[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Purāṇas](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana) › [Garuḍapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda) › [English (machine translation)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt) › 2.6 # Garudapurana 2.6 English (machine translation) 2.6 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [2.6.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.144) — 1 part ### [2.6.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.1) The glorious Garuḍa Mahāpurāṇa — \[Chapter\] 6 Garuḍa said: Even for one endowed with spiritual means and devoted to holy places and gifts, / if the release of a bull is not performed, there is indeed no passage to the other world. ### [2.6.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.2) Therefore, O Kṛṣṇa, I have heard that the release of a bull must be performed. / What is the fruit of the bull-sacrifice, and by whom was it performed formerly, O Hari? ### [2.6.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.3) Of what kind is the bull described to be, and especially at what time? / What ritual is prescribed for it? Please tell me everything out of compassion. ### [2.6.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.4) The Blessed Kṛṣṇa said: I shall narrate a most sacred traditional history, O King of Birds, / which was told by the son of Brahmā to King Vīravāhana. ### [2.6.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.5) In the city of Virādha, there was a king named Vīravāhana, / righteous-souled, true to his word, generous, and a source of delight to brahmins. ### [2.6.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.6) Once, having gone to the forest on a hunt, that noble hero, / wishing to ask something, O Tārkṣya, went to the hermitage of Vasiṣṭha. ### [2.6.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.7) Bowing to the sage there and taking a seat, / bowed down with modesty, the king asked in the assembly of ṛṣis. ### [2.6.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.8) The king said: O sage, dharma has been performed by me with effort according to my ability; / yet having heard the judgment of Yama, I am utterly terrified in my heart. ### [2.6.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.9) So that I may not see Yama, the messengers of Yama, / and the hells of dreadful appearance, speak \[to me\], O fortunate one, ocean of mercy! ### [2.6.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.10) Vasiṣṭha said: Dharmas of many kinds, O King, are described by those skilled in the scriptures; / deluded by the path of ritual actions, they do not understand on account of \[their\] subtlety. ### [2.6.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.11) Giving, pilgrimage, austerity, sacrifices, renunciation, and ancestral rites— / among the dharmas that are practiced, the release of a bull is distinguished. ### [2.6.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.12) Many sons are to be desired, \[hoping\] that even one might go to Gayā, / or perform a horse sacrifice, or release a dark-blue bull. ### [2.6.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.13) Sins such as killing a brahmin, committed knowingly or unknowingly, / are cleansed indeed by marrying a dark-blue \[bull\] or by bathing in the ocean. ### [2.6.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.14) On the eleventh day, O king of kings, for whomsoever a bull is not released, / his ghosthood is permanent; what use are śrāddhas performed \[for him\]? ### [2.6.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.15) Somehow or other it must be performed, at a holy site or in a city; / through bull-sacrifices one is liberated, not otherwise through \[other\] means, O bird. ### [2.6.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.16) A five-auspicious-marked, youthful bull with a black blanket\[-like dewlap\], / constantly wandering among a herd of cows, according to the rule, ### [2.6.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.17) having wedded \[him\] with four, two, or even one heifer, O bird, / with auspicious items, one should release him with mantras. ### [2.6.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.18) One should offer a homa into the fire with the six verses beginning with 'iha ratiḥ', / on the full moon of Kārttika, Māgha, or Vaiśākha, at a solstice, or on eclipses and conjunctions. ### [2.6.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.19) At a holy site, and on the day of the father's death, it is especially praised. / But one that is red in color, and white on the face and tail, ### [2.6.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.20) and yellow on the hooves and horns, that is called a dark-blue bull. / A white-colored one belongs to a brahmin, a red one is declared for a kṣatriya, ### [2.6.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.21) a yellow-colored one belongs to a vaiśya, and a black one is remembered by the wise for a śūdra; / \[each\] is prescribed according to caste, among the castes beginning with brahmins. ### [2.6.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.22) Alternatively, a red-colored one is praised for everyone. / The father, the grandfather, and likewise the great-grandfather ### [2.6.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.23) hope for a son born \[who\] will perform the release of a bull: / 'You are dharma in the form of a bull, conferring joy upon the world; ### [2.6.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.24) you are the abode of the Eight-formed \[Śiva\]; therefore grant peace to me! / Drink of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā, and graze on the grass in the intermediate altar-land! ### [2.6.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.25) Before the King of Dharma, my good deeds must be spoken, O bull!' / Marked with a trident on the right shoulder, and branded with a discus on the left thigh, ### [2.6.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.26) having thus prayed to the bull, with fragrant paste, flowers, unbroken rice grains, and the like, / having worshipped the bull accompanied by the heifers, one should release it. ### [2.6.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.27) Therefore, O King, perform the release of a bull according to the ritual; / even for one endowed with many means, there is otherwise no good destination for you. ### [2.6.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.28) Formerly, in the Tretāyuga, in the city of Videha, O King, / there was a brahmin named Dharmavatsa, intent on his own duties and wise, ### [2.6.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.29) a devotee of Viṣṇu, exceedingly radiant, content with whatever was obtained; / when the ancestral new-moon day arrived, he went to the forest for the sake of kuśa grass. ### [2.6.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.30) Wandering here and there there, gathering kuśa grass and palāśa leaves, / four men of handsome appearance, suddenly approaching, ### [2.6.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.31) seized him whose mind was bewildered and went westward through the sky, / filled with many trees, formidable with mountain fortresses, ### [2.6.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.32) and led him from forest to forest, crowded with rivers and streams. / There, O King, he saw an immense city, ### [2.6.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.33) built with gateway towers, adorned with mansions and palaces, / crowded with courtyards, shops, merchandise, men, and women, ### [2.6.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.34) resounding with the sounds of paired horns, lutes, and drums. / \[He saw\] some afflicted with hunger, wretched, dirty, and devoid of vigor, ### [2.6.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.35) and then others exceedingly contented, dirty, covered with rags of cloth; / and ahead, \[he saw\] joyful, well-nourished ones, adorned with gold and garments, ### [2.6.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.36) and even beyond them, ones resembling gods; seeing them, he was astonished: / 'Is this a dream, or an illusion, or my own mental delusion?' ### [2.6.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.37) The men led the doubting twice-born into the presence of the king. / In a golden palace-mansion, the brahmin saw ### [2.6.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.38) a most divine throne, fanned with an umbrella and chowries; / seated upon it was the king, radiant with a diadem and gold, ### [2.6.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.39) endowed with great majesty, being praised by excellent bards. / The king, too, seeing that brahmin, rose up with folded hands, ### [2.6.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.40) and worshipped him according to rule with madhuparka, a seat, and other offerings; / with supreme joy, he praised the godlike \[brahmin\] whose mind was contented: ### [2.6.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.41) 'Today my birth is fruitful, and my lineage is purified, O lord, / because I, a devotee of Viṣṇu and of dharma, have come into your sight!' ### [2.6.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.42) Having bowed and praised him in many ways, the king residing nearby said: / 'From where the divine one came, let him be taken back right there.' ### [2.6.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.43) Hearing this speech of the king, the best of the twice-born asked. / The brahmin said: / 'What country is this? From where are these highest, middling, and lowest people? ### [2.6.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.44) By what merit are you adorned with supreme sovereignty? / For what purpose was I brought, and \[now\] am being taken back right there? ### [2.6.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.45) I see everything as if unprecedented, like one in a dream.' / The king said: / 'He who is intent on his own duty and always devoted to Hari's devotion, ### [2.6.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.46) detached from sense-objects, he is worthy of my worship, without a doubt. / One who is constantly devoted to pilgrimage, knowing the specific rite of releasing a bull, ### [2.6.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.47) and devoted to truth and charity, he is to be bowed to by the denizens of heaven. / You were brought here for the sake of seeing \[you\], and you are worthy of worship, O scorcher of foes!' ### [2.6.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.48) "Be gracious to me, O god, and forgive my rashness." / Having spoken thus, he indicated to his ministers with a signal of his brows: ### [2.6.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.49) "He will tell you everything; it is not fitting for \[me\] myself to speak." / And the feudatory king, who knew all the Vedas, understanding the king's heart, ### [2.6.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.50) Vipaścit said: / "In a previous birth this man was a vaiśya known as Viśvambhara, / in the city of Virādha, O brāhmaṇa, adorned with twice-born and gods, ### [2.6.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.51) always living by the trade of a vaiśya, maintaining his family, / constantly serving cows, and honouring brāhmaṇas, ### [2.6.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.52) ever devoted to giving to worthy recipients, attending upon guests and the sacred fires. / He led the householder's life according to rule, together with his wife of truthful intellect. ### [2.6.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.53) He conquered worlds through smārta rites, and the fire-gods through śrauta rites. / Once, having visited numerous sacred places with his relatives, ### [2.6.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.54) just as he was returning home, he saw Lomaśa on the road. / Falling prostrate like a staff and standing with folded hands, ### [2.6.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.55) the ocean of waters of compassion questioned him who was full of humility. / The sage said: / 'From where do you come, O good man, accompanied by brāhmaṇas and relatives? ### [2.6.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.56) Seeing you, an abode of dharma, my mind is softened with affection.' / Viśvambhara said: / 'Knowing indeed that the body is decaying and death stands before me, ### [2.6.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.57) I departed on pilgrimage together with my wife who follows dharma. / Having visited sacred places according to rule and distributed vast wealth, ### [2.6.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.58) just as I am returning home, you have come into the range of my sight.' / Lomaśa said: / 'Many are the sacred places in this auspicious realm of Bhārata. ### [2.6.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.59) Tell me all those that were visited by you.' / The vaiśya said: / 'The Gaṅgā, the daughter of the sun (Yamunā), the most holy Sarasvatī, ### [2.6.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.60) where Brahmā, lord of the gods, sacrificed with ten horse-sacrifices; / then the king of sacred places, Kāśī, where Mahādeva, the treasure of compassion, ### [2.6.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.61) whispers into the ear of dying creatures the liberating mantra; / the holy hermitage of Pulaha, the sacred Phalgutīrtha, and the Gaṇḍakī; ### [2.6.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.62) Cakratīrtha, Naimiṣa, the endless Śivatīrtha, / Gopratāraka, Nāgeśa, Ayodhyā, and that named Bindutīrtha, ### [2.6.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.63) where dwells the lotus-eyed Rāma in person, who bestows liberation; / the sacred places of Agni, Vāyu, Kubera, Kumāra, and again of the sacred trees; ### [2.6.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.64) the Boar incarnation's place, Mathurā where Hari is ever present, / Puṣkara, Satyatīrtha, Jvālatīrtha, and Dineśvara; ### [2.6.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.65) Indratīrtha, Kurukṣetra where the eastern Sarasvatī flows, / the Tāpī, the Payoṣṇī, the Nirvindhyā, Malaya, and the Kṛṣṇaveṇikā; ### [2.6.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.66) the Godāvarī, Daṇḍaka, Tāmracūḍa, and Sadodaka; / having seen Dyāvābhūmīśvara, then Śrīśaila, the lord of mountains, ### [2.6.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.67) where innumerable liṅga shrines are ever present, O sage; / on Mount Veṅkaṭa, Hari himself, known as Śrīraṅga, of great splendour; ### [2.6.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.68) right there the goddess named Veṅkaṭī, the slayer of Mahiṣa; / Candratīrtha, Bhadravaṭa, the Kāverī and Kuṭilācala; ### [2.6.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.69) the Avaṭodā, the Tāmraparṇī, Trikūṭa, and Mount Kollaka; / the Vāsiṣṭha, Brahmatīrtha, Jñānatīrtha, and the great ocean; ### [2.6.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.70) Hṛṣīkeśa, Virāja, Viśālā, the Blue Mountain (Nīlaparvata), / Bhīmakūṭa, Śvetagiri, Rudratīrtha, and Umāvana, ### [2.6.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.71) where the mountain-born goddess obtained Śaṅkara through austerity; / the sacred place of Varuṇa, Sūryatīrtha, Haṃsatīrtha, and Mahodaya, ### [2.6.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.72) plunging into which crows attained the state of royal swans, / and where an asura attained the state of a god merely by bathing; ### [2.6.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.73) Viśvarūpa, Vanditīrtha, Ratneśa, and Mount Kuhaka; / having seen Nara-Nārāyaṇa, one is freed from crores of sins; ### [2.6.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.74) the Sarasvatī and Dṛṣadvatī, the Narmadā that gives joy to mortals, / Nīlakaṇṭha, Mahākāla, and holy Amarakaṇṭaka; ### [2.6.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.75) the Candrabhāgā, the Vetravatī, Vīrabhadra, Gaṇeśvara, / Gokarṇa, Bilvatīrtha, and Karmakuṇḍa along with Tāraka, ### [2.6.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.76) where merely by bathing one is swiftly released from the bondage of karma; / and other sacred places as well were visited by your grace. ### [2.6.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.77) Auspicious understanding arises when there is grace from good people. / On one side are all sacred places, and on the other are compassionate good people. ### [2.6.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.78) Those who have observed vows wander for the grace of living beings. / You are the teacher of all castes, superior in learning and in age. ### [2.6.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.79) Therefore I ask something that has long been a mental affliction: / What should I do? Whom should I ask? My mind is exceedingly fickle, O sage! ### [2.6.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.80) It has no desire for the realm of Brahman, but has excessive longing for sense-objects. / It does not endure separation even for a moment, proclaiming darkness, ### [2.6.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.81) deluded by diverse states, an excellent field of actions. / Tell me, O brāhmaṇa, how it may attain peace, like a harvest-rich field, ### [2.6.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.82) and how it may become pure and inclined towards discernment, out of compassion.' / The sage said: / 'The mind is indeed ever powerful and agitated by its very nature. ### [2.6.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.83) Elephant drivers bring even an intoxicated elephant under control; / likewise, unwearied, through the company of good people and through spiritual practices, ### [2.6.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.84) one should bring it under control through intense devotion and inquiry. / I shall tell you a historical narrative that will produce conviction in you. ### [2.6.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.85) Nārada told me of the events of his own past birth.' / Nārada said: / 'Formerly, O sage, I was the son of a maidservant of a certain foremost twice-born. ### [2.6.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.86) Though in childhood, I was trained and thoroughly instructed. / Even there, association occurred with great souls of holy deeds, ### [2.6.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.87) who were staying in my house during the rainy season, through the power of good fortune. / And by my serving them, following their wishes, with modesty and self-restraint, ### [2.6.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.88) they, having reached the utmost satisfaction, spoke this out of compassion, / by which a spotless intellect arose in me, seeking the good, ### [2.6.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.89) and through which I saw everything composed of Viṣṇu within my very self.' / The sages said: / 'Listen, dear child, we will speak for your benefit, boy, ### [2.6.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.90) by holding onto which happiness will be yours here and hereafter. / Gods, animals, and men—the diverse creatures in this cycle of existence— ### [2.6.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.91) bound by the cords of karma, experience various kinds of pleasures and pains. / One goes to the state of a god by sattva, and to the state of a human by rajas; ### [2.6.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.92) an ignorant creature goes to animal birth by tamas, following latent impressions. / Obtaining birth again from a mother, he dies again and again. ### [2.6.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.93) Having thus passed through countless wombs, this field of karma, / and having obtained a rare human birth sometime by the power of destiny, ### [2.6.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.94) by the grace of great souls, knowing Hari, he is liberated / from the boundless ocean of existence, whose sea-monsters are disease and whose net is delusion. ### [2.6.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.95) I see no \[means\] for one desiring to cross over, except remembering Rāma. / Just as butter \[is extracted\] from curds, and fire sometimes from wood, ### [2.6.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.96) by churning with spiritual means, one knowing the Supreme thus becomes happy. / The Self is eternal, imperishable, true, all-pervading, the supporter of all, and great; ### [2.6.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.97) it is immeasurable, self-luminous, ungraspable even by the mind. / Consisting of being, consciousness, and bliss, it dwells in the heart of all living beings. ### [2.6.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.98) Even when created things perish, it never perishes. / Space is present in all elements, as is fire and water; ### [2.6.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.99) the Self is everywhere untainted, like the wind in earthly things. / Compassionate toward his devotees, the Lord \[manifests\] for the protection of the virtuous, ### [2.6.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.100) and manifests in the worlds, yet is perceived by the ignorant as possessing qualities. / One who contemplates \[him\] in the heart with a discerning intellect in this way— ### [2.6.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.101) pleased by devotion, the unborn Lord reveals Himself \[to him\]. / Then he becomes one who has accomplished his purpose, always free from longing everywhere. ### [2.6.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.102) Therefore, abandoning egoism with regard to the body and its attachments, / one should walk unattached in the worlds, which are like dreams, free from the sense of ‘mine’. ### [2.6.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.103) Where is constant firmness in a dream? Where is truth in an illusion? / Where is permanence in an autumn cloud, or where is truth in the body? ### [2.6.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.104) Knowing that whatever moving and unmoving thing is seen is produced by ignorance and action, / \[and being\] a yogi whose conduct is mastered, you will thereupon attain perfection.” ### [2.6.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.105) Having spoken thus, all those virtuous sages, compassionate to the distressed, departed. / And following the path spoken by them, I acted in just that way day after day. ### [2.6.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.106) Then, before long, I saw within myself this wondrous thing: / full of light, ever blissful, pure as the autumn moon. ### [2.6.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.107) Sprinkling me with masses of joy and leaving me intensely longing, / that great light vanished, like lightning in the sky. ### [2.6.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.108) Meditating with devotion upon that very wondrous \[light\] in my mind, / in due time I cast off my body and went to imperishable Hari. ### [2.6.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.109) By his will, O sage, my birth from Brahmā took place once again. / By the grace of the Lord, being free from desire in the three worlds, ### [2.6.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.110) continually striking the vīṇā and singing, I wander about.” / Having thus spoken of his own experience, the wandering sage went on his way at will. ### [2.6.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.111) I, too, felt the greatest wonder and immense satisfaction. / Therefore, through association with the virtuous and through devotion to the Supreme Self, ### [2.6.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.112) your purified, stainless, and tranquil mind will attain peace. / Sin produced over many births, in the company of the virtuous, ### [2.6.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.113) quickly perishes, O knower of dharma, like the \[turbidity\] of waters in autumn. The vaiśya said: Having drunk the nectar of your words, my heart has found peace. ### [2.6.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.114) The fruit of all pilgrimage places has accrued to me today from the sight of you. / Having heard his words, the best of sages spoke. ### [2.6.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.115) Lomaśa said: For your welfare, O king of kings, as you desire the fruit of the three aims of life: / whatever abundant meritorious deeds you have performed without the release of a bull, ### [2.6.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.116) I consider all of it to be of no avail, like mist-water. / There is no means on the surface of the earth equal to the release of a bull. ### [2.6.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.117) They go without difficulty to the state of those who perform meritorious deeds. / One by whom the release of a bull is performed, and one who offers a horse sacrifice— ### [2.6.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.118) both of them have been seen by me as equal and divine in the presence of Śakra. / Therefore, go to Puṣkara and, having performed the release of a bull, ### [2.6.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.119) then go home, O virtuous one, whereby everything will be accomplished. Vipaścit said: Then, having returned, he, on the full-moon day of Kārttika at excellent Puṣkara, ### [2.6.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.120) where the Lord in the form of a Boar resides, the fulfiller of sacrifices, / performed everything according to rule, joined by the best of sages. ### [2.6.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.121) Many pilgrimage places were visited, and then \[came\] the meeting with Lomaśa; / from that, even greater merit arose, born of the marriage of a dark bull. ### [2.6.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.122) Having enjoyed heavenly pleasures seated in an excellent aerial chariot, / by that merit his birth took place in the royal line of Vīrasena. ### [2.6.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.123) Known as Vīrapañcānana, he was the sole accomplisher of the four aims of life. / While he was performing the release of a bull, those attendants who were there ### [2.6.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.124) became possessed of divine form when touched by the drops of water from the cow’s tail; / and those standing at a distance looking on became handsome and stout of body. ### [2.6.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.125) Then, those people seen even farther away were stained, / wretched, filthy, rough, emaciated, and devoid of clothing, ### [2.6.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.126) not looking upon the sacrifice of the bull and exhibiting malice. / All the history of the previous birth of the king has been related \[to you\], ### [2.6.127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.127) a wonderful, righteous narrative which was heard by me from Parāśara. / Therefore, having shown kindness to me, go to your own home.” ### [2.6.128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.128) Hearing the words of Vipaścit, he was filled with the utmost wonder. / That brahmin went home, escorted by the king’s servants. ### [2.6.129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.129) Vasiṣṭha said: Therefore, O king, perform according to rule the release of a bull, the best of all rites, / if indeed you fear Yama. ### [2.6.130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.130) There is no higher means leading to heaven than the release of a bull. / The secret of dharma has been related to you by me, O best of kings. ### [2.6.131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.131) If a woman who has a husband and son dies before her husband, / one should not perform the release of a bull; rather, one should give a milch cow. ### [2.6.132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.132) Śrī Kṛṣṇa said: Having heard the words of Vasiṣṭha, the king went to the city of Madhu \[and\] / performed the entire rite of the release of a bull according to rule, O bird. ### [2.6.133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.133) Having gone home, he considered himself to have achieved his purpose. / In the course of time, meeting his death, he was led away by the attendants of Vaivasvata. ### [2.6.134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.134) Leaving behind the city of Death, he went far along the path / and asked the messengers: “Where is the city of Śrāddhadeva, ### [2.6.135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.135) where sinners are cast down by the servants of Yama for purification from sin, / where that god is, the judge of dharma and adharma?” ### [2.6.136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.136) “That city of sins is passed; it is not to be seen by persons like you.” / Seeing Dharmarāja ahead, they spoke with the highest respect. ### [2.6.137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.137) Then the god of divine form, accompanied by gods and gandharvas, / showed himself to that great-souled king. ### [2.6.138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.138) Bowing like a staff, the king stood before him with joined palms / and praised the god in many ways, his mind filled with joy. ### [2.6.139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.139) Dharmarāja, too, praised the king and said: / “Let him be conducted to the world of the gods, where abundant enjoyments reside.” ### [2.6.140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.140) Hearing that, Vīravāhana asked the Arbiter \[of Justice\]: / “I do not know by what merit you are taking me to heaven, O lord.” ### [2.6.141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.141) Dharmarāja said: “Merits were performed by you—gifts and sacrifices in full detail; / and in Mathurā, the release of a bull on the word of Vasiṣṭha. ### [2.6.142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.142) Even a small amount of dharma, O king, if properly observed, / reaches vast expansion by the grace of brahmins and the gods. ### [2.6.143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.143) Having spoken thus, the brother of the Yamunā vanished in an instant; / Vīrabāhu, having gone to heaven, rejoiced together with the gods. ### [2.6.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.144) The Holy Kṛṣṇa said: / I have narrated to you in detail, O Bird, the sacrifice of the bull; / by hearing \[this\] eradication of living beings' past actions, one is freed from sins. ### [2.6.144.p1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6.144.p1) Thus ends the sixth chapter, named 'Description of the Greatness of the Release of a Bull', in the Pretakalpa of the latter section of the glorious and great Garuḍa Purāṇa, in the dialogue between the Holy Kṛṣṇa and Garuḍa. ## Linked texts (1) - [Garuḍapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda.2.6.1) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.garuda~en-mt.2.6) · Pramāṇa