13.027
gaṅgāpraśaṁsanam
Praise of Ganga;
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
bṛhaspatisamaṃ buddhyā kṣamayā brahmaṇaḥ samam। parākrame śakrasamam ādityasamatejasam ॥13-27-1॥
He is as intelligent as Bṛhaspati, as forbearing as Brahmā, as valiant as Śakra, and as radiant as the Sun. (13-27-1)
gāṅgeyamarjunenājau nihataṃ bhūrivarcasam। bhrātṛbhiḥ sahito'nyaiśca paryupāste yudhiṣṭhiraḥ ॥13-27-2॥
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)
śayānaṃ vīraśayane kālākāṅkṣiṇam acyutam। ājagmur bharataśreṣṭhaṃ draṣṭukāmā maharṣayaḥ ॥13-27-3॥
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)
atrir vasiṣṭho 'tha bhṛguḥ pulastyaḥ pulahaḥ kratuḥ। aṅgirā gautamo 'gastyaḥ sumatiḥ svāyur ātmavān ॥13-27-4॥
Atri, Vasiṣṭha, then Bhṛgu, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Aṅgirā, Gautama, Agastya, Sumati, and Svāyu, all self-possessed sages. (13-27-4)
viśvāmitraḥ sthūlaśirāḥ saṁvartaḥ pramatirdamaḥ। uśanā bṛhaspatirvyāsaścyavanaḥ kāśyapo dhruvaḥ ॥13-27-5॥
Viśvāmitra, Sthūlaśirā, Saṁvarta, Pramati, Dama, Uśanā, Bṛhaspati, Vyāsa, Cyavana, Kāśyapa, and Dhruva. (13-27-5)
durvāsā jamadagniś ca mārkaṇḍeyo 'tha gālavaḥ। bharadvājaś ca raibhyaś ca yavakrītaś tritas tathā ॥13-27-6॥
Durvasa, Jamadagni, Markandeya, then Galava, Bharadvaja, Raibhya, Yavakrita, and Trita are also (mentioned). (13-27-6)
sthūlākṣaḥ śakalākṣaś ca kaṇvo medhātithiḥ kṛśaḥ। nāradaḥ parvataś caiva sudhanvāthaikatod dvitaḥ ॥13-27-7॥
Sthūlākṣa, Śakalākṣa, Kaṇva, Medhātithi, Kṛśa, Nārada, Parvata, Sudhanvā, and also Ekatodvita were present. (13-27-7)
nitambhūrbhuvano dhaumyaḥ śatānando'kṛtavraṇaḥ। jāmadagnyastathā rāmaḥ kāmyaścetyevamadayaḥ ॥ samāgatā mahātmāno bhīṣmaṃ draṣṭuṃ maharṣayaḥ ॥13-27-8॥
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)
teṣāṃ mahātmanāṃ pūjāmāgatānāṃ yudhiṣṭhiraḥ। bhrātṛbhiḥ sahitaścakre yathāvad-anupūrvaśaḥ ॥13-27-9॥
Yudhishthira, together with his brothers, properly performed the honors for those great-souled guests who had arrived, in due order. (13-27-9)
te pūjitāḥ sukhāsīnāḥ kathāś cakrur maharṣayaḥ। bhīṣmāśritāḥ sumadhurāḥ sarvendriyamanoharāḥ ॥13-27-10॥
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)
bhīṣmas teṣāṃ kathāḥ śrutvā ṛṣīṇāṃ bhāvitātmanām। mene divistham ātmānaṃ tuṣṭyā paramayā yutaḥ ॥13-27-11॥
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)
tataste bhīṣmamāmantrya pāṇḍavāṃśca maharṣayaḥ। antardhānaṃ gatāḥ sarve sarveṣāmeva paśyatām ॥13-27-12॥
Then, after addressing Bhishma and the Pandavas, the great sages all disappeared before the eyes of everyone. (13-27-12)
tān ṛṣīn sumahābhāgān antardhāna-gatān api। pāṇḍavās tuṣṭuvuḥ sarve praṇemuś ca muhur muhuḥ ॥13-27-13॥
The Pāṇḍavas all praised and repeatedly bowed to those very highly fortunate sages, even those who had become invisible. (13-27-13)
prasannamanasaḥ sarve gāṅgeyaṃ kurusattamāḥ। upatasthur yathodyantam ādityaṃ mantrakovidāḥ ॥13-27-14॥
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)
prabhāvāttapasasteṣāṃ ṛṣīṇāṃ vīkṣya pāṇḍavāḥ। prakāśanto diśaḥ sarvā vismayaṃ paramaṃ yayuḥ ॥13-27-15॥
Seeing all the directions shining from the power of the austerity of those sages, the Pāṇḍavas were filled with supreme wonder. (13-27-15)
mahābhāgyaṃ paraṃ teṣām ṛṣīṇām anucintya te। pāṇḍavāḥ saha bhīṣmeṇa kathāś cakrus tadāśrayāḥ ॥13-27-16॥
Having reflected upon the supreme great fortune of those sages, the Pāṇḍavas, together with Bhīṣma, recounted stories resorting to that. (13-27-16)
kathānte śirasā pādau spṛṣṭvā bhīṣmasya pāṇḍavaḥ। dharmyaṃ dharmasutaḥ praśnaṃ paryapṛcchadyudhiṣṭhiraḥ ॥13-27-17॥
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)
ke deśāḥ ke janapadā āśramāḥ ke ca parvatāḥ। prakṛṣṭāḥ puṇyataḥ kāśca jñeyā nadyaḥ pitāmaha ॥13-27-18॥
O grandsire, which countries, which regions, hermitages, and which mountains are there? Which rivers, distinguished by sacredness, should be known? (13-27-18)
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhishma said.
atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṃ purātanam। śiloñchavṛtteḥ saṃvādaṃ siddhasya ca yudhiṣṭhira ॥13-27-19॥
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)
imāṃ kaścitparikramya pṛthivīṃ śailabhūṣitām। asakṛddvipadāṃ śreṣṭhaḥ śreṣṭhasya gṛhamedhinaḥ ॥13-27-20॥
Someone, having repeatedly traversed this earth adorned with mountains, the best among bipeds, of the best householder. (13-27-20)
śilavṛttergṛhaṃ prāptaḥ sa tena vidhinārcitaḥ। kṛtakṛtya upātiṣṭhatsiddhaṃ tamatithiṃ tadā ॥13-27-21॥
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)
tau sametya mahātmānau sukhāsī nau kathāḥ śubhāḥ। cakratur vedasambaddhās taccheṣakṛtalakṣaṇāḥ ॥13-27-22॥
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)
śilavṛttiḥ kathānte tu siddhamāmantrya yatnataḥ। praśnaṃ papraccha medhāvī yan māṃ tvaṃ paripṛcchasi ॥13-27-23॥
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)
śilavṛttiruvāca॥
The nature of stone said.
ke deśāḥ ke janapadāḥ ke'āśramāḥ ke ca parvatāḥ। prakṛṣṭāḥ puṇyataḥ kāśca jñeyā nadyaḥ tad ucyatām ॥13-27-24॥
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)
siddha uvāca॥
The accomplished one said.
te deśās te janapadās te''śramās te ca parvatāḥ। yeṣāṃ bhāgīrathī gaṅgā madhyena eti saridvarā ॥13-27-25॥
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)
tapasā brahmacaryeṇa yajñais tyāgena vā punaḥ। gatiṃ tāṃ na labhej jantur gaṅgāṃ saṃsevya yāṃ labhet ॥13-27-26॥
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)
spṛṣṭāni yeṣāṃ gāṅgeyaiḥ toyair gātrāṇi dehinām। nyastāni na punas teṣāṃ tyāgaḥ svargād vidhīyate ॥13-27-27॥
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)
sarvāṇi yeṣāṃ gāṅgeyaistoyaiḥ kṛtyāni dehinām। gāṃ tyaktvā mānavā vipra divi tiṣṭhanti te'calāḥ ॥13-27-28॥
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)
pūrve vayasi karmāṇi kṛtvā pāpāṇi ye narāḥ। paścād gaṅgāṃ niṣevante te'pi yānty uttamāṃ gatim ॥13-27-29॥
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)
snātānāṃ śucibhistoyairgāṅgeyaiḥ prayatātmanām। vyuṣṭirbhavati yā puṃsāṃ na sā kratuśatairapi ॥13-27-30॥
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)
yāvad-asthi manuṣyasya gaṅgā-toyeṣu tiṣṭhati। tāvad-varṣa-sahasrāṇi svargaṃ prāpya mahīyate ॥13-27-31॥
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)
apahatya tamastīvraṃ yathā bhātyudaye raviḥ। tathāpahatya pāpmānaṃ bhāti gaṅgājalokṣitaḥ ॥13-27-32॥
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)
visomā iva śarvaryo vipuṣpās taravo yathā। tadvad deśā diśaś caiva hīnā gaṅgā-jalaiḥ śubhaiḥ ॥13-27-33॥
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)
varṇāśramā yathā sarve svadharmajñānavarjitāḥ। kratavaś ca yathā somās tathā gaṅgāṃ vinā jagat ॥13-27-34॥
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)
yathā hīnaṃ nabho'rkeṇa bhūḥ śailaiḥ khaṃ ca vāyunā। tathā deśā diśaścaiva gaṅgāhīnā na saṃśayaḥ॥13-27-35॥
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)
triṣu lokeṣu ye kecit prāṇinaḥ sarva eva te। tarpyamāṇāḥ parāṃ tṛptiṃ yānti gaṅgā-jalaiḥ śubhaiḥ ॥13-27-36॥
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)
yastu sūryeṇa niṣṭaptaṃ gāṅgeyaṃ pibate jalam। gavāṃ nirhāranirmuktādyāvakāttadviśiṣyate ॥13-27-37॥
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)
indu-vrata-sahasraṃ tu cared yaḥ kāya-śodhanam। pibed yaś ca api gaṅgā-ambhaḥ samau syātāṃ na vā samau ॥13-27-38॥
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)
tiṣṭhed yugasahasraṃ tu pādenaikena yaḥ pumān। māsam ekaṃ tu gaṅgāyāṃ samau syātāṃ na vā samau ॥13-27-39॥
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)
lambetāvākṣirā yastu yugānāmayutaṃ pumān। tiṣṭhedyatheṣṭaṃ yaścāpi gaṅgāyāṃ sa viśiṣyate ॥13-27-40॥
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)
agnau prāptaṃ pradhūyeta yathā tūlaṃ dvijottama। tathā gaṅgāvagāḍhasya sarvaṃ pāpaṃ pradhūyate ॥13-27-41॥
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)
bhūtānāmiha sarveṣāṃ duḥkhopahatacetasām। gatimanveṣamāṇānāṃ na gaṅgāsadṛśī gatiḥ ॥13-27-42॥
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)
bhavanti nirviṣāḥ sarpā yathā tārkṣyasya darśanāt। gaṅgāyā darśanāttadvat sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate ॥13-27-43॥
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)
apratiṣṭhāś ca ye kecid adharmaśaraṇāś ca ye। teṣāṃ pratiṣṭhā gaṅgeha śaraṇaṃ śarma varma ca ॥13-27-44॥
Those who are unstable or take refuge in unrighteousness— for them, the Ganga here is foundation, refuge, happiness, and protection. (13-27-44)
prakṛṣṭair aśubhair grastān anekaiḥ puruṣā-dhamān। patato narake gaṅgā saṃśritān pretya tārayet॥13-27-45॥
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)
te saṃvibhaktā munibhir nūnaṃ devaiḥ savāsavaiḥ। ye'bhigacchanti satataṃ gaṅgām abhigatāṃ suraiḥ ॥13-27-46॥
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)
vinayācārahīnāś ca aśivāś ca narādhamāḥ। te bhavanti śivā vipra ye vai gaṅgāṃ samāśritāḥ॥13-27-47॥
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)
yathā surāṇām amṛtaṃ pitṝṇāṃ ca yathā svadhā। sudhā yathā ca nāgānāṃ tathā gaṅgājalaṃ nṛṇām ॥13-27-48॥
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)
upāsate yathā bālā mātaraṃ kṣudhayārditāḥ। śreyaskāmās tathā gaṅgām upāsantīha dehinaḥ ॥13-27-49॥
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)
svāyambhuvaṃ yathā sthānaṃ sarveṣāṃ śreṣṭham ucyate। snātānāṃ saritāṃ śreṣṭhā gaṅgā tadvad iho cyate ॥13-27-50॥
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)
yathopajīvināṃ dhenurdevādīnāṃ dharā smṛtā। tathopajīvināṃ gaṅgā sarvapraāṇabhṛtāmiha ॥13-27-51॥
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)
devāḥ somārkasaṃsthāni yathā sattrādibhir makhaiḥ। amṛtāny upajīvanti tathā gaṅgājalaṃ narāḥ ॥13-27-52॥
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)
jāhnavī-pulinotthābhiḥ sikatābhiḥ samukṣitaḥ। manyate puruṣo''tmānaṃ diviṣṭham iva śobhitam ॥13-27-53॥
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)
jāhnavītīrasambhūtāṃ mṛdaṃ mūrdhnā bibharti yaḥ। bibharti rūpaṃ so'rkasya tamonāśātsunirmalam ॥13-27-54॥
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)
gaṅgormibhiratho digdhaḥ puruṣaṃ pavano yadā। spṛśate so'pi pāpmānaṃ sadya evapamārjati ॥13-27-55॥
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)
vyasanair abhitaptasya narasya vinaśiṣyataḥ। gaṅgādarśanajā prītir vyasanāny apakarṣati ॥13-27-56॥
The delight arising from seeing the Gaṅgā removes the afflictions of a man greatly tormented and perishing by misfortunes. (13-27-56)
haṃsārāvaiḥ kokaravaiḥ ravair anyaiś ca pakṣiṇām। paspardha gaṅgā gandharvān pulinaiś ca śilocchayān ॥13-27-57॥
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)
haṃsādibhiḥ subahubhirvividhaiḥ pakṣibhirvṛtām। gaṅgāṃ gokulasambādhāṃ dṛṣṭvā svargo'pi vismṛtaḥ ॥13-27-58॥
Seeing the Ganga, crowded with cowherd settlements and surrounded by many kinds of birds such as swans, even heaven is forgotten. (13-27-58)
na sā prītir diviṣṭhasya sarvakāmān upāśnataḥ। abhavat yā parā prītir gaṅgāyāḥ puline nṛṇām ॥13-27-59॥
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)
vāṅ-manaḥ-karma-jair grastaḥ pāpair api pumān iha। vīkṣya gaṅgāṃ bhavet pūtaḥ tatra me nāsti saṃśayaḥ ॥13-27-60॥
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)
saptāvarān sapta parān pitṝṁs tebhyaś ca ye pare। pumāṁs tārayate gaṅgāṁ vīkṣya spṛṣṭvā avagāhya ca ॥13-27-61॥
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)
śrutābhilaṣitā dṛṣṭā spṛṣṭā pītāvgāhitā। gaṅgā tārayate nṝṇām ubhau vaṃśau viśeṣataḥ ॥13-27-62॥
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)
darśanāt sparśanāt pānāt tathā gaṅgeti kīrtanāt। punāty apuṇyān puruṣān śataśo 'tha sahasraśaḥ ॥13-27-63॥
By seeing, touching, drinking, or even by uttering the name 'Ganga', one purifies unholy men by the hundreds and thousands. (13-27-63)
ya icchetsaphalaṃ janma jīvitaṃ śrutameva ca। sa pitṝṃstarpayedgaṅgāmabhigamya surāṃstathā ॥13-27-64॥
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)
na sutair na ca vittena karmaṇā na ca tatphalam। prāpnuyāt puruṣo 'tyantaṃ gaṅgāṃ prāpya yad āpnuyāt ॥13-27-65॥
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)
jātyandhairiha tulyāste mṛtaiḥ paṅgubhireva ca। samarthā ye na paśyanti gaṅgāṃ puṇyajalāṃ śivām ॥13-27-66॥
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)
bhūtabhavyabhaviṣyajñairmaharṣibhirupasthitām। devaiḥ sendraiśca ko gaṅgāṃ nopaseveta mānavaḥ ॥13-27-67॥
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)
vānaprasthair gṛhasthaiś ca yatibhir brahmacāribhiḥ। vidyāvadbhiḥ śritāṃ gaṅgāṃ pumān ko nāma nāśrayet ॥13-27-68॥
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)
utkrāmadbhiś ca yaḥ prāṇaiḥ prayataḥ śiṣṭasaṁmataḥ। cintayen manasā gaṅgāṁ sa gatiṁ paramāṁ labhet ॥13-27-69॥
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)
na bhayebhyo bhayaṃ tasya na pāpebhyo na rājataḥ। ā deha-patanād gaṅgām upāste yaḥ pumān iha ॥13-27-70॥
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)
gaganādyāṃ mahāpuṇyāṃ patantīṃ vai maheśvaraḥ। dadhāra śirasā devīṃ tāmeva divi sevate ॥13-27-71॥
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)
alaṅkṛtās trayo lokāḥ pathibhir vimalais tribhiḥ। yas tu tasyā jalaṃ seveta kṛtakṛtyaḥ pumān bhavet ॥13-27-72॥
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)
divi jyotiryathādityaḥ pitṝṇāṃ caiva candramāḥ। deveśaśca yathā nṝṇāṃ gaṅgeha saritāṃ tathā ॥13-27-73॥
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)
mātrā pitrā sutair dārair viyuktasya dhanena vā। na bhaved dhi tathā duḥkhaṃ yathā gaṅgā-viyogajam ॥13-27-74॥
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)
nāraṇyair neṣṭaviṣayair na sutair na dhanāgamaiḥ। tathā prasādo bhavati gaṅgāṃ vīkṣya yathā nṛṇām ॥13-27-75॥
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)
pūrṇam induṃ yathā dṛṣṭvā nṛṇāṃ dṛṣṭiḥ prasīdati। gaṅgāṃ tripathagāṃ dṛṣṭvā tathā dṛṣṭiḥ prasīdati ॥13-27-76॥
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)
tadbhāvas tadgatamanās tanniṣṭhas tatparāyaṇaḥ। gaṅgāṃ yo'nugato bhaktyā sa tasyāḥ priyatāṃ vrajet ॥13-27-77॥
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)
bhūḥsthaiḥ khasthair diviṣṭhaiś ca bhūtair uccāvacair api। gaṅgā vigāhyā satatam etat kāryatamaṃ satām ॥13-27-78॥
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)
triṣu lokeṣu puṇyatvād gaṅgāyāḥ prathitaṃ yaśaḥ। yat putrān sagarasya eṣā bhasmākhyān anayad divam ॥13-27-79॥
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)
vāyvīritābhiḥ sumahāsvanābhi; drutābhiratyarthasamuccritābhiḥ. gaṅgormibhirbhānumatībhiriddhaḥ; sahasraraśmipratimo vibhāti ॥13-27-80॥
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)
payasvinīṃ ghṛtinīm atyudārāṃ; samṛddhinīṃ veginīṃ durvigāhyām। gaṅgāṃ gatvā yaiḥ śarīraṃ visṛṣṭaṃ; gatā dhīrās te vibudhaiḥ samatvam ॥13-27-81॥
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)
andhāñ jaḍān dravyahīnāṁś ca gaṅgā; yaśasvinī bṛhatī viśvarūpā. devaiḥ sendrair munibhir mānavaiś ca; niṣevitā sarvakāmair yunakti ॥13-27-82॥
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)
ūrjāvatīṃ madhumatīṃ mahāpuṇyāṃ trivartmagām। trilokagoptrīṃ ye gaṅgāṃ saṃśritās te divaṃ gatāḥ ॥13-27-83॥
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)
yo vatsyati drakṣyati vāpi martya; stasmai prayacchanti sukhāni devāḥ. tadbhāvitāḥ sparśane darśane ya; stasmai devā gatimiṣṭāṃ diśanti ॥13-27-84॥
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)
dakṣāṃ pṛthvīṃ bṛhatīṃ viprakṛṣṭāṃ; śivāmṛtāṃ surasāṃ suprasannām। vibhāvarīṃ sarvabhūtapratiṣṭhāṃ; gaṅgāṃ gatā ye tridivaṃ gatāste ॥13-27-85॥
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)
khyātiryasyāḥ khaṃ divaṃ gāṃ ca nityaṃ; purā diśo vidiśaścāvatasthe. tasyā jalaṃ sevya saridvarāyā; martyāḥ sarve kṛtakṛtyā bhavanti ॥13-27-86॥
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)
iyaṃ gaṅgeti niyataṃ pratiṣṭhā; guhasya rukmasya ca garbhayoṣā. prātastrimārgā ghṛtavahā vipāpmā; gaṅgāvatīrṇā viyato viśvatoyā ॥13-27-87॥
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)
sutāvanīdhrasya harasya bhāryā; divo bhuvaścāpi kakṣyānurūpā। bhavyā pṛthivyā bhāvinī bhāti rāja; ngaṅgā lokānāṃ puṇyadā vai trayāṇām ॥13-27-88॥
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)
madhupravāhā ghṛtarāgoddhṛtābhir mahōrmibhiḥ śobhitā brāhmaṇaiś ca। divaś cyutā śirasāttā bhavena; gaṅgāvanīdhrās tridivasya mālā ॥13-27-89॥
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)
yonirvariṣṭhā virajā vitanvī; śuṣmā irā vārivahā yaśodā. viśvāvatī cākṛtiriṣṭiriddhā; gaṅgokṣitānāṃ bhuvanasya panthāḥ ॥13-27-90॥
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)
kṣāntyā mahyā gopane dhāraṇe ca; dīptyā kṛśānos tapanasya caiva. tulyā gaṅgā saṁmatā brāhmaṇānāṁ; guhasya brahmaṇyatayā ca nityam ॥13-27-91॥
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)
ṛṣi-stutāṃ viṣṇu-padīṃ purāṇīṃ; su-puṇya-toyāṃ manasā api loke. sarvātmanā jāhnavīṃ ye prapannāḥ; te brahmaṇaḥ sadanaṃ samprayātāḥ ॥13-27-92॥
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)
lokān imān nayati yā jananīva putrān sarvātmanā sarvaguṇopapannā। svasthānam iṣṭam iha brāhmam abhipsamanaiḥ gaṅgā sadaivātmavaśair upāsyā ॥13-27-93॥
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)
usrāṃ juṣṭāṃ miṣatīṃ viśvatoyā; mirāṃ vajrīṃ revatīṃ bhūdharāṇām. śiṣṭāśrayām amṛtāṃ brahmakāntāṃ; gaṅgāṃ śrayed ātmavān siddhikāmaḥ ॥13-27-94॥
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)
prasādya devān-savibhūn-samastān; bhagīrathas-tapasogreṇa gaṅgām. gām ānayat tām abhigamya śaśvan; pumān bhayaṃ neha nāmutra vidyāt ॥13-27-95॥
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)
udāhṛtaḥ sarvathā te guṇānāṃ; mayaikadeśaḥ prasamīkṣya buddhyā। śaktir na me kācid iha asti vaktum; guṇān sarvān parimātuṃ tathaiva ॥13-27-96॥
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)
meroḥ samudrasya ca sarvaratnaiḥ; saṅkhyopalānāmudakasya vāpi. vaktuṃ śakyaṃ neha gaṅgājalānāṃ; guṇākhyānaṃ parimātuṃ tathaiva ॥13-27-97॥
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)
tasmādimān parayā śraddhayoktā; n guṇān sarvāñ jāhnavījāṃs tathaiva। bhajed vācā manasā karmaṇā ca; bhaktyā yuktaḥ parayā śraddadhānaḥ ॥13-27-98॥
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)
lokān imāṁs trīn yaśasā vitatya; siddhiṁ prāpya mahatīṁ tāṁ durāpām. gaṅgā-kṛtān acireṇaiva lokān yatheṣṭam iṣṭān vicariṣyasi tvam ॥13-27-99॥
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)
tava mama ca guṇairmahānubhāvā; juṣatu matiṁ satataṁ svadharmayuktaiḥ. abhigatajanavatsalā hi gaṅgā; bhajati yunakti sukhaiśca bhaktimantam ॥13-27-100॥
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)
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhishma said.
iti paramamatir guṇān anekān; ñśilarataye tripathānuyogarūpān. bahuvidham anuśāsya tathyarūpā; nggatanatalaṃ dyutimān viveśa siddhaḥ ॥13-27-101॥
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)
śilavṛttis tu siddhasya vākyaiḥ sambodhitās tadā। gaṅgām upāsya vidhivat siddhiṃ prāptaḥ sudurlabhām ॥13-27-102॥
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)
tasmāttvamapi kaunteya bhaktyā paramayā yutaḥ। gaṅgām abhyēhi satataṃ prāpsyasē siddhim uttamām ॥13-27-103॥
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)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
śrutvetihāsaṃ bhīṣmoktaṃ gaṅgāyāḥ stavasamyutam। yudhiṣṭhiraḥ parāṃ prītim agacchad bhrātṛbhiḥ saha ॥13-27-104॥
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)
itihāsam imaṁ puṇyaṁ śṛṇuyād yaḥ paṭhet vā। gaṅgāyāḥ stava-saṁyuktaṁ sa mucyeta sarva-kilbiṣaiḥ ॥13-27-105॥
Whoever hears or recites this sacred history, which is joined with the praise of Gaṅgā, will be freed from all sins. (13-27-105)
