From Devee the Hindoo prays for the fulfilment of all his wishes. In this Pooja a book, called the Markundeya Pooran, is placed before him upon a red cloth, which serves as a case for the book when put by. A few blades of the dhoop ghas (hay), some red flowers, and sandal, rice, betel-leaves, and cloves, are placed upon the book, which remains closed. The worshipper sits cross-legged, the two heels and soles of the feet turned upwards, as illustrated in this Plate (a painful and difficult position); and with joined hands, having made his petition to the Deity, he performs the figures of the six Moodras contained in Plate 18, called Kurunnyas in the Gayatri; and then the Hridayadi'nyas, as in Plate 19. This is the sign worn in the worship of Devee between the two eyebrows, of red sandal: the Sputikmala, or string of crystal beads, is worn round the neck.
Translation of the Version in the Devee Pooja.
from the markundeya pooran.
1st verse. "Markundeya saith, 'O Brahma! I beseech thee, instruct thy servant in that most secret prayer which will promote the welfare and happiness of mankind,' and by whom it was repeated.
2d verse. "Brahma answered and said, 'O Brahmin! O mighty Jogi! the secrets that I shall disclose unto thee for the salvation of man is the secret prayer to Devee, for she is holy. Hearken unto my words.'
3d verse. "Her titles are, Sylapootree[1], Brahmacharnee[2], Chundraghunta[3], Kokmunda[4], Scunda-Mata[5], Katyáyani[6], Kalaratree[7], Maha Gauri[8], Siddhada[9], Doorga[10]. These are her attributes: by these shalt thou do her worship.
6th verse. "He who shall offer her thanksgiving and praise, and worship her, shall surely be great.
7th verse. "Call ye upon these names in the field of battle, and ye shall surely conquer. Evil shall ever after flee from thee, and thou shalt be happy.
8th verse. "Chamunda mounts upon a corpse, Varáhee upon a buffalo; Aindri is seated upon an elephant, and Vaishnavee upon a pelican.
is the sign worn in the worship of Devee between the two eyebrows, of red sandal: the Sputikmala, or string of crystal beads, is worn round the neck.
