पुलस्त्य उवाच अनेन तवधर्मज्ञ प्रश्रयेण दमेन च। सत्येन च महाभाग तुष्टोऽस्मि तव सुव्रत॥
Pulastya said: O hero of excellent vows, learned in the precepts of virtue, O greatly exalted one, I am much pleased with your humility, self-control and truth.
यस्येदृशस्तेधर्मोऽयं पितृभक्त्याश्रितोऽनघ। तेन पश्यसि मां पुत्र प्रीतिश्च परमा त्वयि॥
O sinless one, O son, it is for the virtue which you have acquired from your great regard and respect for your forefathers that you have been able to see me and that I have been so pleased with you.
अमोघदर्शी भीष्माहं ब्रूहि किं करवाणि ते। यद् वक्ष्यसि कुरुश्रेष्ठ तस्य दातास्मि तेऽनघ॥
O Bhishma, my eyes can penetrate into everything. Tell me what I can do for you. O foremost of the Kuru race, O sinless one, I shall grant you whatever you will ask from me.
भीष्म उवाच प्रीते त्वयि महाभाग सर्वलोकाभिपूजिते। कृतमेतावता मन्ये यदहं दृष्टवान् प्रभुम्॥
Bhishma said: O greatly exalted one, () worshipped of all the world, when you are pleased with me and when I have got a sight of you. I consider myself crowned with success.
यदि त्वहमनुग्राह्यस्तवधर्मभृतां वर। संदेहं ते प्रवक्ष्यामि तन्मे त्वं छेत्तुमर्हसि॥
O foremost of all virtuous men, if I have deserved your favour, you will kindly dispel my doubts; I shall describe them to you.
अस्ति मे हृदये कश्चित् तीर्थेभ्योधर्मसंशयः। तमहं श्रोतुमिच्छामि तद् भवान् वक्तुमर्हति॥
O exalted one, I have some religious doubts regarding Tirthas. I desire to hear you. Tell me separately of (each) in detail.
प्रदक्षिणां यः पृथिवीं करोत्यमरसंनिभ। किं फलं तस्य विप्रर्षे तन्मे ब्रूहि सुनिश्चितम्॥
O celestials-like one, O Brahmana Rishi, what virtue is derived by him who travels over the earth, (seeing sacred places)? Tell me this with certainty.
पुलस्त्य उवाच हन्त ते कथयिष्यामि यदृषीणां परायणम्। तदेकाग्रमनाः पुत्र शृणु तीर्थेषु यत् फलम्॥
Pulastya said: O son, listen to me with an attentive mind. I shall tell you the virtues which are derived in Tirthas that are the refuge of the Rishis.
यस्य हस्तौ च पादौ च मनश्चैव सुसंयतम्। विद्या तपश्च कीर्तिश्च स तीर्थफलमश्नुते॥
He, whose hands, feet, mind, learning, asceticism and deeds are under proper control, enjoys the fruits of Tirthas.
प्रतिग्रहादपावृत्तः संतुष्टो येन केनचित्। अहंकारनिवृत्तश्च स तीर्थफलमश्नुते॥
He, who has ceased to accept gifts, who is contented with little and who is free from pride, enjoys the fruits of Tirthas.
अकल्कको निरारम्भो लघ्वाहारो जितेन्द्रियः। विमुक्तः सर्वपापेभ्यः स तीर्थफलमश्नुते॥
He who is free from sins, who acts without desire, who eats light food, who has conquered his passions and who is free from all sins, enjoys the fruits of Tirthas.
अक्रोधनश्च राजेन्द्र सत्यशीलो दृढव्रतः। आत्मोपमश्च भूतेषु स तीर्थफलमश्नुते॥
O king of kings, he who is free from anger, who is truthful, who is firm in his vows and who considers all creatures as his own self, enjoys the fruits of Tirthas.
ऋषिभिः क्रतवः प्रोक्ता देवेष्विह यथाक्रमम्। फलं चैव यथातथ्यं प्रेत्य चेह च सर्वशः॥
The Rishis have told in due order the sacrifices and also their fruits to be obtained here (in this birth) and hereafter (in the next birth).
न ते शक्या दरिद्रेण यज्ञाः प्राप्तुं महीपते। बहूपकरणा यज्ञा नानासम्भारविस्तराः॥
O ruler of earth, the poor cannot perform these sacrifices, for the sacrifices require many materials and various things in large quantities.
प्राप्यन्ते पार्थिवैरेते समृद्धैर्वा नरैः क्वचित्। नार्थन्यूनै वगणैरेकात्मभिरसाधनैः॥
These (sacrifices) therefore be performed by the kings and also by the men of wealth and affluence. They cannot be performed by men without wealth and without friends and by men destitute of means and destitute of friends.
यो दरिद्रैरपि विधिः शक्यः प्राप्तुं नरेश्वर। तुल्यो यज्ञफलैः पुण्यैस्तुं निबोध युधां वर॥
O ruler of men, best of warriors, I shall now tell you about that which can be performed by the poor and the fruits of which are equal to those sacred ones of sacrifices.
ऋषीणां परमं गुह्यमिदं भरतसत्तम। तीर्थाभिगमनं पुण्यं यज्ञैरपि विशिष्यते॥
foremost of the Bharata race, visiting Tirthas, which are sacred and which are a great mystery of the Rishis, is even superior to the sacrifices. can
अनुपोष्य त्रिरात्राणि तीर्थान्यनभिगम्य च। अदत्त्वा काञ्चनं गाश्च दरिद्रो नाम जायते॥
He is called poor who, having gone to a Tirtha, does not fast for three nights and who does not give away gold and kine (in charity).
अग्निष्टोमादिभिर्यज्ञैरिष्ट्वा विपुलदक्षिणैः। न तत् फलमवाप्नोति तीर्थाभिगमनेन यत्॥
One does not acquire so much virtue in Agnihotra and other sacrifices full of large Dakshinas, as he acquires by visiting a Tirtha.
नृलोके देवदेवस्य तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्। पुष्करं नाम विख्यातं महाभागः समाविशेत्॥
There is in the world of men that Tirtha of the god of gods which is celebrated all over the three worlds and which is known by the name of Pushkara. One (who goes there) becomes equal to that greatly exalted deity (the god of gods).
दशकोटिसहस्राणि तीर्थानां वै महामते। सांनिध्यं पुष्करे येषां त्रिसंध्यं कुरुनन्दन॥
O high-ininded one, O descendant of Kuru, at the three Sandhyas, there are always present hundred thousand millions of Tirthas in Pushkara.
आदित्या वसवो रुद्राः साध्याश्च समरुद्गणाः। गन्धर्वाप्सरसश्चैव नित्यं संनिहिता विभो॥
O lord, the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the Sadhyas, the Maruts, the Gandharvas and the Apsaras are always present there.
यत्र देवास्तपस्तत्त्वा दैत्या ब्रह्मर्षयस्तथा। दिव्ययोगा महाराज पुण्येन महतान्विताः॥
O great king, it was there that the Devas, the Danavas and the Brahmarshi, after performing their ascetic devotions, acquired great virtues and final divinity.
मनसाप्यभिकामस्य पुष्कराणि मनस्विनः। पूयन्ते सर्वपापानि नाकपृष्ठे च पूज्यते॥
The sins of the intelligent man are all cleansed, even if he mentally thinks of Pushkara. He is adored even in heaven.
तस्मिंस्तीर्थे महाराज नित्यमेव पितामहः। उवास परमप्रीतो भगवान् कमलासनः॥
O great king, the lotus-seated, illustrious Grand-Sire always dwells in great pleasure in this Tirtha.
पुष्करेषु महाभाग देवाः सर्षिगणाः पुरा। सिद्धिं समभिसम्प्राप्ताः पुण्येन महतान्विताः॥
O greatly exalted one, is war formerly in Pushkara, that the celestials with the Rishis, having acquired great virtue, finally obtained the highest success.
तत्राभिषेकं यः कुर्यात् पितृदेवार्चने रतः। अश्वमेधाद् दशगुणं फलं प्राहुर्मनीषिणः॥
The wise men say that those that bathe in it in honour of the Pitris and the celestials obtain ten times the fruits of the Ashvamedha sacrifice.
अप्येकं भोजयेद् विप्रं पुष्करारण्यमाश्रितः। तेनासौ कर्मणा भीष्म प्रेत्य चेह च मोदते॥
O Bhishma, he, who, going to the forest of Pushkara, feeds but only one Brahmana, becomes by his that act happy here and hereafter.
शाकैर्मूलैः फलैर्वापि येन वर्तयते स्वयम्। तद् वै दद्याद् ब्राह्मणाय श्रद्धावाननसूयकः॥
He, who supports himself on vegetables, roots and fruits, may very well offer such food to the Brahmanas with due regard and without any disrespect.
तेनैव प्राप्नुयात् प्राज्ञो हयमेधफलं नरः। ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया वैश्याः शूद्रा वा राजसत्तम॥ न वै योनौ प्रजायन्ते सघतास्तीर्थे महात्मनः।
O foremost of kings, the wise men obtain by it the fruits of the Ashvamedha sacrifice. Among the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras, those that are high-souled are freed from the bondage of rebirth, if they bathe in it.
कार्तिकी तु विशेषेण योऽभिगच्छति पुष्करम्॥ प्राप्नुयात् स नरो लोकान् ब्रह्मणः सदनेऽक्षयान्।
Especially he who goes to Pushkara in the full-moon on the (month) of Kartikeya, that man, obtains everlasting regions in the abode of Brahma.
सायं प्रातः स्मरेद् यस्तु पुष्कराणि कृताञ्जलिः॥ उपस्पृष्टं भवेत् तेन सर्वतीर्थेषु भारत।
O descendant of Bharata, he who thinks of Pushkara, morning and evening with joined hands, practically bathes in all the Tirthas.
जन्मप्रभृति यत् पापं स्त्रिया वा पुरुषेण वा॥ पुष्करे स्नातमात्रस्य सर्वमेव प्रणश्यति।
Whatever sins a man or a woman commits from his and her birth, are all destroyed at the very moment he or she bathes in Pushkara.
यथा सुराणां सर्वेषामादिस्तु मधुसूदनः॥ तथैव पुष्करं राजंस्तीर्थानामादिरुच्यते।
O king, as the slayer of Madhu is the origin of all the celestials, so is, Pushkara called the origin of all the Tirthas.
उष्ट्वा द्वादश वर्षाणि पुष्करे नियतः शुचिः॥ क्रतून् सर्वानवाप्नोति ब्रह्मलोकं स गच्छति।
He who lives at Pushkara for twelve years in purity. Acquires all the merits of performing sacrifices and goes to the region of Brahma.
यस्तु वर्षशतं पूर्णमग्निहोत्रमुपासते।॥ कार्तिकी वा वसेदेकां पुष्करे सममेव तत्॥
He who performs the sacred Agnihotra for one hundred years acquires the same mcrit as he who lives only one month of Kartikeya in Pushkara.
त्रीणि शृङ्गाणि शुभ्राणि त्रीणि प्रस्रवणानि च। पुष्कराण्यादिसिद्धानि न विद्मस्तत्र कारणम्॥
There are three white hills and three springs (in Pushkara). We do not know why they are known by the name of Pushkara from the remotest time.
दुष्करं पुष्करे गन्तुं दुष्करं पुष्करे तपः। दुष्करं पुष्करे दानं वस्तुं चैव सुदुष्करम्॥
It is very difficult to go to Pushkara; it is very difficult to undergo asceticism Pushkara; it is very difficult to give away in charity at Pushkara.
उष्य द्वादशरात्रं तु नियतो नियताशन:। प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत्य जम्बूमार्गं समाविशेत्॥
Having lived for twelve nights at Pushkara with regulated diet and regulated food and having walked round it, one goes to Jambu marga. at
जम्बूमार्ग समाविश्य देवर्षिपितृसेवितम्। अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति सर्वकामसमन्वितः॥
He who goes to the Jambu marga which is frequented by the celestials Rishis and the Pitris, obtains the fruits of a horse-sacrifice and fulfillment of all his wishes.
तत्रोष्य रजनी: पञ्च पूतात्मा जायते नरः। न दुर्गतिमवाप्नोति सिद्धिं प्राप्नोति चोत्तमाम्॥
He who lives there for five nights has his soul cleansed of all sins. He does not meet with any distress; he obtains the highest success.
जम्बूमार्गादुपावृत्य गच्छेत् तन्दुलिकाश्रमम्। न दुर्गतिमवाप्नोति ब्रह्मलोकं च गच्छति॥
O great king, leaving Jambu marga one goes to the Tandulikasrama. He who goes there never meets with any disaster, but goes to the region of Brahma.
आगस्त्यं सर आसाद्य पितृदेवार्चने रतः। त्रिरात्रोपोषितो राजन्नाग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत्॥
O king, he who goes to Agastya's lake and engages himself in the worship of the Pitris and the celestials, fasting there for three nights, obtains the fruits of performing Agnishtoma.
शाकवृत्तिः फलैर्वापि कौमारं विन्दते परम्। कण्वाश्रमं ततो गच्छेच्छ्रीजुष्टं लोकपूजितम्॥
He who (going there) lives on vegetables or fruits acquires the state of Kumara. One should then go to the hermitage of Kansa, worshipped by the whole world.
धर्मारण्यं हि तत् पुण्यमाद्यं च भरतर्षभ। यत्र प्रविष्टमात्रो वै सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते॥
O best of the Bharata race, it was a sacred and holy forest from the remotest time. As soon as one enters it, he is cleansed of all his sins.
अर्चयित्वा पितॄन् देवान् नियतो नियताशनः। सर्वकामसमृद्धस्य यज्ञस्य फलमश्नुते॥
He, who with regulated diet and vows worships here the Pitris and the celestials, obtains the fruits of performing sacrifices and fulfillment of all his wishes.
प्रदक्षिणं ततः कृत्वा ययातिपतनं व्रजेत्। हयमेधस्य यज्ञस्य फलं प्राप्नोति तत्र वै॥
Having walked round it, one should go where Yayati fell. This gives that man fruits, obtained by the performance of a horsesacrifice.
महाकालं ततो गच्छेन्नियतो नियताशनः। कोटितीर्थमुपस्पृश्य हयमेधफलं लभेत्॥
One should then go to Mahakala with regulated diet and vows. Having bathed in the Kati Tirtha he obtains the fruit of a horsesacrifice.
ततो गच्छेत्धर्मज्ञः स्थाणोस्तीर्थमुमापतेः। नाम्ना भद्रवटं नाम त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्॥
The virtuous man then should go to the Tirtha of Sthanu, the husband of Uma, which is known all over the three worlds by the name of Bhadravata.
तत्राभिगम्य चेशानं गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्। महादेवप्रसादाच्च गाणपत्यं च विन्दति॥ समृद्धमसपत्नं च श्रिया युक्तं नरोत्तमः।
Going there he beholds Ishana and obtains the fruit of (giving away) one thousand kine. Through the grace of Mahadeva (Shiva), he obtains the state of Ganapatya. That foremost of man becomes blessed with prosperity, peace and highest grace.
नर्मदां तु समासाद्य नदीं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुताम्॥ तर्पयित्वा पितॄन् देवानग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत्।
Going to the river Narmada which is celebrated all over the three worlds, he obtains the fruit of Agnishtoma by offering oblations to the Pitris and the celestials.
दक्षिणं सिन्धुमासाद्य ब्रह्मचारी जितेन्द्रियः॥ अग्निष्टोममवाप्नोति विमानं चाधिरोहति।
Going to the southern sea, he who practices Brahmacharya and conquers his passions obtains the fruit of Agnishtoma and ascends to heaven.
चर्मण्वतीं समासाद्य नियतो नियताशनः। रन्तिदेवाभ्यनुज्ञातमग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत्॥
Going to Charmanvati with regulated diet and vows, he obtains at the command of Rantideva the fruit of Agnishtoma sacrifice.
ततो गच्छेतधर्मज्ञ हिमवत्सुतमर्बुदम्। पृथिव्यां यत्र वै छिद्रं पूर्वमासीद् युधिष्ठिर॥
O virtuous king, O Yudhishthira, he should then go to the son of Himavata, named Arvuda, where there is a hole through the earth from ancient days.
तत्राश्रमो वसिष्ठस्य त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतः। तत्रोष्य रजनीमेकां गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्॥
There is the hermitage of Vasishtha, celebrated over the three worlds. He who lives there only for one night obtains the merit of giving away one thousand kine.
पिङ्गतीर्थमुपस्पृश्य ब्रह्मचारी जितेन्द्रियः। कपिलानां नरश्रेष्ठ शतस्य फलमश्नुते॥
O ruler of men, O foremost of men, he who leading the life of a Brahmachari bathes in the Pinga Tirtha obtains the merit of giving away one hundred Kapila kine.
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र प्रभासं तीर्थमुत्तमम्। तत्र संनिहितो नित्यं स्वयमेव हुताशनः॥ देवतानां मुखं वीर ज्वलनोऽनिलसारथिः।
O King of kings, thence one should go to that excellent Tirtha called Pravasha; Hutashana (Agni) himself is always present there. O hero, he is the mouth of the celestials and has wind for his chariot.
तस्मिंस्तीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा शुचिः प्रयतमानसः॥ अग्निष्टोमातिरात्राभ्यां फलं प्राप्नोति मानवः।
If a man bathes in this Tirtha with subdued mind, he becomes pure. That man obtains the fruits of performing Agnishtoma and Atiratha sacrifices.
ततो गत्वा सरस्वत्याः सागरस्य च संगमे॥ गोसहस्रफलं तस्य स्वर्गलोकं च विन्दति। प्रभया दीप्यते नित्यमग्निवद् भरतर्षभ॥
One should then go to the place where river Sarasvati mixes with the ocean. He who goes there obtains the fruit giving away one thousand kine and acquires also heaven. O best of the Bharata race, he always blazes like the fire.
तीर्थ सलिलराजस्य स्नात्वा प्रयतमानसः। त्रिरात्रमुषित: स्नातस्तर्पयेत् पितृदेवताः॥
He who bathes in the Tirtha of the chief of water with subdued mind and lives there three nights and offers oblations to the Pitris and the celestials.
प्रभासते यथा सोमः सोऽश्वमेधं च विन्दति। वरदानं ततो गच्छेत् तीर्थं भरतसत्तम॥
Blazes forth like the Moon and obtains the fruits of Ashvamedha sacrifice. O best of the Bharata race, one should then go to the Tirtha named Vasudeva,
विष्णोर्दुर्वाससा यत्र वरो दत्तो युधिष्ठिर। वरदाने नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्॥
Where Durvasha bestowed a boon on Vishnu. The man who bathes in Vardana obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
ततो द्वारवतीं गच्छेन्नियतो नियताशनः। पिण्डारके नरः स्नात्वा लभेद् बहु सुवर्णकम्॥
Then one should go to Daravati with regulated diet and vows. The man who bathes in the Pindaraka obtains (the merit of giving away) much gold.
तस्मिंस्तीर्थे महाभाग पद्मलक्षणलक्षिताः। अद्यापि मुद्रा दृश्यन्ते तदद्भुतमरिंदम्॥
O greatly exalted one, O chastiser of foes, it is wonderful that in that Tirtha even today coins are found with the marks of lotus;
त्रिशूलाङ्कानि पानि दृश्यन्ते कुरुनन्दन। महादेवस्य सांनिध्यं तत्र वै पुरुषर्षभ॥
And lotuses are seen with the marks of trident. O descendant of Kuru, O foremost of men, Mahadeva is always present there.
सागरस्य च सिन्धोश्च संगम प्राप्य भारत। तीर्थे सलिलराजस्य स्नात्वा प्रयतमानसः॥ तर्पयित्वा पितॄन् देवानृषीश्च भरतर्षभ। प्राप्नोति वारुणं लोकं दीप्यमानं स्वतेजसा॥
O descendant of Bharata, going to the place where the Sindhu mixes with the sea and bathing in the Tirtha of the chief of the water with subdued mind, O best of the Bharata, race and also offering oblations to the Pitris, the Rishis and the celestials, one obtains the region of Varuna and blazes forth in his own effulgence.
शकुकर्णेश्वरं देवमर्चयित्वा युधिष्ठिर। अश्वमेधाद् दशगुणं प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः॥
O Yudhishthira, the wise men say that by worshipping the deity, Sankhakarneshvara, one obtains ten times the merit of Ashvamedha (sacrifice).
प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत्य गच्छेत् भरतर्षभ। तीर्थं कुरुवरश्रेष्ठ त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्॥ दमीति नाम्ना विख्यातं सर्वपापप्रणाशनम्। तत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा उपासन्ते महेश्वरम्॥
O best of the Bharata race, O foremost of the Kurus, having walked round it, one should go to the Tirtha, celebrated all over the three worlds. It is known by the name of Drimi, which is capable of cleansing off all sins and where the celestials including including Brahma worshipped Maheshvara (Shiva).
तत्र स्नात्वा च पीत्वा च रुद्रं देवगणैर्वृतम्। जन्मप्रभृति यत् पापं तत् स्नातस्य प्रणश्यति॥
Bathing in it and worshipping here Rudra surrounded by the celestials, all the sins committed from one's birth are cleansed off.
दमी चात्र नरश्रेष्ठ सर्वदेवैरभिष्टुतः। तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र हयमेधमवाप्नुयात्॥
O foremost of men, it was here that Drimi was worshipped by all the celestials. Bathing here one obtains the fruits of Ashvamedha (sacrifice).
गत्वा यत्र महाप्राज्ञ विष्णुना प्रभविष्णुना। पुरा शौचं कृतं राजन् हत्वा दैतेयदानवान्॥
O greatly wise man, O king, here did Vishnu, the creator of the universe, after killing the Daityas and the Danavas, purify himself.
ततो गच्छेतधर्मज्ञ वसोर्धारामभिष्टुताम्। गमनादेव तस्यां हि हयमेधफलं लभेत्॥
O virtuous king, one should then go to Vasudhara which is worshipped by all. He who goes there obtains the fruits of Ashvamedha (sacrifice).
स्नात्वा कुरुवरश्रेष्ठ प्रयतात्मा समाहितः। तर्घ्य देवान् पितॄश्चैव विष्णुलोके महीयते॥
O foremost of the Kurus, bathing there with subdued soul and rapt attention and offering oblations to the Pitris and the celestials one is adored in the regions of Vishnu.
तीर्थे चात्र सरः पुण्यं वसूनां भरतर्षभ। तत्र स्नात्वा च पीत्वा च वसूनां सम्मतो भवेत्॥ सिन्धूत्तममिति ख्यातं सर्वपापप्रणाशनम्। तत्र स्नात्वा नरश्रेष्ठ लभेद् बहु सुवर्णकम्॥
O best of the Bharata race, in that Tirtha there is a lake of the Vasus. Bathing in it and drinking its water, one becomes respected of the Vasus. O foremost of men, it is known by the name of Sindhuttama and it destroys all sins. Bathing in it one obtains (the fruits of giving away) much gold.
भद्रतुङ्गं समासाद्य शुचिः शीलसमन्वितः। ब्रह्मलोकमवाप्नोति गतिं च परमां व्रजेत्॥
Going to Bharutunga, with purity of conduct, one goes to the region of Brahma and obtains the highest state.
कुमारिकाणां शक्रस्य तीर्थं सिद्धनिषेवितम्। तत्र स्नात्वा नरः क्षिप्रं स्वर्गलोकमवाप्नुयात्॥
Then is the Tirtha, called Kumariak of Sakra (Indra), frequented by the Siddhas. O foremost of men, bathing there one obtains the region of Sakra (Indra).
रेणुकायाश्च तत्रैव तीर्थं सिद्धनिषेवितम्। तत्र स्नात्वा भवेद् विप्रो निर्मलश्चन्द्रमा यथा॥
There is another Tirtha called Renuka, frequented by the Siddhas. Bathing in it, a Brahmana becomes as pure as the moon.
अथ पञ्चनदं गत्वा नियतो नियताशनः। पञ्चयज्ञानवाप्नोति क्रमशो येऽनुकीर्तिताः॥
Then going to the five rivers with regulated food and vows, one obtains the fruits of the five sacrifices as described in order in the Shastras).
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र भीमायाः स्थानमुत्तमम्। तत्र सषत्वा तु योन्यां वै नरो भरतसत्तम॥ देव्याः पुत्रो भवेद् राजंस्तप्तकुण्डलविग्रहः। गवां शतसहस्रस्य फलं प्राप्नोति मानवः॥
O king of kings, one should then go to the excellent region of Bhima. O best of the Bharata race, bathing there in Yoni (Tirtha) a man. Becomes, O king, a son of a goddess, adorned with earring set with pearls. That man also obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
श्रीकुण्डं तु समासाद्य त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्। पितामहं नमस्कृत्य गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्॥
Going to Srikunda, celebrated over the three worlds and bowing there to the Grandsire, one obtains the fruit of giving away one thousand kine.
ततो गच्छेतधर्मज्ञ विमलं तीर्थमुत्तमम्। अद्यापि यत्र दृश्यन्ते मत्स्याः सौवर्णराजताः॥
O virtuous man, one should then go to that excellent Tirtha called Simala, where even today are to be seen fishes of silver and golden colour.
तत्र स्नात्वा नरः क्षिप्रं वासवं लोकमाप्नुयात्। सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा गच्छेत परमां गतिम्॥
Bathing in it a man soon obtains the region of Vashava (Indra) and his soul becomes pure with all his sins destroyed; he also obtains the highest state.
वितस्तां च समासाद्य संतर्घ्य पितृदेवताः। नरः फलमवाप्नोति वाजपेयस्य भारत॥
O descendant of Bharata, going to Vitasta and offering oblations to the Pitris and the celestials a man obtains the fruits of the Vajapeya (sacrifice).
काश्मीरेष्वेव नागस्य भवनं तक्षकस्य च। वितस्ताख्यमिति ख्यातं सर्वपापप्रमोचनम्॥
The Tirtha known by the name of Vitasta is situated in Kashmira and it is the abode of Naga and Takshaka. It is capable of destroying all sins.
तत्र स्नात्वा नरो नूनं वाजपेयमवाप्नुयात्। सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा गच्छेच्च परमां गतिम्॥
Bathing there a man is certain to obtain the fruits of the Vajapeya sacrifice. His soul becoming pure with all his sins destroyed, he obtains the highest state.
ततो गच्छेत वडवां त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुताम्। पश्चिमायां तु संध्यायामुपस्पृश्य यथाविधि॥ चरूं सप्तार्चिषे राजन् यथाशक्ति निवेदयेत्। पितृणामक्षयं दानं प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः॥
O king, one should then go to the Vadaba, celebrated all over the three worlds. Bathing there with due rites in the evening, one should offer Charu (rice boiled in butter and milk) according to the best of his means to the deity of seven flames (fire). The learned men say that gift to the Pitris (offered there) becomes inexhaustible.
ऋषयः पितरो देवा गन्धर्वापसरसां गणाः। गुह्यकाः किन्नरा यक्षाः सिद्धा विद्याधरा नराः॥ राक्षसा दितिजा रुद्रा ब्रह्मा च मनुजाधिप। नियतः परमां दीक्षामास्थायाब्दसहस्रिकीम्॥ विष्णोः प्रसादनं कुर्वश्चरुं च श्रपयंस्तथा। सप्तभिः सप्तभिश्चैव ऋग्भिस्तुष्टाव केशवम्॥
The Rishis, the Pitris, the Devas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras, the Guhyakas, the Siddhas, the Vidyadharas, the men. The Rakshashas, the Daityas, the Rudras, the Brahma himself, O ruler of men, having their senses subdued and having performed austere asceticism for one thousand years. In order to secure the grace of Vishnu, cooked Charu here and gratified Keshava (Vishnu) with oblation (offered), each time uttering seven Riks (the verse of three Vedas).
ददावष्टगुणैश्वर्यं तेषां तुष्टस्तु केशवः। यथाभिलषितानन्यान् कामान् दत्त्वा महीपते॥ तत्रैवान्तरर्दधे देवो विद्युदभ्रेषु वै यथा। नाम्ना सप्तचरूं तेन ख्यातं लोकेषु भारत॥ गवां शतसहस्रेण राजसूयशतेन च। अश्वमेधसहस्रेण श्रेयान् सप्तार्चिषे चरुः॥ ततो निवृत्तो राजेन्द्र रुद्रं पदमथाविशेत्। अर्चयित्वा महादेवमश्वमेधफलं लभेत्॥
O ruler of earth, Keshava, being thus gratified, bestowed on them the eight-fold attributes, called Aishvarya and other objects which they had desired to obtain. O descendant of Bharata, having bestowed these on them the one deity disappeared before their very sight as a flash of lightning in a cloud. Thus did it become known on earth by the name of Sapta Charu. If seven Charus are offered here, it secures greater merit than that of giving away one thousand kine, that of one hundred Rajasuyas and that of thousand Ashvamedhas (sacrifices). O king of kings, leaving that Tirtha, one should go to the Raudra Pada and worshipping Mahadeva there, one obtains the fruit of Ashvamedha sacrifice.
मणिमन्तं समासाद्यं ब्रह्मचारी समाहितः। एकरात्रोषितो राजन्नग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत्॥
O king, going to Manimanta and practising Brahmacharya and subduing one's mind and living there for (only) one night, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma (sacrifice).
अथ गच्छेत राजेन्द्र देविकां लोकविश्रुताम्। प्रसूतिर्यत्र विप्राणां श्रूयते भरतर्षभ॥
O king of kings, O best of the Bharata race, one should then go to Davika, celebrated all over the world. It is heard that the Brahmana first came into existence in that place.
त्रिशूलपाणे: स्थानं च त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्। देविकायाः नरः स्नात्वा समभ्यर्च्य महेश्वरम्॥ यथाशक्ति चरूं तत्र निवेद्य भरतर्षभ। सर्वकामसमृद्धस्य यज्ञस्य लभते फलम्॥
Here is situated the region of the wielder of the trident (Shiva) which is celebrated all over the world. Bathing in the Davika and worshipping Maheshvara and by offering Charu to the best of the deities, O best of the Bharata race, one obtains the fruit of sacrifices that is capable of fulfilling every desire.
कामाख्यं तत्र रुद्रस्य तीर्थं देवनिषेवितम्। तत्र स्नात्वा नरः क्षिप्रं सिद्धिं प्राप्नोति भारत॥
There is another Tirtha of Rudra, called Kamakya frequented by the celestials. Bathing in it, a man soon obtains salvation.
यजनं याजनं चैव तथैव ब्रह्म वालुकाम्। पुष्पाम्भश्च उपस्पृश्य न शोचेन्मरणं गतः॥
By touching the water of Yajana, Yojana, Branka, Valuka and Pushpama one becomes freed from grief and death.
अर्धयोजनविस्तारा पञ्चयोजनमायता। एतावती वेदिका तु पुण्या देवर्षिसेविता॥
It is said that the sacred Dabhika (Tirtha), frequented by the celestials and Rishis, is five yojanas in length and half a yojana in breadth.
ततो गच्छेतधर्मज्ञ दीर्घसत्रं यथाक्रमम्। तत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवाः सिद्धाश्च परमर्षयः॥
O king, one should then go in due order to Dirghasatra. There did Brahma and the celestials, the Siddhas and the great Rishis.
दीर्घसत्रमुपासन्ते दीक्षिता नियतव्रताः॥
Being installed performed the longextending sacrifice with regulated vows.
गमनादेव राजेन्द्र दीर्घसत्रमरिंदम्। राजसूयाश्वमेधाभ्यां फलं प्राप्नोति भारत॥
O king of kings, O chastiser of foes, O descendant of Bharata, going to Dirghasatra, one obtains the fruits of Rajasuya and Ashvamedha.
ततो विनशनं गच्छेनियतो नियताशनः। गच्छत्यन्तर्हिता यत्र मेरुपृष्ठे सरस्वती।१११॥
Then one should go with regulated diet and subdued soul to Vinasana, where the Sarasvati, disappeared on the breast of the Meru (mountain).
चमसेऽथ शिवोद्भेदे नागोद्भेदे च दृश्यते। स्नात्वा तु चमसोद्भेदे अग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत्॥
And then again reappeared at Chamasha, Sivodveda and Nagaveda. Bathing in Ckamashveda one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma.
शिवोद्भेदे नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्। नागोद्भेदे नरः स्नात्वा नागलोकमवाप्नुयात्॥
Bathing in Sivodveda a man obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. Bathing in Nagaveda a man goes to the region of the Nagas.
शशयानं च राजेन्द्र तीर्थमासाद्य दुर्लभम्। शशरूपप्रतिच्छन्नाः पुष्करा यत्र भारत॥ सरस्वत्यां महाराज अनुसंवत्सरं च ते। दृश्यन्ते भरतश्रेष्ठ वृत्तां वै कार्तिकी सदा॥ तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र द्योतते शशिवत् सदा। गोसहस्रफलं चैव प्राप्नुयाद् भरतर्षभ॥
O king of kings, going to the inaccessible Tirtha, called Sashyana, where the cranes disappear in the forms of Susas and reappear every year in the month of Kartikeya and bathe in the Sarasvati. O descendant of Bharata, O best of the Bharata race, O greatly exalted one. O chief of men, one, bathing there, becomes like the moon and obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
कुमारकोटिमासाद्य नियत: कुरुनन्दन। तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वीत पितृदेवार्चने रतः॥
O descendant of Kuru, going next to Kumarkoti with subdued soul, one should bathe there and engage himself in worshipping the celestials and the Pitris.
गवामयुतमाप्नोति कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत्। ततो गच्छेतधर्मज्ञ रुद्रकोटि समाहितः॥ पुरा यत्र महाराज मुनिकोटिः समागता। हर्षेण महताविष्टा रुद्रदर्शनकाझ्या॥ अहं पूर्वमहं पूर्वं द्रक्ष्यामि वृषभध्वजम्। एवं सम्प्रस्थिता राजऋषयः किल भारत॥
He thus obtains the fruits of giving away ten thousand kine and raises his race to the highest state. O virtuous man, one should then go to Rudrakati with subdued soul. Here, O great king, in olden days ten millions of Rishis were assembled and were filled with great joy at the prospect of seeing Rudra (Shiva). O descendant of Bharata, O king, “I have first seen (the deity) Vrishadhvaja" "I have first seen (the deity) Vrishadhvaja” thus the Rishis spoke to one another.
ततो योगेश्वरेणापि योगमास्थाय भूपते। तेषां मन्युप्रणाशार्थमृषीणाां भावितात्मनाम्॥ सृष्टा कोटीति रुद्राणामृषीणामग्रतः स्थिता। मया पूर्वतरं दृष्ट इति ते मेनिरे पृथक्॥ तेषां तुष्टो महादेवो मुनीनां भावितात्मनाम्। भक्त्या परमया राजन् वरं तेषां प्रदिष्टवान्॥
O ruler of earth, thereupon in order to prevent disputes among those self-controlled Rishis, the lord of Yoga (Shiva) by his Yoga powers, multiplied himself into ten millions of forms and appeared before the Rishis. Then they all separately thought, “I have seen him first.” () king, being (nuch) pleased with the great devotion of those Rishis of subdued soul, Mahadeva granted them a boon.
अद्यप्रभृति युप्माकंधर्मवृद्धिर्भविष्यति। तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र रुद्रकोट्यां नरः शुचिः॥ अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत्।
(Saying) “From today your virtues will increase." ( foremost of men, bathing with purity in Raudrakota a inan obtains the fruits of the Ashvamedha (sacrifice) and saves his race.
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र संगमं लोकविश्रुतम्॥ सरस्वत्या महापुण्यं केशवं समुपासते। यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा ऋषयश्च तपोधनाः॥
O king of kings, one should then go to the Sangama, celebrated all over the world. A region of great sacredness, where the Sarasvati mixes with the sea. Here Keshava is worshipped by Brahma and other celestials, by Rishis and by ascetics.
अभिगच्छन्ति राजेन्द्र चैत्रशुक्लचतुर्दशीम्। तत्र स्नात्वा नरव्याघ्र विन्देद् बहुसुवर्णकम्। सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा ब्रह्मलोकं च गच्छति॥
On the fourteenth day of the white fortnight of Chaitra, O king of kings, O foremost of men, bathing there one obtains the fruits of giving away much wealth. His sins being all destroyed and his soul becoming pure, he goes to the region of Brahma.
ऋषीणां यत्र सत्राणि समाप्तानि नराधिप। तत्रावसानमासाद्य गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्॥
O ruler of men, it is there that the Rishis completed many sacrifices. Going to this Satravasana one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.