Passage 1
मथुरायां प्रसिद्धानि तीर्थानि वद मे मुने। येषु मज्जनमात्रेण नरः शुद्धिमवाप्नुयात्॥१॥
“Tell me, sage, of the celebrated sacred fords in Mathurā where a person gains purification merely by immersing.” Vasiṣṭha said:
Passage 2
वसन्ति सर्वतीर्थानि मथुरायां जनाधिप। सर्वदैव विशेषात्तु चातुर्मास्ये प्रशस्यता॥२॥
“All sacred fords dwell in Mathurā, O ruler. She is praiseworthy at every time, but especially during the four holy months.
Passage 3
सप्तद्वीपवती भूमिस्तस्यां तीर्थानि यान्यपि। तानि सर्वाणि मथुरामायान्ति शयिते हरौ॥३॥
“When Hari reclines, all the sacred fords found throughout the earth with its seven continents come to Mathurā.
Passage 4
कार्तिके मासि यत्पुण्यं मार्गशीर्षे निगद्यते। गुप्तस्नानं गुप्तदानं यत्रात्यन्तं प्रशस्यते॥४॥
“The merit of Kārttika is also proclaimed for Mārgaśīrṣa, when private bathing and unpublicized giving are especially praised.
Passage 5
मार्गशीर्ष उषःकाले आप्लुत्य यामुनेऽम्भसि। सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तः कृष्णसायुज्यमाप्नुयात्॥५॥
“Immersing at dawn during Mārgaśīrṣa in Yamunā’s waters, one becomes free of every sin and gains union with Kṛṣṇa.
Passage 6
तपःसमाधिनियमैः प्राणायामायुतेन च। योगिनामात्मनिष्ठानां या गतिः सा नृणामिह॥६॥
“The state gained by self-absorbed yogins through austerity, samādhi, discipline, and ten thousand breath restraints is gained by people here.
Passage 7
अश्वमेधादियागोत्थपुण्यकोटिशतेन च। या गतिर्लभ्यते सात्र मथुरायां निवासतः॥७॥
“The state obtained through hundreds of millions of merits arising from Aśvamedha and other sacrifices is gained here simply by residing in Mathurā.
Passage 8
अस्ति तत्र रमाकान्तः केशवो नाम कीर्तितः। तस्य संदर्शनादेव न पुनर्जायते नरः॥८॥
“There dwells Ramā’s beloved, celebrated by the name Keśava. Merely seeing him, a person is never born again.
Passage 9
दिव्यतेजोमयी मूर्तिः केशवस्य महात्मनः। दृष्ट्वा स्पृष्ट्वा च तां लोकस्तत्क्षणादेव मुच्यते॥९॥
“The form of great Keśava consists of divine radiance. Seeing and touching it, a person is liberated in that very moment.
Passage 10
कार्तिके केशवस्याग्रे दीपमालां करोति यः। इहामुत्र च वै तस्य तिमिरं नैव विद्यते॥१०॥
“Whoever places a row of lamps before Keśava in Kārttika encounters no darkness, either in this world or the next.
Passage 11
रविबिम्बप्रतीकाशं विमानमधिरुह्य सः। दिव्यतेजोमये लोके क्रीडतेऽप्सरसां गणैः॥११॥
“Ascending a celestial vehicle that shines like the sun’s disc, that person sports with hosts of apsarases in a world made of divine light.
Passage 12
कृत्वा केशवदेवस्य दर्शनं सप्तजन्मजम्। विधुनोति नरः पापं लभेत् सायुज्यमाशु सः॥१२॥
“By beholding Lord Keśava, a person shakes off sins from seven births and quickly attains union with him.
Passage 13
स्नात्वा श्रीयामुने तोये परिक्रम्य च केशवम्। कुलकोटिं समुद्धृत्य स्वयं विष्णुमयो भवेत्॥१३॥
“Bathing in blessed Yamunā’s water and circumambulating Keśava, one uplifts ten million members of one’s lineage and becomes filled with Viṣṇu.
Passage 14
यावन्तश्चरणन्यासाः केशवस्य प्रदक्षिणे। तावतां वाजिमेधानां फलं प्राप्नोति मानुषः॥१४॥
“For every footstep taken while circumambulating Keśava, a person gains the fruit of one horse sacrifice.
Passage 15
यावन्ति लोके पुण्यानि वाजिमेधादिजान्यपि। तावन्ति केशवार्चायास्तुलां नार्हन्ति षोडशीम्॥१५॥
“All the merits in the world arising from horse sacrifices and other rites do not equal even a sixteenth part of worshipping Keśava.
Passage 16
अकृत्वा मथुरास्नानमदृष्ट्वा केशवं हरिम्। अगत्वा व्रजभूमिं च किं जन्म सफलं भवेत्॥१६॥
“Without bathing at Mathurā, beholding Hari Keśava, and visiting the land of Vraja, how can a life become fruitful?
Passage 17
शिवलिङ्गं च भूतेशं तत्रस्थं पापनाशनम्। विनास्य दर्शनं राजन् मथुराफलदायकम्॥१७॥
“There stands the sin-destroying Śiva liṅga of Bhūteśa. Without beholding it, O king, the full fruit of Mathurā is not obtained.
Passage 18
प्रमथादीन् समादाय सर्वान् भूतगणान् सदा। मथुरामावसत्येष भूतेशो लोकशङ्करः॥१८॥
“Together with the Pramathas and every host of spirits, Bhūteśa, benefactor of the worlds, perpetually resides in Mathurā.
Passage 19
दर्शनात् स्पर्शनात्तस्य पापकोटिर्विदह्यते। इह भोगान् परिप्राप्य परत्र खलु मुच्यते॥१९॥
“Seeing or touching him burns away ten million sins. After enjoying blessings here, one is indeed liberated hereafter.
Passage 20
वनानि द्वादशैवात्र तानि संग्रहतः शृणु। यत्र श्रीकृष्णचन्द्रस्य लीलाः सर्वाः सुखावहाः॥२०॥
“Now hear in brief of the twelve forests where every pastime of Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra brings happiness.
Passage 21
पूर्वं मधुवनं प्रोक्तं हरेः क्रीडाकरं वनम्। दृष्ट्वा प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य तोषयेन्मधुसूदनम्॥२१॥
“First is Madhavana, declared to be Hari’s forest of play. Seeing and circumambulating it, one should please Madhusūdana.
Passage 22
ततस्तालवनं नाम वनानामुत्तमं हि तत्। तस्याभिगमनादेव सद्यो मुक्तिरवाप्यते॥२२॥
“Next is Tālavana, truly an excellent forest. Merely approaching it, one gains liberation immediately.
Passage 23
वनं कुमुदसंज्ञं च महाकासारवेष्टितम्। उत्फुल्लकुमुदामोदसुवासितदिगन्तरम्॥२३॥
“The forest named Kumudavana is encircled by a great lake, and every direction is perfumed by the fragrance of fully opened water lilies.
Passage 24
ततः कामवनं नाम कामदं सर्वजन्मिनाम्। विमलोदकसंज्ञेन सरसा विमलीकृतम्॥२४॥
“Then comes Kāmavana, which fulfils the desires of every creature and is purified by the lake named Vimalodaka, ‘stainless water.’
Passage 25
बहुलावनसंज्ञं च तत्रास्ति रुचिरं वनम्। बहुला नाम सा धेनुः कृष्णहस्तैः सुमोदिता॥२५॥
“There stands the lovely forest named Bahulāvana, where the cow Bahulā was greatly delighted by Kṛṣṇa’s hands.
Passage 26
तयाधिवासितं तस्याः खुराङ्कैरभिरोचितम्। अनेककुञ्जपुञ्जाढ्यं कुसुमौघसुवासितम्॥२६॥
“Sanctified by her presence and beautified by the marks of her hooves, it is rich with clusters of bowers and perfumed by masses of flowers.
Passage 27
ततो भद्रवनं नाम यमुनापरपारगम्। तस्याभिगमनाद्राजन् विष्णुप्रियतमो भवेत्॥२७॥
“Next is Bhadravana on Yamunā’s opposite bank. By approaching it, O king, one becomes exceedingly dear to Viṣṇu.
Passage 28
खादिरं वनमाश्चर्यकरं खदिरमण्डितम्। यत्र शङ्खादिरं गोपीमुखाधररुचावहम्॥२८॥
“Khādiravana, adorned with acacia trees, is filled with wonders. There Kṛṣṇa’s deeds brought radiance to the faces and lips of the gopīs.
Passage 29
बृहद्वनं महाराज बलभद्रमुदावहम्। अनेकाश्चर्यसदनं कृष्णलीलारसावहम्॥२९॥
“Bṛhadvana, O great king, delights Balabhadra. It is a dwelling of many wonders and carries the rasa of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes.
Passage 30
बाललीलाविनोदेन रमते यत्र केशिहा। तस्याभिगमनादेव लीलारुचिमवाप्नुयात्॥३०॥
“There the slayer of Keśī delights in the amusements of childhood. Merely approaching it, one gains a taste for his pastimes.
Passage 31
लोहजङ्घवनं रम्यं लोहजङ्घाभिरक्षितम्। स्नानदानादिविधिभिर्वाजिमेधफलप्रदम्॥३१॥
“Lovely Lohajaṅghavana is guarded by Lohajaṅgha. Bathing, giving, and the other rites there grant the fruit of a horse sacrifice.
Passage 32
ततो बिल्ववनं नाम वनानामुत्तमं वनम्। तस्याभिगमनादेव कृष्णप्रेमाणमाप्नुयात्॥३२॥
“Next is Bilvavana, an excellent forest. Merely approaching it, one obtains love for Kṛṣṇa.
Passage 33
ततो भाण्डीरसंज्ञं तत् सर्वाश्चर्यमयं वनम्। तत्र गत्वा हरिं ध्यायेद् दिव्यलीलाविभूषितम्॥३३॥
“Then comes Bhāṇḍīravana, filled with every wonder. Going there, one should meditate on Hari adorned by divine pastimes.
Passage 34
भाण्डीरवटवृक्षस्य छायामाश्रित्य मानवः। विमुञ्चति परीतापं त्रिविधं हृदयस्थितम्॥३४॥
“Taking shelter in the shade of the Bhāṇḍīra banyan, a person releases the threefold affliction lodged within the heart.
Passage 35
वृन्दावनं सुरुचिरं वृन्दादेव्याभिरक्षितम्। यस्य दर्शनमात्रेण प्रारब्धमपि नश्यति॥३५॥
“Beautiful Vṛndāvana is protected by goddess Vṛndā. Merely seeing it destroys even the karma that has already begun to bear fruit.
Passage 36
केशिपट्टे नरः स्नात्वा दत्त्वा चाश्वं द्विजन्मने। न पुनर्जायते जन्तुर्मातृगर्भे सुदारुणे॥३६॥
“Bathing at Keśipaṭṭa and giving a horse to a brahmin, a creature is never again born within the terrible confines of a mother’s womb.
Passage 37
चीरघट्टे नरः स्नात्वा कदम्बं परिपूजयेत्। वासोऽलङ्कारगन्धाद्यैर्यत्र रूढो हरिः स्वयम्॥३७॥
“Bathing at Cīraghaṭṭa, one should fully worship the kadamba tree that Hari himself climbed with the garments, ornaments, fragrances, and other offerings.
Passage 38
स्त्रीणां वस्त्राण्यपादाय स्नान्तीनां यामुनेऽम्भसि। दिव्यं वरं स ताभ्यश्च दत्तवान् सर्वकामदः॥३८॥
“After taking the garments of the women bathing in Yamunā’s waters, the fulfiller of every desire granted them a divine boon.
Passage 39
कालीयस्य ह्रदस्तत्र यमुनास्रोतसोऽन्तरे। तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्नश्वमेधमवाप्नुयात्॥३९॥
“There, within Yamunā’s current, lies Kāliya’s pool. Bathing there, O king, a person gains the fruit of an Aśvamedha.
Passage 40
यत्र प्राचीमुखं स्रोतः कालिन्द्या लोकपावनम्। तत्र स्नात्वा क्षणमपि स्थित्वा भाग्यनिधिर्भवेत्॥४०॥
“Where world-purifying Kālindī’s current turns east, one who bathes and remains even for a moment becomes a treasury of good fortune.
Passage 41
पञ्चरात्रोषितस्तत्र गोविन्दं योऽनुपश्यति। न तस्य लोके किमपि कर्तव्यमवशिष्यते॥४१॥
“One who stays there five nights and beholds Govinda has no duty left unfinished in this world.
Passage 42
गोपेश्वराभिधं तत्र शिवलिङ्गं प्रतिष्ठितम्। दृष्ट्वा स्पृष्ट्वा च संपूज्य सर्वदुःखातिगो भवेत्॥४२॥
“There stands the Śiva liṅga named Gopeśvara. Seeing, touching, and fully worshipping it, one passes beyond every sorrow.
Passage 43
ततो गोवर्धनगिरिं गच्छेद्रत्नशिलामयम्। योजनद्वयमात्रोच्चं मथुरापरिधौ स्थितम्॥४३॥
“One should then go to Mount Govardhana, made of jewel-like stone, two yojanas high and situated within Mathurā’s circumference.
Passage 44
अनेकनिर्झरस्रावमनोज्ञोपत्यकान्वितम्। अधित्यकासमुल्लासिरत्नशृङ्गविराजितम्॥४४॥
“It has charming valleys washed by many waterfalls and shines with jewelled peaks rising joyfully above its plateaus.
Passage 45
द्रुमगुल्मलतावृन्दसमुल्लासिप्रसूनकैः। सौरभ्यहृतभृङ्गौघैः पूर्यमाणं समन्ततः॥४५॥
“Everywhere it is filled with blossoming trees, shrubs, and vines, and with swarms of bees captivated by their fragrance.
Passage 46
अनेककन्दरारम्यगह्वरोदीर्णपादपम्। निकुञ्जपुञ्जमधुरं माधुरीलतिकाञ्चितम्॥४६॥
“It is delightful with many caves and deep ravines where tall trees rise, sweet with clusters of bowers and adorned by vines of beauty.
Passage 47
धातुप्रत्नवणानेकवर्णकान्तिविभूषितम्। सौभाग्यमिव भूमेस्तत्सर्वतो माधुरीमयम्॥४७॥
“Adorned by the lustre of many colours from ancient mineral deposits, it is like the earth’s own good fortune, filled everywhere with sweetness.
Passage 48
सर्वाधिकोच्छ्रयभरेण विभूषिताङ्गं नानानिकुञ्जरमणीयमुदाररूपम्। कूजद्विजालिकुलझङ्कृतिपूर्यमाणं भूयो दरीनिलयदीपितरत्नदीपम्॥४८॥
“Its body is adorned by lofty summits and its noble form by many lovely bowers. Bird calls and humming bees fill it, while jewel-lamps illumine its numerous caves.
Passage 49
सायंसमुद्गतमहामहसाञ्चितानां नानाविधिप्रचुरदिव्यमहौषधीनाम्। ताभिर्निरस्ततिमिरैः स्वगृहान्तकुञ्जपुञ्जैः कुतूहलितगोपवधूसमूहम्॥४९॥
“At evening the immense radiance of its many divine medicinal herbs dispels darkness from the inner bowers, filling the gatherings of cowherd women with wonder.
Passage 50
चत्वारोऽत्र ह्रदा राजन् प्राक्प्रत्यग्दक्षिणोत्तराः। तेषु स्नात्वा नरो गच्छेद्दिव्यं वैकुण्ठमन्दिरम्॥५०॥
“Four pools lie here, O king, to the east, west, south, and north. Bathing in them, a person reaches the divine abode of Vaikuṇṭha.
Passage 51
गोवर्धनं नाम गिरिं सुधन्यं यो दीपयेत् कार्तिकमासि दीपैः। दीपोत्सवे च त्रिदिनं विशेषान्न तस्य वै तामसलोकवासः॥५१॥
“One who illuminates blessed Mount Govardhana with lamps during Kārttika, especially for the three days of the lamp festival, never dwells in a dark realm.
Passage 52
गोवर्धने क्रियमाणमन्यैर्धन्यैर्जनैः पश्यति यः प्रदीपम्। स निस्तरेत्तामसलोकवासाद् व्रजेच्च शीघ्रं भगवन्निकेतम्॥५२॥
“Even one who sees a lamp being offered at Govardhana by other blessed people escapes residence in dark worlds and swiftly reaches the Lord’s abode.
Passage 53
सर्वाश्चर्यमयो लोके श्रीमान् गोवर्धनाचलः। दृष्ट्वा परिक्रमेत्तं यः स निस्तरति दुर्गतिम्॥५३॥
“Glorious Mount Govardhana contains every wonder in this world. Whoever beholds and circumambulates it crosses beyond an unfortunate destiny.
Passage 54
यमुनायाश्च तीर्थानि शृणुष्वावहितो नृप। तेषु स्नानेन दानेन न भूयो जन्मभाग्भवेत्॥५४॥
“Now listen attentively, O king, to Yamunā’s sacred fords. By bathing and giving at them, one is no longer subject to rebirth.
Passage 55
संसारमोक्षणं नाम तीर्थं तत्रोत्तरं नृप। तत्र स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च संसारान्मुच्यते जनः॥५५॥
“To the north lies the ford named Saṃsāramokṣaṇa. Bathing and giving there, a person is freed from worldly existence.
Passage 56
प्रयागतीर्थं तत्रैव विश्रुतं पापनाशनम्। स्नानदानादिभिर्यत्र प्रयागादधिकं फलम्॥५६॥
“There also is the renowned sin-destroying Prayāgatīrtha, where bathing, giving, and related rites yield greater fruit than at Prayāga itself.
Passage 57
तीर्थं कनखलं नाम यमुनायां प्रतिष्ठितम्। स्नात्वा दत्त्वा च लभते फलं कनखलाधिकम्॥५७॥
“The ford named Kanakhala is established in Yamunā. By bathing and giving there, one gains fruit greater than at Kanakhala itself.
Passage 58
ततस्तिन्दुकतीर्थाख्यं यामुनं तीर्थमुत्तमम्। यत्र स्नात्वा नरो भूयो मातृयोनिं न विन्दति॥५८॥
“Next is the excellent Yamunā ford named Tindukatīrtha. Bathing there, a person never again enters a mother’s womb.
Passage 59
सूर्यतीर्थं महाराज तीर्थानामुत्तमोत्तमम्। यत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन् सूर्यवज्जायते रुचा॥५९॥
“Sūryatīrtha, O great king, is among the finest of sacred fords. Bathing there, a person becomes radiant like the sun.
Passage 60
ध्रुवतीर्थं विशेषेण स्नानमात्रेण शुद्धिदम्। निर्वपेत् तत्र पिण्डांश्च पितॄणां मोक्षहेतवे॥६०॥
“Dhruvatīrtha especially grants purification merely through bathing. One should offer ancestral cakes there as a means to the liberation of one’s forefathers.
Passage 61
तीर्थराजाभिधं तीर्थं सर्वतीर्थौघपावनम्। यत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन् महतीं शुद्धिमाप्नुयात्॥६१॥
“The ford named Tīrtharāja purifies the entire host of sacred fords. Bathing there, O king, a person gains profound purification.
Passage 62
ऋषितीर्थं महाराज ऋषितापसमण्डितम्। यत्र स्नानविधानेन ऋषीणां ज्ञानमाप्नुयात्॥६२॥
“Ṛṣitīrtha, O great king, is adorned by ascetic seers. By bathing there according to rule, one gains the wisdom of the seers.
Passage 63
मोक्षतीर्थं महापुण्यं मथुरायां सुविश्रुतम्। तत्राप्लुत्य नरो राजन् भोगं मोक्षं च विन्दति॥६३॥
“The greatly sacred Mokṣatīrtha is renowned in Mathurā. Immersing there, O king, a person gains both enjoyment and liberation.
Passage 64
कोटितीर्थाभिधं तीर्थं कोटितीर्थमयं नृप। स्नानदानादिभिः सद्यः पृथ्वीप्रादक्ष्यपुण्यदम्॥६४॥
“The ford named Koṭitīrtha embodies ten million sacred fords, O king. Bathing, giving, and related rites there immediately grant the merit of circling the earth.
Passage 65
वायुतीर्थे च राजेन्द्र स्नात्वा शुद्धतनुर्भवेत्। यत्र सर्वजवावाप्त्यै वायुनाचरितं तपः॥६५॥
“Bathing at Vāyutīrtha, O king, one acquires a purified body. There Vāyu performed austerity to attain universal swiftness.
Passage 66
इत्थं दक्षिणकोटिस्थान्येतानि तव भूपते। तीर्थान्युक्तानि सर्वाणि मया यामुनपाथसि॥६६॥
“Thus I have told you, O ruler, all the sacred fords in Yamunā’s waters situated along Mathurā’s southern limit.
Passage 67
अथोत्तरां कोटिमधिष्ठितानि तीर्थानि राजन् शृणु मन्मुखेन। स्नानेन दानेन च तर्पणेन सद्यो मनुष्यस्य शुभप्रदानि॥६७॥
“Now hear from me, O king, the fords situated along the northern limit. Through bathing, giving, and libations, they immediately bestow blessings on a person.
Passage 68
आदौ संयमनं तीर्थं धारापतनकं ततः। नागतीर्थं ततः प्रोक्तं घण्टाभरणकं ततः॥६८॥
“First is Saṃyamana ford, then Dhārāpatanaka, followed by Nāgatīrtha and then Ghaṇṭābharaṇaka.
Passage 69
ब्रह्मलोकाभिधं तीर्थं सोमतीर्थं ततः परम्। सरस्वतीदीपनकं तीर्थानामुत्तमं नृप॥६९॥
“There are the ford named Brahmaloka, then Somatīrtha, and Sarasvatīdīpanaka, an excellent sacred ford, O king.
Passage 70
दशाश्वमेधसंज्ञं च तीर्थं देवैः सुपूजितम्। ततश्च मानसं तीर्थं विघ्नराजाभिधं ततः॥७०॥
“There is Daśāśvamedha ford, greatly worshipped by the gods, then Mānasatīrtha, and after it the ford named Vighnarāja.
Passage 71
कोटितीर्थं ततः प्रोक्तं शिवक्षेत्रं ततः परम्। एषु स्नानेन दानेन नरो मुच्येत पातकात्॥७१॥
“Next is Koṭitīrtha and beyond it Śivakṣetra. By bathing and giving at these places, a person is freed from sin.
Passage 72
विशेषतश्च माहात्म्यमेतेषां संप्रतिष्ठितम्। येषां मध्ये तु शुभदा विश्रान्तिः संप्रतिष्ठिता॥७२॥
“Their greatness is firmly established, especially because auspicious Viśrānti is situated in their midst.
Passage 73
गतश्रमेण विप्रेण मुनिना तीर्थसेविना। नित्यमाराधिता पूर्वं विश्रान्तिः पापनाशिनी॥७३॥
“In ancient times sin-destroying Viśrānti was constantly worshipped by the sage Gataśrama, a brahmin devoted to sacred fords.
Passage 74
पुरा कंसं घातयित्वा यत्र विश्रमितो हरिः। निजगोपगणैः सार्धं दृष्टो माथुरमानुषैः॥७४॥
“Long ago, after killing Kaṃsa, Hari rested there with his cowherd companions and was seen by the people of Mathurā.
Passage 75
देवाङ्गनाभिर्देवैश्च बलभद्रेण संयुतः। दृष्ट्वा संपूजितश्चैव कल्पद्रुमभवैः शुभैः॥७५॥
“Accompanied by Balabhadra, he was beheld and worshipped by gods and celestial women with auspicious blossoms from wish-fulfilling trees.
Passage 76
सात्वतैश्च जनैर्भक्तैः सानन्दमभिवीक्षितः। पीताम्बरधरः श्रीमान् शिखिपिच्छविभूषितः॥७६॥
“Glorious Kṛṣṇa, wearing yellow cloth and adorned with a peacock feather, was joyfully gazed upon by devoted Sātvatas and other people.
Passage 77
सर्वदा मथुरावासो विश्रान्तिस्नानमेव च। गतश्रमपरिक्रान्तिस्त्रयमेतत् सुदुर्लभम्॥७७॥
“Three things are exceedingly rare: perpetual residence in Mathurā, bathing at Viśrānti, and the circumambulation associated with Gataśrama.
Passage 78
देवानामपि राजेन्द्र किं पुनर्मर्त्यवासिनाम्। दिने दिने महापुण्यं विश्रान्तिस्नानमाचरन्॥७८॥
“These are rare even for gods, O king—how much more for mortals! One who bathes at Viśrānti day after day performs a supremely meritorious act.
Passage 79
जीवन्मुक्तो भवेन्मर्त्यः स्वर्गस्थैरपि वन्दितः। मनसा मथुरावासं प्रातरुत्थाय मानवः॥७९॥
“A mortal becomes liberated while living and is revered even by heaven’s residents. A person who rises in the morning and mentally dwells in Mathurā,
Passage 80
यः संस्मरति पुण्यात्मा सोऽपि धन्यो न संशयः। किं पुनर्ये वसन्त्यत्र विष्णुभक्तिपरायणाः॥८०॥
“remembering her with a holy heart, is likewise blessed—there is no doubt. How much more those devoted to Viṣṇu who actually reside here!
Passage 81
भूतेश्वरं शिवं दृष्ट्वा महाविद्यां च मातरम्। दीर्घविष्णुं तथा नत्वा समभ्यर्च्य च केशवम्॥८१॥
“After seeing Śiva Bhūteśvara and mother Mahāvidyā, bowing to Dīrghaviṣṇu, and properly worshipping Keśava,
Passage 82
मथुरामावसन्मर्त्यो विश्रान्तिस्नानतत्परः। सर्वपापचयं दग्ध्वा मर्त्य एव न संशयः॥८२॥
“a mortal who resides in Mathurā and is devoted to bathing at Viśrānti burns away the entire accumulation of sin while still alive—there is no doubt.
Passage 83
कोटिह्रदे नरः स्नात्वा दत्त्वा चैव द्विजातये। यथाशक्ति सुवर्णं गां सर्वपापैर्विमुच्यते॥८३॥
“Bathing at Koṭi pool and giving a brahmin gold and a cow according to one’s means, a person becomes free from every sin.
Passage 84
मथुरामण्डलं राजन् सर्वपापप्रणाशनम्। स्मरणादेव दूरस्थं पुनाति सकलं नरम्॥८४॥
“Mathurā’s domain destroys every sin, O king. Merely remembered from afar, it purifies a person completely.
Passage 85
हरिस्तु पश्चिमे तत्र गोविन्दश्चोत्तरेण हि। पूर्वे गताश्रमः पुण्यो वाराहो दक्षिणे स्थितः॥८५॥
“Hari stands to the west, Govinda to the north, sacred Gatāśrama to the east, and Varāha to the south.
Passage 86
तयोर्मध्ये महत्क्षेत्रं पवित्रं पापनाशनम्। माथुरं मण्डलं नाम देवानामपि वाञ्छितम्॥८६॥
“Within those bounds lies the great, sacred, sin-destroying region called the Mathurā domain, desired even by the gods.
Passage 87
अर्धचन्द्राकृति क्षेत्रं तन्मध्ये लोकविश्रुतम्। मण्डले सारभूतं तन्महासौभाग्यवर्धनम्॥८७॥
“At its centre lies a crescent-shaped region renowned throughout the world, the domain’s very essence, which greatly increases good fortune.
Passage 88
तत्र ये मनुजाः पुण्याः पशुपक्ष्यन्त्यजा अपि। म्रियन्ते मुक्तिभाजस्ते व्योम्नि भूमौ जलेऽपि वा॥८८॥
“Holy people, animals, birds, and even outcastes who die there—whether in the sky, on earth, or in water—become recipients of liberation.
Passage 89
न ते क्रियामपेक्षन्ते दाहाद्यां वेदविश्रुताम्। मथुरामरणादेव मुक्ताः कल्याणभागिनः॥८९॥
“They require none of the cremation and other rites celebrated in the Vedas. By dying in Mathurā alone, they are liberated and share in blessedness.
Passage 90
परिक्रमन्ति ये पुण्यां मथुरां लोकवन्दिताम्। कार्तिके शुक्लनवमीमक्षयाख्यामुपेत्य तु॥९०॥
“Those who circumambulate holy, world-revered Mathurā on Kārttika’s bright ninth day, known as Akṣaya Navamī,
Passage 91
न तेषां मातृगर्भान्तःप्रवेशो भवति ध्रुवम्। अपि पापात्पापतरास्तेऽपि यान्ति परां गतिम्॥९१॥
“certainly never enter a mother’s womb again. Even those more sinful than sinners attain the supreme state.
Passage 92
अनुज्ञाय हनूमन्तं वायुपुत्रं महाबलम्। नत्वा प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य तीर्थयात्रां समारभेत्॥९२॥
“One should seek the permission of mighty Hanumān, son of Vāyu, bow to and circumambulate him, and then begin the sacred pilgrimage.
Passage 93
पद्मनाभं च देवेशं दीर्घविष्णुं महाप्रभुम्। देवीं वसुमतीं चैव तथा चैवापराजिताम्॥९३॥
“One should visit Padmanābha, lord of the gods, mighty Dīrghaviṣṇu, goddess Vasumatī, and likewise Aparājitā.
Passage 94
कंसवासनिकां देवीं बृहतीं च महेश्वरीम्। गृहदेवीस्तथा सर्वा वसुदेवीश्च भव्यहाः॥९४॥
“There are goddess Kaṃsavāsanikā, Bṛhatī, Maheśvarī, all the household goddesses, and the auspicious Vasudevīs.
Passage 95
गत्वा दक्षिणकोटिं च स्नात्वा संध्यामुपास्य च। संतर्प्य देवर्षिपितॄंस्तीर्थयात्रां समाचरेत्॥९५॥
“Going to the southern limit, bathing, performing the twilight rite, and satisfying the gods, seers, and ancestors, one should undertake the pilgrimage.
Passage 96
इक्षुवासं वत्सपुत्रं गत्वा पञ्चस्थलीं चरेत्। अर्कस्थलं प्रथमतः वीरस्थलमनुत्तमम्॥९६॥
“After visiting Ikṣuvāsa and Vatsaputra, one should traverse the five sacred grounds: first Arkasthala and then unequalled Vīrasthala.
Passage 97
कुशस्थलं ततो भूयः पुण्यस्थलमतः परम्। महास्थलं च राजेन्द्र शिवं सिद्धिमुखं तथा॥९७॥
“Next come Kuśasthala, then Puṇyasthala, Mahāsthala, and auspicious Siddhimukha, O king.
Passage 98
हयमुक्तिं ततो गत्वा गच्छेत् सिन्दूरयावकम्। मल्लिकां समनुव्रज्य गच्छेत् कादम्बखण्डिकाम्॥९८॥
“One should then visit Hayamukti and Sindūrayāvaka, proceed to Mallikā, and go on to Kādambakhaṇḍikā.
Passage 99
चर्चिकां स्पृशां चैव तथा वा वर्षिखातकम्। भूतेश्वरं महादेवं सेतुबन्धं ततो हरेः॥९९॥
“There are Carcikā, Spṛśā, Varṣikhātaka, the great god Bhūteśvara, and then Hari’s Setubandha.
Passage 100
बालह्रदं महापुण्यं कुक्कुटक्रीडनं पुनः। स्तम्भोच्चयं तल्पगृहं देवकीवसुदेवयोः॥१००॥
“There are greatly sacred Bālahṛda, Kukkuṭakrīḍana, Stambhoccaya, and the bedchamber of Devakī and Vasudeva.
Passage 101
तथा नारायणस्थलं सर्वदेवालयं तथा। विघ्नराजं गणपतिं कुब्जिकां वामनां तथा॥१०१॥
“There are Nārāyaṇasthala, the abode of all the gods, Gaṇapati Vighnarāja, Kubjikā, and Vāmanā.
Passage 102
महाविघ्नेश्वरीस्थानं तथादेवीं प्रभावतीम्। संकेतकुण्डमेवापि तथा संकेतकेश्वरीम्॥१०२॥
“There are Mahāvighneśvarī’s abode, goddess Prabhāvatī, Saṅketakuṇḍa, and Saṅketakeśvarī.
Passage 103
संकेतकेशीकुण्डं च गोकर्णं च सदाशिवम्। सरस्वतीं विघ्नराजं गङ्गाह्रदमहालयम्॥१०३॥
“There are Saṅketakeśīkuṇḍa, Gokarṇa, Sadāśiva, Sarasvatī, Vighnarāja, Gaṅgā pool, and the great sanctuary.
Passage 104
तथैव चोत्तरां कोटिं गणेश्वरमतः परम्। द्यूतस्थानं तथा विष्णोर्गार्ग्यतीर्थं तथैव च॥१०४॥
“Along the northern limit are likewise Gaṇeśvara, then Dyūtasthāna, and Viṣṇu’s Gārgyatīrtha.
Passage 105
भद्रेश्वरस्य तीर्थं च सोमेशं सोमतीर्थकम्। सरस्वतीसंगमं च घण्टाभरणमेव च॥१०५॥
“There are Bhadreśvara’s ford, Someśa, Somatīrtha, the Sarasvatī confluence, and Ghaṇṭābharaṇa.
Passage 106
तीर्थानामुत्तमं तीर्थं तथा गरुडकेशवम्। धारापतनकं तीर्थं तीर्थं वैकुण्ठसंज्ञकम्॥१०६॥
“There are the finest of sacred fords, Garuḍakeśava, Dhārāpatanaka, and the ford named Vaikuṇṭha.
Passage 107
खण्डचेलकमेवापि तथा मन्दाकिनीमपि। संयमनं चासिकुण्डं नागतीर्थं तथैव च॥१०७॥
“There are Khaṇḍacelaka, Mandākinī, Saṃyamana, Asikuṇḍa, and likewise Nāgatīrtha.
Passage 108
अभिमुक्तेश्वरं चैव वैलक्षगरुडं तथा। गच्छेदनुक्रमेणैव परिक्रमविधौ शुचिः॥१०८॥
“There are Abhimukteśvara and Vailakṣagaruḍa. A pure pilgrim should visit them in sequence while performing the circumambulation.
Passage 109
एवं परिक्रम्य पुराणपुरुषप्रियां पुरीं तां मथुराभिधानिकाम्। स्नात्वा च विश्रान्तिजले गतश्रमं मुहुः परिक्रम्य नरो विमुच्यते॥१०९॥
“Thus circumambulating the city named Mathurā, beloved of the primeval Person, bathing in Viśrānti’s water, and repeatedly circling Gataśrama, a person is freed.
Passage 110
सन्ति बहुशो जनपापपुञ्जदाहोद्धुराणि धरणीचलये परन्तु। केनोपमासि मथुराभगवन्नगर्याः कृष्णः स्वयं विहरति प्रणयेन यस्याम्॥११०॥
“Many places on earth are powerful enough to burn masses of human sin, but what can compare with divine Mathurā, where Kṛṣṇa himself lovingly sports?
Passage 111
जन्मतो मरणाद्दाहाद्विवाहादुपवीततः। दीक्षातोऽवभृथाच्चापि स्नानाद्दानादुपोषणात्॥१११॥
“Through birth, death, cremation, marriage, investiture, initiation, the concluding sacrificial bath, ordinary bathing, giving, and fasting,
Passage 112
दशधा मथुरा नॄणां कुरुते बहुलां श्रियम्। भक्तिं शक्तिं तथैश्वर्यं राज्यं स्वाराज्यमेव च॥११२॥
“Mathurā blesses people in these ten ways with abundant prosperity, devotion, spiritual power, sovereignty, a kingdom, and self-rule.
Passage 113
नानया सदृशं स्थानं त्रैलोक्ये चापि विद्यते। तस्यां संवर्तमानां नॄणां कृष्णप्रेमोदयो भवेत्॥११३॥
“No place equal to her exists in the three worlds. Love for Kṛṣṇa arises in people who dwell within her.
Passage 114
स्नात्वा विश्रान्तिपयसा समभ्यर्च्य च केशवम्। एकेनाह्ना नरो गच्छेद् दुर्लभं तद्धरेः पदम्॥११४॥
“Bathing in Viśrānti’s waters and properly worshipping Keśava, a person reaches Hari’s otherwise inaccessible abode in a single day.
Passage 115
राजन् द्रष्टास्यनेकानि स्थानानि धरणीतले। माथुरं मण्डलं दृष्ट्वा नैव यास्यसि चेतसि॥११५॥
“You will see many places upon the earth, O king, but after beholding Mathurā’s domain, no other place will command your heart.” *Thus ends Chapter 105 of the Pūrva-khaṇḍa of the Ādi-Rāmāyaṇa, in the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa, during Daśaratha’s pilgrimage.*