Ch. 91. Remedies for Birth in Eclipses
1-14. The Sage said. O Brahmin! A person, whose birth takes place at the time of solar, or lunar eclipse, suffers from ailments, distress and poverty and faces danger of death. Therefore I am going to describe for the benefit of the mankind the remedial measures, required to be undertaken to nullify the above evil effects. The remedial rites are to be performed in the following order. The following idols should be got prepared, according to one’s means: in gold an idol of the deity of the Nakshatr, in which the eclipse takes place (regarding deities of Nakshatras, see ‘notes’ of verse 18, Ch. 3, Vol. I); in gold an idol of Sūrya, if the birth takes place during solar eclipse; in silver an idol of Candr, if the birth takes place during lunar eclipse; in lead an idol of Rahu. Besmear a clean spot on the ground (in the house) with cow dung, cover it with a new (unused) beautiful piece of cloth and install the three idols on it. Make offerings of the following to the idols: in case of birth during solar eclipse all things dear to Sūrya and red-coloured Akshat (Akshata - rice), red sandal, a garland of red-coloured flowers, red clothes etc.; in case of birth during a lunar eclipse all things dear to Candr and white sandal, white flowers, white clothes etc.; for Rahu blackish clothes, blackish flowers etc.; white flowers for the deity of the Nakshatr, in which the eclipse takes place. The worship should be performed, as follows: of Sūrya with the chanting of ‘Akrishnim’ etc. Mantra; of Candr with the chanting of ‘Imadeva’ etc. Mantra; of Rahu with Durva (a kind of grass) and with the chanting of ‘Kayanshicatra’ etc. Mantra. Thereafter Havan should be performed, as follows: with the fuel of Aak wood pieces for Sūrya; with the fuel of Palas tree wood pieces for Candr; with Durva for Rahu; with Pipal tree wood pieces for the deity of the Nakshatr. Sprinkle the holy water of the Kalash on the child born (and his parents). Offer worshipful regards to the priest, performing the remedial rites and lastly feed as many Brahmins, as possible within one’s means. By performance of the remedial rites in the manner described above, evil effects of the inauspicious birth are wiped and the native enjoys happiness and is blessed with good fortune.
