03.083
pulastya uvāca॥
Pulastya said.
atha sandhyāṃ samāsādya saṃvedyaṃ tīrtham uttamam। upaspṛśya naro vidvān bhaven nāsty atra saṃśayaḥ ॥03-83-1॥
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)
rāmasya ca prasādena tīrthaṃ rājan kṛtaṃ purā। tallohityaṃ samāsādya vindyād bahu suvarṇakam ॥03-83-2॥
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)
karatoyāṁ samāsādya trirātrupoṣito naraḥ। aśvamedhamavāpnoti kṛte paitāmahe vidhau॥03-83-3॥
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)
gaṅgāyās tv atha rājendra sāgarasya ca saṅgame। aśvamedhaṃ daśaguṇaṃ pravadanti manīṣiṇaḥ॥03-83-4॥
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)
gaṅgāyās tv aparaṃ dvīpaṃ prāpya yaḥ snāti bhārata। trirātroṣito rājan sarvakāmān avāpnuyāt॥03-83-5॥
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)
tato vaitaraṇīṃ gatvā nadīṃ pāpapramocanīm। virajaṃ tīrtham āsādya virājati yathā śaśī॥03-83-6॥
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)
prabhave ca kule puṇye sarvapāpaṃ vyapohati। gosahasraphalaṃ labdhvā punāti ca kulaṃ naraḥ॥03-83-7॥
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)
śoṇasya jyotirathyāś ca saṅgame nivasañ śuciḥ। tarpayitvā pitṝn devān agniṣṭoma-phalaṃ labheta ॥03-83-8॥
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)
śoṇasya narmadāyāś ca prabhave kurunandana। vaṃśagulma upaspṛśya vājimēdhaphalaṃ labhet॥03-83-9॥
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)
ṛṣabhaṃ tīrtham āsādya kośalāyāṃ narādhipa। vājapeyam avāpnoti trirātropoṣito naraḥ ॥03-83-10॥
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)
kośalāyāṃ samāsādya kālatīrtha upaspṛśet। vṛṣabhaikādaśaphalaṃ labhate nātra saṃśayaḥ॥03-83-11॥
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)
puṣpavatyām upaspṛśya trirātropoṣito naraḥ । gosahasraphalaṃ vindyāt kulaṃ caiva samuddharet ॥03-83-12॥
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)
tato badarikātīrthe snātvā prayatamānasaḥ। dīrghamāyur avāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati॥03-83-13॥
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)
tato mahendram āsādya jāmadagnyaniṣevitam। rāmatīrthe naraḥ snātvā vājimedhaphalaṃ labhet॥03-83-14॥
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)
mataṅgasya tu kedāras tatraiva kurunandana। tatra snātvā naro rājan gosahasraphalaṃ labhet ॥03-83-15॥
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)
śrīparvataṃ samāsādya nadītīra upaspṛśet। aśvamedham avāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati ॥03-83-16॥
Approaching the sacred mountain and touching the river bank, one attains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice and goes to heaven. (03-83-16)
śrīparvate mahādevo devyā saha mahādyutiḥ। nyavasat paramaprīto brahmā ca tridaśairvṛtaḥ॥03-83-17॥
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)
tatra devahrade snātvā śuciḥ prayatamānasaḥ। aśvamedham avāpnoti parāṃ siddhiṃ ca gacchati॥03-83-18॥
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)
ṛṣabhaṃ parvataṃ gatvā pāṇḍyeṣu surapūjitam। vājapeyam avāpnoti nākapṛṣṭhe ca modate॥03-83-19॥
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)
tato gacchet kāverīṃ vṛtām apsarasāṃ gaṇaiḥ। tatra snātvā naro rājan go-sahasra-phalaṃ labhet॥03-83-20॥
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)
tatastīre samudrasya kanyātīrtha upaspṛśet। tatropaspṛśya rājendra sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate ॥03-83-21॥
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)
atha gokarṇam-āsādya triṣu lokeṣu viśrutam। samudra-madhye rājendra sarva-loka-namaskṛtam॥03-83-22॥
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)
yatra brahmādayo devā ṛṣayaś ca tapodhanāḥ। bhūtayakṣapiśācāś ca kiṃnarāḥ samahoragāḥ ॥03-83-23॥
Where Brahmā and other gods, sages, ascetics, spirits, yakṣas, piśācas, kinnaras, and great serpents all reside together. (03-83-23)
siddhacāraṇagandharvā mānuṣāḥ pannagās tathā। saritaḥ sāgarāḥ śailā upāsanta umāpatim ॥03-83-24॥
Siddhas, cāraṇas, gandharvas, humans, serpents likewise, as well as rivers, oceans, and mountains were worshipping Umāpati (the husband of Umā). (03-83-24)
tatreśānaṃ samabhyarcya trirātro-poṣito naraḥ। daśāśvamedham āpnoti gāṇapatyaṃ ca vindati॥ uṣya dvādaśa-rātraṃ tu kṛtātmā bhavate naraḥ॥03-83-25॥
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)
tata eva tu gāyatryāḥ sthānaṃ trailokyaviśrutam। trirātram uṣitas tatra gosahasraphalaṃ labhet॥03-83-26॥
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)
nidarśanaṁ ca pratyakṣaṁ brāhmaṇānāṁ narādhipa। gāyatrīṁ paṭhate yastu yonisaṅkarajastathā ॥ gāthā vā gītikā vāpi tasya sampadyate nṛpa ॥03-83-27॥
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)
saṁvartasya tu viprarṣer vāpīm āsādya durlabhām। rūpasya bhāgī bhavati subhagaś caiva jāyate ॥03-83-28॥
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)
tato veṇṇāṃ samāsādya tarpayet pitṛdevatāḥ। mayūra-haṃsa-saṃyuktaṃ vimānaṃ labhate naraḥ॥03-83-29॥
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)
tato godāvarīṃ prāpya nityaṃ siddhaniṣevitām। gavām ayam avāpnoti vāsuker lokam āpnuyāt॥03-83-30॥
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)
veṇṇāyāḥ saṅgame snātvā vājapeya-phalaṃ labhet। varadā-saṅgame snātvā go-sahasra-phalaṃ labhet ॥03-83-31॥
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)
brahmasthānaṃ samāsādya trirātram uṣito naraḥ। gosahasraphalaṃ vindet svargalokaṃ ca gacchati ॥03-83-32॥
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)
kuśaplavanam āsādya brahmacārī samāhitaḥ। trirātram uṣitaḥ snātvā aśvamedhaphalaṃ labhet॥03-83-33॥
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)
tato deva-hrade ramye kṛṣṇaveṇṇā-jalodbhave| jāti-mātra-hrade caiva tathā kanyāśrame nṛpa ॥03-83-34॥
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)
yatra kratuśatairiṣṭvā devarājo divaṃ gataḥ। agniṣṭomaśataṃ vindedgamanādeva bhārata ॥03-83-35॥
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)
sarvadevahṛde snātvā gosahasraphalaṃ labhet। jātimātrahṛde snātvā bhavejjātismaro naraḥ ॥03-83-36॥
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)
tato'vāpya mahāpuṇyāṃ payoṣṇīṃ saritāṃ varām। pitṛdevārcanaratō gosahasraphalaṃ labhet॥03-83-37॥
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)
daṇḍakāraṇyam āsādya mahārāja upaspṛśet। go-sahasra-phalaṃ tatra snāta-mātrasya bhārata॥03-83-38॥
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)
śarabhaṅgāśramaṁ gatvā śukasya ca mahātmanaḥ। na durgatim avāpnoti punāti ca kulaṁ naraḥ॥03-83-39॥
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)
tataḥ śūrparakaṃ gacchejjāmadagnyaniṣevitam। rāmatīrthe naraḥ snātvā vindyādbahu suvarṇakam ॥03-83-40॥
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)
saptagodāvare snātvā niyato niyatāśanaḥ। mahatpuṇyam avāpnoti devalokaṁ ca gacchati॥03-83-41॥
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)
tato devapathaṁ gacchenniyato niyatāśanaḥ। devasatrasya yatpuṇyaṁ tadavāpnoti mānavaḥ॥03-83-42॥
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)
tuṅgakāraṇyam āsādya brahmacārī jitendriyaḥ। vedān adhyāpayat tatra ṛṣiḥ sārasvataḥ purā ॥03-83-43॥
Long ago, the sage Sārasvata, a brahmacārī with controlled senses, reached the Tunga forest and there taught the Vedas. (03-83-43)
tatra vedāṁpranaṣṭāṁstu muneraṅgirasaḥ sutaḥ। upaviṣṭo maharṣīṇāmuttarīyeṣu bhārata ॥03-83-44॥
There, O Bhārata, the son of sage Angiras, seated among the great sages upon their upper garments, restored the lost Vedas. (03-83-44)
oṅkāreṇa yathā-nyāyaṃ samyag-uccaritena ca। yena yat pūrvam abhyastaṃ tat tasya samupasthitam॥03-83-45॥
By the pronunciation of oṅkāra in the proper way and correctly, whatever someone has practiced before becomes manifest to him. (03-83-45)
ṛṣayas tatra devāś ca varuṇo'gnīḥ prajāpatiḥ। harir nārāyaṇo devo mahādevas tathaiva ca॥03-83-46॥
There (were present) the seers, and the gods—Varuṇa, Agni, Prajāpati, Hari, Nārāyaṇa, the god Mahādeva, likewise also. (03-83-46)
pitāmahaś ca bhagavān devaiḥ saha mahādyutiḥ। bhṛguṃ niyojayām āsa yājanārthe mahādyutim ॥03-83-47॥
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)
tataḥ sa cakre bhagavān ṛṣīṇāṃ vidhivat tadā। sarveṣāṃ punar ādhānaṃ vidhidṛṣṭena karmaṇā॥03-83-48॥
Then, at that time, the revered one performed the re-consecration for all the ṛṣis according to the prescribed procedure.
ājñyabhāgena vai tatra tarpītāstu yathāvidhi । devāstribhuvaṇaṃ yātā ṛṣayaśca yathāsukham ॥03-83-49॥
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)
tadaraṇyaṃ praviṣṭasya tuṅgakaṃ rājasattama। pāpaṃ praṇaśyate sarvaṃ striyo vā puruṣasya vā ॥03-83-50॥
O best of kings, all the sins of a woman or a man who enters that Tuṅgaka forest are destroyed. (03-83-50)
tatra māsaṁ vased dhīraḥ niyataḥ niyatāśanaḥ। brahmalokaṁ vrajed rājan punīte ca kulaṁ naraḥ॥03-83-51॥
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)
medhāvikaṃ samāsādya pitṝn devāṃś ca tarpayet. agniṣṭomam avāpnoti smṛtiṃ medhāṃ ca vindati ॥03-83-52॥
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)
tataḥ kālañjaraṃ gatvā parvataṃ lokaviśrutam। tatra devahrade snātvā gosahasraphalaṃ labhet ॥03-83-53॥
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)
ātmānaṃ sādhayet tatra girau kālañjare nṛpa। svargaloke mahīyeta naro nāsty atra saṃśayaḥ ॥03-83-54॥
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)
tato girivaraśreṣṭhe citrakūṭe viśāṃ pate। mandākinīṃ samāsādya nadīṃ pāpapramocanīm ॥03-83-55॥
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)
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvāṇaḥ pitṛdevārcane rataḥ। aśvamedham avāpnoti gatiṃ ca paramāṃ vrajet॥03-83-56॥
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)
tato gacchet rājendra bhartṛsthānam anuttamam। yatra devo mahāseno nityaṃ saṃnihito nṛpaḥ ॥03-83-57॥
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)
pumāṁs tatra nara-śreṣṭha gamanād eva sidhyati। koṭi-tīrthe naraḥ snātvā go-sahasra-phalaṁ labhet ॥03-83-58॥
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)
pradakṣiṇam-upāvṛtya jyeṣṭha-sthānaṃ vrajen naraḥ। abhigamya mahādevaṃ virājati yathā śaśī ॥03-83-59॥
Having completed the circumambulation, a man should proceed to the chief seat; having approached Mahadeva, he shines like the moon. (03-83-59)
tatra kūpo mahārāja viśruto bharatarṣabha। samudrās tatra catvāro nivasanti yudhiṣṭhira ॥03-83-60॥
O great king, O bull among the Bharatas, there is a famous well. Four oceans reside there, O Yudhishthira. (03-83-60)
tatropaspṛśya rājendra kṛtvā cāpi pradakṣiṇam। niyatātmā naraḥ pūto gacchet paramāṃ gatim॥03-83-61॥
There, after performing ritual touching (purification) and circumambulation, the self-controlled man, made pure, attains the highest goal, O king. (03-83-61)
tato gacchet kuruśreṣṭha śṛṅgaverapuraṃ mahat। yatra tīrṇo mahārāja rāmo dāśarathiḥ purā ॥03-83-62॥
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)
gaṅgāyāṃ tu naraḥ snātvā brahmacārī samāhitaḥ। vidhūtapāpmā bhavati vājapeyaṃ ca vindati॥03-83-63॥
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)
abhigamya mahādevam abhyarcya ca narādhipa। pradakṣiṇam upāvṛtya gāṇapatyam avāpnuyāt॥03-83-64॥
O king, having approached and worshipped Mahādeva, and having circumambulated him, one attains the lordship of the Gaṇas. (03-83-64)
tato gacchet rājendra prayāgam ṛṣi-saṃstutam। yatra brahmādayo devā diśaś ca sa-dig-īśvarāḥ॥03-83-65॥
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)
lokapālāś ca sādhyāś ca nairṛtāḥ pitaras tathā। sanatkumāra-pramukhās tathaiva paramarṣayaḥ ॥03-83-66॥
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)
aṅgiraḥ-pramukhāś caiva tathā brahmarṣayo 'pare। tathā nāgāḥ suparṇāś ca siddhāś cakracarās tathā॥03-83-67॥
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)
saritaḥ sāgarāścaiva gandharvāpsarasastathā. hariśca bhagavānāste prajāpati-puraskṛtaḥ ॥03-83-68॥
Rivers, oceans, Gandharvas, Apsarases, and further, the blessed Hari (Viṣṇu), accompanied by Prajāpati, dwell there. (03-83-68)
tatra trīṇy agnikuṇḍāni yeṣāṃ madhye ca jāhnavī। prayāgād abhiniṣkrāntā sarvatīrthapuraskṛtā॥03-83-69॥
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)
tapanasya sutā tatra triṣu lokeṣu viśrutā। yamunā gaṅgayā sārdhaṃ saṅgatā lokapāvanī॥03-83-70॥
There, Yamunā, the daughter of the Sun and famed in the three worlds, united with Gaṅgā, is the purifier of worlds. (03-83-70)
gaṅgāyamunayor madhyaṃ pṛthivyā jaghanaṃ smṛtam। prayāgaṃ jaghanasyāntam upastham ṛṣayo viduḥ॥03-83-71॥
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)
prayāgaṃ sapratiṣṭhānaṃ kambalāśvatarau tathā. tīrthaṃ bhogavatī caiva vedī proktā prajāpateḥ ॥03-83-72॥
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)
tatra vedāś ca yajñāś ca mūrtimanto yudhiṣṭhira। prajāpatiṃ upāsante ṛṣayaś ca mahāvratāḥ॥ yajante kratubhir devās tathā cakracarā nṛpa॥03-83-73॥
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)
tataḥ puṇyatamaṃ nāsti triṣu lokeṣu bhārata। prayāgaḥ sarvatīrthebhyaḥ prabhavatyadhikaṃ vibho ॥03-83-74॥
Therefore, there is nothing more holy in the three worlds, O Bhārata. Prayāga surpasses all other sacred places, O mighty one. (03-83-74)
śravaṇāttasya tīrthasya nāmasaṅkīrtanādapi। mṛttikālambhanādvāpi naraḥ pāpātpramucyate ॥03-83-75॥
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)
tatrābhiṣekaṃ yaḥ kuryāt saṅgame saṃśitavrataḥ। puṇyaṃ sa phalam āpnoti rājasūyāśvamedhayoḥ॥03-83-76॥
Whoever, firm in vow, performs an ablution at that confluence, obtains the merit resulting from both the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices. (03-83-76)
eṣā yajana-bhūmir hi devānām api satkṛtā. tatra dattaṃ sūkṣmam api mahat bhavati bhārata ॥03-83-77॥
O Bhārata, this place of sacrifice, even honored by the gods, makes even the smallest offering given here become great. (03-83-77)
na vedavacanāttāta na lokavacanādapi। matirutkramaṇīyā te prayāgamaraṇaṃ prati ॥03-83-78॥
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)
daśa tīrthasahasrāṇi ṣaṣṭikoṭtyastathāparāḥ। yeṣāṃ sānnidhyamatraiva kīrtitaṃ kurunandana॥03-83-79॥
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)
cāturvede ca yat puṇyaṃ satyavādiṣu caiva yat। snāta eva tad āpnoti gaṅgā-yamuna-saṅgame ॥03-83-80॥
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)
tatra bhogavatī nāma vāsukas tīrtham uttamam। tatrābhiṣekaṃ yaḥ kuryāt so'śvamedham avāpnuyāt॥03-83-81॥
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)
tatra haṃsaprapatanaṃ tīrthaṃ trailokyaviśrutam। daśāśvamedhikaṃ caiva gaṅgāyāṃ kurunandana ॥03-83-82॥
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)
yatra gaṅgā mahārāja sa deśas tat tapovanam। siddhakṣetraṃ tu taj jñeyaṃ gaṅgātīrasamāśritam॥03-83-83॥
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)
idaṃ satyaṃ dvijātīnām sādhūnām ātmajasya ca। suhṛdāṃ ca japet karṇe śiṣyasya anugatasya ca॥03-83-84॥
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)
idaṃ dharmy am idaṃ puṇyam idaṃ medhyam idaṃ sukham। idaṃ svargyam idaṃ ramyam idaṃ pāvanam uttamam ॥03-83-85॥
This is righteous, meritorious, pure, and pleasant; this leads to heaven, is delightful, purifying, and excellent. (03-83-85)
maharṣīṇām idaṃ guhyaṃ sarvapāpapramocanam। adhītya dvijamadhye ca nirmalatvam avāpnuyāt ॥03-83-86॥
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)
yaś cedaṁ śṛṇuyān nityaṁ tīrthapuṇyaṁ sadā śuciḥ। jātīḥ sa smarate bahvīḥ nākapṛṣṭhe ca modate ॥03-83-87॥
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)
gamyāny api ca tīrthāni kīrtitāny agamāni ca. manasā tāni gacchet sarvatīrthasamīkṣayā ॥03-83-88॥
One should, by the mind, visit those praised holy places, whether accessible or not, considering all holy sites. (03-83-88)
etāni vasubhiḥ sādhyair ādityair marudaśvibhiḥ। ṛṣibhir devakalpaiś ca śritāni sukṛtaiṣibhiḥ ॥03-83-89॥
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)
evaṁ tvam api kauravya vidhinānena suvrata। vraja tīrthāni niyataḥ puṇyaṁ puṇyena vardhate॥03-83-90॥
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)
bhāvitaiḥ kāraṇaiḥ pūrvam āstikyāt śruti-darśanāt। prāpyante tāni tīrthāni sadbhiḥ śiṣṭānudarśibhiḥ ॥03-83-91॥
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)
nāvrato nākṛtātmā ca nāśucirna ca taskaraḥ। snāti tīrtheṣu kauravya na ca vakramatirnaraḥ ॥03-83-92॥
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)
tvayā tu samyagvṛttena nityaṁ dharmārthadarśinā। pitarastāritāstāta sarve ca prapitāmahāḥ ॥03-83-93॥
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)
pitāmahapurogāś ca devāḥ saṛṣigaṇā nṛpa। tava dharmeṇa dharmajña nityam evābhitoṣitāḥ ॥03-83-94॥
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)
avāpsyasi ca lokān vai vasūnāṃ vāsavopama। kīrtiṃ ca mahatīṃ bhīṣma prāpsyase bhuvi śāśvatīm ॥03-83-95॥
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)
nārada uvāca॥
Nārada said.
evam-uktvā abhyanujñāpya pulastyaḥ bhagavān ṛṣiḥ। prītaḥ prītena manasā tatra eva antaradhīyata ॥03-83-96॥
Thus having spoken and given permission, Pulastya, the exalted sage, pleased at heart, disappeared right there. (03-83-96)
bhīṣmaś ca kuruśārdūla śāstratattvārthadarśivān। pulastyavacanāc caiva pṛthivīm anucakrame ॥03-83-97॥
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)
anena vidhinā yastu pṛthivīṃ sañcariṣyati। aśvamedhaśatasyāgryaṃ phalaṃ pretya sa bhokṣyate ॥03-83-98॥
Whoever travels the earth by this method will enjoy, after death, the excellent fruit equal to a hundred Ashvamedha sacrifices. (03-83-98)
ataś cāṣṭaguṇaṃ pārtha prāpsyase dharmam uttamam। netā ca tvam ṛṣīn asmāt tena te'ṣṭaguṇaṃ phalam ॥03-83-99॥
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)
rakṣogaṇāvakīrṇāni tīrthānyetāni bhārata। na gatir vidyate'nyasya tvāmṛte kurunandana॥03-83-100॥
O Bhārata, these holy places are covered by groups of rākṣasas; O joy of the Kurus, there is no way for anyone except you.
idaṃ devarṣicaritaṃ sarvatīrthārthasaṃśritam। yaḥ paṭhet kalyam utthāya sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate॥03-83-101॥
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)
ṛṣimukhyāḥ sadā yatra vālmīkistvatha kāśyapaḥ| ātreyastvatha kauṇḍinyo viśvāmitro'tha gautamaḥ ॥03-83-102॥
Where the chief sages always were—Vālmīki, Kāśyapa, Ātreya, Kauṇḍinya, Viśvāmitra, and Gautama. (03-83-102)
asito devalaś caiva mārkaṇḍeyo'tha gālavaḥ। bharadvājo vasiṣṭhaś ca munir uddālakas tathā॥03-83-103॥
Asita, Devala, Markandeya, Galava, Bharadvaja, Vasishtha, and also the sage Uddalaka. (03-83-103)
śaunakaḥ saha putreṇa vyāsaś ca japatāṃ varaḥ। durvāsāś ca muniśreṣṭho gālavaś ca mahātapāḥ॥03-83-104॥
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)
ete ṛṣivarāḥ sarve tvatpratīkṣāstapodhanāḥ। ebhiḥ saha mahārāja tīrthānyetānyanuvraja ॥03-83-105॥
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)
eṣa vai lomaśo nāma devarṣir amitadyutiḥ। sameṣyati tvayā caiva tena sārdham anuvraja ॥03-83-106॥
This is the divine sage named Lomaśa, of infinite brightness. He will come to you; follow him together.
mayā ca saha dharmajña tīrthāny etāny anuvraja। prāpsyase mahatīṃ kīrtiṃ yathā rājā mahābhiṣaḥ॥03-83-107॥
O knower of dharma, follow these sacred places together with me; you will attain great fame, just as King Mahābhiṣa did. (03-83-107)
yathā yayātirdharmātmā yathā rājā purūravāḥ। tathā tvaṃ kuruśārdūla svena dharmeṇa śobhase ॥03-83-108॥
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)
yathā bhagīratho rājā yathā rāmaś ca viśrutaḥ। tathā tvaṃ sarva-rājabhyo bhrājase raśmivān iva॥03-83-109॥
Just as King Bhagīratha and Rāma were famous, so too, you shine among all kings like the radiant sun. (03-83-109)
yathā manur yathaiṣvākur yathā pūrur mahāyaśāḥ। yathā vainyo mahātejās tathā tvam api viśrutaḥ॥03-83-110॥
Just as Manu, Ikṣvāku, Pūru the greatly renowned, and Vainya the one of great energy—so too are you renowned. (03-83-110)
yathā ca vṛtrahā sarvān sapatnān nirdahat purā। tathā śatru-kṣayam kṛtvā prajāḥ tvaṃ pālayiṣyasi॥03-83-111॥
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)
svadharma-vijitām urvīṃ prāpya rājīva-locana। khyātiṃ yāsyasi dharmeṇa kārtavīryārjuno yathā ॥03-83-112॥
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)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
evam āśvāsya rājānaṃ nārado bhagavān ṛṣiḥ। anujñāpya mahātmānaṃ tatraiva antaradhīyata ॥03-83-113॥
Thus, after reassuring the king, the venerable sage Nārada, having taken leave of the great-souled king, disappeared on the spot. (03-83-113)
yudhiṣṭhiro'pi dharmātmā tamevāarthaṃ vicintayan। tīrthayātrāśrayaṃ puṇyam ṛṣīṇāṃ pratyavedayat॥03-83-114॥
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)
