Note 35 — Chapter III · DISEASE DEITIES.
Reading edition
Daksha Prajāpati once celebrated a great sacrifice, but did not invite his son-in-law Shiva. The latter was extremely enraged at the insult, and eight sorts of fever were in consequence produced by his breath at that time.35 According to another story zār or fever was created by Shiva in order to assist the demon Bānāsur in his contest with god Krishna, and it can be cured by the recitation of a piece called Ushāharan, from the Harivansha.36 Some persons attribute fever to the wrath of Vishnu, and declare that it can be avoided by the recitation of Vishnusahasranāma.37 Others believe it to be due to the anger of Shiva, and say that it can be cured by pouring a stream of water over the image of Shiva by offering bel leaves (Aegle marmelos) to him, and by reciting the Mrityunjaya mantra in his honour.38 Others again ascribe it to the displeasure of the gods Hari39 and Har,39 saying that the heat is caused by the wrath of Shiva.40