03.083
पुलस्त्य उवाच॥
Pulastya said.
अथ सन्ध्यां समासाद्य संवेद्यं तीर्थमुत्तमम्। उपस्पृश्य नरो विद्वान्भवेन्नास्त्यत्र संशयः ॥०३-८३-१॥
Then, at the time of twilight, after approaching and experiencing the supreme sacred place and having performed the ritual touch, a man becomes learned; there is no doubt about this. (03-83-1)
रामस्य च प्रसादेन तीर्थं राजन्कृतं पुरा। तल्लोहित्यं समासाद्य विन्द्याद्बहु सुवर्णकम् ॥०३-८३-२॥
O king, by the favor of Rāma in former times, the holy place was established. Whoever reaches that Lohitya should find much gold. (03-83-2)
करतोयां समासाद्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः। अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति कृते पैतामहे विधौ ॥०३-८३-३॥
If a man comes to the river Karatoya and observes a fast for three nights, he attains the merit of performing an Aśvamedha sacrifice when performing the ancestral rite. (03-83-3)
गङ्गायास्त्वथ राजेन्द्र सागरस्य च सङ्गमे। अश्वमेधं दशगुणं प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः ॥०३-८३-४॥
O king, the wise declare that at the confluence of the Gaṅgā and the ocean, the result is ten times greater than an aśvamedha sacrifice. (03-83-4)
गङ्गायास्त्वपरं द्वीपं प्राप्य यः स्नाति भारत। त्रिरात्रोपोषितो राजन्सर्वकामानवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८३-५॥
O Bhārata, he who, after reaching another island of Gaṅgā, bathes there and has fasted for three nights, O king, may attain all desires. (03-83-5)
ततो वैतरणीं गत्वा नदीं पापप्रमोचनीम्। विरजं तीर्थमासाद्य विराजति यथा शशी ॥०३-८३-६॥
Then, after crossing the Vaitaraṇī—the river that frees one from sin—upon reaching the spotless sacred ford, one shines like the moon. (03-83-6)
प्रभवेच्च कुले पुण्ये सर्वपापं व्यपोहति। गोसहस्रफलं लब्ध्वा पुनाति च कुलं नरः ॥०३-८३-७॥
In a virtuous family, a man removes all sin; having obtained merit equal to a thousand cows, he also purifies the family. (03-83-7)
शोणस्य ज्योतिरथ्याश्च सङ्गमे निवसञ्शुचिः। तर्पयित्वा पितॄन्देवानग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८३-८॥
Whoever dwells in purity at the confluence of the Śoṇa, Jyoti, and Arthyā rivers, and having satisfied the ancestors and gods, attains the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice. (03-83-8)
शोणस्य नर्मदायाश्च प्रभवे कुरुनन्दन। वंशगुल्म उपस्पृश्य वाजिमेधफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८३-९॥
O descendant of the Kurus, one who touches the bamboo thicket at the source of the Śoṇa and Narmadā rivers attains the result of a horse-sacrifice. (03-83-9)
ऋषभं तीर्थमासाद्य कोशलायां नराधिप। वाजपेयमवाप्नोति त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः ॥०३-८३-१०॥
O king, having approached the holy place of Ṛṣabha in Kośalā, a man who has fasted for three nights obtains the fruit of the Vājapeya sacrifice. (03-83-10)
कोशलायां समासाद्य कालतीर्थ उपस्पृशेत्। वृशभैकादशफलं लभते नात्र संशयः ॥०३-८३-११॥
Having reached Kāla-tīrtha in Kośalā, one who bathes (touches the water) obtains the merit equal to giving eleven bulls; there is no doubt about this. (03-83-11)
पुष्पवत्यामुपस्पृश्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः। गोसहस्रफलं विन्द्यात्कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत् ॥०३-८३-१२॥
If a man, having fasted for three nights, bathes in the Puṣpavatī river, he gains the merit of a thousand cows and uplifts his family as well. (03-83-12)
ततो बदरिकातीर्थे स्नात्वा प्रयतमानसः। दीर्घमायुरवाप्नोति स्वर्गलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८३-१३॥
After bathing with a purified mind at the sacred place of Badarikā, one obtains long life and also attains the heavenly world. (03-83-13)
ततो महेन्द्रमासाद्य जामदग्न्यनिषेवितम्। रामतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा वाजिमेधफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८३-१४॥
From there, having reached Mahendra, which was honored by the son of Jamadagni, at Rāma-tīrtha, a man who bathes may obtain the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice. (03-83-14)
मतङ्गस्य तु केदारस्तत्रैव कुरुनन्दन। तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८३-१५॥
O king, the field of Mataṅga is just there, O Kurunandana. Bathing there, a man attains the merit equal to that of donating a thousand cows. (03-83-15)
श्रीपर्वतं समासाद्य नदीतीर उपस्पृशेत्। अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति स्वर्गलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८३-१६॥
Approaching the sacred mountain and touching the river bank, one attains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice and goes to heaven. (03-83-16)
श्रीपर्वते महादेवो देव्या सह महाद्युतिः। न्यवसत्परमप्रीतो ब्रह्मा च त्रिदशैर्वृतः ॥०३-८३-१७॥
Upon the auspicious mountain, the great lord Mahadeva, of immense radiance, resided with the goddess in supreme delight. Brahma also remained there, attended by the gods. (03-83-17)
तत्र देवह्रदे स्नात्वा शुचिः प्रयतमानसः। अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति परां सिद्धिं च गच्छति ॥०३-८३-१८॥
There, having bathed in the sacred lake of the gods, one becomes pure and focused in mind; one obtains the fruit of the horse sacrifice and attains supreme success. (03-83-18)
ऋषभं पर्वतं गत्वा पाण्ड्येषु सुरपूजितम्। वाजपेयमवाप्नोति नाकपृष्ठे च मोदते ॥०३-८३-१९॥
By going to the Ṛṣabha mountain, venerated by the gods and located in the land of the Pāṇḍyas, one attains the fruit of the Vājapeya sacrifice and delights in heaven. (03-83-19)
ततो गच्छेत कावेरीं वृतामप्सरसां गणैः। तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८३-२०॥
Then one should go to the Kāverī, which is surrounded by groups of celestial nymphs. There, O King, after bathing, a man attains the merit equal to donating a thousand cows. (03-83-20)
ततस्तीरे समुद्रस्य कन्यातीर्थ उपस्पृशेत्। तत्रोपस्पृश्य राजेन्द्र सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते ॥०३-८३-२१॥
Then, on the shore of the ocean at Kanyā-tīrtha, one should bathe. There, having done so, O king, one is freed from all sins. (03-83-21)
अथ गोकर्णमासाद्य त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्। समुद्रमध्ये राजेन्द्र सर्वलोकनमस्कृतम् ॥०३-८३-२२॥
Then, O king, having reached Gokarna, which is famous in the three worlds, situated in the midst of the ocean and respected by all beings, (03-83-22)
यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा ऋषयश्च तपोधनाः। भूतयक्षपिशाचाश्च किंनराः समहोरगाः ॥०३-८३-२३॥
Where Brahmā and other gods, sages, ascetics, spirits, yakṣas, piśācas, kinnaras, and great serpents all reside together. (03-83-23)
सिद्धचारणगन्धर्वा मानुषाः पन्नगास्तथा। सरितः सागराः शैला उपासन्त उमापतिम् ॥०३-८३-२४॥
Siddhas, cāraṇas, gandharvas, humans, serpents likewise, as well as rivers, oceans, and mountains were worshipping Umāpati (the husband of Umā). (03-83-24)
तत्रेशानं समभ्यर्च्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः। दशाश्वमेधमाप्नोति गाणपत्यं च विन्दति ॥ उष्य द्वादशरात्रं तु कृतात्मा भवते नरः ॥०३-८३-२५॥
There, by devoutly worshipping Īśāna and fasting for three nights, a man attains the merit of ten Aśvamedha sacrifices and obtains lordship among the Gaṇas. But if he remains for twelve nights, he becomes one with controlled self. (03-83-25)
तत एव तु गायत्र्याः स्थानं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्। त्रिरात्रमुषितस्तत्र गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८३-२६॥
That very place of Gāyatrī, renowned throughout the three worlds; whoever stays there for three nights obtains the merit of gifting a thousand cows. (03-83-26)
निदर्शनं च प्रत्यक्षं ब्राह्मणानां नराधिप। गायत्रीं पठते यस्तु योनिसङ्करजस्तथा ॥ गाथा वा गीतिका वापि तस्य सम्पद्यते नृप ॥०३-८३-२७॥
O king, as an example and direct proof among Brāhmaṇas: whoever, though born of mixed caste, recites the Gāyatrī—be it even as a verse or a song—the consequence occurs to him, O king. (03-83-27)
संवर्तस्य तु विप्रर्षेर्वापीमासाद्य दुर्लभाम्। रूपस्य भागी भवति सुभगश्चैव जायते ॥०३-८३-२८॥
But having reached the pond of the sage Saṁvarta, which is difficult to obtain, one becomes a partaker of beauty and is indeed born fortunate. (03-83-28)
ततो वेण्णां समासाद्य तर्पयेत्पितृदेवताः। मयूरहंससंयुक्तं विमानं लभते नरः ॥०३-८३-२९॥
Then, having reached the Veṇṇā river and offering oblations to the ancestral deities, a man obtains a celestial vehicle adorned with peacocks and swans. (03-83-29)
ततो गोदावरीं प्राप्य नित्यं सिद्धनिषेविताम्। गवामयमवाप्नोति वासुकेर्लोकमाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८३-३०॥
Then, having reached the Godāvarī—which is always attended by siddhas—this person obtains the world of cows and may attain the realm of Vāsuki. (03-83-30)
वेण्णायाः सङ्गमे स्नात्वा वाजपेयफलं लभेत्। वरदासङ्गमे स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८३-३१॥
Bathing at the confluence of the Veṇṇā grants the merit of a Vājapeya sacrifice; at the confluence of the Varadā, one gains the merit of gifting a thousand cows. (03-83-31)
ब्रह्मस्थानं समासाद्य त्रिरात्रमुषितो नरः। गोसहस्रफलं विन्देत्स्वर्गलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८३-३२॥
If a man approaches the Brahman-seat and stays there for three nights, he attains the merit equal to gifting a thousand cows and reaches heaven. (03-83-32)
कुशप्लवनमासाद्य ब्रह्मचारी समाहितः। त्रिरात्रमुषितः स्नात्वा अश्वमेधफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८३-३३॥
If a brahmacārī, having reached a kuśa-grass thicket, stays there with concentration for three nights and then bathes, he obtains the merit of an aśvamedha sacrifice. (03-83-33)
ततो देवह्रदे रम्ये कृष्णवेण्णाजलोद्भवे। जातिमात्रह्रदे चैव तथा कन्याश्रमे नृप ॥०३-८३-३४॥
O king, from there (the pilgrimage continued) in the beautiful sacred lake that arises from the waters of the Kṛṣṇaveṇṇā, and in the special lake for caste purification, and likewise in Kanyāśrama. (03-83-34)
यत्र क्रतुशतैरिष्ट्वा देवराजो दिवं गतः। अग्निष्टोमशतं विन्देद्गमनादेव भारत ॥०३-८३-३५॥
Where the king of the gods reached heaven by performing hundreds of sacrifices, simply going there is itself equivalent to attaining hundreds of Agniṣṭoma sacrifices, O Bhārata. (03-83-35)
सर्वदेवह्रदे स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्। जातिमात्रह्रदे स्नात्वा भवेज्जातिस्मरो नरः ॥०३-८३-३६॥
Whoever bathes in the pool of all the gods obtains the merit equivalent to giving a thousand cows. If a person bathes in the pool of birth, he becomes one who remembers his previous births. (03-83-36)
ततोऽवाप्य महापुण्यां पयोष्णीं सरितां वराम्। पितृदेवार्चनरतो गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८३-३७॥
After that, having reached the highly sacred river Payoṣṇī, which is the best of rivers, and engaging in the worship of ancestral deities, one attains the merit equivalent to giving a thousand cows. (03-83-37)
दण्डकारण्यमासाद्य महाराज उपस्पृशेत्। गोसहस्रफलं तत्र स्नातमात्रस्य भारत ॥०३-८३-३८॥
O great king, upon reaching the Daṇḍaka forest, one should purify oneself; there, O Bhārata, bathing even once yields the merit equivalent to gifting a thousand cows. (03-83-38)
शरभङ्गाश्रमं गत्वा शुकस्य च महात्मनः। न दुर्गतिमवाप्नोति पुनाति च कुलं नरः ॥०३-८३-३९॥
A man who goes to the hermitage of Śarabhaṅga and the great-souled Śuka does not meet misfortune, and he also purifies his family. (03-83-39)
ततः शूर्पारकं गच्छेज्जामदग्न्यनिषेवितम्। रामतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा विन्द्याद्बहु सुवर्णकम् ॥०३-८३-४०॥
Then, one should go to Śūrparaka, which was frequented by Jamadagnya (Paraśurāma). At Rāma-tīrtha, a man who bathes there obtains much gold. (03-83-40)
सप्तगोदावरे स्नात्वा नियतो नियताशनः। महत्पुण्यमवाप्नोति देवलोकं च गच्छति ॥०३-८३-४१॥
By bathing in the Sapta-Godāvarī, a self-restrained person with regulated food-habits gains great merit and goes to the world of the gods. (03-83-41)
ततो देवपथं गच्छेन्नियतो नियताशनः। देवसत्रस्य यत्पुण्यं तदवाप्नोति मानवः ॥०३-८३-४२॥
Thereafter, a man who is self-restrained and eats regulated food should tread the path of the gods; he attains the merit belonging to the divine sacrifice. (03-83-42)
तुङ्गकारण्यमासाद्य ब्रह्मचारी जितेन्द्रियः। वेदानध्यापयत्तत्र ऋषिः सारस्वतः पुरा ॥०३-८३-४३॥
Long ago, the sage Sārasvata, a brahmacārī with controlled senses, reached the Tunga forest and there taught the Vedas. (03-83-43)
तत्र वेदान्प्रनष्टांस्तु मुनेरङ्गिरसः सुतः। उपविष्टो महर्षीणामुत्तरीयेषु भारत ॥०३-८३-४४॥
There, O Bhārata, the son of sage Angiras, seated among the great sages upon their upper garments, restored the lost Vedas. (03-83-44)
ओङ्कारेण यथान्यायं सम्यगुच्चारितेन च। येन यत्पूर्वमभ्यस्तं तत्तस्य समुपस्थितम् ॥०३-८३-४५॥
By the pronunciation of oṅkāra in the proper way and correctly, whatever someone has practiced before becomes manifest to him. (03-83-45)
ऋषयस्तत्र देवाश्च वरुणोऽग्निः प्रजापतिः। हरिर्नारायणो देवो महादेवस्तथैव च ॥०३-८३-४६॥
There (were present) the seers, and the gods—Varuṇa, Agni, Prajāpati, Hari, Nārāyaṇa, the god Mahādeva, likewise also. (03-83-46)
पितामहश्च भगवान्देवैः सह महाद्युतिः। भृगुं नियोजयामास याजनार्थे महाद्युतिम् ॥०३-८३-४७॥
The Grandfather, the blessed one of great splendor, together with the gods, appointed the illustrious Bhṛgu for the purpose of the sacrifice. (03-83-47)
ततः स चक्रे भगवानृषीणां विधिवत्तदा। सर्वेषां पुनराधानं विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा ॥०३-८३-४८॥
Then, at that time, the revered one performed the re-consecration for all the ṛṣis according to the prescribed procedure.
आज्ञ्यभागेन वै तत्र तर्पितास्तु यथाविधि। देवास्त्रिभुवणं याता ऋषयश्च यथासुखम् ॥०३-८३-४९॥
Indeed, there, with their prescribed shares of clarified butter properly offered, the gods, being satisfied, went to their respective realms across the three worlds, and the sages departed as they pleased. (03-83-49)
तदरण्यं प्रविष्टस्य तुङ्गकं राजसत्तम। पापं प्रणश्यते सर्वं स्त्रियो वा पुरुषस्य वा ॥०३-८३-५०॥
O best of kings, all the sins of a woman or a man who enters that Tuṅgaka forest are destroyed. (03-83-50)
तत्र मासं वसेद्धीरो नियतो नियताशनः। ब्रह्मलोकं व्रजेद्राजन्पुनीते च कुलं नरः ॥०३-८३-५१॥
There, a steady-minded, self-controlled man of regulated food should dwell for a month. O King, such a man attains the world of Brahman and also purifies his family. (03-83-51)
मेधाविकं समासाद्य पितॄन्देवांश्च तर्पयेत्। अग्निष्टोममवाप्नोति स्मृतिं मेधां च विन्दति ॥०३-८३-५२॥
By performing the medhāvika offering and thereby satisfying the ancestors and the gods, one attains the merit of an Agniṣṭoma sacrifice and acquires both memory and intelligence. (03-83-52)
ततः कालञ्जरं गत्वा पर्वतं लोकविश्रुतम्। तत्र देवह्रदे स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८३-५३॥
Then, having gone to Kālañjara, the mountain renowned throughout the world, and having bathed there in the divine pond, one obtains the merit equivalent to gifting a thousand cows. (03-83-53)
आत्मानं साधयेत्तत्र गिरौ कालञ्जरे नृप। स्वर्गलोके महीयेत नरो नास्त्यत्र संशयः ॥०३-८३-५४॥
O king, there on Kalanjara mountain, a man who perfects himself will surely be honored in heaven; there is no doubt about this. (03-83-54)
ततो गिरिवरश्रेष्ठे चित्रकूटे विशां पते। मन्दाकिनीं समासाद्य नदीं पापप्रमोचनीम् ॥०३-८३-५५॥
Then, O lord of men, upon the best among the excellent mountains at Citrakūṭa, having approached the Mandakini, the river that removes sins. (03-83-55)
तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वाणः पितृदेवार्चने रतः। अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति गतिं च परमां व्रजेत् ॥०३-८३-५६॥
There, one who performs consecration and is devoted to the worship of ancestors and gods attains the fruit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice and also reaches the highest state. (03-83-56)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र भर्तृस्थानमनुत्तमम्। यत्र देवो महासेनो नित्यं संनिहितो नृपः ॥०३-८३-५७॥
O king of kings, from there you should go to the unsurpassed seat of the Lord, where Lord Mahasena (Kartikeya) is always present, O king. (03-83-57)
पुमांस्तत्र नरश्रेष्ठ गमनादेव सिध्यति। कोटितीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥०३-८३-५८॥
O best among men, merely by going there, a man succeeds; and by bathing at Koṭitīrtha, a man may obtain the merit equal to that of giving a thousand cows. (03-83-58)
प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत्य ज्येष्ठस्थानं व्रजेन्नरः। अभिगम्य महादेवं विराजति यथा शशी ॥०३-८३-५९॥
Having completed the circumambulation, a man should proceed to the chief seat; having approached Mahadeva, he shines like the moon. (03-83-59)
तत्र कूपो महाराज विश्रुतो भरतर्षभ। समुद्रास्तत्र चत्वारो निवसन्ति युधिष्ठिर ॥०३-८३-६०॥
O great king, O bull among the Bharatas, there is a famous well. Four oceans reside there, O Yudhishthira. (03-83-60)
तत्रोपस्पृश्य राजेन्द्र कृत्वा चापि प्रदक्षिणम्। नियतात्मा नरः पूतो गच्छेत परमां गतिम् ॥०३-८३-६१॥
There, after performing ritual touching (purification) and circumambulation, the self-controlled man, made pure, attains the highest goal, O king. (03-83-61)
ततो गच्छेत्कुरुश्रेष्ठ शृङ्गवेरपुरं महत्। यत्र तीर्णो महाराज रामो दाशरथिः पुरा ॥०३-८३-६२॥
Then, O best of the Kurus, you should go to the great city Śṛṅgaverapura, where, in former times, the great king Rāma, the son of Daśaratha, crossed. (03-83-62)
गङ्गायां तु नरः स्नात्वा ब्रह्मचारी समाहितः। विधूतपाप्मा भवति वाजपेयं च विन्दति ॥०३-८३-६३॥
But when a man, a disciplined celibate, bathes in the Gaṅgā, he becomes free from sin and obtains the merit of a Vājapeya sacrifice. (03-83-63)
अभिगम्य महादेवमभ्यर्च्य च नराधिप। प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत्य गाणपत्यमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८३-६४॥
O king, having approached and worshipped Mahādeva, and having circumambulated him, one attains the lordship of the Gaṇas. (03-83-64)
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र प्रयागमृषिसंस्तुतम्। यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा दिशश्च सदिगीश्वराः ॥०३-८३-६५॥
After that, O king, one should proceed to Prayāga, which is praised by sages, where Brahmā, the other gods, and the directions together with their presiding deities are present. (03-83-65)
लोकपालाश्च साध्याश्च नैरृताः पितरस्तथा। सनत्कुमारप्रमुखास्तथैव परमर्षयः ॥०३-८३-६६॥
The guardians of the worlds, the Sādhyas, the spirits of destruction, and the ancestors; likewise, Sanatkumāra and the chief among the supreme sages (were present). (03-83-66)
अङ्गिरःप्रमुखाश्चैव तथा ब्रह्मर्षयोऽपरे। तथा नागाः सुपर्णाश्च सिद्धाश्चक्रचरास्तथा ॥०३-८३-६७॥
Aṅgiras and others as chiefs, along with the Brahmarṣis; similarly the Nāgas, the Suparṇas, the Siddhas, and those who wander in chariots, were also present. (03-83-67)
सरितः सागराश्चैव गन्धर्वाप्सरसस्तथा। हरिश्च भगवानास्ते प्रजापतिपुरस्कृतः ॥०३-८३-६८॥
Rivers, oceans, Gandharvas, Apsarases, and further, the blessed Hari (Viṣṇu), accompanied by Prajāpati, dwell there. (03-83-68)
तत्र त्रीण्यग्निकुण्डानि येषां मध्ये च जाह्नवी। प्रयागादभिनिष्क्रान्ता सर्वतीर्थपुरस्कृता ॥०३-८३-६९॥
There, there are three fire-pits, with Gaṅgā in their midst, who has emerged from Prayāga, led by all the holy places. (3-83-69)
तपनस्य सुता तत्र त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुता। यमुना गङ्गया सार्धं सङ्गता लोकपावनी ॥०३-८३-७०॥
There, Yamunā, the daughter of the Sun and famed in the three worlds, united with Gaṅgā, is the purifier of worlds. (03-83-70)
गङ्गायमुनयोर्मध्यं पृथिव्या जघनं स्मृतम्। प्रयागं जघनस्यान्तमुपस्थमृषयो विदुः ॥०३-८३-७१॥
The region between the Gaṅgā and Yamunā rivers is regarded as the hip of the earth. The sages know Prayāga, at the end of the hip, as the genital region. (03-83-71)
प्रयागं सप्रतिष्ठानं कम्बलाश्वतरौ तथा। तीर्थं भोगवती चैव वेदी प्रोक्ता प्रजापतेः ॥०३-८३-७२॥
Prayāga, together with Pratiṣṭhāna, as well as Kambala and Aśvatara, the tirtha of Bhogavatī, and Vedi — these are declared by Prajāpati as sacred places. (03-83-72)
तत्र वेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च मूर्तिमन्तो युधिष्ठिर। प्रजापतिमुपासन्ते ऋषयश्च महाव्रताः ॥ यजन्ते क्रतुभिर्देवास्तथा चक्रचरा नृप ॥०३-८३-७३॥
There, O Yudhiṣṭhira, the Vedas and sacrifices, embodied, worship Prajāpati; the great sages do likewise. The gods perform sacrifices with sacred rites, and so also do the heavenly bodies, O king. (03-83-73)
ततः पुण्यतमं नास्ति त्रिषु लोकेषु भारत। प्रयागः सर्वतीर्थेभ्यः प्रभवत्यधिकं विभो ॥०३-८३-७४॥
Therefore, there is nothing more holy in the three worlds, O Bhārata. Prayāga surpasses all other sacred places, O mighty one. (03-83-74)
श्रवणात्तस्य तीर्थस्य नामसङ्कीर्तनादपि। मृत्तिकालम्भनाद्वापि नरः पापात्प्रमुच्यते ॥०३-८३-७५॥
A man is freed from sin simply by hearing about that sacred place, by reciting its name, or even by taking its earth. (03-83-75)
तत्राभिषेकं यः कुर्यात्सङ्गमे संशितव्रतः। पुण्यं स फलमाप्नोति राजसूयाश्वमेधयोः ॥०३-८३-७६॥
Whoever, firm in vow, performs an ablution at that confluence, obtains the merit resulting from both the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices. (03-83-76)
एषा यजनभूमिर्हि देवानामपि सत्कृता। तत्र दत्तं सूक्ष्ममपि महद्भवति भारत ॥०३-८३-७७॥
O Bhārata, this place of sacrifice, even honored by the gods, makes even the smallest offering given here become great. (03-83-77)
न वेदवचनात्तात न लोकवचनादपि। मतिरुत्क्रमणीया ते प्रयागमरणं प्रति ॥०३-८३-७८॥
O dear father, neither the statements of the Veda nor those of the world should cause your mind to turn away from dying at Prayāga. (03-83-78)
दश तीर्थसहस्राणि षष्टिकोट्त्यस्तथापराः। येषां सांनिध्यमत्रैव कीर्तितं कुरुनन्दन ॥०३-८३-७९॥
O descendant of Kuru, here are mentioned ten thousand sacred fords, sixty crores, and other such places whose presence is found right here. (03-83-79)
चातुर्वेदे च यत्पुण्यं सत्यवादिषु चैव यत्। स्नात एव तदाप्नोति गङ्गायमुनसङ्गमे ॥०३-८३-८०॥
Whatever merit is obtained from studying the four Vedas and from speaking the truth, one attains just that by bathing at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna. (03-83-80)
तत्र भोगवती नाम वासुकेस्तीर्थमुत्तमम्। तत्राभिषेकं यः कुर्यात्सोऽश्वमेधमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८३-८१॥
There is a renowned holy place of Vāsuki called Bhogavatī. Whoever performs an ablution there attains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice. (03-83-81)
तत्र हंसप्रपतनं तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्। दशाश्वमेधिकं चैव गङ्गायां कुरुनन्दन ॥०३-८३-८२॥
There is Haṃsaprapatana, the holy place renowned in the three worlds, and also Daśāśvamedhika in the Gaṅgā, O joy of the Kurus. (03-83-82)
यत्र गङ्गा महाराज स देशस्तत्तपोवनम्। सिद्धक्षेत्रं तु तज्ज्ञेयं गङ्गातीरसमाश्रितम् ॥०३-८३-८३॥
O great king, wherever the Gaṅgā flows, that region is a forest of austerities. That is to be recognized as a special holy place, located near the bank of the Gaṅgā. (03-83-83)
इदं सत्यं द्विजातीनां साधूनामात्मजस्य च। सुहृदां च जपेत्कर्णे शिष्यस्यानुगतस्य च ॥०३-८३-८४॥
This truth should be recited in the ear of the twice-born, the virtuous, one's own son, and obedient friends or disciples. (03-83-84)
इदं धर्म्यमिदं पुण्यमिदं मेध्यमिदं सुखम्। इदं स्वर्ग्यमिदं रम्यमिदं पावनमुत्तमम् ॥०३-८३-८५॥
This is righteous, meritorious, pure, and pleasant; this leads to heaven, is delightful, purifying, and excellent. (03-83-85)
महर्षीणामिदं गुह्यं सर्वपापप्रमोचनम्। अधीत्य द्विजमध्ये च निर्मलत्वमवाप्नुयात् ॥०३-८३-८६॥
This secret of the great seers, which grants liberation from all sins—he who studies it among the twice-born attains purity. (03-83-86)
यश्चेदं शृणुयान्नित्यं तीर्थपुण्यं सदा शुचिः। जातीः स स्मरते बह्वीर्नाकपृष्ठे च मोदते ॥०३-८३-८७॥
Whoever always hears this account of the merit of holy places while remaining ever pure, he remembers many births and rejoices on the summit of heaven. (03-83-87)
गम्यान्यपि च तीर्थानि कीर्तितान्यगमानि च। मनसा तानि गच्छेत सर्वतीर्थसमीक्षया ॥०३-८३-८८॥
One should, by the mind, visit those praised holy places, whether accessible or not, considering all holy sites. (03-83-88)
एतानि वसुभिः साध्यैरादित्यैर्मरुदश्विभिः। ऋषिभिर्देवकल्पैश्च श्रितानि सुकृतैषिभिः ॥०३-८३-८९॥
These places have been sought after by the Vasus, the Sādhyas, the Ādityas, the Maruts and Aśvins, the Ṛṣis who are like the gods, and by the virtuous seekers. (03-83-89)
एवं त्वमपि कौरव्य विधिनानेन सुव्रत। व्रज तीर्थानि नियतः पुण्यं पुण्येन वर्धते ॥०३-८३-९०॥
Therefore, O Kauravya, you too should, with discipline and by this method, O suvrata, visit the holy places; merit increases through merit. (03-83-90)
भावितैः कारणैः पूर्वमास्तिक्याच्छ्रुतिदर्शनात्। प्राप्यन्ते तानि तीर्थानि सद्भिः शिष्टानुदर्शिभिः ॥०३-८३-९१॥
Previously, through established causes—namely faith and the perception of the Veda—those holy places are attained by the virtuous, by those of good conduct who follow the example of others. (03-83-91)
नाव्रतो नाकृतात्मा च नाशुचिर्न च तस्करः। स्नाति तीर्थेषु कौरव्य न च वक्रमतिर्नरः ॥०३-८३-९२॥
O Kaurava, a man who is without vows, without self-discipline, impure, a thief, or has a crooked mind does not truly bathe at sacred waters. (03-83-92)
त्वया तु सम्यग्वृत्तेन नित्यं धर्मार्थदर्शिना। पितरस्तारितास्तात सर्वे च प्रपितामहाः ॥०३-८३-९३॥
But by you, O dear one, ever of right conduct and with insight into righteousness and purpose, all the fathers and forefathers have been helped across. (03-83-93)
पितामहपुरोगाश्च देवाः सर्षिगणा नृप। तव धर्मेण धर्मज्ञ नित्यमेवाभितोषिताः ॥०३-८३-९४॥
O king, the gods headed by the grandsire and accompanied by groups of sages are always indeed highly pleased with your righteousness, O knower of dharma. (03-83-94)
अवाप्स्यसि च लोकान्वै वसूनां वासवोपम। कीर्तिं च महतीं भीष्म प्राप्स्यसे भुवि शाश्वतीम् ॥०३-८३-९५॥
You will surely attain the worlds of the Vasus like Indra; and Bhīṣma, you will obtain great and eternal fame on earth. (03-83-95)
नारद उवाच॥
Nārada said.
एवमुक्त्वाभ्यनुज्ञाप्य पुलस्त्यो भगवानृषिः। प्रीतः प्रीतेन मनसा तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ॥०३-८३-९६॥
Thus having spoken and given permission, Pulastya, the exalted sage, pleased at heart, disappeared right there. (03-83-96)
भीष्मश्च कुरुशार्दूल शास्त्रतत्त्वार्थदर्शिवान्। पुलस्त्यवचनाच्चैव पृथिवीमनुचक्रमे ॥०३-८३-९७॥
And Bhīṣma, O best of the Kurus, who understood the true meaning of the scriptures, traversed the earth as spoken by Pulastya. (03-83-97)
अनेन विधिना यस्तु पृथिवीं सञ्चरिष्यति। अश्वमेधशतस्याग्र्यं फलं प्रेत्य स भोक्ष्यते ॥०३-८३-९८॥
Whoever travels the earth by this method will enjoy, after death, the excellent fruit equal to a hundred Ashvamedha sacrifices. (03-83-98)
अतश्चाष्टगुणं पार्थ प्राप्स्यसे धर्ममुत्तमम्। नेता च त्वमृषीन्यस्मात्तेन तेऽष्टगुणं फलम् ॥०३-८३-९९॥
From this, O Pārtha, you will attain eightfold supreme dharma; and you will become the leader of sages from this, thus for you there will be an eightfold result. (03-83-99)
रक्षोगणावकीर्णानि तीर्थान्येतानि भारत। न गतिर्विद्यतेऽन्यस्य त्वामृते कुरुनन्दन ॥०३-८३-१००॥
O Bhārata, these holy places are covered by groups of rākṣasas; O joy of the Kurus, there is no way for anyone except you.
इदं देवर्षिचरितं सर्वतीर्थार्थसंश्रितम्। यः पठेत्कल्यमुत्थाय सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते ॥०३-८३-१०१॥
Whoever reads this narrative of the divine sage, which contains the essence of all holy places, in the morning after rising, is freed from all sins. (03-83-101)
ऋषिमुख्याः सदा यत्र वाल्मीकिस्त्वथ काश्यपः। आत्रेयस्त्वथ कौण्डिन्यो विश्वामित्रोऽथ गौतमः ॥०३-८३-१०२॥
Where the chief sages always were—Vālmīki, Kāśyapa, Ātreya, Kauṇḍinya, Viśvāmitra, and Gautama. (03-83-102)
असितो देवलश्चैव मार्कण्डेयोऽथ गालवः। भरद्वाजो वसिष्ठश्च मुनिरुद्दालकस्तथा ॥०३-८३-१०३॥
Asita, Devala, Markandeya, Galava, Bharadvaja, Vasishtha, and also the sage Uddalaka. (03-83-103)
शौनकः सह पुत्रेण व्यासश्च जपतां वरः। दुर्वासाश्च मुनिश्रेष्ठो गालवश्च महातपाः ॥०३-८३-१०४॥
Śaunaka along with his son, Vyāsa, the foremost among those who mutter sacred words, Durvāsās the chief of sages, and Gālava, the great ascetic, (were there). (03-83-104)
एते ऋषिवराः सर्वे त्वत्प्रतीक्षास्तपोधनाः। एभिः सह महाराज तीर्थान्येतान्यनुव्रज ॥०३-८३-१०५॥
All these excellent sages, endowed with ascetic wealth, are waiting for you. O great king, go along with them to these sacred places. (03-83-105)
एष वै लोमशो नाम देवर्षिरमितद्युतिः। समेष्यति त्वया चैव तेन सार्धमनुव्रज ॥०३-८३-१०६॥
This is the divine sage named Lomaśa, of infinite brightness. He will come to you; follow him together.
मया च सह धर्मज्ञ तीर्थान्येतान्यनुव्रज। प्राप्स्यसे महतीं कीर्तिं यथा राजा महाभिषः ॥०३-८३-१०७॥
O knower of dharma, follow these sacred places together with me; you will attain great fame, just as King Mahābhiṣa did. (03-83-107)
यथा ययातिर्धर्मात्मा यथा राजा पुरूरवाः। तथा त्वं कुरुशार्दूल स्वेन धर्मेण शोभसे ॥०३-८३-१०८॥
Just as Yayati, who was by nature righteous, and just as King Pururavas, in the same way, O best of the Kurus, you also shine by your own righteousness. (03-83-108)
यथा भगीरथो राजा यथा रामश्च विश्रुतः। तथा त्वं सर्वराजभ्यो भ्राजसे रश्मिवानिव ॥०३-८३-१०९॥
Just as King Bhagīratha and Rāma were famous, so too, you shine among all kings like the radiant sun. (03-83-109)
यथा मनुर्यथेक्ष्वाकुर्यथा पूरुर्महायशाः। यथा वैन्यो महातेजास्तथा त्वमपि विश्रुतः ॥०३-८३-११०॥
Just as Manu, Ikṣvāku, Pūru the greatly renowned, and Vainya the one of great energy—so too are you renowned. (03-83-110)
यथा च वृत्रहा सर्वान्सपत्नान्निर्दहत्पुरा। तथा शत्रुक्षयं कृत्वा प्रजास्त्वं पालयिष्यसि ॥०३-८३-१११॥
Just as Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, formerly burned up all his rivals, so, having destroyed your enemies, you will protect your subjects. (03-83-111)
स्वधर्मविजितामुर्वीं प्राप्य राजीवलोचन। ख्यातिं यास्यसि धर्मेण कार्तवीर्यार्जुनो यथा ॥०३-८३-११२॥
O lotus-eyed one, having gained the earth by conquering through your own dharma, you will achieve fame through righteousness, just as Kārtavīrya Arjuna did. (3-83-112)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
एवमाश्वास्य राजानं नारदो भगवानृषिः। अनुज्ञाप्य महात्मानं तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ॥०३-८३-११३॥
Thus, after reassuring the king, the venerable sage Nārada, having taken leave of the great-souled king, disappeared on the spot. (03-83-113)
युधिष्ठिरोऽपि धर्मात्मा तमेवार्थं विचिन्तयन्। तीर्थयात्राश्रयं पुण्यमृषीणां प्रत्यवेदयत् ॥०३-८३-११४॥
Yudhishthira, who was also righteous at heart, reflecting on that very matter, informed (his brothers) about the holy pilgrimage place of the sages. (03-83-114)
