The Glory of Dhanushkoti

Verse 1 (skanda.3.30.1)

श्रीसूत उवाच विहिताभिषवो मर्त्यः सर्वतीर्थेऽतिपावने ब्रह्महत्यादिपापघ्नीं धनुष्कोटिं ततो व्रजेत्

śrīsūta uvāca vihitābhiṣavo martyaḥ sarvatīrthe'tipāvane brahmahatyādipāpaghnīṁ dhanuṣkoṭiṁ tato vrajet

Sri Suta said: A mortal, having performed the consecrating bath at the utterly sacred Sarva-tirtha, should then proceed to Dhanushkoti, the destroyer of sins beginning with the killing of a brahmin.

Verse 2 (skanda.3.30.2)

यस्याः स्मरणमात्रेण मुक्तः स्यान्मानवो भुवि धनुष्कोटिं प्रपश्यंति स्नांति वा कथयंति ये

yasyāḥ smaraṇamātreṇa muktaḥ syānmānavo bhuvi dhanuṣkoṭiṁ prapaśyaṁti snāṁti vā kathayaṁti ye

By mere remembrance of which a man on earth becomes liberated - those who behold Dhanushkoti, or bathe there, or merely speak of it,

Verse 3 (skanda.3.30.3)

अष्टाविंशतिभेदांस्ते नरकान्नोपभुंजते तामिस्रमंधतामिस्रं महारौरवरौरवौ

aṣṭāviṁśatibhedāṁste narakānnopabhuṁjate tāmisramaṁdhatāmisraṁ mahārauravarauravau

do not undergo the twenty-eight kinds of hells - Tamisra, Andhatamisra, Maharaurava and Raurava,

Verse 4 (skanda.3.30.4)

कुम्भीपाकं कालसूत्रमसिपत्रवनं तथा कृमिभक्षोंऽधकूपश्च संदंशं शाल्मली तथा

kumbhīpākaṁ kālasūtramasipatravanaṁ tathā kṛmibhakṣoṁ'dhakūpaśca saṁdaṁśaṁ śālmalī tathā

Kumbhipaka, Kalasutra, and the forest of sword-leaves (Asipatravana), likewise Krimibhaksha, Andhakupa, Sandamsha, and Shalmali,

Verse 5 (skanda.3.30.5)

सूर्मिर्वैतरणी प्राणरोधो विशसनं तथा लालाभक्षोऽप्यवीचिश्च सारमेयादनं तथा

sūrmirvaitaraṇī prāṇarodho viśasanaṁ tathā lālābhakṣo'pyavīciśca sārameyādanaṁ tathā

Surmi, Vaitarani, Pranarodha, and likewise Vishasana, Lalabhaksha, and also Avichi, and likewise Sarameyadana,

Verse 6 (skanda.3.30.6)

तथैव वज्रकणकं क्षारकर्दमपातनम् रक्षोगणाशनं चापि शूलप्रोतं वितोदनम्

tathaiva vajrakaṇakaṁ kṣārakardamapātanam rakṣogaṇāśanaṁ cāpi śūlaprotaṁ vitodanam

and likewise Vajrakantaka, being cast into caustic mud, being devoured by hosts of Rakshasas, and being impaled and tormented on a stake,

Verse 7 (skanda.3.30.7)

दंदशूकाशनं चापि पर्यावर्तनसंज्ञितम् तिरोधानाभिधं विप्रास्तथा सूचीमुखाभिधम्

daṁdaśūkāśanaṁ cāpi paryāvartanasaṁjñitam tirodhānābhidhaṁ viprāstathā sūcīmukhābhidham

and being devoured by venomous serpents, and that hell called Paryavartana, that called Tirodhana, O brahmins, and likewise that called Suchimukha,

Verse 8 (skanda.3.30.8)

पूयशोणितभक्षं च विषाग्निपरिपीडनम् अष्टाविंशतिसंख्याकमेवं नरकसंचयम्

pūyaśoṇitabhakṣaṁ ca viṣāgniparipīḍanam aṣṭāviṁśatisaṁkhyākamevaṁ narakasaṁcayam

and being made to eat pus and blood, and torment by poison and fire - thus this whole collection of twenty-eight hells,

Verse 9 (skanda.3.30.9)

न याति मनुजो विप्रा धनुष्कोटौ निमज्जनात् वित्तापत्यकलत्राणां योऽन्येषामपहारकः

na yāti manujo viprā dhanuṣkoṭau nimajjanāt vittāpatyakalatrāṇāṁ yo'nyeṣāmapahārakaḥ

a man, O brahmins, does not undergo, through immersion at Dhanushkoti. He who steals the wealth, offspring, or wives of others -

Verse 10 (skanda.3.30.10)

स कालपाशनिर्बद्धो यमदूतैर्भयानकैः तामिस्रनरके घोरे पात्यते बहुवत्सरम्

sa kālapāśanirbaddho yamadūtairbhayānakaiḥ tāmisranarake ghore pātyate bahuvatsaram

bound by the noose of Death, by the fearsome messengers of Yama, is cast into the terrible Tamisra hell for many years -

Verse 11 (skanda.3.30.11)

स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते यो निहत्य तु भर्तारं भुंक्ते तस्य धनादिकान्

snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate yo nihatya tu bhartāraṁ bhuṁkte tasya dhanādikān

but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell. He who, having slain his master, enjoys his wealth and possessions -

Verse 12 (skanda.3.30.12)

पात्यते सोंऽधतामिस्रे महादुःखसमाकुले स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते

pātyate soṁ'dhatāmisre mahāduḥkhasamākule snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate

is cast into Andhatamisra, filled with great suffering; but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell.

Verse 13 (skanda.3.30.13)

भूतद्रोहेण यो मर्त्यः पुष्णाति स्वकुटुंबकम् स तानिह विहायाशु रौरवे पात्यते ध्रुवम्

bhūtadroheṇa yo martyaḥ puṣṇāti svakuṭuṁbakam sa tāniha vihāyāśu raurave pātyate dhruvam

The mortal who, by betraying the creatures dependent on him, nourishes his own family -

Verse 14 (skanda.3.30.14)

विषोल्बणमहासर्पसंकुले यमपूरुषैः स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते

viṣolbaṇamahāsarpasaṁkule yamapūruṣaiḥ snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate

abandoning them here, is surely cast swiftly by Yama's men into Raurava, thronged with venomous great serpents;

Verse 15 (skanda.3.30.15)

यः स्वदेहंभरो मर्त्यो भार्यापुत्रादिकं विना स महारौरवे घोरे पात्यते निजमांसभुक्

yaḥ svadehaṁbharo martyo bhāryāputrādikaṁ vinā sa mahāraurave ghore pātyate nijamāṁsabhuk

but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell. The mortal who nourishes only his own body, neglecting his wife, sons and the rest -

Verse 16 (skanda.3.30.16)

स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते यः पशून्पक्षिणो वापि सप्राणान्निरुणद्धि वै

snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate yaḥ paśūnpakṣiṇo vāpi saprāṇānniruṇaddhi vai

is cast into the terrible Maharaurava, there devouring his own flesh; but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell. He who confines living beasts or birds -

Verse 17 (skanda.3.30.17)

कृपालेशविहीनं तं क्रव्यादैरपि निंदितम् कुंभीपाके तप्ततैले पातयंति यमानुगाः

kṛpāleśavihīnaṁ taṁ kravyādairapi niṁditam kuṁbhīpāke taptataile pātayaṁti yamānugāḥ

devoid of the least compassion, condemned even by carrion-eating beasts - him the servants of Yama cast into Kumbhipaka, into boiling oil;

Verse 18 (skanda.3.30.18)

स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते मातरं पितरं विप्रान्यो द्वेष्टि पुरुषाधमः

snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate mātaraṁ pitaraṁ viprānyo dveṣṭi puruṣādhamaḥ

but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell. The basest of men who hates his mother, his father, or brahmins -

Verse 19 (skanda.3.30.19)

स कालसूत्रनरके विस्तृतायुतयोजने अधस्तादग्निसंतप्त उपर्यर्कमरीचिभिः

sa kālasūtranarake vistṛtāyutayojane adhastādagnisaṁtapta uparyarkamarīcibhiḥ

he, in the Kalasutra hell, ten thousand yojanas in extent, scorched below by fire and above by the sun's rays,

Verse 20 (skanda.3.30.20)

खले ताम्रमये विप्राः पात्यते क्षुधयार्दितः स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते

khale tāmramaye viprāḥ pātyate kṣudhayārditaḥ snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate

is cast, O brahmins, tormented by hunger, upon a copper threshing-floor; but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell.

Verse 21 (skanda.3.30.21)

यो वेदमार्गमुल्लंघ्य वर्तते कुपथे नरः सोऽसिपत्रवने घोरे पात्यते यमकिंकरैः

yo vedamārgamullaṁghya vartate kupathe naraḥ so'sipatravane ghore pātyate yamakiṁkaraiḥ

The man who, transgressing the path of the Vedas, follows an evil path, is cast by Yama's servants into the terrible forest of sword-leaves, Asipatravana;

Verse 22 (skanda.3.30.22)

स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते यो राजा राजभृत्यो वा ह्यदंड्ये दंडमाचरेत्

snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate yo rājā rājabhṛtyo vā hyadaṁḍye daṁḍamācaret

but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell. Whatever king or king's servant inflicts punishment on one who does not deserve it -

Verse 23 (skanda.3.30.23)

शरीरदंडं विप्रे वा स शूकरमुखे द्विजाः पात्यते नरके घोरे इक्षुवद्यंत्रपीडितः

śarīradaṁḍaṁ vipre vā sa śūkaramukhe dvijāḥ pātyate narake ghore ikṣuvadyaṁtrapīḍitaḥ

whether bodily punishment or punishment of a brahmin, he, O brahmins, is cast into the Shukaramukha hell, crushed like sugarcane in a press;

Verse 24 (skanda.3.30.24)

स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते ईश्वराधीनवृत्तीनां हिंसां यः प्राणिनां चरेत्

snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate īśvarādhīnavṛttīnāṁ hiṁsāṁ yaḥ prāṇināṁ caret

but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell. He who commits violence against creatures whose livelihood depends on the Lord -

Verse 25 (skanda.3.30.25)

तैरेव पीड्यमानोऽयं जंतुभिः स्वेन पीडितैः अंधकूपे महाभीमे पात्यते यमकिंकरैः

taireva pīḍyamāno'yaṁ jaṁtubhiḥ svena pīḍitaiḥ aṁdhakūpe mahābhīme pātyate yamakiṁkaraiḥ

tormented by those very creatures he had himself tormented, is cast by Yama's servants into the terrible, fearsome Andhakupa;

Verse 26 (skanda.3.30.26)

तत्रांधकारबहुले विनिद्रो निर्वृतश्चरेत् स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते

tatrāṁdhakārabahule vinidro nirvṛtaścaret snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate

there, in that place thick with darkness, he wanders sleepless and without peace; but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell.

Verse 27 (skanda.3.30.27)

योऽश्नाति पंक्तिभेदेन सस्यसूपादिकं नरः अकृत्वा पंचयज्ञं वा भुंक्ते मोहेन स द्विजाः

yo'śnāti paṁktibhedena sasyasūpādikaṁ naraḥ akṛtvā paṁcayajñaṁ vā bhuṁkte mohena sa dvijāḥ

The man who eats grain-dishes and the like by breaking the row of diners, or who, without having performed the five great sacrifices, eats out of delusion, O brahmins -

Verse 28 (skanda.3.30.28)

प्रपात्यते यमभटैर्नरके कृमिभोजने भक्ष्यमाणः कृमिशतैर्भक्षयन्कृमिसंचयान्

prapātyate yamabhaṭairnarake kṛmibhojane bhakṣyamāṇaḥ kṛmiśatairbhakṣayankṛmisaṁcayān

he is cast down by Yama's soldiers into the worm-feeding hell, being devoured by hundreds of worms while himself devouring swarms of worms,

Verse 29 (skanda.3.30.29)

स्वयं च कृमिभूतः संस्तिष्ठेद्यावदघक्षयम् स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते

svayaṁ ca kṛmibhūtaḥ saṁstiṣṭhedyāvadaghakṣayam snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate

and, himself turned into a worm, remains there until his sin is exhausted; but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell.

Verse 30 (skanda.3.30.30)

यो हरेद्विप्रवित्तानि स्तेयेन बलतोऽपि वा अन्येषामपि वित्तानि राजा तत्पुरुषोऽपि वा

yo haredvipravittāni steyena balato'pi vā anyeṣāmapi vittāni rājā tatpuruṣo'pi vā

He who takes away a brahmin's wealth by theft or by force, or the wealth of others too - whether a king or that king's agent -

Verse 31 (skanda.3.30.31)

अयस्मयाग्निकुंडेषु संदंशैः सोऽतिपीडितः संदंशे नरके घोरे पात्यते यमपूरुषैः

ayasmayāgnikuṁḍeṣu saṁdaṁśaiḥ so'tipīḍitaḥ saṁdaṁśe narake ghore pātyate yamapūruṣaiḥ

greatly tormented with iron tongs in pits of fire, is cast by Yama's men into the terrible Sandamsha hell;

Verse 32 (skanda.3.30.32)

स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते अगम्यां योभिगच्छेत स्त्रियं वै पुरुषाधमः

snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate agamyāṁ yobhigaccheta striyaṁ vai puruṣādhamaḥ

but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell. The basest of men who approaches a woman forbidden to him,

Verse 33 (skanda.3.30.33)

अगम्यं पुरुषं योषिदभिगच्छेत वा द्विजाः तावयस्मयनारीं च पुरुषं चाप्ययस्मयम्

agamyaṁ puruṣaṁ yoṣidabhigaccheta vā dvijāḥ tāvayasmayanārīṁ ca puruṣaṁ cāpyayasmayam

or, O brahmins, the woman who approaches a man forbidden to her - both of them, an iron woman and an iron man,

Verse 34 (skanda.3.30.34)

तप्तावालिंग्य तिष्ठंतौ यावच्चंद्रदिवाकरौ सूर्म्याख्ये नरके घोरे पात्येते बहुकंटके

taptāvāliṁgya tiṣṭhaṁtau yāvaccaṁdradivākarau sūrmyākhye narake ghore pātyete bahukaṁṭake

heated red-hot, are made to embrace, and remain so for as long as the moon and sun endure, cast into the terrible, thorn-filled Surmi hell;

Verse 35 (skanda.3.30.35)

स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते बाधते सर्वजंतून्यो नानोपायैरुपद्रवैः

snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate bādhate sarvajaṁtūnyo nānopāyairupadravaiḥ

but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell. He who torments all creatures through various forms of harassment -

Verse 36 (skanda.3.30.36)

शाल्मलीनरके घोरे पात्यते बहुकंटके स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते

śālmalīnarake ghore pātyate bahukaṁṭake snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate

is cast into the terrible, thorn-filled Shalmali hell; but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell.

Verse 37 (skanda.3.30.37)

राजा वा राजभृत्यो वा यः पाषंडमनुव्रतः भेदको धर्मसेतूनां वैतरण्यां निपात्यते

rājā vā rājabhṛtyo vā yaḥ pāṣaṁḍamanuvrataḥ bhedako dharmasetūnāṁ vaitaraṇyāṁ nipātyate

Whatever king or king's servant follows heretical doctrine, and who breaks the bounds of dharma -

Verse 38 (skanda.3.30.38)

स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते वृषलीसंगदुष्टो यः शौचाद्याचारवर्जितः

snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate vṛṣalīsaṁgaduṣṭo yaḥ śaucādyācāravarjitaḥ

is cast into Vaitarani; but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell. He who is corrupted by association with an unchaste woman, devoid of purity and proper conduct,

Verse 39 (skanda.3.30.39)

त्यक्तलज्जस्त्यक्तवेदः पशुचर्यारतस्तथा स पूयविष्ठामूत्रासृक्छ्लेष्मपित्तादिपूरिते

tyaktalajjastyaktavedaḥ paśucaryāratastathā sa pūyaviṣṭhāmūtrāsṛkchleṣmapittādipūrite

who has abandoned shame, abandoned the Vedas, and is devoted to a beastly way of life - he, into that most loathsome hell, filled with pus, excrement, urine, blood, phlegm, bile and the like,

Verse 40 (skanda.3.30.40)

अतिबीभत्सनरके पात्यते यमकिंकरैः स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते

atibībhatsanarake pātyate yamakiṁkaraiḥ snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate

is cast by Yama's servants; but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell.

Verse 41 (skanda.3.30.41)

अश्मभिर्मृगयुर्हन्याद्बाणैर्वा बाधते मृगान् स विध्यमानो बाणौघैः परत्र यमकिंकरैः

aśmabhirmṛgayurhanyādbāṇairvā bādhate mṛgān sa vidhyamāno bāṇaughaiḥ paratra yamakiṁkaraiḥ

The hunter who kills with stones, or who harasses deer with arrows - he, pierced in the next world by masses of arrows shot by Yama's servants,

Verse 42 (skanda.3.30.42)

प्राणरोधाख्यनरके पात्यते यमकिंकरैः स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते

prāṇarodhākhyanarake pātyate yamakiṁkaraiḥ snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate

is cast by Yama's servants into the hell called Pranarodha; but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.30.43)

दांभिको यः पशून्यज्ञे विध्यनुष्ठानवर्जितः हंत्यसौ परलोकेषु वैशसे नरके द्विजाः

dāṁbhiko yaḥ paśūnyajñe vidhyanuṣṭhānavarjitaḥ haṁtyasau paralokeṣu vaiśase narake dvijāḥ

The hypocrite who, without proper ritual procedure, slays animals in a sacrifice, O brahmins - he, in the world beyond,

Verse 44 (skanda.3.30.44)

कृन्त्यमानो यमभटैः पात्यते दुःखसंकुले स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते

kṛntyamāno yamabhaṭaiḥ pātyate duḥkhasaṁkule snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate

is cast, cut to pieces by Yama's soldiers, into the Vaishasa hell, filled with suffering; but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell.

Verse 45 (skanda.3.30.45)

आत्मभार्यां सवर्णां यो रेतः पाययते तु सः परत्र रेतःपायी सन्रेतःकुंडे निपात्यते

ātmabhāryāṁ savarṇāṁ yo retaḥ pāyayate tu saḥ paratra retaḥpāyī sanretaḥkuṁḍe nipātyate

He who compels his own wife of equal caste to drink semen -

Verse 46 (skanda.3.30.46)

स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते यो दस्युमार्गमाश्रित्य गरदो ग्रामदाहकः

snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate yo dasyumārgamāśritya garado grāmadāhakaḥ

is himself made to drink semen in the next world and cast into the hell called Retahkunda; but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell. He who resorts to the way of a bandit, who poisons others, who burns down villages,

Verse 47 (skanda.3.30.47)

वणिग्द्रव्यापहारी च स परत्र द्विजोत्तमाः वज्रदंष्ट्राहिकाभिख्ये नरके पात्यते चिरम्

vaṇigdravyāpahārī ca sa paratra dvijottamāḥ vajradaṁṣṭrāhikābhikhye narake pātyate ciram

and who plunders a merchant's goods - he, O best of brahmins, is cast for a long time in the world beyond into the hell called Vajradamshtrahika;

Verse 48 (skanda.3.30.48)

स्नाति चेद्धनुषः कोटौ तस्मिन्नासौ निपात्यते विद्यंते यानि चान्यानि नरकाणि परत्र वै

snāti ceddhanuṣaḥ koṭau tasminnāsau nipātyate vidyaṁte yāni cānyāni narakāṇi paratra vai

but if he bathes at Dhanushkoti, he is not cast into that hell. Whatever other hells exist besides these, in the world beyond -

Verse 49 (skanda.3.30.49)

तानि नाप्नोति मनुजो धनुष्कोटिनिमज्जनात् धनुष्कोटौ सकृत्स्नानादश्वमेधफलं लभेत्

tāni nāpnoti manujo dhanuṣkoṭinimajjanāt dhanuṣkoṭau sakṛtsnānādaśvamedhaphalaṁ labhet

none of these does a man encounter, through immersion at Dhanushkoti. By bathing at Dhanushkoti even once, one obtains the fruit of the Ashvamedha sacrifice;

Verse 50 (skanda.3.30.50)

आत्मविद्या भवेत्साक्षान्मुक्तिश्चापि चतुर्विधा न पापे रमते बुद्धिर्न भवेद्दुःखमेव वा

ātmavidyā bhavetsākṣānmuktiścāpi caturvidhā na pāpe ramate buddhirna bhavedduḥkhameva vā

self-knowledge arises directly, and the fourfold liberation as well; the mind takes no delight in sin, nor does suffering come to it -

Verse 51 (skanda.3.30.51)

बुद्धेः प्रीतिर्भवेत्सम्यग्धनुष्कोटौ निमज्जनात् तुलापुरुषदानेन यत्फलं लभ्यते नरैः

buddheḥ prītirbhavetsamyagdhanuṣkoṭau nimajjanāt tulāpuruṣadānena yatphalaṁ labhyate naraiḥ

the mind attains true delight, through immersion at Dhanushkoti. Whatever fruit men obtain through the gift of Tulapurusha (weighing oneself in gold and donating it),

Verse 52 (skanda.3.30.52)

तत्फलं लभ्यते पुंभिर्धनुष्कोटौ निमज्जनात् गोसहस्रप्रदानेन यत्पुण्यं हि भवेन्नृणाम्

tatphalaṁ labhyate puṁbhirdhanuṣkoṭau nimajjanāt gosahasrapradānena yatpuṇyaṁ hi bhavennṛṇām

that same fruit men obtain by immersion at Dhanushkoti. Whatever merit accrues to men through the gift of a thousand cows -

Verse 53 (skanda.3.30.53)

तत्पुण्यं लभते मर्त्यो धनुष्कोटौ निमज्जनात् धर्मार्थकाममोक्षेषु यंयमिच्छति पूरुषः

tatpuṇyaṁ labhate martyo dhanuṣkoṭau nimajjanāt dharmārthakāmamokṣeṣu yaṁyamicchati pūruṣaḥ

that same merit a mortal obtains by immersion at Dhanushkoti. Whatever a man desires, among dharma, artha, kama and moksha -

Verse 54 (skanda.3.30.54)

तंतं सद्यः समाप्नोति धनुष्कोटौ निमज्जनात् महापातकयुक्तो वा युक्तो वा सर्वपातकैः

taṁtaṁ sadyaḥ samāpnoti dhanuṣkoṭau nimajjanāt mahāpātakayukto vā yukto vā sarvapātakaiḥ

that very thing he instantly attains, through immersion at Dhanushkoti. Whether burdened with a great sin, or with every kind of sin,

Verse 55 (skanda.3.30.55)

सद्यः पूतो भवेद्विप्रा धनुष्कोटौ निमज्जनात् प्रज्ञालक्ष्मीर्यशः संपज्ज्ञानं धर्मो विरक्तता

sadyaḥ pūto bhavedviprā dhanuṣkoṭau nimajjanāt prajñālakṣmīryaśaḥ saṁpajjñānaṁ dharmo viraktatā

he becomes purified at once, O brahmins, by immersion at Dhanushkoti. Wisdom, prosperity, fame, wealth, knowledge, righteousness, dispassion,

Verse 56 (skanda.3.30.56)

मनःशुद्धिर्भवेन्नॄणां धनुष्कोटिनिमज्जनात् ब्रह्महत्यायुतं चापि सुरापानायुतं तथा

manaḥśuddhirbhavennṝṇāṁ dhanuṣkoṭinimajjanāt brahmahatyāyutaṁ cāpi surāpānāyutaṁ tathā

and purity of mind come to men through immersion at Dhanushkoti. Sin equal to ten thousand killings of a brahmin, and likewise equal to ten thousand instances of drinking liquor,

Verse 57 (skanda.3.30.57)

अयुतं गुरुदाराणां गमनं पापकारणम् स्तेयायुतं सुवर्णानां तत्संसर्गश्च कोटिशः

ayutaṁ gurudārāṇāṁ gamanaṁ pāpakāraṇam steyāyutaṁ suvarṇānāṁ tatsaṁsargaśca koṭiśaḥ

ten thousand instances of approaching a guru's wife, the cause of sin, ten thousand thefts of gold, and association with such sinners a crore times over -

Verse 58 (skanda.3.30.58)

शीघ्रं विलयमाप्नोति धनुष्कोटौ निमज्जनात् ब्रह्महत्यासमानानि सुरापानसमानि च

śīghraṁ vilayamāpnoti dhanuṣkoṭau nimajjanāt brahmahatyāsamānāni surāpānasamāni ca

all of these swiftly come to dissolution, through immersion at Dhanushkoti. Sins equal to killing a brahmin, equal to drinking liquor,

Verse 59 (skanda.3.30.59)

गुरुस्त्रीगमनेनापि यानि तुल्यानि चास्तिकाः सुवर्णस्तेयतुल्यानि तत्संसर्गसमानि च

gurustrīgamanenāpi yāni tulyāni cāstikāḥ suvarṇasteyatulyāni tatsaṁsargasamāni ca

and, O believers, whatever sins are equal to approaching a guru's wife, equal to stealing gold, and equal to associating with such sinners -

Verse 60 (skanda.3.30.60)

तानि सर्वाणि नश्यंति धनुष्कोटिनिमज्जनात् उक्तेष्वेतेषु संदेहो न कर्तव्यः कदाचन

tāni sarvāṇi naśyaṁti dhanuṣkoṭinimajjanāt ukteṣveteṣu saṁdeho na kartavyaḥ kadācana

all of these are destroyed, through immersion at Dhanushkoti. Concerning what has been said here, no doubt should ever be entertained.

Verse 61 (skanda.3.30.61)

जिह्वाग्रे परशुं तप्तं धारयामि न संशयः अर्थवादमिमं सर्वं ब्रुवन्वै नारकी भवेत्

jihvāgre paraśuṁ taptaṁ dhārayāmi na saṁśayaḥ arthavādamimaṁ sarvaṁ bruvanvai nārakī bhavet

"I hold a red-hot axe upon the very tip of my tongue, without doubt" - one who dismisses all this as mere rhetorical exaggeration becomes a denizen of hell.

Verse 62 (skanda.3.30.62)

संकरः स हि विज्ञेयः सर्वकर्मबहिष्कृतः अहो मौर्ख्यमहो मौर्ख्यमहो मौर्ख्यं द्विजोत्तमाः

saṁkaraḥ sa hi vijñeyaḥ sarvakarmabahiṣkṛtaḥ aho maurkhyamaho maurkhyamaho maurkhyaṁ dvijottamāḥ

He should be known as an outcaste, excluded from all sacred rites. Alas, what folly, alas, what folly, alas, what folly, O best of brahmins,

Verse 63 (skanda.3.30.63)

धनुष्कोट्यभिधे तीर्थे सर्वपातकनाशने अद्वैतज्ञानदे पुंसां भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदायिनि

dhanuṣkoṭyabhidhe tīrthe sarvapātakanāśane advaitajñānade puṁsāṁ bhuktimuktipradāyini

that though the tirtha named Dhanushkoti, destroyer of all sins, granter of non-dual knowledge to men, bestower of both enjoyment and liberation,

Verse 64 (skanda.3.30.64)

इष्टकाम्यप्रदे नित्यं तथैवाज्ञाननाशने स्थितेऽपि तद्विहायायं रमतेऽन्यत्र वै जनः

iṣṭakāmyaprade nityaṁ tathaivājñānanāśane sthite'pi tadvihāyāyaṁ ramate'nyatra vai janaḥ

ever granting desired wishes and likewise destroying ignorance, exists right here, people abandon it and take delight elsewhere!

Verse 65 (skanda.3.30.65)

अहो मोहस्य माहात्म्यं मया वक्तुं न शक्यते स्नातस्य धनुषः कोटौ नांतकाद्भयमस्ति वै

aho mohasya māhātmyaṁ mayā vaktuṁ na śakyate snātasya dhanuṣaḥ koṭau nāṁtakādbhayamasti vai

Ah, the greatness of delusion - I am unable to describe it! For one who has bathed at Dhanushkoti, there is no fear of Death.

Verse 66 (skanda.3.30.66)

धनुष्कोटिं प्रपश्यंति तत्र स्नांति च ये नराः स्तुवंति च प्रशंसंति स्पृशंति च नमंति च न पिबंति हि ते स्तन्यं मातॄणां द्विजपुंगवाः

dhanuṣkoṭiṁ prapaśyaṁti tatra snāṁti ca ye narāḥ stuvaṁti ca praśaṁsaṁti spṛśaṁti ca namaṁti ca na pibaṁti hi te stanyaṁ mātṝṇāṁ dvijapuṁgavāḥ

Those men who behold Dhanushkoti, and bathe there, and praise it and extol it, and touch it and bow to it - they, O foremost of brahmins, do not again drink the milk of mothers, that is, they are not reborn.

Verse 67 (skanda.3.30.67)

ऋषय ऊचुः धनुष्कोट्याभिधा तस्य कथं सूत समागता

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ dhanuṣkoṭyābhidhā tasya kathaṁ sūta samāgatā

The sages said: O Suta, how did this name 'Dhanushkoti' come to be applied to it?

Verse 68 (skanda.3.30.68)

तत्सर्वं ब्रूहि तत्त्वेन विस्तरान्मुनिपुंगव इति पृष्टो नैमिषीयैराह सूतः पुनश्च तान्

tatsarvaṁ brūhi tattvena vistarānmunipuṁgava iti pṛṣṭo naimiṣīyairāha sūtaḥ punaśca tān

Tell us all this truthfully and in detail, O foremost of sages." Thus asked by the sages of Naimisha, Suta spoke again to them -

Verse 69 (skanda.3.30.69)

श्रीसूत उवाच रामेण निहते युद्धे रावणे लोककण्टके बिभीषणे च लंकायां राजनि स्थापिते ततः

śrīsūta uvāca rāmeṇa nihate yuddhe rāvaṇe lokakaṇṭake bibhīṣaṇe ca laṁkāyāṁ rājani sthāpite tataḥ

Sri Suta said: When Ravana, the thorn of the world, had been slain in battle by Rama, and Vibhishana had been established as king in Lanka,

Verse 70 (skanda.3.30.70)

वैदेहीलक्ष्मणयुतो रामो दशरथात्मजः सुग्रीवप्रमुखैर्वीरैर्वानरैरपि संवृतः

vaidehīlakṣmaṇayuto rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ sugrīvapramukhairvīrairvānarairapi saṁvṛtaḥ

then Rama, son of Dasharatha, together with Vaidehi (Sita) and Lakshmana, surrounded also by heroic monkeys led by Sugriva,

Verse 71 (skanda.3.30.71)

सिद्धचारणगन्धर्वदेवविद्याधरर्षिभिः अप्सरोभिश्च सततं स्तूयमाननिजाद्भुतः

siddhacāraṇagandharvadevavidyādhararṣibhiḥ apsarobhiśca satataṁ stūyamānanijādbhutaḥ

constantly praised by Siddhas, Charanas, Gandharvas, gods, Vidyadharas, sages and Apsaras for his own wondrous deeds,

Verse 72 (skanda.3.30.72)

लीलाविधृतकोदण्डस्त्रिपुरघ्नो यथा शिवः सर्वैः परिवृतो रामो गंधमादनमन्वगात्

līlāvidhṛtakodaṇḍastripuraghno yathā śivaḥ sarvaiḥ parivṛto rāmo gaṁdhamādanamanvagāt

his bow held playfully, like Shiva the destroyer of Tripura, Rama, surrounded by all of them, made his way to Gandhamadana.

Verse 73 (skanda.3.30.73)

तत्र स्थितं महात्मानं राघवं रावणांतकम् प्रांजलिः प्रार्थयामास धर्मज्ञोऽथ विभीषणः

tatra sthitaṁ mahātmānaṁ rāghavaṁ rāvaṇāṁtakam prāṁjaliḥ prārthayāmāsa dharmajño'tha vibhīṣaṇaḥ

There, to that great soul Raghava, the slayer of Ravana, dwelling there, the righteous Vibhishana, with folded hands, made this entreaty -

Verse 74 (skanda.3.30.74)

सेतुनानेन ते राम राजानः सर्व एव हि बलोद्रिक्ताः समभ्येत्य पीडयेयुः पुरीं मम

setunānena te rāma rājānaḥ sarva eva hi balodriktāḥ samabhyetya pīḍayeyuḥ purīṁ mama

"O Rama, by means of this Setu, all the kings, filled with power, might come together and oppress my city.

Verse 75 (skanda.3.30.75)

अतः सेतुमिमं भिंधि धनुष्कोट्या रघूद्वह इति संप्रार्थितस्तेन पौलस्त्येन स राघवः

ataḥ setumimaṁ bhiṁdhi dhanuṣkoṭyā raghūdvaha iti saṁprārthitastena paulastyena sa rāghavaḥ

Therefore, O upholder of the Raghu line, break this bridge with the tip of your bow." Thus entreated by that son of Pulastya, Raghava

Verse 76 (skanda.3.30.76)

बिभेद धनुषः कोट्या स्वसेतुं रघुनंदनः अतो द्विजास्ततस्तीर्थं धनुष्कोटिरितिश्रुतम्

bibheda dhanuṣaḥ koṭyā svasetuṁ raghunaṁdanaḥ ato dvijāstatastīrthaṁ dhanuṣkoṭiritiśrutam

split his own bridge with the tip of his bow, that delight of the Raghus; and thus, O brahmins, that tirtha thereafter became known by the name Dhanushkoti.

Verse 77 (skanda.3.30.77)

श्रीरामधनुषः कोट्या यो रेखां पश्यते कृताम् अनेकक्लेशसंयुक्तं गर्भवासं न पश्यति

śrīrāmadhanuṣaḥ koṭyā yo rekhāṁ paśyate kṛtām anekakleśasaṁyuktaṁ garbhavāsaṁ na paśyati

Whoever beholds the line made by the tip of Shri Rama's bow does not again see the womb-dwelling, filled with manifold suffering.

Verse 78 (skanda.3.30.78)

धनुष्कोट्यां कृता रेखा रामेण लवणांबुधौ तद्दर्शनाद्भवेन्मुक्तिर्न जाने स्नानजं फलम्

dhanuṣkoṭyāṁ kṛtā rekhā rāmeṇa lavaṇāṁbudhau taddarśanādbhavenmuktirna jāne snānajaṁ phalam

The line made at Dhanushkoti by Rama in the salt ocean - from merely beholding it, liberation comes; I do not even know what the fruit of bathing there might be!

Verse 79 (skanda.3.30.79)

नर्मदारोधसि तपो महापातकनाशनम् गंगातीरे तु मरणमपवर्गफलप्रदम्

narmadārodhasi tapo mahāpātakanāśanam gaṁgātīre tu maraṇamapavargaphalapradam

Austerity on the banks of the Narmada destroys great sins; death on the banks of the Ganga bestows the fruit of final liberation;

Verse 80 (skanda.3.30.80)

दानं द्विजाः कुरुक्षेत्रे ब्रह्महत्यादिशोधकम् तपश्च मरणं दानं धनुष्कोटौ कृतं नरैः

dānaṁ dvijāḥ kurukṣetre brahmahatyādiśodhakam tapaśca maraṇaṁ dānaṁ dhanuṣkoṭau kṛtaṁ naraiḥ

gift-giving at Kurukshetra, O brahmins, purifies sins beginning with the killing of a brahmin; but austerity, death, and gift-giving, when performed at Dhanushkoti,

Verse 81 (skanda.3.30.81)

महापातकनाशाय मुक्त्यै चाभीष्टसिद्धये भवेत्समर्थं विप्रेंद्रा नात्र कार्या विचारणा

mahāpātakanāśāya muktyai cābhīṣṭasiddhaye bhavetsamarthaṁ vipreṁdrā nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

O foremost brahmins, are capable of destroying great sins, of granting liberation, and of fulfilling desired wishes, all at once - there should be no doubt about this.

Verse 82 (skanda.3.30.82)

तावत्संपीड्यते जंतुः पातकैश्चोपपातकैः यावन्नालोक्यते राम धनुष्कोटिर्विमुक्तिदा

tāvatsaṁpīḍyate jaṁtuḥ pātakaiścopapātakaiḥ yāvannālokyate rāma dhanuṣkoṭirvimuktidā

A creature remains tormented by great and minor sins only so long as it has not yet beheld Dhanushkoti, the giver of liberation.

Verse 83 (skanda.3.30.83)

भिद्यते हृदयग्रंथिश्छिद्यंते सर्वसंशयाः क्षीयंते पापकर्माणि धनुष्कोट्यवलोकिनः

bhidyate hṛdayagraṁthiśchidyaṁte sarvasaṁśayāḥ kṣīyaṁte pāpakarmāṇi dhanuṣkoṭyavalokinaḥ

The knot of the heart is broken, all doubts are cut away, and sinful deeds are destroyed, for one who beholds Dhanushkoti.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.30.84)

दक्षिणांभोनिधौ सेतौ रामचन्द्रेण निर्मिता या रेखा धनुषः कोट्या विभीषणहिताय वै

dakṣiṇāṁbhonidhau setau rāmacandreṇa nirmitā yā rekhā dhanuṣaḥ koṭyā vibhīṣaṇahitāya vai

On the southern ocean, at the Setu, the line made by Ramachandra with the tip of his bow, for Vibhishana's benefit -

Verse 85 (skanda.3.30.85)

सैव कैलासपदवीं वैकुण्ठब्रह्मलोकयोः मार्गः स्वर्गस्य लोकस्य नात्र कार्या विचारणा

saiva kailāsapadavīṁ vaikuṇṭhabrahmalokayoḥ mārgaḥ svargasya lokasya nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

that very line is the pathway to Kailasa, to Vaikuntha and Brahmaloka, and the road to the world of heaven; there should be no doubt about this.

Verse 86 (skanda.3.30.86)

तुल्यं यज्ञफलैः पुण्यैर्धनुष्कोट्यवगाहनम् सर्वमंत्राधिकं पुण्यं सर्वदानफलप्रदम्

tulyaṁ yajñaphalaiḥ puṇyairdhanuṣkoṭyavagāhanam sarvamaṁtrādhikaṁ puṇyaṁ sarvadānaphalapradam

Immersion at Dhanushkoti is equal in merit to the fruits of sacrifices; it is a merit surpassing all mantras, ever granting the fruit of every kind of gift.

Verse 87 (skanda.3.30.87)

कायकलेशकरैः पुंसां किं तपोभिः किमध्वरैः किं वेदैः किमु वा शास्त्रैर्धनुष्कोट्यवलोकिनः

kāyakaleśakaraiḥ puṁsāṁ kiṁ tapobhiḥ kimadhvaraiḥ kiṁ vedaiḥ kimu vā śāstrairdhanuṣkoṭyavalokinaḥ

What use are austerities that afflict the body, what use are sacrifices, what use are the Vedas, or indeed the scriptures, for one who has beheld Dhanushkoti?

Verse 88 (skanda.3.30.88)

रामचंद्रधनुष्कोटौ स्नानं चेल्लभ्यते नृणाम् सितासितसरित्पुण्यवारिभिः किं प्रयोजनम्

rāmacaṁdradhanuṣkoṭau snānaṁ cellabhyate nṛṇām sitāsitasaritpuṇyavāribhiḥ kiṁ prayojanam

If men can obtain a bath at Ramachandra's Dhanushkoti, what need is there of the holy waters of the light and dark rivers, the Ganga and Yamuna?

Verse 89 (skanda.3.30.89)

रामचंद्रधनुष्कोटिदर्शनं लभ्यते यदि काश्यां तु मरणान्मुक्तिः प्रार्थ्यते किं वृथा नरैः

rāmacaṁdradhanuṣkoṭidarśanaṁ labhyate yadi kāśyāṁ tu maraṇānmuktiḥ prārthyate kiṁ vṛthā naraiḥ

If the sight of Ramachandra's Dhanushkoti can be obtained, why should men vainly seek liberation through death at Kashi?

Verse 90 (skanda.3.30.90)

अनिमज्ज्य धनुष्कोटावनुपोष्य दिनत्रयम् अदत्त्वा कांचनं गां च दरिद्रः स्यान्न संशयः

animajjya dhanuṣkoṭāvanupoṣya dinatrayam adattvā kāṁcanaṁ gāṁ ca daridraḥ syānna saṁśayaḥ

Without immersing oneself at Dhanushkoti, without fasting for three days, and without giving gold and a cow, one remains poor, without doubt.

Verse 91 (skanda.3.30.91)

धनुष्कोट्यवगाहेन यत्फलं लभते नरः अग्निष्टोमादिभिर्यज्ञैरिष्ट्वापि बहुदक्षिणैः

dhanuṣkoṭyavagāhena yatphalaṁ labhate naraḥ agniṣṭomādibhiryajñairiṣṭvāpi bahudakṣiṇaiḥ

The fruit that a man obtains by immersion at Dhanushkoti - that fruit is not obtained even by performing sacrifices such as the Agnishtoma, with abundant sacrificial fees,

Verse 92 (skanda.3.30.92)

न तत्फलमवाप्नोति सत्यंसत्यं वदाम्यहम् धनुष्कोट्यभिधं तीर्थं सर्वतीर्थाधिकं विदुः

na tatphalamavāpnoti satyaṁsatyaṁ vadāmyaham dhanuṣkoṭyabhidhaṁ tīrthaṁ sarvatīrthādhikaṁ viduḥ

this I speak in all truth, truly. The tirtha named Dhanushkoti is known to surpass every other tirtha.

Verse 93 (skanda.3.30.93)

दशकोटिसहस्राणि संति तीर्थानि भूतले तेषां सान्निध्यमस्त्यत्र धनुष्कोटौ द्विजोत्तमाः

daśakoṭisahasrāṇi saṁti tīrthāni bhūtale teṣāṁ sānnidhyamastyatra dhanuṣkoṭau dvijottamāḥ

Countless millions of tirthas exist upon this earth; the presence of all of them exists right here, at Dhanushkoti, O best of brahmins.

Verse 94 (skanda.3.30.94)

अष्टौ वसव आदित्या रुद्राश्च मरुतस्तथा साध्याश्च सह गन्धर्वाः सिद्धविद्याधरास्तथा

aṣṭau vasava ādityā rudrāśca marutastathā sādhyāśca saha gandharvāḥ siddhavidyādharāstathā

The eight Vasus, the Adityas, the Rudras, and likewise the Maruts, the Sadhyas together with the Gandharvas, and likewise the Siddhas and Vidyadharas -

Verse 95 (skanda.3.30.95)

एते चान्ये च ये देवाः सान्निध्यं कुर्वते सदा तीर्थेऽत्र धनुषः कोटौ नित्यमेव पितामहः

ete cānye ca ye devāḥ sānnidhyaṁ kurvate sadā tīrthe'tra dhanuṣaḥ koṭau nityameva pitāmahaḥ

these and other gods as well always maintain their presence at this tirtha, Dhanushkoti; the Grandsire Brahma too, ever -

Verse 96 (skanda.3.30.96)

सन्निधत्ते शिवो विष्णुरुमा मा च सरस्वती धनुष्कोटौ तपस्तप्त्वा देवाश्च ऋषयस्तथा

sannidhatte śivo viṣṇurumā mā ca sarasvatī dhanuṣkoṭau tapastaptvā devāśca ṛṣayastathā

Shiva, Vishnu, Uma and Sarasvati are present there; the gods and sages too, having performed austerity at Dhanushkoti,

Verse 97 (skanda.3.30.97)

विपुलां सिद्धिमगमंस्तत्फलेन मुनीश्वराः स्नायात्तत्र नरो यस्तु पितृदेवांश्च तर्पयेत्

vipulāṁ siddhimagamaṁstatphalena munīśvarāḥ snāyāttatra naro yastu pitṛdevāṁśca tarpayet

attained vast siddhis by its fruit, O sages. A man who bathes there and offers libations to his ancestors and the gods,

Verse 98 (skanda.3.30.98)

सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तो ब्रह्मलोके महीयते अत्रैकं भोजयेद्विप्रं यो नरो भक्तिसंयुतः

sarvapāpavinirmukto brahmaloke mahīyate atraikaṁ bhojayedvipraṁ yo naro bhaktisaṁyutaḥ

freed from all sin, is exalted in Brahmaloka. Whoever, filled with devotion, feeds even a single brahmin there,

Verse 99 (skanda.3.30.99)

इह लोके परत्रापि सोनंतसुखमश्नुते शाकमूलफले वृत्तिं यो न वर्तयते नरः

iha loke paratrāpi sonaṁtasukhamaśnute śākamūlaphale vṛttiṁ yo na vartayate naraḥ

enjoys endless happiness both in this world and the next. The man who does not sustain himself on greens, roots and fruits alone,

Verse 100 (skanda.3.30.100)

स नरो धनुषःकोटौ स्नायात्तत्फलसिद्धये अश्वमेधक्रतुं कर्तुं शक्तिर्यस्य न विद्यते

sa naro dhanuṣaḥkoṭau snāyāttatphalasiddhaye aśvamedhakratuṁ kartuṁ śaktiryasya na vidyate

for the attainment of that same fruit of austerity, such a man should bathe at Dhanushkoti. One who lacks the means to perform the Ashvamedha sacrifice -

Verse 101 (skanda.3.30.101)

धनुष्कोटौ स हि स्नायात्तेन तत्फलमश्नुते ब्राह्मणः क्षत्रियो वैश्यः शूद्रो वापि मुनीश्वराः

dhanuṣkoṭau sa hi snāyāttena tatphalamaśnute brāhmaṇaḥ kṣatriyo vaiśyaḥ śūdro vāpi munīśvarāḥ

he should indeed bathe at Dhanushkoti, and thereby he obtains that same fruit. A brahmin, a kshatriya, a vaishya, or even a shudra, O sages -

Verse 102 (skanda.3.30.102)

निंद्ययोनौ न जायंते धनुष्कोट्वगाहनात् मकरस्थे रवौ माघे धनुष्कोटौ तु यो नरः

niṁdyayonau na jāyaṁte dhanuṣkoṭvagāhanāt makarasthe ravau māghe dhanuṣkoṭau tu yo naraḥ

none of them is born in a degraded womb, through immersion at Dhanushkoti. The man who bathes at Dhanushkoti in the month of Magha, when the sun is in Capricorn,

Verse 103 (skanda.3.30.103)

स्नायात्पुण्यं निगदितुं तस्याहं न क्षमो द्विजाः माघमासे धनुष्कोटाववगाहेत यो नरः

snāyātpuṇyaṁ nigadituṁ tasyāhaṁ na kṣamo dvijāḥ māghamāse dhanuṣkoṭāvavagāheta yo naraḥ

I am unable, O brahmins, to describe the merit that man obtains. The man who immerses himself at Dhanushkoti in the month of Magha,

Verse 104 (skanda.3.30.104)

स स्नातः सर्वतीर्थेषु गंगादिषु मुनीश्वराः प्राप्नुयादक्षयाँल्लोकान्मोक्षं चापि लभेत सः

sa snātaḥ sarvatīrtheṣu gaṁgādiṣu munīśvarāḥ prāpnuyādakṣayā~llokānmokṣaṁ cāpi labheta saḥ

is, O sages, as one who has bathed in all the tirthas, in the Ganga and the rest; he attains imperishable worlds, and liberation too.

Verse 105 (skanda.3.30.105)

जन्मप्रभृति यत्पापं स्त्रियो वा पुरुषस्य वा तत्सर्वं माघमासेऽत्र मज्जनाद्विलयं व्रजेत्

janmaprabhṛti yatpāpaṁ striyo vā puruṣasya vā tatsarvaṁ māghamāse'tra majjanādvilayaṁ vrajet

Whatever sin, from birth onward, belongs to a woman or to a man - all of it comes to dissolution by immersion here in the month of Magha.

Verse 106 (skanda.3.30.106)

यथा सुराणां सर्वेषामुत्तमो रघुनंदनः तथैव च धनुष्कोटिः सर्वतीर्थोत्तमा स्मृता

yathā surāṇāṁ sarveṣāmuttamo raghunaṁdanaḥ tathaiva ca dhanuṣkoṭiḥ sarvatīrthottamā smṛtā

Just as, among all the immortals, Raghunandana (Rama) is the foremost, so likewise is Dhanushkoti remembered as the foremost among all tirthas.

Verse 107 (skanda.3.30.107)

तत्र स्नानं माघमासे सर्वाभीष्टप्रदायकम् त्रिंशद्दिनं माघमासे नियतोऽपि जितेंद्रियः

tatra snānaṁ māghamāse sarvābhīṣṭapradāyakam triṁśaddinaṁ māghamāse niyato'pi jiteṁdriyaḥ

Bathing there in the month of Magha grants all desired wishes; a man, disciplined and of controlled senses, for the full thirty days of Magha,

Verse 108 (skanda.3.30.108)

धनुष्कोटौ नरः स्नायादपुनर्भवसिद्धये एकभुक्तो जितक्रोधो माघमासेऽत्र यो नरः

dhanuṣkoṭau naraḥ snāyādapunarbhavasiddhaye ekabhukto jitakrodho māghamāse'tra yo naraḥ

should bathe at Dhanushkoti, for the attainment of freedom from rebirth. The man who, eating but once a day and conquering anger, here in the month of Magha,

Verse 109 (skanda.3.30.109)

स्नानं करोति विप्रेंद्रा मुच्यते ब्रह्महत्यया श्रीरामधनुषः कोटी माघमासे नरस्तु यः

snānaṁ karoti vipreṁdrā mucyate brahmahatyayā śrīrāmadhanuṣaḥ koṭī māghamāse narastu yaḥ

performs the bath, O foremost brahmins, is freed from the sin of killing a brahmin. The man who, at Shri Rama's Dhanushkoti, in the month of Magha,

Verse 110 (skanda.3.30.110)

स्नात्वांते शिवरात्रौ च निराहारो जितेंद्रियः कृत्वा जागरणं रात्रौ प्रतियामं विशेषतः

snātvāṁte śivarātrau ca nirāhāro jiteṁdriyaḥ kṛtvā jāgaraṇaṁ rātrau pratiyāmaṁ viśeṣataḥ

having bathed, then on Shivaratri, fasting completely and with senses controlled, keeping vigil through the night, especially through each watch,

Verse 111 (skanda.3.30.111)

रामनाथं महादेवमभ्यर्च्य विधिपूर्वकम् परेद्युरुदिते सूर्ये धनुष्कोटौ निमज्य च

rāmanāthaṁ mahādevamabhyarcya vidhipūrvakam paredyurudite sūrye dhanuṣkoṭau nimajya ca

worships Ramanatha, the great god, according to due rite, and the next day, when the sun has risen, immerses himself again at Dhanushkoti,

Verse 112 (skanda.3.30.112)

अन्येष्वपि च तीर्थेषु स्नात्वा नियतमानसः निर्वर्त्य नित्यकर्माणि रामनाथं निषेव्य च

anyeṣvapi ca tīrtheṣu snātvā niyatamānasaḥ nirvartya nityakarmāṇi rāmanāthaṁ niṣevya ca

and also bathes at the other tirthas there, his mind disciplined, and, having performed his daily rites, having worshipped Ramanatha,

Verse 113 (skanda.3.30.113)

यथाशक्ति द्विजानन्नैर्भोजयित्वा द्विजोत्तमाः भूमिं गां च तिलान्धान्यं दत्त्वा वित्तं च शक्तितः

yathāśakti dvijānannairbhojayitvā dvijottamāḥ bhūmiṁ gāṁ ca tilāndhānyaṁ dattvā vittaṁ ca śaktitaḥ

and having fed brahmins with food according to his ability, O best of brahmins, and given land, a cow, sesame, grain, and wealth according to his capacity,

Verse 114 (skanda.3.30.114)

ब्राह्मणैरप्यनुज्ञातः स्वयं भुंजति वाग्यतः एवं कृतवतः पुंसो रामनाथो महेश्वरः

brāhmaṇairapyanujñātaḥ svayaṁ bhuṁjati vāgyataḥ evaṁ kṛtavataḥ puṁso rāmanātho maheśvaraḥ

and, permitted by the brahmins, himself eats in silence - for a man who has thus acted, Ramanatha, the great lord,

Verse 115 (skanda.3.30.115)

विमोच्य सर्वपापानि भुक्तिं मुक्तिं प्रयच्छति अतः सर्वप्रयत्नेन माघमासे मुनीश्वराः

vimocya sarvapāpāni bhuktiṁ muktiṁ prayacchati ataḥ sarvaprayatnena māghamāse munīśvarāḥ

releasing him from all his sins, grants both enjoyment and liberation. Therefore, O sages, with every effort, in the month of Magha,

Verse 116 (skanda.3.30.116)

स्नातव्यं हि धनुष्कोटौ नरैरत्र मुमुक्षुभिः धनुष्कोटौ नरः स्नानं सेतावर्धोदये तु यः

snātavyaṁ hi dhanuṣkoṭau narairatra mumukṣubhiḥ dhanuṣkoṭau naraḥ snānaṁ setāvardhodaye tu yaḥ

men who seek liberation should indeed bathe here at Dhanushkoti. If a man bathes at Dhanushkoti, at the Setu, during Ardhodaya,

Verse 117 (skanda.3.30.117)

करोति तस्य पापानि नश्यंत्येव क्षणाद्द्विजाः स्नानं महोदये चात्र भुक्तिमुक्तिफलप्रदम्

karoti tasya pāpāni naśyaṁtyeva kṣaṇāddvijāḥ snānaṁ mahodaye cātra bhuktimuktiphalapradam

his sins, O brahmins, are destroyed that very instant. Bathing here during Mahodaya bestows the fruit of enjoyment and liberation;

Verse 118 (skanda.3.30.118)

यः स्नायाद्धनुषः कोटावर्द्धोदयमहोदये तस्य वश्यास्त्रयो देवा ब्रह्मविष्णुमहेश्वराः

yaḥ snāyāddhanuṣaḥ koṭāvarddhodayamahodaye tasya vaśyāstrayo devā brahmaviṣṇumaheśvarāḥ

whoever bathes at Dhanushkoti during Ardhodaya-Mahodaya - the three gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshvara, become subject to his will.

Verse 119 (skanda.3.30.119)

धनुष्कोटौ द्विजाः स्नानमर्द्धोदयमहोदये विनाप्यद्वैतविज्ञानं सायुज्यप्राप्तिकारणम्

dhanuṣkoṭau dvijāḥ snānamarddhodayamahodaye vināpyadvaitavijñānaṁ sāyujyaprāptikāraṇam

Bathing at Dhanushkoti during Ardhodaya-Mahodaya, O brahmins, is, even without knowledge of non-dualism, a cause for attaining union with the Divine.

Verse 120 (skanda.3.30.120)

तत्र स्नानं द्विजाः पुंसामर्द्धोदयमहोदये मन्वाद्युक्तं विना सत्यं प्रायश्चित्तं हि पापिनाम्

tatra snānaṁ dvijāḥ puṁsāmarddhodayamahodaye manvādyuktaṁ vinā satyaṁ prāyaścittaṁ hi pāpinām

Bathing there, O brahmins, for men during Ardhodaya-Mahodaya is truly, as prescribed by Manu and the other lawgivers, the atonement for sinners.

Verse 121 (skanda.3.30.121)

अत्र सेतौ धनुष्कोटावर्धोदयमहोदये स्नाति चेन्मनुजो विप्राः सत्यं यज्ञं विनाप्ययम्

atra setau dhanuṣkoṭāvardhodayamahodaye snāti cenmanujo viprāḥ satyaṁ yajñaṁ vināpyayam

Here at the Setu, at Dhanushkoti, during Ardhodaya-Mahodaya, if a man bathes, O brahmins, truly, even without a sacrifice,

Verse 122 (skanda.3.30.122)

यज्ञानां फलमाप्नोति संपूर्णं नात्र संशयः चंद्रसूर्योपरागेषु यः स्नायादत्र मानवः

yajñānāṁ phalamāpnoti saṁpūrṇaṁ nātra saṁśayaḥ caṁdrasūryoparāgeṣu yaḥ snāyādatra mānavaḥ

he obtains the complete fruit of sacrifices - there is no doubt about this. Whoever bathes here at a lunar or solar eclipse,

Verse 123 (skanda.3.30.123)

तस्य पुण्यफलं वक्तुं शेषेणापि न शक्यते चंद्रसूर्योपरागेषु धनुष्कोट्यवगाहनम्

tasya puṇyaphalaṁ vaktuṁ śeṣeṇāpi na śakyate caṁdrasūryoparāgeṣu dhanuṣkoṭyavagāhanam

even Shesha, the serpent lord, cannot fully describe his meritorious fruit. Immersion at Dhanushkoti during a lunar or solar eclipse

Verse 124 (skanda.3.30.124)

ब्रह्महत्यादिपापानां प्रायश्चित्तमुदीरितम् श्रीरामधनुषः कोटौ चंद्रसूर्योपरागयोः

brahmahatyādipāpānāṁ prāyaścittamudīritam śrīrāmadhanuṣaḥ koṭau caṁdrasūryoparāgayoḥ

is declared to be the atonement for sins beginning with the killing of a brahmin. Bathing at Shri Rama's Dhanushkoti during a lunar or solar eclipse,

Verse 125 (skanda.3.30.125)

स्नानं सायुज्यदं प्रोक्तं सर्वतीर्थफलप्रदम् चंद्रसूर्योपरागेषु अर्धोदयमहोदये

snānaṁ sāyujyadaṁ proktaṁ sarvatīrthaphalapradam caṁdrasūryoparāgeṣu ardhodayamahodaye

is declared to bestow divine union and to grant the fruit of all tirthas. During a lunar or solar eclipse, at Ardhodaya-Mahodaya,

Verse 126 (skanda.3.30.126)

स्नातव्यमत्र मनुजैर्भुक्तिमुक्तिफलेच्छुभिः अतः सर्वं परित्यज्य गच्छध्वं मुनिपुंगवाः

snātavyamatra manujairbhuktimuktiphalecchubhiḥ ataḥ sarvaṁ parityajya gacchadhvaṁ munipuṁgavāḥ

men who desire the fruit of enjoyment and liberation should bathe here. Therefore, O foremost of sages, abandon everything and go

Verse 127 (skanda.3.30.127)

धनुष्कोटिं महापुण्यां भुक्तिमुक्तिफलप्रदाम् तत्र गत्वा पितृभ्यश्च कुरुध्वं पिंडदापनम्

dhanuṣkoṭiṁ mahāpuṇyāṁ bhuktimuktiphalapradām tatra gatvā pitṛbhyaśca kurudhvaṁ piṁḍadāpanam

to Dhanushkoti, the greatly meritorious, the giver of the fruit of enjoyment and liberation; having gone there, offer pinda to your ancestors.

Verse 128 (skanda.3.30.128)

आकल्पं पितृतृप्तिः स्यादत्र पिंडनिवापनात् पितॄणां तृप्तिदं स्थानत्रयं रामेण निर्मितम्

ākalpaṁ pitṛtṛptiḥ syādatra piṁḍanivāpanāt pitṝṇāṁ tṛptidaṁ sthānatrayaṁ rāmeṇa nirmitam

The satisfaction of the ancestors, lasting until the dissolution of the world, comes from offering pinda there. There are three places, made by Rama, that give satisfaction to the ancestors -

Verse 129 (skanda.3.30.129)

सेतुमूले धनुष्कोट्यां गंधमादनपर्वते पिंडं दत्त्वा पितृभ्योऽत्र ऋणान्मुक्तो भविष्यति

setumūle dhanuṣkoṭyāṁ gaṁdhamādanaparvate piṁḍaṁ dattvā pitṛbhyo'tra ṛṇānmukto bhaviṣyati

at the foot of the Setu, at Dhanushkoti, and on Mount Gandhamadana; having offered pinda to one's ancestors here, one becomes freed from that debt.

Verse 130 (skanda.3.30.130)

सेतुमूलं धनुष्कोटिं गंधमादनमेव च ऋणमोक्ष इति ख्यातं त्रिस्थानं देवनिर्मितम्

setumūlaṁ dhanuṣkoṭiṁ gaṁdhamādanameva ca ṛṇamokṣa iti khyātaṁ tristhānaṁ devanirmitam

The foot of the Setu, Dhanushkoti, and Gandhamadana itself - these three god-made places are renowned by the name Rinamoksha, 'release from debt'.

Verse 131 (skanda.3.30.131)

अतः सर्वप्रयत्नेन धनुष्कोटिर्निषेव्यताम् अत्रागत्य धनुष्कोटौ स्नात्वा नियमपूर्वकम्

ataḥ sarvaprayatnena dhanuṣkoṭirniṣevyatām atrāgatya dhanuṣkoṭau snātvā niyamapūrvakam

Therefore, with every effort, Dhanushkoti should be resorted to. Coming here and bathing at Dhanushkoti with due observance -

Verse 132 (skanda.3.30.132)

द्रोणाचार्यसुतः श्रीमानश्वत्थामा मुनीश्वराः सुप्तमारणदोषेण घोरेण मुमुचे क्षणात्

droṇācāryasutaḥ śrīmānaśvatthāmā munīśvarāḥ suptamāraṇadoṣeṇa ghoreṇa mumuce kṣaṇāt

Ashvatthama, the glorious son of Dronacharya, O sages, was instantly released from the terrible sin of slaying his enemies in their sleep.

Verse 133 (skanda.3.30.133)

एवं वः कथितं विप्राः धनुष्कोटेस्तु वैभवम् भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदं नृणां सर्वपापनिबर्हणम्

evaṁ vaḥ kathitaṁ viprāḥ dhanuṣkoṭestu vaibhavam bhuktimuktipradaṁ nṛṇāṁ sarvapāpanibarhaṇam

Thus, O brahmins, have I told you the glory of Dhanushkoti, which grants men enjoyment and liberation, and which destroys all sin.