Page:Durga Puja - With Notes and Illustrations.djvu/77

 offer chandan and oil and turmeric to the vilva tree, also rice, incense &c., anoint that branch of the vilva tree with turmeric and oil, which bears a pair of fruits, and touching the same invoke Om vilva tree you are most prosperous, you are always welcome to Sankara, I worship Durga, having taken a branch of yours, oh lord, forgive the pain generated by the separation of the branch, for it is said the gods have worshipped Durga on your branch, I bow to the vilva tree born on the Himavat, favourite of Parvati and embraced by Siva. You are auspicious in action and a favourite of Bhagavati, for the sake of Bhavani's words give me all success. Then with a sharp sword the priests sever the branch uttering these words, Om phat sever, sever phat, svaha, Om for the increase of children, life, and wealth I take thee away, oh beloved of Chandika, seated on this branch, dost thou grant me wealth and dominion. Welcome oh Devi Chandika for our prosperity, accept our pujah, beautiful-faced, I bow to you, oh spouse of Sankara, Om Sriphala tree thou art born on the mountain Mandar, Meru, Kailasa and on the top of the Himavat, thou art always a favourite of Amvica. Born on the top of Sri hill, Sriphala, thou art the above of prosperity, I take thee away to worship thee as