________________
Isänaśivagurudevapaddhati. अगस्ति पुष्पतोये तु भावितं बहुशोऽञ्जनम् । स्रोताख्यमाञ्जितं नेत्र दिवा नक्षत्रदर्शकम् ।। The method to see the sun with his chariot is given in the first stanza while in the second the means to visualise stars during day time are mentioned. Effecting invisibility is another trick. By chewing certain leaves one would be able to withstand pain or heat. The application of certain preparations on hands and legs would prevent burning effects of fire. One can save oneself from the effects of poison by taking some specially prepared pills. Often antidotes are also noted to cancel the effects of delusion. Several interesting items are mentioned in this chapter for the amusement of people. People will be astonished to see many unnatural scenes and effects. (52) In this section the rites to ensure victory in a battle are detailed. In the age of Kali one cannot avoid struggle and hence it is necessary to deal with the subject. Naturally the author finds justification in discussing this useful topic. One who desires victory must know the auguries which are connected with five birds. Each of the five birds are relaled to certain syllables and they respectively represent the five stages of a king like childhood, youth, kingship, old age and death. Enjoyment, march for victory, ruling the kingdom, rest in retirement and passing away at the end of life are the five activities. The five birds, the five stages of life and the five activities are interrelated. Hence it is desirable to look for good omens at every stage of life. शिखिकण्टकशिशुलूका: कारण्डवसारसौ च पञ्चैते ।
बालकुमारकनरपतिजरठानीताश्च पञ्चमे षट्के । अशनं यानं राज्यं सुप्तिjdमरणं च पञ्चकर्मेषाम् ।
स्वस्याशाद्यज्ञेयं चक्रे शरकोष्ठके विहङ्गानाम् ।।
One should proceed for battle carefully considering the augumiem. There are certain Mantras which could stupify the enemy forces. Some Mantras would protect the soldier from wounds caused by swords and arrows. Another hymn would prevent the loss of blood from toe wound. Before going to the warfront we should consult the horoscope to determine the span of life. I his life span is short he should divide his wealth and
