Adhyaya 151: The Sacred Greatness of Lohārgala (The ‘Iron-Bolt’ Tīrtha)

Verse 1

अथ लोहर्गलमाहात्म्यम् ॥ सूत उवाच ॥ सानन्दूरस्य माहात्म्यमेतच्छ्रुत्वा वसुन्धरा ॥ कृताञ्जलिपुटा भूत्वा वराहं पुनरब्रवीत् ॥

Now (begins) the eulogy of Lohārgala. Sūta said: Having heard this account of the greatness of Sānandūra, Vasundharā (Earth), with hands joined in reverence, spoke again to Varāha.

Verse 2

धरण्युवाच ॥ श्रुतमेतज्जगन्नाथ विष्णो गुह्यमनुत्तमम् ॥ यच्छ्रुत्वा सुमहाभाग जाता॒स्मि विगतज्वरा ॥

Earth said: This unsurpassed secret, O Lord of the world, O Viṣṇu, has been heard. Having heard it, O greatly fortunate one, I have become free from fever—relieved of distress.

Verse 3

अपरं वा॒स्ति चेत्किञ्चिद्गुह्यं क्षेत्रं शुभावहम् ॥ सानन्दूरात्परं गुह्यं क्षेत्रमस्ति न वा परम् ॥

If there is some other secret sacred region that brings auspiciousness—does there exist a kṣetra more secret than Sānandūra, or is there none beyond it?

Verse 4

सुरकरण नृसिंह लोकनाथ युतससुरसुरधीऱ देववीर ॥ कमलदलसहस्रनेत्र रूपो जयति कृतान्तसमानकालरूपः ॥

Victorious is that heroic Lord—the world-protector, Narasiṃha—steadfast among gods and asuras; whose form bears a thousand eyes like lotus-petals, and whose time-form is equal even to Kṛtānta (Death).

Verse 5

गद्गदं वचनं श्रुत्वा पृथिव्याः स जनार्दनः ॥ उवाच मधुरं वाक्यं सर्वलोकार्त्तिहा हरिः ॥

Having heard the emotion-choked words of Pṛthivī, that Janārdana—Hari, the remover of the afflictions of all worlds—spoke a gentle and sweet reply.

Verse 6

श्रीवराह उवाच ॥ शृणु देवि च तत्त्वेन यन्मां त्वं परिपृच्छसि ॥ गुह्यमन्यत्प्रवक्ष्यामि मद्व्रतः कर्मणो जनिः ॥

Śrī Varāha said: “Listen, O Goddess, in truth, to what you ask of me. I shall also expound another matter, confidential in nature—the origin of this vrata and its ritual rite.”

Verse 7

ततः सिद्धवटे गत्वा त्रिंशद्योजनदूरतः ॥ म्लेच्छमध्ये वरारोहे हिमवन्तं समाश्रितम् ॥

Then I went to Siddhavaṭa, thirty yojanas away; O fair-hipped one, I reached a place amid the mlecchas, taking refuge near the Himālaya.

Verse 8

तत्र लोहर्गले क्षेत्रे निवासो विहितः शुभः ॥ गुह्यं पञ्चदशायामं समन्तात्पञ्चयोजनम् ॥

There, in the kṣetra called Lohārgala, an auspicious dwelling-place was established. The site is called ‘secret’: fifteen in length, and five yojanas in extent on all sides.

Verse 9

दुर्गमं दुःसहं चैव पापैः सर्वत्र वेष्टितम् ॥ सुलभं पुण्ययुक्तानां मम चिन्तानुसारिणाम् ॥

It is hard to reach and hard to endure, everywhere surrounded by sin; yet it is easily accessible to those endowed with merit—those who steadily follow remembrance of me.

Verse 10

ततो मे दानवाः सर्वे क्रमन्तो लोकमुत्तमम् ॥ मया चैवान्तरं कृत्वा कृत्वा मायां च वैष्णवीम् ॥

Then all my Dānavas advanced toward the highest world; and I, having created an interval (a separation), also brought forth Vaiṣṇavī māyā, the sacred stratagem associated with Viṣṇu.

Verse 11

तत्र ब्रह्मा च रुद्राश्च स्कन्देन्द्रो समुरुद्गणाः ॥ आदित्या वसवो वायुरश्विनौ च महौजसम् ॥

There were Brahmā and the Rudras, Skanda and Indra together with the hosts of Maruts; the Ādityas, the Vasus, Vāyu, and the Aśvins—of great splendor.

Verse 12

सोमो बृहस्पतिश्चैव ये चान्ये वै दिवौकसः ॥ तेषां चैवार्गलं दत्त्वा चक्रं गृह्य महौजसम् ॥

Soma and Bṛhaspati, and indeed the other dwellers of heaven as well—having provided them with an argala, a protective barrier, I took up the radiant discus (cakra).

Verse 13

शतकोटिसहस्राणि शीघ्रमेव निपातितम् ॥ ततश्च देवताः सर्वास्तुष्यमाणा इतस्ततः ॥

A hundred koṭis of thousands were swiftly brought down; and then all the deities, being satisfied, moved here and there.

Verse 14

एवं लोहर्गलं नाम क्षेत्रं चैव मया कृतम् ॥ ततो देवासुरे युद्धे हत्वा त्रिदशकण्टकान् ॥

Thus the sacred region named Lohārgala was established by me. Then, in the war between gods and asuras, having slain the “thorns” of the Thirty—the adversaries and troubles of the devas—the narrative proceeds.

Verse 15

तेषां संस्थापनं तत्र कृतं चैव महौजसाम् ॥ यो मां पश्यति तत्रस्थं प्रयत्नेन कदाचन

There, indeed, the installation of those mighty ones was performed. Whoever, with effort, at any time beholds me as abiding in that place—

Verse 16

सोऽपि भागवतो भूमे भवत्येव सुनिष्ठितः ॥ तस्मिन्कुण्डे तु सुश्रोणि यः स्नाति नियतो नरः

—that person too becomes a devoted servant, O Earth, firmly established (in devotion). And, O fair-hipped one, the man who bathes in that kunda with self-restraint—

Verse 17

उपोष्य च त्रिरात्रं तु विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा ॥ ततः स्वर्गसहस्रेषु मोदते नात्र संशयः

And, having fasted for three nights according to the rite-prescribed procedure, thereafter he rejoices in thousands of heavens—of this there is no doubt.

Verse 18

अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्स्वकर्मपरिनिष्ठितः ॥ सर्वान्स्वर्गान्परित्यज्य मम लोकं प्रपद्यते

Then, here, established in his own duties, he relinquishes his life-breaths; abandoning all heavens, he attains my realm.

Verse 19

चतुर्विंशतिद्वादश्यां मासेन विधिना मम ॥ बलिः प्रदीयते तत्र सर्वकामविशोधनः

On the twenty-fourth Dvādaśī, in the month so specified, by my prescribed rite, an offering (bali) is given there—an act said to purify all desires.

Verse 20

अश्वो मे कल्पितस्तत्र सर्वरत्नविभूषितः ॥ श्वेतः कुमुदवर्णाभः शङ्खकुन्दसमप्रभः

There, a horse is fashioned for me, adorned with every jewel—white, with the hue of a water-lily, and with a radiance comparable to a conch and jasmine.

Verse 21

मार्गणा मे धनुस्तत्र अक्षसूत्रं कमण्डलुः ॥ आसनं विततं दिव्यं दीयतेऽश्वोपरि स्थिरम्

There, for me, are arrows and a bow, a rosary and a water-pot (kamaṇḍalu); and a divine, extended seat is given, firm upon the horse.

Verse 22

श्वेतपर्वतमारोह्य पतमानः कुरून् बहून् ॥ पतितस्तत्र दृश्येत क्षतं तत्र न दृश्यते

Having mounted the White Mountain and falling across many kurus (a measure), he is seen as having fallen there; yet no injury is seen there.

Verse 23

अनेकान्येव रूपाणि पातयित्वा नभस्तलात् ॥ शान्तो दान्तः परिक्लिष्टः स चाश्वो दिवि वर्तते

Having cast down many other forms from the face of the sky, that horse—calm, self-controlled, and wearied—abides in heaven.

Verse 24

सूत उवाच ॥ ततो भूम्या वचः श्रुत्वा ब्रह्मपुत्रो महामुनिः ॥ विस्मयं परमं प्राप्तो विष्णुमायोपबृंहितः

Sūta said: Then, having heard the words of Earth, the great sage, the son of Brahmā, attained the highest astonishment—his experience intensified by Viṣṇu’s māyā.

Verse 25

ततः स विस्मयाविष्टो ब्रह्मपुत्रो महामतिः ॥ सनत्कुमारो भगवान् पुनरेवमभाषत

Then the great-minded son of Brahmā, overwhelmed with wonder—Sanatkumāra, the venerable one—spoke again as follows.

Verse 26

सनत्कुमार उवाच ॥ धन्यासि देवि सुश्रॊणि सुपुण्यासि वरानने ॥ देवि यल्लोकनाथस्य साक्षाद्दर्शनमागता

Sanatkumāra said: “Fortunate are you, O Goddess—fair-hipped, richly meritorious, lovely-faced—since you have come to the direct sight of the Lord of the world.”

Verse 27

पद्मपत्रविशालाक्षो यत्त्वया परिभाषितः ॥ तेनोक्तं शंस सकलं सर्वेषां सुखवर्धनम्

“That lotus-leaf wide-eyed one whom you addressed—proclaim in full what was spoken by him, for it increases the well-being of all.”

Verse 28

ततः स पुण्डरीकाक्षः किमाचष्ट ततः परम् ॥ कर्मणा विधिदृष्टेन सर्वभागवतप्रियः

Then that Puṇḍarīkākṣa, the lotus-eyed one—what did he relate thereafter? He is dear to all devotees and speaks in accordance with the rite, as prescribed by rule-observed action.

Verse 29

(सूत उवाच) ॥ तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा कुमारस्य महौजसः ॥ उवाच मधुरं वाक्यमाभाष्य ब्रह्मणः सुतम्

Sūta said: Having heard that statement of the radiant Kumāra, he addressed the son of Brahmā and spoke sweet words.

Verse 30

शृणु वत्स जगन्नाथो यथा मामाह चोदितः ॥ श्रीवराह उवाच ॥ एवं तत्रैव कर्माणि क्रियन्ते विधिपूर्वकम्

Listen, dear child: I shall relate how the Lord of the world, when urged, spoke to me. Śrī Varāha said: Thus, there itself, the rites are performed according to the prescribed procedure.

Verse 31

शोधकानि च पापानां मृदूनि च शुभानि च ॥ अश्वानां तत्कुलीनानामावहन्ति सुमध्यमे

They bring, O fair-waisted one, horses of that noble lineage—offerings that cleanse sins, gentle and auspicious.

Verse 32

नान्यं वहन्ति ते चाश्वा मम वाहा दुरत्ययाः ॥ कुण्डं पञ्चसरो नाम गुह्यं क्षेत्रं परं मम

Those horses carry no other; they are my mounts, difficult to overcome. There is a pond called Pañcasara—my secret and supreme sacred precinct.

Verse 33

चतुर्धाराः पतन्त्यत्र शङ्खवर्णा मनोजवाः ॥ तत्र स्नानं तु कुर्वीत चतुर्भक्तोषितो नरः

Here four streams fall—conch-white and swift as thought. There, a man content with four meals (i.e., moderate and regulated) should perform the ritual bathing.

Verse 34

लोकं चैत्राङ्गदं गत्वा गन्धर्वैः सह मोदते ॥ अथ चेन्मुञ्चते प्राणांस्तस्मिन्क्षेत्रे परे मम

Having gone to the world called Caitrāṅgada, he rejoices together with the Gandharvas. And if he should relinquish his life-breaths in that supreme sacred precinct of mine…

Verse 35

गन्धर्वलोकमुत्सृज्य मम लोकं स गच्छति ॥ ततो नारदकुण्डे तु मम क्षेत्रे परे महत्

Having left the Gandharva-world, he goes to my realm. Then, at the Nārada-kuṇḍa—within my supreme and greatly revered sacred precinct—(the rite is to be performed).

Verse 36

पञ्च धाराः पतन्त्यत्र तालवृक्षसमोपमाः ॥ तत्र स्नानं तु कुर्वीत एकभक्तोषितो नरः

Here five streams fall, comparable in stature to palm-trees. There a man should bathe, having observed the discipline of taking food once (daily).

Verse 37

प्रमुच्य नारदं दिव्यं मम लोकं च गच्छति ॥ ततो वसिष्ठकुण्डं तु तस्मिन्क्षेत्रं परं मम

Having been released (from the effects) at the divine Nārada-(kuṇḍa), he also goes to my realm. Then comes the Vasiṣṭha-kuṇḍa—within it lies my supreme sacred precinct.

Verse 38

धाराः पतन्ति तिस्रस्तु न स्थूला नाति वै कृशाः ॥ तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वीत पञ्च कालोषितो नरः

Three streams fall there—neither thick nor overly slender. There a man should perform ablution (abhiṣeka), having observed the discipline for five periods (pañca-kāla).

Verse 39

वासिष्ठं लोकमासाद्य मोदते नात्र संशयः ॥ अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्मम कर्मसु निष्ठितः ॥ वासिष्ठं लोकमुत्सृज्य मम लोकं प्रपद्यते ॥ पञ्चकुण्डेति विख्यातं तस्मिन्क्षेत्रे परे मम

Having reached the world of Vasiṣṭha, he rejoices—of this there is no doubt. Then, established in my rites, he relinquishes his life-breaths here. Having departed from the Vasiṣṭha-world, he attains my realm. (Next is) the place renowned as Pañcakuṇḍa, within my supreme sacred precinct.

Verse 40

पञ्च धाराः पतन्त्यत्र हिमकूटविनिःसृताः ॥ तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वीत पञ्चकालोषितो नरः

Here five streams fall, issuing forth from Himakūṭa. There a man should perform abhiṣeka, having observed the pañca-kāla discipline.

Verse 41

स तत्र गच्छेद्वै भूमे यत्र पञ्चशिखो मुनिः ॥ अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्मम भक्तो जितेन्द्रियः

He should go there, indeed, to the place on earth where the sage Pañcaśikha is. Then, here, my devotee—self-controlled—relinquishes his life-breaths.

Verse 42

पञ्चचूडं समुत्सृज्य स याति परमां गतिम् ॥ सप्तर्षिकुण्डं विख्यातमस्मिन्क्षेत्रे परे मम

Having departed from Pañcacūḍa, he attains the highest state. (Next is) the famed Saptarṣi-kuṇḍa, within this, my supreme sacred precinct.

Verse 43

सप्त धाराः पतन्त्यत्र हिमवत्पर्वतस्थिताः ॥ तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वीत सप्तभक्तोषितो नरः

Here seven streams fall, situated on the Himavat mountain. There a man should perform abhiṣeka, having observed the discipline of sapta-bhakta (seven meals/portions).

Verse 44

मोदते ऋषिलोकेषु ऋषिकन्याभिसंवृतः ॥ अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्रागलोभविवर्जितः

He rejoices in the worlds of the seers, surrounded by maidens of the sages. Then, here, being free from passion and greed, he relinquishes his life-breaths.

Verse 45

तत्र धारा पतत्येका शरभङ्गश्रिता नदी ॥ स्नानं यस्तत्र कुर्वीत षष्ठभक्तोषितो नरः

There a single stream (dhārā) falls—a river associated with Śarabhaṅga. The man who bathes there, having observed the ṣaṣṭha-bhakta discipline (a regulated fast or limited eating),

Verse 46

मोदते तस्य लोकेषु ऋषिकन्याप्रमोदितः ॥ अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान् सर्वसङ्गविवर्जितः

—rejoices in those worlds, delighted by the maidens of the seers (ṛṣi-kanyās). Then, here itself, he relinquishes his life-breaths, free from all attachments.

Verse 47

शरभङ्गं समुत्सृज्य मम लोके महीयते ॥ कुण्डमग्निसरो नाम सर्वमायाभिसंवृतम्

Leaving the association with Śarabhaṅga behind, he is honored in my world. There is a pond named Agnisara, entirely enveloped by māyā (concealment/illusion).

Verse 48

भूमिं नीत्वा जलं तत्र तिष्ठत्येव वरानने ॥ तत्र स्नानं प्रकुर्वीत चाष्टकालोषितो नरः

Having brought water onto the ground, it indeed remains there, O fair-faced one. A man who has observed the period of eight times (cāṣṭa-kāla) should perform bathing there.

Verse 49

गच्छत्यङ्गिरसो लोकं सुखभागी न संशयः ॥ अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्मम कर्मपरायणः

He goes to the world of Aṅgiras, a sharer in happiness—there is no doubt. Then, here, he relinquishes his life-breaths, devoted to my prescribed acts (karman).

Verse 50

अग्निलोकं समुत्सृज्य मम लोकं स गच्छति ॥ कुण्डं बृहस्पतेर्भूमे सर्ववेदोदकाश्रितम्

Leaving the world of Agni behind, he goes to my world. There is the sacred pond of Bṛhaspati, O Earth, sustained by the waters of all the Vedas.

Verse 51

धारा चैका पतत्यत्र हिमकूटसमाश्रिता ॥ तत्र स्नानं प्रकुर्वीत षष्ठकालोषितो नरः

And here a single stream falls, associated with Himakūṭa. A man who has observed the ṣaṣṭha-kāla period should perform bathing there.

Verse 52

गत्वा बृहस्पतेर्लोकं मुनिकन्याभिमोदितः ॥ अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्मम लोकं समाश्रितः

Having gone to Bṛhaspati’s world, being welcomed by maidens of sages, then here he relinquishes his life-breaths, having taken refuge in my world.

Verse 53

सोऽपि याति परां सिद्धिं समुत्सृज्य बृहस्पतिम् ॥ वैश्वानरस्य कुण्डं तु गुह्यं क्षेत्रं परं मम

He too attains the highest siddhi, leaving Bṛhaspati behind. But the pond of Vaiśvānara is a secret sacred field (kṣetra)—my supreme domain.

Verse 54

गत्वा बृहस्पतेर्लोकं मुनिकन्याभिमोहितः ॥ वैश्वानरेषु लोकेषु मोदते नात्र संशयः

Having gone to Bṛhaspati’s world, captivated by maidens of sages, he rejoices in the worlds of Vaiśvānara—of this there is no doubt.

Verse 55

अथात्र मुंचते प्राणान्मम कर्मपरायणः ॥ वैश्वानरं समुत्सृज्य मम लोकं स गच्छति

Now, whoever here relinquishes the vital breaths—devoted to the prescribed rites—having departed from the sphere of Vaiśvānara, goes to my world.

Verse 56

कार्त्तिकेयस्य कुण्डं तु गुह्यं क्षेत्रं परं मम ॥ यत्र पञ्चदशा धाराः पतन्ति हिमपर्वतात्

The pond of Kārttikeya is indeed a secret sacred domain—supremely mine—where fifteen streams fall down from the Himālaya mountain.

Verse 57

तत्र स्नानं प्रकुर्वीत षष्ठकालोषितो नरः ॥ कुमारं पश्यति व्यक्तं षण्मुखं शुभदर्शनम्

There, a man who has observed residence through six ritual periods should perform bathing; he beholds Kumāra manifest—six-faced and auspicious to behold.

Verse 58

अथात्र मुंचते प्राणान्कृत्वा चान्द्रायणं शुचिः ॥ कार्त्तिकेयं समुत्सृज्य मोदते मम मण्डले

Now, one who here relinquishes the vital breaths—pure, having performed the Cāndrāyaṇa observance—having departed from Kārttikeya’s sphere, rejoices in my domain.

Verse 59

उमाकुण्डमिति ख्यातं तस्मिन्क्षेत्रे परं मम ॥ सा गौरी यत्र चोत्पन्ना महादेववराङ्गना

It is renowned as Umā-kuṇḍa—within that sacred region, supremely mine—where that Gaurī, the chosen consort of Mahādeva, arose.

Verse 60

तत्र स्नानं तु कुर्वीत दशरात्रोषितो नरः ॥ गौरीं देवीं स पश्येत्तु तस्या लोके च मोदते

There, a man who has stayed for ten nights should perform the sacred bathing; he beholds the goddess Gaurī and rejoices in her world.

Verse 61

अथ प्राणान्प्रमुंचेत दशरात्रोषितो नरः ॥ उमालोकं समुत्सृज्य मम लोकं प्रपद्यते

Then, a man who has stayed for ten nights may relinquish the vital breaths; having departed from Umā’s world, he attains my world.

Verse 62

महेश्वरस्य वै कुण्डं यत्र चोद्वाहिताः उमा ॥ कादम्बैश्चक्रवाकैश्च हंससारससेवितम्

Indeed, there is Maheśvara’s pond where Umā was wedded; it is frequented by kādamba-birds, cakravākas, and by swans and cranes.

Verse 63

तत्र स्नानं तु कुर्वीत द्वादशाहोषितो नरः ॥ मोदते रुद्रलोकेषु रुद्रकन्याभिरावृतः

There, a man who has stayed for twelve days should perform the sacred bathing; he rejoices in the Rudra-worlds, surrounded by the maidens of Rudra.

Verse 64

अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्कृत्वा कर्म सुदुष्करम् ॥ रुद्रलोकं समुत्सृज्य मम लोकं च गच्छति

Now, whoever here relinquishes the vital breaths—having performed a most difficult observance—having departed from the Rudra-world, he also goes to my world.

Verse 65

प्रख्यातं ब्रह्मकुण्डं तु वेदा यत्र समुत्थिताः ॥ चतस्रो वेदधारास्तु पतन्ति च हिमालयात् ॥

Renowned is Brahmakuṇḍa—the place where the Vedas are said to have arisen. From the Himālaya descend four streams, known as the “Vedic currents”.

Verse 66

ततः पूर्वेण पार्श्वेन समा धारा पतेच्छुभा ॥ उच्चा च रमणीया च पाण्डरोदकशोभिता ॥

Then, on the eastern side, an auspicious stream descends—even in its course, lofty and pleasing, adorned with pale, clear water.

Verse 67

अथ पश्चिमपार्श्वेन यजुर्वेदेन संयुता ॥ अथ दक्षिणपार्श्वेन चाथर्वणसमन्विता ॥

Now, on the western side, there is a stream associated with the Yajurveda; and on the southern side, another accompanied by the Atharva tradition.

Verse 68

एका धारा पतत्यत्र इन्द्रगोपकसन्निभा ॥ यस्तत्र कुरुते स्नानं सप्तरात्रोषितो नरः ॥

Here one stream descends, resembling the indragopaka (a vivid crimson insect). Whoever bathes there, having stayed for seven nights, [is said to gain the result stated in the following verse].

Verse 69

ब्रह्मलोकं समासाद्य ब्रह्मणा सह मोदते ॥ अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणानहङ्कारविवर्जितः ॥

Having reached Brahmaloka, he rejoices in the company of Brahmā. Then, here, free from egoism, he relinquishes his life-breaths.

Verse 70

पुनरस्योत्तरे पार्श्वे सुवर्णसदृशोपमा ॥ ऋग्वेदः पतते धारा प्रसन्ना विमलोदका ॥

Again, on its northern side a stream descends, golden in appearance: the stream of the Ṛgveda, serene, with pure and spotless water.

Verse 71

ब्रह्मलोकं परित्यज्य मम लोकं प्रपद्यते ॥ गुह्याख्याने महाभागे क्षेत्रे लोहर्गले मम ॥

Leaving Brahmaloka behind, he attains my world. O fortunate one, this belongs to the “secret narrative” (guhyākhyāna), within my sacred kṣetra called Lohārgala.

Verse 72

न तस्य कर्म विद्येत स एवमपि संस्थितः ॥ आख्यानानां महाख्यानं धर्माणां धर्म उत्तमः ॥

For him, no binding karma is said to remain—thus firmly established. This is the great narrative among narratives, and the highest dharma among dharmas.

Verse 73

पवित्राणां पवित्रं तु न देयं यस्य कस्यचित् ॥ ये पठंति महाभागे स्थिताः शृण्वन्ति मत्पथे ॥

This is the purifier among purifiers; it is not to be given to just anyone. Those who recite it, O fortunate one, and those who, properly situated, listen upon my path—

Verse 74

तारितानि कुलानि स्युरुभयत्र दशापि च ॥ एतन्मरणकाले तु न कदाचित्तु विस्मरेत् ॥

Their families are said to be carried across to safety in both respects, even for ten generations. And at the time of death, one should never forget this.

Verse 75

यदीच्छेत्पराम् सिद्धिं सर्वसंसारमोक्षणीम् ॥ एतत्ते कथितं भद्रे लोहाङ्गलमनुत्तमम् ॥

If one desires the supreme siddhi that liberates from the whole of worldly existence, this, O auspicious lady, has been declared to you: the unsurpassed Lohāṅgala.

Verse 76

माहात्म्यं पद्मपत्राक्षि गुह्यं यच्च महौजसम् ॥ माङ्गल्यं च पवित्रं च मम भक्तसुखावहम् ॥

O lotus-petaled-eyed one, this account of greatness—secret and of great potency—is auspicious and purifying, and it brings well-being to my devotees.

Verse 77

तत्र तिष्ठाम्यहं भद्रे उदीचीं दिशमाश्रितः ॥ हिरण्यप्रतिमां कृत्वा जातरूपां न संशयः ॥

There, O auspicious lady, I abide, having taken refuge in the northern direction; having fashioned a golden image—truly of gold, without doubt.

Verse 78

अन्यच्च ते प्रवक्ष्यामि यत्र तत्परमद्भुतम् ॥ लोकविस्मापनार्थाय मया तत्र च यत्कृतम् ॥

And I shall tell you something further: where that supreme marvel is, and what I did there for the purpose of astonishing the world.

Verse 79

यथा यथा वदसि च धर्मसंहितं गुह्यं परं देववरप्रणीतम् ॥ गुणोत्तमं कारणसम्प्रयुक्तं तथा तथा भावयसि मनो मम ॥

In whatever manner you speak this compendium of dharma—secret, supreme, and set forth by the best of gods, excellent in qualities and connected with its proper causes—so, in that very measure, you shape and elevate my mind.

Verse 80

देवर्षिनारदं पश्येन्मोदते तेन वै समम् ॥ अथात्र मुञ्चते प्राणान्मम गुह्यविनिश्चितः ॥

One should behold the divine seer Nārada and rejoice equally with him; then, here, one relinquishes the life-breaths—this is my secret determination.

Verse 81

सप्तर्षीन् स समुत्सृज्य मोदते मम संस्थितः ॥ शरभङ्गस्य कुण्डं वै क्षेत्रे गुह्यं परे मम ॥

Having thereby surpassed even the Seven Seers, he rejoices, established in me. In my supreme, secret sacred field is indeed the pond (kuṇḍa) of Śarabhaṅga.

Verse 82

धारा चैका पतत्यत्र दृश्यते हिमसंश्रयात् ॥ तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वीत षष्ठभक्तोषितो नरः ॥

A single stream of water falls there, visible because it depends upon snow. There a man should perform abhiṣeka—consecratory bathing—sustained on the ‘sixth-day meal’ observance.

Verse 83

तिस्रो धाराः पतन्त्यत्र हिमवत्पर्वताश्रिताः ॥ स्थूलाश्च रमणीयाश्च न ह्रस्वाश्चातिनिर्मलाः ॥

Three streams fall there, dependent on the Himavat mountain. They are broad and pleasing—neither small, and exceedingly clear.

Verse 84

सिद्धिकामेन मर्त्येन गन्तव्यं नात्र संशयः ॥ समन्तात्पञ्चविंशति योजनानि वरानने ॥

By a mortal who seeks accomplishment (siddhi), it must be visited—of this there is no doubt. On all sides the sacred region extends for twenty-five yojanas, O fair-faced one.