The Mahabharata, of, Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, BOOK 3, (Nalopakhyana Parva) SECTION LXXXIII

  

The Mahabharata, of, Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, BOOK 3, (Nalopakhyana Parva)

SECTION LXXXIII

"Pulastya said, 'One should next proceed, O king, to the adored

Kurukshetra at sight of which all creatures are freed from their sins. He

is freed from all sins who constantly sayeth, 'I will live in

Kurukshetra.' The very dust of Kurukshetra, conveyed by the wind, leadeth

a sinful man to a blessed course (in after-life). They that dwell in

Kurukshetra which lieth to the south of the Saraswati and the north of

the Drishadwati, are said to dwell in heaven. O hero, one should reside

there, O thou foremost of warriors, for a month. There, O lord of earth,

the gods with Brahma at their head, the Rishis, the Siddhas, the

Charanas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras, the Yakshas and the Nagas, often

repair, O Bharata, to the highly sacred Brahmakshetra. O foremost of

warriors, the sins of one that desireth to repair to Kurukshetra even

mentally are all destroyed, and he finally goeth into the region of

Brahma. O son of the Kuru race, by repairing to Kurukshetra in a pious

frame of mind, one obtaineth the fruit of the Rajasuya and horse

sacrifices. By saluting next the Yaksha called Mankanaka, that mighty

gate-keeper (of Kuvera), cue obtaineth the fruit of giving away a

thousand kine. O virtuous king, one should next repair to the excellent

region of Vishnu, where Hari is always present. Bathing there and bowing

down unto Hari, the Creator of the three worlds, one obtaineth the fruit

of the horse-sacrifice and repaireth to the abode of Vishnu. One should

next repair to Pariplava, that tirtha celebrated over the three worlds,

and (bathing there), O Bharata, one obtaineth merit that is greater than

that of the Agnishtoma and the Atiratra sacrifices. Repairing next to the

tirtha called Prithivi, one obtaineth the fruit of the gift of a thousand

kine. The pilgrim should next, O king, proceed to Shalukini and bathing

there in the Dasaswamedha one obtaineth the merit of ten

horse-sacrifices. Proceeding next to Sarpadevi, that excellent tirtha of

the Nagas, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice and

attaineth to the region of the Nagas. O virtuous one, one should next

proceed to Tarantuka, the gatekeeper, and residing there for one night

one obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Proceeding next

with subdued senses and regulated diet to Panchananda and bathing in the

tirtha there, called Koti, one obtaineth the fruit of the

horse-sacrifice. Proceeding then to the tirtha of the twin Aswins one

obtaineth personal beauty. O virtuous one, one should next proceed to the

excellent tirtha called Varaha, where Vishnu formerly stood in the form

of a boar. Bathing there one obtaineth, O foremost of men, the merit of

the horse-sacrifice. One should next, O king, repair to the tirtha called

Sama in Jayanti. Bathing there one obtaineth the merit of Rajasuya

sacrifice. By bathing in Ekahansa, a man obtaineth the merit of giving

away a thousand kine. O king, a pilgrim repairing to Kritasaucha

obtaineth the lotus-eyed deity (Vishnu) and perfect purity of soul. One

should next proceed to Munjavata, that spot sacred to the illustrious

Sthanu. Residing there without food for one night, one obtaineth the

status called Ganapatya. There, O king, is the celebrated tirtha called

Yakshini. O king, repairing to that tirtha and bathing there, one

obtaineth fruition of all his desires. O bull of the Bharata race, that

tirtha is regarded as the gate of Kurukshetra. The pilgrim should with

concentrated soul, walk round it. Equal unto the Pushkaras, it was

created by the high-souled Rama, the son of Jamadagni. Bathing there and

worshipping the Pitris and the gods, one obtaineth, O king, the merit of

the horse-sacrifice and becometh successful in everything. The pilgrim

should next repair with concentrated soul to the Rama-hrada. There, O

king, the heroic Rama of resplendent energy, exterminating the Kshatriyas

by his might, dug five lakes and filled them, O tiger among men, with the

blood of his victims, as heard by us. And having filled those lakes with

Kshatriya blood, Rama offered oblations of blood to his sires and

grandsires. Gratified (with the oblations) those Rishis then addressed

Rama and said, 'O Rama, O Rama, O thou of great good fortune, we have

been gratified with thee, O thou of the Bhrigu race, for this thy regard

for the Pitris, and thy prowess, O exalted one! Blessed be thou and ask

thou the boon thou choosest. What is that thou desirest, O thou of great

splendour!' Thus addressed (by them), Rama, that foremost of smiters,

said with joined hands these words unto the Pitris, stationed in the

firmament, 'If ye have been gratified with me, if I have deserved your

favour, I desire this favour of the Pitris, viz., that I may have

pleasure again in ascetic austerities. Let me also, through your power,

be freed from the sin I have committed by exterminating, from wrath, the

Kshatriya race. Let also my lakes become tirthas celebrated over the

world. The Pitris, hearing these blessed words of Rama, were highly

gratified, and filled with joy they answered him saying, 'Let thy

asceticism increase in consequence of thy regard for the Pitris. Thou

hast exterminated the Kshatriyas from wrath. Freed art thou already from

that sin, for they have perished as a consequence of their own misdeeds.

Without doubt, these lakes of thine will become tirthas. And if one,

bathing in these lakes, offereth oblations of the water thereof to the

Pitris, the latter gratified with him will grant him desire, difficult of

fulfilment in the world as also eternal heaven.' O king, having granted

him these boons, the Pitris joyfully saluted Rama of the Bhrigu race and

disappeared there and then. It was thus that the lakes of the illustrious

Rama of the Bhrigu race became sacred. Leading a Brahmacharya mode of

life and observing sacred vows, one should bathe in the lakes of Rama.

Bathing therein and worshipping Rama, one obtaineth, O king, the merit of

gift of gold in abundance. Proceeding next, O son of the Kuru race, to

Vansamulaka, a pilgrim by bathing there, raiseth, O king, his own race. O

best of the Bharatas, arriving next at the tirtha called Kayasodhana, and

bathing there, one purifieth, without doubt, his body, and proceeded with

purified body to the blessed region of unrivalled excellence. One should

next repair, O virtuous one, to that tirtha, celebrated over the three

worlds, called Lokoddara, where formerly Vishnu of great prowess had

created the worlds. Arriving at that tirtha which is adored by the three

worlds one earneth, O king, by bathing there, numerous worlds for

himself. Repairing next with subdued soul to the tirtha called Sree, one

acquires, by bathing there and worshipping the Pitris and the gods, high

prosperity. Leading a Brahmacharya mode of life and with concentrated

soul, one should proceed next to the tirtha called Kapila. Bathing there

and worshipping one's own Pitris and the gods, a man earneth the fruit of

the gift of a thousand Kapila kine. Repairing next to the tirtha called

Surya and bathing there with subdued soul and worshipping the Pitris and

the gods, fasting all the while, one obtaineth the fruit of the

Agnishtoma sacrifice and goeth (finally) to the region of the Sun. The

pilgrim by proceeding next to Gobhavana and bathing there obtaineth the

merit of the gift of a thousand kine. O son of the Kuru race, a pilgrim

by repairing then to the tirtha called Shankhini and bathing in the

Devi-tirtha that is there, obtaineth high prowess. O king, one should

then proceed to the tirtha called Tarandaka situated in the Saraswati and

belonging to the illustrious chief of the Yakshas who is one of the

gate-keepers (of Kuvera). O king, bathing there one obtaineth the fruit

of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. O virtuous king, one should next repair to

the tirtha called Brahmavarta. Bathing in Brahmavarta, one ascendeth to

the abode of Brahma. O king, one should then repair to the excellent

tirtha called Sutirtha. There the Pitris are ever present along with the

gods. One should bathe there and worship the Pitris and the gods. By so

doing, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and goeth (finally)

into the region of the Pitris. It is for this, O virtuous one, that

Sutirtha situate in Amvumati is regarded as so excellent. And, O thou

best of the Bharata race, having bathed in the tirtha of Kasiswara, one

becometh freed from all diseases and is adored in the abode of Brahma.

There, in that tirtha, is another called Matri. One that bathes in Matri

tirtha hath a large progeny and obtaineth, O king, great prosperity. One

should next proceed with subdued sense and regulated diet to the tirtha

called Shitavana. And, O great king, it hath been seen that one merit of

that tirtha which rarely belongs to any other, is that one only going

thither obtaineth holiness. By casting off his hair in that tirtha one

acquireth, O Bharata, great sanctity. There, in that tirtha, is another

called Shwavillomapaha, where, O tiger among men, and chief of the

Bharata race, learned Brahmanas that go to tirthas obtain great

satisfaction by a dip into its waters. Good Brahmanas, O king, by casting

off their hair in that tirtha acquire holiness by Pranayama and finally

attain to a high state. There, O king, in that tirtha is also another

called Dasaswamedhika. Bathing there, O tiger among men, one attains to a

high state. One should next proceed, O king, to the celebrated tirtha

called Manusha where, O king, a number of black antelopes afflicted by

the hunter's arrows, plunging into its waters, were transformed into

human beings. Bathing in that tirtha, leading a Brahmacharya mode of life

and with concentrated soul, a man becomes freed from all his sins and is

adored in heaven. Distant by a krosa, O king, to the east of Manusha

there is a river celebrated by the name of Apaga that is restored to by

the Siddhas. The man that offereth there the syamaka grain in honour of

the gods and the Pitris acquireth great religious merit. And if one

Brahmana is fed there, it becomes equivalent to feeding ten millions of

Brahmanas. Having bathed in that tirtha and worshipped the gods and the

Pitris and resided there for one night, a man obtaineth the merit of the

Agnishtoma sacrifice. One should then repair, O king, to that excellent

region of Brahma which, O Bharata, is known on earth by the name of

Brahmodumvara. Bathing in the tank of the seven Rishis that is there, O

bull among men, with pure mind and subdued soul, as also in the tirtha

called Kedara of the high-souled Kapila, and beholding Brahma who is

there, one's soul being purified from all sins, one goeth to the abode of

Brahma. Proceeding next to the inaccessible tirtha called Kedara of

Kapila, and burning one's sins there by ascetic penances, one acquireth

the power of disappearance at will. One should next proceed, O king, to

the celebrated tirtha called Saraka, and beholding Mahadeva there on the

fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, one obtaineth all his wishes and

goeth also into heaven. O son of the Kuru race, in Saraka and Rudrakoti

as also in the well and the lakes that are there, thirty millions of

tirthas are present. There in that tirtha, O chief of the Bharatas, is

another called Ilaspada. Bathing there and worshipping the gods and the

Pitris, one never sinketh into hell but obtaineth the fruit of the

Vajapeya sacrifice. Repairing next to Kindana and Kinjapya, one

acquireth, O Bharata, the merit of giving away in measureless abundance

and the infinite recitation of prayers. Repairing next to the tirtha

called Kalasi and bathing there devoutly and with the senses under

control, a man obtaineth the fruit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. To the

east of Saraka, O chief of the Kurus, there is an auspicious tirtha known

by the name of Anajanma, of the high-souled Narada. He that bathes there,

O Bharata, obtaineth, after death, at the command of Narada various

unrivalled regions. One should next proceed, on the tenth day of the

lighted fortnight, to the tirtha called Pundarika. Bathing there, O king,

one obtaineth the merit of the Pundarika sacrifice. One should next

proceed to the tirtha called Tripishtapa that is known over the three

worlds. There in that tirtha is the sacred and sin-destroying river

called Vaitarani. Bathing there and adoring the god known by the mark of

the bull and holding the trident in his hand, one's soul being purified

from every sin one attaineth to the highest state. One should next

proceed, O king, to the excellent tirtha called Phalakivana. There in

that tirtha the gods, O monarch, having been present, performed their

ascetic austerities extending for many thousand years. One should then

proceed to the Dhrishadwati. Bathing there and worshipping the gods, one

obtaineth, O Bharata, merit that is superior to that of both the

Agnishtoma and the Atiratra sacrifices. O chief of the Bharatas, bathing

in that tirtha called Sarvadeva, a man obtaineth, O king, the merit of

giving away a thousand kine. Bathing next in the tirtha called Panikhata

and worshipping all the gods, a man obtaineth merit that is superior to

that of both the Agnishtoma and the Atiratra sacrifices, besides

acquiring that of the Rajasuya sacrifice and finally going into the

region of the Rishis. One should next proceed, O virtuous one, to that

excellent tirtha called Misraka. There, O tiger among kings, it hath been

heard by us that the high-souled Vyasa, for the sake of the Brahmanas,

hath mixed all the tirthas. He, therefore, that bathes in Misraka really

bathes in all the tirtha. One should next proceed with subdued senses and

regulated diet, to the tirtha called Vyasavana. Bathing in the tirtha

called Manojava that is there, one obtaineth the merit of the gift of a

thousand kine. Proceeding next to the Devi tirtha that is in Madhuvati,

one that bathes there and worships the gods and the Pitris obtains at the

command of the Goddess the merit of the gift of a thousand kine.

Proceeding with regulated diet, he that bathes in the confluence of the

Kausiki and the Drishadwati, becometh free from all his sins. One should

next proceed to Vyasasthali where Vyasa of great intelligence, burning

with grief for his son had resolved to cast off his body but was cheered

again by the gods. Proceeding to that spot of Vyasa, one obtaineth the

merit of a thousand kine. O son of the Kuru race, proceeding next to the

well called Kindatta, he that throweth into it a measure of sesame, is

freed from all his debts and obtaineth his success. Bathing in the tirtha

called Vedi, one obtaineth the merit of the gift of a thousand kine.

There are two other celebrated tirthas called Ahas and Sudina. Bathing

there, O tiger among men, one goeth to the region of the Sun. One should

next proceed to the tirtha called Mrigadhuma that is celebrated

throughout the three worlds. One should bathe there, O king, in Ganga.

Bathing there and worshipping Mahadeva, one obtaineth the merit of the

horse-sacrifice. Bathing next in the Devi tirtha one obtaineth the merit

of the gift of a thousand kine. One should then proceed to Vamanaka

celebrated over the three worlds. Bathing there in Vishnupada and

worshipping Vamana one's soul being purified from every sin, one goeth to

the abode of Vishnu. Bathing next in Kulampuna, one sanctifieth his own

race. Proceeding then to the Pavana-hrada, that excellent tirtha of the

Marutas, and bathing there, O king and tiger among men, one becometh

adored in the region of the Wind-god. Bathing in the Amara-hrada and

worshipping with devotion the chief of the celestials, one becometh

adored in heaven and courseth, seated on an excellent car, in the company

of the immortals. O best of great men, bathing next with due rites in the

tirtha called Sali surya, of Salihotra, one obtaineth the merit of the

gift of a thousand kine. O best of the Bharatas, there is a tirtha called

Sreekunja in the Saraswati. Bathing there, O best of men, one obtaineth

the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. O son of the Kuru race, one should

next repair to Naimishakunja. O king, the Rishis engaged in ascetic

austerities in the woods of Naimisha had, in days of old, taking the vow

of pilgrimage, gone to Kurukshetra. There, on the banks of the Saraswati,

O chief of the Bharatas, a grove was made, which might serve for a

resting spot for themselves, and which was highly gratifying to them.

Bathing in the Saraswati there, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma

sacrifice. One should next proceed, O virtuous one, to the excellent

tirtha called Kanya. Bathing there one obtaineth the merit of the gift of

a thousand kine. One should next proceed to the excellent tirtha of

Brahma. Bathing there, a person, of the (three) inferior orders,

obtaineth the status of a Brahmana, and if one be a Brahmana, his soul

being purified from every sin, he attaineth to the highest state. One

should then, O best of men, proceed to the excellent tirtha called Soma.

Bathing there, O king, one obtaineth the region of Soma. One should next

proceed, O king, to the tirtha called Saptasaraswata, where the

celebrated Rishi, Mankanaka, had obtained ascetic success. O king, it

hath been heard by us that in days of old Mankanaka having cut his hand

with the pointed blade of the Kusa grass, there flowed from his wound

vegetable juice (instead of blood). And beholding vegetable juice flow

from his wound, the Rishi began to dance with wonder-expanded eyes. And

as the Rishi danced, all the mobile and immobile creatures also,

overwhelmed with his prowess, began to dance with him. Then, O king, the

gods with Brahma at their head and Rishis endued with the wealth of

asceticism moved by the act of Mankanaka, represented the matter to

Mahadeva, saying, 'It behoveth thee, O god, to act in such a way that

this Rishi may not dance.' Thus addressed, Mahadeva, with heart filled

with joy, approached the dancing Rishi, and moved by the desire of doing

good to the gods, said, 'O great Rishi, O virtuous one, why dost thou

dance? O bull among Munis, what can be the reason of this thy present

joy?' The Rishi answered, 'O best of Brahmanas, I am an ascetic that

tread the path of virtue. Dost thou not behold, O Brahmana, that

vegetable juice floweth from the wound in my hand? Filled with great joy

at sight of this, I am dancing.' Addressing the Rishi blinded by emotion,

the god laughingly said, 'O Brahmana, I do not wonder at this. Behold

me.' Having said this, O best of men, Mahadeva, O sinless king, pressed

his thumb by the tip of his own finger. And, lo, from the wound thus

inflicted, there came out ashes white as snow. And beholding this, O

king, that Muni became ashamed and fell at the feet of the god. And

believing that there was nothing better and greater than the god Rudra,

he began to adore him in these words:

"O holder of the trident, thou art the refuge of the celestials and the

Asuras, of, indeed, the universe. By thee have been created the three

worlds with their mobile and immobile beings. It is thou again that

swallowest everything at the end of the Yuga. Thou art incapable of being

known by the gods themselves, far less by me. O sinless one, the gods

with Brahma at their heads are all displayed in thee. Thou art all, the

Creator himself and the Ordainer of the worlds. It is by thy grace that

all the gods sport without anxiety or fear. And adoring Mahadeva thus the

Rishi also said, 'O god of gods, grant me thy grace, so that my

asceticism may not diminish.' Then that god of cheerful soul answered the

regenerate Rishi,--saying, 'Let thy asceticism, O Brahmana, increase a

thousandfold through my grace. And, O great Muni, I shall dwell with thee

in this thy asylum. Bathing in Saptasaraswata, they that will worship me,

shall be able to attain everything here and hereafter. And, without

doubt, they shall all attain to the Saraswata region in the end.' Having

said this, Mahadeva disappeared then and there.

"After visiting Saraswata, one should proceed to Ausanasa celebrated over

the three worlds. There, O Bharata, the gods with Brahma at their head,

and Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, and the illustrious

Kartikeya, were ever present during two twilights and the mid-day,

impelled by the desire of doing good to Bhargava. There in that tirtha is

another called Kapalamochana, which cleanseth from every sin. O tiger

among men, bathing there one is cleansed from every sin. One should then

proceed to the tirtha called Agni. Bathing there, O bull among men, one

obtaineth the regions of agni and raiseth his own race (from lower

regions). There in that tirtha is another, O chief of the Bharatas, that

belongeth to Viswamitra. Bathing there, O best of men, one obtaineth the

status of a Brahmana. Proceeding next to Brahmayoni in purity of body and

with subdued soul, one obtaineth, O tiger among men, by bathing there,

the abode of Brahma, and sanctifieth, without doubt, his own race to the

seventh generation up and down. One should next proceed, O king, to the

tirtha celebrated over the three worlds, which is called Prithudaka,

belonging to Kartikeya. One should bathe there and occupy oneself in the

worship of the Pitris and the gods. Whatever evil hath been committed,

knowingly or unknowingly, by man or woman, impelled by human motives, is

all destroyed, O Bharata, by a bath in that tirtha. Bathing there one

obtaineth, too, the merit of the horse-sacrifice and heaven also. The

learned have said that Kurukshetra is holy; that holier than Kurukshetra

is the Saraswati; that holier than the Saraswati are all the tirthas

together, and that holier than all the tirthas together is Prithudaka. He

that engaged in the recitation of prayers casteth off his body at

Prithudaka, which is the best of all tirthas, becometh an immortal. It

hath been sung by Sanatkumara and by the high-souled Vyasa, and it is in

the Vedas also, that one should, O king, go to Prithudaka, with subdued

soul. O son of Kuru race, there is no tirtha which is superior to

Prithudaka. Without doubt, that tirtha is purifying, holy and

sin-destroying. O best of men, it hath been said by learned persons that

men, however sinful, by bathing in Prithudaka, go to heaven. O best of

the Bharatas, there in that tirtha is another called Madhusrava. Bathing

there, O king, one obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine.

One should then proceed, O king, to that celebrated and sacred tirtha

where the Saraswati uniteth with the Aruna. One that batheth there,

having fasted for three nights, is cleansed of even the sin of slaying a

Brahmana, and obtaineth also merit that is superior to that of either the

Agnishtoma or Atiratra sacrifice, and rescueth his race to the seventh

generation up and down. There in that tirtha is another, O perpetuator of

the Kuru race, that is called Ardhakila. From compassion for the

Brahmanas, that tirtha was made by Darbhi in days of old. Without doubt,

by vows, by investiture of the sacred, by fasts, by rites and by Mantras,

one becometh a Brahmana. O bull among men, it hath been seen, however, by

learned persons of old that even one destitute of rites and Mantras, by

only bathing in that tirtha becometh learned and endued with the merit of

vows. Darbhi had also brought hither the four oceans. O best of men, one

that batheth here, never meeteth with distress hereafter and obtaineth

also the merit of giving away four thousand kine. One should next repair,

O virtuous one, to the tirtha called Satasahasraka. Near to this is

another called Sahasraka. Both are celebrated, and one that batheth in

them, obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Fasts and gifts

there multiply a thousandfold. One should next proceed, O king, to the

excellent tirtha called Renuka. One should bathe there and worship the

Pitris and the gods. By this, cleansed from every sin, he obtaineth the

merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. Bathing next in the tirtha called

Vimochana with passions and senses under control, one is cleansed from

all the sins generated by the acceptance of gifts. With senses under

control and practising the Brahmacharya mode of life, one should next

repair to the woods of Panchavati. By a sojourn thither, one earneth much

virtue and becometh adored in the regions of the virtuous. One should

next go to the tirtha of Varuna called Taijasa, blazing in effulgence of

its own. There in that tirtha is the lord of Yoga, Sthanu himself, having

for his vehicle the bull. He that sojourneth there, obtaineth success by

worshipping the god of gods. It was there that the gods with Brahma at

their head and Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, installed Guha as

the generalissimo of the celestials. To the east of that tirtha is

another, O perpetuator of Kuru race, that is called Kuru tirtha. With

senses under control and leading a Brahmacharya mode of life, he that

bathes in Kuru-tirtha, becometh cleansed of all his sins and obtaineth

the region of Brahma. With subdued senses and regulated diet one should

next proceed to Svargadwara. Sojourning thither, one obtaineth the merit

of the Agnishtoma sacrifice and goeth to the abode of Brahma. The pilgrim

should then, O king, proceed to the tirtha called Anaraka. Bathing there,

O king, one never meeteth with distress hereafter. There, O king, Brahma

himself with the other gods having Narayana at their head, is ever

present, O tiger among men! And, O royal son of the Kuru race, the wife

also of Rudra is present there. Beholding the goddess, one never meeteth

with distress hereafter. There in that tirtha O king, is also (an image

of) Visweswara, the lord of Uma. Beholding the god of gods there, one is

cleansed of all his sins. Beholding also (the image of) Narayana from

whose navel had sprung the lotus, one blazeth forth, O royal represser of

all foes, and goeth to the abode of Vishnu. O bull among men, he that

batheth in the tirthas of all the gods, is exempted from every sorrow and

blazeth forth like the Moon. The pilgrim should next proceed, O king, to

Swastipura. By walking around that place, one obtaineth the merit of

giving away a thousand kine. Arriving next at the tirtha called Pavana,

one should offer oblations to the Pitris and the gods. By this, he

obtaineth, O Bharata, the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. Near to that

is Ganga-hrada, and another, O Bharata, called Kupa. Thirty millions of

tirthas, O king, are present in that Kupa. Bathing there, O king, a

person obtaineth heaven. Bathing also in the Ganga-hrada and adoring

Maheswara, one obtaineth the status of Ganapatya and rescueth his own

race. One should next proceed to Sthanuvata, celebrated over the three

worlds. Bathing there, O king, one obtaineth heaven. One should then

proceed to Vadaripachana, the asylum of Vasishtha. Having tasted there

for three nights, one should eat jujubes. He that liveth on jujubes for

twelve years, and he that fasteth at the tirtha for three nights,

acquireth merit that is eternal. Arriving then at Indramarga, O king, and

fasting there for a day and night the pilgrim becometh adored in the

abode of Indra. Arriving next at the tirtha called Ekaratra, a person

that stayeth there for one night, with regulated vows and refraining from

untruth, becometh adored in the abode of Brahma. One should next go, O

king, to the asylum of Aditya--that illustrious god who is a mass of

effulgence. Bathing in that tirtha celebrated over three worlds, and

worshipping the god of light, one goeth to the region of Aditya and

rescueth his own race. The pilgrim then, O king, bathing in the tirtha of

Soma, obtaineth, without doubt, the region of Soma. One should next

proceed, O virtuous one, to the most sacred tirtha of the illustrious

Dadhicha, that sanctifying tirtha which is celebrated over the whole

world. It was here that Angiras, that ocean of ascetic austerities

belonging to the Saraswata race, was born, Bathing in that tirtha, one

obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and without doubt, gaineth

also residence in the legion of Saraswati. With subdued senses and

leading a Brahmacharya mode of life, one should next proceed to

Kanyasrama. Residing there for three nights, O king, with subdued senses

and regulated diet, one obtaineth a hundred celestial damsels and goeth

also to the abode of Brahma. One should next, O virtuous one, proceed to

the tirtha called Sannihati. Sojourning thither the gods with Brahma at

their head and Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism earn much virtue.

Bathing in the Saraswati during a solar eclipse, one obtaineth the merit

of a hundred horse-sacrifices, and any sacrifice that one may perform

there produceth merit that is eternal. Whatever tirthas exist on earth or

in the firmament, all the rivers, lakes, smaller lakes, springs, tanks,

large and small, and spots sacred to particular gods, without doubt, all

come, O tiger among men, month after month, and mingle with Sannihati, O

king of men! And it is because that all other tirthas are united together

here, that this tirtha is so called. Bathing there and drinking of its

water, one becometh adored in heaven. Listen now, O king, to the merit

acquired by that mortal who performeth a Sraddha on the day of the new

moon during a solar eclipse. The person that performeth a Sraddha there,

after having bathed in that tirtha, obtaineth the merit that one earneth

by properly celebrating a thousand horse-sacrifices. Whatever sins a man

or woman committeth, are, without doubt, all destroyed as soon as one

batheth in that tirtha. Bathing there one also ascendeth to the abode of

Brahma on the lotus-coloured tar. Bathing next in Koti-tirtha, after

having worshipped the Yaksha doorkeeper, Machakruka, one obtaineth the

merit of giving away gold in abundance. Near to this, O best of the

Bharatas, is a tirtha called Gangahrada. One should bathe there, O

virtuous one, with subdued soul and leading a Brahmacharya mode of life.

By this, one obtaineth merit that is greater than that of a Rajasuya and

horse-sacrifices. The tirtha called Naimisha is productive of good on

earth. Pushkara is productive of good in the regions of the firmament;

Kurukshetra, however, is productive of good in respect of all the three

worlds. Even the dust of Kurukshetra, carried by the wind, leadeth sinful

men to a highly blessed state. They that reside in Kurukshetra, which

lieth to the north of the Drishadwati and the south of the Saraswati,

really reside in heaven. 'I will go to Kurukshetra,' 'I will dwell in

Kurukshetra,' he that uttereth those words even once, becometh cleansed

of all sins. The sacred Kurukshetra which is worshipped by Brahmarshis,

is regarded as the sacrificial altar of the celestials. Those mortals

that dwell there, have nothing to grieve for at any time. That which

lieth between Tarantuka and Arantuka and the lakes of Rama and Machakruka

is Kurukshetra. It is also called Samantapanchaka and is said to be the

northern sacrificial altar of the Grandsire.'

SECTION LXXXIV

"Pulastya said, 'Then, O great king, one should proceed to the excellent

tirtha of Dharma, where the illustrious god of justice had practised

highly meritorious austerities. And it is for this that he made the spot

a sacred tirtha and rendered it celebrated by his own name. Bathing

there, O king, a virtuous man with concentrated soul certainly

sanctifieth his family to the seventh generation. One should then repair,

O king, to the excellent Jnanapavana. Sojourning thither, one obtaineth

the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice, and goeth to the region of the

Munis. Then, O monarch, a man should repair to the Saugandhika-vana.

There dwell the celestials with Brahma at their head, Rishis endued with

wealth of asceticism, the Siddhas, the Charanas, the Gandharvas, the

Kinnaras and the serpents. As soon as one entereth these woods, he is

cleansed of all his sins. Then, O king, should one repair to the sacred

goddess Saraswati, known there as the goddess Plaksha, that best of

streams and foremost of rivers. There should one bathe in the water

issuing from an ant-hill. (Bathing there and) worshipping the Pitris and

the gods, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. There existeth

a rare tirtha called Isanadhyushita, lying from the ant-hill at the

distance of six throws of a heavy stick. As seen in the Puranas, O tiger

among men, bathing there a man obtaineth the merit of giving away a

thousand Kapila kine and of the horse-sacrifice. Journeying next, O

foremost of men, to Sugandha, and Satakumbha and Panchayaksha, a man

becometh adored in heaven. Repairing to another tirtha there called

Trisulakhata, one should bathe and set himself to worship the Pitris and

the gods. Doing so, without doubt, one obtaineth, after death, the status

of Ganapatya. One should next proceed, O king, to the excellent spot of

the Goddess celebrated over the three worlds by the name of Sakamvari.

There, for the space of a thousand celestial years, she of excellent

vows, month after month, had subsisted upon herbs, O king of men! And

attracted by their reverence for the Goddess, many Rishis with wealth of

asceticism, came thither, O Bharata. and were entertained by her with

herbs. And it is for this that they bestowed on her the name of

Sakamvari. O Bharata, the man who arriveth at Sakamvari, with rapt

attention and leading a Brahmacharya mode of life and passeth three

nights there in purity and subsisting on herbs alone, obtaineth, at the

will of the goddess, the merit of him that liveth upon herbs for twelve

years. Then should one proceed to the tirtha called Suvarna, famed

through the three worlds. There in days of old, Vishnu had paid his

adorations to Rudra, for his grace, and obtaineth also many boons

difficult of acquisition even by the gods. And, O Bharata, the gratified

destroyer of Tripura said, 'O Krishna, thou shalt, without doubt, be much

beloved in the world, and the foremost of everything in the universe.'

Repairing thither, O king, and worshipping the deity having the bull for

his mark, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice as also the

status of Ganapatya. One should next proceed to the tirtha of Dhumavati.

Fasting there for three nights, one obtaineth, without doubt, all the

wishes cherished by him. To the southern half of this spot of the

Goddess, there is, O king, a tirtha called Rathavarta. One should, O

virtuous one, go up to that place, with devout heart, and having his

senses under control. By this, through the grace of Mahadeva, one

attaineth to an exalted state. After walking round the place, one should,

O bull of the Bharata race, proceed to the tirtha named Dhara, which, O

thou of great wisdom, washeth off all sins. Bathing there, O tiger among

men, a man is freed from every sorrow. One should then repair, O virtuous

one, after bowing to the great mountain (Himavat), to the source of the

Ganges, which is, without doubt, like the gate of heaven. There should

one, with concentrated soul, bathe in the tirtha called Koti. By this,

one obtaineth the merit of the Pundarika sacrifice, and delivereth his

race. Residing one night there, one acquireth the merit of giving away a

thousand kine. By offering oblations of water duly to the gods and the

Pitris, at Saptaganga, Triganga and Sakravarta, (which are all there),

becometh adored in the regions of the virtuous. Bathing next at

Kanakhala, and fasting there for three nights, a person reapeth the merit

of the horse-sacrifice and goeth to heaven. Then O lord of men, the

pilgrim should repair to Kapilavata. Fasting for one night there, he

obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. O king, there is a

tirtha of the illustrious Kapila, king of the Nagas, that is celebrated,

O thou best of Kurus, over all the worlds. Bathing there at the

Nagatirtha one obtaineth, O king, the merit of giving away a thousand

Kapila kine. One should next repair to the excellent tirtha of Santanu,

called Lalitika. Bathing there, O king, one never sinketh into distress

(hereafter). The man that bathes at the confluence of the Ganga and the

Yamuna, obtains the merit of ten horse-sacrifices, and also rescues his

race. One should next, O king, go to Sugandha, celebrated over the world.

By this, cleansed of every sin, he becometh adored in the abode of

Brahma. Then, O lord of men, the pilgrim should repair to Rudravarta.

Bathing there, one ascendeth to heaven. Bathing at the confluence of the

Ganga and the Saraswati, a person obtaineth the merit of the

horse-sacrifice and also ascendeth to heaven. Proceeding next to

Bhadrakarneswara and worshipping the gods duly, one, without sinking into

distress, becometh adored in heaven. Then, O lord of men, the pilgrim

should proceed to the tirtha called Kuvjamraka. By this he obtaineth the

merit of giving away a thousand kine, and heaven also. Then, O king, the

pilgrim should go to the Arundhativata. Proceeding thither with

concentrated soul and practising the Brahmacharya vows, one that batheth

in Samudraka and fasteth for three nights, obtaineth the merit of the

horse-sacrifice and of giving away a thousand kine, and also rescueth his

race. One should next proceed to Brahmavarta, with concentrated soul and

practising the Brahmacharya vows. By this, one obtaineth the merit of the

horse-sacrifice, and goeth to the region of Soma. The man that proceedeth

to the Yamuna-prabhava, (the source of the Yamuna) and batheth there,

obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and is worshipped in heaven.

Arriving at Darvisankramana, that tirtha which is worshipped of the three

worlds, a person obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and goeth to

heaven. Repairing next to Sindhu-prabhava (the source of the Indus) which

is worshipped by Siddhas and Gandharvas, and staying there for five

nights, one obtaineth the merit of giving away gold in abundance.

Proceeding next to the inaccessible tirtha called Vedi, one obtaineth the

merit of the horse-sacrifice and ascendeth to heaven. Then, O Bharata,

should one proceed to Rishikulya and Vasishtha. By visiting the latter,

all orders attain to Brahmanhood. Repairing to Rishikulya and bathing

there, and living a month upon herbs, and worshipping the gods and

Pitris, one is cleansed of all his sins, and obtaineth the region of the

Rishis. Proceeding next to Bhrigutunga a person acquireth the merit of

the horse-sacrifice. Repairing then to Vipramoksha, one is freed from

every sin. Proceeding then to the tirtha of Krittika and Magha, one, O

Bharata, obtaineth the merit superior to that of the Agnishtoma and

Atiratha sacrifices. The man who, repairing to the excellent tirtha

called Vidya, batheth there in the evening, obtaineth proficiency in

every kind of knowledge. One should next reside for one night at

Mahasrama capable of destroying every sin, taking a single meal. By this,

one obtains many auspicious regions, and delivers ten preceding and ten

succeeding generations of his race. Dwelling next for a month of

Mahalaya, and fasting there for three nights, one's soul is cleansed of

all sins and one acquires the merit of giving away gold in abundance.

Proceeding next to Vetasika worshipped by the Grandsire, one obtaineth

the merit of the horse-sacrifice and the state of Usanas. Going next to

the tirtha called Sundarika, worshipped by the Siddhas, one obtaineth

personal beauty as witnessed by the ancients. Proceeding next to Brahmani

with subdued senses and observing the Brahmacharya vow, a person

ascendeth to the region of Brahma on a lotus-hued car. One should repair

next to the sacred Naimisha, worshipped by the Siddhas. There dwelleth

for aye Brahma with the gods. By only purposing to go to Naimisha, half

one's sins are destroyed; by entering it, one is cleansed of all his

sins. The pilgrim of subdued senses should stay at Naimisha for a month;

for, O Bharata, all the tirthas of the earth are at Naimisha. Bathing

there, with restrained senses and regulated fare, one obtains, O Bharata,

the merit of the cow-sacrifice, and also sanctifies, O best of the

Bharatas, his race for seven generations both upwards and downwards. He

who renounceth his life at Naimisha by fasting, enjoyeth happiness in the

heavenly regions. Even this is the opinion of the wise. O foremost of

kings, Naimisha is ever sacred and holy. Proceeding next to Gangodbheda

and fasting there for three nights, a man obtaineth the merit of the

Vajapeya sacrifice, and becometh like unto Brahma himself. Journeying to

the Saraswati, one should offer oblations unto the gods and the Pitris.

By this, one certainly enjoyeth bliss in the regions called Saraswata.

Then should one wend to Vahuda, with subdued soul and observing the

Brahmacharya vow. Residing there for one night, one becometh adored in

heaven, and obtaineth also, O Kaurava, the merit of the Devasatra

sacrifice. Then should one repair to the holy Kshiravati, frequented by

holier men. By worshipping the gods and the Pitris there, one obtains the

merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. Proceeding next to Vimalasoka, with

subdued soul and observing the Brahmacharya vow, and residing there for

one night, one is adored in heaven. One should next proceed to the

excellent Gopratra in the Sarayu, whence Rama, O king, with all his

attendants and animals, renouncing his body, ascended to heaven in

consequence of the efficacy of the tirtha alone. Bathing in that tirtha,

O Bharata, one's soul, through Rama's grace, and by virtue of his own

deeds, being cleansed of all sins, one becometh adored in heaven. O

Bharata! Proceeding next, O son of the Kuru race, to the Rama-tirtha on

the Gomati, and bathing there, one obtaineth the merit of the

horse-sacrifice, and sanctifieth also his own race. There, O bull of the

Bharata race, is another tirtha called Satasahasrika. Bathing there, with

restrained senses and regulated diet, a person reapeth, O bull of Bharata

race, the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Then should one, O king,

go to the unrivalled tirtha called Bhartristhana. By this, a person

obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. Bathing next in the tirtha

called Koti, and worshipping Kartikeya, a man reapeth, O king, the merit

of giving away a thousand kine, and acquireth great energy. Proceeding

next to Varanasi, and worshipping the god having the bull for his mark,

after a bath in the Kapilahrada, one obtaineth the merit of the Rajasuya

sacrifice. Repairing then, O perpetuator of the Kuru race, to the tirtha

called Avimukta, and beholding there the god of gods, the pilgrim, from

such sight alone, is immediately cleansed of even the sin of slaying a

Brahmana. By renouncing one's life there, one obtaineth deliverance.

Arriving next, O king, at the rare tirtha called Markandeya celebrated

over the world and situated at the confluence of the Ganges, a person

obtaineth the merit of Agnishtoma sacrifice, and delivereth his race.

Sojourning next to Gaya, with subdued senses and observing the

Brahmacharya vow, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and also

rescueth his race. There in that tirtha is the Akshaya-vata, celebrated

over the three worlds. Whatever is offered there to the Pitris is said to

become inexhaustible. Bathing there at the Mahanadi, and offering

oblations to the gods and the Pitris, a man acquireth eternal regions,

and also rescueth his race. Proceeding then to Brahma-sara that is

adorned by the woods of Dharma, and passing one night there, a man

attaineth to the region of Brahma. In that lake, Brahma had raised a

sacrificial pillar. By walking round this pillar, a person acquireth the

merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. One should next, O mighty monarch, go to

Denuka celebrated over the world. Staying there for one night and giving

away sesame and kine, one's soul being cleansed from every sin, one

ascendeth, without doubt to the region of Soma. There, O king, on the

mountains, the cow called Kapila used to range with her calf. There is

little doubt, of this, O Bharata, the hoof-marks, of that cow and her

calf are seen there to this day. By bathing in those hoof-prints, O

foremost of monarchs, whatever sin a man may have incurred is, O Bharata,

washed away. Then should one go to Gridhravata, the spot consecrated to

the trident-bearing god. Approaching the deity having the bull for his

mark one should rub himself with ashes. If a Brahmana, he obtains the

merit of observing the twelve year's vow and if belonging to any of the

other orders, he is freed from all his sins. One should next proceed to

the Udyanta mountains, resounding with melodious notes. There, O bull of

the Bharata race, is still seen the foot-print of Savitri. The Brahmana

of rigid vows, who sayeth his morning, noon and evening prayers there,

obtaineth the merit of performing that service for twelve years. There, O

bull of the Bharata race, is the famous Yonidwara. Repairing thither, a

person becometh exempted from the pain of rebirth. The person that

stayeth at Gaya during both the dark and lighted fortnights, certainly

sanctifieth, O king, his own race up and down to the seventh generation.

One should wish for many sons so that even one may go to Gaya, or

celebrate the horse-sacrifice, or offer a nila bull. Then, O king, the

pilgrim should proceed to Phalgu. By this, he obtains the merit of

horse-sacrifice, and acquires great success. O king, one should repair

then, with subdued soul, to Dharmaprishta. There, O foremost of warriors,

dwelleth Dharma for aye. Drinking of the water of a well which is there,

and purifying one's self by a bath, he that offereth oblations to the

gods and the Pitris is cleansed of all his sins and ascendeth to heaven.

There in that tirtha is the hermitage of the great Rishi Matanga of soul

under complete control. By entering that beautiful asylum capable of

soothing fatigue and sorrow, one earneth the merit of the Gavayana

sacrifice, and by touching (the image of) Dharma which is there, one

obtaineth the fruit of the horse-sacrifice. One should next go, O king,

to the excellent tirtha called Brahmasthana. Approaching Brahma, that

bull among male beings, who is there, one acquireth, O mighty monarch,

the merit of the Rajasuya and horse-sacrifices. The pilgrim should then

repair to Rajasuya, O king of men! Bathing there, one liveth (in heaven)

as happily as (the Rishi) Kakshiyan. After purifying himself, one should

partake there of the offerings daily made unto the Yakshini. By this, one

is freed from the sin of even slaying a Brahmana, through the Yakshini's

grace. Proceeding next to Maninaga, one obtains the merit of giving away

a thousand kine. O Bharata, he that eateth anything relating to the

tirtha of Maninaga, if bitten by a venomous snake, doth not succumb to

its poison. Residing there for one night, one is cleansed of one's sins.

Then should one proceed to the favourite wood of the Brahmarshi Gautama.

There bathing in the lake of Ahalya, one attaineth to an exalted state.

Beholding next the image of Sree, one acquireth great prosperity. There

in that tirtha is a well celebrated over the three worlds. Bathing in it,

one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. There also existeth a

well sacred to the royal Rishi Janaka, which is worshipped by the gods.

Bathing in the well, one ascendeth to the region of Vishnu. Then should

one repair to Vinasana that destroys every sin. By a sojourn thither, one

obtaineth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice, and goeth also to the

region of Soma. Proceeding next to Gandaki which is produced by the

waters of every tirtha, a person acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya

sacrifice, and ascendeth also to the solar region. Proceeding next to the

Visala, that river celebrated over the three worlds, one obtaineth the

merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice and ascendeth also to heaven. Repairing

then, O virtuous one, to the woody seat of ascetics that is called

Adhivanga, one obtains, without doubt, great happiness amongst the

Guhyakas. Proceeding next to the river Kampana, visited by the Siddhas,

one obtaineth the merit of the Pundarika sacrifice, and ascendeth also to

heaven. Arriving then, O lord of earth, at the stream called Maheswari,

one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and also rescueth his own

race. Repairing next to the tank of the celestials, one earneth immunity

from misfortune, and also the merit of the horse-sacrifice. One should

next go to Somapada, with subdued soul and leading a Brahmacharya mode of

life. Bathing in Maheswarapada that is there, one reapeth the merit of

the horse-sacrifice. There in that tirtha, O bull of the Bharata race, it

is well known that ten millions of tirthas exist together. A wicked Asura

in the shape of a tortoise had, O foremost of monarchs, been carrying it

away when the powerful Vishnu recovered it from him. There in that tirtha

should one perform his ablutions, for by this he acquireth the merit of

the Pundarika sacrifice and ascendeth also to the region of Vishnu. Then,

O best of kings, should one proceed to the place of Narayana, where, O

Bharata, Narayana is ever present and dwelleth for aye. There the gods

with Brahma at their head, Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, the

Adityas, the Vasus, and the Rudras, all adore Janardana, in that tirtha,

and Vishnu of wonderful deeds hath become known as Salagrama. Approaching

the eternal Vishnu, that lord of the three worlds, that giver of boons,

one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and goeth to the region

of Vishnu. There in that place, O virtuous one, is a well, capable of

destroying every sin. The four seas are ever present in that well. He

that bathes in it, O king, will have immunity from misfortune. Beholding

(the image of) the boon-giving, eternal, and fierce Mahadeva who is

there, one shineth, O king, like the moon emerged from the cloud. Bathing

then in Jatismara, with pure mind and subdued senses, one acquireth,

without doubt, the recollections of his former life. Proceeding then to

Maheswarapura, and worshipping the god having the bull for his mark,

fasting the while, one obtaineth, without doubt, the fruition of all his

desires. Repairing then to Vamana that destroys every sin, and beholding

the god Hari, one acquireth exemption from every misfortune. One should

next go to the asylum of Kusika that is capable of removing every sin.

Repairing then to the river Kausika that cleanseth from even great sins,

one should bathe in it. By this one obtaineth the merit of Rajasuya

sacrifice. One should next, O foremost of kings, proceed to the excellent

woods of Champaka. By spending there one night, one acquireth the merit

of giving away a thousand kine. Arriving next at Jyeshthila, that tirtha

of rare worth, and passing one night there, one reapeth the fruit of the

gift of a thousand kine. Beholding there (the image of) Visweswara of

great splendour, with his consort the goddess, a person obtaineth, O bull

among men, the region of Mitra-Varuna. By fasting there for three nights,

a man acquireth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. By visiting

Kanya-samvedya, with senses restrained and regulated fare, one acquireth,

O bull among men, the region of Manu, the lord of creation. Rishis of

rigid vows have said that he that giveth away rice or maketh any gift at

the tirtha called Kanya, rendereth such gift eternal. Arriving next at

Nischira celebrated over the three worlds, one obtaineth the merit of the

horse-sacrifice and goeth to the legion of Vishnu. O king, those that

give away at the confluence of the Nischira, ascend to the blessed region

of Brahma. There in that tirtha is the asylum of Vasishtha that is known

over the three worlds. Bathing there, one obtaineth the merit of the

Vajapeya sacrifice. Proceeding next to Devakuta that is resorted to by

celestial Rishis, one acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and

also delivereth his race. Then should one, O king, go to the lake of the

Muni Kausika, where Kusika's son, Viswamitra, obtained high success.

Bathing there, a person acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice.

There, O hero, at Kausika, should one reside for a month, O bull of the

Bharata race! By a month's residence there, one reapeth the merit of the

horse-sacrifice. He that resideth at the best of tirthas called

Maha-hrada, enjoys immunity from misfortune, and also obtains the merit

of giving away gold in abundance. Beholding next Kartikeya who dwelleth

at Virasrama, a man certainly reapeth the fruit of the horse-sacrifice.

Proceeding then to Agnidhara celebrated over the three worlds, and

beholding there after a bath the eternal and boon-giving Vishnu, that god

of gods, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. Proceeding

next to the Grandsire's tank near the snowcapped of mountains, and

bathing in it, a man obtains the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice.

Falling from the Grandsire's tank, is that world-sanctifying (stream),

celebrated over the three worlds, called Kumara-Dhara. Bathing there, one

regardeth himself as having all his purposes fulfilled. Fasting in that

tirtha for three days, one is even cleansed from the sin of slaying a

Brahmana. The pilgrim should next, O virtuous one, proceed to the peak of

the great goddess Gauri, famed over the three worlds. Ascending it, O

best of men, one should approach Stana-Kunda. By touching the waters of

Stana-Kunda, a person obtaineth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice.

Bathing in that tirtha and worshipping the gods and Pitris, one acquireth

the merit of the horse-sacrifice and also ascendeth to the region of

Indra. Arriving next at the well of Tamraruna, that is frequented by the

gods, one acquireth, O lord of men, the merit that attaches to human

sacrifice. Bathing next at the confluence of the Kirtika with the Kausiki

and the Aruna, and fasting there for three nights a man of learning is

cleansed of all his sins. Proceeding next to the tirtha called Urvasi,

and then to Somasrama, a wise man by bathing next at Kumbhakarnasrama

becometh adored in the world. The ancients knew that by touching the

waters of Kokamukha, with steady vows and leading Brahmacharya mode of

life, the memory of one's former life is revived. Arriving next with

speed to the river called Nanda a regenerate one becometh freed from all

his sins and ascendeth with soul under control to Indra's region.

Proceeding next to the island called Rishabha, that is destructive of

cranes, and bathing in the Saraswati, an individual blazeth forth in

heaven. Proceeding next to the tirtha called Auddalaka frequented by

Munis, and bathing there one is cleansed of all his sins. Repairing next

to the sacred tirtha called Dharma that is visited by Brahmarshis, one

acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice and becometh respected in

heaven. Proceeding next to Champa and bathing in the Bhagirathi he that

sojourneth to Dandaparna, acquireth the merit of giving away a thousand

kine. Then should one proceed to the sacred Lalitika that is graced by

the presence of the virtuous. By this one acquireth the merit of the

Rajasuya sacrifice and is regarded in heaven."

SECTION LXXXV

"Pulastya said, 'Arriving next at the excellent tirtha called Samvedya in

the evening, and touching its waters, one surely obtaineth knowledge.

Created a tirtha in days of yore by Rama's energy, he that proceedeth to

Lauhitya obtaineth the merit of giving away gold in abundance. Proceeding

next to the river Karatoya, and fasting there for three nights, a man

acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. Even this is the injunction

of the Creator himself. It hath been said by the wise, O king, that if a

person goeth to the spot where the Ganga mingleth with the sea, he

reapeth merit which is ten times that of the horse-sacrifice. Crossing

over to the opposite bank of the Ganga, he that batheth there having

resided for three nights is, O king, cleansed from all his sins. One

should next proceed to the Vaitarani capable of destroying every sin.

Arriving next at the tirtha named Viraja one shineth like the moon, and

sanctifying his race rescueth it and is himself cleansed of all his sins.

He that bathes in Viraja further reapeth the merit of giving away a

thousand kine besides sanctifying his line. Residing with purity at the

confluence of the Sona and the Jyotirathi, and offering oblations of

water to the gods and the Pitris, a man reapeth the merit of the

Agnishtoma sacrifice. Touching next the waters of the Vansagulma

constituting the sources of both the Sona and the Narmada, one obtaineth

the merit of the horse-sacrifice. Sojourning next to the tirtha called

Rishabha in Kosala, O lord of men, and fasting there for three nights one

earneth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice, and of the gift of a

thousand kine, and also delivereth his race. Arriving at Kosala, a man

should bathe in the tirtha named Kala. By this one surely obtaineth the

merit of giving away one and ten bulls. By bathing in Pushpavati and

fasting there, O king, for three nights one sanctifieth his own race,

besides earning the merit of the gift of a thousand kine. Then, O

foremost of the Bharata race, by bathing in the tirtha called Vadarika,

one obtaineth long life, and also goeth to heaven. Arriving next at

Champa, and bathing in the Bhagirathi, and seeing Danda one earneth the

merit of giving away a thousand kine. Then should one go to the sacred

Lapetika, graced by the presence of the pious. By so doing one reapeth

the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice and also becometh regarded by the

gods. Proceeding next to the mountain called Mahendra, inhabited (of

yore) by Jamadagnya, and bathing in Rama's tirtha, a person acquireth the

merit of the horse-sacrifice. Here is Matanga's tirtha called Kedara, O

son of the Kuru race! Bathing in it, O foremost of the Kurus, a man

obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Going to the mountain

Sree, one who toucheth the waters of the stream that is there by

worshipping there the god having the bull for his mark obtaineth the

merit of the horse-sacrifice. On the mountain Sree dwelleth happily, the

effulgent Mahadeva with the goddess, as also Brahma with the other gods.

By bathing in the lake of Deva, with purity and restrained mind, one

obtaineth the merit of the-horse-sacrifice, and also attaineth to the

highest success."'

Proceeding next to the mountain Rishabha in Pandya, worshipped by the

gods, one obtains the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice and rejoices in

heaven. One should next proceed to the river Kaveri, frequented by

Apsaras. Bathing there, O monarch, one obtaineth, the merit of giving

away a thousand kine. Touching next the waters of the tirtha called Kanya

on the shores of the sea one is cleansed from every sin. Proceeding next

to Gokarna celebrated over the three worlds, and which is situate, O best

of kings, in the midst of the deep, and is reverenced by all the worlds,

and where the gods headed by Brahma, and Rishis endued with wealth of

asceticism, and spirits and Yakshas and Pisachas, and Kinnaras and the

great Nagas, and Siddhas and Charanas and Gandharvas, and men and

Pannagas, and rivers, Seas and Mountains, worship the lord of Uma, one

should worship Isana, fasting there for three nights. By this, one

acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and the status of Ganapatya.

By staying there for twelve nights, one's soul is cleansed of all sins.

One should next proceed to the tirtha known as Gayatri celebrated over

the three worlds. Staying there for three nights, one acquireth the merit

of giving away a thousand kine. A strange phenomenon is seen to occur

there in respect to Brahmanas, O Lord of men! If a Brahmana, whether born

of a Brahmani or any other woman, reciteth the Gayatri there, the

recitation becomes rhythmic and musical, while, O king, a person who is

not a Brahmana cannot adequately hymn it at all. Proceeding next to the

inaccessible tank of the Brahmana Rishi Samvarta, one acquireth personal

beauty and prosperity. Repairing next to Vena, he that offers oblations

of water to the gods and the Pitris, obtains a car drawn by peacocks and

cranes. Going next to the Godavari, ever frequented by the Siddhas, one

earneth the merit of the cow-sacrifice, and goeth to the excellent region

of Vasuki. Bathing next at the confluence of the Venna, one obtains the

merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. By a dip next at the confluence of

Varada, one acquireth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Arriving

next at Brahmasthuna, one that stayeth there for three nights acquireth

the merit of giving away a thousand kine, and also ascendeth to heaven.

Coming next to Kusaplavana, with subdued soul and leading a Brahmacharya

mode of life, and staying there for three nights he that bathes in it

obtains the merit of the horse-sacrifice. Bathing next at the romantic

Deva-hrada that is supplied by the waters of the Krishna-Venna, and also

in the Jatismara-hrada, one acquireth the memory of one's former life. It

was there that the chief of the celestials celebrated a hundred

sacrifices and ascended to heaven. By a visit only to that spot, one

acquireth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. Bathing next in the

Sarvadeva-hrada, a person obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand

kine. Proceeding next to the highly sacred tank called Payoshni, that

best of waters, he that offers oblations of water to the gods and the

Pitris acquires the merit of the gift of a thousand kine. Arriving next

at the sacred forest of Dandaka, a person should bathe (in the waters)

there. By this, O king, one at once obtains, O Bharata, the merit of

giving away a thousand kine. Proceeding next to the asylum of Sarabhanga

and that of the illustrious Suka, one acquireth immunity from misfortune,

besides sanctifying his race. Then should one proceed to Surparaka, where

Jamadagni's son had formerly dwelt. Bathing in that tirtha of Rama, one

acquireth the merit of giving away gold in abundance. Bathing next in the

Saptagadavara, with the subdued sense and regulated diet, one earneth

great merit, and goeth also to the region of the celestials. Proceeding

next to Deva-hrada, with subdued sense and regulated diet, a man

obtaineth the merit of the Devasatra sacrifice. One should proceed next

to the forest of Tungaka, with subdued senses and leading a Brahmacharya

mode of life It was here that in olden days Muni Saraswata taught the

Vedas to the ascetics. When the Vedas had been lost (in consequence of

the Munis having forgotten them), Angirasa's son, seated at ease on the

upper garments of the Munis (duly spread out), pronounced distinctly and

with emphasis the syllable Om. And at this, the ascetics again

recollected all that they had learnt before. It was there that the Rishis

and the gods Varuna, Agni, Prajapati, Narayana also called Hari, Mahadeva

and the illustrious Grandsire of great splendour, appointed the

resplendent Bhrigu to officiate at a sacrifice. Gratifying Agni by

libations of clarified butter poured according to the ordinance, the

illustrious Bhrigu once performed the Agnyadhana sacrifice for all those

Rishis, after which both they and the gods went away to their respective

homes one after another. One who enters the forest of Tungaka, is, O best

of kings, male or female, cleansed of every sin. There in that tirtha, O

hero, one should reside for a month, with subdued senses and regulated

diet. By this, O king, one ascendeth to the region of Brahma, and

delivereth also his race. Arriving next at Medhavika, one should offer

oblations of water to the gods and the Pitris. By this, one acquires the

merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice, and also memory and intellect. There

in that tirtha is the mountain known over the whole world and called

Kalanjara. Bathing in the celestial lake that is there, one acquires the

merit of giving away a thousand kine. He that, O king, after a bath,

offereth oblations (to the gods and the Pitris) on the Kalanjara

mountain, is, without doubt, regarded in heaven. Proceeding next, O

monarch, to the river Mandakini capable of destroying all sins and which

is on that best of mountains called Chitrakuta, he that bathes there and

worships the gods and the Pitris, obtains the merit of the

horse-sacrifice and attains to an exalted state. One should next, O

virtuous one, proceed to the excellent tirtha called Bhartristhana,

where, O king, ever dwells the celestial generalissimo Kartikeya. By a

journey only to that spot, a person, O foremost of kings, attaineth to

success. Bathing next at the tirtha called Koti, one earneth the merit of

giving away a thousand kine. Having walked round Koti, one should proceed

next to Jyeshthasthana. Beholding Mahadeva who is there, one shineth like

the moon. There, O mighty monarch, is a celebrated well. O bull of the

Bharata race! There in that well, O foremost of warriors, are the four

seas. He that bathes there, O foremost of kings, and with subdued soul

worships the gods and the Pitris, is cleansed of all his sins and

attaineth to an exalted state. Then, O mighty king, should one proceed to

the great Sringaverapura, where, O foremost of kings, formerly Rama,

Dasharatha's son, had crossed (the Ganga). Bathing in that tirtha, one, O

mighty-armed one, is cleansed of all his sins. Bathing with subdued

senses and leading a Brahmacharya mode of life, in the Ganga, one is

cleansed of every sin, and obtains also the merit of the Vajapeya

sacrifice. One should next proceed to the place called Mayuravata,

consecrated to Mahadeva of high intelligence. Beholding there the god,

bowing down to him and walking round the spot, one acquireth, O Bharata,

the Ganapatya status. Bathing in Ganga at that tirtha, one is cleansed of

all his sins. Then, O king, should one proceed to Prayaga, whose praises

have been sung by Rishis and where dwell the gods with Brahma at their

head, the Directions with their presiding deities, the Lokapalas, the

Siddhas, the Pitris adored by the worlds, the great Rishis-Sanatkumara

and others, stainless Brahmarshis--Angiras and others,--the Nagas, the

Suparnas, the Siddhas, the Snakes, the Rivers, the Seas, the Gandharvas,

the Apsaras, and the Lord Hari with Prajapati. There in that tirtha are

three fiery caverns between which the Ganga, that foremost of tirthas,

rolleth rapidly. There in that region also the world-purifying daughter

of the sun, Yamuna, celebrated over the three worlds, uniteth with the

Ganga. The country between the Ganga and the Yamuna is regarded as the

mons veneris of the world, and Prayaga as the foremost point of that

region. The tirthas Prayaga, Pratisthana, Kamvala, Aswatara and Bhogavati

are the sacrificial platforms of the Creator. There in those places, O

foremost of warriors, the Vedas and the Sacrifices, in embodied forms,

and the Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, adore Brahma, and there

the gods and rulers of territories also celebrate their sacrifices. The

learned, however, say that of all these tirthas, O exalted one, Prayaga

is the most sacred, in fact, the foremost of all tirthas in the three

worlds. By going to that tirtha, by singing its praises, or by taking a

little earth from it, one is cleansed from every sin. He that bathes in

that confluence celebrated over the world, acquires all the merits of the

Rajasuya and the horse-sacrifices. This sacrificial place is worshipped

by the gods themselves. If a man giveth there ever so little, it

increaseth, O Bharata, a thousandfold. O child, let not the texts of the

Veda, nor the opinions of men dissuade thy mind from the desire of dying

at Prayaga. O son of the Kuru race, the wise say that six hundred million

and ten thousand tirthas exist at Prayaga. Bathing in the confluence of

Ganga and Yamuna, one obtains the merit that attaches to the four kinds

of knowledge and the merits also of those that are truthful. There at

Prayaga is the excellent tirtha of Vasuki called Bhogavati. He that

batheth in it, obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. There also in

the Ganga is the tirtha famed over the three worlds, called

Ramaprapatana, which conferreth the merit of ten horse-sacrifices. O son

of the Kuru race! Wherever may a person bathe in the Ganga, he earneth

merit equal to that of a trip to Kurukshetra. An exception, however, is

made in favour of Kanakhala, while the merit attaching to Prayaga is the

greatest. Having committed a hundred sins, he that bathes in the Ganga,

hath all his sins washed off by the waters thereof, even as fuel is

consumed by fire. It hath been said that in the Satyayuga all the tirthas

were sacred; in the Treta, Pushkara alone was such; in Dwapara,

Kurukshetra; and in the Kali-yuga, the Ganga alone is sacred. In

Pushkara, one should practise austerities; in Mahalaya, one should give

away; in the Malaya mountains, one should ascend the funeral pyre; and in

Bhrigutunga, one should renounce one's body by forgoing food. Bathing in

Pushkara, in Kurukshetra, in the Ganga and in the confluence (of the

Ganga and the Yamuna), one sanctifieth seven generations of one's race up

and down. He that reciteth the name of the Ganga is purified; while he

that beholdeth her, receiveth prosperity; while he that bathes in her and

drinks of her waters sanctifieth seven generations of his race up and

down. As long, O king, as one's bones lie in contact with the waters of

the Ganga, so long doth he live regarded in heaven, even as one liveth in

heaven in consequence of the merit he earneth by pious pilgrimages to

sacred tirthas and holy spots. There is no tirtha that is like unto the

Ganga, there is no god like unto Kesava, and there is none superior to

Brahmanas,--this hath been said even by the Grandsire. O great king, the

region through which the Ganga flows should be regarded as a sacred

asylum, and a spot of land that is on the Ganga's banks, should be

regarded as one favourable to the attainment of ascetic success.

This truthful description (of the tirthas) one should recite only unto

the regenerate ones, unto those that are pious, unto one's son and

friends and disciples and dependents. This narrative, without a rival, is

blessed and holy and leadeth to heaven. Holy and entertaining and

sanctifying, it is productive of merit and high worth. Destructive of

every sin, it is a mystery that the great Rishis cherish with care. By

reciting it in the midst of Brahmanas, one is cleansed of every sin, and

ascends to heaven. This description of tirthas is auspicious and

heaven-giving and sacred; ever blessed as it is, it destroys one's

enemies; foremost of all accounts, it sharpens the intellect. By reading

this narrative the sonless obtains sons, the destitute obtains riches, a

person of the royal order conquereth the whole earth, the Vaisya cometh

by wealth, the Sudra obtaineth all his desires, and the Brahmana crosseth

the ocean (of the world). Purifying himself, he that listens daily to the

merits of the different tirthas, recollects the incidents of many

previous births and rejoices in heaven. Of the tirthas that have been

recited here, some are easily accessible, while others are difficult of

access. But he that is inspired with the desire of beholding all tirthas,

should visit them even in imagination. Desirous of obtaining merit, the

Vasus, and the Sadhyas, the Adityas, the Maruts, the Aswins, and the

Rishis equal unto celestials, all bathed in these tirthas. Do thou also,

O thou of the Kuru race, observing the ordinance as explained by me,

visit, with subdued senses, these tirthas, increasing thy merit, O thou

of excellent vows. Men of piety and learning are able to visit these

tirthas, by reason of their purified senses, their belief in Godhead, and

their acquaintance with the Vedas. He that doth not observe vows, he that

hath not his soul under control, he that is impure, he that is a thief,

and he that is of crooked mind, doth not, O Kauravya, bathe in tirthas.

Thou art ever observant of virtue, and art of pure character. By thy

virtue, O virtuous one, thou hast always gratified thy father and thy

grand-father, and great-grand-fathers, and the gods with Brahma at their

head, and the Rishis also, O thou versed in virtue! Thou who resemblest

Vasava, thou wilt, O Bhishma, attain to the region of the Vasus, and also

eternal fame on earth!'

"Narada continued, 'Having cheerfully spoken thus, the illustrious Rishi

Pulastya, well-pleased, bidding Bhishma farewell, disappeared there and

then. And Bhishma also, O tiger among men, well understanding the true

import of the Shastras, wandered over the world at the command of

Pulastya. Thus, O thou blessed one, did Bhishma end at Prayaga his highly

meritorious journey to the tirthas capable of destroying all sins. The

man that ranges the earth in accordance with these injunctions, obtains

the highest fruit of a hundred horse-sacrifices and earns salvation

hereafter. Thou wilt, O son of Pritha, obtain merit consisting of the

eight attributes, even like that which Bhishma, the foremost of the

Kurus, had obtained of yore. And as thou wilt lead these ascetics to

those tirthas, thy merit will be much greater. Those tirthas are infested

by Rakshasas, and no one, save thyself, O son of Kuru race, can go there.

Rising early he that reciteth this narrative by the celestial Rishis on

the subject of the tirthas, becometh free from all sins. Those foremost

of Rishis, Valmiki, and Kasyapa, and Atreya, and Kundajathara, and

Viswamitra, and Gautama, and Asita, and Devala, and Markandeya, and

Galava, and Bharadwaja, and Vasishtha, and the Muni Uddalaka, and Saunaka

with his son, and Vyasa, that best of ascetics, and Durvasas, that

foremost of Munis, and Javali of great austerities--all these illustrious

Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, are staying in expectation of

thee. With these, O mighty king, do thou meet by visiting these tirthas.

And, O illustrious monarch, a great Rishi of immeasurable energy, Lomasa

by name, will come to thee. Do thou follow him, and me, and by turns

visit these tirthas, O thou virtuous one! By this, thou wilt acquire

great fame, like king Mahabhisha! O tiger among kings, even as the

virtuous Yayati and king Pururavas, dost thou blaze forth with thy own

virtue. Like king Bhagiratha and the illustrious Rama, dost thou shine

among kings even as the Sun himself. And thou art, O great king,

celebrated (in the world) even as Muni or Ikshwaku, or the highly famous

Puru or Vainya! And as in days of yore the slayer of Vritra, after

burning all his foes, ruled the three worlds, his mind freed from

anxiety, so wilt thou rule thy subjects, after slaying all thy enemies.

And, O thou of eyes like lotus leaves, having conquered the earth

according to the customs of thy order, thou wilt obtain renown by thy

virtue, even like Kartaviryaryuna.'"

Vaisampayana continued, "O great king, having comforted the monarch thus,

the illustrious Rishi Narada, bidding farewell to the king, disappeared

there and then. And the virtuous Yudhishthira, reflecting upon the

subject, began to recite unto the ascetics the merit attaching to

tirthas!"