ESSENCE OF PURANAS SERIES
Chapter 20: Tirtha Yatras in Kashmira and their rewards
Condensed English Translation by Sri V.D.N. Rao
King Gonanda requested Sage Brihadwasha to narrate an account of Sacred Tirthas in the Kashmira Desha as well as the fruits of visiting them. Brihadashwa commenced the narration by an ascent to Grudhrakuta Mountain after a bath in the converging point of the Rivers Vitasta and Madhumati, which would accord a reward of giving away thousand cows in charity and ‘Swarga Prapti’ after life. Bathing in the River Kumunari followed by ascent on Indranila Mountain would accrue similar ‘Punya’. One would achieve the reward of performing ‘Vahnishtoma’ by a darshan of Bhagavan Chakresha installed by Sage Sandilya on the banks of River Madhumati after taking a formal bath at the Krishna-Vitista ‘Samyoga’ (confluence).Further,
Shandilya Madhumatyoschya snaato yah Sangamey Narah Sarva paapavinurmuktah Swarhalokam sa gacchati/
(‘Snaana’ at the confluence of Shandilya and Madhumati would demolish the sins of persons concerned).Darshana of the Deity Rajavaamsa Hari at Rajovinirnmala would be another firm sure step for sin-demolition. Vision of Gouri Shankara Mountain Peak and darshan of Durga Devi soon after her so-called first monthly period should bless a person with access to Chandra Loka. Interestingly, even during the Krishna Paksha or the dark period of a month, the Kashmira Region would normally be bright! Separate ‘snaanas’in the two Rivers Telala and Bhurjala would fetch those persons the advantage of ‘Shata Go-daana’ while bathing at the confluence would carry the benefit of performing Vajapeya Yagna. The meeting point of these two rivers with Madhumati Nadi would yield the advantage of Gaja daana and also of appreciation from Rudra loka. Bathing in the River of Uttara Manasa bestows the ‘Gosahasra daana phala’. Haramunda Sarovara Snaana provides the benefit of ten cows being given in charity, while climbing the Haraminda hill would equal to ‘Rajasuya yagna phala’. ‘Ganga-Manasa Sangama Snaana’ too would accrue similar result. Bathing in Agastya Tirtha which was built by ‘Vaalakhilyas’ would secure the ‘Teja’or Radiance of Maharshis. Then
Kalodakam Nandikundam Shankham Chakram Gadaam tathaa,
Padmam Sa Kapila Tirtham Tirthou Vaatikashandikou/
Tirthamapsaraam punyam Brahmanah Parameshtinah,
Kripaani tirthamaasadya pratekam Goshtam labhet/
( Visits to the Tirthas viz. Kalodakam, Nandikutam, Shankham, Chakram Gada, Padmam, Kapila Tirtham as also Vatika and Shandika, the enchanting ‘Apsara Tirtha’, Brahma Tirtha and Kripani Tirtha would all attract ‘Goshata Daana’ at each of the above Places.
Brahmano Yaga bhumischa tatra puraya Mahipatey,
Shakra Tirtham Deva Tirtham Tirtham Brahmana kundika/
Drushtvaaikaikeyam yaitebhoy Goshatasya phalam labhet,
Hamsadwaram cha Sangamya Swargamaapnotyasamshayam/
(At the Brahma Yaga Bhumi, there are Tirthas viz. Shakra Tirtha, Deva Tirtha, Brahmana kundika and by visiting either of these would award the ‘Punya’ of charity of hundred cows’ while Hamsadwara Sangama would grant achieving Swarga loka). On reaching the Starting Point of River Sindhu, one is stated to have executed Rajasuya Yagna, while one would have performed the Poundarika Yagna if the person concerned bathed in ‘Bindusarasa’. There are other Rivers of sanctity viz. Chitrapatha, Mriganandana and Mriga and purification in any of these is stated to equal the value of bathing in Rivers like Godavari, Vaitarani, Mandakini, Chandra bhaga and Gomati viz. charity of hundred cows, burning off sins and Swarga prapti. Chitrakuta was the most hallowed Mountain where Devi Uma and Maha Deva were wedded and the popular belief was: Tatraanulepanam Divyam yena liptatanunnnarah, Surupahbhaagi bhavati subhajas –chaiva jaayatey/ (A heavenly ointment was available there and its application was endowed excellent physical charm and beauty). Brihadashwa informed the King further:
Pada Gavya sarastatra Panchagavyasarah prudhak,
Tatraanye Pancha Bhupaala Punyam Taila Saras –tatha/
Udvurtana Sarah Punyam Punyam chaapyatasisarah,
Siddharthaka Sarastatra tathaamalakavaarinah/
Madhuparka Sarah Punyam Punyamrushnodakam tathaa,
Ekamekamayai tebhyo drushtwaa Swarlokamaapnuyaat/
(Besides Gavyasara and Panchagavyasara, five consecrated Lakes were popular viz. Tailasara, Udurtanasara, Apyatasisara, Siddhadhakasara, Amalakavaarina and Madhuparkasara as also Madhuparkasara and Ushnodaka. Any one of these would assure access to Swargaloka). Proceeding further up the Chitrakuta Mountain, one could sight the Saptarishi Tirtha which would bestow fulfillment of all desires. Another significant Tirtha was Vishnupada which was ‘Kramasara’ too as Vishnu stalked his steps over the worlds by foot and Brahma himself was stated to have performed Veda Yagnas; this Tirtha ensured that there no remnants of sins left in favour of the pilgrim concerned. Bathing in the River Koundinya which emerged from the mouth of Kramasara Lake was as powerful as executing a Pundarika Yagna while the River Kshira gave the benefit of ‘Shata Go Daana’, but the ‘Snaana’ at the meeting point of both these Rivers would gain Sahasra Go Daana.
‘Snaanas’ at River Vishoka and its confluence with Koudini would result in Devasathva and Vajapeya Yagnas while those at Vriddha Tirtha-the abode of Vasuki the Chief of Serpents and at Devasara would bestow the fruits of ‘Gosava’and ‘Devaloka prapti’. Similarly bathings at ‘Agni Tirtha’ would fetch Agni Loka; Vinataaswami and Kadruswami Lakes with hundred Go-daanas each; Sandhya Pushkarini (Swarga Prapti); Brahmakunda and Nilakunda (Ananta Punya); Vinashana Tirtha (VajapeyaYagna); Vitasamajjana (thousand cows); Chaturvedi Tirtha (gift of daughter’s wedding); Confluence of Vitasta and Dhyanadharini (Vajapeya); Harshapatha (gold); Deva Tirtha (securing a son); Triloki (fame in Trilokas); Kapoteswara (attainment of Rudra Loka); Pundarika Tirtha ( Pundarika Yagna); charity at the confluence at Vitasta and Dhyanadharini (unending Punya till next fourteen Indras); Katha Tirtha ( ten cows); Auojasa Tirtha ( Vajapeya Yagna); Shaila prastha and Vaiswana Tirthas ( instant wealth); Kama Tirtha ( immediate realization of desires); Apsara Tirtha ( attractiveness and charm); Tirthas of Rishikulyta, Deva Kulya, Ashwa Tirtha, Prabhasa, Varuna, Vahni Tirtha, Chandra Tirtha, Naga Tirtha, Chakra Tirtha and Vamana (godaana Phala); Nanda Tirtha, Skanda Tirtha, and Sureshwara (‘Mahima’ from Swarga); Pandava Tirtha (successful fulfillment of Pancha Yagna responsibilities of each house holder); Ucchaisha Tirtha (Recognition in Rudraloka); Ramaahlada Tirtha (lot of gold); Sindhu-Kanakavasini Sangama (Rajasuya Yagna); River Pavana and Rajobindu Vinirmala (PundarikanYagna); Lake Manasa on Ashadha Purnima (Agnishtoma); Meeting Place of Lake Maha Padma and River Hiranya ( Ashvamedha); Bahurupa ( appreciation from Vishnu loka); and Tirthas of Shatashringa, Vaishravana, Bhujaswami as also of Vasus, Rudras, Sadhyaas, Maruts, Bhrigus and Angiras ( Ten Go-Daanaas).
Highlighting the significance of River Vitasta, Brihadashwa informed about the trilateral confluence of Palasha-Shilama and Vitasta, bathing at that Place would fetch the fruit of ‘Shata Godaana’ (hundred cows).
Palaashaacha Shilaamaacha Vitastaam yatra gacchati,
Gosavasya phalam tatra prateykam kathitam pura/
Nadi Kularaaneecha swamujjatey Vithastathaa
tatra Snaathswaa Kulam sheeghram puneetey Maanavottamah/
(Instant body purification would be assured to the entire family and ‘Kula’ or it’s Sect by a thrust into the Sacred waters where the hallowed Vitasta met River Kularani). Taking baths at the Separate Meeting Points of Pushkara-renowned for the frequent visits of Sapta Rishis- and of Vaaraaha Tirthas with the Holy River of Vitasta would earn ‘Atiratra and Agnishtoma Phala’in the former case as also ‘Vishnuloka prapti’ and ‘Kuloddharana’in respect of the latter case respectively. Snaanas at the area where Tirtha ‘Narayana Sthaana’ and River Vitasta met should also bestow the same results as in the previous case.
Referring to the River Mahuri, Sage Brihadashwa said that Maahuri tu Nadi Punya Mathuraiva viseshatah / Maahuri River is as significant as Mathura; its tributaries are all the Sacred Rivers like Shatanila, Shamaala, Vimalodaka, Rahula, Shrimaadhya, the second Mahanadi Shuddhaa, Samula and Surasa; holy dips in the ‘Sanagamas’ of these Rivers with Mahuri would fetch ‘Dasha Go-Daana Mahima’, while bathing in another nearby Tirtha called Ananta would gladden the hearts of Nagas. Similar ‘Punya’ of Go-danaas would accrue to those devotees taking plunges in Bindu Nadeshwara Tirtha, Soma Tirtha, Tungesha Tirtha Kshetra, Utankaswami, Rama Tirtha, Bhrigu Tirtha, and Angirasa Tirtha.
In conclusion, Sage Brihadashwa gave a vivid description to King Gonanda of the Illustrious Kashmira, its Origin, people of virtue, its significance and innumerable Sanctified Places dotted all over; Oh King! all the Rivers, Lakes and Mountains in Kashmira are indeed most sacrosanct and hallowed; the Sacred ‘Pratimas’ / Figurative Representations of Deities installed by Maharshis or Respected Personalities of Fame in Kashmira were unique icons highly worthy of veneration; all the Tirthas and Rivers which were recognised by all Nagas as hallowed symbols of Purity and Virtue; ‘Punya Snaanaas’ in these Tirthas and Rivers are indeed worthy of hundreds of Gold and Ornaments, especially the bathings of the Holiest Vitasta and its various Tributaries; this Outstanding River of Kashmira would relieve all kinds of sins-except of course the worst ‘Mahapatakas’- and added to such abolition of sins would bestow further the boons of performing ‘Agnishtomas’! Sacred Baths before sun rise especially on the ‘Shukla Trayodashis’ in winter with Goroja ointment applied on one’s heads would demolish all sins, fulfillment of all desires, Yagna Phalas, and ‘Moksha Prapti’, possibly through out the year. After bathing with sincerity and devotion, one should offer ‘Naivedya’ of cooked rice and pulses with ghee to the Holy River and provide the ‘Prashaad’ to Brahmanas and this act of veneration would indeed result in unimaginalble ‘fruits’. Such acts of devotion must be performed at the Holy Places along the River Vitasta at the Spots like the Ashramas of Vitastaakhya, Dhoumesha, Vitasta- Sindhu and several of such confluences.
Shandilya Madhumatyoschya snaato yah Sangamey Narah Sarva paapavinurmuktah Swarhalokam sa gacchati/
(‘Snaana’ at the confluence of Shandilya and Madhumati would demolish the sins of persons concerned).Darshana of the Deity Rajavaamsa Hari at Rajovinirnmala would be another firm sure step for sin-demolition. Vision of Gouri Shankara Mountain Peak and darshan of Durga Devi soon after her so-called first monthly period should bless a person with access to Chandra Loka. Interestingly, even during the Krishna Paksha or the dark period of a month, the Kashmira Region would normally be bright! Separate ‘snaanas’in the two Rivers Telala and Bhurjala would fetch those persons the advantage of ‘Shata Go-daana’ while bathing at the confluence would carry the benefit of performing Vajapeya Yagna. The meeting point of these two rivers with Madhumati Nadi would yield the advantage of Gaja daana and also of appreciation from Rudra loka. Bathing in the River of Uttara Manasa bestows the ‘Gosahasra daana phala’. Haramunda Sarovara Snaana provides the benefit of ten cows being given in charity, while climbing the Haraminda hill would equal to ‘Rajasuya yagna phala’. ‘Ganga-Manasa Sangama Snaana’ too would accrue similar result. Bathing in Agastya Tirtha which was built by ‘Vaalakhilyas’ would secure the ‘Teja’or Radiance of Maharshis. Then
Kalodakam Nandikundam Shankham Chakram Gadaam tathaa,
Padmam Sa Kapila Tirtham Tirthou Vaatikashandikou/
Tirthamapsaraam punyam Brahmanah Parameshtinah,
Kripaani tirthamaasadya pratekam Goshtam labhet/
( Visits to the Tirthas viz. Kalodakam, Nandikutam, Shankham, Chakram Gada, Padmam, Kapila Tirtham as also Vatika and Shandika, the enchanting ‘Apsara Tirtha’, Brahma Tirtha and Kripani Tirtha would all attract ‘Goshata Daana’ at each of the above Places.
Brahmano Yaga bhumischa tatra puraya Mahipatey,
Shakra Tirtham Deva Tirtham Tirtham Brahmana kundika/
Drushtvaaikaikeyam yaitebhoy Goshatasya phalam labhet,
Hamsadwaram cha Sangamya Swargamaapnotyasamshayam/
(At the Brahma Yaga Bhumi, there are Tirthas viz. Shakra Tirtha, Deva Tirtha, Brahmana kundika and by visiting either of these would award the ‘Punya’ of charity of hundred cows’ while Hamsadwara Sangama would grant achieving Swarga loka). On reaching the Starting Point of River Sindhu, one is stated to have executed Rajasuya Yagna, while one would have performed the Poundarika Yagna if the person concerned bathed in ‘Bindusarasa’. There are other Rivers of sanctity viz. Chitrapatha, Mriganandana and Mriga and purification in any of these is stated to equal the value of bathing in Rivers like Godavari, Vaitarani, Mandakini, Chandra bhaga and Gomati viz. charity of hundred cows, burning off sins and Swarga prapti. Chitrakuta was the most hallowed Mountain where Devi Uma and Maha Deva were wedded and the popular belief was: Tatraanulepanam Divyam yena liptatanunnnarah, Surupahbhaagi bhavati subhajas –chaiva jaayatey/ (A heavenly ointment was available there and its application was endowed excellent physical charm and beauty). Brihadashwa informed the King further:
Pada Gavya sarastatra Panchagavyasarah prudhak,
Tatraanye Pancha Bhupaala Punyam Taila Saras –tatha/
Udvurtana Sarah Punyam Punyam chaapyatasisarah,
Siddharthaka Sarastatra tathaamalakavaarinah/
Madhuparka Sarah Punyam Punyamrushnodakam tathaa,
Ekamekamayai tebhyo drushtwaa Swarlokamaapnuyaat/
(Besides Gavyasara and Panchagavyasara, five consecrated Lakes were popular viz. Tailasara, Udurtanasara, Apyatasisara, Siddhadhakasara, Amalakavaarina and Madhuparkasara as also Madhuparkasara and Ushnodaka. Any one of these would assure access to Swargaloka). Proceeding further up the Chitrakuta Mountain, one could sight the Saptarishi Tirtha which would bestow fulfillment of all desires. Another significant Tirtha was Vishnupada which was ‘Kramasara’ too as Vishnu stalked his steps over the worlds by foot and Brahma himself was stated to have performed Veda Yagnas; this Tirtha ensured that there no remnants of sins left in favour of the pilgrim concerned. Bathing in the River Koundinya which emerged from the mouth of Kramasara Lake was as powerful as executing a Pundarika Yagna while the River Kshira gave the benefit of ‘Shata Go Daana’, but the ‘Snaana’ at the meeting point of both these Rivers would gain Sahasra Go Daana.
‘Snaanas’ at River Vishoka and its confluence with Koudini would result in Devasathva and Vajapeya Yagnas while those at Vriddha Tirtha-the abode of Vasuki the Chief of Serpents and at Devasara would bestow the fruits of ‘Gosava’and ‘Devaloka prapti’. Similarly bathings at ‘Agni Tirtha’ would fetch Agni Loka; Vinataaswami and Kadruswami Lakes with hundred Go-daanas each; Sandhya Pushkarini (Swarga Prapti); Brahmakunda and Nilakunda (Ananta Punya); Vinashana Tirtha (VajapeyaYagna); Vitasamajjana (thousand cows); Chaturvedi Tirtha (gift of daughter’s wedding); Confluence of Vitasta and Dhyanadharini (Vajapeya); Harshapatha (gold); Deva Tirtha (securing a son); Triloki (fame in Trilokas); Kapoteswara (attainment of Rudra Loka); Pundarika Tirtha ( Pundarika Yagna); charity at the confluence at Vitasta and Dhyanadharini (unending Punya till next fourteen Indras); Katha Tirtha ( ten cows); Auojasa Tirtha ( Vajapeya Yagna); Shaila prastha and Vaiswana Tirthas ( instant wealth); Kama Tirtha ( immediate realization of desires); Apsara Tirtha ( attractiveness and charm); Tirthas of Rishikulyta, Deva Kulya, Ashwa Tirtha, Prabhasa, Varuna, Vahni Tirtha, Chandra Tirtha, Naga Tirtha, Chakra Tirtha and Vamana (godaana Phala); Nanda Tirtha, Skanda Tirtha, and Sureshwara (‘Mahima’ from Swarga); Pandava Tirtha (successful fulfillment of Pancha Yagna responsibilities of each house holder); Ucchaisha Tirtha (Recognition in Rudraloka); Ramaahlada Tirtha (lot of gold); Sindhu-Kanakavasini Sangama (Rajasuya Yagna); River Pavana and Rajobindu Vinirmala (PundarikanYagna); Lake Manasa on Ashadha Purnima (Agnishtoma); Meeting Place of Lake Maha Padma and River Hiranya ( Ashvamedha); Bahurupa ( appreciation from Vishnu loka); and Tirthas of Shatashringa, Vaishravana, Bhujaswami as also of Vasus, Rudras, Sadhyaas, Maruts, Bhrigus and Angiras ( Ten Go-Daanaas).
Highlighting the significance of River Vitasta, Brihadashwa informed about the trilateral confluence of Palasha-Shilama and Vitasta, bathing at that Place would fetch the fruit of ‘Shata Godaana’ (hundred cows).
Palaashaacha Shilaamaacha Vitastaam yatra gacchati,
Gosavasya phalam tatra prateykam kathitam pura/
Nadi Kularaaneecha swamujjatey Vithastathaa
tatra Snaathswaa Kulam sheeghram puneetey Maanavottamah/
(Instant body purification would be assured to the entire family and ‘Kula’ or it’s Sect by a thrust into the Sacred waters where the hallowed Vitasta met River Kularani). Taking baths at the Separate Meeting Points of Pushkara-renowned for the frequent visits of Sapta Rishis- and of Vaaraaha Tirthas with the Holy River of Vitasta would earn ‘Atiratra and Agnishtoma Phala’in the former case as also ‘Vishnuloka prapti’ and ‘Kuloddharana’in respect of the latter case respectively. Snaanas at the area where Tirtha ‘Narayana Sthaana’ and River Vitasta met should also bestow the same results as in the previous case.
Referring to the River Mahuri, Sage Brihadashwa said that Maahuri tu Nadi Punya Mathuraiva viseshatah / Maahuri River is as significant as Mathura; its tributaries are all the Sacred Rivers like Shatanila, Shamaala, Vimalodaka, Rahula, Shrimaadhya, the second Mahanadi Shuddhaa, Samula and Surasa; holy dips in the ‘Sanagamas’ of these Rivers with Mahuri would fetch ‘Dasha Go-Daana Mahima’, while bathing in another nearby Tirtha called Ananta would gladden the hearts of Nagas. Similar ‘Punya’ of Go-danaas would accrue to those devotees taking plunges in Bindu Nadeshwara Tirtha, Soma Tirtha, Tungesha Tirtha Kshetra, Utankaswami, Rama Tirtha, Bhrigu Tirtha, and Angirasa Tirtha.
In conclusion, Sage Brihadashwa gave a vivid description to King Gonanda of the Illustrious Kashmira, its Origin, people of virtue, its significance and innumerable Sanctified Places dotted all over; Oh King! all the Rivers, Lakes and Mountains in Kashmira are indeed most sacrosanct and hallowed; the Sacred ‘Pratimas’ / Figurative Representations of Deities installed by Maharshis or Respected Personalities of Fame in Kashmira were unique icons highly worthy of veneration; all the Tirthas and Rivers which were recognised by all Nagas as hallowed symbols of Purity and Virtue; ‘Punya Snaanaas’ in these Tirthas and Rivers are indeed worthy of hundreds of Gold and Ornaments, especially the bathings of the Holiest Vitasta and its various Tributaries; this Outstanding River of Kashmira would relieve all kinds of sins-except of course the worst ‘Mahapatakas’- and added to such abolition of sins would bestow further the boons of performing ‘Agnishtomas’! Sacred Baths before sun rise especially on the ‘Shukla Trayodashis’ in winter with Goroja ointment applied on one’s heads would demolish all sins, fulfillment of all desires, Yagna Phalas, and ‘Moksha Prapti’, possibly through out the year. After bathing with sincerity and devotion, one should offer ‘Naivedya’ of cooked rice and pulses with ghee to the Holy River and provide the ‘Prashaad’ to Brahmanas and this act of veneration would indeed result in unimaginalble ‘fruits’. Such acts of devotion must be performed at the Holy Places along the River Vitasta at the Spots like the Ashramas of Vitastaakhya, Dhoumesha, Vitasta- Sindhu and several of such confluences.