The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.53

v2.c17.53

“Sakmara raised the lotus-eyed Gaurī from the ground and, kissing her lips bright red as the flower of the pomegranate, repeatedly embraced her with his arms, and seated that mother of the universe on his lap. The blue-eyed Giriśa, then turning towards her, with a smile on his face and trembling lips, said, ‘O daughter of the king of mountains, O Devi, you have much adored me, I will therefore, for your gratification, describe to you my *Kṣetra* upon the earth. In the grand Utkala Kṣetra near the southern ocean, there flows a fine river which, taking its source from the foot of the Vindhya mountain, runs towards the east. From it has proceeded a stream, by name *Gandhavatī*, which is identical with Gaṅgā. Here that sin-destroying stream flows northwards; it is crodwed with geese and wild ducks; it is adorned with golden lotuses; it unites with the southern ocean. On its bank there exists, O charming one, a wood sacred to me, which removes all sorts of sins; it is the holiest of the holy, and known by the name of Ekāmraka.²⁵ It is resplendent with grandeur of every kind, and the wealth of all the six seasons are ever present there. O Pārvati, that is my *Kṣetra*: it is as gorgeous as Kailāśa, and adorned with trees and creepers, [66] all bearing blossoms of the six different seasons. It is resonant with the sweet notes of birds of various kinds,²⁶ and beautified by rivers of clean water that are covered with expanded lotus flowers and lilies, having fine steps leading to them. This excellent *kṣetra* of mine, the *Ekāmraka* wood, is difficult to be attained by the gods; it grants final liberation to all. I have, my darling, described this my secret sanctuary to you for your amusement; it is as excellent as Vārāṇasī, and is adorned with one crore of Liṅgams’.