Chapter 86

Vishnu Smriti 86

Now, the vṛṣotsarga (वृषोत्सर्ग) (the setting free of a bull). // Vi_86.1 //

On the full moon day of Kārttika (कार्तिक) or Āśvayuja (आश्वयुज). // Vi_86.2 //

There, he shall first examine the bull. // Vi_86.3 //

The son of a milch cow whose calf is alive. // Vi_86.4 //

Endowed with all auspicious marks. // Vi_86.5 //

Dark-blue (nīla (नील)). // Vi_86.6 //

Or red (lohita (लोहित)) with a white mouth, tail, feet, and horns. // Vi_86.7 //

One that covers the herd. // Vi_86.8 //

Then, in the midst of the cows, having spread sacred grass around a well-kindled fire, having cooked a pauṣṇa (पौष्ण) caru (sacrificial porridge) with milk, and having offered it with the verses "May Pūṣan follow the cows" and "May there be delight for us here," the blacksmith shall brand the bull. // Vi_86.9 //

On one flank with a discus, and on the other flank with a trident. // Vi_86.10 //

And he shall bathe the branded bull with the four verses beginning "Hiraṇyavarṇā" and with the verse "Śaṃ no devīḥ." // Vi_86.11 //

Having brought the bathed and adorned bull together with four bathed and adorned heifers, he shall mutter the Rudra hymns, the Puruṣasūkta, and the Kūśmāṇḍīs. // Vi_86.12 //

He shall recite into the bull's right ear the verse "You are the father of the calves." // Vi_86.13 //

And this one: // Vi_86.14 //

For Dharma, the blessed lord, is declared to have four feet; / I choose him with devotion; may he protect me in every way. || Vi_86.15 ||

"This young bull I give to you as a husband; sport with him, your dear one, and wander about. / May we not be deprived of offspring or of our bodies; may we not be subject to our enemy, O King Soma." || Vi_86.16 ||

One should have the bull, yoked with the heifers, go in the northeastern direction. / He shall give a pair of garments to the officiating priest, and gold and bronze. || Vi_86.17 ||

To the blacksmith is to be given a fee as desired by his mind. / And he shall feed the Brāhmaṇas a meal with much clarified butter. || Vi_86.18 ||

In whatever body of water the released bull drinks, / That entire body of water goes to his ancestors. || Vi_86.19 ||

Wherever, in his pride, he tears up the earth with his horn, / That becomes abundant food and drink for the ancestors. || Vi_86.20 ||