More Tirthas on the Bank of Narmada

Narada said:

1-7. Since then Brahma and others, as well as the sages rich in penance, being free from lust and anger, resort to Narmada, O king. Seeing the trident of the lord fallen at that place on the earth, the magnanimous Shiva narrated its importance. It came to be known as the great, most meritorious holy place Sulabheda. He, who, having bathed there, would worship the god (Shiva), would obtain the fruit (of the gift) of a thousand cows. O king, he, who would pass three nights there, and would worship Mahadeva, would not be reborn. Then a man should go to Mahesvara, (then) to the excellent Narmadesvara. (Then he should visit) the very meritorious Adityesvara. Then on worshipping Mallikesvara with ghee and honey, he obtains the fruit of his existence. Then he should see (i.e. visit) Varunesvara, the excellent Nirajesvara. He gets the fruit of (visiting) all the holy places by seeing (i.e. visiting) these five. O lord of kings, he should go to the place where the battle was fought.

8-11. Kotitirtha is well-known where the demons were fought (with), and where these demons, proud of their strength, were destroyed. Seizing their heads he killed them who had gathered there. They installed (the representation of) Mahesvara with the trident in his hand. The point was placed there, therefore (the place) is known as Kotitirtha. By seeing that holy place, a man would physically go to heaven. At that time, due to meanness, Indra restrained (a man) by means of the wedge of his bolt. Since then, people's going to heaven has been checked.

12-13. O Pandava, after having offered a coconut with ghee, at the end (of this rite), by all means he should, holding a lamp on his head, go round the (representation of the) god. He gets all his desires satisfied. When he dies, he obtains Rudrahood, and is not born again in this world. Having gone to heaven, then having ruled as a king, he goes to Indra's paradise.

14-18. Similarly, having waited upon Mahadeva, a man who just bathes there gets the fruit of all sacrifices. Then, O lord of kings, a man should go to the very beautiful holy place — the excellent Agastyesvara — that removes the sins of men. O king, a man, having bathed there, is absolved (of the sin) of killing a brahmana. A man with his senses controlled remaining in profound meditation, should bathe the representation of the god with ghee (on) the fourteenth day of the dark half of Kartika. He, with twentyone members (i.e. descendants) of his family, would never be deprived of lordly position. He should present cows, shoes, an umbrella, and a blanket, and also food to all brahmanas. It would have a crorefold merit.

19-21. Then O lord of kings, a man should go to the excellent Ravistava. Having bathed (i.e. if a man bathes) there, he would get a throne (i.e. would be a king). On the right bank of Narmada, the place holy to Indra (and called Sakratirtha) is wellknown. Having fasted there for a night, he should bathe. Having bathed there he should properly worship Janardana (i.e. Vishnu). He gets the fruit of (having given away)a thousand cows. He goes to Vishnu's world.

22-23. Thence he should go to Rsitirtha, which removes all the sins of men. A man, by just bathing there, is honoured in Shiva's world. There only is the very beautiful holy place of (i.e. named after) Narada..By just bathing there, a man would obtain the fruit of (giving away) a thousand cows.

24-25. Then he should go to Devatirtha, formerly fashioned by Brahma. O king, having bathed there, a man is honoured in Brahma's world. Then he should go to Amarakantaka, formerly established by gods. Having just bathed there, a man would obtain the fruit of having given away a thousand cows.

26-27. Then he should go to Vamanesvara. Seeing Vamanaka there, he is absolved of the sin of killing a brahmana. Thence a man should go to Rsitirtha, and certainly to Isanesa. Then having gone to (i.e. if he visits) Vatesvara, he obtains the fruit of his existence.

28-29. Thence a man should go to Bhimesvara, which destroys all diseases. A man, O king, by just bathing there is free from all misery. Then, O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent (holy place called) Varanesvara. Having bathed there, a man is free from all misery, O king.

30-31. Then he should go to Somatirtha and should seeCandra. O king, then, being full of great devotion, having bathed there, he, obtaining a celestial body just at that moment, enjoys like Shiva for along time. He is honoured for sixty thousand years in Shiva's heaven.

32-36. Then O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent (holy place of) Pingalesvara. By fasting for a day and night (there) he would obtain the fruit of (having fasted for) three nights. O lord of kings, he who gives a tawny cow (to a brahmana) at that holy place, is honoured in Rudra's world for as many thousand years as there are hairs on his body and on the bodies of the members born in his family. O king, he who casts his life there, enjoys eternally as long as the moon and the sun will remain in the sky. Those men who, having resorted to the bank of Narmada, die (there), go to heaven as the men of good deeds go.

37-41. Then on the day of Gangavatarana, he should go to Surabhikesvara and (the holy place called) Naraka and Kotikesvara. He is blessed; no doubt about it. Thence going to Nanditirtha, he should bathe there. Lord of Nandi (i.e. aiva) is pleased, and the man is honoured in Soma's heaven. Then he should go to Dipesvara, and the penance-grove (called) Vyasatirtha. Formerly the great river turned back from there, being afraid of Vyasa. Then, when he uttered the sound 'hum', she went (i.e. flowed) towards the south. O king, he who circumambulates at the holy place, has Vyasa pleased with him, and he gets the desired fruit. He who puts a thread round (the representation of) the god along with the altar, sports for eternal time; and he is as Rudra is (i.e. becomes Rudra-like).

42-47. Thence, O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent sacred place (called) Erandl. Having bathed (there) at the confluence, he is absolved of all sins. Erandl is well-known in the three worlds (as) destroyer of sins. Or (on) the eighth of the bright fortnight in the month of Asvina, a man having bathed, and being pure and intent upon fasting, should feed one brahmana, (thereby) a crore (of brahmanas) are fed. Having bathed at the confluence at Erandl, and delighted in devotion, a man, having placed a pearl-oyster on his head, and having plunged into the water mixed with that of Narmada, gets absolved of all sins. O king, he who would circumambulate at that holy place, goes round the earth consisting of seven islands.

48-51. Then having bathed at Suvarnatilaka and having given gold (to a brahmana) he is honoured in Rudra's world with a golden mansion. Then fallen from heaven after (some) time, he becomes a powerful king. Thence, O lord, he should go to the confluence of the river Iksu. It is well-known in the three worlds. Shiva is present there. O king, having bathed a man would attain the status of the head of the attendants of Shiva. Thence he should go to Skandatirtha which destroys all sins. Sin committed from birth goes away merely by bathing there.

52-57a. Thence he should go to (the holy place called) Angirasa, and should bathe there. He gets the fruit of (having given away) a thousand cows. He is honoured in Rudra's heaven. From there he should go to Langalatlrtha which destroys all sins. Having gone there, O lord of kings, he should bathe there. There is no doubt that (thereby) he becomes free from sins committed during seven existences. Hence he should go to Vatesvara, the best of all holy places. O king, having bathed there, he would obtain the fruit of (having given away) a thousand cows. From there, he should go to the great (holy place called) Sangamesvara which removes all sins. Having bathed there one gets a kingdom. There is no doubt about it. All that (merit) of the man who, after reaching Bhadratirtha, gives gifts, would become a crorefold in effect by the power of that sacred place.

57b-58a. If a woman bathes there, she would become like Gauri, and undoubtedly goes to Indra.

58b-62. Then he should go to Angaresvara, and should bathe there. A man, merely by bathing there, is honoured in Rudra's world. On the AngarakI caturthi (i.e. caturthi falling on a Tuesday) he should bathe there. Being instructed by Vishnu, he rejoices eternally. Having bathed at Ayonisangama, he should see the Yonimandira. Having gone to Pandavesvara, he should bathe there. He cannot be killed by gods or demons, and rejoices eternally. Then going to Vishnu's heaven, he is full of sport and enjoyments. Having enjoyed great pleasures there, he is born as a king in the mortal world.

63. He should go to Kambotikesvara and should bathe there. When the summer solstice arrives, whatever he would desire would take place.

64. Thence he should go to Candrabhaga and bathe there. A man by just bathing there is honoured in Soma's world.

65-69a. Then, O king of kings, he should go to the holy place of Sakra (i.e. Indra), which is well-known, and is honoured by the king of gods. He should give gold as a gift. Or he who would give a bull of a dark colour, would live in Hara's city for as many thousand years as there are hairs on the body of the bull, and on the bodies of those that are born in his family. Then having fallen from heaven, he becomes a powerful king; and by the power of that holy place, he becomes, among thousands of mortals, the master of horses of white colour.

69b-74. Thence, O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent Brahmavarta. Having bathed there, he should offer oblations to his divine manes by giving a pinda according to the proper rites after having fasted for a night. When the Sun has entered Virgo, (this merit) would be stored eternally. Thence, O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent holy place (called) Kapilatirtha. O king, he, who, after bathing there, gives a tawny cow (to a brahmana), would get the fruit which would be got by giving the entire earth. Narmadesvara is a great holy place. There has not been or will not be (other) holy place (like this). O king, having bathed there, a man would obtain the fruit of a horse sacrifice. (A man who has gone there) is born as a sovereign emperor on the earth; he is perfect with all (good) characteristics and free from all diseases.

75-80. On the northern bank of Narmada, there is a very auspicious holy place (called) Adityayana; it is charming and is created by the lord. O lord of kings, the gift given there after having bathed there becomes inexhaustible by the power of that holy place. Those that are poor, or diseased, or those that have done wicked deeds, are absolved of all sins, and go to the Sun's world. On the seventh of the bright fortnight when the month of Magha has come, he who, without food, and with his senses controlled, would live in the temple, never suffers from diseases, does not become blind or deaf. Being fortunate and endowed with handsomeness, he becomes dear to women. This holy place is said to be very holy by Markandeya. O lord of kings, those who do not go there are undoubtedly deceived.

81-85a. Thence he should go to Masesvara, and should bathe there. A man merely by bathing there, would obtain heaven. Remaining in all worlds, he rejoices as long as fourteen Indras rule. Then remaining in the penance-grove called Nagesvara which is nearby, and having bathed there, O lord of kings, and being pure and concentrated, he sports for eternal time with many Naga damsels. He should go to Kubera's abode, where Kubera stays. Kalesvara is a great holy place where Kubera was pleased. Bathing there, O lord of kings, he would obtain all wealth.

85b-88. Then he should go westward to the best abode of theMaruts. Having bathed there, O lord of kings, being pure and concentrated, the intelligent one should then give gold and food according to his capacity. He goes to Vayu's world by the Puspaka aeroplane. O Yudhisthira, then in the month of Magha he should go to my Tirtha. On the fourteenth day of a dark fortnight he should bathe there. Then he should eat at night, and should not go to Yonisamkata.

89-97a. Thence he should go to Ahalyatirtha. After merely having bathed there, he rejoices with celestial nymphs. Ahalya got liberated after having practised penance at the Paramesvara (tirtha). When the thirteenth day of the bright half of Caitra has arrived, he should, on that day holy to god Cupid, worship Ahalya. A man who is born anywhere (i.e. in any family), would be dear there. He would be dear to women, would be prosperous and like another god of love. Having reached Ayodhya, (he should visit) the well-known Sakratirtha. Having merely bathed there, a man would obtain the fruit of (giving) a thousand cows. Thence he should go to Somatirtha and just bathe there. A man who has just bathed there, is absolved of all sins. On (the day of) the planet Moon, O lord of kings, it would remove all sins. O king, Somatirtha is well-known in the three worlds, and gives a great fruit. O lord of men, he, who observes there the Candrayana vow, goes, after his soul is purified from all sins, to Soma's heaven. He who dies at Somatirtha by entering fire or in the water or by living without food, is not born in the mortal world.

97b-100. Thence he should go to Stambhatirtha, and should bathe there. By merely bathing there, a man is honoured in Soma's heaven. Then, O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent Vishnutirtha. The excellent Vishnutirtha is (also) well-known as Yodhanlpura. Vasudeva fought with crores of demons there. There a holy place came up; and here (i.e. at this holy place) Vishnu would be pleased. By observing a fast day and night, he keeps off (the sin of) the murder of a brahmana.

101-104a. Then O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent (holy place called) Tapasesvara. It is known as Amohaka. There he should offer oblations to his manes. On the full moon or the new moon day he should offer a sraddha according to the proper rite. Having bathed there, O king, he should offer pinda to his manes. In it stand stones of the form of elephants. At that (holy place) he should offer pinda — especially in (the month of) Vaishakha. His manes remain pleased as long as the earth will remain.

104b-121. Thence, O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent Siddhesvara. Going there he should go near Ganapati. From there, he should go to the place where there is Janardana (as a) linga. O lord of kings, having bathed there, he is honoured in Vishnu's world. On the right bank of Narmada there is a very auspicious holy place. This great Kamadeva (i.e. god of love) practises penance there. Fora thousand divine years he worships Shiva. During the time of his abstract meditation he was burnt by the magnanimous Shiva. On the day of the bright parvan (i.e. the full moon day) the fire resembled a white mountain. All those remaining with Cupid were burnt and they lived at Kusumesvara. After a thousand divine years the great lord (Shiva) was pleased with them. Rudra, the giver of boons, was, along with Uma, pleased with them. All they remaining on the bank of Narmada were liberated. By the power of that holy place they again attained godhead. 'O Mahadeva, let the holy place be excellent by your favour.' The holy place has extended up to half a yojana all around. A man, given to fasting, having bathed at that holy place is honoured in the form of Cupid in Rudra's heaven. Yama, Kamadeva, Vaisvanara and Vayu who had formerly come there, practised penance there only. A man who within the limit of half a yojana from there, near Andhona, not far away from the holy place, bathes, gives gifts, (gives) food (to brahmanas), offers pindas, enters fire, or water, or fasts, is never reborn after dying there. The best man should bathe himself with the water sacred to Tryambaka. The manes of him, who duly offers pindas at the root of Andhona, remain pleased as long as the moon and the sun remain (in the sky). A man or a woman who bathes there when the sun enters the northern solstice, would, (being) pure, live in the abode (of Siddhesvara) (and) the man, would obtain, by worshipping Siddhesvara in the morning, that status of the good which cannot be obtained by (performing) great sacrifices; and during the time of his stay at the holy place, an ugly man becomes handsome. In the mortal world, he becomes the king (of the earth) upto the oceans. (If) he would not see Ksetrapala, and the mighty Dandapala his pilgrimage would be fruitless, (also) by not seeing (i.e. visiting) Karnakundala.

122. Having learnt this fruit of (the visit to) sacred places, all the gods that had assembled there, showered flowers and praised Kusumesvara.

 

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Suklatirtha

Narada said:

1-2a. Thence he should devoutly go to Bhargavesa where the demons were destroyed by god Vishnu with his humkara sound. O lord of kings, having bathed there, he is free from all sins.

2b-6. O son of Pandu, also listen to the (description of) Suklatirtha. Markanda, seeing god (Mahadeva) with Urna, who was seated on the peak of Himalaya which was charming, variegated with various minerals, which resembled the young sun and heated gold, which had the staircase of strong crystals, which had a slab of stone with a variegated strap, which was golden, which was divine and adorned with many lotuses, asked (Mahadeva) who was omniscient, who was the immutable lord, who favoured the worlds, who was surrounded by the hosts of attendants and by Skanda, Nandi, Mahakala, > and attendants like VIrabhadra:

7. " O Mahadeva, god of gods, praised by (gods like) Indra and Kama, I am afraid of the worldly existence. Tell me the means of happiness.

8. O you revered lord, the lord of what has been and what will be, O you great god, describe to me the greatest among the holy places, destroying all sins." The lord said:

9-29a. O illustrious brahmana, well-versed in all branches of knowledge, go, surrounded by the groups of sages, and have a bath etc. The sages Manu, Atri, Yajnavalkya, Kasyapa, and Angiras, Apastamba, Sarhvarta, Katyayana, Brihaspati, Narada and Gautama, desiring to secure righteousness asked him. At Kanakhala Ganga is holy; and also Prayaga, Puskara and Gaya (are holy places). When the Sun is swallowed by Rahu (i.e. on a solar eclipse day) Kuruksetra also is holy. By day or at night, Suklatlrtha gives a great fruit. On seeing it, touching (i.e. having contact with) it, bathing there, meditating, practising penance, (or performing) a sacrifice, (or by) fasting Suklatlrtha gives great fruit. Suklatlrtha is very holy and is well situated on the river. A royal sage named Canikya attained perfection there. This holy place that sprang up extends over a yojana. shuklatlrtha is very holy; it destroys all sins. When seen from the top of a tree it removes (the sin of) the murder of a brahmana. O best sage, I stay here with Uma. During the pure month of Vaishakha, on the fourteenth day of the dark half, I go out from Kailasa and stay there. Gods, kinnaras, gandharvas, siddhas, vidyadharas, my attendants, nagas, and all gods gather here; and remaining in the sky they have aeroplanes satisfying all desires. O lord of kings, those who desiring piety, come to Suklatlrtha, (have their sins washed) as a garment is made (i.e. washed) white by a washerman. The sin collected from birth melts away at Suklatirtha. Even if he dies within the limit of half a yojana (of this holy place) he is not reborn. O Markanda, best of the sages, giving gifts and bathing (at this holy place) give a great merit. A holy place superior to Suklatlrtha was never there nor will be there. A man having committed sins during his youth, removes (i.e. is free from) them by observing a fast for a day and night at Suklatirtha. That perfection which is had by means of penance, self-restraint, sacrifices, giving gifts and offering presents to deities, is not had even by (performing) hundreds of sacrifices. On the fourteenth day of the dark half of Kartika a man should observe a fast and bathe (the image of) the lord with ghee. He, along with (members of his family) till the twentyfirst (descendant) will not fall from the divine position. Suklatlrtha is a great holy place. It is resorted to by sages and siddhas. O king, having bathed (i.e. if he bathes) there, he is not reborn. Having bathed at Suklatlrtha, he should worship Shiva. He should keep awake (during the night) by (resorting to) auspicious (things) like dancing, singing etc. In the morning he should bath in the Suklatlrtha, and worship the deities. Being pure and devoted to Shiva's vow, he should then feed his preceptor according to his capacity; then he should take food; he should not be dishonest about wealth. Then after circumambulating he should gently approach the deity.

29b-36. Listen to the meritorious fruit that he who does like this, gets. Having got into a celestial car, being extolled by bevies of celestial nymphs and endowed with strength like that of Shiva, he lives till deluge. Listen to the meritorious fruit that a woman who gives pure gold (to a brahmana) at Suklatlrha and would bathe Kumara (i.e. Kartikeya) with ghee and worship him — who does like this devoutly — obtains. As long as the fourteen Indras live in heaven he rejoices. He having fully restrained himself and composed, having bathed and observed a fast during the period of the sun's passage — north or south of the equator, on the fourteenth day, on a Samkranti day or on (the day of) the equinox, should give gifts according to his capacity. (Thereby) Vishnu and Shiva would be pleased. By the efficacy of Suklatlrtha all (this) becomes inexhaustible. Listen to the meritorious fruit which he who carries a helpless person, an indigent brahmana, or even one who is dependent, obtains. He is honoured in Shiva's heaven for as many thousand years as the number of hairs (on the bodies of the persons) that are born in his family.

 

CHAPTER TWENTY

Naraka, Kapildtlrtha, JOLsitirtha, Ganesvara, Bhrigutirtha, Somatlriha etc.

Narada said:

1-12. Then he should go to (the holy place called) Naraka. He should bathe there. Merely by bathing there a man does not see (i.e. go to) hell. O you son of Pandu, listen to the greatness of this holy place. O lord of kings, all the bones which he would drop there, are dissolved, and the man becomes handsome. O lord of kings, thence a man should go to the excellent (holy place called) Kapilatirtha. O king, having bathed there, he would obtain the fruit of (having given away)a thousand cows. The man, who, when the month of Jyestha has come and especially on the fourteenth day, observes a fast devoutly, gives a tawny cow, and burning a lamp with ghee, bathes Shiva with ghee, and offers a coconut along with ghee, and in the end goes round, and gives a tawny cow with a bell and (other) ornaments (to a brahmana), becomes like Shiva, and is not born again. When Tuesday has come, especially on the fourth day (falling on Tuesday), a man should devoutly bathe (the image of) Shiva and give food to brahmanas. When the ninth or the new moon day falls on a Tuesday, he should carefully bathe (the image of) Shiva. (Thereby) he would be handsome and fortunate. He should bathe the Phallus with ghee and devoutly honour brahmanas. Surrounded by thousands, he (going in) Puspaka aeroplane, obtains the position of Shiva. He would not come here (i.e. to this world) again. He rejoices for an eternal time, and he becomes like Rudra. When the most righteous one comes to the mortal world due to his contact with (the fruits of) his deeds, he becomes a king, and becomes handsome and strong.

13-14a. Then, O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent Rsitirtha. There the sage Trgabindu, burnt my curse, resided. By the efficacy of that holy place a brahmana becomes free from sins.

14b-16a. O lord of kings, thence a man should go to the excellent Ganesvara. Merely by bathing there on the fourteenth day when the month of Sravana has come (i.e. on the fourteenth day of Sravana) a man is honoured in Rudra's heaven. By offering oblations to the manes he becomes free from the three debts (to sages, gods and the manes).

16b-25. Near Ganesvara there is the excellent (holy place called) Gangavadana. A man who would bathe there with some desire or without any desire would undoubtedly be free from sins committed from birth. He should always bathe there on a parvan day. Having offered oblations to the manes he becomes free from the three debts. That entire merit is had at Gangarahvarka confluence, which was seen at Prayaga by the magnanimous Shiva. To a place in its west, near it, not far away there is (the holy place) called Dasasvamedhika, well-known in the three worlds. A man having fasted for a night on the new moon day in the month of Bhadrapada, and having bathed, would go to the place where ava (dwells). He should always bathe there on a parvan day. Having offered oblations to the manes he would obtain the fruit of a horse sacrifice. To the west of Dasaivamedha, Bhrigu, the best brahmana, worshipped the lord fora thousand divine years. He remained under an anthill; and to the right was the abode (of the lord). Uma and Shiva were amazed. Gauri (i.e. Parvati) asked the lord: " O great lord, who is dwelling here? Tell me whether he is a god or a demon." The lord said:

26. O dear one, the best brahmana named Bhrigu, and best among the sages, remains in deep meditation and reflects upon me; he desires a boon.

27. On hearing this the goddess laughed and said to the lord: " The tuft of his hair has become like whirling smoke. Still you are not pleased. Therefore you are difficult to be propitiated. There is no doubt it." God said:

28. O great goddess, you do not know; he behaves wrathfully. I shall show you the fact, and shall do what is dear to you.

29. Then the lord of gods brought to his mind his bull (i.e. Nandi). Immediately on being remembered, the god's bull came there.

30. He spoke in a human voice: " O lord, order me." (The lord said: ) " The brahmana is covered with anthill; knock him down on the ground."

31-32. He who was engrossed in abstract meditation, and who was reflecting (upon the lord) was knocked down by him. Then getting hot with anger in a moment, he raised his hand and said to the bull, " O bull, where will you talking like this go (now)? I shall today actually kill you — a wicked one."

33-45. Then the brahmana challenged the bull gone into the air. He saw him in the sky; O king, this was a very great wonder. Then, when Rudra laughed, the sage stood before him. Seeing his third eye, he fell on the ground through shame. Saluting the highest lord (by prostrating himself before him) like a staff, he extolled him. Having saluted the lord of beings and the origin of the mundane existence (he praised him: ) " Afraid of the worldly life, O lord of the world, I beg of you of a divine form, a little welfare. O lord, which man is able to describe the multitudes of your qualities? Perhaps Vasuki, who has a thousand mouths may be able (to do so). O Shankara, O lord of the earth, O revered one, forgive me; be gracious to me who am devoutly garrulous in your praise, and who have fallen at your feet. You are sattva, rajas and tamas. You (are the cause of) the maintenance, creation and destruction (of the world). O lord of the world, O master of the world, excepting you, there is no (other) deity. All this — self-control, vows, sacrifices, gifts, Vedic studies, efforts like determination — does not deserve (is not equal to) even the sixteen thousandth part of your devotion. The signs like the sword of the excellent elixir of life or going on foot by people, are clearly seen in the case of people who have bowed down to you in this existence. Even if a man salutes you fraudulently, you give Dharma to him, O you god of those who long for you. O lord, devotion has been produced to cut off the worldly existence and for liberation. O great lord, protect me who am taking delight in another's wife or wealth, who am tormented by insult and great grief, and who am scorched by false pride, who sported with the grandeur lasting for a moment, who am prone to cruel ways and who am fallen. Though the direction is full of the groups of the helpless sense organs, like relatives, yet it is worthless. O Shankara, why do you mock at me_a fool? O Mahadeva, remove my thirst (i.e. desire) quickly, give me wealth that would always remain in my heart; cut off the nooses of pride and delusion; liberate me."

46. This hymn named 'Karunabhyudaya' is divine and gives perfection. Shiva is pleased with him, as with Bhrigu, who recites, it devoutly. The lord said:

47. O brahmana, I am pleased with you; ask for the boon desired by you. The god along with Uma would give him a boon. Bhrigu said:

48. O lord of gods, if you are pleased with me, if a boon is to be given to me, then let there be Rudravedi (here). (Please) bring this about for me. The lord said:

49-52a. O best of brahmanas, there will be Krodhasthana (i.e. place of anger). There will be no agreement between father and son. Since then all gods like Brahma, along with kinnaras, worship Bhrigutirtha, where Shiva was pleased. By seeing (i.e. visiting) that holy place a man is instantly free from sin. The creatures, helpless or independent, who die there, would undoubtedly go along the course of the very secret one (i.e. Brahman).

52b-57. This holy place is very extensive, and destroys all sins. Having bathed there men go to heaven; and those who die there, are not reborn. He should give sandals, an umbrella, food and gold and meal according to his capacity. It would be eternal. One should give according to his desire gifts on the day of the solar eclipse, and also bathe at the holy place — all this gives inexhaustible merit. Giving a bull on a lunar eclipse day or solar eclipse day is excellent. O king, foolish men, deluded by Vishnu's illusion do not know the divine Vrsatirtha situated on (the bank of) Narmada. A man, who (even) once listens to the greatness of Bhrigutirtha, is free from all sins, and he goes to Rudra's world.

58-59a. Thence, O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent (holy place) Gautamesvara. Having bathed there, O king, and absorbed in observing a fast, he is honoured in Brahma's world (after going there) in a golden aeroplane.

59b-62. He would then go to Dhautapapa, where the bull washed (his sins). Oking, it is situated on (the bank of) Narmada, and destroys all sins. A man, having bathed at that holy place, is absolved of (the sin of) killing a brahmana. O great king, he who casts his life at that holy place, gets four hands and three eyes and becomes as powerful as Rudra. Valourous like Rudra, he would stay for a complete myriad of years (in Rudra's heaven). Having come to the earth after a long time, he would be a sovereign emperor.

63-67a. From there he should go to the excellent (holy place called) Eranditirtha. O king, the man who just bathes there gets the same fruit as Markandeya told about Prayaga. In the month of Bhadrapada, and on the eighth of the bright half, a man should observe a fast for a night and should bathe there. He would not be troubled by the messengers of Yama, and he goes to Indra's heaven. Thence, O lord of kings, he should go to that holy place where Vishnu dwells. It is known as Hiranyadvipa and destroys all sins. O king, having bathed there, a man becomes rich and handsome.

67b-69. Thence, O lord of kings, he should goto the great (holy place called) Kanakhala. O king, at that holy place Garuda practised penance. It is well known in all the worlds. Yogini(i.e. Durga) dwells there. She plays with the meditating saints and dances with Shiva. O king, one who bathes there, is honoured in Rudra's world.

70. Then, O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent (holy place called) Isatirtha. There is no doubt that Isa became free there and went up.

71-72. Thence, O lord of kings, he should go to that holy place where Vishnu, the inconceivable lord, having resorted to the form of a boar, dwells. A man having bathed at Varahatlrtha, especially on the twelfth, obtains Vishnu's heaven, and does not go to hell.

73-76. Then O lord of kings, he should go to the excellent (holy place called) Somatlrtha. He should bathe there especially on the full moon day. Bali having saluted the lord, is pleased with him. In the atmosphere is seen the celestial city of Hariscandra. When Cakradhvaja (wheel-bannered one) returned, and Garuda-bannered one was asleep, the force of Narmada's water resorted to Rurukaccha. Vishnu told Shankara to stay there. Having bathed at Dvipesvara, a man would get great happiness.

77-82. Then, O lord of kings, he should go to (the holy place called) Rudrakanya on the confluence. Merely by bathing there, a man would obtain the position of the goddess. Then he should go to Devatirtha saluted by all gods. O lord of kings, having bathed there, he rejoices with deities. Thence, O lord of kings, he should go to (the excellent holy place called) Sikhitirtha. A gift given there becomes a crore times meritorious. On the new moon day in the dark half of the month he should bathe there. He should feed a brahmana. Thereby a crore (of brahmanas) is fed. O lord of kings, at Bhrigutlrtha a crore of holy places are settled. A man having no desire, or having a desire, should bathe there. He obtains (the fruit of) a horse sacrifice and rejoices with deities. The best sage Bhrigu obtained perfection there. The magnanimous Shankara descended there.

 

CHAPTER TWENTYONE

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