SECTION –LXXXIV
(Tirtha-yatra Parva Continued)
"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."
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