Vishnu Samhita

The present work is divided into 30 chapters, comprising nearly 2,600 slokas. It is a work in which the slokas are in a narrative dialogue between Anupagayana and a ‘siddha’ named Sumati. The work is encyclopaedic in scope and comprehensive in treatment. It treats all the major topics found in typical Samhitas and, further brings together several traditions within one, unified text. Chapter I is a synopsis of the subject-matter of the text, Chapter II is about the definition of the Tantric teaching, chapter III discusses the greatness of Vishnu. Chapter IV discusses the interaction pf Prakriti and Isvara, Chapter V deal with the method of composition of Mantras, Chapter VI is on the Rules for daily rites of bathing, sippling, and worship of the deities, Chapter VII is about the descriptions of Mudra-Gestures, Chapter VIII deals with sacramental approach to igniting the fire for oblations, Chapter IX deal with the descriptions of Mandala-designs, Chapter X describes the sacred bath, Chapter XI describes the sacred bath. Chapter XIII is about general rites about temple construction, Chapter XIV deals with the making of icons, Chapter XV deals with the five types of consecration ceremonies, Chapter XVI is on the purification rites for divine images, Chapter XVII is about the rites for the consecration of the Vishnu icon, Chapter XVIII is about the consecration rites, Chapter XIX is about the concluding rites after installation of the icons, Chapter XX deals with rules regarding festival occasion, Chapter XXI is on the festive procession, Chapter XXII is on the rules for making offering, Chapter XXIII names, describes various deities that make up the Universal form of the Lord, Chapter XXIV is about the repairing of the old icons, Chapter XXV deals with the expiations due to Omnious happenings, Chapter XXVI is about rules regarding ritual bathing, Chapter XXVII is on the sprinkling of water as a type of purifying undertaking after the temple is renovated, Chapter XXVIII is about the rites performed to prascitta, lest the rites be incompleted, Chapter XXIX is on the rule of behaviour for the initiated. Chapter XXX is on the disciplinary behaviour among the faithful.