Ayodhyā-yātrā-vidhikrama-varṇanam — The Order and Rite of the Pilgrimage to Ayodhya

Verse 1 (skanda.2.189.1)

अगस्त्य उवाच निराहारो नरो भूत्वा क्षीराहारोऽपि वा पुनः अजितं पूजयेद्विप्र तस्य सिद्धिः करे स्थिता

agastya uvāca nirāhāro naro bhūtvā kṣīrāhāro’pi vā punaḥ ajitaṁ pūjayedvipra tasya siddhiḥ kare sthitā

Agastya said: Having become one who fasts, or else again one who lives on milk alone, O brahmin, one should worship Ajita, the Unconquered; siddhi stands ready in his hand.

Verse 2 (skanda.2.189.2)

महोत्सवस्तु कर्तव्यो गीतवादित्रसंयुतः एवं यः कुरुते धीमान्सर्वान्कामानवाप्नुयात्

mahotsavastu kartavyo gītavāditrasaṁyutaḥ evaṁ yaḥ kurute dhīmānsarvānkāmānavāpnuyāt

A great festival should be held, accompanied by song and music; the wise man who does so obtains all his desires.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.189.3)

एतस्मादुत्तरे विद्वन्वीरस्य शुभसूचकम् स्थानं मत्तगजेन्द्रस्य वर्तते नियतव्रत

etasmāduttare vidvanvīrasya śubhasūcakam sthānaṁ mattagajendrasya vartate niyatavrata

To the north of this, O learned one, there is the auspicious-signifying place of the hero, the place of Mattagajendra, O man of fixed vows.

Verse 4 (skanda.2.189.4)

तदग्रे सरसि स्नात्वा वसेत्तत्र सुनिश्चितम् पूर्णा सिद्धिमवाप्नोति यामवाप्य न शोचति

tadagre sarasi snātvā vasettatra suniścitam pūrṇā siddhimavāpnoti yāmavāpya na śocati

Having bathed in the lake before it, one should surely dwell there; one obtains complete accomplishment, gaining which one grieves no more.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.189.5)

अयोध्यारक्षको वीरः सर्वकामार्थसिद्धिदः नवरात्रिषु पंचम्यां यात्रा सांवत्सरी भवेत्

ayodhyārakṣako vīraḥ sarvakāmārthasiddhidaḥ navarātriṣu paṁcamyāṁ yātrā sāṁvatsarī bhavet

The hero is the guardian of Ayodhya, the bestower of the fulfillment of all desires and aims; the annual pilgrimage-festival takes place on the fifth day of the Navaratri.

Verse 6 (skanda.2.189.6)

गंधपुष्पादिधूपादि नैवेद्यादिविधानतः पूजनीयः प्रयत्नेन सर्वकामार्थसिद्धिदः यंयं काममिहेच्छेत तंतं काममवाप्नुयात्

gaṁdhapuṣpādidhūpādi naivedyādividhānataḥ pūjanīyaḥ prayatnena sarvakāmārthasiddhidaḥ yaṁyaṁ kāmamihecchet taṁtaṁ kāmamavāpnuyāt

With sandal-paste, flowers, incense, and food-offerings duly arranged, he should be worshipped with effort, he who bestows the fulfillment of all desires and aims; whatever desire one wishes for here, that very desire one obtains.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.189.7)

एतस्माद्दक्षिणेभागे सुरसा नाम राक्षसी विष्णुभक्ता सदा विप्र वर्तते सिद्धिदायिका

etasmāddakṣiṇebhāge surasā nāma rākṣasī viṣṇubhaktā sadā vipra vartate siddhidāyikā

To the south of this, O brahmin, there is a rakshasi named Surasa, ever devoted to Vishnu, who bestows accomplishment.

Verse 8 (skanda.2.189.8)

तां संपूज्य नरो भक्त्या सर्वान्कामानवाप्नुयात्

tāṁ saṁpūjya naro bhaktyā sarvānkāmānavāpnuyāt

Having worshipped her with devotion, a man obtains all his desires.

Verse 9 (skanda.2.189.9)

लंकास्थानादिहानीता रामेणोत्कृष्टकर्मणा अयोध्यायां स्थापिता सा रक्षार्थं नियतव्रतैः

laṁkāsthānādihānītā rāmeṇotkṛṣṭakarmaṇā ayodhyāyāṁ sthāpitā sā rakṣārthaṁ niyatavrataiḥ

Brought here from her place in Lanka by Rama of surpassing deeds, she was established in Ayodhya for protection, by those of fixed vows.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.189.10)

संपूज्य विधिवत्तस्या दर्शनं कार्यमादरात् सर्वकामार्थसिद्ध्यर्थमुत्सवोऽपि शुभप्रदः कर्त्तव्यः सुप्रयत्नेन गीतवादित्रसंयुतैः

saṁpūjya vidhivattasyā darśanaṁ kāryamādarāt sarvakāmārthasiddhyarthamutsavo’pi śubhapradaḥ karttavyaḥ suprayatnena gītavāditrasaṁyutaiḥ

Having duly worshipped her, one should reverently pay her a visit; for the fulfilment of all desires and aims, an auspicious-bestowing festival should also be held with great effort, accompanied by song and music.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.189.11)

नवरात्रे तृतीयायां यात्रा सांवत्सरी भवेत् सर्वदा सुखसंतानसिद्धये परमार्थदा नानासंगीतवादित्रनृत्योत्सवमनोहरा

navarātre tṛtīyāyāṁ yātrā sāṁvatsarī bhavet sarvadā sukhasaṁtānasiddhaye paramārthadā nānāsaṁgītavāditranṛtyotsavamanoharā

On the third day of Navaratri, the annual pilgrimage-festival takes place, ever giving the highest good for the accomplishment of happiness and progeny, delightful with manifold festivities of song, music, and dance.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.189.12)

एवं कृते न संदेहः सर्वदा रक्षितो भवेत्

evaṁ kṛte na saṁdehaḥ sarvadā rakṣito bhavet

By doing so, there is no doubt — one is protected forever.

Verse 13 (skanda.2.189.13)

एतत्पश्चिमदिग्भागे वर्तते परमो मुने पिंडारक इति ख्यातो वीरः परमपौरुषः पूजनीयः प्रयत्नेन गंधपुष्पाक्षतादिभिः

etatpaścimadigbhāge vartate paramo mune piṁḍāraka iti khyāto vīraḥ paramapauruṣaḥ pūjanīyaḥ prayatnena gaṁdhapuṣpākṣatādibhiḥ

To the west of this, O sage, there stands a supreme hero known as Pindaraka, of the highest valor, who should be worshipped with effort, with sandal-paste, flowers, unbroken rice, and the like.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.189.14)

यस्य पूजावशान्नॄणां सिद्धयः करसंश्रिताः तस्य पूजाविधानेन कर्तव्यं पूजनं नरैः

yasya pūjāvaśānnṝṇāṁ siddhayaḥ karasaṁśritāḥ tasya pūjāvidhānena kartavyaṁ pūjanaṁ naraiḥ

By the power of his worship, accomplishments come to rest in the hands of men; therefore his worship should be performed by men according to due rite.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.189.15)

सरयूसलिले स्नात्वा पिंडारकं च पूजयेत् पापिनां मोहकर्त्तारं मतिदं कृतिनां सदा

sarayūsalile snātvā piṁḍārakaṁ ca pūjayet pāpināṁ mohakarttāraṁ matidaṁ kṛtināṁ sadā

Having bathed in the waters of the Sarayu, one should worship Pindaraka, who is the cause of delusion for sinners, and who ever grants understanding to the virtuous.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.189.16)

तस्य यात्रा विधातव्या सपुष्या नवरात्रिषु तत्पश्चिमदिशाभागे विघ्नेशं किल पूजयेत्

tasya yātrā vidhātavyā sapuṣyā navarātriṣu tatpaścimadiśābhāge vighneśaṁ kila pūjayet

His pilgrimage-festival should be held, together with the Pushya asterism, during the Navaratri; to the west of that, one should indeed worship Vighnesha.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.189.17)

यस्य दर्शनतो नॄणां विघ्नलेशो न विद्यते तस्माद्विघ्नेश्वरः पूज्यः सर्वकामफलप्रदः

yasya darśanato nṝṇāṁ vighnaleśo na vidyate tasmādvighneśvaraḥ pūjyaḥ sarvakāmaphalapradaḥ

By the sight of whom no trace of obstacle exists for men; therefore Vighneshvara should be worshipped, the giver of the fruit of all desires.

Verse 18 (skanda.2.189.18)

तस्मात्स्थानत ऐशाने रामजन्म प्रवर्त्तते जन्मस्थानमिदं प्रोक्तं मोक्षादिफलसाधनम्

tasmātsthānata aiśāne rāmajanma pravarttate janmasthānamidaṁ proktaṁ mokṣādiphalasādhanam

To the northeast of that place is where Rama's birth took place; this is declared to be the Birthplace, the means of attaining liberation and other fruits.

Verse 19 (skanda.2.189.19)

विघ्नेश्वरात्पूर्वभागे वासिष्ठादुत्तरे तथा लौमशात्पश्चिमे भागे जन्मस्थानं ततः स्मृतम्

vighneśvarātpūrvabhāge vāsiṣṭhāduttare tathā laumaśātpaścime bhāge janmasthānaṁ tataḥ smṛtam

To the east of Vighneshvara, and likewise to the north of the Vasishtha shrine, and to the west of the Lomasha shrine — the Birthplace is remembered as being there.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.189.20)

यद्दृष्ट्वा च मनुष्यस्य गर्भवासजयो भवेत् विना दानेन तपसा विना तीर्थैर्विना मखैः

yaddṛṣṭvā ca manuṣyasya garbhavāsajayo bhavet vinā dānena tapasā vinā tīrthairvinā makhaiḥ

Having seen which, a man's conquest over dwelling in the womb comes about, without need of charity, without austerity, without pilgrimages, without sacrifices.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.189.21)

नवमीदिवसे प्राप्ते व्रतधारी हि मानवः स्नानदानप्रभावेण मुच्यते जन्मबन्धनात्

navamīdivase prāpte vratadhārī hi mānavaḥ snānadānaprabhāveṇa mucyate janmabandhanāt

When the ninth day arrives, a man who holds the vow is freed from the bondage of birth through the power of bathing and giving charity.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.189.22)

कपिलागोसहस्राणि यो ददाति दिनेदिने तत्फलं समवाप्नोति जन्मभूमेः प्रदर्शनात्

kapilāgosahasrāṇi yo dadāti dinedine tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti janmabhūmeḥ pradarśanāt

Whoever gives a thousand tawny cows day after day — that same fruit he obtains merely by viewing the Birthplace.

Verse 23 (skanda.2.189.23)

आश्रमे वसतां पुंसां तापसानां च यत्फलम् राजसूयसहस्राणि प्रतिवर्षाग्निहोत्रतः

āśrame vasatāṁ puṁsāṁ tāpasānāṁ ca yatphalam rājasūyasahasrāṇi prativarṣāgnihotrataḥ

The fruit that belongs to men dwelling in a hermitage and to ascetics — equal to a thousand Rajasuya sacrifices, from the fire-oblation performed year after year —

Verse 24 (skanda.2.189.24)

नियमस्थं नरं दृष्ट्वा जन्मस्थाने विशेषतः मातापित्रोर्गुरूणां च भक्तिमुद्वहतां सताम्

niyamasthaṁ naraṁ dṛṣṭvā janmasthāne viśeṣataḥ mātāpitrorgurūṇāṁ ca bhaktimudvahatāṁ satām

seeing a man established in observance especially at the Birthplace, of those good people who bear devotion to mother, father and teachers —

Verse 25 (skanda.2.189.25)

तत्फलं समवाप्नोति जन्मभूमेः प्रदर्शनात्

tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti janmabhūmeḥ pradarśanāt

That same fruit he obtains merely by viewing the Birthplace.

Verse 26 (skanda.2.189.26)

अथ सरयूवर्णनम् पितॄणामक्षया तृप्तिर्गयाश्राद्धाधिकं फलम्

atha sarayūvarṇanam pitṝṇāmakṣayā tṛptirgayāśrāddhādhikaṁ phalam

Now, the description of the Sarayu. There is imperishable satisfaction for the ancestors — a fruit greater than that of shraddha performed at Gaya.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.189.27)

मन्वंतरसहस्रैस्तु काशीवासेषु यत्फलम् तत्फलं समवाप्नोति सरयूदर्शने कृते

manvaṁtarasahasraistu kāśīvāseṣu yatphalam tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti sarayūdarśane kṛte

The fruit that comes from dwelling in Kashi for a thousand Manvantaras — that same fruit is obtained when the sight of the Sarayu is performed.

Verse 28 (skanda.2.189.28)

गयाश्राद्धं च ये कृत्वा पुरुषोत्तम दर्शनम् कुर्वंति तत्फलं प्रोक्तं कलौ दाशरथीं पुरीम्

gayāśrāddhaṁ ca ye kṛtvā puruṣottama darśanam kurvaṁti tatphalaṁ proktaṁ kalau dāśarathīṁ purīm

And those who, having performed the shraddha at Gaya, then behold Purushottama — that same fruit, it is declared, comes from the city of the son of Dasharatha in the Kali age.

Verse 29 (skanda.2.189.29)

मथुरायां कल्पमेकं वसते मानवो यदि तत्फलं समवाप्नोति सरयूदर्शने कृते

mathurāyāṁ kalpamekaṁ vasate mānavo yadi tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti sarayūdarśane kṛte

If a man dwells in Mathura for one whole kalpa — that same fruit he obtains when the sight of the Sarayu is performed.

Verse 30 (skanda.2.189.30)

पुष्करेषु प्रयागेषु माघे वा कार्त्तिके तथा तत्फलं समवाप्नोति सरयूदर्शने कृते

puṣkareṣu prayāgeṣu māghe vā kārttike tathā tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti sarayūdarśane kṛte

Whatever fruit is obtained at Pushkara, at Prayaga, in the month of Magha or likewise Karttika — that same fruit is obtained when the sight of the Sarayu is performed.

Verse 31 (skanda.2.189.31)

कल्पकोटिसहस्राणि ह्यवन्तीवासतो हि यत् तत्फलं समवाप्नोति सरयूदर्शने कृते

kalpakoṭisahasrāṇi hyavantīvāsato hi yat tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti sarayūdarśane kṛte

The fruit indeed obtained from dwelling in Avanti for a thousand crore kalpas — that same fruit is obtained when the sight of the Sarayu is performed.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.189.32)

षष्टिवर्षसहस्राणि भागीरथ्यवगाहजम् तत्फलं निमिषार्द्धेन कलौ दाशरथीं पुरीम्

ṣaṣṭivarṣasahasrāṇi bhāgīrathyavagāhajam tatphalaṁ nimiṣārddhena kalau dāśarathīṁ purīm

The fruit born of sixty thousand years of immersion in the Bhagirathi — that same fruit is obtained in half a moment at the city of the son of Dasharatha in the Kali age.

Verse 33 (skanda.2.189.33)

निमिषं निमिषार्द्धं वा प्राणिनां रामचिन्तनम् संसारकारणाज्ञाननाशकं जायते ध्रुवम्

nimiṣaṁ nimiṣārddhaṁ vā prāṇināṁ rāmacintanam saṁsārakāraṇājñānanāśakaṁ jāyate dhruvam

For living beings, the remembrance of Rama, even for a moment or half a moment, surely becomes the destroyer of the ignorance that is the cause of the cycle of rebirth.

Verse 34 (skanda.2.189.34)

यत्र कुत्र स्थितो यस्तु ह्ययोध्यां मनसा स्मरेत् न तस्य पुनरावृत्तिः कल्पांतरशतैरपि

yatra kutra sthito yastu hyayodhyāṁ manasā smaret na tasya punarāvṛttiḥ kalpāṁtaraśatairapi

Whoever, wherever he may be standing, remembers Ayodhya in his mind, for him there is no return to rebirth even after hundreds of other kalpas.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.189.35)

जलरूपेण ब्रह्मैव सरयूर्मोक्षदा सदा नैवात्र कर्मणो भोगो रामरूपो भवेन्नरः

jalarūpeṇa brahmaiva sarayūrmokṣadā sadā naivātra karmaṇo bhogo rāmarūpo bhavennaraḥ

The Sarayu, in the form of water, is Brahman itself, ever the giver of liberation; here there is no further experiencing of the fruit of past deeds — a man who bathes here takes on the form of Rama.

Verse 36 (skanda.2.189.36)

पशुपक्षिमृगाश्चैव ये चान्ये पापयोनयः तेऽपि मुक्ता दिवं यांति श्रीरामवचनं यथा

paśupakṣimṛgāścaiva ye cānye pāpayonayaḥ te’pi muktā divaṁ yāṁti śrīrāmavacanaṁ yathā

Cattle, birds, and wild animals, and whatever other beings of sinful birth bathe there — they too, freed, go to heaven, according to the word of Shri Rama.

Verse 37 (skanda.2.189.37)

इत्युक्त्वा विरते तस्मिन्मुनौ कलशजन्मनि कृष्णद्वैपायनव्यासः पुनरूचे तपोधनः

ityuktvā virate tasminmunau kalaśajanmani kṛṣṇadvaipāyanavyāsaḥ punarūce tapodhanaḥ

Having said this, when that sage born of the water-jar fell silent, Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, rich in austerity, spoke again.

Verse 38 (skanda.2.189.38)

दुर्लभा सर्वजन्तूनां कथा विस्तरतः क्रमात् यात्राक्रमोऽपि च मया श्रुत आगच्छतां नृणाम्

durlabhā sarvajantūnāṁ kathā vistarataḥ kramāt yātrākramo’pi ca mayā śruta āgacchatāṁ nṛṇām

Rare for all living beings is this account, told in due order at length; and the order of pilgrimage for men coming here has also been heard by me.

Verse 39 (skanda.2.189.39)

इदानीं श्रोतुमिच्छामि क्षेत्रस्थानं यथाविधि यात्राक्रमं मुनिश्रेष्ठ सम्यक्त्वस्तपोधन

idānīṁ śrotumicchāmi kṣetrasthānaṁ yathāvidhi yātrākramaṁ muniśreṣṭha samyaktvastapodhana

Now I wish to hear, O best of sages, the sacred sites of the region duly, and the order of pilgrimage properly, O rich in austerity.

Verse 40 (skanda.2.189.40)

फलं ब्रूहि क्रमेणैव विस्तरात्पृच्छतो मम यद्यस्ति मयि ते विद्वन्कृपा कारुणिकोत्तम

phalaṁ brūhi krameṇaiva vistarātpṛcchato mama yadyasti mayi te vidvankṛpā kāruṇikottama

Tell me the fruit in due order, at length, as I ask, O learned one, O best of the compassionate, if you have compassion for me.

Verse 41 (skanda.2.189.41)

यथा श्रुत्वा क्रमेणैव यात्रां विश्वविदां वर करोमि त्वत्प्रसादेन तथा कुरु यतव्रत

yathā śrutvā krameṇaiva yātrāṁ viśvavidāṁ vara karomi tvatprasādena tathā kuru yatavrata

So that, having heard it in due order, O best of the knowers of all things, I may perform the pilgrimage by your grace — so act, O man of controlled vows.

Verse 42 (skanda.2.189.42)

अगस्त्य उवाच शृणु वक्ष्यामि तत्त्वेन यात्राक्रममथादितः अयोध्यां सप्ततीर्थानां यथावदनुपूर्वशः

agastya uvāca śṛṇu vakṣyāmi tattvena yātrākramamathāditaḥ ayodhyāṁ saptatīrthānāṁ yathāvadanupūrvaśaḥ

Agastya said: Listen, I shall tell truly, from the beginning, the order of pilgrimage to Ayodhya of the seven sacred fords, duly, in proper sequence.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.189.43)

मनोवाक्कायशुद्धेन निर्दोषेणांतरात्मना मानसेषु सुतीर्थेषु स्नात्वा किल जितेंद्रियः यः करोति विधिं सम्यक्स तीर्थफलमश्नुते

manovākkāyaśuddhena nirdoṣeṇāṁtarātmanā mānaseṣu sutīrtheṣu snātvā kila jiteṁdriyaḥ yaḥ karoti vidhiṁ samyaksa tīrthaphalamaśnute

With mind, speech, and body purified, with a faultless inner self, having indeed bathed with senses conquered in the good mental fords — he who performs the rite properly enjoys the fruit of the sacred ford.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.189.44)

व्यास उवाच मानसान्येव तीर्थानि कथयस्व तपोधन येषु स्नातवतां नॄणां विशुद्धिर्मनसो भवेत्

vyāsa uvāca mānasānyeva tīrthāni kathayasva tapodhana yeṣu snātavatāṁ nṝṇāṁ viśuddhirmanaso bhavet

Vyasa said: Tell me of the mental fords themselves, O rich in austerity, bathing in which brings about purification of mind for men.

Verse 45 (skanda.2.189.45)

अगस्त्य उवाच शृणु तीर्थानि गदतो मानसानि ममानघ येषु सम्यङ्नरः स्नात्वा प्रयाति परमां गतिम्

agastya uvāca śṛṇu tīrthāni gadato mānasāni mamānagha yeṣu samyaṅnaraḥ snātvā prayāti paramāṁ gatim

Agastya said: Listen, O sinless one, as I speak of the mental fords, bathing properly in which a man attains the supreme goal.

Verse 46 (skanda.2.189.46)

सत्यतीर्थं क्षमातीर्थं तीर्थमिंद्रियनिग्रहः सर्वभूतदयातीर्थं तीर्थानां सत्यवादिता

satyatīrthaṁ kṣamātīrthaṁ tīrthamiṁdriyanigrahaḥ sarvabhūtadayātīrthaṁ tīrthānāṁ satyavāditā

Truth is a ford, patience is a ford, restraint of the senses is a ford, compassion for all beings is a ford — and truthfulness among fords.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.189.47)

ज्ञानतीर्थं तपस्तीर्थं कथितं तीर्थसप्तकम् सर्वभूतदयातीर्थे विशुद्धिर्मनसो भवेत्

jñānatīrthaṁ tapastīrthaṁ kathitaṁ tīrthasaptakam sarvabhūtadayātīrthe viśuddhirmanaso bhavet

Knowledge is a ford, austerity is a ford — thus the sevenfold ford has been told; in the ford of compassion for all beings, there is purification of mind.

Verse 48 (skanda.2.189.48)

न तोयपूतदेहस्य स्नानमित्यभिधीयते स स्नातो यस्य वै पुंसः सुविशुद्धं मनो मतम् भौमानामपि तीर्थानां पुण्यत्वे कारणं शृणु

na toyapūtadehasya snānamityabhidhīyate sa snāto yasya vai puṁsaḥ suviśuddhaṁ mano matam bhaumānāmapi tīrthānāṁ puṇyatve kāraṇaṁ śṛṇu

That which is called 'bathing' does not mean merely the purifying of the body by water; he alone has truly bathed whose mind is regarded as thoroughly pure. Now hear also the reason for the sacred merit of the earthly fords.

Verse 49 (skanda.2.189.49)

यथा शरीरस्योद्देशाः केचिन्मध्योत्तमाः स्मृताः तथा पृथिव्यामुद्देशाः केचित्पुण्यतमाः स्मृताः

yathā śarīrasyoddeśāḥ kecinmadhyottamāḥ smṛtāḥ tathā pṛthivyāmuddeśāḥ kecitpuṇyatamāḥ smṛtāḥ

Just as some regions of the body are remembered as middling or supreme, so too on earth some regions are remembered as the most sacred.

Verse 50 (skanda.2.189.50)

तस्माद्भौमेषु तीर्थेषु मानसेषु च संवसेत् उभयेषु च यः स्नाति स याति परमां गतिम्

tasmādbhaumeṣu tīrtheṣu mānaseṣu ca saṁvaset ubhayeṣu ca yaḥ snāti sa yāti paramāṁ gatim

Therefore one should dwell among the earthly fords as well as the mental ones; and he who bathes in both attains the supreme goal.

Verse 51 (skanda.2.189.51)

तस्मात्त्वमपि विप्रेंद्र विशुद्धेनांतरात्मना यात्रां कुरु प्रयत्नेन यात्रा वै नोदिता मया तं तु वक्ष्यामि विप्रेंद्र तीर्थयात्राविधिं क्रमात्

tasmāttvamapi vipreṁdra viśuddhenāṁtarātmanā yātrāṁ kuru prayatnena yātrā vai noditā mayā taṁ tu vakṣyāmi vipreṁdra tīrthayātrāvidhiṁ kramāt

Therefore you too, O lord of brahmins, with a purified inner self, should undertake the pilgrimage with effort; the pilgrimage indeed has been prompted by me. Now I shall tell you, O lord of brahmins, the rite of the pilgrimage of the sacred fords, in order.

Verse 52 (skanda.2.189.52)

जायन्ते च जलेष्वेव म्रियंते च जलौकसः न च गच्छंति ते स्वर्गमशुद्धमनसो मलाः

jāyaṁte ca jaleṣveva mriyaṁte ca jalaukasaḥ na ca gacchaṁti te svargamaśuddhamanaso malāḥ

Aquatic creatures are born in water and die in water; yet they, impure of mind, mere creatures of impurity, do not go to heaven for that alone.

Verse 53 (skanda.2.189.53)

विषयेष्वनिशं रागो मनसो मल उच्यते तेष्वेव हि न संगम्य नैर्मल्यं समुदाहृतम्

viṣayeṣvaniśaṁ rāgo manaso mala ucyate teṣveva hi na saṁgamya nairmalyaṁ samudāhṛtam

Unceasing attachment to the objects of sense is called the impurity of the mind; only by not associating with these very objects is purity declared.

Verse 54 (skanda.2.189.54)

चित्तमन्तर्गतं दुष्टं तीर्थस्नानं न शुध्यति शतशोऽपि जलैर्धौते सुराभाण्डमपावनम्

cittamantargataṁ duṣṭaṁ tīrthasnānaṁ na śudhyati śataśo’pi jalairdhaute surābhāṇḍamapāvanam

If the mind within is corrupt, bathing at a sacred ford does not purify it — just as a wine-vessel, though washed with water a hundred times, remains impure.

Verse 55 (skanda.2.189.55)

दानमिज्या तपः शौचं तीर्थसेवा श्रुतिस्तथा सर्वाण्येतानि तीर्थानि यदि भावेन निर्मलः

dānamijyā tapaḥ śaucaṁ tīrthasevā śrutistathā sarvāṇyetāni tīrthāni yadi bhāvena nirmalaḥ

Charity, sacrifice, austerity, purity, service at sacred fords, and likewise sacred learning — all these become true fords only for one who is pure in disposition.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.189.56)

निगृहीतेंद्रियग्रामो यत्रैव वसते नरः तत्र तस्य कुरुक्षेत्रं नैमिषं पुष्करं तथा

nigṛhīteṁdriyagrāmo yatraiva vasate naraḥ tatra tasya kurukṣetraṁ naimiṣaṁ puṣkaraṁ tathā

Wherever a man dwells with the multitude of his senses restrained, there for him is Kurukshetra, Naimisha, and likewise Pushkara.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.189.57)

एतत्ते कथितं विप्र मानसं तीर्थलक्षणम् स्नाते यस्मिन्क्रियाः सर्वाः सफलाः स्युः क्रियावताम्

etatte kathitaṁ vipra mānasaṁ tīrthalakṣaṇam snāte yasminkriyāḥ sarvāḥ saphalāḥ syuḥ kriyāvatām

This, O brahmin, has been told to you — the mark of the mental ford; bathed in which, all rites of those who perform rites become fruitful.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.189.58)

प्रातरुत्थाय मतिमान्संगमे स्नानमाचरेत् विभुं विष्णुहरिं दृष्ट्वा स्नायाद्वै ब्रह्मकुण्डके

prātarutthāya matimānsaṁgame snānamācaret vibhuṁ viṣṇuhariṁ dṛṣṭvā snāyādvai brahmakuṇḍake

Having risen at dawn, the wise man should bathe at the confluence; having beheld the mighty Vishnuhari, he should indeed bathe at Brahma-kunda.

Verse 59 (skanda.2.189.59)

चक्रतीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा चक्रहरिं विभुम् ततो धर्महरिं दृष्ट्वा सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते

cakratīrthe naraḥ snātvā dṛṣṭvā cakrahariṁ vibhum tato dharmahariṁ dṛṣṭvā sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate

A man, having bathed at Chakra-tirtha and beheld the mighty Chakrahari, and then having beheld Dharmahari, is freed from all sins.

Verse 60 (skanda.2.189.60)

एकादश्यामेकादश्यामियं यात्रा शुभावहा प्रातरुत्थाय मतिमान्स्वर्गद्वारजलप्लुतः

ekādaśyāmekādaśyāmiyaṁ yātrā śubhāvahā prātarutthāya matimānsvargadvārajalaplutaḥ

On each Ekadashi, this pilgrimage brings good fortune; the wise man, having risen at dawn, bathed in the waters of Svargadvara —

Verse 61 (skanda.2.189.61)

विधाय नित्यजं कर्म अयोध्यां च विलोकयेत् सरयूं तु ततो दृष्ट्वा पश्येन्मत्तगजं ततः

vidhāya nityajaṁ karma ayodhyāṁ ca vilokayet sarayūṁ tu tato dṛṣṭvā paśyenmattagajaṁ tataḥ

having performed his daily obligatory rites, should behold Ayodhya; then, having beheld the Sarayu, he should then look upon Mattagaja.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.189.62)

बंदीं च शीतलां चैव वटुकं च विलोकयेत् तदग्रसरसि स्नात्वा महाविद्यां विलोकयेत्

baṁdīṁ ca śītalāṁ caiva vaṭukaṁ ca vilokayet tadagrasarasi snātvā mahāvidyāṁ vilokayet

He should behold Bandi and likewise Shitala, and Vatuka; having bathed in the lake before it, he should behold Mahavidya.

Verse 63 (skanda.2.189.63)

पिण्डारकं ततो दृष्ट्वा ततो भैरवदर्शनम् अष्टम्यां च चतुर्दश्यामेषा यात्रा फलप्रदा

piṇḍārakaṁ tato dṛṣṭvā tato bhairavadarśanam aṣṭamyāṁ ca caturdaśyāmeṣā yātrā phalapradā

Then, having beheld Pindaraka, thereafter comes the sight of Bhairava; on the eighth and the fourteenth lunar days, this pilgrimage bestows its fruit.

Verse 64 (skanda.2.189.64)

अंगारकचतुर्थ्यां तु पूर्वोक्ता देवता अपि विघ्नेशं च ततः पश्येत्सर्वकामार्थसिद्धये

aṁgārakacaturthyāṁ tu pūrvoktā devatā api vighneśaṁ ca tataḥ paśyetsarvakāmārthasiddhaye

And on the fourth lunar day falling on a Tuesday, the deities aforementioned should also be visited; and then he should behold Vighnesha, for the accomplishment of all desires and aims.

Verse 65 (skanda.2.189.65)

प्रातरुत्थाय मतिमान्ब्रह्मकुण्डजले प्लुतः विष्णुं विष्णुहरिं दृष्ट्वा मनोवाक्कायशुद्धिमान्

prātarutthāya matimānbrahmakuṇḍajale plutaḥ viṣṇuṁ viṣṇuhariṁ dṛṣṭvā manovākkāyaśuddhimān

Having risen at dawn, the wise man, bathed in the water of Brahma-kunda, purified in mind, speech, and body, should behold Vishnu Vishnuhari.

Verse 66 (skanda.2.189.66)

मंत्रेश्वरं ततो दृष्ट्वा महाविद्यां विलोकयेत् अयोध्यां च ततो दृष्ट्वा सर्वकामार्थसिद्धये

maṁtreśvaraṁ tato dṛṣṭvā mahāvidyāṁ vilokayet ayodhyāṁ ca tato dṛṣṭvā sarvakāmārthasiddhaye

Then, having beheld Mantreshvara, he should behold Mahavidya; and then, having beheld Ayodhya, for the accomplishment of all desires and aims.

Verse 67 (skanda.2.189.67)

स्वर्गद्वारे नरः स्नात्वा सचैलो विजितेंद्रियः नानाविधानि पापानि बहुजन्मकृतानि च सचैलस्नानतो यांति तस्मात्सचैलमाचरेत्

svargadvāre naraḥ snātvā sacailo vijiteṁdriyaḥ nānāvidhāni pāpāni bahujanmakṛtāni ca sacailasnānato yāṁti tasmātsacailamācaret

A man, having bathed at Svargadvara with his garments on, with senses conquered — the manifold sins committed over many births depart through bathing with garments on; therefore one should practise bathing with one's clothes on.

Verse 68 (skanda.2.189.68)

एषा वै गदिता यात्रा सर्वपापहरा शुभा

eṣā vai gaditā yātrā sarvapāpaharā śubhā

This indeed is the pilgrimage that has been declared, auspicious, the remover of all sins.

Verse 69 (skanda.2.189.69)

य एवं कुरुते यात्रां नित्यं शुभफलप्रदाम् न तस्य पुनरावृत्तिः कल्पकोटिशतैरपि

ya evaṁ kurute yātrāṁ nityaṁ śubhaphalapradām na tasya punarāvṛttiḥ kalpakoṭiśatairapi

Whoever performs this pilgrimage, which ever bestows auspicious fruit — for him there is no return to rebirth, even after hundreds of crores of kalpas.

Verse 70 (skanda.2.189.70)

तस्मात्त्वमपि विप्रेंद्रः अयोध्यां व्रज मा चिरम् तत्र गत्वा क्रमेणैव यात्रां कुरु यतेंद्रियः

tasmāttvamapi vipreṁdraḥ ayodhyāṁ vraja mā ciram tatra gatvā krameṇaiva yātrāṁ kuru yateṁdriyaḥ

Therefore you too, O lord of brahmins, go to Ayodhya without delay; having gone there, with senses controlled, perform the pilgrimage in due order.

Verse 71 (skanda.2.189.71)

अयोध्या परमं स्थानमयोध्या परमं महत् अयोध्यायाः समा काचित्पुरी नैव प्रदृश्यते

ayodhyā paramaṁ sthānamayodhyā paramaṁ mahat ayodhyāyāḥ samā kācitpurī naiva pradṛśyate

Ayodhya is the supreme place; Ayodhya is supremely great; no city equal to Ayodhya is ever to be seen.

Verse 72 (skanda.2.189.72)

अयोध्या परमं स्थानं विष्णुचक्रे प्रतिष्ठितम्

ayodhyā paramaṁ sthānaṁ viṣṇucakre pratiṣṭhitam

Ayodhya is the supreme place, established upon the discus of Vishnu.

Verse 73 (skanda.2.189.73)

इत्येतत्कथितं विप्र मया पृष्टं हि यत्त्वया समाश्रय मुने तां त्वमनुजानीहि मामतः

ityetatkathitaṁ vipra mayā pṛṣṭaṁ hi yattvayā samāśraya mune tāṁ tvamanujānīhi māmataḥ

Thus this has been told, O brahmin, which indeed you asked of me; take refuge in her, O sage — and now grant me leave to depart.

Verse 74 (skanda.2.189.74)

सूत उवाच इत्येतदुक्त्वा विरते मुनौ कलशजन्मनि उवाच मधुरं वाक्यं व्यासः स तपसां निधिः

sūta uvāca ityetaduktvā virate munau kalaśajanmani uvāca madhuraṁ vākyaṁ vyāsaḥ sa tapasāṁ nidhiḥ

Suta said: Having said this, when the sage born of the water-jar fell silent, Vyasa, that treasury of austerities, spoke a sweet word.

Verse 75 (skanda.2.189.75)

व्यास उवाच धन्योऽस्म्यनुगृहीतोऽस्मि कृतकृत्योऽस्म्यहं मुने सत्यं शौचं श्रुतं विप्र सुशीलं च क्षमार्जवम् सर्वं च निष्फलं तस्य अयोध्यां नागतो यदि

vyāsa uvāca dhanyo’smyanugṛhīto’smi kṛtakṛtyo’smyahaṁ mune satyaṁ śaucaṁ śrutaṁ vipra suśīlaṁ ca kṣamārjavam sarvaṁ ca niṣphalaṁ tasya ayodhyāṁ nāgato yadi

Vyasa said: I am fortunate, I am graced, I have accomplished my purpose, O sage. Truth, purity, sacred learning, O brahmin, good conduct, patience and uprightness — all of these are fruitless for one who has not come to Ayodhya.

Verse 76 (skanda.2.189.76)

यस्मिन्मयि प्रसन्नेन त्वयोक्तो धर्मनिर्णयः इदानीमपि गच्छामि ह्ययोध्यां निर्मलां पुरीम् त्वमपि व्रज विप्रेंद्र स्वमाश्रमपदं निजम्

yasminmayi prasannena tvayokto dharmanirṇayaḥ idānīmapi gacchāmi hyayodhyāṁ nirmalāṁ purīm tvamapi vraja vipreṁdra svamāśramapadaṁ nijam

Since, when I was well-pleased, the ascertainment of dharma was spoken by you to me, now too I go to Ayodhya, the stainless city; you too, O lord of brahmins, go to your own hermitage.

Verse 77 (skanda.2.189.77)

सूत उवाच इत्यैवमुक्त्वा क्रमशो यात्राविधिमनुत्तमम् जगाम तपसां राशिरगस्त्यः कुंभसंभवः

sūta uvāca ityaivamuktvā kramaśo yātrāvidhimanuttamam jagāma tapasāṁ rāśiragastyaḥ kuṁbhasaṁbhavaḥ

Suta said: Having thus spoken, in due order, the unsurpassed rite of pilgrimage, Agastya, that heap of austerities, born of the water-jar, departed.

Verse 78 (skanda.2.189.78)

स्वमाश्रमपदं धीरो विस्मयोत्फुल्ललोचनः व्यासोऽपि महसां राशिर्जगाम विजितेन्द्रियः

svamāśramapadaṁ dhīro vismayotphullalocanaḥ vyāso’pi mahasāṁ rāśirjagāma vijitendriyaḥ

Steadfast, his eyes wide with wonder — Vyasa too, that heap of splendor, with senses conquered, went to his own hermitage.

Verse 79 (skanda.2.189.79)

अयोध्यामागतो विप्रः सर्वकामार्थसिद्धये आगत्यैतद्विधानेन कृत्वा यात्रां यथाक्रमम्

ayodhyāmāgato vipraḥ sarvakāmārthasiddhaye āgatyaitadvidhānena kṛtvā yātrāṁ yathākramam

The brahmin came to Ayodhya for the accomplishment of all desires and aims; having come, and having performed the pilgrimage in due order by this rite —

Verse 80 (skanda.2.189.80)

दृष्ट्वा महाश्चर्यकरं कारणं तीर्थमुत्तमम् आनंदतुंदिलस्तत्र सम्यगाचम्य बुद्धिमान्

dṛṣṭvā mahāścaryakaraṁ kāraṇaṁ tīrthamuttamam ānaṁdatuṁdilastatra samyagācamya buddhimān

having beheld the supreme sacred ford, the cause of great wonder, the wise one, swollen with joy there, having duly sipped water for purification —

Verse 81 (skanda.2.189.81)

ततो जगाम विप्रेंद्रः स्वमाश्रमपदं मुनिः व्यासेन कथितं मह्यं माहात्म्यं क्रमशस्तदा

tato jagāma vipreṁdraḥ svamāśramapadaṁ muniḥ vyāsena kathitaṁ mahyaṁ māhātmyaṁ kramaśastadā

then the sage, that lord of brahmins, went to his own hermitage. This glory, then, was told to me by Vyasa in due order.

Verse 82 (skanda.2.189.82)

मया श्रुत्वा च माहात्म्यं यात्रां कृत्वा विधानतः कुरुक्षेत्रे समागत्य भवदग्रे निरूपितम्

mayā śrutvā ca māhātmyaṁ yātrāṁ kṛtvā vidhānataḥ kurukṣetre samāgatya bhavadagre nirūpitam

And having heard the glory, and having performed the pilgrimage duly, I, having come to Kurukshetra, have set it forth before you.

Verse 83 (skanda.2.189.83)

इदं माहात्म्यमतुलं यः पठेत्प्रयतो नरः श्रद्धया यश्च शृणुयात्स याति परमां गतिम्

idaṁ māhātmyamatulaṁ yaḥ paṭhetprayato naraḥ śraddhayā yaśca śṛṇuyātsa yāti paramāṁ gatim

Whatever man, self-controlled, recites this incomparable glory, and whoever hears it with faith, attains the supreme goal.

Verse 84 (skanda.2.189.84)

तस्मादेतत्प्रयत्नेन श्रोतव्यं च जनैः सदा द्विजपूजा विष्णुपूजा विधातव्या प्रयत्नतः

tasmādetatprayatnena śrotavyaṁ ca janaiḥ sadā dvijapūjā viṣṇupūjā vidhātavyā prayatnataḥ

Therefore this should ever be heard by people with effort; the worship of brahmins and the worship of Vishnu should be duly performed with effort.

Verse 85 (skanda.2.189.85)

दातव्यं च सुवर्णादि यथाशक्त्या द्विजन्मने पुत्रार्थी लभते पुत्रान्धर्म्मार्थी धर्ममाप्नुयात्

dātavyaṁ ca suvarṇādi yathāśaktyā dvijanmane putrārthī labhate putrāndharmmārthī dharmamāpnuyāt

Gold and the like should be given, according to one's ability, to a twice-born; one who desires sons obtains sons, one who desires dharma attains dharma.

Verse 86 (skanda.2.189.86)

अतिविपुलविधानैर्वर्णितं धर्म्यमाद्यं कलयति परभक्त्या क्षेत्रमाहात्म्यमेतत् य इह मनुजवर्यः श्रीसनाथः स सम्यग्व्रजति हरिनिवासं सर्वभोगांश्च भुक्त्वा

ativipulavidhānairvarṇitaṁ dharmyamādyaṁ kalayati parabhaktyā kṣetramāhātmyametat ya iha manujavaryaḥ śrīsanāthaḥ sa samyagvrajati harinivāsaṁ sarvabhogāṁśca bhuktvā

He who, with supreme devotion, takes to heart this glory of the sacred region — primal, righteous, described through most abundant rites — that best of men, endowed with divine fortune, having enjoyed all pleasures, duly proceeds to the abode of Hari.

Verse 87 (skanda.2.189.87)

यः पाठकस्यापि कदाचिदेव ददाति वित्तं च यथात्मशक्त्या पात्राणि वस्त्राणि मनोहराणि रौप्यं सुवर्णं च गवीः स मुच्येत्

yaḥ pāṭhakasyāpi kadācideva dadāti vittaṁ ca yathātmaśaktyā pātrāṇi vastrāṇi manoharāṇi raupyaṁ suvarṇaṁ ca gavīḥ sa mucyet

Whoever, even but once, gives wealth to the reciter of this glory, according to his own ability — vessels, beautiful garments, silver, gold, and cows — he is liberated.