History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v6.c81.144

v6.c81.144

It is no doubt true that in most vratas brāhmaṇas are to be fed, but one should not run away with the idea that the blind, the poor and the helpless were altogether forgotten. In the case of many vratas it is expressly provided that food should be given to the blind, the poor and the helpless. In describing the Aviyogavrata, both the Kalpataru (on vrata p. 75) and Hemādri quote a long passage from the Kālikāpurāṇa in which it is provided that on the day of the vrata tasteful and well-flavoured food and drink without stint should be distributed to the helpless, the blind and the deaf.⁹² Vide also Kalpataru (on vrata) p 390 (on Hari-vrata), p. 391 (on Pātravrata), p 397 (Mahāvrata), Hemādri and Krtyaratnākara p 481 on Śivarātrivrata, Krtyaratnākara p 461 (on Mitrasaptamī). The Bhaviṣya (Uttara, 22 33–34)⁹³ recommends that one observing a vrata should provide food for the blind, the distressed and the helpless according to his means. As in the case⁹⁴ of śrāddhas, particularly at Gayā, the Purānas often enjoin lavish expenditure on vratas and condemn stinginess or spending less on them than one is able to spend. Vide Matsya 100 36 The Bhaviṣyottara⁹⁵ on Ubhayadvādaśīvrata states 'the performer of Ubhayadvādaśīvrata being solely devoted to Kṛṣṇa should not be tricky (spend less) in spending wealth'. In respect of Aviyogavrata the Kālikā-purāna provides 'the performer free from trickiness about wealth should give an equivalent to the brāhmanas or the couple if he is unable (to give pearls and precious stones)'. Vide also Padma VI. 39. 21, Matsya 62. 34, 93 109, 95 32, 98. 12.