5^th Chapter (Pañcama Paţalah)

The stories of Sōmadatta and Nīla

(Sōmadatta – Nīla caritam)

श्लोक:
अथ स्तोत्रेण संतुष्टो भक्त्या नीलकृतेन च
उवाच वचनं नीलं हनुमान्वायुनंदन:।। 1

Context:

On being satisfied by the recitation of the reverent invocation by Nīla, Son of Wind, Lord Hanumān said so,

अग्रगण्यो सि भक्तानां मम नील सदा भवान्
विभीषणस्तव पिता सखा मम महामते।। 2

Lord Hanumān:

“Oh! Nīla! You have always been foremost among my devotees. Oh! Intelligent one! Your father Vibhīşaņa was also a friend of mine.

ज्ञातं मया तवाभीष्टं तद्ददामि न संशय:
श्वो महेंद्रपुरं गत्वा जित्वा तं भुवनेश्वरम्।। 3

I learnt of your wish and will definitely give you the same. Tomorrow you go to Amrāvathi, the city of Indra, win over him

चिंतामण्यादिकं दिव्यरत्नजातमवाप्स्यसि।। 4

And obtain the Thought Diamond and other precious stones.

रूपशीलवयोभाग्यसहिता वनसुंदरी
रत्नभूता सुरस्त्रीणां सा चापि प्राप्स्यते त्वया।। 5

Also you can find the worthiest, most, well-natured and of appropriate aged naturally most beautiful lady as bride.

आगत्य तें तिकं पश्चाच्चतुर्वक्त्र: पितामह:
अप्रार्थितमभीष्टं च प्रदास्यति महामते।। 6

Oh! Knowledgeable one! Then even grandfather Brahma, the Creator will come to you and bestow boons unasked.

मद्विद्यां प्रजपेद्यस्तु मद्व्रतं कुरुते भुवि
भवान्यथा तथैवासौ सद्यस्सिद्धिमवाप्स्यति।। 7

Whoever in this world recites my mantra and performs my ritual will get the result promptly like you.

पुरुषोत्तमसंस्थानं त्वन्नम्ना ख्यातिमेष्यति
मृगशीर्षाख्यनक्षत्रं भवनं ते भविष्यति।। 8

In your name, this place will become famous as Puruşottamakşētram (pilgrimage centre). You will dwell in the Mŗgaśira star constellation.

मम त्वं दक्षिणे भागे स्थितिं प्राप्य महामते
सर्वे मनोरथा: श्रेष्ठा: प्राप्स्यन्ते मत्प्रसादत:।। 9

Oh! Wise one! You will settle in the southern part. You will fulfill all your wishes by my grace.”

इत्युक्त्वा भगवन्देव: श्रीरामप्रियकिंकर:
अंतर्दधे रुद्रगणैस्सुरर्षिभिरभीष्टद:।। 10

Having said so, the dear devotee of the God among Gods, Lord Śrīrāma, Hanumān disappeared along with the Śiva followers and pious sages.

विभीषणसुतश्श्रीमानवाप्तसकलेप्सित:
भार्गवस्य गुरो: पादौ भूयो भूय: प्रणम्य च
लंकामागत्य पितरौ ववंदे विनयान्वित:।। 11

Wishes fulfilled Vibhīşaņa and the prosperous Nīla bowed again and again at the feet of Guru Śukrācārya, returned to Lanka and respectfully bowed to their parents.

ततो नीलश्शौर्यशीलस्सर्वरक्षो हितंकर:
फलितोरुतपोवृत्तिर्मनस्येवमतर्कयत्।। 12

Nīla, whose rituals are fruitful, who is famous and prosperous, and did well to the whole demon clan (rākşasa), thought so after some time.

 

वितथं बलिनश्शौर्यं शत्रुभीतिमकुर्वत:
कुलधर्मस्सुरान्जित्वा कीत्र्युत्पादनमेव न:।। 13

Nīla’s war with Indra:

Valor that does not frighten the enemies is a waste. The duty of our demon clan (rākşasas) is to win fame by defeating the celestials (dēvas).

विचिंत्येत्थं सुराधीशो दंडयात्रां वितत्य च
दूतमेकं समाहूय बभाषे परभीकर:।। 14

Thus the he Lord of the demon clan, the enemy-frightening Nīla decided for a conquest, called and told an emissary so.

गच्छ दूतामरावासं मद्वचो वद वज्रिणे
मम ज्येष्ठपितृव्यश्च रावणो रणकर्कश:।। 15

“Oh! Emissary! Go to Amarāvati (capital of Indra) and tell him as my word, ‘My elder uncle Rāvaņa is a tough warrior.

पुरा योद्धंध्रुं त्वमाहूतस्तेन क्रोधसुसंयुत:
युवयोरभवद्युद्धं भूरि मायास्त्रसायकै:।। 16

When you challenged him once for a war he was very angry. At that time the war between you two was carried out using the magical missiles (Māyāstra).

भवन्तमग्रजो वीर्यान्मेघनाथस्तदा खलु
अनयच्च तदा लंकां ततो भ्येत्य पितामह:।। 17

My elder brother Mēghanātha bound you and brought to Lanka, right? Then the Creator Brahma came (and)

विनुत्येद्रजिदित्याख्यां तस्मै दत्वा मनोरथान्
प्रययौ मोचयित्वा त्वां वेत्ति सर्वमिदं भवान्।। 18

Bestowed on him the title Indrajit, (winner over Indra) and gave him many boons. Do you remember all this?

तस्माद्योद्धुं न ते शक्तिर्देहि देव भवान्मम
चिंतामण्यादिकं दिव्यरत्नजातमनुत्तमम्।। 19

So you have no power to fight us. Hence Indra! Give me the Thought Diamond (Cintīmaņi) and other best precious stones.

कामधेनुं च देहीति दूतस्तत्प्रहितो ययौ।। 20

Give me the All-providing Sacred Cow Kāmadhēnu”; so instructed, the emissary left.

अथ गत्वा मरावासं ददर्श च शचीपतिम्
महाद्रिपक्षविच्छेदनक्षमं बिभ्रतं पविम्।। 21

Having reached the Golden City (swarņapuri of Heaven) saw the husband of queen Sachīdēvi, Dēvēndra, holder of the great Diamond Weapon (vajrāyudha) that can cut off the wings of mountains (which they used to possess once).

पुलोमजालसद्वामपाश्र्वं निर्जरसेवितम्
गंधर्वाप्सरसोद्गीतं बृहस्पतिकृताशिषम्।। 22

With Sachīdēvi sitting on his left side, being served by the celestials, being praised via songs by Gandhravas and Apsaras, having the benevolent blessings given by sage Bŗhaspati,

पश्यंतमप्सरोलास्यं भ्राजमानं सभांतरे
ततो नीलासुरेणोक्तं कथयामास गर्वत:।। 23

He (Indra) was gloriously sitting in the middle of the council viewing the dances of celestial nymphs (Apsaras). Then the emissary of Nīla started telling what he was commended to.

श्रुत्वा दूतेरितं वाक्यं कोपादूचेशतक्रतु:
बलपाकादिजंभाद्या मत्कराशनिना हता:।। 24

Hearing the words of the emissary, Indra turned angry and started saying, “Hey! You! Powerful demons like Bala, Pākāsura, Jambhāsura and others were killed by my vajrāyudha.

पाताले च भयच्छन्न्: केचित्तेष्वयुरासुरा:
दैत्येषु केन वा तुल्यस्संरंभातिशयोज्ज्वलम्।। 25

Some of the demons hid in the nether world (Pātāla) out of fear. Which of such demons he (Nīla) equals?

वज्र्ं दधानं मामत्र प्रपश्यतु पुरन्दरम्।। 26

He can see, Devendra in the battle with vajrāyudha shining with pride.

शतकोटिप्रहारस्य शतकोटिसुरारय:
न शक्तास्सहने युद्धं कीदृशो मे पुरो सुर:।। 27

Even a 1000 million demons cannot stand before the chops of my vajrāyudha. What is Nīla before them?”

उक्त्वा दूतं ससंरम्भमवादीत्पाश्र्ववविर्तिनम्।
दूतस्य हिंसा नो कार्या तदस्य करबंधनम्।। 28

Saying so with anger Indra told his aides, “An emissary cannot be harmed. Hence tie his hands

कृत्वा वितनुत क्षिप्रं शिखाच्छेदमहंकृत:
श्रुत्वा च ते तथा चक्रुस्स च खेदं परं गत:।। 29

And cut the hair of this egoist and free him”. That was done. The emissary felt very sad.

आतुरस्तत्क्षणं गत्वा प्रचख्यौ नीलरक्षसे
स चापि कुपितो घोरं भेरीनिनदभिन्नदिक्।। 30

The anxious emissary went and conveyed this to Nīla forthwith. He (Nīla), was greatly angered and war drum beats resonating in all sides,

रथकेतूत्थपवनजालक्षुभ्यन्नदीजल:
करस्फुरितकौक्षेयरुचिच्छन्नजनेक्षण:।। 31

Winds generated by the flags on chariots disturbing the waters of rivers, people blinded by the light emanating from the sharp swords in the hands of the forces,

सेनांगचरणाघातचूर्णीकृतगिरिस्थल:
ससैन्य: प्रस्खलद्दैन्त्यश्शतमन्युमुपाद्रवत्।। 32

Foot falls of his infantry pounding hills into powder, he (Nīla) reached Indra fearlessly.

गत्वा विलयकालोत्थमेघस्तनितभीकरम्
अट्टहासं चकारोच्चैर्विव्यधुर्दिगधीश्वरा:
ससैन्यास्सहसा गत्वा परिवव्रुर्बलांतकम्।। 33

With loud roars like those of Dissolution Day clouds. All the worried Direction Keepers (dikpālakas) immediately joined Indra along with their forces.

तैस्समेत: स्फुरत्तीव्रधारवज्रलसत्कर:
जगामायोधनभुवं जिष्णु: पाश्र्वगतामर:।। 34

Along with them and accompanied by their leaders, with his hand luminous due to the sharpness of the vajrāyudha, victory seeking Indra left for the battle ground.

अथादितेयदैत्यानां बभूवायोधनं महत्
जगतां भयदं भूरि सिंहनादसमाकुलम्।। 35

Then followed a great war between the demon clan and the celestials that frightened the whole world, what with their lion like roars.

तारा: पेतुरथ श्रीणा वार्धयश्शीतगुभ्र्रमन्
ययौ दिक्ष्वपथा त्सूर्यश्चचाल च वसुंधरा।। 36

Then the Stars fell to the ground. Moon tottered between waxing and waning. The Sun went out of its way. The Earth tremored.

ववुर्महानिला नेमु: फणींद्रस्य फणाजनात्
एवं प्रवृत्ते तुमुले संयुगे सुररक्षसाम्।। 37

The speed of movement of the hoods of the great original snake Ādiśeşa gave forth great forceful winds. Thus, when a fierce wars ensued between the demon clan and the celestials

निर्माय मायामसुरास्सुरान्मग्नानिवांबुधौ
विधाय मोहितान्सर्वान्सिंहनादान्प्रचक्रमु:।। 38

The demons created a great sea of illusion and drowned the celestials into that illusion. Seeing their plight, demons roared like lions.

अशक्ता: स्थातुममरा: पलायंतो दिशो भयात्
मघवान् वीक्ष्य सकलानमरान्कोपदीपित:।। 39

Uable to stand, the celestials started running hither tither. Seeing the plight of the celestials, angered Indra

घोरारिभेरिरवणमारुह्म् धवलं गजम्
प्रत्यर्थिमर्मदलनं कुलिशं पाणिना दधत्।। 40

Annoyed by the fearful noise of the enemy’s kettledrums, riding his famous white coloured elephant Airāvata and with the enemy morale-breaking vajrāyudha in hand,

दैत्यानां गणहुंकारैरहंकारं विजृम्भयन्
जंभारिरभ्ययान्नीलं रयाद्दानवनायकम्।। 41

Showing his ego-anger through the wild roars of the demons, he quickly moved in front of Nīla and attacked him.

अब्रवीच्च समासाद्य राक्षसाधिपतिं रुषा
मदात्मसंभवो वाली त्वत्पितृभ्रातरं पुरा।। 42

Reaching close to the demon commander he uttered in anger, “My son Vāli once bound your father’s elder brother Rāvaņa,

लांगूलरोम्णा तं बद्ध्वा रावणं वारिराशिषु
मज्जयामास तत्सर्वं पितृव्यान्न श्रुतं किमु।। 43

Just with the hairy switch of his tail and plunged him in the seas again and again. Haven’t you heard this episode from you elder uncle?”

शक्र! त्वामग्रहीद्युद्धे मेघनादो मदग्रज:
स्वगृहं चानयद्बद्ध्वा चेंद्रजिद्बिरुदांकित:।। 44

Nīla replied, “Indra! My elder brother Mēghanāth shackled you and brought home, winning the tile ‘Indrajit’.

एतल्लोकत्रयं वेत्ति तथा इंद्र! न लज्जसे
बलपौरुषसंख्यानं भवन्त्यपि समुद्धतम्:।। 45

This fact is known in the Three Worlds. You lost even though you had power and manliness. Are you not ashamed of that? In spite of being powerful and manly,

जारो गौतमजायाया: संगत्यै कुक्कुटीभवन्
अकार्षी: खलु ते लोके विदितं शक्र पौरुषम्।। 46

Haven’t you turned into a cock with amorous intent towards the pious wife sage Gautama? Hey! Indra! Your ‘valor’ is well-known.”

इति सोल्लुठनानुक्त्वा सज्यं कृत्वा स कार्मुकं
नीलो विधाय धनुषा बाणान्प्रायुंक्त वासवे।। 47

After exchange of such insults, (Nīla) prepared his bow and shot arrows at Indra.

स च्छित्वा तान्क्षणाद्बाणैर्धनुश्चिच्छेद रक्षस:
सो न्यं गृहीतवांश्चापं बहुधेंद्रो भिनच्च तम्।। 48

All such arrows were broken by Indra in no time and also broke the bow of Nīla. When Nīla took bow after bow, Indra broke them in different ways.

नीलो थ चंद्रहासेन दंभोलिं कुन्ठितं व्यधात्
ततश्शचीपति: कोपादवरुह्म् गजात्सृणिम्।। 49

Then Nīla let of the Moon Derider scimitar (originally of Rāvaņa) to blunt the vajrāyudha. At this, angered Indra got down from his Airāvata (with) the elephant goad

गृहीत्वा तेन देवारि माजघान घनध्वनि:
गदामादाय स तदा बभंजांकुशमासुर:।। 50

And the thunder-cloud loud Indra hit Nīla, the demon with it. Then the latter broke the goad with his mace.

शक्रं गृहीत्वा खड्गेन नीलो हंतुं समुद्यत:
विदित्य तत्क्षणादेत्य विधिर्मा साहसं कुरु।। 51

Soon knowing the intent of Nīla to kill Indra with a sword, there appeared immediately Brahma,the Creator, “Nīla don’t be so bold”;

इत्युक्त्वा तत्करं रुद्ध्वा तरसा तमवोचत
नीलं नीलापतेर्भक्तो जनकस्ते विभीषण:।। 52

Said so and stopped his action and further told him, “Oh! Nīla! Your father Vibhīşaņa is a great devotee of Lord Vişņu.

मुकुदस्याग्रजश्चायं महेंद्र: तृणु मे वच:
मैत्रीं विधाय विपुलां त्वमनेन पविं त्यज।। 53

This Indra is elder brother of that Vişņu. Hence listen to me. Be friends with him and leave his vajrāyudha.

चिंतामणिं कल्पतरुं कामधेनुमहं च ते
प्रदास्ये देवराजेन मैत्रीयुक्तस्सदा भव।। 54

I will give you the Cintīmaņi, the Kāmadhēnu and the Kalpavŗkşa. Always maintain friendly ties with Dēvēndra.

अन्यच्च तृणु वक्ष्यामि विभीषणवरात्मज!
पूर्वं हिमाचले तीव्रं चचारात्रिर्महत्तप:।। 55

Oh! The Best son of Vibhīşaņa! Listen to another fact that I am telling you. Once sage Atri, the pious one rich of powers earned via ritualism, wandered widely among the Himalayas.

तन्नेत्रादुदभूच्चैकं दिव्यतेजस्तपोमयम्
तद्वै वृक्षेषु बहुधा जर्जरं मारुत: स्वयम्।। 56

A great radiant power earned via ritualism emanated. The same radiance spread among the Kalpavŗkşas in different ways. That, the Wind God himself divided

राशिद्वयं चकाराथ चंद्रस्तत्रैकराशित:
सौंदर्यैकनिधिर्जज्ञे द्वितीयाद्राशितस्तत:।। 57

Into two lots. Out of one of those was born the beautiful Moon. Then out of the second lot

त्रिलोककन्यका श्रेष्ठा कन्या च वनसुन्दरी
ओषधीशस्ततो जातश्शंभोर्मूर्धनि भूषणम्।। 58

Took form as the virgin Vanasundarī (forest nymph), the most beautiful among the virgin girls of all the Three Worlds. Afterwards the Moon became an ornament in Lord Śiva’s head.

मधुनावर्धयत्तां तु कन्यकां वनसुन्दरीम्
दुहितृत्वं गता तस्य प्राप्य संपूर्णयौवनम्।। 59

The virgin Vanasundarī was brought up by the king of seasons Vasant (spring). She grew up through childhood into full youth.

अतुलेन चकोराक्षी सौंदर्येण विराजते
तां च देवीं प्रदास्यामि चिंतामण्यादिभिस्सह।। 60

She is of incomparable beauty. I will present her to you along with Cintīmaņi and other precious stones.

भवतोपासिता विद्या सर्वसिंहासनेश्वरी
श्रीरामसचिवाग्रस्य साक्षाच्च्रीहनुमत्प्रभो:।। 61

Hanumadvrata Timings

Queen of all rituals, Śrīrāma devotee Hanumān’s mantra ritual was performed by you.

व्रतं कृतं हनुमतो नक्षत्रे मृगशीर्षके
अस्मदादिभिरभ्यच्र्यस्तेनासि सुमहामते।। 62

Hanumadvrata was performed in Mŗgaśirā (Western name – λ, φ Orionis) star constellation. Hence, Oh! Knowledgeable one! Hence you became worthy of praise by persons like me.

रहस्यमन्यद्वक्ष्यामि सद्यस्सकलसिद्धिदम्
मया नोक्तमित:पूर्वं यस्य कस्यापि सुव्रत।। 63

Niīla! Peformer of the ritual well! I am telling you another secret that fulfills everything promptly.

माघे श्रीरुद्रदैवत्ये फाल्गुने दितिदैवते
चैत्रे पुष्ये र्कनक्षेत्रे पूजयेद्धनुमत्प्रभुम्।। 64

Lord Hanumān ritual has to be performed in Rudra form during the Māgha month (11^th lunar month) in Ārudra star constellation (Western star name – Betelgeuse), in Aditi form during the Phālguna month (12^th lunar month) in Punarvasu star constellation (Western star name – Castor and Pollux), in Sūrya form during the Chaitra month (1^st lunar month) in Puşyami star constellation (Western star name – γ, δ and θCancri)

ज्येष्ठमास्यथवा कुर्याद्व्रतं नक्षत्रपंचके
पूर्वोक्तस्यैव तोरस्य पूजां कुर्याद्दीने दिने।। 65

Or the ritual can be performed in all the above star constellations in the Jyēsta month (3^rd lunar month). The same earlier specified holy wrist band is to be worn for the day’s ritual.

एकभुक्तो ह्मधश्शायी ब्रम्हचारी जितेन्द्रिय:
जपेदष्टोत्तरशतं पंचवक्त्रमहामनुम्।। 66

Eating just once a day, sleeping on the floor, controlling the sensory organs, strict celibacy are essential for reciting this Five-faced Hannumān mantra 108 times.

यं कंचिदपि तन्मन्त्रं जपेत्सर्वदिनेष्वपि
विप्रेभ्य: पंचसंख्येभ्यो दद्याद्वायनमुत्तमम्।। 67

At least a part of the holy mantra has to be recited on the specified festival days. Five Brahmins have to be donated with gifts liberally.

अपूपपंचके नील फलपंचकसंयुतम्
आचार्यं पूजयेत्पश्चाद्वित्तशाठ्यविवर्जित:।। 68

Oh! Nīla! The sacred food offering should comprise of five Appams (rice flour pancakes) and five fruits each. Then the Guru has to be satisfied with good monetary gift.

पूजयेद्वटुकान्पंच ब्राह्मणानपि भोजयेत्
अस्मिन्व्रते कृते साक्षाद्धनूमत्कथया न्विते।। 69

Five celibates (Brahamacāris) have to be worshipped and Brahmins have to be appropriately satisfied. Performed along with recitation of the real story of Hanumān, due to this ritual

आयुरारोग्यमतुलं धनधान्यादिसम्पद:
विजय: पुत्रपौत्राश्च सौभाग्यममलं शुभम्।। 70

Good longevity, health, money, food grains and other riches accrue. Obtaining sons and grandsons, every auspiciousness and fortune accrue.

किमुत्तेनाथ बहुना सर्वसिद्धिर्भविष्यति
तस्मात्त्वं कुरु यत्नेन व्रतमेतदनुत्तमम्।। 71

Why to say so much? Everything can be chieved by this. So perform this very best ritual carefully.

भविष्यति महासिद्धिस्सततं विजयप्रदा
शतवर्षसहस्राणि भुक्त्वा भोगान्मनोरथान्।। 72

Great Power of wining always accrues. Enjoying desired wishes and enjoyments for many years,

एकांशेनापि वैकुठे भगवत्किंकराग्रणी:
नीलाद्रिरिति विख्यातं क्षेत्रश्रीपुरुषोत्तमम्।। 73

With just a micro body (anś) you will become the best among the many servants of the God in the heaven (vaikunţha) and at Nīlādri (Blue Mountain) well-known as the Puruōşottamaksetra (Abode of the Best Amongst Men)

जगन्नाथप्रियो भूत्वा चैकांशेन महीतले
दर्शनान्मुक्तिदो नृणां सुंदर्या सह संततम्।। 74

You will reside on Earth always along with your consort Vanasundarī as a dear one of Vişņu providing liberation (freedom) to devotees just by their having seen you (darśan)

 

कीर्तिस्ते लोकविख्याता भविष्यति न संशय:।। 75

Without doubt, you will gain world renowned fame”.

इत्थं बहून्वरान्लब्ध्वा नीलो रत्नादिभिस्सह
भुक्त्वा भोगान्महायोगी भगवत्किंकरो भवत्।। 76

Thus, Nīla earned several boons and precious stones, and having partaken all the good things of live, ultimately became a servant of the God.

इत्युक्तो गाग्र्यमुनिना सोमदत्तो महीपति:
पत्न्या सार्धं महाविद्यां पंचवक्त्रहनूमत:।। 77

Fruits of the Hanumadvrata:

Sōmadatta along with his wife, having heard, in this manner, the explanation about the great knowledge ritual of the Five-faced Hanumān as explained by sage Garga.

गुरोस्समीपे कृत्वाथ वसन् तद्व्रतमुत्तमम्
संप्राप्य सद्यश्चायुष्मान् कंदर्पसमरूपवान्।। 78

Having performed the said, best of rituals, Hanumadvrata in the presence of the Guru and promptly got longevity, beautiful form like that of the Cupid, he

हनुमत: प्रसादेन खड्गसिद्धिमवाप्तवान्
ततस्समस्तारिगणानेकाह्नैव विजित्य च।। 79

Became and expert at use of sword due to the benevolence of Lord Hanumān. Then in just a day-light of time he won over all the enemies,

स्वराज्यं पालयामास गाग्र्यं कृत्वा पुरोहितम्
स्वर्णकोटिसहस्राणि तस्माद्गाग्र्यो महामुनि:।। 80

He started ruling his kingdom with sage Garga as his court priest. Because of this sage Garga (having received) 10 billion golden coins

संप्राप्य वर्षसाहस्र्ं सत्रयागमथाकरोत्
सप्तद्वीपवतीं धात्रीं गाग्र्यानुग्रहतो नृप:।। 81

Performed long fire sacrifice for ten thousand years. By the grace of Garga, King Sōmadatta (ruled) the seven-island Earth,

पालयामास धर्मात्मा त्रिंशद्वर्षसहस्त्रकम्
अष्टान् पुत्रानवाप्याथ ज्येष्ठं राज्ये भिषिच्य च।। 82

Righteously for 300 years. Having had eight sons; having enthroned the eldest son as the king;

ब्रह्मश्म्लोकमवापांते पत्या सह महायशा:
हनूमतो व्रतस्यैवं प्रभावो मुनिपुंगव।। 83

Ultimately, that famous person attained Brahmalōka (World above Heaven) (after death). Oh! Best among Sages! Maitrēya! The fruits of performing the Hanuman ritual are like that.

श्रुतो वा पठितो यैश्च सर्वदा विजयप्रद:
अथापरं प्रवक्ष्यामि सर्वव्रतफलप्रदम्।। 84

Just by hearing or reading this ritual will give eternal success. Now I will let you know another ritual that gives fruits of all the rituals together.

व्रतं हनुमतो गोप्यं सद्यो विजयसिद्धिदम्
आदित्यहस्तनक्षत्रे पूर्ववत्पूजयेद्विभुम्।। 85

Secret Hanumadvrata:

This Hanumadvrata is a secret one. Also gives fruits right away. As told earlier, Lord Hanumān has to be worshipped on Sunday that falls in Hasta (Western name – α, β, γ, δ and ε Corvi) star constellation.

फलाशीर्वा हविष्याशी क्षीराहारो थ वा मुने!
पूर्वोक्तां मुद्रिकां स्पृष्ट्वा मनुमेकशतं जपेत्।। 86

Sage Maitrēya! Taking fruits or ghee or milk as food and wearing the earlier defined ring (with Gunja root) the mantra has to be recited a hundred times.

तोरं तु ग्रथितं धृत्वा यद्वा यज्ञोपवीतके
कृत्वा शूद्रादिसंस्पर्शरहित: साधकोत्तम:।। 87

Wearing the holy wrist band (toram) or the sacred thread (janev), the worshipper becoming free of contact with unclean things

आदित्यहस्तनक्षत्रे मुद्रिकां पूजयेत्सदा
वर्षे समाप्ते तोरं तु धारयेदन्यदुत्तमम्।। 88

Has to worship Sun God (Savitŗ) in Hasta star constellation, always wearing that ring. After completing one year, a new wrist band has to be worn.

स्वर्णवेष्टितपूर्वोत्तमुद्रिकैकैव संततम्
अस्पृष्टा धारयेद्यस्तु शुद्राद्यैस्सततं नर:।। 89

The earlier described ring made of gold around the Gunja root that never came in contact with unclean things only has to be worn.

हस्तार्के कुरुते यस्तु व्रतमेतदनुत्तमम्
परेद्युर्वायनं दद्याद्गुरुं संपूज्य यत्नत:।। 90

In Sun-associated Hasta star constellation that falls on Sunday, one performing this ritual has to purposefully worship the Guru and present him sanctified food. One who does so

हनुमत्कथया युक्तस्सततं विजयी भवेत्
धनधान्याकुलां लक्ष्मीं पुत्रपौत्रयुतामपि।। 91

Hears to the story of Hanumān and attains victory. Growth in stocks of food grans and money, sons and grandsons,

अवाप्य शक्रसंकाशो नृपान्नारीनराधिकान्
दासभूतान्करोत्येव प्राणैरपि धनैरपि।। 92

Obtains, equal in status of Dēvēndra, keeps kings and many men and women under control along with their lives and wealth.

दीर्घमायुष्यमारोग्यं वाक्सिद्धिं विपुलामपि
अवाप्य महतीमृद्धिं भुक्त्वा भोगान्मनोरथान्।। 93

Earning longevity, health, great speech ability, great wealth, enjoys all good things, gets all sought desires,

अन्ते श्रीतारकं ब्रह्मन् लब्ध्वा मुक्तो भवेन्नर:
अष्टाक्षरेण वा कुर्याद्येन केनापि वा मुने।। 94

Ultimately attains transcendental world of the Rescuing Supreme Being (Tārakabrahma) and becomes a free soul. Oh! Sage Maiytrēya! This Hanumadvrata ritual, with the aşţākşarīmantra (Ōm namō Nārāyaņāya)

पुरा पार्थो महाबाहुरर्जुन: कृष्णसारधि:।। 95

Or with any other very good Hanumanmantra, is to be performed. In the past mighty shouldered Arjuna (the middle Pāndava), whose charioteer was Lord Sri Krişņa himself,

हस्तादित्यव्रतं कृत्वा प्रजप्याष्टाक्षरं मनुम्
अतुल्यबलमासाद्य विजयं प्राप्य संततम्।। 96

Performed the Hastādityavrata (when Sun is in Hasta star constellation) and recited the aşţākşarīmantra and obtained unparalleled strength and stood as the victor always.

नक्षत्रपंचके कृत्वा कृत्वा हनुमत: परं
भीमसेनो महाबाहु: जितवान्सकलानरीन्।। 97

Bhīma (the second Pāndava) performed this Hanumadvrata in the five – Mŗgaśira, Ārudra, Punarvasu, Puşyami and Hasta star constellations and won over all the enemies.

के वा न पूजयंतीह प्रत्यक्षवरदायकम्
अर्चयंति हनूमंतं ब्रम्हविष्णुशिवा अपि।। 98

Who has not worshipped that great open giver of boons? Even Brahma, Vişņu and Śiva are worshipping Hanumān.

हनुमत्सदृशं दैवं नास्ति नास्त्येव भूतले
अनेनैव प्रमाणेन जयसिद्धिकरं परम्।। 99

There is no God comparable to Hanumān on this Earth. This standard fact indicates that Hanumadvrata is the best in giving victory.

तस्मिन्संपूजिते भानु: ब्रह्मा गौरी महेश्वर:
श्रीजानकीपतिस्साक्षादादिनारायण: प्रभु:।। 100

It is because Sri Hanumān was worshipped by them that Sūrya (Sun God), Brahma (Creator), Gauri (Mother Pārvati, consort of Śiva), Lord Śrīrāma the spouse of Jānaki, and the all-powerful Śrīmannāarāyaņa himself,

ईशशक्रादिदिक्पाला: कुमारो गणनायक:
ब्रह्मर्षयो वशिष्ठाद्यास्सनकाद्याश्च योगिन:।। 101

The very Supreme God, Dēvēndra and other rulers of Directions, Kumāraswāmy (Kārtikēya), Ganēşa, Vaśisţa and other sages, Sanaka and other yōgis,

पितरो वसवो रुद्रा: पूजितास्स्युर्न संशय:।। 102

Ancestors, the eight Vasu deities, the eleven Rudras (forms of Śiva), one and all worship him. Thus worshipping Hanumān is equal to worshipping all the above deities.

हनूमंतं महात्मानं जयकाम: प्रपूजयेत्
तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन श्रीरामप्रियकिंकरम्।। 103

Hence Hanumān, the victory wisher great soul and the dear emissary of Lord Śrīrām has to be worshipped with devotion.

य इदं तृणुयान्नित्यं श्रावयेद्वा समाहित:
स लब्ध्वा सकलाभीष्टान् ब्रह्मलोके महीयते।। 104

Whoever listens this regularly or narrates with devotion will get all desires fulfilled and will reach the world of the Supreme Brahman.

चंद्रहीना यथा रात्रिर्धनहीनो यथा नृप:
वृथाप्रबंधो हनुमन्नमहीनस्तपोधन!।। 105

Oh! Maitrēya! Like a night without the Moon and a day without money, any literary work without the mention the name of Hanumān is purposeless.

मैत्रेय नीलविजयध्वजदत्तगाल…
मैदांगदांश्च विजयं भरतं सषेणं
हारीतकश्यपसुपुष्करसोमदत्तान्
पुण्यान् स्मरामि हनुमत्पदपद्मभक्तन्।। 106

Maitērya! I always think of devotees of Hanumān and pious individuals Nīla, Vijaya, Dhwajadatta, Gāla, Mainda, Añgada, Bharata, Suşeņa, Kaśyapa, Puşkara and Sōmadatta.

 

इति श्रीपराशरसहितायां पंचमुखहनुमन्मन्त्रविवरणे पराशर मैत्रेयसंवादे सोमदत्तनीलकथनं नाम पव्म्चमपटल:।

Thus ends the 5^th Chapter, entitled “The stories of Sōmadatta and Nīla” of Śrī Parāśara Samhitā

Devanagari transliteration

 

Click here to visit the Contents of the Part 1.