03.081
पुलस्त्य उवाच॥
Pulastya said.
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र कुरुक्षेत्रमभिष्टुतम्। पापेभ्यो विप्रमुच्यन्ते तद्गताः सर्वजन्तवः ॥०३-८१-१॥
Then, O king, one should go to Kurukshetra, which is praised; all beings who have gone there are completely released from sins. (03-81-1)
कुरुक्षेत्रं गमिष्यामि कुरुक्षेत्रे वसाम्यहम्। य एवं सततं ब्रूयात्सोऽपि पापैः प्रमुच्यते ॥०३-८१-२॥
If a person says always, "I will go to Kurukṣetra, I live in Kurukṣetra," then he too is freed from sins. (03-81-2)
तत्र मासं वसेद्वीर सरस्वत्यां युधिष्ठिर। यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा ऋषयः सिद्धचारणाः ॥०३-८१-३॥
O Yudhiṣṭhira, O hero, you should stay for a month there on the Sarasvatī River, where Brahmā and other gods, sages, perfected beings, and celestial bards reside. (03-81-3)
गन्धर्वाप्सरसो यक्षाः पन्नगाश्च महीपते। ब्रह्मक्षेत्रं महापुण्यमभिगच्छन्ति भारत ॥०३-८१-४॥
O king, celestial musicians, nymphs, yakṣas, and serpents all approach the highly meritorious Brahma-kṣetra, O descendant of Bharata. (03-81-4)
मनसाप्यभिकामस्य कुरुक्षेत्रं युधिष्ठिर। पापानि विप्रणश्यन्ति ब्रह्मलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८१-५॥
O Yudhishthira, even one who desires Kurukshetra in his mind, his sins are completely destroyed and he attains the world of Brahma. (03-81-5)
गत्वा हि श्रद्धया युक्तः कुरुक्षेत्रं कुरूद्वह। राजसूयाश्वमेधाभ्यां फलं प्राप्नोति मानवः ॥०३-८१-६॥
O best of the Kurus, a man who goes to Kurukṣetra with faith attains the merit of both the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices. (03-81-6)
ततो मचक्रुकं राजन्द्वारपालं महाबलम्। यक्षं समभिवाद्यैव गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-७॥
Then, O king, if one salutes Macakruka, the mighty yakṣa doorkeeper, he indeed obtains the merit equivalent to donating a thousand cows. (03-81-7)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ विष्णोः स्थानमनुत्तमम्। सततं नाम राजेन्द्र यत्र संनिहितो हरिः ॥०३-८१-८॥
Thereafter, O King, the knower of dharma should go to the unsurpassed abode of Viṣṇu, called Satata, where Hari is always present. (03-81-8)
तत्र स्नात्वार्चयित्वा च त्रिलोकप्रभवं हरिम्। अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति विष्णुलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८१-९॥
There, after bathing and worshipping Hari, the origin of the three worlds, one attains the merit of performing an aśvamedha and reaches the world of Viṣṇu. (03-81-9)
ततः पारिप्लवं गच्छेत्तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्। अग्निष्टोमातिरात्राभ्यां फलं प्राप्नोति मानवः ॥०३-८१-१०॥
Then he should go to Pāriplava, the sacred ford renowned in the three worlds; a man obtains the fruit of both Agniṣṭoma and Atirātra sacrifices. (03-81-10)
पृथिव्यास्तीर्थमासाद्य गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्। ततः शालूकिनीं गत्वा तीर्थसेवी नराधिप ॥दशाश्वमेधिके स्नात्वा तदेव लभते फलम् ॥०३-८१-११॥
By reaching the holy site on earth, one attains the merit equal to that of donating a thousand cows. Then, after going to Śālūkinī, the king who undertakes the observance of holy places gains that very merit by bathing at the site of the ten Aśvamedha sacrifices. (03-81-11)
सर्पदर्वीं समासाद्य नागानां तीर्थमुत्तमम्। अग्निष्टोममवाप्नोति नागलोकं च विन्दति ॥०३-८१-१२॥
By approaching the snake-censer, the most excellent pilgrimage site of the nāgas, a person attains the merit of the agniṣṭoma sacrifice and gains the world of the nāgas. (03-81-12)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ द्वारपालं तरन्तुकम्। तत्रोष्य रजनीमेकां गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-१३॥
Then, the knower of dharma should approach the gatekeeper named Tarantuka. After spending one night there, he attains a reward equivalent to offering a thousand cows. (03-81-13)
ततः पञ्चनदं गत्वा नियतो नियताशनः। कोटितीर्थमुपस्पृश्य हयमेधफलं लभेत् ॥ अश्विनोस्तीर्थमासाद्य रूपवानभिजायते ॥०३-८१-१४॥
Thus, by proceeding to Pañcanada with self-restraint and controlled diet, and having bathed at Koṭitīrtha, one attains the merit of performing a horse sacrifice. By reaching the sacred place of the Aśvins, one becomes handsome. (03-81-14)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ वाराहं तीर्थमुत्तमम्। विष्णुर्वाराहरूपेण पूर्वं यत्र स्थितोऽभवत् ॥ तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र अग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-१५॥
From there, O knower of dharma, you should go to the excellent Varaha holy place. It is where Viṣṇu once took his stand in the form of the boar. There, O tiger among men, by bathing, one attains the merit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-81-15)
ततो जयन्त्या राजेन्द्र सोमतीर्थं समाविशेत्। स्नात्वा फलमवाप्नोति राजसूयस्य मानवः ॥०३-८१-१६॥
Thereafter, O king, on Jayantyā, one should enter the Soma Tirtha; and having bathed, a man obtains the merit of the Rājasūya sacrifice. (03-81-16)
एकहंसे नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्। कृतशौचं समासाद्य तीर्थसेवी कुरूद्वह ॥ पुण्डरीकमवाप्नोति कृतशौचो भवेन्नरः ॥०३-८१-१७॥
A man who bathes at Ekahaṃsa gains the merit equivalent to giving a thousand cows. O best of Kurus, a devotee who performs purification and undertakes pilgrimage there attains Puṇḍarīka; and, becoming purified, achieves blessedness. (03-81-17)
ततो मुञ्जवटं नाम महादेवस्य धीमतः। तत्रोष्य रजनीमेकां गाणपत्यमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८१-१८॥
Then, from there, at the place called Muñjavaṭa dedicated to Mahādeva, by spending one night there, one attains the favor of Gaṇapati. (03-81-18)
तत्रैव च महाराज यक्षी लोकपरिश्रुता। तां चाभिगम्य राजेन्द्र पुण्याँल्लोकानवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८१-१९॥
O great king, in that very place, the yakṣī who is renowned throughout the world—on approaching her, O king, one may attain the meritorious worlds. (03-81-19)
कुरुक्षेत्रस्य तद्द्वारं विश्रुतं भरतर्षभ। प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत्य तीर्थसेवी समाहितः ॥०३-८१-२०॥
O best of the Bharatas, that gateway of Kurukṣetra is renowned. Having circumambulated it to the right, the devotee of sacred places, mindful and concentrated, (did so). (03-81-20)
संमिते पुष्कराणां च स्नात्वार्च्य पितृदेवताः। जामदग्न्येन रामेण आहृते वै महात्मना ॥ कृतकृत्यो भवेद्राजन्नश्वमेधं च विन्दति ॥०३-८१-२१॥
O King, having bathed in the sacred ponds brought by the noble Rāma Jāmadagnya, and having worshipped the ancestors and deities, one fulfills all duties and attains the fruit of a horse sacrifice. (03-81-21)
ततो रामह्रदान्गच्छेत्तीर्थसेवी नराधिप। यत्र रामेण राजेन्द्र तरसा दीप्ततेजसा ॥क्षत्रमुत्साद्य वीर्येण ह्रदाः पञ्च निवेशिताः ॥०३-८१-२२॥
Then, O king, the pilgrim should visit the Rama-lakes, where Rama, O best of kings, having destroyed the Kshatriyas by his might and brilliant splendor, established five lakes. (03-81-22)
पूरयित्वा नरव्याघ्र रुधिरेणेति नः श्रुतम्। पितरस्तर्पिताः सर्वे तथैव च पितामहाः ॥ ततस्ते पितरः प्रीता राममूचुर्महीपते ॥०३-८१-२३॥
Having filled (the offering) with blood, O tiger among men, thus have we heard; all the ancestors and grandfathers were satisfied likewise. Then those pleased ancestors said to Rāma, O king of the earth. (03-81-23)
राम राम महाभाग प्रीताः स्म तव भार्गव। अनया पितृभक्त्या च विक्रमेण च ते विभो ॥ वरं वृणीष्व भद्रं ते किमिच्छसि महाद्युते ॥०३-८१-२४॥
O Rāma, O Rāma, greatly fortunate one, we are truly pleased with you, O Bhārgava, for your filial devotion and valor. Choose a boon, good fortune to you. What do you wish for, O greatly resplendent one? (03-81-24)
एवमुक्तः स राजेन्द्र रामः प्रहरतां वरः। अब्रवीत्प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यं पितॄन्स गगने स्थितान् ॥०३-८१-२५॥
Thus addressed, Rama—the best among warriors—O king of kings, with joined palms spoke these words to his ancestors who were standing in the sky. (03-81-25)
भवन्तो यदि मे प्रीता यद्यनुग्राह्यता मयि। पितृप्रसादादिच्छेयं तपसाप्यायनं पुनः ॥०३-८१-२६॥
If you honorable sirs are satisfied with me, and consider me worthy of favor, then by my father's grace I would wish to receive nourishment through austerity once again. (03-81-26)
यच्च रोषाभिभूतेन क्षत्रमुत्सादितं मया। ततश्च पापान्मुच्येयं युष्माकं तेजसा ह्यहम् ॥ ह्रदाश्च तीर्थभूता मे भवेयुर्भुवि विश्रुताः ॥०३-८१-२७॥
And whatever kṣatriya race I destroyed out of anger, may I, by your energy, thereby be freed from sin; and may my lakes, becoming holy places, be renowned on earth. (03-81-27)
एतच्छ्रुत्वा शुभं वाक्यं रामस्य पितरस्तदा। प्रत्यूचुः परमप्रीता रामं हर्षसमन्विताः ॥०३-८१-२८॥
Having heard this auspicious speech of Rāma, the ancestors then, extremely delighted and filled with joy, replied to Rāma. (03-81-28)
तपस्ते वर्धतां भूयः पितृभक्त्या विशेषतः। यच्च रोषाभिभूतेन क्षत्रमुत्सादितं त्वया ॥०३-८१-२९॥
May your austerity increase further, especially through your devotion to your father; and whatever kṣatriya-class you destroyed out of anger.
ततश्च पापान्मुक्तस्त्वं कर्मभिस्ते च पातिताः। ह्रदाश्च तव तीर्थत्वं गमिष्यन्ति न संशयः ॥०३-८१-३०॥
Therefore, you will be freed from sins, and your actions will also be cast off. Moreover, your lakes will attain sacredness—there is no doubt about it. (03-81-30)
ह्रदेष्वेतेषु यः स्नात्वा पितॄन्सन्तर्पयिष्यति। पितरस्तस्य वै प्रीता दास्यन्ति भुवि दुर्लभम् ॥ ईप्सितं मनसः कामं स्वर्गलोकं च शाश्वतम् ॥०३-८१-३१॥
Whoever bathes in these lakes and satisfies the ancestors, his forefathers, being pleased, will grant him rare things on earth, whatever his mind desires, and the eternal world of heaven. (03-81-31)
एवं दत्त्वा वरान्राजन्रामस्य पितरस्तदा। आमन्त्र्य भार्गवं प्रीतास्तत्रैवान्तर्दधुस्तदा ॥०३-८१-३२॥
Thus, having bestowed boons, O king, the fathers of Rāma then addressed Bhārgava, and being pleased, disappeared right there at that time. (03-81-32)
एवं रामह्रदाः पुण्या भार्गवस्य महात्मनः। स्नात्वा ह्रदेषु रामस्य ब्रह्मचारी शुभव्रतः ॥ राममभ्यर्च्य राजेन्द्र लभेद्बहु सुवर्णकम् ॥०३-८१-३३॥
Thus, O best of kings, one who bathes in the holy Rama lakes of the great-souled Bhārgava and, being a celibate of pure vow, worships Rama there, obtains much gold. (03-81-33)
वंशमूलकमासाद्य तीर्थसेवी कुरूद्वह। स्ववंशमुद्धरेद्राजन्स्नात्वा वै वंशमूलके ॥०३-८१-३४॥
O best of the Kurus, O king, upon reaching the place called Bamboo Root and bathing there, a pilgrim truly uplifts his own lineage. (03-81-34)
कायशोधनमासाद्य तीर्थं भरतसत्तम। शरीरशुद्धिः स्नातस्य तस्मिंस्तीर्थे न संशयः ॥ शुद्धदेहश्च संयाति शुभाँल्लोकाननुत्तमान् ॥०३-८१-३५॥
O best of Bharatas, by attaining purification of the body at the sacred place, one's body becomes pure without doubt, and with such purified body, one goes to the most auspicious and highest worlds. (03-81-35)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्। लोका यत्रोद्धृताः पूर्वं विष्णुना प्रभविष्णुना ॥०३-८१-३६॥
Then, O king, you should go to the sacred place, renowned throughout the three worlds, where beings were formerly rescued by Viṣṇu, by the powerful Viṣṇu. (03-81-36)
लोकोद्धारं समासाद्य तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्। स्नात्वा तीर्थवरे राजँल्लोकानुद्धरते स्वकान् ॥ श्रीतीर्थं च समासाद्य विन्दते श्रियमुत्तमाम् ॥०३-८१-३७॥
O king, having visited the world-liberating tīrtha famed throughout the three worlds and bathing at that excellent tīrtha, one uplifts their own people. Likewise, by approaching the sacred and prosperous tīrtha, one attains supreme wealth. (03-81-37)
कपिलातीर्थमासाद्य ब्रह्मचारी समाहितः। तत्र स्नात्वार्चयित्वा च दैवतानि पितॄंस्तथा ॥ कपिलानां सहस्रस्य फलं विन्दति मानवः ॥०३-८१-३८॥
When a celibate person, full of concentration, reaches Kapila tīrtha, and there bathes and worships both the deities and the ancestors, he gains the merit equal to that of a thousand Kapilas. (03-81-38)
सूर्यतीर्थं समासाद्य स्नात्वा नियतमानसः। अर्चयित्वा पितॄन्देवानुपवासपरायणः ॥ अग्निष्टोममवाप्नोति सूर्यलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८१-३९॥
Approaching the solar pilgrimage site, bathing with a controlled mind, worshipping the ancestors and gods, and being devoted to fasting, one attains the merit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice and reaches the world of the Sun. (03-81-39)
गवाम्भवनमासाद्य तीर्थसेवी यथाक्रमम्। तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वाणो गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-४०॥
Having reached the place of cow's water, whoever worships at the sanctuary in the prescribed manner and performs ablution there obtains the merit equal to a thousand cows. (03-81-40)
शङ्खिनीं तत्र आसाद्य तीर्थसेवी कुरूद्वह। देव्यास्तीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा लभते रूपमुत्तमम् ॥०३-८१-४१॥
O best of the Kurus, having reached Shankhini there, a devotee of sacred places, if a man bathes at the holy place of the goddess, he attains an excellent form. (03-81-41)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र द्वारपालमरन्तुकम्। तस्य तीर्थं सरस्वत्यां यक्षेन्द्रस्य महात्मनः ॥ तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्नग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-४२॥
Thereafter, O king, one should go to Dvārapālamarāntuka. In that place on the Sarasvatī river is the sacred spot of the great soul, the lord of Yakṣas. There, O king, if a man bathes, he obtains the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-81-42)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ ब्रह्मावर्तं नराधिप। ब्रह्मावर्ते नरः स्नात्वा ब्रह्मलोकमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८१-४३॥
From there, O lord of men, the knower of dharma should go to Brahmāvarta. By bathing in Brahmāvarta, a man may attain the world of Brahmā. (03-81-43)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ सुतीर्थकमनुत्तमम्। यत्र संनिहिता नित्यं पितरो दैवतैः सह ॥०३-८१-४४॥
Then the knower of dharma should proceed to the supreme and excellent sacred place where the ancestors are always present along with the deities. (03-81-44)
तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वीत पितृदेवार्चने रतः। अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति पितृलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८१-४५॥
There, one who performs the anointing, engaging in the worship of ancestors and gods, attains the merit of the aśvamedha sacrifice and reaches the world of the ancestors. (03-81-45)
ततोऽम्बुवश्यं धर्मज्ञ समासाद्य यथाक्रमम्। कोशेश्वरस्य तीर्थेषु स्नात्वा भरतसत्तम ॥ सर्वव्याधिविनिर्मुक्तो ब्रह्मलोके महीयते ॥०३-८१-४६॥
Then, O knower of dharma, having followed the water restraint in due order and bathing in the sacred fords of Kośeśvara, O best of the Bharatas, being freed from all diseases, one is honored in Brahma-loka. (03-81-46)
मातृतीर्थं च तत्रैव यत्र स्नातस्य भारत। प्रजा विवर्धते राजन्ननन्तां चाश्नुते श्रियम् ॥०३-८१-४७॥
O Bhārata, at that very Mother's sacred place, for one who has bathed there, offspring increase, O king, and one attains unending prosperity. (03-81-47)
ततः शीतवनं गच्छेन्नियतो नियताशनः। तीर्थं तत्र महाराज महदन्यत्र दुर्लभम् ॥०३-८१-४८॥
Then, O great king, the self-controlled one, regulated in food, should go to the cool forest; for there is a great sacred place there, difficult to find elsewhere. (03-81-48)
पुनाति दर्शनादेव दण्डेनैकं नराधिप। केशानभ्युक्ष्य वै तस्मिन्पूतो भवति भारत ॥०३-८१-४९॥
O ruler of men, a staff alone purifies merely by sight. Having sprinkled hairs (with water) on it, one is purified, O Bhārata. (03-81-49)
तीर्थं तत्र महाराज श्वानलोमापहं स्मृतम्। यत्र विप्रा नरव्याघ्र विद्वांसस्तीर्थतत्पराः ॥०३-८१-५०॥
O great king, that place of pilgrimage there is known as removing the hair of a dog. There, O tiger among men, reside learned brāhmaṇas devoted to sacred places. (03-81-50)
श्वानलोमापनयने तीर्थे भरतसत्तम। प्राणायामैर्निर्हरन्ति श्वलोमानि द्विजोत्तमाः ॥०३-८१-५१॥
O best of the Bharatas, in the holy place for removal of dog hair, the foremost brahmins remove dog hairs by breath control. (03-81-51)
पूतात्मानश्च राजेन्द्र प्रयान्ति परमां गतिम्। दशाश्वमेधिकं चैव तस्मिंस्तीर्थे महीपते ॥ तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र गच्छेत परमां गतिम् ॥०३-८१-५२॥
O king of kings, purified souls attain the supreme state and the merit equal to ten Aśvamedha sacrifices in that holy place, O ruler of the earth. There, O tiger among men, after bathing, one attains the supreme state. (03-81-52)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र मानुषं लोकविश्रुतम्। यत्र कृष्णमृगा राजन्व्याधेन परिपीडिताः ॥ अवगाह्य तस्मिन्सरसि मानुषत्वमुपागताः ॥०३-८१-५३॥
Then, O king, he should go to the world-renowned human place where, O king, black deer, afflicted by the hunter, having entered that lake, attained a human form. (03-81-53)
तस्मिंस्तीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा ब्रह्मचारी जितेन्द्रियः। सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा स्वर्गलोके महीयते ॥०३-८१-५४॥
At that holy place, a man who bathes, is celibate, has conquered his senses, and whose soul is purified of all sin, is honored in heaven. (03-81-54)
मानुषस्य तु पूर्वेण क्रोशमात्रे महीपते। आपगा नाम विख्याता नदी सिद्धनिषेविता ॥०३-८१-५५॥
O king, but to the east of Manuṣa, at a distance of one krośa, is the renowned river named Āpagā, frequented by siddhas. (03-81-55)
श्यामाकभोजनं तत्र यः प्रयच्छति मानवः। देवान्पितॄंश्च उद्दिश्य तस्य धर्मफलं महत् ॥ एकस्मिन्भोजिते विप्रे कोटिर्भवति भोजिता ॥०३-८१-५६॥
There, any human who offers a meal prepared from śyāmāka millets, with intent for the gods and ancestors, attains great spiritual merit. When even one brāhmaṇa is fed, it is as if ten million have been fed. (03-81-56)
तत्र स्नात्वार्चयित्वा च दैवतानि पितॄंस्तथा। उषित्वा रजनीमेकामग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-५७॥
There, after bathing and worshipping both the deities and likewise the ancestors, having stayed for one night, one obtains the merit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-81-57)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र ब्रह्मणः स्थानमुत्तमम्। ब्रह्मोदुम्बरमित्येव प्रकाशं भुवि भारत ॥०३-८१-५८॥
Then, O king, he should go to Brahman's supreme place, known as Brahma-udumbara, which is indeed famous on earth, O Bhārata. (03-81-58)
तत्र सप्तर्षिकुण्डेषु स्नातस्य कुरुपुङ्गव। केदारे चैव राजेन्द्र कपिष्ठलमहात्मनः ॥०३-८१-५९॥
O king, O foremost of the Kurus, there, having bathed in the ponds of the seven sages and in the field of the great-souled Kapiṣṭhala. (03-81-59)
ब्रह्माणमभिगम्याथ शुचिः प्रयतमानसः। सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा ब्रह्मलोकं प्रपद्यते ॥०३-८१-६०॥
Having approached Brahman and being pure, with a controlled mind and a soul free from all sins, one attains the world of Brahma. (03-81-60)
कपिष्ठलस्य केदारं समासाद्य सुदुर्लभम्। अन्तर्धानमवाप्नोति तपसा दग्धकिल्बिषः ॥०३-८१-६१॥
One who, having reached the field of Kapiṣṭhala, which is very difficult to attain, whose sins have been burnt by austerity, attains disappearance. (03-81-61)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र सरकं लोकविश्रुतम्। कृष्णपक्षे चतुर्दश्यामभिगम्य वृषध्वजम्॥ लभते सर्वकामान्हि स्वर्गलोकं च गच्छति॥०३-८१-६२॥
Thereafter, O king, one should proceed to Saraka, which is famous in all the world; approaching the Bull-bannered Lord (Śiva) there on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, one indeed attains all desires and goes to heaven. (03-81-62)
तिस्रः कोट्यस्तु तीर्थानां सरके कुरुनन्दन। रुद्रकोटिस्तथा कूपे ह्रदेषु च महीपते ॥ इलास्पदं च तत्रैव तीर्थं भरतसत्तम ॥०३-८१-६३॥
There are three crores of sacred fords in the lake, O joy of the Kurus; a crore of Rudras likewise in the well and in the lakes, O king. The abode of Ilā is also there itself, a sacred ford, O best of the Bharatas. (03-81-63)
तत्र स्नात्वार्चयित्वा च पितॄन्देवांश्च भारत। न दुर्गतिमवाप्नोति वाजपेयं च विन्दति ॥०३-८१-६४॥
There, having bathed and worshipped both the ancestors and the gods, O Bhārata, one does not come to an evil fate and attains the Vājapeya reward. (03-81-64)
किंदाने च नरः स्नात्वा किञ्जप्ये च महीपते। अप्रमेयमवाप्नोति दानं जप्यं च भारत ॥०३-८१-६५॥
O king, having bathed, by what gift and with what recitation does a man obtain immeasurable merit in gifts and recitations, O descendant of Bharata? (03-81-65)
कलश्यां चाप्युपस्पृश्य श्रद्दधानो जितेन्द्रियः। अग्निष्टोमस्य यज्ञस्य फलं प्राप्नोति मानवः ॥०३-८१-६६॥
A human who, with faith and controlled senses, touches water in the vessel, also attains the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-81-66)
सरकस्य तु पूर्वेण नारदस्य महात्मनः। तीर्थं कुरुवरश्रेष्ठ अनाजन्मेति विश्रुतम् ॥०३-८१-६७॥
O best of the Kurus, to the east of Saraka is the sacred place of the great-souled Nārada, known as Anājanma. (03-81-67)
तत्र तीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा प्राणांश्चोत्सृज्य भारत। नारदेनाभ्यनुज्ञातो लोकान्प्राप्नोति दुर्लभान् ॥०३-८१-६८॥
There, in that holy place, a man who has bathed and given up his life-breaths, O Bhārata, being permitted by Nārada, attains worlds that are difficult to obtain. (03-81-68)
शुक्लपक्षे दशम्यां तु पुण्डरीकं समाविशेत्। तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्पुण्डरीकफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-६९॥
O king, in the bright fortnight, on the tenth lunar day, if a man enters Pundarika and bathes there, he obtains the fruit of Pundarika. (03-81-69)
ततस्त्रिविष्टपं गच्छेत्त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्। तत्र वैतरणी पुण्या नदी पापप्रमोचनी ॥०३-८१-७०॥
Then one reaches heaven, famed in the three worlds. There is the holy river Vaitaraṇī, which frees from sin. (03-81-70)
तत्र स्नात्वार्चयित्वा च शूलपाणिं वृषध्वजम्। सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा गच्छेत परमां गतिम् ॥०३-८१-७१॥
There, after bathing and worshipping Śiva, the trident-bearing one whose banner is the bull, one whose soul has been purified from all sins will attain the highest state. (03-81-71)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र फलकीवनमुत्तमम्। यत्र देवाः सदा राजन्फलकीवनमाश्रिताः ॥ तपश्चरन्ति विपुलं बहुवर्षसहस्रकम् ॥०३-८१-७२॥
From there, O king, you should go to the excellent Phalaki forest, where the gods, O king, always reside in the Phalaki forest, performing great austerities for thousands of years. (03-81-72)
दृषद्वत्यां नरः स्नात्वा तर्पयित्वा च देवताः। अग्निष्टोमातिरात्राभ्यां फलं विन्दति भारत ॥०३-८१-७३॥
O Bhārata, a man, after bathing in the Drishadvati and satisfying the gods, obtains the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma and Atirātra rites. (03-81-73)
तीर्थे च सर्वदेवानां स्नात्वा भरतसत्तम। गोसहस्रस्य राजेन्द्र फलं प्राप्नोति मानवः ॥०३-८१-७४॥
O best of the Bharatas, by bathing at the holy place of all the gods, a man obtains the merit equal to (the gift of) a thousand cows, O king. (03-81-74)
पाणिखाते नरः स्नात्वा तर्पयित्वा च देवताः। राजसूयमवाप्नोति ऋषिलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८१-७५॥
When a man, having bathed in a hand-dug well and having offered libations to the deities, attains the merit of the Rājasūya and also goes to the world of the sages. (03-81-75)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र मिश्रकं तीर्थमुत्तमम्। तत्र तीर्थानि राजेन्द्र मिश्रितानि महात्मना ॥०३-८१-७६॥
Then, O king, he should go to Miśraka, the excellent sacred place. There, O king, are holy waters mingled together by the great-souled one. (03-81-76)
व्यासेन नृपशार्दूल द्विजार्थमिति नः श्रुतम्। सर्वतीर्थेषु स स्नाति मिश्रके स्नाति यो नरः ॥०३-८१-७७॥
O tiger among kings, Vyāsa has said (as) we have heard, that for the sake of the twice-born, any man who bathes at Miśraka is as if he has bathed at all the sacred places. (03-81-77)
ततो व्यासवनं गच्छेन्नियतो नियताशनः। मनोजवे नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-७८॥
Thereafter, one who is self-controlled and regulates his food should go to Vyāsa's forest. At Manojava, if a man bathes, he attains the merit equivalent to giving a thousand cows. (03-81-78)
गत्वा मधुवटीं चापि देव्यास्तीर्थं नरः शुचिः। तत्र स्नात्वार्चयेद्देवान्पितॄंश्च प्रयतः शुचिः ॥ स देव्या समनुज्ञातो गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-७९॥
A pure man who goes to Madhuvaṭī and to the goddess’s sacred place, bathes there, and worships the gods and ancestors with devoted purity, and is sanctioned by the goddess, obtains the merit equal to the gift of a thousand cows. (03-81-79)
कौशिक्याः सङ्गमे यस्तु दृषद्वत्याश्च भारत। स्नाति वै नियताहारः सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते ॥०३-८१-८०॥
O Bhārata, whoever, having restrained food, bathes at the confluence of the Kauśikī and Dṛṣadvatī rivers is surely freed from all sins. (03-81-80)
ततो व्यासस्थली नाम यत्र व्यासेन धीमता। पुत्रशोकाभितप्तेन देहत्यागार्थनिश्चयः ॥०३-८१-८१॥
Then, at the place called Vyāsasthalī, where the wise Vyāsa, tormented by grief for his son, resolved to relinquish his body. (03-81-81)
कृतो देवैश्च राजेन्द्र पुनरुत्थापितस्तदा। अभिगम्य स्थलीं तस्य गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-८२॥
O King, a rite performed by the gods was then restored once again; whoever approaches that place obtains the merit equivalent to giving a thousand cows. (03-81-82)
किंदत्तं कूपमासाद्य तिलप्रस्थं प्रदाय च। गच्छेत परमां सिद्धिमृणैर्मुक्तः कुरूद्वह ॥०३-८१-८३॥
O best of the Kurus, having reached a well and given a measure of sesame seeds—whatever is offered thus—one is freed from debts and attains the highest perfection. (03-81-83)
अहश्च सुदिनं चैव द्वे तीर्थे च सुदुर्लभे। तयोः स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र सूर्यलोकमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८१-८४॥
O tiger among men, if one bathes at those two very difficult to obtain sacred fords, both on the day and indeed on the auspicious day, he attains the world of the Sun. (03-81-84)
मृगधूमं ततो गच्छेत्त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्। तत्र गङ्गाह्रदे स्नात्वा समभ्यर्च्य च मानवः ॥ शूलपाणिं महादेवमश्वमेधफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-८५॥
After that, one should go to the place called Mṛgadhūma, famous in the three worlds. There, after bathing in the sacred pond of the Gaṅgā and worshipping Mahādeva, the wielder of the trident, a person obtains the fruit of an ashvamedha sacrifice. (03-81-85)
देवतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्। अथ वामनकं गच्छेत्त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम् ॥०३-८१-८६॥
By bathing at Devatīrtha, a man may attain the merit equal to gifting a thousand cows; then he should proceed to Vāmanaka, which is famed throughout the three worlds. (03-81-86)
तत्र विष्णुपदे स्नात्वा अर्चयित्वा च वामनम्। सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा विष्णुलोकमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८१-८७॥
There, after bathing at the feet of Viṣṇu and worshipping Vāmana, one whose soul is purified from all sins attains the world of Viṣṇu. (03-81-87)
कुलम्पुने नरः स्नात्वा पुनाति स्वकुलं नरः। पवनस्य ह्रदं गत्वा मरुतां तीर्थमुत्तमम् ॥ तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र वायुलोके महीयते ॥०३-८१-८८॥
A man who destroys family sin, after bathing, purifies his own family. And, having gone to the lake of the Wind god—the most excellent holy place of the Maruts—and bathing there, O tiger among men, he is honored in the realm of the Wind god. (03-81-88)
अमराणां ह्रदे स्नात्वा अमरेषु नराधिप। अमराणां प्रभावेन स्वर्गलोके महीयते ॥०३-८१-८९॥
O king, if one bathes in the lake of the gods, then, by the power of the gods, he is honored in heaven. (03-81-89)
शालिहोत्रस्य राजेन्द्र शालिशूर्पे यथाविधि। स्नात्वा नरवरश्रेष्ठ गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-९०॥
O king, if one bathes as prescribed after worshipping (Śālihotra's work) in the rice-winnowing basket, O best among men, he obtains the merit equal to gifting a thousand cows. (03-81-90)
श्रीकुञ्जं च सरस्वत्यां तीर्थं भरतसत्तम। तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्नग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-९१॥
O best of the Bharatas, O king, at the auspicious grove, a sacred site on the Sarasvatī, one who bathes there may obtain the merit of performing the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-81-91)
ततो नैमिषकुञ्जं च समासाद्य कुरूद्वह। ऋषयः किल राजेन्द्र नैमिषेयास्तपोधनाः ॥ तीर्थयात्रां पुरस्कृत्य कुरुक्षेत्रं गताः पुरा ॥०३-८१-९२॥
Then, O best of the Kurus, the sages of Naimisha, rich in asceticism, having visited the Naimisha grove, once went to Kurukshetra on a pilgrimage. (03-81-92)
ततः कुञ्जः सरस्वत्यां कृतो भरतसत्तम। ऋषीणामवकाशः स्याद्यथा तुष्टिकरो महान् ॥०३-८१-९३॥
Then a great and delightful arbor was constructed on the Sarasvati, O best of the Bharatas, to serve as a resting place for the sages. (03-81-93)
तस्मिन्कुञ्जे नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्। कन्यातीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा अग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-९४॥
Bathing in that grove grants a man the merit of giving a thousand cows in charity; bathing at the Kanyā tīrtha gives the merit of performing the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-81-94)
ततो गच्छेन्नरव्याघ्र ब्रह्मणः स्थानमुत्तमम्। तत्र वर्णावरः स्नात्वा ब्राह्मण्यं लभते नरः ॥ ब्राह्मणश्च विशुद्धात्मा गच्छेत परमां गतिम् ॥०३-८१-९५॥
Then, O tiger among men, one should go to the supreme place of Brahman. There, a man of lower caste, having bathed, obtains the state of being a Brahmin. A Brahmin, too, who is of pure soul, should attain the supreme state. (03-81-95)
ततो गच्छेन्नरश्रेष्ठ सोमतीर्थमनुत्तमम्। तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्सोमलोकमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८१-९६॥
Then, O best of men, you should go to the unsurpassed holy ford of Soma. There, O king, a man who bathes attains the realm of Soma. (03-81-96)
सप्तसारस्वतं तीर्थं ततो गच्छेन्नराधिप। यत्र मङ्कणकः सिद्धो महर्षिर्लोकविश्रुतः ॥०३-८१-९७॥
O king, from there, you should proceed to the holy place of the seven Sarasvats, where the perfected sage Maṅkaṇaka, renowned throughout the world, resides. (03-81-97)
पुरा मङ्कणको राजन्कुशाग्रेणेति नः श्रुतम्। क्षतः किल करे राजंस्तस्य शाकरसोऽस्रवत् ॥०३-८१-९८॥
O king, it has been heard by us that, formerly, Maṅkaṇaka, when wounded on his hand with the tip of kuśa grass, indeed, vegetable sap flowed from him. (03-81-98)
स वै शाकरसं दृष्ट्वा हर्षाविष्टो महातपाः। प्रनृत्तः किल विप्रर्षिर्विस्मयोत्फुल्ललोचनः ॥०३-८१-९९॥
Upon seeing the vegetable-juice, the great ascetic, truly overcome with joy, danced; the sage among Brāhmaṇas had his eyes wide open in astonishment. (03-81-99)
ततस्तस्मिन्प्रनृत्ते वै स्थावरं जङ्गमं च यत्। प्रनृत्तमुभयं वीर तेजसा तस्य मोहितम् ॥०३-८१-१००॥
Then, as he danced there, O hero, all movable and immovable beings danced as well; both were bewildered by his brilliance. (03-81-100)
ब्रह्मादिभिः सुरै राजन्नृषिभिश्च तपोधनैः। विज्ञप्तो वै महादेव ऋषेरर्थे नराधिप ॥ नायं नृत्येद्यथा देव तथा त्वं कर्तुमर्हसि ॥०३-८१-१०१॥
O lord of men, O king, you have been requested by Brahmā, the gods, sages, and ascetics, O Mahādeva, for the sake of the sage. This one should not dance as the gods do; therefore, you should similarly perform as is appropriate. (03-81-101)
ततः प्रनृत्तमासाद्य हर्षाविष्टेन चेतसा। सुराणां हितकामार्थमृषिं देवोऽभ्यभाषत ॥०३-८१-१०२॥
Then, after dancing, with a mind filled with joy, the god approached and addressed the sage for the welfare of the gods. (03-81-102)
अहो महर्षे धर्मज्ञ किमर्थं नृत्यते भवान्। हर्षस्थानं किमर्थं वा तवाद्य मुनिपुङ्गव ॥०३-८१-१०३॥
Oh, O great sage, knower of dharma, for what reason are you dancing? What is the cause of your joy today, O best of sages? (03-81-103)
ऋषिरुवाच॥
The sage said.
किं न पश्यसि मे देव कराच्छाकरसं स्रुतम्। यं दृष्ट्वाहं प्रनृत्तो वै हर्षेण महतान्वितः ॥०३-८१-१०४॥
O god, do you not see the juice that has dripped from my hand? Seeing it, I, overwhelmed with great joy, truly danced. (3-81-104)
पुलस्त्य उवाच॥
Pulastya said;
तं प्रहस्याब्रवीद्देवो मुनिं रागेण मोहितम्। अहं वै विस्मयं विप्र न गच्छामीति पश्य माम् ॥०३-८१-१०५॥
Smiling, the god said to the sage, who was bewildered by passion, "O Brahmin, I truly do not become amazed—see me." (03-81-105)
एवमुक्त्वा नरश्रेष्ठ महादेवेन धीमता। अङ्गुल्यग्रेण राजेन्द्र स्वाङ्गुष्ठस्ताडितोऽनघ ॥०३-८१-१०६॥
O best of men, after thus speaking, wise Mahadeva struck his own thumb with the tip of his finger, O king, O sinless one. (03-81-106)
ततो भस्म क्षताद्राजन्निर्गतं हिमसंनिभम्। तद्दृष्ट्वा व्रीडितो राजन्स मुनिः पादयोर्गतः ॥०३-८१-१०७॥
Then, O king, ash resembling snow emerged from the wound. Seeing that, the sage, feeling ashamed, went to (fall at) his feet. (03-81-107)
नान्यं देवमहं मन्ये रुद्रात्परतरं महत्। सुरासुरस्य जगतो गतिस्त्वमसि शूलधृक् ॥०३-८१-१०८॥
I do not consider any god higher or greater than Rudra. O trident-bearer, you are the refuge of the world, of gods and asuras. (03-81-108)
त्वया सृष्टमिदं विश्वं त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरम्। त्वामेव भगवन्सर्वे प्रविशन्ति युगक्षये ॥०३-८१-१०९॥
This universe of the three worlds, with all that moves and is immobile, has been created by you; at the end of the age, O Lord, all enter into you alone. (03-81-109)
देvairपि न शक्यस्त्वं परिज्ञातुं कुतो मया। त्वयि सर्वे च दृश्यन्ते सुरा ब्रह्मादयोऽनघ ॥०३-८१-११०॥
Even by the gods, you are not knowable; how, then, can I (know you)? In you, O sinless one, are seen all the gods—Brahma and the rest. (03-81-110)
सर्वस्त्वमसि लोकानां कर्ता कारयिता च ह। त्वत्प्रसादात्सुराः सर्वे मोदन्तीहाकुतोभयाः ॥ एवं स्तुत्वा महादेवं स ऋषिः प्रणतोऽभवत् ॥०३-८१-१११॥
You are everything, the creator and instigator of all worlds indeed. By your grace, all the gods rejoice here, free from any fear. Thus, having praised the great god, the sage bowed down. (03-81-111)
ऋषिरुवाच॥
The seer said;
त्वत्प्रसादान्महादेव तपो मे न क्षरेत वै। पुलस्त्य उवाच॥
Pulastya said: "O Mahādeva, may my austerity not perish by your grace."
ततो देवः प्रहृष्टात्मा ब्रह्मर्षिमिदमब्रवीत्। तपस्ते वर्धतां विप्र मत्प्रसादात्सहस्रधा ॥०३-८१-११३॥
Then the god, his mind filled with delight, spoke thus to the brahmarṣi: "O sage, by my grace may your austerity increase a thousandfold." (03-81-113)
आश्रमे चेह वत्स्यामि त्वया सार्धं महामुने। सप्तसारस्वते स्नात्वा अर्चयिष्यन्ति ये तु माम् ॥०३-८१-११४॥
O great sage, I shall stay here in the hermitage together with you; indeed, those who bathe at the Saptasarasvati and worship me.
न तेषां दुर्लभं किञ्चिदिह लोके परत्र च। सारस्वतं च ते लोकं गमिष्यन्ति न संशयः ॥०३-८१-११५॥
For them, nothing is difficult to obtain in this world or the next; indeed, they will go to the world of Sarasvatī—there is no doubt about it. (03-81-115)
ततस्त्वौशनसं गच्छेत्त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्। यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा ऋषयश्च तपोधनाः ॥०३-८१-११६॥
Then, one should go to the sage Ushanas, renowned in the three worlds, where Brahma and the other gods, as well as sages rich in penance, reside. (03-81-116)
कार्त्तिकेयश्च भगवांस्त्रिसन्ध्यं किल भारत। सांनिध्यमकरोत्तत्र भार्गवप्रियकाम्यया ॥०३-८१-११७॥
O Bhārata, the revered Kārttikeya, indeed, made his presence there at the three junctions (dawn, noon, and dusk) with the desire to please Bhārgava. (03-81-117)
कपालमोचनं तीर्थं सर्वपापप्रमोचनम्। तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते ॥०३-८१-११८॥
The holy place Kapālamocana is a remover of all sins. O tiger among men, by bathing there, one is freed from all sins. (03-81-118)
अग्नितीर्थं ततो गच्छेत्तत्र स्नात्वा नरर्षभ। अग्निलोकमवाप्नोति कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत् ॥०३-८१-११९॥
After that, one should go to the Agni holy spot; there, having bathed, O best of men, he attains the world of Agni and indeed liberates his family. (03-81-119)
विश्वामित्रस्य तत्रैव तीर्थं भरतसत्तम। तत्र स्नात्वा महाराज ब्राह्मण्यमभिजायते ॥०३-८१-१२०॥
O best of the Bharatas, at that very holy place belonging to Viśvāmitra, one who bathes there, O great king, attains Brāhmaṇahood. (3-81-120)
ब्रह्मयोनिं समासाद्य शुचिः प्रयतमानसः। तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र ब्रह्मलोकं प्रपद्यते ॥ पुनात्यासप्तमं चैव कुलं नास्त्यत्र संशयः ॥०३-८१-१२१॥
Having reached the source of Brahman, pure and with a focused mind, and having bathed there, O best of men, he attains Brahma’s world. He indeed purifies his family up to the seventh generation; there is no doubt about this. (03-81-121)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्। पृथूदकमिति ख्यातं कार्त्तिकेयस्य वै नृप ॥ तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वीत पितृदेवार्चने रतः ॥०३-८१-१२२॥
Then, O king, you should go to the holy place called Pṛthūdaka, famed throughout the three worlds and known as Kārttikeya’s. There, you should perform ritual bathing, being devoted to worshipping the ancestors and gods. (03-81-122)
अज्ञानाज्ज्ञानतो वापि स्त्रिया वा पुरुषेण वा। यत्किञ्चिदशुभं कर्म कृतं मानुषबुद्धिना ॥०३-८१-१२३॥
Whether from ignorance or from knowledge, whether done by a woman or by a man, whatever unwholesome action is done with human intellect. (03-81-123)
तत्सर्वं नश्यते तस्य स्नातमात्रस्य भारत। अश्वमेधफलं चापि स्वर्गलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८१-१२४॥
O Bhārata, for one who has just bathed, all that (sin or past actions) is destroyed; he also attains the fruit of a horse sacrifice and the heavenly world. (03-81-124)
पुण्यमाहुः कुरुक्षेत्रं कुरुक्षेत्रात्सरस्वतीम्। सरस्वत्याश्च तीर्थानि तीर्थेभ्यश्च पृथूदकम् ॥०३-८१-१२५॥
They say Kurukṣetra is holy; from Kurukṣetra, Sarasvatī is holier; of Sarasvatī, the sacred places are holier; and among the sacred places, Prithūdaka is the holiest. (03-81-125)
उत्तमे सर्वतीर्थानां यस्त्यजेदात्मनस्तनुम्। पृथूदके जप्यपरो नैनं श्वोमरणं तपेत् ॥०३-८१-१२६॥
Whoever abandons his body at Pṛthūdaka, the best of all holy places, engaged in japa, for him the fear of death on the morrow does not afflict. (03-81-126)
गीतं सनत्कुमारेण व्यासेन च महात्मना। वेदे च नियतं राजनभिगच्छेत्पृथूदकम् ॥०३-८१-१२७॥
O King, that which was recited by Sanatkumāra, by Vyāsa and by the great-souled, and also established in the Veda, one should approach the broad waters. (03-81-127)
पृथूदकात्पुण्यतमं नान्यत्तीर्थं नरोत्तम। एतन्मेध्यं पवित्रं च पावनं च न संशयः ॥०३-८१-१२८॥
O best of men, there is certainly no place of pilgrimage more meritorious than Pṛthūdaka. This place is pure, holy, and sanctifying beyond doubt. (03-81-128)
तत्र स्नात्वा दिवं यान्ति अपि पापकृतो जनाः। पृथूदके नरश्रेष्ठ प्राहुरेवं मनीषिणः ॥०३-८१-१२९॥
O best of men, even evil-doers, having bathed there at Pṛthūdaka, go to heaven—thus have the wise said. (03-81-129)
मधुस्रवं च तत्रैव तीर्थं भरतसत्तम। तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-१३०॥
O best of the Bharatas, there is also the sacred place called Madhusrava in that very spot; O king, whoever bathes there will obtain the merit equal to the gift of a thousand cows. (03-81-130)
ततो गच्छेन्नरश्रेष्ठ तीर्थं देव्या यथाक्रमम्। सरस्वत्यारुणायाश्च सङ्गमं लोकविश्रुतम् ॥०३-८१-१३१॥
Then, O best of men, you should proceed to the holy pilgrimage place of the goddess in order; namely, to the famous confluence of Sarasvatī and Aruṇā, renowned in the world. (03-81-131)
त्रिरात्रोपोषितः स्नात्वा मुच्यते ब्रह्महत्यया। अग्निष्टोमातिरात्राभ्यां फलं विन्दति मानवः ॥०३-८१-१३२॥
After fasting for three nights and bathing, a person is freed from the sin of killing a Brāhmaṇa. A man obtains the rewards of Agniṣṭoma and Atirātra sacrifices. (03-81-132)
आसप्तमं कुलं चैव पुनाति भरतर्षभ। अवतीर्णं च तत्रैव तीर्थं कुरुकुलोद्वह ॥ विप्राणामनुकम्पार्थं दर्भिणा निर्मितं पुरा ॥०३-८१-१३३॥
O best of the Bharatas, it purifies up to the seventh generation of the family. There itself, O upholder of the Kuru clan, the sacred place descended. Long ago, for the compassion of the Brāhmaṇas, it was created with darbha grass. (03-81-133)
व्रतोपनयनाभ्यां वा उपवासेन वा द्विजः। क्रियामन्त्रैश्च संयुक्तो ब्राह्मणः स्यान्न संशयः ॥०३-८१-१३४॥
A twice-born, by observing vows, either of the two initiatory rituals or by fasting, and being endowed with ritual mantras, may indeed become a brāhmaṇa—there is no doubt about this. (03-81-134)
क्रियामन्त्रविहीनोऽपि तत्र स्नात्वा नरर्षभ। चीर्णव्रतो भवेद्विप्रो दृष्टमेतत्पुरातने ॥०३-८१-१३५॥
O best of men, it has been seen in ancient times that even without ritual actions and mantras, simply by bathing there, a Brāhmaṇa who has observed the vow is considered accomplished. (03-81-135)
समुद्राश्चापि चत्वारः समानीताश्च दर्भिणा। येषु स्नातो नरव्याघ्र न दुर्गतिमवाप्नुयात् ॥ फलानि गोसहस्राणां चतुर्णां विन्दते च सः ॥०३-८१-१३६॥
If a tiger among men bathes in four oceans brought together with darbha grass, he will not suffer misfortune. He also attains the merit equal to the fruits of giving a thousand cows for each of the four.
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र तीर्थं शतसहस्रकम्। साहस्रकं च तत्रैव द्वे तीर्थे लोकविश्रुते ॥०३-८१-१३७॥
Then, O King, proceed from there to the sacred site known as Śatasahasraka; and likewise to Sāhasraka, both renowned holy places in the world. (03-81-137)
उभयोर्हि नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्। दानं वाप्युपवासो वा सहस्रगुणितं भवेत् ॥०३-८१-१३८॥
Indeed, by bathing at both (places), a man may obtain the merit equal to giving a thousand cows. Charity or fasting performed there becomes multiplied a thousand times. (03-81-138)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र रेणुकातीर्थमुत्तमम्। तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वीत पितृदेवार्चने रतः ॥ स्रवपापविशुद्धात्मा अग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८१-१३९॥
Then, O king, he should go to the excellent Reṇukā tīrtha. There, being devoted to the worship of the ancestors and gods, he should perform ablution. With his mind purified from all sins, he gains the fruit equal to that of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-81-139)
विमोचनमुपस्पृश्य जितमन्युर्जितेन्द्रियः। प्रतिग्रहकृतैर्दोषैः सर्वैः स परिमुच्यते ॥०३-८१-१४०॥
After touching release, one who has conquered anger and the senses is completely freed from all faults caused by accepting gifts. (03-81-140)
ततः पञ्चवटं गत्वा ब्रह्मचारी जितेन्द्रियः। पुण्येन महता युक्तः सतां लोके महीयते ॥०३-८१-१४१॥
Then, going to Pañcavaṭa, the brahmacārī who has conquered his senses and is endowed with great merit, is honoured among the virtuous in the world. (03-81-141)
यत्र योगेश्वरः स्थाणुः स्वयमेव वृषध्वजः। तमर्चयित्वा देवेशं गमनादेव सिध्यति ॥०३-८१-१४२॥
Where the Lord of Yoga, Sthāṇu, the bull-bannered one himself resides—having worshipped that lord of the gods, one attains success simply by approaching him. (03-81-142)
औजसं वरुणं तीर्थं दीप्यते स्वेन तेजसा। यत्र ब्रह्मादिभिर्देवैरृषिभिश्च तपोधनैः ॥०३-८१-१४३॥
The powerful sacred place of Varuṇa shines with its own radiance, where Brahmā and other gods, sages, and ascetics reside. (03-81-143)
सेनापत्येन देवानामभिषिक्तो गुहस्तदा ॥०३-८१-१४३॥
Then Guha was anointed as the commander of the gods. (03-81-143)
औजसस्य तु पूर्वेण कुरुतीर्थं कुरूद्वह। कुरुतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा ब्रह्मचारी जितेन्द्रियः ॥ सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा कुरुलोकं प्रपद्यते ॥०३-८१-१४४॥
However, to the east of Ojasas is the Kuru-tirtha, O best of Kurus. One who bathes at Kuru-tirtha, observing celibacy and self-restraint, and whose self is purified from all sins, attains the world of the Kurus. (03-81-144)
स्वर्गद्वारं ततो गच्छेन्नियतो नियताशनः। स्वर्गलोकमवाप्नोति ब्रह्मलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८१-१४५॥
After that, one with discipline and regulated food should go to the gate of heaven; he attains the heavenly world and also goes to the realm of Brahman. (03-81-145)
ततो गच्छेदनरकं तीर्थसेवी नराधिप। तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्न दुर्गतिमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८१-१४६॥
After that, O king, the devotee of holy places should go to Anaraka; there, having bathed, a man, O king, will not fall into misfortune. (03-81-146)
तत्र ब्रह्मा स्वयं नित्यं देवैः सह महीपते। अन्वास्यते नरश्रेष्ठ नारायणपुरोगमैः ॥०३-८१-१४७॥
There, O king, Brahmā himself is always accompanied by the gods, with Nārāyaṇa at their head, O best of men. (03-81-147)
सांनिध्यं चैव राजेन्द्र रुद्रपत्न्याः कुरूद्वह। अभिगम्य च तां देवीं न दुर्गतिमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८१-१४८॥
O king, O descendant of Kuru, one who approaches the presence of Rudra's wife, that goddess, will not meet with misfortune. (03-81-148)
तत्रैव च महाराज विश्वेश्वरमुमापतिम्। अभिगम्य महादेवं मुच्यते सर्वकिल्बिषैः ॥०३-८१-१४९॥
Right there, O great king, one who approaches Mahādeva, Lord of the Universe and consort of Umā, is freed from all sins. (03-81-149)
नारायणं चाभिगम्य पद्मनाभमरिंदमम्। शोभमानो महाराज विष्णुलोकं प्रपद्यते ॥०३-८१-१५०॥
O great king, shining brilliantly, having approached Nārāyaṇa, Padmanābha, the subduer of enemies, he attains the world of Viṣṇu. (03-81-150)
तीर्थे तु सर्वदेवानां स्नातः स पुरुषर्षभ। सर्वदुःखैः परित्यक्तो द्योतते शशिवत्सदा ॥०३-८१-१५१॥
O best among men, one who bathes at the holy place of all the gods, having been freed from all sufferings, always shines like the moon. (03-81-151)
ततः स्वस्तिपुरं गच्छेत्तीर्थसेवी नराधिप। पावनं तीर्थमासाद्य तर्पयेत्पितृदेवताः ॥ अग्निष्टोमस्य यज्ञस्य फलं प्राप्नोति मानवः ॥०३-८१-१५२॥
Then, the tirtha-seeking king should go to Svastipura. Having reached the purifying tirtha, he should offer oblations to the manes and the gods. The man thereby attains the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-81-152)
गङ्गाह्रदश्च तत्रैव कूपश्च भरतर्षभ। तिस्रः कोट्यस्तु तीर्थानां तस्मिन्कूपे महीपते ॥ तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्स्वर्गलोकं प्रपद्यते ॥०३-८१-१५३॥
O bull among the Bharatas, there in that very place is the Ganga pool and also a well. In that well, O king, there are indeed three crore sacred places. He who bathes there, O king, attains the world of heaven. (03-81-153)
आपगायां नरः स्नात्वा अर्चयित्वा महेश्वरम्। गाणपत्यमवाप्नोति कुलं चोद्धरते स्वकम् ॥०३-८१-१५४॥
If a man, having bathed in the river, worships Maheśvara, he attains the status of Gaṇapati and uplifts his own family. (03-81-154)
ततः स्थाणुवटं गच्छेत्त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्। तत्र स्नात्वा स्थितो रात्रिं रुद्रलोकमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८१-१५५॥
Then, one should go to the banyan tree of Sthāṇu (Śiva), which is famous throughout the three worlds. There, after bathing and remaining through the night, one may attain Rudra's world. (03-81-155)
बदरीपाचनं गच्छेद्वसिष्ठस्याश्रमं ततः। बदरं भक्षयेत्तत्र त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः ॥०३-८१-१५६॥
From there, one should go to Badarīpācana, the hermitage of Vasiṣṭha. There, a man who has fasted for three nights should eat jujube. (03-81-156)
सम्यग्द्वादश वर्षाणि बदरान्भक्षयेत्तु यः। त्रिरात्रोपोषितश्चैव भवेत्तुल्यो नराधिप ॥०३-८१-१५७॥
Whoever properly eats jujube fruits for twelve years, but also fasts for three nights, becomes equal to a king. (03-81-157)
इन्द्रमार्गं समासाद्य तीर्थसेवी नराधिप। अहोरात्रोपवासेन शक्रलोके महीयते ॥०३-८१-१५८॥
Having attained Indra's path, the king who is devoted to holy places, by fasting day and night, is honored in the realm of Śakra (Indra). (03-81-158)
एकरात्रं समासाद्य एकरात्रोषितो नरः। नियतः सत्यवादी च ब्रह्मलोके महीयते ॥०३-८१-१५९॥
A self-controlled and truthful man who spends one night (as required) is honored in the world of Brahma. (03-81-159)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्। आदित्यस्याश्रमो यत्र तेजोराशेर्महात्मनः ॥०३-८१-१६०॥
From there, O knower of dharma, one should go to the sacred place renowned throughout the three worlds, where stands the hermitage of Āditya, the illustrious and great-souled one. (03-81-160)
तस्मिंस्तीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा पूजयित्वा विभावसुम्। आदित्यलोकं व्रजति कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत् ॥०३-८१-१६१॥
In that sacred place, a man who bathes and worships Agni attains the world of the Sun and indeed uplifts his family. (03-81-161)
सोमतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा तीर्थसेवी कुरूद्वह। सोमलोकमवाप्नोति नरो नास्त्यत्र संशयः ॥०३-८१-१६२॥
O best of the Kurus, if a man bathes at Soma-tirtha and is devoted to holy places, he attains the world of Soma. There is no doubt about this. (03-81-162)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ दधीचस्य महात्मनः। तीर्थं पुण्यतमं राजन्पावनं लोकविश्रुतम् ॥०३-८१-१६३॥
Then, O king, the knower of dharma should go to the most sacred and purifying holy place of the great-souled Dadhīci, which is renowned throughout the world. (03-81-163)
यत्र सारस्वतो राजन्सोऽङ्गिरास्तपसो निधिः। तस्मिंस्तीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा वाजपेयफलं लभेत् ॥ सारस्वतीं गतिं चैव लभते नात्र संशयः ॥०३-८१-१६४॥
O king, wherever Sārasvata, who is Aṅgirā and the treasure of austerity, resides—at that sacred place, a man who bathes there obtains the fruit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. He surely attains the path of Sarasvatī; of this there is no doubt. (03-81-164)
ततः कन्याश्रमं गच्छेन्नियतो ब्रह्मचर्यवान्। त्रिरात्रोपोषितो राजन्नुपवासपरायणः ॥ लभेत्कन्याशतं दिव्यं ब्रह्मलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८१-१६५॥
Therefore, O King, one who is self-controlled, celibate, and dedicated to fasting, having fasted for three nights, should go to the hermitage of girls. Such a person obtains one hundred divine maidens and attains the world of Brahma. (03-81-165)
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ तीर्थं संनिहितीमपि। यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा ऋषयश्च तपोधनाः ॥ मासि मासि समायान्ति पुण्येन महतान्विताः ॥०३-८१-१६६॥
After that, a knower of dharma should proceed to the holy place called Sanihiti, where Brahma and other gods and seers rich in austerity gather every month, endowed with great merit. (03-81-166)
संनिहित्यामुपस्पृश्य राहुग्रस्ते दिवाकरे। अश्वमेधशतं तेन इष्टं भवति शाश्वतम् ॥०३-८१-१६७॥
When people are gathered and purify themselves by touching water during a solar eclipse caused by Rāhu, then offering sacrifices equals a hundred Ashvamedha rituals, resulting in eternal merit. (03-81-167)
पृथिव्यां यानि तीर्थानि अन्तरिक्षचराणि च। नद्यो नदास्तडागाश्च सर्वप्रस्रवणानि च ॥०३-८१-१६८॥
All the holy places on earth, those moving in the atmosphere, as well as rivers, streams, ponds, and all springs. (03-81-168)
उदपानाश्च वप्राश्च पुण्यान्यायतनानि च। मासि मासि समायान्ति संनिहित्यां न संशयः ॥०३-८१-१६९॥
Wells, embankments, and sacred shrines certainly converge at the holy gathering every month; there is no doubt about this. (03-81-169)
यत्किञ्चिद्दुष्कृतं कर्म स्त्रिया वा पुरुषस्य वा। स्नातमात्रस्य तत्सर्वं नश्यते नात्र संशयः ॥ पद्मवर्णेन यानेन ब्रह्मलोकं स गच्छति ॥०३-८१-१७०॥
Whatever minor evil actions a woman or a man may have done, all of them are destroyed for one who has just bathed; there is no doubt about this. He goes to the world of Brahma in a lotus-colored vehicle. (03-81-170)
अभिवाद्य ततो यक्षं द्वारपालमरन्तुकम्। कोटिरूपमुपस्पृश्य लभेद्बहु सुवर्णकम् ॥०३-८१-१७१॥
After greeting the Yakṣa doorkeeper named Arantuka, by touching the form of the heap, one would obtain much gold. (03-81-171)
गङ्गाह्रदश्च तत्रैव तीर्थं भरतसत्तम। तत्र स्नातस्तु धर्मज्ञ ब्रह्मचारी समाहितः ॥ राजसूयाश्वमेधाभ्यां फलं विन्दति शाश्वतम् ॥०३-८१-१७२॥
O best of the Bharatas, there is the Ganga-pool, a holy spot. There, one who is learned in dharma, steadfast, and a celibate, having bathed there, obtains the eternal fruit equal to that of performing the rājasūya and aśvamedha sacrifices. (03-81-172)
पृथिव्यां नैमिषं पुण्यमन्तरिक्षे च पुष्करम्। त्रयाणामपि लोकानां कुरुक्षेत्रं विशिष्यते ॥०३-८१-१७३॥
On earth, Naimisha is holy; in heaven, Pushkara; but among all three worlds, Kurukshetra is most distinguished. (03-81-173)
पांसवोऽपि कुरुक्षेत्रे वायुना समुदीरिताः। अपि दुष्कृतकर्माणं नयन्ति परमां गतिम् ॥०३-८१-१७४॥
Even dust raised by the wind in Kurukṣetra can lead one who has committed evil deeds to the highest state. (03-81-174)
दक्षिणेन सरस्वत्या उत्तरेण दृषद्वतीम्। ये वसन्ति कुरुक्षेत्रे ते वसन्ति त्रिविष्टपे ॥०३-८१-१७५॥
Those who reside in Kurukṣetra, which lies south of the Sarasvatī and north of the Dr̥ṣadvatī, are considered to reside in Triviṣṭapa (heaven). (03-81-175)
कुरुक्षेत्रं गमिष्यामि कुरुक्षेत्रे वसाम्यहम्। अप्येकां वाचमुत्सृज्य सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते ॥०३-८१-१७६॥
I will go to Kurukshetra; I dwell at Kurukshetra. Even by uttering a single word there, one is released from all sins. (03-81-176)
ब्रह्मवेदी कुरुक्षेत्रं पुण्यं ब्रह्मर्षिसेवितम्। तदावसन्ति ये राजन्न ते शोच्याः कथञ्चन ॥०३-८१-१७७॥
O king, those who dwell in the holy Kurukṣetra, the altar of Brahman attended by sage-seers, are never to be mourned in any way. (03-81-177)
तरन्तुकारन्तुकयोर्यदन्तरं; रामह्रदानां च मचक्रुकस्य। एतत्कुरुक्षेत्रसमन्तपञ्चकं; पितामहस्योत्तरवेदिरुच्यते ॥०३-८१-१७८॥
The space between Tarantuka and Arantuka, and between the Rāma-ponds and Macakruka—this Samantapañcaka at Kurukṣetra is called the northern altar of Pitāmaha (the grandsire). (03-81-178)
