The Glory of Tumburu (Ghona) Tirtha

Verse 1 (skanda.2.26.1)

श्रीसूत उवाच । अत्राहं संप्रवक्ष्यामि शौनकाद्या महौजसः । घोणतीर्थस्य माहात्म्यं सर्वपातकनाशनम् ।

śrīsūta uvāca atrāhaṁ saṁpravakṣyāmi śaunakādyā mahaujasaḥ ghoṇatīrthasya māhātmyaṁ sarvapātakanāśanam

Shri Suta said: Here, O greatly powerful Shaunaka and other sages, I shall now declare the glory of Ghona-tirtha, the destroyer of every sin.

Verse 2 (skanda.2.26.2)

तत्र स्नानं जनानां तु जन्मान्तरतपःफलम् । उत्तराफल्गुनीयुक्तशुक्लपक्षीयपर्वणि ।

tatra snānaṁ janānāṁ tu janmāntaratapaḥphalam uttarāphalgunīyuktaśuklapakṣīyaparvaṇi

Bathing there brings to people the fruit of austerities performed in another birth, especially on the sacred occasion of the bright fortnight joined with the Uttara-Phalguni nakshatra.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.26.3)

तुम्बोस्तीर्थं मीनसंस्थे रवौ तीर्थानि सर्वशः । अपराह्ने समायान्ति गंगादीनि जगत्त्रये ।

tumbostīrthaṁ mīnasaṁsthe ravau tīrthāni sarvaśaḥ aparāhne samāyānti gaṁgādīni jagattraye

When the sun stands in the sign of Pisces, all the sacred fords everywhere, headed by the Ganga, come together at Tumbu-tirtha in the afternoon, in the three worlds.

Verse 4 (skanda.2.26.4)

ऋषय ऊचुः । भगवन्सूत सर्वज्ञ सर्वशास्त्रार्थपारग । गंगायाः सरितः सर्वा घोणतीर्थेऽतिपावने ।

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ bhagavansūta sarvajña sarvaśāstrārthapāraga gaṁgāyāḥ saritaḥ sarvā ghoṇatīrthe'tipāvane

The sages said: O blessed Suta, all-knowing, versed in the meaning of every scripture! All the rivers, headed by the Ganga, gather at the most purifying Ghona-tirtha —

Verse 5 (skanda.2.26.5)

किमर्थं स्नांति वै तत्र मीनसंस्थे प्रभाकरे ।

kimarthaṁ snāṁti vai tatra mīnasaṁsthe prabhākare

why indeed do they bathe there when the sun stands in Pisces?

Verse 6 (skanda.2.26.6)

श्रीसूत उवाच । पापिनो मनुजाः सर्वे ह्यस्मासु स्नान्ति यत्नतः । विसृज्य पापजालानि कृतार्था यांति वै जनाः ।

śrīsūta uvāca pāpino manujāḥ sarve hyasmāsu snānti yatnataḥ visṛjya pāpajālāni kṛtārthā yāṁti vai janāḥ

Shri Suta said: All sinful men bathe there with effort, and having cast off their web of sins, they go away fulfilled.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.26.7)

अस्माकं पापजालं तत्कथं नश्यति सर्वतः । एवमालोच्य तीर्थानि गंगादीनि प्रयत्नतः ।

asmākaṁ pāpajālaṁ tatkathaṁ naśyati sarvataḥ evamālocya tīrthāni gaṁgādīni prayatnataḥ

"How then shall our own web of sin be destroyed everywhere?" Reflecting thus, the tirthas headed by the Ganga, with great effort,

Verse 8 (skanda.2.26.8)

संस्मृत्य ब्रह्मपुत्रस्य नारदस्य महात्मनः । वाक्यं मनोहरं दिव्यं सर्वपापनिषूदनम् ।

saṁsmṛtya brahmaputrasya nāradasya mahātmanaḥ vākyaṁ manoharaṁ divyaṁ sarvapāpaniṣūdanam

recalled the delightful and divine word of the great-souled Narada, son of Brahma, which destroys every sin —

Verse 9 (skanda.2.26.9)

गत्वा श्रीवेंकटं शैलं ब्रह्महत्यादिशोषकम् । तत्र स्नात्वा तीर्थवर्ये स्वामिपुष्करिणीजले ।

gatvā śrīveṁkaṭaṁ śailaṁ brahmahatyādiśoṣakam tatra snātvā tīrthavarye svāmipuṣkariṇījale

namely that one should go to the holy mountain Sri Venkata, which dries up sins such as the killing of a Brahmin, and bathe there in the finest of tirthas, the waters of the Swami-Pushkarini.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.26.10)

अनन्तरं ततो विप्रा घोणतीर्थेऽतिपावने । उत्तराफल्गुनीयुक्तशुक्लपक्षीयपर्वणि ।

anantaraṁ tato viprā ghoṇatīrthe'tipāvane uttarāphalgunīyuktaśuklapakṣīyaparvaṇi

After that, O Brahmins, they resort to the utterly purifying Ghona-tirtha, on the sacred occasion of the bright fortnight joined with the Uttara-Phalguni nakshatra.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.26.11)

स्नांति तीर्थानि सर्वाणि मीनसंस्थे प्रभाकरे । तस्य तीर्थस्य माहात्म्यं को वेत्ति भुवनत्रये ।

snāṁti tīrthāni sarvāṇi mīnasaṁsthe prabhākare tasya tīrthasya māhātmyaṁ ko vetti bhuvanatraye

All the tirthas bathe there when the sun stands in Pisces. Who in the three worlds can fully know the glory of that tirtha?

Verse 12 (skanda.2.26.12)

तस्मात्पुण्यतमं तीर्थं घोणतीर्थं द्विजोत्तमाः ।

tasmātpuṇyatamaṁ tīrthaṁ ghoṇatīrthaṁ dvijottamāḥ

Therefore, O best of the twice-born, Ghona-tirtha is the most sacred of all tirthas.

Verse 13 (skanda.2.26.13)

आरामोच्छेदकं क्रूरं कन्यातुरगविक्रयम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तमाहुर्ब्रह्मघातुकम् ।

ārāmocchedakaṁ krūraṁ kanyāturagavikrayam ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tamāhurbrahmaghātukam

One who destroys gardens, who is cruel, who trades in maidens and horses, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — him they call a killer of a Brahmin.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.26.14)

देवद्रव्यापहन्तारं तथा दत्तापहारकम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तमाहुर्ब्रह्मघातुकम् ।

devadravyāpahantāraṁ tathā dattāpahārakam ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tamāhurbrahmaghātukam

One who steals the wealth of the gods, and likewise one who takes back what has been given, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — him too they call a killer of a Brahmin.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.26.15)

तटाकसेतुभेत्तारं परस्त्रीसंगलोलुपम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तमाहुः स्तेयिनं बुधाः ।

taṭākasetubhettāraṁ parastrīsaṁgalolupam ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tamāhuḥ steyinaṁ budhāḥ

One who breaches tanks and dams, who lusts after another's wife, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — the wise call him a thief.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.26.16)

ददामीति द्विजायोक्त्वा पश्चाद्यो नास्तिकोऽधमः । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं सुरापं तं विदुर्बुधाः ।

dadāmīti dvijāyoktvā paścādyo nāstiko'dhamaḥ ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ surāpaṁ taṁ vidurbudhāḥ

One who, having promised a Brahmin 'I shall give,' afterward becomes a base unbeliever, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — the wise deem him as sinful as a drinker of liquor.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.26.17)

गुरुविप्रजनद्वेष्यमात्मस्तुतिपरायणम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तमाहुः स्तेयिनं बुधाः ।

guruviprajanadveṣyamātmastutiparāyaṇam ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tamāhuḥ steyinaṁ budhāḥ

One who is hateful toward his guru and Brahmins, devoted only to praising himself, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — the wise call him a thief.

Verse 18 (skanda.2.26.18)

असंस्कृतान्नभोक्तारं पितृशेषान्नभोजिनम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तमाहुः स्तेयिनं द्विजाः ।

asaṁskṛtānnabhoktāraṁ pitṛśeṣānnabhojinam ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tamāhuḥ steyinaṁ dvijāḥ

One who eats unconsecrated food, who eats the leftover food of ancestral offerings, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — the twice-born call him a thief.

Verse 19 (skanda.2.26.19)

पितृशेषान्नदातारं मातापितृविरोधिनम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तमाहुः स्तेयिनं बुधाः ।

pitṛśeṣānnadātāraṁ mātāpitṛvirodhinam ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tamāhuḥ steyinaṁ budhāḥ

One who gives away the leftover food of ancestral offerings to the unworthy, who is hostile to his mother and father, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — the wise call him a thief.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.26.20)

परस्त्रीसंगनिरतं भ्रातृभार्यारतिप्रियम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तमाहुर्गुरुतल्पगम् ।

parastrīsaṁganirataṁ bhrātṛbhāryāratipriyam ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tamāhurgurutalpagam

One devoted to union with another's wife, who delights in intimacy with his brother's wife, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — they call him one who defiles his guru's bed.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.26.21)

चण्डालभाषिणं विप्रं सदैवादर्भपाणिकम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तत्संसर्गं तु पञ्चमम् ।

caṇḍālabhāṣiṇaṁ vipraṁ sadaivādarbhapāṇikam ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tatsaṁsargaṁ tu pañcamam

A Brahmin who speaks like an outcaste, who always holds unclean things in hand, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — his company is as polluting as that of the outcaste fifth class.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.26.22)

रजस्वलाश्वचण्डालध्वनि श्रुत्वान्नभोजिनम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तत्संसर्गं तु पञ्चमम् ।

rajasvalāśvacaṇḍāladhvani śrutvānnabhojinam ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tatsaṁsargaṁ tu pañcamam

One who eats food after hearing the voice of a menstruating woman, a donkey, or an outcaste, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — his company too is as polluting as the fifth class.

Verse 23 (skanda.2.26.23)

पुराणोद्वाहमौंज्यादिधर्माणां विघ्नकारकम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तमाहुः पशुघातुकम् ।

purāṇodvāhamauṁjyādidharmāṇāṁ vighnakārakam ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tamāhuḥ paśughātukam

One who obstructs the ancient rites of marriage, sacred-thread investiture, and the like, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — him they call a killer of animals.

Verse 24 (skanda.2.26.24)

शरणागतहन्तारं सर्वतीर्थपराङ्मुखम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तमाहुर्भ्रूणहं बुधाः ।

śaraṇāgatahantāraṁ sarvatīrthaparāṅmukham ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tamāhurbhrūṇahaṁ budhāḥ

One who slays those who have taken refuge with him, who turns his face away from every tirtha, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — the wise call him a killer of an unborn child.

Verse 25 (skanda.2.26.25)

पितृयज्ञं परित्यक्तं त्यक्तभार्यं कुलाधमम् । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तं तमाहुर्गोविघातुकम् ।

pitṛyajñaṁ parityaktaṁ tyaktabhāryaṁ kulādhamam ghoṇasnānaparityaktaṁ tamāhurgovighātukam

One who has abandoned the offerings to his ancestors, who has forsaken his wife, the vilest of his family, and who has forsaken bathing at Ghona — they call him a killer of cows.

Verse 26 (skanda.2.26.26)

महापापसमानानि क्षुद्रपापानि यानि च । घोणस्नानपरित्यक्तमाश्रयन्ति द्विजोत्तमाः ।

mahāpāpasamānāni kṣudrapāpāni yāni ca ghoṇasnānaparityaktamāśrayanti dvijottamāḥ

Whatever great sins there are, and whatever petty sins there are as well — all these, O best of the twice-born, cling to one who has abandoned bathing at Ghona.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.26.27)

महापापरतं विप्राः श्वपचं वा कुलाधमम् । क्रूरं कुलान्तकं कष्टमदत्तं कर्मवर्जितम् ।

mahāpāparataṁ viprāḥ śvapacaṁ vā kulādhamam krūraṁ kulāntakaṁ kaṣṭamadattaṁ karmavarjitam

O Brahmins, hear how Ghona-tirtha purifies even one devoted to great sin, an outcaste dog-cooker, the vilest of his family, cruel, a destroyer of his lineage, one in distress, one who neglects his prescribed duties,

Verse 28 (skanda.2.26.28)

पशुघ्नं च परद्रोहमाश्रितं पिशुनं तथा । असत्यभाषिणं दम्भपरदाररतं तथा ।

paśughnaṁ ca paradrohamāśritaṁ piśunaṁ tathā asatyabhāṣiṇaṁ dambhaparadārarataṁ tathā

a killer of animals, one who harms others, one given to malice, a speaker of untruth, one devoted to hypocrisy and another's wife,

Verse 29 (skanda.2.26.29)

मित्रद्रोहं कृतघ्नं च भ्रूणहं चातिपातकम् । परदाररतं पापं पराणामर्थसूचकम् ।

mitradrohaṁ kṛtaghnaṁ ca bhrūṇahaṁ cātipātakam paradārarataṁ pāpaṁ parāṇāmarthasūcakam

one who betrays a friend, an ingrate, a killer of an unborn child, guilty of the gravest sin, devoted to another's wife, one who betrays others' interests for gain,

Verse 30 (skanda.2.26.30)

अनृतं कृषिकर्माणं स्वामिद्रोहं च वञ्चकम् । सलोभं पितृहन्तारं सर्वदेवपराङ्मुखम् ।

anṛtaṁ kṛṣikarmāṇaṁ svāmidrohaṁ ca vañcakam salobhaṁ pitṛhantāraṁ sarvadevaparāṅmukham

one dishonest in farming dealings, who betrays his master, a cheat, one full of greed, a killer of his father, one who turns his face from all the gods,

Verse 31 (skanda.2.26.31)

आत्मप्रशंसां कुर्वाणं धर्मविघ्नकरं शठम् । अपात्रव्ययकर्तारं सानुकूल्यविभेदकम् ।

ātmapraśaṁsāṁ kurvāṇaṁ dharmavighnakaraṁ śaṭham apātravyayakartāraṁ sānukūlyavibhedakam

one given to self-praise, a hindrance to dharma, a rogue, one who spends on unworthy causes, one who divides those in harmony,

Verse 32 (skanda.2.26.32)

सुपल्लवफलोपेतवृक्षविच्छेदकारकम् । विश्वासघातुकं चैव वीरहत्यापरायणम् ।

supallavaphalopetavṛkṣavicchedakārakam viśvāsaghātukaṁ caiva vīrahatyāparāyaṇam

one who cuts down trees laden with fresh shoots and fruit, one who betrays trust, and one devoted to the killing of heroes,

Verse 33 (skanda.2.26.33)

अनग्निकमपुत्रं च विषकर्मप्रयोगिणम् । गुरुद्वेषकरं पापं दम्पत्योर्विरसावहम् ।

anagnikamaputraṁ ca viṣakarmaprayogiṇam gurudveṣakaraṁ pāpaṁ dampatyorvirasāvaham

one without the sacred fire, one without a son, one who administers poison, one who hates his guru, one who brings bitterness between husband and wife,

Verse 34 (skanda.2.26.34)

ग्रामाधिपत्यं कुर्वाणं तथा देवालयस्य च । भृतकख्यापकं विप्रं क्रूरकर्मपरायणम् ।

grāmādhipatyaṁ kurvāṇaṁ tathā devālayasya ca bhṛtakakhyāpakaṁ vipraṁ krūrakarmaparāyaṇam

one who seizes lordship over a village or a temple for selfish ends, a Brahmin who advertises himself as a hired servant, one devoted to cruel deeds,

Verse 35 (skanda.2.26.35)

प्रकृतीकृतपापौघं गुह्याघौघपरायणम् । अज्ञानादघकर्तारं ज्ञानाद्दुष्कर्मकारकम् ।

prakṛtīkṛtapāpaughaṁ guhyāghaughaparāyaṇam ajñānādaghakartāraṁ jñānādduṣkarmakārakam

one habituated to floods of sin, devoted to floods of hidden sin, one who sins from ignorance, and one who does evil knowingly —

Verse 36 (skanda.2.26.36)

एतान्सर्वांश्च विप्रेंद्रा घोणतीर्थं मनोहरम् । पुनाति स्नानपानाद्यैरहो तीर्थस्य वैभवम् ।

etānsarvāṁśca vipreṁdrā ghoṇatīrthaṁ manoharam punāti snānapānādyairaho tīrthasya vaibhavam

all these, O foremost among Brahmins, the lovely Ghona-tirtha purifies by bathing, drinking, and the like — ah, such is the majesty of this tirtha!

Verse 37 (skanda.2.26.37)

श्रीसूत उवाच । अत्रेतिहासं वक्ष्यामि पुराणं पापनाशनम् । सर्वपापप्रशमनमपवर्गफलप्रदम् ।

śrīsūta uvāca atretihāsaṁ vakṣyāmi purāṇaṁ pāpanāśanam sarvapāpapraśamanamapavargaphalapradam

Shri Suta said: Here I shall relate an ancient tale that destroys sin, that quiets every sin and bestows the fruit of final liberation.

Verse 38 (skanda.2.26.38)

पुरा गार्ग्यो महातेजाः सर्वविद्याविशारदः । सर्वज्ञो नीतिमान्विप्रः प्राह चेत्थं जितेन्द्रियः ।

purā gārgyo mahātejāḥ sarvavidyāviśāradaḥ sarvajño nītimānvipraḥ prāha cetthaṁ jitendriyaḥ

Long ago, the greatly radiant Gargya, versed in every branch of learning, all-knowing, righteous, and a Brahmin of controlled senses, spoke thus.

Verse 39 (skanda.2.26.39)

देवलं च महात्मानं नमस्कृत्य प्रसन्नधीः । कथयस्व महाभाग मयि कारुणिको भव । घोणतीर्थस्य माहात्म्यं सर्वपापहरं शुभम् ।

devalaṁ ca mahātmānaṁ namaskṛtya prasannadhīḥ kathayasva mahābhāga mayi kāruṇiko bhava ghoṇatīrthasya māhātmyaṁ sarvapāpaharaṁ śubham

Bowing with a joyful mind to the great-souled Devala, he said: "O blessed one, be gracious to me and tell me the auspicious glory of Ghona-tirtha, which removes every sin."

Verse 40 (skanda.2.26.40)

देवल उवाच । तुम्बुरुर्नाम गन्धर्वो भार्यां शप्त्वा पतिव्रताम् । अत्र स्नात्वा समभ्यर्च्य वेंकटेशं दयानिधिम् ।

devala uvāca tumbururnāma gandharvo bhāryāṁ śaptvā pativratām atra snātvā samabhyarcya veṁkaṭeśaṁ dayānidhim

Devala said: The Gandharva named Tumburu, having cursed his chaste wife, bathed here and worshipped the compassionate Venkatesha,

Verse 41 (skanda.2.26.41)

प्राप्तवान्विष्णुलोकं वै पुनरावृत्तिवर्जितम् ।

prāptavānviṣṇulokaṁ vai punarāvṛttivarjitam

and attained the world of Vishnu, from which there is no return.

Verse 42 (skanda.2.26.42)

गार्ग्य उवाच । किमर्थं देवल ऋषे भार्यां रूपवतीं स्त्रियम् । तुम्बुरुर्नाम गन्धर्वः सर्वविद्याविशारदः ।

gārgya uvāca kimarthaṁ devala ṛṣe bhāryāṁ rūpavatīṁ striyam tumbururnāma gandharvaḥ sarvavidyāviśāradaḥ

Gargya said: Why, O sage Devala, did the Gandharva named Tumburu, versed in every branch of learning,

Verse 43 (skanda.2.26.43)

शप्तवान्केन दोषेण भार्यां सर्वगुणान्विताम् । तद्वदस्व महाभाग श्रोतुं कौतूहलं हि मे ।

śaptavānkena doṣeṇa bhāryāṁ sarvaguṇānvitām tadvadasva mahābhāga śrotuṁ kautūhalaṁ hi me

curse his own beautiful and virtuous wife, and for what fault? Tell me this, O blessed one, for I am eager to hear it.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.26.44)

तुम्बुरुर्नाम गन्धर्वो भार्यां प्रीत्या ह्युवाच ह । माघत्रये मया साकं स्नानं कुरु मलापहम् ।

tumbururnāma gandharvo bhāryāṁ prītyā hyuvāca ha māghatraye mayā sākaṁ snānaṁ kuru malāpaham

The Gandharva named Tumburu said lovingly to his wife: "In the three days of Magha, bathe together with me, a bath that removes impurity.

Verse 45 (skanda.2.26.45)

माघमास्युदिते सूर्ये सर्वकल्मषनाशने । तीरेऽस्मिन्विष्णुपूजार्थं गोमयालेपनं कुरु ।

māghamāsyudite sūrye sarvakalmaṣanāśane tīre'sminviṣṇupūjārthaṁ gomayālepanaṁ kuru

When the sun rises in the month of Magha, which destroys every taint, smear this river bank with cow-dung for the worship of Vishnu.

Verse 46 (skanda.2.26.46)

रंगवल्ल्यादिभिः शुभ्रपद्मस्वस्तिकधातुभिः । शुश्रूषां कुरु मे विष्णोर्मासेऽस्मिन्मंगलप्रदे ।

raṁgavallyādibhiḥ śubhrapadmasvastikadhātubhiḥ śuśrūṣāṁ kuru me viṣṇormāse'sminmaṁgalaprade

With rangoli-designs and the like, with white-lotus and svastika patterns, tend to Vishnu for me in this most auspicious month.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.26.47)

माघेऽस्मिन्माधवस्यास्य कुरु त्वं दीपवर्तिकाम् । सधूपं पावकं भक्त्या समर्पय हरेः पुरः ।

māghe'sminmādhavasyāsya kuru tvaṁ dīpavartikām sadhūpaṁ pāvakaṁ bhaktyā samarpaya hareḥ puraḥ

In this month of Magha, prepare a lamp-wick for Madhava, and with devotion offer fire together with incense before Hari.

Verse 48 (skanda.2.26.48)

कुरु पाकं शुचिर्भूत्वा माधवाय महात्मने । प्रदक्षिणानमस्कारैर्भक्त्या माघे मया सह ।

kuru pākaṁ śucirbhūtvā mādhavāya mahātmane pradakṣiṇānamaskārairbhaktyā māghe mayā saha

Having become pure, cook food for the great-souled Madhava, and with circumambulation and prostrations, worship with devotion together with me in Magha.

Verse 49 (skanda.2.26.49)

कुरुष्व देवदेवस्य सपर्यां विष्णवेऽन्वहम् । पुराणश्रवणं विष्णोः कुरु नित्यमतंद्रिता ।

kuruṣva devadevasya saparyāṁ viṣṇave'nvaham purāṇaśravaṇaṁ viṣṇoḥ kuru nityamataṁdritā

Perform daily worship of the God of gods, Vishnu, and untiringly hear the recitation of the Purana about Vishnu every day.

Verse 50 (skanda.2.26.50)

नित्यं स्नात्वा प्रयत्नेन पिब पादोदकं हरेः । कृष्ण विष्णो मुकुन्देति नारायण जनार्दन ।

nityaṁ snātvā prayatnena piba pādodakaṁ hareḥ kṛṣṇa viṣṇo mukundeti nārāyaṇa janārdana

Having bathed daily with care, drink the water that has washed Hari's feet, and ceaselessly chant: 'Krishna, Vishnu, Mukunda, Narayana, Janardana,

Verse 51 (skanda.2.26.51)

अच्युतानन्त विश्वात्मन्निति कीर्तय सन्ततम् । क्रोधमात्सर्यलोभादींस्त्यक्त्वा त्वं व्रतमाचर । तेन ते जायते मुक्तिर्विष्णुलोकश्च शाश्वतः ।

acyutānanta viśvātmanniti kīrtaya santatam krodhamātsaryalobhādīṁstyaktvā tvaṁ vratamācara tena te jāyate muktirviṣṇulokaśca śāśvataḥ

Achyuta, Ananta, Soul-of-the-universe' — and observe the vow, giving up anger, envy, and greed; by this, liberation is born for you, and the eternal world of Vishnu."

Verse 52 (skanda.2.26.52)

इत्थं सा भर्तृगदितं श्रुत्वा गंधर्ववल्लभा । भर्तारमब्रवीत्कोपादसह्यं दुर्गतिप्रदम् ।

itthaṁ sā bhartṛgaditaṁ śrutvā gaṁdharvavallabhā bhartāramabravītkopādasahyaṁ durgatipradam

Hearing this speech of her husband, the Gandharva's beloved wife spoke to her husband in anger, words unbearable, leading only to a wretched state.

Verse 53 (skanda.2.26.53)

माघे चोद्भूतशीते तु प्रातर्मन्दोदिते रवौ । कथं निमज्जयेदस्मिन्माघे शीतार्तिकेऽनघ ।

māghe codbhūtaśīte tu prātarmandodite ravau kathaṁ nimajjayedasminmāghe śītārtike'nagha

"In Magha, when the cold has arisen and the sun rises but faintly in the morning, how could one plunge into water in this Magha, so painful with cold, O sinless one?

Verse 54 (skanda.2.26.54)

यत्त्वयोक्तानि कर्माणि न शक्यानि मयाऽसकृत् । न करोमि पते स्नानं प्रातःकाले त्वया सह ।

yattvayoktāni karmāṇi na śakyāni mayā'sakṛt na karomi pate snānaṁ prātaḥkāle tvayā saha

The observances you have prescribed I cannot perform every single day; I will not bathe with you, my lord, in the morning hour.

Verse 55 (skanda.2.26.55)

मृतौ शीतातिपातेन न च मे रक्षको भवान् । इत्येवमुदितं श्रुत्वा पतिर्गन्धर्ववल्लभः ।

mṛtau śītātipātena na ca me rakṣako bhavān ityevamuditaṁ śrutvā patirgandharvavallabhaḥ

I might die from the onslaught of cold, and you would not be my protector!" Hearing her speak thus, her husband, the Gandharva's lord,

Verse 56 (skanda.2.26.56)

सशान्तोऽपि शशापाथ भार्यां चाप्रियवादिनीम् । पुत्रं च धर्मविमुखं भार्यां चाप्रियभाषिणीम् ।

saśānto'pi śaśāpātha bhāryāṁ cāpriyavādinīm putraṁ ca dharmavimukhaṁ bhāryāṁ cāpriyabhāṣiṇīm

though himself peaceful, cursed his unpleasant-speaking wife — for a son turned away from dharma, and a wife of harsh speech,

Verse 57 (skanda.2.26.57)

अब्रह्मण्यं च राजानं सद्यः शापेन दण्डयेत् । इति न्यायं विचिंत्यासौ शशापेत्थं सतीं तदा ।

abrahmaṇyaṁ ca rājānaṁ sadyaḥ śāpena daṇḍayet iti nyāyaṁ viciṁtyāsau śaśāpetthaṁ satīṁ tadā

and an unrighteous king should at once be punished with a curse — reasoning thus, he then cursed the virtuous woman:

Verse 58 (skanda.2.26.58)

वेंकटाद्रौ महापुण्ये सर्वपातकनाशने । घोणतीर्थसमीपे च पिप्पलद्रुमकोटरे ।

veṁkaṭādrau mahāpuṇye sarvapātakanāśane ghoṇatīrthasamīpe ca pippaladrumakoṭare

"On the great and sacred Venkata mountain, which destroys every sin, near Ghona-tirtha, in the hollow of a pipal tree,

Verse 59 (skanda.2.26.59)

तत्राम्बुरहिते मूढे मण्डूका भव केवलम् । इत्येवं भर्तृवाक्यं तच्छ्रुत्वा गंधर्ववल्लभा ।

tatrāmburahite mūḍhe maṇḍūkā bhava kevalam ityevaṁ bhartṛvākyaṁ tacchrutvā gaṁdharvavallabhā

there, deprived of water, O foolish one, become nothing but a frog!" Having heard these words of her husband, the Gandharva's beloved,

Verse 60 (skanda.2.26.60)

पतित्वा पादयोस्तस्य तुम्बुरुं प्रार्थयत्सती । विशापमवदत्पश्चाद्भर्ता वै तुम्बुरुस्तदा ।

patitvā pādayostasya tumburuṁ prārthayatsatī viśāpamavadatpaścādbhartā vai tumburustadā

fell at his feet and, devoted, begged Tumburu; and afterward her husband Tumburu pronounced the release from the curse:

Verse 61 (skanda.2.26.61)

अगस्त्यो वै महाभागस्तपस्वी विजितेन्द्रियः । घोणतीर्थवरे स्नात्वा पौर्णमास्यां महातिथौ ।

agastyo vai mahābhāgastapasvī vijitendriyaḥ ghoṇatīrthavare snātvā paurṇamāsyāṁ mahātithau

"The greatly blessed Agastya, an ascetic of conquered senses, having bathed in the excellent Ghona-tirtha on the great occasion of the full moon,

Verse 62 (skanda.2.26.62)

शिष्येभ्यो वै यदा तस्मिन्नश्वत्थद्रुमसंनिधौ । घोणतीर्थस्य माहात्म्यं वक्ति वै ब्राह्मणोत्तमः ।

śiṣyebhyo vai yadā tasminnaśvatthadrumasaṁnidhau ghoṇatīrthasya māhātmyaṁ vakti vai brāhmaṇottamaḥ

when he declares to his disciples, near that pipal tree, the glory of Ghona-tirtha, being the foremost of Brahmins —

Verse 63 (skanda.2.26.63)

तदा पिप्पलवृक्षस्य कोटरे त्वं समाहिता । श्रुत्वा वै घोणतीर्थस्य माहात्म्यं मोक्षदायकम् ।

tadā pippalavṛkṣasya koṭare tvaṁ samāhitā śrutvā vai ghoṇatīrthasya māhātmyaṁ mokṣadāyakam

then you, waiting concealed in the hollow of the pipal tree, having heard the liberating glory of Ghona-tirtha,

Verse 64 (skanda.2.26.64)

विधूय सर्वपापानि मया साकं रमिष्यसि । इत्युक्ता विररामाथ धर्मपत्नी पतिव्रता ।

vidhūya sarvapāpāni mayā sākaṁ ramiṣyasi ityuktā virarāmātha dharmapatnī pativratā

shall shed all your sins and shall again dwell happily with me." Having been told this, the righteous wife fell silent,

Verse 65 (skanda.2.26.65)

भर्तृशापान्महाघोरां मंडूकतनुमाश्रिता । शेषाद्रिशिखरे तस्मिन्घोणतीर्थस्य दक्षिणे ।

bhartṛśāpānmahāghorāṁ maṁḍūkatanumāśritā śeṣādriśikhare tasminghoṇatīrthasya dakṣiṇe

taking on, by her husband's terrible curse, the body of a frog, on that peak of Sheshadri, to the south of Ghona-tirtha.

Verse 66 (skanda.2.26.66)

शनैःशनैर्गता नारी पिप्पलद्रुमकोटरम् । अब्दायुतं गतं तस्या अश्वत्थद्रुमकोटरे ।

śanaiḥśanairgatā nārī pippaladrumakoṭaram abdāyutaṁ gataṁ tasyā aśvatthadrumakoṭare

Slowly, slowly the woman went into the hollow of the pipal tree; ten thousand years passed for her in the hollow of that ashvattha tree.

Verse 67 (skanda.2.26.67)

ततः कालांतरेऽगस्त्यो वेंकटाद्रिं मनोहरम् । गत्वा श्रीस्वामितीर्थे च स्नात्वा नियमपूर्वकम् ।

tataḥ kālāṁtare'gastyo veṁkaṭādriṁ manoharam gatvā śrīsvāmitīrthe ca snātvā niyamapūrvakam

Then, after a span of time, Agastya, going to the lovely Venkatadri, bathed with due observance at Sri Swami-tirtha,

Verse 68 (skanda.2.26.68)

वराहस्वामिनं देवं नत्वा तीर्थस्य दक्षिणे । वेंकटेशालयं गत्वा श्रीनिवासं कृपानिधिम् ।

varāhasvāminaṁ devaṁ natvā tīrthasya dakṣiṇe veṁkaṭeśālayaṁ gatvā śrīnivāsaṁ kṛpānidhim

bowed to the god Varaha-swami to the south of that tirtha, went to the temple of Venkatesha, and to Srinivasa, the treasure of compassion,

Verse 69 (skanda.2.26.69)

वेदवेद्यं विशालाक्षं देवदेवं सनातनम् । नत्वाऽगस्त्यो महाभागो घोणतीर्थं ततो ययौ ।

vedavedyaṁ viśālākṣaṁ devadevaṁ sanātanam natvā'gastyo mahābhāgo ghoṇatīrthaṁ tato yayau

knowable through the Vedas, wide-eyed, the God of gods, the eternal one; having bowed, the greatly blessed Agastya then went on to Ghona-tirtha.

Verse 70 (skanda.2.26.70)

तत्र स्नात्वा तीर्थवर्ये स्वशिष्यै योगिनां वरः । पिप्पलद्रुमच्छायायां शिष्येभ्यो भक्तिपूर्वकम् ।

tatra snātvā tīrthavarye svaśiṣyai yogināṁ varaḥ pippaladrumacchāyāyāṁ śiṣyebhyo bhaktipūrvakam

Having bathed there in that excellent tirtha, the best of yogis, together with his own disciples, in the shade of the pipal tree, with devotion,

Verse 71 (skanda.2.26.71)

घोणतीर्थस्य माहात्म्यं ब्रह्महत्याविनाशकम् । सर्वमंगलदं पुण्यं सर्वसम्पत्प्रदायकम् ।

ghoṇatīrthasya māhātmyaṁ brahmahatyāvināśakam sarvamaṁgaladaṁ puṇyaṁ sarvasampatpradāyakam

declared the glory of Ghona-tirtha, which destroys even the killing of a Brahmin, which grants every blessing, is meritorious, and bestows every fortune —

Verse 72 (skanda.2.26.72)

उक्तवान्योगिनां श्रेष्ठो ह्यगस्त्यो भगवानृषिः ।

uktavānyogināṁ śreṣṭho hyagastyo bhagavānṛṣiḥ

this the blessed sage Agastya, foremost among yogis, declared.

Verse 73 (skanda.2.26.73)

तदा श्रुत्वा तु वर्षाभूः पादयोस्तस्य योगिनः । पतित्वा ज्ञानदीपेन विदित्वा वैभवं मुनेः ।

tadā śrutvā tu varṣābhūḥ pādayostasya yoginaḥ patitvā jñānadīpena viditvā vaibhavaṁ muneḥ

Then Varshabhu, hearing this, fell at the feet of that yogi and, through the lamp of knowledge, recognized the greatness of the sage.

Verse 74 (skanda.2.26.74)

पूर्वरूपं समासाद्य नारी रूपं मनोहरम् । अगस्त्य योगिनां श्रेष्ठ रक्षरक्ष दयानिधे ।

pūrvarūpaṁ samāsādya nārī rūpaṁ manoharam agastya yogināṁ śreṣṭha rakṣarakṣa dayānidhe

Regaining her former lovely form as a woman, she said: "O Agastya, foremost of yogis, protect me, protect me, O treasure of compassion!

Verse 75 (skanda.2.26.75)

मां रक्ष दयया ब्रह्मन्पतिवाक्यविरोधिनीम् । इत्युक्त्वा तं विशालाक्षी विरराम ततः परम् ।

māṁ rakṣa dayayā brahmanpativākyavirodhinīm ityuktvā taṁ viśālākṣī virarāma tataḥ param

Protect me, O Brahmin, by your compassion — me who defied my husband's word." Having said this, the wide-eyed woman fell silent thereafter.

Verse 76 (skanda.2.26.76)

अगस्त्य उवाच । का त्वं सुश्रोणि भद्रं ते भेकजन्मप्रदायकम् । पापं पूर्वभवे चासीत्तद्वदस्व च मा चिरम् ।

agastya uvāca kā tvaṁ suśroṇi bhadraṁ te bhekajanmapradāyakam pāpaṁ pūrvabhave cāsīttadvadasva ca mā ciram

Agastya said: "Who are you, O fair one, blessings upon you, who was given birth as a frog? What sin was there in your former life? Tell me this without delay."

Verse 77 (skanda.2.26.77)

नार्युवाच । तुम्बुरुर्नाम गन्धर्वः सर्वविद्याविशारदः । तस्य भार्यास्म्यहं विप्र ह्यगस्त्य मुनिसेवित ।

nāryuvāca tumbururnāma gandharvaḥ sarvavidyāviśāradaḥ tasya bhāryāsmyahaṁ vipra hyagastya munisevita

The woman said: "There is a Gandharva named Tumburu, versed in every branch of learning; I am his wife, O Brahmin Agastya, served by sages.

Verse 78 (skanda.2.26.78)

भर्ता मे सर्वधर्मज्ञस्तुम्बुरुर्मुनिसत्तमः । सर्वधर्मान्मनोज्ञा त्वं कुरु नित्यं मया सह ।

bhartā me sarvadharmajñastumbururmunisattamaḥ sarvadharmānmanojñā tvaṁ kuru nityaṁ mayā saha

My husband, Tumburu, foremost of sages, knows all dharma. He said to me: 'Do all the righteous observances joyfully, always together with me.'

Verse 79 (skanda.2.26.79)

पतिवाक्यं तदा श्रुत्वा परलोकोपकारकम् । असह्यं वाक्यमत्युग्रं दुर्गतिप्रदमेव हि ।

pativākyaṁ tadā śrutvā paralokopakārakam asahyaṁ vākyamatyugraṁ durgatipradameva hi

Hearing then my husband's word, which was for the good of the next world, I spoke words unbearable, most harsh, and leading only to a wretched state —

Verse 80 (skanda.2.26.80)

मया चोक्तं हि दुर्बुद्ध्या हे तात मुनिसत्तम ।

mayā coktaṁ hi durbuddhyā he tāta munisattama

I spoke this, O father, foremost of sages, out of my own wicked understanding."

Verse 81 (skanda.2.26.81)

अगस्त्य उवाच । कुशाग्रबुद्धिस्ते भर्ता शशाप त्वां रुषान्वितः । एवं शापो युक्त एव पतिवाक्यविरोधिनीम् ।

agastya uvāca kuśāgrabuddhiste bhartā śaśāpa tvāṁ ruṣānvitaḥ evaṁ śāpo yukta eva pativākyavirodhinīm

Agastya said: "Your husband, of sharp intellect, cursed you in anger; such a curse is indeed fitting for one who defies her husband's word.

Verse 82 (skanda.2.26.82)

पतिवाक्यमनादृत्य स्वेच्छया वर्तते तु या । सा नारी निरये घोरे पतत्याचन्द्रतारकम् ।

pativākyamanādṛtya svecchayā vartate tu yā sā nārī niraye ghore patatyācandratārakam

A woman who disregards her husband's word and acts according to her own will falls into a terrible hell for as long as the moon and stars endure.

Verse 83 (skanda.2.26.83)

न स्वातन्त्र्यं तु नारीणां नोल्लंघ्यं पतिभाषणम् । पातिव्रत्येन पुण्येन पतिशुश्रूषणेन च ।

na svātantryaṁ tu nārīṇāṁ nollaṁghyaṁ patibhāṣaṇam pātivratyena puṇyena patiśuśrūṣaṇena ca

Women have no independence, and a husband's speech must not be transgressed; by chastity, by merit, and by service to her husband,

Verse 84 (skanda.2.26.84)

स्त्रियो विष्णुपदं यान्ति न चान्यैरपि सुव्रतैः । पतिर्माता पतिर्विष्णुः पतिर्ब्रह्मा पतिः शिवः ।

striyo viṣṇupadaṁ yānti na cānyairapi suvrataiḥ patirmātā patirviṣṇuḥ patirbrahmā patiḥ śivaḥ

women go to the abode of Vishnu — by no other vow, however excellent. The husband is as a mother, the husband is Vishnu, the husband is Brahma, the husband is Shiva,

Verse 85 (skanda.2.26.85)

पतिर्गुरुः पतिस्तीर्थमिति स्त्रीणां विदुर्बुधाः । पतिवाक्यमपाकृत्य या नारी सुकृतैः परैः ।

patirguruḥ patistīrthamiti strīṇāṁ vidurbudhāḥ pativākyamapākṛtya yā nārī sukṛtaiḥ paraiḥ

the husband is guru, the husband is her tirtha — thus the wise know it regarding women. A woman who disregards her husband's word, even while occupied in other meritorious deeds,

Verse 86 (skanda.2.26.86)

सदैव युज्यते सापि नैव शुद्धा भवेत्सकृत् । पतिहीना तु या नारी गुरुभिर्धर्मवित्तमैः ।

sadaiva yujyate sāpi naiva śuddhā bhavetsakṛt patihīnā tu yā nārī gurubhirdharmavittamaiḥ

is never once purified. But a woman without a husband, guided by elder teachers versed in dharma,

Verse 87 (skanda.2.26.87)

सा कृतज्ञा विदध्यात्तु व्रतं धर्मफलप्रदम् । पतिना प्रेरिता सैव पतिबुद्धिपरायणा ।

sā kṛtajñā vidadhyāttu vrataṁ dharmaphalapradam patinā preritā saiva patibuddhiparāyaṇā

being grateful, may perform a vow that yields the fruit of dharma, being urged by her husband and devoted to his will.

Verse 88 (skanda.2.26.88)

पतिपादाब्जतीर्थेन या स्नाता सा हरिप्रिया । सा स्नाता सर्वतीर्थेषु गङ्गादिषु न संशयः ।

patipādābjatīrthena yā snātā sā haripriyā sā snātā sarvatīrtheṣu gaṅgādiṣu na saṁśayaḥ

She who has bathed in the sacred water of her husband's lotus-feet is dear to Hari; she has, without doubt, bathed in every tirtha, in the Ganga and the rest.

Verse 89 (skanda.2.26.89)

तस्मात्त्वत्कृतदोषस्तु त्वामायातीति तत्फलम् । भुञ्जन्त्यास्तेऽत्र शृण्वन्त्या घोणतीर्थस्य वैभवम् । मुक्तिरासीच्छुभांगं तन्नारीरूपं पुनर्यथा ।

tasmāttvatkṛtadoṣastu tvāmāyātīti tatphalam bhuñjantyāste'tra śṛṇvantyā ghoṇatīrthasya vaibhavam muktirāsīcchubhāṁgaṁ tannārīrūpaṁ punaryathā

Therefore the fault that you committed has now come upon you as its result — namely, having to dwell here listening to the glory of Ghona-tirtha; now liberation has come, and your lovely form as a woman is restored as before."

Verse 90 (skanda.2.26.90)

तस्माद्घोणस्य तीर्थस्य तुम्बुतीर्थमितीह वै ।

tasmādghoṇasya tīrthasya tumbutīrthamitīha vai

Hence this tirtha of Ghona became known in the world by the name Tumbu-tirtha —

Verse 91 (skanda.2.26.91)

लोके प्रसिद्धिरभवदहो तीर्थस्य वैभवम् ।

loke prasiddhirabhavadaho tīrthasya vaibhavam

ah, such is the majesty of this tirtha!

Verse 92 (skanda.2.26.92)

श्रीसूत उवाच । घोणतीर्थे महापुण्ये सर्वपापविनाशिनि । स्नान्ति ये पौर्णमास्यां वै शौनकाद्या महौजसः ।

śrīsūta uvāca ghoṇatīrthe mahāpuṇye sarvapāpavināśini snānti ye paurṇamāsyāṁ vai śaunakādyā mahaujasaḥ

Shri Suta said: O greatly powerful Shaunaka and other sages, those who bathe on the full-moon day at the greatly meritorious Ghona-tirtha, destroyer of every sin —

Verse 93 (skanda.2.26.93)

तेषां क्रतुफलं पुण्यं तीर्थायुतफलं भवेत् । कपिलागोसहस्रं तु यो ददाति दिनेदिने ।

teṣāṁ kratuphalaṁ puṇyaṁ tīrthāyutaphalaṁ bhavet kapilāgosahasraṁ tu yo dadāti dinedine

for them the fruit of sacrifice becomes meritorious, ten thousand-fold the fruit of ordinary tirthas. One who gives a thousand tawny cows every single day —

Verse 94 (skanda.2.26.94)

तत्फलं समवाप्नोति स्नानात्तुम्बुरुतीर्थके । रत्नकोटिसहस्राणि यो ददाति दिनेदिने ।

tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti snānāttumburutīrthake ratnakoṭisahasrāṇi yo dadāti dinedine

that fruit is obtained by bathing at Tumburu-tirtha. One who gives a thousand crores of jewels every single day,

Verse 95 (skanda.2.26.95)

मत्तेभानां सहस्राणि तथैवाश्वायुतान्यपि । तत्फलं समवाप्नोति घोणतीर्थावगाहनात् ।

mattebhānāṁ sahasrāṇi tathaivāśvāyutānyapi tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti ghoṇatīrthāvagāhanāt

and likewise thousands of rutting elephants and ten thousand horses — that fruit is obtained by immersion in Ghona-tirtha.

Verse 96 (skanda.2.26.96)

कन्याकोटिप्रदानेन यत्फलं चर्षिभिः स्मृतम् । तत्फलं समवाप्नोति घोणतीर्थाच्च पावनात् ।

kanyākoṭipradānena yatphalaṁ carṣibhiḥ smṛtam tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti ghoṇatīrthācca pāvanāt

The fruit that the sages have declared for the gift of a hundred million maidens — that fruit is obtained from the purifying Ghona-tirtha.

Verse 97 (skanda.2.26.97)

हेमांबरसहस्रं यः कुरुक्षेत्रे प्रयच्छति । तत्फलं समवाप्नोति घोणतीर्थस्य वैभवात् ।

hemāṁbarasahasraṁ yaḥ kurukṣetre prayacchati tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti ghoṇatīrthasya vaibhavāt

One who gives a thousand pieces of golden cloth at Kurukshetra — that fruit is obtained through the majesty of Ghona-tirtha.

Verse 98 (skanda.2.26.98)

गुर्वर्थे ब्राह्मणार्थे च स्वाम्यर्थे यस्त्यजेत्तनुम् । तत्फलं समवाप्नोति घोणतीर्थस्य वैभवात् ।

gurvarthe brāhmaṇārthe ca svāmyarthe yastyajettanum tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti ghoṇatīrthasya vaibhavāt

One who gives up his body for the sake of his guru, a Brahmin, or his master — that fruit is obtained through the majesty of Ghona-tirtha.

Verse 99 (skanda.2.26.99)

आपन्नार्तिहराणां च तीर्थसेवापरात्मनाम् । सत्यव्रतानां यत्पुण्यं घोणतीर्थाच्च तद्भवेत् ।

āpannārtiharāṇāṁ ca tīrthasevāparātmanām satyavratānāṁ yatpuṇyaṁ ghoṇatīrthācca tadbhavet

Whatever merit belongs to those devoted to tirtha-service who relieve the suffering of the afflicted, and to those true to their vows — that same merit comes from Ghona-tirtha.

Verse 100 (skanda.2.26.100)

यत्फलं श्राद्धकर्तॄणां पितॄणामिन्दुसंक्षये । तत्फलं समवाप्नोति घोणतीर्थाद्धि पावनात् ।

yatphalaṁ śrāddhakartṝṇāṁ pitṝṇāmindusaṁkṣaye tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti ghoṇatīrthāddhi pāvanāt

Whatever fruit belongs to those who perform the shraddha rite for their ancestors at the darkening of the moon — that fruit is obtained from the purifying Ghona-tirtha.

Verse 101 (skanda.2.26.101)

गङ्गायां नर्मदायां च सरयूचन्द्रभागयोः । सर्वेषु पुण्यतीर्थेषु यः स्नानं कुरुते नरः । तत्फलं समवाप्नोति घोणतीर्थाद्धि पावनात् ।

gaṅgāyāṁ narmadāyāṁ ca sarayūcandrabhāgayoḥ sarveṣu puṇyatīrtheṣu yaḥ snānaṁ kurute naraḥ tatphalaṁ samavāpnoti ghoṇatīrthāddhi pāvanāt

Whatever fruit a man obtains by bathing in the Ganga, the Narmada, the Sarayu and the Chandrabhaga, and in all sacred tirthas — that same fruit is obtained from the purifying Ghona-tirtha.

Verse 102 (skanda.2.26.102)

तस्मात्पुण्यतमं तीर्थं घोणतीर्थं विदुर्बुधाः ।

tasmātpuṇyatamaṁ tīrthaṁ ghoṇatīrthaṁ vidurbudhāḥ

Therefore the wise know Ghona-tirtha to be the most sacred of all tirthas.

Verse 103 (skanda.2.26.103)

य इमं शृणुतेऽध्यायं सर्वपापनिबर्हणम् । वाजपेयफलं तस्य विष्णुलोकश्च शाश्वतः ।

ya imaṁ śṛṇute'dhyāyaṁ sarvapāpanibarhaṇam vājapeyaphalaṁ tasya viṣṇulokaśca śāśvataḥ

One who hears this chapter, which destroys every sin, obtains the fruit of the Vajapeya sacrifice and the eternal world of Vishnu.