03.080
tīrthayātrāparva
Section on the journey to sacred fords
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
dhanañjayotsukās te tu vane tasmin mahārathāḥ। nyavasanta mahābhāgā draupadyā saha pāṇḍavāḥ॥03-80-1॥
But those highly fortunate great chariot-warriors, the Pāṇḍavas, who were eager for Dhanañjaya, dwelt together with Draupadī in that forest. (03-80-1)
athāpaśyanmahātmānaṃ devarṣiṃ tatra nāradam। dīpyamānaṃ śriyā brāhmyā dīptāgnisamatejasam॥03-80-2॥
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)
sa taiḥ parivṛtaḥ śrīmān bhrātṛbhiḥ kurusattamaḥ। vibhāvati dīptaujā devair iva śatakratuḥ॥03-80-3॥
Surrounded by his brothers, the glorious best of the Kurus shone with blazing energy like Indra among the gods. (03-80-3)
yathā ca vedāṁsāvitrī yājñasenī tathā satī। na jahau dharmataḥ pārthān merumarkaprabhā yathā॥03-80-4॥
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)
pratigṛhya tu tāṃ pūjāṃ nārado bhagavān ṛṣiḥ। āśvāsayad dharmasutaṃ yuktarūpam ivānagha ॥03-80-5॥
But after accepting that honor, the revered sage Nārada consoled the son of Dharma in a fitting manner, O sinless one. (03-80-5)
uvāca ca mahātmānaṃ dharmarājaṃ yudhiṣṭhiram। brūhi dharmabhṛtāṃ śreṣṭha kenārthaḥ kiṃ dadāmi te॥03-80-6॥
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)
atha dharmasuto rājā praṇamya bhrātṛbhiḥ saha। uvāca prāñjalir vākyaṃ nāradaṃ devasaṃmitam॥03-80-7॥
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)
tvayi tuṣṭe mahābhāga sarvalokābhipūjite। kṛtamityeva manye'haṃ prasādāttava suvrata॥03-80-8॥
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)
yadi tv aham anugrāhyaḥ bhrātṛbhiḥ sahitaḥ anagha। saṃdehaṃ me muniśreṣṭha hṛdisthaṃ chettum arhasi॥03-80-9॥
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)
pradakṣiṇaṃ yaḥ kurute pṛthivīṃ tīrthatatparaḥ। kiṃ phalaṃ tasya kārtsnyena tad brahman vaktum arhasi॥03-80-10॥
O Brahman, you ought to say what is the complete fruit for one who, intent on holy places, circumambulates the earth. (03-80-10)
nārada uvāca॥
Nārada said.
śṛṇu rājann avahito yathā bhīṣmeṇa bhārata। pulastyasya sakāśād vai sarvam etad upaśrutam ॥03-80-11॥
O king, listen attentively, just as Bhīṣma did, O descendant of Bharata. All of this was indeed heard from Pulastya. (03-80-11)
purā bhāgīrathītīre bhīṣmo dharmabhṛtāṃ varaḥ। pitryaṃ vrataṃ samāsthāya nyavasanmunivattadā ॥03-80-12॥
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)
śubhe deśe mahārāja puṇye devarṣisevite। gaṅgādvāre mahātejā devagandharvasevite ॥03-80-13॥
O great king, in that auspicious and holy place, attended by divine sages—at Gaṅgādvāra, resplendent, attended by gods and Gandharvas. (03-80-13)
sa pitṝṁs tarpayāmāsa devāṁś ca paramadyutiḥ। ṛṣīṁś ca toṣayāmāsa vidhidṛṣṭena karmaṇā ॥03-80-14॥
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)
kasyacit tv atha kālasya japann eva mahātapāḥ। dadarśādbhutasankāśaṃ pulastyam ṛṣisattamam॥03-80-15॥
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)
sa taṁ dṛṣṭvogra-tapasaṁ dīpyamānam iva śriyā। praharṣam atulaṁ lebhe vismayaṁ ca paraṁ yayau ॥03-80-16॥
He saw him, possessing fierce austerity and shining with splendor, and experienced incomparable joy and supreme wonder. (03-80-16)
upasthitaṁ mahārāja pūjayāmāsa bhārata। bhīṣmo dharmabhṛtāṁ śreṣṭho vidhidṛṣṭena karmaṇā ॥03-80-17॥
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)
śirasā cārghyam ādāya śuciḥ prayatamānasaḥ। nāma saṅkīrtayāmāsa tasmin brahmarṣisattame॥03-80-18॥
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)
bhīṣmo 'ham asmi bhadraṃ te dāso 'smi tava suvrata. tava saṃdarśanād eva mukto 'haṃ sarva-kilbiṣaiḥ ॥03-80-19॥
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)
evam uktvā mahārāja bhīṣmo dharmabhṛtāṃ varaḥ। vāg yataḥ prāñjalir bhūtvā tūṣṇīm āsīd yudhiṣṭhira ॥03-80-20॥
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)
taṁ dṛṣṭvā niyamena atha svādhyāyāmnāya karṣitam | bhīṣmam kuru-kula-śreṣṭham muniḥ prīta-manā abhavat ॥03-80-21॥
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)
pulastya uvāca॥
Pulastya said.
anena tava dharmajña praśrayeṇa damena ca. satyena ca mahābhāga tuṣṭo'smi tava sarvaśaḥ ॥03-80-22॥
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)
yasyedṛśas te dharmo'yaṃ pitṛ-bhaktyā-śrito'nagha। tena paśyasi māṃ putra prītiś cāpi mama tvayi॥03-80-23॥
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)
amoghadarśī bhīṣmāhaṃ brūhi kiṃ karavāṇi te। yadvakṣyasi kuruśreṣṭha tasya dātāsmi te'nagha ॥03-80-24॥
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)
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhīṣma said.
prīte tvayi mahābhāga sarvalokābhipūjite। kṛtamityeva manye'ham yadahaṃ dṛṣṭavān prabhum ॥03-80-25॥
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)
yadi tv aham anugrāhyas tava dharmabhṛtāṃ vara। vakṣyāmi hṛtsthaṃ saṃdehaṃ tan me tvaṃ vaktum arhasi॥03-80-26॥
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)
asti me bhagavan kaścit tīrthebhyaḥ dharma-saṁśayaḥ। tam ahaṁ śrotum icchāmi pṛthak-saṅkīrtitaṁ tvayā ॥03-80-27॥
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)
pradakṣiṇaṃ yaḥ pṛthivīṃ karoty amitavikrama। kiṃ phalaṃ tasya viprarṣe tan me brūhi tapodhana ॥03-80-28॥
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)
pulastya uvāca॥
Pulastya said.
hanta te'haṃ pravakṣyāmi yad ṛṣīṇāṃ parāyaṇam। tad ekāgramanās tāt śṛṇu tīrtheṣu yat phalam ॥03-80-29॥
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)
yasya hastau ca pādau ca manaścaiva susaṃyatam। vidyā tapaśca kīrtiśca sa tīrthaphalamaśnute ॥03-80-30॥
He whose hands, feet, and mind are well controlled, who possesses knowledge, austerity, and fame, attains the fruit of pilgrimage. (03-80-30)
pratigrahād upāvṛttaḥ santuṣṭo niyataḥ śuciḥ। ahaṅkāra-nivṛttaś ca sa tīrtha-phalam aśnute॥03-80-31॥
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)
akalkako nirārambho laghvāhāro jitendriyaḥ। vimuktaḥ sarvadoṣair yaḥ sa tīrthaphalam aśnute॥03-80-32॥
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)
akrodhanaś ca rājendra satyaśīlo dṛḍhavrataḥ। ātmopamaś ca bhūteṣu sa tīrthaphalamaśnute ॥03-80-33॥
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)
ṛṣibhiḥ kratavaḥ proktā vedeṣv-iha yathākramaṃ। phalaṃ caiva yathā-tattvaṃ pretya ca iha ca sarvaśaḥ॥03-80-34॥
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)
na te śakyā daridreṇa yajñāḥ prāptuṃ mahīpate। bahūpakaraṇā yajñā nānā-sambhāra-vistarāḥ॥03-80-35॥
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)
prāpyante pārthivair ete samṛddhair vā naraiḥ kvacit। nārthanyūnopakaraṇair ekātmabhir asaṃhataiḥ ॥03-80-36॥
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)
yo daridrair api vidhiḥ śakyaḥ prāptuṃ nareśvara। tulyo yajñaphalaiḥ puṇyaiḥ taṃ nibodha yudhāṃ vara ॥03-80-37॥
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)
ṛṣīṇāṃ paramaṃ guhyaṃ idaṃ bharatasattama। tīrthābhigamanaṃ puṇyaṃ yajñair api viśiṣyate ॥03-80-38॥
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)
anupoṣya trirātrāṇi tīrthānyanabhigamya ca। adattvā kāñcanaṃ gāśca daridro nāma jāyate॥03-80-39॥
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)
agniṣṭomādibhir yajñair iṣṭvā vipuladakṣiṇaiḥ. na tat phalam avāpnoti tīrthābhigamanena yat ॥03-80-40॥
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)
nṛ-loke deva-devasya tīrthaṁ trailokya-viśrutam। puṣkaraṁ nāma vikhyātaṁ mahābhāgaḥ samāviśet॥03-80-41॥
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)
daśa koṭisahasrāṇi tīrthānāṃ vai mahīpate। sānnidhyaṃ puṣkare yeṣāṃ trisandhyaṃ kurunandana ॥03-80-42॥
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)
ādityā vasavo rudrāḥ sādhyāś ca samarudgaṇāḥ। gandharvāpsarasaś caiva nityaṁ saṁnihitā vibho॥03-80-43॥
O Lord, the Ādityas, Vasus, Rudras, Sādhyas, the hosts of Maruts, as well as Gandharvas and Apsarases, are always present (here). (03-80-43)
yatra devās tapastaptvā daityā brahmarṣayas tathā। divyayogā mahārāja puṇyena mahatānvitāḥ ॥03-80-44॥
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)
manasāpyabhikāmasya puṣkarāṇi manasvinaḥ। pūyante sarvapāpāni nākapṛṣṭhe ca pūjyate॥03-80-45॥
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)
tasmiṁs tīrthe mahābhāga nityam eva pitāmahaḥ। uvāsa paramaprīto devadānavasaṁmataḥ॥03-80-46॥
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)
puṣkareṣu mahābhāga devāḥ sarṣipurogamāḥ। siddhiṃ samabhisamprāptāḥ puṇyena mahatānvitāḥ॥03-80-47॥
In the Puṣkara lakes, O greatly fortunate ones, the gods led by the sages attained supreme success, endowed with great merit. (03-80-47)
tatrābhiṣekaṃ yaḥ kuryāt pitṛdevārcane rataḥ। aśvamedhaṃ daśaguṇaṃ pravadanti manīṣiṇaḥ॥03-80-48॥
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)
apy ekaṁ bhojayet vipraṁ puṣkarāraṇyam āśritaḥ। tena asau karmaṇā bhīṣma pretya ca iha ca modate॥03-80-49॥
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)
śākamūlaphalair vāpi yena vartayate svayam। tad vai dadyād brāhmaṇāya śraddhāvān anasūyakaḥ॥ tenaiva prāpnuyāt prājño hayamedhaphalaṃ naraḥ॥03-80-50॥
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)
brāhmaṇaḥ kṣatriyo vaiśyaḥ śūdro vā rājasattama। na viyoniṁ vrajantyete snātāstīrthe mahātmanaḥ ॥03-80-51॥
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)
kārttikyāṃ tu viśeṣeṇa yo'bhigacchet puṣkaram। phalaṃ tatrākṣayaṃ tasya vardhate bharatarṣabha ॥03-80-52॥
O best of the Bharatas, whoever especially approaches Puṣkara in the month of Kārttikā, his imperishable merit grows there. (03-80-52)
sāyaṁ prātaḥ smared yastu puṣkarāṇi kṛtāñjaliḥ। upaspṛṣṭaṁ bhavet tena sarvatīrtheṣu bhārata॥ prāpnuyāc ca naro lokān brahmaṇaḥ sadane'kṣayān॥03-80-53॥
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)
janmaprabhṛti yat pāpaṃ striyo vā puruṣasya vā। puṣkare snātamātrasya sarvam eva praṇaśyati ॥03-80-54॥
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)
yathā surāṇāṃ sarveṣām ādis tu madhusūdanaḥ। tathaiva puṣkaraṃ rājaṃs tīrthānām ādir ucyate॥03-80-55॥
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)
uṣya dvādaśa varṣāṇi puṣkare niyataḥ śuciḥ। kratūn sarvān avāpnoti brahmalokaṃ ca gacchati ॥03-80-56॥
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)
yastu varṣaśataṃ pūrṇam agnihotram upāsate। kārttikīṃ vā vased ekāṃ puṣkare samam eva tat॥03-80-57॥
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)
duṣkaraṃ puṣkaraṃ gantuṃ duṣkaraṃ puṣkare tapaḥ। duṣkaraṃ puṣkare dānaṃ vastuṃ caiva suduṣkaram ॥03-80-58॥
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)
uṣya dvādaśarātraṃ tu niyato niyatāśanaḥ। pradakṣiṇam upāvṛtto jambūmārgaṃ samāviśet।॥03-80-59॥
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)
jambūmārgaṃ samāviśya devarṣipitṛsevitam। aśvamedhamavāpnoti viṣṇulokaṃ ca gacchati॥03-80-60॥
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)
tatroṣya rajanīḥ pañca ṣaṣṭhakālakṣamī naraḥ। na durgatim avāpnoti siddhiṃ prāpnoti cottamām॥03-80-61॥
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)
jambū-mārgād-upāvṛtto gacchet-taṇḍulikāśramam। na durgatim-avāpnoti svargaloke ca pūjyate ॥03-80-62॥
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)
agastyasara āsādya pitṛdevārcane rataḥ। trirātroṣito rājannagniṣṭomaphalaṃ labhet॥03-80-63॥
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)
śākavṛttiḥ phalair vāpi kaumāraṁ vindate padam। kaṇvāśramaṁ samāsādya śrī-juṣṭaṁ loka-pūjitam॥03-80-64॥
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)
dharmāraṇyaṃ hi tat puṇyam ādyaṃ ca bharatarṣabha। yatra praviṣṭa-mātraḥ vai pāpebhyaḥ vipramucyate ॥03-80-65॥
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)
arcayitvā pitṝn devān niyataḥ niyata-āśanaḥ। sarva-kāma-samṛddhasya yajñasya phalam aśnute॥03-80-66॥
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)
pradakṣiṇaṃ tataḥ kṛtvā yayātipatanaṃ vrajet। hayamedhasya yajñasya phalaṃ prāpnoti tatra vai॥03-80-67॥
After circumambulating, one should then proceed to Yayāti’s Descent; there, indeed, one obtains the fruit of an Aśvamedha (horse sacrifice) (03-80-67)
mahākālaṃ tato gacchen niyato niyatāśanaḥ। koṭitīrtham upaspṛśya hayamedhaphalaṃ labhet॥03-80-68॥
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)
tato gacchet dharmajña puṇyasthānam umāpateḥ। nāmnā bhadravaṭaṃ nāma triṣu lokeṣu viśrutam॥03-80-69॥
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)
tatrābhigamya ceśānaṃ gosahasraphalaṃ labhet। mahādevaprasādācca gāṇapatyam avāpnuyāt॥03-80-70॥
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)
narmadā-matha ca āsādya nadīṁ trailokya-viśrutām। tarpayitvā pitṝn devān agniṣṭoma-phalaṁ labheta॥03-80-71॥
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)
dakṣiṇaṃ sindhum āsādya brahmacārī jitendriyaḥ। agniṣṭomam avāpnoti vimānaṃ ca adhirohati॥03-80-72॥
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)
carmaṇvatīṃ samāsādya niyato niyatāśanaḥ। rantidevābhyanujñāto agniṣṭomaphalaṃ labheta ॥03-80-73॥
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)
tato gacchet dharmajña himavatsutam arbudaṃ। pṛthivyāṃ yatra vai chidraṃ pūrvam āsīd yudhiṣṭhira॥03-80-74॥
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)
tatrāśramo vasiṣṭhasya triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ। tatroṣya rajanīm ekāṃ gosahasraphalaṃ labhet॥03-80-75॥
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)
piṅgātīrtham-upaspṛśya brahmacārī jitendriyaḥ। kapilānāṃ naravyāghra śatasya phalam-aśnute ॥03-80-76॥
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)
tato gacchet dharmajña prabhāsaṃ lokaviśrutam। yatra saṃnihito nityaṃ svayameva hutāśanaḥ ॥ devatānāṃ mukhaṃ vīra analo'nilasārathiḥ ॥03-80-77॥
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)
tasmintīrthavare snātvā śuciḥ prayatamānasaḥ। agniṣṭomātirātrābhyāṁ phalaṃ prāpnoti mānavaḥ॥03-80-78॥
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)
tato gatvā sarasvatyāḥ sāgarasya ca saṅgame। gosahasraphalaṁ prāpya svargaloke mahīyate॥ dīpyamāno'gnivannityaṁ prabhayā bharatarṣabha॥03-80-79॥
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)
trirātram uṣitas tatra tarpayet pitṛdevatāḥ। prabhāsate yathā somo aśvamedhaṃ ca vindati॥03-80-80॥
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)
varadānaṃ tato gacchettīrthaṃ bharatasattama। viṣṇor durvāsasā yatra varo datto yudhiṣṭhira ॥03-80-81॥
O best of the Bharatas, Yudhishthira, then you should go to the holy place of Viṣṇu, where Durvāsas gave the boon. (03-80-81)
varadāne naraḥ snātvā gosahasraphalaṃ labhet। tato dvāravatīṃ gacchenniyato niyatāśanaḥ ॥ piṇḍārake naraḥ snātvā labhedbahu suvarṇakam ॥03-80-82॥
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)
tasmiṃs tīrthe mahābhāga padma-lakṣaṇa-lakṣitāḥ। adyāpi mudrā dṛśyante tad adbhutam ariṃdama॥03-80-83॥
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)
triśūlāṅkāni padmāni dṛśyante kurunandana। mahādevasya sānnidhyaṃ tatraiva bharatarṣabha ॥03-80-84॥
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)
sāgarasya ca sindhośca saṅgamaṃ prāpya bhārata। tīrthe salilarājasya snātvā prayatamānasaḥ ॥03-80-85॥
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)
tarpayitvā pitṝn devān ṛṣīṃś ca bharatarṣabha। prāpnoti vāruṇaṃ lokaṃ dīpyamānaḥ svatejasā ॥03-80-86॥
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)
śaṅkukarṇeśvaraṃ devam arcayitvā yudhiṣṭhira। aśvamedhaṃ daśaguṇaṃ pravadanti manīṣiṇaḥ ॥03-80-87॥
O Yudhiṣṭhira, having worshipped the deity Śaṅkukarṇeśvara, the sages say that performing the aśvamedha (horse sacrifice) is ten times more meritorious. (03-80-87)
pradakṣiṇam-upāvṛtya gacchet bharatarṣabha। tīrthaṃ kuruvaraśreṣṭha triṣu lokeṣu viśrutam ॥ dṛmīti nāmnā vikhyātaṃ sarvapāpapramocanam ॥03-80-88॥
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)
yatra brahmādayo devā upāsante maheśvaram। tatra snātvā arcayitvā ca rudraṃ devagaṇairvṛtam॥ janmaprabhṛti pāpāni kṛtāni nudate naraḥ॥03-80-89॥
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)
dṛmī cātra naraśreṣṭha sarvadevair abhiṣṭutā। tatra snātvā naravyāghra hayamedham avāpnuyāt॥03-80-90॥
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)
jitvā yatra mahāprājña viṣṇunā prabhaviṣṇunā। purā śaucaṃ kṛtaṃ rājanhatvā daivatakaṇṭakān ॥03-80-91॥
O king, in that place, O wise one, once powerful Viṣṇu achieved purification, having slain the divine tormentors. (03-80-91)
tato gacchet dharmajña vasordhārām abhiṣṭutām। gamanād eva tasyāṃ hi hayamedham avāpnuyāt॥03-80-92॥
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)
snātvā kuruvaraśreṣṭha prayatātmā tu mānavaḥ। tarpya devānpitṝṁścaiva viṣṇuloke mahīyate ॥03-80-93॥
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)
tīrthaṃ cātra paraṃ puṇyaṃ vasūnāṃ bharatarṣabha। tatra snātvā ca pītvā ca vasūnāṃ sammato bhavet ॥03-80-94॥
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)
sindhūttamam iti khyātaṃ sarva-pāpa-praṇāśanam। tatra snātvā nara-śreṣṭha labhet bahu suvarṇakam ॥03-80-95॥
"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)
brahmatuṅgaṃ samāsādya śuciḥ prayatamānasaḥ। brahmalokam avāpnoti sukṛtī virajā naraḥ॥03-80-96॥
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)
kumārikāṇāṁ śakrasya tīrthaṁ siddhaniṣevitam। tatra snātvā naraḥ kṣipraṁ śakralokam avāpnuyāt ॥03-80-97॥
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)
reṇukāyāś ca tatraiva tīrthaṃ deva-niṣevitam। tatra snātvā bhaved vipro vimalaś candramā yathā॥03-80-98॥
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)
atha pañcanadaṃ gatvā niyato niyatāśanaḥ। pañca yajñān avāpnoti kramaśo ye' nukīrtitāḥ॥03-80-99॥
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)
tato gacchet dharmajña bhīmāyāḥ sthānam uttamam। tatra snātvā tu yonyāṃ vai naro bharatasattama ॥03-80-100॥
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)
devyāḥ putro bhaved rājaṃs tapta-kuṇḍala-vigrahaḥ। gavāṃ śata-sahasrasya phalaṃ caivāpnuyān mahat ॥03-80-101॥
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)
girimuñjaṁ samāsādya triṣu lokeṣu viśrutam। pitāmahaṁ namaskṛtya gosahasraphalaṁ labheta ॥03-80-102॥
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)
tato gacchet dharmajña vimalaṃ tīrtham uttamam। adyāpi yatra dṛśyante matsyāḥ sauvarṇarājatāḥ॥03-80-103॥
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)
tatra snātvā naraśreṣṭha vājapeyam avāpnuyāt। sarvapāpa-viśuddhātmā gacchec ca paramāṃ gatim॥03-80-104॥
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)
tato gacchet maladāṃ triṣu lokeṣu viśrutām। paścimāyāṃ tu sandhyāyām upaspṛśya yathāvidhi॥03-80-105॥
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)
caruṃ narendra saptārcer yathāśakti nivedayet। pitṝṇām akṣayaṃ dānaṃ pravadanti manīṣiṇaḥ ॥03-80-106॥
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)
gavāṃ śata-sahasreṇa rājasūya-śatena ca। aśvamedha-sahasreṇa śreyān saptārciṣaś caruḥ॥03-80-107॥
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)
tato nivṛtto rājendra vastrāpadam athāviśet | abhigamya mahādevam aśvamedhaphalaṃ labhet ||03-80-108||
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)
maṇimantaṃ samāsādya brahmacārī samāhitaḥ। ekarātroṣito rājann agniṣṭomaphalaṃ labheta॥03-80-109॥
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)
atha gacchet rājendra devikāṃ lokaviśrutām। prasūtiryatra viprāṇāṃ śrūyate bharatarṣabha ॥03-80-110॥
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)
triśūlapāṇeḥ sthānaṃ ca triṣu lokeṣu viśrutam। devikāyāṃ naraḥ snātvā samabhyarcya maheśvaram॥03-80-111॥
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)
yathāśakti caruṃ tatra nivedya bharatarṣabha। sarvakāmasamṛddhasya yajñasya labhate phalam ॥03-80-112॥
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)
kāmākhyaṃ tatra rudrasya tīrthaṃ devarṣisevitam। tatra snātvā naraḥ kṣipraṃ siddhimāpnoti bhārata॥03-80-113॥
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)
yajanaṃ yājanaṃ gatvā tathaiva brahmavālukām। puṣpanyāsa upaspṛśya na śocen maraṇaṃ tataḥ ॥03-80-114॥
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)
ardhayōjanavistārām pañcayōjanamāyatām। etāvaddevikāmāhuḥ puṇyāṃ devarṣisevitām ॥03-80-115॥
They say that Devikā, holy and frequented by divine sages, is half a yojana wide and five yojanas long. (03-80-115)
tato gacchet dharmajña dīrghasatraṃ yathākramam। yatra brahmādayo devāḥ siddhāś ca paramarṣayaḥ॥ dīrghasatram upāsante dakṣiṇābhir yatavratāḥ॥03-80-116॥
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)
gamanādeva rājendra dīrghasatramariṁdama। rājasūyāśvamedhābhyāṁ phalaṁ prāpnoti mānavaḥ ॥03-80-117॥
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)
tato vinaśanaṁ gacche nniyato niyatāśanaḥ। gacchatyantarhitā yatra marupraṣṭhe sarasvatī॥ camase ca śivod bhede nāgod bhede ca dṛśyate॥03-80-118॥
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)
snātvā ca camasodbhēdē agniṣṭōmaphalaṁ labhēt। śivōdbhēdē naraḥ snātvā gōsahasraphalaṁ labhēt॥03-80-119॥
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)
nāgodbhēdē naraḥ snātvā nāgalōkam avāpnuyāt। śaśayānaṃ ca rājendra tīrtham āsādya durlabham ॥ śaśarūpapraticchannāḥ puṣkarā yatra bhārata ॥03-80-120॥
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)
saravastīyām mahārāja anu samvatsaraṃ hi te। snāyante bharataśreṣṭha vṛttāṃ vai kārttikīṃ sadā ॥03-80-121॥
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)
tatra snātvā naravyāghra dyotate śaśivat sadā। gosahasraphalaṃ caiva prāpnuyād bharatarṣabha॥03-80-122॥
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)
kumārakoṭim āsādya niyataḥ kurunandana। tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvīta pitṛdevārcane rataḥ॥ gavām ayam avāpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet॥03-80-123॥
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)
tato gacchet dharmajña rudrakoṭiṁ samāhitaḥ. purā yatra mahārāja ṛṣikoṭiḥ samāhitā ॥ praharṣeṇa ca saṁviṣṭā devadarśanakāṅkṣayā ॥03-80-124॥
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)
ahaṃ pūrvam ahaṃ pūrvaṃ drakṣyāmi vṛṣabhadhvajam। evaṃ samprasthitā rājann ṛṣayaḥ kila bhārata॥03-80-125॥
“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)
tato yogeśvareṇāpi yogam āsthāya bhūpate। teṣāṃ manyupraṇāśārtham ṛṣīṇāṃ bhāvitātmanām ॥03-80-126॥
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)
sṛṣṭā koṭistu rudrāṇām ṛṣīṇām agrataḥ sthitā। mayā pūrvataraṃ dṛṣṭa iti te menire pṛthak ॥03-80-127॥
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)
teṣāṃ tuṣṭo mahādeva ṛṣīṇām ugratejasām। bhaktyā paramayā rājan varaṃ teṣāṃ pradiṣṭavān॥ adya prabhṛti yuṣmākaṃ dharmavṛddhir bhaviṣyati॥03-80-128॥
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)
tatra snātvā naravyāghra rudrakoṭyāṃ naraḥ śuciḥ। aśvamedham avāpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet॥03-80-129॥
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)
tato gacchet rājendra saṅgamaṃ lokaviśrutam। sarasvatyā mahāpuṇyam upāsante janārdanam ॥03-80-130॥
Then, O king, one should go to the renowned confluence of the Sarasvatī, which is highly meritorious, where Janārdana is worshipped. (03-80-130)
yatra brahmādayo devā ṛṣayaḥ siddhacāraṇāḥ। abhigacchanti rājendra caitraśuklacaturdaśīm॥03-80-131॥
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)
tatra snātvā naravyāghra vindedbahu suvarṇakam। sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā brahmalokaṃ ca gacchati॥03-80-132॥
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)
ṛṣīṇāṃ yatra satrāṇi samāptāni narādhipa। satrāvasānam āsādya go-sahasra-phalaṃ labhet॥03-80-133॥
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)
