Adhyaya 64: Procedure for the Vow that Cultivates Valor (Durgā Navamī Observance)

Verse 1

अगस्त्य उवाच । अथापरं प्रवक्ष्यामि शौर्यव्रतमनुत्तमम् । येन भीरोरपि महच्छौर्यं भवति तत्क्षणात् ॥ ६४.१ ॥

Agastya said: “Now I shall further expound the unsurpassed vrata of valor, by which even one who is fearful attains great courage in an instant.”

Verse 2

मासि चाश्वयुजे शुद्धां नवमीं समुपोषयेत् । सप्तम्यां कृतसंकल्पः स्थित्वाऽष्टम्यां निरोधनः ॥ ६४.२ ॥

In the month of Āśvayuja, one should duly observe a pure fast on the ninth lunar day (Navamī). Having formed the vow-intention on the seventh (Saptamī), one should remain observant and practice restraint (nirodha) on the eighth (Aṣṭamī).

Verse 3

नवम्यां पारयेत् पिष्टं प्रथमं भक्तितो नृप । ब्राह्मणान् भोजयेद् भक्त्या देवीं चैव तु पूजयेत् । दुर्गां देवीं महाभागां महामायां महाप्रभाम् ॥ ६४.३ ॥

On Navamī, O king, one should first conclude the observance with a piṣṭa-offering, doing so with devotion; one should feed brāhmaṇas with devotion and also worship the Goddess—Durgā, the most auspicious one, Mahāmāyā (the Great Illusion), and Mahāprabhā (the greatly radiant).

Verse 4

एवं संवत्सरं यावदुपोष्येति विधानतः । व्रतान्ते भोजयेद्धीमान् यथाशक्त्या कुमारिकाः ॥ ६४.४ ॥

Thus, observing the fast for as long as a year in accordance with the prescribed procedure, at the conclusion of the vow the wise person should feed young unmarried girls (kumārīs), according to one’s capacity.

Verse 5

हेमवस्त्रादिभिस्तास्तु भूषयित्वा तु शक्तितः । पश्चात्क्षमापयेत् तास्तु देवी मे प्रीयतामिति ॥ ६४.५ ॥

Having adorned them, to the best of one’s ability, with gold, garments, and similar offerings, one should thereafter seek their forgiveness, saying: “May the Goddess be pleased with me.”

Verse 6

एवं कृते भ्रष्टराज्यो लभेद्राज्यं न संशयः । अविद्यो लभते विद्यां भीतः शौर्यं च विदन्ति ॥ ६४.६ ॥

When this is done, a king who has fallen from sovereignty regains his kingdom—there is no doubt. The unlearned attains learning, and the fearful come to be recognized as possessing valor as well.