rule



 

 

Canto 12

Nārada Muni

 



Chapter 11: Vishnu's Attributes and the Order of the Month of Him as the Sun god

(1) S'rī S'aunaka said: "Oh great devotee of the Supreme Personality known with the essence. You, oh best knower who knows so much, we now ask about this matter of  the definitive conclusion of all the supplementary literatures [the tantras]. (2-3) We wish you all fortune! Please describe to us eager to learn, the kriyā-yoga method of proceeding with His form by which, expertly performed, a mortal being may attain immortality. How do the followers of the tantric prescriptions [the tāntrikas] in their regular worship conceive of the limbs, associates, weapons and ornaments of the Master of the Goddess of Fortune who is pure consciousness in person?"

(4) Sūta said: "My obeisances to the gurus! I shall speak about the opulences of Lord Vishnu that by the standard authorities, beginning with Padmaja [Lord Brahmā as the one born on the lotus], are described in the Vedas and tantras. (5) He, the universal form [the complete of the universe, the virāth-rūpa], consists of the nine elements of creation [the tattvas] beginning with māyā [or prakriti] and their [sixteen] transformations [vikāras]. In that conscious existence the three worlds [the lokas] produced are discerned [see also 11.22: 4-25]. (6-8) This form of the Purusha, has the earth for His feet, heaven for His head, cosmic space for His navel, the sun for His eyes, the air for His nostrils and the directions for His ears. The Master, the Lord, has the Prajāpati for His genital and death for His anus. The Absolute Controller has the local rulers [the demigods] for His many arms, the moon for His mind, yama [or Yama] for His eyebrows, shame for His upper lip and greed for His lower lip. The moonlight stands for the teeth, delusion for the smile, the trees for the hairs on the body of the Almighty Lord and the clouds are the hair on the head of the Purusha [see also e.g. 2.6: 1-11, 2.10: 24-32, 10.40: 13-14, 11.12: 18-20]. (9) Just as one can determine the dimensions of a normal individual by measuring the spread of his limbs, one can determine the dimensions of Him, the Gigantic Person, by the spread of planetary systems [see also 5.20-24]. (10) The Kaustubha gem carried by the Unborn One represents the spiritual light of the individual soul. The S'rīvatsa mark on the chest of the Almighty represents its expansive effulgence [of the gem/the soul]. (11-12) His material energy, consisting of different combinations of the natural modes, is represented by His flower garland. The yellow garment He wears stands for the Vedic meters and His sacred thread represents the three syllable AUM. The processes of sānkhya and yoga are carried by the Godhead in the form of His makara ['sea-monster'] earrings, and His crown, freeing all the worlds from fear, represents the superior [transcendental] position. (13) The seat He sits on is called Ananta [the snake bed] - it is unevolved matter [pradhāna, the primal ether]. The lotus [the Lord's throne] thereupon is the goodness associated with dharma, spiritual knowledge and so on. (14-15) The club He carries constitutes the principle element [of prāna or the vital air] relating to the sensory power, physical power and the power of mind. His excellent conch shell is the element water and His Sudars'ana disc is the principle of tejas [the vital power, the dignity, the fire in opposition]. His sword is, [pure] as the atmosphere, the ether element, His shield consists of the mode of ignorance, His bow S'ārnga is the specific order [or spirit, the rūpa] of time, and His quiver of arrows consists of the karma [the action or the karmendriyas]. (16) His arrows, they say, are the senses, His chariot is the incitement to action [the mind], His external appearance constitutes the objects of perception [tānmatras], and His gestures [mudrās] represent the essence of purposeful action. (17) The cyclic order [of time, viz. the sun and the moon] constitutes the exercise of respect for the Godhead, spiritual initiation [dīkshā] is the purification process for the spiritual soul, and devotional service to the Fortunate One is how one puts an end to a bad course [sin]. (18) The supreme lotus of Bhagavān refers to the meaning of the word bhaga [His opulences], and the fan and whisk the Supreme Lord has accepted for His worship, are religion and fame. (19) Dear brahmins, His umbrella is Vaikunthha, the place free from foolishness, and the one called Suparna [Garuda], who is the carrier of the Personality of Sacrifice [Vishnu or Yajńa], represents the threefold Veda [see footnote]. (20) The goddess S'rī inseparable from the Lord constitutes His visible inner nature [*], Vishvaksena is known as the personification of the tantra scriptures, and the eight doorkeepers headed by Nanda [**] stand for the Lord's qualities of animā and such [the siddhis]. (21) Vāsudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha are, as you know, the  names of the manifested forms [the vyūha expansions] of the Original Person Himself, oh brahmin [S'aunaka]. (22) Bhagavān, the Supreme Lord, can be discussed in terms of [the states of consciousness concerning] the entire universe [vis'va], the passionate ego [taijasa], the individual learning [prājnć] and the transcendence [turīya], that stand for [respectively His] functions of the [omnipresent perception of] external objects [as embodied by the expansion of His mind Prayumna], of sense itself [of the force, by the expansion of His ego Sankarshana], of the one who senses [of the expansion of His personal intelligence Aniruddha], and of spiritual self-realization [the transcendental beatitude of Him, Vāsudeva]. (23) In His four personal forms [His expansions], Bhaga-vān [the possessor of the fullness], the Lord and Controller, maintains these four states with the help of His major [arms; as in verse 14-15] and minor limbs [His extra limbs, His guardians], His weapons and His ornaments. (24) Oh best of the brahmins, He alone is the self-illuminating source of the Absolute Truth [the Vedas] who, perfect in His own greatness and completeness, by His own material energy creates, withdraws and maintains this universe. As such [a performer of various material functions] He, while not being covered in His transcendental awareness, is [sometimes] described as being materially unfolded [as divided]. But by those who are devoted to Him He can be realized as their one true self, their very Soul. (25) S'rī Krishna, friend of Arjuna, chief of the Vrishnis, Annihilator of the Rebellious Royal Dynasties whose prowess never deteriorates, oh Govinda, place of pilgrimage whose glories, which bring about auspiciousness by just hearing about them, are sung by Vraja's cowherd men and women and their dependents, please protect Your servants! (26) Anyone who rises at dawn and with his mind absorbed in Him [in tat] in meditation murmurs these characteristics of the Supreme Original Person, arrives at the realization of the Absolute Truth present in his heart."
 
(27-28) S'rī S'aunaka said: "The great sage S'uka described to the listening king Parīkchit ['the grace of Vishnu'] the seven [pairs of] attendants of the sun god occupying a different position in each month. Please speak to us so faithful, about the names and actions of these expansions of the Lord's manifestation as Sūrya, and the deities involved [see also 5.21: 18]."

(29) Sūta said: "This regulator of all the planets [the sun] revolving in their midst [around mount Meru, see 5.22: 2] was [by the Lord in the form of Time] created from the [proto]material primal energy [pradhāna] of Vishnu, the Supreme Soul of all embodied beings. (30) The sun being the one and only Lord, the original creator and self indeed of all the [planetary] worlds, constitutes the basis of all ritualistic activities of the Vedas that are differently described by the sages. (31) Oh brahmin, the material energy of the Lord is thus described in nine: the time, the place, the endeavor, the performer, the instrument, the specific ritual, the scripture, the paraphernalia and the result [compare B.G. 18: 13-15].

(32) The Supreme Lord assuming the form of Time, is there for the [regulation of the] planetary motion to the rule of twelve [months or māsas, see also B.G. 10: 21], beginning with Madhu. In each of the twelve He [accompanying the sun god] moves differently with His [six] associates [He as a certain Deva together with a different Apsara, Rākshasa, Nāga, Yaksha, sage and Gandharva]. (33) Dhātā [as the Sūrya Deva], Kritasthalī [as the Apsara], Heti [as the Rākshasa], Vāsuki [as the Nāga], Rathakrit [as the Yaksha], Pulastya [as the sage] and Tumburu [as the Gandharva] are the ones ruling the month of Madhu [or Caitra at the vernal equinox, March/April]. (34) [Likewise respectively] Aryamā, Puńjikasthalī, Praheti, Kacchanīra, Athaujā, Pulaha and Nārada rule the month of Mādhava [Vais'ākha, April/May]. (35) Mitra, Menakā, Paurusheya, Takshaka, Rathasvana, Atri and Hāhā are the ones ruling the month of S'ukra [Jyaisthha or Jeshthha, May/June]. (36) Varuna, Rambhā, Citrasvana, S'ukra, Sahajanya, Vasishthha and Hūhū are the ones ruling the month of S'uci [Āshādha, June/July]. (37) Indra, Pramlocā, Varya, Elāpatra, S'rotā, Angirā and Vis'vāvasu are the ones ruling the month of Nabhas [S'rāvana, July/August]. (38) Vivasvān, Anumlocā, Vyāghra, S'ankhapāla, Āsārana, Bhrigu and Ugrasena are the ones ruling the month of Nabhasya [Bhādrapada, August/September ***]. (39) Pūshā, Ghritācī, Vāta, Dhanańjaya, Suruci, Gautama and Sushena are the ones ruling the month of Tapas [Māgha, January/February]. (40) Parjanya, Senajit, Varcā, Airāvata, Ritu, Bharadvāja and Vis'va are the ones ruling the month of Tapasya [Phālguna, February/March]. (41) Ams'u, Urvas'ī, Vidyucchatru, Mahās'ankha, Tārkshya, Kas'yapa and Ritasena are the ones ruling the month of Sahas [Mārgas'īrsha, November/December]. (42) Bhaga, Pūrvacitti, Sphūrja, Karkothaka, Ūrna, Āyu and Arishthanemi are the ones ruling the month of Pushya [Pausha, December/January]. (43) Tvashthā, Tilottamā, Brahmāpeta, Kambalās'va, S'atajit, Jamadagni the son of Ricīka and Dhritarāshthra as the Gandharva, are the ones ruling the month of Isha [Ās'vina, September/October]. (44) And Vishnu, Rambhā, Makhāpeta, As'vatara, Satyajit, Vis'vāmitra and Sūryavarcā are the ones ruling the month of Ūrja [Kārttika, October/November].

(45) All these [personalities] constitute the glories of Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the form of the sun god; they take away the sinful reactions of everyone who in the morning and the evening, day after day remembers them. (46) The Lord who [as the Deva] with His six types of associates thus moves in all directions through this universe, therewith disseminates in each of the twelve months a pure consciousness for its inhabitants in this and a next life. (47-48) While the sages glorify Him with the Sāma, Rig and Yajur hymns that reveal His identity, the Gandharvas sing loudly about Him, the Apsaras dance in front of Him, the Nāgas prepare the chariot, the Yakshas harness the horses and the strong Rākshasas push it from behind. (49) In front of the chariot the sixty thousand pure Vālakhilya brahmin sages go, being of worship with prayers to the Almighty [see also 4.1: 39]. (50) The Unborn Lord Hari, the Supreme Controller, the Possessor of All Opulences without a beginning or an end, protects the worlds, by expanding Himself thus in each kalpa into [all these] various forms."

 

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  Third revised edition, loaded November 25, 2022.  

 

 

 

 

Previous Aadhar edition and Vedabase links:

Text 1

S'rī S'aunaka said: "Oh great devotee of the Supreme Personality known with the essence. You, oh best knower who knows so much, we now ask about this matter of  the definitive conclusion of all the supplementary literatures [the tantras].
S'rī S'aunaka said: "And now, o great devotee of God known with the essence, we enquire with you, the possessor of the broadest knowledge, about this matter of the definitive conclusion described in all the supplementary literatures [the tantras]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 2-3

We wish you all fortune! Please describe to us eager to learn, the kriyā-yoga method of proceeding with His form by which, expertly performed, a mortal being may attain immortality. How do the followers of the tantric prescriptions [the tāntrikas] in their regular worship conceive of the limbs, associates, weapons and ornaments of the Master of the Goddess of Fortune who is pure consciousness in person?"

 In what way are the tāntrikas of their regulated worship of the Husband of the Goddess, who is Pure Spirit, and how do they conceive of His limbs, His associates, His weapons and His ornaments? All good to you! Please describe to us, who are eager to learn, that practical method of cultivating the yoga process [kriyā-yoga] by which expertly performed a mortal being may attain immortality." (Vedabase)

   

Text 4

Sūta said: "My obeisances to the gurus! I shall speak about the opulences of Lord Vishnu that by the standard authorities, beginning with Padmaja [Lord Brahmā as the one born on the lotus], are described in the Vedas and tantras.

Sūta said: "With offering obeisances to the gurus I even [though it is difficult] will speak of the opulences belonging to Lord Vishnu which by the standard authorities beginning with the one born on the lotus [Padmaja or Lord Brahmā] are described in the Vedas and tantras. (Vedabase)

 

Text 5

He, the universal form [the complete of the universe, the virāth-rūpa], consists of the nine elements of creation [the tattvas] beginning with māyā [or prakriti] and their [sixteen] transformations [vikāras]. In that conscious existence the three worlds [the lokas] produced are discerned [see also 11.22: 4-25].

The nine elements of creation [tattvas] that, beginning with māyā [or prakriti], make up the transformations [vikāras], are found in the created reign [the virāth-rūpa], the conscious existence in which the three worlds [lokas] are discerned [see also 11.22: 4-25]. (Vedabase)

    

Text 6-8

This form of the Purusha, has the earth for His feet, heaven for His head, cosmic space for His navel, the sun for His eyes, the air for His nostrils and the directions for His ears. The Master, the Lord, has the Prajāpati for His genital and death for His anus. The Absolute Controller has the local rulers [the demigods] for His many arms, the moon for His mind, yama [or Yama] for His eyebrows, shame for His upper lip and greed for His lower lip. The moonlight stands for the teeth, delusion for the smile, the trees for the hairs on the body of the Almighty Lord and the clouds are the hair on the head of the Purusha [see also e.g. 2.6: 1-11, 2.10: 24-32, 10.40: 13-14, 11.12: 18-20].

This form of the Purusha, the Master, has the earth as His feet, heaven as His head, cosmic space as His navel, the sun as His eyes, the air as His nostrils, the directions as His ears, the Prajāpati as His genital, death as His anus, the local rulers [the demigods] as the many arms of the Absolute Controller, the moon as His mind, yama [or Yama] as His eyebrows, shame as His upper lip, greed as His lower lip, the moonlight as His teeth, delusion as His smile, the trees as the hairs on the body of the Almighty Lord, and the clouds as the hair on the head of the Purusha [see also e.g. 2.6: 1-11, 2.10: 24-32, 10.40: 13-14, 11.12: 18-20].  (Vedabase)

 

Text 9

Just as one can determine the dimensions of a normal individual by measuring the spread of his limbs, one can determine the dimensions of Him, the Gigantic Person, by the spread of planetary systems [see also 5.20-24].

Just as one can determine the dimensions of a normal individual by measuring the position of his limbs, one can the same way determine the dimensions of Him, the Gigantic Person, according the positions of the planetary systems [see also 5.20-24]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 10

The Kaustubha gem carried by the Unborn One represents the spiritual light of the individual soul. The S'rīvatsa mark on the chest of the Almighty represents its expansive effulgence [of the gem/the soul].

The spiritual light of the individual soul is represented by the Kaustubha gem that is carried by the Unborn One. The S'rīvatsa mark on the chest of the Almighty represents its expansive effulgence [of the gem/the soul]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 11-12

His material energy, consisting of different combinations of the natural modes, is represented by His flower garland. The yellow garment He wears stands for the Vedic meters and His sacred thread represents the three syllable AUM. The processes of sānkhya and yoga are carried by the Godhead in the form of His makara ['sea-monster'] earrings, and His crown, freeing all the worlds from fear, represents the superior [transcendental] position.

His material energy composed of the various modes is represented by His flower garland, the yellow garment He wears stands for the vedic metres and His sacred thread represents the three syllable AUM. The processes of sānkhya and yoga are by the Godhead carried in the form of His makara ['sea-monster'] earrings, and His crown, bringing fearlessness to all the worlds, represents the superior [transcendental] position. (Vedabase)

 

Text 13

The seat He sits on is called Ananta [the snake bed] - it is unevolved matter [pradhāna, the primal ether]. The lotus [the Lord's throne] thereupon is the goodness associated with dharma, spiritual knowledge and so on.

The personal seat upon which He sits is known as Ananta [the snakebed] and stands for unevolved matter and the lotus whereupon He is said to be found is the [pure of] goodness associated with the religion, the spiritual knowledge and so on. (Vedabase)

 

Text 14-15

The club He carries constitutes the principle element [of prāna or the vital air] relating to the sensory power, physical power and the power of mind. His excellent conch shell is the element water and His Sudars'ana disc is the principle of tejas [the vital power, the dignity, the fire in opposition]. His sword is, [pure] as the atmosphere, the ether element, His shield consists of the mode of ignorance, His bow S'ārnga is the specific order [or spirit, the rūpa] of time, and His quiver of arrows consists of the karma [the action or the karmendriyas].

The club He carries is the principle element [prāna or vital air] relating to the sensory power, physical power and the power of mind; His excellent conchshell is the element water and His Sudars'ana disc is the principle of tejas [the vital power, the dignity, the fire in opposition]. His sword is, [pure] as the atmosphere, the ether element, His shield consists of the mode of ignorance, His bow S'arnga is the specific order [or spirit, the rūpa] of time, and His quiver of arrows consists of the karma [the action or the karmendriyas]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 16

His arrows, they say, are the senses, His chariot is the incitement to action [the mind], His external appearance constitutes the objects of perception [tānmatras], and His gestures [mudrās] represent the essence of purposeful action.

The senses, they say, are His arrows, His chariot the incitement to action, His external appearance constitutes the objects of perception [tānmatras], and his gestures [mudrās] represent the essence of purposeful action. (Vedabase)

  

Text 17

The cyclic order [of time, viz. the sun and the moon] constitutes the exercise of respect for the Godhead, spiritual initiation [dīkshā] is the purification process for the spiritual soul, and devotional service to the Fortunate One is how one puts an end to a bad course [sin].

The cyclic [of time, viz. the sun and the moon] constitutes the exercise of respect for the Godhead, spiritual initiation [dīkshā] is for the spiritual soul the way to purify, and the devotional service of the Fortunate One is there for someone to put an end to a bad course. (Vedabase)

 

Text 18

The supreme lotus of Bhagavān refers to the meaning of the word bhaga [His opulences], and the fan and whisk the Supreme Lord has accepted for His worship, are religion and fame.

Bhagavān carries - to the meaning of the word bhaga [His opulences] - the lotus of His pastimes, and the fan and whisk that the Supreme Lord accepted for His worship represent religion and fame. (Vedabase)

 

Text 19

Dear brahmins, His umbrella is Vaikunthha, the place free from foolishness, and the one called Suparna [Garuda], who is the carrier of the Personality of Sacrifice [Vishnu or Yajńa], represents the threefold Veda [see footnote].

Oh dear twice-born ones, His umbrella is Vaikunthha, His spiritual abode where there is no fear and the threefold Veda is there by the name of Suparna [Garuda], the carrier of the Personality of Sacrifice [Vishnu or Yajńa]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 20

The goddess S'rī inseparable from the Lord constitutes His visible inner nature [*], Vishvaksena is known as the personification of the tantra scriptures, and the eight doorkeepers headed by Nanda [**] stand for the Lord's qualities of animā and such [the siddhis].

The Lord His inseparable goddess S'rī is the inner nature that can be directly perceived [*]; Vishvaksena is known as the personification of the tantra scriptures and the eight of Nanda and the other chief guardian associates [**] are the animā and such [siddhis] of the Lord His qualities. (Vedabase)

 

Text 21

Vāsudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha are, as you know, the names of the manifested forms [the vyūha expansions] of the Original Person Himself, oh brahmin [S'aunaka].

Vāsudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha are, as you know, the names of the manifest forms [the vyūha expansions] of the Original Person Himself, o brahmin. (Vedabase)

 

Text 22

Bhagavān, the Supreme Lord,  can be discussed in terms of [the states of consciousness concerning] the entire universe [vis'va], the passionate ego [taijasa], the individual learning [prājnć] and the transcendence [turīya], that stand for [respectively His] functions of the [omnipresent perception of] external objects [as embodied by the expansion of His mind Prayumna], of sense itself [of the force, by the expansion of His ego Sankarshana], of the one who senses [of the expansion of His personal intelligence Aniruddha], and of spiritual self-realization [the transcendental beatitude of Him, Vāsudeva].

Bhagavān is with the help of the functions of external objects [vis'va, Pradyumna], physical power [taijasa, Sankarshana], thought [prājńa, Aniruddha] and spiritual realization [turīya, Vāsudeva] in this context conceived in the terms of waking consciousness, dreaming, dreamless sleep and the transcendental position [see avasthātraya]. (Vedabase)

 


Text 23

In His four personal forms [His expansions], Bhaga-vān [the possessor of the fullness], the Lord and Controller, maintains these four states with the help of His major [arms; as in verse 14-15] and minor limbs [His extra limbs, His guardians], His weapons and His ornaments.

In His four personal forms Bhaga-vān [the possessor of the fullness], the Lord and Controller, maintains these four states with the help of His major [arms; as in verse 14-15] and minor limbs [His extra limbs, His guardians], weapons and ornaments. (Vedabase)

 

Text 24

Oh best of the brahmins, He alone is the self-illuminating source of the Absolute Truth [the Vedas] who, perfect in His own greatness and completeness, by His own material energy creates, withdraws and maintains this universe. As such [a performer of various material functions] He, while not being covered in His transcendental awareness, is [sometimes] described as being materially unfolded [as divided]. But by those who are devoted to Him He can be realized as their one true self, their very Soul.

O best of the twice-born, He alone is the self-illuminating source of the One Self-existent Spirit who, perfect in His own greatness and completeness, by His own material energy creates, withdraws and maintains this universe. As such [a performer of various material functions] sometimes seen as if He - uncovered as He is in His transcendental awareness - would be materially divided, He can be realized by those who are devoted to Him as their one and true self, their Soul. (Vedabase)

 

Text 25

S'rī Krishna, friend of Arjuna, chief of the Vrishnis, Annihilator of the Rebellious Royal Dynasties whose prowess never deteriorates, oh Govinda, place of pilgrimage whose glories, which bring about auspiciousness by just hearing about them, are sung by Vraja's cowherd men and women and their dependents, please protect Your servants!

S'rī Krishna, o friend of Arjuna, o chief of the Vrishnis, o Annihilator of the Rebellious Royal Dynasties whose prowess never deteriorates, o Govinda, place of pilgrimage whose glories, which bring the auspicious just hearing about them, are sung by Vraja's cowherd men and women and their servants; please protect Your servants! (Vedabase)

 

Text 26

Anyone who rises at dawn and with his mind absorbed in Him [in tat] in meditation murmurs these characteristics of the Supreme Original Person, arrives at the realization of the Absolute Truth present in his heart."

Anyone who, rising at dawn, with his mind turned to God for himself chants [recites] these characteristics of the Supreme Original Person, arrives at the realization of the Absolute Truth that is situated in the heart."  (Vedabase)

 

Text 27-28

S'rī S'aunaka said: "The great sage S'uka described to the listening king Parīkchit ['the grace of Vishnu'] the seven [pairs of] attendants of the sun god occupying a different position in each month. Please speak to us so faithful, about the names and actions of these expansions of the Lord's manifestation as Sūrya, and the deities involved [see also 5.21: 18]."

 S'rī S'aunaka said: "As for the description of S'ukadeva Gosvāmī to the one attending who is the grace of Vishnu [Parīkchit] about the sun-god his associates who month by month reside in seven groups, could you please tell us, faithful listeners, what the names and actions are of those who, engaged by his various forms of control, are the expansions of the Lord in His manifestation as Sūrya [see also 5.21: 18]?" (Vedabase)

 

Text 29

Sūta said: "This regulator of all the planets [the sun] revolving in their midst [around mount Meru, see 5.22: 2] was [by the Lord in the form of Time] created from the [proto]material primal energy [pradhāna] of Vishnu, the Supreme Soul of all embodied beings.

Sūta said: "This regulator of all the planets [the sun] revolving in their midst [around mount Meru, see 5.22: 2] was [by the Lord in the form of Time] created from the beginningless material energy of Vishnu, the Supreme Soul of all embodied beings. (Vedabase)

 

Text 30

The sun being the one and only [alike the] Lord, the original creator and self indeed of all the [planetary] worlds, constitutes the basis of all ritualistic activities of the Vedas that are differently described by the sages.

The sun being the one and only Lord, the original creator and self indeed of all the [planetary] worlds, constitutes the basis of all ritualistic activities of the Vedas that are differently described by the sages.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 31

Oh brahmin, the material energy of the Lord is thus described in nine: the time, the place, the endeavor, the performer, the instrument, the specific ritual, the scripture, the paraphernalia and the result [compare B.G. 18: 13-15].

The Lord in terms of the material energy is thus, divided in nine, described as the time, the place, the endeavor, the performer, the instrument, the specific ritual, the scripture, the paraphernalia and the result, o brahmin [compare B.G. 18: 13-15]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 32

The  Supreme Lord assuming the form of Time, is there for the [regulation of the] planetary motion to the rule of twelve [months or māsas, see also B.G. 10: 21], beginning with Madhu. In each of the twelve He [accompanying the sun god] moves differently with His [six] associates [He as a certain Deva together with a different Apsara, Rākshasa, Nāga, Yaksha, sage and Gandharva].

The Supreme Lord, [as the sun god] assuming the form of Time, is there for the [regulation of the] planetary motion to the rule of twelve, beginning with Madhu [months or māsas, see also B.G. 10: 21], to which He for each of the twelve separately moves with a different set of [six] associates [next to the Deva consisting of an Apsara, a Rākshasa, a Nāga, a Yaksha, a sage and a Gandharva]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 33

Dhātā [as the Sūrya Deva], Kritasthalī [as the Apsara], Heti [as the Rākshasa], Vāsuki [as the Nāga], Rathakrit [as the Yaksha], Pulastya [as the sage] and Tumburu [as the Gandharva] are the ones ruling the month of Madhu [or Caitra at the vernal equinox, March/April].

Dhātā [as the Deva], Kritasthalī [as the Apsara], Heti [as the Rākshasa], Vāsuki [as the Nāga], Rathakrit [as the Yaksha], Pulastya [as the sage] and Tumburu [as the Gandharva] are the ones ruling the month of Madhu [or Caitra at the vernal equinox, March/April]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 34

[Likewise respectively] Aryamā, Puńjikasthalī, Praheti, Kacchanīra, Athaujā, Pulaha and Nārada rule the month of Mādhava [Vais'ākha, April/May].

[Likewise respectively] Aryamā, Puńjikasthalī, Praheti, Kacchanīra, Athaujā, Pulaha and Nārada rule the month of Mādhava [Vais'ākha, April/May]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 35

Mitra, Menakā, Paurusheya, Takshaka, Rathasvana, Atri and Hāhā are the ones ruling the month of S'ukra [Jyaisthha or Jeshthha, May/June].

Mitra, Menakā, Paurusheya, Takshaka, Rathasvana, Atri and Hāhā are the ones ruling the month of S'ukra [Jyaisthha or Jeshthha, May/June]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 36

Varuna, Rambhā, Citrasvana, S'ukra, Sahajanya, Vasishthha and Hūhū are the ones ruling the month of S'uci [Āshādha, June/July].

Varuna, Rambhā, Citrasvana, S'ukra, Sahajanya, Vasishthha and Hūhū are the ones ruling the month of S'uci [Āshādha, June/July]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 37

Indra, Pramlocā, Varya, Elāpatra, S'rotā, Angirā and Vis'vāvasu are the ones ruling the month of Nabhas [S'rāvana, July/August].

 Indra, Pramlocā, Varya, Elāpatra, S'rotā, Angirā and Vis'vāvasu are the ones ruling the month of Nabhas [S'rāvana, July/August]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 38

Vivasvān, Anumlocā, Vyāghra, S'ankhapāla, Āsārana, Bhrigu and Ugrasena are the ones ruling the month of Nabhasya [Bhādrapada, August/September ***].

Vivasvān, Anumlocā, Vyāghra, S'ankhapāla, Āsārana, Bhrigu and Ugrasena are the ones ruling the month of Nabhasya (Bhādrapada, August/September ***]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 39

Pūshā, Ghritācī, Vāta, Dhanańjaya, Suruci, Gautama and Sushena are the ones ruling the month of Tapas [Māgha, January/February].

Pūshā, Ghritācī, Vāta, Dhanańjaya, Suruci, Gautama and Sushena are the ones ruling the month of Tapas [Māgha, January/February]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 40

Parjanya, Senajit, Varcā, Airāvata, Ritu, Bharadvāja and Vis'va are the ones ruling the month of Tapasya [Phālguna, February/March].

Parjanya, Senajit, Varcā, Airāvata, Ritu, Bharadvāja and Vis'va are the ones ruling the month of Tapasya [Phālguna, February/March]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 41

Ams'u, Urvas'ī, Vidyucchatru, Mahās'ankha, Tārkshya, Kas'yapa and Ritasena are the ones ruling the month of Sahas [Mārgas'īrsha, november/december].

Ams'u, Urvas'ī, Vidyucchatru, Mahās'ankha, Tārkshya, Kas'yapa and Ritasena are the ones ruling the month of Sahas [Mārgas'īrsha, November/December]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 42

Bhaga, Pūrvacitti, Sphūrja, Karkothaka, Ūrna, Āyu and Arishthanemi are the ones ruling the month of Pushya [Pausha, December/January].

Bhaga, Pūrvacitti, Sphūrja, Karkothaka, Ūrna, Āyu and Arishthanemi are the ones ruling the month of Pushya [Pausha, December/January]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 43

Tvashthā, Tilottamā, Brahmāpeta, Kambalās'va, S'atajit, Jamadagni the son of Ricīka and Dhritarāshthra as the Gandharva, are the ones ruling the month of Isha [Ās'vina, September/October].

Tvashthā, Tilottamā, Brahmāpeta, Kambalās'va, S'atajit, Jamadagni the son of Ricīka and Dhritarāshthra as the Gandharva are the ones ruling the month of Isha [Ās'vina, September/October]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 44

And Vishnu, Rambhā, Makhāpeta, As'vatara, Satyajit, Vis'vāmitra and Sūryavarcā are the ones ruling the month of Ūrja [Kārttika, October/November].

And Vishnu, Rambhā, Makhāpeta, As'vatara, Satyajit, Vis'vāmitra and Sūryavarcā are the ones ruling the month of Ūrja [Kārttika, October/November]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 45

All these [personalities] constitute the glories of Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the form of the sun god; they take away the sinful reactions of everyone who in the morning and the evening, day after day remembers them.

All these [personalities] constitute the glories of Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead assuming the form of the sun-god; they take away the sinful reactions of those people who at the junctures of each day remember them. (Vedabase)

 

Text 46

The Lord who [as the Deva] with His six types of associates thus moves in all directions through this universe, therewith disseminates in each of the twelve months a pure consciousness for its inhabitants in this and a next life.

Thus with each of the twelve months and six types of associates moving through this universe, the Deva, the Godhead [of the sun], for its population, is here and in the hereafter sure to disseminate pure consciousness. (Vedabase)

 

Text 47-48

While the sages glorify Him with the Sāma, Rig and Yajur hymns that reveal His identity, the Gandharvas sing loudly about Him, the Apsaras dance in front of Him, the Nāgas prepare the chariot, the Yakshas harness the horses and the strong Rākshasas push it from behind.

With the sages glorifying Him with the Sāma, Rig and Yajur hymns which reveal His identity, the Gandharvas sing loudly about Him, the Apsaras dance in front of Him, the Nāgas ready the chariot, the Yakshas harness the horses and the strong Rākshasas push it from behind. (Vedabase)

 

Text 49

In front of the chariot the sixty thousand pure Vālakhilya brahmin sages go, being of worship with prayers to the Almighty [see also 4.1: 39].

In front of the chariot the sixty thousand Vālakhilya brahmin sages pure of praise go with prayers to the Almighty [see also 4.1: 39]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 50

The Unborn Lord Hari, the Supreme Controller, the Possessor of All Opulences without a beginning or an end, protects the worlds, by expanding Himself thus in each kalpa into [all these] various forms."

The Unborn Lord Hari, the Supreme Controller, the Beginningless Possessor of All Opulences, thus protects all the worlds expanding Himself each kalpa into various forms." (Vedabase)

 

Threefold Veda: The Rig- Yajur- and Sāma Veda are the three Vedas of the principal original division of the Vedic verses also called trayī vidyā. They are about the reciting of hymns (Rig), the performance of sacrifices (Yajur) and the chanting of songs (Sāma). The Atharva Veda is a later addition dealing with the so-called ātharvanas, the procedures for everyday life.

*: According to the Skanda Purāna in the verses beginning with 'aparam tv aksharam yā sā' there are thus three infallible energies: the external material energy of māyā, the internal potency of Sr'ī and the Supreme Energy of the Purusha, the Lord Himself.  

**: The Padma Purāna (256.9-21) lists eighteen guardians or attendants of the Lord: Nanda, Sunanda, Jaya, Vijaya, Canda, Pracanda, Bhadra, Subhadra, Dhātā, Vidhātā, Kumuda, Kumudāksha, Pundarīksha, Vāmana, S'ankukarna, Sarvanetra, Sumukha and Supratishthhita.  

***: From this point is broken with the regular order of the months. The different translators do not agree about the cause of this break of order and some have suggested to correct the order of the verses given to correct this.

 

 

 

 

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The first vitage image shows the Universal form of Krishna He demonstrated to Arjuna,
the second image is an artist's impression of Krishna as the light in the heart of all mother nature.
Production:
Filognostic Association of The Order of Time.


 

 

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