अर्चकनियम: Arcaka Niyama:

The Supreme Lord said:

Having approached a preceptor (Ācārya) and received initiation according to the rules, having learned the scripturally prescribed method of worship, and having studied the Vedas,

śrībhagavānuvāca

ācāryamupasaṅgamya dīkṣāṃ prāpya yathāvidhi|

arcāvidhānaṃ śāstroktaṃ jñātvā vedamadhītya ca

आचार्यम् · ācāryam — the preceptor

उपसङ्गम्य · upasaṅgamya — having approached

दीक्षाम् · dīkṣām — initiation

प्राप्य · prāpya — having received

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to the rules

अर्चाविधानम् · arcāvidhānam — the method of worship

शास्त्रोक्तम् · śāstroktam — scripturally prescribed

ज्ञात्वा · jñātvā — having known

वेदम् · vedam — the Vedas

अधीत्य · adhītya — having studied

आचार्यम् उपसङ्गम्य यथाविधि दीक्षां प्राप्य, शास्त्रोक्तम् अर्चाविधानं ज्ञात्वा वेदम् अधीत्य च (अर्चकः स्यात्)।

the preceptor · having approached · initiation · having received · according to the rules · the method of worship · scripturally prescribed · having known · the Vedas · having studied

This verse establishes the foundational prerequisites for a priest, emphasizing that formal initiation and Vedic study are the essential gateways to authorized worship.

the priest, endowed with Vedic conduct, should worship Me. He should have a tuft of hair (śikhā), wear the sacred thread (yajñopavīta), and be clad in a clean garment with the lower part tucked in (baddhakaccha).

ārādhayedarcako māṃ vaidikācārasaṃyutaḥ

śikhī yajñopavītī ca baddhakacchasuvastradhṛt

आराधयेत् · ārādhayet — should worship

अर्चकः · arcakaḥ — the priest

माम् · mām — Me

वैदिकाचारसंयुतः · vaidikācārasaṃyutaḥ — endowed with Vedic conduct

शिखी · śikhī — having a tuft of hair

यज्ञोपवीती · yajñopavītī — wearing the sacred thread

बद्धकच्छसुवस्त्रधृत् · baddhakacchasuvastradhṛt — wearing a clean tucked-in garment

वैदिकाचारसंयुतः शिखी यज्ञोपवीती बद्धकच्छसुवस्त्रधृत् अर्चकः मां आराधयेत्।

should worship · the priest · Me · endowed with Vedic conduct · having a tuft of hair · wearing the sacred thread · wearing a clean tucked-in garment

This verse defines the external identity of the priest, ensuring that his physical appearance reflects his commitment to Vedic tradition and ritual purity.

He should be calm, self-controlled, of a cheerful mind, detached, with senses conquered, observant of the prescribed rules of bathing, sandhyā, etc., pure, and untiring.

śānto dāntaḥ prasannātmā virakto vijitendriyaḥ

vihitasnānasandhyādiniyamaḥ śuciraklamaḥ

शान्तः · śāntaḥ — calm

दान्तः · dāntaḥ — self-controlled

प्रसन्नात्मा · prasannātmā — of a cheerful mind

विरक्तः · viraktaḥ — detached

विजितेन्द्रियः · vijitendriyaḥ — senses conquered

विहितस्नानसन्ध्यादिनियमः · vihitasnānasandhyādiniyamaḥ — observant of bathing and sandhya

शुचिः · śuciḥ — pure

अक्लमः · aklamaḥ — untiring

सः शान्तः दान्तः प्रसन्नात्मा विरक्तः विजितेन्द्रियः विहितस्नानसन्ध्यादिनियमः शुचिः अक्लमः (स्यात्)।

calm · self-controlled · of a cheerful mind · detached · senses conquered · observant of bathing and sandhya · pure · untiring

This verse shifts focus to the internal disposition of the priest, highlighting that external rituals are ineffective without the cultivation of inner calm and self-restraint.

He should be of measured speech, with anger conquered, averse to worldly people, yet gracious towards devotees, full of faith, and a connoisseur of devotional sentiment.

mitabhāṣī jitakrodho vimukho laukike jane |

bhakteṣu sumukhaścāpi bhāvuko rasikastathā

मितभाषी · mitabhāṣī — of measured speech

जितक्रोधः · jitakrodhaḥ — with anger conquered

विमुखः · vimukhaḥ — averse

लौकिके · laukike — to worldly

जने · jane — people

भक्तेषु · bhakteṣu — towards devotees

सुमुखः · sumukhaḥ — gracious

भावुकः · bhāvukaḥ — full of faith

रसिकः · rasikaḥ — connoisseur of sentiment

सः मितभाषी जितक्रोधः लौकिके जने विमुखः, भक्तेषु सुमुखः, भावुकः रसिकः च स्यात्।

of measured speech · with anger conquered · averse · to worldly · people · towards devotees · gracious · full of faith · connoisseur of sentiment

This verse delineates the social and emotional boundaries of the priest, emphasizing that his devotion must be directed toward the Lord and His devotees while remaining detached from worldly distractions.

Such a superior priest is worthy of bringing Me under his control. I am always subordinate to the priest and, through him, show compassion to men.

īdṛśo hyarcakaśreṣṭho māṃ vaśīkartumarhati

sadāhamarcakādhīnaḥ karomi karuṇāṃ nṛṣu

ईदृशः · īdṛśaḥ — such

अर्चकश्रेष्ठः · arcakaśreṣṭhaḥ — superior priest

माम् · mām — Me

वशीकर्तुम् · vaśīkartum — to bring under control

अर्हति · arhati — is worthy

सदा · sadā — always

अहम् · aham — I

अर्चकाधीनः · arcakādhīnaḥ — subordinate to the priest

करोमि · karomi — I extend

करुणाम् · karuṇām — compassion

नृषु · nṛṣu — to humanity

ईदृशः अर्चकश्रेष्ठः मां वशीकर्तुम् अर्हति। अहं सदा अर्चकाधीनः (सन्) नृषु करुणां करोमि।

such · superior priest · Me · to bring under control · is worthy · always · I · subordinate to the priest · I extend · compassion · to humanity

This verse reveals the intimate relationship between the Lord and the ideal priest, establishing that the Lord willingly submits to the service of such a devotee.

Seeing a low-class priest who is devoid of proper conduct, of bad conduct, ignorant of mantras, and worldly, coming to touch Me, I am indeed afraid.

anācāraṃ durācāramamantrajñaṃ ca laukikam |

māṃ spraṣṭumāgataṃ dṛṣṭvā bibhemi hyarcakādhamam

अनाचारम् · anācāram — devoid of conduct

दुराचारम् · durācāram — of bad conduct

अमन्त्रज्ञम् · amantrajñam — ignorant of mantras

लौकिकम् · laukikam — worldly

माम् · mām — Me

स्प्रष्टुम् · spraṣṭum — to touch

आगतम् · āgatam — having come

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

बिभेमि · bibhemi — I am afraid

अर्चकाधमम् · arcakādhamam — low-class priest

अनाचारं दुराचारम् अमन्त्रज्ञं लौकिकं च अर्चकाधमं मां स्प्रष्टुम् आगतं दृष्ट्वा अहं बिभेमि।

devoid of conduct · of bad conduct · ignorant of mantras · worldly · Me · to touch · having come · having seen · I am afraid · low-class priest

This verse serves as a stern warning, contrasting the ideal priest with the unqualified one, and expressing the Lord's aversion to those who approach Him without proper conduct.

First, for the purification of teeth and limbs, he should perform his bath. Having completed the obligatory rites of sandhyā, he should then enter My temple.

pūrvaṃ snānaṃ prakurvīta dhautadantāṅgaśuddhaye |

nivṛttasandhyāniyamastato me mandiraṃ viśet

पूर्वम् · pūrvam — first

स्नानम् · snānam — bath

प्रकुर्वीत · prakurvīta — should perform

धौतदन्ताङ्गशुद्धये · dhautadantāṅgaśuddhaye — for purification of teeth and limbs

निवृत्तसन्ध्यानियमः · nivṛttasandhyāniyamas — having completed sandhya

ततः · tataḥ — then

मे · me — My

मन्दिरम् · mandiram — temple

विशेत् · viśet — should enter

धौतदन्ताङ्गशुद्धये पूर्वं स्नानं प्रकुर्वीत। निवृत्तसन्ध्यानियमः ततः मे मन्दिरं विशेत्।

first · bath · should perform · for purification of teeth and limbs · having completed sandhya · then · My · temple · should enter

This verse initiates the practical ritual sequence, emphasizing that physical purification and the completion of daily duties are mandatory before entering the sacred space.

Having performed the cleaning and other duties, and having respectfully lit the lamp, he should devotedly and with faith bring the articles for My worship.

mārjanādīni kṛtvātha dīpamujvālya sādaram |

saṃbhārānāharan bhaktyā pūjārthaṃ śraddhayā mama

मार्जनादीनि · mārjanādīni — cleaning and other duties

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

अथ · atha — then

दीपम् · dīpam — lamp

उज्वाल्य · ujvālya — having lit

सादरम् · sādaram — respectfully

संभारान् · saṃbhārān — articles

आहरन् · āharan — bringing

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

पूजार्थम् · pūjārtham — for worship

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

मम · mama — My

मार्जनादीनि कृत्वा अथ सादरं दीपम् उज्वाल्य, मम पूजार्थं भक्त्या श्रद्धया च संभारान् आहरन् (भवेत्)।

cleaning and other duties · having done · then · lamp · having lit · respectfully · articles · bringing · with devotion · for worship · with faith · My

This verse highlights the importance of preparation and devotion in the act of worship, framing the gathering of articles as a sacred service rather than a mere chore.

A full pot (pūrṇakumbha), a seat (pīṭha), vessels for worship, sandalwood paste, a bell, a conch, Tulasī leaves, and fragrant flowers.

pūrṇakumbhaṃ ca pīṭhaṃ ca pūjāpātrāṇi candanam

ghaṇṭāṃ śaṅkhaṃ ca tulasīṃ sugandhīni sumāni ca

पूर्णकुम्भम् · pūrṇakumbham — full pot

पीठम् · pīṭham — seat

पूजापात्राणि · pūjāpātrāṇi — worship vessels

चन्दनम् · candanam — sandalwood paste

घण्टाम् · ghaṇṭām — bell

शङ्खम् · śaṅkham — conch

तुलसीम् · tulasīm — Tulasi

सुगन्धीनि · sugandhīni — fragrant

सुमानि · sumāni — flowers

पूर्णकुम्भं पीठं पूजापात्राणि चन्दनं घण्टां शङ्खं तुलसीं सुगन्धीनि सुमानि च (आहरेत्)।

full pot · seat · worship vessels · sandalwood paste · bell · conch · Tulasi · fragrant · flowers

This verse provides a specific inventory of the essential items for worship, underscoring the necessity of providing the Lord with all traditional offerings.

Incense, a lamp, food offerings (naivedya), as well as My pañcāmṛta—having brought these for worship with faith, he should arrange them in the designated area (maṇḍala).

dhūpaṃ dīpañca naivedyaṃ tathā pañcāmṛtaṃ mama |

śraddhayā''hṛtya pūjārthaṃ maṇḍale parivinyaset

धूपम् · dhūpam — incense

दीपञ्च · dīpañca — and lamp

नैवेद्यम् · naivedyam — food offering

तथा · tathā — also

पञ्चामृतम् · pañcāmṛtam — five-nectar offering

मम · mama — My

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

आहृत्य · āhṛtya — having brought

पूजार्थम् · pūjārtham — for worship

मण्डले · maṇḍale — in the mandala

परिविन्यसेत् · parivinyaset — should arrange

धूपं दीपं नैवेद्यं तथा मम पञ्चामृतं श्रद्धया आहृत्य पूजार्थं मण्डले परिविन्यसेत्।

incense · and lamp · food offering · also · five-nectar offering · My · with faith · having brought · for worship · in the mandala · should arrange

This verse concludes the list of offerings and specifies the importance of the 'maṇḍala' or sacred space, ensuring that the worship is conducted with order and meticulous care.

Having removed the previous day's offerings (nirmālya) and then cleaned the idol, and having stated the place and time, he should then make the ritual resolve (saṅkalpa).

nirmālyaṃ parihṛtyātha kṛtvā mūrtyāśca mārjanam |

deśakālau ca saṅkīrtya tataḥ saṅkalpamācaret

निर्माल्यम् · nirmālyaṃ — previous day's offerings

परिहृत्य · parihṛtya — having removed

अथ · atha — then

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

मूर्त्याः · mūrtyāḥ — of the idol

च · ca — and

मार्जनम् · mārjanam — cleaning

देशकालौ · deśakālau — place and time

सङ्कीर्त्य · saṅkīrtya — having stated

ततः · tataḥ — thereafter

सङ्कल्पम् · saṅkalpam — ritual resolve

आचरेत् · ācaret — should perform

अथ निर्माल्यं परिहृत्य मूर्त्याः मार्जनं कृत्वा च देशकालौ सङ्कीर्त्य ततः सङ्कल्पम् आचरेत्।

previous day's offerings · having removed · then · having done · of the idol · and · cleaning · place and time · having stated · thereafter · ritual resolve · should perform

This verse initiates the practical ritual sequence within the temple, emphasizing the necessity of physical and mental preparation before the deity. It transitions the priest from external cleanliness to the specific liturgical framework of the worship.

Then, having performed the worship of the pot (kalaśa) and the conch, he should ring the bell with devotion and then perform the worship of the seat (pīṭha).

tataḥ kalaśapūjāñca śaṅkhapūjāṃ vidhāya ca

ghaṇṭāṃ ninādayedbhaktyā pīṭhapūjāmathācaret

ततः · tataḥ — then

कलशपूजाञ्च · kalaśapūjāñca — and worship of the pot

शङ्खपूजां · śaṅkhapūjāṃ — worship of the conch

विधाय · vidhāya — having performed

च · ca — and

घण्टाम् · ghaṇṭāṃ — the bell

निनादयेत् · ninādayet — should ring

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

पीठपूजाम् · pīṭhapūjām — worship of the seat

अथ · atha — then

आचरेत् · ācaret — should perform

ततः कलशपूजां शङ्खपूजां च विधाय भक्त्या घण्टां निनादयेत्, अथ पीठपूजां च आचरेत्।

then · and worship of the pot · worship of the conch · having performed · and · the bell · should ring · with devotion · worship of the seat · then · should perform

Following the resolve, the priest establishes the sacred space through the worship of the ritual instruments, which serves to sanctify the environment for the Lord's presence.

Then, having performed the purification of the elements (bhūtaśuddhi), he should meditate on Me situated in his heart. He should invoke Me from his heart into the idol placed before him.

bhūtaśuddhiṃ tataḥ kṛtvā dhyāyenmāṃ hṛdaye sthitam

āvāhayenmāṃ hṛdayādvimbe tu purataḥ sthite

भूतशुद्धिम् · bhūtaśuddhiṃ — purification of elements

ततः · tataḥ — then

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having performed

ध्यायेत् · dhyāyet — should meditate

माम् · mām — on Me

हृदये · hṛdaye — in the heart

स्थितम् · sthitam — situated

आवाहयेत् · āvāhayet — should invoke

हृदयात् · hṛdayāt — from the heart

विम्बे · vimbe — into the idol

तु · tu — indeed

पुरतः · purataḥ — in front

स्थिते · sthite — placed

ततः भूतशुद्धिं कृत्वा हृदये स्थितं मां ध्यायेत्। ततः पुरतः स्थिते विम्बे मां हृदयात् आवाहयेत्।

purification of elements · then · having performed · should meditate · on Me · in the heart · situated · should invoke · from the heart · into the idol · indeed · in front · placed

This verse describes the internal-to-external transfer of the Divine, establishing the yogic principle that the Lord must be realized within the heart before being invited into the external icon.

Having seated Me on the throne, he should then offer water for washing the feet (pādya) and for the hands (arghya) with water scented with cardamom, with faith and devotion.

āsane māṃ niveśyātha pādyamarghyaṃ ca kalpayet

elāsugandhasalilaiḥ śraddhayā bhaktipūrvakam

आसने · āsane — on the throne

माम् · mām — Me

निवेश्य · niveśya — having seated

अथ · atha — then

पाद्यम् · pādyam — water for feet

अर्घ्यं · arghyaṃ — water for hands

च · ca — and

कल्पयेत् · kalpayet — should offer

एलासुगन्धसलिलैः · elāsugandhasalilaiḥ — with cardamom-scented water

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

भक्तिपूर्वकम् · bhaktipūrvakam — with devotion

आसने मां निवेश्य अथ श्रद्धया भक्तिपूर्वकम् एलासुगन्धसलिलैः पाद्यम् अर्घ्यं च कल्पयेत्।

on the throne · Me · having seated · then · water for feet · water for hands · and · should offer · with cardamom-scented water · with faith · with devotion

With the Lord now present in the idol, the priest begins the formal hospitality (upacāra), treating the Lord as a royal guest with specific offerings of water.

Having offered Me pādya and arghya, and likewise water for sipping (ācamana), he should daily anoint Me with pañcāmṛta in the proper sequence.

pādyamarghyañca datvā me tathaivācamanaṃ mama |

pañcāmṛtena māṃ nityamabhiṣiñcedyathākramam

पाद्यम् · pādyam — foot water

अर्घ्यञ्च · arghyañca — and hand water

दत्वा · datvā — having given

मे · me — to Me

तथैव · tathaiva — likewise

आचमनम् · ācamanam — sipping water

मम · mama — My

पञ्चामृतेन · pañcāmṛtena — with pañcāmṛta

माम् · mām — Me

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

अभिषिञ्चेत् · abhiṣiñcet — should anoint

यथाक्रमम् · yathākramam — in proper sequence

मे पाद्यम् अर्घ्यं च दत्वा तथैव मम आचमनं दत्वा, नित्यं यथाक्रमं पञ्चामृतेन मां अभिषिञ्चेत्।

foot water · and hand water · having given · to Me · likewise · sipping water · My · with pañcāmṛta · Me · daily · should anoint · in proper sequence

This verse introduces the central act of the bathing ritual (abhiṣeka), emphasizing the necessity of order and regularity in the service of the Lord.

Milk, yogurt, ghee, sweet honey, and sugar—this is declared as pañcāmṛta, which is excellent and very pleasing to Me.

kṣīraṃ dadhi ghṛtaṃ caiva madhuraṃ madhu śarkarā|

pañcāmṛtamiti proktaṃ mama prītikaraṃ varam

क्षीरम् · kṣīraṃ — milk

दधि · dadhi — yogurt

घृतं · ghṛtaṃ — ghee

चैव · caiva — and also

मधुरं · madhuraṃ — sweet

मधु · madhu — honey

शर्करा · śarkarā — sugar

पञ्चामृतम् · pañcāmṛtam — pañcāmṛta

इति · iti — thus

प्रोक्तम् · proktam — declared

मम · mama — My

प्रीतिकरं · prītikaraṃ — pleasing

वरम् · varam — excellent

क्षीरं दधि घृतं चैव मधुरं मधु शर्करा इति पञ्चामृतं प्रोक्तम्, तत् मम प्रीतिकरं वरं च।

milk · yogurt · ghee · and also · sweet · honey · sugar · pañcāmṛta · thus · declared · My · pleasing · excellent

The definition of pañcāmṛta is provided here to ensure the priest understands the exact ingredients required to please the Lord, highlighting the sweetness of the offering.

Then, also with fruit juices, with coconut water, with fragrant sandalwood paste, and with other scents, respectfully.

tataḥ phalarasaiścāpi nālikerarasena ca |

candanena sugandhena gandhairanyaiśca sādaram

ततः · tataḥ — then

फलरसैः · phalarasaiḥ — with fruit juices

चापि · cāpi — and also

नालिकेररसेन · nālikerarasena — with coconut water

च · ca — and

चन्दनेन · candanena — with sandalwood

सुगन्धेन · sugandhena — with fragrance

गन्धैः · gandhaiḥ — with scents

अन्यैः · anyaiḥ — other

च · ca — and

सादरम् · sādaram — respectfully

ततः फलरसैः अपि नालिकेररसेन च, सुगन्धेन चन्दनेन अन्यैः गन्धैः च सादरम् (अभिषिञ्चेत्)।

then · with fruit juices · and also · with coconut water · and · with sandalwood · with fragrance · with scents · other · and · respectfully

Expanding the bathing ritual beyond the basic pañcāmṛta, this verse encourages the use of fragrant and cooling substances to further express the priest's devotion.

Embracing Me with love, as a mother does her child, and having wiped Me with a cloth, the pure one should offer the fragrance of incense.

āśliṣya premapūrvaṃ māṃ jananī bālakaṃ yathā |

vastreṇa mārjanaṃ kṛtvā dhūpamāghrāpayecchuci

आश्लिष्य · āśliṣya — having embraced

प्रेमपूर्वं · premapūrvaṃ — with love

माम् · mām — Me

जननी · jananī — mother

बालकं · bālakaṃ — child

यथा · yathā — as

वस्त्रेण · vastreṇa — with a cloth

मार्जनं · mārjanaṃ — wiping

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

धूपम् · dhūpam — incense

आघ्रापयेत् · āghrāpayet — should offer fragrance

शुचि · śuci — the pure one

शुचिः जननी बालकं यथा, प्रेमपूर्वं मां आश्लिष्य वस्त्रेण मार्जनं कृत्वा धूपं आघ्रापयेत्।

having embraced · with love · Me · mother · child · as · with a cloth · wiping · having done · incense · should offer fragrance · the pure one

This verse shifts the focus from the ritual to the emotional bhava, comparing the priest's care for the deity to a mother's tender affection for her child.

Having adorned Me with garments, the sacred thread, and ornaments, he should apply sandalwood paste and kumkuma, and place a flower garland.

vastrāṇi dhārayitvā māmupavītañca bhūṣaṇam |

candanaṃ kuṅkumañcāpi dhārayet puṣpamālikām

वस्त्राणि · vastrāṇi — garments

धारयित्वा · dhārayitvā — having adorned

माम् · mām — Me

उपवीतञ्च · upavītañca — and sacred thread

भूषणम् · bhūṣaṇam — ornaments

चन्दनं · candanaṃ — sandalwood

कुङ्कुमञ्चापि · kuṅkumañcāpi — and kumkuma

धारयेत् · dhārayet — should apply

पुष्पमालिकाम् · puṣpamālikām — flower garland

वस्त्राणि उपवीतं भूषणं च धारयित्वा, चन्दनं कुङ्कुमं पुष्पमालिकाम् अपि मां धारयेत्।

garments · having adorned · Me · and sacred thread · ornaments · sandalwood · and kumkuma · should apply · flower garland

The decoration of the deity is presented as an act of loving service, where the priest adorns the Lord with finery to reflect His supreme beauty.

Then, having performed worship with flowers, accompanied by the chanting of My names, he should daily offer pure, sacrificial food of four kinds.

atha puṣpairarcanañca nāmakīrtanapūrvakam

kṛtvā nivedayennityaṃ medhyaṃ havyaṃ caturvidham

अथ · atha — then

पुष्पैः · puṣpaiḥ — with flowers

अर्चनञ्च · arcanañca — and worship

नामकीर्तनपूर्वकम् · nāmakīrtanapūrvakam — accompanied by chanting names

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

निवेदयेत् · nivedayet — should offer

नित्यं · nityam — daily

मेध्यं · medhyaṃ — pure

हव्यं · havyaṃ — sacrificial food

चतुर्विधम् · caturvidham — of four kinds

अथ नामकीर्तनपूर्वकं पुष्पैः अर्चनं कृत्वा, नित्यं मेध्यं चतुर्विधं हव्यं निवेदयेत्।

then · with flowers · and worship · accompanied by chanting names · having done · should offer · daily · pure · sacrificial food · of four kinds

The culmination of the morning worship involves the offering of food, which is sanctified by the chanting of the Lord's names, bridging the gap between the material and the divine.

Having then worshipped the attendants (pārṣadas) and offered the bali offering according to the rules, he should take the holy conch water, waving it around My head.

pārṣadānabhipūjyātha baliṃ datvā yathāvidhi |

śaṅkhodakaṃ haretpuṇyaṃ bhrāmayitvā śiro mama

पार्षदान् · pārṣadān — the attendants of the Lord

अभिपूज्य · abhipūjya — having worshipped

अथ · atha — then

बलिम् · baliṃ — the sacrificial offering

दत्वा · datvā — having given

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to the rules

शङ्खोदकम् · śaṅkhodakaṃ — water from the conch

हरेत् · haret — should take

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — holy

भ्रामयित्वा · bhrāmayitvā — having waved around

शिरः · śiro — head

मम · mama — My

अथ पार्षदान् अभिपूज्य यथाविधि बलिं दत्वा च, पुण्यं शङ्खोदकं मम शिरः भ्रामयित्वा हरेत्।

the attendants of the Lord · having worshipped · then · the sacrificial offering · having given · according to the rules · water from the conch · should take · holy · having waved around · head · My

This verse concludes the primary daily worship sequence by addressing the Lord's attendants and sanctifying the deity with the conch water, ensuring the ritual is complete and auspicious.

Having offered betel leaves (tāmbūla) and then pure drinking water, he should perform the auspicious waving of lights (maṅgalārārtika) accompanied by the sound of musical instruments.

tāmbūlamarpayitvātha pānīyaṃ salilaṃ śuci

maṅgalārārtikaṃ kuryādvādyaghoṣasamanvitam

ताम्बूलम् · tāmbūlam — betel leaves

अर्पयित्वा · arpayitvā — having offered

अथ · atha — then

पानीयम् · pānīyaṃ — drinking water

सलिलम् · salilaṃ — water

शुचि · śuci — pure

मङ्गलारार्तिकम् · maṅgalārārtikaṃ — auspicious waving of lights

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

वाद्यघोषसमन्वितम् · vādyaghoṣasamanvitam — accompanied by the sound of instruments

अथ ताम्बूलं शुचि पानीयं सलिलं च अर्पयित्वा, वाद्यघोषसमन्वितं मङ्गलारार्तिकं कुर्यात्।

betel leaves · having offered · then · drinking water · water · pure · auspicious waving of lights · should perform · accompanied by the sound of instruments

Following the sanctification, the priest offers final refreshments and performs the auspicious light offering, which serves as the climax of the daily ritual service.

Then he should fan Me with devotion using a cāmara, fan, and other items. Having performed circumambulation, prostration, and begged for forgiveness of offenses, he should sing, dance, and respectfully recite hymns.

tato māṃ vījayedbhaktyā cāmaravyajanādibhiḥ

pradakṣiṇaṃ namaskāramaparādhakṣamāpanam

kṛtvā saṅkīrtayennṛtyet paṭhet stotrāṇi sādaram

ततः · tato — then

माम् · māṃ — Me

वीजयेत् · vījayet — should fan

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

चामरव्यजनादिभिः · cāmaravyajanādibhiḥ — with cāmara and fans

प्रदक्षिणम् · pradakṣiṇaṃ — circumambulation

नमस्कारम् · namaskāram — prostration

अपराधक्षमापनम् · aparādhakṣamāpanam — begging for forgiveness of offenses

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

सङ्कीर्तयेत् · saṅkīrtayet — should sing

नृत्येत् · nṛtyet — should dance

पठेत् · paṭhet — should recite

स्तोत्राणि · stotrāṇi — hymns

सादरम् · sādaram — respectfully

ततः भक्त्या चामरव्यजनादिभिः मां वीजयेत्। प्रदक्षिणम् नमस्कारम् अपराधक्षमापनं च कृत्वा, सादरं सङ्कीर्तयेत् नृत्येत् स्तोत्राणि च पठेत्।

then · Me · should fan · with devotion · with cāmara and fans · circumambulation · prostration · begging for forgiveness of offenses · having done · should sing · should dance · should recite · hymns · respectfully

This verse details the personal devotional engagement of the priest, shifting from formal ritual to intimate acts of service, praise, and physical expression of bhakti.

Having received My divine foot-water, the sacred Tulasī leaf, and the consecrated food (prasāda), he should then perform the final distribution (viniyoga).

mama pādodakaṃ divyaṃ pavitraṃ tulasīdalam |

prasādañca gṛhītvā'tha viniyogaṃ samācaret

मम · mama — My

पादोदकम् · pādodakaṃ — foot-water

दिव्यम् · divyaṃ — divine

पवित्रम् · pavitraṃ — sacred

तुलसीदलम् · tulasīdalam — Tulasī leaf

प्रसादञ्च · prasādañca — and consecrated food

गृहीत्वा · gṛhītvā — having received

अथ · atha — then

विनियोगम् · viniyogaṃ — final distribution

समाचरेत् · samācaret — should perform

मम दिव्यं पादोदकं पवित्रं तुलसीदलं प्रसादं च गृहीत्वा अथ विनियोगं समाचरेत्।

My · foot-water · divine · sacred · Tulasī leaf · and consecrated food · having received · then · final distribution · should perform

The priest concludes the worship by accepting the Lord's grace in the form of prasāda, marking the transition from the ritual space back to the world.

In the evening, having completed the sandhyā rites with love, he should worship Me according to his ability and perform the maṅgalārārtika.

sāyaṃ ca sandhyāniyamaṃ samāpya premapūrvakam |

pūjayenmāṃ yathāśakti maṅgalārārtikaṃ caret

सायम् · sāyaṃ — in the evening

च · ca — and

सन्ध्यानियमम् · sandhyāniyamaṃ — sandhyā rites

समाप्य · samāpya — having completed

प्रेमपूर्वकम् · premapūrvakam — with love

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — should worship

माम् · māṃ — Me

यथाशक्ति · yathāśakti — according to his ability

मङ्गलारार्तिकम् · maṅgalārārtikaṃ — auspicious waving of lights

चरेत् · caret — should perform

सायं च सन्ध्यानियमं समाप्य प्रेमपूर्वकं यथाशक्ति मां पूजयेत् मङ्गलारार्तिकं च चरेत्।

in the evening · and · sandhyā rites · having completed · with love · should worship · Me · according to his ability · auspicious waving of lights · should perform

This verse extends the devotional service into the evening, emphasizing that the priest's duty is continuous and rooted in love rather than mere obligation.

Offering milk, eatables, and betel leaves with love, My priest should daily perform My sleeping ceremony (śayanotsava).

kṣīraṃ bhakṣyañca tāmbūlaṃ samarpya premapūrvakam |

mamārcakaḥ pratidinaṃ kuryānme śayanotsavam

क्षीरम् · kṣīraṃ — milk

भक्ष्यञ्च · bhakṣyañca — and eatables

ताम्बूलम् · tāmbūlam — betel leaves

समर्प्य · samarpya — having offered

प्रेमपूर्वकम् · premapūrvakam — with love

ममार्चकः · mamārcakaḥ — My priest

प्रतिदिनम् · pratidinaṃ — every day

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

मे · me — My

शयनोत्सवम् · śayanotsavam — sleeping ceremony

ममार्चकः प्रेमपूर्वकं क्षीरं भक्ष्यं ताम्बूलं च समर्प्य प्रतिदिनं मे शयनोत्सवं कुर्यात्।

milk · and eatables · betel leaves · having offered · with love · My priest · every day · should perform · My · sleeping ceremony

The sleeping ceremony is introduced as a daily act of intimacy, highlighting the priest's role in caring for the Lord as a beloved child or master.

The awakening (prabodhana), decoration (śṛṅgāra), food offering (bhoga), rest (viśramaṇa), waving of lights (ārārtika), singing (kīrtana), swinging (ḍolā), and putting to bed (śayana) should be performed.

prabodhanañca śṛṅgāraṃ bhogaṃ viśramaṇaṃ tathā |

ārārtikaṃ kīrtanañca ḍolāṃ śayanamācaret

प्रबोधनञ्च · prabodhanañca — awakening

शृङ्गारम् · śṛṅgāraṃ — decoration

भोगम् · bhogaṃ — food offering

विश्रमणम् · viśramaṇaṃ — rest

तथा · tathā — and

आरार्तिकम् · ārārtikaṃ — waving of lights

कीर्तनञ्च · kīrtanañca — singing

डोलाम् · ḍolāṃ — swinging

शयनम् · śayanam — putting to bed

आचरेत् · ācaret — should perform

प्रबोधनं शृङ्गारं भोगं विश्रमणं तथा आरार्तिकं कीर्तनं डोलां शयनं च आचरेत्।

awakening · decoration · food offering · rest · and · waving of lights · singing · swinging · putting to bed · should perform

This verse provides a comprehensive list of the daily liturgical cycle, ensuring the priest understands the full scope of his devotional responsibilities.

Thus, the devotee who performs this eight-fold service for Me every day, constantly, certainly becomes one with Me.

evamaṣṭavidhāṃ sevāṃ madbhaktastu dine dine

kuryānmamaiva satataṃ manmayo bhavati dhruvam

एवम् · evam — thus

अष्टविधाम् · aṣṭavidhāṃ — eight-fold

सेवाम् · sevāṃ — service

मद्भक्तस्तु · madbhaktastu — My devotee

दिने दिने · dine dine — every day

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

ममैव · mamaiva — of Me alone

सततम् · satatam — constantly

मन्मयः · manmayo — one with Me

भवति · bhavati — becomes

ध्रुवम् · dhruvam — certainly

एवं मद्भक्तः दिने दिने सततम् अष्टविधां सेवां कुर्यात्, सः ध्रुवं मन्मयः भवति।

thus · eight-fold · service · My devotee · every day · should perform · of Me alone · constantly · one with Me · becomes · certainly

The Lord promises that this consistent, eight-fold service leads to spiritual union, elevating the priest's daily labor into a path of liberation.

Thus should My devotee, having taken refuge in Me alone, perform the daily festival every day with joy, faith, and devotion.

evaṃ nityotsavaṃ kuryānmadbhaktastu dine dine

sānandaṃ śraddhayā bhaktyā māmeva śaraṇaṃ gataḥ

एवम् · evaṃ — thus

नित्योत्सवम् · nityotsavaṃ — daily festival

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

मद्भक्तस्तु · madbhaktastu — My devotee

दिने दिने · dine dine — every day

सानन्दम् · sānandaṃ — with joy

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

मामेव · māmeva — Me alone

शरणं गतः · śaraṇaṃ gataḥ — having taken refuge

एवं मामेव शरणं गतः मद्भक्तः दिने दिने सानन्दं श्रद्धया भक्त्या नित्योत्सवं कुर्यात्।

thus · daily festival · should perform · My devotee · every day · with joy · with faith · with devotion · Me alone · having taken refuge

This verse reinforces the necessity of joy and faith, framing the daily worship not as a burden but as a celebratory festival of the soul.

Ekādaśī, Saṅkrānti, Amāvāsyā, O Caturmukha (Brahmā), and also the Śravaṇa nakṣatra—these are sung as the five festival days (pañcaparva).

ekādaśī ca saṃkrāntiramāvāsyā caturmukha |

śravaṇañcāpi nakṣatraṃ pañcaparveti gīyate

एकादशी · ekādaśī — the eleventh day

च · ca — and

संक्रान्तिः · saṃkrāntir — solar transition

अमावास्या · amāvāsyā — new moon

चतुर्मुख · caturmukha — O Brahmā

श्रवणञ्चापि · śravaṇañcāpi — and also Śravaṇa

नक्षत्रम् · nakṣatraṃ — constellation

पञ्चपर्व · pañcaparva — five festival days

इति · iti — thus

गीयते · gīyate — are sung

चतुर्मुख, एकादशी च संक्रान्तिः अमावास्या श्रवणं नक्षत्रम् अपि पञ्चपर्व इति गीयते।

the eleventh day · and · solar transition · new moon · O Brahmā · and also Śravaṇa · constellation · five festival days · thus · are sung

The Lord identifies specific holy days that demand heightened devotion, establishing the calendar of festivals as a means for the devotee to deepen their connection.

On these festival days, he should worship Me with special devotion, with festivals, anointments (abhiṣeka), and the chanting of names.

teṣu parvasu me pūjāṃ bhaktyā kuryādviśeṣataḥ

utsavañcābhiṣekañca nāmasaṅkīrtanādikam

तेषु · teṣu — in those

पर्वसु · parvasu — festival days

मे · me — My

पूजां · pūjāṃ — worship

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

विशेषतः · viśeṣataḥ — especially

उत्सवञ्च · utsavañca — and festivals

अभिषेकञ्च · abhiṣekañca — and anointments

नामसङ्कीर्तनादिकम् · nāmasaṅkīrtanādikam — chanting of names etc.

तेषु पर्वसु भक्त्या मे पूजां विशेषतः कुर्यात्। उत्सवम् अभिषेकम् नामसङ्कीर्तनादिकं च कुर्यात्।

in those · festival days · My · worship · with devotion · should perform · especially · and festivals · and anointments · chanting of names etc.

This verse transitions the focus from daily duties to the observance of special festival days, emphasizing that the intensity of devotion should increase during these sacred times.

Likewise, when an extra month (adhika māsa) occurs in the lunar calendar, he should worship Me, the Puruṣottama, with special faith.

evaṃ prāpte'dhike māse cāndramānena ca kvacit |

viśeṣataḥ śraddhayā māṃ pūjayet puruṣottamam

एवं · evaṃ — thus

प्राप्ते · prāpte — when arrived

अधिके · adhike — extra

मासे · māse — month

चान्द्रमानेन · cāndramānena — by lunar calculation

क्वचित् · kvacit — sometimes

विशेषतः · viśeṣataḥ — especially

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

मां · māṃ — Me

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — should worship

पुरुषोत्तमम् · puruṣottamam — the Supreme Person

एवं चान्द्रमानेन क्वचित् अधिके मासे प्राप्ते सति, पुरुषोत्तमं मां विशेषतः श्रद्धया पूजयेत्।

thus · when arrived · extra · month · by lunar calculation · sometimes · especially · with faith · Me · should worship · the Supreme Person

The text highlights the importance of the lunar calendar and the extra month (Adhika Māsa), ensuring that the devotee does not miss opportunities for special worship of Puruṣottama.

During Cāturmāsya, My devotee should worship with great concentration, observing vows during My sleep (śayana) and waking (utthāna).

cāturmāsye viśeṣeṇa pūjayet susamāhitaḥ |

śayane mama cotthāne madbhakto vratamācaran

चातुर्मास्ये · cāturmāsye — during the four months

विशेषेण · viśeṣeṇa — especially

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — should worship

सुसमाहितः · susamāhitaḥ — well-composed

शयने · śayane — during sleep

मम · mama — My

च · ca — and

उत्थाने · utthāne — during awakening

मद्भक्तो · madbhakto — My devotee

व्रतम् · vratam — vows

आचरन् · ācaran — observing

मद्भक्तः सुसमाहितः सन् चातुर्मास्ये मम शयने उत्थाने च व्रतम् आचरन् विशेषेण पूजयेत्।

during the four months · especially · should worship · well-composed · during sleep · My · and · during awakening · My devotee · vows · observing

This verse introduces the Cāturmāsya period, a time of heightened spiritual discipline, linking the devotee's vows to the Lord's own divine states of sleep and awakening.

Similarly, Śrī Rāma Navamī, Śrī Nṛsiṃha Caturdaśī, Kṛṣṇa Janmāṣṭamī, and Śravaṇa Dvādaśī.

śrīrāmanavamī caivaṃ śrīnṛsiṃhacaturdaśī

kṛṣṇajanmāṣṭamī caivaṃ śravaṇadvādaśī tathā

श्रीरामनवमी · śrīrāmanavamī — Rama's birthday

च · ca — and

एवं · evaṃ — thus

श्रीनृसिंहचतुर्दशी · śrīnṛsiṃhacaturdaśī — Nrisimha's appearance day

कृष्णजन्माष्टमी · kṛṣṇajanmāṣṭamī — Krishna's birthday

च · ca — and

एवं · evaṃ — thus

श्रवणद्वादशी · śravaṇadvādaśī — Shravana Dwadashi

तथा · tathā — also

श्रीरामनवमी, श्रीनृसिंहचतुर्दशी, कृष्णजन्माष्टमी तथा श्रवणद्वादशी च एवं प्रसिद्धाः।

Rama's birthday · and · thus · Nrisimha's appearance day · Krishna's birthday · and · thus · Shravana Dwadashi · also

This verse lists specific holy days (tithis) that are dear to the Lord, establishing them as essential markers for a Vaishnava's calendar.

These holy days (tithis) are pleasing to Me, there is no doubt. On them, one should perform worship, japa, fire sacrifices (homa), vows, and kīrtana.

mama prītikarī puṇyā tithireṣā na saṃśayaḥ

tāsu pūjāṃ japaṃ homaṃ vrataṃ saṅkīrtanaṃ caret

मम · mama — My

प्रीतिकरी · prītikarī — pleasing

पुण्या · puṇyā — holy

तिथिरेषा · tithireṣā — this tithi

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

तासु · tāsu — in them

पूजां · pūjāṃ — worship

जपं · japaṃ — chanting

होमं · homaṃ — fire sacrifice

व्रतं · vrataṃ — vow

सङ्कीर्तनं · saṅkīrtanaṃ — kirtana

चरेत् · caret — should perform

एषा तिथिः मम प्रीतिकरी पुण्या, अत्र न संशयः। तासु पूजां जपं होमं व्रतं सङ्कीर्तनं च चरेत्।

My · pleasing · holy · this tithi · not · doubt · in them · worship · chanting · fire sacrifice · vow · kirtana · should perform

The Lord confirms that these specific days are inherently auspicious and pleasing to Him, mandating a comprehensive set of devotional practices for these occasions.

One should certainly abandon the Ekādaśī tithi that is mixed with the Daśamī. Similarly, in all vows, one should abandon a tithi that is mixed with the previous one.

santyajeddaśamīviddhāṃ dhruvamekādaśīṃ tithim |

evaṃ vrateṣu sarveṣu pūrvaviddhāṃ tithiṃ tyajet

सन्त्यजेत् · santyajet — should abandon

दशमीविद्धां · daśamīviddhāṃ — mixed with Dashami

ध्रुवम् · dhruvam — certainly

एकादशीं · ekādaśīṃ — Ekadashi

तिथिम् · tithim — tithi

एवं · evaṃ — thus

व्रतेषु · vrateṣu — in vows

सर्वेषु · sarveṣu — all

पूर्वविद्धां · pūrvaviddhāṃ — mixed with previous

तिथिं · tithiṃ — tithi

त्यजेत् · tyajet — should abandon

दशमीविद्धां एकादशीं तिथिं ध्रुवं सन्त्यजेत्। एवं सर्वेषु व्रतेषु पूर्वविद्धां तिथिं त्यजेत्।

should abandon · mixed with Dashami · certainly · Ekadashi · tithi · thus · in vows · all · mixed with previous · tithi · should abandon

This verse provides a crucial technical rule regarding the purity of tithis, ensuring that the devotee avoids mixing days, which is vital for the efficacy of religious vows.

In Caitra, based on the birth constellation, one should perform the Brahmotsava. In the month of Vaiśākha, one should perform the Vasantotsava (spring festival) of Me, Vishnu.

caitre brahmotsavaṃ kuryāt prādurbhāvarkṣamāśrayan|

vaiśākhamāse me viṣṇorvasantotsavamācaret

चैत्रे · caitre — in Caitra

ब्रह्मोत्सवं · brahmotsavaṃ — Brahmotsava

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

प्रादुर्भावर्क्षम् · prādurbhāvarkṣam — birth constellation

आश्रयन् · āśrayan — relying on

वैशाखमासे · vaiśākhamāse — in Vaishakha

मे · me — My

विष्णोः · viṣṇor — of Vishnu

वसन्तोत्सवम् · vasantotsavam — Vasantotsava

आचरेत् · ācaret — should perform

चैत्रे प्रादुर्भावर्क्षम् आश्रित्य ब्रह्मोत्सवं कुर्यात्। वैशाखमासे मे विष्णोः वसन्तोत्सवम् आचरेत्।

in Caitra · Brahmotsava · should perform · birth constellation · relying on · in Vaishakha · My · of Vishnu · Vasantotsava · should perform

This verse begins the seasonal calendar of festivals, aligning the Lord's worship with the natural cycle of the year, starting with the spring festivals.

A Vaiṣṇava should perform My Jyeṣṭhābhiṣeka also in the month of Jyeṣṭha. Then, on the Ekādaśī of Āṣāḍha, he should perform the Śayanotsava (sleeping festival).

jyeṣṭhābhiṣekaṃ me kuryājjyeṣṭhamāse'pi vaiṣṇavaḥ |

ekādaśyāmathāṣāḍhe śayanotsavamācaret

ज्येष्ठाभिषेकं · jyeṣṭhābhiṣekaṃ — Jyeshtha anointment

मे · me — My

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

ज्येष्ठमासे · jyeṣṭhamāse — in Jyeshtha

अपि · api — also

वैष्णवः · vaiṣṇavaḥ — a Vaishnava

एकादश्यां · ekādaśyāṃ — on Ekadashi

अथ · atha — then

आषाढे · āṣāḍhe — in Ashadha

शयनोत्सवम् · śayanotsavam — sleeping festival

आचरेत् · ācaret — should perform

वैष्णवः ज्येष्ठमासे अपि मे ज्येष्ठाभिषेकं कुर्यात्। अथ आषाढे एकादश्यां शयनोत्सवम् आचरेत्।

Jyeshtha anointment · My · should perform · in Jyeshtha · also · a Vaishnava · on Ekadashi · then · in Ashadha · sleeping festival · should perform

Continuing the calendar, this verse specifies the Jyeṣṭhābhiṣeka and the commencement of the Lord's sleeping period in Āṣāḍha, essential for the liturgical cycle.

On the full moon of Śrāvaṇa, he should perform the Pavitrotsava. Similarly, in the month of Bhādrapada, My turning over (parivartana).

śrāvaṇe pūrṇimāyāñca pavitrotsavamācaret |

evaṃ bhādrapade māse mamāpi parivartanam

श्रावणे · śrāvaṇe — in Shravana

पूर्णिमायाम् · pūrṇimāyāṃ — on full moon

च · ca — and

पवित्रोत्सवम् · pavitrotsavam — Pavitrotsava

आचरेत् · ācaret — should perform

एवं · evaṃ — thus

भाद्रपदे · bhādrapade — in Bhadrapada

मासे · māse — month

मम · mama — My

अपि · api — also

परिवर्तनम् · parivartanam — turning over

श्रावणे पूर्णिमायाम् पवित्रोत्सवम् आचरेत्। एवं भाद्रपदे मासे मम परिवर्तनम् अपि आचरेत्।

in Shravana · on full moon · and · Pavitrotsava · should perform · thus · in Bhadrapada · month · My · also · turning over

This verse marks the mid-year festivals, specifically the Pavitrotsava and the Lord's turning-over ceremony, highlighting the dynamic nature of the deity's daily life.

Likewise, in the month of Āśvayuja, he should perform My Ḍolotsava (swing festival). In the holy month of Kārtika, he should perform My awakening (utthāpana).

evamāśvayuje māsi kuryāt ḍolotsavaṃ mama

pavitre kārtike māsi kuryādutthāpanaṃ mama

एवम् · evam — thus

आश्वयुजे · āśvayuje — in Ashvayuja

मासि · māsi — month

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

डोलोत्सवं · ḍolotsavaṃ — swing festival

मम · mama — My

पवित्रे · pavitre — holy

कार्तिके · kārtike — in Kartika

मासि · māsi — month

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

उत्थापनं · utthāpanaṃ — awakening

मम · mama — My

एवं आश्वयुजे मासि मम डोलोत्सवं कुर्यात्। पवित्रे कार्तिके मासि मम उत्थापनं कुर्यात्।

thus · in Ashvayuja · month · should perform · swing festival · My · holy · in Kartika · month · should perform · awakening · My

Concluding the seasonal list, this verse covers the swing festival and the awakening ceremony, completing the annual cycle of the Lord's divine pastimes.

In Mārgaśīrṣa, he should worship the Lord especially at dawn, and having offered mudgānna (rice and green gram), he should perform the Adhyayanotsava (Veda recitation festival).

mārgaśīrṣe viśeṣeṇa pūjayeduṣasi prabhum

nivedayitvā mudgānnaṃ kuryādadhyayanotsavam

मार्गशीर्षे · mārgaśīrṣe — in the month of Mārgaśīrṣa

विशेषेण · viśeṣeṇa — especially

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — should worship

उषसि · uṣasi — at dawn

प्रभुम् · prabhum — the Lord

निवेदयित्वा · nivedayitvā — having offered

मुद्गान्नम् · mudgānnam — rice with green gram

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

अध्ययनोत्सवम् · adhyayanotsavam — the Veda recitation festival

मार्गशीर्षे उषसि विशेषेण प्रभुं पूजयेत्। मुद्गान्नं निवेदयित्वा अध्ययनोत्सवं कुर्यात्।

in the month of Mārgaśīrṣa · especially · should worship · at dawn · the Lord · having offered · rice with green gram · should perform · the Veda recitation festival

This verse specifies the ritual observances for the month of Mārgaśīrṣa, emphasizing the importance of early morning worship and the specific offering of mudgānna. It highlights the Adhyayanotsava, a significant festival dedicated to the recitation of the Vedas in the presence of the Lord.

In the months of Puṣya and Phālguna, especially on the full moon day, he should perform a great festival for Me along with devotees and Bhāgavatas.

puṣyamāse phālgune ca pūrṇimāyāṃ viśeṣataḥ |

bhaktairbhāgavataiḥ sākaṃ mama kuryānmahotsavam

पुष्यमासे · puṣyamāse — in the month of Puṣya

फाल्गुने · phālgune — in the month of Phālguna

च · ca — and

पूर्णिमायां · pūrṇimāyāṃ — on the full moon day

विशेषतः · viśeṣataḥ — especially

भक्तैः · bhaktair — with devotees

भागवतैः · bhāgavataiḥ — with Bhāgavatas

साकम् · sākam — together

मम · mama — My

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

महोत्सवम् · mahotsavam — a great festival

पुष्यमासे फाल्गुने च पूर्णिमायां विशेषतः भक्तैः भागवतैः साकं मम महोत्सवं कुर्यात्।

in the month of Puṣya · in the month of Phālguna · and · on the full moon day · especially · with devotees · with Bhāgavatas · together · My · should perform · a great festival

This verse underscores the communal aspect of devotion, mandating that festivals in the months of Puṣya and Phālguna be celebrated in the company of devotees and Bhāgavatas to maximize the spiritual atmosphere.

On the full moon day in the month of Māgha, he should then perform the float festival (plavotsava). On the full moon of Phālguna, he should perform the marriage festival (vaivāhikotsava).

pūrṇimāyāṃ māghamāse plavotsavamathācaret|

phālgune pūrṇimāyāñca kurvan vaivāhikotsavam

पूर्णिमायां · pūrṇimāyāṃ — on the full moon day

माघमासे · māghamāse — in the month of Māgha

प्लवोत्सवम् · plavotsavam — the float festival

अथ · atha — then

आचरेत् · ācaret — should perform

फाल्गुने · phālgune — in the month of Phālguna

पूर्णिमायाम् · pūrṇimāyāñ — on the full moon day

च · ca — and

कुर्वन् · kurvan — performing

वैवाहिकोत्सवम् · vaivāhikotsavam — the marriage festival

माघमासे पूर्णिमायां प्लवोत्सवम् आचरेत्। फाल्गुने पूर्णिमायाञ्च वैवाहिकोत्सवं कुर्वन्।

on the full moon day · in the month of Māgha · the float festival · then · should perform · in the month of Phālguna · on the full moon day · and · performing · the marriage festival

This verse details specific seasonal festivals, namely the float festival in Māgha and the marriage festival in Phālguna, which are essential for maintaining the cycle of divine celebrations throughout the year.

Every month, every day, and every year, he should, full of festive clamor, perform a great festival with devotion.

pratimāsaṃ pratidinaṃ pratisaṃvatsaraṃ tathā |

kuryānmahotsavaṃ bhaktyā kolāhalasamanvitaḥ

प्रतिमासम् · pratimāsaṃ — every month

प्रतिदिनम् · pratidinaṃ — every day

प्रतिसंवत्सरम् · pratisaṃvatsaraṃ — every year

तथा · tathā — thus

कुर्यात् · kuryāt — should perform

महोत्सवम् · mahotsavam — a great festival

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

कोलाहलसमन्वितः · kolāhalasamanvitaḥ — full of festive clamor

प्रतिमासं प्रतिदिनं प्रतिसंवत्सरं तथा भक्त्या कोलाहलसमन्वितः महोत्सवं कुर्यात्।

every month · every day · every year · thus · should perform · a great festival · with devotion · full of festive clamor

Concluding the chapter, this verse serves as a summary injunction, emphasizing that the life of a priest should be a continuous stream of devotion, marked by constant festive joy and service to the Lord.