1. Due to their association with the founders of faith or with some great persons or events certain places have been regarded holy by all peoples of the world, e.g. Mecca by Muslims, Jerusalem by Christians, Bodha Gaya by Buddhists. These holy places have a deep psychological effect on religious-minded persons. Shraddha is to be performed in one’s own house. But as K.P. II. 22.17 states, holy places are the common property of all and not of a particular person. A list of such holy places is recommended in different Puranas like KP., II, 20-32-36, Mt. P. Ch. 22, Bd. P. 2.3.13. There is some divergence in the lists but there is a great deal of overlapping as a number of holy places like Prayaga, Varanasi, Gaya, Pushkara are deeply respected by all Hindus.
This age-old tradition of Tirtha-yatra claimed the fruit of certain sacrifices. The case of ablution in a sacred pond or river and its claim of equivalence with the performance of a sacrifice adversely affected the popularity of and tendency to perform sacrifices-an onerous job.
Bruhaspati said:
1. Pitris worshipped even once become delighted. They are imperishable Yogic souls. They are noble souls of great power and free from sins and evils.
2-3. O gentle ones, I shall recount the holy lakes, rivers, sacred spots, places of pilgrimage, mountains and hermitages for performing Shraddha, at which Pitris bless him (the performer) with fulfilment of desire for profuse riches (in this world), attainment of heaven after death and liberation from Samsara in due course.
4-5. The mountain Amarakantaka2 is the holiest and the most excellent in the three worlds. It is a sacred mountain resorted to by Siddhas and Charanas. Formerly, holy lord Angiras performed very severe penance (difficult for others to do) on it, for thousands of years, say, millions and crores of years.
2. A mountain in Bilaspur District of Madhya Pradesh. Vishnu Dh.S. 85 6 highly glorifies the performance of Shraddha on this mountain. Our text and Bd. P. 2.3.13.4-5 give the credit of its sanctity to the penance of Angiras.
6. As long as the earth holds (lasts), the god of death, Asuras and Rakshasas have no access there, nor is there any fear or misfortune there.
7. That excellent mountain shines with brilliance and renown, just as Samvartaka fire (Fire at the time of the annihilation of the world) blazes on the peak of mount Malyavan.
8-9. The Kusha (growing there) is famous as soft, sweet smelling, pleasing to the eyes and golden-coloured. They are well known as ‘calm and quiet’ Darbhas. Drinking the waters* of Narmada to the south of it, the holy lord Angiras of great brilliance formerly performed Agnihotra after spreading those excellent Kushas round the altar and he saw the steps leading to the heaven.
*piban-dakshina-narmadam but here ‘drinking’ is strange. Bd. P. 2.3.13.8. reads ‘pari-dakshina-narmadam ‘to the south of Narmada’.
10. I shall recount the benefit attained by that intelligent man who offers Pindas even once, on the Darbhas on the mountain Amarakantaka.
11. That Shraddha becomes everlasting, increasing the pleasure of Pitris. On reaching that holy centre, they vanish for ever.
12. Even today the holy “Jvalarasa” is seen there every where. The river thereof (called Vishalya-a branch of Narmada) makes all living beings free from darts and thorns (sins and miseries).
13-14. To the south-east of that excellent mountain, there is a tank with a whirlpool in that part contiguous to the land of Kalinga. O excellent sages, there is that great holy centre Siddhakshetra which increases the delight of Pitris. It is the greatest on the earth, approved of by both Devas and Daityas. Ushanas has sung a verse on it.
15. “Blessed are those men in the world who being devoted to Pitris propitiate them in Shraddha after reaching Amarakantaka.
16. There is no doubt in this that they will attain Siddhi with very little penance. If they are worshipped even once on Amarakantaka, Pitris attain Heaven”.
17. On the beautiful Mahendra1 mountain, there is a holy centre resorted to by Shakra. If one mounts it, Pitris are delighted. The Shraddha (if performed) there, yields great fruit.
1. Although this name is applied to the mountain range from Orissa to Madura, here it is specially applied to the range of hills separating Mahanadi from Ganjam District. It is regarded as the resort of Parashurama.
-De 119, HD, IV. 177
18. If one practises Yoga on its lower peak named Bilva (Vailata in Bd.P.), one gets divine vision. He becomes invisible to all living beings and roams over the earth like a Deva.
19. If a man takes his holy ablution in the Saptagodavara2 and in the penance grove Gokarna3, he attains the benefit of a horse-sacrifice.
2. Sapta-Godavara: (1) The seven “mouths” (branches) of the Godavari falling into the sea; (2) Solangipur, sixteen miles from Pithapur in the Godavari District.
-De. 178
3. Gokarna: A place sacred to Shiva on the western coast in Kumta Tehsil of North Kanara District.
-HD IV. 753
20. A man becomes sanctified after taking his holy dip in Dhutapapa.4 Rudra, Maheshvara, the lord of Devas, performed a penance there.
4. A tributary of Ganga near Varanasi.
21. In the holy place Gokarna, a proof has been cited by Brahmanas for (convincing?) the atheists. If a non-Brahmana recites the Gayatri mantra, he perishes.
22. Those who regularly ascend the peak, the abode of Devas and sages, resorted to by Siddhas and Charanas, attain heaven.
23-24. Since the place is embellished with divine sandalwood and other trees and since the water mixed with the flavour of sandal flows continuously, a river named Tamraparni5 originates from them. It slowly winds its way to the Southern Ocean like a young woman extremely distressed (while going to her husband’s house for the first time?).
5. The river rises in the Agastya-Kuta-mountain Malay. Flowing through the Pandya country, it falls into the Gulf of Manar famous for pearl-fishery.
-De 203, HD. IV. 812
25. The waters of that river in confluence with the great ocean become conchs, pearls and pearl-like conchs.
26. People bringing its waters containing conchs and pearls, become free from mental agonies and physical ailments and go to the heavenly city of Amaravati.
27. According to Shruti (Veda), the charitable gift of sandal, conchs and pearls enables Pitris to cross (hell) even though they be perpetrators of sins.
28-29. So also, is the case of Chandratirtha, (Kanya) Kumari, the perennial source of Kaveri, the holy centres of Shriparvata1, the mountain Vaikruta, and the mountain Oshiraparvata where the trees Palasha, Khadira, Bilva, Plaksha, Ashvattha and Vikankata are seen growing in one place. (The people taking ablutions and performing holy rites there attain heaven.)
1. Shrishailam in Kurnool District in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
30. O excellent Brahmanas, this zone of holy centres is sacrifice-worthy and is conducive to great achievements. A person who casts his mortal coil here, quickly reaches the heavenly city of Amaravati.
31. Holy rites performed by oneself fructify in the subsequent birth. Rites of Pitris (though) performed with defects become as beneficial as duly performed rites.
32. The holy river Narmada, the most excellent of all rivers, is the daughter of Pitris. Shraddhas offered there, become everlasting (in yielding benefits).
33. In the holy forest of Mathara, resorted to by Siddhas and Charanas, they do not vanish because they are attached to that great mountain.
34. There is a proof (test) for discrimination between the pious and the impious on the holy mountain of Vindhya. Sinners do not see the current (waterfall?) Good men see the current.
35. The sins of some sinners are seen in its current. Usually the current is visible in the case of those of meritorious activities.
36. In Kaushala there is the tank of Matanga named Papanishudini (Remover of Sins). Even stray birds, flying as they please, go to heaven after bathing (casually) in that tank.
37-39. (Ablution) in the Kumarakoshala Tirtha on the mountain Palapanjara1 and on the banks of Pandu near the sea, in the Pandaraka forest, performance of good actions in the Abhaya Prabhava which is pure and sinless, daily visit to Shrivruksha, Grudhrakuta, and Jambumarga and in the holy centre of Asita, the intelligent preceptor of Yoga-performance of Shraddha (at these holy places)-gives everlasting benefits.
1. Palamanjara in Bd.P.-near Shurparaka or Sopara near Bassein in Thana district of Maharashtra.
40. Shraddha in Pushkara2 is ever-lasting. Penance there yields great fruits and the same is true of the holy centre Prabhasas on the great ocean.
2. A sacred lake near Ajmer, Rajasthan. It is famous for the temple of god Brahmadeva.
3. Now known as Somanatha Pattana in Saurashtra. Somanatha is a famous Jyotirlinga which was attacked by Muslim rulers from the days of Mahmud Gaznavi to Aurangzeb. A new temple was built near the original spot by Ahalyabai Holkar in A.D. 1783 and it is still recognized as original Somanatha by all, though a new temple on the original spot in its original form is reconstructed after independence of India.
41. In Devika4, there is a well named Vrusha resorted to by Siddhas. Its water always gushes up on hearing the sound of cows and bulls.
4. Variously identified as a tributary of Indus, Gandak, Sarayu by different scholars. Its identification with the Deeg or Degh in the Punjab is accepted by Pargiter and Kane (HD. IV. 746; De 55).
42. It is always resorted to by masters of Yogas who are beyond all sorts of sins. I shall mention the benefit resulting from the performance of Shraddha therein.
43-44. The Shraddha (there) yields all desires and is ever lasting. It delights Pitris. There is a rock of Agni there called Jatavedahshila. He who enters the fire there rejoices in heaven. Once the fire is tranquil, he is reborn. Anything offered there gives everlasting benefits.
45. There is no doubt in this that the sacrifices performed at the holy centres called Dashashvamedhika and Panchashvamedhika yield the benefits as indicated (in their names, viz. fruits of ten horse-sacrifices and of five horse-sacrifices).
46. The holy centre named Hayashiras is famous as granter of boon immediately. Shraddha performed there yields everlasting benefits. The devotee rejoices in heaven.
47. Shraddha is said to be everlasting. So also, are Japas, Homas and penances.
48. One should always propitiate the Pitris in the auspicious holy centre of Ajatunga. There the shadow of the heaven-dwellers is always seen on Parvan days. Whatever is given here becomes everlasting in the world. The Pandavas became free from ailment here.
49. It is always resorted to by masters of Yogas free from all sins. I shall mention the benefit of performance of Shraddha there.
50. Pitris worshipped there always become delighted. He who keeps his sense-organs under control in this world shall rejoice after death in heaven.
51. The lake named Shiva is the most excellent. Vyasa-saras and the divine lake Brahma-saras there are also holy.
52. The mountain Ujjanta1 of the noble soul Vasishtha is also holy. Centres called Kapota, Pushpasahvaya, (and those named after the Vedas) Rug, Yajus, Saman and (Atharva-) Shiras have been created by god Brahma. After the creation of these the fifth Veda, viz. Puranas have been narrated by him.
1. In Aparanta as per HD. IV.815. If identified with Ujjayanta, it is Mt. Girnar-De 211; but it is not associated with Vasishtha but with Datta and Neminatha. Hence, identification in HD probable.
53. After going there a Brahmana becomes free from sin like the eternal Fire-god Agni. Shraddha, Japas, Homas and penances are of endless benefits.
54. In the great holy centre Pundarika, one attains the benefit (as sweet and fragrant) as lotus. One gets the fruit of a horse-sacrifice in the great holy centre of Brahma Tirtha (by performing Shraddha there).
55. In the confluence of the Sindhu river and the ocean and in Panchanada, the benefit is everlasting. Kirakatmal (in Bd. P. Viraja) and Mandava on the mountain are sacred spots (?).
1. Vairani, but chirani ‘garments’ in Bd. P. V. 2.3.61 is preferable for in the next verse vairani ‘enmity’ is said to be visible even today. Visibility of abstract things is doubtful.
56. Shraddha has to be performed in the holy centre Saptahrada and particularly in Manasa.2 On the mountains of Mahakuta, Vanda and Trikakuda also (Shraddha should be performed).
2. Lake Manas sarovar situated in Kailasa mountain in Tibet.
-De 123
57. In Mahavedi (Mahanadi in Bd. P.) a great miracle is seen. It does not appear to one who has no faith (but) it does appear to a person who is firm in his religious vows.
58. The eternal rock of Agni himself is there. It is called Jatavedahshila. Shraddhas and holy rites in the fire performed there, have never-ending benefits.
59. Going there everyday in the evening, one who seeks never-ending benefits should always offer Shraddha to Pitris there.
60. A man of purified mind or otherwise is known in the holy centre called Svargyamargaprada (that which shows the path leading to heaven). It grants boons immediately. Casting off their mutual enmity in it, the Seven Sages went to heaven.
61. Even today signs of their extinct enmity are seen. Taking bath in that excellent Tirtha, a man attains heaven.
62. There is a famous shrine there, resorted to by Nandin and Siddhas (or a Siddha named Nandin). The image of Nandishvara is not visible to men of evil deeds.
63. Golden Yupas (sacrificial posts) are seen there at sunrise. People circumambulating them vanish and go to heaven (or they-the golden posts-disappear and go to heaven when devotees complete their circumambulation?).
64. The (land) all over Kuruksetra1 is especially an excellent holy place of Sanatkumara, the noble-souled lord of the Yogic cult. It is glorified as yielding ever-lasting benefit if Pitris are offered gingelly seeds (there).
1. The famous sacred place in Haryana-the country round Thaneswar. Some of the holy places, e.g. Vyasa-tirtha or Dvaipayana Hrada are in this area. Sarasvati flowed through it.
65. Shraddha performed in the residence of Dharmaraja is conducive to brilliance and it is never-ending (in yielding benefit). Shraddha offered on the New Moon day in accordance with injunctions and in the proper order also yields never-ending benefits.
66. Moreover, to those who are near about Kurukshetra it is particularly efficacious. A dutiful son who worships Pitris there, becomes free from his indebtedness to them.
67-69. Shraddha should be performed with the repetition of Omkara by persons who wish for ever-lasting benefit, at the following places: Vinashana,2 on the Sarasvati river, Plaksha-prasravana3, Vyasatirtha on the Sarasvati and especially at Brahma Kshetra, everywhere on the (banks of) Ganga and on the excellent mountain Mainaka and at the source of Yamuna. One gets absolved of sins (thereby). The proof for the same is the excessively hot and extremely cold water there.
2. The spot in the sandy desert in Sirhind district where Sarasvati disappears.
-De 37 3
3. The source of the river Sarasvati in the hills of Sirmur in the Siwalik range of the Himalayas.
-De 180
70. (Yamuna) is Yama’s sister and the daughter of Martanda (the Sun-god). It is holy. Shraddha performed there is everlasting. It was so glorified by Pitris formerly.
71. One taking ablutions in the lake Brahmanuga becomes a Brahmana immediately. Shraddha, Japas, Homas and penances performed there are everlasting.
72. Vasishtha of great penance performed penance standing still like a stump. Even to-day trees are seen there studded with gems.
73. There a weighing balance that indicates piety and impiety, is seen. People who get themselves weighed by Brāhmanas in it derive excellent fruits.
74-75. The daughter of Pitris, the great Yogini, is famous by the name of Gandhakali. It is she who will give birth to the great Yogin, the noble souled Vyasa, who will divide the single Veda into four, who will be an intelligent great sage, the great scion of the family of Parāśhara and who is a fourth part of Brahmā.
76. There is the lake Acchodaka1 from which she originated as the river Acchodā. Again she (Gandhakali) was born of the womb of a fish at the instance of Varana2.
1. A lake at the foot of Mt. Chandraprabha from which river Acchodā flows out. If identical with the Acchoda-sarovara in Bana’s Kadambari, it is Acchávat, six miles from Martanda in Kashmir.
2. For Varanena Bd. P. ibid V. 78 reads Käranena ‘for some purpose and it is a meaningful reading.
77. The place where she has a holy hermitage, is resorted to by meritorious persons. Shraddha offered there once, is said to be everlasting. If Shraddha is offered there even once, it causes the attainment of Yoga and Samādhi (Trance).
78. He who offers Shraddha in Kuberatunga, Vyamoccha and Vyāsatirtha is a holy Brāhmaṇa. The Shraddha yields everlasting benefits.
79. In the north-eastern quarter there is Nandāvedi. It is resorted to by Siddhas for ever. It is not visible to non-self possessed souls. (Those who perform Shraddha there) do not return (i.e. they attain liberation from Samsāra).
80. In the holy centre Mahālaya,3 the intelligent Mahadeva had imprinted his foot. It is a Siddhakşhetra resorted to (by Siddhas). People who go there do not return (i.e. attain Mokşha).
3. The same as Omkaranātha or Amareśhvara in M.P. -De 117
81. (Partially defective) On the peak called) Umātunga, in the shrine of the goddess (Uma) has performed penance standing on one foot for the period of a divine yuga, without taking any food.4 And the water (also) stood (for that period?).
4. Our text reads nihāra ‘snow’ which is obscure. Bd. P. ibid reads anāhāra ‘without taking food. It is relevant to penance, hence accepted tentatively.
82-83. One becomes sanctified by visiting Umātunga, Bhrugutunga, Brahmatunga, Mahālaya, Kadravatī, Shandili and Vamana’s cave. Shrāddha performed there yields ever-lasting benefit. Japa, Homa and meditation-everything performed there becomes meritorious.
84. Those who observe Brahmacharya (celibacy), those who perform sacrifice and those who are devoted to their preceptors for a hundred years (enjoy good benefits). These and other similar benefits are attained immediately by taking a dip in those holy waters.
85. (The holy river) Kumāradhāra1 there removes all sins (at its very sight). If one goes and settles there, one attains immediately what is attained when it is seen.
1. Near Vyasa’s seat for dhyana and Kantipuri or ancient Kathmandu in Nepal.
-De 89
86. By regularly visiting Shailakīrtipura, one attains all cherished desires. Like Devas he remains invisible to all living beings and roams in the earth.
87. Shraddhas should be offered everyday by one who seeks everlasting benefits at the great holy centre of Kaśhyapa well known as Kālasarpi.
88. Shraddha performed all round Shalagrāma2 becomes ever-lasting. It is not directly visible to sinful persons.
2. A place near the source of Gandak, the place where Sage Pulaha and Bharata performed penance.
89-90. The place is forbidden to the evil-minded and the good ones are allowed entry, since the pure divine king of serpents dwelling in the holy lake accepts the Pinda of the good and not that of the bad. Even by the highly illuminated serpents, the food cannot be eaten (if offered by the bad).
91. In these two holy centres, Dharma is directly seen. In Devadāruvana3 too the same proof can be seen.
3. Its site is on Gangā near Kedar in Garhwal; Badarikāśhrama is situated in this ‘Vana’.
92. The sins shaken off are visible to the meritorious soul. In Bhagirathi and Prayaga4 (the Shraddha performed) is said to be of ever-lasting benefit.
4. Modern Allahabad, U.P.
93. Shraddha should be offered with efforts at Kālañjara, 1 Daśhārna, Naimisha, Kurujängala and the city of Varanasi.
1. The places mentioned are identified as follows:
(1) Kālañjara-Kalinjar in Badausa sub-division of Banda district, Bundelkhand (M.P.).
(ii) Daśhärna-Eastern N. Malwa, including Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. Its ancient capital was Vidiśhā.
(iii)Naimisha-Nimsar, 45 miles NW of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
(iv) Kurujāngala-a forest country situated in Sirhind, NW of
Hastinapur. -De 110
94. In that city, Yogeśhvara is present for ever. Hence what is offered there is ever-lasting. Offering Shraddhas in these holy places, one becomes sanctified. The Shraddha yields everlasting benefits.
95. Penance, Homa, meditation, nay anything performed in Lauhitya,2 Vaitaraņi and Svarņavedi, becomes meritorious.
2. The following are identified by De thus: Lauhitya (The Brahmaputra, Assam); Vaitarani (the river Baitarani in Orissa); Jaipur stands on this river.
96. Only once, is (Shraddha) seen (performed) near the sea-shore by men of meritorious actions. So also in Gaya, Dharmaprushtha and in Brahma’s lake.
97-98. The Shraddha offered in Gay, and Grudhrakūta yields great benefit. Snow falls all round it up to a distance of five Yojanas (1 Yojana=12 Kms.). The forest surrounding the hermitage of Bharata is remembered as the most meritorious. The foot-print of Matanga is seen there with the physical eye.
99. This spot is glorified as (conducive to) entire righteousness. It is an example for this world. Similarly, the Panchavana is very holy. It is resorted to by men of meritorious actions. The holy centre Pāņduviśhālā is also a ready example.
100. (Defective) The persons who perpetrate sins come to the surface (become exposed) by means of weighing balances, by its arcs3 and by various scriptures when they get attached (visit) to that Tirtha (?).
101. Highly efficacious is the Shraddha offered at the silent (deep) great lake Pavamandala in the (river) Kaushiki in the third quarter on the third Tithi (day).
102. After performing a very severe penance for many celestial Yugas, the intelligent deity Mahadeva set foot on Mundaprushtha.
103. Within a very short time, a righteous man discards his sin quickly like a serpent casting off its slough.
104-105. To the north of Mundaprushtha, there is a holy centre famous in the three worlds by the name Kanakanandi. It is well protected by day and night by terrible serpents of huge bodies and licking with their tongues, frightful to the sinners (but) very delightful to Siddhas. (Even) birds flying as they please take bath there and go to heaven.
106. Śhrāddha offered there is said to yield everlasting benefit. An excellent man becomes free from his three-fold indebtedness by taking his bath there.
107. On the banks of that lake, there is a great shrine of the lord. After mounting up to it and performing Japas, one becomes a Siddha and thereafter goes to heaven.
108. After going to the northern Mānasa,1 one attains excellent Siddhi. On going to the excellent city,2 a very wonderful thing is seen.
1. Can it be the Kara Kul of northern Pamirs as suggested by M. Ali (AGP P. 71)? The so-called Uttara Mānasa at Gaya is an ordinary pond.
2. No mention of any city is here in the context. Bd. P. ibid V. 117 reads Sarashreşhthe ‘in that excellent lake’.
109. One should perform Śhrāddha there according to one’s capacity and physical strength. He should attain divine pleasures and the means to liberation (from Samsāra) for ever.
110-111. In the excellent Mānasa lake, a very wonderful thing is seen. The highly blessed goddess Gangă of three-fold path, slipping dawn from heaven, shines in the sky. Falling off the lunar rays on to the earth, it appears like festoons in the sky with the brightness of the sun.
112. It is diving with golden splendour. It is like the gate to heaven thrown wide open. It is from this place that it flows again towards the eastern ocean in its final stage.
113. It sanctifies all living beings and particularly those who know righteousness. Chandrabhāgā (Chenab) and Sindhu both these are like Mänasa (in sanctity). The divine Sindhu, the most excellent of rivers flows towards the western ocean.
114-115. There is the mountain named Himavan. It is embellished with various kinds of minerals. It is said that it extends to eighty thousand Yojanas. It is crowded with Siddhas and Chăraņas. ‘It is served and resorted to by Siddhas and Cara ņas. There is a Pushkariņi (lake) on it, well known by the name Suşhumna.
116. One who is born there lives up to ten thousand years. Shraddha offered there yields ever-lasting benefits, and great prosperity. The performer of Shraddhas enables ten previous generations and ten succeeding ones to cross (hell).
117. Everything belonging to Himavan is holy. The Ganga is sacred everywhere (throughout). The ocean-going rivers and all the oceans all round are holy.
118. A sensible man should perform Shraddha in all these places and at similar ones. Even by taking bath, he becomes sanctified. By offering (Shraddha*?) he becomes so (all the more).
*MS. Kha. In A reads dattva dānam giving a religious gift’, for dattvā dattvā of our text. Bd. P. ibid V. 127 reads hutvā dattva ‘by offering oblations to fire and by religious gifts’.
119-123. Shraddha can be performed in the following places: On the high summits and ridges of mountains, crevasses, in the solitary sides, springs and fountains, on the sandy banks of rivers, on the auspicious anniversaries of the beginning of Yugas, on great oceans, in cowpens, in the confluence of two rivers, in the forests, well-cleaned and scrubbed ground, pleasing fragrant spots, in solitary houses, on the ground polished with cow-dung, etc. One should perform Shraddha in these places in accordance with injunctions. Those who seek fulfilment of all desires shall perform Shraddha in these places carefully. They should perform circumambulation in all the quarters. An intelligent man per forming thus, shall attain the Siddhi of Brahmatva (Brahmahood).
124. The worship of Pitris becomes fruitful if anger etc. is eschewed, the duties of the three castes are performed and the discipline of castes and stages of life is maintained.
125. Even a person who has committed sins becomes sanctified if he boldly and faithfully makes the pilgrimage to the holy centres and courageously controls his senses. What need be said in regard to a person of meritorious deeds?
126. He is not reborn in an animal womb. He is not born again in an impious land. A Brāhmaṇa attains heaven and attains the means to salvation (Mokşha).
127. These five do not attain the benefit of pilgrimage: those who have no faith, sinners, atheists, permanent doubters and those who always seek a cause (for everything).
128. Great Siddhi is achieved in the holy centre of Guru (the preceptor). He is the most excellent of all sacred objects and spots. Meditation is a still greater Tīrtha. It is the eternal Brahmatirtha.1
1. The influence of Yoga is so profound on the Purāna writer that Yogic meditation is regarded superior to Tirthayātrā (vv. 128-131). The importance of feeding a Yogin at the time of Shrāddhas has been already extolled in previous chapters.
129. Meditation is greater than observance of fasts. It makes all the sense organs shun (their objects). Those who are wedded to observance of fasts are reborn again and again along with their vital breaths.
130. One shall equalise Prāna and Apana. One should restrain in mind objects and the sense organs and restrain the intellect in the mind. Then every sense-organ recedes.
131. Understand that undoubtedly Pratyāhāra (the withdrawal of all sense organs) is the sure means to salvation. Among the sense-organs, the mind is the most terrible. It makes the intellect and other organs function.
132. (The restlessness of the mind) is subdued by not taking food. Know that fasting is a penance. By restraining the intellect and the mind, the intellect is sublimated (the intellect be comes beautiful).
133. When all the sins are mitigated, when the sense organs are weakened (subdued) the pure soul attains bliss of liberation like fire without fuel.
134. A knower of Yogas separates the individual soul from all manifest and unmanifest causes and Guņas by means of his Yogic power.
135. There is no place for him to go, whether manifest or unmanifest. He is neither Asat (non-existent) nor Sat-Asat. No- thing can be said of his existence.