P adya water ceremoniously offered for washing feet
P araurma the sixth incarnation of Lord Ka*, who appeared in ancient times to
overthrow the warrior class when they had become degraded, who destroyed twenty-
one consecutive generations of lawless members of the ruling class; will become one of
the seven sages during the next eighth manvantara*
P rvat demigoddess, wife of Lord iva*, the personification of material energy
P ryma breath control used in yoga* practice
P rasda (lit. mercy) the remnants of food taken by the Lord
P j worship ceremony
P jr priest performing pj*
R dh (r)Lord Kas* most intimate consort; the personification of the internal,
pleasure potency of Lord Ka*, His feminine counterpart
R ohi 1. one of the wives of Vasudeva* and mother of Lord Balarma*; 2. constellation
which forms a figure resembling a cart
R ohi-vrata supposedly a synonym for Janmam-vrata*
i sage
S apradya a disciplic succession of spiritual masters, along with the followers in that
tradition, through which spiritual knowledge is transmitted
S andhi periods of time of 48 minutes at dawn and dusk
S aptam the seventh lunar day (tithi*) of the waxing and waning moon
S arasvat one of the wives of Lord Nryaa*; incarnates in the material world as the
Goddess of knowledge and the wife of Lord Brahm*, and as the sacred river Sarasvat
ath Dev commenting on the description in r Caitanya-Bhagavata (di 4.19) of the
birth ceremonies performed after the appearance of Lord Caitanya*, the spiritual
master of the editors guru* writes, ah is an imaginary village goddess. This
imaginary village goddess is worshiped in order to ensure that the child would not die
early but would live up to sixty years. People say that Goddess ah is to be
worshiped on the sixth day after a child is born. This is part of the nikramaa-
saskra, the occasion of coming out of the maternity room. The word ah-sthna
refers to the place beneath either a Peepal tree or a Banyan tree where Goddess ah is
seated on a cat and holding a newborn child on her lap.
ea see Ananta ea
S iddha-loka one of the heavenly planets
iva the superintendent of the mode of ignorance; takes charge of destroying the universe
at the time of annihilation; considered the greatest Vaiava*, or devotee of Lord
Ka*
S kanda demigod, the elder son of Lord iva* and rmat Prvat Dev*
loka Sanskrit verse
rddha special worship ceremony offered to ones forefathers to deliver them from
inauspicious conditions
r (rj in Hindi)1. name of both rmat Lakm Dev* and rmat Rdhr*; 2. title
optionally attributed to female names of respectable persons and/or spiritual books
Chapter 8: Vows, Worship, and Fasting on r Janmam 39
rla , rmanrespectful title for a male person meaning endowed with the blessings of r, the
goddess of fortune and consort of Lord Viu*
rmat respectful title for a lady
rphala a kind of fruit
S udarana the disc weapon of the Supreme Lord, Viu*
S unanda one of the personal servants (a doorkeeper) of Lord Viu*
S vastika kind of sweets
T ithi lunar day; 30th part of a lunar month corresponding to a particular moon phase
V aikuha (lit. [the place] bereft of anxiety) planets in the spiritual world
V asudeva father of Lord Ka* in Mathur
V sudeva name of Lord Ka*
V asundhar personification of the earth
V edgas six auxiliary branches of Vedas meant to preserve them: ika (phonetics),
chandas (meter), vykraa (grammar), nirukta (etymology), jyotia (astronomy), and
kalpa (ritual)
V ibhaa a grandson of Pulastya Muni and the pious brother of Rvaa; was a staunch
devotee of Lord Rmacandra*, who offered him the kingdom of r Lak for four
yugas*
V iu (lit. the all-pervading God) the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His four-
armed expansion in Vaikuha*; a plenary expansion of r Ka*; supervises the
maintenance of the created universe
V ivakarm architect of the demigods
V raja see Vndvana
V raja-vs inhabitant of Vraja*
V ndvana 1. Lord Kas* eternal abode, where He fully manifests His quality of
sweetness; also known as Goloka; 2. the village on this earth in which He enacted His
childhood pastimes five thousand years ago
V ysadeva incarnation of the Lord who divided and compiled the Vedas to be used during
Kali-yuga*; will become one of the seven sages during the next, eighth, manvantara*
Y amarja the demigod in charge of punishing the sinful
Y aod mother of Lord Ka* in Vraja*
Y oga (lit. connection) 1. a spiritual discipline meant for linking ones consciousness
with the Supreme Lord, Ka*; 2. one of the six systems of Vedic philosophy, taught
by Patajali
Y og a transcendentalist who practices one of the many authorized forms of yoga*, or
processes of spiritual purification; those who practice the eight-fold mystic yoga
process to gain mystic perfections or realization of the Supersoul aspect of the Lord