03.080
तीर्थयात्रापर्व
Section on the journey to sacred fords
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
धनञ्जयोत्सुकास्ते तु वने तस्मिन्महारथाः। न्यवसन्त महाभागा द्रौपद्या सह पाण्डवाः ॥०३-८०-१॥
But those highly fortunate great chariot-warriors, the Pāṇḍavas, who were eager for Dhanañjaya, dwelt together with Draupadī in that forest. (03-80-1)
अथापश्यन्महात्मानं देवर्षिं तत्र नारदम्। दीप्यमानं श्रिया ब्राह्म्या दीप्ताग्निसमतेजसम् ॥०३-८०-२॥
Then he saw there the great sage Nārada, a divine rishi, radiant with Brahmic splendor and possessing brilliance equal to blazing fire. (03-80-2)
स तैः परिवृतः श्रीमान्भ्रातृभिः कुरुसत्तमः। विबभावतिदीप्तौजा देवैरिव शतक्रतुः ॥०३-८०-३॥
Surrounded by his brothers, the glorious best of the Kurus shone with blazing energy like Indra among the gods. (03-80-3)
यथा च वेदान्सावित्री याज्ञसेनी तथा सती। न जहौ धर्मतः पार्थान्मेरुमर्कप्रभा यथा ॥०३-८०-४॥
Just as Savitri did not forsake the Vedas, so too the virtuous Yajñasenī (Draupadī) did not abandon the Pāṇḍavas, in the way that the Sun's radiance never leaves Mount Meru. (03-80-4)
प्रतिगृह्य तु तां पूजां नारदो भगवानृषिः। आश्वासयद्धर्मसुतं युक्तरूपमिवानघ ॥०३-८०-५॥
But after accepting that honor, the revered sage Nārada consoled the son of Dharma in a fitting manner, O sinless one. (03-80-5)
उवाच च महात्मानं धर्मराजं युधिष्ठिरम्। ब्रूहि धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठ केनार्थः किं ददामि ते ॥०३-८०-६॥
He said to the great-souled Dharmaraja Yudhisthira, "Tell me, O best of the upholders of dharma, for what purpose, what shall I give to you?" (03-80-6)
अथ धर्मसुतो राजा प्रणम्य भ्रातृभिः सह। उवाच प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यं नारदं देवसंमितम् ॥०३-८०-७॥
Then King Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Dharma, together with his brothers, saluted and, with folded hands, spoke to Nārada, who was equal to a god. (03-80-7)
त्वयि तुष्टे महाभाग सर्वलोकाभिपूजिते। कृतमित्येव मन्येऽहं प्रसादात्तव सुव्रत ॥०३-८०-८॥
When you are satisfied, O greatly fortunate one, honored by all worlds, I indeed consider everything accomplished by your grace, O virtuous one. (03-80-8)
यदि त्वहमनुग्राह्यो भ्रातृभिः सहितोऽनघ। संदेहं मे मुनिश्रेष्ठ हृदिस्थं छेत्तुमर्हसि ॥०३-८०-९॥
If I, along with my brothers, am worthy of your favor, O sinless one, then you, O best among sages, should dispel the doubt that rests in my heart. (3-80-9)
प्रदक्षिणं यः कुरुते पृथिवीं तीर्थतत्परः। किं फलं तस्य कार्त्स्न्येन तद्ब्रह्मन्वक्तुमर्हसि ॥०३-८०-१०॥
O Brahman, you ought to say what is the complete fruit for one who, intent on holy places, circumambulates the earth. (03-80-10)
नारद उवाच॥
Nārada said.
शृणु राजन्नवहितो यथा भीष्मेण भारत। पुलस्त्यस्य सकाशाद्वै सर्वमेतदुपश्रुतम् ॥०३-८०-११॥
O king, listen attentively, just as Bhīṣma did, O descendant of Bharata. All of this was indeed heard from Pulastya. (03-80-11)
पुरा भागीरथीतीरे भीष्मो धर्मभृतां वरः। पित्र्यं व्रतं समास्थाय न्यवसन्मुनिवत्तदा ॥०३-८०-१२॥
Once, Bhishma, the foremost among upholders of dharma, having undertaken his ancestral vow, dwelt like a sage on the bank of the Bhagirathi. (03-80-12)
शुभे देशे महाराज पुण्ये देवर्षिसेविते। गङ्गाद्वारे महातेजा देवगन्धर्वसेविते ॥०३-८०-१३॥
O great king, in that auspicious and holy place, attended by divine sages—at Gaṅgādvāra, resplendent, attended by gods and Gandharvas. (03-80-13)
स पितॄंस्तर्पयामास देवांश्च परमद्युतिः। ऋषींश्च तोषयामास विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा ॥०३-८०-१४॥
He, the exceedingly illustrious one, satisfied the forefathers and the gods, and also pleased the sages by acts performed according to the prescribed rules. (03-80-14)
कस्यचित्त्वथ कालस्य जपन्नेव महातपाः। ददर्शाद्भुतसङ्काशं पुलस्त्यमृषिसत्तमम् ॥०३-८०-१५॥
Then, at a certain time, as he was reciting mantras, the great ascetic saw Pulastya, the illustrious and foremost of sages, radiant in his wondrous appearance. (03-80-15)
स तं दृष्ट्वोग्रतपसं दीप्यमानमिव श्रिया। प्रहर्षमतुलं लेभे विस्मयं च परं ययौ ॥०३-८०-१६॥
He saw him, possessing fierce austerity and shining with splendor, and experienced incomparable joy and supreme wonder. (03-80-16)
उपस्थितं महाराज पूजयामास भारत। भीष्मो धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठो विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा ॥०३-८०-१७॥
O great king, Bhishma, the foremost of the upholders of dharma, honored the one present, O Bharata, by the act prescribed by rule. (03-80-17)
शिरसा चार्घ्यमादाय शुचिः प्रयतमानसः। नाम सङ्कीर्तयामास तस्मिन्ब्रह्मर्षिसत्तमे ॥०३-८०-१८॥
With his head bowed, having taken the arghya offering, pure and with a concentrated mind, he praised the name of that most exalted among Brahmarṣis. (03-80-18)
भीष्मोऽहमस्मि भद्रं ते दासोऽस्मि तव सुव्रत। तव संदर्शनादेव मुक्तोऽहं सर्वकिल्बिषैः ॥०३-८०-१९॥
I am Bhīṣma—good fortune to you. I am your servant, O highly virtuous one. By merely seeing you, I have become free from all sins. (03-80-19)
एवमुक्त्वा महाराज भीष्मो धर्मभृतां वरः। वाग्यतः प्राञ्जलिर्भूत्वा तूष्णीमासीद्युधिष्ठिर ॥०३-८०-२०॥
Having thus spoken, O great king, Bhishma, the foremost of the upholders of dharma, fell silent—remaining quiet, with his palms joined before Yudhishthira. (03-80-20)
तं दृष्ट्वा नियमेनाथ स्वाध्यायाम्नायकर्शितम्। भीष्मं कुरुकुलश्रेष्ठं मुनिः प्रीतमनाभवत् ॥०३-८०-२१॥
Having seen Bhīṣma, the foremost of the Kuru family, drawn to spiritual discipline and the study of the self, the sage became pleased. (03-80-21)
पुलस्त्य उवाच॥
Pulastya said.
अनेन तव धर्मज्ञ प्रश्रयेण दमेन च। सत्येन च महाभाग तुष्टोऽस्मि तव सर्वशः ॥०३-८०-२२॥
Because of your knowledge of dharma, your humility, self-control, and truthfulness, O greatly fortunate one, I am entirely pleased with you. (03-80-22)
यस्येदृशस्ते धर्मोऽयं पितृभक्त्याश्रितोऽनघ। तेन पश्यसि मां पुत्र प्रीतिश्चापि मम त्वयि ॥०३-८०-२३॥
O sinless one, yours is a dharma such as this, supported by filial devotion; by that you see me, son, and my affection is also in you. (03-80-23)
अमोघदर्शी भीष्माहं ब्रूहि किं करवाणि ते। यद्वक्ष्यसि कुरुश्रेष्ठ तस्य दातास्मि तेऽनघ ॥०३-८०-२४॥
O Bhīṣma, who possesses infallible insight, tell me, what shall I do for you? Whatever you say, O best of the Kurus, I will grant you that, O sinless one. (03-80-24)
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhīṣma said.
प्रीते त्वयि महाभाग सर्वलोकाभिपूजिते। कृतमित्येव मन्येऽहं यदहं दृष्टवान्प्रभुम् ॥०३-८०-२५॥
As you are pleased, O greatly fortunate one, honored by all worlds, I consider that my purpose is fulfilled, for I have seen the Lord. (03-80-25)
यदि त्वहमनुग्राह्यस्तव धर्मभृतां वर। वक्ष्यामि हृत्स्थं संदेहं तन्मे त्वं वक्तुमर्हसि ॥०३-८०-२६॥
If I am worthy of your favor, O best of the upholders of dharma, I shall express the doubt that is in my heart; you should explain that to me. (03-80-26)
अस्ति मे भगवन्कश्चित्तीर्थेभ्यो धर्मसंशयः। तमहं श्रोतुमिच्छामि पृथक्सङ्कीर्तितं त्वया ॥०३-८०-२७॥
O revered one, I have a particular doubt concerning dharma in relation to the sacred places. I wish to hear that doubt, as separately described by you. (3-80-27)
प्रदक्षिणं यः पृथिवीं करोत्यमितविक्रम। किं फलं तस्य विप्रर्षे तन्मे ब्रूहि तपोधन ॥०३-८०-२८॥
O one of boundless valor, whoever performs circumambulation of the earth, O sage among brāhmaṇas, what is the fruit of that? O wealth of austerity, tell that to me. (03-80-28)
पुलस्त्य उवाच॥
Pulastya said.
हन्त तेऽहं प्रवक्ष्यामि यदृषीणां परायणम्। तदेकाग्रमनास्तात शृणु तीर्थेषु यत्फलम् ॥०३-८०-२९॥
Indeed, I will tell you, dear one, what is regarded as the supreme goal by the ṛṣis. Listen with focused mind to what fruit is obtained in holy places. (03-80-29)
यस्य हस्तौ च पादौ च मनश्चैव सुसंयतम्। विद्या तपश्च कीर्तिश्च स तीर्थफलमश्नुते ॥०३-८०-३०॥
He whose hands, feet, and mind are well controlled, who possesses knowledge, austerity, and fame, attains the fruit of pilgrimage. (03-80-30)
प्रतिग्रहादुपावृत्तः सन्तुष्टो नियतः शुचिः। अहङ्कारनिवृत्तश्च स तीर्थफलमश्नुते ॥०३-८०-३१॥
He who has renounced receiving gifts, is content, self-disciplined, pure, and free from ego, he attains the fruit of visiting sacred places. (03-80-31)
अकल्कको निरारम्भो लघ्वाहारो जितेन्द्रियः। विमुक्तः सर्वदोषैर्यः स तीर्थफलमश्नुते ॥०३-८०-३२॥
He who is free from impurity, without undertaking new works, eats lightly, has conquered his senses, and is liberated from all faults, attains the fruit of visiting a holy place. (03-80-32)
अक्रोधनश्च राजेन्द्र सत्यशीलो दृढव्रतः। आत्मोपमश्च भूतेषु स तीर्थफलमश्नुते ॥०३-८०-३३॥
O king, one who is free from anger, truthful in conduct, firm in vow, and considers all beings as himself, attains the fruits of pilgrimage. (03-80-33)
ऋषिभिः क्रतवः प्रोक्ता वेदेष्विह यथाक्रमम्। फलं चैव यथातत्त्वं प्रेत्य चेह च सर्वशः ॥०३-८०-३४॥
The sages have described, in the Vedas, the sacrificial rites here according to proper order; and have also explained, in their true essence, the results both after death and here, in every respect. (03-80-34)
न ते शक्या दरिद्रेण यज्ञाः प्राप्तुं महीपते। बहूपकरणा यज्ञा नानासम्भारविस्तराः ॥०३-८०-३५॥
O king, sacrifices cannot be performed by the poor; sacrifices, having many implements and being elaborate with various materials, are not attainable by the destitute. (03-80-35)
प्राप्यन्ते पार्थिवैरेते समृद्धैर्वा नरैः क्वचित्। नार्थन्यूनोपकरणैरेकात्मभिरसंहतैः ॥०३-८०-३६॥
Such things are sometimes attained by kings or wealthy men, but not by those who are poor in means or whose resources, though united, lack cohesion. (03-80-36)
यो दरिद्रैरपि विधिः शक्यः प्राप्तुं नरेश्वर। तुल्यो यज्ञफलैः पुण्यैस्तं निबोध युधां वर ॥०३-८०-३७॥
O king, know that procedure which even the poor can attain, which is equal to the fruits of sacrifice and meritorious deeds, O best of warriors. (03-80-37)
ऋषीणां परमं गुह्यमिदं भरतसत्तम। तीर्थाभिगमनं पुण्यं यज्ञैरपि विशिष्यते ॥०३-८०-३८॥
O best of the Bharatas, this supreme secret of the sages—going to holy places—is highly meritorious and is considered superior even to sacrifices. (03-80-38)
अनुपोष्य त्रिरात्राणि तीर्थान्यनभिगम्य च। अदत्त्वा काञ्चनं गाश्च दरिद्रो नाम जायते ॥०३-८०-३९॥
If someone neither fasts for three nights nor goes to holy places, and does not give gold or cows, he is regarded as 'poor'. (3-80-39)
अग्निष्टोमादिभिर्यज्ञैरिष्ट्वा विपुलदक्षिणैः। न तत्फलमवाप्नोति तीर्थाभिगमनेन यत् ॥०३-८०-४०॥
Even by performing sacrifices such as Agniṣṭoma with abundant gifts, one does not obtain that reward which is attained by approaching holy places. (03-80-40)
नृलोके देवदेवस्य तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्। पुष्करं नाम विख्यातं महाभागः समाविशेत् ॥०३-८०-४१॥
The highly fortunate one should enter Puṣkara, the famous sacred place of the god of gods, renowned throughout the three worlds, on earth. (03-80-41)
दश कोटिसहस्राणि तीर्थानां वै महीपते। सांनिध्यं पुष्करे येषां त्रिसन्ध्यं कुरुनन्दन ॥०३-८०-४२॥
O delight of the Kurus, at Puṣkara, the presence of those who practice the three sandhyās is equal to the presence of ten crore-thousands of holy places, O lord of the earth. (03-80-42)
आदित्या वसवो रुद्राः साध्याश्च समरुद्गणाः। गन्धर्वाप्सरसश्चैव नित्यं संनिहिता विभो ॥०३-८०-४३॥
O Lord, the Ādityas, Vasus, Rudras, Sādhyas, the hosts of Maruts, as well as Gandharvas and Apsarases, are always present (here). (03-80-43)
यत्र देवास्तपस्तप्त्वा दैत्या ब्रह्मर्षयस्तथा। दिव्ययोगा महाराज पुण्येन महतान्विताः ॥०३-८०-४४॥
O great king, that is where gods, asuras, and brahmanical sages, having performed austerities, endowed with great merit and divine powers, reside. (03-80-44)
मनसाप्यभिकामस्य पुष्कराणि मनस्विनः। पूयन्ते सर्वपापानि नाकपृष्ठे च पूज्यते ॥०३-८०-४५॥
Even by the mind, the one who desires, lotuses of the noble-minded purify all sins; and he is honored on the summit of heaven. (03-80-45)
तस्मिंस्तीर्थे महाभाग नित्यमेव पितामहः। उवास परमप्रीतो देवदानवसंमतः ॥०३-८०-४६॥
In that holy place, O highly fortunate one, the grandsire, always indeed, dwelt there, greatly pleased and honored by both gods and asuras. (03-80-46)
पुष्करेषु महाभाग देवाः सर्षिपुरोगमाः। सिद्धिं समभिसम्प्राप्ताः पुण्येन महतान्विताः ॥०३-८०-४७॥
In the Puṣkara lakes, O greatly fortunate ones, the gods led by the sages attained supreme success, endowed with great merit. (03-80-47)
तत्राभिषेकं यः कुर्यात्पितृदेवार्चने रतः। अश्वमेधं दशगुणं प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः ॥०३-८०-४८॥
There, whoever performs the anointing and is engaged in the worship of ancestors and gods, the wise proclaim it to be ten times greater than the aśvamedha sacrifice. (03-80-48)
अप्येकं भोजयेद्विप्रं पुष्करारण्यमाश्रितः। तेनासौ कर्मणा भीष्म प्रेत्य चेह च मोदते ॥०३-८०-४९॥
Even if a person in the Puṣkara-forest causes a single Brāhmaṇa to be fed, by that act, O Bhīṣma, he rejoices both in this world and after death. (03-80-49)
शाकमूलफलैर्वापि येन वर्तयते स्वयम्। तद्वै दद्याद्ब्राह्मणाय श्रद्धावाननसूयकः ॥ तेनैव प्राप्नुयात्प्राज्ञो हयमेधफलं नरः ॥०३-८०-५०॥
If, even with vegetables, roots, or fruits—whatever one uses to sustain oneself—a man, being faithful and without envy, should give that to a brāhmaṇa, the wise man will thereby obtain the fruit of a horse sacrifice. (03-80-50)
ब्राह्मणः क्षत्रियो वैश्यः शूद्रो वा राजसत्तम। न वियोनिं व्रजन्त्येते स्नातास्तीर्थे महात्मनः ॥०३-८०-५१॥
O best of kings, whether a Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya or Shudra, these great-souled ones who have bathed at the sacred ford do not go to a wrong womb. (03-80-51)
कार्त्तिक्यां तु विशेषेण योऽभिगच्छेत पुष्करम्। फलं तत्राक्षयं तस्य वर्धते भरतर्षभ ॥०३-८०-५२॥
O best of the Bharatas, whoever especially approaches Puṣkara in the month of Kārttikā, his imperishable merit grows there. (03-80-52)
सायं प्रातः स्मरेद्यस्तु पुष्कराणि कृताञ्जलिः। उपस्पृष्टं भवेत्तेन सर्वतीर्थेषु भारत ॥ प्राप्नुयाच्च नरो लोकान्ब्रह्मणः सदनेऽक्षयान् ॥०३-८०-५३॥
O Bhārata, whoever remembers the Pushkar lakes with joined palms in the evening and morning, he is regarded as purified as if he had visited all holy places, and he attains the imperishable worlds in the abode of Brahmā. (03-80-53)
जन्मप्रभृति यत्पापं स्त्रियो वा पुरुषस्य वा। पुष्करे स्नातमात्रस्य सर्वमेव प्रणश्यति ॥०३-८०-५४॥
From birth onward, whatever sin belongs to women or to men, for one who has just bathed in Puṣkara, all of it is completely destroyed. (03-80-54)
यथा सुराणां सर्वेषामादिस्तु मधुसूदनः। तथैव पुष्करं राजंस्तीर्थानामादिरुच्यते ॥०३-८०-५५॥
Just as Madhusudana (Vishnu) is the foremost among all the gods, so also, O King, Pushkara is said to be the foremost among holy places. (03-80-55)
उष्य द्वादश वर्षाणि पुष्करे नियतः शुचिः। क्रतून्सर्वानवाप्नोति ब्रह्मलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८०-५६॥
Whoever resides in Puṣkara for twelve years with self-restraint and purity gains the merit of all sacrifices and attains the world of Brahma. (03-80-56)
यस्तु वर्षशतं पूर्णमग्निहोत्रमुपासते। कार्त्तिकीं वा वसेदेकां पुष्करे सममेव तत् ॥०३-८०-५७॥
But one who worships through agnihotra for a full hundred years, or spends even one night in Puṣkara during Kārttikā, that act is truly equal. (03-80-57)
दुष्करं पुष्करं गन्तुं दुष्करं पुष्करे तपः। दुष्करं पुष्करे दानं वस्तुं चैव सुदुष्करम् ॥०३-८०-५८॥
It is difficult to go to Puṣkara, difficult to perform austerities at Puṣkara; giving alms at Puṣkara is difficult, and to dwell there also is indeed very difficult. (03-80-58)
उष्य द्वादशरात्रं तु नियतो नियताशनः। प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत्तो जम्बूमार्गं समाविशेत् ॥०३-८०-५९॥
After staying for twelve nights, being self-controlled and regulated in food, having turned auspiciously to the right, he should enter the Jambu road. (03-80-59)
जम्बूमार्गं समाविश्य देवर्षिपितृसेवितम्। अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति विष्णुलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८०-६०॥
By entering the path of Jambu, which is honored by gods, sages, and ancestors, one attains merit equal to performing the Aśvamedha sacrifice and reaches the realm of Vishnu. (03-80-60)
तत्रोष्य रजनीः पञ्च षष्ठकालक्षमी नरः। न दुर्गतिमवाप्नोति सिद्धिं प्राप्नोति चोत्तमाम् ॥०३-८०-६१॥
There, a man who stays for five nights up to the sixth period does not fall into misfortune; he attains success and the highest accomplishment. (03-80-61)
जम्बूमार्गादुपावृत्तो गच्छेत्तण्डुलिकाश्रमम्। न दुर्गतिमवाप्नोति स्वर्गलोके च पूज्यते ॥०३-८०-६२॥
Who, having turned back from the Jambu path, goes to the hermitage of Taṇḍulika, does not meet with misfortune and is honored in heaven. (03-80-62)
अगस्त्यसर आसाद्य पितृदेवार्चने रतः। त्रिरात्रोपोषितो राजन्नग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८०-६३॥
O king, by reaching Agastya lake, engaging in the worship of ancestors and gods, and fasting for three nights, one attains the merit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-80-63)
शाकवृत्तिः फलैर्वापि कौमारं विन्दते पदम्। कण्वाश्रमं समासाद्य श्रीजुष्टं लोकपूजितम् ॥०३-८०-६४॥
Either by living on vegetables or fruits, a youthful state is attained; after approaching the hermitage of Kaṇva, which is endowed with prosperity and honored by people. (03-80-64)
धर्मारण्यं हि तत्पुण्यमाद्यं च भरतर्षभ। यत्र प्रविष्टमात्रो वै पापेभ्यो विप्रमुच्यते ॥०३-८०-६५॥
O best of the Bharatas, that forest of dharma is truly holy and ancient; simply by entering it, one is completely freed from sins. (03-80-65)
अर्चयित्वा पितॄन्देवान्नियतो नियताशनः। सर्वकामसमृद्धस्य यज्ञस्य फलमश्नुते ॥०३-८०-६६॥
Having worshipped the ancestors and the gods, self-controlled and regulated in diet, he attains the fruit of the sacrifice filled with all desires. (03-80-66)
प्रदक्षिणं ततः कृत्वा ययातिपतनं व्रजेत्। हयमेधस्य यज्ञस्य फलं प्राप्नोति तत्र वै ॥०३-८०-६७॥
After circumambulating, one should then proceed to Yayāti’s Descent; there, indeed, one obtains the fruit of an Aśvamedha (horse sacrifice) (03-80-67)
महाकालं ततो गच्छेन्नियतो नियताशनः। कोटितीर्थमुपस्पृश्य हयमेधफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८०-६८॥
Then, one who is self-controlled and moderate in eating should go to Mahākāla. After bathing at Koṭitīrtha, one obtains the fruit of a horse sacrifice. (03-80-68)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ पुण्यस्थानमुमापतेः। नाम्ना भद्रवटं नाम त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम् ॥०३-८०-६९॥
Then, the one who knows dharma should go to the sacred place of Umāpati called Bhadra-vaṭa, which is renowned by name in all three worlds. (03-80-69)
तत्राभिगम्य चेशानं गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्। महादेवप्रसादाच्च गाणपत्यमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८०-७०॥
There, having approached Īśāna (Lord Shiva), one obtains the merit equal to a thousand cows; and by the grace of Mahādeva, one attains association with Gaṇapati. (03-80-70)
नर्मदामथ चासाद्य नदीं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुताम्। तर्पयित्वा पितॄन्देवानग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८०-७१॥
If, then, one reaches the Narmadā river, famed throughout the three worlds, and offers oblations to the ancestors and gods, he obtains the result of an Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-80-71)
दक्षिणं सिन्धुमासाद्य ब्रह्मचारी जितेन्द्रियः। अग्निष्टोममवाप्नोति विमानं चाधिरोहति ॥०३-८०-७२॥
A brahmacārī who has conquered his senses, having reached the southern ocean, attains the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice and ascends a celestial chariot. (3-80-72)
चर्मण्वतीं समासाद्य नियतो नियताशनः। रन्तिदेवाभ्यनुज्ञातो अग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८०-७३॥
If one approaches Carmaṇvatī, maintains self-control and regulated diet, and is given permission by Rantideva, one may obtain the result of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-80-73)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ हिमवत्सुतमर्बुदम्। पृथिव्यां यत्र वै छिद्रं पूर्वमासीद्युधिष्ठिर ॥०३-८०-७४॥
Then, Yudhiṣṭhira, knower of dharma, you should go to Arbuda, the offspring of Himavat, on the earth where there was once a hole. (03-80-74)
तत्राश्रमो वसिष्ठस्य त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतः। तत्रोष्य रजनीमेकां गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८०-७५॥
There is the hermitage of Vasiṣṭha, renowned in the three worlds. Whoever stays there for one night obtains the merit equal to a thousand cows. (03-80-75)
पिङ्गातीर्थमुपस्पृश्य ब्रह्मचारी जितेन्द्रियः। कपिलानां नरव्याघ्र शतस्य फलमश्नुते ॥०३-८०-७६॥
O tiger among men, a brahmacārī who has mastered his senses and touches the sacred Piṅgā-tīrtha attains the merit equivalent to donating a hundred tawny cows. (03-80-76)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ प्रभासं लोकविश्रुतम्। यत्र संनिहितो नित्यं स्वयमेव हुताशनः ॥ देवतानां मुखं वीर अनलोऽनिलसारथिः ॥०३-८०-७७॥
Then, O knower of dharma, you should go to Prabhāsa, renowned throughout the world, where fire himself is always present. O hero, fire, who has Wind as his charioteer, is the mouth of the gods. (03-80-77)
तस्मिंस्तीर्थवरे स्नात्वा शुचिः प्रयतमानसः। अग्निष्टोमातिरात्राभ्यां फलं प्राप्नोति मानवः ॥०३-८०-७८॥
A man who, after bathing at that most excellent pilgrimage, with purity and a concentrated mind, obtains the fruit of performing both the Agniṣṭoma and Atirātra sacrifices. (03-80-78)
ततो गत्वा सरस्वत्याः सागरस्य च सङ्गमे। गोसहस्रफलं प्राप्य स्वर्गलोके महीयते ॥ दीप्यमानोऽग्निवन्नित्यं प्रभया भरतर्षभ ॥०३-८०-७९॥
Then, after going to the confluence of the Sarasvati and the ocean, and thereby gaining the reward equal to a thousand cows, one is honored in heaven; always shining with glory, like fire, O best of the Bharatas. (03-80-79)
त्रिरात्रमुषितस्तत्र तर्पयेत्पितृदेवताः। प्रभासते यथा सोमो अश्वमेधं च विन्दति ॥०३-८०-८०॥
Staying there for three nights, he should satisfy the ancestor deities; he becomes radiant like Soma and attains the merit of the Ashvamedha sacrifice. (03-80-80)
वरदानं ततो गच्छेत्तीर्थं भरतसत्तम। विष्णोर्दुर्वाससा यत्र वरो दत्तो युधिष्ठिर ॥०३-८०-८१॥
O best of the Bharatas, Yudhishthira, then you should go to the holy place of Viṣṇu, where Durvāsas gave the boon. (03-80-81)
वरदाने नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्। ततो द्वारवतीं गच्छेन्नियतो नियताशनः ॥ पिण्डारके नरः स्नात्वा लभेद्बहु सुवर्णकम् ॥०३-८०-८२॥
At Varadāna, one who bathes gains the merit equivalent to giving a thousand cows. Then, practicing self-restraint and regulated diet, he should proceed to Dvāravatī. Bathing at Piṇḍāraka, a man acquires much gold. (03-80-82)
तस्मिंस्तीर्थे महाभाग पद्मलक्षणलक्षिताः। अद्यापि मुद्रा दृश्यन्ते तदद्भुतमरिंदम॥०३-८०-८३॥
O subduer of enemies, even today, in that sacred place, the imprints marked by the signs of a lotus can still be seen; that is indeed a wonder. (03-80-83)
त्रिशूलाङ्कानि पद्मानि दृश्यन्ते कुरुनन्दन। महादेवस्य सांनिध्यं तत्रैव भरतर्षभ ॥०३-८०-८४॥
Lotuses marked with tridents are seen there, O delight of the Kurus. The presence of Mahadeva exists there itself, O bull among the Bharatas. (03-80-84)
सागरस्य च सिन्धोश्च सङ्गमं प्राप्य भारत। तीर्थे सलिलराजस्य स्नात्वा प्रयतमानसः ॥०३-८०-८५॥
O Bhārata, upon reaching the confluence of the ocean and the Sindhu, at the sacred place of the king of waters, and having bathed with a pure mind. (03-80-85)
तर्पयित्वा पितॄन्देवानृषींश्च भरतर्षभ। प्राप्नोति वारुणं लोकं दीप्यमानः स्वतेजसा ॥०३-८०-८६॥
O best of the Bharatas, having satisfied the ancestors, gods, and sages, one attains the world of Varuṇa, shining with one's own radiance. (03-80-86)
शङ्कुकर्णेश्वरं देवमर्चयित्वा युधिष्ठिर। अश्वमेधं दशगुणं प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः ॥०३-८०-८७॥
O Yudhiṣṭhira, having worshipped the deity Śaṅkukarṇeśvara, the sages say that performing the aśvamedha (horse sacrifice) is ten times more meritorious. (03-80-87)
प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत्य गच्छेत भरतर्षभ। तीर्थं कुरुवरश्रेष्ठ त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम् ॥ दृमीति नाम्ना विख्यातं सर्वपापप्रमोचनम् ॥०३-८०-८८॥
O best of the Bharatas, after circumambulating, you should go, for the holy place named Drum, renowned among the three worlds, O foremost of the Kurus, is well-known for freeing from all sins. (03-80-88)
यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा उपासन्ते महेश्वरम्। तत्र स्नात्वार्चयित्वा च रुद्रं देवगणैर्वृतम् ॥ जन्मप्रभृति पापानि कृतानि नुदते नरः ॥०३-८०-८९॥
Where Brahmā and other gods worship Maheshvara, there, if a person bathes and worships Rudra, who is surrounded by the hosts of gods, he destroys all sins committed from birth onwards. (03-80-89)
दृमी चात्र नरश्रेष्ठ सर्वदेवैरभिष्टुता। तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र हयमेधमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८०-९०॥
O best of men, the river Dṛmī here is praised by all the gods. Bathing there, O tiger among men, one may attain the fruit of a horse sacrifice. (03-80-90)
जित्वा यत्र महाप्राज्ञ विष्णुना प्रभविष्णुना। पुरा शौचं कृतं राजन्हत्वा दैवतकण्टकान् ॥०३-८०-९१॥
O king, in that place, O wise one, once powerful Viṣṇu achieved purification, having slain the divine tormentors. (03-80-91)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ वसोर्धारामभिष्टुताम्। गमनादेव तस्यां हि हयमेधमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८०-९२॥
Therefore, O knower of dharma, one should go to the highly praised stream of Vasu; merely by going there, a person attains the merit of the Horse-sacrifice. (03-80-92)
स्नात्वा कुरुवरश्रेष्ठ प्रयतात्मा तु मानवः। तर्प्य देवान्पितॄंश्चैव विष्णुलोके महीयते ॥०३-८०-९३॥
O best of the Kurus, a pure-minded man who, after bathing, satisfies both the gods and the ancestors is indeed honored in the realm of Viṣṇu. (03-80-93)
तीर्थं चात्र परं पुण्यं वसूनां भरतर्षभ। तत्र स्नात्वा च पीत्वा च वसूनां संमतो भवेत् ॥०३-८०-९४॥
O bull among the Bharatas, here is a supreme, sacred ford of the Vasus. There, one who bathes and drinks becomes honored by the Vasus. (03-80-94)
सिन्धूत्तममिति ख्यातं सर्वपापप्रणाशनम्। तत्र स्नात्वा नरश्रेष्ठ लभेद्बहु सुवर्णकम् ॥०३-८०-९५॥
"The best of the rivers" is thus renowned as a destroyer of all sins. There, having bathed, O best of men, one obtains abundant gold. (03-80-95)
ब्रह्मतुङ्गं समासाद्य शुचिः प्रयतमानसः। ब्रह्मलोकमवाप्नोति सुकृती विरजा नरः ॥०३-८०-९६॥
A pure man with a disciplined mind who, after attaining the highest Brahman, being virtuous and free from blemish, reaches the world of Brahman. (03-80-96)
कुमारिकाणां शक्रस्य तीर्थं सिद्धनिषेवितम्। तत्र स्नात्वा नरः क्षिप्रं शक्रलोकमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८०-९७॥
There is a holy place of Śakra belonging to maidens, frequented by perfected beings. If a man bathes there, he quickly attains the world of Śakra (Indra). (03-80-97)
रेणुकायाश्च तत्रैव तीर्थं देवनिषेवितम्। तत्र स्नात्वा भवेद्विप्रो विमलश्चन्द्रमा यथा ॥०३-८०-९८॥
There is also the sacred place of Reṇukā at that very spot, worshipped by the gods; there, by bathing, a Brāhmaṇa becomes as pure as the moon. (03-80-98)
अथ पञ्चनदं गत्वा नियतो नियताशनः। पञ्च यज्ञानवाप्नोति क्रमशो येऽनुकीर्तिताः ॥०३-८०-९९॥
Then, having gone to Pañcanada, a person who is self-controlled and regulated in diet successively attains the five sacrifices that have been mentioned. (03-80-99)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ भीमायाः स्थानमुत्तमम्। तत्र स्नात्वा तु योन्यां वै नरो भरतसत्तम ॥०३-८०-१००॥
Then the knower of dharma should go to the excellent place of Bhīmā. There, O best of the Bharatas, a man having bathed in the stream, (03-80-100)
देव्याः पुत्रो भवेद्राजंस्तप्तकुण्डलविग्रहः। गवां शतसहस्रस्य फलं चैवाप्नुयान्महत् ॥०३-८०-१०१॥
O king, one who becomes the son of the goddess, who has a form adorned with heated earrings, surely attains the great merit equal to giving a hundred thousand cows. (03-80-101)
गिरिमुञ्जं समासाद्य त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्। पितामहं नमस्कृत्य गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८०-१०२॥
By approaching the Muñja grass on the mountain, renowned in all three worlds, and by bowing to the grandsire, one obtains the fruit equivalent to gifting a thousand cows. (03-80-102)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ विमलं तीर्थमुत्तमम्। अद्यापि यत्र दृश्यन्ते मत्स्याः सौवर्णराजताः ॥०३-८०-१०३॥
Then the knower of dharma should proceed to the pure and supreme sacred ford, where even today golden and silver fishes can be seen. (03-80-103)
तत्र स्नात्वा नरश्रेष्ठ वाजपेयमवाप्नुयात्। सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा गच्छेच्च परमां गतिम् ॥०३-८०-१०४॥
There, having bathed, O best of men, one may obtain the merit equal to the Vājapeya sacrifice; with a mind purified from all sins, one may reach the highest state. (03-80-104)
ततो गच्छेत मलदां त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुताम्। पश्चिमायां तु सन्ध्यायामुपस्पृश्य यथाविधि ॥०३-८०-१०५॥
Afterwards, one should proceed to that which removes impurity, renowned in the three worlds. At the western twilight, having performed purification according to the proper method. (03-80-105)
चरुं नरेन्द्र सप्तार्चेर्यथाशक्ति निवेदयेत्। पितॄणामक्षयं दानं प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः ॥०३-८०-१०६॥
O king, the wise declare that an offering of rice to the ancestors on the seventh day, according to one’s ability, is an imperishable gift. (03-80-106)
गवां शतसहस्रेण राजसूयशतेन च। अश्वमेधसहस्रेण श्रेयान्सप्तार्चिषश्चरुः ॥०३-८०-१०७॥
The oblation offered to the seven flames is superior to the gift of a hundred thousand cows, the performance of a hundred Rājasūya sacrifices, and a thousand Aśvamedha sacrifices. (03-80-107)
ततो निवृत्तो राजेन्द्र वस्त्रापदमथाविशेत्। अभिगम्य महादेवमश्वमेधफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८०-१०८॥
Then, having returned, O king, he should enter the clothing-place; having approached Mahādeva, he obtains the fruit of an aśvamedha sacrifice. (3-80-108)
मणिमन्तं समासाद्य ब्रह्मचारी समाहितः। एकरात्रोषितो राजन्नग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८०-१०९॥
O king, a collected celibate student, upon approaching Maṇimanta and spending one night there, may obtain the fruit of an Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-80-109)
अथ गच्छेत राजेन्द्र देविकां लोकविश्रुताम्। प्रसूतिर्यत्र विप्राणां श्रूयते भरतर्षभ ॥०३-८०-११०॥
Then, O best of kings, you should go to Devikā, which is world-renowned, where the origin of the Brāhmaṇas is said to be, O bull among the Bharatas. (03-80-110)
त्रिशूलपाणेः स्थानं च त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्। देविकायां नरः स्नात्वा समभ्यर्च्य महेश्वरम् ॥०३-८०-१११॥
The place of the trident-holder (Śiva) is renowned in the three worlds. A man who, after bathing in the Devikā, worships Maheśvara (Śiva), (attains merit). (03-80-111)
यथाशक्ति चरुं तत्र निवेद्य भरतर्षभ। सर्वकामसमृद्धस्य यज्ञस्य लभते फलम् ॥०३-८०-११२॥
O best of the Bharatas, having offered the oblation there according to one’s ability, one obtains the fruit of a sacrifice by which all desires are fulfilled. (03-80-112)
कामाख्यं तत्र रुद्रस्य तीर्थं देवर्षिसेवितम्। तत्र स्नात्वा नरः क्षिप्रं सिद्धिमाप्नोति भारत ॥०३-८०-११३॥
Kāmākhyā, there is the holy place of Rudra, attended by divine sages. There, a man who has bathed quickly attains perfection, O Bhārata. (03-80-113)
यजनं याजनं गत्वा तथैव ब्रह्मवालुकाम्। पुष्पन्यास उपस्पृश्य न शोचेन्मरणं ततः ॥०३-८०-११४॥
After performing sacrifice or causing sacrifice, and having gone likewise to the sacred sand, placing flowers and having purified oneself, one should not grieve death thereafter. (03-80-114)
अर्धयोजनविस्तारां पञ्चयोजनमायताम्। एतावद्देविकामाहुः पुण्यां देवर्षिसेविताम् ॥०३-८०-११५॥
They say that Devikā, holy and frequented by divine sages, is half a yojana wide and five yojanas long. (03-80-115)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ दीर्घसत्रं यथाक्रमम्। यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवाः सिद्धाश्च परमर्षयः ॥ दीर्घसत्रमुपासन्ते दक्षिणाभिर्यतव्रताः ॥०३-८०-११६॥
Then, the knower of dharma should proceed, in the proper order, to the long-lasting sacrifice where Brahma and the other gods, Siddhas, and supreme sages worship the sacrifice with offerings, steadfast in their vows. (3-80-116)
गमनादेव राजेन्द्र दीर्घसत्रमरिंदम। राजसूयाश्वमेधाभ्यां फलं प्राप्नोति मानवः ॥०३-८०-११७॥
O king, merely by going (there), a man attains the reward of performing the long Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices, O subduer of enemies. (03-80-117)
ततो विनशनं गच्छेन्नियतो नियताशनः। गच्छत्यन्तर्हिता यत्र मरुपृष्ठे सरस्वती ॥ चमसे च शिवोद्भेदे नागोद्भेदे च दृश्यते ॥०३-८०-११८॥
From there, one should proceed to Vinaśana, being self-controlled and regulated in food. There, on the desert plain, the Sarasvatī disappears. She is seen at Camasa, Śivodbheda, and Nāgodbheda. (03-80-118)
स्नात्वा च चमसोद्भेदे अग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत्। शिवोद्भेदे नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८०-११९॥
By bathing at the Camasa division, one obtains the fruit of an Agniṣṭoma sacrifice; by bathing at the Śiva division, a man gains the merit equal to donating a thousand cows. (03-80-119)
नागोद्भेदे नरः स्नात्वा नागलोकमवाप्नुयात्। शशयानं च राजेन्द्र तीर्थमासाद्य दुर्लभम् ॥ शशरूपप्रतिच्छन्नाः पुष्करा यत्र भारत ॥०३-८०-१२०॥
A man who bathes at Nāgodbhēda attains the realm of the Nāgas. And, O king, upon reaching the rare holy place called Śaśayāna—where there are lakes concealed by hare-like forms, O Bhārata—(03-80-120)
सरस्वत्यां महाराज अनु संवत्सरं हि ते। स्नायन्ते भरतश्रेष्ठ वृत्तां वै कार्त्तिकीं सदा ॥०३-८०-१२१॥
O great king, after the year has passed, they always bathe in the Sarasvati river in the month of Kārttikī after performing the prescribed rites, O best of the Bharatas. (03-80-121)
तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र द्योतते शशिवत्सदा। गोसहस्रफलं चैव प्राप्नुयाद्भरतर्षभ ॥०३-८०-१२२॥
There, having bathed, O tiger among men, one always shines like the moon and indeed obtains the merit equal to gifting a thousand cows, O bull among the Bharatas. (03-80-122)
कुमारकोटिमासाद्य नियतः कुरुनन्दन। तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वीत पितृदेवार्चने रतः ॥ गवामयमवाप्नोति कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत् ॥०३-८०-१२३॥
O joy of the Kurus, having reached Kumārakoṭi with self-discipline, one should perform the ceremonial bath there, being devoted to the worship of ancestors and gods. He attains cows (wealth) and uplifts his family. (03-80-123)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ रुद्रकोटिं समाहितः। पुरा यत्र महाराज ऋषिकोटिः समाहिता ॥ प्रहर्षेण च संविष्टा देवदर्शनकाङ्क्षया ॥०३-८०-१२४॥
Then, O great king, the knower of dharma should proceed with focus to Rudrakoti, where, in ancient times, Ṛṣikoṭi was seated in concentrated delight, longing to behold the gods. (03-80-124)
अहं पूर्वमहं पूर्वं द्रक्ष्यामि वृषभध्वजम्। एवं सम्प्रस्थिता राजन्नृषयः किल भारत ॥०३-८०-१२५॥
“I will see the Bull-bannered One first! I will see Him first!” Saying thus, O king, the sages set out, indeed, O Bhārata. (03-80-125)
ततो योगेष्वरेणापि योगमास्थाय भूपते। तेषां मन्युप्रणाशार्थमृषीणां भावितात्मनाम् ॥०३-८०-१२६॥
Then, O king, the lord of yoga too, adopting yoga, acted to destroy the anger of those sages who were purified in soul. (03-80-126)
सृष्टा कोटिस्तु रुद्राणामृषीणामग्रतः स्थिता। मया पूर्वतरं दृष्ट इति ते मेनिरे पृथक् ॥०३-८०-१२७॥
But a crore of Rudras, standing in front of the sages, were created; they considered, "Previously, these were seen by me separately." (03-80-127)
तेषां तुष्टो महादेव ऋषीणामुग्रतेजसाम्। भक्त्या परमया राजन्वरं तेषां प्रदिष्टवान् ॥ अद्य प्रभृति युष्माकं धर्मवृद्धिर्भविष्यति ॥०३-८०-१२८॥
O king, being pleased with the supreme devotion of those sages of fierce energy, Mahādeva granted them a boon. From today onwards, there will be an increase of righteousness among you. (03-80-128)
तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र रुद्रकोट्यां नरः शुचिः। अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत् ॥०३-८०-१२९॥
There, O tiger among men, whoever bathes in Rudrakoṭi with a pure heart attains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice and also uplifts his family. (03-80-129)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र सङ्गमं लोकविश्रुतम्। सरस्वत्या महापुण्यमुपासन्ते जनार्दनम् ॥०३-८०-१३०॥
Then, O king, one should go to the renowned confluence of the Sarasvatī, which is highly meritorious, where Janārdana is worshipped. (03-80-130)
यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा ऋषयः सिद्धचारणाः। अभिगच्छन्ति राजेन्द्र चैत्रशुक्लचतुर्दशीम् ॥०३-८०-१३१॥
O King, the fourteenth day of the bright half of Caitra is that occasion to which Brahmā and others, gods, sages, perfected beings, and celestial bards come. (03-80-131)
तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र विन्देद्बहु सुवर्णकम्। सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा ब्रह्मलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८०-१३२॥
There, having bathed, O best of men, one may find much gold; and one whose soul is purified from all sins attains to the world of Brahma. (03-80-132)
ऋषीणां यत्र सत्राणि समाप्तानि नराधिप। सत्रावसानमासाद्य गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८०-१३३॥
O king, where the sages' sacrificial sessions have concluded, by reaching the end of such a session, one obtains the merit equal to that of a thousand cows. (03-80-133)
