The Great Epic of the Bhārata dynasty 3.82

3.82.1

pulastya uvāca |
tato gaccheta dharmajña dharmatīrthaṃ purātanam |
tatra snātvā naro rājandharmaśīlaḥ samāhitaḥ |
āsaptamaṃ kulaṃ rājanpunīte nātra saṃśayaḥ || 1 ||

"Pulastya said, 'Then, O great king, one should proceed to the excellent tirtha of Dharma, where the illustrious god of justice had practised highly meritorious austerities. And it is for this that he made the spot a sacred tirtha and rendered it celebrated by his own name. Bathing there, O king, a virtuous man with concentrated soul certainly sanctifieth his family to the seventh generation. One should then repair, O king, to the excellent Jnanapavana. Sojourning thither, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice, and goeth to the region of the Munis. Then, O monarch, a man should repair to the Saugandhika-vana. There dwell the celestials with Brahma at their head, Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, the Siddhas, the Charanas, the Gandharvas, the Kinnaras and the serpents. As soon as one entereth these woods, he is cleansed of all his sins. Then, O king, should one repair to the sacred goddess Saraswati, known there as the goddess Plaksha, that best of streams and foremost of rivers. There should one bathe in the water issuing from an ant-hill. (Bathing there and) worshipping the Pitris and the gods, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. There existeth a rare tirtha called Isanadhyushita, lying from the ant-hill at the distance of six throws of a heavy stick. As seen in the Puranas, O tiger among men, bathing there a man obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand Kapila kine and of the horse-sacrifice.

3.82.2

tato gaccheta dharmajña kārāpatanamuttamam |
agniṣṭomamavāpnoti munilokaṃ ca gacchati || 2 ||

3.82.3

saugandhikaṃ vanaṃ rājaṃstato gaccheta mānavaḥ |
yatra brahmādayo devā ṛṣayaśca tapodhanāḥ || 3 ||

3.82.4

siddhacāraṇagandharvāḥ kiṃnarāḥ samahoragāḥ |
tadvanaṃ praviśanneva sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate || 4 ||

3.82.5

tato hi sā saricchreṣṭhā nadīnāmuttamā nadī |
plakṣāddevī srutā rājanmahāpuṇyā sarasvatī || 5 ||

3.82.6

tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvīta valmīkānniḥsṛte jale |
arcayitvā pitṝndevānaśvamedhaphalaṃ labhet || 6 ||

3.82.7

īśānādhyuṣitaṃ nāma tatra tīrthaṃ sudurlabham |
ṣaṭsu śamyānipāteṣu valmīkāditi niścayaḥ || 7 ||

3.82.8

kapilānāṃ sahasraṃ ca vājimedhaṃ ca vindati |
tatra snātvā naravyāghra dṛṣṭametatpurātane || 8 ||

3.82.9

sugandhāṃ śatakumbhāṃ ca pañcayajñāṃ ca bhārata |
abhigamya naraśreṣṭha svargaloke mahīyate || 9 ||

Journeying next, O foremost of men, to Sugandha, and Satakumbha and Panchayaksha, a man becometh adored in heaven. Repairing to another tirtha there called Trisulakhata, one should bathe and set himself to worship the Pitris and the gods. Doing so, without doubt, one obtaineth, after death, the status of Ganapatya. One should next proceed, O king, to the excellent spot of the Goddess celebrated over the three worlds by the name of Sakamvari. There, for the space of a thousand celestial years, she of excellent vows, month after month, had subsisted upon herbs, O king of men! And attracted by their reverence for the Goddess, many Rishis with wealth of asceticism, came thither, O Bharata. and were entertained by her with herbs. And it is for this that they bestowed on her the name of Sakamvari. O Bharata, the man who arriveth at Sakamvari, with rapt attention and leading a Brahmacharya mode of life and passeth three nights there in purity and subsisting on herbs alone, obtaineth, at the will of the goddess, the merit of him that liveth upon herbs for twelve years. Then should one proceed to the tirtha called Suvarna, famed through the three worlds. There in days of old, Vishnu had paid his adorations to Rudra, for his grace, and obtaineth also many boons difficult of acquisition even by the gods.

3.82.10

triśūlakhātaṃ tatraiva tīrthamāsādya bhārata |
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvīta pitṛdevārcane rataḥ |
gāṇapatyaṃ sa labhate dehaṃ tyaktvā na saṃśayaḥ || 10 ||

3.82.11

tato gaccheta rājendra devyāḥ sthānaṃ sudurlabham |
śākaṃbharīti vikhyātā triṣu lokeṣu viśrutā || 11 ||

3.82.12

divyaṃ varṣasahasraṃ hi śākena kila suvrata |
āhāraṃ sā kṛtavatī māsi māsi narādhipa || 12 ||

3.82.13

ṛṣayo'bhyāgatāstatra devyā bhaktyā tapodhanāḥ |
ātithyaṃ ca kṛtaṃ teṣāṃ śākena kila bhārata |
tataḥ śākambharītyeva nāma tasyāḥ pratiṣṭhitam || 13 ||

3.82.14

śākaṃbharīṃ samāsādya brahmacārī samāhitaḥ |
trirātramuṣitaḥ śākaṃ bhakṣayenniyataḥ śuciḥ || 14 ||

3.82.15

śākāhārasya yatsamyagvarṣairdvādaśabhiḥ phalam |
tatphalaṃ tasya bhavati devyāśchandena bhārata || 15 ||

3.82.16

tato gacchetsuvarṇākṣaṃ triṣu lokeṣu viśrutam |
yatra viṣṇuḥ prasādārthaṃ rudramārādhayatpurā || 16 ||

3.82.17

varāṃśca subahūm̐llebhe daivateṣu sudurlabhān |
uktaśca tripuraghnena parituṣṭena bhārata || 17 ||

3.82.18

api cāsmatpriyataro loke kṛṣṇa bhaviṣyasi |
tvanmukhaṃ ca jagatkṛtsnaṃ bhaviṣyati na saṃśayaḥ || 18 ||

And, O Bharata, the gratified destroyer of Tripura said, 'O Krishna, thou shalt, without doubt, be much beloved in the world, and the foremost of everything in the universe.' Repairing thither, O king, and worshipping the deity having the bull for his mark, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice as also the status of Ganapatya. One should next proceed to the tirtha of Dhumavati. Fasting there for three nights, one obtaineth, without doubt, all the wishes cherished by him. To the southern half of this spot of the Goddess, there is, O king, a tirtha called Rathavarta. One should, O virtuous one, go up to that place, with devout heart, and having his senses under control. By this, through the grace of Mahadeva, one attaineth to an exalted state. After walking round the place, one should, O bull of the Bharata race, proceed to the tirtha named Dhara, which, O thou of great wisdom, washeth off all sins. Bathing there, O tiger among men, a man is freed from every sorrow. One should then repair, O virtuous one, after bowing to the great mountain (Himavat), to the source of the Ganges, which is, without doubt, like the gate of heaven. There should one, with concentrated soul, bathe in the tirtha called Koti. By this, one obtaineth the merit of the Pundarika sacrifice, and delivereth his race. Residing one night there, one acquireth the merit of giving away a thousand kine.

3.82.19

tatrābhigamya rājendra pūjayitvā vṛṣadhvajam |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti gāṇapatyaṃ ca vindati || 19 ||

3.82.20

dhūmāvatīṃ tato gacchettriratropoṣito naraḥ |
manasā prārthitānkāmām̐llabhate nātra saṃśayaḥ || 20 ||

3.82.21

devyāstu dakṣiṇārdhena rathāvarto narādhipa |
tatrāroheta dharmajña śraddadhāno jitendriyaḥ |
mahādevaprasādāddhi gaccheta paramāṃ gatim || 21 ||

3.82.22

pradakṣiṇamupāvṛtya gaccheta bharatarṣabha |
dhārāṃ nāma mahāprājña sarvapāpapraṇāśinīm |
tatra snātvā naravyāghra na śocati narādhipa || 22 ||

3.82.23

tato gaccheta dharmajña namaskṛtya mahāgirim |
svargadvāreṇa yattulyaṃ gaṅgādvāraṃ na saṃśayaḥ || 23 ||

3.82.24

tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvīta koṭitīrthe samāhitaḥ |
puṇḍarīkamavāpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet || 24 ||

3.82.25

saptagaṅge trigaṅge ca śakrāvarte ca tarpayan |
devānpitṝṃśca vidhivatpuṇyaloke mahīyate || 25 ||

By offering oblations of water duly to the gods and the Pitris, at Saptaganga, Triganga and Sakravarta, (which are all there), becometh adored in the regions of the virtuous. Bathing next at Kanakhala, and fasting there for three nights, a person reapeth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and goeth to heaven. Then O lord of men, the pilgrim should repair to Kapilavata. Fasting for one night there, he obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. O king, there is a tirtha of the illustrious Kapila, king of the Nagas, that is celebrated, O thou best of Kurus, over all the worlds. Bathing there at the Nagatirtha one obtaineth, O king, the merit of giving away a thousand Kapila kine. One should next repair to the excellent tirtha of Santanu, called Lalitika. Bathing there, O king, one never sinketh into distress (hereafter). The man that bathes at the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna, obtains the merit of ten horse-sacrifices, and also rescues his race. One should next, O king, go to Sugandha, celebrated over the world. By this, cleansed of every sin, he becometh adored in the abode of Brahma. Then, O lord of men, the pilgrim should repair to Rudravarta. Bathing there, one ascendeth to heaven. Bathing at the confluence of the Ganga and the Saraswati, a person obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and also ascendeth to heaven. Proceeding next to Bhadrakarneswara and worshipping the gods duly, one, without sinking into distress, becometh adored in heaven.

3.82.26

tataḥ kanakhale snātvā trirātropoṣito naraḥ |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati || 26 ||

3.82.27

kapilāvaṭaṃ ca gaccheta tīrthasevī narādhipa |
uṣyaikāṃ rajanīṃ tatra gosahasraphalaṃ labhet || 27 ||

3.82.28

nāgarājasya rājendra kapilasya mahātmanāḥ |
tīrthaṃ kuruvaraśreṣṭha sarvalokeṣu viśrutam || 28 ||

3.82.29

tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvīta nāgatīrthe narādhipa |
kapilānāṃ sahasrasya phalaṃ prāpnoti mānavaḥ || 29 ||

3.82.30

tato lalitikāṃ gacchecchaṃtanostīrthamuttamam |
tatra snātvā naro rājanna durgatimavāpnuyāt || 30 ||

3.82.31

gaṅgāsaṃgamayoścaiva snāti yaḥ saṃgame naraḥ |
daśāśvamedhānāpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet || 31 ||

3.82.32

tato gaccheta rājendra sugandhāṃ lokaviśrutām |
sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā brahmaloke mahīyate || 32 ||

3.82.33

rudrāvartaṃ tato gacchettīrthasevī narādhipa |
tatra snātvā naro rājansvargaloke mahīyate || 33 ||

3.82.34

gaṅgāyāśca naraśreṣṭha sarasvatyāśca saṃgame |
snāto'śvamedhamāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati || 34 ||

3.82.35

bhadrakarṇeśvaraṃ gatvā devamarcya yathāvidhi |
na durgatimavāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati || 35 ||

3.82.36

tataḥ kubjāmrakaṃ gacchettīrthasevī yathākramam |
gosahasramavāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati || 36 ||

Then, O lord of men, the pilgrim should proceed to the tirtha called Kuvjamraka. By this he obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine, and heaven also. Then, O king, the pilgrim should go to the Arundhativata. Proceeding thither with concentrated soul and practising the Brahmacharya vows, one that batheth in Samudraka and fasteth for three nights, obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and of giving away a thousand kine, and also rescueth his race. One should next proceed to Brahmavarta, with concentrated soul and practising the Brahmacharya vows. By this, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and goeth to the region of Soma. The man that proceedeth to the Yamuna-prabhava, (the source of the Yamuna) and batheth there, obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and is worshipped in heaven. Arriving at Darvisankramana, that tirtha which is worshipped of the three worlds, a person obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and goeth to heaven. Repairing next to Sindhu-prabhava (the source of the Indus) which is worshipped by Siddhas and Gandharvas, and staying there for five nights, one obtaineth the merit of giving away gold in abundance. Proceeding next to the inaccessible tirtha called Vedi, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and ascendeth to heaven. Then, O Bharata, should one proceed to Rishikulya and Vasishtha. By visiting the latter, all orders attain to Brahmanhood.

3.82.37

arundhatīvaṭaṃ gacchettīrthasevī narādhipa |
sāmudrakamupaspṛśya trirātropoṣito naraḥ |
gosahasraphalaṃ vindetkulaṃ caiva samuddharet || 37 ||

3.82.38

brahmāvartaṃ tato gacchedbrahmacārī samāhitaḥ |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati || 38 ||

3.82.39

yamunāprabhavaṃ gatvā upaspṛśya ca yāmune |
aśvamedhaphalaṃ labdhvā svargaloke mahīyate || 39 ||

3.82.40

darvīsaṃkramaṇaṃ prāpya tīrthaṃ trailokyaviśrutam |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati || 40 ||

3.82.41

sindhośca prabhavaṃ gatvā siddhagandharvasevitam |
tatroṣya rajanīḥ pañca vindyādbahu suvarṇakam || 41 ||

3.82.42

atha vedīṃ samāsādya naraḥ paramadurgamām |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti gaccheccauśanasīṃ gatim || 42 ||

3.82.43

ṛṣikulyāṃ samāsādya vāsiṣṭhaṃ caiva bhārata |
vāsiṣṭhaṃ samatikramya sarve varṇā dvijātayaḥ || 43 ||

3.82.44

ṛṣikulyāṃ naraḥ snātvā ṛṣilokaṃ prapadyate |
yadi tatra vasenmāsaṃ śākāhāro narādhipa || 44 ||

Repairing to Rishikulya and bathing there, and living a month upon herbs, and worshipping the gods and Pitris, one is cleansed of all his sins, and obtaineth the region of the Rishis. Proceeding next to Bhrigutunga a person acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. Repairing then to Vipramoksha, one is freed from every sin. Proceeding then to the tirtha of Krittika and Magha, one, O Bharata, obtaineth the merit superior to that of the Agnishtoma and Atiratha sacrifices. The man who, repairing to the excellent tirtha called Vidya, batheth there in the evening, obtaineth proficiency in every kind of knowledge. One should next reside for one night at Mahasrama capable of destroying every sin, taking a single meal. By this, one obtains many auspicious regions, and delivers ten preceding and ten succeeding generations of his race. Dwelling next for a month of Mahalaya, and fasting there for three nights, one's soul is cleansed of all sins and one acquires the merit of giving away gold in abundance. Proceeding next to Vetasika worshipped by the Grandsire, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and the state of Usanas. Going next to the tirtha called Sundarika, worshipped by the Siddhas, one obtaineth personal beauty as witnessed by the ancients. Proceeding next to Brahmani with subdued senses and observing the Brahmacharya vow, a person ascendeth to the region of Brahma on a lotus-hued car. One should repair next to the sacred Naimisha, worshipped by the Siddhas.

3.82.45

bhṛgutuṅgaṃ samāsādya vājimedhaphalaṃ labhet |
gatvā vīrapramokṣaṃ ca sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate || 45 ||

3.82.46

kṛttikāmaghayoścaiva tīrthamāsādya bhārata |
agniṣṭomātirātrābhyāṃ phalaṃ prāpnoti puṇyakṛt || 46 ||

3.82.47

tataḥ saṃdhyāṃ samāsādya vidyātīrthamanuttamam |
upaspṛśya ca vidyānāṃ sarvāsāṃ pārago bhavet || 47 ||

3.82.48

mahāśrame vasedrātriṃ sarvapāpapramocane |
ekakālaṃ nirāhāro lokānāvasate śubhān || 48 ||

3.82.49

ṣaṣṭhakālopavāsena māsamuṣya mahālaye |
sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā vindyādbahu suvarṇakam || 49 ||

3.82.50

atha vetasikāṃ gatvā pitāmahaniṣevitām |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti gaccheccauśanasīṃ gatim || 50 ||

3.82.51

atha sundarikātīrthaṃ prāpya siddhaniṣevitam |
rūpasya bhāgī bhavati dṛṣṭametatpurātane || 51 ||

3.82.52

tato vai brāhmaṇīṃ gatvā brahmacārī jitendriyaḥ |
padmavarṇena yānena brahmalokaṃ prapadyate || 52 ||

3.82.53

tataśca naimiṣaṃ gacchetpuṇyaṃ siddhaniṣevitam |
tatra nityaṃ nivasati brahmā devagaṇairvṛtaḥ || 53 ||

There dwelleth for aye Brahma with the gods. By only purposing to go to Naimisha, half one's sins are destroyed; by entering it, one is cleansed of all his sins. The pilgrim of subdued senses should stay at Naimisha for a month; for, O Bharata, all the tirthas of the earth are at Naimisha. Bathing there, with restrained senses and regulated fare, one obtains, O Bharata, the merit of the cow-sacrifice, and also sanctifies, O best of the Bharatas, his race for seven generations both upwards and downwards. He who renounceth his life at Naimisha by fasting, enjoyeth happiness in the heavenly regions. Even this is the opinion of the wise. O foremost of kings, Naimisha is ever sacred and holy. Proceeding next to Gangodbheda and fasting there for three nights, a man obtaineth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice, and becometh like unto Brahma himself. Journeying to the Saraswati, one should offer oblations unto the gods and the Pitris. By this, one certainly enjoyeth bliss in the regions called Saraswata. Then should one wend to Vahuda, with subdued soul and observing the Brahmacharya vow. Residing there for one night, one becometh adored in heaven, and obtaineth also, O Kaurava, the merit of the Devasatra sacrifice. Then should one repair to the holy Kshiravati, frequented by holier men. By worshipping the gods and the Pitris there, one obtains the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice.

3.82.54

naimiṣaṃ prārthayānasya pāpasyārdhaṃ praṇaśyati |
praviṣṭamātrastu naraḥ sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate || 54 ||

3.82.55

tatra māsaṃ vaseddhīro naimiṣe tīrthatatparaḥ |
pṛthivyāṃ yāni tīrthāni naimiṣe tāni bhārata || 55 ||

3.82.56

abhiṣekakṛtastatra niyato niyatāśanaḥ |
gavāmayasya yajñasya phalaṃ prāpnoti bhārata |
punātyāsaptamaṃ caiva kulaṃ bharatasattama || 56 ||

3.82.57

yastyajennaimiṣe prāṇānupavāsaparāyaṇaḥ |
sa modetsvargalokastha evamāhurmanīṣiṇaḥ |
nityaṃ puṇyaṃ ca medhyaṃ ca naimiṣaṃ nṛpasattama || 57 ||

3.82.58

gaṅgodbhedaṃ samāsādya trirātropoṣito naraḥ |
vājapeyamavāpnoti brahmabhūtaśca jāyate || 58 ||

3.82.59

sarasvatīṃ samāsādya tarpayetpitṛdevatāḥ |
sārasvateṣu lokeṣu modate nātra saṃśayaḥ || 59 ||

3.82.60

tataśca bāhudāṃ gacchedbrahmacārī samāhitaḥ |
devasatrasya yajñasya phalaṃ prāpnoti mānavaḥ || 60 ||

3.82.61

tataścīravatīṃ gacchetpuṇyāṃ puṇyatamairvṛtām |
pitṛdevārcanarato vājapeyamavāpnuyāt || 61 ||

3.82.62

vimalāśokamāsādya virājati yathā śaśī |
tatroṣya rajanīmekāṃ svargaloke mahīyate || 62 ||

Proceeding next to Vimalasoka, with subdued soul and observing the Brahmacharya vow, and residing there for one night, one is adored in heaven. One should next proceed to the excellent Gopratra in the Sarayu, whence Rama, O king, with all his attendants and animals, renouncing his body, ascended to heaven in consequence of the efficacy of the tirtha alone. Bathing in that tirtha, O Bharata, one's soul, through Rama's grace, and by virtue of his own deeds, being cleansed of all sins, one becometh adored in heaven. O Bharata! Proceeding next, O son of the Kuru race, to the Rama-tirtha on the Gomati, and bathing there, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and sanctifieth also his own race. There, O bull of the Bharata race, is another tirtha called Satasahasrika. Bathing there, with restrained senses and regulated diet, a person reapeth, O bull of Bharata race, the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Then should one, O king, go to the unrivalled tirtha called Bhartristhana. By this, a person obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. Bathing next in the tirtha called Koti, and worshipping [paragraph continues] Kartikeya, a man reapeth, O king, the merit of giving away a thousand kine, and acquireth great energy. Proceeding next to Varanasi, and worshipping the god having the bull for his mark, after a bath in the Kapilahrada, one obtaineth the merit of the Rajasuya sacrifice.

3.82.63

gopratāraṃ tato gacchetsarayvāstīrthamuttamam |
yatra rāmo gataḥ svargaṃ sabhṛtyabalavāhanaḥ || 63 ||

3.82.64

dehaṃ tyaktvā divaṃ yātastasya tīrthasya tejasā |
rāmasya ca prasādena vyavasāyācca bhārata || 64 ||

3.82.65

tasmiṃstīrthe naraḥ snātvā gopratāre narādhipa |
sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā svargaloke mahīyate || 65 ||

3.82.66

rāmatīrthe naraḥ snātvā gomatyāṃ kurunandana |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti punāti ca kulaṃ naraḥ || 66 ||

3.82.67

śatasāhasrikaṃ tatra tīrthaṃ bharatasattama |
tatropasparśanaṃ kṛtvā niyato niyatāśanaḥ |
gosahasraphalaṃ puṇyaṃ prāpnoti bharatarṣabha || 67 ||

3.82.68

tato gaccheta rājendra bhartṛsthānamanuttamam |
koṭitīrthe naraḥ snātvā arcayitvā guhaṃ nṛpa |
gosahasraphalaṃ vindettejasvī ca bhavennaraḥ || 68 ||

3.82.69

tato vārāṇasīṃ gatvā arcayitvā vṛṣadhvajam |
kapilāhrade naraḥ snātvā rājasūyaphalaṃ labhet || 69 ||

3.82.70

mārkaṇḍeyasya rājendra tīrthamāsādya durlabham |
gomatīgaṅgayoścaiva saṃgame lokaviśrute |
agniṣṭomamavāpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet || 70 ||

Repairing then, O perpetuator of the Kuru race, to the tirtha called Avimukta, and beholding there the god of gods, the pilgrim, from such sight alone, is immediately cleansed of even the sin of slaying a Brahmana. By renouncing one's life there, one obtaineth deliverance. Arriving next, O king, at the rare tirtha called Markandeya celebrated over the world and situated at the confluence of the Ganges, a person obtaineth the merit of Agnishtoma sacrifice, and delivereth his race. Sojourning next to Gaya, with subdued senses and observing the Brahmacharya vow, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and also rescueth his race. There in that tirtha is the Akshaya-vata, celebrated over the three worlds. Whatever is offered there to the Pitris is said to become inexhaustible. Bathing there at the Mahanadi, and offering oblations to the gods and the Pitris, a man acquireth eternal regions, and also rescueth his race. Proceeding then to Brahma-sara that is adorned by the woods of Dharma, and passing one night there, a man attaineth to the region of Brahma. In that lake, Brahma had raised a sacrificial pillar. By walking round this pillar, a person acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. One should next, O mighty monarch, go to Denuka celebrated over the world. Staying there for one night and giving away sesame and kine, one's soul being cleansed from every sin, one ascendeth, without doubt to the region of Soma.

3.82.71

tato gayāṃ samāsādya brahmacārī jitendriyaḥ |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti gamanādeva bhārata || 71 ||

3.82.72

tatrākṣayavaṭo nāma triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ |
pitṝṇāṃ tatra vai dattamakṣayaṃ bhavati prabho || 72 ||

3.82.73

mahānadyāmupaspṛśya tarpayetpitṛdevatāḥ |
akṣayānprāpnuyāllokānkulaṃ caiva samuddharet || 73 ||

3.82.74

tato brahmasaro gaccheddharmāraṇyopaśobhitam |
pauṇḍarīkamavāpnoti prabhātāmeva śarvarīm || 74 ||

3.82.75

tasminsarasi rājendra brahmaṇo yūpa ucchritaḥ |
yūpaṃ pradakṣiṇaṃ kṛtvā vājapeyaphalaṃ labhet || 75 ||

3.82.76

tato gaccheta rājendra dhenukāṃ lokaviśrutām |
ekarātroṣito rājanprayacchettiladhenukām |
sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā somalokaṃ vrajeddhruvam || 76 ||

3.82.77

tatra cihnaṃ mahārāja adyāpi hi na saṃśayaḥ |
kapilā saha vatsena parvate vicaratyuta |
savatsāyāḥ padāni sma dṛśyante'dyāpi bhārata || 77 ||

There, O king, on the mountains, the cow called Kapila used to range with her calf. There is little doubt, of this, O Bharata, the hoof-marks, of that cow and her calf are seen there to this day. By bathing in those hoof-prints, O foremost of monarchs, whatever sin a man may have incurred is, O Bharata, washed away. Then should one go to Gridhravata, the spot consecrated to the trident-bearing god. Approaching the deity having the bull for his mark one should rub himself with ashes. If a Brahmana, he obtains the merit of observing the twelve year's vow and if belonging to any of the other orders, he is freed from all his sins. One should next proceed to the Udyanta mountains, resounding with melodious notes. There, O bull of the Bharata race, is still seen the foot-print of Savitri. The Brahmana of rigid vows, who sayeth his morning, noon and evening prayers there, obtaineth the merit of performing that service for twelve years. There, O bull of the Bharata race, is the famous Yonidwara. Repairing thither, a person becometh exempted from the pain of rebirth. The person that stayeth at Gaya during both the dark and lighted fortnights, certainly sanctifieth, O king, his own race up and down to the seventh generation. One should wish for many sons so that even one may go to Gaya, or celebrate the horse-sacrifice, or offer a nila bull. Then, O king, the pilgrim should proceed to Phalgu. By this, he obtains the merit of horse-sacrifice, and acquires great success.

3.82.78

teṣūpaspṛśya rājendra padeṣu nṛpasattama |
yatkiṃcidaśubhaṃ karma tatpraṇaśyati bhārata || 78 ||

3.82.79

tato gṛdhravaṭaṃ gacchetsthānaṃ devasya dhīmataḥ |
snāyīta bhasmanā tatra abhigamya vṛṣadhvajam || 79 ||

3.82.80

brāhmaṇena bhaveccīrṇaṃ vrataṃ dvādaśavārṣikam |
itareṣāṃ tu varṇānāṃ sarvapāpaṃ praṇaśyati || 80 ||

3.82.81

gaccheta tata udyantaṃ parvataṃ gītanāditam |
sāvitraṃ tu padaṃ tatra dṛśyate bharatarṣabha || 81 ||

3.82.82

tatra saṃdhyāmupāsīta brāhmaṇaḥ saṃśitavrataḥ |
upāstā ca bhavetsaṃdhyā tena dvādaśavārṣikī || 82 ||

3.82.83

yonidvāraṃ ca tatraiva viśrutaṃ bharatarṣabha |
tatrābhigamya mucyeta puruṣo yonisaṃkarāt || 83 ||

3.82.84

kṛṣṇaśuklāvubhau pakṣau gayāyāṃ yo vasennaraḥ |
punātyāsaptamaṃ rājankulaṃ nāstyatra saṃśayaḥ || 84 ||

3.82.85

eṣṭavyā bahavaḥ putrā yadyeko'pi gayāṃ vrajet |
yajeta vāśvamedhena nīlaṃ vā vṛṣamutsṛjet || 85 ||

3.82.86

tataḥ phalguṃ vrajedrājaṃstīrthasevī narādhipa |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti siddhiṃ ca mahatīṃ vrajet || 86 ||

3.82.87

tato gaccheta rājendra dharmapṛṣṭhaṃ samāhitaḥ |
yatra dharmo mahārāja nityamāste yudhiṣṭhira |
abhigamya tatastatra vājimedhaphalaṃ labhet || 87 ||

O king, one should repair then, with subdued soul, to Dharmaprishta. There, O foremost of warriors, dwelleth Dharma for aye. Drinking of the water of a well which is there, and purifying one's self by a bath, he that offereth oblations to the gods and the Pitris is cleansed of all his sins and ascendeth to heaven. There in that tirtha is the hermitage of the great Rishi Matanga of soul under complete control. By entering that beautiful asylum capable of soothing fatigue and sorrow, one earneth the merit of the Gavayana sacrifice, and by touching (the image of) Dharma which is there, one obtaineth the fruit of the horse-sacrifice. One should next go, O king, to the excellent tirtha called Brahmasthana. Approaching Brahma, that bull among male beings, who is there, one acquireth, O mighty monarch, the merit of the Rajasuya and horse-sacrifices. The pilgrim should then repair to Rajasuya, O king of men! Bathing there, one liveth (in heaven) as happily as (the Rishi) Kakshiyan. After purifying himself, one should partake there of the offerings daily made unto the Yakshini. By this, one is freed from the sin of even slaying a Brahmana, through the Yakshini's grace. Proceeding next to Maninaga, one obtains the merit of giving away a thousand kine. O Bharata, he that eateth anything relating to the tirtha of Maninaga, if bitten by a venomous snake, doth not succumb to its poison. Residing there for one night, one is cleansed of one's sins.

3.82.88

tato gaccheta rājendra brahmaṇastīrthamuttamam |
tatrārcayitvā rājendra brahmāṇamamitaujasam |
rājasūyāśvamedhābhyāṃ phalaṃ prāpnoti mānavaḥ || 88 ||

3.82.89

tato rājagṛhaṃ gacchettīrthasevī narādhipa |
upaspṛśya tapodeṣu kākṣīvāniva modate || 89 ||

3.82.90

yakṣiṇyā naityakaṃ tatra prāśnīta puruṣaḥ śuciḥ |
yakṣiṇyāstu prasādena mucyate bhrūṇahatyayā || 90 ||

3.82.91

maṇināgaṃ tato gatvā gosahasraphalaṃ labhet |
naityakaṃ bhuñjate yastu maṇināgasya mānavaḥ || 91 ||

3.82.92

daṣṭasyāśīviṣeṇāpi na tasya kramate viṣam |
tatroṣya rajanīmekāṃ sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate || 92 ||

3.82.93

tato gaccheta brahmarṣergautamasya vanaṃ nṛpa |
ahalyāyā hrade snātvā vrajeta paramāṃ gatim |
abhigamya śriyaṃ rājanvindate śriyamuttamām || 93 ||

Then should one proceed to the favourite wood of the Brahmarshi Gautama. There bathing in the lake of Ahalya, one attaineth to an exalted state. Beholding next the image of Sree, one acquireth great prosperity. There in that tirtha is a well celebrated over the three worlds. Bathing in it, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. There also existeth a well sacred to the royal Rishi Janaka, which is worshipped by the gods. Bathing in the well, one ascendeth to the region of Vishnu. Then should one repair to Vinasana that destroys every sin. By a sojourn thither, one obtaineth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice, and goeth also to the region of Soma. Proceeding next to Gandaki which is produced by the waters of every tirtha, a person acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice, and ascendeth also to the solar region. Proceeding next to the Visala, that river celebrated over the three worlds, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice and ascendeth also to heaven. Repairing then, O virtuous one, to the woody seat of ascetics that is called Adhivanga, one obtains, without doubt, great happiness amongst the Guhyakas. Proceeding next to the river Kampana, visited by the Siddhas, one obtaineth the merit of the Pundarika sacrifice, and ascendeth also to heaven. Arriving then, O lord of earth, at the stream called Maheswari, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and also rescueth his own race.

3.82.94

tatrodapāno dharmajña triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ |
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kṛtvā tu vājimedhamavāpnuyāt || 94 ||

3.82.95

janakasya tu rājarṣeḥ kūpastridaśapūjitaḥ |
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kṛtvā tu viṣṇulokamavāpnuyāt || 95 ||

3.82.96

tato vinaśanaṃ gacchetsarvapāpapramocanam |
vājapeyamavāpnoti somalokaṃ ca gacchati || 96 ||

3.82.97

gaṇḍakīṃ tu samāsādya sarvatīrthajalodbhavām |
vājapeyamavāpnoti sūryalokaṃ ca gacchati || 97 ||

3.82.98

tato'dhivaṃśyaṃ dharmajña samāviśya tapovanam |
guhyakeṣu mahārāja modate nātra saṃśayaḥ || 98 ||

3.82.99

kampanāṃ tu samāsādya nadīṃ siddhaniṣevitām |
puṇḍarīkamavāpnoti sūryalokaṃ ca gacchati || 99 ||

3.82.100

tato viśālāmāsādya nadīṃ trailokyaviśrutām |
agniṣṭomamavāpnoti svargalokaṃ ca gacchati || 100 ||

3.82.101

atha māheśvarīṃ dhārāṃ samāsādya narādhipa |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet || 101 ||

3.82.102

divaukasāṃ puṣkariṇīṃ samāsādya naraḥ śuciḥ |
na durgatimavāpnoti vājapeyaṃ ca vindati || 102 ||

Repairing next to the tank of the celestials, one earneth immunity from misfortune, and also the merit of the horse-sacrifice. One should next go to Somapada, with subdued soul and leading a Brahmacharya mode of life. Bathing in Maheswarapada that is there, one reapeth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. There in that tirtha, O bull of the Bharata race, it is well known that ten millions of tirthas exist together. A wicked Asura in the shape of a tortoise had, O foremost of monarchs, been carrying it away when the powerful Vishnu recovered it from him. There in that tirtha should one perform his ablutions, for by this he acquireth the merit of the Pundarika sacrifice and ascendeth also to the region of Vishnu. Then, O best of kings, should one proceed to the place of Narayana, where, O Bharata, Narayana is ever present and dwelleth for aye. There the gods with Brahma at their head, Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, the Adityas, the Vasus, and the Rudras, all adore Janardana, in that tirtha, and Vishnu of wonderful deeds hath become known as Salagrama. Approaching the eternal Vishnu, that lord of the three worlds, that giver of boons, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and goeth to the region of Vishnu. There in that place, O virtuous one, is a well, capable of destroying every sin. The four seas are ever present in that well. He that bathes in it, O king, will have immunity from misfortune.

3.82.103

maheśvarapadaṃ gacchedbrahmacārī samāhitaḥ |
maheśvarapade snātvā vājimedhaphalaṃ labhet || 103 ||

3.82.104

tatra koṭistu tīrthānāṃ viśrutā bharatarṣabha |
kūrmarūpeṇa rājendra asureṇa durātmanā |
hriyamāṇāhṛtā rājanviṣṇunā prabhaviṣṇunā || 104 ||

3.82.105

tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvāṇastīrthakoṭyāṃ yudhiṣṭhira |
puṇḍarīkamavāpnoti viṣṇulokaṃ ca gacchati || 105 ||

3.82.106

tato gaccheta rājendra sthānaṃ nārāyaṇasya tu |
sadā saṃnihito yatra harirvasati bhārata |
śālagrāma iti khyāto viṣṇoradbhutakarmaṇaḥ || 106 ||

3.82.107

abhigamya trilokeśaṃ varadaṃ viṣṇumavyayam |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti viṣṇulokaṃ ca gacchati || 107 ||

3.82.108

tatrodapāno dharmajña sarvapāpapramocanaḥ |
samudrāstatra catvāraḥ kūpe saṃnihitāḥ sadā |
tatropaspṛśya rājendra na durgatimavāpnuyāt || 108 ||

3.82.109

abhigamya mahādevaṃ varadaṃ viṣṇumavyayam |
virājati yathā soma ṛṇairmukto yudhiṣṭhira || 109 ||

Beholding (the image of) the boon-giving, eternal, and fierce Mahadeva who is there, one shineth, O king, like the moon emerged from the cloud. Bathing then in Jatismara, with pure mind and subdued senses, one acquireth, without doubt, the recollections of his former life. Proceeding then to Maheswarapura, and worshipping the god having the bull for his mark, fasting the while, one obtaineth, without doubt, the fruition of all his desires. Repairing then to Vamana that destroys every sin, and beholding the god Hari, one acquireth exemption from every misfortune. One should next go to the asylum of Kusika that is capable of removing every sin. Repairing then to the river Kausika that cleanseth from even great sins, one should bathe in it. By this one obtaineth the merit of Rajasuya sacrifice. One should next, O foremost of kings, proceed to the excellent woods of Champaka. By spending there one night, one acquireth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Arriving next at Jyeshthila, that tirtha of rare worth, and passing one night there, one reapeth the fruit of the gift of a thousand kine. Beholding there (the image of) Visweswara of great splendour, with his consort the goddess, a person obtaineth, O bull among men, the region of Mitra-Varuna. By fasting there for three nights, a man acquireth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice.

3.82.110

jātismara upaspṛśya śuciḥ prayatamānasaḥ |
jātismaratvaṃ prāpnoti snātvā tatra na saṃśayaḥ || 110 ||

3.82.111

vaṭeśvarapuraṃ gatvā arcayitvā tu keśavam |
īpsitām̐llabhate kāmānupavāsānna saṃśayaḥ || 111 ||

3.82.112

tatastu vāmanaṃ gatvā sarvapāpapramocanam |
abhivādya hariṃ devaṃ na durgatimavāpnuyāt || 112 ||

3.82.113

bharatasyāśramaṃ gatvā sarvapāpapramocanam |
kauśikīṃ tatra seveta mahāpātakanāśinīm |
rājasūyasya yajñasya phalaṃ prāpnoti mānavaḥ || 113 ||

3.82.114

tato gaccheta dharmajña campakāraṇyamuttamam |
tatroṣya rajanīmekāṃ gosahasraphalaṃ labhet || 114 ||

3.82.115

atha jyeṣṭhilamāsādya tīrthaṃ paramasaṃmatam |
upoṣya rajanīmekāmagniṣṭomaphalaṃ labhet || 115 ||

3.82.116

tatra viśveśvaraṃ dṛṣṭvā devyā saha mahādyutim |
mitrāvaruṇayorlokānāpnoti puruṣarṣabha || 116 ||

3.82.117

kanyāsaṃvedyamāsādya niyato niyatāśanaḥ |
manoḥ prajāpaterlokānāpnoti bharatarṣabha || 117 ||

By visiting Kanya-samvedya, with senses restrained and regulated fare, one acquireth, O bull among men, the region of Manu, the lord of creation. Rishis of rigid vows have said that he that giveth away rice or maketh any gift at the tirtha called Kanya, rendereth such gift eternal. Arriving next at Nischira celebrated over the three worlds, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and goeth to the legion of Vishnu. O king, those that give away at the confluence of the Nischira, ascend to the blessed region of Brahma. There in that tirtha is the asylum of Vasishtha that is known over the three worlds. Bathing there, one obtaineth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. Proceeding next to Devakuta that is resorted to by celestial Rishis, one acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and also delivereth his race. Then should one, O king, go to the lake of the Muni Kausika, where Kusika's son, Viswamitra, obtained high success. Bathing there, a person acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. There, O hero, at Kausika, should one reside for a month, O bull of the Bharata race! By a month's residence there, one reapeth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. He that resideth at the best of tirthas called Maha-hrada, enjoys immunity from misfortune, and also obtains the merit of giving away gold in abundance. Beholding next Kartikeya who dwelleth at Virasrama, a man certainly reapeth the fruit of the horse-sacrifice.

3.82.118

kanyāyāṃ ye prayacchanti pānamannaṃ ca bhārata |
tadakṣayamiti prāhurṛṣayaḥ saṃśitavratāḥ || 118 ||

3.82.119

niścīrāṃ ca samāsādya triṣu lokeṣu viśrutām |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti viṣṇulokaṃ ca gacchati || 119 ||

3.82.120

ye tu dānaṃ prayacchanti niścīrāsaṃgame narāḥ |
te yānti naraśārdūla brahmalokaṃ na saṃśayaḥ || 120 ||

3.82.121

tatrāśramo vasiṣṭhasya triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ |
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvāṇo vājapeyamavāpnuyāt || 121 ||

3.82.122

devakūṭaṃ samāsādya brahmarṣigaṇasevitam |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti kulaṃ caiva samuddharet || 122 ||

3.82.123

tato gaccheta rājendra kauśikasya munerhradam |
yatra siddhiṃ parāṃ prāpto viśvāmitro'tha kauśikaḥ || 123 ||

3.82.124

tatra māsaṃ vasedvīra kauśikyāṃ bharatarṣabha |
aśvamedhasya yatpuṇyaṃ tanmāsenādhigacchati || 124 ||

3.82.125

sarvatīrthavare caiva yo vaseta mahāhrade |
na durgatimavāpnoti vindedbahu suvarṇakam || 125 ||

3.82.126

kumāramabhigatvā ca vīrāśramanivāsinam |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti naro nāstyatra saṃśayaḥ || 126 ||

3.82.127

agnidhārāṃ samāsādya triṣu lokeṣu viśrutām |
agniṣṭomamavāpnoti na ca svargānnivartate || 127 ||

Proceeding then to Agnidhara celebrated over the three worlds, and beholding there after a bath the eternal and boon-giving Vishnu, that god of gods, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. Proceeding next to the Grandsire's tank near the snowcapped of mountains, and bathing in it, a man obtains the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. Falling from the Grandsire's tank, is that world-sanctifying (stream), celebrated over the three worlds, called Kumara-Dhara. Bathing there, one regardeth himself as having all his purposes fulfilled. Fasting in that tirtha for three days, one is even cleansed from the sin of slaying a Brahmana. The pilgrim should next, O virtuous one, proceed to the peak of the great goddess Gauri, famed over the three worlds. Ascending it, O best of men, one should approach Stana-Kunda. By touching the waters of Stana-Kunda, a person obtaineth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. Bathing in that tirtha and worshipping the gods and Pitris, one acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and also ascendeth to the region of Indra. Arriving next at the well of Tamraruna, that is frequented by the gods, one acquireth, O lord of men, the merit that attaches to human sacrifice. Bathing next at the confluence of the Kirtika with the Kausiki and the Aruna, and fasting there for three nights a man of learning is cleansed of all his sins.

3.82.128

pitāmahasaro gatvā śailarājapratiṣṭhitam |
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvāṇo agniṣṭomaphalaṃ labhet || 128 ||

3.82.129

pitāmahasya sarasaḥ prasrutā lokapāvanī |
kumāradhārā tatraiva triṣu lokeṣu viśrutā || 129 ||

3.82.130

yatra snātvā kṛtārtho'smītyātmānamavagacchati |
ṣaṣṭhakālopavāsena mucyate brahmahatyayā || 130 ||

3.82.131

śikharaṃ vai mahādevyā gauryāstrailokyaviśrutam |
samāruhya naraḥ śrāddhaḥ stanakuṇḍeṣu saṃviśet || 131 ||

3.82.132

tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvāṇaḥ pitṛdevārcane rataḥ |
hayamedhamavāpnoti śakralokaṃ ca gacchati || 132 ||

3.82.133

tāmrāruṇaṃ samāsādya brahmacārī samāhitaḥ |
aśvamedhamavāpnoti śakralokaṃ ca gacchati || 133 ||

3.82.134

nandinyāṃ ca samāsādya kūpaṃ tridaśasevitam |
naramedhasya yatpuṇyaṃ tatprāpnoti kurūdvaha || 134 ||

3.82.135

kālikāsaṃgame snātvā kauśikyāruṇayoryataḥ |
trirātropoṣito vidvānsarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate || 135 ||

3.82.136

urvaśītīrthamāsādya tataḥ somāśramaṃ budhaḥ |
kumbhakarṇāśrame snātvā pūjyate bhuvi mānavaḥ || 136 ||

Proceeding next to the tirtha called Urvasi, and then to Somasrama, a wise man by bathing next at Kumbhakarnasrama becometh adored in the world. The ancients knew that by touching the waters of Kokamukha, with steady vows and leading Brahmacharya mode of life, the memory of one's former life is revived. Arriving next with speed to the river called Nanda a regenerate one becometh freed from all his sins and ascendeth with soul under control to Indra's region. Proceeding next to the island called Rishabha, that is destructive of cranes, and bathing in the Saraswati, an individual blazeth forth in heaven. Proceeding next to the tirtha called Auddalaka frequented by Munis, and bathing there one is cleansed of all his sins. Repairing next to the sacred tirtha called Dharma that is visited by Brahmarshis, one acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice and becometh respected in heaven. Proceeding next to Champa and bathing in the Bhagirathi he that sojourneth to Dandaparna, acquireth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Then should one proceed to the sacred Lalitika that is graced by the presence of the virtuous. By this one acquireth the merit of the Rajasuya sacrifice and is regarded in heaven."

3.82.137

snātvā kokāmukhe puṇye brahmacārī yatavrataḥ |
jātismaratvaṃ prāpnoti dṛṣṭametatpurātane || 137 ||

3.82.138

sakṛnnandāṃ samāsādya kṛtātmā bhavati dvijaḥ |
sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā śakralokaṃ ca gacchati || 138 ||

3.82.139

ṛṣabhadvīpamāsādya sevyaṃ krauñcaniṣūdanam |
sarasvatyāmupaspṛśya vimānastho virājate || 139 ||

3.82.140

auddālakaṃ mahārāja tīrthaṃ muniniṣevitam |
tatrābhiṣekaṃ kurvīta sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate || 140 ||

3.82.141

dharmatīrthaṃ samāsādya puṇyaṃ brahmarṣisevitam |
vājapeyamavāpnoti naro nāstyatra saṃśayaḥ || 141 ||

3.82.142

tathā campāṃ samāsādya bhāgīrathyāṃ kṛtodakaḥ |
daṇḍārkamabhigamyaiva gosahasraphalaṃ labhet || 142 ||

3.82.143

laveḍikāṃ tato gacchetpuṇyāṃ puṇyopasevitām |
vājapeyamavāpnoti vimānasthaśca pūjyate || 143 ||