Chapter 12

Vishnu Smriti 12

Now, the ordeal of water (udaka). // Vi_12.1 //

In water free from mud, weeds, dangerous crocodiles, fish, leeches, and the like. // Vi_12.2 //

Therein, a man free from disease and ill-will, standing navel-deep, shall grasp the knees of another man and enter the consecrated water. // Vi_12.3 //

At the same time, another man shall shoot an arrow from a bow that is neither too stiff nor too soft. // Vi_12.4 //

And another man shall swiftly fetch that arrow. // Vi_12.5 //

He who is not seen in the meantime is declared pure. Otherwise, he shall be impure, even if a single limb is seen. || Vi_12.6 ||

O Water, you move within all beings as a witness. You alone, O Water, know what mortals do not know. || Vi_12.7 ||

This man, accused in a lawsuit, is submerging himself in you. Therefore, you must righteously save this man from this doubt. || Vi_12.8 ||