ESSENCE OF PURANAS SERIES
Chapter 18: Vishnu Swarupas in Kashmira
Condensed English Translation by Sri V.D.N. Rao
King Gonanda desired to know from Sage Brihadashwa about the dwelling places of Bhagavan Vishnu in the Kashmira Region. Viewing the figure of Chakradhaari Hari Pundarikaksha would bestow ‘Dasha Dhenu Phala’ or the value of charity of ten cows. A close look at the Pratima of Narasimha would grant the fruit of performing an Ashwamedha Yagna; the vision of Vishnu’s manifestations of Vasishtha, Kadru, Devi Vinata and Guatama would secure the ‘Punya’ of performing ‘Agnishtoma’; Nrisimha Deva’s another Rupa in the form of Maha Padma Sarovara too would fetch the same blessing as of Agnishtoma.
Devam Shakrakrutam drushtwa Varunena tathaa krutam,
Brahmanaacha Dhaneyshena Yamena cha Harenacha/
Diwaakarena Somena Vahninaa Pavanena cha,
Kashyapenaatha Bhriganaa Pulastyena tathaatrinaa/
( Sighting the Vishnu Pratimas installed by Sakra, Varuna, Brahma, Dhanesha, Yama Deva, Maha Deva, Diwakara, Soma, Agni Deva, Pavana, Kashyapa, Bhrigu, Pulastya and Atri would all yield the benefit of ‘Dasha Godaanaas’ / ten cows in each case). Also, Vishnu Rupa darshana in various forms installed near Meru Mountain such as Bhurjaswami, Mahaswami, Shata- shringa, Gadadhara, Bhriguswami, Janardana, Taittireyeshwara, Dandakaswami, Ramaswami etc. besides Sapta Rishis near Sumutha and several other Vishnu Idols would fetch ‘Godaana Phala’. The Vishnu Image installed by the illustrious Pruthu Chakravarti of Magadha was stated to secure the advantage of performing ‘Pundarika Yagna’
Devam Shakrakrutam drushtwa Varunena tathaa krutam,
Brahmanaacha Dhaneyshena Yamena cha Harenacha/
Diwaakarena Somena Vahninaa Pavanena cha,
Kashyapenaatha Bhriganaa Pulastyena tathaatrinaa/
( Sighting the Vishnu Pratimas installed by Sakra, Varuna, Brahma, Dhanesha, Yama Deva, Maha Deva, Diwakara, Soma, Agni Deva, Pavana, Kashyapa, Bhrigu, Pulastya and Atri would all yield the benefit of ‘Dasha Godaanaas’ / ten cows in each case). Also, Vishnu Rupa darshana in various forms installed near Meru Mountain such as Bhurjaswami, Mahaswami, Shata- shringa, Gadadhara, Bhriguswami, Janardana, Taittireyeshwara, Dandakaswami, Ramaswami etc. besides Sapta Rishis near Sumutha and several other Vishnu Idols would fetch ‘Godaana Phala’. The Vishnu Image installed by the illustrious Pruthu Chakravarti of Magadha was stated to secure the advantage of performing ‘Pundarika Yagna’