Mahābhārata · Adhyāya 3.83
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3.83.1
अथ सन्ध्यां समासाद्य संवेद्ये तीर्थ उत्तमे ।
उपस्पृश्य नरो विद्यां लभते नात्र संशयः ॥ ३.८३.१ ॥
Then, reaching at twilight the supreme and well-known sacred ford, having sipped water and touched it, a man obtains knowledge; there is no doubt here.
3.83.2
रामस्य च प्रसादेन तीर्थं राजन्कृतं पुरा ।
तल्लौहित्यं समासाद्य विन्द्याद्बहु सुवर्णकम् ॥ ३.८३.२ ॥
O king, by the grace of Rāma this sacred ford was made in former times; having reached that Lauhitya ford, a man should obtain much gold.
3.83.3
करतोयां समासाद्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः ।
अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति प्रजापतिकृतो विधिः ॥ ३.८३.३ ॥
A man who, having reached the Karatoyā, has fasted for three nights obtains the horse sacrifice; this rule was made by Prajāpati.
3.83.4
गङ्गायास्तत्र राजेन्द्र सागरस्य च सङ्गमे ।
अश्वमेधं दशगुणं प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः ॥ ३.८३.४ ॥
O best of kings, there at the confluence of the Ganges and the ocean, the wise declare the horse sacrifice multiplied tenfold.
3.83.5
गङ्गायास्त्वपरं पारं प्राप्य यः स्नाति मानवः ।
त्रिरात्रमुषितो राजन्सर्वान्कामानवाप्नुयात् ॥ ३.८३.५ ॥
A man who, having reached the far bank of the Ganges, bathes and dwells there three nights, O king, obtains all his desires.
3.83.6
ततो वैतरणीं गत्वा सर्वपापप्रमोचनीम् ।
विरजातीर्थमासाद्य विराजति यथा शशी ॥ ३.८३.६ ॥
Then, having gone to the Vaitaraṇī, which releases from all sins, and reached the Virajā ford, he shines like the moon.
3.83.7
प्रभवेच्च कुले पुण्ये सर्वपापं व्यपोहति ।
गोसहस्रफंल लब्ध्वा रपुनाति स्वकुलं नरः ॥ ३.८३.७ ॥
Born into a meritorious family, a man removes all sin; having obtained the fruit of a thousand cows, he purifies his own family.
3.83.8
शोणस्य ज्योतिरथ्यायाः संगमे नियतः शुचिः ।
तर्पयित्वा पितॄन्देवानग्निष्टोमफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.८ ॥
Self-controlled and pure at the confluence of the Śoṇa and the Jyotirathyā, having satisfied the ancestors and gods with libations, a man should obtain the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice.
3.83.9
शोणस्य नर्मदायाश् प्रभेदे कुरुनन्दन ।
वंशगुल्म उपस्पृश्य वाचजिमेधफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.९ ॥
O joy of the Kurus, at the divergence of the Śoṇa and the Narmadā, having sipped water in the bamboo thicket, a man should obtain the fruit of the Vājimedha sacrifice.
3.83.10
वाजपेयमवाप्नोति त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः ।
गोसहस्रफलं विन्द्यात्कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत् ॥ ३.८३.१० ॥
A man who has fasted for three nights obtains the fruit of the Vājapeya sacrifice; he should know it to be the merit of a thousand cows, and he should lift up his own family.
3.83.11
कोसलां तु समासाद्य कालतीर्थमुपस्पृशेत् ।
वृषभैकादशफलं लभते नात्र संशयः ॥ ३.८३.११ ॥
Having reached Kosalā, one should bathe by sipping water at the Kāla ford; one obtains the fruit of eleven bulls, and there is no doubt about this.
3.83.12
पुष्पवत्यामुपस्पृश्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः ।
गोसहस्रफलं लब्ध्वा पुनाति स्वकुलं नृप ॥ ३.८३.१२ ॥
Having bathed by sipping water in the Puṣpavatī and fasted for three nights, a man, O king, obtains the merit of a thousand cows and purifies his own family.
3.83.13
ततो बदरिकातीर्थे स्नात्वा भरतसत्तम ।
दीर्घमायुरवाप्नोति स्वर्गलोकं च गच्छति ॥ ३.८३.१३ ॥
Then, at the Badarikā ford, O best of the Bharatas, having bathed, a man obtains long life and goes to the heavenly world.
3.83.14
तथा चम्पां समासाद्य भागीरथ्यां कृतोदकः ।
दण्डाख्यमभिगम्यैव गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.१४ ॥
Likewise, having reached Campā, and having made the water offering in the Bhāgīrathī, one who approaches the ford called Daṇḍa obtains the fruit of a thousand cows.
3.83.15
लपेटिकां ततो गच्छेत्पुण्यां पुण्योपशोभिताम् ।
वाजपेयमवाप्नोति देवैः सर्वैश्च पूज्यते ॥ ३.८३.१५ ॥
Then one should go to the sacred Lapeṭikā, adorned with merit; one obtains the Vājapeya sacrifice and is honored by all the gods.
3.83.16
ततो महेन्द्रमासाद्य जामदग्न्यनिपेवितम् ।
रामतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा वाजिमेधफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.१६ ॥
Then, having reached Mahendra, frequented by Jāmadagnya, a man who bathes at the Rāma ford should obtain the fruit of the horse sacrifice.
3.83.17
मतङ्गस्य तु केदारस्तत्रैव कुरुनन्दन ।
तत्र स्नात्वा कुरुश्रेष्ठ गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.१७ ॥
The marsh of Mataṅga is right there. O joy of the Kurus, having bathed there, O best of the Kurus, one should obtain the fruit of a thousand cows.
3.83.18
श्रीपर्वतं समासाद्य नदीतीरमुपस्पृशेत् ।
रअश्वमेधमवाप्नोति पूजयित्वा वृषध्वजम् ॥ ३.८३.१८ ॥
Having reached Śrīparvata, one should touch the water on the river bank; having worshipped Vṛṣadhvaja, one obtains the horse sacrifice.
3.83.19
श्रीपर्वते महादेवो देव्या सह महाद्युतिः ।
न्यवसत्परमप्रीतो ब्रह्मा च त्रिदशैः सह ॥ ३.८३.१९ ॥
On Śrīparvata, Mahādeva, greatly radiant, dwelt with the goddess, supremely pleased, and Brahmā too with the gods.
3.83.20
तत्र देवह्रदे स्नात्वा शुचिः प्रयतमानसः ।
अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत् ॥ ३.८३.२० ॥
There, bathing in the divine lake, pure and with a disciplined mind, one obtains the horse sacrifice and uplifts one's family line as well.
3.83.21
ऋषभं पर्वतं गत्वा पाण्ड्येषु नृपपूजितम् ।
वाजपेयमवाप्नोति नाकपृष्ठे च मोदते ॥ ३.८३.२१ ॥
Going to the Ṛṣabha mountain, honoured by kings among the Pāṇḍyas, one obtains the vājapeya sacrifice and rejoices on the back of heaven.
3.83.22
ततो गच्छेत कावेरीं वृतामप्सरसां गणैः ।
तत्रस्नात्वा नरो राजन्गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.२२ ॥
Then one should go to the Kāverī, surrounded by throngs of apsarases; there, O king, a man bathing obtains the fruit of a thousand cows.
3.83.23
ततस्तीरे समुद्रस्य कन्यातीर्थमुपस्पृशेत् ।
तत्तोयं स्पृश्य राजेन्द्र सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते ॥ ३.८३.२३ ॥
Then on the shore of the ocean one should touch the Kanyā ford; having touched its water, O lord of kings, one is freed from all sins.
3.83.24
अथ गोकर्णमासाद्य त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम् ।
समुद्रमध्ये राजेन्द्र सर्वलोकनमस्कृतम् ॥ ३.८३.२४ ॥
Then, having reached Gokarṇa, renowned in the three worlds, O lord of kings, one should pay homage to that shrine set in the midst of the ocean, revered by all worlds.
3.83.25
रयत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा ऋषयश्च तपोधनाः ।
भूतयक्षपिशाचाश्च किन्नराः समहोरगाः ॥ ३.८३.२५ ॥
There Brahmā and the other gods, the seers whose wealth is austerity, spirits, yakṣas, piśācas, kinnaras and the great serpents also worship.
3.83.26
सिद्धचारणगन्धर्वमानुषाः पन्नगास्तथा ।
सरितः सागराः शैला उपासन्त उमापतिम् ॥ ३.८३.२६ ॥
Siddhas, cāraṇas, gandharvas, humans and serpents, rivers, oceans and mountains worship the lord of Umā.
3.83.27
तत्रेशानं समभ्यर्च्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः ।
अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति गाणपत्यं च विन्दति ॥ ३.८३.२७ ॥
There, having duly worshipped Īśāna and fasted for three nights, a man obtains the fruit of the horse sacrifice and attains the state of Gaṇapati.
3.83.28
उष्य द्वादशरात्रं तु पूतात्मा च भवेन्नरः ॥ ३.८३.२८ ॥
Having stayed there twelve nights, a man becomes pure in soul.
3.83.29
तत एव च गायत्र्याः स्थानं त्रैलोक्यपूजितम् ।
त्रिरात्रमुषितस्तत्र गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्।
निदर्शनं च प्रत्यक्षं ब्राह्मणानां नराधिप ॥ ३.८३.२९ ॥
From there, too, is the place of Gāyatrī, worshipped in the three worlds. One who stays there three nights obtains the fruit of a thousand cows. O lord of men, the visible proof of this is among the brahmins.
3.83.30
गायत्रीं पठते यस्तु योनिसंकरजस्तथा ।
गाथा च गाथिका चापि तस्य संपद्यते नृप ॥ ३.८३.३० ॥
He who recites the Gāyatrī, even if born of mixed birth, O king, for him the verse and the song also come to fulfilment.
3.83.31
अब्राह्मणस्य सावित्रीं पठतस्तु प्रणश्यति ॥ ३.८३.३१ ॥
For a non-brahmin who recites the Sāvitrī, (its merit) is lost.
3.83.32
संवर्तस्य तु विप्रर्षेर्वापीमासाद्य दुर्लभाम् ।
रूपस्य भागी भवति सुभगश्च प्रजायते ॥ ३.८३.३२ ॥
Having reached the rare pool of the brahmin sage Saṃvarta, a man becomes a sharer of beauty and is born fortunate.
3.83.33
ततो वेणां समासाद्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः ।
मयूरहंससंयुक्तं विमानं लभते नरः ॥ ३.८३.३३ ॥
Then, having reached the Veṇā and fasted for three nights, a man obtains a celestial car yoked with peacocks and swans.
3.83.34
ततो गोदावरीं प्राप्य नित्यं सिद्धनिषेविताम् ।
गवां मेधमवाप्नोति वासुकेर्लोकमुत्तमम् ॥ ३.८३.३४ ॥
Then, having reached the Godāvarī, ever frequented by perfected beings, a man obtains the merit of a cow-sacrifice and attains the supreme world of Vāsuki.
3.83.35
वेणायाः संगमे स्नात्वा वाजिमेधफलं लभेत् ।
वरदासंगमे स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.३५ ॥
Having bathed at the confluence of the Veṇā, one should obtain the fruit of the horse-sacrifice; having bathed at the confluence of the Varadā, one should obtain the fruit of a thousand cows.
3.83.36
ब्रह्मस्थानं समासाद्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः ।
गोसहस्रफलं विन्द्यात्स्वर्गलोकं च गच्छति ॥ ३.८३.३६ ॥
Having reached the place of Brahman and fasted for three nights, a man should obtain the fruit of a thousand cows and goes to the heavenly world.
3.83.37
कुशप्लवनमासाद्य ब्रह्मचारी समाहितः ।
त्रिरात्रमुषितः स्नात्वा अश्वमेधफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.३७ ॥
Having reached Kuśaplavana, a celibate student, self-controlled, staying three nights and bathing, obtains the fruit of the horse sacrifice.
3.83.38
ततो देवह्रदेऽरण्ये कृष्णवेणाजलोद्भवे ।
जातिस्मरह्रदे स्नात्वा भवेज्जातिस्मरो नरः।
यत्र क्रतुशतैरिष्ट्वा देवराजो दिवं गतः ॥ ३.८३.३८ ॥
Then, in the forest, in the divine lake born from the waters of the Kṛṣṇaveṇā, in the lake of recollection of past births, having bathed, a man becomes one who remembers his past births; there, having sacrificed with hundreds of sacrifices, the king of the gods went to heaven.
3.83.39
अग्निष्टोमफलं विन्द्याद्गमनादेव भारत ।
ततः सर्वह्रदे स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.३९ ॥
O Bhārata, one should know that the mere going there yields the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice; then, having bathed in the Sarva-lake, one obtains the fruit of giving a thousand cows.
3.83.40
ततो वापीं महापुण्यां पयोष्णीं सरितां वराम् ।
पितृदेवार्चनरतो गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.४० ॥
Then, having reached the very sacred pool called Payoṣṇī, best of rivers, one devoted to worshipping the ancestors and the gods obtains the fruit of giving a thousand cows.
3.83.41
दण्डकारण्यमासाद्य पुण्यं राजन्नुपस्पृशेत् ।
गोसहस्रफलं तस्य स्नातमात्रस्य भारत ॥ ३.८३.४१ ॥
Having reached the sacred Daṇḍaka forest, O king, one should sip the holy water; O Bhārata, merely by bathing, the fruit of giving a thousand cows is his.
3.83.42
शरभङ्गाश्रमं गत्वा शुकस्य च महात्मनः ।
न दुर्गतिमवाप्नोति पुनाति च कुलं नरः ॥ ३.८३.४२ ॥
Having gone to the hermitage of Śarabhaṅga and to the hermitage of the great-souled Śuka, a man does not attain a bad destiny, and he purifies his family lineage as well.
3.83.43
ततः शूर्पारकं गच्छेज्जामदग्न्यनिषेवितम् ।
रामतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा विन्द्याद्बहु सुवर्णकम् ॥ ३.८३.४३ ॥
Then one should go to Śūrpāraka, frequented by the son of Jamadagni; bathing at the Rāma ford, a man obtains much gold.
3.83.44
सप्तगोदावरे स्नात्वा नियतो नियताशनः ।
महत्पुण्यमवाप्नोति देवलोकं च गच्छति ॥ ३.८३.४४ ॥
Bathing in the Sapta-Godāvarī, a man who is self-controlled and eats with restraint obtains great merit and goes to the world of the gods.
3.83.45
ततो देवपथं गत्वा नियतो नियताशनः ।
देवसत्रस्य यत्पुण्यं तदेवाप्नोति मानवः ॥ ३.८३.४५ ॥
Then, having gone to the path of the gods, a man who is self-controlled and eats with restraint obtains just the merit of the god-sacrifice.
3.83.46
तुङ्गकारण्यमासाद्य ब्र्हमचारी जितेन्द्रियः ।
वेदानध्यापयत्तत्र ऋषिः सारस्वतः पुरा ॥ ३.८३.४६ ॥
Having reached the Tuṅga forest, the celibate student Sārasvata, who had conquered his senses, taught the Vedas there in ancient times.
3.83.47
तत्र वेदेषु नष्टेषु मुनेरङ्गिरसः सुतः ।
ऋषीणआमुत्तरीयेषु सूपविष्टो यथासुखम् ॥ ३.८३.४७ ॥
When the Vedas were lost there, the son of the sage Aṅgiras sat comfortably upon the upper garments of the sages.
3.83.48
ओंकारेण यथान्यायं सम्यगुच्चारितेन ह ।
येन यत्पूर्वमभ्यस्तं तत्सर्वं समुपस्थितम् ॥ ३.८३.४८ ॥
When the syllable Oṃ was properly uttered according to rule, all that each had learned before came back to him.
3.83.49
ऋषयस्तत्र देवाश्च वरुणोऽग्निः प्रजापतिः ।
हरिर्नारायणस्तत्र महादेवस्तथैव च ॥ ३.८३.४९ ॥
There were sages and gods there, Varuṇa, Agni and Prajāpati; there was Hari Nārāyaṇa there, and likewise Mahādeva.
3.83.50
पितामहश्च भगवान्देवैः सह महाद्युतिः ।
भृगुं नियोजयामास याजनार्थे महाद्युतिम् ॥ ३.८३.५० ॥
And the venerable Grandfather, together with the gods, greatly radiant, appointed the greatly radiant Bhṛgu to officiate at the sacrifice.
3.83.51
ततः स चक्रे भगवानृषीणां विधिवत्तदा ।
सर्वेषां पुनराधानं विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा ॥ ३.८३.५१ ॥
Then the venerable one duly performed for all the sages the re-kindling of the fires, by the rite prescribed in the rules.
3.83.52
आज्यभागेन तत्राग्नीं तर्पयित्वा यथाविधि ।
देवाः स्वभवनं याता ऋषयश्च यथाक्रमम् ॥ ३.८३.५२ ॥
There, having satisfied the fire with the portion of clarified butter according to rule, the gods went to their own abodes, and the sages too departed in due order.
3.83.53
तदरण्यं प्रविष्टस्य तुङ्गकं राजसत्तम ।
पापं प्रणश्यत्यखिलं स्त्रिया वा पुरुषस्य वा ॥ ३.८३.५३ ॥
O best of kings, the entire sin of a woman or of a man who enters that forest, the holy Tuṅgaka, is destroyed.
3.83.54
तत्रमासं वसेद्धीरो नियतो नियताशनः ।
ब्रह्मलोकं व्रजेद्राजन्कुलं चैव समुद्धरेत् ॥ ३.८३.५४ ॥
There a steadfast, self-controlled man with restrained diet should dwell for a month; O king, he goes to the world of Brahmā and lifts up his family as well.
3.83.55
मेधाविकं समासाद्य पितॄन्देवांश्च तर्पयेत् ।
अग्निष्टोममवाप्नोति स्मृतिं मेधां च विन्दति ॥ ३.८३.५५ ॥
Having reached Medhāvika, one should satisfy the ancestors and the gods with libations. He obtains the fruit of the Agniṣṭoma sacrifice and gains memory and intelligence.
3.83.56
अत्र कालञ्जरं गत्वा पर्वतं लोकविश्रुतम् ।
तत्र देवह्रदे स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.५६ ॥
Going from here to the mountain Kālañjara, renowned in the worlds, and bathing there in the divine lake Devahrada, one obtains the fruit of giving a thousand cows.
3.83.57
आत्मानं स्नापयेत्तत्रगिरौ कालञ्जरे नृप ।
स्वर्गलोके महीयेत नरो नास्त्यत्र संशयः ॥ ३.८३.५७ ॥
There, O king, on the mountain Kālañjara, one should bathe oneself; a man is honored in the heavenly world. Of this there is no doubt.
3.83.58
ततो गिरिवरश्रेष्ठे चित्रकूटे विशांपते ।
मन्दाकिनीं समासाद्य सर्वपापप्रणाशिनीम् ॥ ३.८३.५८ ॥
Then, O lord of men, having reached Citrakūṭa, the foremost of excellent mountains, one should go to the Mandākinī river, which destroys all sins.
3.83.59
तत्राभिषेकं कुर्वाणः पितृदेवार्चने रतः ।
अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति गतिं च परमां व्रजेत् ॥ ३.८३.५९ ॥
There, performing ablution and delighting in the worship of ancestors and gods, one obtains the fruit of the Aśvamedha sacrifice and attains the supreme destination.
3.83.60
ततो गच्छेत धर्मज्ञ भर्तृस्थानमनुत्तमम् ।
यत्र नित्यं महासेनो गुहः सन्निहितो नृप ॥ ३.८३.६० ॥
Then, O knower of dharma, one should go to the unsurpassed abode of the Lord, where Mahāsena Guha is always present, O king.
3.83.61
तत्र गत्वा नृपश्रेष्ठ गमनादेव सिध्यति ।
कोटितीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.६१ ॥
There, best of kings, success is attained simply by going. A man who bathes at the Koṭi ford obtains the fruit of a thousand cows.
3.83.62
प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत्य ज्येष्ठस्थानं व्रजेन्नरः ।
अभिगम्य महादेवं विराजति यथा शशी ॥ ३.८३.६२ ॥
Circling to the right, a man should go to the place of the eldest. Having approached Mahādeva, he shines like the moon.
3.83.63
तत्र कूपे महाराज विश्रुता भरतर्षभ ।
समुद्रास्तत्र चत्वारो निवसन्ति युधिष्ठिर ॥ ३.८३.६३ ॥
There, great king, in a well, are renowned ones, bull of the Bharatas. There, Yudhiṣṭhira, four oceans dwell.
3.83.64
तत्रोपस्पृश्य राजेन्द्र पितृदेवार्चने रतः ।
नियतात्मा नरः पूतो गच्छेत परमां गतिम् ॥ ३.८३.६४ ॥
Having sipped water there, lord of kings, devoted to the worship of ancestors and gods, a self-controlled, purified man should attain the supreme goal.
3.83.65
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र शृङ्गबेरपुरं महत् ।
यत्रतीर्णो महाराज रामो दाशरथिः पुरा ॥ ३.८३.६५ ॥
Then, lord of kings, one should go to the great city of Śṛṅgabera, where, great king, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, once crossed over.
3.83.66
रकतस्मिंस्तीर्थे महाबाहो स्नात्वा पापैः प्रमुच्यते ।
गङ्गायां तु नरः स्नात्वा ब्रह्मचारी समाहितः ॥ ३.८३.६६ ॥
In the Rakta ford, mighty-armed one, a man who bathes is freed from sins. But in the Gaṅgā, a man who bathes as a celibate and with concentrated mind...
3.83.67
विधूतपाप्मा भवति वाजपेयं च विन्दति ।
ततो मुञ्जवटं गच्छेत्स्थानं देवस्य धीमतः ॥ ३.८३.६७ ॥
Having shed his sins, he obtains the fruit of the Vājapeya sacrifice. Then he should go to Muñjavaṭa, the place of the wise god.
3.83.68
अभिगम्य महादेवमभिवाद्य च भारत ।
प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत् यगाणपत्यमवाप्नुयात् ॥ ३.८३.६८ ॥
O Bhārata, having approached Mahādeva and paid him homage, circling him keeping the right side toward him, he should attain the status of Gaṇapati.
3.83.69
तस्मिंस्तीर्थे तु जाह्नव्यां स्नात्वा पापैः प्रमुच्यते ।
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र प्रयागमृषिसंस्तुतम् ॥ ३.८३.६९ ॥
In that sacred ford, having bathed in the Ganges, a man is freed from sins. Then, O lord of kings, he should go to Prayāga, praised by the sages.
3.83.70
यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवा दिशश्च सदिगीश्वराः ।
लोकपालाश्च साध्याश्च पितरो लोकसंमताः ॥ ३.८३.७० ॥
Where the gods headed by Brahmā, the directions and their lords, the guardians of the worlds, the Sādhyas and the ancestors esteemed by the worlds dwell.
3.83.71
सनत्कुमारप्रमुखास्तथैव परमर्षयः ।
अङ्गिरःप्रमुखाश्चैव तथा ब्रह्मर्षयोऽमलाः ॥ ३.८३.७१ ॥
The supreme sages headed by Sanatkumāra, and likewise the stainless brahmarṣis headed by Aṅgiras, are there as well.
3.83.72
तथा नागाः सुपर्णश्च सिद्धाश्चक्रचरास्तथा ।
सरितः सागराश्चैव गन्धर्वाप्सरसोऽपि च ॥ ३.८३.७२ ॥
Likewise the nāgas, Suparṇa (Garuḍa), the Siddhas, the sky-wanderers, the rivers, the oceans, the Gandharvas and the Apsarases are there too.
3.83.73
हरिश्च भगवानास्ते प्रजापतिपुरस्कृतः ।
तत्र त्रीण्यग्निकुण्डानि येषां मध्येन जाह्नवी ॥ ३.८३.७३ ॥
There the blessed Hari dwells, honored by Prajāpati. There are three fire-pits, through the middle of which flows the Jāhnavī (Gaṅgā).
3.83.74
प्रयागादभिनिष्क्रान्ता सर्वतीर्थपुरस्कृता ।
तपनस्य सुता देवी त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुता ॥ ३.८३.७४ ॥
The goddess, daughter of the Sun, issuing from Prayāga and honored above all sacred fords, is renowned in the three worlds.
3.83.75
यमुना गङ्गया सार्धं संगता लोकपावनी ।
गङ्गायमुनयोर्मध्यं पृथिव्या जघनं स्मृतम् ॥ ३.८३.७५ ॥
The Yamunā, joined together with the Gaṅgā, purifies the worlds. The space between the Gaṅgā and the Yamunā is declared to be the hips of the earth.
3.83.76
प्रयागं जघनस्थानमुपस्थमृषयो विदुः ।
प्रयागं सप्रतिष्ठानं कम्बलाश्वतरौ तथा ॥ ३.८३.७६ ॥
The sages know Prayāga to be the place of the hips and the sacred seat. Prayāga, together with Pratiṣṭhāna, and likewise Kambala and Aśvatara.
3.83.77
तीर्थं भोगवती चैव वेदिरेषा प्रजापतेः ।
तत्रवेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च मूर्तिमन्तो युधिष्ठिर ॥ ३.८३.७७ ॥
Bhogavatī too is a sacred ford; this is the altar of Prajāpati. There, O Yudhiṣṭhira, the Vedas and the sacrifices are present in embodied form.
3.83.78
प्रजापतिमुपासन्ते ऋषयश्च तपोधनाः ।
यजन्ते क्रतुभिर्देवास्तथा चक्रधरा नृपाः ॥ ३.८३.७८ ॥
The sages, whose wealth is austerity, worship Prajāpati. The gods worship him with sacrifices, and likewise the wheel-bearing kings.
3.83.79
ततः पुण्यतमं नाम त्रिषु लोकेषु भारत ।
प्रयागं सर्वतीर्थेभ्यः प्रवदन्त्यधिकं विभो ॥ ३.८३.७९ ॥
Then, O Bhārata, in the three worlds, Prayāga called 'Puṇyatama' is declared superior to all sacred fords, O mighty one.
3.83.80
श्रवणात्तस्य तीर्थस् नामसंकीर्तनादपि ।
मृत्युकालभयाच्चापि नरः पापात्प्रमुच्यते ॥ ३.८३.८० ॥
By hearing of that sacred ford, by even uttering its name, and out of fear at the time of death, a man is freed from sin.
3.83.81
तत्राभिषेकं यः कुर्यात्संगमे लोकविश्रुते ।
पुण्यं स फलमाप्नोति राजसूयाश्वमेधयोः ॥ ३.८३.८१ ॥
He who performs ritual bathing there at the renowned confluence obtains the merit-fruit of the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices.
3.83.82
एषा यजनभूमिर्हि देवानामभिसंस्कृता ।
तत्र रदत्तं सूक्ष्ममपि महद्भवति भारत ॥ ३.८३.८२ ॥
This is the sacrificial ground of the gods, consecrated there; even a small gift given there becomes great, O Bhārata.
3.83.83
न वेदवचनात्तात न लोकवचनादपि ।
मतिरुत्क्रमणीया ते प्रयागमरणं प्रति ॥ ३.८३.८३ ॥
Dear one, not by the word of the Vedas nor even by the word of the people should your resolve to die at Prayāga be turned aside.
3.83.84
दशतीर्तसहस्राणि षष्टिः कोट्यस्तथाऽपराः ।
येषां सान्निध्यमत्रैव कीर्तितं कुरुन्दन ॥ ३.८३.८४ ॥
Ten thousand sacred fords and sixty crore others, whose presence is declared right here, O joy of the Kurus.
3.83.85
चतुर्विद्ये च यत्पुण्यं सत्यवादिषु चैव यत् ।
स्नात एव तदाप्नोति गङ्गायमुनसंगमे ॥ ३.८३.८५ ॥
The merit found in the four Vedas and the merit found among the truthful is obtained by one who bathes at the confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā.
3.83.86
तत्र भोगवती नाम वासुकेस्तीर्थमुत्तमम् ।
तत्राभिषेकं यः कुर्यात्सोऽश्वमेधफलं लभेत् ॥ ३.८३.८६ ॥
There is the supreme sacred ford of Vāsuki called Bhogavatī; whoever performs ablution there obtains the fruit of the horse sacrifice.
3.83.87
तत्र हंसप्रपतनं तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम् ।
दशाश्वमेधिकं चैव गङ्गायां कुरुनन्दन ॥ ३.८३.८७ ॥
There is the sacred ford called Haṃsa-prapatana, renowned in the three worlds; in the Gaṅgā it is worth ten horse sacrifices, O joy of the Kurus.
3.83.88
कुरुक्षेत्रसमा गङ्गा यत्रतत्रावगाहिता ।
विशेषो वै कनखले प्रयागे परमं महत् ॥ ३.८३.८८ ॥
Wherever the Gaṅgā is bathed in, it is equal to Kurukṣetra; but at Kanakhala and at Prayāga it holds a special, supreme and great distinction.
3.83.89
यद्यकार्यशतं कृत्वा कृतंगङ्गावसेचनम् ।
सर्वं तत्तस्य गङ्गापो दहत्यग्निरिवेन्धनम् ॥ ३.८३.८९ ॥
Even if one has committed a hundred misdeeds and then sprinkles himself with Gaṅgā water, the waters of the Gaṅgā burn all of it, as fire burns fuel.
3.83.90
सर्वं कृतयुगे पुण्यंत्रेतायां पुष्करं स्मृतम् ।
द्वापरेऽपि कुरुक्षेत्रं गङ्गा कलियुगे स्मृता ॥ ३.८३.९० ॥
In the Kṛta age all is meritorious; in the Tretā age Puṣkara is remembered; in the Dvāpara age Kurukṣetra as well, and in the Kali age the Gaṅgā is remembered.
3.83.91
पुष्करे तु तपस्तप्येद्दानं दद्यान्महालये ।
मलये त्वग्निमारोहेद्भृगुतुन्दे त्वनाशनम् ॥ ३.८३.९१ ॥
At Puṣkara one should practise austerity and at Mahālaya give gifts; on Malaya one should climb into the fire, and at Bhṛgutuṇḍa one should fast.
3.83.92
पुष्करे तु कुरुक्षेत्रे रगङ्गायां मगधेषु च ।
स्नात्वा तारयते जन्तुः सप्तसप्तावरांस्तथा ॥ ३.८३.९२ ॥
A person who bathes at Puṣkara, at Kurukṣetra, in the Gaṅgā and in Magadha delivers seven and seven ancestors, both before and after him.
3.83.93
पुनाति कीर्तिता पापं दृष्टा भद्रं प्रयच्छति ।
अवगाढा च पीता च पुनात्यासप्तमं कुलम् ॥ ३.८३.९३ ॥
Named, it purifies sin; seen, it bestows blessing; bathed in and drunk, it purifies the family down to the seventh generation.
3.83.94
यावदस्थि मनुष्यस् गङ्गायाः स्पृशते जलम् ।
तावत्स पुरुषो राजन्स्वर्गलोके महीपते ॥ ३.८३.९४ ॥
For as long as a person's bone touches the water of the Gaṅgā, O king, O lord of the earth, that person dwells in the heavenly world.
3.83.95
यथा पुण्यानि तीर्थानि पुण्यान्यायतनानि च ।
उपास्य पुण्यं लब्ध्वा च भवत्यमरलोकभाक् ॥ ३.८३.९५ ॥
As there are sacred fords and sacred shrines, one who worships them and obtains merit becomes a sharer in the world of the immortals.
3.83.96
न गङ्गासदृशं तीर्थं न देवः केशवात्परः ।
ब्राह्मणेभ्यः परं नास्ति एवमाह पितामहः ॥ ३.८३.९६ ॥
No holy place is like the Gaṅgā, no god is higher than Keśava, and nothing is higher than the brahmins — so the grandfather has declared.
3.83.97
यत्र गङ्गा महाराज स देशस्तत्तपोकवनम् ।
सिद्धिक्षेत्रं च तज्ज्ञेयं गङ्गातीरसमाश्रितम् ॥ ३.८३.९७ ॥
Where the Ganges flows, O great king, that land is a grove of austerity; and the place dwelling on the Ganges' bank should be known as a field of attainment.
3.83.98
इदं सत्यंद्विजातीनां साधूनामात्मनोपि च ।
सुहृदां च जपेत्कर्मे शिष्यस्यानुगतस्य च ॥ ३.८३.९८ ॥
This is true for the twice-born, for the good, for oneself as well, and for friends; one should recite it in ritual action, and also for a disciple and a follower.
3.83.99
इदं धन्यमिदं मेध्यमिदं स्वर्ग्यमिदं सुखम् ।
इदं पुण्यमिदं रम्यं पावनं धर्म्यमुत्तमम् ॥ ३.८३.९९ ॥
This brings wealth, this is pure, this leads to heaven, this is happiness; this is meritorious, delightful, purifying, righteous, and supreme.
3.83.100
महर्षीणामिदं गुह्यं सर्वपापप्रमोचनम् ।
अधीत्यद्विजमध्ये च निर्मलः स्वर्गमाप्नुयात् ॥ ३.८३.१०० ॥
This is the secret of the great sages, releasing from all sins; having studied it among the twice-born, one becomes stainless and attains heaven.
3.83.101
श्रीमत्स्वर्ग्यं तथा पुण्यं सपत्नशमनं शिवम् ।
मेधाजननमग्र्यं वै तीर्थवंशानुकीर्तनम् ॥ ३.८३.१०१ ॥
This is glorious, heavenly, and meritorious, pacifying of enemies and auspicious; it produces intelligence and is foremost — it is the recitation of the lineages of the sacred fords.
3.83.102
अपुत्रो लभते पुत्रमधनो धनमाप्नुयात् ।
शूद्रो यथेप्सितान्कामान्ब्राह्मणः पारगः पठन्।
महीं विजयते राजा वैश्यो धनमवाप्नुयात् ॥ ३.८३.१०२ ॥
The childless obtains a son, the poor obtains wealth; the śūdra obtains the desires he wishes, the brahmin who has mastered it by reciting; the king conquers the earth, the vaiśya obtains wealth.
3.83.103
यश्चेदं शृणुयान्नित्यं तीर्थपुण्यं नरः शुचिः ।
जातीः स स्मरते बह्वीर्नाकपृष्ठे च मोदते ॥ ३.८३.१०३ ॥
The pure man who hears this daily, the merit of holy places, recalls his many births and rejoices on the back of heaven.
3.83.104
गम्यान्यपि च तीर्थानि कीर्तितान्यगमानि च ।
मनसा तानि गच्छेत सर्वतीर्थसमीक्षया ॥ ३.८३.१०४ ॥
Holy places that are accessible, and those declared inaccessible, one should go to them in mind, with the contemplation of all holy places.
3.83.105
एतानि वसुभिः साध्यैरादित्यैर्मरुदश्विभिः ।
ऋषिभिर्देवकल्पैश्च स्नातानि सुकृतैषिभिः ॥ ३.८३.१०५ ॥
In these holy places the Vasus, the Sādhyas, the Ādityas, the Maruts and the Aśvins, and sages godlike in form, have bathed, along with those who seek good deeds.
3.83.106
एवं त्वमपि कौरव्य विधिनाऽनेन सुव्रत ।
व्रत तीर्थानि नियतः पुण्यं पुण्येन वर्धयन् ॥ ३.८३.१०६ ॥
Thus you too, O Kaurava, O one of good vows, by this rule, observing vows and self-restrained, go to the holy places, increasing merit by merit.
3.83.107
भाषितैः करणैः पूर्वमास्तिक्याच्छ्रुतिदर्शनात् ।
प्राप्यन्ते तानि तीर्तानि सद्भिः शास्त्रार्थदर्शिभिः।
सद्भिः शास्त्रार्थतत्वज्ञैर्ब्राह्मणैः सह गम्यताम् ॥ ३.८३.१०७ ॥
Those holy places are obtained earlier by speech and deeds, by faith and by seeing the śruti; go together with good people who see the meaning of the scriptures and with brahmins who know the essence of the scriptural meaning.
3.83.108
नाव्रती नाकृतात्मा च नाशुचिर्न च तस्करः ।
स्नाति तीर्थेषु कौरव्य न च वक्रमतिर्नरः ॥ ३.८३.१०८ ॥
The man who is without vows, whose self is unrefined, who is impure, a thief, or crooked-minded, does not bathe in the holy places, O Kaurava.
3.83.109
त्वया तु सम्यग्वृत्तेन नित्यं धर्मार्थदर्शिना ।
पितरस्तात सर्वे च तारिताः प्रपितामहाः ॥ ३.८३.१०९ ॥
Dear son, by your conduct, always proper and seeing dharma and profit, you have delivered all the fathers and great-grandfathers.
3.83.110
पिता पितामहस्चैव सर्वे च प्रपितामहाः ।
पितामहपुरोगाश्च देवाः सर्षिगणा नृप।
तव धर्मेण धर्मज्ञ नित्यमेवाभितोषितः ॥ ३.८३.११० ॥
Your father, your grandfather, all the great-grandfathers, and the gods and groups of sages led by the grandfather, O king, O knower of dharma, are always fully pleased with your dharma.
3.83.111
अवाप्स्यसि त्वं लोकान्वै वसूनां वासवोपम ।
कीर्तिं च महातीं भीष्म प्राप्स्यसे भुविशाश्वतीं ॥ ३.८३.१११ ॥
Equal to Vāsava, you will attain the worlds of the Vasus; and, O Bhīṣma, you will gain great and enduring fame on earth.
3.83.112
एवमुक्त्वाऽभ्यनुज्ञाय पुलस्त्यो भगवानृषिः ।
प्रीतः प्रीतेन मनसा तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ॥ ३.८३.११२ ॥
Having spoken thus and given leave, the venerable sage Pulastya, pleased at heart, vanished right there.
3.83.113
भीष्मश्च कुरुशार्दूल शास्त्रतत्त्वार्थदर्शिवान् ।
पुलस्त्यवचनाच्चैव पृथिवीं परिचक्रमे ॥ ३.८३.११३ ॥
O tiger among the Kurus, Bhīṣma, who saw the essence and meaning of the scriptures, went around the earth at the very word of Pulastya.
3.83.114
एवमेषा महाभागा प्रतिष्ठाने प्रतिष्ठिता ।
तीर्थयात्रा महापुण्या सर्वपापप्रमोचनी ॥ ३.८३.११४ ॥
Thus this greatly blessed pilgrimage was established at Pratiṣṭhāna; it is greatly meritorious and frees one from all sins.
3.83.115
अनेन विधिना यस्तु पृथिवीं संचरिष्यति ।
अश्वमेधशतं साग्रं फलं प्रेत्य स भोक्ष्यति ॥ ३.८३.११५ ॥
Whoever travels over the earth by this rule will, after death, enjoy the fruit of more than a hundred horse sacrifices.
3.83.116
ततश्चाष्टगुणं पार्थ प्राप्स्यसे धर्ममुत्तमम् ।
भीष्मः कुरूणां प्रवरो यथा पूर्वमवाप्तवान् ॥ ३.८३.११६ ॥
Then, O Pārtha, you will obtain eightfold the supreme dharma, just as Bhīṣma, the best of the Kurus, obtained it before.
3.83.117
नेता च त्वमृषीन्यस्मात्तेन तेऽष्टगुणं फलम् ।
रक्षोगणबिकीर्णानि तीर्थान्येतानि भारत।
अगम्यानि मनुष्येन्द्रैस्त्वामृते कुरुनन्दन ॥ ३.८३.११७ ॥
And since you are the guide of the sages, your reward will be eightfold. O Bhārata, these sacred fords are strewn with hordes of rākṣasas, inaccessible to the lords of men except to you, O joy of the Kurus.
3.83.118
इदं देवर्षिचरितं सर्वतीर्ताभिसंवृतम् ।
यः पठेच्छृणुयाद्वाऽपिसर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते ॥ ३.८३.११८ ॥
This deed-account of the divine sage, encompassing all the sacred fords — whoever recites it or even hears it is freed from all sins.
3.83.119
ऋषिमुख्याः सदा यत्रवाल्मीकिस्त्वथ कश्यपः ।
आत्रेयः कुण्डजठरो विश्वामित्रोऽथ गौतमः ॥ ३.८३.११९ ॥
Where the chief sages always dwell — Vālmīki, Kaśyapa, Ātreya, Kuṇḍajaṭhara, Viśvāmitra and Gautama.
3.83.120
असितो देवलश्चैव मार्कण्डेयोऽथ गालवः ।
भरद्वाजो वसिष्ठश्च मुनिरुद्दालकस्तथा ॥ ३.८३.१२० ॥
Asita, Devala and Mārkaṇḍeya, Gālava, Bharadvāja, Vasiṣṭha, and the sage Uddālaka likewise.
3.83.121
शौनकः सह पुत्रेण व्यासश्च तपतांवरः ।
दुर्वासाश्च मुनिश्रेष्ठो जाबालिश्च महातपाः ॥ ३.८३.१२१ ॥
Śaunaka with his son, Vyāsa, best of ascetics, Durvāsas, best of sages, and Jābāli of great austerity.
3.83.122
एते ऋषिवराः सर्वे त्वत्प्रतीक्षास्तपोधनाः ।
एभिः सह महाराज तीर्थान्येतान्यनुव्रज ॥ ३.८३.१२२ ॥
All these best of sages, whose wealth is austerity, await you. Great king, go on pilgrimage to these holy places with them.
3.83.123
एष ते लोमशो नाम महर्षिरमितद्युतिः ।
समेष्यति महाराज तेन सार्धमनुव्रज ॥ ३.८३.१२३ ॥
Here is the great sage named Lomaśa, of immeasurable brilliance. Great king, he will meet you; go along with him.
3.83.124
मयाऽपिसह धर्मज्ञ तीर्थान्येतान्यनुक्रमात् ।
प्राप्स्यसे महतीं कीर्तिं यथा राजा महाभिषक् ॥ ३.८३.१२४ ॥
Knower of dharma, if you go to these holy places in order with me too, you will obtain great fame, just as King Mahābhiṣak did.
3.83.125
यथा ययातिर्धर्मात्मा यथा राजा पुरूरवाः ।
तथा त्वं कुरुशार्दूल स्वेन धर्मेण शोभसे ॥ ३.८३.१२५ ॥
Just as the righteous-souled Yayāti and King Purūravas were, so, tiger among the Kurus, you shine by your own dharma.
3.83.126
यथा भगीरथो राजा यथा रामश्च विश्रुतः ।
तथा त्वं सर्वराजभ्यो भ्राजसे रश्मिवानिव ॥ ३.८३.१२६ ॥
Just as King Bhagīratha and the renowned Rāma were, so you shine above all kings, like the radiant sun.
3.83.127
यथा मनुर्यथेक्ष्वाकुर्यथा पूरुर्महायशाः ।
यथा वैन्यो महाराज तथा त्वमपि विश्रुतः ॥ ३.८३.१२७ ॥
As Manu, as Ikṣvāku, as Pūru of great fame, as Vainya, O great king, so also you are renowned.
3.83.128
यथा च वृत्रहा सर्वान्सपत्नान्निर्दहन्पुरा ।
त्रैलोक्यं पालयामास देवराड्विगतज्वरः ॥ ३.८३.१२८ ॥
And as the slayer of Vṛtra once, burning all his enemies, as king of the gods, free from fever, protected the three worlds.
3.83.129
तथा शत्रुक्षयं कृत्वा त्वं प्रजाः पालयिष्यसि ।
स्वधर्मविजितामुर्वीं प्राप्य राजीवलोचन।
ख्यातिं यास्यसि धर्मेण कार्तवीर्यार्जुनो यथा ॥ ३.८३.१२९ ॥
So too, having destroyed your enemies, you will protect your subjects; having won the earth by your own dharma, O lotus-eyed one, you will attain fame through dharma, as Kārtavīryārjuna did.
3.83.130
एवमाश्वास्य राजानं नारदो भगवानृषिः ।
अनुज्ञाप्य महाराज तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ॥ ३.८३.१३० ॥
Thus comforting the king, the venerable sage Nārada, O great king, took his leave and vanished right there.
3.83.131
युधिष्ठिरोषि धर्मात्मा तमेवार्थं विचिन्तयन् ।
तीर्थयात्राश्रितं पुण्यमृषीणां प्रत्यवेदयत् ॥ ३.८३.१३१ ॥
Yudhiṣṭhira, the righteous-souled, pondering that very matter, reported to the sages the meritorious account concerning pilgrimage to the holy places.