13.027
गङ्गाप्रशंसनम्
Praise of Ganga;
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
बृहस्पतिसमं बुद्ध्या क्षमया ब्रह्मणः समम्। पराक्रमे शक्रसममादित्यसमतेजसम् ॥१३-२७-१॥
He is as intelligent as Bṛhaspati, as forbearing as Brahmā, as valiant as Śakra, and as radiant as the Sun. (13-27-1)
गाङ्गेयमर्जुनेनाजौ निहतं भूरिवर्चसम्। भ्रातृभिः सहितोऽन्यैश्च पर्युपास्ते युधिष्ठिरः ॥१३-२७-२॥
Yudhiṣṭhira, along with his brothers and others, attends upon the son of Gaṅgā, of great splendor, who was slain in battle by Arjuna. (13-27-2)
शयानं वीरशयने कालाकाङ्क्षिणमच्युतम्। आजग्मुर्भरतश्रेष्ठं द्रष्टुकामा महर्षयः ॥१३-२७-३॥
The infallible one was lying on the hero's bed, awaiting his destined time. The great sages, wishing to see the best of the Bharatas, came to him. (13-27-3)
अत्रिर्वसिष्ठोऽथ भृगुः पुलस्त्यः पुलहः क्रतुः। अङ्गिरा गौतमोऽगस्त्यः सुमतिः स्वायुरात्मवान् ॥१३-२७-४॥
Atri, Vasiṣṭha, then Bhṛgu, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Aṅgirā, Gautama, Agastya, Sumati, and Svāyu, all self-possessed sages. (13-27-4)
विश्वामित्रः स्थूलशिराः संवर्तः प्रमतिर्दमः। उशना बृहस्पतिर्व्यासश्च्यवनः काश्यपो ध्रुवः ॥१३-२७-५॥
Viśvāmitra, Sthūlaśirā, Saṁvarta, Pramati, Dama, Uśanā, Bṛhaspati, Vyāsa, Cyavana, Kāśyapa, and Dhruva. (13-27-5)
दुर्वासा जमदग्निश्च मार्कण्डेयोऽथ गालवः। भरद्वाजश्च रैभ्यश्च यवक्रीतस्त्रितस्तथा ॥१३-२७-६॥
Durvasa, Jamadagni, Markandeya, then Galava, Bharadvaja, Raibhya, Yavakrita, and Trita are also (mentioned). (13-27-6)
स्थूलाक्षः शकलाक्षश्च कण्वो मेधातिथिः कृशः। नारदः पर्वतश्चैव सुधन्वाथैकतो द्वितः ॥१३-२७-७॥
Sthūlākṣa, Śakalākṣa, Kaṇva, Medhātithi, Kṛśa, Nārada, Parvata, Sudhanvā, and also Ekatodvita were present. (13-27-7)
नितम्भूर्भुवनो धौम्यः शतानन्दोऽकृतव्रणः। जामदग्न्यस्तथा रामः काम्यश्चेत्येवमादयः ॥ समागता महात्मानो भीष्मं द्रष्टुं महर्षयः ॥१३-२७-८॥
Nitambhū, Bhuvana, Dhaumya, Śatānanda, Akṛtavraṇa, Jāmadagnya, as well as Rāma, Kāmya, and others like them—the great-souled sages—assembled to see Bhīṣma. (13-27-8)
तेषां महात्मनां पूजामागतानां युधिष्ठिरः। भ्रातृभिः सहितश्चक्रे यथावदनुपूर्वशः ॥१३-२७-९॥
Yudhishthira, together with his brothers, properly performed the honors for those great-souled guests who had arrived, in due order. (13-27-9)
ते पूजिताः सुखासीनाः कथाश्चक्रुर्महर्षयः। भीष्माश्रिताः सुमधुराः सर्वेन्द्रियमनोहराः ॥१३-२७-१०॥
The great sages, having been honored and comfortably seated, told stories to Bhīṣma that were very sweet and delightful to all the senses and the mind. (13-27-10)
भीष्मस्तेषां कथाः श्रुत्वा ऋषीणां भावितात्मनाम्। मेने दिविस्थमात्मानं तुष्ट्या परमया युतः ॥१३-२७-११॥
After hearing the stories of the sages whose minds were purified, Bhishma, filled with supreme satisfaction, felt as if he were in heaven. (13-27-11)
ततस्ते भीष्ममामन्त्र्य पाण्डवांश्च महर्षयः। अन्तर्धानं गताः सर्वे सर्वेषामेव पश्यताम् ॥१३-२७-१२॥
Then, after addressing Bhishma and the Pandavas, the great sages all disappeared before the eyes of everyone. (13-27-12)
तानृषीन्सुमहाभागानन्तर्धानगतानपि। पाण्डवास्तुष्टुवुः सर्वे प्रणेमुश्च मुहुर्मुहुः ॥१३-२७-१३॥
The Pāṇḍavas all praised and repeatedly bowed to those very highly fortunate sages, even those who had become invisible. (13-27-13)
प्रसन्नमनसः सर्वे गाङ्गेयं कुरुसत्तमाः। उपतस्थुर्यथोद्यन्तमादित्यं मन्त्रकोविदाः ॥१३-२७-१४॥
All the best of the Kurus, with clear minds, approached Gāṅgeya, who was skilled in mantras, just as people approach the rising Sun. (13-27-14)
प्रभावात्तपसस्तेषामृषीणां वीक्ष्य पाण्डवाः। प्रकाशन्तो दिशः सर्वा विस्मयं परमं ययुः ॥१३-२७-१५॥
Seeing all the directions shining from the power of the austerity of those sages, the Pāṇḍavas were filled with supreme wonder. (13-27-15)
महाभाग्यं परं तेषामृषीणामनुचिन्त्य ते। पाण्डवाः सह भीष्मेण कथाश्चक्रुस्तदाश्रयाः ॥१३-२७-१६॥
Having reflected upon the supreme great fortune of those sages, the Pāṇḍavas, together with Bhīṣma, recounted stories resorting to that. (13-27-16)
कथान्ते शिरसा पादौ स्पृष्ट्वा भीष्मस्य पाण्डवः। धर्म्यं धर्मसुतः प्रश्नं पर्यपृच्छद्युधिष्ठिरः ॥१३-२७-१७॥
At the end of the discourse, Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Dharma and a Pāṇḍava, touched Bhīṣma's feet with his head and earnestly asked a righteous question. (13-27-17)
के देशाः के जनपदा आश्रमाः के च पर्वताः। प्रकृष्टाः पुण्यतः काश्च ज्ञेया नद्यः पितामह ॥१३-२७-१८॥
O grandsire, which countries, which regions, hermitages, and which mountains are there? Which rivers, distinguished by sacredness, should be known? (13-27-18)
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma said.
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम्। शिलोञ्छवृत्तेः संवादं सिद्धस्य च युधिष्ठिर ॥१३-२७-१९॥
Here too, O Yudhiṣṭhira, they relate this ancient story: the conversation between the perfected one and the practitioner of the śiloñcha way of life. (13-27-19)
इमां कश्चित्परिक्रम्य पृथिवीं शैलभूषिताम्। असकृद्द्विपदां श्रेष्ठः श्रेष्ठस्य गृहमेधिनः ॥१३-२७-२०॥
Someone, having repeatedly traversed this earth adorned with mountains, the best among bipeds, of the best householder. (13-27-20)
शिलवृत्तेर्गृहं प्राप्तः स तेन विधिनार्चितः। कृतकृत्य उपातिष्ठत्सिद्धं तमतिथिं तदा ॥१३-२७-२१॥
Having reached the house of the stone-natured, he was honored by him according to procedure; having accomplished his purpose, he then attended to that perfected guest. (13-27-21)
तौ समेत्य महात्मानौ सुखासीनौ कथाः शुभाः। चक्रतुर्वेदसम्बद्धास्तच्छेषकृतलक्षणाः ॥१३-२७-२२॥
Those two great-souled ones, having come together and seated comfortably, engaged in auspicious conversations connected with the Veda, characterized by what remains established from it. (13-27-22)
शिलवृत्तिः कथान्ते तु सिद्धमामन्त्र्य यत्नतः। प्रश्नं पप्रच्छ मेधावी यन्मां त्वं परिपृच्छसि ॥१३-२७-२३॥
At the end of the story about the conduct of a stone, the intelligent one, having addressed the accomplished person with effort, asked the very question that you are now asking me. (13-27-23)
शिलवृत्तिरुवाच॥
The nature of stone said.
के देशाः के जनपदाः केऽऽश्रमाः के च पर्वताः। प्रकृष्टाः पुण्यतः काश्च ज्ञेया नद्यस्तदुच्यताम् ॥१३-२७-२४॥
Which are the countries, which are the districts, which hermitages, and which mountains? Which rivers, distinguished for their holiness, should be known? Please tell me that. (13-27-24)
सिद्ध उवाच॥
The accomplished one said.
ते देशास्ते जनपदास्तेऽऽश्रमास्ते च पर्वताः। येषां भागीरथी गङ्गा मध्येनैति सरिद्वरा ॥१३-२७-२५॥
Those are the countries, those are the regions, those are the hermitages, and those are the mountains through which the Bhagirathi Ganga, the best of rivers, flows in the middle. (13-27-25)
तपसा ब्रह्मचर्येण यज्ञैस्त्यागेन वा पुनः। गतिं तां न लभेज्जन्तुर्गङ्गां संसेव्य यां लभेत् ॥१३-२७-२६॥
A creature may not attain that state by austerity, celibacy, sacrifices, or renunciation; but by serving the Ganga, one may attain it. (13-27-26)
स्पृष्टानि येषां गाङ्गेयैस्तोयैर्गात्राणि देहिनाम्। न्यस्तानि न पुनस्तेषां त्यागः स्वर्गाद्विधीयते ॥१३-२७-२७॥
For those embodied beings whose limbs have been touched by the waters of the Ganges and deposited, their abandonment is not again prescribed from heaven. (13-27-27)
सर्वाणि येषां गाङ्गेयैस्तोयैः कृत्यानि देहिनाम्। गां त्यक्त्वा मानवा विप्र दिवि तिष्ठन्ति तेऽचलाः ॥१३-२७-२८॥
O brāhmaṇa, all men whose rites are performed with the waters of the Ganges, after leaving the earth, remain steadfast in heaven. (13-27-28)
पूर्वे वयसि कर्माणि कृत्वा पापानि ये नराः। पश्चाद्गङ्गां निषेवन्ते तेऽपि यान्त्युत्तमां गतिम् ॥१३-२७-२९॥
Those men who, having committed sinful deeds in their earlier years, later resort to the Ganga, they too attain the highest state. (13-27-29)
स्नातानां शुचिभिस्तोयैर्गाङ्गेयैः प्रयतात्मनाम्। व्युष्टिर्भवति या पुंसां न सा क्रतुशतैरपि ॥१३-२७-३०॥
The purification attained by men who have bathed with pure waters of the Ganges and have purified their minds is not achieved even by hundreds of sacrifices. (13-27-30)
यावदस्थि मनुष्यस्य गङ्गातोयेषु तिष्ठति। तावद्वर्षसहस्राणि स्वर्गं प्राप्य महीयते ॥१३-२७-३१॥
For as long as a person's bone remains in the waters of the Ganga, for that many thousands of years, he is honored in heaven. (13-27-31)
अपहत्य तमस्तीव्रं यथा भात्युदये रविः। तथापहत्य पाप्मानं भाति गङ्गाजलोक्षितः ॥१३-२७-३२॥
Just as the sun shines at sunrise after dispelling intense darkness, so too, one sprinkled with Ganga water shines forth after removing sin. (13-27-32)
विसोमा इव शर्वर्यो विपुष्पास्तरवो यथा। तद्वद्देशा दिशश्चैव हीना गङ्गाजलैः शुभैः ॥१३-२७-३३॥
Just as nights without the moon and trees without flowers, so too are the regions and directions deprived of the auspicious waters of the Ganga. (13-27-33)
वर्णाश्रमा यथा सर्वे स्वधर्मज्ञानवर्जिताः। क्रतवश्च यथासोमास्तथा गङ्गां विना जगत् ॥१३-२७-३४॥
Just as all castes and stages of life are devoid of knowledge of their own duty, and as sacrifices are without Soma, so is the world without the Ganga. (13-27-34)
यथा हीनं नभोऽर्केण भूः शैलैः खं च वायुना। तथा देशा दिशश्चैव गङ्गाहीना न संशयः ॥१३-२७-३५॥
Just as the sky without the sun, the earth without mountains, and space without wind, so too, regions and directions without the Gaṅgā are, without doubt, incomplete. (13-27-35)
त्रिषु लोकेषु ये केचित्प्राणिनः सर्व एव ते। तर्प्यमाणाः परां तृप्तिं यान्ति गङ्गाजलैः शुभैः ॥१३-२७-३६॥
All living beings, wherever they may be in the three worlds, when satisfied with the auspicious waters of the Ganga, attain the highest contentment. (13-27-36)
यस्तु सूर्येण निष्टप्तं गाङ्गेयं पिबते जलम्। गवां निर्हारनिर्मुक्ताद्यावकात्तद्विशिष्यते ॥१३-२७-३७॥
But whoever drinks water of the Ganges that has been well-heated by the sun, that water surpasses even water purified by the removal of cows and barley. (13-27-37)
इन्दुव्रतसहस्रं तु चरेद्यः कायशोधनम्। पिबेद्यश्चापि गङ्गाम्भः समौ स्यातां न वा समौ ॥१३-२७-३८॥
Whether one performs a thousand moon-vows for body purification or drinks the water of the Ganga, both may or may not yield the same result. (13-27-38)
तिष्ठेद्युगसहस्रं तु पादेनैकेन यः पुमान्। मासमेकं तु गङ्गायां समौ स्यातां न वा समौ ॥१३-२७-३९॥
A man may stand on one foot for a thousand ages, but if two people are together in the Gaṅgā for one month, whether together or not, (the merit is greater). (13-27-39)
लम्बेतावाक्षिरा यस्तु युगानामयुतं पुमान्। तिष्ठेद्यथेष्टं यश्चापि गङ्गायां स विशिष्यते ॥१३-२७-४०॥
Even if a man remains suspended with his head downwards for ten thousand ages as he wishes, he who is in the Ganga excels him. (13-27-40)
अग्नौ प्राप्तं प्रधूयेत यथा तूलं द्विजोत्तम। तथा गङ्गावगाढस्य सर्वं पापं प्रधूयते ॥१३-२७-४१॥
O best of the twice-born, just as cotton that falls into fire is blown away, so too all the sins of one who bathes in the Ganga are washed away. (13-27-41)
भूतानामिह सर्वेषां दुःखोपहतचेतसाम्। गतिमन्वेषमाणानां न गङ्गासदृशी गतिः ॥१३-२७-४२॥
For all beings here whose minds are afflicted by sorrow and who are seeking a path, there is no path like that of the Gaṅgā. (13-27-42)
भवन्ति निर्विषाः सर्पा यथा तार्क्ष्यस्य दर्शनात्। गङ्गाया दर्शनात्तद्वत्सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते ॥१३-२७-४३॥
Just as serpents become free of poison at the sight of Tārkṣya (Garuḍa), so too, by seeing the Gaṅgā, one is released from all sins. (13-27-43)
अप्रतिष्ठाश्च ये केचिदधर्मशरणाश्च ये। तेषां प्रतिष्ठा गङ्गेह शरणं शर्म वर्म च ॥१३-२७-४४॥
Those who are unstable or take refuge in unrighteousness— for them, the Ganga here is foundation, refuge, happiness, and protection. (13-27-44)
प्रकृष्टैरशुभैर्ग्रस्ताननेकैः पुरुषाधमान्। पततो नरके गङ्गा संश्रितान्प्रेत्य तारयेत् ॥१३-२७-४५॥
Even those lowest of men, seized by many great evils and falling into hell, if they have taken refuge in Gaṅgā, she would deliver them after death. (13-27-45)
ते संविभक्ता मुनिभिर्नूनं देवैः सवासवैः। येऽभिगच्छन्ति सततं गङ्गामभिगतां सुरैः ॥१३-२७-४६॥
Those who always approach the Ganga, which has been attained by the gods, are indeed distributed by the sages and gods along with Indra and others. (13-27-46)
विनयाचारहीनाश्च अशिवाश्च नराधमाः। ते भवन्ति शिवा विप्र ये वै गङ्गां समाश्रिताः ॥१३-२७-४७॥
O brāhmaṇa, even those who are devoid of discipline and conduct, inauspicious, and the lowest of men, become auspicious if they have truly taken refuge in Ganga. (13-27-47)
यथा सुराणाममृतं पितॄणां च यथा स्वधा। सुधा यथा च नागानां तथा गङ्गाजलं नृणाम् ॥१३-२७-४८॥
Just as nectar is for the gods, svadhā is for the ancestors, and sudhā is for the serpents, so is the water of the Ganga for humans. (13-27-48)
उपासते यथा बाला मातरं क्षुधयार्दिताः। श्रेयस्कामास्तथा गङ्गामुपासन्तीह देहिनः ॥१३-२७-४९॥
Just as children tormented by hunger approach their mother, so too do those who desire the highest good worship the Gaṅgā here in this world. (13-27-49)
स्वायम्भुवं यथा स्थानं सर्वेषां श्रेष्ठमुच्यते। स्नातानां सरितां श्रेष्ठा गङ्गा तद्वदिहोच्यते ॥१३-२७-५०॥
Just as the place of Svāyambhuva is said to be the best among all, so among all rivers for those who bathe, Gaṅgā is said to be the best here. (13-27-50)
यथोपजीविनां धेनुर्देवादीनां धरा स्मृता। तथोपजीविनां गङ्गा सर्वप्राणभृतामिह ॥१३-२७-५१॥
Just as the cow is regarded as the sustainer for those who depend on her, and the earth is considered the sustainer for the gods and others, in the same way, Gaṅgā is the sustainer of all living beings here. (13-27-51)
देवाः सोमार्कसंस्थानि यथा सत्रादिभिर्मखैः। अमृतान्युपजीवन्ति तथा गङ्गाजलं नराः ॥१३-२७-५२॥
Just as the gods in the abodes of Soma and the Sun live upon nectar through sacrifices and the like, so do men subsist on the water of the Ganga. (13-27-52)
जाह्नवीपुलिनोत्थाभिः सिकताभिः समुक्षितः। मन्यते पुरुषोऽऽत्मानं दिविष्ठमिव शोभितम् ॥१३-२७-५३॥
When covered with sands that have arisen from the banks of the Ganges, a man imagines himself to be adorned as if he were in heaven. (13-27-53)
जाह्नवीतीरसम्भूतां मृदं मूर्ध्ना बिभर्ति यः। बिभर्ति रूपं सोऽर्कस्य तमोनाशात्सुनिर्मलम् ॥१३-२७-५४॥
He who bears on his head the clay that has originated from the bank of the Jahnavi (Ganga), bears a form as pure as the sun, purified by the destruction of darkness. (13-27-54)
गङ्गोर्मिभिरथो दिग्धः पुरुषं पवनो यदा। स्पृशते सोऽपि पाप्मानं सद्य एवापमार्जति ॥१३-२७-५५॥
When the wind touches a man who has been smeared by the waves of the Gaṅgā, it also instantly removes his sin. (13-27-55)
व्यसनैरभितप्तस्य नरस्य विनशिष्यतः। गङ्गादर्शनजा प्रीतिर्व्यसनान्यपकर्षति ॥१३-२७-५६॥
The delight arising from seeing the Gaṅgā removes the afflictions of a man greatly tormented and perishing by misfortunes. (13-27-56)
हंसारावैः कोकरवै रवैरन्यैश्च पक्षिणाम्। पस्पर्ध गङ्गा गन्धर्वान्पुलिनैश्च शिलोच्चयान् ॥१३-२७-५७॥
With the cries of swans, the calls of ducks, and the sounds of other birds, the Gaṅgā river rivaled the Gandharvas with her sandbanks and rocky elevations. (13-27-57)
हंसादिभिः सुबहुभिर्विविधैः पक्षिभिर्वृताम्। गङ्गां गोकुलसम्बाधां दृष्ट्वा स्वर्गोऽपि विस्मृतः ॥१३-२७-५८॥
Seeing the Ganga, crowded with cowherd settlements and surrounded by many kinds of birds such as swans, even heaven is forgotten. (13-27-58)
न सा प्रीतिर्दिविष्ठस्य सर्वकामानुपाश्नतः। अभवद्या परा प्रीतिर्गङ्गायाः पुलिने नृणाम् ॥१३-२७-५९॥
The delight of one dwelling in heaven, enjoying all desires, was not as great as the supreme joy experienced by men on the bank of the Gaṅgā. (13-27-59)
वाङ्मनःकर्मजैर्ग्रस्तः पापैरपि पुमानिह। वीक्ष्य गङ्गां भवेत्पूतस्तत्र मे नास्ति संशयः ॥१३-२७-६०॥
Even a man here who is afflicted by sins arising from speech, mind, and actions, upon seeing the Ganga becomes purified; of this I have no doubt. (13-27-60)
सप्तावरान्सप्त परान्पितॄंस्तेभ्यश्च ये परे। पुमांस्तारयते गङ्गां वीक्ष्य स्पृष्ट्वावगाह्य च ॥१३-२७-६१॥
By seeing, touching, and bathing in the Gaṅgā, a man liberates seven immediate ancestors, seven remote ancestors, his fathers, and even those beyond them. (13-27-61)
श्रुताभिलषिता दृष्टा स्पृष्टा पीतावगाहिता। गङ्गा तारयते नॄणामुभौ वंशौ विशेषतः ॥१३-२७-६२॥
Whether heard of, desired, seen, touched, drunk, or bathed in, the Gaṅgā especially liberates both the paternal and maternal lineages of men. (13-27-62)
दर्शनात्स्पर्शनात्पानात्तथा गङ्गेति कीर्तनात्। पुनात्यपुण्यान्पुरुषाञ्शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः ॥१३-२७-६३॥
By seeing, touching, drinking, or even by uttering the name 'Ganga', one purifies unholy men by the hundreds and thousands. (13-27-63)
य इच्छेत्सफलं जन्म जीवितं श्रुतमेव च। स पितॄंस्तर्पयेद्गङ्गामभिगम्य सुरांस्तथा ॥१३-२७-६४॥
Whoever desires that his birth, life, and learning be fruitful, should approach the Ganga and satisfy his ancestors and also the gods. (13-27-64)
न सुतैर्न च वित्तेन कर्मणा न च तत्फलम्। प्राप्नुयात्पुरुषोऽत्यन्तं गङ्गां प्राप्य यदाप्नुयात् ॥१३-२७-६५॥
A man cannot attain, by sons, nor by wealth, nor by actions, nor by the fruit thereof, that which he attains completely by reaching the Ganga. (13-27-65)
जात्यन्धैरिह तुल्यास्ते मृतैः पङ्गुभिरेव च। समर्था ये न पश्यन्ति गङ्गां पुण्यजलां शिवाम् ॥१३-२७-६६॥
Here, those who, though capable, do not see the Gaṅgā, whose water is holy and auspicious, are equal to the congenitally blind, the dead, and the crippled. (13-27-66)
भूतभव्यभविष्यज्ञैर्महर्षिभिरुपस्थिताम्। देवैः सेन्द्रैश्च को गङ्गां नोपसेवेत मानवः ॥१३-२७-६७॥
Who is the man that would not worship Ganga, attended by great seers who know the past, future, and what is to come, and by gods together with Indra? (13-27-67)
वानप्रस्थैर्गृहस्थैश्च यतिभिर्ब्रह्मचारिभिः। विद्यावद्भिः श्रितां गङ्गां पुमान्को नाम नाश्रयेत् ॥१३-२७-६८॥
When the Ganga, who is resorted to by forest-dwellers, householders, ascetics, celibate students, and those possessing knowledge, who indeed would not seek refuge in her? (13-27-68)
उत्क्रामद्भिश्च यः प्राणैः प्रयतः शिष्टसंमतः। चिन्तयेन्मनसा गङ्गां स गतिं परमां लभेत् ॥१३-२७-६९॥
Whoever, at the time of departing, with pure life-breaths and approved by the virtuous, meditates on Ganga with the mind, he attains the supreme state. (13-27-69)
न भयेभ्यो भयं तस्य न पापेभ्यो न राजतः। आ देहपतनाद्गङ्गामुपास्ते यः पुमानिह ॥१३-२७-७०॥
He who worships the Ganga here until the fall of his body has no fear from fears, nor from sins, nor from the king. (13-27-70)
गगनाद्यां महापुण्यां पतन्तीं वै महेश्वरः। दधार शिरसा देवीं तामेव दिवि सेवते ॥१३-२७-७१॥
The great lord indeed held with his head the greatly meritorious goddess as she fell from the sky; he alone serves her in heaven. (13-27-71)
अलङ्कृतास्त्रयो लोकाः पथिभिर्विमलैस्त्रिभिः। यस्तु तस्या जलं सेवेत्कृतकृत्यः पुमान्भवेत् ॥१३-२७-७२॥
The three worlds are adorned by the three pure paths; but the man who uses her water becomes one who has accomplished his purpose. (13-27-72)
दिवि ज्योतिर्यथादित्यः पितॄणां चैव चन्द्रमाः। देवेशश्च यथा नॄणां गङ्गेह सरितां तथा ॥१३-२७-७३॥
Just as the sun is the light in the sky, and the moon is for the ancestors, and the lord of the gods is for men, so, O Gaṅgā, you are among rivers here. (13-27-73)
मात्रा पित्रा सुतैर्दारैर्वियुक्तस्य धनेन वा। न भवेद्धि तथा दुःखं यथा गङ्गावियोगजम् ॥१३-२७-७४॥
The sorrow that arises from separation from Gaṅgā is not equaled by that caused by separation from mother, father, sons, wives, or even by wealth. (13-27-74)
नारण्यैर्नेष्टविषयैर्न सुतैर्न धनागमैः। तथा प्रसादो भवति गङ्गां वीक्ष्य यथा नृणाम् ॥१३-२७-७५॥
Tranquility does not arise for people from forests, desired enjoyments, sons, or acquisitions of wealth, but just as it does when men behold the Ganga, so does serenity arise. (13-27-75)
पूर्णमिन्दुं यथा दृष्ट्वा नृणां दृष्टिः प्रसीदति। गङ्गां त्रिपथगां दृष्ट्वा तथा दृष्टिः प्रसीदति ॥१३-२७-७६॥
Just as, upon seeing the full moon, people's eyes are delighted, so too, upon seeing Ganga, the threefold-flowing river, their sight is gladdened. (13-27-76)
तद्भावस्तद्गतमनास्तन्निष्ठस्तत्परायणः। गङ्गां योऽनुगतो भक्त्या स तस्याः प्रियतां व्रजेत् ॥१३-२७-७७॥
He whose nature, mind, steadfastness, and supreme goal are all fixed on that, and who follows the Ganga with devotion, may attain her dearness. (13-27-77)
भूःस्थैः खस्थैर्दिविष्ठैश्च भूतैरुच्चावचैरपि। गङ्गा विगाह्या सततमेतत्कार्यतमं सताम् ॥१३-२७-७८॥
For those who dwell on earth, in the sky, or in heaven, and for all beings of every status, entering the Gaṅgā is always considered the highest act for the virtuous. (13-27-78)
त्रिषु लोकेषु पुण्यत्वाद्गङ्गायाः प्रथितं यशः। यत्पुत्रान्सगरस्यैषा भस्माख्याननयद्दिवम् ॥१३-२७-७९॥
Because of its holiness, Gaṅgā's fame is renowned in the three worlds; for it was this river that led the sons of Sagara, who were known as ashes, to heaven. (13-27-79)
वाय्वीरिताभिः सुमहास्वनाभि; र्द्रुताभिरत्यर्थसमुच्छ्रिताभिः। गङ्गोर्मिभिर्भानुमतीभिरिद्धः; सहस्ररश्मिप्रतिमो विभाति ॥१३-२७-८०॥
Set in motion by the wind, with a very great sound, swift and exceedingly high, the waves of the Ganga, resplendent and inflamed, shine like the thousand-rayed sun. (13-27-80)
पयस्विनीं घृतिनीमत्युदारां; समृद्धिनीं वेगिनीं दुर्विगाह्याम्। गङ्गां गत्वा यैः शरीरं विसृष्टं; गता धीरास्ते विबुधैः समत्वम् ॥१३-२७-८१॥
Those steadfast ones who, having gone to the Ganga—abounding in water, rich in ghee, very generous, abundant, swift, and difficult to cross—and abandoned their bodies, have attained equality with the gods. (13-27-81)
अन्धाञ्जडान्द्रव्यहीनांश्च गङ्गा; यशस्विनी बृहती विश्वरूपा। देवैः सेन्द्रैर्मुनिभिर्मानवैश्च; निषेविता सर्वकामैर्युनक्ति ॥१३-२७-८२॥
Gaṅgā, the illustrious and great river of universal form, serves the blind, the dull, and the poor; worshipped by gods along with Indra, by sages and by men, she fulfills all desires. (13-27-82)
ऊर्जावतीं मधुमतीं महापुण्यां त्रिवर्त्मगाम्। त्रिलोकगोप्त्रीं ये गङ्गां संश्रितास्ते दिवं गताः ॥१३-२७-८३॥
Those who have taken refuge in Ganga, who is strong, sweet, greatly meritorious, flowing in three courses, and the protector of the three worlds, they have attained heaven. (13-27-83)
यो वत्स्यति द्रक्ष्यति वापि मर्त्य; स्तस्मै प्रयच्छन्ति सुखानि देवाः। तद्भाविताः स्पर्शने दर्शने य; स्तस्मै देवा गतिमिष्टां दिशन्ति ॥१३-२७-८४॥
Whoever, even if a mortal, dwells or sees (that place); to him the gods grant pleasures. Whoever, absorbed in that, by touching or seeing; to him the gods show the desired path. (13-27-84)
दक्षां पृथ्वीं बृहतीं विप्रकृष्टां; शिवामृतां सुरसां सुप्रसन्नाम्। विभावरीं सर्वभूतप्रतिष्ठां; गङ्गां गता ये त्रिदिवं गतास्ते ॥१३-२७-८५॥
Those who have gone to the Gaṅgā, which is skilful, broad, great, very distant, auspicious and immortal, divine, very clear, the night, and the foundation of all beings, they have gone to heaven. (13-27-85)
ख्यातिर्यस्याः खं दिवं गां च नित्यं; पुरा दिशो विदिशश्चावतस्थे। तस्या जलं सेव्य सरिद्वराया; मर्त्याः सर्वे कृतकृत्या भवन्ति ॥१३-२७-८६॥
The fame of which always pervaded the sky, heaven, earth, as well as all the directions and intermediate directions in ancient times; by serving the water of that best river, all mortals become fulfilled in their purpose. (13-27-86)
इयं गङ्गेति नियतं प्रतिष्ठा; गुहस्य रुक्मस्य च गर्भयोषा। प्रातस्त्रिमार्गा घृतवहा विपाप्मा; गङ्गावतीर्णा वियतो विश्वतोया ॥१३-२७-८७॥
This is certainly the foundation called Ganga; she is the womb-woman of Guha and the golden one. In the morning, she has three courses, carries ghee, is sinless; descended as Ganga, from the sky, containing all waters. (13-27-87)
सुतावनीध्रस्य हरस्य भार्या; दिवो भुवश्चापि कक्ष्यानुरूपा। भव्या पृथिव्या भाविनी भाति राज; न्गङ्गा लोकानां पुण्यदा वै त्रयाणाम् ॥१३-२७-८८॥
O king, Gaṅgā, the wife of Hara and of Sutāvanīdhra, is suitable to the regions of heaven and earth; she is auspicious, existing on earth, and shines as the giver of merit to the three worlds. (13-27-88)
मधुप्रवाहा घृतरागोद्धृताभि; र्महोर्मिभिः शोभिता ब्राह्मणैश्च। दिवश्च्युता शिरसात्ता भवेन; गङ्गावनीध्रास्त्रिदिवस्य माला ॥१३-२७-८९॥
The Gaṅgā, with streams of honey and waves tinged with clarified butter, adorned by great waves and Brāhmaṇas, having fallen from heaven and been received on the head of Bhava (Śiva), became the garland of the mountains and of the third heaven. (13-27-89)
योनिर्वरिष्ठा विरजा वितन्वी; शुष्मा इरा वारिवहा यशोदा। विश्वावती चाकृतिरिष्टिरिद्धा; गङ्गोक्षितानां भुवनस्य पन्थाः ॥१३-२७-९०॥
The most excellent origin, pure and expansive; energy, speech, river, and giver of fame. The all-pervading form, the sacrifice that is kindled; the path of the world for those sanctified by Ganga. (13-27-90)
क्षान्त्या मह्या गोपने धारणे च; दीप्त्या कृशानोस्तपनस्य चैव। तुल्या गङ्गा संमता ब्राह्मणानां; गुहस्य ब्रह्मण्यतया च नित्यम् ॥१३-२७-९१॥
By forbearance, greatness, protection, and sustaining; by the brilliance and heat of fire; she is always considered equal to Ganga among Brahmins, and to Guha by her devotion to Brahman. (13-27-91)
ऋषिष्टुतां विष्णुपदीं पुराणीं; सुपुण्यतोयां मनसापि लोके। सर्वात्मना जाह्नवीं ये प्रपन्ना; स्ते ब्रह्मणः सदनं सम्प्रयाताः ॥१३-२७-९२॥
The ancient river Gaṅgā, praised by sages and sanctified by Viṣṇu's feet, whose waters are supremely holy—even remembering her in this world with the mind is meritorious. Whoever surrenders themselves completely to Jāhnavī (Gaṅgā), they reach the abode of Brahman. (13-27-92)
लोकानिमान्नयति या जननीव पुत्रा; न्सर्वात्मना सर्वगुणोपपन्ना। स्वस्थानमिष्टमिह ब्राह्ममभीप्समानै; र्गङ्गा सदैवात्मवशैरुपास्या ॥१३-२७-९३॥
Gaṅgā, who leads these worlds like a mother leads her sons, endowed with all virtues and with her whole being, is always to be worshipped by those who desire the divine and their own desired abode here, through self-control. (13-27-93)
उस्रां जुष्टां मिषतीं विश्वतोया; मिरां वज्रीं रेवतीं भूधराणाम्। शिष्टाश्रयाममृतां ब्रह्मकान्तां; गङ्गां श्रयेदात्मवान्सिद्धिकामः ॥१३-२७-९४॥
One who is self-possessed and desires success should resort to Gaṅgā, who is radiant, favored, shining, all-watering; pure, powerful, abundant, belonging to the mountains, sought by the noble, immortal, and beloved of Brahman. (13-27-94)
प्रसाद्य देवान्सविभून्समस्ता; न्भगीरथस्तपसोग्रेण गङ्गाम्। गामानयत्तामभिगम्य शश्व; न्पुमान्भयं नेह नामुत्र विद्यात् ॥१३-२७-९५॥
After propitiating all the gods and lords, Bhagīratha, through severe austerity, brought Gaṅgā to the earth; whoever approaches her should never experience fear either in this world or the next. (13-27-95)
उदाहृतः सर्वथा ते गुणानां; मयैकदेशः प्रसमीक्ष्य बुद्ध्या। शक्तिर्न मे काचिदिहास्ति वक्तुं; गुणान्सर्वान्परिमातुं तथैव ॥१३-२७-९६॥
I have declared your qualities in every way; only a part of them have I considered with my intellect. I have no power here to speak of or to measure all your qualities. (13-27-96)
मेरोः समुद्रस्य च सर्वरत्नैः; सङ्ख्योपलानामुदकस्य वापि। वक्तुं शक्यं नेह गङ्गाजलानां; गुणाख्यानं परिमातुं तथैव ॥१३-२७-९७॥
It may be possible to speak of all the jewels of Meru and the ocean, or even to count the stones and the drops of water; but here, it is not possible to measure or describe the qualities of the waters of the Ganga. (13-27-97)
तस्मादिमान्परया श्रद्धयोक्ता; न्गुणान्सर्वाञ्जाह्नवीजांस्तथैव। भजेद्वाचा मनसा कर्मणा च; भक्त्या युक्तः परया श्रद्दधानः ॥१३-२७-९८॥
Therefore, with supreme faith, one should worship all these qualities born of the Ganges, as declared, by speech, mind, and action, and with devotion, being engaged with supreme faith. (13-27-98)
लोकानिमांस्त्रीन्यशसा वितत्य; सिद्धिं प्राप्य महतीं तां दुरापाम्। गङ्गाकृतानचिरेणैव लोका; न्यथेष्टमिष्टान्विचरिष्यसि त्वम् ॥१३-२७-९९॥
Having spread your fame through these three worlds, and having attained that great accomplishment which is difficult to achieve, you will soon move about in the worlds created by Gaṅgā as you desire. (13-27-99)
तव मम च गुणैर्महानुभावा; जुषतु मतिं सततं स्वधर्मयुक्तैः। अभिगतजनवत्सला हि गङ्गा; भजति युनक्ति सुखैश्च भक्तिमन्तम् ॥१३-२७-१००॥
O great-souled ones, by the virtues of both you and me, may she always accept the mind that is steadfast in its own duty. Indeed, Gaṅgā, who is affectionate to those who approach her, favors and unites the devoted with happiness. (13-27-100)
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma said.
इति परममतिर्गुणाननेका; ञ्शिलरतये त्रिपथानुयोगरूपान्। बहुविधमनुशास्य तथ्यरूपा; न्गगनतलं द्युतिमान्विवेश सिद्धः ॥१३-२७-१०१॥
Thus, the perfected one of supreme intellect, after instructing the many qualities for the jewel of steadfastness, which take the form of application to the three paths and are of true nature, having given various instructions, entered the radiant expanse of the sky. (13-27-101)
शिलवृत्तिस्तु सिद्धस्य वाक्यैः सम्बोधितस्तदा। गङ्गामुपास्य विधिवत्सिद्धिं प्राप्तः सुदुर्लभाम् ॥१३-२७-१०२॥
But, when addressed by the words of the perfected one, he then, having worshipped Ganga according to the rule, obtained a perfection that is very difficult to attain. (13-27-102)
तस्मात्त्वमपि कौन्तेय भक्त्या परमया युतः। गङ्गामभ्येहि सततं प्राप्स्यसे सिद्धिमुत्तमाम् ॥१३-२७-१०३॥
Therefore, O son of Kunti, you too, endowed with supreme devotion, should always approach the Ganga; you will attain the highest perfection. (13-27-103)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
श्रुत्वेतिहासं भीष्मोक्तं गङ्गायाः स्तवसंयुतम्। युधिष्ठिरः परां प्रीतिमगच्छद्भ्रातृभिः सह ॥१३-२७-१०४॥
After hearing the story about Gaṅgā, as told by Bhīṣma and accompanied by hymns of praise, Yudhiṣṭhira, along with his brothers, experienced great joy. (13-27-104)
इतिहासमिमं पुण्यं शृणुयाद्यः पठेत वा। गङ्गायाः स्तवसंयुक्तं स मुच्येत्सर्वकिल्बिषैः ॥१३-२७-१०५॥
Whoever hears or recites this sacred history, which is joined with the praise of Gaṅgā, will be freed from all sins. (13-27-105)
