History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v6.c81.1860

v6.c81.1860

*Māsopavāsavrata*—This is the greatest among all vratas. This is a very ancient vrata Inscriptions in Nāneghāt mention that queen Nāyanika (Nāganikā) in the 2nd century B C had performed it, vide ASWI. vol. V p 60. This is described by Agni (204 1–18), Gar. (I. 122. 1–7), Pad VI 121 15-54. Agni being the briefest is summarised here The performer should have performed all Vaiṣṇava vratas (such as dvādaśī), take the permission of his *guru*; considering his own strength should begin on 11th of Āśv. śu. and make a *saṅkalpa* to carry it on for 30 days; a forest hermit or a *yati* or a widow should enter upon it (but not a householder); he should offer worship to Viṣṇu thrice in the day with flowers &c.; should sing hymns of praise of Viṣṇu and contemplate on Viṣṇu, should avoid all idle talk, give up desire for wealth, should not touch any one who does not observe *niyamas*, he should stay in a temple for 30 days; on the 12th after 30 days he should feed brāhmaṇas, give them dakṣiṇā and perform *pāraṇa* by inviting thirteen brāhmaṇas, donate pairs of garments, *āsana* (seat), vessels, umbrella, pair of sandals, worship golden image of Viṣṇu on a bed and his own image should be given garments &c., donate the bedstead to his guru, the spot where the performer stays becomes holy; he takes himself and members of his family to Viṣṇuloka; if the performer faints during the vrata, he should be made to drink milk, clarified butter and fruit juice, the partaking of these with the consent of brāhmaṇas does not nullify the vrata; vide HV II. 776-783 (from Viṣṇurahosya).