Shloka 98
Pulastya’s Tīrtha Enumeration: Sarasvatī, Naimiṣa, Gayā, and Associated Phalaśruti
Chapter 82
तत्रैवान्तर्दथे देवो विद्युदभ्रेषु वै यथा । नाम्ना सप्तचरुं तेन ख्यातं लोकेषु भारत,उनपर प्रसन्न होकर भगवानने उन्हें अष्टगुण-ऐश्वर्य अर्थात् अणिमा आदि आठ सिद्धियाँ प्रदान कीं। महाराज! तत्पश्चात् उनकी इच्छाके अनुसार अन्यान्य वर देकर भगवान् केशव वहाँसे उसी प्रकार अन्तर्धान हो गये, जैसे मेघोंकी घटामें बिजली तिरोहित हो जाती है। भारत! इसीलिये वह तीर्थ तीनों लोकोंमें सप्तचरुके नामसे विख्यात है। वहाँ अग्निके लिये दिया हुआ चरु एक लाख गोदान, सौ राजसूययज्ञ और सहस्र अश्वमेधयज्ञसे भी अधिक कल्याणकारी है। राजेन्द्र! वहाँसे लौटकर रुद्रपद नामक तीर्थमें जाय। वहाँ महादेवजीकी पूजा करके तीर्थयात्री पुरुष अश्वमेधका फल पाता है
tatraivāntardadhe devo vidyudabhreṣu vai yathā | nāmnā saptacaruṁ tena khyātaṁ lokeṣu bhārata ||
Right there, the divine Lord vanished from sight, just as lightning disappears within a mass of clouds. O Bhārata, because of that event the sacred ford became renowned in the worlds by the name Saptacaru. The passage underscores that sincere offerings made with faith at a holy place, and the grace that follows, can surpass even grand public sacrifices in spiritual benefit.
घुलस्त्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights divine grace and the power of sincere devotion: the Lord’s presence and withdrawal are effortless, and a simple, faithful offering at a sacred place can yield spiritual benefit greater than ostentatious rites, emphasizing inner intent over mere scale.
After granting boons (as described in the surrounding passage), the Lord vanishes on the spot like lightning hidden by clouds. Because of this episode, the pilgrimage site becomes famous as ‘Saptacaru’ across the worlds.