Pulastya said: -
1. O great king, one should then go to the excellent Tirtha, called Dharma where the greatly exalted Dharma performed excellent asceticism.
2. It is for this reason he made the place a sacred Tirtha and made it known after his own name. O king, bathing there a virtuous-man with subdued soul
3. Purifies without doubt his ancestors seven generations upwards and downwards. O king of kings, one should then go to the excellent Gyanabapi.
4. (Going there) one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma and goes to the region of Munis. O king, a man should then go to Saugandikvana.
5. There live Brahma and other celestials, the Rishis, the ascetics, the Siddhas, the Charanas, the Gandharvas, the Kinnaras and the great Nagas.
6. As soon as one enters that forest all sins are destroyed. There flows that best of streams, that foremost river of all rivers,
7. That goddess, O king, which is known (there) by the name of Plaksha Devi; bathing there in the water issuing forth from the hill.
8. And worshipping the Pitris and the celestials, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice. There is a very inaccessible Tirtha, called Ishanadhyushita.
9-10. Lying from the anthill at the distance of six throws of a Shamya (wooden sacrificial stick). O foremost of men, it is seen in the Puranas that as soon as one bathes in it, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand Kapila kine and also those of Ashwamedha sacrifice. O descendant of Bharata, next are the Tirthas called Sugandha, Shatakumbha and Panchayajna.
11. One going there, O king, becomes adored in the celestials region. O descendant of Bharata, going there to the Tirtha called Trishula,
12. And bathing there and worshipping the Pitris and the celestials, there is no doubt one obtains the state of Ganapatya after giving up his body.
13. O king of kings, one should then go to the excellent celestials region which is known all over the three worlds by the name of Sakamvari.
14. O ruler of men, for one thousand celestials years, that lady of excellent vows lived month after month on herbs.
15. Many ascetic ladies who were devoted to that goddess came there. O descendant of Bharata, they were all entertained by her with herbs.
16. O descendant of Bharata, it is for this she was given the name of Shakambhari. Going to Shakambhari with rapt attention and with Brahmacharya life
17-18. And living in purity three nights there on herbs alone, the merit of living on herbs for twelve years a man obtains at the will of the goddess. Then one should go to the Tirtha called Suvarna, celebrated all over the three worlds.
19. There Vishnu in the days of yore worshipped Rudra in order to get his grace. He obtained many boons difficult to be got by even the celestials.
20. O descendant of Bharata, having been thus gratified, the destroyer of Tripura said, “O Krishna, you shall certainly be very beloved on earth.
21. There is no doubt you will be the foremost being in the universe.” O king of kings, going there and worshipping Vrishadhvaja (Siva).
22. One obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha (sacrifice) and acquires the state of Ganapatya. Then one should go to Dhumavati and fasting there for three nights, a man
23. Obtains without doubt all the desires that he entertains in his mind. O ruler of men, in the southern side of this Tirtha, belonging to this Tirtha, there exists a Tirtha called Rathavarta.
24. O virtuous man, one should go there with reverential mood and with passions all subdued. He then obtains through the grace of Mahadeva the highest state.
25. O best of the Bharata race, O greatly wise one, walking round it, one should, go to the Tirtha called Dhara which destroys all sins.
26. O foremost of men, O king, bathing there, one becomes freed from fall sorrow. O virtuous one, one should then go, after bowing to the great mountain.
27. To the source of the Ganges which is certainly like the gate of heaven. There one should with controlled soul bathe in the Tirtha called Koti.
28. He then obtains the fruits of Pundarika sacrifice and saves his own race. Living there for one night, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
29. Offering oblations according to the ordinance to the Pitris and the celestials at Saptaganga, Triganga and Shakravarta, one becomes adored in the regions of the virtuous.
30. Then bathing in Kanakhala and fasting there for three nights one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha and goes to the celestials region.
31. O ruler of men, then the pilgrim should go to Kapilavata; and fasting there for one night, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
32. O king of kings, O best of the Kurus, one should then go to the illustrious Kapila, the king of the Nagas who is celebrated all over the three worlds.
33. O ruler of men, bathing in the Naga-Tirtha, a man obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand Kapila kine.
34. Then one should go to the Tirtha of Shantanu, called Lalitaka. O king, bathing there a man never meets with calamity.
35. The man, who bathes at the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna, obtains the fruits of ten Ashwamedha sacrifice and saves his own race.
36. O king of kings, one should then go to Sugandhaka celebrated all over the world. His soul being purified and his sins all destroyed one becomes adored in the region of Brahma.
37. O ruler of men, then the pilgrim should go to the Rudravarta. O king, bathing there one goes to the celestials region.
38. O foremost of men, bathing at the confluence of the Ganges and the Sarasvati one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha and goes to the celestials region.
39. Going to Bhadrakameshvara and worshipping the celestials according to proper rites, one never meets with any calamity; and becomes adored in the celestials region.
40. O ruler of men, one should then go to Kubja marga; one then obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine and goes to the celestials region.
41. O ruler of men, then the pilgrim should go to Arundhantivata. Bathing at Samudrava with concentrated soul and with Brahmacharya life,
42. And fasting there for three nights, a man obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice. He obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine and saves his own race.
43. One should then go with concentrated mind and with Brahmacharya life to Brahmavarta. He obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha and goes to the region of Soma.
44. Going to Yamunaprabhva he who bathes in the Yamuna obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha and becomes adored in the celestials region.
45. Then going to the Tirtha called Darvisankramana which is adored by all the three worlds, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha and goes to the celestials region.
46. Going to Sindhu which is frequented by the Siddhas and the Gandharvas and living there for five nights, one obtains the fruits of giving away much gold.
47. Then going to the very inaccessible Vedi, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha and goes to the celestials region.
48. O descendant of Bharata, going to Rishikulya and Vasishtha and by visiting Vasishtha, all the other orders attain to Brahmanhood.
49. Going to Rishikulya, the man who bathes there becomes freed from all his sins and by worshipping there the Pitris and the celestials, he goes to the region of the Rishis.
50. O ruler of men, if one lives there for a month subsisting on herbs (he too goes to the Rishi’s land). Going then to Bhrigutunga, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha (sacrifice).
51. Going to Virapramoksha one is cleansed of all his sins. O descendant of Bharata, going then to the Tirtha, called Kirtika and Magha,
52. A man obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma and Atiratha (sacrifices). Then going to the excellent Tirtha called Vidya in the evening.
53. He who bathes there obtain every kind of knowledge. Then one should live one night at Mahasrama, which is capable of destroying all sins.
54. By taking a single meal there a man obtains many blessed regions.
55. Fasting there for six days and living there for a month at Mahalaya, his soul being purified and all his sins destroyed, one obtains the fruits of giving away much gold.
56. Then going to Vetasika frequented by the Grandsire one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha and acquires the state of Ganas.
57. Then going to the Tirtha called Sundarika, frequented by the Siddhas, it is seen in the Puranas, one obtains personal beauty.
58. Then going to Brahmani with one’s passions controlled and with Brahmacharya life, one goes to the region of Brahma on a lotus coloured car.
59. Then one should go to the sacred Naimisha, frequented by the Siddhas, where Brahma with the celestials always dwells.
60. Only by wishing to go to Naimisha, half of one’s sins is destroyed. As soon as a man enters if, he is cleansed of all his sins.
61. O descendant of Bharata, the heroic pilgrim should live in Naimisha for one month; for all the Tirthas are in Naimisha.
62. O descendant of Bharata, bathing there with regulated diet and subdued soul, one obtains the fruits of many sacrifices.
63. O best of the Bharata race, he sanctifies his race for seven generations upwards and downwards. He who gives up his life in Naimisha by fasting.
64. The wise men say, sports in the celestials region. O foremost of kings, Naimisha is ever sacred and holy.
65. Going to Gangodbheda and fasting there for three nights, a man obtains fruits of Vajapeya and becomes like Brahma himself.
66. Going to the Sarasvati, he who offers libations to the Pitris and the celestials, no doubt sports in the regions of Sarasvati.
67. Then one should with Brahmacharya life go to Bahuda. Living there for one night, one becomes adored in celestials region.
68. O descendant of Kuru, he obtains the fruits of the Devasatra sacrifice. Then one should go to the holy Kshiravati surrounded by holier beings.
69. Worshipping there the Pitris and the celestials one obtains the fruits of Vajapeya (sacrifice). Then going to Vimalashoka lake with concentrated mind and with Brahmacharya life,
70. And living there for one night, one becomes adored in the celestials region. One should then go to Gopratara, the excellent Tirtha in the Sarayu.
71. Where Rama went to heaven with all his servants, soldiers and beasts of burden. By giving up one’s body, O king, he obtains the great effulgence of the Tirtha.
72. O descendant of Bharata, through the grace of Rama and through one’s own virtuous deeds. O ruler of men, the man who bathes in that Tirtha called Gopratara,
73. His body being purified and his sins being destroyed, becomes adored in the celestials region. O descendant of Kuru, bathing in the Rama Tirtha in the Gomati, a man,
74. Obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice and sanctifies his own race. O best of the Bharata race, there is a Tirtha called Satasahasrika.
75. Bathing there with regulated diet and subdued soul. O best of the Bharata race, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
76. O king, one should then go to Bhatri Tirtha, a man obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice.
77. O king, bathing in the Koti Tirtha and worshipping Guha, a man obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine and becomes effulgent.
78. Then going to Varanasi and worshipping Vrishadhvaja (Siva) and then bathing in the Kapalihrada a man obtains the fruits of Rajasuya sacrifice.
79. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, going to Avimukta, the pilgrim is cleansed of even the sin of killing a Brahmana as soon as he sees the god of gods (Siva).
80. A man who gives up his life there obtains final salvation. O king of kings, then going to the inaccessible Tirtha of Markandeya,
81. Situated at the confluence of the Gomati and the Ganges, ever celebrated over the world, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma (sacrifice) and saves his race.
82. Then going to Gaya with concentrated mind and with Brahmacharya life, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha and also saves his race.
83. There is the Tirtha called Aksayavata, celebrated all over the three worlds. Whatever is offered there to the Pitris is said to become inexhaustible.
84. Bathing in the Mahanadi and offering their oblations to the Pitris and the celestials, one obtains eternal region and also saves his race.
85. Then going to Brahmasara adorned with the woods of Dharma, one goes to the region of Brahma as soon as the night is gone.
86. A best sacrificial pillar was built on that lake by Brahma. He who walks round that pillar obtains the fruits of Vajapeya (sacrifice).
87. O king of kings, one should go to Dhenuka celebrated over the world. O king, living there one night and giving away sesamum and kine.
88. His soul being purified and his sins being all destroyed, a man certainly goes to the region of Soma. O king, there is still to be seen a greatly wonderful mark.
89. The Kapilas with their calves used to roam over that mountain. O descendant of Bharata, the hoof-marks of Kapilas with their calves are to be seen there even up to date.
90. O king of kings, O foremost of monarchs, bathing in these hoof-marks, O descendants of Bharata, whatever sin is committed is all destroyed.
91. Then one should go to Gridhravata which is the region of the god, the wielder of trident. Going to Vrishadhvaja (Siva), one should rub his body with ashes.
92. If he is a Brahmana, he will obtain the fruit of observing twelve years vows and if he is of other castes, all his sins will be destroyed.
93. O best of the Bharata race, one should then go to Udyanta mountain resounding with melodious notes. The foot-prints of Savitri are still to be seen there.
94. The Brahmana of rigid vows who recites his Sandhya (prayers) there but once obtains the merit of reciting Sandhya for twelve years.
95. O best of the Bharata race, there is the Tirtha known by the name of Yonidvara. Going there a man is freed from the pain of rebirth.
96. O king, the man who lives at Gaya during both the white and the black fortnight, no doubt sanctifies the seven generations of his race upwards and downwards.
97. One should desire for many sons, so that one may go to Gaya or perform Ashwamedha or offer a Nila bull.
98. O king, O ruler of men, the pilgrim should then go to Falgu; he obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha (sacrifice) and attains to great success.
99. O king of kings, one should then go with concentrated mind to Dharmaprastha. O great king ever steady in war, Dharma is always present there.
100. Drinking there the water of the well and purifying one’s self there by a bath and also offering oblations to the Pitris and the celestials, one, being cleansed of his sins, goes to heaven.
101. There is the hermitage of Matanga the Rishi of controlled passions. By entering that charming hermitage which is capable of destroying all griefs and sorrows.
102. A man obtains the fruits of the Gavamayana (sacrifice). By touching (the image of) Dharma there, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice.
103. O king of kings, one should then go to the excellent region of Brahma. O king, going there by that foremost of Purushas, Brahma.
104. A man obtains the fruits of Rajasuya and Ashwamedha sacrifices. O ruler of men, the pilgrim should then go to Rajagriha.
105. Bathing there one rejoices (in heaven) like (the Rishi) KakSivan. A man with purity should take there the offerings daily made to Jakshini.
106. Through the favour of Jakshini one is cleansed of the sin of even killing a Brahmana. There going to Maninaga one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
107. O descendant of Bharata, he who eats anything belonging to that Tirtha does not die even if he is bitten by a venomous snake.
108. Living there for one night, the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. Then one should go to the charming forest of the Brahmarshi Gautama.
109. Bathing in the lake Ahalya one attains to most excellent state; attaining to Sree, O king, one obtains best prosperity.
110. O virtuous man, there is a well celebrated all over the three worlds. Bathing there one obtains the fruits of Vajapeya (sacrifice).
111. There is (another) well sacred to the royal sage Janaka worshipped by the celestials. Bathing there one goes to the region of Vishnu.
112. Then one should go to Vinashana which destroys all sins. He obtains the fruits of Vajapeya (sacrifice) and goes to the region of Soma.
113. Going then to Gandaki which was produced by the water of all Tirthas, one obtains the fruits of Vajapeya (sacrifice) and goes to the region of Surya.
114. Then going to the river Vishalya, celebrated over the three worlds, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma sacrifice and goes to the celestials region.
115. O virtuous man, than going to the forest of the ascetics called Adhivanga. O great king, one rejoices without doubt among the Guhyakas.
116. Then going to the river named Kampana frequented by the Siddhas one obtains the fruits of Pundarika sacrifice and goes to the celestials region.
117. O ruler of earth, then going to the stream, called Maheshvari, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha (sacrifice) and saves his own race.
118. O ruler of men, going to the tank, of the celestials, one never meets with any calamity; he obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice.
119. Then one should go with concentrated mind and with Brahmacharya life to Somapada. Bathing in Maheshvara pada, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice.
120. O best of the Bharata race, it is well-known there is in that Tirtha, ten millions of Tirthas. O king of kings, a wicked-minded Asura in the form of a tortoise,
121. Was stealing it away, when, O king, it was recovered from him by Vishnu. O hero steady in war, bathing in that Tirtha.
122. One obtains the fruits of Pundarika (sacrifice) and goes to the region of Vishnu. O king of kings, one should then go to the region of Narayana,
123. O descendant of Bharata, near which Vishnu always dwells. There Brahma and other celestials, the ascetic Rishis,
124. The Adityas, the Vasus and the Rudras adore Janardana (Krishna). (In that Tirtha) Vishnu of wonderful deeds has become known as Shaligrama.
125. Going to the lord of the three worlds, the giver of boons, the eternal Vishnu, one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha and goes to the region of Vishnu.
126. O virtuous man, there is a well which is capable of destroying all sins; in that well four seas always dwell.
127. O king of kings, bathing in it, one does not meet with any calamity; going to the giver of boons, the great god, the eternal Rudra,
128. Where, O king, he always dwells, one shines like the moon emerged from the clouds. Bathing in Jatismara with subdued mind and with purity.
129. One obtains without doubt the recollections of his former life by his bath there. Going to Maheshvarpura and worshipping Vrishadhvaja (Siva).
130. One obtains without doubt the fulfillment of his desire by fasting (in that Tirtha). Then going to Vamana which destroys all sins,
131. And going to the deity Hari one never meets with any calamity. Then one should go to the hermitage called Kushika, which is capable of destroying all sins.
132. Then going there to Kaushiki which destroys the greatest of sins, a man obtains the fruits of Rajasuya sacrifice.
133. O king of kings, one should then go to the excellent forest called Champaka. Living there for one night one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
134. Then going to the inaccessible Tirtha, called Jyeshthila and living there for one night one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine.
135. O foremost of men, seeing there the lord of the universe with his goddess of great effulgence, one goes to the region of Mitravaruna.
136. Fasting there for three nights one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma sacrifice. Going to Kanyasamveda with regulated diet and subdued soul.
137. O foremost of men, one goes to the region of Manu, the lord of creation. O descendant of Bharata, whatever is given away (in charity) at (the Tirtha, named) Kanya,
138. The Rishis of rigid vows say, becomes everlasting. Going to Nischira which is celebrated all over the three worlds,
139. One obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice and goes to the region of Vishnu. The man, who gives away in charity at the confluence of Nischita.
140. O foremost of men, goes to the blessed region of Brahma. There is the hermitage of Vasishtha, celebrated all over the world.
141. Bathing there one obtains the fruits of Vajapeya sacrifice. Going to Devakuta, frequented by the celestials Rishis, one obtains the fruit of Ashwamedha (sacrifice) and saves his race.
142. O king of kings, one should then go to the lake of the Rishi Kaushika, where in days of yore Kaushika’s son Vishvamitra obtained success (in asceticism).
143. Bathing there one obtains the fruits of Bajpaya sacrifice. O best of the Bharata race, the hero who lives at Kousika for one month,
145. Never meets with any calamity and obtains the fruits of giving away much gold. Seeing Kumara (Kartikeya) who lives in Virasrama,
146. A man obtains without doubt the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice. Going then to Agnidhara, celebrated all over the three worlds
147. And bathing there, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma sacrifice. Going to the great god, the giver of boons, the eternal Vishnu.
148. And going to the tank, sacred to the Grandsire (Brahma) (situate) near the king of mountains and bathing there, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma sacrifice.
149. Issuing from the Grandsire’s tank, that holds the sanctifying (stream) Kumaradhara celebrated all over the three worlds.
150. And bathing there one considers in his mind that all his desires are fulfilled. Fasting for six days, one is cleansed of the sin of even killing a Brahmana.
151. O virtuous man, the pilgrim should then go to the peak of the great goddess Gauri, celebrated all over the world.
152. O foremost of men, ascending it one should go to Stanakunda. Bathing in Stanakunda, one obtains the fruits of Vajapeya (sacrifice).
153. Bathing there and worshipping the Pitris and the celestials one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha (sacrifice) and goes to the region of Sakra (Indra).
154. Then going to the well, called Tamraruna, frequented by the celestials, O ruler of men, one obtains the virtue that is the fruit of a man-sacrifice.
155. Bathing at the confluence of the kutika and kosika and the Aruna and fasting there for three nights, a learned man is cleared of all his sins.
156. Going to the Tirtha called Urvashi and then to Somasrama and bathing at Kumbhakamasrama a wise man becomes adored on earth.
157. Bathing in Kokamukha with Brahmacharya life and well observed vows, it is seen in the Puranas, one obtains the recollection of his former births.
158. Going to Prangnadi, a twice-born becomes successful in his wishes and his soul being purified and sins being all destroyed he goes to the region of Shakra (Indra).
159. Going then to the island called Rishabha and Kraunchanishudana which destroys all sins and bathing in the Sarasvati one blazes forth in heaven.
160. O great king, bathing then in the Tirtha, called Auddalaka, frequented by the Rishis one is cleansed of all his sins.
161. Going then to the sacred Dharma Tirtha, frequented by the Brahmarshis, one obtains the fruits of Vajapeya (sacrifice) and becomes adored in heaven.
162. Then going to Champa and bathing in the Bhagirathi, and then going to Dundarpana, one obtains the fruit of giving away one thousand kine.
Thus ends the eighty fourth chapter, the narrative of Tirthas, in the Tirthayatra of Vana Parva.
Pulastya said: -
1. Then going to the excellent Tirtha called Samveda in the evening and bathing there, a man obtains without doubt great learning.
2. O king, going then to Tollouhitya, Tirtha created in the days of yore by the prowess of Rama, one obtains the fruits of giving away much gold.
3. Going to the Karatoya and fasting there for three nights, a man obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha, this is the injunction of the lord of creation.
4. O king of kings, it has been said by the wise men that he who goes to the place where the Ganges has joined the sea, one obtains ten times the merit of Ashwamedha sacrifice.
5. O king, going to the opposite bank of the Ganges and living there for three nights, one is cleansed of all his sins.
6. Then one should go to Vaitarini, which destroys all sins. Going then to the Tirtha, called Viraja, one shines like the moon.
7. Sanctifying his own race, he is cleansed of all his sins. Receiving the fruits of giving away one thousand kine, a man sanctifies his race.
8. Living with purity at the confluence of the Shona and the Jyotirathi and offering oblations to the Pitris and the celestials, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma sacrifice,
9. O descendant of Kuru, bathing in Vanshagulma which is the source of the Shona and the Narmada one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice.
10. O ruler of men, going to the Tirtha, called Rishabha in Kosala and fasting there for three nights, a man obtains the fruits of Vajapeya sacrifice.
11. He obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine and saves his race. Going to Kosala and bathing in the Tirtha called Kala.
12. One obtains without doubt the fruits of giving away eleven bulls. Bathing at Pushpavati and fasting there for three nights, a man,
13. O king, receiving the fruits of giving away one thousand kine, sanctifies his race. O best of the Bharata race, then bathing in the Tirtha called Vadarika,
14. one obtains long life and goes to the celestials region. Going then to Champa and offering oblations in Bhagirathi
15. And going to Danda Tirtha, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. Then one should go to the sacred Lapetika graced by the presence of the virtuous.
16. One obtains the fruits of Vajapeya sacrifice and becomes adored by the celestials. Then going to Mahendra, frequented by the son of Jamadagni
17. And bathing at the Rama Tirtha, a man obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice. O descendant of Kuru, there is Matanga’s Tirtha called Kedara,
18. O foremost of the Kurus, bathing there one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. Going to the mountain, called Sree, one should bathe in the river.
19. Worshipping Vrishadhvaja, a (Siva) one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice. The greatly effulgent Mahadeva lives with his wife on the Sri mountain.
20. There dwell also with great pleasure Brahma and the celestials. Then bathing in the Devahrada with purity and subdued mind,
21. Then one obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. The going to Gokama, 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.
25-26. 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.
27. Worshipping there Ishana and fasting for three nights, a man obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice and attains to the state of Ganapatya.
28. 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.
29. Living there for three nights, one obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine. O ruler of men, a strange phenomenon as regards Brahmanas is seen there.
30. 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.
31. A man who is not a Brahmana cannot properly recite it at all. Going then to the inaccessible tank of the Brahmana Rishi Samvarta,
32. One obtains personal beauty and great prosperity. Then going to Vena one should offer oblations to the Pitris and the celestials.
33. (By doing this) a man obtains a car drawn by peacocks and cranes. Then going to the Godavari, always frequented by the Siddhas.
34. 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.
35. 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.
36. Obtains the fruits of giving away one thousand kine and goes to the celestials region. Going to Kushaplavana with concentrated mind and with Brahmacharya life.
37. And fasting there for three nights and bathing there, one obtain the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice. Then bathing in the charming Devahrada supplied with water by Krishna Vana.
38. And also bathing in the Jatismarahrada, a man obtains the recollection of his former births. Here the king of the celestials performed one hundred sacrifices and went to heaven.
39. 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.
40. 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.
41. 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.
42. Going to the hermitage called Sharbhanga of the high-souled Shukra, a man never meets with any calamity and sanctities his race.
43. 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.
44. Bathing in the Sapta Godavari with regulated diet and subdued soul, one obtains great virtue and goes to the celestials region.
45. Then going to the Devapatha with regulated diet and subdued soul, a man obtains the merit that is the fruit of Deva sacrifice.
46. 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.
47. There when the Vedas were lost, the son of Rishi Angirasa, sitting comfortably on the upper garments of the Rishis.
48. Pronounced distinctly and with emphasis the word Om. At this, the ascetics again recollected all that they had learnt before.
49. There the Rishis, the Devas, Varuna, Agni, Prajapati, Hari, Narayana and also Mahadeva.
50. And the exalted and the greatly effulgent Grandsire, with the celestials appointed the greatly effulgent Bhrigu to perform their sacrifice.
51-53. Gratifying Agni with libations of ghee poured according to the ordinance, the high-souled 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.
54. O hero, there in that Tirtha one should live for a month with regulated diet and subdued soul.
55. Going then to Medhavika, one should offer oblations to the Pitris and the celestials. By doing this, one obtains the fruits of Agnishtoma (sacrifices) and also obtains memory and intellect.
56. 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.
57. O king, he who after a bath offers there oblations to the Pitris and the celestials is without doubt adored in heaven.
58-59. 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 Ashwamedha and attains to the best state.
60. O virtuous man, one should then go to the excellent Bhartristhana where, O king, heaven’s generalissimo always lives.
61. 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.
62. After walking round it a man should then to go Jyeshtasthana. Seeing Mahadeva there, one looks like the moon.
63. O great king, ever steady in war O best of the Bharata race, O Yudhisthira, there is a celebrated well, in which four seas exist.
64. O king of kings, bathing there and worshipping the Pitris and the celestials with subdued soul, one being purified, obtains the highest state.
65. O king of kings, one should then go to the great Sringapur where, O great king, Dasharatha’s son Rama formerly crossed (the Ganges).
66. 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.
67. One is cleansed of all his sins and obtains the fruits of Vajapeya sacrifice. Then one should go to Munjavata, the region of the intelligent deity (Siva).
68. O descendant of Bharata, seeing there Mahadeva and worshipping him and also walking round it, one attains to the state of Ganapatya.
69. Bathing in that Tirtha in the Janhavi, one is cleansed of all his sins. Then, O king of kings, one should go to Prayaga which is highly praised by the Rishis.
70. Here live Brahma and other celestials, the quarters with their presiding deities, the Lokapalas, the Saddhyas, the Pitris adored by the world,
71. The great Rishis, Sanatkumar and others, the stainless Brahmarshis, Angiras and others,
72. The Nagas, the Supamas, the Siddhas, the snakes, the rivers, the seas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras
73. And the exalted Hari with the lord of creatures (Brahma) in front. There are three fiery caverns between which Janhavi,
74. The foremost of Tirthas, rolls rapidly onward. The daughter of Tapana, celebrated all over the three worlds,
75. 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.
76. And Prayaga is known as the foremost point of that region. Prayaga, Sapratishanta, Kamvala, Aswatari,
77. 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,
78. And also ascetic Rishis adore here Prajapati (Brahma). Here the celestials and the rulers of kingdoms perform their sacrifices.
79. 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.
80. Going to that Tirtha and singing its name and taking a little earth from it, one is cleansed of all his sins.
81. He who bathes in this celebrated confluence obtains all the merits of Ashwamedha and Rajasuya (sacrifices).
82. 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.
83. O child, let not the texts of the Veda or the opinions of men dissuade your mind from the desire of dying at Prayaga.
84. O descendant of Kuru, the wise men say that six hundred millions and ten thousand Tirthas exist at Prayaga.
85. 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.
86. There is an excellent Tirtha of Vasuki, called Bhogavati. He who bathes in it obtains the fruits of Ashwamedha.
87. O descendant of Kuru, there in the Ganges is a Tirtha, celebrated all over the three worlds, called Hansaprapatana which gives one the fruits often sacrifices.
88. 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.
89. 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.
90. 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.
91. 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.
92. Bathing in Pushkara in Kurukshetra and in the Ganges and in the confluence (of the Ganges and the Yamuna), on saves ten generations of his race upwards and downwards.
93. He who recites the name (of the Ganges) is purified. He who beholds her obtains prosperity. He who bathes in her and drinks her water saves seven generations of his race upwards and downwards.
94. 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,
95. 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.
96. 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).
97. 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.
98. 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.
99. 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.
100. 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.
101. It is auspicious, heaven-giving, sacred, it is ever blessed and it destroys one’s enemies. This narrative of Tirtha is the foremost of all narratives and it increases one’s intellect.
102. (By reciting it) the sonless obtain sons, the poor obtain wealth, the king conquers the world and the Vaisyas obtain affluence.
103. The Shudra obtains all his desires and the Brahmana crosses the ocean (of world). The man who daily hears it with purity.
104. Becomes able 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.
105. 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 Ashwins.
106. 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.
107-109. 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.
110-111. 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 Bhisma, you will attain to the region of the Vasus and you will acquire eternal fame on earth.
Narada said: -
112. Having thus spoken with cheerfulness and bidding farewell to him (Bhisma) the exalted Rishi Pulastya with his mind well pleased, disappeared then and there.
113. O foremost of the Kurus, Bhisma also who well understood the true import of the Shastras travelled over the world at the command of Pulastya.
114. O greatly exalted one, he (Bhisma) ended here (at Prayaga) his highly meritorious visits to the Tirthas which are ever capable of destroying all sins.
115. He who travels over the earth according to these rules obtains the great fruits of one hundred horse-sacrifices and finally obtains salvation.
116. O son of Pritha, you will get eight times superior merit to those that the foremost of the Kurus, Bhima formerly obtained.
117. 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.
118. 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.
119-21. 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 Javali,
122. These foremost of Rishis are all waiting for of you. O great king, by visiting the Tirthas meet them.
123. O great king, a greatly effulgent Rishi named Lomasha will come to you. Go with him (to the Tirthas).
124. 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,
125. As did virtuous minded Yayati, as did king Pururava. O foremost of kings, you too will blaze forth with your own virtue;
126. As did king Bhagiratha as did the celebrated Rama, so would you shine among kings like the Sun.
127. As were Manu, Ikshvaku the greatly famous Puru and Vena so, O great king, would you become celebrated.
128. 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,
129-130. 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 (Kshatrya), you will acquire renown by your own virtue as did Krittaviryarjuna.
Vaishampayana said: -
131. Having thus comforted the king, O great king, the exalted Rishi Narada, bidding firewell disappeared then and there.
132. And the virtuous-minded Yudhisthira also, reflecting on the subject, recited before the Rishis the merits that are derived from visiting the Tirthas.
Thus ends the eighty-fifth chapter, the departure of Narada, in the Tirthayatra of the Vana Parva.