03.082
pulastya uvāca॥
Pulastya said.
tato gacchet dharmajña dharmatīrthaṁ purātanam। tatra snātvā naro rājan dharmaśīlaḥ samāhitaḥ ॥ āsaptamaṁ kulaṁ rājan punīte nātra saṁśayaḥ ॥03-82-1॥
Then, O king, the knower of dharma should go to the ancient holy tirtha of dharma. There, by bathing with focused and righteous intent, a man purifies his family up to the seventh generation, O king; there is no doubt in this. (03-82-1)
tato gacchet dharmajña kārāpatanamuttamam। agniṣṭomamavāpnoti munilokaṃ ca gacchati ॥03-82-2॥
From there, the knower of dharma should go to the excellent Kārāpatana. He attains the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice and goes to the world of sages. (03-82-2)
saugandhikaṁ vanaṁ rājaṁs tato gacchet mānavaḥ। yatra brahmādayo devā ṛṣayaś ca tapodhanāḥ॥03-82-3॥
O king, the man may then go to the forest adorned with fragrant lotuses, where Brahmā and other gods, as well as sages endowed with ascetic power, reside. (3-82-3)
siddhacāraṇagandharvāḥ kiṁnarāḥ samahoragāḥ। tadvanaṁ praviśanneva sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate ॥03-82-4॥
Siddhas, Charanas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Nagas—whoever enters that forest is indeed freed from all sins. (03-82-4)
tato hi sā saricchreṣṭhā nadīnāmuttamā nadī. plakṣāddevī srutā rājanmahāpuṇyā sarasvatī ॥03-82-5॥
Then, O king, the greatly meritorious goddess Sarasvatī, the best and most excellent of rivers, flowed forth from the fig tree. (03-82-5)
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvīta valmīkānniḥsṛte jale। arcayitvā pitṝndevaānaśvamedhaphalaṃ labhet ॥03-82-6॥
There, one should perform an ablution with water that has flowed from the anthill. After worshipping the ancestors and the gods, one obtains the reward of an aśvamedha sacrifice. (03-82-6)
īśānādhyuṣitaṃ nāma tatra tīrthaṃ sudurlabham| ṣaṭsu śamyānipāteṣu valmīkād iti niścayaḥ॥03-82-7॥
There, the sacred place called 'Īśānādhyuṣitam' is very difficult to obtain; it is ascertained to be among the six sites where the (funeral) poles fall, from the anthill. (03-82-7)
kapilānāṃ sahasraṃ ca vājimedhaṃ ca vindati। tatra snātvā naravyāghra dṛṣṭam etat purātane ॥03-82-8॥
One who bathes there, O tiger among men, obtains a thousand Kapilas and the fruit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice as seen in ancient tradition. (03-82-8)
sugandhāṃ śatakumbhāṃ ca pañcayajñāṃ ca bhārata। abhigamya naraśreṣṭha svargaloke mahīyate ॥03-82-9॥
O Bhārata, the fragrant one endowed with a hundred jars and connected to the five sacrifices, when approached, O best of men, is honored in the world of heaven. (03-82-9)
triśūlakhātaṁ tatraiva tīrtham āsādya bhārata. tatrābhiṣekaṁ kurvīta pitṛdevārcane rataḥ ॥ gāṇapatyaṁ sa labhate dehaṁ tyaktvā na saṁśayaḥ ॥03-82-10॥
O Bhārata, having approached the holy place at the trench of the trident right there, one should perform ablutions, being devoted to the worship of ancestors and gods. Having abandoned his body, he attains the state of Gāṇapati—there is no doubt. (03-82-10)
tato gacchet rājendra devyāḥ sthānaṃ sudurlabham। śākambharīti vikhyātā triṣu lokeṣu viśrutā ॥03-82-11॥
Then, O king, one should proceed to the goddess's abode, which is very hard to obtain. Śākambharī, as she is called, is renowned throughout the three worlds. (03-82-11)
divyaṁ varṣasahasraṁ hi śākena kila suvrata। āhāraṁ sā kṛtavatī māsi māsi narādhipa ॥03-82-12॥
O king, it is said that for a divine thousand years, she indeed made her food from vegetables, month by month, O virtuous one. (03-82-12)
ṛṣayo 'bhyāgatās tatra devyā bhaktyā tapodhanāḥ। ātithyaṃ ca kṛtaṃ teṣāṃ śākena kila bhārata ॥ tataḥ śākambharīty eva nāma tasyāḥ pratiṣṭhitam ॥03-82-13॥
The sages, ascetics devoted to austerity, came there. The goddess, with devotion, offered them hospitality by serving vegetables, O Bhārata. Therefore, her name became established as 'Śākambharī'. (03-82-13)
śākambharīṃ samāsādya brahmacārī samāhitaḥ। trirātram uṣitaḥ śākaṃ bhakṣayet niyataḥ śuciḥ॥03-82-14॥
After approaching Śākambharī, the brahmacārin who is focused, having stayed there for three nights, self-restrained and pure, may eat vegetables. (03-82-14)
śākāhārasya yatsamyagvarṣairdvādaśabhiḥ phalam। tatphalaṃ tasya bhavati devyāśchandena bhārata ॥03-82-15॥
O Bhārata, the result which is properly obtained from twelve years of vegetarianism is granted to him by the will of the goddess. (03-82-15)
tato gacchetsuvarṇākṣaṃ triṣu lokeṣu viśrutam। yatra viṣṇuḥ prasādārthaṃ rudram ārādhayat purā ॥03-82-16॥
From there, one should proceed to Suvarṇākṣa, renowned throughout the three worlds, where Viṣṇu once worshipped Rudra for obtaining his favor. (03-82-16)
varāṃś ca subahūn lebhe daivateṣu sudurlabhān। uktaś ca tripuraghnena parituṣṭena bhārata ॥03-82-17॥
He obtained many boons, very difficult even among the gods; and he was addressed by the destroyer of Tripura (Śiva), being highly pleased, O Bhārata. (03-82-17)
api cāsmat-priyataro loke kṛṣṇa bhaviṣyasi। tvan-mukhaṁ ca jagat-kṛtsnaṁ bhaviṣyati na saṁśayaḥ॥03-82-18॥
And furthermore, in this world, you shall become dearest to us, O Kṛṣṇa; and without a doubt, your face will become the whole world. (03-82-18)
tatrābhigamya rājendra pūjayitvā vṛṣadhvajam। aśvamedham avāpnoti gāṇapatyaṃ ca vindati॥03-82-19॥
There, O king, having approached and worshipped the Bull-bannered one (Śiva), one attains the fruit of the horse sacrifice and obtains the lordship of Gaṇapati. (03-82-19)
dhūmāvatīṃ tato gacchet trir atra upoṣito naraḥ। manasā prārthitān kāmān labhate na atra saṃśayaḥ॥03-82-20॥
Then, having fasted here, a man should go to Dhūmāvatī three times; he obtains the desires that he has mentally wished for—of this there is no doubt. (03-82-20)
devyāstu dakṣiṇārdhena rathāvarto narādhipa। tatrāroheta dharmajña śraddadhāno jitendriyaḥ ॥ mahādeva-prasādāddhi gacchet paramāṃ gatim ॥03-82-21॥
O king, the southern half of the Goddess is rathāvarta. There, one who knows dharma, who is full of faith, and who has mastered the senses, should mount. Through Mahādeva’s grace, he truly attains the highest goal. (03-82-21)
pradakṣiṇam-upāvṛtya gacchet bharatarṣabha. dhārāṃ nāma mahāprājña sarva-pāpa-praṇāśinīm ॥ tatra snātvā naravyāghra na śocati narādhipa ॥03-82-22॥
O best of the Bharatas, turning with circumambulation, you should go to the river named Dhara, O wise one, for she destroys all sins. There, O tiger among men, after bathing, one does not grieve, O king of men. (03-82-22)
tato gacchet dharmajña namaskṛtya mahāgirim। svargadvāreṇa yat tulyaṃ gaṅgādvāraṃ na saṃśayaḥ ॥03-82-23॥
After that, the knower of dharma should proceed, after bowing to the great mountain, to Gaṅgādvāra, which is certainly equal to Svargadvāra, without any doubt. (03-82-23)
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvīta koṭitīrthe samāhitaḥ। puṇḍarīkam avāpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet॥03-82-24॥
There, one should perform ablution at Koṭitīrtha with concentration; he attains the merit of puṇḍarīka and indeed uplifts his family. (03-82-24)
saptagaṅge trigaṅge ca śakrāvarte ca tarpayan। devān pitṝṁś ca vidhivat puṇyaloke mahīyate॥03-82-25॥
One who offers libations to the gods and ancestors according to injunction at Saptagaṅgā, Trigaṅgā, and Śakrāvarta is honored in the world of merit. (03-82-25)
tataḥ kanakḫale snātvā trirātrupoṣito naraḥ। aśvamedham avāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati॥03-82-26॥
Thereafter, at Kanakhala, a man who has bathed and fasted for three nights attains the merit of the Aśvamedha sacrifice and goes to heaven. (03-82-26)
kapilāvaṭaṃ ca gacchet tīrthasevī narādhipa। uṣyaikāṃ rajanīṃ tatra gosahasraphalaṃ labhet ॥03-82-27॥
The king devoted to holy places should go to Kapilavata; by spending a single night there, one gains the merit equal to giving a thousand cows. (03-82-27)
nāgarājasya rājendra kapilasya mahātmanāḥ। tīrthaṃ kuruvaraśreṣṭha sarvalokeṣu viśrutam ॥03-82-28॥
O best of kings, the sacred place of the great-souled Kapila, the king of serpents, is renowned in all worlds, O foremost among the Kurus. (03-82-28)
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvīta nāgatīrthe narādhipa। kapilānāṃ sahasrasya phalaṃ prāpnoti mānavaḥ ॥03-82-29॥
O king, there, one should perform ritual bathing at Nāga-tīrtha; a man obtains the merit equal to that of a thousand Kapilā cows. (03-82-29)
tato lalitikāṃ gacchet chantan astiirtham uttamam। tatra snātvā naro rājann durgatim avāpnuyāt॥03-82-30॥
From there, one should proceed to Lalitikā; there is a foremost holy bathing place named after Śantanu. O king, having bathed there, a man will not meet with misfortune. (3-82-30)
gaṅgā-saṅgamayoś caiva snāti yaḥ saṅgame naraḥ। daśāśvamedhān āpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet॥03-82-31॥
Whoever, at the confluence of the Gaṅgā, bathes there, that man obtains the merit of ten Aśvamedha sacrifices and indeed uplifts his entire family. (03-82-31)
tato gacchet rājendra sugandhāṁ lokaviśrutām। sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā brahmaloke mahīyate॥03-82-32॥
Then, O king, he should go to the fragrant place renowned throughout the world; he whose soul is purified from all sins is honored in the realm of Brahman. (03-82-32)
rudrāvartaṃ tato gacchet tīrthasevī narādhipa। tatra snātvā naro rājan svargaloke mahīyate॥03-82-33॥
O king, one devoted to holy places should then go to Rudrāvarta. There, after bathing, a person, O king, is honored in heaven. (03-82-33)
gaṅgāyāś ca naraśreṣṭha sarasvatyāś ca saṅgame। snāto'śvamedham āpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati॥03-82-34॥
O best of men, one who bathes at the confluence of the Gaṅgā and Sarasvatī attains the result of an Aśvamedha sacrifice and goes to heaven. (03-82-34)
bhadrakarṇeśvaraṃ gatvā devam arcya yathāvidhi। na durgatim avāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati ॥03-82-35॥
Whoever goes to Bhadrakarṇeśvara and worships the god as prescribed does not meet with misfortune and attains the world of heaven. (03-82-35)
tataḥ kubjāmrakaṃ gacchet tīrthasevī yathākramam। gosahasram avāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati॥03-82-36॥
Thereafter, the visitor of holy places should proceed to Kubjāmraka in due order; he obtains the merit of gifting a thousand cows and goes to the heavenly world. (03-82-36)
aruṃdhatī-vaṭaṃ gacchet-tīrtha-sevī narādhipa। sāmudrakam-upaspṛśya trirātra-upoṣito naraḥ ॥ go-sahasra-phalaṃ vindet-kulaṃ ca eva samuddharet ॥03-82-37॥
O king, one who serves at holy places should go to the Arundhati fig tree. After touching sea water and having fasted for three nights, a man obtains the merit equal to gifting a thousand cows and indeed uplifts his family. (03-82-37)
brahmāvartaṁ tato gacched brahmacārī samāhitaḥ. aśvamedham avāpnoti svargalokaṁ ca gacchati ॥03-82-38॥
Thereafter, the celibate student who is composed should proceed to Brahmavarta; he obtains the benefits of the Ashvamedha and attains the heavenly world. (03-82-38)
yamunā-prabhavaṃ gatvā upaspṛśya ca yāmune| aśvamedha-phalaṃ labdhvā svarga-loke mahīyate॥03-82-39॥
By going to the origin of the Yamunā and touching its waters, one attains the fruit of an aśvamedha (horse sacrifice) and is honored in the world of the gods. (03-82-39)
darvīsaṅkramaṇaṃ prāpya tīrthaṃ trailokyaviśrutam। aśvamedhamavāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati ॥03-82-40॥
Upon reaching the Darvīsaṅkramaṇa tīrtha, renowned through the three worlds, one gains the merit of an aśvamedha sacrifice and goes to heaven. (03-82-40)
sindhoś ca prabhavaṃ gatvā siddhagandharvasevitam. tatroṣya rajanīḥ pañca vindyād bahu suvarṇakam ॥03-82-41॥
After going to the source of the Sindhu, which is frequented by Siddhas and Gandharvas, and staying there for five nights, one obtains a great deal of gold. (03-82-41)
atha vedīṁ samāsādya naraḥ paramadurgamām। aśvamedham avāpnoti gaccheccauśanasīṁ gatim ॥03-82-42॥
Then, when a man approaches the altar that is extremely difficult to access, he attains the result of an Aśvamedha (horse sacrifice) and reaches the state associated with Uśanas (Śukra). (03-82-42)
ṛṣikulyāṃ samāsādya vāsiṣṭhaṃ caiva bhārata। vāsiṣṭhaṃ samatikramya sarve varṇā dvijātayaḥ ॥03-82-43॥
O Bhārata, having approached the river Ṛṣikulyā and the hermitage of Vasiṣṭha, and having passed beyond Vasiṣṭha, all the twice-born members of all classes (continued on their way). (03-82-43)
ṛṣikul-yāṁ naraḥ snātvā ṛṣilokaṁ prapadyate. yadi tatra vasen māsaṁ śākāhāro narādhipa ॥03-82-44॥
O ruler of men, if a man, having bathed in the Ṛṣikulya, were to dwell there for a month subsisting on vegetables, he attains the world of the sages. (03-82-44)
bhṛgutungaṃ samāsādya vājimedhapalaṃ labheta। gatvā vīrapramokṣaṃ ca sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate ॥03-82-45॥
On reaching Bṛgutunga, one attains the merit of a horse-sacrifice; and by going to Vīrapramokṣa too, one is freed from all sins. (03-82-45)
kṛttikāmaghayoś caiva tīrtham āsādya bhārata। agniṣṭomātirātrābhyāṃ phalaṃ prāpnoti puṇyakṛt॥03-82-46॥
O Bhārata, the meritorious person, upon reaching the sacred place of Kṛttikā and Maghā, obtains a reward equal to that of the Agniṣṭoma and Atirātra sacrifices. (03-82-46)
tataḥ sandhyāṃ samāsādya vidyātīrtham anuttamam। upaspṛśya ca vidyānāṃ sarvāsāṃ pārago bhavet॥03-82-47॥
Then, approaching the time of twilight and the unsurpassed sacred place of learning, and having purified oneself, one may become a master of all branches of knowledge. (03-82-47)
mahāśrame vased rātriṁ sarvapāpapramocane। ekakālaṁ nirāhāro lokānāvasate śubhān ॥03-82-48॥
By dwelling for one night in the great hermitage — the remover of all sins — and fasting for one period, one attains to the auspicious worlds. (03-82-48)
ṣaṣṭhakālopavāsena māsamuṣya mahālaye। sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā vindyādbahu suvarṇakam ॥03-82-49॥
By fasting at the sixth period of the day for a month during Mahālaya, one whose soul has been purified of all sins would obtain much gold. (03-82-49)
atha vetasikāṁ gatvā pitāmahaniṣevitām। aśvamedhamavāpnoti gacchec cauśanasīṁ gatim॥03-82-50॥
Then, having gone to Vetasikā, revered by the grandsire, one attains the fruit of the aśvamedha sacrifice and attains the path of Uśanas. (03-82-50)
atha sundarikātīrthaṃ prāpya siddhaniṣevitam। rūpasya bhāgī bhavati dṛṣṭam etat purātane ॥03-82-51॥
Then, upon reaching Sundarikā-tīrtha frequented by siddhas, one becomes a participant in beauty; this has been seen in ancient times. (03-82-51)
tato vai brāhmaṇīṃ gatvā brahmacārī jitendriyaḥ। padmavarṇena yānena brahmalokaṃ prapadyate॥03-82-52॥
Then indeed, the celibate who has mastered his senses, after approaching the consort of Brahman, ascends to the world of Brahman in a lotus-colored vehicle. (03-82-52)
tataś ca naimiṣaṃ gacchet puṇyaṃ siddhaniṣevitam। tatra nityaṃ nivasati brahmā devagaṇair vṛtaḥ ॥03-82-53॥
Thereafter, one should go to Naimisha, the holy place frequented by perfected beings. There, Brahmā always resides, surrounded by hosts of gods. (03-82-53)
naimiṣaṃ prārthayanasya pāpasyārdhaṃ praṇaśyati। praviṣṭamātrastu naraḥ sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate ॥03-82-54॥
Merely desiring to go to the Naimisha forest destroys half of a person's sins; but just by entering, a man is freed from all sins. (03-82-54)
tatra māsaṃ vased dhīro naimiṣe tīrthatatparaḥ। pṛthivyāṃ yāni tīrthāni naimiṣe tāni bhārata॥03-82-55॥
There, O Bhārata, a wise person intent on pilgrimage should stay for a month in Naimisha, for all the sacred places on earth are found in Naimisha. (03-82-55)
abhiṣekakṛtastatra niyato niyatāśanaḥ। gavāmayasya yajñasya phalaṃ prāpnoti bhārata॥ punātyāsaptamaṃ caiva kulaṃ bharatasattama॥03-82-56॥
He who is self-restrained, of regulated diet, and has performed consecration there, O Bhārata, attains the result of the cow-based sacrifice. Indeed, O best of the Bharatas, he purifies his family up to the seventh generation. (03-82-56)
yastyajennaimiṣe prāṇānupavāsaparāyaṇaḥ। sa modetsvargalokastha evamāhurmanīṣiṇaḥ॥ nityaṃ puṇyaṃ ca medhyaṃ ca naimiṣaṃ nṛpasattama॥03-82-57॥
The wise say that one who gives up his life in Naimisha while devoted to fasting rejoices in heaven. Naimisha is always sacred and purifying, O best of kings. (03-82-57)
gaṅgod-bhedaṃ samāsādya trirātroupoṣito naraḥ। vājapeyam avāpnoti brahmabhūtaś ca jāyate॥03-82-58॥
If a man, having reached the source of the Gaṅgā and fasted for three nights, he attains the merit of the Vājapeya sacrifice and is born as one merged with Brahman. (03-82-58)
sarasvatīṃ samāsādya tarpayet pitṛdevatāḥ। sāravatyeṣu lokeṣu modate nātra saṃśayaḥ॥03-82-59॥
Having reached the Sarasvatī (river), one should satisfy the ancestral deities; in the regions related to Sarasvatī, he rejoices—there is no doubt about this. (03-82-59)
tataś ca bāhudāṁ gacched brahmacārī samāhitaḥ। devasatrasya yajñasya phalaṁ prāpnoti mānavaḥ॥03-82-60॥
Then, the brahmacārī (celibate student), being concentrated, should go to Bāhudām; a man obtains the fruit of the devasatra sacrifice. (03-82-60)
tataś cīravatīṃ gacchet puṇyāṃ puṇyatamair vṛtām। pitṛ-devārcana-rato vājapeyam avāpnuyāt॥03-82-61॥
From there, one should proceed to the holy Cīravatī, which is surrounded by the most virtuous. Engaged in worship of ancestral deities, one may attain the merit of the Vājapeya sacrifice. (03-82-61)
vimalāśokam-āsādya virājati yathā śaśī। tatra uṣya rajanīm ekām svargaloke mahīyate ॥03-82-62॥
Having reached the pure aśoka tree, she shines like the moon; there, after spending a single night, she becomes honored in the world of the gods. (03-82-62)
gopratāraṁ tato gacchet sarayvās tīrtham uttamam। yatra rāmo gataḥ svargaṁ sabhṛtya-balavāhanaḥ॥03-82-63॥
Then one should proceed to the sacred ford named Gopratara on the Sarayū river, where Rama ascended to heaven along with his attendants, army, and vehicles. (03-82-63)
dehaṃ tyaktvā divaṃ yātas tasya tīrthasya tejasā। rāmasya ca prasādena vyavasāyāc ca bhārata॥03-82-64॥
O Bhārata, by the brilliance of that sacred place, by the grace of Rāma, and through endeavor, one who has abandoned the body has gone to heaven. (03-82-64)
tasmiṁs tīrthe naraḥ snātvā gopratāre narādhipa। sarvapāpa-viśuddhātmā svargaloke mahīyate ॥03-82-65॥
O king, a person who bathes at Gopratāra in that sacred place, his soul purified of all sin, is honored in heaven. (03-82-65)
rāmatīrthe naraḥ snātvā gomatyāṃ kurunandana। aśvamedhamavāpnoti punāti ca kulaṃ naraḥ॥03-82-66॥
O Kurunandana, a man who bathes at Rāmatīrtha in the Gomatī river attains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice and purifies his family. (03-82-66)
śatasāhasrikaṃ tatra tīrthaṃ bharatasattama। tatropasparśanaṃ kṛtvā niyato niyatāśanaḥ॥ gosahasraphalaṃ puṇyaṃ prāpnoti bharatarṣabha॥03-82-67॥
O best of the Bharatas, there is a sacred place of one hundred thousand (years/extent). There, by performing the ritual ablution with self-restraint and regulated diet, one obtains the merit equal to gifting a thousand cows, O foremost of the Bharatas. (03-82-67)
tato gacchet rājendra bhartṛsthānam anuttamam। koṭitīrthe naraḥ snātvā arcayitvā guhaṃ nṛpa॥ gosahasraphalaṃ vindet tejasvī ca bhaven naraḥ॥03-82-68॥
Thereafter, O King, one should proceed to the supreme place of the Lord. If a person bathes at Koṭitīrtha and worships Guha (Kārtikeya), O King, that man attains the merit of donating a thousand cows and becomes radiant. (03-82-68)
tato vārāṇasīṃ gatvā arcayitvā vṛṣadhvajam। kapilāhrade naraḥ snātvā rājasūyaphalaṃ labhet॥03-82-69॥
Then, going to Vārāṇasī, worshipping Shiva, and bathing at the Kapila-lake, a man may obtain the benefit of the Rājasūya sacrifice. (03-82-69)
mārkaṇḍeyasya rājendra tīrtham āsādya durlabham। gomatī-gaṅgayoś caiva saṅgame loka-viśrute॥ agniṣṭomam avāpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet॥ 03-82-70॥
O king, by reaching the rare pilgrimage place of Mārkaṇḍeya at the famous confluence of the Gomati and Ganga, one attains the merit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice and uplifts the whole family. (03-82-70)
tato gayāṁ samāsādya brahmacārī jitendriyaḥ। aśvamedham avāpnoti gamanād eva bhārata॥03-82-71॥
O Bhārata, by merely going to Gayā from there, a celibate who has mastered the senses obtains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice. (03-82-71)
tatrākṣayavaṭo nāma triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ। pitṝṇāṃ tatra vai dattamakṣayaṃ bhavati prabho ॥03-82-72॥
There, the Akṣayavaṭa tree, known throughout the three worlds, is well renowned. O lord, whatever is offered there for the ancestors indeed becomes imperishable. (03-82-72)
mahānadyām upaspṛśya tarpayet pitṛdevatāḥ। akṣayān prāpnuyāl lokān kulaṃ caiva samuddharet ॥03-82-73॥
By bathing in the great river and offering oblations to the ancestors and deities, one attains imperishable worlds and uplifts the family. (03-82-73)
tato brahmasaro gacched dharmāraṇyopaśobhitam। pauṇḍarīkam avāpnoti prabhātām eva śarvarīm ॥03-82-74॥
Then, one should go to Brahmasara, adorned by the forest of dharma; at dawn itself, he reaches the Pauṇḍarīka lake. (03-82-74)
tasmin sarasi rājendra brahmaṇo yūpa uccḥritaḥ। yūpaṃ pradakṣiṇaṃ kṛtvā vājepeya-phalaṃ labheta ॥03-82-75॥
O King, in that lake stands an erected sacrificial post of Brahmā. By circumambulating the sacrificial post, one would obtain the fruit of a Vājapeya sacrifice. (03-82-75)
tato gacchet rājendra dhenukāṁ lokaviśrutām। ekarātroṣito rājanprayacchettiladhenukām॥ sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā somalokaṁ vrajeddhruvam॥03-82-76॥
Then, O king, one should go to the renowned cow made of grain. After staying there for one night, O king, one should give a cow made of sesame. With the soul purified from all sin, he certainly goes to the world of Soma (the moon). (03-82-76)
tatra cihnaṁ mahārāja adyāpi hi na saṁśayaḥ. kapilā saha vatsena parvate vicaratyuta ॥ savatsāyāḥ padāni sma dṛśyante'dyāpi bhārata ॥03-82-77॥
There, O great king, the mark still remains even today without a doubt. Kapilā, together with her calf, indeed wanders on the mountain. The footprints of the cow with her calf are still seen even today, O Bhārata. (03-82-77)
teṣūpaspṛśya rājendra padeṣu nṛpasattama। yatkiñcidaśubhaṃ karma tatpraṇaśyati bhārata॥03-82-78॥
O Bharata, having touched those feet, O lord and best of kings, whatever inauspicious actions there may be, they are destroyed. (03-82-78)
tato gṛdhravaṭaṃ gacchets thānaṃ devasya dhīmataḥ। snāyīta bhasmanā tatra abhigamya vṛṣadhvajam॥03-82-79॥
Then one should go to the Vulture Fig Tree, the place of the wise god; there, having approached the Bull-bannered Shiva, one should bathe with ashes. (03-82-79)
brāhmaṇena bhavec cīrṇaṃ vrataṃ dvādaśavārṣikam। itareṣāṃ tu varṇānāṃ sarvapāpaṃ praṇaśyati॥03-82-80॥
A Brāhmaṇa should perform a twelve-year vow, and for the other castes, all their sins are destroyed (by this rite). (03-82-80)
gacchet tata udyantaṃ parvataṃ gītanāditam। sāvitraṃ tu padaṃ tatra dṛśyate bharatarṣabha॥03-82-81॥
O best of the Bharatas, one must proceed to that mountain which rises up and resounds with song; there, the step of Savitṛ is to be seen. (03-82-81)
tatra sandhyām upāsīta brāhmaṇaḥ saṃśitavrataḥ। upāstā ca bhavet sandhyā tena dvādaśavārṣikī॥03-82-82॥
There, a brāhmaṇa who is firm in his vows should worship the Sandhya. When he has done so, the Sandhya should become complete by him in twelve years. (03-82-82)
yonidvāraṃ ca tatraiva viśrutaṃ bharatarṣabha। tatrābhigamya mucyeta puruṣo yonisaṅkarāt ॥03-82-83॥
O best of the Bharatas, the portal of the womb is well-known to be there; by approaching it, a man may be freed from the confusion of origin. (03-82-83)
kṛṣṇaśuklāv ubhau pakṣau gayāyāṃ yo vasen naraḥ। punāty ā saptamaṃ rājan kulaṃ nāsty atra saṃśayaḥ॥03-82-84॥
O King, a man who stays at Gayā during both the dark and bright fortnights purifies his family up to the seventh generation; there is no doubt about this. (03-82-84)
eṣṭavyā bahavaḥ putrā yadyeko'pi gayāṃ vrajet। yajeta vāśvamedhena nīlaṃ vā vṛṣam utsṛjet॥03-82-85॥
Many sons are to be desired, in case even one goes to Gaya, or performs the Aśvamedha sacrifice, or sets free a blue bull. (03-82-85)
tataḥ phalguṃ vrajed rājaṃs tīrthasevī narādhipa। aśvamedham avāpnoti siddhiṃ ca mahatīṃ vrajet ॥03-82-86॥
Thereafter, O king, O lord of men who serves holy places should proceed to the Phalgu (river). He obtains the fruit of the Aśvamedha sacrifice and attains great perfection. (03-82-86)
tato gacchet rājendra dharmapṛṣṭhaṃ samāhitaḥ। yatra dharmo mahārāja nityam āste yudhiṣṭhira ॥ abhigamya tatas tatra vājimedhaphalaṃ labheta ॥03-82-87॥
After that, O king of kings, proceed with a composed mind to the seat of righteousness, where dharma always dwells, O Yudhishthira. Having reached there, one obtains the fruit of the horse sacrifice. (03-82-87)
tato gacchet rājendra brahmaṇas tīrtham uttamam। tatrārcayitvā rājendra brahmāṇam amitaujasam॥ rājasūyāśvamedhābhyāṁ phalaṁ prāpnoti mānavaḥ॥03-82-88॥
Then, O king, one should go to Brahmā's supreme holy place. There, after worshipping Brahmā of infinite energy, a person attains the merit of both the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices. (03-82-88)
tato rājagṛhaṃ gacchet tīrthasevī narādhipa। upaspṛśya tapodeṣu kākṣīvān iva modate॥03-82-89॥
Then the king devoted to sacred places should go to the royal palace; having bathed at the sites of penance, he rejoices like Kakṣīvān. (03-82-89)
yakṣiṇyā naityakaṃ tatra prāśnīta puruṣaḥ śuciḥ। yakṣiṇyāstu prasādena mucyate bhrūṇahat yayā ॥03-82-90॥
A pure man should consume the ritual observance connected to Yakṣiṇī there; but by the favor of Yakṣiṇī, one is freed from the sin of killing an embryo. (03-82-90)
maṇināgaṁ tato gatvā gosahasraphalaṁ labhet। naityakaṁ bhuñjate yastu maṇināgasya mānavaḥ ॥03-82-91॥
Whoever, having gone to Maṇināga, obtains the fruit equivalent to a thousand cows; but the man who partakes daily of Maṇināga (rites or offerings) enjoys (such merit). (03-82-91)
daṣṭasyāśī-viṣeṇāpi na tasya kramate viṣam। tatroṣya rajanīm ekāṃ sarva-pāpaiḥ pramucyate॥03-82-92॥
Even when bitten by the poison of a cobra, its poison does not spread in his body. By spending one night there, he is freed from all sins. (03-82-92)
tato gacchet brahmarṣer gautamasya vanaṃ nṛpa। ahalyāyā hṛde snātvā vrajet paramāṃ gatim॥ abhigamya śriyaṃ rājann vindate śriyam uttamām॥03-82-93॥
Then, O king, one should go to the forest of the sage Gautama. After bathing in Ahalya’s pool, one attains the highest state. Having thus approached prosperity, O king, one attains the highest prosperity. (03-82-93)
tatrodapāno dharmajña triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ। tatrābhiṣekaṃ kṛtvā tu vājimedham avāpnuyāt ॥03-82-94॥
There is a well, famous among the three worlds as known to the righteous. There, by performing the consecration, one may attain the fruit of the Aśvamedha sacrifice. (03-82-94)
janakasya tu rājarṣeḥ kūpastridaśapūjitaḥ। tatrābhiṣekaṃ kṛtvā tu viṣṇulokam avāpnuyāt॥03-82-95॥
But the well of the royal sage Janaka, honored by the gods—if one performs ablution there, surely one attains the world of Viṣṇu. (03-82-95)
tato vinaśanaṁ gacchetsarvapāpapramocanam। vājapeyamavāpnoti somalokaṁ ca gacchati ॥03-82-96॥
Then, one should go to Vinaśana, which frees from all sins. One attains the merit of the Vājapeya sacrifice and reaches the world of Soma (the Moon). (03-82-96)
gaṇḍakīṃ tu samāsādya sarvatīrthajalodbhavām। vājapeyam avāpnoti sūryalokaṃ ca gacchati ॥03-82-97॥
But having reached the Gaṇḍakī, which originates from all the sacred waters, one attains the fruit of the Vājapeya sacrifice and goes to the world of the Sun. (03-82-97)
tato'dhivaṃśyaṃ dharmajña samāviśya tapovanam। guhyakeṣu mahārāja modate nātra saṃśayaḥ ॥03-82-98॥
Then, entering the hermitage of the descendants, the knower of dharma delights among the hidden places, O great king—there is no doubt about this. (03-82-98)
kampaṇāṃ tu samāsādya nadīṃ siddhaniṣeviṭām। puṇḍarīkam avāpnoti sūryalokaṃ ca gacchati ॥03-82-99॥
But when one comes to the Kampa river, which is frequented by siddhas, one attains Puṇḍarīka and also reaches the realm of the Sun. (03-82-99)
tato viśālām āsādya nadīṃ trailokya-viśrutām। agniṣṭomam avāpnoti svarga-lokaṃ ca gacchati॥03-82-100॥
Then, upon reaching the vast river famous throughout the three worlds, one attains the merit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice and proceeds to the heavenly realm. (03-82-100)
atha māheśvarīṃ dhārāṃ samāsādya narādhipa। aśvamedham avāpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet ॥03-82-101॥
Then, the king who approaches the sacred stream of Shiva attains the merit of a horse-sacrifice and indeed uplifts his entire family. (03-82-101)
divaukasāṃ puṣkariṇīṃ samāsādya naraḥ śuciḥ। na durgatim-avāpnoti vājapeyaṃ ca vindati॥03-82-102॥
By approaching the lotus-pond of the dwellers of heaven, a pure man does not fall into misfortune and also gains the reward of the Vājapeya sacrifice. (03-82-102)
maheśvarapadaṃ gacched brahmacārī samāhitaḥ। maheśvarapade snātvā vājimedhaphalaṃ labhet॥03-82-103॥
A celibate, firmly concentrated, should go to the abode of Maheśvara. By bathing at the abode of Maheśvara, he attains the fruit of the Vājimedha sacrifice. (03-82-103)
tatra koṭistu tīrthānāṃ viśrutā bharatarṣabha। kūrmarūpeṇa rājendra asureṇa durātmanā ॥ hriyamāṇāhṛtā rājan viṣṇunā prabhaviṣṇunā ॥03-82-104॥
There, O foremost of Bharatas, countless sacred places became renowned. When the evil-souled Asura tried to carry them away in the form of a tortoise, O king, they were seized by Viṣṇu, the powerful Lord. (03-82-104)
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvāṇas tīrthakoṭyāṃ yudhiṣṭhira। puṇḍarīkam avāpnoti viṣṇulokaṃ ca gacchati ॥03-82-105॥
O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever performs consecration there at Tīrthakoṭi gains the merit called Puṇḍarīka and goes to the world of Viṣṇu. (03-82-105)
tato gacchet rājendra sthānaṃ nārāyaṇasya tu। sadā saṃnihito yatra harir vasati bhārata ॥ śālagrāma iti khyāto viṣṇor adbhutakarmaṇaḥ ॥03-82-106॥
Then, O king, you should go to the abode of Nārāyaṇa, where Hari (Viṣṇu) always dwells, O Bhārata. That place is known as Śālagrāma, famed for Viṣṇu's wondrous deeds. (03-82-106)
abhigamya trilokeśaṃ varadaṃ viṣṇum avyayam। aśvamedham avāpnoti viṣṇulokaṃ ca gacchati॥03-82-107॥
Whoever approaches Viṣṇu, the imperishable bestower of boons and lord of the three worlds, attains the fruit of an aśvamedha sacrifice and reaches the abode of Viṣṇu. (03-82-107)
tatrodapāno dharmajña sarvapāpapramocanaḥ। samudrās tatra catvāraḥ kūpe saṃnihitāḥ sadā ॥ tatropaspṛśya rājendra na durgatim avāpnuyāt ॥03-82-108॥
There is a well, O knower of dharma, capable of removing all sins; in that well, the four oceans are always present. There, after washing (or purifying oneself), O king, one does not meet with misfortune. (03-82-108)
abhigamya mahādevaṃ varadaṃ viṣṇum avyayam। virājati yathā soma ṛṇair mukto yudhiṣṭhira ॥03-82-109॥
Having approached the great god, giver of boons, the imperishable Vishnu, Yudhishthira shines like Soma (the moon) when freed from debts. (03-82-109)
jātismara upaspṛśya śuciḥ prayatamānasaḥ। jātismaratvaṃ prāpnoti snātvā tatra na saṃśayaḥ॥03-82-110॥
One who remembers former births, after bathing there with a pure and controlled mind, having sprinkled himself, attains the state of remembering past lives—there is no doubt about this. (03-82-110)
vaṭeśvarapuraṃ gatvā arcayitvā tu keśavam। īpsitāṃllabhate kāmānupavāsānna saṃśayaḥ ॥03-82-111॥
One who goes to Vaṭeśvarapura and worships Keśava (Vishnu) surely obtains his desired wishes after fasting; there is no doubt about it. (03-82-111)
tatastu vāmanaṃ gatvā sarvapāpapramocanam। abhivādya hariṃ devaṃ na durgatimavāpnuyāt ॥03-82-112॥
Then, having gone to Vāmana, the liberator from all sins, and having bowed to Hari, the god, one does not attain an evil state. (03-82-112)
bharatasya āśramaṃ gatvā sarva-pāpa-pramocanam। kauśikīṃ tatra seveta mahā-pātaka-nāśinīm॥ rājasūyasya yajñasya phalaṃ prāpnoti mānavaḥ॥03-82-113॥
A man who goes to Bharata's hermitage, which liberates from all sins, and serves the river Kauśikī there, who destroys great sins, attains the merit of performing the rājasūya sacrifice. (03-82-113)
tato gacchet dharmajña campakāraṇyam uttamam। tatroṣya rajanim ekāṁ gosahasraphalaṁ labhet ॥03-82-114॥
From there, the knower of dharma should go to the excellent Campaka forest; staying there for one night, he obtains the fruit equal to giving a thousand cows. (03-82-114)
atha jyeṣṭhilam āsādya tīrthaṃ paramasaṃmatam। upoṣya rajanīm ekām agniṣṭomaphalaṃ labhet॥03-82-115॥
Then, reaching the highly revered sacred place in the month of Jyeṣṭha and having fasted for one night, one receives the result equivalent to an Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-82-115)
tatra viśveśvaraṃ dṛṣṭvā devyā saha mahādyutim। mitrāvaruṇayor lokān āpnoti puruṣarṣabha ॥03-82-116॥
O best of men, there, having seen Viśveśvara of great radiance along with the goddess, one attains the worlds of Mitra and Varuṇa. (3-82-116)
kanyāsaṃvedyam āsādya niyataḥ niyatāśanaḥ। manoḥ prajāpater lokān āpnoti bharatarṣabha ॥03-82-117॥
O best of the Bharatas, having approached that which is touchable by women, a self-controlled and restrained eater attains the worlds of Manu, the progenitor. (03-82-117)
kanyāyāṃ ye prayacchanti pānam annaṃ ca bhārata। tad akṣayam iti prāhur ṛṣayaḥ sanśitavratāḥ ॥03-82-118॥
O Bhārata, the sages who are firm in their vows say that the act of those who give food and drink to a maiden is imperishable. (03-82-118)
niścīrāṃ ca samāsādya triṣu lokeṣu viśrutām। aśvamedham avāpnoti viṣṇulokaṃ ca gacchati॥03-82-119॥
Having reached the Niścīrā, renowned throughout the three worlds, a person attains the merit of a horse sacrifice and goes to the world of Viṣṇu. (03-82-119)
ye tu dānaṃ prayacchanti niścīrāsaṅgame narāḥ। te yānti naraśārdūla brahmalokaṃ na saṃśayaḥ॥03-82-120॥
O best of men, those men who give gifts at the purified confluence surely go to the world of Brahma, there is no doubt. (03-82-120)
tatrāśramo vasiṣṭhasya triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ। tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvāṇo vājapeyam avāpnuyāt॥03-82-121॥
There is the hermitage of Vasiṣṭha, renowned in the three worlds. There, one performing the consecration (abhiṣeka) may obtain the Vājapeya (sacrifice). (03-82-121)
devakūṭaṃ samāsādya brahmarṣigaṇasevitam। aśvamedham avāpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet॥03-82-122॥
By reaching Devakūṭa, which is attended by trains of Brahmarṣis, one attains the fruit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice and truly uplifts his entire family. (03-82-122)
tato gacchet rājendra kauśikasya muner hradam। yatra siddhiṁ parāṁ prāpto viśvāmitro'tha kauśikaḥ ॥03-82-123॥
Then, O king, you should go to the lake of the sage Kauśika, where Viśvāmitra, also called Kauśika, attained the highest perfection. (03-82-123)
tatra māsaṃ vased vīra kauśikyāṃ bharatarṣabha। aśvamedhasya yat puṇyaṃ tan māsena adhigacchati॥03-82-124॥
O bull among the Bharatas, if a hero resides for a month on the Kauśikī river, he attains by that month whatever merit is gained by performing the horse-sacrifice. (03-82-124)
sarvatīrthavare caiva yo vaset mahāhrade। na durgatim avāpnoti vinded bahu suvarṇakam ॥03-82-125॥
Whoever dwells in the greatest of all holy places, in the great lake, does not come to misfortune and obtains much gold. (03-82-125)
kumāram abhigatvā ca vīrāśramanivāsinam। aśvamedham avāpnoti naro nāsty atra sanśayaḥ॥03-82-126॥
If a man approaches the youth dwelling in the hermitage of heroes, he attains the fruit of an aśvamedha sacrifice; there is no doubt about this. (03-82-126)
agnidhārāṃ samāsādya triṣu lokeṣu viśrutām। agniṣṭomam avāpnoti na ca svargān nivartate॥03-82-127॥
Having reached the stream of fire, which is renowned throughout the three worlds, one attains the Agniṣṭoma (sacrifice) and does not return from heaven. (03-82-127)
pitāmaha-saro gatvā śailarāja-pratiṣṭhitam। tatra abhiṣekaṁ kurvāṇo agniṣṭoma-phalaṁ labheta ॥03-82-128॥
Whoever goes to the Brahmā’s lake, established by the king of mountains, and performs an ablution there, obtains the merit of an Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-82-128)
pitāmahasya sarasaḥ prasrutā lokapāvanī। kumāradhārā tatraiva triṣu lokeṣu viśrutā ॥03-82-129॥
From the lake of Brahmā flowed forth a stream, purifying the worlds. There, the Kumāra-stream itself is renowned in all three worlds. (03-82-129)
yatra snātvā kṛtārtho'smītyātmānamavagacchati। ṣaṣṭhakālopa-vāsena mucyate brahmahatyayā॥03-82-130॥
Where, after bathing and having fulfilled one's purpose, a person realizes himself as 'I am,' by undertaking a fast for six periods, he is released from the sin of killing a Brāhmaṇa. (03-82-130)
śikharaṁ vai mahādevyā gauryās trailokya-viśrutam। samāruhya naraḥ śrāddhaḥ stanakuṇḍeṣu saṁviśet॥03-82-131॥
A man performing śrāddha, having ascended the peak of Mahādevī Gaurī, which is renowned throughout the three worlds, should lie down upon the breast-shaped hollows. (03-82-131)
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvāṇaḥ pitṛdevārcane rataḥ। hayamedham avāpnoti śakralokaṃ ca gacchati ॥03-82-132॥
There, performing the anointing and being devoted to the worship of the ancestors and gods, one attains the fruit of the horse-sacrifice and goes to the world of Indra. (03-82-132)
tāmrāruṇaṃ samāsādya brahmacārī samāhitaḥ। aśvamedham avāpnoti śakralokaṃ ca gacchati॥03-82-133॥
Having obtained the copper-red substance, the concentrated celibate attains the merit of a horse-sacrifice and goes to the realm of Indra. (03-82-133)
nandinyāṃ ca samāsādya kūpaṃ tridaśasevitam। naramedhasya yat puṇyaṃ tat prāpnoti kurūdvaha ॥03-82-134॥
O best of Kurus, having reached the well attended by the gods in the Nandinī, one attains the same merit as that of a human sacrifice. (03-82-134)
kālikāsaṅgame snātvā kauśikyāruṇayoryataḥ। trirātropoṣito vidvānsarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate॥03-82-135॥
He who, having bathed at the confluence of the Kālīkā river where the Kauśikī and Aruṇā meet, and who has fasted for three nights, the wise one is freed from all sins. (03-82-135)
urvaśī-tīrtham āsādya tataḥ soma-āśramam budhaḥ। kumbhakarṇa-āśrame snātvā pūjyate bhuvi mānavaḥ॥03-82-136॥
After reaching Urvaśī’s sacred ford and then Soma’s hermitage, a man who bathes at Kumbhakarṇa’s hermitage is honored on earth. (03-82-136)
snātvā kokāmukhe puṇye brahmacārī yatavratāḥ। jātismaratvaṃ prāpnoti dṛṣṭam etat purātane॥03-82-137॥
One who, after bathing at the sacred Kokāmukha, remains a self-controlled celibate, attains recollection of their past births; this was witnessed in ancient times. (03-82-137)
sakṛnnandāṃ samāsādya kṛtātmā bhavati dvijaḥ। sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā śakralokaṃ ca gacchati॥03-82-138॥
By reaching the river Nandā just once, a brahmin becomes purified; freed from all sins, he attains to the world of Indra. (03-82-138)
ṛṣabhadvīpam āsādya sevyaṃ krauñcaniṣūdanam। sarasvatyām upaspṛśya vimānastho virājate ॥03-82-139॥
The slayer of Krauñca, worthy of service, having reached the continent of Ṛṣabha and purified himself in the Sarasvatī, stands resplendent in his aerial chariot. (03-82-139)
audālakaṃ mahārāja tīrthaṃ muniniṣevitam। tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvīta sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate ॥03-82-140॥
O great king, Audālaka is a sacred place frequented by sages; there, one should perform the bathing ceremony, for one is freed from all sins. (03-82-140)
dharmatīrthaṁ samāsādya puṇyaṁ brahmarṣisevitam। vājapeyam avāpnoti naro nāsty atra saṁśayaḥ॥03-82-141॥
Having reached the sacred pilgrimage of dharma, which is meritorious and attended by Brahmarṣis, a man attains the merit of the Vājapeya. There is no doubt about this. (03-82-141)
tathā campāṃ samāsādya bhāgīrathyāṃ kṛtodakaḥ। daṇḍārkam abhigamyaiva gosahasraphalaṃ labhet ॥03-82-142॥
In this way, after reaching Campā, and performing water oblations in the Bhāgīrathī, merely by next approaching Daṇḍārka, one attains the merit equivalent to donating a thousand cows. (03-82-142)
laveḍikāṃ tato gacchet puṇyāṃ puṇyopasevitām। vājapeyam avāpnoti vimānasthaś ca pūjyate॥03-82-143॥
Then, one should go to Lavedika, the auspicious place frequented by the virtuous. There he attains the merit of the Vājapeya sacrifice, and being in an aerial chariot, is honored. (03-82-143)
