Mahābhārata

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

M. N. Dutt: Then going to Mahendra, frequented by the son of Jamadagni and bathing at the Rama Tirtha, a man obtains the fruits of Ashvamedha sacrifice.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Kuru, there is Matanga's Tirtha called Kedara, bathing there one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.

M. N. Dutt: Going to the mountain, called Sri, one should bathe in the river. Worshipping Vrishadhvaja, a (Shiva) one obtains the fruits of Ashvamedha sacrifice.

M. N. Dutt: The greatly effulgent Mahadeva lives with his wife on the Sri mountain. There dwell also with great pleasure Brahma and the celestials. Then bathing in the Devahrada with purity and subdued mind, one obtains the fruits of Ashvamedha and attains to the highest state. Going to the Rishabha mountain in Pandya adored by the celestials, one obtains the fruits of Vajapeya (sacrifice) and rejoices in heaven.

M. N. Dutt: Then one should go to Kaveri, surrounded by the Apsaras. O king, bathing there a man obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.

M. N. Dutt: Then one should bathe in the Tirtha called Kanya on the sea coast. O king of kings, bathing there one is cleansed of all his sins.

M. N. Dutt: The going to Gokarna, celebrated all over the three worlds and, O king of kings, which is situated in the midst of the ocean and is reverenced by all the worlds. Where Brahma and other celestials, the ascetic Rishis, the Bhutas, the Yakshas, the Kinnaras, the great Nagas, the Siddhas, the Charanas, the Gandharvas, the men, the snakes, the rivers, the seas and the hills, worship the lord of Uma.

M. N. Dutt: Worshipping thcre Ishana and fasting for three nights, a man obtains the fruits of Ashvamedha sacrifice and attains to the state of Ganapatya.

M. N. Dutt: Living there for twelve nights a man becomes purified in his soul. Then one should go to the region of Gayatri adored by all the three worlds.

M. N. Dutt: Living there for twelve nights a man becomes purified in his soul. Then one should go to the region of Gayatri adored by all the three worlds. Living there for three nights, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. O ruler of men, a strange phenomenon as regards Bralumanas is scen there. O king, if a Brahmana whether born of a Brahmana woman or of a woman of any other caste, recites Gayitri there, his recitation becomes rhythmical and musical.

M. N. Dutt: A man who is not a Brahmana cannot properly recite it at all. Going then to the inaccessible tank of the Brahmana Rishi Samvarta, one obtains personal beauty and great prosperity.

M. N. Dutt: Then going to Vena one should offer oblations to the Pitris and the celestials. (By doing this) a man obtains a car drawn by peacocks and cranes.

M. N. Dutt: Then going to the Godavari, always frequented by the Siddhas. One obtains the fruits of a cow-sacrifice and goes to the excellent region of Vasuki. Bathing at the confluence of Vena one obtains the fruits of Vajapeya sacrifice.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

M. N. Dutt: Bathing at the confluence of Varada one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. Going to Brahmasthana and living there for three nights a man. Obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine and goes to the celestials region.

M. N. Dutt: Going to Kushaplavana with concentrated mind and with Brahmacharya life. And fasting there for three nights and bathing there, one obtain the fruits of Ashvamedha sacrifice.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

M. N. Dutt: Then bathing in the charining Devahrada supplied with water by Krishna Vena. And also bathing in the Jatismarahrada, a man obtains the recollection of his former births.

M. N. Dutt: Here the king of the celestials performed one hundred sacrifices and went to heaven. O descendant of Bharata, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma by simply going here. Bathing in the Sarvadevahrada, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

M. N. Dutt: Then going to that best of water, that lake, called Payoshni and worshipping the Pitris and the celestials, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Bharata, O king going to the sacred Dandakas forest, one should bathe there. One obtains the fruits of giving away (in charity) as soon as one bathes there.

M. N. Dutt: Going to the hermitage called Sharbhanga of the high-souled Shukra, a man never meets with any calamity and sanctifies his race.

M. N. Dutt: Then one should go to Surparka frequented by the son of Jamadagni. Then bathing in that Rama-Tirtha a man obtains the fruits of giving away much gold.

M. N. Dutt: Bathing in the Sapta Godavari with regulated diet and subdued soul, one obtains great virtue and goes to the celestials region.

M. N. Dutt: Then going to the Devapatha with regulated diet and subdued soul, a man obtains the merit that is the fruit of Deva sacrifice.

M. N. Dutt: Going to Tungakaranya with passions under control and with Brahmacharya life, where in the days of yore, Rishi Sarasvta taught the Vedas to the ascetics.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

M. N. Dutt: There when the Vedas were lost, the son of Rishi Angirasa, sitting comfortably on the upper garments of the Rishis.

M. N. Dutt: Pronounced distinctly and with emphasis the word Om. At this, the ascetics again recollected all that they had learnt before.

M. N. Dutt: There the Rishis, the Devas, Varuna, Agni, Prajapati, Hari, Narayana and also Mahadeva.

M. N. Dutt: And the exalted and the greatly effulgent Grandsire, with the celestials appointed the greatly effulgent Bhrigu to perform their sacrifice.

M. N. Dutt: Gratifying Agni with libations of ghee poured according to the ordinance, the highsouled Bhrigu once more performed the Agnidhyana sacrifice for all those Rishis. After which both they and the celestials went away to their respective homes one after another. O foremost of kings, he who enters the forest of Tungaka, whether male or female, is cleansed of all his sins.

M. N. Dutt: O hero, there in that Tirtha one should live for a month with regulated diet and subdued soul.

M. N. Dutt: Going then to Medhavika, one should offer oblations to the Pitris and the celestials. By doing this, obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma (sacrifices) and also obtains memory and intellect.

M. N. Dutt: There in that Tirtha is the celebrated mountain called Kalanjara. Bathing in the celestials lake there, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.

M. N. Dutt: O king, he who after a bath offers there oblations to the Pitris and the celestials is without doubt adored in heaven.

M. N. Dutt: O king, going then to the river Mandakini which destroys sins and which is on that best of mountain called Chitrakuta, he who bathes there and worships the Pitris and the celestials obtains the fruits of Ashvamedha and attains to the best state.

M. N. Dutt: O virtuous man, one should then go to the excellent Bhartristhana where, O king, heaven's generalissimo always lives.

M. N. Dutt: O best of kings, only going there one obtains success. Bathing in the Koti Tirtha, a man obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.

M. N. Dutt: After walking round it a man should then to go Jyeshtasthana. Seeing Mahadeva there, one looks like the moon.

M. N. Dutt: O great king, ever steady in war O best of the Bharata race, O Yudhishthira, there is a celebrated well, in which four seas exist.

M. N. Dutt: O king of kings, bathing there and worshipping the Pitris and the celestials with subdued soul, one being purified, obtains the highest state.

M. N. Dutt: O king of kings, one should then go to the great Sringapur where, O great king, Dasharatha's son Rama formerly crossed (the Ganges).

M. N. Dutt: O mighty-armed hero, bathing in that Tirtha one is cleansed of his sins. Bathing in the Ganges with concentrated mind and with Brahmacharya life. One is cleansed of all his sins and obtains the fruits of Vajapeya sacrifice.

M. N. Dutt: Then one should go to Munjavata, the region of the intelligent deity (Shiva). O descendant of Bharata, seeing there Mahadeva and worshipping him and also walking round it, one attains to the state of Ganapatya. Bathing in that Tirtha in the Janhavi, one is cleansed of all his sins.

M. N. Dutt: Then, O king of kings, one should go to Prayaga which is highly praised by the Rishis. Here live Brahma and other celestials, the quarters with their presiding deities, the Lokapalas, the Saddhyas, the Pitris adored by the world, the grcat Rishis, Sanatkumar and others, the stainless Brahmarshis, Angiras and others, the Nagas, the Suparnas, the Siddhas, the snakes, the rivers, the seas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras and the exalted Hari with the lord of creatures (Brahma) in front. There are three fiery caverns between which Janhavi, the foremost of Tirthas, rolls rapidly onward. The daughter of Tapana, celebrated all over the three worlds, the world purifying Yamuna unites here with the Ganges. The country between the Ganges and the Yamuna is considered as the Jaghana of the earth. And Prayaga is known as the foremost point of that region. Prayaga, Sapratishanta, Kamvala, Asvatari and the Tirtha Bhogavati are the sacrificial altars of Prajapati (Brahma). O hero steady in war, the Vedas and the sacrifices in their embodied forms and also ascetic Rishis adore here Prajapati (Brahma). Here the celestials and the rulers of kingdoms perform their sacrifices. O descendant of Bharata, O lord, therefore Prayaga is the most sacred of all the Tirthas, in fact it is the foremost of all the Tirthas in the three worlds. Going to that Tirtha and singing its name and taking a little carth from it, one is cleansed of all his sins.

M. N. Dutt: He who bathes in this celebrated confluence obtains all the merits of Ashvamedha and Rajasuya (sacrifices).

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Bharata, this sacrificial place is worshipped by the celestials themselves. If a man gives away here only a little, it increases thousand-fold.

M. N. Dutt: O child, let not the texts of the Veda or the opinions of men dissuade your mind from the desire of dying at Prayaga.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Kuru, the wise men say that six hundred millions and ten thousand Tirthas exist at Prayaga. Bathing in the confluence of the Ganges and the Yamuna, one obtains the merit of the four kinds of knowledge and the merits also of those that are truthful.

M. N. Dutt: There is an excellent Tirtha of Vasuki, called Bhogavati. He who bathes in it obtains the fruits of Ashvamedha.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Kuru, there in the Ganges is a Tirtha, celebrated all over the three worlds, called Hansaprapatana which gives one the fruits of ten sacrifices.

M. N. Dutt: Wherever a man bathes in the Ganges he obtains the fruits of going to Kurukshetra, except the place named Kanakhala while the merit attaching to Prayaga is the greatest.

M. N. Dutt: Having committed one hundred sins he who bathes in the Ganges has all his sins burnt off by the waters of the Ganges) as fuel is consumed by fire. It has been said that in the Satya Yuga all the Tirthas were sacred. In the Treta Pushkara alone was sacred. In the Dvapara Kurukshetra was sacred. In the Kaliyuga the Ganges alone is sacred. In Pushkara, one should practices asceticism, in Mahalaya one should give away (in charity); in the Malaya (mountains) one should ascend the funeral pyre, in Bhrigutunga, one should give up his body by fasting.

M. N. Dutt: Bathing in Pushkara in Kurukshetra and in the Ganges and in the confluence of the Ganges and the Yamuna), one saves ten generations of his race upwards and downwards.

M. N. Dutt: He who recites the name (of the Ganges) is purified. He who beholdsher obtains prosperity. He who bathes in her and drinks her water saves seven generations of his race upwards and downwards.

M. N. Dutt: O king, so long a man's bones lie in the waters of the Ganges, so long that man is adored in the celestials region,

M. N. Dutt: As is the man who earns virtues by visiting the Tirthas and by drinking their sacred water and thus by earning virtue adored in the celestials region.

M. N. Dutt: There is no Tirtha like the Ganges, there is no god like Keshava (Krishna), there is none superior to Brahmanas thus said the Grandsire (Brahma).

M. N. Dutt: O great king, where there is the Ganges and the place on the banks of the Ganges, is the wood fit for asceticism. The region through which the Ganges flows is a favourite hermitage.

M. N. Dutt: This truth (about Tirthas) should be recited to the ears of only Brahmanas, of the pious men, one's of own sons, friends, disciples and dependants.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

M. N. Dutt: It (this narrative of Tirthas) is unrivalled, it is blessed, it is holy and it leads men to heaven, it is holy, entertaining, sanctifying and it is productive of high merit.

M. N. Dutt: It is a mystery of the great Rishis, it cleanses all sins. By reciting this holy history in the midst of Brahmanas, one goes to heaven.

M. N. Dutt: It is auspicious, heaven-giving, sacred, it is ever blessed and it destroys one's cnemies. This narrative of Tirtha is the foremost of all narratives and it increases one's intellect.

M. N. Dutt: (By reciting it) the sonless obtain sons, the poor obtain wealth, the king conquers the world and the Vaisyas obtain affluence.

M. N. Dutt: The Shudra cbtains all his desires and the Brahmana crosses the ocean (of world). The man who daily hears it with purity. Becomes abic to remember the incidents of his former births and rejoices in heaven. Some of the Tirthas that have been narrated here are accessible and some inaccessible. But he who is eagerly desirous to see them should go to them even in his mind (with the help of imagination). The Vasus, the Sadhyas, the Adityas, the Marutas, the Ashvins. And the Rishis equal to the celestials all bathed in them by performing good deeds. O descendant of Kuru, O vow observing hero, you too, acting according to the rites. Should with subdued senses, visit these Tirthas by increasing your virtue. The man of honesty and those who understand the Shastras are able to visit these Tirthas by reason of their purified soul, by their belief in Godhead and by their study of the Vedas. He who does not observe vows, whose soul is not under control, who is impure, who is a thief and who is crooked-minded cannot bathe in these Tirthas. O descendant of Kuru, you are ever observant of virtue and you are of pure character.

M. N. Dutt: O king, you have always gratified by your virtue your father, your grandfather, your great grandfather and also the celestials with Grandsire (Brahma) at their head and also the Rishis, O virtuous man, O Vasava-like hero, O Bhishma, you will attain to the region of the Vasus and you will acquire eternal fame on earth.

M. N. Dutt: Narada said: Having thus spoken with cheerfulness and bidding farewell to him (Bhishma) the exalted Rishi Pulastya with his mind well pleased, disappeared then and there.

M. N. Dutt: O foremost of the Kurus, Bhishma also who well understood the true import of the Shastras travelled over the world at the command of Pulastya.

M. N. Dutt: O greatly exalted one, he (Bhishma) ended here (at Prayaga) his highly meritorious visits to the Tirthas which are ever capable of destroying all sins.

M. N. Dutt: He who travels over the earth according to these rules obtains the great fruits of one hundred horse-sacrifices and finally obtains salvation.

M. N. Dutt: O son of Pritha, you will get eight times superior merit to those that the foremost of the Kurus, Bhima formerly obtained.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Bharata, as you will take all these Rishis to those Tirthas, your merit will be eight times greater. The Tirthas are infested with Rakshashas. O descendant of Kuru, none else except you can go there.

M. N. Dutt: He who recites this narrative of all the Tirthas told by the celestials Rishi (Pulastya) by rising early in the morning is cleansed of all his sins.

M. N. Dutt: There always dwell those foremost of Rishis, Valmiki and Kashyapa, Atrya, Kundayatra Vishvamitra, Gautama, Asita, Devala, Markandeya, Galava, Bharadvaja, Vasishtha, Uddalaka, Shaunaka with his son, that best of ascetics Vyasa, that foremost of Rishis Durvasa, the greatly ascetic Jabali, these foremost of Rishis are all waiting for of you. O great king, by visiting the Tirthas meet them.

M. N. Dutt: O great king, a greatly effulgent Rishi named Lomasha will come to you. Go with him (to the Tirthas).

M. N. Dutt: You can go with me O virtuous man, to visit some of the Tirthas. You will by this obtain great fame as did king Mahavisha,

M. N. Dutt: As did virtuous minded Yayati, as did king Pururava. O foremost of kings, you too will blaze forth with your own virtue; as did king Bhagiratha as did the celebrated Rama, so would you shine among kings like the Sun.

M. N. Dutt: As were Manu, Ikshvaku the greatly famous Puru and Vena so, O great king, would you become celebrated and as in the days of yore, the slayer of Vitra, the king of the celestials after, having burnt his enemies and having his mind freed from all anxieties ruled over the three worlds, so will you destroying your enemies rule over your subjects. O lotus-eyed hero, having conquered the earth according to the custom of your own order (Kshatriya), you will acquire renown by your own virtue as did Krittaviryarjuna.

M. N. Dutt: Vaishampayana said : Having thus comforted the king, O great king, the exalted Rishi Narada, bidding firewell disappeared then and there.

M. N. Dutt: And the virtuous-minded Yudhishthira also, reflecting on the subject, recited before the Rishis the merits that are derived from visiting the Tirthas.

M. N. Dutt: Vaishampayana said: Having ascertained the opinion of his brothers and that of the intelligent Narada, Yudhishthira thus spoke to the grandfather like Dhaumya.

M. N. Dutt: Yudhishthira said : I have sent away for the acquisition of weapons, that foremost of men, that irresistibly powerful and the mighty-aried Vishnu (Arjuna) of immeasurable intelligence.

M. N. Dutt: O ascetic, that hero (Arjuna) is devoted to me; he is able, he is well-skilled in weapons, he is like the lord Vasudeva (Krishna) himself.

M. N. Dutt: O Brahmana, I know them both, Krishna and Arjuna, those greatly powerful destroyers of enemies as much as the mighty Vyasa knows them.

M. N. Dutt: I know Vasudeva (Krishna) and Dhananjaya (Arjuna) to be none else than Vishnu himself of six attributes. Narada also knows them to be such, for he has always spoken so to me.

M. N. Dutt: I also know them to be Rishis Nara and Narayana. Knowing him to be able, I have sent Arjuna away. He is not inferior to Indra and he is fully competent; I have sent him, that son of god (Arjuna) to see the king of the celestials and obtain weapons from him. Bhishma and Drona are mighty car-warriors; Kripa and the son of Drona are invincible. These great carwarriors have been installed by the son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana) in the command of his army.

M. N. Dutt: All of them are learned in the Vedas, all are heroic, all possess the knowledge of every weapon. Those greatly powerful heroes always eagerly desire to fight with Arjuna. Karna, the son of Suta, that great car-warrior, is well skilled in the celestials weapons.

M. N. Dutt: In respect of the impetus of his weapons, he possesses the strength of Vayu. He being a flame of fire, his arrows are its tongue. The dust (of the battle field) is its smoke and the slaps of his left hand cased in leather are the crackling of that flame. Urged by the son of Dhritarashtra, as the fire, urged by the wind, Karna, fix like the all consuming fire at the end of Yuga, sent forth by the destroyer death himself, will certainly consume my troops like straw.

M. N. Dutt: Only that mass of clouds, namely Arjuna assisted by Krishna, who is like the powerful wind, his celestials weapons representing fearful lightning (in that cloud) his white steeds representing white cranes flying underneath (those clouds) his unbearable Gandiva representing the rainbow, (that Arjuna only) is capable of extinguishing that blazing flame, namely Karna, by means of the shower of his arrows shot with unflagging steadiness. That conqueror of hostile heroes, Vibhatsu (Arjuna) will certainly succeed in obtaining all the celestials weapons with their fullness and life from Indra.

M. N. Dutt: In my opinion he alone is equal to them all; it is impossible otherwise to vanquish in battle all those foes who have all attained great success in all those purposes.

M. N. Dutt: We the Pandavas shall all see that chastiser of foes (Arjuna) fully equipped with celestials weapons, for Vibhatsu (Arjuna) (Arjuna) when undertaking a task never droops down under its weight.

M. N. Dutt: In the absence of that hero, that foremost of men, we shall never have peace of mind with Krishna (Draupadi) in this forest of Kamyaka.

M. N. Dutt: Therefore, you, (O Rishis), speak of some other forest which is sacred and delightful and which abounds in fruits and food and which is inhabited by men of pious deeds,

M. N. Dutt: And where we may pass some time waiting for the heroic and invincible Arjuna, as Chataka (bird) expects rain from the gathering clouds.

M. N. Dutt: Tell us of various hermitages, lakes, rivers and beautiful mountains which are open to the twice-born. O Brahmana, in the absence of Arjuna, I do not like to live in this forest of Kamyaka We shall go somewhere else.

M. N. Dutt: Vaishampayana said : Seeing all the Pandavas afflicted with anxiety and depressed in spirits, Dhaumya who was like Brihaspati himself, thus comforted them and spoke to them.

M. N. Dutt: Dhaumya said : O best of the Bharata race, O sinless one, listen to me as I mention some of the sacred hermitages, regions and Tirthas and mountains that are approved of by the Brahmanas.

M. N. Dutt: O king, O ruler of men, hearing which you with Draupadi and your brothers will be freed from all grief.

M. N. Dutt: O son of Pandu, only hearing of them you will acquire great merit. But going to them, O foremost of men, you will get merit hundred times greater.

M. N. Dutt: O king, O Yudhishthira, I shall first speak of the charming eastern country ever frequented by the royal Rishis, as far as I recollect.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Bharata, in that country there is a Tirtha ever frequented by the celestials Rishis called Naimisha. In that Tirtha there are several separate Tirthas sacred to the celestials.

M. N. Dutt: Here flows the charming and sacred Gomati, ever adored by the celestials Rishis; here is the sacrificial ground of the celestials and the sacrificial stake of Vivasvata (sun).

M. N. Dutt: Here there is also that foremost of hills, the sacred Gaya, adored by the celestials Rishis, where there is the auspicious lake of Brahma, frequented by the celestials.

M. N. Dutt: O foremost of men, it is for this reason the ancients say that inen should desire for many sons, so that one (son) at least among them may go to Gaya. May perform the horsesacrifice and may give away a Nila bull and thus deliver ten generations of his race upwards and downwards.

M. N. Dutt: O king, there is a great river and there is also Gayashira and there is a banian tree called by the Brahmanas eternal.

M. N. Dutt: O lord, food offered here to the Pitris becomes everlasting. There flows the great river of sacred water called by the name of Falgu. O best of Bharata race, there is also in this place the Kaushika abounding in various fruits and roots where the great ascetic Vishvamitra attained to Brahmanhood.

M. N. Dutt: Here there is the river, the sacred Ganges; on the banks of Bhagirathi were performed many sacrifices with large Dakshinas (gift).

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Kuru, they say that in the country of Panchala, there is a forest, called Utpala, in which the descendant of Kaushika, Vishvamitra with his son performed his sacrifices.

M. N. Dutt: And where seeing the relics of Vishvamitra's superhuman power, Rama, the son of Jamadagni, recited the praises of his ancestor.

M. N. Dutt: At Kanyakubja, the descendant of Kaushika (Vishvamitra) drank the Soma with Indra. Then abandoning Kshatriya order, he said "I am a Brahmana."

M. N. Dutt: O hero, there is the sacred confluence of the Ganges and the Yamuna celebrated all over the world. Sacred and sin destroying it is ever adored by the holy Rishis.

M. N. Dutt: O best of the Bharata race, in this place, the soul of creatures, the Grandsire (Brahma) formerly performed his sacrifices. It is hence called Prayaga.

M. N. Dutt: O king of kings, O ruler, there is that foremost of hermitages of Agastya and also the forest called Tapasa graced by the presence of ascetics.

M. N. Dutt: There is also Hiranyabindu on the great Kalanjara mountain and also that foremost of hills Agastya which is charming sacred and auspicious.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Kuru, there is also the hill called Mahendra, sacred to the high-souled descendant of Bhrigu (Rama), where in the days of yore the Grandsire (Brahma) performed his sacrifices.

M. N. Dutt: O king, O Yudhishthira, in this place the Bhagirathi enters a lake, where there is also the sacred river known by the name of Brahmashala. The very sight of which produces great virtue and the banks of which are inhabited by men whose sins are destroyed.

M. N. Dutt: There is also the sacred, auspicious, celebrated, great and excellent hermitage of the high-souled Matanga, called Kedara. There is also the charming Kundoda mountain which abounds in many fruits, roots and water, where the king of the Nishadas (Nala) had satisfied his thirst and rested for a while.

M. N. Dutt: In this place is also the charming Devavana, grand with the presence of ascetics. In this place also are rivers Bahuda and Nanda on the top of the mountains.

M. N. Dutt: O great king, I have described to you all the Tirthas, the rivers, the mountains and sacred spots. that are to be seen in the eastern country. Now hear of the sacred Tirthas, rivers, mountains and holy spots in the other three quarters.

M. N. Dutt: Dhaumya said: O descendant of Bharata, I shall describe to you in detail according to my knowledge the sacred Tirthas of the south. Listen to them.

M. N. Dutt: In this quarter lies the sacred and auspicious river Godavari which is full of much water, which abounds in groves and which is frequented by the ascetics.

M. N. Dutt: In this place also are the rivers Vena and Bhimarathi, both capable of destroying sin and fear, both abounding in birds and deer and are graced with the abodes of ascetics.

M. N. Dutt: O best of the Bharata race, in this region, is also the Tirtha of the royal ascetic, called Nriga, namely the river Payashini which is charming and which is full of water and which is frequented by Brahmanas.

M. N. Dutt: In this place the greatly illustrious and mighty Yogi, Markandeya sang the praises of the king Nriga and of his family. We have heard of the sacrificing king Nriga; we have heard also that which really took place when he was perforining a sacrifice in the excellent Tirtha called Varaha on the Payoshini. In that sacrifice Indra became intoxicated with Soma and the Brahmanas with the gifts which they received. The water of the Payaoshini, taken up (in vessel) or flowing along the ground or conveyed by the wind, can cleanse a person from whatever sins he may commit till the day of his death.

M. N. Dutt: Higher than heaven itself, created and bestowed by the trident wielding deity (Shiva) there in that pure Tirtha, seeing the image of the deity one goes to the region of Shiva.

M. N. Dutt: Placing on the one scale Ganga and all the other rivers with their waters and on the other, the Payoshini, the latter in my opinion would be superior in point of merit to all the Tirthas put together.

M. N. Dutt: O best of the Bharata race, on the mountain, called Varuna Srotasa is the sacred and auspicious forest of Mathara abounding in fruits and roots and containing a sacrificial stake.

M. N. Dutt: It is said that in the region north of it (Payoshini) and near the sacred hermitage of Kanva are many forests inhabited by the ascetics.

M. N. Dutt: O child, O descendant of Bharata, in the charming Tirtha called Shurparaka, are the two sacrificial platforms of the high-souled son of Jamadagni called Pashana and Punashchandra.

M. N. Dutt: O son of Kunti, in this place, is the Tirtha called Ashoka abounding in many hermitages. O Yudhishthira, in the Pandya country are the Tirthas called Agastya and Varuna. O foremost of men, O son of Kunti, among the Pandyas, there is the Tirtha called Kumari, Hear, I shall now describe Tamraparia.

M. N. Dutt: In this hermitage, the celestials had undergone penances with the desire of obtaining salvation. In this region is also Gokarna celebrated over the three worlds.

M. N. Dutt: O child, it is full of cool water, it is auspicious, sacred and capable of giving great merit. That lake is inaccessible to men of unpurified souls.

M. N. Dutt: Near to that Tirtha is the sacred hermitage of Agastya's disciple, the mountain Devasama which abounds in trees and grass and fruits and roots.

M. N. Dutt: There is also the Vaidurya mountain which is delightful and which abounds in gems and which is capable of bestowing great merit. There (on that mountain) is the hermitage of Agastya abounding in fruits, roots and water.

M. N. Dutt: O ruler of men, I shall now describe the sacred spots and hermitages, rivers and lakes, situated in the Saurashtra country.

M. N. Dutt: O Yudhishthira, the Brahmanas say that on the sea-coast is the Chamasodbhedana and also Prabhasa, the Tirtha which is adored by the celestials.

M. N. Dutt: There is also the Tirtha called Pindarka, frequented by ascetics and capable of producing great merit. In this region is the great mountain Ujjyayanta which produces great success.

M. N. Dutt: O Yudhishthira, the celestials Rishi Narada of great intelligence has recited an ancient sloka about it. Listen to it.

M. N. Dutt: He who performs austerities on the sacred hill, Ujjyayanta in Saurashtra, abounding in birds and beasts, is adored in the celestials region.

M. N. Dutt: There is also Daravati which produces great merit and in which lives the slayer of Madhu who is the ancient one in embodied form and who is eternal virtue.

M. N. Dutt: The Brahmanas, learned in the Vedas and persons verscd in the philosophy of the soul say that the illustrious Krishna is eternal virtue.

M. N. Dutt: Govinda is said to be the pure of all pure things, the righteous of the righteous and the auspicious of the auspicious. In all the three worlds, the lotus-eyed god of gods is eternal. He is the pure soul; he is the supreme Brahma and he is the lord of all. That slayer of Madhu of inconceivable soul lives there.

M. N. Dutt: Dhaumya said : I shall (now) describe to you those sacred spots capable of producing merit that lie on the west, in the country of the Anartas.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Bharata, there flows in a westward course the sacred river Narmada, graced by Priyangu and adorned with mango trees and engar-landed by cranes.

M. N. Dutt: All the Tirthas, sacred spots, rivers, forests and those best of the mountains that are in the three worlds, all the celestials with the Grandsire, with the Siddhas, the Rishis and the Charanas. O foremost of Kurus, O descendant of Bharata, always come to bathe in the sacred waters of the Narmada.

M. N. Dutt: It has been heard by us that the sacred hermitage of Rishi Vishvasrava stood there and there the lord of wealth, Kubera, having man as his vehicle, was born.

M. N. Dutt: There is also that foremost of hills, the sacred and auspicious Vaidurya mountain, which is always abounding in trees that are green and that are always adorned with flowers and fruits.

M. N. Dutt: O ruler of men, O great king, on the top of the mountain there is a sacred lake adorned with full blossomed lotuses and frequented by the celestials and the Gandharvas.

M. N. Dutt: O great king, many wonders are to be seen on that sacred mountain which is like heaven itself and which is visited by the celestials Rishis.

M. N. Dutt: O king, O conqueror of hostile cities, there is the sacred river called Vishvamitra belonging to the royal sage of that name and which abounds in many sacred Tirthas. It was on the banks of this river, the son of Nahusha, Yayati, fell (from heaven) among the pious and obtained again the eternal region of the virtuous.

M. N. Dutt: There is also the sacred lake known by the name of Punya, the mountain called Mainaka and that other mountain called Asita abounding in fruits and roots.

M. N. Dutt: O Yudhishthira, O son of Pandu, there is also the sacred hermitage of Kakshasena and also the hermitage of Chyavana known every where.

M. N. Dutt: O lord, here men obtain success in their asceticism with less austerities. O great king, here also is Jambumarga, the herinitage of Rishis of subdued soul. O foremost of selfcontrolled men, the hermitage is frequented by birds and deer.

M. N. Dutt: O king, there is the very sacred and ascetic surrounded, Ketumela, Medhaya also Gangadvara and the celebrated forest of Saindhava, frequented by the Brahmanas.

M. N. Dutt: Then there is the sacred lake of the Grandsire, known by the name of Pushkara, the favourite hermitage of Valkhilyas, the Siddhas and the Rishis.

M. N. Dutt: O foremost of Kurus, O best of all virtuous men, moved by the desire to get its shelter, the lord of creatures recited this verse at Pushkara.

M. N. Dutt: "If a pure souled man wishes to go to the Pushkara even in his imagination, he is cleansed of all his sins and he rejoices in heaven.

M. N. Dutt: Dhaumya said : O foremost of men, I shall (now) describe those Tirthas and sacred spots that lie in the northern country. O lord, hear of them with all attention. O hero, hearing this narrative one obtains reverence which does him much good.

M. N. Dutt: O son of Pandu, here flows the greatly sacred Sarasvati abounding in Tirthas and banks, easy of ascent. Here also flows the ocean going and impetuous Yamuna.

M. N. Dutt: And here is also the very sacred and auspicious Tirtha called Plakshavatarana where the Brahmanas after performing the Sarasvati sacrifice made their ablutions.

M. N. Dutt: O sinless one, O descendant of Bharata, here is also the celebrated celestials and auspicious Tirtha called Agnisshira, where Sahadeva performed a sacrifice by measuring out the ground by a throw of Shamya.

M. N. Dutt: O Yudhishthira, it is for this reason Indra sang the praises (of Sahadeva) in a verse which is still current in the world and sung by the Brahmanas.

M. N. Dutt: O foremost of the Kurus, on the Yamuna, Agni was worshipped by Sahadeva when Dakshinas (gifts) in hundreds and thousands were made.

M. N. Dutt: Here the greatly illustrious king, the emperor Bharata performed thirty five horse-sacrifices.

M. N. Dutt: O child, we have heard that Sharabhanga who in the days of yore used to gratify much the Brahmanas, had his sacred and celebrated hermitage here.

M. N. Dutt: O son of Pritha, O great king, here is also the river Sarasvati which is ever worshipped by the pious and (on the bank of which) the Balkhilayas performed sacrifices in the days of yore.

M. N. Dutt: O Yudhishthira, O foremost of men, here is also the highly sacred and greatly famous Drishadvati. Here are Nyagrodhya, Panchalya, Punya, Dalbhayaghosa and Dalbhya which are the sacred hermitage on earth of the illustrious Anantasas of excellent vows and great energy and which are all celebrated over the three worlds.

M. N. Dutt: O ruler of men, here also the celebrated Etavarna and Avavarna.

M. N. Dutt: Learned in the Vedas, versed in the Vedic lore and proficient in Vedic rites, O best of the Bharata race, performed many sacred and best sacrifices.

M. N. Dutt: Here is also Vishakhayupa to which in the days of yore came the celestials with Indra and Varuna and practised asceticism; and thus it became so sacred.

M. N. Dutt: Here also is the sacred and charming Palasaka where the greatly exalted, the highly illustrious great Rishi lord Jamadagni performed sacrifices.

M. N. Dutt: Here all the chief rivers in their embodied forms, taking their respective waters, stood round that foremost of Rishis.

M. N. Dutt: O great king, O hero, here also Vibhavasu (fire) himself, going there and seeing that highsouled Rishis' initiation, recited the following sloka.

M. N. Dutt: "When the illustrious Jamadagni was worshipping the celestials, the rivers, coming to the Brahmanas, offered them honey."

M. N. Dutt: O Yudhishthira, the spot where the Ganga rushes onward clearing that foremost of mountains (the Himalayas) frequented by the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, the Rakshasas, the Apsaras and inhabited by the Kiratas and the Kinnaras is called Gangadvara. O king this spot frequented by the celestials Rishis is considered very sacred.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Kuru, by Sanatkumar, as also the sacred Kankhala. Here is also the mountain called Puru on which was born Pururava,

M. N. Dutt: And where Bhrigu practised his austerities. O king that hermitage has thus become known by the name of mountain Bhrigutunga.

M. N. Dutt: O best of Bharata race, here is the sacred and extensive Badari, celebrated all over the worlds, which is the highly holy hermitage of him who is the Present, the Past and the Future, who is called Narayana, the lord Vishnu, who is eternal and who is the foremost of Purushas.

M. N. Dutt: O king, near Badari the cool waters of Ganga were formerly hot and her banks were over-spread with sands of gold.

M. N. Dutt: Here the greatly exalted and highly effulgent Rishis and the celestials come daily to worship the deity, the lord Vishnu. The whole universe, with all its Tirthas and sacred places is there where dwells the deity Narayana, the eternal Supreme soul.

M. N. Dutt: He is virtue, he is the supreme Brahma, he is the Tirtha, he is the ascetic retreat, he is the first, he is the foremost of gods, he is the great lord of all creatures.

M. N. Dutt: He is the great creator, he is the highest state. By knowing him, learned men versed in the Shastras never meet with grief. The celestials Rishis, the Siddhas, may all the ascetics live ther.

M. N. Dutt: Where the primeval deity, that Supreme Yogi, the slayer of Madhu lives. O king, let not any doubt come to your mind about the sacredness of that place. O ruler of earth, these are the sacred spots on earth and the Tirthas that I have mentioned to you. O foremost of men, they are all frequented by the Vasus, the Sadhyas, the Adityas, the Marutas, the Ashvins and the high-souled. Celestialss like Rishis. O son of Kunti, visit all these (Tirthas) with the Brahmanas and with your greatly exalted brothers and thus be relieved from all anxiety.

M. N. Dutt: Vaishampayana said : O descendant of Kuru, when Dhaumya was thus talking, at that very time the greatly effulgent Rishi Lomasha came here. Thereupon the eldest Pandava, the king (Yudhishthira) with his followers and other Brahmanas sat round that greatly exalted one (Lomasha), as Shakra (Indra) is surrounded by the celestials.

M. N. Dutt: Having duly adored him, the son of Dharma Yudhishthira asked the reason of his arrival and the object of his wandering.

M. N. Dutt: Having been asked by the son of Pandu, the high-minded (Rishi), being well pleased, spoke in sweet words and delighted the Pandavas.

M. N. Dutt: Lonmasha said: O son of Kunti, travelling over all the worlds at pleasure I went to the abode of Sakra (Indra) and there I saw the king of the celestials.

M. N. Dutt: saw your brother also, the heroic Savyasachi (Arjuna) sitting on the half of Shakra's seat and I became very much astonished,

M. N. Dutt: On seeing Partha sitting in that way. O foremost of men, then the chief of the celestials said to me, “Go to the sons of Pandu."

M. N. Dutt: At the request of Indra and the high-souled Partha. I have speedily come here to see you with your younger brothers.

M. N. Dutt: O child, O descendant of Pandu, O king, I shall tell you something which will give you great pleasure. Listen to it with Krishna (Draupadi) and with the Rishis that are with you. O lord, O best of the Bharata race, Partha has obtained from Rudra that matchless weapon for which you had sent that mighty armed hero to the celestials region.

M. N. Dutt: That fearful weapon, known by the name of Brahinashira which rose after the Ambrosia (in the churning of the ocean) and which Rudra obtained after great asceticism, has been obtained by Savyasachi (Arjuna).

M. N. Dutt: Together with the Mantras for hurling and withdrawing it and also the rites of expiation and revival. O Yudhishthira, the weapon Vajra, Dandas and other weapons,

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Kuru, have been obtained by the immeasurably powerful Partha from Yama, Kubera, Varuna and Indra.

M. N. Dutt: He has learnt from Vishvavasu's son both vocal and instrumental music and also singing and also the reciting of the Sama (Veda) as thoroughly as they should be learnt.

M. N. Dutt: Having thus acquired all weapons and learnt the Gandharva Veda (knowledge) your third brother Vivatsu (Arjuna) lives happily in (heaven).

M. N. Dutt: O Yudhishthira, I shall now tell you what the chief of the celestials spoke to me. Listen to me.

M. N. Dutt: (He said), “You will certainly go to the world of men. O foremost of men, tell Yudhishthira my these words.

M. N. Dutt: Your brother will soon came back to you after having obtained all weapons and after having accomplished a great deed for the celestials which is incapable of being done by them.

M. N. Dutt: Devote yourself with your brothers to asceticism; there is nothing superior to asceticism and asceticism produces great results.

M. N. Dutt: O best of the Bharata race, I know very well that Karna possesses great ardour, energy, strength and prowess.

M. N. Dutt: He is matchless in great battle, highly learned in the science of war, a great wielder of bow, a hero clad in the best of armour and skilled in the best of weapons.

M. N. Dutt: That exalted son of Aditya resembles the son of Maheshvara himself. I know also very well and naturally great prowess of the broadshouldered Arjuna.

M. N. Dutt: In battle Karna is not equal even to a sixteenth part of Partha (Arjuna). The fear that you bear in your mind from Karna, O chastiser of foes.

M. N. Dutt: Will be dispelled when Savyasachi (Arjuna) would come here from heaven. O Hero and as regards your desire to go to visit the Tirthas, the great Rishi Lomasha will no doubt speak to you.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Bharata, whatever that Brahmana Rishi would speak about the fruits of asceticism and Tirthas, should be accepted by you with all respect and never otherwise.

M. N. Dutt: Lomasha said : O Yudhishthira, listen to now what Dhananjaya (Arjuna) has said. He said, "Make my brother Yudhishthira to practice excellent religion. O ascetic, you know the highest religion, ascetic austerities and the eternal religion of prosperous kings.

M. N. Dutt: You know the great means by which men are purified. Therefore, persuade the Pandavas to acquire the virtue which is obtained by visiting Tirthas.

M. N. Dutt: Do that with all your heart by which that king Yudhishthira may visit all the Tirthas and give away (in charity). Arjuna said this to ine.

M. N. Dutt: (He said), “Let him go to all the Tirthas protected by you. You should protect him from the Rakshasas in inaccessible and rugged places.

M. N. Dutt: O foremost of Brahmanas, as Dadhichi has protected the chief of the celestials and as Angiras has protected the sun, so do you protect the sons of Kunti from the Rakshasas.

M. N. Dutt: The way is beset with many Rakshasas, huge as mountains. If protected by you, they will not be able to approach the sons of Kunti.

M. N. Dutt: At the request of Indra and also being appointed by Arjuna, I shall travel with you protecting you from all dangers.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Kuru, I have seen the Tirthas twice before. I shall for the third time see them with you.

M. N. Dutt: O great king Yudhishthira, Manu and other Rishis of virtuous deeds had visited the Tirthas, for a visit to them dispels all fears.

M. N. Dutt: O descendant of Kuru, men, who are crooked-minded, who have not souls under control, who are illiterate and who are sinful, do not bathe in Tirthas.

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