Pulastya said: -
1. O hero of excellent vows, learned in the precepts of virtue, O greatly exalted one, I am much pleased with your humility, self-control and truth.
2. O sinless one, O son, it is for the virtue which you have acquired from your great regard and respect for your forefathers that you have been able to see me and that I have been so pleased with you.
3. O Bhisma, my eyes can penetrate into everything. Tell me what I can do for you. O foremost of the Kuru race, O sinless one, I shall grant you whatever you will ask from me.
Bhisma said: -
4. O greatly exalted one, O worshipped of all the world, when you are pleased with me and when I have got a sight of you. I consider myself crowned with success.
5. O foremost of all virtuous men, if I have deserved your favour, you will kindly dispel my doubts; I shall describe them to you.
6. O exalted one, I have some religious doubts regarding Tirthas. I desire to hear you. Tell me separately of (each) in detail.
7. O celestials-like one, O Brahmana Rishi, what virtue is derived by him who travels over the earth, (seeing sacred places)? Tell me this with certainty.
Pulastya said: -
8. O son, listen to me with an attentive mind. I shall tell you the virtues which are derived in Tirthas that are the refuge of the Rishis.
9. He, whose hands, feet, mind, learning, asceticism and deeds are under proper control, enjoys the fruits of Tirthas.
10. He, who has ceased to accept gifts, who is contented with little and who is free from pride, enjoys the fruits of Tirthas.
11. He who is free from sins, who acts without desire, who eats light food, who has conquered his passions and who is free from all sins, enjoys the fruits of Tirthas.
12. O king of kings, he who is free from anger, who is truthful, who is firm in his vows and who considers all creatures as his own self, enjoys the fruits of Tirthas.
13. The Rishis have told in due order the sacrifices and also their fruits to be obtained here (in this birth) and hereafter (in the next birth).
14. O ruler of earth, the poor cannot perform these sacrifices, for the sacrifices require many materials and various things in large quantities.
15. These (sacrifices) can therefore be performed by the kings and also by the men of wealth and affluence. They cannot be performed by men without wealth and without friends and by men destitute of means and destitute of friends.
16. O ruler of men, O best of warriors, I shall now tell you about that which can be performed by the poor and the fruits of which are equal to those sacred ones of sacrifices.
17. O foremost of the Bharata race, visiting Tirthas, which are sacred and which are a great mystery of the Rishis, is even superior to the sacrifices.
18. He is called poor who, having gone to a Tirtha, does not fast for three nights and who does not give away gold and kine (in charity).
19. One does not acquire so much virtue in Agnihotra and other sacrifices full of large Dakshinas, as he acquires by visiting a Tirtha.
20. There is in the world of men that Tirtha of the god of gods which is celebrated all over the three worlds and which is known by the name of Pushkara. One (who goes there) becomes equal to that greatly exalted deity (the god of gods).
21. O high-minded one, O descendant of Kuru, at the three Sandhas, there are always present hundred thousand millions of Tirthas in Pushkara.
22. O lord, the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the Sadhyas, the Maruts, the Gandharvas and the Apsaras are always present there.
23. O great king, it was there that the Devas, the Danavas and the Brahmarshi, after performing their ascetic devotions, acquired great virtues and final divinity.
24. The sins of the intelligent man are all cleansed, even if he mentally thinks of Pushkara. He is adored even in heaven.
25. O great king, the lotus-seated, illustrious Grand-Sire always dwells in great pleasure in this Tirtha.
26. O greatly exalted one, is was formerly in Pushkara, that the celestials with the Rishis, having acquired great virtue, finally obtained the highest success.
27. The wise men say that those that bathe in it in honour of the Pitris and the celestials obtain ten times the fruits of the Ashwamedha sacrifice.
28. O Bhisma, he, who, going to the forest of Pushkara, feeds but only one Brahmana, becomes by his that act happy here and hereafter.
29. He, who supports himself on vegetables, roots and fruits, may very well offer such food to the Brahmanas with due regard and without any disrespect.
30. O foremost of kings, the wise men obtain by it the fruits of the Ashwamedha sacrifice. Among the Brahmanas, Kshatryas, Vaisyas and Sudras,
31. Those that are high-souled are freed from the bondage of rebirth, if they bathe in it. Especially he who goes to Pushkara in the full-moon on the (month) of Kartikeya,
32. That man, obtains everlasting regions in the abode of Brahma. O descendant of Bharata, he who thinks of Pushkara, morning and evening with joined hands,
33. O descendant of Bharata, practically bathes in all tirthas. Whatever sins a man or a woman commits from his and her birth,
34. Are all destroyed at the very moment he or she bathes in Pushkara. As the slayer of Madhu is the origin of all the celestials,
35. So is, Pushkara called the origin of all the Tirthas. He who lives at Pushkara for twelve years in purity.
36-37. Acquires all the merits of performing sacrifices and goes to the region of Brahma. He who performs the sacred Agnihotra for one hundred years acquires the same merit as he who lives only one month of Kartikeya in Pushkara.
38. There are three white hills and three springs (in Pushkara). We do not know why they are known by the name of Pushkara from the remotest time.
39. It is very difficult to go to Pushkara; it is very difficult to undergo asceticism at Pushkara; it is very difficult to give away in charity at Pushkara.
40. Having lived for twelve nights at Pushkara with regulated diet and regulated food and having walked round it, one goes to Jambu marga.
41. He who goes to the Jambu marga which is frequented by the celestials Rishis and the Pitris, obtains the fruits of a horse-sacrifice and fulfillment of all his wishes.
42. He who lives there for five nights has his soul cleansed of all sins. He does not meet with any distress; he obtains the highest success.
43. O great king, leaving Jambu marga one goes to the Tandulikasrama. He who goes there never meets with any disaster, but goes to the region of Brahma.
44. O king, he who goes to Agastya’s lake and engages himself in the worship of the Pitris and the celestials, fasting there for three nights, obtains the fruits of performing Agnishtoma.
45. He who (going there) lives on vegetables or fruits acquires the state of Kumara. One should then go to the hermitage of Kansa, worshipped by the whole world.
46. O best of the Bharata race, it was a sacred and holy forest from the remotest time. As soon as one enters it, he is cleansed of all his sins.
47. He, who with regulated diet and vows worships here the Pitris and the celestials, obtains the fruits of performing sacrifices and fulfillment of all his wishes.
48. Haying walked round it, one should go where Yayati fell. This gives that man fruits obtained by the performance of a horse-sacrifice.
49. One should then go to Mahakala with regulated diet and vows. Having bathed in the Kati Tirtha he obtains the fruit of a horse-sacrifice.
50. The virtuous man then should go to the Tirtha of Sthanu, the husband of Uma, which is known all over the three worlds by the name of Bhadravata.
51. Going there he beholds Ishana and obtains the fruit of (giving away) one thousand kine. Through the grace of Mahadeva (Siva), he obtains the state of Ganapatya.
52. That foremost of man becomes blessed with prosperity, peace and highest grace. Going to the river Narmada which is celebrated all over the three worlds,
53. He obtains the fruit of Agnishtoma by offering oblations to the Pitris and the celestials. Going to the southern sea, he who practices Brahmacharya and conquers his passions
54. Obtains the fruit of Agnishtoma and ascends to heaven. Going to Charmanvati with regulated diet and vows, he obtains at the command of Rantideva the fruit of Agnishtoma sacrifice.
55. O virtuous king, O Yudhisthira, he should then go to the son of Himavata, named Arvuda, where there is a hole through the earth from ancient days.
56. There is the hermitage of Vasishtha, celebrated over the three worlds. He who lives there only for one night obtains the merit of giving away one thousand kine.
57. O ruler of men, O foremost of men, he who leading the life of a Brahmachari bathes in the Pinga Tirtha obtains the merit of giving away one hundred Kapila kine.
58. O King of kings, thence one should go to that excellent Tirtha called Pravasha; Hutashana (Agni) himself is always present there.
59. O hero, he is the mouth of the celestials and has wind for his chariot. If a man bathes in this Tirtha with subdued mind, he becomes pure.
60. That man obtains the fruits of performing Agnishtoma and Atiratha sacrifices. One should then go to the place where river Sarasvati mixes with the ocean.
61. He who goes there obtains the fruit giving away one thousand kine and acquires also heaven. O best of the Bharata race, he always blazes like the fire.
62. He who bathes in the Tirtha of the chief of water with subdued mind and lives there three nights and offers oblations to the Pitris and the celestials.
63. Blazes forth like the Moon and obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice. O best of the Bharata race, one should then go to the Tirtha named Vasudeva,
64. Where Durvasha bestowed a boon on Vishnu. The man who bathes in Vardana obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
65. Then one should go to Daravati with regulated diet and vows. The man who bathes in the Pindaraka obtains (the merit of giving away) much gold.
66. O greatly exalted one, O chastiser of foes, it is wonderful that in that Tirtha even today coins are found with the marks of lotus;
67. And lotuses are seen with the marks of trident. O descendant of Kuru, O foremost of men, Mahadeva is always present there.
68. O descendant of Bharata, going to the place where the Sindhu mixes with the sea and bathing in the Tirtha of the chief of the water with subdued mind,
69. O best of the Bharata, race and also offering oblations to the Pitris, the Rishis and the celestials, one obtains the region of Varuna and blazes forth in his own effulgence.
70. O Yudhisthira, the wise men say that by worshipping the deity, Sankhakameshvara, one obtains ten times the merit of Ashwamedha (sacrifice).
71. O best of the Bharata race, O foremost of the Kurus, having- walked round it, one should go to the Tirtha, celebrated all over the three worlds.
72. It is known by the name of Drimi, which is capable of cleansing off all sins and where the celestials including Brahma worshipped Maheshvara (Siva).
73. Bathing in it and worshipping here Rudra surrounded by the celestials, all the sins committed from one’s birth are cleansed off.
74. O foremost of men, it was here that Drimi was worshipped by all the celestials. Bathing here one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha (sacrifice).
75. O greatly wise man, O king, here did Vishnu, the creator of the universe, after killing the Daityas and the Danavas, purify himself.
76. O virtuous king, one should then go to Vasudhara which is worshipped by all. He who goes there obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha (sacrifice).
77. O foremost of the Kurus, bathing there with subdued soul and rapt attention and offering oblations to the Pitris and the celestials one is adored in the regions of Vishnu.
78. O best of the Bharata race, in that Tirtha there is a lake of the Vasus. Bathing in it and drinking its water, one becomes respected of the Vasus.
79. O foremost of men, it is known by the name of Sindhuttama and it destroys all sins. Bathing in it one obtains (the fruits of giving away) much gold.
80. Going to Bharutunga, with purity of conduct, one goes to the region of Brahma and obtains the highest state.
81. Then is the Tirtha, called Kumariak of Sakra (Indra), frequented by the Siddhas. O foremost of men, bathing there one obtains the region of Sakra (Indra).
82. There is another Tirtha called Renuka, frequented by the Siddhas. Bathing in it, a Brahmana becomes as pure as the moon.
83. Then going to the five rivers with regulated food and vows, one obtains the fruits of the five sacrifices as described in order (in the Shastras).
84. O king of kings, one should then go to the excellent region of Bhima. O best of the Bharata race, bathing there in Foni (Tirtha) a man
85. Becomes, O king, a son of a goddess, adorned with earring set with pearls. That man also obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
86. Going to Srikunda, celebrated over the three worlds and bowing there to the Grandsire, one obtains the fruit of giving away one thousand kine.
87. O virtuous man, one should then go to that excellent Tirtha called Simala, where even today are to be seen fishes of silver and golden colour.
88. Bathing in it a man soon obtains the region of Vashava (Indra) and his soul becomes pure with all his sins destroyed; he also obtains the highest state.
89. O descendant of Bharata, going to Vitasta and offering oblations to the Pitris and the celestials a man obtains the fruits of the Vajapeya (sacrifice).
90. The Tirtha known by the name of Vitasta is situated in Kashmira and it is the abode of Naga and Takshaka. It is capable of destroying all sins.
91. Bathing there a man is certain to obtain the fruits of the Vajapeya sacrifice. His soul becoming pure with all his sins destroyed, he obtains the highest state.
92-93. O king, one should then go to the Vadaba, celebrated all over the three worlds. Bathing there with due rites in the evening, one should offer Charu (rice boiled in butter and milk) according to the best of his means to the deity of seven flames (fire). The learned men say that gift to the Pitris (offered there) becomes inexhaustible.
94. The Rishis, the Pitris, the Devas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras, the Gahakas, the Siddhas, the Vidyadharas, the men.
95. The Rakshashas, the Daityas, the Rudras, the Brahma himself, O ruler of men, having their senses subdued and having performed austere asceticism for one thousand years.
96. In order to secure the grace of Vishnu, cooked Charu here and gratified Keshava (Vishnu) with oblation (offered), each time uttering seven Riks (the verse of their Vedas).
97. O ruler of earth, Keshava, being thus gratified, bestowed on them the eight-fold attributes, called Aishvarya and other objects which they had desired to obtain.
98. O descendant of Bharata, having bestowed these on them the deity disappeared before their very sight as a flash of lightning in a cloud. Thus did it become known on earth by the name of Sapta Charu.
99. If seven Charus are offered here, it secures greater merit than that of giving away one thousand kine, that of one hundred Rajasuyas and that of one thousand Ashwamedhas (sacrifices).
100. O king of kings, leaving that Tirtha, one should go to the Raudra Pada and worshipping Mahadeva there, one obtains the fruit of Ashwamedha sacrifice.
101. O king, going to Manimanta and practising Brahmacharya and subduing one’s mind and living there for (only) one night, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma (sacrifice).
102. O king of kings, O best of the Bharata race, one should then go to Dabhika, celebrated all over the world. It is heard that the Brahmana first came into existence in that place.
103. Here is situated the region of the wielder of the trident (Siva) which is celebrated all over the world. Bathing in the Dabhika and worshipping Maheshvara
104. And by offering Charu to the best of the deities, O best of the Bharata race, one obtains the fruit of sacrifices that is capable of fulfilling every desire.
105. There is another Tirtha of Rudra, called Kamakya frequented by the celestials. Bathing in it, a man soon obtains salvation.
106. By touching the water of Fajana, Fojana, Branka, Valuka and Pushpama one becomes freed from grief and death.
107. It is said that the sacred Dabhika (Tirtha), frequented by the celestials and Rishis, is five yojanas in length and half a yojana in breadth.
108. O king, one should then go in due order to Dirghasatra. There did Brahma and the celestials, the Siddhas and the great Rishis.
109. Being installed performed the long-extending sacrifice with regulated vows.
110. O king of kings, O chastiser of foes, O descendant of Bharata, going to Dirghasatra, one obtains the fruits of Rajasuya and Ashwamedha.
111. Then one should go with regulated diet and subdued soul to Vinasana, where the Sarasvati, disappeared on the breast of the Mem (mountain).
112. And then again reappeared at Chamasha, Sivodveda and Nagaveda. Bathing in Ckamashveda one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma.
113. Bathing in Sivodveda a man obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. Bathing in Nagaveda a man goes to the region of the Nagas.
114-115. O king of kings, going to the inaccessible Tirtha, called Sashyana, where the cranes disappear in the forms of Susas and reappear every year in the month of Kartikeya and bathe in the Sarasvati. O descendant of Bharata, O best of the Bharata race, O greatly exalted one.
116. O chief of men, one, bathing there, becomes like the moon and obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
117. O descendant of Kuru, going next to Kumarkoti with subdued soul, one should bathe there and engage himself in worshipping the celestials and the Pitris.
118. He thus obtains the fruits of giving away ten thousand kine and raises his race to the highest state. O virtuous man, one should then go to Rudrakati with subdued soul.
119. Here, O great king, in olden days ten millions of Rishis were assembled and were filled with great joy at the prospect of seeing Rudra (Siva).
120. O descendant of Bharata, O king, “I have first seen (the deity) Vrishadhvaja” “I have first seen (the deity) Vrishadhvaja” thus the Rishis spoke to one another.
121. O ruler of earth, thereupon in order to prevent disputes among those self-controlled Rishis, the lord of Yoga (Siva) by his Yoga powers,
122. Multiplied himself into ten millions of forms and appeared before the Rishis. Then they all separately thought, “I have seen him first.”
123. O king, being (much) pleased with the great devotion of those Rishis of subdued soul, Mahadeva granted them a boon.
124. (Saying) “From today your virtues will increase.” O foremost of men, bathing with purity in Raudrakota a man obtains the fruits of the Ashwamedha (sacrifice) and saves his race.
125. O king of kings, one should then go to the Sangama, celebrated all over the world.
126. A region of great sacredness, where the Sarasvati mixes with the sea. Here Keshava is worshipped by Brahma and other celestials, by Rishis and by ascetics.
127. On the fourteenth day of the white fortnight of Chaitra, O king of kings, O foremost of men, bathing there one obtains the fruits of giving away much wealth. His sins being all destroyed and his soul becoming pure, he goes to the region of Brahma.
128. O ruler of men, it is there that the Rishis completed many sacrifices. Going to this Satravasana one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
Thus ends the eighty second chapter, the description of tirths, in the Tirthayatra of the Vana Parva.
Pulastya said: -
1. O king of kings, one should then go to Kurukshetra, adored by all and at the sight of which sins of all creatures are destroyed.
2. He who always says, “I shall go to Kurukshetra, I shall live in Kurukshetra” is cleansed off all his sins.
3. The very dust of Kurukshetra carried by the wind leads even the man of sinful deeds to the highest state.
4. He who lives in Kurukshetra which is situated south of the Sarasvati and the north of the Drishadvati (really) lives in heaven.
5. O hero ever steady in battle and should live there for a month where flows the Sarasvati. Brahma and other celestials, the Rishis, the Siddhas, the Charans.
6. The Gandharvas, the Apsaras the Yakshas, the Nagas, O ruler of earth, O descendant of Bharata, all often go to that greatly sacred Brahmakshetra.
7. O hero steady in battle, even the sins of him who only mentally desires to go to Kurukshetra are all destroyed; and he goes to the region of Brahma.
8. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, he who goes to Kurukshetra with due respect, obtains the fruits of Rajasuya and Ashwamedha sacrifices.
9. Then saluting the greatly powerful gate-keeper, the Yaksha, Mankanaka, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
10. O virtuous man, O king of kings, one should then go to the excellent region of Vishnu, called Satata, where Hari is always present.
11. Bathing there and bowing to Hari, the creator of the three worlds, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice and goes to the region of Vishnu.
12. Then one should go to the Tirtha named Pariplava, celebrated all over the three worlds. O descendant of Bharata, he obtains greater fruits than those of the Agnishtoma and Atiratha (sacrifices).
13. Then going to the Tirtha, called Prithivi one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. O ruler of men, going to the Salukini, the pilgrim,
14. Bathing there in the Dasashwamedha obtains the fruits of ten Ashwamedha sacrifice. Then going to the excellent Tirtha of the Nagas, called Sarpadevi.
15. One obtains fruits of the Agnishtoma (sacrifice) and goes to the region of the Nagas. O virtuous man, one should then go to the gate-keeper, Tarantuka.
16. Living there for only one night, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. Then going to the five rivers with regulated diet and subdued soul
17. And bathing in the Koti Tirtha, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice. Going to the Tirtha called Ashwins one acquires personal beauty.
18. O virtuous man, one should then go to the excellent Tirtha, called Varaha, where Vishnu formerly in his boar form lived.
19. O foremost of men, bathing there one obtains, the fruits of Agnishtoma. O king of kings, one should then go to the Soma Tirtha, situated in Jayanti.
20. Bathing in it a man obtains the fruits of the Rajasuya sacrifice. Bathing in Ekahansa a man obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
21. O ruler of men, going to Kritashocha, the pilgrim obtains the lotus-eyed deity (Vishnu) and becomes pure in soul.
22. Then going to the region of the illustrious Sthanu (Siva, called Manjabata and living there for one night, one acquires the state of Ganapathya.
23. O great king, there is the celebrated Tirtha called Jakshini; O king of kings, going and bathing in that Tirtha one’s all desires are fulfilled.
24. O best of the Bharata race, it is known as the gate of Kurukshetra. The pilgrim with subdued soul should walk round it.
25-26. It was created by the illustrious son of Jamadagni, Rama. It is equal to the Pushkara. O king, bathing in it and worshipping the Pitris and the celestials, he becomes successful in everything and obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice. Then the pilgrim should go with subdued soul to Ramahrada.
27. O king of kings, the greatly effulgent and heroic Rama, exterminating the Kastrayas dug five lakes.
28. O foremost of men, we have heard that he filled them with their blood. He offered that (blood) as oblations to all his sires and grandsires.
29. O ruler of men, thereupon the Pitris, being passed with him, thus spoke to Rama.
The Pitris said: -
O greatly exalted Rama, O Rama, O descendant of Bhrigu, we are pleased.
30. O lord, with your filial piety and with your great prowess. O greatly effulgent one, be blessed. Ask the boon you desire to get.
Pulastya said: -
31. O king, having been thus addressed, that foremost of smiters, Rama, thus spoke with joined hands to the Pitris who were in the sky.
Rama said: -
32. If you are pleased with me and if I have deserved your favour, I desire to get this favour from the Pitris that I may again derive pleasure in asceticism.
33. With your power let the sin I have incurred by exterminating the Kashtriyas from wrath be all destroyed.
34. Let also my these lakes becomes Tirthas, celebrated all over the earth.
Pulastya said: -
Having heard these blessed words of Rama, the Pitris.
35. Becoming highly pleased and filled with joy, thus replied to Rama, “Let your asceticism increase for your great filial piety.
36. You have exterminated the Kashtriyas from wrath, but you are already freed from that sin, for they have fallen for their own (mis) deeds.
37. Without the least doubt your these lakes will be Tirthas. he who will bathe in these lakes and offer oblations to the Pitris.
38. Will make his Pitris pleased with him. They will grant him the desired objects so difficult to be obtained in this world and lead him to the celestials region.”
39. O king, having granted this boon, the Pitris saluted Rama, the descendant of Bhrigu and disappeared then and there.
40-41. It was thus the lakes of the illustrious descendant of Bhrigu became sacred. Leading the life of a Brahmachari and observing sacred vows, if one bathes in these lakes of Rama and worships Rama, O king of kings, he obtains the fruits of giving away much wealth. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, going to Vanshamulaka, the pilgrim.
42. Saves his own race by bathing in Vanshamulaka. O best of the Bharata race, going to Kaishodhana
43. And bathing in that Tirtha one purifies his body without the least doubt. Acquiring a purified body, one goes to the excellent regions of bliss.
44. O virtuous man, one should then go to that Tirtha, called Lokodvara which is celebrated all over the three worlds and where greatly effulgent Vishnu had formerly created the world.
45. O king, going to the Lokodvara Tirtha, celebrated over the three worlds and bathing in that foremost of Tirthas one acquires many worlds for himself.
46. Going with subdued mind to the Tirtha called Sri and bathing in it and worshipping the Pitris and the celestials there, one obtains great affluence.
47. Leading the life of a Brahmachari and having one’s soul subdued, he who goes to the Tirtha, called Kapila and bathes in it and worships the Pitris and the celestials,
48. That man, obtains the fruit of giving away one thousand Kapila kine. Going with subdued soul to the Tirtha, called Surya and bathing in it.
49. And worshipping the Pitris and the celestials with fasting, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma and goes to the region of Surya.
50. Going in due order to the Gobhavana and bathing in it, the pilgrim obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
51. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, going to Tirth called Shankhini and bathing in the Divitirtha man acquires great prowess.
52. O king of kings, one should then go to the gate-keeper, Arantuka, which is in the Sarasvati and which belongs to the illustrious chief of the Yakshas (Kubera).
53. O king, bathing in it, a man obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma (sacrifice). O virtuous king, one should then go to Brahmavarta.
54. Bathing in the Brahmavarta a man, obtains the regions of Brahma. O king of kings, one should then go to the excellent Tirthas called Shu.
55. There the Pitris are always present with the celestials. Bathing there and worshipping the Pitris and the celestials,
56. One obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha (sacrifice) and goes to the region of Brahma. O virtuous man, it is therefore that Sutirtha situated in Ambumati is so very excellent.
57. O best of the Bharata race, bathing in the Tirtha of Kashishvara, one is freed from all diseases; and he is adored in the region of Brahma.
58. O descendant of Bharata, O king, there is also Matri Tirtha, bathing in which one obtains large progeny and great prosperity.
59. O great king, one should then go with regulated diet and subdued soul to Sitavana. There is one thing there which is not to be seen anywhere else.
60. O ruler of men, man obtains virtue by only going there. O descendant of Bharata, shaving there one’s hair, a man becomes sanctified.
61. O great king, in that spot there is a Tirtha called Shvaillomapaha. O foremost of men, learned Brahmanas who always visit Tirthas.
62. Get great pleasure by bathing in it. O best of the Bharata race, shaving their heads at the Shvaillomapaha Tirtha,
63. The excellent Brahmanas acquire holiness by Pranayama; and becoming pure-souled they obtain the highest state.
64. O ruler of earth, O foremost of men, there is that spot another Tirtha called Dasashwamedha. Bathing in it, one obtains the highest state.
65. O king of kings, one should then go to Manusha, celebrated all over the world, O king, where some black deer, pierced by the arrows of a hunter.
66. Jumped into its water and were transformed into human beings. Bathing in that Tirtha with leading the life of a Brahmachari and having one’s soul subdued.
67. One is freed from all sins; and becoming pure souled he is adored in the region of Brahma. O ruler of men, in the east of Manusha, only a kosa from it.
68. There is a celebrated river named Apaga which is ever frequented by the Siddhas. The man who offers there Shyamaka food.
69. To the celestials and the Pitris secures great virtuous merit. One Brahmana fed there is equal to millions of Brahmanas fed.
70. Bathing in it and worshipping the Pitris and the celestials and living there only for a night, one obtains the fruit of Agnishtoma (sacrifice).
71. O king of kings, O descendant of Bharata, one should then go to that excellent region of Brahma which is celebrated on earth by the name of Brahmodumbara.
72. O foremost of men, bathing in the lakes of the seven Rishis and also in the Kedara of the high-souled Kapila.
73. With pure mind and subdued soul and going to Brahma, one’s all sins are destroyed; and his soul being made pure, he goes to the region of Brahma.
74. Going to the inaccessible (Tirtha) Kedara of Kapisthala and having his sins all burnt by asceticism, one obtains the power of disappearance at will.
75. O king of kings, one should then go to Saraka, celebrated over the three worlds. Seeing there Vrishadhvaja (Mahadeva) on the fourteenth day of the black fortnight.
76. One obtains all that he desires and goes to the celestials region. O descendant of Kuru, thirty millions of Tirthas are in Saraka.
77. And in Rudrakoti and also in the wells and lakes that are there. O ruler of earth, O best of the Bharata race, there is also the Tirtha called Ilaspada.
78. Bathing in it and worshipping there the Pitris and the celestials, one does not meet with any calamity. He obtains the fruits of Vajapeya (sacrifice).
79. O ruler of earth, O descendant of Bharata, bathing in Kindana and Kinjapya, one obtains the fruits of measureless gifts and of infinite recitation of prayers.
80. Bathing in Kalasa with devotion and with one’s passions subdued, a man obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma sacrifice.
81. O best of the Kurus, in the east of Saraka is the sacred Tirtha of the illustrious Narada, known by the name of Ambajanma.
82. O descendant of Bharata, a man, bathing in that Tirtha, obtains excellent regions (after death) at the command of Narada.
83. O king, one should go on the tenth of the white fortnight to Pundarika. Bathing there, a man obtains the fruits of Pundarika sacrifice.
84. One should then go to Trivistapa, celebrated all over the three worlds. There flows the sacred and the sin-destroying Vaitarani river.
85. Bathing in it and worshipping there the wielder of trident, Vrishadhvaja (Siva), one obtains the highest state, all his sins being destroyed and his soul being purified.
86. O king of kings, one should then go to the excellent Tirtha of Falaki. O king, there the celestials are always present in Falakivana.
87. And they undergo there great asceticism for many years together. Bathing then in the Drishadvati and worshipping the celestials, a man
88. O descendant of Bharata, obtains fruits superior to those of both the Agnishtoma and Atiratha (sacrifices). O descendant of Bharata, bathing in the Tirtha called Sarvadevata.
89. O king of kings, a man obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. O king of kings, Bathing in the Panikhata and worshipping there the celestials, a man
90. O descendant of Bharata, obtains fruits superior to those of Agnishtoma and Atiratha. He also obtains the fruits of Rajasuya and goes to the region of the Rishis.
91. O virtuous man, one should then go to the excellent Tirtha, called Mishraka. O king of kings, in that Tirtha of the illustrious Mishrita.
92. It has been heard by us that the Vyasa for the sake of the Brahmans mixed up all the Tirthas. The man who bathes in Mishraka bathes in all the Tirthas.
93. One should then go with regulated diet and subdued soul to Vyasavana. Bathing there in the Manojava one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
94. Going to the Devi Tirtha in Madhuvati, the man who bathes with purity and worships the Pitris and the celestials.
95. Obtains at the command of the celestials the fruit of giving away one thousand kine. O descendant of Bharata, he who at the confluence of the Kaushiki and the Drishadvati
96. Bathes with regulated diet is freed from all sins. One should then go to the Tirtha named Vyasasthali where the wise Vyasa.
97. Afflicted as he was with the grief for the death of his son, determined to give up his being and where, O king of kings, he was cheered up by the celestials.
98. Going to (Vyasa) sthali one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. Going to the well, called Kindatta, he who throws into it one Prastha of sesamum,
99. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, obtains the highest success and he is freed from all his debts. Bathing in the Vedi Tirtha, one obtains the fruit of giving away one thousand kine.
100. There are two celebrated Tirthas called Ahan and Sudina. O foremost of men, bathing there one goes to the regions of Surya.
101. One should then go to Mrigadhuma, celebrated all over the three worlds. O best of kings, one should bathe there in the Ganges.
102. Worshipping there Mahadeva, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha. Bathing in the Devi Tirtha, a man obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
103. One should then go to Vamanaka, celebrated over the three worlds. Bathing there in the Vishnupada and worshipping Vamana.
104. One, being free from all his sins and his soul being purified goes to the region of Vishnu. Bathing in the Kulampuna one purifies his own race.
105. Going to the lake of Pavana, which is an excellent Tirtha called Maruta and bathing there, O foremost of men, one is adored in the regions of Vayu.
106. Bathing in the lake of the immortals and worshipping the lord of the immortals, one is adored in the celestials region through the prowess of the immortals.
107. Bathing according to the ordinance in the Shalisurya of Shalihotra, O king of kings, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
108. O best of the flharata race, bathing in the Tirtha called Srikunja in the Sarasvati, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma sacrifice.
109. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, then going to the Naimishakunja, the ascetic Rishis had in the days of yore left Naimisha.
110. And going to a visit of Tirthas, they went to Kurukshetra. O best of the Bharata race, there on the banks of the Sarasvati, a grove was made.
111. It served as a resting place for them and it was very delightful to all of them. Bathing in that Kunja, a man obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma sacrifice.
112. O virtuous man, one should then go to the excellent Tirtha, called Kanya. Bathing in the Kanya Tirtha a man obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
113. O king of kings, one should then go to the excellent Tirtha, called Brahma. Bathing there, the other three orders obtain the states of Brahmana.
114. And if a Brahman bathes there, he becomes pure-souled and obtains the highest refuge. O foremost of men, one should then go to the excellent Tirtha, called Soma.
115. O king, bathing there, a man goes to the regions of Soma. O ruler of men, one should then go to the Tirtha, called Sapta-Sarasvata.
116-117. Where the celebrated great Rishi Mankanaka obtained success in asticism. O king, we have heard that in the days of yore Mankanaka cut his hand with kusha grass and from his that wound vegetable juice flowed out (instead of blood). O king, seeing that vegetable juice, he began to dance in joy.
118. When he thus began to dance, all the mobile and immobile creatures began to dance.
119. O ruler of men, O king, then Brahma and other celestials and the ascetic Rishis all went to Mahadeva and represented to him all about the Rishi.
120. (They said), “O deity, you should do that by which the Rishi may not dance.” Coming to the dancing Rishi who was senseless in joy, the deity thus spoke to him in order to do good to the celestials.
Siva said: -
121. O great Rishi, O virtuous man, why are you dancing? O foremost of Rishis, why are you so much delighted?
The Rishis said: -
122. O foremost of Brahmanas, I am an ascetic ever steady in the path of virtue. O Brahmana, do you not see that vegetable-juice is flowing from the wound of my hand?
123. Seeing which I am dancing in great joy.
Pulastya said: -
To that Rishi who was blinded by emotion, the deity smilingly thus spoke,
124-125. “O Brahmana, I am not at all astonished. Behold me.” O foremost of men, O sinless king, having thus addressed him, Mahadeva pressed his thumb by the tip of his own finger. O king, then from that wound came out ashes white as snow.
126. O king, seeing this the Rishi became filled with shame and fell at his feet. Believing that there was nothing better and greater than the Rudra, (he thus adored him).
127. “O wielder of trident, you are the refuge of the celestials and the Asuras, may of the whole universe. You have created the three worlds with their mobile and immobile creatures.
128. It is you again who swallow everything at the end of the Yuga. You are incapable of being known by the celestials, what to speak of me!
129. O sinless one, the celestials with Brahma are displayed in you. You are everything, the creator himself and the ordainer of the world.
130. It is through your favour that the celestials sport without anxiety or fear.” Having thus adored Mahadeva, the Rishi thus spoke to him;
131. “O god of gods, grant me your grace, so that my asceticism may not diminish.” Thereupon the deity, becoming glad in heart, thus spoke to that Brahmana Rishi,
132. “O Brahmana, let your asceticism increase thousand-fold through my grace. O great Rishi, I shall live with you in your hermitage.
133. Bathing in Sapta-Sarasvata, those that will worship me will obtain everything however difficult to get here and hereafter.
134. They will, without doubt, attain to the Sarasvata region.” Having said this, Mahadeva disappeared then and there.
135. One should then go to Asanasha, celebrated all over the world, where Brahma and other celestials and ascetic Rishis.
136. And the illustrious Kartikeya, O descendant of Bharata, impelled by the desire to do good to the descendant of Bhrigu, are ever present during the three Sandhyas.
137. O foremost of men, bathing in the Tirtha called Kapalamochana which cleanses off one’s sins, one is freed from all his sins.
138. O best of men, one should then go to the Tirtha called Agni. Bathing there, one goes to the region of Agni and saves his own race.
139. O best of the Bharata race, there is a Tirtha of Vishvamitra. O best of men, bathing there, one obtains the status of a Brahmana.
140. Going to the Brahmayoni with purity and with subdued soul and, O best of men, bathing there one goes to the region of Brahma.
141. There is no doubt that, he thus sanctifies his seven generations upwards and downwards. O king of kings, one should then go to the Tirtha, celebrated all over the world,
142. Which is known by the name of Prithudaka belonging to Kartikeya. O king, by bathing there and worshipping the Pitris and the celestials.
143. Whatever bad acts one, whether a man or a woman, has committed willingly or unwittingly, impelled by human motives.
144. O descendant of Bharata, are all destroyed. He obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha (sacrifice) and also goes to heaven.
145. The learned men say that Kurukshetra is holy, holier than Kurukshetra is the Sarasvati, holier than the Sarasvati are all the Tirthas put together and holier than all the Tirthas is the Prithudaka.
146. He, who by the recitation of prayers casts off his body at Prithadaka which is the best of the Tirthas, becomes an immortal.
147. It has been sung by Sanatkumara and the illustrious Vyasa. O king, it is in the Vedas also, that one should go to the Prithudaka with subdued soul.
148. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, no Tirtha is superior to Prithudaka. There is no doubt that, that Tirtha is purifying, holy and sin-destroying.
149. O foremost of men, O best of the Bharata race, bathing in the Prithudaka (even) sinful men go to heaven. Thus say all wise men.
150. O best of the Bharata race, O king, there is another Tirtha called Madhusrava. Bathing there, a man obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
151. O king of kings, one should then go in due order to the celebrated and sacred Tirtha where the Sarasvati and the Aruna are united together.
152. The man who bathes there fasting for three nights, is cleansed of even the sin of killing a Brahmana. He obtains the fruits greater than those of Agnishtoma and the Atiratha (sacrifices).
153. O best of the Bharata race, he saves his ancestors seven generations upwards and downwards. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, there is another Tirtha, called Ardhakila.
154. Darbhi created it in the days of yore from compassion for the Brahmans. By vows, by taking the sacred thread, by fasts.
155. By rites and by Mantras, one certainly becomes a Brahman. O foremost of men, it has been seen by the ancients that by bathing there, men learned and are endued with the fruits of observing the vows.
156. O foremost of men, Darbhi had brought there also the four oceans. Bathing in them one does not meet with any calamity.
157. He obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. O virtuous man, one should then go to the two celebrated Tirtha called Sata-Sahasrakam.
158. There are two celebrated Tirthas called Sahasraha. Bathing in them one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
159. Fasts and gifts there multiply themselves thousand-fold. O king of kings, one should then go to the excellent Tirtha called Renuka.
160. Bathing there and being engaged there in worshipping the celestials and the Pitris, one becomes pure-souled. His sins being all destroyed, he obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma.
161. Bathing there in the Tirtha called Vimochana with passions and senses subdued, one is cleansed of all his sins derived from receiving gifts.
162. Then going to Panchavati with passions controlled and with Brahmacharya life, one becomes greatly virtuous and is adored in the region of the virtuous.
163-65. There the lord of Yoga, Vrishdhvaja, Sthanu himself is always is present. Going there he who worships the lord of the celestials obtains success. One should then go to the Tirtha, called Taijasa, belonging to Varuna blazing in its own effulgence. There Brahma and the other celestials installed Guha in the command of the celestials army. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, in the east of Taijasa, there is a Tirtha called Kuru.
166. Bathing in the Kuru-Tirtha with passions controlled and with life of a Brahmachari, his soul being purified and his sins being all destroyed, one goes to the region of Brahma.
167. One should then go with regulated diet and subdued soul to Svarga-dvara. He obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine and goes to the region of Brahma.
168. O ruler of men, then the pilgrim should go to Anaraka. O king, bathing there one never meets with any difficulty.
169. O ruler of earth, O foremost of men, there Brahma himself accompanied by the celestials with Narayana at their head is always present.
170. O king of kings, O perpetuator of the Kuru race, the wife of Rudra is also present there. He who beholds that goddess never meets with any calamity.
171. O king, there is (an image) of the husband of Uma, the lord of the universe. He who sees that great god is cleansed of all his sins.
172. O chastiser of foes, O great king, seeing the lotus-navelled Narayana, one blazes forth and goes to the region of Vishnu.
173. O foremost of men! having taken bath in tirths of celestials men become free from all grieves and endued with enlightenment like the moon.
174. O king, then the pilgrim should go to the Tirtha, called Sashtipura. Walking round it, he obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
175. O descendant of Bharata, going to the Tirtha, called Pavana and worshipping the Pitris and the celestials, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma sacrifice.
176. O best of the Bharata race, O ruler of earth, there is Gangahrada and another well (Tirtha); in that well thirty millions of Tirthas are present.
177. O king, bathing there, a man goes to the celestials region. Bathing in Apaga and worshipping Maheshvara.
178. A man obtains the state of Ganapatya and saves his race. One should then go to the Tirtha called Sthanuvata, celebrated all over the three worlds.
179. Bathing there a man goes to the celestials region. O king, One should then go to Badaripachana, the hermitage of Vasishtha.
180. A man, fasting there for three nights, should eat Badari (Jujubes). He who lives on Badari for twelve years.
181. And, O ruler of men, he who fasts there for three nights, obtains equal merits. O king, going to Rudra-marga, the pilgrim
182. Is adored in the region of Indra by fasting one day and night. Going to Ikaratra, he who lives there for one night
183. With regulated vows and truthfulness, becomes adored in the region of Brahma.
184. Where there is the hermitage of Aditya, the illustrious deity of great effulgence, (there is also another Tirtha). Bathing in it and worshipping there the god of light a man,
185. Goes to the region of Soma and saves his race. O ruler of men, bathing in the Soma Tirtha, the pilgrim
186. Goes to the region of Soma without any doubt. O virtuous man, one should then go to the illustrious Dadhichi’s
187. Sacred Tirtha called Pavana, celebrated all over the world. Here was born that ocean of asceticism, Angiras, of the Sarasvata race.
188. Bathing in that Tirtha, a man obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice and he without any doubt obtains the region of Sarasvati.
189. One should then go with regulated vows and with the life of Brahmacharya to Kanyasrama. O king, living there three nights with regulated diet and subdued soul.
190. One obtains one hundred celestials damsels and goes to the region of Brahma. O virtuous one, one should then go to the Tirtha called Sannihati.
191. Brahma and other celestials and ascetic Rishis go there every month and earn great virtue.
192. Bathing in Sannihati during a solar eclipse, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice and of other sacrifices that are everlasting.
193. Whatever Tirtha exists on earth or in the sky, all the rivers, lakes, ponds, springs,
194. Large and small tanks and all other Tirtha sacred to particular gods, O ruler of men, all come here without doubt on the day of new moon,
195. And they certainly mix with Sannihati every month. It is therefore that this Tirtha is known by the name of Sanahata.
196. He who bathes there and drinks its water is adored in the celestials region. In a solar ecclipse on the new moon.
197. He who performs Sraddha ceremony here after having bathed obtains the fruits of the performance of one thousand horse-sacrifices.
198-99. Whatever sins a man or a woman commits are without doubt all destroyed as soon as one bathes and performs Sraddha ceremony in this Tirtha. He also goes to the region of Brahma on a lotus coloured car.
200. Bathing then in Koti Tirtha after having worshipped the Yaksha door-keeper, Machakruka, one obtains the fruits of giving away gold in abundance.
201. O best of the Bharata race, there is a Tirtha called Gangahrada. O virtuous man, bathing there with subdued soul and with Brahmacharya life,
202. A man obtains the fruits of Rajasuya and Ashavamedha sacrifice. On earth the Tirtha called Naimisha and in the sky the Tirtha called Pushkara (are great).
203. But in all the three worlds Kurukshetra is the greatest. Even the dust of Kurukshetra carried by wind
204. Takes away the sinful men to the highest state. In the north (of it) flows the Drishadvati and in the south the Sarasvati.
205. He who lives in this region really lives in heaven. “I will go to Kurukshetra, I will live in Kurukshetra,” he who utters these words even once becomes cleansed of all his sins.
206. The sacred Kurukshetra which is adored by the celestials is considered the sacrificial altar of the gods. Those mortals that live there have nothing to make them miserable at any time.
207. The region that lies between Tarnatuka and Arantuka and the lakes of Rama and Machakruka is (called Kurukshetra). It is also called Samantapanchaka. It is said to be the northern sacrificial altar of the Grandsire (Brahma).
Thus ends the eighty third chapter in Tirthayatra of Vana Parva.