Ayodhya-yatra-vidhikrama-varnanam

Verse 1 (skanda.2.187.1)

अगस्त्य उवाच घोषार्कतीर्थाद्विप्रर्षे पश्चिमे दिक्तटे स्थितम् रतिकुण्डमिति ख्यातं सर्वपापहरं सदा

agastya uvāca ghoṣārkatīrthādviprarṣe paścime diktaṭe sthitam ratikuṇḍamiti khyātaṁ sarvapāpaharaṁ sadā

Agastya said: O sage among brahmins, to the west of the Ghoshaarka ford is situated a tank known as Rati-kunda, ever a remover of all sin,

Verse 2 (skanda.2.187.2)

यत्र स्नानेन दानेन परां कांतिमवाप्नुयात् तत्पश्चिमदिशाभागे कुसुमायुधनामकम्

yatra snānena dānena parāṁ kāṁtimavāpnuyāt tatpaścimadiśābhāge kusumāyudhanāmakam

bathing and giving charity at which one obtains supreme beauty; to the west of that is another tank named Kusumayudha,

Verse 3 (skanda.2.187.3)

कुंडं प्रसिद्धमतुलं सर्वकामार्थसिद्धये यत्र स्नानेन दानेन कन्दर्पसदृशाकृतिम् लभते ना विधानेन मुने नास्त्यत्र संशयः

kuṁḍaṁ prasiddhamatulaṁ sarvakāmārthasiddhaye yatra snānena dānena kandarpasadṛśākṛtim labhate nā vidhānena mune nāstyatra saṁśayaḥ

a renowned, incomparable tank, for the fulfillment of all desires and aims, by duly bathing and giving charity at which a man obtains a form resembling Kandarpa — O sage, there is no doubt of this.

Verse 4 (skanda.2.187.4)

रतिकुंडे तथा विप्र कुसुमायुधकुण्डके श्रद्धया कुरुते स्नानं स सौख्यपरमो भवेत्

ratikuṁḍe tathā vipra kusumāyudhakuṇḍake śraddhayā kurute snānaṁ sa saukhyaparamo bhavet

O brahmin, whoever bathes with faith at Rati-kunda and Kusumayudha-kunda attains the highest happiness.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.187.5)

कुण्डद्वयेऽत्र मिथुनं यत्स्नानं कुरुते किल रतिकामाविव ख्यातौ सदा तौ सुंदरौ तदा

kuṇḍadvaye’tra mithunaṁ yatsnānaṁ kurute kila ratikāmāviva khyātau sadā tau suṁdarau tadā

Whatever couple bathes together at these two tanks becomes ever renowned and beautiful, like Rati and Kama themselves.

Verse 6 (skanda.2.187.6)

तस्मादत्र विधानेन स्नातव्यं धर्मकांक्षिभिः दानं देयं यथाशक्त्या रतिकंदर्पतुष्टये

tasmādatra vidhānena snātavyaṁ dharmakāṁkṣibhiḥ dānaṁ deyaṁ yathāśaktyā ratikaṁdarpatuṣṭaye

Therefore those desiring righteousness should duly bathe here; charity should be given according to one's ability for the pleasure of Rati and Kandarpa.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.187.7)

भवेतां नियतं तस्य संतुष्टौ रतिमन्मथौ माघे विशदपंचम्यां यत्र स्नानं शुभप्रदम्

bhavetāṁ niyataṁ tasya saṁtuṣṭau ratimanmathau māghe viśadapaṁcamyāṁ yatra snānaṁ śubhapradam

Rati and Manmatha shall surely become pleased with him; on the fifth of the bright fortnight of Magha, bathing there is auspicious.

Verse 8 (skanda.2.187.8)

रतिकुंडे पुरः स्नात्वा पश्चात्कंदर्प्पकुंडके स्नातव्यं तद्दिने विप्र मिथुनेन प्रयत्नतः

ratikuṁḍe puraḥ snātvā paścātkaṁdarppakuṁḍake snātavyaṁ taddine vipra mithunena prayatnataḥ

Having first bathed at Rati-kunda, and then at Kandarpa-kunda, a couple should diligently bathe on that day, O brahmin.

Verse 9 (skanda.2.187.9)

रतिकंदर्प्पयोः पूजा विधातव्या विशेषतः वस्त्रादिभिरलंकारैः संपूज्यौ द्विजदंपती

ratikaṁdarppayoḥ pūjā vidhātavyā viśeṣataḥ vastrādibhiralaṁkāraiḥ saṁpūjyau dvijadaṁpatī

The worship of Rati and Kandarpa should especially be performed; a brahmin couple should be worshipped with garments and other ornaments.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.187.10)

सर्वान्कामानवाप्नोति नात्र कार्या विचारणा

sarvānkāmānavāpnoti nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

One obtains all desires — there should be no doubt about this.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.187.11)

चंदनागुरुकर्पूरकस्तूरीकुंकुमादिभिः वासोभिर्विविधैः पुष्पैः पूजयेद्द्विजदम्पती

caṁdanāgurukarpūrakastūrīkuṁkumādibhiḥ vāsobhirvividhaiḥ puṣpaiḥ pūjayeddvijadampatī

One should worship the brahmin couple with sandal, agaru, camphor, musk, saffron and the like, with various garments and flowers.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.187.12)

एवं कृते न संदेहो रतिकंदर्पतुष्टये तद्व्रजेन्मिश्रुनं विप्र रतिकंदर्प्पतुल्यताम्

evaṁ kṛte na saṁdeho ratikaṁdarpatuṣṭaye tadvrajenmiśrunaṁ vipra ratikaṁdarppatulyatām

When this is done, without doubt, for the pleasure of Rati and Kandarpa, that couple, O brahmin, attains a likeness to Rati and Kandarpa.

Verse 13 (skanda.2.187.13)

कुसुमायुधकुंडात्तु प्रतीच्यां दिशि संस्थितम् मन्त्रेश्वर इति ख्यातं तत्स्थानं भुवि दुर्लभम्

kusumāyudhakuṁḍāttu pratīcyāṁ diśi saṁsthitam mantreśvara iti khyātaṁ tatsthānaṁ bhuvi durlabham

To the west of Kusumayudha-kunda is situated a place known as Mantreshvara, a place rare on earth.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.187.14)

तत्र तीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा मन्त्रेश्वरं विभुम् न तेषां पुनरावृत्तिः कल्पकोटिशतैरपि

tatra tīrthe naraḥ snātvā dṛṣṭvā mantreśvaraṁ vibhum na teṣāṁ punarāvṛttiḥ kalpakoṭiśatairapi

A man, having bathed at that ford and beheld the mighty Mantreshvara, shall have no return to rebirth even for hundreds of millions of kalpas.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.187.15)

पुरा रामो देवकार्यं विधायामलकर्मकृत् कालेन सह संगम्य मन्त्रं चक्रे नरेश्वरः

purā rāmo devakāryaṁ vidhāyāmalakarmakṛt kālena saha saṁgamya mantraṁ cakre nareśvaraḥ

Formerly, Rama, of stainless deeds, that lord of men, having accomplished the task of the gods, meeting together with Kala, held a secret counsel,

Verse 16 (skanda.2.187.16)

स्वर्गं प्रति प्रयाणाय यत्र स्नातौ जितेंद्रियः तत्रैव स्थापितं लिंगं मन्त्रेश्वर इति श्रुतम्

svargaṁ prati prayāṇāya yatra snātau jiteṁdriyaḥ tatraiva sthāpitaṁ liṁgaṁ mantreśvara iti śrutam

at the place where, self-controlled, having bathed for the departure toward heaven, a linga was established right there, known as Mantreshvara.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.187.17)

तदुत्तरे सरो रम्यं कुमुदोत्पलमंडितम् तत्र स्नानं तथा दानं नानाफलदमुत्तमम्

taduttare saro ramyaṁ kumudotpalamaṁḍitam tatra snānaṁ tathā dānaṁ nānāphaladamuttamam

To the north of that is a delightful lake, adorned with water-lilies and lotuses; bathing and charity there bestow manifold excellent fruits.

Verse 18 (skanda.2.187.18)

चैत्रशुक्लचतुर्दश्यां यात्रा सांवत्सरी स्मृता तत्र स्नानेन दानेन ब्राह्मणानां च पूजनात् अक्षयं स्वर्गमाप्नोति तत्र कार्या विचारणा

caitraśuklacaturdaśyāṁ yātrā sāṁvatsarī smṛtā tatra snānena dānena brāhmaṇānāṁ ca pūjanāt akṣayaṁ svargamāpnoti tatra kāryā vicāraṇā

On the fourteenth of the bright fortnight of Chaitra, the annual festival is remembered; by bathing, charity, and the worship of brahmins there, one attains imperishable heaven — there should be no doubt of this.

Verse 19 (skanda.2.187.19)

मंत्रेश्वरस्य महिमा नहि केनापि शक्यते सम्यग्वर्णयितुं विप्र य उत्तमफलप्रदः मंत्रेश्वरसमं लिंगं न भूतं न भविष्यति

maṁtreśvarasya mahimā nahi kenāpi śakyate samyagvarṇayituṁ vipra ya uttamaphalapradaḥ maṁtreśvarasamaṁ liṁgaṁ na bhūtaṁ na bhaviṣyati

The greatness of Mantreshvara, which bestows the highest fruit, cannot be fully described by anyone, O brahmin; there has never been, nor shall there ever be, a linga equal to Mantreshvara.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.187.20)

सुगंधिपुष्पधूपादिकुसुमाद्यनुलेपनैः पूजनीयः प्रयत्नेन सर्वकामार्थसिद्धिदः

sugaṁdhipuṣpadhūpādikusumādyanulepanaiḥ pūjanīyaḥ prayatnena sarvakāmārthasiddhidaḥ

He, the bestower of the fulfillment of all desires and aims, should diligently be worshipped with fragrant flowers, incense, and unguents.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.187.21)

एवं कृते न संदेहो मुक्तिस्तस्य करे स्थिता तत्रैवोत्तरभागे तु शीतला वर्ततेऽनघ

evaṁ kṛte na saṁdeho muktistasya kare sthitā tatraivottarabhāge tu śītalā vartate’nagha

When this is done, without doubt, liberation stands ready in his hand; and O sinless one, in the northern part is the goddess Shitala.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.187.22)

तां संपूज्य नरो विद्वान्सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते सर्वदा पूजनं तस्याः सोमवारे विशेषतः कर्त्तव्यं सुप्रयत्नेन नृभिः सर्वार्थसिद्धये

tāṁ saṁpūjya naro vidvānsarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate sarvadā pūjanaṁ tasyāḥ somavāre viśeṣataḥ karttavyaṁ suprayatnena nṛbhiḥ sarvārthasiddhaye

A wise man, having worshipped her, is freed from all sins; her worship should ever be diligently performed by men, especially on Monday, for the fulfillment of all aims.

Verse 23 (skanda.2.187.23)

विस्फोटकादिकभये नरैश्च समुपस्थिते कर्तव्यं पूजनं सम्यग्रोगादिभयनाशनम्

visphoṭakādikabhaye naraiśca samupasthite kartavyaṁ pūjanaṁ samyagrogādibhayanāśanam

When men are afflicted with the fear of smallpox and the like, her worship, a destroyer of the fear of disease and the like, should be duly performed.

Verse 24 (skanda.2.187.24)

तदुत्तरे तु तत्रैव देवी वन्दीति विश्रुता यस्याः स्मरणमात्रेण निगडादिभयं नहि

taduttare tu tatraiva devī vandīti viśrutā yasyāḥ smaraṇamātreṇa nigaḍādibhayaṁ nahi

And to the north of that, right there, is the goddess renowned as Bandi, by whose mere remembrance there is no fear of shackles and the like.

Verse 25 (skanda.2.187.25)

राज्ञा क्रुद्धेन ये बद्धाः शृंखलानिगडादिभिः बन्दी संस्मृत्य देवीं तु मुक्ताः स्युस्तत्क्षणाद्धि ते

rājñā kruddhena ye baddhāḥ śṛṁkhalānigaḍādibhiḥ bandī saṁsmṛtya devīṁ tu muktāḥ syustatkṣaṇāddhi te

Those bound by an angry king with chains, shackles, and the like — remembering the goddess Bandi, they are freed at that very instant.

Verse 26 (skanda.2.187.26)

यात्रा तस्याः प्रयत्नेन कर्तव्या यत्नतो नरैः मंगले हि विशेषेण सर्वकामार्थसिद्धिदा

yātrā tasyāḥ prayatnena kartavyā yatnato naraiḥ maṁgale hi viśeṣeṇa sarvakāmārthasiddhidā

Her festival should be diligently observed by men, especially on Tuesday, which bestows the fulfillment of all desires and aims.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.187.27)

गंधैः पुष्पैस्तथा धूपैर्दीपैरपि च सुव्रत नैवेद्यैर्विविधैर्वापि पूजनीया प्रयत्नतः

gaṁdhaiḥ puṣpaistathā dhūpairdīpairapi ca suvrata naivedyairvividhairvāpi pūjanīyā prayatnataḥ

O you of good vows, she should be diligently worshipped with scents, flowers, incense, lamps, and various food offerings.

Verse 28 (skanda.2.187.28)

बन्दीप्रीत्यै मुनिश्रेष्ठ देयं ब्राह्मणभोजनम् एवं कृते न संदेहः सर्वान्कामानवाप्नुयात्

bandīprītyai muniśreṣṭha deyaṁ brāhmaṇabhojanam evaṁ kṛte na saṁdehaḥ sarvānkāmānavāpnuyāt

O best of sages, for the pleasure of Bandi, brahmins should be fed; when this is done, without doubt, one obtains all desires.

Verse 29 (skanda.2.187.29)

तदुत्तरस्मिंस्तत्रैव चुडकी भुवि कीर्तिता वर्तते परमा सिद्धिरूपिणी स्मरणान्नृणाम्

taduttarasmiṁstatraiva cuḍakī bhuvi kīrtitā vartate paramā siddhirūpiṇī smaraṇānnṛṇām

And to the north of that, right there, is the goddess renowned on earth as Chudaki, who is of the nature of supreme accomplishment for men through mere remembrance.

Verse 30 (skanda.2.187.30)

सुसंदिग्धेषु कार्येषु भये च समुपस्थिते यस्याः स्मरणतो नॄणां सर्वसिद्धिः प्रजायते

susaṁdigdheṣu kāryeṣu bhaye ca samupasthite yasyāḥ smaraṇato nṝṇāṁ sarvasiddhiḥ prajāyate

In matters of great doubt, and when fear has arisen, by her remembrance, all accomplishment arises for men.

Verse 31 (skanda.2.187.31)

अग्रे तस्याः सदा कार्या नृभिरंगुष्ठतो ध्वनिः दीपदानं प्रयत्नेन कर्त्तव्यं नियतात्मभिः

agre tasyāḥ sadā kāryā nṛbhiraṁguṣṭhato dhvaniḥ dīpadānaṁ prayatnena karttavyaṁ niyatātmabhiḥ

Before her, men should always make a sound with the thumb; the gift of a lamp should be diligently performed by those of self-restraint.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.187.32)

सर्वाभीष्टप्रदं नॄणां दीपदानं प्रशस्यते चतुर्दश्यां चतुर्दश्यां तस्या यात्रा विनिर्मिता

sarvābhīṣṭapradaṁ nṝṇāṁ dīpadānaṁ praśasyate caturdaśyāṁ caturdaśyāṁ tasyā yātrā vinirmitā

The gift of a lamp, bestowing all desires for men, is praised; her festival is established on every fourteenth day.

Verse 33 (skanda.2.187.33)

ततः पूर्वदिशाभागे वर्त्तते तीर्थमुत्तमम् महारत्न इति ख्यातं सर्वतीर्थोत्तमोत्तमम्

tataḥ pūrvadiśābhāge varttate tīrthamuttamam mahāratna iti khyātaṁ sarvatīrthottamottamam

Then, to the east, there is an excellent sacred ford, known as Maharatna, the very best among all the best of sacred fords,

Verse 34 (skanda.2.187.34)

यत्र स्नानेन दानेन पूजया च द्विजन्मनाम् सर्वकर्मार्थसिद्धिः स्यान्नात्र कार्या विचारणा

yatra snānena dānena pūjayā ca dvijanmanām sarvakarmārthasiddhiḥ syānnātra kāryā vicāraṇā

by bathing, giving charity and worship of brahmins at which, the fulfillment of all deeds and aims occurs — there should be no doubt of this.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.187.35)

भाद्रे कृष्णचतुर्दश्यां यात्रा सांवत्सरी स्मृता यात्राऽऽस्ते किल मुख्याऽस्य महारत्ना इति श्रुता

bhādre kṛṣṇacaturdaśyāṁ yātrā sāṁvatsarī smṛtā yātrā’’ste kila mukhyā’sya mahāratnā iti śrutā

On the fourteenth of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada, the annual festival is remembered; its principal festival is known as [that of] Maharatna.

Verse 36 (skanda.2.187.36)

महारत्न इति ख्यातं तस्मात्तीर्थमनुत्तमम् तत्र दानं प्रकर्त्तव्यं द्विजसंतोषकारकम्

mahāratna iti khyātaṁ tasmāttīrthamanuttamam tatra dānaṁ prakarttavyaṁ dvijasaṁtoṣakārakam

That unsurpassed ford is known as Maharatna; charity, which brings satisfaction to brahmins, should be performed there.

Verse 37 (skanda.2.187.37)

नारीभिरपि विप्रर्षे कर्त्तव्यो जागरोत्सवः वीर्यसौभाग्यसंपन्नसर्वसौख्याय सर्वदा तत्र स्नानं प्रयत्नेन कर्त्तव्यं श्रद्धया नरैः

nārībhirapi viprarṣe karttavyo jāgarotsavaḥ vīryasaubhāgyasaṁpannasarvasaukhyāya sarvadā tatra snānaṁ prayatnena karttavyaṁ śraddhayā naraiḥ

O sage among brahmins, the vigil-festival should also be observed by women, ever for the sake of vigor, good fortune, and complete well-being; bathing should be diligently performed there by men with faith.

Verse 38 (skanda.2.187.38)

ततो नैऋत्यदिग्भागे दुर्भराख्यं सरा शुभम् वर्तते सुकृतोदारं महाभरसरस्तथा

tato naiṛtyadigbhāge durbharākhyaṁ sarā śubham vartate sukṛtodāraṁ mahābharasarastathā

Then, to the south-west, is the auspicious lake named Durbhara, of great and noble merit, and likewise the lake Mahabhara,

Verse 39 (skanda.2.187.39)

तत्र स्नानादवाप्नोति सदा स्वर्गपदं नरः धनं बहुविधं देयं वासांसि विविधानि च

tatra snānādavāpnoti sadā svargapadaṁ naraḥ dhanaṁ bahuvidhaṁ deyaṁ vāsāṁsi vividhāni ca

by bathing at which a man ever attains the station of heaven; wealth of many kinds should be given, and various garments,

Verse 40 (skanda.2.187.40)

शिवपूजा प्रकर्त्तव्या स्नात्वा कुण्डद्वये नरैः नानाविधेन भावेन भक्त्या परमया युतैः

śivapūjā prakarttavyā snātvā kuṇḍadvaye naraiḥ nānāvidhena bhāvena bhaktyā paramayā yutaiḥ

and the worship of Shiva should be performed by men, having bathed in both tanks, with manifold devotion, endowed with the highest bhakti,

Verse 41 (skanda.2.187.41)

गन्धादिभिः शुभैः पुष्पैरर्च्चनीयो महेश्वरः नीलकंठोंऽधकारातिराराध्यो योगिनामपि

gandhādibhiḥ śubhaiḥ puṣpairarccanīyo maheśvaraḥ nīlakaṁṭhoṁ’dhakārātirārādhyo yogināmapi

Maheshvara should be worshipped with scents and auspicious flowers — the blue-throated one, the enemy of Andhaka, worthy of worship even by yogis.

Verse 42 (skanda.2.187.42)

इति ध्यात्वा शिवं सार्द्धं निष्पापं प्रयतो नरः सर्वकामानवाप्याशु शिवलोके वसेत्सदा

iti dhyātvā śivaṁ sārddhaṁ niṣpāpaṁ prayato naraḥ sarvakāmānavāpyāśu śivaloke vasetsadā

Having thus meditated upon Shiva, a self-controlled man, free from sin, having quickly obtained all his desires, dwells forever in the world of Shiva.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.187.43)

एवं कृत्वा नरो विप्र सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते महाभरे वरे तीर्थे तथा दुर्भरसंज्ञके

evaṁ kṛtvā naro vipra sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate mahābhare vare tīrthe tathā durbharasaṁjñake

Having done thus, O brahmin, a man is freed from all sins, at the excellent ford Mahabhara and likewise at the one named Durbhara.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.187.44)

भाद्रकृष्णचतुर्दश्यां यः कुर्य्याच्छ्रद्धयाऽन्वितः शिवपूजां च विधिवद्द्विजपूजां विशेषतः

bhādrakṛṣṇacaturdaśyāṁ yaḥ kuryyācchraddhayā’nvitaḥ śivapūjāṁ ca vidhivaddvijapūjāṁ viśeṣataḥ

Whatever man, endowed with faith, on the fourteenth of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada, duly performs the worship of Shiva and especially of brahmins,

Verse 45 (skanda.2.187.45)

यः करोति नरो भक्त्या शिवलोके स संवसेत् एवं कुर्वन्नरो विद्वान्न मुह्यति कदाचन

yaḥ karoti naro bhaktyā śivaloke sa saṁvaset evaṁ kurvannaro vidvānna muhyati kadācana

whatever man does this with devotion dwells in the world of Shiva; a wise man who does thus is never deluded.

Verse 46 (skanda.2.187.46)

विष्णुरुद्रौ च तस्यातिसुप्रसन्नौ सनातनौ तयोः स्मरणमात्रेण सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते

viṣṇurudrau ca tasyātisuprasannau sanātanau tayoḥ smaraṇamātreṇa sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate

Vishnu and Rudra, the eternal ones, become most gracious to him; by mere remembrance of the two, one is freed from all sins.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.187.47)

अतः किं बहुनोक्तेन विप्रतीर्थमनुत्तमम् सर्वपापौघशमनं सर्वाभीष्टकरं सदा

ataḥ kiṁ bahunoktena vipratīrthamanuttamam sarvapāpaughaśamanaṁ sarvābhīṣṭakaraṁ sadā

What further need is there of saying more, O brahmin? This unsurpassed ford ever calms the whole flood of sin and grants all desires.

Verse 48 (skanda.2.187.48)

अतः परं प्रवक्ष्यामि तीर्थमन्यच्छुभावहम् यत्र यात्रा तथा दानं विना भाग्यं न संभवेत्

ataḥ paraṁ pravakṣyāmi tīrthamanyacchubhāvaham yatra yātrā tathā dānaṁ vinā bhāgyaṁ na saṁbhavet

Now I shall further tell of another auspicious sacred ford, where pilgrimage and charity are not possible without good fortune.

Verse 49 (skanda.2.187.49)

ईशाने दुर्भरस्थानान्महाविद्याभिधं महत् तस्य दर्शनतो नॄणां सिद्धयः स्युः करे स्थिताः

īśāne durbharasthānānmahāvidyābhidhaṁ mahat tasya darśanato nṝṇāṁ siddhayaḥ syuḥ kare sthitāḥ

To the north-east of the place of Durbhara is the great shrine named Mahavidya, by the sight of which, for men, the supernatural powers stand ready in the palm of their hand.

Verse 50 (skanda.2.187.50)

तदग्रे सरसि स्नात्वा महाविद्यां तु यो नरः पश्यति श्रद्धया भक्त्या स याति परमां गतिम्

tadagre sarasi snātvā mahāvidyāṁ tu yo naraḥ paśyati śraddhayā bhaktyā sa yāti paramāṁ gatim

Whatever man, having bathed in the lake before it, beholds Mahavidya with faith and devotion, attains the highest goal.

Verse 51 (skanda.2.187.51)

सिद्धपीठं तथा ख्यातं सम्यक्प्रत्ययकारकम् तत्र पूजा विधातव्या भक्त्या परमया द्विज

siddhapīṭhaṁ tathā khyātaṁ samyakpratyayakārakam tatra pūjā vidhātavyā bhaktyā paramayā dvija

It is also known as Siddhapitha, truly producing conviction; O brahmin, worship should be performed there with supreme devotion.

Verse 52 (skanda.2.187.52)

मंत्रं यः श्रद्धया विप्र शैवं शाक्तमथापि वा गाणपत्यं वैष्णवं वा तत्र यः प्रयतो नरः

maṁtraṁ yaḥ śraddhayā vipra śaivaṁ śāktamathāpi vā gāṇapatyaṁ vaiṣṇavaṁ vā tatra yaḥ prayato naraḥ

Whatever self-controlled man, O brahmin, with faith, [recites] a Shaiva, Shakta, Ganapatya or Vaishnava mantra there,

Verse 53 (skanda.2.187.53)

एकाग्रमानसो विद्वन्नाराध्यावर्तयेत्सदा तस्य सिद्धिर्भवेन्नित्यं चमत्कारो भवेद्द्विज

ekāgramānaso vidvannārādhyāvartayetsadā tasya siddhirbhavennityaṁ camatkāro bhaveddvija

with one-pointed mind, learned, ever worshipping and repeating it — his accomplishment is ever assured, and a wonder occurs, O brahmin.

Verse 54 (skanda.2.187.54)

तस्मादत्र प्रकर्तव्यं जपादिकमतंद्रितैः अष्टम्यां च नवम्यां च यात्रा स्यात्प्रतिमासिकी

tasmādatra prakartavyaṁ japādikamataṁdritaiḥ aṣṭamyāṁ ca navamyāṁ ca yātrā syātpratimāsikī

Therefore japa and the like should be diligently performed here; a monthly festival occurs on the eighth and ninth tithis.

Verse 55 (skanda.2.187.55)

देयान्यन्नानि बहुशो नानाविधफलानि च क्षीरेण स्नपनं कार्यं पूजनीया प्रयत्नतः

deyānyannāni bahuśo nānāvidhaphalāni ca kṣīreṇa snapanaṁ kāryaṁ pūjanīyā prayatnataḥ

Food should be given abundantly, and fruits of manifold kinds; a bathing with milk should be performed, and she should be diligently worshipped.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.187.56)

उच्चाटनादीन्यपि च मोहनादि विशेषतः अत्र स्थाने विशेषेण दुष्टमन्त्रोऽपि सिध्यति

uccāṭanādīnyapi ca mohanādi viśeṣataḥ atra sthāne viśeṣeṇa duṣṭamantro’pi sidhyati

Even rites of expulsion and infatuation and the like succeed here; even an evil mantra especially succeeds at this place.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.187.57)

सिद्धस्थाने परं मोक्षं वशीकरणमुत्तमम् जपो होमस्तथा दानं सर्वमक्षयतां व्रजेत्

siddhasthāne paraṁ mokṣaṁ vaśīkaraṇamuttamam japo homastathā dānaṁ sarvamakṣayatāṁ vrajet

At this place of accomplishment, supreme liberation, and excellent power of subjugation are gained; japa, fire-oblation and charity all become imperishable.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.187.58)

आश्विने शुक्लपक्षस्य नवरात्रिषु सुव्रत यत्र गत्वा नरो विप्र सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते

āśvine śuklapakṣasya navarātriṣu suvrata yatra gatvā naro vipra sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate

O you of good vows, during the nine nights of the bright fortnight of Ashvina, whatever man, O brahmin, goes there is freed from all sins.

Verse 59 (skanda.2.187.59)

यदा पूर्वं विनिर्जित्य रावणं लोकरावणम् समागतो रघुपतिः सीतालक्ष्मणसंयुतः

yadā pūrvaṁ vinirjitya rāvaṇaṁ lokarāvaṇam samāgato raghupatiḥ sītālakṣmaṇasaṁyutaḥ

When, formerly, having conquered Ravana, the tormentor of the worlds, the lord of the Raghus arrived, together with Sita and Lakshmana,

Verse 60 (skanda.2.187.60)

यत्र गत्वा पदा वीरो भरतो रामकांक्षया स्थितः सानुचरः श्रीमाञ्छ्रिया परमया युतः

yatra gatvā padā vīro bharato rāmakāṁkṣayā sthitaḥ sānucaraḥ śrīmāñchriyā paramayā yutaḥ

at the place where the hero Bharata, having gone on foot, longing for Rama, stood, together with his followers, glorious, endowed with the highest splendor,

Verse 61 (skanda.2.187.61)

तत्रागमत्सुरगवी प्रादुर्भूता स्रवत्स्तनी तत्स्तनेभ्यः प्रसुस्राव दुग्धं बहुगुणाधिकम्

tatrāgamatsuragavī prādurbhūtā sravatstanī tatstanebhyaḥ prasusrāva dugdhaṁ bahuguṇādhikam

there came the celestial cow, manifest, her udders flowing; from her udders streamed forth milk of great, surpassing quality.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.187.62)

तद्भूमिपतितं दुग्धं दृष्ट्वा वानरराक्षसाः विस्मयं परमं जग्मुः प्रपपुस्ते चराचरम्

tadbhūmipatitaṁ dugdhaṁ dṛṣṭvā vānararākṣasāḥ vismayaṁ paramaṁ jagmuḥ prapapuste carācaram

Seeing that milk fallen upon the ground, the monkeys and rakshasas were filled with the greatest astonishment; all moving and unmoving beings there drank of it.

Verse 63 (skanda.2.187.63)

किमेतदिति राजेंद्र तानुवाच रघूद्वहः वसिष्ठो वेत्ति तत्सर्वं पृच्छामस्तं मुनिं वयम्

kimetaditi rājeṁdra tānuvāca raghūdvahaḥ vasiṣṭho vetti tatsarvaṁ pṛcchāmastaṁ muniṁ vayam

'What is this, O chief of kings?' — the scion of Raghu said to them; 'Vasishtha knows all this; let us ask that sage.'

Verse 64 (skanda.2.187.64)

इत्युक्तास्तु ततः सर्वे वसिष्ठप्रमुखे स्थिताः ते पप्रच्छुः प्रांजलयः कृत्वा चाग्रेसरं नृपम्

ityuktāstu tataḥ sarve vasiṣṭhapramukhe sthitāḥ te papracchuḥ prāṁjalayaḥ kṛtvā cāgresaraṁ nṛpam

Thus addressed, all of them then, standing before Vasishtha, questioned him with joined palms, having placed the king at the fore.

Verse 65 (skanda.2.187.65)

वसिष्ठोऽपि क्षणं ध्यात्वा तमुवाच निराकुलम् राघवं प्रति संबोध्य सर्वेषामग्रतो मुनिः

vasiṣṭho’pi kṣaṇaṁ dhyātvā tamuvāca nirākulam rāghavaṁ prati saṁbodhya sarveṣāmagrato muniḥ

Vasishtha too, having meditated a moment, spoke to him, undisturbed, addressing Raghava before all of them, that sage said:

Verse 66 (skanda.2.187.66)

वसिष्ठ उवाच शृणु राम महाबाहो कामधेनुरियं शुभा समागता तव स्नेहात्प्रस्रवंती स्तनात्पयः

vasiṣṭha uvāca śṛṇu rāma mahābāho kāmadhenuriyaṁ śubhā samāgatā tava snehātprasravaṁtī stanātpayaḥ

Vasishtha said: Listen, Rama, mighty-armed one; this auspicious wish-fulfilling cow has come out of love for you, her udders flowing with milk,

Verse 67 (skanda.2.187.67)

दुग्धमध्ये समुद्भूतो रुद्रस्त्वां द्रष्टुमागतः निष्पन्नकार्य्यं देवानां निर्जितारातिमुत्तमम्

dugdhamadhye samudbhūto rudrastvāṁ draṣṭumāgataḥ niṣpannakāryyaṁ devānāṁ nirjitārātimuttamam

and Rudra, arisen from within that milk, has come to see you, who have accomplished the task of the gods, and who have conquered your enemies most excellently.

Verse 68 (skanda.2.187.68)

इमं संपूजय क्षिप्रमेतत्कुण्डस्य सन्निधौ शीघ्रं त्वमपि यत्नेन पूजयेमं शिवं शुभम् दुग्धेश्वरमिति ख्यातं क्षीरकुण्डे पवित्रकम्

imaṁ saṁpūjaya kṣiprametatkuṇḍasya sannidhau śīghraṁ tvamapi yatnena pūjayemaṁ śivaṁ śubham dugdheśvaramiti khyātaṁ kṣīrakuṇḍe pavitrakam

Worship him quickly, near this tank; you too should diligently worship this auspicious Shiva, known as Dugdheshvara, sacred, in the Milk-tank.

Verse 69 (skanda.2.187.69)

अगस्त्य उवाच ततो रघुपतिः श्रीमान्वसिष्ठोक्तविधानतः पूजयामास तल्लिंगं दुग्धेश्वरमिति स्मृतम्

agastya uvāca tato raghupatiḥ śrīmānvasiṣṭhoktavidhānataḥ pūjayāmāsa talliṁgaṁ dugdheśvaramiti smṛtam

Agastya said: Then the glorious lord of the Raghus, according to the procedure told by Vasishtha, worshipped that linga remembered as Dugdheshvara.

Verse 70 (skanda.2.187.70)

सीतया सत्कृतं यस्मात्तत्कुण्डं क्षीरसंगमम् सीताकुंडमिति ख्यातिं जगामानुपमां ततः

sītayā satkṛtaṁ yasmāttatkuṇḍaṁ kṣīrasaṁgamam sītākuṁḍamiti khyātiṁ jagāmānupamāṁ tataḥ

Since that tank, the confluence of milk, was reverenced by Sita, it thereafter attained the incomparable fame of 'Sita-kunda'.

Verse 71 (skanda.2.187.71)

सीताकुण्डे नराः स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा दुग्धेश्वरं प्रभुम् सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यंते नात्र कार्या विचारणा

sītākuṇḍe narāḥ snātvā dṛṣṭvā dugdheśvaraṁ prabhum sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyaṁte nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

Men, having bathed at Sita-kunda and beheld the Lord Dugdheshvara, are freed from all sins — there should be no doubt of this.

Verse 72 (skanda.2.187.72)

अत्र स्नानं जपो होमो दानं चाक्षयतां व्रजेत् सीताकुंडे तु संपूज्य सीतारामौ सलक्ष्मणौ

atra snānaṁ japo homo dānaṁ cākṣayatāṁ vrajet sītākuṁḍe tu saṁpūjya sītārāmau salakṣmaṇau

Bathing, japa, fire-oblation and charity here become imperishable; having worshipped, at Sita-kunda, Sita and Rama together with Lakshmana,

Verse 73 (skanda.2.187.73)

दुग्धेश्वरं च संपूज्य सर्वान्कामानवाप्नुयात् ज्येष्ठे मासि चतुर्दश्यां यात्रा सांवत्सरी स्मृता

dugdheśvaraṁ ca saṁpūjya sarvānkāmānavāpnuyāt jyeṣṭhe māsi caturdaśyāṁ yātrā sāṁvatsarī smṛtā

and having worshipped Dugdheshvara, one obtains all desires; the annual festival is remembered on the fourteenth of the month of Jyeshtha.

Verse 74 (skanda.2.187.74)

एवं यो विधिवत्कुर्याद्दयाधर्मविशारदः स याति परमं स्थानं यत्र गत्वा न शोचति

evaṁ yo vidhivatkuryāddayādharmaviśāradaḥ sa yāti paramaṁ sthānaṁ yatra gatvā na śocati

Whoever, skilled in compassion and righteousness, duly does thus, attains the supreme abode, having gone to which he grieves no more.

Verse 75 (skanda.2.187.75)

तत्र पूर्वदिशाभागे सुग्रीवरचितं महत् तीर्थं तपोनिधेस्तत्र वर्तते सन्निधौ शुभम्

tatra pūrvadiśābhāge sugrīvaracitaṁ mahat tīrthaṁ taponidhestatra vartate sannidhau śubham

There, to the east, is a great sacred ford made by Sugriva, auspicious, situated near that treasury of austerity.

Verse 76 (skanda.2.187.76)

यत्र स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च रामं संपूज्य यत्नतः तस्मिन्नेव दिने तत्र सर्वान्कामानवाप्नुयात्

yatra snātvā ca dattvā ca rāmaṁ saṁpūjya yatnataḥ tasminneva dine tatra sarvānkāmānavāpnuyāt

Having bathed and given charity there, and diligently worshipped Rama, one obtains all desires on that very day.

Verse 77 (skanda.2.187.77)

तत्प्रत्यग्दिशि वै स्थानं हनुमत्कुण्डमित्यपि तस्य पश्चिमतो विप्र विभीषणसरः दूरर

tatpratyagdiśi vai sthānaṁ hanumatkuṇḍamityapi tasya paścimato vipra vibhīṣaṇasaraḥ dūrara

To the west of that is also a place called Hanumat-kunda; and to the west of that, O brahmin, at some distance, is the lake of Vibhishana.

Verse 78 (skanda.2.187.78)

तयोः स्नानेन दानेन रामसंपूजनेन च सर्वान्कामानवाप्नोति तस्मिन्नेव विधानतः इयं सा परमा मेध्याऽयोध्या धर्मनिधिः स्मृता

tayoḥ snānena dānena rāmasaṁpūjanena ca sarvānkāmānavāpnoti tasminneva vidhānataḥ iyaṁ sā paramā medhyā’yodhyā dharmanidhiḥ smṛtā

By bathing and giving charity at these two, and by worshipping Rama there, according to that same rite, one obtains all desires; this is that supremely pure Ayodhya, remembered as the treasury of dharma.

Verse 79 (skanda.2.187.79)

इत्युक्तास्तु ततः सर्वे वसिष्ठमुनिमादरात् पप्रच्छुर्विनयात्क्षिप्रं विभीषणपुरःसराः कथयस्व तपोराशे कथामेतां सुदुर्लभाम्

ityuktāstu tataḥ sarve vasiṣṭhamunimādarāt papracchurvinayātkṣipraṁ vibhīṣaṇapuraḥsarāḥ kathayasva taporāśe kathāmetāṁ sudurlabhām

Thus addressed, then all of them, with Vibhishana at the fore, respectfully and humbly asked the sage Vasishtha at once: 'Tell us, O mass of austerity, this most rare tale.'

Verse 80 (skanda.2.187.80)

अयोध्यायाः परं विप्र माहात्म्यं कथयंति यत् तत्सर्वं कथय क्षिप्रं श्रुत्वा माहात्म्यमुत्तमम्

ayodhyāyāḥ paraṁ vipra māhātmyaṁ kathayaṁti yat tatsarvaṁ kathaya kṣipraṁ śrutvā māhātmyamuttamam

O brahmin, whatever supreme greatness of Ayodhya they speak of — tell us all that at once, so that we may hear its excellent greatness,

Verse 81 (skanda.2.187.81)

यथा यात्रां विधास्यामः क्रमेण च विधानतः तदस्मासु कृपां कृत्वा कथयस्व तपोनिधे

yathā yātrāṁ vidhāsyāmaḥ krameṇa ca vidhānataḥ tadasmāsu kṛpāṁ kṛtvā kathayasva taponidhe

so that we may perform the pilgrimage in due order and according to rule; having compassion on us, tell us, O treasury of austerity.

Verse 82 (skanda.2.187.82)

वसिष्ठ उवाच शृण्वन्तु मुनयः सर्वे अयोध्यामहिमाद्भुतम् यच्छ्रुत्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मुच्यते नात्र संशय

vasiṣṭha uvāca śṛṇvantu munayaḥ sarve ayodhyāmahimādbhutam yacchrutvā sarvapāpebhyo mucyate nātra saṁśaya

Vasishtha said: Let all the sages listen to the wondrous greatness of Ayodhya, hearing which one is freed from all sins — there is no doubt of this.

Verse 83 (skanda.2.187.83)

इदं गुह्यतरं क्षेत्रमयोध्याभिधमुत्तमम् सर्वेषामेव भूतानां हेतुर्मोक्षस्यः सर्वदा

idaṁ guhyataraṁ kṣetramayodhyābhidhamuttamam sarveṣāmeva bhūtānāṁ heturmokṣasyaḥ sarvadā

This most secret, excellent sacred field named Ayodhya is ever the cause of liberation for all beings.

Verse 84 (skanda.2.187.84)

अस्मिन्सिद्धाः सदा देवा वैष्णवं व्रतमास्थिताः नानालिंगधरा नित्यं विष्णुलोकाभिकांक्षिणः

asminsiddhāḥ sadā devā vaiṣṇavaṁ vratamāsthitāḥ nānāliṁgadharā nityaṁ viṣṇulokābhikāṁkṣiṇaḥ

Here, siddhas and gods, ever established in the Vaishnava vow, bearing various marks, ever longing for the world of Vishnu,

Verse 85 (skanda.2.187.85)

अभ्यस्यंति परं योगं युक्तप्राणा जितेन्द्रियाः नानावृक्षसमाकीर्णे नानाविहगवासिनि

abhyasyaṁti paraṁ yogaṁ yuktaprāṇā jitendriyāḥ nānāvṛkṣasamākīrṇe nānāvihagavāsini

with controlled breath and subdued senses, practice the supreme yoga, in this place thronged with various trees, home to various birds,

Verse 86 (skanda.2.187.86)

कमलोत्पलशोभाढ्ये सरोभिः समलंकृते अप्सरोगणसंकीर्णे सर्वदा सेविते शुभे

kamalotpalaśobhāḍhye sarobhiḥ samalaṁkṛte apsarogaṇasaṁkīrṇe sarvadā sevite śubhe

rich in the beauty of lotuses and water-lilies, adorned with lakes, thronged with hosts of apsarases, auspicious, ever frequented.

Verse 87 (skanda.2.187.87)

रोचते हि सदा वासः क्षेत्रे नित्यं हरेरिह मन्यमाना विष्णुभक्ता विष्णौ सर्वेऽर्पितक्रियाः

rocate hi sadā vāsaḥ kṣetre nityaṁ hareriha manyamānā viṣṇubhaktā viṣṇau sarve’rpitakriyāḥ

Indeed, dwelling in this sacred field, the eternal abode of Hari, is ever pleasing to devotees of Vishnu, who, considering it so, have offered all their actions to Vishnu,

Verse 88 (skanda.2.187.88)

यथा मोक्षमिहायांति नान्यत्र हि तथा क्वचित् अतः श्रेष्ठतमं क्षेत्रं यस्माच्च वसतिर्हरेः महाक्षेत्रमिदं यस्मादयोध्याभिधमुत्तमम्

yathā mokṣamihāyāṁti nānyatra hi tathā kvacit ataḥ śreṣṭhatamaṁ kṣetraṁ yasmācca vasatirhareḥ mahākṣetramidaṁ yasmādayodhyābhidhamuttamam

for they attain liberation here as nowhere else at all; therefore this is the most excellent sacred field, since it is the dwelling place of Hari; therefore this great, excellent sacred field is named Ayodhya.

Verse 89 (skanda.2.187.89)

नैमिषे च कुरुक्षेत्रे गंगाद्वारे च पुष्करे स्नानात्संसेवनाद्वापि न मोक्षः प्राप्यते तथा

naimiṣe ca kurukṣetre gaṁgādvāre ca puṣkare snānātsaṁsevanādvāpi na mokṣaḥ prāpyate tathā

In Naimisha, in Kurukshetra, at Gangadvara, and in Pushkara, liberation is not attained through bathing or worship in the same way as here.

Verse 90 (skanda.2.187.90)

इह संप्राप्यते यद्वत्तत एव विशिष्यते प्रयागे वा भवेन्मोक्ष इह वा हरिसंश्रयात् सर्वस्मादपि तीर्थाग्र्यादिदमेव महत्कृतम्

iha saṁprāpyate yadvattata eva viśiṣyate prayāge vā bhavenmokṣa iha vā harisaṁśrayāt sarvasmādapi tīrthāgryādidameva mahatkṛtam

What is attained here surpasses that attained elsewhere; whether liberation occurs at Prayaga, or here through refuge in Hari — this alone has been made greater than even the foremost of all sacred fords.

Verse 91 (skanda.2.187.91)

अव्यक्तलिंगैर्मुनिभिः सर्वैः सिद्धैर्महर्षिभिः इह संप्राप्यते मोक्षो दुर्ल्लभोऽन्यत्र यो मतः

avyaktaliṁgairmunibhiḥ sarvaiḥ siddhairmaharṣibhiḥ iha saṁprāpyate mokṣo durllabho’nyatra yo mataḥ

By all sages of unmanifest marks, by siddhas, by great sages, liberation, held to be hard to attain elsewhere, is attained here.

Verse 92 (skanda.2.187.92)

तेभ्यः प्रयच्छति हरिर्योगमैश्वर्य्यमुत्तमम् आत्मनश्चैव सायुज्यमीप्सितं स्थानमुत्तमम्

tebhyaḥ prayacchati hariryogamaiśvaryyamuttamam ātmanaścaiva sāyujyamīpsitaṁ sthānamuttamam

To them Hari grants yoga, supreme lordship, and even union with himself — the desired, excellent state.

Verse 93 (skanda.2.187.93)

ब्रह्मा देवर्षिभिः सार्द्धं श्रीश्च वायुर्दिवाकरः देवराजस्तथा शक्रो ये चान्येऽपि दिवौकसः

brahmā devarṣibhiḥ sārddhaṁ śrīśca vāyurdivākaraḥ devarājastathā śakro ye cānye’pi divaukasaḥ

Brahma, together with the divine sages, and Shri, Vayu, the Sun, the king of the gods, Shakra, and whatever other dwellers in heaven there are,

Verse 94 (skanda.2.187.94)

उपासते महात्मानः सर्वत्र हरिमादरात् अन्येपि योगिनः सिद्धाः क्षेत्ररूपा महाव्रताः अनन्यमनसो भूत्वा सर्वदोपासते हरिम्

upāsate mahātmānaḥ sarvatra harimādarāt anyepi yoginaḥ siddhāḥ kṣetrarūpā mahāvratāḥ ananyamanaso bhūtvā sarvadopāsate harim

these great souls reverently worship Hari everywhere; other yogis too, siddhas, embodiments of the sacred field, of great vows, having become of undivided mind, ever worship Hari.

Verse 95 (skanda.2.187.95)

विषयासक्तचित्तोऽपि त्यक्तधर्मरतिर्नरः इह क्षेत्रे मृतः सोपि संसारी न पुनर्भवेत्

viṣayāsaktacitto’pi tyaktadharmaratirnaraḥ iha kṣetre mṛtaḥ sopi saṁsārī na punarbhavet

Even a man whose mind is attached to sense-objects, who has abandoned delight in righteousness, if he dies in this sacred field, even he, though bound to transmigration, shall not be reborn.

Verse 96 (skanda.2.187.96)

ये पुनर्निगमाधीनाः सत्रस्था विजितेंद्रियाः व्रतिनश्च निरारंभाः सर्वे ते हरिभाविताः

ye punarnigamādhīnāḥ satrasthā vijiteṁdriyāḥ vratinaśca nirāraṁbhāḥ sarve te haribhāvitāḥ

But those who are devoted to the scriptures, engaged in sacrificial sessions, of subdued senses, observant of vows, free from worldly undertakings — all of them, absorbed in Hari,

Verse 97 (skanda.2.187.97)

देहभंगं समापद्य धीमंतः संगवर्जिताः गतास्ते च परं मोक्षं प्रसादात्सर्वदा हरेः

dehabhaṁgaṁ samāpadya dhīmaṁtaḥ saṁgavarjitāḥ gatāste ca paraṁ mokṣaṁ prasādātsarvadā hareḥ

having met the dissolution of the body, those wise ones, free from attachment, attain supreme liberation, ever through the grace of Hari.

Verse 98 (skanda.2.187.98)

जन्मान्तरसहस्रेषु युञ्जन्योगी न चाप्नुयात् तमिहैव परं मोक्षं मरणादपि गच्छति

janmāntarasahasreṣu yuñjanyogī na cāpnuyāt tamihaiva paraṁ mokṣaṁ maraṇādapi gacchati

What a yogi practicing yoga might not attain even over a thousand other births, that same supreme liberation one attains here through mere death.

Verse 99 (skanda.2.187.99)

एतत्संक्षेपतो वच्मि क्षेत्रस्य महिमाद्भुतम् एतदेव परं स्थानमेतदेव परं पदम् एतादृङ्नापरं स्थानं पुनरन्यत्र दृश्यते

etatsaṁkṣepato vacmi kṣetrasya mahimādbhutam etadeva paraṁ sthānametadeva paraṁ padam etādṛṅnāparaṁ sthānaṁ punaranyatra dṛśyate

This I tell in brief — the wondrous greatness of this sacred field; this alone is the supreme place, this alone is the supreme abode; no other place like this is ever seen elsewhere.

Verse 100 (skanda.2.187.100)

अत्र गत्वा प्रयत्नेन यात्रा पुण्याभिकांक्षिभिः कर्तव्या विधिवद्धीराः क्रमेण श्रद्धयान्वितैः

atra gatvā prayatnena yātrā puṇyābhikāṁkṣibhiḥ kartavyā vidhivaddhīrāḥ krameṇa śraddhayānvitaiḥ

Having come here, the pilgrimage should be diligently and duly performed in due order by the steadfast, endowed with faith, desiring merit.

Verse 101 (skanda.2.187.101)

प्रथमेऽहनि कर्त्तव्य उपवासो यतात्मभिः नियमेन ततः स्नानं दानं चैव स्वशक्तितः

prathame’hani karttavya upavāso yatātmabhiḥ niyamena tataḥ snānaṁ dānaṁ caiva svaśaktitaḥ

On the first day, fasting should be observed by those of self-control; then, according to rule, bathing, and charity according to one's ability.

Verse 102 (skanda.2.187.102)

उपावृत्तस्तु पापेभ्यो यस्य वासो गुणैः सह उपवासः स विज्ञेयः सर्वभोगविवर्जितः

upāvṛttastu pāpebhyo yasya vāso guṇaiḥ saha upavāsaḥ sa vijñeyaḥ sarvabhogavivarjitaḥ

That state in which one is turned away from sins, whose dwelling is with good qualities, free from all sensory enjoyments — that is to be understood as true fasting.

Verse 103 (skanda.2.187.103)

उपवासं विधायासौ चक्रतीर्थे नरः कृती उपवासदिने स्नायाद्दद्याच्चैव स्वशक्तितः

upavāsaṁ vidhāyāsau cakratīrthe naraḥ kṛtī upavāsadine snāyāddadyāccaiva svaśaktitaḥ

Having observed the fast, that accomplished man should bathe at Chakra-tirtha on the day of the fast, and give charity according to his ability,

Verse 104 (skanda.2.187.104)

विप्रं संपूज्य विधिवत्पश्येद्विष्णुहरिं विभुम् स्वर्गद्वारे नरः स्नात्वा विष्णुं संपूज्य यत्नतः

vipraṁ saṁpūjya vidhivatpaśyedviṣṇuhariṁ vibhum svargadvāre naraḥ snātvā viṣṇuṁ saṁpūjya yatnataḥ

and, having duly worshipped a brahmin, behold the mighty Vishnu-Hari; having bathed at Svargadvara, and diligently worshipped Vishnu,

Verse 105 (skanda.2.187.105)

क्षौरं च कारयेत्तत्र व्रती धर्माभिधे ततः पापमोचनके स्नानमृणमोचनके ततः

kṣauraṁ ca kārayettatra vratī dharmābhidhe tataḥ pāpamocanake snānamṛṇamocanake tataḥ

the observant one should have a tonsure performed there; then proceed to Dharma-hari, then bathe at Papa-mochana, then at Rina-mochana,

Verse 106 (skanda.2.187.106)

स्नात्वा सहस्रधारायां शेषं संपूज्य यत्नतः दृष्ट्वा चंद्रहरिं देवं ततो धर्महरिं विभुम्

snātvā sahasradhārāyāṁ śeṣaṁ saṁpūjya yatnataḥ dṛṣṭvā caṁdrahariṁ devaṁ tato dharmahariṁ vibhum

having bathed at Sahasradhara and diligently worshipped Shesha, having beheld the god Chandra-Hari, then the mighty Dharma-Hari,

Verse 107 (skanda.2.187.107)

ततश्चक्रहरिं दृष्ट्वा दद्याच्चैव स्वशक्तितः ब्रह्मकुण्डे नरः स्नात्वा सर्वकामार्थसिद्धये महाविद्यासमीपे तु रात्रौ जागरणं चरेत्

tataścakrahariṁ dṛṣṭvā dadyāccaiva svaśaktitaḥ brahmakuṇḍe naraḥ snātvā sarvakāmārthasiddhaye mahāvidyāsamīpe tu rātrau jāgaraṇaṁ caret

then, having beheld Chakra-Hari, one should give charity according to one's ability; a man, having bathed at Brahma-kunda for the fulfillment of all desires and aims, should keep vigil through the night near Mahavidya.

Verse 108 (skanda.2.187.108)

ततः प्रभाते विमले पुनरुत्थाय सद्व्रती स्वर्गद्वारे प्रयत्नेन विधिवत्स्नानमाचरेत्

tataḥ prabhāte vimale punarutthāya sadvratī svargadvāre prayatnena vidhivatsnānamācaret

Then, at the clear dawn, having risen again, the observant one should diligently and duly perform the bathing at Svargadvara,

Verse 109 (skanda.2.187.109)

श्राद्धं च विधिवत्कृत्वा दत्त्वा चैव स्वशक्तितः विष्णुं संपूज्य विधिवद्विप्रानपि पुनःपुनः

śrāddhaṁ ca vidhivatkṛtvā dattvā caiva svaśaktitaḥ viṣṇuṁ saṁpūjya vidhivadviprānapi punaḥpunaḥ

and, having duly performed the shraddha rite and given charity according to one's ability, having duly worshipped Vishnu and the brahmins again and again,

Verse 110 (skanda.2.187.110)

दंपती च प्रयत्नेन पूज्यौ वस्त्रादिभिस्तथा श्रद्धया परया युक्तैर्दातव्या भूरिदक्षिणा

daṁpatī ca prayatnena pūjyau vastrādibhistathā śraddhayā parayā yuktairdātavyā bhūridakṣiṇā

a couple should diligently be worshipped with garments and the like; and abundant sacrificial fees should be given by those endowed with supreme faith.

Verse 111 (skanda.2.187.111)

विप्रान्संपूज्य विधिवद्भुंजीत प्रयतो नरः

viprānsaṁpūjya vidhivadbhuṁjīta prayato naraḥ

Having duly worshipped the brahmins, the self-controlled man should then eat.

Verse 112 (skanda.2.187.112)

अन्येद्युरपि चोत्थाय श्रद्धया परया युतः रुक्मिणीप्रभृतीन्यत्र पश्येत्तीर्थानि च क्रमात्

anyedyurapi cotthāya śraddhayā parayā yutaḥ rukmiṇīprabhṛtīnyatra paśyettīrthāni ca kramāt

On the next day too, having risen, endowed with supreme faith, one should visit the sacred fords there in due order, beginning with Rukmini's tirtha,

Verse 113 (skanda.2.187.113)

तत्रतत्र नरः स्नात्वा दत्त्वा चैव स्वशक्तितः विष्णुं संपूज्य यत्नेन मनोवाक्कायनिर्मलः

tatratatra naraḥ snātvā dattvā caiva svaśaktitaḥ viṣṇuṁ saṁpūjya yatnena manovākkāyanirmalaḥ

bathing at each of them and giving charity according to one's ability, and diligently worshipping Vishnu, pure in mind, speech and body,

Verse 114 (skanda.2.187.114)

यात्रां समापयेत्सम्यङ्नियतात्मा शुचिव्रतः यत्र क्वापि मृतो धीरः परं मोक्षमवाप्नुयात्

yātrāṁ samāpayetsamyaṅniyatātmā śucivrataḥ yatra kvāpi mṛto dhīraḥ paraṁ mokṣamavāpnuyāt

self-restrained and of pure vow, one should thus properly complete the pilgrimage; a steadfast person who dies anywhere here attains supreme liberation.

Verse 115 (skanda.2.187.115)

अगस्त्य उवाच वसिष्ठोक्तमिति श्रुत्वा कृत्वा चैव यथाविधि विभीषणपुरोगास्ते बभूवुर्निर्मलास्तदा

agastya uvāca vasiṣṭhoktamiti śrutvā kṛtvā caiva yathāvidhi vibhīṣaṇapurogāste babhūvurnirmalāstadā

Agastya said: Having heard what Vasishtha said, and having duly performed accordingly, those with Vibhishana at their head then became stainless.

Verse 116 (skanda.2.187.116)

इति बहुलविधानैस्तीर्थयात्रां विधाय प्रचुरसुकृतपूर्णास्ते च सुग्रीवमुख्याः गतमलिनसुदेहाः स्वर्गचर्याप्रयत्नादुपगुणितगुणौघास्ते बभूवुः समस्ताः

iti bahulavidhānaistīrthayātrāṁ vidhāya pracurasukṛtapūrṇāste ca sugrīvamukhyāḥ gatamalinasudehāḥ svargacaryāprayatnādupaguṇitaguṇaughāste babhūvuḥ samastāḥ

Thus, having performed the pilgrimage of the sacred fords through these manifold rites, filled with abundant merit, those headed by Sugriva, their bodies purified of impurity, all of them, through their diligent conduct fit for heaven, became endowed with an ever-increasing flood of virtues.