sarbani sarkar

Nakñatra Puruña Vrata

The Nakñatra Puruña Vrata, wherein each part of Viñëu’s body is worshipped, following the transit of the Moon in the 27 nakñatras, is considered to be one of the supreme vratas elucidated in the puräëas. As explained by Pulastya to Devaåñi Närada in the Vämana Puräëa, it begins with a description of the nakñaträngas (parts of the body representing the different nakñatras) of Lord Viñëu. The 27 nakñatras are said to represent the Divine Body in the following manner. Mülä nakñatra are the Lord’s lotus feet, Rohiëé and Açwiné are his shanks, the two Äñädas his buttocks and the two Phälgunis his privies. Krittikä is his waist, Anurädhä his thighs, Dhaniñöhä his back, Viñäkhä his arms, Hastä his hands and Çatabhiñäj his ankles. Maghä represents his nails, Jyeñöhä his neck, Srävaëa his ears, Puñya his lips and Sväté his teeth. The jaws are ruled by Punarvasu, Miträ his nose, Prajäpati his eyes and Indra his hair. After describing the nakñatra-parts of the Divine Body, Pulastya goes on to describe the ritual of the Nakñatra Puruña Vrata.

 On ñuklä añöami of the month of Caitra, when the Moon is in Mülä nakñatra, the Nakñatra Puruña Vrata commences with the ritual worship of the lotus feet of Bhagaväna Viñëu. This Vrata is marked by the donation of edible items to the highest among Brahmins. After devotedly worshipping the knees of the great lord, haviñännya (sacred/sacrificial food) should be offered, and thereafter when the Moon transits the Äñädas, the buttocks of Viñëu are to be worshipped accompanied with the donation of cold milk products. During the Moon’s stay in the two Phälgunis, the privies of the Lord are worshipped and cow’s milk is donated to the Brahmins. Upaväsa or fast is observed when the Moon is in Kåttikä, for the worship of Viñëu’s waist, and the bequeathing of flower-scented sweets. While the Moon dwells in the Bhädrapadas, the ritual worship of the two sides of Viñëu is performed, with the donation of jaggery laced sweets. In Revaté, the Lord’s belly is worshipped and sweets made of beans are donated. In Anurädhä, Lord Viñëu’s chest is worshipped with donations made of special rice and milk preparations. Then, when the Moon is in Dhaniñöhä, the lord’s back is worshipped and donations are made of sweets, followed by the worship of the arms during Viñäkhä, when milk preparations of the highest quality of rice are donated.

 In a similar manner, the divine hands are worshipped when the Moon is in Hastä with donations of milk preparations with barley. In Punarvasu, the fingers are worshipped, with donations of a finger-shaped vegetable (paöol) and in Açleña, the nails are worshipped and partridges are donated. In Jyeñöhä, the neck is worshipped and sweets made of sesame donated to Brahmins. In Srävaëa, the ears are worshipped along with donations of curd. In Puñya, Viñëu’s mouth is worshipped and rice pudding laced with ghee is donated to the Brahmins. When the Moon is in Svaté, the Lord’s teeth are worshipped and sesame is offered and when in Çatabhiça, the ankles are worshipped and Priyaïgu (medicinal plant and perfume) is donated. In Maghä, the nose is worshipped and honey and goat’s milk are bequeathed and when the Moon transits Mågaçira, the Lord’s lotus eyes are worshipped together with a donation of deer to the Brahmins. The Moon in Citra heralds the worship of the forehead and the feeding of Brahmins with an excellent feast. Bharaëé indicates the worship of the head and the offering of the best-prepared and pleasant tasting milk products. Finally, in Ardra, the hair of Viñëu is worshipped and milk products mixed with jaggery and ginger are donated to the Brahmins.

 In this manner the Jagatpati or the Lord of the Universe is worshipped in each and every nakñatra, wherein Bhagaväna Viñëu’s every single body part is revered and worshipped separately. The Nakñatra Puruña Vrata is the highest among vratas, capable of removing all sins and was observed by none another than Mahaåñi Bhågu. By observing this Vrata, the worshipper’s body acquires beauty and form and the sins of the past seven births and those accumulated by one’s parents are destroyed. It grants the worshipper excellent health, unending mental peace, extreme beauty, sweet speech, charm and well being in all aspects of one’s life. Arundhati had achieved fame upon observing this Vrata and Aditi was blessed with a child when Lord Janärdana took birth in her womb. Rambhä acquired her renowned beauty and sweet speech and her moonlike glow, while Pururobä acquired a kingdom. In this manner the desires of these worshippers were granted by Lord Janärdana. The Näkñatra Puruña Vrata when observed strictly amid a gathering of well-wishers and observing sanctity gives fame and health and fulfills all desires.