Adhyaya 39

Verse 1

नारद उवाच । अथ संध्यां समासाद्य स विद्यांतीर्थमुत्तमम् । उपस्पृश्य नरो विद्वान्भवेन्नास्त्यत्र संशयः

Narada said: Then, at the time of saṃdhyā, a man who performs purification (ācamana) at the supremely excellent sacred ford called Vidyā-tīrtha becomes truly learned; of this there is no doubt.

Verse 2

रामस्य च प्रसादेन तीर्थराजं कृतं पुरा । तल्लौहित्यं समासाद्य विंद्याद्बहुसुवर्णकम्

And formerly, by Rāma’s gracious favor, it was made the ‘King of Tīrthas’. Having reached the Lauhitya river, one would obtain abundant gold.

Verse 3

करतोयां समासाद्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः । अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति शक्रलोकं च गच्छति

A man who reaches the Karatoyā and keeps a fast for three nights attains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice and goes to Śakra’s world.

Verse 4

गंगायास्त्वथ राजेंद्र सागरस्य च संगमे । अश्वमेधं दशगुणं प्रवदंति मनीषणः

O king, at the confluence of the Gaṅgā and the ocean, the wise declare the merit to be tenfold—equal to the fruit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice.

Verse 5

गंगायास्तु परं द्वीपं प्राप्य यः स्नाति भारत । त्रिरात्रोपोषितो राजन्सर्वकाममवाप्नुयात्

O Bhārata, whoever reaches the far island of the Gaṅgā and bathes there—having observed a fast for three nights—O King, attains the fulfillment of all desires.

Verse 6

ततो वैतरणीं गत्वा नदीं पापप्रमोचनीम् । विरजं तीर्थमासाद्य विराजति यथा शशी

Then, having gone to the Vaitaraṇī River—the stream that releases one from sin—one reaches the sacred ford called Viraja and shines forth like the moon.

Verse 7

प्रभावे च कुलं पूत्वा सर्वपापं व्यपोहति । गोसहस्रफलं लब्ध्वा पुनाति स्वकुलं नरः

By its sacred power, a man purifies his lineage and removes all sin; obtaining the merit equal to gifting a thousand cows, he sanctifies his own family.

Verse 8

शोणस्य ज्योतिरथ्याश्च संगमे निवसञ्छुचिः । तर्पयित्वा पितॄन्देवानग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत्

One who dwells in purity at the confluence of the Śoṇa and the Jyotirathyā, and who offers tarpaṇa libations to the ancestors and the devas, attains merit equal to the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice.

Verse 9

शोणस्य नर्मदायाश्च प्रभवे कुरुपुंगव । वंशगुल्ममुपस्पृश्य वाजिमेधफलं लभेत्

O best of the Kurus, at the source of the Śoṇa and the Narmadā, by touching the bamboo thicket one gains merit equal to that of the Aśvamedha, the horse-sacrifice.

Verse 10

ऋषभं तीर्थमासाद्य कोशलायां नराधिप । वाजिमेधमवाप्नोति त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः

O king, having reached the sacred ford called Ṛṣabha in Kośalā, a man who fasts for three nights attains the merit of the Aśvamedha, the horse-sacrifice.

Verse 11

कोशलायां समासाद्य कालतीर्थमुपस्पृशेत् । वृषभैकादशगुणं लभते नात्र संशयः

Having reached Kośalā, one should bathe at the Kāla-tīrtha; one gains elevenfold merit, equal to the gift of a bull—of this there is no doubt.

Verse 12

पुष्पवत्यामुपस्पृश्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः । गोसहस्रफलं विंद्यात्कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत्

A man who bathes at Puṣpavatī and fasts for three nights attains merit equal to gifting a thousand cows, and he also uplifts and redeems his family line.

Verse 13

ततो बदारिकातीर्थे स्नात्वा प्रयतमानसः । दीर्घायुष्यमवाप्नोति स्वर्गलोकं च गच्छति

Then, having bathed at the sacred tīrtha of Badarikā with a disciplined and focused mind, one attains long life and also goes to the heavenly world.

Verse 14

ततो महेंद्रमासाद्य जामदग्न्यनिषेवितम् । रामतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा वाजिमेधफलं लभेत्

Then, reaching Mahendra—frequented by Jāmadagnya (Paraśurāma)—a person who bathes at Rāma-tīrtha obtains merit equivalent to that of the Aśvamedha sacrifice.

Verse 15

मतंगस्य तु केदारं तत्रैव भरतर्षभ । तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्

And there itself is Mataṅga’s Kedāra, O best of the Bharatas. O King, a man who bathes there obtains merit equal to the gift of a thousand cows.

Verse 16

श्रीपर्वतं समासाद्य नदीतीरमुपस्पृशेत् । अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति परां सिद्धिं च गच्छति

Having reached Śrīparvata and performed purificatory ablution at the riverbank, one attains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice and proceeds to the supreme spiritual accomplishment.

Verse 17

श्रीपर्वते महादेवो देव्या सह महाद्युतिः । न्यवसत्परमप्रीतो ब्रह्मा च त्रिदशैर्वृतः

On Śrīparvata, the greatly radiant Mahādeva dwelt together with the Goddess; and there too Brahmā stayed, exceedingly pleased, surrounded by the gods.

Verse 18

तत्र देवह्रदे स्नात्वा शुचिः प्रयतमानसः । अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति परां सिद्धिं च गच्छति

There, after bathing in the Deva-hrada (the divine lake), a person—pure and with a disciplined mind—attains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice and goes to the highest perfection.

Verse 19

ऋषभं पर्वतं गत्वा भांडेषु सुरपूजितम् । वाजपेयमवाप्नोति नाकपृष्ठे च मोदते

Having gone to Mount Ṛṣabha—where the sacred place among the Bhāṇḍas is worshipped by the gods—one attains the merit of a Vājapeya sacrifice and rejoices on the heights of heaven.

Verse 20

ततो गच्छेत कावेरीं वृतामृप्सरसां गणैः । तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्

Then one should go to the Kāverī, surrounded by hosts of celestial nymphs. O King, a man who bathes there obtains the merit equivalent to gifting a thousand cows.

Verse 21

तत्र तीर्थे समुद्रस्य कन्यातीर्थमुपस्पृशेत् । तत्रोपस्पृश्य राजेंद्र सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते

There, at that sacred ford of the ocean, one should bathe at the Kanyā-tīrtha. Bathing there, O king of kings, one is freed from all sins.

Verse 22

अथ गोकमर्णमासाद्य त्रिषुलोकेषु विश्रुतम् । समुद्रमध्ये राजेंद्र सर्वलोकनमस्कृतम्

Then, having reached Gokamarṇa—renowned throughout the three worlds—O best of kings, a sacred place situated in the midst of the ocean and revered by all beings.

Verse 23

यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा मुनयश्च तपोधनाः । भूतयक्षाः पिशाचाश्च किन्नराः समहोरगाः

There—where Brahmā and the other gods, and the sages rich in austerity, as well as bhūtas and yakṣas, piśācas and kinnaras, together with the great serpents, are present.

Verse 24

सिद्धचारणगंधर्वा मानुषाः पन्नगास्तथा । सरितः सागराः शैला उपासंते उमापतिम्

Siddhas, Cāraṇas, Gandharvas, humans, and likewise the Nāgas—rivers, oceans, and mountains too—worship Umāpati (Śiva), the Lord of Umā.

Verse 25

तत्रेशानं समभ्यर्च्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः । दशाश्वमेधमाप्नोति गाणपत्यं च विंदति

There, a man who worships Īśāna and observes a three-night fast attains the merit of ten Aśvamedha sacrifices and also gains the status of being a member of Gaṇapati’s retinue.

Verse 26

उपोष्य द्वादशरात्रं कृतार्थो जायते नरः । तस्मिन्नेव तु गायत्र्याः स्थानं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्

By fasting for twelve nights, a person becomes fulfilled in purpose. Indeed, in that very place is the seat of Gāyatrī, renowned throughout the three worlds.

Verse 27

त्रिरात्रमुषितस्तत्र गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् । निदर्शनं च प्रत्यक्षं ब्राह्मणानां नराधिप

O king, one who stays there for three nights obtains the merit equal to the gift of a thousand cows; and the brāhmaṇas become a direct, visible proof of that merit.

Verse 28

गायत्रीं पठते यस्तु योनिसंकरजो द्विजः । गाथा वा गीतिका वाणी तस्य संपद्यते नृप

O king, if a twice-born man of mixed lineage recites the Gāyatrī, then his speech becomes accomplished as narrative verse or as song-poetry.

Verse 29

अब्राह्मणस्य पठतः सावित्री तूपनश्यति । संवर्तस्य तु विप्रर्षे वापीमासाद्य दुर्ल्लभाम्

If a non-Brahmin recites the Sāvitrī (Gāyatrī), that Sāvitrī becomes ineffective, as though ruined. But, O best of Brahmins, when Saṃvarta came upon a rare well…

Verse 30

रूपस्य भागी भवति सुभगश्चाभिजायते । ततो वेणां समासाद्य तर्पयेत्पितृदेवताः

One becomes endowed with a share of beauty and is born fortunate. Then, approaching the river Veṇā, one should offer libations to the Pitṛs, the ancestral deities.

Verse 31

मयूरहंससंयुक्तं विमानं लभते नरः । ततो गोदावरीं प्राप्य नित्यसिद्धनिषेविताम्

A man obtains a celestial vimāna yoked with peacocks and swans; then, reaching the Godāvarī, ever frequented by the eternally perfected beings…

Verse 32

गवामयमवाप्नोति वायुलोकं च गच्छति । वेणायाः संगमे स्नात्वा वाजपेयफलं लभेत्

He obtains the merit connected with cows and also goes to the world of Vāyu. By bathing at the confluence of the Veṇā, one gains the fruit of performing the Vājapeya sacrifice.

Verse 33

वरदासंगमं स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् । ब्रह्मस्थूणां समासाद्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः

By bathing at the sacred confluence called Varadā-saṅgama, one gains merit equal to the gift of a thousand cows. And a man who approaches the Brahma-sthūṇā and keeps a fast for three nights attains great religious merit.

Verse 34

गोसहस्रफलं विंद्यात्स्वर्गलोकं च गच्छति । कुब्जावनं समासाद्य ब्रह्मचारी समाहितः

He gains the merit equivalent to gifting a thousand cows and goes to the heavenly world. Reaching Kubjāvana, the disciplined brahmacārin, composed in mind, acts as is proper.

Verse 35

त्रिरात्रोपोषितः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् । ततो देवह्रदे स्नात्वा कृष्णवेणा जलोद्भवे

After fasting for three nights and then bathing, one gains merit equal to gifting a thousand cows. Then, by bathing in Deva-hrada—born from the waters of the Kṛṣṇa-veṇā—one accrues further sacred merit.

Verse 36

ज्योतिर्मात्र ह्रदे चैव तथा कन्याश्रमे नृप । यत्र क्रतुशतैरिष्ट्वा देवराजो दिवं गतः

O king, at Jyotirmātra-hrada and likewise at Kanyāśrama lies the place where the lord of the gods, having performed a hundred sacrifices, ascended to heaven.

Verse 37

अग्निष्टोमशतं विंद्याद्गमनादेव तत्र तु । सर्वदेवह्रदे स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्

By merely going there, one gains the merit of a hundred Agniṣṭoma sacrifices; and by bathing in the Sarvadeva Lake, one attains the fruit of gifting a thousand cows.

Verse 38

जातिमात्र ह्रदे स्नात्वा भवेज्जातिस्मरो नरः । शरभंगाश्रमं गत्वा शुकस्य च महात्मनः

Having bathed in the Jātimātra lake, a man becomes one who remembers his former births. Then, having gone to Śarabhaṅga’s hermitage—and also to that of the great-souled Śuka—he gains further merit.

Verse 39

पितृदेवार्चनरतो गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् । दंडकारण्यमासाद्य महाराज उपस्पृशेत्

One devoted to worship of the Pitṛs (ancestors) and the gods attains merit equal to the gift of a thousand cows. O great king, having reached Daṇḍakāraṇya, he should perform ritual purification by touching water.

Verse 40

शरभंगाश्रमं गत्वा शुकस्य च महात्मनः । न दुर्गतिमवाप्नोति पुनाति स्वकुलं नरः

Having gone to Śarabhaṅga’s hermitage and also to that of the great-souled Śuka, a man does not fall into an evil destiny; he purifies his own lineage.

Verse 41

ततः सूर्यारकं गच्छेज्जमदग्निनिषेवितम् । रामतीर्थं नरः स्नात्वा विंद्याद्बहुसुवर्णकम्

Then one should go to Sūryāraka, the sacred place frequented by Jamadagni. Having bathed at Rāma-tīrtha, a man obtains abundant gold—a great reward.

Verse 42

सप्तगोदावरीं स्नात्वा नियतो नियताशनः । महापुण्यमवाप्नोति देवलोकं च गच्छति

Having bathed at the Saptagodāvarī, disciplined and moderate in diet, one attains great merit and also goes to the world of the gods.

Verse 43

ततो देवपथं गच्छेन्नियतो नियताशनः । देवसत्रस्य यत्पुण्यं तदवाप्नोति मानवः

Then, disciplined and moderate in food, one should proceed upon the path of the Devas; thus a human being attains that very merit which belongs to the Deva-satra, the gods’ sacred sacrificial session.

Verse 44

तुंगकारण्यमासाद्य ब्रह्मचारी जितेंद्रियः । वेदानध्यापयत्तत्र मुनीन्सारस्वतः पुरा

Having reached the forest of Tuṅga, the brahmacārī sage—self-controlled and master of his senses—formerly taught the Vedas there to the munis; he was named Sārasvata.

Verse 45

तत्र वेदान्प्रणष्टांस्तु मुनेरांगिरसः सुतः । उपविष्टो महर्षीणामुत्तरीयेषु भारत

There, O Bhārata, the son of the sage Āṅgirasa sat down among the great ṛṣis, with the lost Vedas as the matter at hand.

Verse 46

ओंकारेण यथान्यायंसम्यगुच्चारितेन ह । येन यत्पूर्वमभ्यस्तं तस्य तत्समुपस्थितम्

Indeed, when the syllable Oṃ is pronounced correctly in accordance with proper rule, then whatever a person had previously practiced—of that, the very fruit becomes present.

Verse 47

ऋषयस्तत्र देवाश्च वरुणोऽग्निप्रजापतिः । हरिर्नारायणो देवो महादेवस्तथैव च

There, the sages and the gods were present—Varuṇa, Agni, and Prajāpati; and also Hari, the god Nārāyaṇa, and likewise Mahādeva.

Verse 48

पितामहश्च भगवान्देवैस्सह महाद्युतिः । भृगुं नियोजयामास याजनार्थे महाद्युतिम्

Then the Blessed Grandsire (Brahmā), radiant with great splendor, together with the gods, appointed the greatly luminous Bhṛgu to conduct the sacrifice (yajña).

Verse 49

ततः स चक्रे भगवानृषीणां विधिवत्तदा । सर्वेषां पुनराधानं देवदृष्टेन कर्मणा

Then the Blessed Lord, following the prescribed rites, performed for the sages the rite of re-establishing (the sacred fires and ritual order) for them all, by a procedure revealed by the gods.

Verse 50

आज्यभागेन वै तत्र तर्पितास्तु यथाविधि । देवास्त्रिभुवनं याता ऋषयश्च यथासुखम्

There, in due manner, they were duly satisfied with their allotted share of clarified butter (ghee). Then the gods departed to the three worlds, and the sages likewise went away at their ease.

Verse 51

तदरण्यं प्रविष्टस्य तुंगकं राजसत्तम । पापं विनश्यते सद्यः स्त्रिया वै पुरुषस्य वा

O best of kings, the moment one enters that forest—Tuṅgaka—sin is destroyed at once, whether the person is a woman or a man.

Verse 52

तत्र मासं वसेद्धीरो नियतो नियताशनः । ब्रह्मलोकं व्रजेद्राजन्पुनीते च कुलं पुनः

O King, a steadfast man should live there for a month, disciplined and with regulated food; he then goes to Brahmaloka and again purifies his lineage.

Verse 53

मेधावनं समासाद्य पितृदेवांश्च तर्पयेत् । अग्निष्टोममवाप्नोति स्मृतिं मेधां च विंदति

Having reached Medhāvana, one should offer tarpaṇa libations to the Pitṛs (ancestors) and to the gods; thereby one attains the merit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice and gains memory and intelligence.

Verse 54

तत्र कालंजरं गत्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् । आत्मानं साधयेत्तत्र गिरौ कालंजरे नृप

Going there to Kālañjara, one obtains merit equal to the gift of a thousand cows. There, on Mount Kālañjara, O king, one should undertake tapas for the perfection of the self.

Verse 55

स्वर्गलोके महीयेत नरो नास्त्यत्र संशयः । ततो गिरिवरश्रेष्ठे चित्रकूटे विशांपते

A man is honored in the heavenly world—of this there is no doubt. Thereafter, O lord of the people, (he goes) to the best of mountains, Chitrakūṭa.

Verse 56

मंदाकिनीं समासाद्य नदीं पापविमोचनीम् । अत्राभिषेकं कुर्वाणः पितृदेवार्चने रतः

Having reached the Mandākinī River, the remover of sins, one should perform ritual bathing there, devoted to the worship of the Pitṛs (ancestors) and the gods.

Verse 57

अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति गतिं च परमां व्रजेत् । ततो गच्छेत राजेंद्र गुहस्थानमनुत्तमम्

He attains the merit of the Aśvamedha sacrifice and proceeds to the supreme state. Then, O best of kings, he goes to the unsurpassed abode of the Guhyas.

Verse 58

यत्र देवो महासेनो नित्यं सन्निहितो नृप । पुमांस्तत्र नरःश्रेष्ठ गमनादेव सिध्यति

O king, where the god Mahāsena is ever present, there—even by merely going—an excellent man attains spiritual fulfillment.

Verse 59

कोटितीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् । प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत्य यशःस्थानं व्रजेन्नरः

Having bathed at Koṭitīrtha, one gains merit equal to gifting a thousand cows. Having circumambulated in reverence and returned, one attains a renowned abode of honor.

Verse 60

अभिगम्य महादेवं विराजति यथा शशी । तत्र कूपो महाराज विश्रुतो भरतर्षभ

Having approached Mahādeva, he shines forth like the moon. There, O great king—O best of the Bhāratas—there is a well renowned far and wide.

Verse 61

समुद्रा यत्र चत्वारो निवसंति युधिष्ठिर । ततोपस्पृश्य राजेंद्र कृत्वा चापि प्रदक्षिणम्

O Yudhiṣṭhira, where the four oceans abide—there, O best of kings, having performed the purifying touch with water, and having also circumambulated the sacred place…

Verse 62

नियतात्मा नरः पूतो गच्छेत परमां गतिम् । ततो गच्छेत्कुरुश्रेष्ठ शृंगवेरपुरं महत्

A self-restrained person, purified by discipline, attains the supreme state. Then, O best of the Kurus, he should proceed to the great city of Śṛṅgaverapura.

Verse 63

यत्र तीर्णो महाप्राज्ञो रामो दाशरथिः पुरा । गंगायां तु नरः स्नात्वा ब्रह्मचारी जितेंद्रियः

At that place where long ago the greatly wise Rāma, son of Daśaratha, crossed the river—there, one who bathes in the Gaṅgā, living as a brahmacārin and restraining the senses, gains sacred merit.

Verse 64

विधूतपाप्मा भवति वाजपेयं च विंदति । ततो मुंजवटं गछेत्स्थानं देवस्य धीमतः

He becomes free from sin and attains merit equal to the Vājapeya sacrifice. Thereafter he should go to Muñjavaṭa, the abode of the wise Lord.

Verse 65

अभिगम्य महादेवमभ्यर्च्य च नराधिप । प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत्य गाणपत्यमवाप्नुयात्

O king, having approached Mahādeva and worshipped Him duly, one should circumambulate in pradakṣiṇā and then return; by this one attains the Gaṇapatya state, devotion to Gaṇapati.

Verse 66

ततो गच्छेत राजेंद्र प्रयागमृषिसंस्तुतम् । यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा दिशश्च सदिगीश्वराः

Then, O king of kings, one should go to Prayāga, praised by the ṛṣis, where Brahmā and the other devas are present, along with the Directions and their presiding lords.

Verse 67

लोकपालाश्च सिद्धाश्च निरताः पितरस्तथा । सनत्कुमारप्रमुखास्तथैव च महर्षयः

There too are the Lokapālas, the Siddhas, and the ever-engaged Pitṛs; likewise the great ṛṣis, led by Sanatkumāra.

Verse 68

तथा नागाः सुपर्णाश्च सिद्धाः शुक्रधरास्तथा । सरितः सागराश्चैव गंधर्वाप्सरसस्तथा

Likewise there are nāgas and suparṇas, siddhas, and also the śukradharas; likewise too there are rivers and oceans, and also gandharvas and apsarases.

Verse 69

हरिश्च भगवानास्ते प्रजापतिपुरस्कृतः । तत्र त्रीण्यपि कुंडानि तयोर्मध्येन जाह्नवी

There the revered Hari dwells, honored in the presence of Prajāpati. In that place are three sacred ponds, and between them flows the Jāhnavī, the river Gaṅgā.

Verse 70

प्रयागात्समतिक्रांता सर्वतीर्थपुरस्कृता । तपनस्य सुता तत्र त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुता

Having passed beyond Prayāga—honoured as foremost among all tīrthas—there is there the daughter of Tapana, renowned throughout the three worlds.

Verse 71

यमुनागंगया सार्द्धं संगता लोकभाविनी । गंगायमुनयोर्मध्ये पृथिव्या जघनं स्मृतम्

There the Yamunā meets together with the Gaṅgā—the benefactress of the worlds. The region between the Gaṅgā and the Yamunā is remembered as the ‘hips’ of the Earth.

Verse 72

प्रयागं जघनस्यांतमुपस्थमृषयो विदुः । प्रयागं सुप्रतिष्ठानं कंबलाश्वतरावुभौ

The sages know Prayāga as the ‘end of the hips’ and the ‘region of the loins’. They also know Prayāga as Supratiṣṭhāna, and as the twin sacred places Kaṃbala and Aśvatara.

Verse 73

तीर्थं भोगवती चैव वेदी प्रोक्ता प्रजापतेः । तत्र वेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च मूर्त्तिमंतो युधिष्ठिर

That sacred ford is called Bhogavatī, and it is declared to be the altar of Prajāpati. There, O Yudhiṣṭhira, the Vedas and the sacrifices abide as embodied realities.

Verse 74

प्रजापतिमुपासंत ऋषयश्च महानघाः । यजंते क्रतुभिर्देवांस्तथा चक्रधरा नृप

The stainless great sages worshipped Prajāpati; and likewise, O king, the bearers of the discus worshipped the gods through sacrificial rites.

Verse 75

ततः पुण्यतमं नास्ति त्रिषु लोकेषु भारत । प्रयागं सर्वतीर्थेभ्यः प्रभावेणाधिकं प्रभो

O Bhārata, in the three worlds there is nothing more supremely meritorious than that; Prayāga, by its spiritual potency, surpasses all other sacred pilgrimage places, O lord.

Verse 76

श्रवणात्तस्य तीर्थस्य नामसंकीर्तनादपि । मूर्धका नमनाद्वापि सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते

By merely hearing of that sacred ford, or even by chanting its name, or again by bowing one’s head in reverence, a person is freed from all sins.

Verse 77

तत्राभिषेकं यः कुर्यात्संगमे संशितव्रतः । पुण्यं सुमहदाप्नोति राजसूयाश्वमेधयोः

Whoever, disciplined in vow, performs an ablutional consecration (abhiṣeka) there at the confluence attains exceedingly great merit—equal to that of the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices.

Verse 78

एषा यजनभूमिर्हि देवानामपि तत्कथा । दत्तं तत्र स्वल्पमपि महद्भवति भारत

This is truly a sacrificial ground—of it even the gods speak. O Bhārata, even a small gift given there becomes exceedingly great in its result.

Verse 79

न देववचनात्तात न लोकवचनादपि । मतिरुत्क्रमणीया ते प्रयागमरणं प्रति

O dear one, neither by the words of the gods nor even by the words of people should your resolve be turned back—your intention is to depart toward dying at Prayāga.

Verse 80

दशतीर्थसहस्राणि षष्टिकोट्यस्तथापराः । येषां सान्निध्यमत्रैव कीर्त्तितं कुरुनंदन

O son of the Kuru line, ten thousand sacred fords (tīrthas) and, besides them, sixty crores more—whose very presence is said to be right here—have been proclaimed.

Verse 81

चतुर्विद्ये च यत्पुण्यं सत्यवादिषु चैव यत् । स्नातएवतदाप्नोतिगंगायामुनसंगमे

Whatever merit arises from the fourfold learning, and whatever merit belongs to the truth-speaking as well—one who bathes at the confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā obtains that very merit.

Verse 82

ततो भोगवती नाम वासुकेस्तीर्थमुत्तमम् । तत्राभिषेकं यः कुर्यात्सोऽश्वमेधमवाप्नुयात्

Thereafter is the excellent sacred ford called Bhogavatī, belonging to Vāsuki. Whoever performs the ritual bath (abhisheka) there attains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice.

Verse 83

तत्र हंसप्रपतनं तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम् । दशाश्वमेधिकं चैव गंगायां कुरुनंदन

There is the sacred ford called Haṃsaprapatana, renowned throughout the three worlds; and there too is Daśāśvamedhika upon the Gaṅgā, O descendant of the Kurus.

Verse 84

कुरुक्षेत्रसमा गंगा यत्र तत्रावगाहिता । विशेषो वै कनखले प्रयागं परमं महत्

Wherever the Gaṅgā is bathed in, that place becomes equal to Kurukṣetra. Yet there is a special distinction at Kanakhala; and Prayāga is supremely great.

Verse 85

यद्यकार्यशतं कृत्वा कृतं गंगावसेवनम् । सर्वं तत्तस्य गंगापो दहत्यग्निरिवेंधनम्

Even if one has committed hundreds of wrongful acts, once one has undertaken service and taken refuge in the Gaṅgā, the waters of the Gaṅgā burn away all of that—like fire consuming fuel.

Verse 86

सर्वं दहति गंगापस्तूलराशिमिवानलः । सर्वं कृतयुगे पुण्यं त्रेतायां पुष्करं स्मृतम्

The waters of the Gaṅgā burn away everything—like fire consuming a heap of cotton. In the Kṛta Yuga, all was regarded as meritorious; in the Tretā Yuga, Puṣkara is remembered as the foremost sacred place.

Verse 87

द्वापरे तु कुरुक्षेत्रं गंगा कलियुगे स्मृता । पुष्करे तु तपस्तप्येद्दानं दद्यान्महालये

In the Dvāpara age, Kurukṣetra is declared the foremost sacred place; in the Kali age, the Gaṅgā is remembered as such. One should practice austerity at Puṣkara, and one should give charity at Mahālaya.

Verse 88

मलये त्वग्निमारोहेद्भृगुतुंगे त्वनाशनम् । पुष्करे तु कुरुक्षेत्रे गंगापो मध्यगेषु च

In the Malaya mountains one should enter the sacred fire; on Bhṛgu’s peak one should undertake fasting. Likewise at Puṣkara, at Kurukṣetra, and in the midstream waters of the holy Gaṅgā.

Verse 89

सद्यस्तारयते जंतुः सप्तसप्तावरांस्तथा । पुनाति कीर्त्तिता पापं दृष्ट्वा पुण्यं प्रयच्छति

It delivers a living being at once, and likewise delivers seven times seven generations of those below. When merely praised, it purifies sin; when seen, it bestows merit.

Verse 90

अवगाढा च पीत्वा च पुनात्यासप्तमं कुलम् । यावदस्थि मनुष्यस्य गंगायाः स्पृशते जलम्

By immersing oneself in the Gaṅgā and by drinking her water, a person purifies one’s lineage up to the seventh generation—so long as the Gaṅgā’s water touches even the bones of a human being.

Verse 91

तावत्स पुरुषो राजन्स्वर्गलोके महीयते । यथा पुण्यानि तीर्थानि पुण्यान्यायतनानि च

O King, that person is honored in the heavenly world for just so long as the sacred ford-places (tīrthas) and holy abodes (āyatanas) remain renowned and enduring.

Verse 92

उपास्य पुण्यं लब्ध्वा च भवति परलोकभाक् । न गंगा सदृशं तीर्थं न देवः केशवात्परः

By worshipping and thereby obtaining merit, one becomes an inheritor of the next world. There is no sacred ford like the Gaṅgā, and no God higher than Keśava (Viṣṇu).

Verse 93

ब्राह्मणेभ्यः परं नास्ति एवमाह पितामहः । यत्र गंगा महाराज स देशस्तत्र योजनम्

Nothing surpasses the Brāhmaṇas—so declared the Grandfather, Brahmā. O great king, wherever the sacred Gaṅgā is found, that land is reckoned as a holy region extending for a yojana.

Verse 94

सिद्धक्षेत्रं च विज्ञेयं गंगातीरसमाश्रितम् । इदं सत्यं द्विजातीनां साधूनां मानसेषु च

Know it as a Siddha-kṣetra, abiding upon the bank of the Gaṅgā. This is a truth cherished in the hearts of the twice-born and of the virtuous.

Verse 95

मुक्तिं चैव जपेत्कर्णे शिष्टस्यानुगतस्य च । इदं धर्म्यमिदं मेध्यमिदं स्वर्ग्यमिदं सुखम्

And one should also whisper into the ear the mantra of liberation (mukti) to a righteous person who follows proper conduct. This is dharmic; this is purifying; this leads to heaven; this brings happiness.

Verse 96

इदं पुण्यतमं रम्यं पावनं धर्ममुत्तमम् । महीशीर्षमिदं गुह्यं सर्वपापप्रमोचनम्

This is supremely meritorious and delightful—purifying and the highest dharma. This sacred, secret Mahīśīrṣa releases one from all sins.

Verse 97

अधीत्य द्विजमध्ये च निर्मलत्वमवाप्नुयात् । श्रीमत्स्वर्ग्यं महापुण्यं सपत्नशमनं शिवम्

Having studied this in the midst of the twice-born, one attains purity. It bestows prosperity, heaven, great merit, the pacification of rivals, and auspicious well-being.

Verse 98

मेधाजननमग्र्यं वै तीर्थवंशानुकीर्त्तनम् । अपुत्रो लभते पुत्रमधनो धनमाप्नुयात्

The recitation of the lineages of the sacred tīrthas is indeed supreme for the awakening of intelligence. One who is without a son obtains a son; one who is poor attains wealth.

Verse 99

महीं विजयते राजा वैश्यो धनमवाप्नुयात् । शूद्रो यातीप्सितान्कामान्ब्राह्मणः पारगः पठन्

By reciting this, a king conquers the earth; a Vaiśya obtains wealth; a Śūdra attains desired pleasures; and a Brāhmaṇa, through recitation, becomes one who has crossed over.

Verse 100

यश्चेदं शृणुयान्नित्यं तीर्थपुण्यं सदा शुचि । जातिस्मरत्वमाप्नोति नाकपृष्ठे च मोदते

Whoever, being ever pure, listens daily to this sacred account of the merit of the tīrthas, attains the power of remembering past births and rejoices on the heights of heaven.

Verse 101

गम्यान्यपि च तीर्थानि कीर्तितान्यगमान्यपि । मनसाप्यभिगच्छेत सर्वतीर्थमनीषया

Whether the tīrthas are physically reachable or described as unreachable, one should visit them even in the mind, understanding in contemplation that all tīrthas are encompassed therein.

Verse 102

एतानि वसुभिः साध्यैरादित्यैर्मरुदश्विभिः । ऋषिभिर्देवकल्पैश्च कृतानि सुकृतैषिभिः

These (rites and merits) have been performed by the Vasus, the Sādhyas, the Ādityas, the Maruts, and the Aśvins, and also by godlike Ṛṣis—seekers of righteous deeds.

Verse 103

एवं त्वमपि कौरव्य विधिनानेन सुव्रत । व्रज तीर्थानि नियतः पुण्यं पुण्येन वर्द्धते

So you too, O Kaurava, steadfast in vows—following this prescribed method, go with disciplined conduct to the sacred fords (tīrthas); merit increases through merit.

Verse 104

भावितैः करणैः पूर्वमास्तिक्याछ्रुतिदर्शनात् । प्राप्यंते तानि तीर्थानि सद्भिः शिष्टानुदर्शिभिः

Those sacred fords (tīrthas) are attained by the virtuous—who follow the guidance of the well-disciplined—through prior refinement of their faculties and through faith grounded in the testimony of the Vedas.

Verse 105

नाकृतो नाकृतात्मा च नाशुचिर्न च तस्करः । स्नाति तीर्थेषु कौरव्य न च वक्रमतिर्नरः

O Kauravya, a man of no wrongful conduct, whose inner self is not perverse, who is neither impure nor a thief, who bathes at the sacred fords (tīrthas), and whose mind is not crooked—truly attains the fruit of tīrtha-bathing.

Verse 106

त्वया तु सम्यग्वृत्तेन नित्यं धर्मार्थदर्शिना । पितरस्तर्पितास्तात सर्वे च प्रपितामहाः । पितामहपुरोगाश्च देवाः सर्षिगणास्तथा

But by your consistently righteous conduct—always discerning dharma and true benefit—the ancestors, dear one, have been satisfied: all the forefathers as well; and the gods too, with Brahmā at their head, along with the hosts of ṛṣis.

Verse 107

वसिष्ठ उवाच । त्वं च धर्मेण धर्मज्ञ नित्यमेवाभितोषिताः । दिलीपकीर्तिं महतीं प्राप्स्यसे भुवि शाश्वतीम्

Vasiṣṭha said: “And you too, O knower of dharma—ever satisfied through righteousness—shall attain on earth the great and enduring fame of Dilīpa.”

Verse 108

नारद उवाच । एवमुक्त्वाभ्यनुज्ञाप्य वसिष्ठो भगवानृषिः । प्रीतः प्रीतेनमनसा तत्रैवांतरधीयत

Nārada said: Having spoken thus and, with due leave granted, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha—pleased and with a heart full of joy—vanished from that very place.

Verse 109

दिलीपः कुरुशार्दूल शास्त्रतत्त्वार्थदर्शनात् । वसिष्ठवचनाच्चैव पृथिवीमनुचक्रमे

O tiger among the Kurus, Dilīpa—having realized the true purport and principles of the śāstras, and also following Vasiṣṭha’s counsel—set forth to traverse the earth.

Verse 110

एवमेषा महाभाग प्रतिष्ठाने प्रतिष्ठिता । तीर्थयात्रा महापुण्या सर्वपापप्रमोचनी

Thus, O greatly fortunate one, this sacred tīrtha-pilgrimage has been established at Pratiṣṭhāna; it is supremely meritorious and releases one from all sins.

Verse 111

अनेन विधिना यस्तु पृथिवीं पर्यटिष्यति । अश्वमेधशतं साग्रं फलं प्रेत्यैष भोक्ष्यते

Whoever, following this prescribed method, will pilgrimage across the earth—after death he will enjoy, in full measure, the reward equal to the merit of a hundred Aśvamedha sacrifices.

Verse 112

ततश्चाष्टगुणं पार्थ प्राप्स्यसे धर्ममुत्तमम् । दिलीपः पार्थ नृपतिर्यथापूर्वमवाप्तवान्

Then, O Pārtha, you will attain the supreme dharma, increased eightfold—just as King Dilīpa, O Pārtha, obtained it in former times.

Verse 113

नेता च त्वमृषीन्यस्मात्तस्मात्तेष्टगुणं फलम् । रक्षोगणविकीर्णानि तीर्थान्येतानि भारत

Since you are the leader of the ṛṣis, the fruit you gain will be in proportion to that excellence. O Bhārata, these sacred tīrthas have been scattered abroad by hosts of rākṣasas.

Verse 114

न गतिर्विद्यतेऽन्यस्य त्वामृते कुरुनंदन । इदं देवर्षिचरितं सर्वतीर्थानुसंश्रितम्

O joy of the Kurus, apart from you there is no other refuge. This account of the divine sages is connected with—and grounded in—all the tīrthas.

Verse 115

यः पठेत्कल्यमुत्थाय सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते । ऋषिमुख्याः सदा यत्र वाल्मीकिस्त्वथ कश्यपः

Whoever recites this upon rising at dawn is freed from all sins; for in that place the foremost ṛṣis are ever present—Vālmīki and also Kaśyapa.

Verse 116

आत्रेयस्त्वथ कौंडिन्यो विश्वामित्रोऽथ गौतमः । असितो देवलश्चैव मार्कंडेयोऽथ गालवः

There were also Ātreya, Kauṇḍinya, Viśvāmitra, and Gautama; and likewise Asita, Devala, Mārkaṇḍeya, and Gālava.

Verse 117

भरद्वाजस्य शिष्यश्च मुनिरुद्दालकस्तथा । शौनकः सह पुत्रेण व्यासश्च तपतां वरः

And Uddālaka, the muni and disciple of Bharadvāja; and Śaunaka together with his son; and Vyāsa—foremost among ascetics—(were present).

Verse 118

दुर्वासाश्च मुनिश्रेष्ठो जाबालिश्च महातपाः । एते ऋषिवराः सर्वे त्वत्प्रतीक्ष्यास्तपोधनाः

Durvāsā, foremost among sages, and Jābāli, the great ascetic—indeed, all these best of ṛṣis, rich in the treasure of tapas, are waiting for you.

Verse 119

एभिः सह महाभाग तीर्थान्येतान्यनुव्रज । प्राप्स्यसे महतीं कीर्तिं यथा राजा महाभिषः

O fortunate one, go with them and follow these sacred tīrthas. You will attain great renown, just as King Mahābhiṣa did.

Verse 120

यथा ययातिर्धर्मात्मा यथा राजा पुरूरवाः । तथा त्वं कुरुशार्दूल स्वेन धर्मेण शोभसे

Just as Yayāti was righteous, and just as King Purūravas was renowned, so too you—O tiger among the Kurus—shine by your own dharma.

Verse 121

यथा भगीरथो राजा यथा रामश्च विश्रुतः । यथा वै वृत्रहा सर्वान्सपत्नानदहत् पुरा

Just as King Bhagiratha is renowned, and just as Rāma is celebrated, so too Vṛtrahā (Indra) in former times burned up all his rivals.

Verse 122

त्रैलोक्यं पालयामास देवराट्विगतज्वरः । तथा शत्रुक्षयं कृत्वा त्वं प्रजाः पालयिष्यसि

The lord of the devas, free from all affliction, protected the three worlds; likewise, after destroying your enemies, you too will protect your subjects.

Verse 123

स्वधर्मेणार्जितामुर्वीं प्राप्य राजीवलोचन । ख्यातिं यास्यसि वीर्येण कार्त्तवीर्यार्जुनो यथा

O lotus-eyed one, having obtained the earth through what you have rightfully earned by your own dharma, you shall attain fame by your valor—just as Kārttavīrya Arjuna did.

Verse 124

सूत उवाच । एवमाभाष्य राजानं नारदो भगवानृषिः । अनुज्ञाप्य महाराजं तत्रैवांतरधीयत

Sūta said: Having thus addressed the king, the divine sage Nārada—after taking leave of the great king—vanished from that very place.

Verse 125

युधिष्ठिरोऽपि धर्मात्मा ऋषिभिः सह सुव्रतः । जगामाखिलतीर्थानि सादरः पृथिवीपतिः

Yudhiṣṭhira too—righteous-souled and steadfast in his vows—went, together with the sages, to all the sacred pilgrimage places, the lord of the earth doing so with reverence.

Verse 126

मयोक्तामृषयः सर्वे तीर्थयात्राश्रयां कथाम् । यः पठेच्छृणुयाद्वापि स मुक्तः सर्वपातकैः

O sages, whoever reads or even hears this account—centered on pilgrimage to sacred tīrthas—as spoken by me, is freed from all sins.

Verse 127

मयोक्तमखिलं तत्त्वं किं भूयः श्रोतुमिच्छथ । ऋषीणां पुण्यकीर्तीनां नावक्तव्यं ममास्ति वै

I have explained the entire truth. What more do you wish to hear? Truly, regarding the sages of holy fame, there is nothing that I am unwilling to speak.