09.034
Library: Up on Janamejaya's enquiry, Vaishampayana narrates the pilgrimage. How the moon was cursed and how Prabhasa became the foremost of holy places.
जनमेजय उवाच॥
Janamejaya said:
पूर्वमेव यदा रामस्तस्मिन्युद्ध उपस्थिते। आमन्त्र्य केशवं यातो वृष्णिभिः सहितः प्रभुः ॥९-३४-१॥
Previously, when Rama was present at the battle, he addressed Krishna and then the lord departed with the Vrishnis.
साहाय्यं धार्तराष्ट्रस्य न च कर्तास्मि केशव। न चैव पाण्डुपुत्राणां गमिष्यामि यथागतम् ॥९-३४-२॥
O Keshava, I will not assist Dhritarashtra's son, nor will I return to the sons of Pandu as I came.
एवमुक्त्वा तदा रामो यातः शत्रुनिबर्हणः। तस्य चागमनं भूयो ब्रह्मञ्शंसितुमर्हसि ॥९-३४-३॥
Having said this, Rama, the destroyer of enemies, departed. O Brahman, you should narrate his return again.
आख्याहि मे विस्तरतः कथं राम उपस्थितः। कथं च दृष्टवान्युद्धं कुशलो ह्यसि सत्तम ॥९-३४-४॥
Please tell me in detail how Rama arrived and how you witnessed the battle, as you are indeed skilled, O noble one.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaishampayana said:
उपप्लव्ये निविष्टेषु पाण्डवेषु महात्मसु। प्रेषितो धृतराष्ट्रस्य समीपं मधुसूदनः ॥ शमं प्रति महाबाहो हितार्थं सर्वदेहिनाम् ॥९-३४-५॥
In Upaplavya, where the Pandavas, the great souls, were settled, Madhusudana was sent to Dhritarashtra to negotiate peace, O mighty-armed one, for the welfare of all living beings.
स गत्वा हास्तिनपुरं धृतराष्ट्रं समेत्य च। उक्तवान्वचनं तथ्यं हितं चैव विशेषतः ॥ न च तत्कृतवान्राजा यथाख्यातं हि ते पुरा ॥९-३४-६॥
He went to Hastinapura, met Dhritarashtra, and spoke true and beneficial words, especially. However, the king did not act as was previously told to you.
अनवाप्य शमं तत्र कृष्णः पुरुषसत्तमः। आगच्छत महाबाहुरुपप्लव्यं जनाधिप ॥९-३४-७॥
Krishna, the best among men, unable to find peace there, came to Upaplavya, O mighty-armed ruler of men.
ततः प्रत्यागतः कृष्णो धार्तराष्ट्रविसर्जितः। अक्रियायां नरव्याघ्र पाण्डवानिदमब्रवीत् ॥९-३४-८॥
Then Krishna, having been dismissed by Dhritarashtra, returned to the Pandavas, who were in a state of inactivity, and addressed them as the tigers among men.
न कुर्वन्ति वचो मह्यं कुरवः कालचोदिताः। निर्गच्छध्वं पाण्डवेयाः पुष्येण सहिता मया ॥९-३४-९॥
The Kurus, driven by the force of time, ignore my words. O sons of Pandu, leave with Pushya and me.
ततो विभज्यमानेषु बलेषु बलिनां वरः। प्रोवाच भ्रातरं कृष्णं रौहिणेयो महामनाः ॥९-३४-१०॥
Then, as the armies were being divided, the great-minded Balarama, the son of Rohini and the best among the strong, spoke to his brother Krishna.
तेषामपि महाबाहो साहाय्यं मधुसूदन। क्रियतामिति तत्कृष्णो नास्य चक्रे वचस्तदा ॥९-३४-११॥
O mighty-armed one, O slayer of Madhu, please assist them as well. However, Krishna did not act upon his words at that time.
ततो मन्युपरीतात्मा जगाम यदुनन्दनः। तीर्थयात्रां हलधरः सरस्वत्यां महायशाः ॥ मैत्रे नक्षत्रयोगे स्म सहितः सर्वयादवैः ॥९-३४-१२॥
Then, Balarama, the descendant of Yadu, filled with anger, embarked on a pilgrimage to the Sarasvati River, accompanied by all the Yadavas, under the Maitra constellation.
आश्रयामास भोजस्तु दुर्योधनमरिंदमः। युयुधानेन सहितो वासुदेवस्तु पाण्डवान् ॥९-३४-१३॥
Bhoja, known for subduing enemies, aligned himself with Duryodhana, while Vasudeva, along with Yuyudhana, sided with the Pandavas.
रौहिणेये गते शूरे पुष्येण मधुसूदनः। पाण्डवेयान्पुरस्कृत्य ययावभिमुखः कुरून् ॥९-३४-१४॥
Krishna, the heroic son of Rohini, set out under the Pushya constellation, leading the Pandavas towards the Kauravas.
गच्छन्नेव पथिस्थस्तु रामः प्रेष्यानुवाच ह। सम्भारांस्तीर्थयात्रायां सर्वोपकरणानि च ॥ आनयध्वं द्वारकाया अग्नीन्वै याजकांस्तथा ॥९-३४-१५॥
Rama, while standing on the path, instructed his messengers to bring all the necessary materials and equipment for the pilgrimage, including the sacred fires and priests from Dvaraka.
सुवर्णं रजतं चैव धेनूर्वासांसि वाजिनः। कुञ्जरांश्च रथांश्चैव खरोष्ट्रं वाहनानि च ॥
"Bring quickly all the gold, silver, cows, garments, horses, elephants, chariots, donkeys, camels, and vehicles."
प्रतिस्रोतः सरस्वत्या गच्छध्वं शीघ्रगामिनः। ऋत्विजश्चानयध्वं वै शतशश्च द्विजर्षभान् ॥९-३४-१७॥
"Proceed against the current of the Sarasvati swiftly. Indeed, bring hundreds of priests and the best of the twice-born."
एवं संदिश्य तु प्रेष्यान्बलदेवो महाबलः। तीर्थयात्रां ययौ राजन्कुरूणां वैशसे तदा ॥ सरस्वतीं प्रतिस्रोतः समुद्रादभिजग्मिवान् ॥९-३४-१८॥
Thus, after instructing his messengers, the mighty Balarama embarked on a pilgrimage during the Kurus' calamity, O king. At that time, he approached the river Sarasvati, moving against its current from the ocean.
ऋत्विग्भिश्च सुहृद्भिश्च तथान्यैर्द्विजसत्तमैः। रथैर्गजैस्तथाश्वैश्च प्रेष्यैश्च भरतर्षभ ॥ गोखरोष्ट्रप्रयुक्तैश्च यानैश्च बहुभिर्वृतः ॥९-३४-१९॥
O best of the Bharatas, you are surrounded by priests, friends, the best of the twice-born, chariots, elephants, horses, servants, cows, donkeys, camels, and many vehicles.
श्रान्तानां क्लान्तवपुषां शिशूनां विपुलायुषाम्। तानि यानानि देशेषु प्रतीक्ष्यन्ते स्म भारत ॥ बुभुक्षितानामर्थाय कॢप्तमन्नं समन्ततः ॥९-३४-२०॥
The vehicles awaited in the countries were for the tired and weary-bodied children who have long lives, O Bharata. Food was prepared everywhere for the hungry.
यो यो यत्र द्विजो भोक्तुं कामं कामयते तदा। तस्य तस्य तु तत्रैवमुपजह्रुस्तदा नृप ॥९-३४-२१॥
O king, whenever and wherever a Brahmin desires to fulfill a wish, then and there, it is brought to him.
तत्र स्थिता नरा राजन्रौहिणेयस्य शासनात्। भक्ष्यपेयस्य कुर्वन्ति राशींस्तत्र समन्ततः ॥९-३४-२२॥
There, O king, the men standing by the command of Rauhiṇeya make heaps of food and drink all around.
वासांसि च महार्हाणि पर्यङ्कास्तरणानि च। पूजार्थं तत्र कॢप्तानि विप्राणां सुखमिच्छताम् ॥९-३४-२३॥
Garments and very costly beds and coverings were arranged there for the comfort of the brahmanas who desired to perform worship.
यत्र यः स्वपते विप्रः क्षत्रियो वापि भारत। तत्र तत्र तु तस्यैव सर्वं कॢप्तमदृश्यत ॥९-३४-२४॥
O Bharata, wherever a Brahmin or Kshatriya sleeps, all his arrangements are visible there.
यथासुखं जनः सर्वस्तिष्ठते याति वा तदा। यातुकामस्य यानानि पानानि तृषितस्य च ॥९-३४-२५॥
When everyone is at ease, they either stay or leave as they wish. For those who wish to travel, there are vehicles, and for the thirsty, there are drinks.
बुभुक्षितस्य चान्नानि स्वादूनि भरतर्षभ। उपजह्रुर्नरास्तत्र वस्त्राण्याभरणानि च ॥९-३४-२६॥
O best of the Bharatas, the people there brought delicious food, clothes, and ornaments for the hungry person.
स पन्थाः प्रबभौ राजन्सर्वस्यैव सुखावहः। स्वर्गोपमस्तदा वीर नराणां तत्र गच्छताम् ॥९-३४-२७॥
That path shone brightly, O king, bringing happiness to everyone. It was like heaven for the brave men who traveled there.
नित्यप्रमुदितोपेतः स्वादुभक्षः शुभान्वितः। विपण्यापणपण्यानां नानाजनशतैर्वृतः ॥ नानाद्रुमलतोपेतो नानारत्नविभूषितः ॥९-३४-२८॥
The place is always cheerful, filled with delicious food and auspiciousness, surrounded by hundreds of people with market goods, adorned with various trees and decorated with jewels.
ततो महात्मा नियमे स्थितात्मा; पुण्येषु तीर्थेषु वसूनि राजन्। ददौ द्विजेभ्यः क्रतुदक्षिणाश्च; यदुप्रवीरो हलभृत्प्रतीतः ॥९-३४-२९॥
Then the great soul, who was self-disciplined, distributed wealth in holy places to the brahmins as sacrificial gifts, O king. The hero of the Yadus, known for wielding the plough, was renowned.
दोग्ध्रीश्च धेनूश्च सहस्रशो वै; सुवाससः काञ्चनबद्धशृङ्गीः। हयांश्च नानाविधदेशजाता; न्यानानि दासीश्च तथा द्विजेभ्यः ॥९-३४-३०॥
Thousands of milking cows and cows, well-dressed with golden-bound horns, horses from various countries, vehicles, and maidservants were given to the brahmins.
रत्नानि मुक्तामणिविद्रुमं च; शृङ्गीसुवर्णं रजतं च शुभ्रम्। अयस्मयं ताम्रमयं च भाण्डं; ददौ द्विजातिप्रवरेषु रामः ॥९-३४-३१॥
Rama generously distributed various precious items such as gems, pearls, corals, rubies, gold, silver, and pure vessels made of iron and copper to the esteemed Brahmins.
एवं स वित्तं प्रददौ महात्मा; सरस्वतीतीर्थवरेषु भूरि। ययौ क्रमेणाप्रतिमप्रभाव; स्ततः कुरुक्षेत्रमुदारवृत्तः ॥९-३४-३२॥
Thus, the great soul generously distributed wealth at the sacred sites of Sarasvati. With unmatched influence, he gradually proceeded to Kurukshetra, known for his noble character.
जनमेजय उवाच॥
Janamejaya said:
सारस्वतानां तीर्थानां गुणोत्पत्तिं वदस्व मे। फलं च द्विपदां श्रेष्ठ कर्मनिर्वृत्तिमेव च ॥९-३४-३३॥
Please tell me about the origin of virtues of the Sarasvatas and the holy places, as well as the results and the best completion of actions of humans.
यथाक्रमं च भगवंस्तीर्थानामनुपूर्वशः। ब्रह्मन्ब्रह्मविदां श्रेष्ठ परं कौतूहलं हि मे ॥९-३४-३४॥
O revered one, please describe to me in order the holy places sequentially, as my curiosity is great, O Brahman, best among the knowers of Brahman.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
तीर्थानां विस्तरं राजन्गुणोत्पत्तिं च सर्वशः। मयोच्यमानां शृणु वै पुण्यां राजेन्द्र कृत्स्नशः ॥९-३४-३५॥
O King, listen to the complete description of the sacred places and the origin of virtues, as narrated by me. It is entirely auspicious, O King of Kings.
पूर्वं महाराज यदुप्रवीर; ऋत्विक्सुहृद्विप्रगणैश्च सार्धम्। पुण्यं प्रभासं समुपाजगाम; यत्रोडुराड्यक्ष्मणा क्लिश्यमानः ॥९-३४-३६॥
Once, O great king, the valiant hero of the Yadu dynasty, accompanied by priests, friends, and groups of brāhmaṇas, went to the holy place of Prabhāsa, where the moon was suffering from consumption.
विमुक्तशापः पुनराप्य तेजः; सर्वं जगद्भासयते नरेन्द्र। एवं तु तीर्थप्रवरं पृथिव्यां; प्रभासनात्तस्य ततः प्रभासः ॥९-३४-३७॥
Freed from the curse, the king regains his splendor and illuminates the entire world. Thus, the foremost pilgrimage site on earth is known as Prabhāsa, originating from Prabhāsa.
जनमेजय उवाच॥
Janamejaya said:
किमर्थं भगवान्सोमो यक्ष्मणा समगृह्यत। कथं च तीर्थप्रवरे तस्मिंश्चन्द्रो न्यमज्जत ॥९-३४-३८॥
"For what reason was the revered Soma afflicted by disease? And how did the moon submerge in that most sacred of places?"
कथमाप्लुत्य तस्मिंस्तु पुनराप्यायितः शशी। एतन्मे सर्वमाचक्ष्व विस्तरेण महामुने ॥९-३४-३९॥
"How did the moon, having plunged into that, become nourished again? Please tell me everything in detail, O great sage."
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaishampayana said:
दक्षस्य तनया यास्ताः प्रादुरासन्विशां पते। स सप्तविंशतिं कन्या दक्षः सोमाय वै ददौ ॥९-३४-४०॥
The daughters of Daksha appeared, O lord of the people. Daksha gave those twenty-seven daughters to Soma.
नक्षत्रयोगनिरताः सङ्ख्यानार्थं च भारत। पत्न्यो वै तस्य राजेन्द्र सोमस्य शुभलक्षणाः ॥९-३४-४१॥
O Bharata, the wives of Soma, who are engaged in the conjunction of stars for counting, are indeed auspicious, O king.
तास्तु सर्वा विशालाक्ष्यो रूपेणाप्रतिमा भुवि। अत्यरिच्यत तासां तु रोहिणी रूपसम्पदा ॥९-३४-४२॥
All of them were large-eyed and incomparable in beauty on earth, but Rohini surpassed them all with her beauty.
ततस्तस्यां स भगवान्प्रीतिं चक्रे निशाकरः। सास्य हृद्या बभूवाथ तस्मात्तां बुभुजे सदा ॥९-३४-४३॥
Then the blessed moon made affection in her. She became pleasing to him, and therefore he always enjoyed her.
पुरा हि सोमो राजेन्द्र रोहिण्यामवसच्चिरम्। ततोऽस्य कुपितान्यासन्नक्षत्राणि महात्मनः ॥९-३४-४४॥
Once upon a time, Soma, the moon god, resided in the constellation Rohiṇī for a long period. Then, the stars associated with him became angry, O great king.
ता गत्वा पितरं प्राहुः प्रजापतिमतन्द्रिताः। सोमो वसति नास्मासु रोहिणीं भजते सदा ॥९-३४-४५॥
They went to their father, Prajapati, and said with diligence, "Soma does not stay with us; he is always with Rohini."
ता वयं सहिताः सर्वास्त्वत्सकाशे प्रजेश्वर। वत्स्यामो नियताहारास्तपश्चरणतत्पराः ॥९-३४-४६॥
We all, united, will stay near you, O lord of creatures, with a regulated diet and dedicated to practicing austerities.
श्रुत्वा तासां तु वचनं दक्षः सोममथाब्रवीत्। समं वर्तस्व भार्यासु मा त्वाधर्मो महान्स्पृशेत् ॥९-३४-४७॥
Upon hearing their words, Daksha advised Soma to treat all his wives equally to avoid falling into great unrighteousness.
ताश्च सर्वाब्रवीद्दक्षो गच्छध्वं सोममन्तिकात्। समं वत्स्यति सर्वासु चन्द्रमा मम शासनात् ॥९-३४-४८॥
Daksha instructed all the daughters to go near Soma, stating that by his command, the moon would spend equal time with each of them.
विसृष्टास्तास्तदा जग्मुः शीतांशुभवनं तदा। तथापि सोमो भगवान्पुनरेव महीपते ॥ रोहिणीं निवसत्येव प्रीयमाणो मुहुर्मुहुः ॥९-३४-४९॥
Released, they went to the abode of the moon. However, Soma, the divine, continues to reside with Rohini lovingly, time and again, O king.
ततस्ताः सहिताः सर्वा भूयः पितरमब्रुवन्। तव शुश्रूषणे युक्ता वत्स्यामो हि तवाश्रमे ॥ सोमो वसति नास्मासु नाकरोद्वचनं तव ॥९-३४-५०॥
Then they all together again addressed their father, saying: "We are engaged in your service and shall indeed reside in your hermitage. Soma does not live among us and did not convey your message."
तासां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा दक्षः सोममथाब्रवीत्। समं वर्तस्व भार्यासु मा त्वां शप्स्ये विरोचन ॥९-३४-५१॥
Upon hearing their words, Daksha addressed Soma: "Treat all your wives equally, or else I shall curse you, Virocana."
अनादृत्य तु तद्वाक्यं दक्षस्य भगवाञ्शशी। रोहिण्या सार्धमवसत्ततस्ताः कुपिताः पुनः ॥९-३४-५२॥
Disregarding Daksha's words, the moon god lived with Rohini, which made them angry once more.
गत्वा च पितरं प्राहुः प्रणम्य शिरसा तदा। सोमो वसति नास्मासु तस्मान्नः शरणं भव ॥९-३४-५३॥
After going to their father and bowing their heads, they said, "Soma is not among us, so please be our refuge."
रोहिण्यामेव भगवन्सदा वसति चन्द्रमाः। तस्मान्नस्त्राहि सर्वा वै यथा नः सोम आविशेत् ॥९-३४-५४॥
O Lord, the Moon always resides in Rohini. Therefore, protect us all so that Soma may enter our lives.
तच्छ्रुत्वा भगवान्क्रुद्धो यक्ष्माणं पृथिवीपते। ससर्ज रोषात्सोमाय स चोडुपतिमाविशत् ॥९-३४-५५॥
Upon hearing that, the Lord, in his anger, created a disease for Soma and entered the moon, O king.
स यक्ष्मणाभिभूतात्माक्षीयताहरहः शशी। यत्नं चाप्यकरोद्राजन्मोक्षार्थं तस्य यक्ष्मणः ॥९-३४-५६॥
The moon, overpowered by disease, was waning day by day. Efforts were made, O king, for liberation from that disease.
इष्ट्वेष्टिभिर्महाराज विविधाभिर्निशाकरः। न चामुच्यत शापाद्वै क्षयं चैवाभ्यगच्छत ॥९-३४-५७॥
O great king, despite performing various sacrifices, the moon was not freed from the curse and inevitably faced decay.
क्षीयमाणे ततः सोमे ओषध्यो न प्रजज्ञिरे। निरास्वादरसाः सर्वा हतवीर्याश्च सर्वशः ॥९-३४-५८॥
As the Soma waned, the herbs failed to sprout. They became tasteless and lost their potency entirely.
ओषधीनां क्षये जाते प्राणिनामपि सङ्क्षयः। कृशाश्चासन्प्रजाः सर्वाः क्षीयमाणे निशाकरे ॥९-३४-५९॥
When the herbs were destroyed, the living beings also faced destruction. All creatures became emaciated as the moon was waning.
ततो देवाः समागम्य सोममूचुर्महीपते। किमिदं भवतो रूपमीदृशं न प्रकाशते ॥९-३४-६०॥
Then the gods gathered and said to Soma, "O king, why does your form not appear as it should?"
कारणं ब्रूहि नः सर्वं येनेदं ते महद्भयम्। श्रुत्वा तु वचनं त्वत्तो विधास्यामस्ततो वयम् ॥९-३४-६१॥
Please tell us the reason for this great fear you have. Once we hear your words, we will make the necessary arrangements.
एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच सर्वांस्ताञ्शशलक्षणः। शापं च कारणं चैव यक्ष्माणं च तथात्मनः ॥९-३४-६२॥
Thus addressed, the one with rabbit marks replied to all of them, explaining the curse, the reason, the disease, and also about himself.
देवास्तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा गत्वा दक्षमथाब्रुवन्। प्रसीद भगवन्सोमे शापश्चैष निवर्त्यताम् ॥९-३४-६३॥
The gods, upon hearing his words, approached Daksha and requested, "O Lord, please be gracious. May the curse on Soma be lifted."
असौ हि चन्द्रमाः क्षीणः किञ्चिच्छेषो हि लक्ष्यते। क्षयाच्चैवास्य देवेश प्रजाश्चापि गताः क्षयम् ॥९-३४-६४॥
The moon is indeed waning and only slightly remains visible. Due to this decline, O lord of the gods, the creatures too have met their decline.
वीरुदोषधयश्चैव बीजानि विविधानि च। तथा वयं लोकगुरो प्रसादं कर्तुमर्हसि ॥९-३४-६५॥
O teacher of the world, we seek your grace for the various herbs, medicinal plants, and seeds.
एवमुक्तस्तदा चिन्त्य प्राह वाक्यं प्रजापतिः। नैतच्छक्यं मम वचो व्यावर्तयितुमन्यथा ॥ हेतुना तु महाभागा निवर्तिष्यति केनचित् ॥९-३४-६६॥
Prajapati, after contemplating, said: "It is impossible to change my words. However, O fortunate one, she will desist for some reason."
समं वर्ततु सर्वासु शशी भार्यासु नित्यशः। सरस्वत्या वरे तीर्थे उन्मज्जञ्शशलक्षणः ॥ पुनर्वर्धिष्यते देवास्तद्वै सत्यं वचो मम ॥९-३४-६७॥
"May the moon always shine equally upon all wives. In the sacred place of Sarasvati, marked by the hare, the gods will rise again. This is truly my promise."
मासार्धं च क्षयं सोमो नित्यमेव गमिष्यति। मासार्धं च सदा वृद्धिं सत्यमेतद्वचो मम ॥९-३४-६८॥
The moon will always wane for half a month and wax for the other half. This is my true statement.
सरस्वतीं ततः सोमो जगाम ऋषिशासनात्। प्रभासं परमं तीर्थं सरस्वत्या जगाम ह ॥९-३४-६९॥
Then, by the command of the sage, Soma went to the river Sarasvatī. He indeed proceeded to Prabhāsa, the supreme pilgrimage site associated with Sarasvatī.
अमावास्यां महातेजास्तत्रोन्मज्जन्महाद्युतिः। लोकान्प्रभासयामास शीतांशुत्वमवाप च ॥९-३४-७०॥
On the new moon night, a being of great radiance emerged there, illuminating the worlds and attaining the state of moonlight.
देवाश्च सर्वे राजेन्द्र प्रभासं प्राप्य पुष्कलम्। सोमेन सहिता भूत्वा दक्षस्य प्रमुखेऽभवन् ॥९-३४-७१॥
O King, all the gods, having reached Prabhasa, joined with Soma, became prominent in the presence of Daksha.
ततः प्रजापतिः सर्वा विससर्जाथ देवताः। सोमं च भगवान्प्रीतो भूयो वचनमब्रवीत् ॥९-३४-७२॥
Then Prajapati released all the gods. Pleased, the blessed one spoke to Soma once more.
मावमंस्थाः स्त्रियः पुत्र मा च विप्रान्कदाचन। गच्छ युक्तः सदा भूत्वा कुरु वै शासनं मम ॥९-३४-७३॥
"Son, never disrespect women or brahmins. Always remain engaged and follow my command."
स विसृष्टो महाराज जगामाथ स्वमालयम्। प्रजाश्च मुदिता भूत्वा भोजने च यथा पुरा ॥९-३४-७४॥
The great king, having been released, returned to his own palace. The subjects rejoiced and celebrated with feasting as they did in the past.
एतत्ते सर्वमाख्यातं यथा शप्तो निशाकरः। प्रभासं च यथा तीर्थं तीर्थानां प्रवरं ह्यभूत् ॥९-३४-७५॥
This has all been explained to you: how the moon was cursed and how Prabhasa became the foremost of holy places.
अमावास्यां महाराज नित्यशः शशलक्षणः। स्नात्वा ह्याप्यायते श्रीमान्प्रभासे तीर्थ उत्तमे ॥९-३४-७६॥
On the new moon day, O great king, the moon, having bathed, indeed becomes invigorated at the best holy place of Prabhasa.
अतश्चैनं प्रजानन्ति प्रभासमिति भूमिप। प्रभां हि परमां लेभे तस्मिन्नुन्मज्ज्य चन्द्रमाः ॥९-३४-७७॥
Therefore, O king, this place is known as Prabhasa. It is said that the moon, upon emerging there, acquired supreme brilliance.
ततस्तु चमसोद्भेदमच्युतस्त्वगमद्बली। चमसोद्भेद इत्येवं यं जनाः कथयन्त्युत ॥९-३४-७८॥
Then, however, Acyuta went to Camasodbhēda, whom people indeed refer to as Camasodbhēda.
तत्र दत्त्वा च दानानि विशिष्टानि हलायुधः। उषित्वा रजनीमेकां स्नात्वा च विधिवत्तदा ॥९-३४-७९॥
There, Halayudha gave excellent gifts and spent one night there; then, he bathed properly.
उदपानमथागच्छत्त्वरावान्केशवाग्रजः। आद्यं स्वस्त्ययनं चैव तत्रावाप्य महत्फलम् ॥९-३४-८०॥
The elder brother of Keshava hurriedly came to the water-well and performed the first auspicious ritual there, achieving a significant result.
स्निग्धत्वादोषधीनां च भूमेश्च जनमेजय। जानन्ति सिद्धा राजेन्द्र नष्टामपि सरस्वतीम् ॥९-३४-८१॥
O Janamejaya, due to the smoothness of the herbs and the earth, the perfected ones, O king of kings, are able to know even the lost Sarasvati.
