The Glory of Yamuna-Ganga-Gaya and Janashruti's Attainment of Knowledge

Verse 1 (skanda.3.26.1)

श्रीसूत उवाच। विधायाभिषवं मर्त्याः शंखतीर्थे द्विजोत्तमाः। यमुनां चैव गंगां च गयां चापि क्रमाद्व्रजेत्

śrīsūta uvāca vidhāyābhiṣavaṁ martyāḥ śaṁkhatīrthe dvijottamāḥ yamunāṁ caiva gaṁgāṁ ca gayāṁ cāpi kramādvrajet

Suta said: Having performed ablution at Shankha-tirtha, O best of brahmins, mortals should go in order to the Yamuna, and the Ganga, and to Gaya as well.

Verse 2 (skanda.3.26.2)

यमुनाख्यं महातीर्थं गंगातीर्थमनुत्तमम्। गयातीर्थं च मर्त्यानां महापातकनाशनम्

yamunākhyaṁ mahātīrthaṁ gaṁgātīrthamanuttamam gayātīrthaṁ ca martyānāṁ mahāpātakanāśanam

The great tirtha named Yamuna, the excellent tirtha of Ganga, and the tirtha of Gaya, are the destroyers of great sin for mortals.

Verse 3 (skanda.3.26.3)

एतत्तीर्थत्रयं पुण्यं सर्वलोकेषु विश्रुतम्। सर्वविघ्नप्रशमनं सर्वरोगनिबर्हणम्

etattīrthatrayaṁ puṇyaṁ sarvalokeṣu viśrutam sarvavighnapraśamanaṁ sarvaroganibarhaṇam

These three holy tirthas are renowned in all the worlds, pacifying all obstacles, destroying all diseases.

Verse 4 (skanda.3.26.4)

एतद्धि तीर्थत्रितयं सकलाज्ञाननाशनम्। अविद्यायां विनष्टायां तथा ज्ञानप्रदं नृणाम्

etaddhi tīrthatritayaṁ sakalājñānanāśanam avidyāyāṁ vinaṣṭāyāṁ tathā jñānapradaṁ nṛṇām

These three tirthas indeed destroy all ignorance; when ignorance is destroyed, they likewise bestow knowledge upon men.

Verse 5 (skanda.3.26.5)

जानश्रुतिर्महाराज एषु तीर्थेषु वै पुरा। स्नात्वा रैक्वाद्द्विजश्रेष्ठात्प्राप्तवाञ्ज्ञानमुत्तमम्

jānaśrutirmahārāja eṣu tīrtheṣu vai purā snātvā raikvāddvijaśreṣṭhātprāptavāñjñānamuttamam

King Janashruti, of old, bathing at these tirthas, obtained supreme knowledge from Raikva, the best of brahmins.

Verse 6 (skanda.3.26.6)

ऋषय ऊचुः। सूत सर्वार्थतत्त्वज्ञ व्यासशिष्य महामते। यमुना चैव गंगा च गया चैवेति विश्रुतम्

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ sūta sarvārthatattvajña vyāsaśiṣya mahāmate yamunā caiva gaṁgā ca gayā caiveti viśrutam

The sages said: O Suta, knower of the truth of all things, disciple of Vyasa, greatly wise one! The Yamuna, and the Ganga, and Gaya, thus renowned -

Verse 7 (skanda.3.26.7)

एतत्तीर्थत्रयं कस्मादागतं गंधमादने। जानश्रुतेश्च राजर्षेः स्नानात्तीर्थत्रयेऽपि च। ज्ञानावाप्तिः कथं रैक्वादस्माकं सूत तद्वद

etattīrthatrayaṁ kasmādāgataṁ gaṁdhamādane jānaśruteśca rājarṣeḥ snānāttīrthatraye'pi ca jñānāvāptiḥ kathaṁ raikvādasmākaṁ sūta tadvada

from where did these three tirthas come to Gandhamadana? And how, by bathing at these three tirthas, did the royal sage Janashruti attain knowledge from Raikva? Tell us that, O Suta.

Verse 8 (skanda.3.26.8)

श्रीसूत उवाच। रैक्वनामा महर्षिस्तु पुरा वै गन्धमादने

śrīsūta uvāca raikvanāmā maharṣistu purā vai gandhamādane

Suta said: A great sage named Raikva, of old, at Gandhamadana,

Verse 9 (skanda.3.26.9)

तपस्सुदुश्चरं कुर्वन्न्यवसत्तपसां निधिः। दीर्घकालं तपः कुर्वन्स वै रैक्वो महामुनिः

tapassuduścaraṁ kurvannyavasattapasāṁ nidhiḥ dīrghakālaṁ tapaḥ kurvansa vai raikvo mahāmuniḥ

practising exceedingly difficult austerity, dwelt there, a treasury of austerities. Practising austerity for a long time, that great sage Raikva,

Verse 10 (skanda.3.26.10)

तपोबलेन महता दीर्घमायुरवाप्तवान्। जन्मना पंगुरेवासीद्रैक्वनामा महामुनिः

tapobalena mahatā dīrghamāyuravāptavān janmanā paṁgurevāsīdraikvanāmā mahāmuniḥ

by the great power of his austerity, obtained a long life. That great sage named Raikva was lame from birth.

Verse 11 (skanda.3.26.11)

पंगुत्वादसमर्थोऽभूद्गंतुं तीर्थान्यसौ मुनिः। संति यानि तु तीर्थानि गन्धमादनपर्वते

paṁgutvādasamartho'bhūdgaṁtuṁ tīrthānyasau muniḥ saṁti yāni tu tīrthāni gandhamādanaparvate

Being lame, that sage was unable to go to the tirthas. Whatever tirthas there were on Mount Gandhamadana,

Verse 12 (skanda.3.26.12)

तानि गच्छति सामीप्याच्छकटेनैव संचरन्। स यद्रैक्वो मुनिवरो युग्वेन सह वर्तते

tāni gacchati sāmīpyācchakaṭenaiva saṁcaran sa yadraikvo munivaro yugvena saha vartate

he would go to them, being nearby, travelling in a cart. Since that Raikva, that excellent sage, went about together with his yoke (cart),

Verse 13 (skanda.3.26.13)

तपस्वी वैदिकैर्लोके सयुग्वैत्यभिधीयते। युग्वेति शकटं प्रोक्तं स तेन सह वर्तते

tapasvī vaidikairloke sayugvaityabhidhīyate yugveti śakaṭaṁ proktaṁ sa tena saha vartate

that ascetic was called, by the Vedic people, "he with the yoke" (sayugva). "Yugva" is the word for the cart; he went about with it.

Verse 14 (skanda.3.26.14)

स खल्वेवं मुनिश्रेष्ठः सयुग्वानाम वै मुनिः। पूर्णज्ञानस्तपस्तेपे गन्धमादनपर्वते

sa khalvevaṁ muniśreṣṭhaḥ sayugvānāma vai muniḥ pūrṇajñānastapastepe gandhamādanaparvate

That excellent sage, indeed known as Sayugva, of complete knowledge, practised austerity on Mount Gandhamadana.

Verse 15 (skanda.3.26.15)

ग्रीष्मे पञ्चाग्निमध्यस्थः सोऽतप्यत महत्तपः। वर्षायां कण्ठदघ्नेषु जलेषु समवर्तत

grīṣme pañcāgnimadhyasthaḥ so'tapyata mahattapaḥ varṣāyāṁ kaṇṭhadaghneṣu jaleṣu samavartata

In summer, seated amid the five fires, he practised great austerity; in the rainy season, he remained in water up to his neck.

Verse 16 (skanda.3.26.16)

तपसा शोषिते गात्रे पामा तस्य व्यजायत। कण्डूयत स पामानं दिवारात्रं मुनीश्वरः

tapasā śoṣite gātre pāmā tasya vyajāyata kaṇḍūyata sa pāmānaṁ divārātraṁ munīśvaraḥ

His body dried up by austerity, a skin disease (pama) developed on him. That lord of sages scratched at the itch day and night.

Verse 17 (skanda.3.26.17)

कण्डूयमान एवायं पामानं न तपोऽत्यजत्। अजायत मनस्त्वेवं तस्य सयुग्वनो मुनेः

kaṇḍūyamāna evāyaṁ pāmānaṁ na tapo'tyajat ajāyata manastvevaṁ tasya sayugvano muneḥ

Even while scratching that itch, he never abandoned his austerity. Then this thought arose in the mind of that sage Sayugva:

Verse 18 (skanda.3.26.18)

यमुनायां च गंगायां गयायां चाधुनैव हि। अस्मिंस्तीर्थे त्रये पुण्ये स्नातव्यं हि मया त्विति

yamunāyāṁ ca gaṁgāyāṁ gayāyāṁ cādhunaiva hi asmiṁstīrthe traye puṇye snātavyaṁ hi mayā tviti

"In the Yamuna, and the Ganga, and now in Gaya, in these three holy tirthas, I should bathe."

Verse 19 (skanda.3.26.19)

एवं विचिंत्य स मुनिरन्यां चिंतामथाकरोत्। अहं हि जन्मना पंगुरतः स्नानं हि दुर्लभम्

evaṁ viciṁtya sa muniranyāṁ ciṁtāmathākarot ahaṁ hi janmanā paṁgurataḥ snānaṁ hi durlabham

Having thus reflected, that sage had another thought: "I am lame from birth, and so bathing there is difficult to obtain.

Verse 20 (skanda.3.26.20)

अतिदूरं मया गन्तुं शकटेन न शक्यते। किं करोम्यधुनेत्येवं स वितर्क्य महामतिः

atidūraṁ mayā gantuṁ śakaṭena na śakyate kiṁ karomyadhunetyevaṁ sa vitarkya mahāmatiḥ

It is not possible for me to travel that far even by cart. What shall I do now?" Thus having pondered, that greatly wise one

Verse 21 (skanda.3.26.21)

तीर्थत्रयेषु स्नानार्थं कर्तव्यं निश्चिकाय वै। अप्रसह्यमनाधृष्यं विद्यते मे तपोबलम्

tīrthatrayeṣu snānārthaṁ kartavyaṁ niścikāya vai aprasahyamanādhṛṣyaṁ vidyate me tapobalam

resolved that a bath at the three tirthas must be performed. "I have an irresistible, unassailable power of austerity;

Verse 22 (skanda.3.26.22)

तेनैवावाहयिष्यामि तद्धि तीर्थत्रयं त्विह। इति निश्चित्य मनसा प्राङ्मुखो नियतेंद्रियः

tenaivāvāhayiṣyāmi taddhi tīrthatrayaṁ tviha iti niścitya manasā prāṅmukho niyateṁdriyaḥ

by that very power, I shall summon those three tirthas right here." Having thus resolved in his mind, facing east, his senses controlled,

Verse 23 (skanda.3.26.23)

त्रिराचम्य च सयुग्वान्दध्यौ क्षणमतंद्रितः। तस्य मंत्रप्रभावेन यमुना सा महानदी

trirācamya ca sayugvāndadhyau kṣaṇamataṁdritaḥ tasya maṁtraprabhāvena yamunā sā mahānadī

having sipped water three times, Sayugva meditated for a moment, undistracted. By the power of his mantra, that great river Yamuna,

Verse 24 (skanda.3.26.24)

गंगा च जह्नुतनया गया सा पापनाशिनी। भूमिं निर्भिद्य तिस्रोपि पातालात्सहसोत्थिताः

gaṁgā ca jahnutanayā gayā sā pāpanāśinī bhūmiṁ nirbhidya tisropi pātālātsahasotthitāḥ

and Ganga, the daughter of Jahnu, and Gaya, the destroyer of sin - all three, splitting open the earth, rose suddenly from the netherworld,

Verse 25 (skanda.3.26.25)

मानुषं रूपमास्थाय सयुग्वानमुपेत्य च। ऊचुः परमसंहृष्टा हर्षयंत्यश्च तं मुनिम्

mānuṣaṁ rūpamāsthāya sayugvānamupetya ca ūcuḥ paramasaṁhṛṣṭā harṣayaṁtyaśca taṁ munim

assuming human form, and, approaching Sayugva, spoke, exceedingly delighted, gladdening that sage:

Verse 26 (skanda.3.26.26)

सयुग्वन्रैक्व भद्रं ते ध्यानादस्मादुपारम। त्वन्मंत्रेण समाकृष्टा वयमत्र समागताः

sayugvanraikva bhadraṁ te dhyānādasmādupārama tvanmaṁtreṇa samākṛṣṭā vayamatra samāgatāḥ

"O Sayugva Raikva, blessings upon you! Cease from this meditation. Drawn by your mantra, we have come here.

Verse 27 (skanda.3.26.27)

कि कर्तव्यं तवास्माभिस्तद्वदस्व मुनीश्वर। इति तासां वचः श्रुत्वा सयुग्वान्हि महामुनिः

ki kartavyaṁ tavāsmābhistadvadasva munīśvara iti tāsāṁ vacaḥ śrutvā sayugvānhi mahāmuniḥ

What must be done by us for you - tell us that, O lord of sages." Having heard their words, that great sage Sayugva

Verse 28 (skanda.3.26.28)

ध्यानादुपारमत्तूर्णं ताश्चापश्यत्पुरः स्थिताः। स ताः संपूज्य विधिवद्रैक्वो वाचमभाषत

dhyānādupāramattūrṇaṁ tāścāpaśyatpuraḥ sthitāḥ sa tāḥ saṁpūjya vidhivadraikvo vācamabhāṣata

quickly ceased from his meditation and saw them standing before him. Having duly honoured them, Raikva spoke these words:

Verse 29 (skanda.3.26.29)

यमुने देवि हे गंगे हे गये पापनाशिनि। सन्निधानं कुरुध्वं मे गन्धमादनपर्वते

yamune devi he gaṁge he gaye pāpanāśini sannidhānaṁ kurudhvaṁ me gandhamādanaparvate

"O goddess Yamuna, O Ganga, O Gaya, destroyer of sin, establish your presence for me at Mount Gandhamadana,

Verse 30 (skanda.3.26.30)

यत्र भूमिं विनिर्भिद्य भवत्य इह निर्गताः। तानि पुण्यानि तीर्थानि भवेयुर्वोऽभिधानतः

yatra bhūmiṁ vinirbhidya bhavatya iha nirgatāḥ tāni puṇyāni tīrthāni bhaveyurvo'bhidhānataḥ

where, having split the earth, you have emerged here; may those become holy tirthas, in your names.

Verse 31 (skanda.3.26.31)

सहसांतरधीयंत तथास्त्वित्येव तत्र ताः। तदाप्रभृति तीर्थानि तानि त्रीण्यपि भूतले

sahasāṁtaradhīyaṁta tathāstvityeva tatra tāḥ tadāprabhṛti tīrthāni tāni trīṇyapi bhūtale

Immediately they vanished there, saying "So be it." From that time onward, those three tirthas on this earth,

Verse 32 (skanda.3.26.32)

तेनतेनाभिधानेन गीयन्ते सर्वदा जनैः। यत्र भूमिं विनिर्भिद्य यमुना निर्गता तदा

tenatenābhidhānena gīyante sarvadā janaiḥ yatra bhūmiṁ vinirbhidya yamunā nirgatā tadā

are ever sung by that name by the people, in each of their names. Where, having split the earth, Yamuna emerged then,

Verse 33 (skanda.3.26.33)

यमुनातीर्थमिति वै तज्जनैरभिधीयते। यतो वै पृथिवीरंध्राज्जाह्नवी सहसोत्थिता

yamunātīrthamiti vai tajjanairabhidhīyate yato vai pṛthivīraṁdhrājjāhnavī sahasotthitā

that is called Yamuna-tirtha by the people. And from where, from the fissure of the earth, Jahnavi (Ganga) rose suddenly,

Verse 34 (skanda.3.26.34)

गंगातीर्थमिति ख्यातं तल्लोके पापनाशनम्। गया हि मानुषं रूपं यत आस्थाय निर्ययौ

gaṁgātīrthamiti khyātaṁ talloke pāpanāśanam gayā hi mānuṣaṁ rūpaṁ yata āsthāya niryayau

that is renowned as Ganga-tirtha, the destroyer of sin in that place. And Gaya, from wherever, having assumed human form, she emerged,

Verse 35 (skanda.3.26.35)

तदेव भूमिविवरं गयातीर्थं प्रचक्षते। एवमेतन्महापुण्यं तीर्थत्रयमनुत्तमम्

tadeva bhūmivivaraṁ gayātīrthaṁ pracakṣate evametanmahāpuṇyaṁ tīrthatrayamanuttamam

that very fissure of the earth they call Gaya-tirtha. Thus, this greatly holy, unsurpassed triad of tirthas,

Verse 36 (skanda.3.26.36)

रैक्वमंत्रप्रभावेण पृथिव्याः सहसोत्थितम्। अत्र तीर्थत्रये स्नानं ये कुर्वंति नरोत्तमाः

raikvamaṁtraprabhāveṇa pṛthivyāḥ sahasotthitam atra tīrthatraye snānaṁ ye kurvaṁti narottamāḥ

arose suddenly from the earth by the power of Raikva's mantra. Whatever excellent men bathe at these three tirthas here -

Verse 37 (skanda.3.26.37)

तेषामज्ञाननाशः स्याज्ज्ञानमप्युदयं लभेत्। स्वमंत्रेण समाकृष्टे तत्र तीर्थत्रये मुनिः

teṣāmajñānanāśaḥ syājjñānamapyudayaṁ labhet svamaṁtreṇa samākṛṣṭe tatra tīrthatraye muniḥ

their ignorance shall be destroyed, and they shall also attain the dawning of knowledge. There, at that triad of tirthas, drawn by his own mantra, the sage

Verse 38 (skanda.3.26.38)

स्नानं समाचरन्नित्यं स कालानत्यवाहयत्। एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु राजा जानश्रुतिर्महान्

snānaṁ samācarannityaṁ sa kālānatyavāhayat etasminneva kāle tu rājā jānaśrutirmahān

bathed daily, and thus passed his time. At this very time, the great King Janashruti,

Verse 39 (skanda.3.26.39)

पुत्रसंज्ञस्य राजर्षेः पौत्रो धर्मैकतत्परः। देयमन्नादि स तदा ह्यर्थिभ्यः श्रद्धयैव यत्

putrasaṁjñasya rājarṣeḥ pautro dharmaikatatparaḥ deyamannādi sa tadā hyarthibhyaḥ śraddhayaiva yat

grandson of the royal sage named Putra, devoted solely to dharma - whatever food and the like was to be given to petitioners, he gave with faith alone.

Verse 40 (skanda.3.26.40)

तस्मादेनं नजालोके श्रद्धादेयं प्रचक्षते। यतो बहुतरं वाक्यमन्नाद्यस्य महीपतेः

tasmādenaṁ najāloke śraddhādeyaṁ pracakṣate yato bahutaraṁ vākyamannādyasya mahīpateḥ

Therefore he is spoken of in the world as "he whose gift is with faith" (shraddha-deya). Since, in abundance, the words of that lord of the earth -

Verse 41 (skanda.3.26.41)

अर्थिनां क्षुधितानां तु तृप्त्यर्थं वर्तते गृहे। अतोयमर्थिभिः सर्वैर्बहुवाक्य इतीर्यते

arthināṁ kṣudhitānāṁ tu tṛptyarthaṁ vartate gṛhe atoyamarthibhiḥ sarvairbahuvākya itīryate

"food and the rest, for the satisfaction of hungry petitioners, is available in my house" - and thus this one is called by all petitioners "the many-worded one" (bahuvakya).

Verse 42 (skanda.3.26.42)

स वै पौत्रायणो राजा जानश्रुतसुतो बली। प्रियातिथिर्बभूवासौ बहुदायी तथाऽभवत्

sa vai pautrāyaṇo rājā jānaśrutasuto balī priyātithirbabhūvāsau bahudāyī tathā'bhavat

He, that son of Pautrayana, the mighty son of Janashruta, was one dear to guests and also gave abundantly.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.26.43)

नगरेषु च राष्ट्रेषु ग्रामेषु च वनेषु च। चतुष्पथेषु सर्वेषु महामार्गेषु सर्वशः

nagareṣu ca rāṣṭreṣu grāmeṣu ca vaneṣu ca catuṣpatheṣu sarveṣu mahāmārgeṣu sarvaśaḥ

In cities and kingdoms, in villages and forests, at every crossroads and everywhere along the great highways,

Verse 44 (skanda.3.26.44)

बह्वन्नपान संयुक्तं सूपशाकादिसंयुतम्। आतिथ्यं कल्पयामास तृप्तयेऽर्थिजनस्य वै

bahvannapāna saṁyuktaṁ sūpaśākādisaṁyutam ātithyaṁ kalpayāmāsa tṛptaye'rthijanasya vai

he arranged hospitality, abounding in food and drink, with curries and vegetables and the rest, for the satisfaction of petitioners.

Verse 45 (skanda.3.26.45)

अन्नपानादिकं सर्वमुपयुड्ध्वमिहार्थिनः। इत्यसौ घोषयामास तत्र तत्र जनास्पदे

annapānādikaṁ sarvamupayuḍdhvamihārthinaḥ ityasau ghoṣayāmāsa tatra tatra janāspade

"Enjoy here all this food, drink, and the rest, O petitioners" - thus he proclaimed, everywhere, in each dwelling of the people.

Verse 46 (skanda.3.26.46)

तस्य प्रियातिथेरेव नृपस्य बहुदायिनः। अर्थिभ्यो दानशौंडस्य गुणाः सर्वत्र विश्रुताः

tasya priyātithereva nṛpasya bahudāyinaḥ arthibhyo dānaśauṁḍasya guṇāḥ sarvatra viśrutāḥ

The qualities of that King Pautrayana, dear to guests, abundant in gift-giving, generous to petitioners, were renowned everywhere.

Verse 47 (skanda.3.26.47)

अथ पौत्रायणस्यास्य गुण ग्रामेण वर्ततः। देवर्षयो महाभागास्तस्यानुग्रहकांक्षिणः

atha pautrāyaṇasyāsya guṇa grāmeṇa vartataḥ devarṣayo mahābhāgāstasyānugrahakāṁkṣiṇaḥ

Now, as that mass of virtues of Pautrayana continued, the greatly fortunate divine sages, desiring to favour him,

Verse 48 (skanda.3.26.48)

हंसरूपं समास्थाय निदाघसमये निशि। रमणीयां विधायाशु श्रेणीमाकाशमागतः

haṁsarūpaṁ samāsthāya nidāghasamaye niśi ramaṇīyāṁ vidhāyāśu śreṇīmākāśamāgataḥ

assuming the form of swans, at night in the summer season, having quickly formed a beautiful line, came through the sky,

Verse 49 (skanda.3.26.49)

सौधवातायनस्थस्य तस्योपरि महीपतेः। उड्डीयोड्डीय वेगेन तरसा जग्मुरुच्चकैः

saudhavātāyanasthasya tasyopari mahīpateḥ uḍḍīyoḍḍīya vegena tarasā jagmuruccakaiḥ

above that lord of the earth, seated at the balcony-window of his mansion, flying with speed, going swiftly on high.

Verse 50 (skanda.3.26.50)

तरसा पततां तेषां हंसानां पृष्ठतो व्रजन्। एको हंसस्तु संबोध्य हंसमग्रेसरं तदा

tarasā patatāṁ teṣāṁ haṁsānāṁ pṛṣṭhato vrajan eko haṁsastu saṁbodhya haṁsamagresaraṁ tadā

As those swans were flying swiftly, one swan, going behind them, then addressed the swan leading in front,

Verse 51 (skanda.3.26.51)

सोपहासमिदं वाक्यं प्राह शृण्वति राजनि। भोभो भल्लाक्ष भल्लाक्ष पुरो गच्छन्मरालक

sopahāsamidaṁ vākyaṁ prāha śṛṇvati rājani bhobho bhallākṣa bhallākṣa puro gacchanmarālaka

and spoke this word, mocking, in the hearing of the king: "O, O, dull-eyed, dull-eyed one, going in front, O swan!

Verse 52 (skanda.3.26.52)

सौधमध्ये पुरस्ताद्वै जानश्रुतसुतो नृपः। वर्तते पूजनीयोऽयं न पश्यसि किमंधवत्

saudhamadhye purastādvai jānaśrutasuto nṛpaḥ vartate pūjanīyo'yaṁ na paśyasi kimaṁdhavat

In front, in the middle of the mansion, there is the son of Janashruta, the king; he is worthy of worship - do you not see, as if blind?

Verse 53 (skanda.3.26.53)

यस्य तेजो दुराधर्षमाब्रह्म भवनादिदम्। अनंतादित्यसंकाशं ज्वलते पुरतो भृशम्

yasya tejo durādharṣamābrahma bhavanādidam anaṁtādityasaṁkāśaṁ jvalate purato bhṛśam

Whose splendour, irresistible, extends up to Brahma's abode from this palace, blazing exceedingly before us, resembling countless suns.

Verse 54 (skanda.3.26.54)

तमतिक्रम्य राजर्षिं मा गास्त्वमुपरि द्रुतम्। यदि गच्छसि तत्तेजस्सांप्रतं त्वां प्रधक्ष्यति

tamatikramya rājarṣiṁ mā gāstvamupari drutam yadi gacchasi tattejassāṁprataṁ tvāṁ pradhakṣyati

Passing over that royal sage, do not fly swiftly above him. If you go on, that splendour will now burn you up."

Verse 55 (skanda.3.26.55)

इत्युक्तवंतं तं हंसमग्रतः प्रत्यभाषत। अहो भवानभिज्ञोऽसि श्लाघनीयोऽसि सूरिभिः

ityuktavaṁtaṁ taṁ haṁsamagrataḥ pratyabhāṣata aho bhavānabhijño'si ślāghanīyo'si sūribhiḥ

Thus addressed, that swan going in front replied: "Ah, you are indeed knowledgeable, worthy of praise by the learned!

Verse 56 (skanda.3.26.56)

अश्लाघनीयं कितवं यत्त्वमेनं प्रशंससे। प्रशंससे किमर्थं त्वमल्पं संतमिमं जनम्

aślāghanīyaṁ kitavaṁ yattvamenaṁ praśaṁsase praśaṁsase kimarthaṁ tvamalpaṁ saṁtamimaṁ janam

It is unworthy of praise, O rogue, that you praise this one. Why do you praise this insignificant person,

Verse 57 (skanda.3.26.57)

भस्रावत्पशुवच्चैव केवलं श्वासधारिणम्। न ह्ययं वेत्ति धर्माणां रहस्यं पृथिवी पतिः

bhasrāvatpaśuvaccaiva kevalaṁ śvāsadhāriṇam na hyayaṁ vetti dharmāṇāṁ rahasyaṁ pṛthivī patiḥ

who, like a mere breathing animal, is simply one who bears breath alone? This lord of the earth does not know the secret of dharmas,

Verse 58 (skanda.3.26.58)

तत्त्वज्ञानी यथा रैक्वः सयुग्वान्ब्राह्मणोत्तमः। रैक्वस्य हि महज्ज्योतीरहस्यं दैवतैरपि

tattvajñānī yathā raikvaḥ sayugvānbrāhmaṇottamaḥ raikvasya hi mahajjyotīrahasyaṁ daivatairapi

as the truth-knowing Raikva Sayugva, best of brahmins, does. For Raikva's great light is a secret even to the gods.

Verse 59 (skanda.3.26.59)

न ह्यस्य प्राणमात्रस्य तेजस्तादृशमस्ति वै। रैक्वस्य पुण्यराशीनामियत्ता नैव विद्यते

na hyasya prāṇamātrasya tejastādṛśamasti vai raikvasya puṇyarāśīnāmiyattā naiva vidyate

This one's splendour, of a mere breathing creature, is not at all of that kind. The extent of Raikva's heaps of merit cannot be measured -

Verse 60 (skanda.3.26.60)

गण्यते पांसवो भूमेर्गण्यंते दिवि तारकाः। रैक्वपुण्यमहामेरुसमूहो नैव गण्यते।

gaṇyate pāṁsavo bhūmergaṇyaṁte divi tārakāḥ raikvapuṇyamahāmerusamūho naiva gaṇyate

the dust-motes of the earth can be counted, the stars in the sky can be counted, but the mass of Raikva's merit, like a great Meru, cannot be counted.

Verse 61 (skanda.3.26.61)

किं च तिष्ठंत्विमे धर्मा नश्वरास्तस्य वै मुनेः। ब्रह्मज्ञानमबाध्यं यत्तेन स श्लाघ्यते मुनिः

kiṁ ca tiṣṭhaṁtvime dharmā naśvarāstasya vai muneḥ brahmajñānamabādhyaṁ yattena sa ślāghyate muniḥ

Moreover, what do these perishable virtues of that king amount to? It is the unassailable knowledge of Brahman by which that sage is praised.

Verse 62 (skanda.3.26.62)

जानश्रुतेस्तु तादृक्षो धर्म एव न विद्यते। दुर्लभं यत्तु योगीन्द्रैः कुतस्तज्ज्ञानवैभवम्

jānaśrutestu tādṛkṣo dharma eva na vidyate durlabhaṁ yattu yogīndraiḥ kutastajjñānavaibhavam

Janashruti has no dharma of that kind at all; that which is difficult to obtain even for the lords of yogis - how then could he have that splendour of knowledge?

Verse 63 (skanda.3.26.63)

परित्यज्य दुरात्मानं तद्वराकमिमं जनम्। स एव रैक्वः सयुग्वाञ्छ्लाघ्यतां भवता मुनिः

parityajya durātmānaṁ tadvarākamimaṁ janam sa eva raikvaḥ sayugvāñchlāghyatāṁ bhavatā muniḥ

Abandon this evil-souled, wretched fellow; let that very Raikva Sayugva be praised by you as sage -

Verse 64 (skanda.3.26.64)

जन्मना पंगुरपि यः स्वस्य स्नानचिकीर्षया। गंगां च यमुनां चापि गयामपि मुनीश्वरः

janmanā paṁgurapi yaḥ svasya snānacikīrṣayā gaṁgāṁ ca yamunāṁ cāpi gayāmapi munīśvaraḥ

who, though lame from birth, by desire to bathe, summoned by mantra the Ganga, and the Yamuna, and Gaya too, that lord of sages,

Verse 65 (skanda.3.26.65)

आह्वयामास मन्त्रेण निजाश्रमसमीपतः। तस्य ब्रह्मविदो रैक्वमहर्षेर्धर्मसंचये

āhvayāmāsa mantreṇa nijāśramasamīpataḥ tasya brahmavido raikvamaharṣerdharmasaṁcaye

right near his own ashrama. Within the mass of dharma of that Brahman-knowing great sage Raikva,

Verse 66 (skanda.3.26.66)

अंतर्भवंति धर्मौघास्त्रैलोक्योदरवर्तिनाम्। रैक्वस्य धर्मकक्षा तु न हि त्रैलोक्यवर्तिनाम्

aṁtarbhavaṁti dharmaughāstrailokyodaravartinām raikvasya dharmakakṣā tu na hi trailokyavartinām

are contained the streams of dharma of all beings within the three worlds. But Raikva's realm of dharma is never contained

Verse 67 (skanda.3.26.67)

प्राणिनां धर्मकक्षायामन्तर्भवति कर्हिचित। एवमग्रेसरे हंसे कथित्वोपरते सति

prāṇināṁ dharmakakṣāyāmantarbhavati karhicita evamagresare haṁse kathitvoparate sati

within the realm of dharma of any beings dwelling in the three worlds." Thus having spoken, when the leading swan had fallen silent,

Verse 68 (skanda.3.26.68)

हंसरूपा मुनींद्रास्ते ब्रह्मलोकं ययुः पुनः। अथ पौत्रायणो राजा जानश्रुतिररिंदमः

haṁsarūpā munīṁdrāste brahmalokaṁ yayuḥ punaḥ atha pautrāyaṇo rājā jānaśrutirariṁdamaḥ

those lords of sages in swan-form went back again to the world of Brahma. Then King Pautrayana, Janashruti, the queller of foes,

Verse 69 (skanda.3.26.69)

रैक्वं चोत्कर्षकाष्ठायां निशम्य परमावधिम्। विषण्णोऽभवदत्यर्थं वराकोऽक्षजितो यथा

raikvaṁ cotkarṣakāṣṭhāyāṁ niśamya paramāvadhim viṣaṇṇo'bhavadatyarthaṁ varāko'kṣajito yathā

having heard of Raikva at the pinnacle of excellence, at the supreme limit, became exceedingly downcast, wretched, as one conquered by his senses.

Verse 70 (skanda.3.26.70)

चिंतयामास स नृपः पौनःपुन्येन निःश्वसन्। हंस उत्कर्षयन्रैक्वं निकृष्टं मामिहाब्रवीत्

ciṁtayāmāsa sa nṛpaḥ paunaḥpunyena niḥśvasan haṁsa utkarṣayanraikvaṁ nikṛṣṭaṁ māmihābravīt

That king reflected, sighing again and again: "The swan, exalting Raikva, called me inferior here.

Verse 71 (skanda.3.26.71)

अहो रैक्वस्य माहात्म्यं यं प्रशंसंति पक्षिणः। तत्परित्यज्य संसारं सर्वं राज्यमिहाधुना

aho raikvasya māhātmyaṁ yaṁ praśaṁsaṁti pakṣiṇaḥ tatparityajya saṁsāraṁ sarvaṁ rājyamihādhunā

Ah, such is the greatness of Raikva, whom even birds praise! Abandoning this entire worldly existence, this whole kingdom, right now,

Verse 72 (skanda.3.26.72)

सयुग्वानं महात्मानं तमेव शरणं व्रजे। कृपानिधिः स वै रैक्वः शरणं मामुपागतम्

sayugvānaṁ mahātmānaṁ tameva śaraṇaṁ vraje kṛpānidhiḥ sa vai raikvaḥ śaraṇaṁ māmupāgatam

let me go for refuge to that very great-souled Sayugva. That Raikva, an ocean of compassion, when I come to him for refuge,

Verse 73 (skanda.3.26.73)

प्रतिगृह्यात्मविज्ञानं मह्यं समुपदेक्ष्यति। इत्यसौ चिंतयन्नेव कथंकथमपि द्विजाः

pratigṛhyātmavijñānaṁ mahyaṁ samupadekṣyati ityasau ciṁtayanneva kathaṁkathamapi dvijāḥ

shall accept me and shall impart to me the knowledge of the Self." Thus reflecting, somehow or other, O brahmins,

Verse 74 (skanda.3.26.74)

जाग्रन्नेवायमुद्वेलां रात्रिं तामत्यवाहयत्। निशावसाने संप्राप्ते बंदिवृन्दप्रवर्तितम्

jāgrannevāyamudvelāṁ rātriṁ tāmatyavāhayat niśāvasāne saṁprāpte baṁdivṛndapravartitam

remaining awake, he passed that endless night. When the end of night arrived, he heard the auspicious sound set up by the bands of bards,

Verse 75 (skanda.3.26.75)

अशृणोन्मंगलरवं तूर्यघोषसमन्वितम्। तदाकर्ण्य महाराजस्तदा तल्पस्थ एव सन्

aśṛṇonmaṁgalaravaṁ tūryaghoṣasamanvitam tadākarṇya mahārājastadā talpastha eva san

accompanied by the blare of trumpets. Hearing that, the great king, while still lying on his bed,

Verse 76 (skanda.3.26.76)

सारथिं शीघ्रमाहूय बभाषे सादरं वचः। सारथे सत्वरं गत्वा रथमारुह्य वेगवत्

sārathiṁ śīghramāhūya babhāṣe sādaraṁ vacaḥ sārathe satvaraṁ gatvā rathamāruhya vegavat

quickly summoned his charioteer and spoke to him respectfully: "O charioteer, go swiftly, mounting the chariot with speed,

Verse 77 (skanda.3.26.77)

आश्रमेषु महर्षीणां पुण्येषु विपिनेषु च। विविक्तेषु प्रदेशेषु सतामावासभूमिषु

āśrameṣu maharṣīṇāṁ puṇyeṣu vipineṣu ca vivikteṣu pradeśeṣu satāmāvāsabhūmiṣu

to the ashramas of the great sages, and to holy forests, to solitary places, to the dwelling-grounds of the virtuous,

Verse 78 (skanda.3.26.78)

तीर्थानां च नदीनां च कूलेषु पुलिनेषु च। अन्येषु च प्रदेशेषु यत्र संति मुनीश्वराः।

tīrthānāṁ ca nadīnāṁ ca kūleṣu pulineṣu ca anyeṣu ca pradeśeṣu yatra saṁti munīśvarāḥ

and to the banks and sandbanks of tirthas and rivers, and to other regions, wherever there are lords of sages.

Verse 79 (skanda.3.26.79)

तेषु सर्वेषु योगींद्रं पंगुं शकटसंस्थितम्। रैक्वाभिधानं सर्वेषां धर्माणामेकसंश्रयम्

teṣu sarveṣu yogīṁdraṁ paṁguṁ śakaṭasaṁsthitam raikvābhidhānaṁ sarveṣāṁ dharmāṇāmekasaṁśrayam

In all of these, seek out the lord of yogis, the lame one seated in a cart, named Raikva, the sole refuge of all dharmas,

Verse 80 (skanda.3.26.80)

ब्रह्मज्ञानैकनिलयं सयुग्वानं गवेषय। अन्विष्य तूर्णं मत्प्रीत्यै पुनरागच्छ सारथे

brahmajñānaikanilayaṁ sayugvānaṁ gaveṣaya anviṣya tūrṇaṁ matprītyai punarāgaccha sārathe

the sole abode of knowledge of Brahman, Sayugva. Having sought him out, quickly, for my satisfaction, come back again, O charioteer."

Verse 81 (skanda.3.26.81)

स तथेति विनिर्गत्य वेगवद्रथसंस्थितः। सर्वत्रान्वेषयामास रैक्वं ब्रह्मविदं मुनिम्

sa tatheti vinirgatya vegavadrathasaṁsthitaḥ sarvatrānveṣayāmāsa raikvaṁ brahmavidaṁ munim

He, saying "So be it," went out, mounted upon a swift chariot, and sought Raikva, the Brahman-knowing sage, everywhere.

Verse 82 (skanda.3.26.82)

गुहासु पर्वतानां च मुनीनामाश्रमेषु च। संचचार महीं कृत्स्नां तत्र तत्र गवेषयन्

guhāsu parvatānāṁ ca munīnāmāśrameṣu ca saṁcacāra mahīṁ kṛtsnāṁ tatra tatra gaveṣayan

In the caves of mountains and in the ashramas of sages, he traversed the whole earth, searching here and there.

Verse 83 (skanda.3.26.83)

अन्विष्य विविधान्देशान्सारथिस्त्वरया सह। क्रमान्महर्षिसंबाधं गंधमादनमन्वगात्

anviṣya vividhāndeśānsārathistvarayā saha kramānmaharṣisaṁbādhaṁ gaṁdhamādanamanvagāt

Having searched various lands, that charioteer, with haste, came in due course to Gandhamadana, thronged with great sages.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.26.84)

मार्गमाणः स तत्रापि तं ददर्श मुनीश्वरम्। कंडूयमानं पामानं शकटीयस्थलस्थितम्

mārgamāṇaḥ sa tatrāpi taṁ dadarśa munīśvaram kaṁḍūyamānaṁ pāmānaṁ śakaṭīyasthalasthitam

Searching there too, he saw that lord of sages, scratching his itch, seated on the ground of his cart-shed,

Verse 85 (skanda.3.26.85)

अद्वैतनिष्कलं ब्रह्म चिंतयंतं निरन्तरम्। तं दृष्ट्वा सारथिस्तत्र सयुग्वानं महामुनिम्

advaitaniṣkalaṁ brahma ciṁtayaṁtaṁ nirantaram taṁ dṛṣṭvā sārathistatra sayugvānaṁ mahāmunim

constantly contemplating the non-dual, partless Brahman. Having seen him there, the charioteer, that great sage Sayugva,

Verse 86 (skanda.3.26.86)

रैक्वोऽयमिति संचिंत्य तमासाद्य प्रणम्य च। विनयान्मुनिमप्राक्षीदुपविश्य तदन्तिके

raikvo'yamiti saṁciṁtya tamāsādya praṇamya ca vinayānmunimaprākṣīdupaviśya tadantike

thinking "This is indeed Raikva," approached him, bowed, and, having sat down near him, humbly questioned that sage:

Verse 87 (skanda.3.26.87)

सयुग्वान्रैक्वनामा च ब्रह्मन्किं वै भवानिति। तस्य वाक्यं समाकर्ण्य स मुनिः प्रत्यभाषत

sayugvānraikvanāmā ca brahmankiṁ vai bhavāniti tasya vākyaṁ samākarṇya sa muniḥ pratyabhāṣata

"Are you the one called Sayugva Raikva, O brahmin?" Having heard his words, that sage replied:

Verse 88 (skanda.3.26.88)

अहमेव सयुग्वान्वै रैक्वनामेति वै तदा। इत्याकर्ण्य मुने र्वाक्यमिंगितैर्बहुभिस्तथा

ahameva sayugvānvai raikvanāmeti vai tadā ityākarṇya mune rvākyamiṁgitairbahubhistathā

"I am indeed that Sayugva, named Raikva." Having heard the sage's words, then, by many gestures too,

Verse 89 (skanda.3.26.89)

कुटुम्बभरणार्थाय धनेच्छामवगम्य च। सर्वं न्यवेदयद्राज्ञे निवृत्तो गंधमादनात्

kuṭumbabharaṇārthāya dhanecchāmavagamya ca sarvaṁ nyavedayadrājñe nivṛtto gaṁdhamādanāt

having understood his desire for wealth for the maintenance of his household, the charioteer, having returned from Gandhamadana, reported all this to the king.

Verse 90 (skanda.3.26.90)

जानश्रुतिर्निशम्याथ सारथेर्वाक्यमादरात्। षट्शतानि गवां चापि निष्कभारं धनस्य च

jānaśrutirniśamyātha sārathervākyamādarāt ṣaṭśatāni gavāṁ cāpi niṣkabhāraṁ dhanasya ca

Janashruti, having heard the charioteer's words respectfully, took six hundred cows, and a load of gold coins,

Verse 91 (skanda.3.26.91)

रथं चाश्वतरीयुक्तं समादाय त्वरान्वितः। पौत्रायणः स राजर्षिस्तं रैक्वं प्रतिचक्रमे

rathaṁ cāśvatarīyuktaṁ samādāya tvarānvitaḥ pautrāyaṇaḥ sa rājarṣistaṁ raikvaṁ praticakrame

and a chariot yoked with mules, and, filled with haste, that royal sage, son of Pautra, set out toward that Raikva.

Verse 92 (skanda.3.26.92)

गत्वा च वचनं प्राह तं रैक्वं स महीपतिः। भगवन्रैक्व सयुग्वन्मद्दत्तं प्रतिगृह्यताम्

gatvā ca vacanaṁ prāha taṁ raikvaṁ sa mahīpatiḥ bhagavanraikva sayugvanmaddattaṁ pratigṛhyatām

Having gone, that lord of the earth spoke this word to that Raikva: "O venerable Raikva Sayugva, accept what I have given you -

Verse 93 (skanda.3.26.93)

षट्शतानि गवां चापि निष्कभारं धनस्य च। रथं चाश्वतरीयुक्तं प्रतिगृह्णीष्व मामकम्

ṣaṭśatāni gavāṁ cāpi niṣkabhāraṁ dhanasya ca rathaṁ cāśvatarīyuktaṁ pratigṛhṇīṣva māmakam

six hundred cows, and a load of gold, and a chariot yoked with mules; accept these of mine.

Verse 94 (skanda.3.26.94)

गृहीत्वा सवमेतत्तु भो ब्रह्मन्ननुशाधि माम्। अद्वैतब्रह्मविज्ञानं मह्यं समुपदिश्यताम्

gṛhītvā savametattu bho brahmannanuśādhi mām advaitabrahmavijñānaṁ mahyaṁ samupadiśyatām

Having accepted all this, O brahmin, instruct me; impart to me the non-dual knowledge of Brahman.

Verse 95 (skanda.3.26.95)

इति तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा सस्पृहं च ससंभ्रम्। रैक्वः प्रत्याह सयुग्वाञ्जानश्रुतिमरिंदमम्।

iti tasya vacaḥ śrutvā saspṛhaṁ ca sasaṁbhram raikvaḥ pratyāha sayugvāñjānaśrutimariṁdamam

Having heard his words, with longing and with agitation, Raikva Sayugva replied to Janashruti, the queller of foes.

Verse 96 (skanda.3.26.96)

रैक्व उवाच। एता गावस्तवैवास्तु निष्कभारस्तथा रथः। किमल्पेन ममानेन बहुकल्पेषु जीवतः

raikva uvāca etā gāvastavaivāstu niṣkabhārastathā rathaḥ kimalpena mamānena bahukalpeṣu jīvataḥ

Raikva said: "Let these cows, and the load of gold, and likewise the chariot, remain yours alone. What use have I for this little, living as I do through many aeons?

Verse 97 (skanda.3.26.97)

न मे कुटुंब निर्वाहे पर्याप्तमिदमंजसा। एवं शतगुणं चापि यदि दत्तं त्वया मम

na me kuṭuṁba nirvāhe paryāptamidamaṁjasā evaṁ śataguṇaṁ cāpi yadi dattaṁ tvayā mama

This does not even truly suffice for the maintenance of my household. Even if a hundred times this were given by you to me,

Verse 98 (skanda.3.26.98)

नालं तदपि राजेंद्र कुटुंबभरणाय वै। इति रैक्ववचः श्रुत्वा जानश्रुतिरभाषत

nālaṁ tadapi rājeṁdra kuṭuṁbabharaṇāya vai iti raikvavacaḥ śrutvā jānaśrutirabhāṣata

still it would not, O Indra among kings, be enough for the maintenance of my household." Having heard Raikva's words, Janashruti spoke.

Verse 99 (skanda.3.26.99)

जानश्रुतिरुवाच। त्वयोपदिश्यमानस्य ब्रह्मज्ञानस्य वै मुने। न हि मूल्यमिदं ब्रह्मन्गोधनं रथ एव च।

jānaśrutiruvāca tvayopadiśyamānasya brahmajñānasya vai mune na hi mūlyamidaṁ brahmangodhanaṁ ratha eva ca

Janashruti said: "For the knowledge of Brahman that you would impart, O sage, there is no price at all, O brahmin, neither cattle-wealth nor a chariot.

Verse 100 (skanda.3.26.100)

प्रतिगृह्णीष्व वा मा वा ममैतत्तु गवादिकम्। निष्कलाद्वैतविज्ञानं ब्रह्मन्नुपदिशस्व मे। तदाकर्ण्य वचस्तस्य सयुग्वान्वाक्यमब्रवीत्

pratigṛhṇīṣva vā mā vā mamaitattu gavādikam niṣkalādvaitavijñānaṁ brahmannupadiśasva me tadākarṇya vacastasya sayugvānvākyamabravīt

Whether you accept or do not accept this wealth of cows and the rest of mine, do impart to me, O brahmin, the partless, non-dual knowledge." Having heard his words, Sayugva spoke this word.

Verse 101 (skanda.3.26.101)

रैक्व उवाच। निर्वेदो यस्य संसारे तथा वै पुण्यपापयोः

raikva uvāca nirvedo yasya saṁsāre tathā vai puṇyapāpayoḥ

Raikva said: "He in whom there is disenchantment (vairagya) with worldly existence, and likewise with both merit and demerit,

Verse 102 (skanda.3.26.102)

प्रारब्धयोर्विनाशश्च स वै ज्ञानोपदेशभाक्। तव यद्यपि संसारे निर्वेदः समजायत

prārabdhayorvināśaśca sa vai jñānopadeśabhāk tava yadyapi saṁsāre nirvedaḥ samajāyata

and the destruction of those already set in motion (prarabdha) - he indeed is fit to receive the teaching of knowledge. Although disenchantment with worldly existence has arisen in you,

Verse 103 (skanda.3.26.103)

तथापि पुण्यपापानां न हि नाशो व्याजयत। पुण्यपापौघसंघाश्च पुनर्जन्मनि हेतवः

tathāpi puṇyapāpānāṁ na hi nāśo vyājayata puṇyapāpaughasaṁghāśca punarjanmani hetavaḥ

yet the destruction of merit and demerit has not been shown by you. The accumulated masses of merit and demerit are the causes of rebirth;

Verse 104 (skanda.3.26.104)

न हि भोगं विना तेषां नाशो भवति भूपते। तन्नाशोपायमद्याहं तथापि प्रब्रवीमि ते

na hi bhogaṁ vinā teṣāṁ nāśo bhavati bhūpate tannāśopāyamadyāhaṁ tathāpi prabravīmi te

without their experience, there is no destruction of them, O king. Nevertheless, I shall now tell you the means of their destruction,

Verse 105 (skanda.3.26.105)

यतो मां शरणं प्राप्तस्तच्छृणुष्व समाहितः। अत्र तीर्थत्रयं पुण्यं वर्ततेऽभीष्टदायकम्

yato māṁ śaraṇaṁ prāptastacchṛṇuṣva samāhitaḥ atra tīrthatrayaṁ puṇyaṁ vartate'bhīṣṭadāyakam

since you have come to me for refuge - listen to that, with a composed mind. Here there exists a holy triad of tirthas, granting all desires,

Verse 106 (skanda.3.26.106)

मुमुक्षूणां हि सर्वेषां सर्वप्रारब्धनाशनम्। एतद्धि यमुनातीर्थं गंगातीर्थं तथैव च

mumukṣūṇāṁ hi sarveṣāṁ sarvaprārabdhanāśanam etaddhi yamunātīrthaṁ gaṁgātīrthaṁ tathaiva ca

destroying all the accumulated (prarabdha) karma of all seekers of liberation. This is the Yamuna-tirtha, and likewise Ganga-tirtha,

Verse 107 (skanda.3.26.107)

गयातीर्थमिदं चापि तदेषु स्नाहि मा चिरम्। सर्वप्रारब्धनाशः स्यात्तदा नैवात्र संशयः

gayātīrthamidaṁ cāpi tadeṣu snāhi mā ciram sarvaprārabdhanāśaḥ syāttadā naivātra saṁśayaḥ

and this Gaya-tirtha as well; bathe at these without delay. The destruction of all your accumulated karma shall come then - there is no doubt of it.

Verse 108 (skanda.3.26.108)

ततस्ते शुद्धचित्तस्य ज्ञानं चैव दिशाम्यहम्। इत्युक्ते रैक्वमुनिना हर्षसंफुल्ललोचनः

tataste śuddhacittasya jñānaṁ caiva diśāmyaham ityukte raikvamuninā harṣasaṁphullalocanaḥ

Then, when your mind is purified, I shall impart knowledge to you." Thus addressed by the sage Raikva, his eyes blossoming with joy,

Verse 109 (skanda.3.26.109)

ससंभ्रममुपागम्य सस्नौ तीर्थत्रयेऽपि सः। तत्तीर्थस्नानमात्रेण शुद्धचित्तोऽभवन्नृपः

sasaṁbhramamupāgamya sasnau tīrthatraye'pi saḥ tattīrthasnānamātreṇa śuddhacitto'bhavannṛpaḥ

approaching in haste, he bathed at all three tirthas. By mere bathing at that tirtha, the king's mind became pure.

Verse 110 (skanda.3.26.110)

उपातिष्ठत राजासौ सयुग्वानं गुरुं पुनः। सयुग्वा स च रैक्वोऽपि मुनींद्रैरपि दुर्लभम्

upātiṣṭhata rājāsau sayugvānaṁ guruṁ punaḥ sayugvā sa ca raikvo'pi munīṁdrairapi durlabham

That king again approached Sayugva, his guru. And that Raikva Sayugva too, difficult to obtain even for the lords of yogis,

Verse 111 (skanda.3.26.111)

तज्जानश्रुतये ज्ञानं कृपया समुपादिशत्। तेनोपदिष्टमात्रे तु विज्ञाने ब्रह्मरूपिणि

tajjānaśrutaye jñānaṁ kṛpayā samupādiśat tenopadiṣṭamātre tu vijñāne brahmarūpiṇi

imparted, out of compassion, that knowledge to Janashruti. As soon as that knowledge, of the form of Brahman, was imparted,

Verse 112 (skanda.3.26.112)

अबाधितानुभववानभवद्राजसत्तमः। ब्रह्मरूपं गतस्यास्य प्रसादाद्रैक्वयोगिनः

abādhitānubhavavānabhavadrājasattamaḥ brahmarūpaṁ gatasyāsya prasādādraikvayoginaḥ

that best of kings had an unobstructed experience (of Brahman). By the grace of the yogi Raikva, once he had attained the form of Brahman,

Verse 113 (skanda.3.26.113)

घटकुड्यकुसूलात्मा न प्रपंचस्समस्फुरत्। निर्भिद्य सहसा मायामभूद्ब्रह्मैव केवलम्

ghaṭakuḍyakusūlātmā na prapaṁcassamasphurat nirbhidya sahasā māyāmabhūdbrahmaiva kevalam

the manifest world, consisting of pot, wall, and granary, no longer appeared; having suddenly pierced through maya, he became Brahman alone, without qualification.

Verse 114 (skanda.3.26.114)

इत्थं तीर्थत्रये स्नानाज्जानश्रुतिरहो नृपः। दुर्लभं योगिवृंदैश्च ब्रह्मभूयत्वमाप्तवान्

itthaṁ tīrthatraye snānājjānaśrutiraho nṛpaḥ durlabhaṁ yogivṛṁdaiśca brahmabhūyatvamāptavān

Thus, by bathing at the triad of tirthas, ah, King Janashruti attained the state of being Brahman, difficult to obtain even for hosts of yogis.

Verse 115 (skanda.3.26.115)

एवं वः कथितं विप्रास्तत्तीर्थत्रयवैभवम्। यस्त्विमं पठतेऽध्यायं तीर्थत्रितयवैभवम्

evaṁ vaḥ kathitaṁ viprāstattīrthatrayavaibhavam yastvimaṁ paṭhate'dhyāyaṁ tīrthatritayavaibhavam

Thus has been told to you, O brahmins, the greatness of that triad of tirthas. Whoever reads this chapter, the greatness of the triad of tirthas,

Verse 116 (skanda.3.26.116)

निर्भिद्याज्ञानतिमिरं ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते

nirbhidyājñānatimiraṁ brahmabhūyāya kalpate

piercing through the darkness of ignorance, becomes fit for the state of being Brahman.