Adhyaya 147: The Sacred Merit of Goniṣkramaṇa (the Tīrtha of the Cows’ Emergence/Release)

Verse 1

अथ गोनिष्क्रमणमाहात्म्यम् ॥ धरण्युवाच ॥ अत्याश्चर्यं श्रुतं ह्येतद्रुरुक्षेत्रसमुद्भवम् ॥ हृषीकेशस्य महिमा त्वया य उपवर्णितः

Now [begins] the Māhātmya of the Goniṣkramaṇa. Dharaṇī said: “Truly, this wondrous account—arising from Ruru-kṣetra—has been heard. The greatness of Hṛṣīkeśa that you have described…”

Verse 2

अन्यच्च यत्परं गुह्यं क्षेत्रं परमपावनम् ॥ वक्तुमर्हसि देवेश परं कौतूहलं मम

And further, O Lord of the gods, you should tell me of that other supremely secret sacred kṣetra, most purifying—for my curiosity is exceedingly great.

Verse 3

श्रीवराह उवाच ॥ शृणु भूमे प्रयत्नेन कारणं परमं मम ॥ गुह्यमस्त्यपरं चैव हिमशृङ्ग शिलोच्चये

Śrī Varāha said: Listen, O Earth, with careful attention to my supreme reason. There is also another secret at the lofty rocky peak called Himaśṛṅga.

Verse 4

गोनिष्क्रमणकं नाम गावो यत्र प्रतारिताः ॥ यथा निष्क्रमणं प्राप्य सुरभीणां वसुन्धरे

It is called Goniṣkramaṇaka, O Vasundharā, where the cows were driven onward; and there, having reached an outlet, the Surabhī cows were able to make their way out.

Verse 5

सप्ततिर्यत्र कल्पानि और्वो यत्र प्रजापतिः ॥ तपश्चचार परमं मम मायाबलान्वितः

There, for seventy kalpas, Aurva, the Prajāpati, practiced the highest austerity (tapas), endowed with the power of my māyā.

Verse 6

तस्यैवं वर्तमानस्य याति काले महत्तरे ॥ एवं हि तप्यमानस्य सर्वलोकस्य संशयः

As he continued in this manner, a very great time passed. Indeed, while he was thus engaged in austerity, doubt and concern arose for all the worlds.

Verse 7

न वरं प्रार्थयत्येष लाभालाभसमन्वितः ॥ सूचकोऽपि न विद्येत बलिकर्मसु संयतः

He asked for no boon, remaining even-minded in gain and loss. Disciplined in the rites of offering, there was not even the slightest sign of self-interest in him.

Verse 8

अथ दीर्घस्य कालस्य कश्चिद्ब्रह्मयतिस्तदा ॥ तपस्तपस्यति मुनौ तस्मिन्शैলোच्चये धरे

Then, after a long time, a certain brahma-yati appeared; and on that lofty mountain height, that sage practiced austerity (tapas).

Verse 9

ईश्वरोऽपि महाभागे तत्पार्श्वं समुपागतः ॥ गोनिष्क्रमेतिविख्याते तस्मिंस्तीर्थे महौजसि

And Īśvara too, O fortunate one, approached his side—at that mighty tīrtha renowned as ‘Goniṣkrama.’

Verse 10

तन्निर्गतं ततो ज्ञात्वा और्वं सर्वे तपस्विनः ॥ महेश्वरो महातेजाः सम्भ्रमात्समुपागतः

Then, understanding that Aurva had emerged, all the ascetics (tapasvins) gathered; and Maheśvara, of great radiance, approached in haste and solemn urgency.

Verse 11

फलपुष्पसमाकीर्णा लक्ष्मीश्चैवोपजायते ॥ आश्रमं रूपसम्पन्नं फलपुष्पोपशोभितम्

And prosperity (Lakṣmī) arose, with the place strewn with fruits and flowers; the hermitage became beautiful in form, adorned with fruits and blossoms.

Verse 12

तच्च वै भस्मसाद्भूतं महारुद्रस्य तेजसा॥ दग्ध्वा तं चाश्रमं पुण्यमौरवस्य सुमहत्प्रियम्॥

That place indeed was reduced to ash by the radiance of Mahārudra, after he burned that sacred hermitage—exceedingly dear to Aurva.

Verse 13

ईश्वरोऽपि ततः प्राप्तः शीघ्रमेव हिमालयम्॥ एतस्मिन्नन्तरे देवि गृह्य पुष्पकरण्डकम्॥

Then Īśvara too quickly reached the Himālaya. Meanwhile, O Devī, taking up a basket of flowers, (…)

Verse 14

आश्रमं समनुप्राप्त और्वोऽपि मुनिपुङ्गवः॥ शान्तो दान्तः क्षमाशीलः सत्यव्रतपरायणः॥

Aurva also—the foremost among sages—arrived at the hermitage: tranquil, self-controlled, patient by nature, and devoted to vows of truth.

Verse 15

दृष्ट्वा स्वमाश्रमं दग्धं बहुपुष्पफलोदकम्॥ मन्युना परमाविष्टो दुःखनेत्रपरिप्लुतः॥

Seeing his own hermitage burned—once rich with many flowers, fruits, and water—he was seized by intense anger, his eyes flooded with grief.

Verse 16

उवाच क्रोधरक्ताक्षो वचनं निर्दहन्निव॥ येनैष चाश्रमो दग्धो बहुपुष्पफलोदकः॥

With eyes reddened by anger, he spoke words as if burning: “By whom has this hermitage—abundant in flowers, fruits, and water—been burned?”

Verse 17

सोऽपि दुःखेन सन्तप्तः सर्वलोकान्भ्रमिष्यति॥ एवमौरवेन दत्ते तु शापे तस्मिन्महौजसि॥

“He too, scorched by sorrow, will wander through all the worlds.” When Aurva thus pronounced that curse upon that mighty one, (…)

Verse 18

महाभयात्तु लोकानां न कश्चित्पर्यवारयत्॥ तत्क्षणादेव देवेशि ईशोऽपि जगतो विभुः॥

But out of great fear among the worlds, no one intervened. At that very moment, O Devī, Īśa too—the Lord of the universe—(…)

Verse 19

दह्यते स्म जगत्सर्वं स तु किञ्चिन्न चेच्छति॥ को वा प्रतिविधिस्तत्र यथा सर्वस्य सम्भवेत्॥

The entire world would be burned; yet he would not desire anything (to stop). What remedy could there be there, by which the welfare of all might be secured?

Verse 20

एवमुक्ते मया क्रोधाद्दीक्षितस्तस्य चाश्रमः॥ दग्धोऽभवत्क्षणेनैव वयं तस्माद्विनिर्गताः॥

When I had spoken thus, his hermitage—through anger—was consecrated (for destruction) and was burned in an instant; we then came out from there.

Verse 21

एतद्दुःखेन सन्तप्तो मन्युना च परिप्लुतः॥ और्वः शशाप रोषेण तेन तप्ता वयं शिवे॥

Tormented by this sorrow and overwhelmed by anger, Aurva—out of rage—pronounced a curse; by that, we were afflicted, O Śivā.

Verse 22

ततोऽभ्रमद्विरूपाक्षः शं न प्राप्नोति कर्हिचित् ॥ अहं च परितप्तोऽस्मि आत्मत्वादीश्वरस्य च ॥

Then Virūpākṣa wandered about and never attained well-being at any time; and I too am tormented, because of my intimate identity (ātmatva) with the Lord.

Verse 23

तेन दाहेन संतप्तो न शक्नोमि विचेष्टितुम् ॥ पार्वत्या च ततः प्रोक्तः आवां नारायणं प्रति ॥

Scorched by that burning pain, I am unable to act. Then Pārvatī said: “Let us go toward Nārāyaṇa.”

Verse 24

गच्छावस्तस्य वाक्येन सुखं यत्र भविष्यति ॥ ततो नारायणं गत्वा सह तेन तमौर्वकम् ॥

“Let us go, by his instruction, to where well-being will arise.” Then, having gone to Nārāyaṇa together with him, they approached that Aurvaka.

Verse 25

विज्ञापयामो रुद्रस्य शापोऽयं विनिवर्त्तताम् ॥ संतप्ताः स्म वयं सर्वे तस्माच्छापं निवर्त्तय ॥

“We submit a petition: may this curse of Rudra be turned back. We are all afflicted; therefore, remove the curse.”

Verse 26

और्वोऽप्युवाच नोक्तं मे अनृतं तु कदाचन ॥ सुरभीगणमानिय गत्वैतं स्नापयन्तु वै ॥

Aurva too said: “Never have I spoken falsehood. Bring the herd of Surabhī and, having gone there, let them indeed bathe him.”

Verse 27

रुद्रशापो निवृत्तः स्यात्तेनैव किल नान्यथा ॥ एतस्मिन्नन्तरे देवि मया गावोऽवतारिताः ॥

Rudra’s curse would cease only by that means—indeed, not otherwise. Meanwhile, O Devī, I caused the cows to descend.

Verse 28

तच्च गोनिष्क्रमं नाम तीर्थं परमपावनम् ॥ तत्र स्नानं तु कुर्वीत एकरात्रोषितो नरः ॥

And that is the pilgrimage-site called Go-niṣkrama, supremely purifying. A man, having stayed there for one night, should perform bathing there.

Verse 29

गोलोकं च समासाद्य मोदते नात्र संशयः ॥ अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्कृत्वा कर्म सुदुष्करम् ॥

And having reached Goloka, one rejoices—of this there is no doubt. And then, here, one relinquishes the life-breaths, having performed a very difficult observance.

Verse 30

शंखचक्रगदायुक्तो मम लोके महीयते ॥ पञ्च धाराः पतन्त्यत्र मूले मूलवटस्य हि ॥

Endowed with conch, discus, and mace, he is honored in my world. Here, five streams fall at the root of the Mūlavaṭa, the primordial banyan.

Verse 31

तत्र स्नानं प्रकुर्वीत पञ्चरात्रोषितो नरः ॥ पञ्चानामपि यज्ञानां फलमाप्नोति मानवः ॥

There, a person who has stayed for five nights should perform bathing; the human attains the fruit of five sacrifices as well.

Verse 32

अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्कृत्वा कर्म सुदुष्करम् ॥ पञ्चयज्ञफलं भुक्त्वा मम लोकं प्रपद्यते ॥

Then, having performed here a most arduous observance, one relinquishes the life-breaths; having enjoyed the fruit of the five sacrifices, one attains my world.

Verse 33

अस्ति पञ्चपदं नाम तस्मिन्क्षेत्रे परं मम ॥ मम पूर्वेण पार्श्वेण दृढाः पञ्च महाशिलाः ॥

In that supreme sacred region of mine there is a place called Pañchapada. On its eastern side stand five great stones, firm and fixed.

Verse 34

मत्पूर्वां दिशमाश्रित्य तत्र ब्रह्मपदद्वयम् ॥ मध्ये तु तस्य कुण्डस्य शिला विस्तीर्णसंश्रिता ॥

Facing the eastern direction associated with me, there are there two ‘footprints of Brahmā’. And in the middle of that pond is a stone-slab, broad and well-situated.

Verse 35

ऊर्ध्वं नालपरिणाहं तत्र विष्णुपदं मम ॥ तत्र स्नानं तु कुर्वीत पञ्चरात्रोषितो नरः ॥

Above, at an extent measured as one nāla, is my Viṣṇu-footprint. A man who has stayed there for five nights should perform ritual bathing there.

Verse 36

यान्ति शुद्धांस्तु लोकांस्ते ये च भागवतप्रियाः ॥ अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्युक्तः पञ्चपदे नरः ॥

Those who are dear to the bhāgavatas, the Lord’s devotees, go to pure worlds. And then, here at Pañchapada, a disciplined person relinquishes the life-breaths.

Verse 37

यत्र धारा पतत्येका पश्चिमां दिशमाश्रिता ॥ तत्र स्नानं तु कुर्वीत एकरात्रोषितो नरः ॥

Where a single stream of water falls, oriented toward the western direction—there a person who has stayed for one night should perform the ritual bathing.

Verse 38

ब्रह्मलोकमवाप्नोति ब्रह्मणा सह मोदते ॥ कौमुदस्य तु मासस्य शुक्लपक्षस्य द्वादशी ॥

One attains Brahmā’s world and rejoices together with Brahmā. (This is connected with) the twelfth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month called Kaumuda.

Verse 39

यज्ञानां वाजपेयानां फलं प्राप्नोति मानवः ॥ अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्मम कर्मसु निष्ठितः ॥

A person obtains the fruit of the Vājapeya sacrifices. Then, here, steadfast in the rites associated with me, one relinquishes the life-breaths.

Verse 40

वाजपेयफलं भुक्त्वा मम लोकं प्रपद्यते ॥ अस्ति कोटिवटं नाम तस्मिन्क्षेत्रे परं मम ॥

Having experienced the fruit of the Vājapeya, one attains my world. In that supreme sacred region of mine there is a place called Koṭivaṭa.

Verse 41

पञ्चक्रोशं ततो गत्वा वायव्यां दिशि संस्थितः ॥ तत्र स्नानं तु कुर्वीत षष्ठकालोषितो नरः ॥

Having gone five krośas from there, situated in the north-western direction, a person who has stayed for six periods (ṣaṣṭhakāla) should perform bathing there.

Verse 42

बहुयज्ञस्य कोटीनां फलं प्राप्नोति निष्कलम् ॥ अथात्र मुंचते प्राणान्भूमे कोटिवटे शुभे ॥

One attains, wholly and without remainder, the fruit of crores of many sacrifices. And if one relinquishes the life-breath here, O Earth, at the auspicious Koṭivaṭa, that very merit is obtained.

Verse 43

यज्ञकोटिफलं भुक्त्वा मम कोटिं प्रपद्यते ॥ अस्ति विष्णुसरो नाम तस्मिन्क्षेत्रे परं मम ॥

Having enjoyed the fruit equal to crores of sacrifices, one attains my highest state. In that sacred region there is a place named Viṣṇusara, supremely associated with me.

Verse 44

पूर्वोत्तरेण पार्श्वेन पञ्चक्रोशं न संशयः ॥ मत्सरः पद्मपत्राक्षि अगाधं परिसंस्थितम् ॥

On the northeastern side it extends for five krośas—there is no doubt. There, O lotus-petaled-eyed one, lies Matsara, set in place, deep and unfathomable.

Verse 45

पञ्चक्रोशश्च विस्तारः पर्वतः परिमण्डलः ॥ तत्र भ्रमति यो भद्रे कुर्याच्चैव प्रदक्षिणम् ॥

Its expanse is five krośas, and the mountain is circular in form. Whoever, O gentle one, walks about there should also perform pradakṣiṇā, the reverent circumambulation.

Verse 46

तावद्वर्षसहस्राणि ब्रह्मलोके महीयते ॥ अथात्र मुंचते प्राणान्स्वकर्मपरिनिष्ठितः ॥

For that many thousands of years one is honored in Brahmaloka. Then, if one relinquishes the life-breath here, steadfast in one’s own deeds, such is the course described.

Verse 47

ब्रह्मलोकं समुत्सृज्य मम लोके महीयते ॥ तस्मिन्क्षेत्रे महाभागे आश्चर्यं शृणु सुन्दरि ॥

Having departed from Brahmaloka, one is honored in my world. In that blessed sacred region, O fair one, hear of a marvel.

Verse 48

गवां वै श्रूयते शब्दो मम कर्मसुखावहः ॥ अथात्र ज्येष्ठमासस्य शुक्लपक्षस्य द्वादशी ॥

Indeed, the sound of cows is heard—bringing the happiness of the rite connected with me. And here, on the twelfth day of the bright fortnight of the month Jyeṣṭha, this is especially noted.

Verse 49

श्रूयते सुमहान्छब्दः स्वयमेतन्न संशयः ॥ एवं गोस्थलके पुण्ये महाभागवतः शुचिः ॥

A very great sound is heard—this indeed happens of itself; there is no doubt. Thus, in the meritorious Gosthalaka, a pure and greatly fortunate devotee acts accordingly.

Verse 50

करोति शुभकर्माणि शीघ्रं मुच्येत किल्बिषात् ॥ एवं तेन महाभागे ईश्वरेण यशस्विनि ॥

There one performs auspicious deeds and is quickly released from fault. Thus, O greatly fortunate and renowned one, by that Lord it is so ordained and related.

Verse 51

शापदाहो विनिर्मुक्तः सर्वैः सह मरुद्गणैः ॥ एतद्गोस्थलकं नाम सर्वशान्तिकरं परम् ॥

Freed from the burning effect of a curse—together with all the hosts of the Maruts—this was accomplished. This is called Gosthalaka; it is supremely a maker of universal pacification.

Verse 52

कथितं देवि कार्त्स्न्येन तवानुग्रहकाम्यया॥ एषोऽध्यायो महाभागे सर्वमङ्गलकारकः॥

O Goddess, I have declared it to you in full, desiring to bestow favor upon you. This chapter, O noble lady, brings about every auspiciousness.

Verse 53

मम मार्गानुसाराणां मम च प्रीतिवर्धनः॥ श्रेष्ठानां परमं श्रेष्ठं मङ्गलानां च मङ्गलम्॥

For those who follow my path, it also increases my satisfaction. It is the best among the best, and the auspicious among auspicious things.

Verse 54

लाभानां परमो लाभो धर्माणां धर्म उत्तमः॥ लभन्ते पठमानाः वै मम मार्गानुसारिणः॥

It is the highest gain among gains, the most excellent dharma among dharmas. Those who recite it—indeed, those who follow my path—obtain these results.

Verse 55

तावद्वर्षसहस्राणि मम लोके महीयते॥ पतनं च न विद्येत पठमानो दिने दिने॥

For that many thousands of years, one is honored in my world; and for the one who recites it day by day, there would be no downfall.

Verse 56

तारितानि कुलान्येभिः सप्त सप्त च सप्त च॥ पिशुनाय न दातव्यं न मूर्खाय शठाय च॥

By these teachings, families are carried across—seven, and seven, and again seven. It should not be given to a slanderer, nor to a fool, nor to a deceitful person.

Verse 57

देयं पुत्राय शिष्याय यश्च जानाति सेवितुम्॥ एतन्मरणकाले तु न कदाचित्तु विस्मरेत्॥

It should be given to a son, to a disciple, and to one who knows how to practice it. At the time of death, one should never forget this.

Verse 58

श्लोकं वा यदि वा पादं यदीच्छेत् परमां गतिम्॥ तत्क्षेत्रं तु महाभागे पञ्चयोजनमण्डलम्॥

Whether a full verse or even a quarter-verse—if one desires the highest destination—then that sacred region, O noble lady, is a circuit of five yojanas.

Verse 59

तिष्ठामि परया प्रीत्या दिशं पूर्वामुपाश्रितः॥ पश्चिमेन वहेद्गङ्गां निष्कामेन वसुन्धरे॥

With deep affection I remain, having taken my station in the eastern direction. On the western side flows the Gaṅgā, O Earth, for the disinterested seeker.

Verse 60

एवं रहस्यं गुह्यं च सर्वकर्मसुखावहम्॥ एतत्ते परमं भद्रे गुह्यं धर्मसमन्वितम्॥

Thus this is a secret and confidential teaching, bringing ease in all undertakings. This is the supreme confidential instruction for you, O auspicious lady, endowed with dharma.

Verse 61

मम क्षेत्रं महाभागे यत्त्वया परिपृच्छितम्॥

My sacred region, O noble lady—the one about which you have inquired.

Verse 62

तत्र त्वौर्वो महाभागे तप्यते समदर्शनः ॥ पद्मानां कारणादौर्वो गङ्गाद्वारमुपागतः

There, O great lady, Aurva—whose vision was even and impartial—was performing austerities. For the sake of the lotuses, Aurva came to Gaṅgādvāra.

Verse 63

महादाहेन सन्तप्तः शम्भुर्देवीमुवाच ह ॥ और्वस्य तु तपो दृष्ट्वा भीतैर्देवैरुदाहृतम्

Scorched by the great heat, Śambhu spoke to the Goddess. And seeing Aurva’s austerity, the gods—frightened—uttered an appeal (a report).

Verse 64

सप्तसप्ततिः कल्याणि सौरभेया महौजसः ॥ तेनाप्लावितदेहाश्च परां निर्वृतिमागताः

Seventy-seven, O auspicious lady—Saurabheya beings of great vitality—having had their bodies bathed by it, attained the highest repose.

Verse 65

विमुक्तः सर्वसंसारान्मम लोकं च गच्छति ॥ ततो ब्रह्मपदं नाम क्षेत्रं गुह्यं परं मम

Freed from all entanglements of saṃsāra, one goes also to my realm. Then there is a sacred place named Brahmapada—secret and supreme, belonging to me.

Verse 66

उपवासं त्रिरात्रं तु कृत्वा कर्म सुदुष्करम् ॥ यावन्ति भ्रममाणस्य पदानि ननु सुन्दरि

Having undertaken the three-night fast—an act most difficult—(the merit gained) is indeed as many as the footsteps of one who wanders, O beautiful lady.

Verse 67

तेजः श्रियं च लक्ष्मीं च सर्वकामान्यशस्विनि ॥ यावन्ति चाक्षराणि स्युरत्राध्याये मनस्विनि

Splendor, prosperity, Lakṣmī, and all desired aims, O illustrious one—are gained in a number equal to the syllables found in this chapter, O strong-minded lady.