Adhyaya 161

The chapter extols Somatīrtha, a hidden tīrtha on the bank of the Sābhramatī, where Bhava is remembered as Kālāgni, the Fire of Time. Bathing there and taking darśana of Śiva as Someśvara bestow soma-like merit, granting worldly excellence and auspiciousness after death in Śiva’s realm. Śiva tells Pārvatī an ancient, sin-destroying account: the sage Kauṣītaki performs fierce tapas—living first on leaves, then on air alone—while meditating on the Self, until Maheśvara grants him a boon. Kauṣītaki asks that a liṅga arise and that the Lord be renowned as Someśvara; thus Somatīrtha becomes famed as the Soma-liṅga. The text then lists worship and its fruits: Rudra-japa, offerings of bilva, sandal paste, fruits, and flowers, and pilgrimage on Mondays. It promises sons, wealth, even kingship, and finally attainment of Śiva’s supreme abode.