The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.s1.127

v2.c17.s1.127

**Sanctity of Puri.** The story opens with an account of the high merits of the place. It is said that on one occasion Brahmā felt very much distressed at his not having provided in his creation sufficient means for the redemption of created beings, and besought the aid of Nārāyaṇa for a summary method of salvation. The request, however, was not acceded to, as it would have disturbed the harmony of the creation : but it was pointed out that those who were really earnest about salvation could easily obtain it by dwelling in the secret abode of the divinity on the sea-shore. In praise thereof the Lord said, ‘On the northern shore of the sea, to the south of the Mahānadī River, there is my favouriate abode. Alone it can confer all the blessings which are derivable from all the other sacred places on the earth put together. Those wise sons of Manu who dwell there, enjoy the fruits of all the good deeds performed by them in their previous births. Know this, Lotus-born, that none who is of little merit or wanting in faith can dwell there. Every step of the land from the Mango Forest to the shore of the southern sea is the most precious, as I shall show you. The Blue Hill, which flourishes on the sea-shore, is the most secret place on earth, most difficultly accessible even to you. Enveloped by my illusion, it remains unknown even to the gods and the demons. Forsaking all company I dwell there in a corporeal form. Rising above all mutability and eternity, I abide at Puruṣottama, the holy spot, which is alike unassailable by creation and destruction. Even as you see me herein corporeal shape with all my emblems, so will you, Brahmā, see me there. On that Blue Hill, to the west of the Kalpa fig tree, there is a fountain known under the name of Rohiṇa ; dwelling near it men may behold me with their carnal eyes, and, washing off their sins with its water, attain equality with me’. The equality here referred to is not confined to merits or moral excellence, but extends to corporeal similitude, and an illustration is afforded in proof of it. It is said that Brahmā, on hearing the advice, immediately repaired to the sacred spot, and, while standing there, beheld a crow, impelled by thirst, coming to the fountain, and taking a sip of its crystal treasure, and then plunging into it. Instantly its form changed from that of a crow to the counterpart of Viṣṇu himself, with four arms carrying the four-fold emblems of the conch-shell, the discus, the mace, and the lotus ; and in this form the metamorphosed being repaired to the heaven of Viṣṇu. Brahmā, beholding this, was at once convinced of the transcendental merits of the place, and resolved to extend its glory. Other stories follow. One of them shows that Yama, the regent of the dead, has no control over the dead of this place, and that death here invariably ensures absolute salvation. A second is intended to show that this spot is not subject to the laws which govern the rest of the universe, and free from all liability to decay and dissolution : it lasts in its pristine glory when all other places and regions and worlds are swept away by the revolution of time.