Salutation to the Auspicious Ganesha

original: "Shri-Ganeshaya namah" — This is a traditional opening invocation found in most Hindu manuscripts to ensure the successful completion of the work.

Having bowed to the great teacher ShaunakaA famous sage and scholar of the Vedic period, often cited as an authority on rituals. and following the rules of his teachings, I shall now explain the manualoriginal: "prayoga" — A practical handbook or guide for performing a specific ritual. for the Sacrifice to the Nine Planetsoriginal: "Navagraha-makha" — A ritual involving offerings into a sacred fire to appease or honor the nine celestial bodies of Indian astrology. so that it may illuminate the path like a lamp. 1

For one who observes the strength of the stars, the favorable omens, and the auspicious ascendantoriginal: "lagna" — The specific moment in time when a zodiac sign rises on the eastern horizon; crucial for timing rituals., there will be no obstacles, no disease, no mental distress, and no poverty. 2

A rite of pacificationoriginal: "shanti" — A ritual intended to calm "angry" planetary influences and bring peace. is prescribed daily; it grants prosperity, sovereignty, and liberation. For marriage festivals, auspicious celebrations, and other beneficial endeavors, 3 one should first perform this pacifying rite and only then carry out other duties. Whatever deed a person performs without the planetary ritual 4 will surely be fruitless; it will not—

—[as] stated there. It should be performed year after year by those who desire the increase of fortune and well-being. 5

The Sun, the Moon, Mars (son of the Earth), Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn (son of the Sun), along with Rahu and KetuThe ascending and descending lunar nodes, considered "shadow planets" in Indian astronomy., are declared to be those who bring benefit to the world. 6

Even if one lacks wealth and fame, when planetary affliction arrives, one should worship even a single planet with faith, even with very little money. 7

These sacrifices are said to be of three kinds by those learned in the PuranasAncient Indian texts containing mythology and lore. and the Vedasoriginal: "shruti" — The most authoritative and ancient layer of Sanskrit literature.. The first is the sacrifice of ten thousand offerings, and then the sacrifice of one hundred thousand. 8

The third is the sacrifice of ten million offerings, which grants the fruits of all desires. Reciting... original: "ja-" — The catchword at the bottom indicates the next page begins with the word "japa" or chanting.