Passage 1
नैमिषारण्य मध्ये च तीर्थानि शृणु भूपते। येषु स्नानेन दानेन मानुष्यं पुण्यभाग्भवेत्॥१॥
“Hear now, ruler, of the sacred fords within Naimiṣāraṇya where a human being becomes a participant in merit through bathing and giving.
Passage 2
शौनकस्याश्रमे दिव्ये गोमतीपुलिने नृप। यत्र सूतो मुनीन्द्रेभ्यो निजगाद विशेषतः॥२॥
“On the bank of the Gomatī stands Śaunaka’s divine hermitage, where the Sūta gave his detailed teaching to the foremost sages.
Passage 3
इतिहासपुराणानि विविधाश्चैव सत्कथाः। ब्रह्मतीर्थं विष्णुतीर्थं रुद्रतीर्थं च भूपते॥३॥
“There he recounted the histories, Purāṇas, and many sacred narratives. There too are Brahma-tīrtha, Viṣṇu-tīrtha, and Rudra-tīrtha, O ruler.
Passage 4
स्नानं कृत्वा द्विजातिभ्यो देयानि द्रविणानि च। सारस्वते महातीर्थे स्नातव्यं च विशेषतः॥४॥
“After bathing, one should give wealth to the twice-born, and one should bathe especially at the great Sārasvata tīrtha.
Passage 5
अन्यानि चैव तीर्थानि तत्र सन्ति सहस्रशः। बलदेवस्य यात्रायां यानि पुण्यानि सत्पते॥५॥
“Thousands of other holy places are also there, noble king—the sanctifying sites visited during Baladeva’s pilgrimage.
Passage 6
यज्ञानां विघ्नकर्तारो राक्षसा यत्र नाशिताः। बलदेवेन वीरेण पुरा मुसलधारिणा॥६॥
“There the heroic, club-bearing Baladeva once destroyed the demons who obstructed sacrifices.
Passage 7
तवात्मजेन रामेण यत्र पुण्यं यशः कृतम्। मुनीनां तपसो विघ्ना दानवा नाशितास्तथा॥७॥
“There your son Rāma established holy renown by destroying the Dānavas who disturbed the sages’ austerities.
Passage 8
चिरं तत्र मुनिस्तोमा उषिता जितचेतसः। तेषामाश्रमवर्गेषु गन्तव्यं च विशेषतः॥८॥
“Hosts of self-controlled sages dwelt there for a long time. Their many hermitages should especially be visited.
Passage 9
गोमत्यां च नरो वारिण्याप्लुत्य गतपातकः। विष्णुं ध्यायेन्मनसा सर्वतीर्थफलं लभेत्॥९॥
“A person who immerses in the Gomatī becomes free from sin. Meditating mentally on Viṣṇu, one gains the fruit of every pilgrimage.
Passage 10
किं तेन न कृतं पुण्यं मानवेन महात्मना। येनेदं नैमिषारण्यं पद्भ्यां समवगाहितम्॥१०॥
“What merit has not been performed by the great soul who has entered this Naimiṣa forest on foot?
Passage 11
पदे पदेऽतिपुण्यानि तीर्थानि किल सन्ति वै। ओङ्कारध्वनिरत्रैव श्रूयते सततं जनैः॥११॥
“At every step lie exceedingly sacred tīrthas, and people continually hear the sound of Oṃ within this forest.
Passage 12
ब्रह्मणा तेजसं चक्रं विसृष्टं यत्र वै पुरा। क्षेत्राधिष्ठानरूपं तज्जातमत्र न संशयः। शीर्णा तस्य महानैमिर्मुनीनां स्थानदायिनी॥१२॥
“Long ago Brahmā released a radiant wheel here. It undoubtedly became the presiding form of this sacred field; when its great rim was worn away, the place was granted to the sages.
Passage 13
निमिषेण च वै दैत्या विष्णुना नाशिताः पुरा। तस्मान्नैमिषं नाम तीर्थानामुत्तमोत्तमम्॥१३॥
“Viṣṇu once destroyed the Daityas here in a single instant; hence it is named Naimiṣa, the very highest among sacred fords.
Passage 14
भवतां पूर्वजो यत्र भरतो नाम भूपतिः। तपः कृत्वावसद्भूपः क्षेत्रपुण्यविवृद्धये॥१४॥
“Your ancestor King Bharata performed austerity and dwelt there to increase the sacred field’s sanctity.
Passage 15
तस्मिन्भरतकुण्डे तु नरः स्नात्वा विमुच्यते। ब्रह्महत्यादिपापेभ्यो दुस्तरेभ्योऽपि भूपते॥१५॥
“Bathing in Bharata-kuṇḍa frees a person even from nearly insurmountable sins beginning with brahminicide, O ruler.
Passage 16
तपः कृत्वावसद्भूयः क्षेत्रपुण्यविवृद्धये। चक्रतीर्थं च तत्रैव तीर्थानामुत्तमं स्थितम्॥१६॥
“Bharata remained there performing further austerity to enlarge its sanctity. Cakra-tīrtha, supreme among holy places, stands there as well.
Passage 17
तत्र संस्नानमात्रेण तीर्थकोटिफलं लभेत्। तत्कुण्डे नरः स्नात्वा सर्वं पापं व्यपोहति॥१७॥
“Merely bathing there yields the fruit of ten million tīrthas; bathing in that pool removes every sin.
Passage 18
गोमतीस्नानमात्रेण जनः स्यात्पङ्क्तिपावनः। इतिहासपुराणानामुत्पत्तिस्थानमुत्तमम्॥१८॥
“A single bath in the Gomatī makes one pure enough to sanctify a ritual row. This is the supreme birthplace of the Itihāsas and Purāṇas.
Passage 19
पञ्चरात्रमिह स्थित्वा विष्णुपूजापरो नरः। कोटियज्ञफलं लब्ध्वा भुक्त्वान्ते मुक्तिभाग्भवेत्॥१९॥
“A person who remains here for five nights intent upon Viṣṇu’s worship gains the fruit of ten million sacrifices, enjoys prosperity, and finally shares in liberation.
Passage 20
वसन्ति देवताः सर्वा ब्रह्मा चैव चतुर्मुखः। तत्र प्रवेशमात्रेण धौतपापो भवेन्नरः॥२०॥
“All the deities dwell there, including four-faced Brahmā. Merely entering the place washes away a person’s sins.
Passage 21
मासं चेद्वसते तत्र तीर्थयात्रापरायणः। अश्वमेधसहस्रस्य फलमाप्नोति मानवः॥२१॥
“If a pilgrim dwells there for one month, that person obtains the fruit of a thousand Aśvamedha sacrifices.
Passage 22
यानि तीर्थानि सर्वाणि पृथिव्यां सन्ति कोटिशः। तानि सर्वाणि तिष्ठन्ति नैमिषारण्यमध्यतः॥२२॥
“All the countless sacred places that exist upon the earth are present within Naimiṣāraṇya.
Passage 23
यत्पुण्यं नैमिषारण्ये पञ्चरात्रेण जायते। वर्षकोटिशतेनापि नान्यतीर्थेषु तस्य तत्॥२३॥
“The merit produced by five nights in Naimiṣāraṇya cannot be matched at other tīrthas even in a billion years.
Passage 24
सरयूर्निःसृता यस्मात्तत्सरश्चापि पावनम्। तत्र स्नात्वा विधानेन सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते॥२४॥
“The lake from which the Sarayū emerges is also sanctifying. Bathing there according to rule frees one from every sin.
Passage 25
प्रयागं च ततो गच्छेत्तीर्थराजं पुरातनम्। गङ्गायमुनयोर्यत्र सङ्गमो लोकविश्रुतः॥२५॥
“One should next go to ancient Prayāga, king of sacred fords, renowned throughout the world as the confluence of Gaṅgā and Yamunā.
Passage 26
तत्र यद्यत्कृतं सर्वं भवेदक्षयकामदम्। स्नात्वा दत्त्वा द्विजातिभ्यो महत्पुण्यमवाप्नुयात्॥२६॥
“Whatever is done there becomes imperishable and grants desires. By bathing and giving to the twice-born, one obtains immense merit.
Passage 27
गङ्गाभेदे नरः स्नात्वा सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते। देवान्मुनीन्पितॄंस्तत्र तर्पयेत्तीर्थवारिभिः॥२७॥
“Bathing at Gaṅgābheda frees a person from every sin. There one should satisfy the gods, sages, and ancestors with the tīrtha’s waters.
Passage 28
नरः पुण्यमवाप्नोति सोमयागशतोद्भवम्। तेन पुण्यप्रभावेण लोके सारस्वते वसेत्॥२८॥
“One gains the merit produced by a hundred Soma rites, and through its power dwells in the Sārasvata world.
Passage 29
बाहुदायां नरः स्नात्वा वसेत्तत्पुलिने शुचिः। जपपूजापरो भूप एकरात्रं समाहितः॥२९॥
“After bathing in the Bāhudā, one should remain pure and concentrated on its bank for one night, intent upon recitation and worship, O king.
Passage 30
तत्पुण्यं तस्य यत्पुण्यं लक्षब्राह्मणभोजनात्। बाहुदातीर्थमिच्छन्ति देवाश्च पितरस्तथा॥३०॥
“That produces the merit of feeding a hundred thousand brāhmaṇas. The gods and ancestors alike desire offerings made at Bāhudā-tīrtha.
Passage 31
गत्वा चीरनदीं भूयः स्नानं कुर्याद्विलक्षणः। तर्पयेत्तेन पयसा देवर्षिपितृदेवताः॥३१॥
“Next the discerning pilgrim should go and bathe in the Cīra River, using its water to satisfy the gods, divine sages, and ancestors.
Passage 32
विमलाशोकमध्ये तु रात्रिमेकां समावसेत्। तेन पुण्येन राजेन्द्र दिव्यान्लोकानवाप्नुयात्॥३२॥
“One should dwell for a night amid the stainless aśoka trees; through that merit one attains divine worlds, king of kings.
Passage 33
कोटितीर्थं समासाद्य कोटितीर्थस्य वारिणि। समाप्लुत्य नरो विद्वान्गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्॥३३॥
“Reaching Koṭitīrtha, a learned person should immerse in its water and thereby gain the fruit of donating a thousand cows.
Passage 34
असीवरुणयोर्मध्ये पञ्चकोशान्तरे नृप। पदे पदे महातीर्थान्यासते तत्र कोटिशः॥३४॥
“Within the five-kośa region between the Asī and Varuṇā, O king, millions of great tīrthas lie at every step.
Passage 35
एकतो भगवान्विष्णुर्माधवः संप्रतिष्ठितः। अपरत्र च लोलार्कः कोटिद्वयमिति स्थितम्॥३५॥
“On one side Lord Viṣṇu stands as Mādhava and on the other is Lolārka; these form the two ends of the sacred city.
Passage 36
धनुराकारतापन्नं काशीप्रमुदितं वरम्। यत्र कुत्र नरः स्नात्वा कोटियज्ञफलं लभेत्॥३६॥
“Blessed Kāśī assumes the shape of a bow and overflows with joy. Wherever one bathes within it, one gains the fruit of ten million sacrifices.
Passage 37
मनसा चिन्तयन्काशीं महत्फलमवाप्नुयात्। किं पुनः स्नानदानादितीर्थयात्राविधानतः॥३७॥
“Merely contemplating Kāśī in the mind gives great fruit; how much more follows from bathing, giving, and undertaking its pilgrimage according to rule?
Passage 38
वाराणस्यां मृतो जन्तुः शाङ्करं लोकमाप्नुयात्। विशेषाज्ज्ञाननिष्ठश्चेन्निर्गुणां मुक्तिमाप्नुयात्॥३८॥
“A being who dies in Vārāṇasī attains Śaṅkara’s world; if firmly established in knowledge, one attains liberation beyond the qualities.
Passage 39
तत्र संपूज्य विधिवद्विश्वेश्वरमुमापतिम्। कोटियज्ञफलं प्राप्य सोऽन्ततो मुक्तिमाप्नुयात्॥३९॥
“By properly worshiping Viśveśvara, Umā’s Lord, one gains the fruit of ten million sacrifices and ultimately attains liberation.
Passage 40
कपिलाह्रदसंस्नानान्महादेवस्य पूजनात्। चतुःषष्टिदर्शनाच्च राजसूयफलं लभेत्॥४०॥
“Bathing in Kapilāhrada, worshiping Mahādeva, and seeing the sixty-four sacred shrines yield the fruit of a Rājasūya sacrifice.
Passage 41
ततश्च गोमतीगङ्गासङ्गमे तीर्थमुत्तमम्। अग्निष्टोमादिफलदं मार्कण्डेयमहामुनेः॥४१॥
“Next is the excellent tīrtha at the confluence of Gomatī and Gaṅgā, associated with the great sage Mārkaṇḍeya and bestowing the fruit of Agniṣṭoma and other rites.
Passage 42
तत्र स्नात्वा वसेत्तत्र जपहोमपरायणः। ब्रह्मयज्ञं विनिर्वर्त्य जनः स्यात्पङ्क्तिपावनः॥४२॥
“After bathing, one should remain there intent upon recitation and fire offerings. Completing the Brahma-yajña makes one pure enough to sanctify a ritual row.
Passage 43
ततो गच्छेद्गयां राजन्पितॄणां मुक्तिदायिनीम्। गयो नाम गिरिर्यत्र महापुण्यतमो नृप॥४३॥
“One should next go to Gayā, O king, which grants liberation to the ancestors. There stands the exceedingly sacred mountain named Gaya.
Passage 44
तथैव चाक्षयवटस्तत्र पिण्डान्सुनिर्वपेत्। स्मृत्वा स्मृत्वा नरव्याघ्र यावन्तो वै कुले मृताः॥४४॥
“Akṣayavaṭa also stands there. Remembering every departed member of the family, a tiger among men should offer piṇḍas beneath it.
Passage 45
ते सर्वे मुक्तिमिच्छन्ति पिण्डवापाद्गयाशिरे। गयापिण्डप्रदातारं प्रशंसन्ति च देवताः॥४५॥
“All those ancestors receive the liberation they desire through piṇḍa offerings at Gayā’s summit, and the deities praise the giver of Gayā’s piṇḍas.
Passage 46
पितरश्च प्रशंसन्ति जातो भाग्येन नः कुले। येन संमोचिताः सर्वे दुस्तराद्भवसागरात्॥४६॥
“The ancestors too proclaim, ‘By good fortune this descendant was born in our lineage and has delivered us all from the impassable ocean of becoming.’
Passage 47
अक्षयस्य वटस्याथ मूले दत्तं तदक्षयम्। तत्रैव विद्यते राजन्फल्गुनाम महानदी॥४७॥
“Whatever is given at the root of the imperishable banyan becomes imperishable. The great Phalgu River is also there, O king.
Passage 48
तस्यामाचम्य विधिवत्तर्पयेत्सकलान्पितॄन्। अक्षयं फलमाप्नोति निजवंश्यान्समुद्धरेत्॥४८॥
“One should ritually sip its water and satisfy all the ancestors; one gains imperishable fruit and uplifts the members of one’s lineage.
Passage 49
धर्मारण्ये तु तत्रैव पुण्यं ब्रह्मसरः स्थितम्। एकां रात्रिं वसेत्तत्र कोटियज्ञफलाप्तये॥४९॥
“In Dharmāraṇya stands the sacred Brahmasaras. One should remain there for one night to obtain the fruit of ten million sacrifices.
Passage 50
महानद्यां च कौशिक्यां जनः स्नात्वा विधानतः। प्रदद्यात्पितृदेवेभ्यः श्रद्धायुक्तस्तिलाञ्जलीन्॥५०॥
“After bathing properly in the great Kauśikī River, one should faithfully offer handfuls of sesame-water to the ancestors and gods.
Passage 51
पुण्ये ब्रह्मसरस्यद्भिरवगाह्य शुचिव्रतः। ब्रह्मयूपं विधानेन नरः कुर्यात्प्रदक्षिणाम्॥५१॥
“A pure-vowed person should immerse in sacred Brahmasaras and circumambulate the Brahma-yūpa according to rule.
Passage 52
गङ्गा पुण्यनदी यत्र तस्यास्तीरे भगीरथः। बहुदक्षिणयज्ञौघैरीज पुरुषसत्तमम्॥५२॥
“On the bank of the sacred Gaṅgā, Bhagīratha worshiped the Supreme Person with hosts of sacrifices rich in gifts.
Passage 53
आप्लुत्य तत्र तीर्थे तु भोजयित्वा बहून्द्विजान्। सर्वस्यास्तीर्थयात्रायाः पुण्यमाप्नोति मानवः॥५३॥
“By bathing at that tīrtha and feeding many brāhmaṇas, a person obtains the merit of the entire pilgrimage.
Passage 54
विश्वामित्रस्य राजर्षेर्ब्रह्मर्षित्वप्रदायिनी। कौशिकी पुण्यसलिला तस्यास्तीरे वसेद्द्विजः॥५४॥
“The sacred-watered Kauśikī granted the royal sage Viśvāmitra the status of a brahmarṣi. A brāhmaṇa should dwell upon her bank.
Passage 55
भूयः प्रेतशिलादौ च स्थाने तत्र व्रजेन्नरः। तदीयेनैव विधिना सर्वत्र श्राद्धमाचरेत्॥५५॥
“One should then visit Pretaśilā and the other sites there, performing śrāddha at each according to its particular prescription.
Passage 56
सर्वं तत्तीर्थमतुलं पितॄणां मुक्तिदायकम्। स्नानदानैश्च विधिभिः सर्वान्संतारयेत्पितॄन्॥५६॥
“That entire unequalled sacred region grants liberation to the ancestors. Through its prescribed bathing and giving, one carries them all across.
Passage 57
धेनुकं नाम तीर्थं च समासाद्य महीपते। तिलधेनुर्द्विजातिभ्यो दद्यात्सर्वविशुद्धये॥५७॥
“Reaching the tīrtha named Dhenuka, O ruler, one should give brāhmaṇas a sesame-cow offering for complete purification.
Passage 58
एकरात्रमिह स्थित्वा जपहोमपरायणः। तिलधेनुप्रदानेन सोमलोकमवाप्नुयात्॥५८॥
“Remaining there for one night intent upon recitation and fire offering, one gives the sesame cow and attains Soma’s world.
Passage 59
कपिलायाः सवत्सायाः पदेषु तत्र पर्वते। सकृदाचम्य मनुजो धुनाति खलु पातकम्॥५९॥
“At the hoofprints of the cow Kapilā and her calf upon that mountain, a single ritual sip of water shakes away a person’s sin.
Passage 60
गत्वा गृध्रवटं तत्र दृष्ट्वा च शिवदं शिवम्। भस्मस्नायी लभेत्पुण्यं द्वादशाब्दव्रतोद्भवम्॥६०॥
“Visiting Gṛdhravaṭa, beholding beneficent Śiva, and bathing in sacred ash give the merit born of a twelve-year vow.
Passage 61
पदे सावित्रिके संध्यामुपास्ते यः सकृन्नरः। तत्र द्वादशवार्षिक्याः संध्यायाः फलमाप्नुयात्॥६१॥
“One who performs the twilight prayer once at Sāvitrika-pada gains the fruit of twelve years of such observance.
Passage 62
योनिद्वारं स्थलं तत्र योनिसंकटमोचनम्। तत्र गत्वा दिने स्थित्वा न पुनर्योनिमाप्नुयात्॥६२॥
“There is the place Yonidvāra, deliverer from the distress of birth. Going there and remaining for a day, one never enters a womb again.
Passage 63
धर्मपृष्ठे ततो राजन्स्नात्वा कूपोदकेन च। तर्पयेद्देवतांश्चैव मुनींश्चैव पितॄंश्च हि॥६३॥
“At Dharmapṛṣṭha, O king, one should bathe with water from the well and satisfy the deities, sages, and ancestors.
Passage 64
पीत्वा कूपोदकं तत्र सर्वपापं व्यपोहयेत्। मतङ्गस्याश्रमे चापि गन्तव्यं तीर्थयात्रिणा॥६४॥
“Drinking that well-water removes every sin. The pilgrim should also visit Mataṅga’s hermitage.
Passage 65
ब्रह्मतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा ब्रह्माणं च समर्चयेत्। इष्टं तेनाश्वमेधेन तत्क्षणान्नात्र संशयः॥६५॥
“Bathing at Brahma-tīrtha and worshiping Brahmā instantly equals an Aśvamedha sacrifice—of this there is no doubt.
Passage 66
गत्वा राजगृहे तत्र स्थाने काक्षीवतो मुनेः। पक्षिण्यां नित्यकं भुक्त्वा ब्रह्महत्यादिकं त्यजेत्॥६६॥
“At Rājagṛha one should visit the place of the sage Kākṣīvata. Eating the prescribed daily offering at Pakṣiṇī removes brahminicide and related sins.
Passage 67
मणिनागे नरो गत्वा भुक्त्वा तस्य च नित्यकम्। गोसहस्रफलं प्राप्य सर्वेभ्यो निर्भयो भवेत्॥६७॥
“At Maṇināga, eating its prescribed offering gives the fruit of a thousand cows and makes one fearless before all.
Passage 68
गौतमस्य वने गत्वा स्नात्वाहल्याह्रदे जनः। अभ्यर्च्य च श्रियं साक्षात्परमां श्रियमाप्नुयात्॥६८॥
“Going to Gautama’s forest, bathing in Ahalyā’s lake, and directly worshiping Śrī bring supreme prosperity.
Passage 69
तत्र कुण्डे महापुण्ये स्नात्वा राजर्षिसत्तम। अश्वमेधफलं प्राप्य महतीं श्रियमाप्नुयात्॥६९॥
“Bathing in that highly sacred pool, excellent royal sage, gives the fruit of an Aśvamedha and immense prosperity.
Passage 70
स्नात्वा जनककूपे च देवगन्धर्वसेविते। सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा श्रीविष्णोर्लोकमाप्नुयात्॥७०॥
“Bathing in Janaka’s well, frequented by gods and Gandharvas, purifies the soul from every sin and leads to Śrī Viṣṇu’s world.
Passage 71
सूर्यतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा सूर्यलोके महीयते। तपोवनं जनो गत्वा तपःफलमवाप्नुयात्॥७१॥
“Bathing at Sūrya-tīrtha brings honor in the solar world; visiting Tapovana gives the fruit of austerity.
Passage 72
कर्बुदायां नरः स्नात्वा सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते। विशालायां ततः स्नात्वा सोमयज्ञफलं लभेत्॥७२॥
“Bathing in the Karbudā frees one from every sin; bathing next in the Viśālā gives the fruit of a Soma sacrifice.
Passage 73
धारां माहेश्वरीं सम्यगाप्लुत्य गतपातकः। अश्वमेधफलं लब्ध्वा नरः स्यात्पङ्क्तिपावनः॥७३॥
“Properly immersing in the Māheśvarī stream removes sin, gives the fruit of an Aśvamedha, and makes one sanctify a ritual row.
Passage 74
देवपुष्करिणीं प्राप्य नरः स्नात्वा शुचिव्रतः। न दारिद्र्यमवाप्नोति कदापि धरणीपते॥७४॥
“A pure-vowed person who bathes in Devapuṣkariṇī never encounters poverty, lord of the earth.
Passage 75
ततः सोमपदं गत्वा स्नात्वा माहेश्वरे पदे। तत्रैव तीर्थकोट्यां च समाप्लुत्य विशेषतः॥७५॥
“One should next go to Somapada, bathe at Māheśvara-pada, and immerse especially at the Koṭi-tīrtha there.
Passage 76
पूजयित्वा कूर्मराजं विष्णुं दानवमर्दनम्। कोटियज्ञफलं प्राप्य वैकुण्ठे धाम्नि मोदते॥७६॥
“Worshiping Viṣṇu as the kingly Tortoise and destroyer of Dānavas gives the fruit of ten million sacrifices and joy in Vaikuṇṭha.
Passage 77
तत्र गच्छेद्धरिक्षेमं हरेः स्थानमनुत्तमम्। यत्र देवाश्च ऋषयः सदा संनिहितं हरिम्॥७७॥
“One should go to Harikṣema, Hari’s unsurpassed abode, where the gods and sages approach the Lord who is perpetually present.
Passage 78
उपासते सदा भक्त्या देवदेवं जनार्दनम्। शालग्रामशिला यत्र प्रजायन्ते सहस्रशः॥७८॥
“They eternally worship Janārdana, God of gods, with devotion. Thousands of śālagrāma stones arise there.
Passage 79
विष्णोः सांनिध्यदा नित्यं पूजनात्पुण्यकोटिदा। तत्राभिगममात्रेण कोटियज्ञफलं लभेत्॥७९॥
“Their worship continually grants Viṣṇu’s presence and millions of merits; merely approaching that place gives the fruit of ten million sacrifices.
Passage 80
विष्णुक्षेत्रे नरः स्नात्वा विष्णुलोकं व्रजेद्ध्रुवम्। चतुःसामुद्रिके कूपे सकृदाचम्य मानवः॥८०॥
“Bathing at Viṣṇukṣetra certainly leads to Viṣṇu’s world. A person should sip once from the well representing the four oceans—
Passage 81
देवान्पितॄंस्तर्पयित्वा पुण्यकोटिमवाप्नुयात्। ऋणत्रयविनिर्मुक्तो जायते तत्क्षणान्नरः॥८१॥
“and satisfy the gods and ancestors; one gains millions of merits and is instantly released from the three debts.
Passage 82
ततो जातिस्मरस्थाने गत्वाचम्य यथाविधि। जातिस्मरत्वसंस्कारं संप्राप्नोति त्रिजन्मजम्॥८२॥
“At Jātismara-sthāna, ritual sipping according to rule awakens the memory of three former births.
Passage 83
गण्डकीकौशिकीसङ्गे नरः स्नायाद्यथाविधि। ऐहिकामुष्मिकांश्चापि सर्वान्कामानवाप्नुयात्॥८३॥
“Bathing properly at the confluence of Gaṇḍakī and Kauśikī grants every desire belonging to this world and the next.
Passage 84
ततः स्नात्वा विपाशायां शोणभद्रे महानदे। सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तः सूर्यतेजा भवेन्नरः॥८४॥
“Bathing next in the Vipāśā and the great Śoṇabhadra River frees one from every sin and gives the radiance of the sun.
Passage 85
वटेश्वरं वामनं च गत्वाप्लुत्य विशेषतः। भरतस्याश्रमं गच्छेन्मुनिवर्यस्य मानवः॥८५॥
“One should visit Vaṭeśvara and Vāmana and bathe there with special care, then go to the hermitage of the eminent sage Bharata.
Passage 86
तत्र स्नात्वा च कौशिक्यां पुण्यनद्यां धृतव्रतः। असंख्येयं फलं प्राप्य धूतपापो भवेन्नरः॥८६॥
“A firm-vowed person bathing there in the sacred Kauśikī River obtains incalculable fruit and has every sin washed away.
Passage 87
चम्पकारण्यमध्ये च रात्रिमेकान्ततो वसेत्। सुमहत्पुण्यमाप्नोति तत्रेन्द्रस्य नमस्कृतेः॥८७॥
“One should spend a solitary night within Campakāraṇya. Bowing to Indra there brings exceedingly great merit.
Passage 88
विश्वेश्वरं शिवं पश्येत्तीर्थे गोष्ठिलनामके। कन्यासंवेद्यकं तीर्थं गच्छेत्पुण्यफलाप्तये॥८८॥
“One should behold Śiva as Viśveśvara at the tīrtha called Goṣṭhila and visit Kanyāsaṃvedyaka-tīrtha to receive sacred fruit.
Passage 89
तत्र गत्वा लभेत्पुण्यं कन्यादानशतोद्भवम्। निश्चीरासङ्गमे स्नात्वा दत्त्वा दानं द्विजन्मने॥८९॥
“Going there gives the merit of a hundred gifts of maidens. One should bathe at the confluence of the Niścīrā and give a gift to a brāhmaṇa.
Passage 90
पुण्यमक्षयमाप्नोति यत्र राजन्ममाश्रमः। तत्रावगाहमात्रेण महायज्ञफलं लभेत्॥९०॥
“One obtains imperishable merit where my own hermitage stands, O king; merely immersing there gives the fruit of a great sacrifice.
Passage 91
देवकूटं ततो गच्छेत्कोटियज्ञफलाप्तये। कौशिकीह्रद आप्लुत्य कौशिक्यां पुण्यकोटिदे॥९१॥
“Next one should visit Devakūṭa to obtain the fruit of ten million sacrifices and immerse in Kauśikī’s lake, which bestows millions of merits.
Passage 92
विश्वामित्रं गौतमं च स्मृत्वा तत्र जितेन्द्रियः। पञ्चरात्रोषितश्चापि तीर्थवर्यमहाह्रदे॥९२॥
“Self-controlled, one should remember Viśvāmitra and Gautama there and remain for five nights beside the great lake, finest of sacred fords.
Passage 93
महत्पुण्यमवाप्नोति मासतश्चाश्वमेधकम्। महतीं श्रियमाप्नोति तस्मात्पुण्यप्रभावतः॥९३॥
“One gains immense merit, and a month’s stay yields the fruit of an Aśvamedha; through that sacred power one obtains great prosperity.
Passage 94
वीराश्रमस्य मध्यस्थं कुमारमभितो व्रजेत्। अग्निधारं व्रजेत्पश्चाद्यत्र विष्णुसदाशिवौ॥९४॥
“One should approach Kumāra in the center of Vīrāśrama, then go to Agnidhāra, where Viṣṇu and Sadāśiva abide.
Passage 95
शैलराजे तत्र दिव्यं पितामहसरो व्रजेत्। नदी कुमारधाराख्या यत्र प्रस्रविणी जवात्॥९५॥
“On that king of mountains one should visit the divine Pitāmaha lake, from which the swift river Kumāradhārā springs.
Passage 96
तत्राप्लुत्य जनो नित्यं सोमयागफलं लभेत्। गौरीशिखरमासाद्य स्नायात्कुण्डेषु तत्र च॥९६॥
“Bathing there always gives the fruit of a Soma rite. Reaching Gaurī’s peak, one should bathe in its pools.
Passage 97
देवान्पितॄन्समभ्यर्च्य महायज्ञफलं लभेत्। ताम्रारुणं ततो गत्वा वाजिमेधमवाप्नुयात्॥९७॥
“Worshiping the gods and ancestors gives the fruit of a great sacrifice; visiting Tāmrāruṇa next yields an Aśvamedha’s fruit.
Passage 98
नन्दिन्यां च महाकूपे स्नात्वा कृत्वा च तर्पणम्। इन्द्रलोकं समासाद्य मोदते शरदां शतम्॥९८॥
“Bathing in Nandinī’s great well and making libations lead to Indra’s world, where one rejoices for a hundred autumns.
Passage 99
कलिङ्गासङ्गमे चैव कौशिक्यरुणसङ्गमे। स्नानं कुर्यात्त्रिरात्रेण तत्रोपोषित आदरात्॥९९॥
“One should bathe at the Kaliṅgā confluence and where Kauśikī meets Aruṇā, remaining there reverently for a three-night fast.
Passage 100
उर्वशीतीर्थमभ्येत्य सोमाश्रममनुत्तमम्। कुम्भकर्णाश्रमे चैव महत्पुण्यमवाप्नुयात्॥१००॥
“Visiting Urvaśī-tīrtha, the unsurpassed Soma hermitage, and Kumbhakarṇa’s hermitage brings immense merit.
Passage 101
कोकामुखे ततः स्नात्वा भवेज्जातिस्मरो नरः। नन्दां च सुसमाप्लुत्य नरः स्वर्गमवाप्नुयात्॥१०१॥
“Bathing next at Kokāmukha gives remembrance of former births, while complete immersion in the Nandā leads a person to heaven.
Passage 102
ऋषभद्वीपमाव्रज्य सरस्वत्यां समाप्लुतः। गच्छेदौद्दालकं तीर्थमभिषिञ्चेन्निजां तनुम्॥१०२॥
“One should visit Ṛṣabhadvīpa, immerse in the Sarasvatī, then go to Auddālaka-tīrtha and bathe one’s body.
Passage 103
ब्रह्मतीर्थं ततो गच्छेद्वाजपेयफलाप्तये। प्राप्याचम्य नरः स्नात्वा भागीरथ्यां च तर्पयेत्॥१०३॥
“One should next visit Brahma-tīrtha to gain the fruit of a Vājapeya, then sip and bathe in the Bhāgīrathī and make libations.
Passage 104
पिण्डदानं च विधिवत्कुर्यात्पितृसुखाप्तये। निवेदिकां ततो गत्वा तां सर्वजनसेविताम्॥१०४॥
“One should properly offer piṇḍas for the ancestors’ happiness, then visit Nivedikā, which is frequented by all people.
Passage 105
सर्वयज्ञफलं प्राप्य पूतो भवति मानवः। सन्ध्याकाले ततो गच्छेत्सविद्यातीर्थमुत्तमम्॥१०५॥
“A person becomes pure and receives the fruit of every sacrifice. At twilight one should then visit excellent Savidyā-tīrtha.
Passage 106
आचम्य विधिवत्पश्चात्पूतो भवति मानवः। सर्वशास्त्रेषु विद्यानां पारदर्शी भवेद्ध्रुवम्॥१०६॥
“After properly sipping its water, one becomes pure and certainly gains penetrating knowledge of the learning contained in every scripture.
Passage 107
लोहित्ये तीर्थराजे तु स्नात्वा विधिवदादृतः। करतोयां नदीं गच्छेत्कोटियज्ञफलाप्तये॥१०७॥
“After reverently bathing in Lohitya, king of tīrthas, one should go to the Karatoyā River to gain the fruit of ten million sacrifices.
Passage 108
कपिलस्याश्रमे पुण्ये पञ्चरात्रोषितो नरः। वाजपेयसमं पुण्यं समवाप्नोति पुरुषः॥१०८॥
“A person who remains five nights in Kapila’s sacred hermitage obtains merit equal to a Vājapeya sacrifice.
Passage 109
ततः स्नानं प्रकुर्वीत गङ्गासागरसङ्गमे। अश्वमेधाधिकं पुण्यं तत्राप्नोति न संशयः॥१०९॥
“One should next bathe where the Gaṅgā meets the ocean; there one receives merit exceeding an Aśvamedha—of this there is no doubt.
Passage 110
वैतरण्यां महानद्यां स्नात्वा दत्त्वा द्विजन्मने। विरजाख्ये महातीर्थे स्नानं कुर्याद्विचक्षणः॥११०॥
“After bathing in the great Vaitaraṇī River and giving to a brāhmaṇa, the discerning pilgrim should bathe at the great tīrtha named Virajā.
Passage 111
ततो ज्योतीरथीशोणसङ्गमे स्नानमाचरेत्। तर्पयेत्तेन तीर्थेन देवताश्च मुनीन्पितॄन्॥१११॥
“One should then bathe at the confluence of Jyotīrathī and Śoṇa, using its sacred water to satisfy the deities, sages, and ancestors.
Passage 112
ततः स्नायान्महातीर्थे नर्मदाशोणसङ्गमे। वंशगुल्माद्यत्र सरिन्नन्दाख्या विनिःसृता॥११२॥
“Next one should bathe at the great confluence of Narmadā and Śoṇa, where the river named Nandā emerges from clusters of bamboo.
Passage 113
तत्र स्नात्वा नरः सम्यङ्महायज्ञफलं लभेत्। ऋषितीर्थं ततः स्नायात्कोशलायां महाह्रदे॥११३॥
“Bathing there properly gives the fruit of a great sacrifice. One should next bathe at Ṛṣi-tīrtha in Kauśalā’s great lake.
Passage 114
कालतीर्थे पुष्पवत्यां त्रिरात्रं संवसेन्नरः। स्नात्वा बदरिकातीर्थे वाजिमेधफलं लभेत्॥११४॥
“One should stay three nights at Kāla-tīrtha on the Puṣpavatī; bathing at Badarikā-tīrtha gives the fruit of an Aśvamedha.
Passage 115
ततो महेरुकं गच्छेज्जामदग्न्याश्रमं नरः। रामतीर्थे महापुण्ये स्नात्वा दद्याद्द्विजाय गाम्॥११५॥
“One should next visit Maheruka and Jāmadagnya’s hermitage, then bathe at highly sacred Rāma-tīrtha and give a cow to a brāhmaṇa.
Passage 116
मतङ्गमुनिकेदारे स्नायात्तत्र विचक्षणः। श्रीपर्वते नदीतीरे गच्छेद्यत्र सदाशिवः॥११६॥
“The discerning pilgrim should bathe at Mataṅga Muni’s Kedāra and go to the riverbank on Śrīparvata where Sadāśiva—
Passage 117
संवसत्युमया देव्या तत्र स्नायाद्विचक्षणः। देवह्रदे महापुण्ये देवतीर्थे सुरेवृते॥११७॥
“dwells with the goddess Umā. There one should bathe in highly sacred Devahrada and at Deva-tīrtha, surrounded by gods.
Passage 118
ऋषभाद्रौ महापुण्ये पाण्ड्यदेशेऽतिपावने। तत्र गत्वा त्रिरात्रेण वाजपेयफलं लभेत्॥११८॥
“At highly sacred Ṛṣabhādri in the greatly purifying Pāṇḍya country, a three-night stay gives the fruit of a Vājapeya.
Passage 119
अथावगाह्य कावेर्यां पुष्यतीर्थे महाद्भुते। स्नात्वा दत्त्वा द्विजातिभ्यः परमां श्रियमाप्नुयात्॥११९॥
“One should then immerse in the Kāverī at wondrous Puṣya-tīrtha. Bathing and giving to brāhmaṇas there bring supreme prosperity.
Passage 120
सहस्रधेनवो येन दत्ताः स्वर्णाद्यलङ्कृताः। तत्पुण्यं समवाप्नोति कावेरीस्नानमात्रतः॥१२०॥
“A single bath in the Kāverī gives the merit of donating a thousand cows adorned with gold and other ornaments.
Passage 121
समुद्रतीरे विमले कन्यातीर्थेऽतिपावने। तत्रोपस्पृश्य विधिवत्पुण्यदेहो भवेन्नरः॥१२१॥
“At greatly purifying Kanyā-tīrtha on the stainless ocean shore, proper ritual contact with the water makes one’s body sacred.
Passage 122
ततो द्वीपे समुद्रस्य गोकर्णं पार्वतीपतिम्। देवगन्धर्वयोगीन्द्रराक्षसोरगसेवितम्॥१२२॥
“On an island in the ocean one should next approach Gokarṇa, Lord of Pārvatī, served by gods, Gandharvas, eminent yogins, Rākṣasas, and serpents.
Passage 123
त्रैलोक्यबन्धुं भूतेशमभ्यर्च्य विधिवन्नरः। त्रिरात्रं पञ्चरात्रं वा तथा द्वादशरात्रकम्॥१२३॥
“After properly worshiping Bhūteśa, friend of the three worlds, one should remain there for three, five, or twelve nights.
Passage 124
तत्र स्थित्वा महायज्ञकोटिपुण्यफलं लभेत्। ततस्त्रिरात्रं निवसेद्गायत्रीस्थानमध्यगः॥१२४॥
“Such a stay gives the merit of ten million great sacrifices. One should next remain three nights within Gāyatrī’s sacred place.
Passage 125
गायत्रीं चैव सावित्रीं पठेत्तत्र विशेषतः। स्मरेद्ब्राह्मण एवैनामन्यस्तु खलु विस्मरेत्॥१२५॥
“There a qualified brāhmaṇa should especially recite and remember Gāyatrī and Sāvitrī; one lacking that discipline loses their remembrance.
Passage 126
ऋषिवापिकामध्ये स्नात्वा मन्मथवद्भवेत्। वेणायां च ततः स्नात्वा धूतपापो भवेन्नरः॥१२६॥
“Bathing in the pool of the sages gives beauty like Manmatha’s; bathing next in the Veṇā washes away one’s sins.
Passage 127
देवपित्रर्चनपरस्तस्यास्तीरे समावसेत्। ब्रह्मलोकं व्रजेदाशु तस्मात्पुण्यप्रभावतः॥१२७॥
“One should dwell on its bank intent upon worshiping the gods and ancestors; through that merit one quickly reaches Brahmā’s world.
Passage 128
ततो गोदावरीतीर्थे स्नानं कुर्यादतन्द्रितः। वेणायाः सङ्गमे चैव वरदासङ्गमे तथा॥१२८॥
“Alert and attentive, one should bathe at Godāvarī-tīrtha, at the confluence of the Veṇā, and where the Varadā joins.
Passage 129
तापीं महापुण्यां कुशप्लवनमेव च। कृष्णवेणाजलोद्भूतं पुण्यं देवह्रदं तथा॥१२९॥
“One should also visit the greatly sacred Tāpī, Kuśaplavana, and holy Devahrada arising from the waters of Kṛṣṇaveṇā.
Passage 130
ज्योतिर्मात्रह्रदं चैव कन्याश्रममनोरमम्। गत्वा स्नात्वा च विधिवदनन्तं पुण्यमाप्नुयात्॥१३०॥
“By going to Jyotirmātra lake and delightful Kanyāśrama and bathing properly, one obtains endless merit.
Passage 131
पयोष्णी सलिले स्नात्वा सर्वपापैर्विमुच्यते। दण्डकारण्यमध्ये च स्नात्वा दत्त्वा द्विजातये॥१३१॥
“Bathing in the Payoṣṇī frees one from every sin. One should also bathe within Daṇḍakāraṇya and make a gift to a brāhmaṇa.
Passage 132
शरभङ्गाश्रमं गच्छेच्च महाश्रमम्। ततः शूर्पारके गत्वा रामतीर्थे समाप्लुतः॥१३२॥
“One should visit the great hermitage of Śarabhaṅga, then go to Śūrpāraka and immerse at Rāma-tīrtha.
Passage 133
समग्रगोदावरं गच्छेत्तत्र स्नात्वा जितेन्द्रियः। गच्छेद्देवचयं पुण्यं कोटियज्ञफलाप्तये॥१३३॥
“Self-controlled, one should visit the sacred Godāvarī region and bathe there, then go to holy Devacaya to gain the fruit of ten million sacrifices.
Passage 134
तुङ्गकारण्यमतुलं पवित्रं पापनाशनम्। आङ्गिरसेन मुनिना यत्र वेदाः प्रवर्तिताः॥१३४॥
“Unequalled Tuṅgakāraṇya is pure and destroys sin; there the sage Āṅgirasa set the Vedas in circulation.
Passage 135
ब्रह्मविष्णुमहेशाद्यैर्यक्षदेवगणैः पुरा। ऋषिभिश्च महाभागैः पुनराधानपूर्वकम्॥१३५॥
“Long ago Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Maheśa, hosts of Yakṣas and gods, and greatly blessed sages performed their renewed establishment there.
Passage 136
वेदा उपाकृताः सर्वे तत्पुण्यं तीर्थमुत्तमम्। गत्वा स्नात्वा विधानेन महत्पुण्यमवाप्नुयात्॥१३६॥
“All the Vedas were restored; thus it is a supremely sacred tīrtha. Going there and bathing according to rule produces immense merit.
Passage 137
मेधाविके महातीर्थे स्नात्वा दत्त्वा च भूरिशः। गिरिं कालञ्जरं गच्छेद्यत्र देवह्रदः शुचिः॥१३७॥
“After bathing and giving abundantly at great Medhāvika-tīrtha, one should go to Mount Kālañjara, where the pure Devahrada lies.
Passage 138
तत्र स्नात्वा विधानेन पुण्ये देवह्रदाम्भसि। सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तः पुण्यलोकानवाप्नुयात्॥१३८॥
“Bathing properly in Devahrada’s sacred water frees one from every sin and leads to holy worlds.
Passage 139
चित्रकूटाचले स्नात्वा मन्दाकिन्याः शुभे जले। यत्रात्रेर्मुनिवर्यस्य सुपुण्यतम आश्रमः॥१३९॥
“One should bathe on Mount Citrakūṭa in the auspicious Mandākinī, where the eminent sage Atri’s supremely sacred hermitage stands.
Passage 140
पितॄन्संतर्प्य विधिवत्तत्र पुण्यतमोदकैः। महत्पुण्यमवाप्नोति दुर्गतिं च विनाशयेत्॥१४०॥
“Properly satisfying the ancestors with those sacred waters gives immense merit and destroys an evil destination.
Passage 141
शृङ्गस्थानं ततो गत्वा समभ्यर्च्य च शङ्करम्। चतुःसामुद्रिके कूपे स्नात्वा चैव विधानतः॥१४१॥
“One should next visit Śṛṅgasthāna, worship Śaṅkara, and bathe according to rule in the well representing the four oceans.
Passage 142
शृङ्गवेरपुरं गच्छेद्गङ्गोदकनिषेवितः। स्नात्वा चैव तु गङ्गायां सर्वं पापं विधूनयेत्॥१४२॥
“One should proceed to Śṛṅgaverapura, sanctified by Gaṅgā’s water. Bathing in the river there shakes away every sin.
Passage 143
गत्वा मुञ्जवटं चैव तत्राभ्यर्च्य सदाशिवम्। महत्पुण्यमवाप्नोति क्षेत्रस्यास्य प्रभावतः॥१४३॥
“Visiting Muñjavaṭa and worshiping Sadāśiva there produce immense merit through the sacred field’s power.
Passage 144
सर्वेषामपि भूपानां यथा रघुपते भवान्। तथा प्रयागस्तीर्थानामिति शुश्रुम भूपते॥१४४॥
“As you, lord of Raghu’s line, are foremost among all kings, so Prayāga is foremost among sacred fords—thus have we heard, O ruler.
Passage 145
पुष्करं च प्रयागं च कुरुक्षेत्रं तथैव च। गङ्गाद्वारं च नृपते मुखमेतच्चतुष्टयम्॥१४५॥
“Puṣkara, Prayāga, Kurukṣetra, and Gaṅgādvāra are the four chief mouths of pilgrimage, O king.” King Daśaratha said:
Passage 146
पुष्करस्य विधिं ब्रूहि माहात्म्यं च विशेषतः। कानि कानि च तीर्थानि तत्र सन्ति महामुने॥१४६॥
“Great sage, explain Puṣkara’s observances and particular greatness. What sacred places are situated there?” Vasiṣṭha said:
Passage 147
मनुष्यलोके राजेन्द्र तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यपावनम्। त्रिपुष्करमिति ख्यातं दुर्लभं यद्दुरात्मभिः॥१४७॥
“In the human world, king of kings, the tīrtha called Tripuṣkara purifies the three worlds and is unattainable by the corrupt.
Passage 148
सप्तद्वीपवतीं भूमिमधितिष्ठन्ति यानि वै। तानि सर्वाणि तीर्थानि पुष्करे निवसन्ति हि॥१४८॥
“Every tīrtha established across the earth’s seven island-continents dwells within Puṣkara.
Passage 149
दशकोटिसहस्राणि दशकोटिशतानि च। पुष्करे सन्ति तीर्थानि येषां संख्या सुदुष्करा॥१४९॥
“Puṣkara contains tens of thousands of millions and hundreds of millions of tīrthas; their number is exceedingly difficult to calculate.
Passage 150
यत्र संनिहितो ब्रह्मा विष्णुश्चैव सदाशिवः। तथैव द्वादशादित्या वसवोऽष्टौ महीपते॥१५०॥
“Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Sadāśiva, the twelve Ādityas, and the eight Vasus are all present there, lord of the earth.
Passage 151
एकादश तथा रुद्रा विश्वेदेवाश्च सर्वशः। ऊनपञ्चाशदनिलाः साध्यास्तुषितनामकाः॥१५१॥
“The eleven Rudras, all the Viśvedevas, the forty-nine Maruts, the Sādhyas, and those called Tuṣitas are present as well.
Passage 152
भास्कराश्चैव सकला महाराजिकसंज्ञकाः। गन्धर्वाप्सरसो नागा यक्षराक्षसगुह्यकाः॥१५२॥
“There are all the Bhāskaras and the deities called Mahārājikas, together with Gandharvas, Apsarases, Nāgas, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, and Guhyakas.
Passage 153
मुनयो मानवाश्चैव तथा राजर्षयोऽखिलाः। दैत्याश्च दानवाश्चैव तथा ब्रह्मर्षयोऽपि च॥१५३॥
“Sages, human beings, all the royal sages, Daityas, Dānavas, and brahmarṣis also gather there.
Passage 154
तपस्विनो योगिनश्च दानशीला दृढव्रताः। पुष्करं समुपाश्रित्य परमां श्रियमाप्नुवन्॥१५४॥
“Ascetics, yogins, generous people, and those firm in their vows have taken shelter of Puṣkara and attained supreme prosperity.
Passage 155
मनसा स्मृतमात्राणि पुष्कराणि मनीषिभिः। क्षपयन्ति सर्वपापानि त्रिसन्ध्यमवनीपते॥१५५॥
“When the wise remember the Puṣkaras mentally at the three daily junctions, those places destroy every sin, ruler of the earth.
Passage 156
गायत्र्या चैव सावित्र्या ब्रह्मा लोकपितामहः। पुष्करे निवसन्नित्यं संचिनोति परां मुदम्॥१५६॥
“Brahmā, grandsire of the worlds, dwells eternally at Puṣkara with Gāyatrī and Sāvitrī, accumulating supreme joy.
Passage 157
ऋषयः पितरो देवा ब्रह्माणमनुसङ्गताः। तत्रासते महाराज पुण्यतीर्थेऽतिपावने॥१५७॥
“Sages, ancestors, and gods accompany Brahmā and remain at that greatly purifying sacred ford, great king.
Passage 158
अश्वमेधादियज्ञानां तत्र पुण्यं प्रतिष्ठितम्। स्नानाद्दानाज्जपाद्धोमात्तथा ब्राह्मणभोजनात्॥१५८॥
“The merit of Aśvamedha and other sacrifices is established there. Through bathing, giving, recitation, fire offering, and feeding brāhmaṇas—
Passage 159
पुण्यलोकानवाप्नोति पुष्करस्य प्रभावतः। यत्किञ्चिदपि कर्तव्यं पुण्यमत्र मनीषिणा॥१५९॥
“one reaches sacred worlds through Puṣkara’s power. A discerning person should perform every possible meritorious act there.
Passage 160
सकृत्स्नानेन दानेन नरः सर्वमवाप्नुयात्। न दुर्गतिं व्रजेत्काञ्चिन्न च दारिद्र्यमाप्नुते॥१६०॥
“A single bath and gift there obtain everything; one never reaches an evil state or encounters poverty.
Passage 161
कार्तिक्यां च महीपाल यो नरः स्नाति पुष्करे। स तत्पुण्यमवाप्नोति यदक्षय्यं प्रचक्ष्यते॥१६१॥
“A person who bathes at Puṣkara during Kārttikī obtains the merit proclaimed to be imperishable, ruler of the earth.
Passage 162
त्रिसन्ध्यं यः स्मरेद्राजन्पुष्कराणि दृढव्रतः। सर्वतीर्थाभिषेकस्य पुण्यमाप्नोति मानवः॥१६२॥
“One firm in vows who remembers the Puṣkaras at all three junctions of the day receives the merit of ablution at every tīrtha, O king.
Passage 163
पुष्करे स्नानमात्रेण स्त्री वा पुरुष एव वा। आजन्मकृतपापस्य परं पारमवाप्नुयात्॥१६३॥
“Merely bathing at Puṣkara enables a woman or man to cross beyond all sins committed since birth.
Passage 164
देवतानां यथा विष्णुर्ग्रहाणां तपनो यथा। नक्षत्राणां यथा चन्द्रो मासानां माधवो यथा॥१६४॥
“As Viṣṇu is foremost among deities, the Sun among planets, the Moon among lunar mansions, and Mādhava among months—
Passage 165
सिन्धूनां सागरो यद्वद्वर्णानां ब्राह्मणो यथा। तथैव सर्वतीर्थानां मुख्यं पुष्करमुच्यते॥१६५॥
“as the ocean is foremost among rivers and the brāhmaṇa among social orders, so Puṣkara is declared chief among all tīrthas.
Passage 166
यथा समस्तकाव्यानामाद्यं रामायणं स्मृतम्। तथा सकलतीर्थानामाद्यं पुष्करमुच्यते॥१६६॥
“As the Rāmāyaṇa is remembered as the first of all poems, so Puṣkara is called the first of all sacred fords.
Passage 167
व्रीहीन्वापि यवान्वापि यो वपेत्पुष्करावनौ। स सर्वयाज्ञिकं पुण्यं लभते नात्र संशयः॥१६७॥
“Whoever sows rice or barley in Puṣkara’s ground obtains all sacrificial merit; there is no doubt.
Passage 168
पूर्णं वर्षशतं येन हुतमप्यावसथ्यके। कार्तिक्यां पूर्णिमायां च स्नानमात्रस्य तत्फलम्॥१६८॥
“The fruit of maintaining the domestic sacred fire for a full hundred years is gained by a single bath on Kārttika’s full-moon day.
Passage 169
कृत्वा प्रदक्षिणं तत्र पुष्करक्षेत्रमुत्तमम्। सर्वयज्ञफलं प्राप्य स्वर्गे लोके महीयते॥१६९॥
“Circumambulating the excellent field of Puṣkara gives the fruit of every sacrifice and brings honor in heaven.
Passage 170
यज्ञवाटं परिक्रम्य दृष्ट्वा वाराहमीश्वरम्। सोमनाथं समभ्यर्च्य गत्वा च मखवेदिकाम्॥१७०॥
“One should circle the sacrificial enclosure, behold Varāha as Lord, worship Somanātha, and visit the sacrificial altar.
Passage 171
घृतकुल्यां मधोः कुल्यां स्नात्वा देवनदीमिह। सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा पूतो भवति मानवः॥१७१॥
“Bathing in the streams of ghee and honey and in the divine river here purifies a person’s soul from every sin.
Passage 172
गायत्रीं चैव सावित्रीं स्मृत्वा देवीं सरस्वतीम्। सर्वयज्ञफलं प्राप्य पूतो भवति मानवः॥१७२॥
“Remembering Gāyatrī, Sāvitrī, and the goddess Sarasvatī gives the fruit of all sacrifices and makes one pure.
Passage 173
जम्बूमार्गं ततो गत्वा सर्वपापं व्यपोहयेत्। इदं काशीसमं क्षेत्रं पुण्यं सर्वाघनाशनम्॥१७३॥
“One should next visit Jambūmārga, which removes every sin. This holy field equals Kāśī and destroys all evil.
Passage 174
चर्मण्वत्यां महातीर्थं जम्बूमार्गाभिधं महत्। पदे पदे तत्र सन्ति शिवलिङ्गानि भूमिप॥१७४॥
“On the Carmaṇvatī lies the great tīrtha named Jambūmārga, where Śiva liṅgas stand at every step, ruler of the earth.
Passage 175
तान्यभ्यर्च्य नमस्कृत्य सर्वान्कामानवाप्नुयात्। जम्बूमार्गे गमिष्यामि जम्बूमार्गे वसाम्यहम्॥१७५॥
“Worshiping and bowing to them grants every desire. One should declare, ‘I shall go to Jambūmārga; I dwell in Jambūmārga.’
Passage 176
इत्येवं ब्रुवमाणोऽपि प्रातरुत्थाय मानवः। महत्पुण्यमवाप्नोति काशीवासशताधिकम्॥१७६॥
“A person who rises in the morning and simply speaks those words gains immense merit exceeding a hundred residences in Kāśī.
Passage 177
जम्बूमार्गे महाराज मुनीनामाश्रमावली। तत्र चैव नरो गत्वा धौतपापः प्रजायते॥१७७॥
“At Jambūmārga stands a succession of sages’ hermitages, great king. Going there washes away a person’s sins.
Passage 178
पारिजातगिरिस्तत्र पुण्यदेशः प्रतिष्ठितः। तत्रैव षट्पद्रं नाम गिरिमध्ये प्रतिष्ठितम्॥१७८॥
“The sacred Pārijāta mountain stands there, and within it lies the place named Ṣaṭpadra.
Passage 179
बिल्वकेश्वरसंज्ञं तच्छिवलिङ्गं प्रतिष्ठितम्। दर्शनात्स्पर्शनात्तस्य हरेत्पापं त्रिजन्मजम्॥१७९॥
“There stands the Śiva liṅga named Bilvakeśvara; seeing and touching it removes sins accumulated over three births.
Passage 180
ततः पुण्यतमां गच्छेद्देवगन्धर्वसेविताम्। केतुमालां च मेध्यां च समाप्लुत्य विशेषतः॥१८०॥
“One should next visit the supremely sacred region served by gods and Gandharvas, immersing especially in Ketumālā and Medhyā.
Passage 181
गच्छेत्तु रक्तदन्तायाः स्थानं परमपुण्यदम्। रक्तदन्तां नमस्कृत्य सुरथस्य पुरे नृप॥१८१॥
“One should go to Raktadantā’s place, which gives supreme merit, and bow to the goddess in King Suratha’s city.
Passage 182
आजन्मसंभवं पापं तत्क्षणादेव नाशयेत्। सुरथस्य पुरं राजन्पवित्रं पुण्यवर्धनम्॥१८२॥
“She instantly destroys all sins accumulated since birth. Suratha’s city is pure and increases merit, O king.
Passage 183
तस्याभिगमनादेव सर्वं पापं व्यपोहयेत्। शिवलिङ्गसहस्राणि यत्र सन्ति पदे पदे॥१८३॥
“Merely approaching it removes every sin; thousands of Śiva liṅgas stand at every step.
Passage 184
गङ्गारण्ये नरः स्नात्वा सर्वपापैर्विमुच्यते। सैन्धवारण्ययात्रान्तरेषा यात्रा प्रशस्यते॥१८४॥
“Bathing in Gaṅgāraṇya frees one from every sin. This journey is commended as part of the pilgrimage through Saindhavāraṇya.
Passage 185
लोहागलनाम तीर्थं तस्मिन्देशे प्रतिष्ठितम्। तत्र स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च दशसोमशतं लभेत्॥१८५॥
“The tīrtha named Lohāgala stands in that region. Bathing and giving there yield the fruit of a thousand Soma rites.
Passage 186
गालवस्याश्रमं गत्वा मृगपक्षिनिषेवितम्। तत्र स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च ब्रह्महत्यां व्यपोहति॥१८६॥
“At Gālava’s hermitage, frequented by deer and birds, bathing and giving remove the sin of brahminicide.
Passage 187
पञ्चरात्रमिह स्थित्वा ब्रह्मचर्यपरो नरः। आजन्मसंभवं पापं विधुनोति न संशयः॥१८७॥
“Remaining there for five nights devoted to chastity shakes away every sin accumulated since birth—there is no doubt.
Passage 188
उज्जयिन्यां पवित्राणि स्थानानि शृणु भूपते। येषु यात्रां सकृत्कृत्वा पुण्यभाजनतां व्रजेत्॥१८८॥
“Hear now, O ruler, of Ujjayinī’s sacred places. Making their pilgrimage once turns a person into a vessel of merit.
Passage 189
तिस्रस्तत्र पुरीः सन्ति महापुण्यफलप्रदाः। आदौ ब्रह्मपुरी राजन्भवेद्विष्णुपुरी ततः॥१८९॥
“Three sacred cities there bestow immensely holy fruit: first Brahmapurī, O king, and then Viṣṇupurī.
Passage 190
ततो महारुद्रपुरी सर्वपापप्रणाशिनी। यस्याः संदर्शनादेव सर्वं पापं प्रणश्यति॥१९०॥
“Third is Mahārudrapurī, destroyer of every sin; merely seeing it makes all sin perish.
Passage 191
महाकालपुरी सर्वा यत्र क्षिप्रा महानदी। महाकालेश्वरं यत्र शिवलिङ्गं पुरातनम्॥१९१॥
“The whole region is Mahākālapurī, where the great Kṣiprā River flows and the ancient Śiva liṅga Mahākāleśvara stands.
Passage 192
श्मशानमूषरं क्षेत्रं पीठं चैव वनं तथा। पञ्चैकत्र न लभ्यन्ते महाकालपुरीं विना॥१९२॥
“A cremation ground, a barren sacred field, a divine seat, a forest, and the city itself—these five are found together nowhere but Mahākālapurī.
Passage 193
गन्धर्वाणां श्मशानं तन्महापुण्यमिति स्थितम्। ऊषरं पुण्यपापानां तत्रैव खलु तिष्ठति॥१९३॥
“Its cremation ground of the Gandharvas is held to be greatly sacred. There too lies the barren ground where merit and sin are exhausted.
Passage 194
अवन्तिका महाक्षेत्रं जनानां पुण्यवर्धनम्। हरसिद्धिशिवापीठं जपतां सर्वसिद्धिदम्॥१९४॥
“Avantikā is a great field that increases people’s merit. The Śiva-pīṭha of Harasiddhi grants every accomplishment to those who recite there.
Passage 195
महारुद्रपुरीमध्ये कोटितीर्थं नराधिप। स्नात्वा दत्त्वा च विप्रेभ्यः कोटितीर्थफलं लभेत्॥१९५॥
“Koṭitīrtha lies within Mahārudrapurī, ruler. Bathing and giving to brāhmaṇas there yield the fruit of ten million tīrthas.
Passage 196
अगस्त्येश्वरसंज्ञं तच्छिवलिङ्गमिह स्थितम्। गत्वा नत्वा समभ्यर्च्य हयमेधातिगं फलम्॥१९६॥
“The Śiva liṅga named Agastyeśvara stands there. Visiting, bowing, and worshiping it give fruit surpassing an Aśvamedha.
Passage 197
तत्र विष्णुपुरीमध्ये गोमतीकुण्डमुत्तमम्। तत्र स्नात्वा विशेषेण पूजयित्वा जनार्दनम्॥१९७॥
“Within Viṣṇupurī lies excellent Gomatīkuṇḍa. One should bathe there with special care and worship Janārdana.
Passage 198
ब्रह्महत्यादिभिः पापैर्मुक्तो भवति मानवः। अङ्कप्रपाते नरः स्नात्वा पूतो भवति तत्क्षणात्॥१९८॥
“A person is freed from brahminicide and related sins; bathing at Aṅkaprapāta purifies one instantly.
Passage 199
अधिसिद्धवटच्छायां स्थित्वा तत्र च मानवः। संसारतापनिर्मुक्तो भवेदिति न संशयः॥१९९॥
“By remaining beneath Siddhavaṭa’s shade, a person becomes free from worldly affliction—there is no doubt.
Passage 200
तथा ब्रह्मपुरीमध्ये स्नायाद्भूरिफलाप्तये। चतुर्द्वारेषु वै तस्या यानि स्थानानि भूपते॥२००॥
“One should likewise bathe within Brahmapurī to obtain abundant fruit and visit the sacred places at its four gates, O ruler.
Passage 201
तेषु गत्वा च दत्त्वा च पुण्यं महदवाप्नुयात्। यत्र कुत्रापि क्षिप्रायां स्नात्वा दत्त्वा च मानवः॥२०१॥
“By going to those places and giving gifts, one gains great merit. Wherever a person bathes in the Kṣiprā and gives charity,
Passage 202
असंख्यं फलमाप्नोति सोमयागकृतं नृणाम्। कामधेनुस्तनोद्भवैः क्षीरैर्निर्मितेयं महानदी॥२०२॥
“he obtains immeasurable fruit, equal to that produced by the Soma sacrifice. This great river was formed from milk flowing from Kāmadhenu’s udders.
Passage 203
सुरसा मृष्टसलिला तीर्थकोटिनिषेविता। अथ चन्द्रसुतां गच्छेत् पुण्याश्रमनिषेविताम्॥२०३॥
“Sweet in essence and delightful in water, it is attended by ten million sacred fords. One should then go to Candrasutā, served by holy hermitages.
Passage 204
तस्यामाप्लुत्य विधिवत् प्राणायामं समाचरेत्। वर्षाणि शतमाचर्यं तपसः प्राप्नुयात् फलम्॥२०४॥
“Bathing there according to rule and practising breath restraint, one gains the fruit of austerity performed for a hundred years.
Passage 205
बह्व्यः सन्ति महानद्यस्तीर्थानि सुबहूनि च। तानि सर्वाणि रेवायाः कलां नार्हन्ति षोडशीम्॥२०५॥
“Many great rivers and very many sacred fords exist, yet all of them together do not equal even a sixteenth part of the Revā.
Passage 206
दर्शनाद्धरते पापं किं पुनः स्नानदानतः। रेवातीरे नरः स्थित्वा पञ्चरात्रं तपोरतः॥२०६॥
“Her mere sight removes sin—how much more bathing and giving there! A person who remains on Revā’s bank for five nights, devoted to austerity,
Passage 207
शतवर्षकृतात्यर्थतपश्चर्याफलं लभेत्। तमालतरुसंछन्नं महावेतसवेष्टितम्॥२०७॥
“obtains the fruit of exceedingly severe austerity practised for a hundred years. Her bank is covered by tamāla trees and encircled by great reeds.
Passage 208
अनेकवनसंकीर्णं तीरमस्याः सुपावनम्। यस्मिन् क्षणमपि स्थित्वा पुण्यवातनिषेवितः॥२०८॥
“Her supremely purifying shore is filled with many forests. Remaining there for even a moment, touched by its sanctifying breeze,
Passage 209
आजन्मसंभवैर्घोरैरहोभिर्मुच्यते नरः। नर्मदासलिलस्पर्शो यत्र वाति समीरणः॥२०९॥
“a person is freed from terrible sins accumulated since birth. There the wind blows after touching the waters of Narmadā.
Passage 210
स वै पुण्यतमो देशस्तपस्विजनसेवितः। प्रत्यक्स्रोता नदी पुण्या नर्मदा लोकपावनी॥२१०॥
“That region, frequented by ascetics, is indeed most holy. The sacred Narmadā, purifier of the worlds, flows westward.
Passage 211
यानि तीर्थानि भुवने तानि तस्यां समासते। पितामहादयो देवा तथा देवर्षयोऽखिलाः॥२११॥
“All the sacred fords in the world are gathered in her. Brahmā and the other gods, together with all the divine seers,
Passage 212
सिद्धाः किंपुरुषाश्चैव तस्यास्तीरे निवासिनः। तत्र विश्रवसः स्थानं महर्षेः संप्रतिष्ठितम्॥२१२॥
“the siddhas, and the Kimpuruṣas dwell upon her banks. There stands the established abode of the great seer Viśravas.
Passage 213
कुबेरो भगवान् यत्र नित्यमेव प्रतिष्ठितः। वैदूर्यशिखरो नाम्ना पर्वतः स हि कीर्तितः॥२१३॥
“There Lord Kubera is ever present. The mountain is celebrated by the name Vaidūryaśikhara, ‘the peak of beryl.’
Passage 214
फलिनः पुण्यवन्तश्च हरितच्छदशालिनः। भूरुहाः सुन्दरच्छायाः सूर्यतापनिवारकाः॥२१४॥
“Its trees are fruitful and holy, richly clothed in green leaves, casting beautiful shade that wards off the sun’s heat.
Passage 215
प्रसन्नसलिलं दिव्यं तत्रैव विपुलं सरः। उत्फुल्लकमलामोदसुगन्धितहरित्तटम्॥२१५॥
“There is also a vast divine lake of limpid water, its verdant banks perfumed by the fragrance of fully opened lotuses.
Passage 216
सविलासरसोन्मत्तदेवगन्धर्वसेवितम्। विश्वामित्रस्य राजर्षेस्तत्र पुण्यतमा नदी॥२१६॥
“Gods and gandharvas, intoxicated by the delight of graceful play, attend it. There also flows the most sacred river of the royal seer Viśvāmitra.
Passage 217
यस्यास्तीरे यज्ञसभामध्ये राज्ञां हि पश्यताम्। नहुषस्याग्रजो राजा ययातिः पुण्यकीर्तनः॥२१७॥
“On its bank, before the eyes of kings assembled at a sacrificial session, the renowned King Yayāti, elder brother of Nahuṣa,
Passage 218
यतमानः स्वर्गलोकात् पतन्नूर्ध्वं परां गतिम्। कक्षषेणमुनेर्यत्र सुपुण्यतम आश्रमः॥२१८॥
“though falling from heaven, strove upward and attained the supreme state. There stands the supremely holy hermitage of the sage Kakṣaṣeṇa.
Passage 219
च्यवनस्य च राजेन्द्र तत्रैवाश्रम उत्तमः। कार्तवीर्यश्च राजेन्द्रो हैहयान्वयभूषणः॥२१९॥
“There too, O king, is the excellent hermitage of Cyavana. King Kārtavīrya, ornament of the Haihaya lineage,
Passage 220
यत्र बाहुसहस्रेण रुरोध खलु नर्मदाम्। सहस्रधाराख्यं तीर्थं नर्मदे विश्वपावनम्॥२२०॥
“once checked the Narmadā there with his thousand arms. On Narmadā is the world-purifying ford named Sahasradhārā.
Passage 221
यत्र कालाग्निरुद्रश्च सततं संप्रतिष्ठितः। स्वाहया सहितो भाति काले काले परिस्फुटः॥२२१॥
“There Kālagni-Rudra is perpetually established. Together with Svāhā, he manifests resplendently from age to age.
Passage 222
तत्तीर्थं च विशेषेण नार्मदं सर्वपावनम्। ओङ्कारेश्वरशैले च नर्मदा विश्वपावनी॥२२२॥
“That Narmadā ford is especially purifying to all. The world-purifying Narmadā also flows by Mount Oṅkāreśvara.
Passage 223
मान्धातृनाम्ना विदितः स शैलो दुर्गभूषितः। मुचुकुन्दस्य यत्स्थानं सर्वदेवसमन्वितम्॥२२३॥
“That fortress-crowned mountain is known by the name Māndhātṛ. There is the abode of Mucukunda, attended by all the gods.
Passage 224
यत्र गौरीसोमनाथलिङ्गं परमसुन्दरम्। चण्डवेगा नदी यत्र संगता रेवया सह॥२२४॥
“There stands the supremely beautiful liṅga of Gaurī-Somanātha, and there the swift-flowing river Caṇḍavegā meets the Revā.
Passage 225
तत्क्षेत्रं केन तुलितं तीर्थानामुत्तमोत्तमम्। नर्मदादर्शनेनैव सद्यः शुद्ध्यति मानुषः॥२२५॥
“What could equal that domain, the highest of all sacred fords? By the mere sight of Narmadā, a person is purified at once.
Passage 226
रात्रौ प्रवाहिनी चैषा शाङ्करी मूर्तिरुत्तमा। सौराष्ट्रे पुण्यतीर्थानि सुबहूनि महीपते॥२२६॥
“Flowing even by night, she is Śaṅkara’s supreme embodied form. In Saurāṣṭra, O lord of the earth, there are very many sacred fords.
Passage 227
ऋषीणामाश्रमाश्चैव सरितः पर्वतास्तथा। चमसोद्भेदनं नाम्ना तीर्थानामुत्तमं स्मृतम्॥२२७॥
“There are hermitages of sages, rivers, and mountains. Among the finest fords is the one remembered by the name Camasodbhedana.
Passage 228
प्रभासनाम तीर्थं च सर्वदेवनिषेवितम्। उदधेस्तीर्थमाख्यातं यात्रया पुण्यकोटिदम्॥२२८॥
“There is also the ford named Prabhāsa, frequented by all the gods. It is celebrated as the ocean’s ford and bestows ten million merits upon a pilgrim.
Passage 229
पिण्डारकमहातीर्थं मुनिवृन्दनिषेवितम्। उज्जयन्ते गिरौ यानि तीर्थानि धरणीपते॥२२९॥
“The great ford Piṇḍāraka is attended by hosts of sages. As for the sacred fords on Mount Ujjayanta, O ruler of the earth,
Passage 230
तेषु स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च पूर्वजानपि चोद्धरेत्। तपःस्थानानि दिव्यानि यत्र सन्ति तपस्विनाम्॥२३०॥
“by bathing and giving there one can uplift one’s ancestors. Divine places of austerity belonging to ascetics are found there.
Passage 231
तेष्वस्पृश्य सकृदप्यनल्पं पुण्यमाप्नुयात्। अथ द्वारवती साक्षान्माधवस्य महापुरी॥२३१॥
“By touching those places even once, one gains abundant merit. Then comes Dvāravatī itself, the great city of Mādhava.
Passage 232
गोमती यत्र सततं रम्या पुण्यतमा नदी। यादवेन्द्रस्य कृष्णस्य पुण्यं यत्र निकेतनम्॥२३२॥
“There the delightful and most sacred river Gomatī flows continually, and there is the holy dwelling of Kṛṣṇa, lord of the Yādavas.
Passage 233
सातिधन्यतमा लोके पुण्या द्वारवती पुरी। अथ वक्ष्यामि ते राजन् कुरुक्षेत्रविधिं शुभम्॥२३३॥
“Sacred Dvāravatī is thus exceedingly blessed in this world. I shall now tell you, O king, the auspicious observance for Kurukṣetra.
Passage 234
यत्रातिपुण्यसलिला नदी नाम्ना सरस्वती। उषित्वा यत्र मासं तु सर्वं फलमवाप्नुयात्॥२३४॥
“There flows the river named Sarasvatī, whose waters are supremely holy. Living there for one month, one obtains every fruit.
Passage 235
द्वारपालं महायक्षमादौ समभिवाद्य च। ततोऽन्तः प्रविशेत्तत्र कुरुक्षेत्रं नराधिप॥२३५॥
“First one should salute the great yakṣa who guards the gate; then, O ruler, one should enter Kurukṣetra.
Passage 236
विष्णोः स्थानं ततो गत्वा महत्पुण्यमवाप्नुयात्। तत्र स्नात्वा हरिं दृष्ट्वा महायज्ञफलं लभेत्॥२३६॥
“Going next to Viṣṇu’s abode, one gains great merit. Bathing there and beholding Hari, one obtains the fruit of a great sacrifice.
Passage 237
परिप्लवं नाम तीर्थं ततो गच्छेन्महीपते। तत्र स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च ब्राह्मणेभ्यः पयस्विनीः॥२३७॥
“One should then go to the ford named Pariplava, O lord of the earth. Bathing there and giving milk-giving cows to brahmins,
Passage 238
अग्निष्टोमफलं प्राप्य स्वर्गलोके विराजते। पृथिव्यास्तीर्थमभ्येत्य स्नानं कुर्याद्विधानतः॥२३८॥
“one gains the fruit of an Agniṣṭoma and shines in heaven. One should approach Pṛthivī’s ford and bathe there according to rule.
Passage 239
गोसहस्रप्रदानस्य फलमाप्नोति मानवः। शालूकिनी महातीर्थं गत्वा स्नात्वा विधानतः॥२३९॥
“A person thereby obtains the fruit of giving a thousand cows. Going to the great ford Śālūkinī, one should bathe according to rule.
Passage 240
दशाश्वमेधिके तीर्थे स्नायात्तत्र विधानतः। नागानां तीर्थमभ्येत्य तत्र स्नात्वा विधानतः॥२४०॥
“One should bathe properly at the ford Daśāśvamedhika. Approaching the ford of the Nāgas, one should likewise bathe there according to rule.
Passage 241
अत्यग्निष्टोमजं पुण्यमवाप्नोति महीपते। नागलोकं परिप्राप्य मोदते दिवि देववत्॥२४१॥
“One obtains merit greater than that of an Agniṣṭoma, O lord of the earth, and, reaching the Nāga world, rejoices in heaven like a god.
Passage 242
तरन्तुकं द्वारपालं प्राप्यैकां रजनीं वसेत्। अमितं पुण्यमाप्नोति तं नमस्कृत्य मानवः॥२४२॥
“Reaching Tarantuka, the gatekeeper, one should remain for a single night. A person who bows to him obtains immeasurable merit.
Passage 243
गत्वा पञ्चनदं तीर्थं सर्वपापप्रणाशनम्। कोटितीर्थे ततः स्नात्वा सर्वयज्ञफलं लभेत्॥२४३॥
“One should go to Pañcanada, the ford that destroys every sin. Bathing next at Koṭitīrtha, one obtains the fruit of every sacrifice.
Passage 244
सुपुण्यमश्विनोस्तीर्थं स्नात्वा तत्र विधानतः। अश्विनीसुतवद्रूपं लभते नात्र संशयः॥२४४॥
“Bathing according to rule at the exceedingly holy ford of the Aśvins, one gains beauty like the sons of the Aśvins—there is no doubt.
Passage 245
वाराहतीर्थमासाद्य मुनिवृन्दनिषेवितम्। कोटियज्ञफलं लब्ध्वा पुण्यकायो भवेन्नरः॥२४५॥
“Reaching the Varāha ford, frequented by hosts of sages, a person gains the fruit of ten million sacrifices and acquires a sanctified body.
Passage 246
मुञ्जावर्तं ततो गत्वा सर्वदेवनमस्कृतम्। शैवतीर्थं महत्पुण्यं सुमहत्पातकं दहेत्॥२४६॥
“Going next to Muñjāvarta, revered by all the gods, one reaches a supremely holy Śaiva ford that burns away even the gravest sin.
Passage 247
तत्र रात्रिं वसेद्धीरो महायज्ञफलाप्तये। स्नात्वा यक्षीं समभ्येत्य तत्रैव धरणीपते॥२४७॥
“A steadfast pilgrim should remain there for one night to gain the fruit of a great sacrifice. After bathing, one should approach the Yakṣiṇī there, O ruler.
Passage 248
सर्वान् कामानवाप्नोति त्रैलोक्ये कीर्तिमान् भवेत्। तत्र प्रदक्षिणो भूत्वा स्नायात् पुष्करसंज्ञिते॥२४८॥
“One obtains every desire and becomes renowned throughout the three worlds. Circumambulating there, one should bathe at the place called Puṣkara,
Passage 249
जामदग्न्येन रामेण स्थापिते स्वानुभावतः। ततो रामेण वीरेण निर्मितान् क्षत्रशोणितैः॥२४९॥
“established by Rāma Jāmadagnya through his own spiritual power. Then one should behold the pools made by the heroic Rāma from the blood of warriors.
Passage 250
दृष्ट्वा पञ्चह्रदांस्तत्र महत्पुण्यमवाप्नुयात्। पितरस्तर्पिता यत्र तथैव च पितामहाः॥२५०॥
“Seeing those five pools, one gains great merit. There Rāma satisfied his fathers and forefathers alike.
Passage 251
रुधिरेणैव रामेण सुमहाघोरकर्मणा। तैरेव च वरं दत्त्वा कृतं तत्तीर्थमुत्तमम्॥२५१॥
“Rāma performed that exceedingly terrible deed with their blood. Those very ancestors granted him a boon and made the place an excellent sacred ford.
Passage 252
तेषु ह्रदेषु विधिवत् स्नात्वा दत्त्वा द्विजन्मने। जामदग्न्यं समभ्यर्च्य महत्पुण्यमवाप्नुयात्॥२५२॥
“Bathing properly in those pools, giving to a twice-born person, and worshipping Jāmadagnya Rāma, one obtains great merit.
Passage 253
वंशमूलकतीर्थे च स्नात्वा वंशं समुद्धरेत्। कायशोधनतीर्थे च स्नात्वा कायं विशोधयेत्॥२५३॥
“By bathing at Vaṃśamūlaka ford, one uplifts one’s lineage; by bathing at Kāyaśodhana ford, one purifies the body.
Passage 254
लोकोद्धारमहातीर्थे स्नात्वा लोकान् समुद्धरेत्। श्रीतीर्थे च समाप्लुत्य परमां श्रियमाप्नुयात्॥२५४॥
“Bathing at the great ford Lokoddhāra, one uplifts the worlds; immersing at Śrītīrtha, one obtains supreme prosperity.
Passage 255
कपिलातीर्थमध्ये च सकृदप्याप्लुतो जनः। सहस्रकपिलादानफलमाप्नोति मानवः॥२५५॥
“A person who immerses even once in the midst of Kapilātīrtha obtains the fruit of giving a thousand tawny cows.
Passage 256
सूर्यतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा पितृदेवार्चने रतः। अग्निष्टोमफलं प्राप्य सूर्यलोकमनुव्रजेत्॥२५६॥
“Bathing at Sūryatīrtha and devoted to worship of the ancestors and gods, a person gains the fruit of an Agniṣṭoma and proceeds to the solar realm.
Passage 257
तीर्थानामुत्तमे तीर्थे गवां भवन आप्लुतः। गोसहस्रप्रदानस्य फलमाप्नोति मानवः॥२५७॥
“A person who immerses at Gavāṃ Bhavana, the finest of sacred fords, obtains the fruit of giving a thousand cows.
Passage 258
तथैव शङ्खिनीतीर्थे देवीतीर्थेऽतिपावने। स्नात्वा दत्त्वा द्विजातिभ्यो महदैश्वर्यमाप्नुयात्॥२५८॥
“Likewise, bathing at Śaṅkhinītīrtha and the supremely purifying Devītīrtha, and giving to brahmins, one obtains great sovereignty.
Passage 259
मचक्रुकं द्वारपालं गत्वा तीर्थपरायणः। सरस्वत्यां समाप्लुत्य महायज्ञफलं लभेत्॥२५९॥
“The pilgrim should visit Macakruka, guardian of the gate. Immersing in the Sarasvatī, one obtains the fruit of a great sacrifice.
Passage 260
ब्रह्मावर्ते महातीर्थे गत्वा स्नात्वा च मानवः। ब्रह्मलोकं समासाद्य मोदते पद्मयोनिवत्॥२६०॥
“A person who goes to the great ford Brahmāvarta and bathes there reaches Brahmā’s world and rejoices like the lotus-born god.
Passage 261
सुतीर्थके महातीर्थे पितृदेवार्चने रतः। अश्वमेधफलं लब्ध्वा पितृलोके महीयते॥२६१॥
“At the great ford Sutīrthaka, one devoted to worship of the ancestors and gods gains the fruit of an Aśvamedha and is honoured in the ancestors’ realm.
Passage 262
काशीश्वरं च तीर्थेषु युवत्या सुसमाप्लुतः। महीयते ब्रह्मलोके सर्वदुःखविवर्जितः॥२६२॥
“Bathing thoroughly at Kāśīśvara and Yuvatī among the sacred fords, one is honoured in Brahmā’s world, entirely free from sorrow.
Passage 263
मातृतीर्थे च राजेन्द्र स्नात्वा दत्त्वा द्विजातये। अनन्तां श्रियमाप्नोति सर्वसौख्यविवर्धितः॥२६३॥
“Bathing at Mātṛtīrtha, O king, and giving to a brahmin, one obtains boundless prosperity and grows in every happiness.
Passage 264
गत्वा शीतवनं चैव स्नात्वा तीर्थोत्तमे जनः। महतीं शुद्धिमाप्नोति क्षणमात्रमपि स्थितः॥२६४॥
“Going to Śītavana and bathing at that excellent ford, a person gains great purification even by remaining there for only a moment.
Passage 265
श्वानलोमापहे तीर्थे स्वलोमानि निकृत्य वै। निक्षिपेत् तेन कायस्य महतीं शुद्धिमाप्नुयात्॥२६५॥
“At the ford called Śvānalo-māpaha, one should cut one’s hair and cast it away; through this the body attains great purification.
Passage 266
दशाश्वमेधतीर्थाम्बुन्याप्लुत्य रघुसत्तम। कोटितीर्थावगाहस्य शुद्धिमाप्नोति मानवः॥२६६॥
“Immersing in the waters of Daśāśvamedha ford, O best of Raghus, a person gains the purification produced by bathing at ten million sacred fords.
Passage 267
सकृदाप्लुत्य राजेन्द्र तीर्थे सुगविमोचने। निर्धूय सर्वपापानि स्वर्गलोकमवाप्नुयात्॥२६७॥
“Immersing once at the ford Sugavimocana, O king, one shakes off every sin and reaches the heavenly world.
Passage 268
ततो मानुषतीर्थात्तु क्रोशोपरि महानदी। आपगेति स्मृता नाम्ना तस्यामाप्लुत्य मानुषः॥२६८॥
“One krośa beyond Mānuṣatīrtha lies the great river remembered by the name Āpagā. A person who immerses there,
Passage 269
श्यामाकपायसं विप्रान् भोजयित्वा कृताह्निकः। भूयांसं धर्ममाप्नोति पितृदेवार्चने रतः॥२६९॥
“after completing the daily rites and feeding brahmins a sweet rice preparation made with millet, gains abundant merit through worship of ancestors and gods.
Passage 270
कोटयस्तेन वै विप्रा भोजिताः स्युर्न संशयः। स्नानैर्दानैश्च होमैश्च भूयः सुकृतमर्जयेत्॥२७०॥
“It is as though ten million brahmins had been fed by him—there is no doubt. By bathing, gifts, and fire offerings, one accumulates still more merit.
Passage 271
ब्रह्मोदुम्बरतीर्थं च लक्ष्मणः स्थानमुत्तमम्। तत्र सप्तर्षिकुण्डेषु स्नायाच्छ्रियमपूर्वकाम्॥२७१॥
“There are Brahmodumbaratīrtha and Lakṣmaṇa’s excellent abode. One should bathe in the seven seers’ pools there and gain unprecedented prosperity.
Passage 272
तथा कल्पितकेदारे स्नात्वा तीर्थोत्तमे नृप। महतीं सिद्धिमाप्नोति कपिलस्य प्रभावतः॥२७२॥
“Likewise, bathing at the excellent ford Kalpitakedāra, O king, one obtains great perfection through Kapila’s power.
Passage 273
अभ्येत्य पद्मयोनिं च ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियादयः। पूजययुर्लोकनाथं ब्रह्माणं विश्वकारकम्॥२७३॥
“Brahmins, kṣatriyas, and others approached the lotus-born Brahmā and worshipped the lord of the worlds, maker of the universe.
Passage 274
तेन पुण्येन राजेन्द्र ब्रह्मलोकमवाप्नुयुः। गत्वा कपिलकेदारं पापराशिं विदाहयेत्॥२७४॥
“By that merit they reached Brahmā’s world, O king. Going to Kapilakedāra, one burns away the mass of one’s sins.
Passage 275
स्नात्वा सरकतीर्थे च प्राप्य कृष्णचतुर्दशीम्। रुद्रं संपूज्य विधिवत् सर्वान् कामानवाप्नुयात्॥२७५॥
“Bathing at Sarakatīrtha on the dark fortnight’s fourteenth day and properly worshipping Rudra, one obtains every desire.
Passage 276
तीर्थानि कोटयस्तिस्रो यत्र संनिहितानि वै। रुद्राणां कोटयश्चैव ह्रदेषु किल जाग्रति॥२७६॥
“Thirty million sacred fords are gathered there, and ten million forms of Rudra are said to remain awake within its pools.
Passage 277
इलास्पदं महातीर्थं तत्र स्नात्वा विधानतः। देवान् संपूज्य दत्त्वा च पितृभ्यः श्राद्धमुत्तमम्॥२७७॥
“At the great ford Ilāspada, one should bathe according to rule, worship the gods, and offer the finest ancestral rite to the forefathers.
Passage 278
वाजपेयफलं प्राप्य स्वर्गलोकमवाप्नुयात्। किं दानं चैव किं जप्यं किं तीर्थमुत्तमोत्तमम्॥२७८॥
“One gains the fruit of a Vājapeya and reaches heaven. What gift, what recitation, and what sacred ford could be more excellent?
Passage 279
तयोः स्नात्वा विधानेन पुण्यं स्याद्दानजाप्ययोः। यत्र प्राप्येत राजेन्द्र कोटिदानजपादिभिः॥२७९॥
“By bathing there according to rule, one gains the merit of both giving and recitation—the merit otherwise gained by ten million gifts and repetitions.
Passage 280
कलहंसं तीर्थतोयेन सकृदाचम्य मानवः। अग्निष्टोमोद्भवं पुण्यमाप्नोति नृप तत्क्षणात्॥२८०॥
“A person who once sips the sacred water at Kalahamsa obtains in that very moment, O king, the merit arising from an Agniṣṭoma.
Passage 281
ततः पूर्वं नारदस्य तीर्थं नाजन्मनामनि। सकृत् स्नात्वा नरो राजन् न पुनर्जन्मभाग् भवेत्॥२८१॥
“East of there is Nārada’s ford, printed here with the name Nājanma. Bathing there once, O king, a person is never born again.
Passage 282
शुक्ले दशम्यामाप्लुत्य पुण्डरीकस्य वारिणि। वैतरण्यां पुण्यतीर्थं स्नात्वाभ्यर्च्य महेश्वरम्॥२८२॥
“Immersing on the bright fortnight’s tenth day in Puṇḍarīka’s waters, then bathing in the holy Vaitaraṇī and worshipping Maheśvara,
Passage 283
विमुक्तः सर्वपापेभ्यो महत्पुण्यमवाप्नुयात्। फलकिवनमध्ये च दृषद्वत्यां समाप्लुतः॥२८३॥
“one becomes free of every sin and gains great merit. Immersing in the Dṛṣadvatī in the midst of Phalakī forest,
Passage 284
तीर्थं चाखिलदेवौघतपःस्नानैकभाजनम्। महायज्ञफलं चैव महादानफलं लभेत्॥२८४॥
“at the ford that alone receives the austerities and baths of the whole host of gods, one gains the fruit of a great sacrifice and a great gift.
Passage 285
पाणिखाते नरः स्नात्वा देवतापितृतर्पणी। ऋषीणां गतिमाप्नोति राजसूयफलान्वितः॥२८५॥
“Bathing at Pāṇikhāta and satisfying the gods and ancestors, a person gains the state of the seers together with the fruit of a Rājasūya.
Passage 286
मिश्रके च सकृद् गत्वा स्नात्वा तीर्थेषु तत्र वै। मिश्रितं फलमाप्नोति सर्वतीर्थोद्भवं नृप॥२८६॥
“Going once to Miśraka and bathing in the fords there, O king, one obtains the combined fruit arising from all sacred fords.
Passage 287
यत्र व्यासेन तीर्थानि सर्वाणि जगतीतले। आनीय स्थापितान्यद्धा तेन मिश्रमितीरितम्॥२८७॥
“There Vyāsa brought together and truly established all the sacred fords on earth; for that reason it is called Miśraka, ‘the mingled place.’
Passage 288
पुण्यं व्यासवनं गत्वा स्नात्वा तीर्थे मनोजवे। असंख्यं पुण्यमासाद्य स्वर्गलोकमवाप्नुयात्॥२८८॥
“Going to holy Vyāsavana and bathing at the ford Manojava, one gains immeasurable merit and reaches the heavenly world.
Passage 289
मधुवट्यां शुभे तीर्थे देवस्थाने समाप्लुतः। ईश्वरं च समभ्यर्च्य कोटिदानफलं लभेत्॥२८९॥
“Immersing at the auspicious ford Madhuvaṭī in the divine precinct and worshipping the Lord, one gains the fruit of ten million gifts.
Passage 290
कौशिक्याश्च दृषद्वत्याः संगमे सुसमाप्लुतः। कोटितीर्थावगाहोत्थं पुण्यमाप्नोति मानवः॥२९०॥
“Immersing thoroughly at the confluence of the Kauśikī and Dṛṣadvatī, a person obtains the merit arising from bathing at ten million sacred fords.
Passage 291
व्यासस्थलीं समासाद्य पुण्यसंचयवान् भवेत्। व्यासोऽत्र मायया विष्णोः पुत्रशोकाभिमूर्छितः॥२९१॥
“Reaching Vyāsasthalī, one becomes rich in accumulated merit. Here Vyāsa, overcome by grief for his son through Viṣṇu’s māyā,
Passage 292
देवैरुत्थापितः सर्वैर्ज्ञाततत्त्वः स्वयं मुनिः। तत्र स्नानेन दानेन पुण्यमक्षय्यमाप्नुयात्॥२९२॥
“was raised up by all the gods and himself came to know reality. By bathing and giving there, one gains inexhaustible merit.
Passage 293
स्नात्वा किंदत्तके कूपे तिलदायी नृपोत्तम। ऋणत्रयविनिर्मुक्तो लभते प्रेत्य सद्गतिम्॥२९३॥
“Bathing at the well called Kiṃdattaka and giving sesame, O best of kings, one is freed from the three debts and reaches a blessed state after death.
Passage 294
वेदीतीर्थे सकृत् स्नात्वा अहःसु दिनयोरपि। लभेत् सहस्रगोपुण्यं रविलोकं च मानवः॥२९४॥
“Bathing even once at Vedītīrtha during the stated days, a person gains the merit of a thousand cows and reaches the sun’s world.
Passage 295
नृगधूमे रुद्रपदे स्नात्वा संपूज्य शङ्करम्। नरोऽश्वमेधजं पुण्यं लभते नात्र संशयः॥२९५॥
“Bathing at Nṛgadhūma and Rudrapada and worshipping Śaṅkara, a person gains the merit of an Aśvamedha—there is no doubt.
Passage 296
कोटितीर्थे ततः स्नायात् कोटितीर्थफलाप्तये। गत्वा वामनके तत्र स्नात्वा विष्णुपदे नरः॥२९६॥
“One should then bathe at Koṭitīrtha to gain the fruit of ten million fords. Going to Vāmanaka, a person should bathe there at Viṣṇupada.
Passage 297
वामनं चैव संपूज्य विष्णुलोके महीयते। कुलम्पुने सकृत् स्नात्वा कुलकोटिं समुद्धरेत्॥२९७॥
“Worshipping Vāmana, one is honoured in Viṣṇu’s world. Bathing once at Kulampuna, one uplifts ten million members of one’s lineage.
Passage 298
वायुह्रदे देवह्रदे शालिसूर्यं च मानवः। स्नानदानादिविधिभिरसंख्यं पुण्यमाप्नुयात्॥२९८॥
“At Vāyuhṛda, Devahṛda, and Śālisūrya, a person gains immeasurable merit through bathing, giving, and the other prescribed rites.
Passage 299
श्रीकुञ्जं नैमिषं कुञ्जं पुण्यक्षेत्रं सुपावनम्। सरस्वत्याः शुभे तीर्थे तयोः स्नात्वा विधानतः॥२९९॥
“At Śrīkuñja and Naimiṣakuñja, supremely purifying holy grounds, and at the auspicious ford of Sarasvatī, one should bathe according to rule.
Passage 300
कन्यातीर्थे च राजर्षे ब्रह्मणः स्थान एव च। सोमतीर्थं महत्पुण्यं सप्तसारस्वते तथा॥३००॥
“There are Kanyātīrtha, O royal seer, Brahmā’s own abode, the greatly sacred Somatīrtha, and likewise the Seven Sarasvatīs.
Passage 301
स्नात्वा चौशनसे तीर्थे तीर्थे कपालमोचने। अग्नितीर्थे महातीर्थे विश्वामित्रस्य वै मुनेः॥३०१॥
“One should bathe at Auśanasatīrtha, at Kapālamocana ford, and at the great Agni ford of the sage Viśvāmitra.
Passage 302
ब्रह्मयोनौ च विधिवत् स्नात्वा दत्त्वा च शक्तितः। अमेयं पुण्यमाप्नोति परत्रेह च मोदते॥३०२॥
“Bathing properly at Brahmayoni and giving according to one’s means, one gains immeasurable merit and rejoices both here and hereafter.
Passage 303
तीर्थानामुत्तमं तीर्थमथ गच्छेत् पृथूदकम्। तत्राभिषिच्य विधिना तर्पयेद्दैवतापितॄन्॥३०३॥
“One should then go to Pṛthūdaka, the finest of all sacred fords. Bathing there according to rule, one should satisfy the gods and ancestors.
Passage 304
आजन्मकलितं तस्य घोरं पापं प्रशाम्यति। अश्वमेधादियज्ञानां फलमासादयेन्नरः॥३०४॥
“The terrible sin accumulated since birth is pacified, and a person gains the fruit of Aśvamedha and the other great sacrifices.
Passage 305
भुक्तिदं मुक्तिदं चैव कामदं शुभदं तथा। पुण्यात्पुण्यतमं प्राहुर्नृणामेतत् पृथूदकम्॥३०५॥
“It bestows enjoyment and liberation, fulfils desires, and grants auspiciousness. Pṛthūdaka is declared the holiest of holy places for human beings.
Passage 306
पावनं देवयजनं कुरुक्षेत्रं महीपते। न तत्समं क्वचित्तीर्थं त्रिषु लोकेषु कीर्तितम्॥३०६॥
“Kurukṣetra is the purifying sacrificial ground of the gods, O lord of the earth. No sacred ford equal to it is celebrated in the three worlds.
Passage 307
सर्वस्माद् कुरुक्षेत्रान्महापुण्या सरस्वती। ततः पुण्यानि तीर्थानि तीर्थेभ्योऽपि पृथूदकम्॥३०७॥
“More sacred than all Kurukṣetra is the Sarasvatī; holier than it are its sacred fords; and holier than those fords is Pṛthūdaka.
Passage 308
वरेण्यं सर्वतीर्थानां काशीकोटिफलाधिकम्। स्मरणाद् गमनाद्वापि स्पर्शनाद्दर्शनादपि॥३०८॥
“Foremost among all sacred fords, it yields more than ten million Kāśīs. By remembering it, going there, touching it, or even seeing it,
Passage 309
साक्षान्मुक्तिप्रदं तीर्थं त्रिषु वेदेषु गीयते। न ततश्चोत्तमं तीर्थं त्रिषु लोकेषु विद्यते॥३०९॥
“this ford directly bestows liberation and is praised in the three Vedas. No ford higher than it exists in the three worlds.
Passage 310
पापा अपि ततस्तत्र विमुच्येरन् न संशयः। दूरस्थः स्मरणेनापि तस्य शुद्धतमो भवेत्॥३१०॥
“Even sinners are freed there—there is no doubt. One who remains far away becomes thoroughly purified merely by remembering it.
Passage 311
पृथूदकान्तविख्यातं तीर्थं नास्ति मधुस्रवम्। तत्र स्नानेन दानेन न पुनर्जन्मभाग् भवेत्॥३११॥
“No honey-flowing ford is renowned beyond Pṛthūdaka. By bathing and giving there, one is no longer subject to rebirth.
Passage 312
गच्छेत् पुण्यतमं राजन् देवीतीर्थमनुत्तमम्। सरस्वत्यारुणा यत्र संगता लोकपावनी॥३१२॥
“One should go, O king, to the unequalled and supremely holy Devītīrtha, where the world-purifying Sarasvatī meets the Aruṇā.
Passage 313
त्रिरात्रमुषितस्तत्र स्नानं कृत्वा दृढव्रतः। मुच्यते सर्वपापेभ्यो महायज्ञांश्च विन्दति॥३१३॥
“A firm-vowed person who stays there for three nights and bathes is freed from every sin and gains the fruit of great sacrifices.
Passage 314
कुलकोटीः समुद्धर्तुं क्षमो भवति पुण्यतः। महच्छुभमवाप्नोति शुद्धिं च महतीं नृप॥३१४॥
“Through that merit one becomes able to uplift ten million members of one’s lineage, gaining great auspiciousness and profound purification, O king.
Passage 315
तत्र तीर्थेऽवकीर्णाख्ये चतुःसामुद्रिकेऽपि च। सकृदाप्लुत्य यत्पुण्यं लभते तस्य तच्छृणु॥३१५॥
“Now hear the merit gained by immersing even once at the ford called Avakīrṇa and at Catuḥsāmudrika.
Passage 316
अब्राह्मणो ब्राह्मणः स्यात् पूर्वजं जगतीपते। चतुःसहस्रगोदानं परत्र च लभेद् ध्रुवम्॥३१६॥
“One not born a brahmin becomes a brahmin, O lord of the earth, and surely gains hereafter the fruit of giving four thousand cows.
Passage 317
शतसाहस्रके तीर्थे तथा साहस्रकेऽपि च। स्नात्वा वा सकृदाचम्य महत्फलमवाप्नुयात्॥३१७॥
“Bathing or even sipping water once at Śatasāhasraka and likewise at Sāhasraka, one obtains a great reward.
Passage 318
यद्यत् करोति नृपते दानव्रतजपादिकम्। सहस्रगुणितं पुण्यं भवतीत्यनुशुश्रुम॥३१८॥
“Whatever gift, vow, recitation, or similar rite one performs there, O king, becomes a thousand times as meritorious—so we have heard.
Passage 319
विशुद्धे रेणुकातीर्थे तथा तीर्थे विमोचने। यज्ञेश्वरे च विधिवत् स्नानदानादिभिः शुचिः॥३१९॥
“At pure Reṇukātīrtha, at Vimocana ford, and at Yajñeśvara, one becomes pure through properly performed bathing, giving, and the other rites.
Passage 320
तैजसे वारुणे तीर्थे कुरुतीर्थे विशुद्धिदे। स्वर्गद्वारे च नरकतीर्थे च ब्रह्मणः स्थले॥३२०॥
“There are the Taijasa and Vāruṇa fords, the purifying Kurutīrtha, Svargadvāra, Narakatīrtha, and Brahmā’s holy ground.
Passage 321
रुद्राणीसंनिधौ चैव तथा विश्वेश्वरालये। पद्मनाभस्य च स्थाने तीर्थे चाखिलदैवते॥३२१॥
“There are also Rudrāṇī’s presence, the sanctuary of Viśveśvara, Padmanābha’s abode, and the ford belonging to all the gods.
Passage 322
तथा पावनतीर्थं च कपिगङ्गाह्रदेऽपि च। गङ्गाह्रदे च कूपे च त्रिकोटीतीर्थसंमिते॥३२२॥
“There are Pāvanatīrtha, Kapigaṅgā pool, Gaṅgā pool, and the well held equal to thirty million sacred fords.
Passage 323
आपगायां स्थाणुवटे बदरीपावने तथा। इन्द्रमार्गे महाराज आदित्यस्थाश्रमे तथा॥३२३॥
“There are the Āpagā, Sthāṇuvaṭa, Badarīpāvana, Indramārga, O great king, and the hermitage where Āditya abides.
Passage 324
सोमतीर्थे दधीचस्य तीर्थे सारस्वतोद्भवे। कन्याश्रमे संनिहत्यां संनीतायां नराधिप॥३२४॥
“There are Somatīrtha, Dadhīca’s ford, the Sarasvatī-born ford, Kanyāśrama, Saṃnihitī, and Saṃnītā, O ruler.
Passage 325
स्नानं दानं तथा श्राद्धं जपहोमादिकं तथा। यद्यत् करोति सुकृतं तत्तदक्षयतां व्रजेत्॥३२५॥
“Whatever meritorious act one performs there—bathing, giving, ancestral rites, recitation, fire offerings, or the like—becomes inexhaustible.
Passage 326
यावन्ति सन्ति तीर्थानि पृथिव्यां पृथिवीपते। तानि सर्वाणि नियतं संनीतानि महात्मभिः॥३२६॥
“All the sacred fords that exist on earth, O lord of the earth, have assuredly been brought together there by great souls.
Passage 327
संनीतेति श्रुता लोके तेनेयं सर्वपावनी। तस्यां यः कुरुते श्राद्धं ग्रहणे चन्द्रसूर्ययोः॥३२७॥
“Therefore this all-purifying place is known in the world as Saṃnītā, ‘the gathered place.’ Whoever performs an ancestral rite there during a lunar or solar eclipse,
Passage 328
अश्वमेधसहस्रस्य स राजन् पुण्यमाप्नुयात्। स्नानं दानं तथा श्राद्धं तत्तद्दुष्कृतनाशनम्॥३२८॥
“gains the merit of a thousand Aśvamedhas, O king. Bathing, giving, and ancestral rites there each destroy wrongdoing.
Passage 329
द्वारपालं महायक्षं मचक्रुकमनुव्रजेत्। अभिवाद्य परिक्रम्य यात्राफलमवाप्नुयात्॥३२९॥
“One should visit the great yakṣa Macakruka, guardian of the gate. Saluting and circumambulating him, one obtains the fruit of the pilgrimage.
Passage 330
कोटितीर्थं महीपाल गङ्गाह्रदमनुत्तमम्। गत्वा स्नात्वा च विधिवन्महायज्ञफलं लभेत्॥३३०॥
“Going to Koṭitīrtha and the unequalled Gaṅgā pool, O ruler, and bathing according to rule, one obtains the fruit of a great sacrifice.
Passage 331
कुरुक्षेत्रसमं तीर्थं पृथिव्यां नैव विद्यते। धर्मक्षेत्रमिति प्रोक्तं मुनिश्रेष्ठैः पुरातनैः॥३३१॥
“No sacred ford equal to Kurukṣetra exists on earth. Ancient foremost sages have declared it the Field of Dharma.
Passage 332
कुरुक्षेत्ररजःस्पर्शात् पापात्मापि दिवं व्रजेत्। यावन्ति सन्ति तीर्थानि कुरुक्षेत्रे तु तानि वै॥३३२॥
“By touching Kurukṣetra’s dust, even a sinner reaches heaven. All sacred fords are indeed present within Kurukṣetra.
Passage 333
मनसापि कुरुक्षेत्रं यो गच्छेत् प्रातरुत्थितः। तस्यापि सर्वपापानि विलीयन्ते न संशयः॥३३३॥
“Even one who rises in the morning and journeys to Kurukṣetra only in thought has every sin dissolved—there is no doubt.
Passage 334
ब्रह्मणो वेदिराख्याता पुण्यभूमिः सनातनी। पावनं देवयजनं कुरुक्षेत्रमिति स्मृतम्॥३३४॥
“This eternal holy ground is called Brahmā’s altar. Kurukṣetra is remembered as the purifying sacrificial ground of the gods.
Passage 335
यत्र ब्रह्मर्षयो राजन् देवर्षिप्रवरास्तथा। राजर्षयश्च राजेन्द्र पुण्यवन्तः समासते॥३३५॥
“There, O king, brahmin seers, foremost divine seers, and meritorious royal seers assemble together.
Passage 336
पश्यन्ति गच्छन्ति वसन्ति ये नराः पुण्यं कुरुक्षेत्रमुपासते च ये। तेषां जनुः सार्थकमत्र संस्थितो परे तु दैवेन सदैव वञ्चिताः॥३३६॥
“Those who see, visit, or dwell there, and those who worship holy Kurukṣetra, make their human birth fruitful; others remain forever deprived by fate.
Passage 337
ये जनाः सततं राजन् कुरुक्षेत्रे निवासिनः। किं करोति यमस्तेषां पुण्यराशिनिवासिनाम्॥३३७॥
“What can Yama do, O king, to people who continually dwell in Kurukṣetra, residing amid a mass of merit?
Passage 338
तरन्तुका महापुण्या रन्तुका विश्वपावनी। तयोर्यदन्तरे क्षेत्रं पवित्रं पापनाशनम्॥३३८॥
“Tarantukā is greatly holy and Rantukā purifies the world. The land between the two is sacred and destroys sin.
Passage 339
रामह्रदा यत्र पुण्यास्तथा यक्षो मचक्रुकः। स्यमन्तपञ्चकं क्षेत्रं तयोरन्तश्च भूपते॥३३९॥
“There are the holy pools of Rāma and the yakṣa Macakruka. The region called Syamantapañcaka lies between those two, O ruler.
Passage 340
इयमुत्तरवेदिर्वै ब्रह्मणो वन्दिता सुरैः। कुरुक्षेत्रमिति ख्यातं स्थानं विश्वस्य पावनम्॥३४०॥
“This is indeed Brahmā’s northern altar, revered by the gods. The place known as Kurukṣetra purifies the whole universe.
Passage 341
पञ्चयोजनविस्तीर्णं सरस्वत्याभियाचितम्। कुरुणा यज्ञशीलेन यतो भूयो धर्म उत्तमः॥३४१॥
“It extends for five yojanas and was sought from Sarasvatī by Kuru, who was devoted to sacrifice and from whom the highest dharma grew abundant.
Passage 342
एतदुद्देशतः प्रोक्तं मया तुभ्यं महीपते। कुरुक्षेत्रस्य माहात्म्यमतस्तीर्थान्तरं शृणु॥३४२॥
“Thus I have described to you in outline, O lord of the earth, the greatness of Kurukṣetra. Now hear of the next sacred ford.” *Thus ends Chapter 103 of the Pūrva-khaṇḍa of the Ādi-Rāmāyaṇa, in the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa, during Daśaratha’s pilgrimage, entitled “The Account of the Sacred Fords.”*