Discussion between Arjuna and Vyasa on Yugadharma

Vyasa said, “In the Kaliyuga the people, feeling by the attribute of tamoguna, shall always remain engaged in malice, collecting of riches and the killing of the ascetics.

During the Kaliyuga, epidemics of fatal disease, perpetual fear of hunger and starvation, fear of droughts and destruction of countries prevail.

The people bom in the age of Kali shall be deprived of dharma and food, and shall be filled with anger having little lustre. They shall be greedy, indulging in falsehood and possessing the evil progeny.

They shall have evil desires, shall engage in false studies, evil conduct, and study the fake scriptures. Because of the misconduct of the Brahmanas, blemishes shall emerge among the Brahmanas.

The Brahmanas shall be disinterested in the study of the Vedas in the age of Kali, nor would they be interested in the performing of the yajnas. People short of wisdom, shall engage themselves in the performing of the yajnas and the study of the Vedas.

During the age of Kali, the Brahmanas and the Siidras shall sleep together, sit together, eat together, besides the reciting of the mantras together performing the yajnas.

Most of the Siidras shall be mlers, who will cause pain to the Brahmanas. The practice of abortion shall be common among the rulers, besides the killing of the valorous people.

The Brahmanas, shall be averse to the taking of bath, performing of Homas, Japas, charities, adoration of the gods, and other auspicious deeds.

The people in Kaliyuga shall denounce Mahadeva Shiva, Brahmana, Purusottama, Visnu, Vedas, Dharmasastras as well as the Puranas.

The people shall indulge in many type of deeds, which are against the teaching of the Vedas. The Brahmanas shall no more remain interested in their own dharma.

The people shall display evil conduct, take to useless forms, surrounded with the false people and shall be demanding mutually excessively.

The people in Kaliyuga shall sell the cereals in the janapadas, besides the sellers of Shivalihgas at the road crossings. The youthful maidens will sell their bodies.

At the end of the yuga, Siidras calling themselves Jinas (subduers of sense organs), with beautiful teeth, shaving off their heads, clad in ochre robes and black-antelope, shall perform holy rites.

The people shall steal the cereals, besides the costumes of others. There would also be people who would abduct the thieves.

There would be enough of miseries and the people shall have short lives. They shall be full of lethargy, with ailments in the body. They shall be more interested in evil activities from attachement to Adharma.

During the age of Kali, some people shall be clad in saffron costumes, some of them shall be illiterate, devoid of sophisticated behaviour, some of them shall wear the garland of skulls, some of them will be selling the Vedas, while some of them shall be selling their sacred places.

The people short of wisdom, shall force the seated Brahmanas to get up from their seats. The Sudras with royal protection shall punish the Brahmanas.

О Aijuna, the Sudras, during the Kaliyuga shall occupy high seats among the Brahmanas. The rulers shall insult the Brahmanas.

The Brahmanas with the little of knowledge, having little fortunes, and strength shall offer flowers, ornaments, and other auspicious articles to the Sudras.

O King, the Sudras shall not look at the Brahmanas worthy of adoration, while the Brahmanas shall wait at the gate to avail of an opportunity to serve them.

During the Kaliyuga, the Brahmanas, while earning their living from the Sudras, mounting over the vehicles, shall surround the Sudras and serve them, offering several prayers and praises.

In a way depending upon the total atheismiiess, the Brahmanas, earning their livelihood from the Sudras, shall teach the Vedas and their commentary.

The best of the Brahmanas, and hundreds and thousands of ascetics, shall become the sellers of the merit of penance, sacrifice and the arts.

О King, (the Brahmanas) destroying their own dharma, do not attain that region. They shall adore the gods with the worldly songs.

During the Kaliyuga, all the Brahmanas and Ksatriyas shall become the followers of Vama- tantrikas, the Pas'upatas, and Pancaratrikas.

Distancing themselves from jnana and the karmas, the people shall become inactive and troubled by the insects, rats and the serpents.

The Brahmanas who had been burnt in the Daksa's sacrifice in earlier times, because of the curse of Dadhica, shall reborn in the families of Brahmanas.

At the end of Kaliyuga, the Brahmanas, overshadowed with tamoguna, shall denounce Lord Shiva and shall indulge in the useless religious practices.

The other Brahmanas who had been burnt with the curse of Gautama, shall be valorous in their own castes. All these Brahmanas shall incarnate in the same yonis. They will revile god Hrsikesa, Brahmanas and expounders of Brahman or the Vedas.

They possessing the evil conduct shall act contrary to the provision of the Vedas, engaged in useless exercises, surrounded by tamoguna, deceitful people, showing the greed, and deluding all other people. Rudra Mahadeva is the real lord of the people during Kaliyuga.

The people should adore lord Mahadeva, who happens to be the god of gods. The brown- complexioned Shiva, for the establishment of Srattta (Vedic) and Smarta dharmas (belonging to the Smrtis), and for the welfare of the devotees shall incarnate on earth. He will enlighten his devotees on the subjects of the gist of Vedanlas, the knowledge relating to the Brahman, and all the dharmas enshrined in the Vedas, which have been narrated earlier.

A person, who shall adore Shiva by any means, he, overpowering the blemishes of the age of kali, shall achieve the supreme position.

A person achieves the great merits without much efforts. This is the matter of greatest advantage of the Kaliyuga.

Therefore in the Age of Kali, making all the efforts, all the people, particularly the Brahmanas, should take refuge with Is'ana Rudra.

Such of the people who bow in reverence to Virupaksa-Shiva (having terrible eyes) clad in elephant hide, they getting delighted, achieve the excellent place.

As by bowing in reverence to Rudra one gets all his desires fulfilled surely, the reward can not be achieved by adoring the other gods.

In this way the blemishes are removed in Kaliyuga. The scriptures ordain that, the offering of salutation to lord Mahadeva and the giving of the charities, are the only means of purifying defects.

Therefore, if one is desirous of salvation, then discarding the other gods, he should take refuge with Virupaksa-Shiva.

The one who does not adore Shiva who is worshipped by all the gods, the charities, tapas and yajha performed by him, besides his own life become of no consequence.

Salutation to Shiva, the holder of trident, three­eyed and the god of gods who is the preceptor of the Yogins.

Salutation to the god of gods, Mahadeva, the one who represents Brahma, Visnu and Mahesa, Sambhu, Sthanu and Paramesthi.

Salutation to Soma, Rudra, the great destroyer and the cause of all, I take refuge with Virupaksa, the Brahmacari, worthy of being a refuge.

I offer my salutation to Mahadeva, the form of Mahayoga, Isana, the lord of Ambika, bestower of Yoga on the Yogins, surrounded with Yogamaya, the preceptor of the Yogis, the teacher attainable by the Yogis, holder of the Pinaka-bow, the one who makes one to cross over the ocean of the universe, the lord of Brahma, all-pervading, protector of the scriptures as well as the Brahmanas, dear to the Brahmanas, having matted locks of hair over the head, Kalamurti (embodiment of Kala), formless one, Parames'vara, one who though multiform appears as one form, knowable through the Vedas, Lord of the heaven, Nllakantha, Visvamurti (embodiment of the universe), omniscient, seed of the universe, Kalagni (fire of death), Kaladahana (the fire at the time of dissolution), bestower of boons, destroyer of Kama, lord of mountains, having the crescent as the ornament, having special type of red complexion, who puts forth his tongue, Aditya, Paramesthin, the fierce Pasupati, the terrible deity, the refulgent sun and supreme penance, salutation to you.

Thus, I have brought out in brief the characteristics of Yugas and also of the Yogas of the past and future until the end of the Manvantara.

By speaking about a single Manvantara, all the Manvantaras get explained. Similarly with the explaining of a Kalpa, all the Kalpas get defined. There is no doubt about it.

In each one of the past and the future Manvantaras, there are the supreme gods having the similar names and forms.”

At these words of the sage Vyasa, Arjuna, decorated with the Kirita crown, and having a white chariot, embraced the supreme devotion to Shiva.

Then he offered his salutation to the sage Krisnadvaipayana, who was omniscient, the creator of all and the form of lord Visnu.

Then Arjuna, who conquered the cities of the enemies, was touched by Vyasa with both the hands and then said.

He said, “O Conqueror of the cities, I feel graceful and indebted to you. Surely there is none else comparable with you in devotion for lord Shiva.

You have directly perceived lord Rudra, having universal vision, having faces all round, and the one who is embodiment of the universe.

You have well understood the divine knowledge of Shiva. This fact has already been highlighted by none else than the eternal Hrslkesa (Vyasa, his incarnation) himself, out of delight.

Now you move on to your own place. You should not feel grieved, you take refuge with Shiva with utmost devotion.”

Thus speaking to Arjuna, lord Vyasa, extending his grace on him for engage himself in the meditation of Shiva, reached Varanasi, the abode of the lord.

Arjuna, on his part, on the advice of Vyasa, discarding all his engagements, devoted himself exclusively in the worship of Shiva through spiritual knowledge.

In fact, except the son of Satyavatl (Vyasa) and Krisna, the son of Devaki, neither anyone has been, nor will be bom who is equal to Arjuna in the matter of devotion to Sambhu.

Salutation to Vyasa, the son of Parasara, who had been calm, full of wisdom, extremely illustrious, always.

Krisnadvaipayana Vyasa is the eternal lord Visnu in reality. Who else is there except him, who knows about Shiva, so well.

All of you should offer your salutation to Krisnadvaipayana, the son of Paras'ara and Satyavatl, Mahatma, the great Yogin, imperishable, form of Visnu.

At these words of the sage, all the Rishis with the concentration of mind, then adored Mahatma Vyasa, the son of Satyavatl.

 

Chapter 31

The Glory of Varanasi

The Rishis said, “Reaching the divine city of VaranasT, what did the learned Krisna Dvaipayana Vyasa do there? We are quite anxious to know about the same.”

Siita said, “The great sage, reaching at divine Varanasi, sipped the water of the Ganga first of all and then adored the lord Vis'ves'vara there.

Finding the arrival of the sage there, the sages, who were dwelling there, adored the excellent sage Vyasa.

All these people bowing in reverence to the sage Vyasa, then enquired from him the auspeious story relating to Mahadeva, which is remover of all sins and also about the eternal dhanna of final emancipation.

The omniscient and illustrious sage Vyasa, then started narrating the glory of God of the gods, as propounded in the Vedas.

Among those sages, .Taimini, the disciple of sage Vyasa asked him about the eternal mysterious one.

Jaimini said, “O Bhagavan, you are all knowledgeable lord, and you are competent to remove one of my doubts. You are the great sage and nothing is unknown to you.

Some praise the meditation, other people praise the dharma. Still other hold Samkhya and Yoga in high esteem. The other Rishis consider the performing of the tapas as the best. Some of the great sages praise the Brahmacarya. Some Rishis praise ahirnsa while others hold sannyasa as the best one.

Some of the people, praise compassion, some charities, and the religious studies. Some of them praise pilgrimage, others the control of senses. Therefore, О best of the sages, which one of all these is more useful, you kindly tell us. In case there be some other secret means, you also kindly speak out the same.”

Hearing the words of Jaimini, the sage Krisnadvaipayana, bowing his head in reverence to the bull-bannered Shiva, spoke in deep voice.

Vyasa said, “O Virtuous sage, whatever has been asked by you is quite correct. I shall speak out the extremely secret knowledge. All the sages should listen to the same.

This eternal secret knowledge was imparted by Ishvara himself in ancient time. The ignorant are envious of this great knowledge, while it is embraced by those possessing subtle vision.

This secret knowledge is the best among all type of knowledges. This should not be imparted to the faithless person. The said knowledge should also not be imparted to a person who is not devoted to Shiva, or to a person, having no knowledge of the Vedas.

Once the foe of Tripura, lord Shiva, was seated over the Meru mountain with goddess Parvati. At that point of time Parvati asked Shiva.

Parvati said, “O God of gods, О Mahadeva, you are the remover of the miseries of your devotees. How can the people have an audience with you without delay?

О Shiva, the systems of Samkhya and the Yoga, penance, meditation, path of action of the Vedas, and several other means can be achieved with utmost labour and efforts.

Therefore, the method by which the people with confused minds, the Yogins, learned people and all living beings, could have an audience with the lord without much effort, the same knowledge, which is beyond the reach of Brahma, which is extremely secret, the same may kindly be revealed for the benefit of the devotees.”

Ishvara said, “This secret knowledge is beyond description, which had been discarded by the ignorant people, but I shall speak out the factual position to you, which had been narrated by the great Rishis.

The city of Varanasi is my sacred and most secret place which makes all the living beings on earth to cross the ocean of the worldy existence.

The great-souled devotees of mine who have taken to the observance of my vows and who adhere to those great observances, stay at that place.

Varanasi happens to be my Avimukta-ksetra, is the best of all the places and the places of pilgrimage. It also possesses the best of all the knowledge.

All the auspicious places of pilgrimage in the heaven and the earth, besides the temples in other places, are all lodged in the cremation ground here.

I instead of having my abode in the earth, it is lodged in the space. The people who are not liberated do not perceive it. But it could be visualised by meditation.

О Beautiful one, this region of the cremation ground is known as Avimukta-region (not deserted by me). I, in the form of Kala, destroy the universe here.

О Goddess, this place is particularly dear to me of all the places. My devotees, who live here, get absorbed in me ultimately.

The charities, japam, homa, yajna, tapas and the meditation performed here, besides the studies, and the knowledge gained here, becomes everlasting.

The sins performed in the thousands of earlier births, are washed out with the mere entry in the Avimukta region.

О Beautiful one, irrespective of one being a Brahmana, Ksatriya, Vaisya, Siidra, or a person of mixed breed, women, Mlecchas, and persons of degraded castes, insects, flies, animals, birds, whosoever meets his death in this region, О Goddess, О Shiva, all of them get absorbed in lord Shiva, having a crescent moon over his head, having three eyes, with the great Nandi-bull as his vehicle. They are then reborn as human beings in my loka.

Even a great sinner, meeting with his death in the Avimukta ksetra, never falls in the hell. All of them getting indebted to Is'vara, achieve the best of positions.

Realising that salvation to be extremely difficult to achieve, and treating the world to be extremely terrific, one should strike his feet with stone and stay on in Kas'I.

О Paramesvarl, it is difficult for a person to perform the penance here, but whenever one dies in Kas'I, he achieves salvation.

О Daughter of the mountain, the person who dies in Varanasi, all his sins are burnt out due to my grace. The ignorant people getting deluded with my illusion, are unable to see this place.

An ignorant person, overpowered with the darkness do not perceive Avimukta. He enters in the midst of faeces, urine and semen again and again.

O Goddess, when a person badly suffering from various obstructions, reaches KasI, he achieves the supreme position, and reaching that place, he is relieved of all the gloom. He is freed from birth, old age, death and achieves the best place of Shiva. The people desirous of moksa and are not interested in re-birth, they achieve the supreme position.s

A person by achieving Kas'I, feels successful, this is what the learned people believes. Such a best position cannot be achieved by performing charities, tapas, yajnas or even by means of knowledge, as compared to the one achieved by the death in the Avimukta region. The Avimukta region serves as the divine penacea for the people of different castes, the hated ones, the Candalas and others, those who are full of serious and intense sins. This is what the learned people speak.

The Avimukta-ksetra is the region of supreme knowledge, the greatest principle, the greatest region, and the form of supreme bliss. The people, who receiving dlkm, live in KasI, with utmost devotion, they ultimately achieve the supreme knowledge, and the supreme position.

The auspicious places of pilgrimage known as Prayaga,1 the sacred Naimisaranya, Srls'aila, Himalaya, Kedara, Bhadrakarna, Gaya, Puskara, Kuruksetra, Rudrakoti, Narmada, Hatakesvara, Saligrama, Puspagra, Varhsa, Kokamukha, Prabhasa, Vijayes'ana, Gokarna, and Sahkukarna, are well known in the three worlds. But the way, one achieves salvation after his death in Varanasi, is not found elsewhere. The three way moving Ganga, while entering KasI, destroys the sins of a person, committed during the past hundred years or so.

The bath in the Ganga, performing of Sraddha, charities, Japam and other religious rites can be had elsewhere as weli, but the results of performing of these activities in Varanasi are difficult to be achieved elsewhere. One should always perform Yajna and Нота in Varanasi everyday, offer charitable gifts, besides adoring the other gods. A person who lives in Varanasi inhailing air alone, even if he is a degraded one, sinful, wicked and irreligious, still, he reaching Varanasi, purifies his three generations.

1. A sacred shrine of the Hindus, the junction of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna.

The people who adore and praise Mahadeva in Varanasi, they getting relieved of all the sins, become Ganesvaras of Shiva. It should be known accordingly.

At other holy centres, the greatest abode (Moksa) could be achieved through Yoga or knowledge or renunciation in a thousand births, but by adoring Vis'ves'vara Shiva with devotion at Varanasi, by the devotees there, they achieve the same in a single birth alone. One need not go to any other penance grove after reaching Avimukta where Yoga, perfect knowledge and salvation, are acquired in a single birth.

This region is secret of all the secrets, and realising this, a person achieves moksa. О lady of fine eyebrows, the blissful position which is achieved by the people engaged in prana- dhyana, the same position is achieved by a person, who dies in Avimukta-ksetra.

The Avimukta regions which have been spelt out by the gods, Varanasi happens to be the best and more rewarding as compared to all of them besides being auspicious. Lord Ishvara, himself, explains the Tamkabrahman (i.e. Brahman that enables one to cross the ocean of worldy existence). О Goddess, that great principle which is greater than the greatest, is obtained in a single birth at Varanasi. The Avimukta lodged in Aditya lokas between the two eyebrows, inside the navel, in the heart, over the forehead, similarly, the same is lodged in Varanasi as well. This city is lodged between the rivers Varana and Asi, earning the name of Varanasi.

The supreme tattva of Avimukta is pennanently located in Varanasi. Therefore, there had been no other place better on earth, as compared to Varanasi in the past, nor shall it be there in future. Like Narayana, Mahadeva and Sun-god abide there, so do other gods along with Gandharvas, Yaksas, serpents and Raksasas. God Brahma, the grand-sire of the world and the god of gods always propitiates me there.

The people who commit sins much more than the great sinners, they get redeemed by reaching Varanasi. Therefore, he who seeks liberation should invariably reside in Varanasi till death, О Mahadevl.

О Great Goddess achieving perfect knowledge at Varanasi, one gets liberated. But those whose minds are overpowered with sins, they will have to face difficulties.

O Excellent Brahmanas, one should not indulge in sins at KasI, by action, thought, or behaviour. This is the gist of the Vedas and Puranas.

The knowledge which is attained by staying in the Avimukta-ksetra, there is nothing better known, than this. This is what lord Shiva had told Parvati, in the presence of the great sages, Devas and Paramesthin, about the city of Varanasi, which removes all the sins.

As Narayana is the best among the gods, as Mahadeva is the best among Ishvaras, similarly, Varanasi is the best among all the sacred places.

Those who have adored Rudra in the earlier birth, they achieve the best of Avimukta-ksetra, the place of Shiva. Those who have lost the wisdom because of the sins of Kaliyuga, they are unable to visit the auspicious place of Paramesthin.

Those who always remember Kala (lord Shiva) and live in the city of Varanasi, they are freed from the sins of this as well the future worlds.

In case, some people living in the abode of Shiva, commit sins, they are destroyed by lord Shiva, having the form of Kala.

The persons who arriving here for seeking moksa, but meet with their end here, then they are never reborn on earth. Therefore, making all the efforts, a person should live in KasT, irrespective of his being a Yogin or otherwise, a sinner or an auspicious soul, one should not become averse to avoiding of the benefit of living in the Avimukta-ksetra, even at the advice of the people, his parents or even the elderly persons.”

Suta said, “After thus speaking lord Vyasa, the best among those well-versed in the Vedas, went to Varanas! along with his disciples.

 

Chapter 32

The Glory of Vranasi

Suta said, “Then Krisna Dvaipayana Vyasa, accompanied with his pupils, went to the great Omkaresvara Linga, which is the bestower of salvation.

The sage adored Mahadeva there with his disciples and then explained to them about the glory of the said Linga.

He said, “This is known as Omkares'vara Linga which is spotless besides being beautiful. With the sheer memory of it, all the sins of a person are washed out.

It is here that the excellent supreme knowledge of five Ayatanas (five-faced Shiva?), capable of granting absolute emancipation from world, has been always worshipped by the sages.

It is here that lord Rudra, taking to the form of five deities (Pancayatana), bestow moksa to the people.

The knowledge pertaining to Pasupati, which has five topics or imports, the same is enshrined in the Omkaresvara linga.

The five topics are super-quiescence, supreme peace, knowledge, stability and cessation. All these aspects are enshrined in this Linga.

This Linga is the place of abode of five deities viz. Brahma and other deities (stated above), earning it the name of Pancayatana.

A person who at the time of death, remembers, the Pancayatana Shivalinga, he enters into the supreme flame of bliss.

The divine sages, Siddhas and BrahmaRishis, by adoring the Lord Isana here had attained liberation.

О Best of the Brahmanas, there is an extremely auspicious place, which is quite secret, at the bank of the river Matsyodarl. The best of the Omkares'vara linga of the size of the cow’s hide is installed there.

О Excellent Brahmanas, the Krttivasesvaralinga, Madhyamesvara-linga, Visvesvaralinga, Omkaralinga and the excellent Kapardlsvaralinga are the Litigas which have been consecrated at the secret spots in Varanasi. No one on earth can know about them without the grace of lord Shiva, in this world.

Then the great sage, Krisnadvaipayana, the son of Paras'ara, went to see the Krttivcisesvara Linga of the trident-bearer Mahadeva.

Then the sage, adoring the Linga with his disciples, highlighted about the glory to the Brahmanas, of the Krttivasesvaralinga.

He said, “In earlier times, a demon had arrived in the form of a wild elephant for the killing of the Brahmanas, who had been adoring Bhava (Shiva) always.

О Best of the Brahmanas, then for the protection of his devotees, the three-eyed lord Shiva emerged out of that Linga.

Lord Shiva, striking with his trident, killed the demon in an elephant form, and used the elephant hide as his garment. Since that day he came to be known as Krttivases'vara.

О Excellent Sages, the ascetics had achieved the excellent Siddhis here and also achieved the liberation with the same body.

Those who are glorified as Vidya, Vidyesvaras, Rudras and Shivas surround the Krttivasesvaralinga forever, and are established here.

A person who considering the Kaliyuga as full of Adharma, do not discard the Krttivasa- linga, they are successful in their lives. There is no doubt about it.

Elsewhere, whether a person might not achieve liberation by having births for thousands of times, but during a single birth with the devotion of Krttivasa, one achieves liberation.

This place has been described to be the abode of all the Siddhas, which is protected by lord Sambhu.

In each and every Yuga, the Brahmanas controlling their senses, well-versed in the Vedas, recite the Satarudrlya. They always eulogize the three-eyed lord Shiva with a devoted heart on Sthanu, who is present within everyone.

Surely the songs are sung by the Siddhas for the Brahmanas, who live in Varanasi and those who take refuge with the Krttivasalinga. They achieve liberation in this birth itself.

 After securing the birth in the families of the Brahmanas very rare in the world and liked by all the worlds, the ascetics have recourse to meditation, perform the Japa of Rudra and meditate on Mahes'a in their minds.

Similarly the great Rishis who live in Varanasi adoring lord Shiva, and freeing themselves from all the attachments, perform the yajnas for Mahadeva in a selfless manner, praising Rudra, and offering salutation to Shiva.

Salutation to lord Bhava, having pure emotions and splendour. I take refuge with the lord of Mountains, who also is Purana Purusa. I remember Rudra, who is lodged in my heart. I am well aware of lord Shiva having many forms.

 

Chapter 33

The Glory of Varanasi

Suta said, “The intelligent Vyasa, after delivering the lecture, want to see the indestructible Kapardlsvaralinga, that unchanging Linga of the trident-bearing lord.

О Brahmanas, then he took his bath appropriately at the holy Pisacamocana-tlrthu and offering oblations to the Pitrs, adored Shiva, the trident-bearing deity.

The sages had a chance of visualising the astonishing tlrtha with their preceptor. They well understood the glory of the place and offered their salutation to GirIshvara.

Suddenly, they found that a terrific tiger arrived near the Kapardlsvaralinga in order to devour a hind.

The terrified hind, ran round and round the Shivalinga in agitation, and ultimately submitted to the tiger.

The immensely strenghtful tiger, tore out the hind with its sharp nails and at the sight of the sages moved to some other secluded place.

When the hind met with death in front of the KapardI Shivalinga, a huge fire flame appeared in the sky, like the sun rays.

The flame of fire had three eyes, blue throated, with the head adorned with the crescent mark, mounted over a bull, and was surrounded by the men. The inmates of the space started showering flowers on his head. He, then suddenly was turned into a Ganes'vara and disappeared from that place.

At that point of time, Jaimini and other disciples witnessing a great event, enquired of their preceptor, the glory about Kapardlsvara.

After bowing down to the bull-bannered deity, all of them took their seats before Vyasa, who started narrating the glory of Kapardlsvara to his disciples.

(With the recalling of the name of Kapardlsa, all the sins are washed out.) With the adoration of Kapardlsvara, and by living in Varanasi, all the blemishes like desire, anger etc., are washed out. Because of this, one shpuld always visit Kapardlsvaralinga periodically). Therefore, one should adore Kapardlsvaralinga appropriately, offering prayer to it with the vedic stotras.

The Yogins with peaceful minds, who appropriately meditate upon Shiva there, meet with success in Yogic Siddhi in six months. There is no doubt about it.

By so adoring the linga and by taking a bath in the Pisacamocana-tlrtha, the terrific sins like the killing of a Brahmana and other similar sins are removed.

О Brahmanas, an excellent ascetic Sankukama, of praiseworthy holy rites, had in earlier times worshipped the trident-bearing lord.

Не adored Shiva throughout the day and night, offering his salutation as well as the flowers, incense etc. He also muttered the Rudra- Pranava mantra, circumambulating the linga.

The said Yogdtma, after receiving the religious initiation, lived there. Once he spotted a preta (ghost), who had arrived there, and was suffering from hunger, having been reduced to skeleton. He was breathing heavily. Looking at him, the heart of the sage was filled with compassion, and he asked him, “who are you? Where from have you come?” Then the pis'aca who had been suffering from hunger, spoke to the sage.

Не said, “I had been a Brahmana in my earlier birth having enough of cereals and riches, I had sons and grandsons, and I always remained busy in looking after them.

Besides that, I had never taken care of the gods, cows and the guests. I performed no merits even of the smallest quantity.

Once I had a look at lord Rudra, with the lordly bull as his vehicle, at Varanasi. I touched him offering my salutation to him.

Soon thereafter, I met with my end. О Sage, I have not witnessed the horrible face of Yama.

Presently, achieving the position of a pisaca, am suffering from hunger and thirst, unable to think about my good or bad.

О Lord, in case you have in view any means for my liberation then you speak out the same to me. I take refuge with you.”

After saying this, Sankukarna said to the ghost, “There is no other person as meritorious as you are, in this world because you had an audience with the lord and also touched him, offering your salutation at the same time. Who could then be there comparable with you.

As a reward of the same deed, you have reached this place. With a devoted mind, you enter this kunda (holy pond) and have a bath. By doing so you will be liberated from this horrible form.”

At these words of the compassionate sage, the pisaca, with his devoted mind, remembering lord Shiva, with matted locks of hair, having three eyes, took his bath into the holy pond.

After taking his bath, he met with his end near the sage. Then getting adorned with the divine ornaments, he was seen over an aerial chariot that resembled the sun itself, and appeared there with his crest marked by the moon.

The pis'dca then appeared having been surrounded with Rudras, the great Yogins, like the rising sun, the lord of all, surrounded by Valakhilya sages and others at the time of dawn.

The gods and the Siddhas started praising him in the sky. The divine and beautiful Apsaras, started dancing. The Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, Kinnaras, and others, started raining flowers over him.

Groups of the sages were praising him, and by the grace of lord Shiva, he achieved the divine knowledge as well. Then he entered the solar disc consisting of three Vedas, where Rudra resides always.

Having been relieved of the position of a pisaca, the sage was immensely delighted, and devoting his mind to lord Rudra-Mahesa, offering his salutation to him, he engaged himself in pleasing the lord with matted locks of hair.

Sankukama said, “I offer my salutation to the eternal lord, who is better than the best, secretive, and the ancient Purusa. I take refuge with Yogesvara, Ts'vara, Aditya, fonn of fire, and the one who is lodged in the hearts of all.

О Lord, You are beyond Brahma, are lodged in the hearts of all, the form of gold, a Yogin, beyond birth, the protector, living in the sky and the great sage resembling Brahman and are auspicious. I take refuge with you.

O Lord, You are having a thousand feet, a thousand eyes, a thousand heads, a thousand arms, beyond darkness, beyond Brahman, the lord of Hiranyagarba, having three eyes, besides being lord Sambhu. I offer my salutation to you.

You are the creator and the destroyer of the universe, you are Shiva, Lord Isa, the other shore of Brahman, I take refuge with the same Shiva, offering my salutation to you forever.

You are beyond all symbols, having the invisible form, self-luminous, the Lord of consciousness, exclusive Rudra, salutation to you. I offer my salutation to the lord who is beyond Brahman, and beyond whom nothing exists.

The god, who is visualised by Yogins by yogic practices and meditations, wherein the Sabija fonn is eschewed, I always offer my salutation to your same form which is beyond Brahman.

О Lord, where there is no name, where there is no special pleasure and its satisfaction, the one who is invisible having no fonn, I bow in reverence to Shiva who is beyond Brahman. I take refuge in you, the self-bom god.

The learned people well-versed in the Vedas, describe him bodyless, indivisible, having non-duality, having the form resembling Brahmavijnana, one without a second yet perceived in many forms. I, therefore, bow in reverence to the one who is beyond Brahman.

You are the one by whose grace Pradhana and Ancient Purusa exist, I bow in reverence to the form of Kala, who is respected by the Devas and which is enveloped in brilliance.

I always take refuge with Mahesa. I resort to Sthanu, Girfsa, the Purana-Purusa, besides being moon-crested, Нага and take refuge with the holder of the Pinaka-bow.”

In this way the sage Sankukama, kept on offering prayer to Shiva having locks of hair over the head. Then repeating the auspicious Pranava Mantra (От), he prostrated on earth like a staff.

At the same time, the greatest Linga of the nature of Shiva appeared which was the form of knowledge, blissful, form of non-duality, resembling a crore of fires annihilating the universe.

Then the spotless sage Sankukama, of the nature of the soul of all, was absorbed in the spotless linga. This was an astonishing event.

I have thus revealed the secret as well as the glory of the Kapardilinga. Because of tamoguna, no one understands it. Even the learned people get confused about it.

The devotees who listen daily to this auspicious story, all their sins are removed, and they achieve the vicinity of Rudra.

A person who getting purified shall recite this Brahmapara stotra daily in the morning as well as in the noon, he will surely achieve Yoga.

Then the sages said- “All of us shall stay here and see Kapardin, the lord of the Devas forever. We shall constantly worship the three-eyed deity.” Thus speaking, the illustrious holy sage Vyasadeva, lived there along with his disciples, adoring lord Kapardl there with concentrated mind.

 

Chapter 34

The Glory of Varanasi

Suta said, “They lived for many years near KapardIshvara Shiva, then the sage Vedavyasa, moved on to have a look at the Madhyamesvara-linga.

Surrounded by the groups of Rishis, at the bank of the auspicious and pure MandakinI river, with the spotless water flowing in it, the sage Vyasa was immensely pleased.

Looking at the auspicious river, the sage Vyasa with auspicious soul, well-versed in the rites of ablution, took his bath in the sacred river with other sages.

 (Entering with his disciples in the auspicious river water, Vyasa-the son of Satyavati, adored lord Shiva, the eternal one with many flowers.) He offered oblation, appropriately to the gods, Rishis and Pitrs and then adored the Madhyamesvara-linga of trident-bearing lord Shiva.

Then the devotees of Madhyamesvara Shiva, with ashes applied over their bodies, with a peaceful mind, arrived there to have a look at Madhyames'vara-Shiva. All of them were devoted to Orhkara and were engaged in the Vedic studies. They had matted locks of hair over the heads, some of them were with shaven heads, wearing the auspicious yajnopavltas. Some of them wore kauplna (had only the loin cloth), while others were without robes. All of them practiced celibacy and were peaceful by nature, possessing divine knowledge, having controlled their sense organs.

O Brahmanas, “The sage Vyasa, surrounded by his disciples, was adored by the sages who put him a question, “O Great sage, who are you? Where from have you arrived with your disciples?” Then Paila and other disciples, overwhelmed by the religious feelings, spoke to the Rishis.

 “He himself is Hrsikesa, son of Satyavati, lord Krisnadvaipayana Vyasa, who himself had classified the Vedas.

Suka is the name of his son. He is the one who was bom of the ams'a of Shiva-the holder of the Pinaka bow, who has taken refuge with lord Mahadeva with utmost devotion. He is the one who has attained the full knowledge about Ishvara. Thereafter all the devotees of Shiva, thrilled with delight, spoke to Vyasa-the son of Satyavati with a quiescent mind.

 “You know well about Paramcsthin-Shiva, who is the god of gods. You have also achieved the complete knowledge about Mahesvara.

You kindly enlighten us on this excellent, unrevealed secret about Shiva without any agitation. By so listening from you the glory of Shiva, may we see the lord quickly.

Then sending off disciples whose chief was sage Sumantu, from that place, the best among the knowers of Yogic practices, narrated to the great Yogins, about the best of the knowledge.

At the same time, the excellent flame, divine in nature, appeared there. All the Brahmanas were absorbed in the same and then disappeared.

Then calling Paila and other disciples before him, Vyasa, who was best among those who were the speakers on Brahman, explained to them the glory of the Madhyamesvara linga.

He said, “This is the place, where lord Shiva, in company of Parvati and ganas, keeps on sporting always. In earlier times Krisna, the universal soul, son of DevakI, had lived here for a year with the Pas'upatas.

Applying ashes over his body, and devoting himself to the propitiation of Rudra, Hari was engaged in the meditation of Shiva, embracing Pasupata vows. Many of his disciples who were observing Brahmacarya, having been enlightened by his words, had an audience with Mahesvara.

Lord Mahadeva, the blue-red complexioned God appeared directly before Krisna. The besotwer of boons that he is, the lord conferred upon him excellent boons.

Shiva said, “O Universal form, such of my devotees who adore Govinda appropriately, shall achieve the divine knowledge pertaining to Is'vara.

By my grace, О Lord, You shall be adored by my devotees as well as the Brahmanas. There is no doubt about it.

Such of the people who meditating on Shiva, the holder of the Pinaka bow, shall have an audience with you, all their sins like Brahmahatya and others shall disappear.

Such of the Brahmanas who inspite of their being sinful, give up their life here, they shall achieve liberation, there is no doubt about it.

Graceful are the Brahmanas who taking bath in the river Mandakini, adore the excellent Madhyamesvara-linga.

Whosoever takes bath and perfonns charities, tapas, sraddha and pindadana (offering of the balls of rice as pmda) duly at this place, he sanctifies his seven generations.

The merit one gets by taking a bath at Kuruksetra, during the solar eclipse, one achieves ten times more the merit by taking a bath here.”

Thus speaking Vyasa- the great Yogin, adoring lord Mahes'vara stayed at the place of Madhyames'vara for a long time.

 

Chapter 35

The Glory of Varnasi

Suta said, “Thereafter, accompanied with the disciples like JaiminI and others, visited all the sacred places as well as the temples mentioned below.

He visited the excellent Prayaga-tlrtha, Visvariipa-tlrtha, which is greater in sanctity than the Prayaga-tlrtha. He went to the unsurpassable pond kalatlrtha, Akasa- mahatfrtha, the excellent Anusa-tlrtha, Mahatlrtha named Svaralina, besides the GaurJtirtha that surpasses all.

 “О Best of the Brahmanas, he visited the holy places like Prajapatya, Svargadvara, Jambukesvara and the excellent tlrtha known as the Carma, then Gaya, MahanadT-Irtha, the highly sacred Narayana-tlrtha, the best Vayu- tlrtha, the extremely auspicious Jiiana-tlrtha, the excellent Varaha-tlrtha, the extremely meritorious Yama-tirtha, the excellent Samvartaka-tlrtha, Agni-tlrtha, Kalakesvara- tlrtha, Nagatlrtha, Somatlrtha, Suryatirtha, Parvata-tirtha, Manikarna-tlrtha, Gatotkaca- tlrtha, Srl-tlrtha and Pitamaha-tirtha, Ganga- tlrtha, the excellent Devesa-tlrtha, Kapila-tlrtha, Somesa-tlrtha and excellent Brahma-tlrtha were visited by them.

The place where the adorable Shivalinga is consecrated, Brahma arrived there for taking bath. At the same time Visnu, consecrated the divine Shivalinga there. Then when Brahma arrived thereafter taking his bath, he said to Visnu, “I have brought this lirigci here, wherefore did you consecrate it?” Then Visnu said to him, “I am fully devoted to Rudra, therefore, I consecrated the Shivalinga.” But this Shivalinga will be known by your name.) О best of the Brahmanas, then he went to Bhutesvara- tlrtha, Dharmasamudbhava-tlrtha, extremely auspicious Gandharva-tlrtha, the excellent Vahneya-tlrtha, Daurvasika-tirtha, Homa-tlrtha, Candra-tlrtha, auspicious Citrangadesvara-tirtha, auspicious Vidyadhares'vara-tTrtha, Kedara- tirtha, Mukhya-tlrtha, Kalanjara- tlrtha, Sarasvata-Irtha, Prabhasa-tlrtha, Khetakarna and Harallrtha were the spots visited by them.

Thereafter he visited the Laukika-mahatlrtha, Himalaya-tlrtha, Hiranyagarbha- tlrtha, Gopreksya-tlrtha, Vrsadhvaja-tlrtha, Upasanta, Shiva, very excellent Vyaghres'vara-tlrtha, the great Trilocana-tlrtha, Lolarka and Uttara-tlrtha, Kapalamocana-tirtha which is remover of sins created by Brahmahatya (slaughter of the Brahmanas), extremely auspicious Sukresvara- tlrtha and the Anandapura-tlrtha.

О Best of the Brahmanas, thus I have narrated to you the prominent holy places. Practically it is impossible to describe the names of the holy places in detail.

Then the great sage Vyasa, the son of Parasara, took bath in all the holy places, adored the eternal lord, and observed fast there. Then he offered oblation to the gods and the manes performing the Pindadana at the same time. Then he returned the place of Shiva, the lord of universe.

The religious minded, the great sage Vyasa, taking bath with his disciples addressed to them, “Now you are free to go to your respective places.”

О Brahmanas, then Paila and other disciples, bowing in reverence to the great souled Vyasa, retired to their respective places while Vyasa himself continued to stay in Varanasi.

Remaining calm, controlling his sense organs, taking bath thrice a day, with a purified soul, he lived by getting food by begging and adoring Shiva at the same time.

О Excellent Brahmanas, once, when he was so living at KasT, the immensely illustrious Vyasa, while wandering for begging food, could not get the alms.

Then the sage, having been filled with anger said, “I shall resort to creation which could cause obstructions for the people living here, as a result of which the Siddhis possessed by all of them would decline.”

Then suddenly the goddess Parvati- the spouse of Shiva, appeared there livingly herself and spoke to Vyasa, “O Learned one, don't pronounce a curse on the city of Varanasi. You better receive the alms from me.” Thus speaking Shiva gave alms to the sage Vyasa.

MahadevI said, “O Sage, the cause for which you have been angered, therefore you should not stay in this region, because you are ungrateful.”

At these words of Parvati, lord Vyasa, looked attentively at the supreme power and bowed in reverence to her praising her with several excellent hymns.

He said, “O Spouse of Sarhkara, you allow me to enter in Varanasi on the eighth and the fourteenth day of the moon.” She replied, “Be it so,” and then disappeared.

Thus the illustrious one, the great Yogin, the ancient sage Vyasa being aware of all the merits of KasI, started living close to the same.

The learned people therefore, because of the association of Vyasa with KasI serve this region. Therefore a man should try to stay at KasT, making all the efforts.

Siita said, “A person who reads about the glory of the Avimukta-ksetra, listens to it or recites the same to the peaceful Brahmanas, he achieves the final emancipation.

О Brahmanas, the one, who while performing the Sraddhas, or the auspicious rites for the gods, during the day or the night, discarding the lust and anger, with a concentrated mind, well realising about the glory of KasI, shall offer his salutation to the Lord of universe, he would surely achieve final and the greatest goal.

 

Chapter 36

The Glory of Prayaga

The sages said, “O Suvrata, you have narrated the glory of Avimukta-ksetra appropriately. Now you kindly speak out the glory of Prayaga.

You also enlighten us over the important holy and sacred places there, О Stita, you are well aware of all such topics.

Stita said, “Listen О Rishis, I am going to speak out the glory of Prayaga in details. This is the place where Brahma is lodged.

The details about the region which were revealed by the sage Markandeya to the great- souled Yudhistira, the son of KuntI, are being revealed by me to you.

After killing all the Kauravas, the king Yudhisthira together with his brothers, became deluded and was filled with gloom. After some time, Markandeya, the great sage, reached Hastinapura and stood at the royal gate of the palace.

Finding him there, the door-keeper atonce rushed to the king and said, “The sage Markandeya wants to meet you. He is waiting at

Then the king Yudhithira, the son of Dharma, reached at the gate with speed, and said to the sage, “O Great sage, you are welcome, My birth has been successful. You have redeemed my race today. With your satisfaction today, my ancestors will ever feel contented.”

Then the sage was seated over the lion- throne. Yudhisthira washed his feet adoring him at the same time. Then adoring the sage, he asked about his welfare. Then the sage Markandeya said to Yudhisthira, “O Intelligent one, why do you get bewildered? I have arrived here, getting well aware of the situation.”

Then the king Yudhisthira, bowing his head, offered his salutation to the sage and said, “You kindly tell me in brief the means to rid myself of the sin?

О Best of the sages, while fighting with the Kauravas, I have surely killed many innocent people. You tell me the way out to get myself relieved of the sins committed by me in this birth as well as in several previous births. You are competent enough to speak out the related means for the purpose.”

Markandeya said, “O King, О Fortunate one, О Scion of the family of Bharata, you listen to the reply to the question you have asked me. It would be better for you to visit Prayaga on pilgrimage, which removes the sins of the people. О Lord of kings, Mahadeva Rudra, dwells there. Lord Brahma too lives there with other gods.

Yudhisthira said, “О holy Lord, I would like to listen to the glory of going on pilgrimage to Prayaga. What is the goal attained by those who meet with their end there? What merit accrues to a person who takes his bath there, what is the reward achieved by the people, who lives in Prayaga? You kindly tell me. You are well aware of everything. Salutation to you.”

Markandeya said, “О Son, I shall speak out the reward achieved by a person who takes his bath at Prayaga. Whatever had been heard by me from the mouth of the great sages earlier, the same is going to be repeated by me.

This is the region of Prajapati and is well known in the three world. A bath here, earns for a person a place in the heaven and those who meet with their death here, are never reborn.

All the gods including Brahma collectively protect the place. There are several other places there which removes all the sins.

Its glory cannot be explained in hundreds of years. Therefore I shall narrate the glory of Prayaga, in brief.

The region of Prayaga is spread in an area of sixty thousand Dahnus, that includes Ganga. The sun-god mounted over the chariot of seven horses, protects the river Yamuna. Indra particularly dwells in Prayaga. Lord Visnu, together with all the gods, protects the entire area of Prayaga.

Mahes'vara-the holder of the trident, protects the Nvagrodha (holy fig-tree) for ever, then all the gods protect this place which is the remover of all the sins.

О King, the people having been surrounded by the sins and those whose slightest sins are left with them, are unable to visit that place.

With the mere remembering of the name of Prayaga, or the sight of the place or wdth the reciting of its name, all the sins of a person are washed out. О Son, the touch of the dust of that place removes all the sins. There are five kundas there, through which flows the holy Ganga.

The moment a person enters the city of Prayaga, all his sins are removed. A person who remembers the Ganga thousands of yojanas away, he, inspite of his being a grave sinner, achieves liberation. With reciting of its name, a person is freed from his sins and at the sight of the same, one achieves welfare.

In case an ailing person, miserable or an angered person, sips the water of the Ganga, he achieves great glory in the heaven.

The holy place of Prayaga, destroys all the sins, redeems the manes, therefore, those who live in Prayaga, they should be taken as having been redeemed from the ocean of the universe. The excellent sages say that a person who making all the efforts goes to the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna and ends his life there, he achieves the desired fruits.

Such a person enjoys his stay in the divine plane, having the shade of the molten gold, stationed on the sphere of the sun, studded with the divine gems all over, with various banners fluttering, and crowded with damsels. After his sleep, he is woken up with several songs and playing on musical instruments.

Even before he remembers his birth, he is honoured in heaven. Therefore, О Best of the people, with the decline of the merits, he falls from the heaven.

Then he is reborn in a prosperous family possessing gems studded in gold and other precious stones. Then he remembers the same holy place of Prayaga and by so doing, he reaches there.

A person who with his mind devoted in Prayaga, meets with his end in a city, forest, or a foreign country, he achieves Brahmaloka. This is what has been ordained by the best of sages. The land of Brahmaloka is where the earth is golden and contains trees yielding all desires.

He achieves the loka, which is the dwelling place of the Rishis, sages and the siddhas. The said person enjoys all the pleasures earned by his merits over the charming banks of the river MandakinI and is adored by the Siddhas, Caranas, Gandharvas, the Gods and the Danavas.

After falling from the heaven, he becomes the lord of Jambudvipa. Then thinking about the noble deeds, he turns virtuous as well as possesses high character. He is then established in dharma (truth and piety) by his action, thought and behaviour.

A person, who at the time of the adoration of the gods, performing the rites for manes, at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, and receives charity, food, gold, jewels, or any other thing, he then enjoys the reward of the same. Thereafter his stay at the holy place becomes infnictuous.

Therefore, one should not receive charities in the holy places as well as the temples. The Brahman as, should remain alert in all the situations.

О Best of the persons, a person who gives away in charity at Prayaga, a white, red or black milking cow, with horns and hoofs covered with gold and gems, covering its body with garments from back to the ears, he gets established in the Rudraloka, for the number of years, equivalent to the number hair on the cow's body.

 

Chapter 37

The Glory of Prayaga

The sage Markandeya said, ‘‘I shall explain the sequence and procedure of the pilgrimage to the holy centres. This is the procedure, which has been witnessed or heard on the basis of the ancient tradition. I am going to repeat the same to you.

When a person desirous of going on pilgrimage to Prayaga, mounted over a bull, you listen to the related reward.

A person who travels for pilgrimage mounted over the bull, falls in the hell for thousands of kalpas. On his return home, the rage of all the cows and bulls falls on him. If a man leaves off his sons in their childhood without food to eat, the Pitrs do not accept the water libations offered by him.

Thereafter, he should give away all his belongings in charity to the Brahmanas. A person who because of his possessing fortunes, greed or confusion, undertakes the pilgrimage travelling in a vehicle, his pilgrimage becomes infructuous. Therefore, no vehicle should be used. A person who at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna performs kanyadana according to the Arsa procedure (i.e., pertaining to sages), he because of the merit of the same, never has to face the hell.

Then he, reaching Kuruksetra in the north, enjoys pleasures for a long time. A Brahmana, who taking refuge of the banyan tree, meets with the end of his life, he transgressing the heaven reaches Rudraloka, which is the dwelling place of Brahma and the gods, all the directions with their lord, all the Lokapalas, the manes who are the dwellers of Pitrloka, Sanatkumara and other Rishis, besides BrahmaRishis, Nagas, Supramas, and Siddhas. Lord Visnu honoured by Prajapati also lives there.

О Excellent king, “The holy place of Prayaga, which is the place of the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, is the hip or the centre of the earth. Because of this it is well known, the world over.

A person performing the praiseworthy religious vows, taking bath in the confluence appropriately, he earns the merit equivalent to the Rajasuya1 and the horse-sacrifice.

Therefore, О Dear one, one should not change the decision for visiting Prayaga, even at the instance of one's own mother or anyone else. О Son of Kum, one gets the association of sixty thousand tlrthas and other sixty crores of sacred places here.

The merits which are earned by the Yogins, Sannyasins, or the learned persons, the same merits are achieved by a person who gives up his life at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna.

О Yudhisthira, the people who live here and there on earth, do not live a real life in this world, unless they visit Prayaga. Those who have not reached Prayaga, they are the most deceived ones in the three worlds.

1. A great sacrifice performed by a Universal monarch in which the tributary princes also took part at the time of the coronation as a mark of his undisputed sovereignty. Satapatha Brahmana V.S. Apte.

Thus by seeing the holy place of Prayaga, the greatest region, a person is freed of all the sins like the moon from the clutches of Rahu.

On the southern bank of the river Yamuna, there live two Nagas known by the names of Kambala and Asvatara. By taking a bath there and sipping its water, a person is relived of all his sins.

An intelligent person, by taking a bath there, redeems ten past and ten future generations by the grace of Shiva.

By taking a bath there, a person earns the merit of Asvamedha sacrifice and live in the heaven till the time of dissolution.

Towards the eastern region of the Ganga, there is a cavity which is known to have the water of all the oceans, known by the name of Avatakiipa. The sacred place of Pratisthana is also established there.

A person, who shedding away the anger and observing celibacy, stays there for three nights, he gets purified, having been relived of all the sins, and earns the merit of performing of the Asvamedha sacrifice.

То the north of Pratisthana, and to the left hand side of the Ganga, there is a well known sacred place of Hamsaprapatana. By simple remembering of the same, one achieves the merit of Asvamedha sacrifice. He is adored in the heaven till the sun and the moon shine.

There is a charming and vast region there, which has the sand, as white as the swan. The region is known as Urvaslpulina. A person, who meets with his end there, you listen to the merit which is earned by him.

О Ruler of men, he lives with the manes in the heaven for sixty thousand and sixty hundred years there.

Thereafter a person who, seated under the Sandhyavata, observing celibacy, remaining pure, seated in meditation, performs tapas, he achieves Brahmaloka.

A person who going to the koti-tirtha, meets with the end of his life, he lives in the heaven for a thousand crores of ears and is adored there.

The Ganga here is possessing enormous fortunes. This is known as Siddhi Ksetra. No one should have any doubt about it. The Ganga here is called Tripatha (having triple paths) because she redeems the human beings on the earth, the serpents in the nether-worlds and the gods in the heaven.

Till such time, the bone-ashes of a person remain in the Ganga, he remains established in the heaven for so many thousand years.

The Ganga happens to be the foremost of all the sacred places and is the holiest of all the rivers, which redeems all the sinners and other living beings. Though, the Ganga is easy to access everywhere, but is difficult to access in three places viz. at Gangadvara (the origin place), Prayaga and at its confluence with the ocean.

Those whose minds have been shattered with sins, and those who are in search of liberation, there is no place for them on earth better than the Ganga. Of all the auspicious things, the Ganga is most auspicious, and the bestower of welfare. She emerged from the matted locks of hair of Shiva, is auspicious and removes all the sins. and he achieves the heaven.

During Krtaguga, the place of Naimesaranya is the best tlrtha, Puskara is best in Tretayuga, Kuruksetra is the best in Dvapara. But in the age of Kali, indeed Ganga is of special efficacy in washing off sins, and that too especially at Prayaga. In the terrific age of Kali, there is no other antidote better than the Ganga. A person, who unwantedly or deliberately meets with his end at Ganga, he does not have to face the hell

 

Chapter 38

The Glory of Prayaga

Markandeva said, “In the month of Magha (Jan-Feb.), sixty thousand and sixty hundred tlrthas go over to the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna for purification. The merit one gets by giving away in charity a hundred thousand cows, the same merit is achieved by a person by taking a bath for three days in Prayaga, in the month of Magha.

A person, who sitting before the fire ignited with the' cow dung cakes, at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, meditating the lord, he becomes free from ailments with all the healthy limbs. All his five sense organs start functioning well. О King, the number of hair pits he has on his body, for the same number of thousands of years, he remains established in the heaven.

On his fall from the heaven, he becomes the lord of Jambtidvipa, and enjoying enormous pleasures there, he achieves the same sacred place again.

A person, who enters the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna at the Prayaga, which is well known in the world, he is relieved of all the sins, as the moon is freed from the eclipse of Rahu.

He achieves Somaloka (region of the moon) and delightfully stays with the moon for sixty- six thousand years.

Thereafter, he reaches Indraloka being served by Gandharvas and sages. О Great king, after falling from there, he is reborn in a prosperous family.

A person who drinks the water at the confluence in sTrsasana posture with legs raised upwards and the head downwards, he is adored in the heaven for seven thousand years.

О Great king, after falling from that place the person becomes Agnihotri. Then he, enjoying various pleasures, achieves the same tlrtha again.

The one who severs his limbs and feeds the birds with his own flesh, you listen to the merit, he achieves for the same. He is adored in the Somaloka for a hundred thousand years.

After falling from there, he becomes a virtuous, religious-minded, handsome, learned and sweet-tongued king,

Thereafter, he, enjoying all the pleasures, giving away charities again resorts to the same tlrtha. There is a sacred place known as Rnapramocana, lodged to the south of Prayaga and on the northern bank of the Yamuna. By spending a night there and by taking a bath at that place, a person is relieved of all his debts. He achieves the heaven and remains always free from debt.

 

Chapter 39

The Glory of Prayaga

Markandeya said, “Yamuna, the daughter of Surya, the goddess, which is well known in the world, joins the river Ganga at Prayaga. The route by which the Ganga flows, Yamuna also flows by the same route. The river Yamuna too removes one of all his sins even when he remembers her from a distance of thousands of Yojanas. By taking a bath in the Yamuna, and with drinking of her water, a person is relieved of all his sins, purifying his seven generations.

Не who abandons his life there attains the highest destination. The Agnitlrtha is lodged over the southern bank of the Yamuna. In the western side of the river, there is a holy place of Anaraka (Non-hell) dedicated to Dharmaraja.

By taking a bath there, a person achieves the heaven. A person whose life ends there, he is never reborn.

On the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, when a person getting purified after taking a bath there, offers oblation to Dharmaraja, he is surely, relieved of the grave sins. There is no doubt about it.

Ten thousand tlrthas, and other ten crores of sacred spots are lodged at Prayaga. This is what has been stated by the people with wisdom.

Vayu has said that in the heaven, earth and space, three and half crores of tlrthas are lodged. Ganga is indeed the best of all. The region through which the highly blessed Ganga flows is itself a penance-grove. The places lodged over the banks of the Ganga, are known as Siddhi-ksetras. Mahesvara, Mahadeva, the overlord of Devas alongwith Madhava lives there. They are eternal tlrthas and lapovanas.

This is the truth, which should be communicated repeatedly into the ears of the Brahmanas, the sages sons, friends, disciples and the followers.

Graceful is this tlrtha which bestows heaven, is auspicious and bestower of welfare, besides being meritorious. This is charming, pure, the best, and is quite a religious one.

This is the secret of the great MahaRishis, which removes all the sins. A Brahmana who pursues his self-study of the Vedas here shall attain purity.

Such of the people, who remaining purified, listen abut the glory of the sacred place always, they would regain the memories of the earlier births and shall enjoy all the pleasures in the heaven.

Such of the people who follow the path of the noble people, can achieve all the tlrthas. О Son of the Kuru race, you better go and have a bath in the holy place. Don't think otherwise.”

Thus speaking Markandeya, the great sage, spoke abut the holy places on earth.

Then at the request of the king, the sage also spoke about the earth, the ocean, the planets and their positions quite exhaustively and then he left the place.

Siita said, “A person, who, getting up early in the morning, listens to the glory of the Prayaga tlrtha, or recites it, he is relieved of all the sins and proceeds on to Rudraloka.

 

Chapter 40

The dynasties of the kings

The sages said, “After the narration of the glory of Prayaga as stated above, the Rishis dwelling at the Naimisaranya, questioned the sage Suta, about the division of the earth and the planets.

Rishis said, “You have explained about the auspicious creation of Svayambhuva Manu. Now we intend to listen about the Trilokamandala (the spheres of the three worlds). It behoves you to recount here everything succinctly regarding matters such as- how many are the oceans and islands, continents, sub-continents, mountains, forests, rivers as well as the situation of the sun and planets, the details of the earth on which everything depends and about the kings to whom the earth belonged since ancient times.

Suta said, “Offering salutation to lord Visnu, the god of gods, I am going to repeat the same as had been spoken by all competent, and invincible Visnu.

I have already spoken about Priyavrata, the son of Svayambhuva Manu. He had ten sons resembling Prajapatis known by the names of Agnldhra, Agnibahu, Vapusman, Dyutiman, Medha, Medhatithi, Havya, Savana, Putra and Jyotisman, who was the tenth. He was quite valorous, strong, religious-minded one, charitable, and was compassionate on all.

Out of them, three sons viz. Medha, Agnibahu and Putra were inclined towards Yoga. They were extremely fortunate and were aware of the happenings of their earlier births. Therefore, they were not interested in the affairs of the kingdom.

The king Priyavrata established the other seven sons to rule over the seven continents. Agnldhra was declared as the ruler of Jambudvipa.

Medhatithi was declared as the lord of Plakshadvipa, while Vapusman was given the island of Salmalldvipa, consecrating them as the rulers of these places.

Then Priyavrata declared Jyotisman as the ruler of Kusadvipa, while Dyutiman was declared the ruler of Krauncadvipa.

Then Prajapati Priyavrata made Havya, the emperor of Sakadvipa, and Savana was declared the lord of Puskara.

The king of Puskara had two sons named Dhataki and Mahavlta. Both of them were the best among those who have sons.

The sub-continent of that noble soul is known Mahavltavarsa. Dhataklkhanda was the sub­continent of Dhataki.

Havya, the lord of Sakadvipa had seven sons, who were known by the names of Jalada, Kumara, Sukumara, Manicaka, Kus'ottara, Modaki and Mahadruma-who was the seventh and the last. The first varsa came to be known after Jalada. Kumara's region was known as Kumaravarsa. Similarly, Sukumara, Manicaka, and Kusottara had the respective varsas after their names. Modaki had the sixth varsa named Modaka, and Mahadruma had the seventh varsa after his name. The seventh varsa came to be known as Mahadruma. Dyutiman, the lord of Krauncadvipa, too had seven sons.

The first among them was Kus'ala, the second was Manohara, the third was Usna, and the fourth was known as Plvara. Then there were Andhakara, Muni and Dundubhi, the seventh one. The different countries named after their respective names, situated in Krauncadvipa became quite famous.

The immensely illustrious Jyotisman, had seven sons in Kusadvipa, known by the names of Udbheda, Venuman, Asvaratha, Lambana, Dhrti, Prabhakara, and Kapila-the seventh one. О Sages of good vows, they ruled the seven varsas, each one of which was named after their respective names.

Similarly in the other dvipas, the varsas should be known accordingly. Vapusman, the lord of Salmalldvipa too had seven sons, known as Sveta, Harita, Jlmuta, Rohita, Vaidyuta, Manasa, and Suprabha-the seventh one.

Medhatithi of Plakshadvipa too had seven sons. The eldest of them all was Santamaya. The others were known as Sisira, Sukhodaya, Ananda, Shiva, Ksemaka and Dhruva. In all the Dvipas beginning with Plaksa and ending with Saka-dvipa, the performance of one’s own duty in accordance with the division of the castes is considered to be conductive to liberation. Similarly, the king of Jambudvipa too had very strong sons.

О Best of the Brahmanas, you better know about the sons of Agnldhra. They were- Nabhi, Kimpurusa, Hari, Ilavrta, Ramya, Hiranvan, Kuru, Bhadrasva, and Ketumala. Agnldhra, the king of Jambudvipa was immensely learned.

Dividing the Jambudvipa in nine parts, each one of the part was given over to the sons by the king in legally right manner. The father gave away Himavarsa to Nabhi, located in the south. Thereafter, Kimpurusa was given over the region of Hamakuta. The region of Naisadha was given over by the father to Hari.

Ilavrta was given the region known as Ilavrtavarsa, which was located in the centre of the Meru mountain. The father gave away the region of Niladri to Ramya. Hiranvan was given the Svetavarsa in the north and Kuru was given the northern Varsa of Srhgavan mountain.

The region to the east of Meru, was given over to Bhadras'va, Gandhamadana region was given over to Ketumala. By establishing his sons in these Varsas, the king thinking the world to be of no consequence, retired to the forests for performing penance.

In the area known as Hima, the king Nabhi had a highly brilliant son named Rsabha from Merudevl. Bharata was bom of Rsabha, who was quite valorous and the eldest of all the hundred sons. The king Rsabha also crowning his son Bharata as the king, embraced the vanaprastha stage of life and performed the tapas appropriately. With the performing of the penance throughout the day and night, he became absolutely lean and thin.

He was continuously engaged in the path of knowledge. Getting relieved of Jnanayoga, he became the follower of Pas'upati. Sumati was the extremely religious son of Bharata. Taijasa was bom as son to Sumati, while Indradyumna of great brilliance was born as a son to Taijasa. A son named Paramesthin was bom to him, and Pratlhara was a scion of his family.

The son of Patihara was known as Pratiharta. Bhava was the son of Pratiharta, while Udgltha was bom to Bhava. Prastavi was the son of Udgltha.

From him was born Prthu, and Nakta was born as the son to Prthu, while Gaya was the son of Nakta. Nara was the son of Gaya, while Viraj was the son of Nara. Viraj had a son named MahavTrya, who had a son named Dhlman who had a son named Rauvana, Tvastr was the son of Rauvana. Tvastr had a son named Viraja. Raja was the son of Viraja, Satajit was the son of Raja. He had a son named Rathajit, who had a hundred sons.

The eldest and important of those hundred sons was known as valorous Visvajyoti. He meditated upon Brahma and produced a son named Ksemaka who became the king. He was quite a religious one besides being, long-armed and destroyer of the enemies. All of them in the earlier times were quite strong and illustrious kings. In earlier times the kings of these races ruled the earth.

 

Chapter 41

Distribution of Globe

Suta said, “O Best of Brahmanas, hereafter, I shall speak to you in brief, the scale of the three worlds, because it would not be possible to explain it exhaustively.

From the Cosmic egg, emerged, Bhurloka, Bhuvarloka, Svarloka, Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapaloka besides the Satyaloka.

О Best of the Brahmanas, with the rays of the sun and the moon, the area which is illuminated is called Bhurloka in the Puranas. Bhuvarloka is of the same extent in area and circumference as the Bhurloka and is above it upto the sphere of the sun.

In the upper regions of the sky, extending up from the sun’s orb upto Dhruva (the Polar star), the area is called as the Svargaloka (heaven) where are the circumferential fellies of Vayu. There are the seven wheels of the air, known as Avaha, Pravaha, Anuvaha, Samvaha, Vivaha, Paravaha and Parivaha. At the height of a hundred thousand of Yojanas (one Yojana = 12 km) from the earth, the sphere of the sun is stationed. The lunar region is at a further distance of a hundred thousand of Yojanas from the sphere of the sun. Still at a further distance of a lakh of Yojanas above the moon, the entire stellar sphere illuminates.

О Brahmanas, at a distance of two hundred thousand Yojanas from the region of the stellar sphere, Budha (Mercury) is lodged, Usanas (Venus) is lodged from Mercury at a similar distance. From the region of Venus, at the same distance, Angaraka (Mars) is lodged. Brhaspati, the preceptor of the gods, is lodged at a distance of two lakh of Yojanas from Bhauma (Mars).

Sauri (Saturn) is stationed at a distance of two lakhs of Yojanas from Brhaspati. The region of SaptaRishis (i.e., the Great Bear) is located at a distance of a hundred thousand of Yojanas from the sphere of the planets.

Dhruva (the Pole-star) is located at distance of a lakh of Yojanas from the region of SaptaRishis. Dhruva is verily the pivot or the axis of the stellar system. Narayana, in the form of dharma is lodged there. The diameter of the sun’s sphere is taken to be as nine thousand Yojanas. The circumference is three times that. The size of the expansion of the moon is equivalent to the double the extent of the sun. Parallel to both of them, there moves the planet Svarbhanu (the evil planet Rahu).

Taking into account the shadow of the earth, the spherical Rahu, is created. The extensive third abode of Rahu is filled with darkness.

Sukra, the Venus, is one-sixteenth part of the moon. The expansion of Brhaspati should be treated as equivalent to one-fourth of Venus.

The area of expansion of Mars and the Saturn should be treated as one-fourth of Brhaspati. In extent and circumference, Budha (Mercury) is one-fourth less than the above two. The stars and the constellations having the forms, are equal in circumference and area to that of Budha (Mercury).

The stars and the constellations are smaller or larger in mutual comparison by five hundred, four hundred, three hundred and two hundred Yojanas (in extent). The stellar spheres are lesser in extent. Their dimensions are only half a Yojana. No heavenly body is smaller than they.

Saturn, Mars and Jupiter are the three planets, which travel the greatest distance above them. They move with slow speed. The four great planets, i.e., the Sun, Moon, Mercury and the Venus, are beneath them which move with greater speeds.

When the sun moves in Daksinayana (southern transit), it moves far below the earlier planets. Above them all, moves the moon, enlarging its sphere. The entire stellar sphere moves above the moon.

Mercury is lodged above the star, while Venus moves above Buddha (Mercury). Vakra (Mars) moves above Venus, and Jupier moves above Mars. The Saturn is above the Jupiter (Brhaspati), while the sphere of the SaptaRishis moves above all the planets. Dhruva is lodged above all.

О Best of Brahmanas, the chariot of the sun is spread over an area of nine thousand Yojanas. The length of the shafts is twice that. Its axle is of the length of one and half crores and seven lakhs Yojanas, and the wheel is fixed there.

The wheel is in the form of the year having three times, seven naives, five spokes and the six rims. In the said wheel, the entire Samvalsara (year) besides the kalacakra is established. О Best of the Brahmanas, the other axle of the sun's chariot, has the length of forty five thousand and five hundred Yojanas.

The length of both the axles is half that of both the yokes. The short axle with the short pole of the chariot has the Polar star as its support. The second axle to which the wheel of the chariot is fixed is lodged on the Manasa mountain. There are seven horses of the chariot representing seven metres. You better listen to their names.

They are known by the names of Gayatri (having six syllables in a quarter), Brhatl (having nine syllables in a quarter or foot), Usnik (having seven syllables in a foot), Jagatl (having twelve syllables in a foot), Paiikti (having ten syllables in a foot), Anutup ((having eight syllables in a foot) and Tristup (having eleven syllables in a foot). These are the seven matias of Surya, which are also conceived as the seven horses of the sun, over the Manasa mountain. Towards the east, there is the great city of Mahendra. The abode of Yama is lodged to the south, while Varuna dwells in the west.

The place of dwelling of the Soma is lodged to the north and you should know about their names which are Amaravatl, SamyamanI, Sukha and Vibhavari. Towards the south, like a discharged shaft, there is the Jyotiscakra of Brahma, the Grandsire, who moves with the same.

О Best among the Brahmanas, in these seven continents, the sun at mid-day and at middle of the night always stands face to face. The rising and the setting of the sun are always opposed to each other comparatively in different directions as well as in the intermediate quarters. О Best of Brahmanas, like the rim of the potter's wheel, the Sun moves in all the directions for setting as well as rising. Lord Sun as Ishvara while so moving round the whole world creates the days and the nights.

In this way, all the three worlds are illuminated with the sun rays. О Best of the sages, the learned people have thus described the three worlds for the people.

The sun is the basis of all the three worlds. There Is no doubt about it. The entire universe comprising of the Gods, Daityas and the humans emerge from the same. The Sun comprises of the lustre of Rudra, Indra, Upendra, Candra (the moon), the best of

Brahmanas, as well as the glory of the gods, and he conquered the entire world.

Therefore, the srm happens to be the soul of all. He is lord of all the lokas, besides being Prajapati, the great god, basis of the lokas, besides being the supreme god. Practically speaking, there are other twelve Adityas (sons of Aditi), who are the amsas of the same Sun, besides being the form of Visnu. All of them establish his task.

Because of this, all the Gandharvas, Yaksas, Nagas, Kinnaras and others offer their salutation to the thousand-armed deity Sun. The leading sages worship the ancient deity for the embodiment of the Chandas (vedic metre) and the eternal Brahman, by means of different Yajnas.

 

Capter 42

Distribution of Lokas

Suta said, “The famous chariot of the Sun, is established by the gods, Adityas, the sages, Gandharvas, Apsaras, the excellent serpents, besides the Raksasas.

The names of the twelve Adityas are Dhatr, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna, Indra, Sakra, Vivasvan, Ptisan, Parjanya, Arhsu, Bhaga, Tvastr, and Visnu. These are developed in the seasons like spring etc. by the Sun in due order.

The Sun god is adored by sages Pulastya, Pulaha, Atri, Vasistha, Angiras, Bhrgu, Bharadvaja, Gautama, Kasyapa, Kratu, Jamadagni and Kausika, with the reciting of the various stiitis, or the auspicious mantras.

The rays of the Sun are collected by the twelve Yaksas, known as Rathakrt, Rathaujas, Rathacitra, Subahu, Rathasvana, Varuna, Susena, Senajit, Tarksya, Aristanemi, Krtajit, and Satyajit.

О Sages, the best of the twelve Raksasas, known as Heti, Praheti, Pauruseya, Vadha, Sarpa, Vyaghra, Apa, Vata Vidyut, Divakara, Brahmopeta, and Yajnopeta move ahead of the sun.

O Brahmanas, the twelve serpents known as Vasuki,1 Kankanlla, Taksaka, Sarpapungava, Elapatra, Sankhapala, Airavata, Dhananjaya, Mahapadma, Karkotaka, Kambala, and As'vatara serve as conveyance to Surya.

1. In Mahabharata, yasuki is the king of a clan of barbarians called Nagas.

O Best of the sages, there are the twelve Gandharvas, well known for singing and their names are Tumburu, Narada, Haha, Htihu, Visvavasu, Ugrasena, Suruci, Arvavasu, Citrasena, Urnaya, Dhrtarastra, and Siiryavarcas. They using Sadja (Rsabha) and other tones sing the glory of the sun in his company.

О Best of the Brahmanas, the twelve best among the heavenly damsels known hy the names of Rtusthala, Punjikasthala, Menaka, Sahajanya, Pramloca, Anumloca, GhrtacI, Vis'vaci, UrvasT, Purvacitti, Rambha and Tilottama, during the spring and the other seasons, performing Tandava and other dances, please the Sun-god, the eternal immutable Atman.

Thus, all the gods remain established with the Sun, for a period of two months at a time and contribute their lustre to the Sun who himself is the ocean of lustre. The sages mounted in the chariot, adore the sun god with the stutis composed by them, while the Apsaras and the Gandharvas, dance and sing, in adoration of the Sun. The Gramanls (presiding deities of villages), the Yaksas and the Bhutas hold the reins.

The serpents serve as a conveyance to the sun, while the Raksasas become the leading force. The Valakhilyas-the thumb-sized sages, surround the rising sun, and go along with him till sunset. The aforesaid twelve Adityas, create heat, rainwater, shed light, and are engaged in creation. They remove the evil sins or deeds of the living beings. This has been ordained.

They move in the sky with the sun. They are always mounted over the aerial charioit that has the velocity like the wind and that can go wherever it wishes to go. They drop rains, heat, delight the people and protect all the people till the time of dissolution.

The sun god provides heat to everyone, in accordance with the virility, penance, yogic power and the inherent vigour of Devas.

Because of the arrangement for the day and the night, Prajapati Surya, pleases all the Pitrs, the gods, as well as the humans, always. Infact, lord Mahadeva, knowing all the Vedas, the eternal one, besides being Nilakantha, himself appears in the form of the sun. He happens to be Paramesthin and lord Prajapati. The abode of Shiva in Sun-god is well known to the learned people, well-versed in the Vedas.

 

Chapter 43

Movement of the Planets

Suta said, “In this way, Mahadeva, the god of all the gods, the sun god, being the Grandsire of all, taking to the form of Kala, himself controls time.

О Brahmanas, his rays illumine all the regions of the world. Out of those sun-rays, taking into account the productivity of the planets, seven are the best.

They are known as Susumla, Harikesa, Visvakarman, Vis'vas'ravas, Samyadvasu, Arvavasu and Svaraka. These are known as the glorified seven rays. Susumla-the ray of the sun, supports the lustre of the moon.

This Susumla ray is said to be moving upwards in a slanting manner. The ray known by the name of Harikesa is the nourisher of the lustre of the stars. The ray known as Visvakarman always feeds the planet Budha (Mercury) and the ray known as Vis'vasravas, nourishes the planet Venus.

Samyadvasu ray, feeds the planet Mars. The influential ray known as Arvavasu nourishes the planet Jupiter very well.

The seventh ray known by the name of Svaraka, feeds the planet Saturn. In this way, all the constellations and planets are being nourished by the sun-god, besides the stars and they keep on increasing. In view of its taking up (.Addna) of the splendour from the heavenly and the earthly objects and the nocturnal darkness, it is called Aditya.

The Sun with the use of the thousands of his rays, extracts water from the rivers, oceans, wells, mobiles and immobiles, besides canals and other sources. Thousands of his rays, make the cold, heat the rains etc. Out of them four hundred rays of variegated forms shower rains.

The nectar like rays, known by the names of Candragas, Gahas, Kancanas and Satanas, create the showers. Again the excessively cold Nadls are the rays emanated from the sun and are known by the names of Resya, Mesya, Vasya, Hradini and Saijana.

These rays are of the yellow colour and are known by the name of Candras. The rays known by the names of Sukla, Kunkuma, Go and Vis'vabhrt are of white colour and they create three types of heat. Through them, the sun-god equally feeds the humans, Pitrs, and the gods.

The sun-god feeds the humans with medicinal herbs, Pitrs with Svadha, and the Devas with Nectar. Thus, he feeds all the three of them with the three articles.

The sun god throws heat on earth during the summer, through the six rays. During the rainy season and the autumn season, he drops rain through four rays. During the winter and cold season, three rays make the snow to fall. The sun-god is called Varuna in the month of Magha and Pusan in the month of Phalguna.

During the month of Caitra, he is known as Devasa, Tapana in the month of Vaisakha, Indra during the month of Jyetha, Ravi in the month of Asadha, showering heat on earth. He is known as Vivasvan in the month of Sravana, and Bhaga in the month of Bhadrapada. During the As'vina month, he is known as Prajanya, Bhaskara during the month of Karttika, Mitra during the month of Margasirsa, and the eternal Visnu during the month of Pausa.

For the establishment of the task of the sun- god, Vanina, contributes with five thousand rays, Pusan with six thousand rays, Deves'a with seven thousand rays. Dhatr with eight thousand rays, Satakratu (Indra) with nine thousand rays, Vivasvan with ten thousand rays, and Bhaga with eleven thousand rays.

The sun in the form of Mitra heats up with seven thousand rays, while Tvastr produces heal with eight thousand rays. Aryaman does so with ten thousand rays and Parjanya contributes with nine thousand rays. Visnu, the preserver of the universe, heats up with six thousand rays.

The sun-god has the tawny colour during the spring season. During the summer, he has the complexion of gold, white during the rainy season, and whitish yellow during the autumn season.

During the Hemanta (early winter) season, he has the complexion of copper, and red during the Sisira (late winter) season. The sun deposits Kala (digit?) (v.l. power and energy) in the medicinal herbs and Svadha in Pitrs.

The sun deposits Amrta (nectar) in the immortal beings. Thus in the three beings he deposits the three articles. О Brahmanas, the other eight planets are dependant over the sun- god. They are the Moon, Budha (Mercury). Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu.

The planets are fixed to the Pole star (Dhruva) by the wind-rays whirling in their own orbit, they follow the sun.

The planets are moved like the firebrand in a circle, when urged by the whirlwind. Since the wind serves as a vehicle for them, therefore it is called Pravaha.

The chariot of Soma has three wheels. Towards the right and the left sides of his chariot, ten horses as white as the jasmine flowers are yoked. Moving by the same chariot, emerging from his own nich like the sun, moon travels through the constellations. О Best of Brahmanas, the contraction or decline and expansion of the moon, are based on the Pole star.

During the bright fortnight, when the sun is in opposite direction of the moon, the other side of the moon is always filled up with those brilliant rays.

О Brahmanas, with the drinking of (the nectar) of the moon by the gods, the sun keeps up supply of the nectar with the single ray known as Susumla. The Lunar disc is preserved with the lustre of the sun and in due course of time the moon recovers the complete form of the full moon, which is visible in the world.

О Brahmanas, for a fortnight, the gods consume the nectar of the moon, because the nectar serves as the food to the gods.

When a fifteenth part of it remains, consisting of a single digit, the groups of Pitrs drink the last portion in the afternoon. The nectar like rays of the moon are consumed by the Pitrs for a period of a two Lavas (the 60th past of the twinkling of the eye). The digit of the moon is constituted of nectar and is auspicious.

On the new Moon day, with the consumption of the nectar emerging from the moon rays, known as Svadha, Pitrs feel satisfied for a month and become carefree. Inspite of the consumption of the moon's nectar by the gods, the moon does not get destroyed. О Best of the people, in this way the process of the decline and recovery of the moon by means of the sun goes on.

In the chariot of Mercury (Budha), the son of the moon, are yoked the eight horses bom of water, having the speed of wind. The planet Mercury (Buddha) moves by the same chariot.

The chariot of Venus is yoked to ten horses bom of the earth, while the beautifi.il golden chariot of Mars has eight beautiful horses yoked in it. The chariot of Brhaspati (Jupiter) is driven by eight horses yoked in it, which is built of gold. The chariot of Saturn is made of silver, and is driven by eight horses. The chariot of Rahu and Ketu, are made of iron and are driven by eight horses. In this way, the chariots of the great planets have been described.

All these planets are linked with the rays of the wind fixed to the Pole star. All the planets, the constellations, as well as the stars, are completely fixed to the Dhruva. They whirl and cause others to whirl by the wind-made reins.

 

Chapter 44

Detail of the universe

Sfita said, "O Best of the Brahmanas, there is Maharloka with an area of a crore of Yojanas, above the pole star. The persons inhabiting there are entitled to the life span of a Kalpa.

Similarly, above the Maharloka, beyond the distance of two crores of Yojanas, is lodged the Janaloka. Sanaka and other sons of Brahma are lodged there. Above the Janaloka and at a distance of three crores of Yojanas, is located the Tapoloka. The Viraja-gods who are free from sufferings, are lodged there.

Beyond a distance of six crores Yojanas from Prajapatyaloka, is lodged the Loka known as Satyaloka. This is also known as the Loka where one does not have to face the death again. Brahma, the preceptor of the world, the universal soul and the cause of the universe, lives there with the Yogis who consume the nectar of the Yoga.

Besides the quiescent recluses, established celibates, the Yogins, Ascetics, Siddhas, and Paramesthins engaged in meditation, reside here. For the Yogins, desirous of achieving the supreme salvation, this serves as the only gate of entry. The person reaching there is relieved of all the grief. They represent Visnu as well as Shiva.

That place of Brahma is unreachable and shines like the crores of suns. The city which has the garlands of flames is beyond my description. There is a palace for Narayana, in the township of Brahma, in which lord Hari, the lord of illusion (Maya) resides.

It is called Visnuloka, which is beyond the rebirth. Those who have taken refuge with Janardana, proceed on to that place. Above the palace of Brahma, there is a city of welfare, which surrounded with the fire flames, issues great lustre. This is the place, where lord Mahadeva, lives with Parvati, who is adored by hundreds and thousands of Yogins, goblins, who surround him, besides the sages and Rishis who remain engaged in meditation.

Only such of the devoted people reach th 're who are quiescents, attached to Mahadeva, calm, engaged in the performing of tapas, are truthful, free from attachments, free from pride, desires and anger. Only the people well-versed in the knowledge of Brahman can have an audience with the lord there. The same place is called Rudraloka.

О Brahmanas, these are the seven Maharlokas above the earth. Below the earth, there are Mahatalas, besides Patala etc. The nether world named Mahatala possesses all the gems, besides several types of palaces and the auspicious temples.

This region has Ananta, the serpent, intelligent Mucakunda, besides the king Bali, the dweller of the heaven also is lodged there. О Brahmanas, Rasatala is mountain like, Talatala is full of the sand, Sutala1 is of yellow colour, white Vitala is of the colour of coral.

1. Nether region. Another mythological account is that Visnu placed one foot on earth, one in the sky and wanted room for the third. Bali then offered his head. Visnu placed his third foot on it and sent him down to the nether region, where even now Bali is reigning.

Vitala is of white colour, while Tala is of black colour. О Best of sages, it is auspicious, thanks of Vasuki of good colour and other sages. Rasatala, which is being served by Virocana, Hiranyaksa, Taraka and others, looks quite graceful.

Talatala is endowed with beauty. Sutala is inhabited by Garuda, the son of Vinata, and other birds, besides Kalanemi and other best of Asuras. Similarly, Vitala is the dwelling place for demons like Taraka, Agnimukha, and Yavanas.

Vitala is well known because of the dwelling of the serpents like Jambhaka, РгаЫаЙа, the Asura, Kambala and other serpent kings. The place is also the abode of Mahajambha, and the valorous Hayagrlva. The Patala known as Tala, has Sankukarna, living there, besides Namuci and other Daityas, in addition to the various types of the serpents. Kurma and other hells are said to have been lodged below the Patalas.

The sinful people, suffer pains in those hells, which are beyond description. The Vaisnava image of Sesa is lodged below Patalaloka which is also called Kalagni-Rudra, Yogatma, Narasimha, Madhava, Ananta, Deva, and also Janardana. All this has him for support and he has the fire of destruction for support.

Entering into him, and with the poison emerging out of the mouth of the same, in the form of flames, Ishvara, the MahayogI, as Kala, himself destroys the world.

Lord Shiva as Kala, comparable to a thousand destructive forces, the annihilator, Sankara and Bhava, the Tamasa form of god Sambhu is the reckoner of the world.

 

Chapter 45

The Description of Mountains

Suta said, “This extensive cosmic egg consisting of fourteen parts has been described to you so far. Now, I shall describe the details of the Bhuloka (the earth).

Jambudvipa is the foremost continent on the earth and the rest six are known as Plaksa, Salmali, Kusa, Kraunca, Saka, and the Puskara, which happens to be the seventh one. All the seven continents have been surrounded by the seven oceans. The latter the continent, the greater it is in extent than the previous one, the latter ocean is said to be greater than the former.

The seven oceans are: Ksaroda comprised of the salt water, Iksurasoda filled with sugarcane juice, Suroda filled with wine like water, Ghrtoda filled with ghee, Dadhyoda filled with curd, Kslrasalila filled with milk and Svaduda filled with tasteful water. The earth is spread in an area of fifty crores of Yojanas together with the oceans. It is surrounded by seven dvipas on all sides.

Jambudvipa is located in the centre of all the dvipas. The mountain Mahameru, resembling the golden colour is lodged in the centre of the same. It is eighty four thousand Yojanas in height. It has gone sixteen thousand Yojanas down below, while its top is spread upto thirty two thousand Yojanas.

1. In connection with Mount Meru, mention is made of four Viskambha Puruvatas or supporting ranges viz. Mandara in the east, Gandhamadana in the south, Vipula in the west and Suparsva in the north, which have respectively the followign lakes on them- Arunada Manasa, Sitoda or Sitoda, and Bhadra. Vayu Purana 35-36 pp.154-158. Another eight are sometimes mentioned as Maryada parvatas or boundary ranges e.g. Jathara and DevakDta in the east, and Nisadha and Paripatra in the west both groups extending from Mount Nila tomount Nisadha and also Kailasa and Himavat in the south and Srngavat and Jarudhi in the north, both groups extending from sea to sea. Markandeya Purana c4 54. Sometimes the Mayavat is mentioned as the range extending from Mount Nila to mount Nisadha, D.C.Sircar, p. 68 fn.2.

At the root of the Mem mountain, there is an expansion of sixteen thousand Yojanas. This mountain has been established as a pericarp on earth of a lotus. Himavan is located to its south, besides the Hemakuta and Nisadha. Nila mountain is lodged in the north, together with Sveta and Srhgin mountains.

Both Himavan and Hemakuta mountains are spread in an area of a lakh of Yojanas. The other mountains are each ten thousand Yojanas less in order. Their height is two thousand Yojanas and the length is as much.

О Brahmanas, to the south of Mem, initially one comes across Bharata-varsa, the first sub­continent, followed by Kimpumsa-varsa, then Harivarsa and the rest. To the north of the same are Ramyaka, Hiranmaya and Uttarakum varsas, all of which resemble the Bharatvarsa.

О Best of the Brahmanas, each one of these, is spread in an area of nine thousand Yojanas. On four sides of the Mem mountain, Ilavrtavarsa is lodged, w'hich is nine thousand Yojanas in extent (on all sides of Mem). О Excellent ones, Ilavrtavarsa four'mountains.

They are as if constmcted as the support of Meru, and their height is ten thousand Yojanas. Mandara mountain is lodged to the east, Gandhamadana in the south, Vipula in the west and Suparsva in the north. The trees like Kadamba, Jambii, Pippala and the banyan are found on each of the mountains.

О MahaRishis, the Jambudvipa has derived its name from the Jambu (rose apple) tree. The rose apple fruits there are said to be as big as the elephants, and with the falling of those fruits on the rear side of the mountain, they break into pieces. The juice of the fmits form a river which is known as the Jambu river.

The people of that place consume the juice of the river. The people there are of pure mind, who do not have perspiration, nor do they issue bad smell. They do not face the old age, nor do their sense organs have to face the decline. The juice when mixes up with the earth soil on the river banks and is dried up by the wind, it turns into gold known as Jambtinada, which serves as ornaments for the Siddhas.

There are two varsas to the east and west of Mem respectively, known as Bhadrasva and Ketumala. О Best of the sages, Ilavrta-varsa is located in the middle of the two. Caitraratha forest is also lodged to the easfe Gandhamadana forest is to the south, Vaibhraja on the west and Savitr forest is located in the north.

There are four big lakes known by the names of Arunoda, Mahabhadra, Asitoda and Manas, which are always in use by the gods. The mountains like Sltanta, Kumudvan, KururT, Malyavan, Vaikanka, Manisaila, Vrksavan, Mahanlla, Rucaka, Sasibindu, Mandara, Venuman, Megha, Nisadha, and Devaparvata, were built by the gods. These mountains are the dwelling places of the Siddhas.

To the east of the Arunoda lake, are lodged, Kesaracala, Trikuta, Sas'iras, Patanga, Rucaka, Nisadha, Vasudhara, Kalinga, Trisikha, SamQla, Vasuvedi, Kururu, Sanuman, Tamrata, Visala, Kumuda, Venuparvata, Ekasrnga, Mahas'aila, Gajasaila, Pinjaka, Pancas'aila, Kailasa and Himavan, the best of the mountains. All these mountains are excellent and are served by the gods.

The mountains like Kesaracala, Sikhivasas, Vaidtirya, Kapila, Gandhamadana, Jarudhi, Surambu, Sarvagandha, Suparsva, Supaksa, Kanka, Kapila, Viraja, Bhadrajala, Susaka, Mahabala, Anjana, Madhuman, Citrasrnga, Mahalaya, Kumuda, Mukuta, Pandura, Krisna, Parijata, Mahasaila, Kapilacala, Susena, Pundarlka and Mahamegha, are located to the south of the lake Mahabhadra. The gods and the Gandharvas always visit these kings of mountains.

To the west of the Asitoda lake, the mountains like Kesaracala, Saiikhakuta, Vrsabha, Hamsa, Naga, Kalanjana, Sukrasaila, NTla, Kamala, Parijata, Mahas'aila, Kanakhala, Puspaka, Sumegha, Varaha, Virajas, Mayiira, Kapila and Mahakapila, are located here, which are always visited by the gods, Gandharvas, Yaksas and the groups of the Siddhas. To the north of Manasarovara, the mountain Kesara is located.

In the middle of these mountains, there are inner water reservoirs, lakes and forests, which serve as the dwelling places for the Siddhas and the sages. Since all of them meditate on Brahman in their minds, all of them have rajoguna in them, have pleasant minds and are free from miseries.

 

Chapter 46

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