The Narrative of Vireshvara: The Ganga Tirthas and Manikarnika

Verse 1 (skanda.4.84.1)

।। स्कंद उवाच ।। आकर्णय क्षोणिसुर यथा स्थाणुरचीकरत् ।। गंगावरणयोः पुण्यात्संभेदात्तीर्थभूमिकाम्

|| skaṁda uvāca || ākarṇaya kṣoṇisura yathā sthāṇuracīkarat || gaṁgāvaraṇayoḥ puṇyātsaṁbhedāttīrthabhūmikām

Skanda said: Listen, O earth-born brahmin, how Sthanu fashioned a tirtha-ground from the meritorious confluence of the Ganga and the Varana.

Verse 2 (skanda.4.84.2)

संगमे तत्र निष्णातः संगमेशं समर्च्य च ।। नरो न जातु जननी गर्भसंगमवाप्नुयात्

saṁgame tatra niṣṇātaḥ saṁgameśaṁ samarcya ca || naro na jātu jananī garbhasaṁgamavāpnuyāt

Immersed in that confluence, and duly worshipping Sangamesha, a man never again attains union with a mother's womb.

Verse 3 (skanda.4.84.3)

तत्र पादोदकं तीर्थं यत्र देवेन शार्ङ्गिणा ।। आदौ पादौ क्षलितौ तु मंदराच्चागतेन यत्

tatra pādodakaṁ tīrthaṁ yatra devena śārṅgiṇā || ādau pādau kṣalitau tu maṁdarāccāgatena yat

There is the tirtha called Padodaka, where the bow-bearing god, coming from Mount Mandara, first washed his two feet —

Verse 4 (skanda.4.84.4)

विप्णुपादोदके तीर्थे वारिकार्यं करोति यः ।। व्यतीपातेन नियतं भूयः सांसारिकी गतिः

vipṇupādodake tīrthe vārikāryaṁ karoti yaḥ || vyatīpātena niyataṁ bhūyaḥ sāṁsārikī gatiḥ

whoever performs water-rites at the tirtha of Vishnu's foot-water on the Vyatipata conjunction is certainly never again bound to worldly rebirth.

Verse 5 (skanda.4.84.5)

कृतपादोदक स्नानः कृतकेशवपूजनः ।। वीतसंसारवसतिः काश्यामासीन्नरोत्तमः

kṛtapādodaka snānaḥ kṛtakeśavapūjanaḥ || vītasaṁsāravasatiḥ kāśyāmāsīnnarottamaḥ

Having bathed in Padodaka and worshipped Keshava, the best of men, freed from dwelling in worldly existence, has remained ever at Kashi.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.84.6)

काश्यां सा भूमिरुद्दिष्टा श्वेतद्वीप इति द्विजैः ।। तत्र पुण्यार्जनं कृत्वा श्वेतद्वीपाधिपो भवेत्

kāśyāṁ sā bhūmiruddiṣṭā śvetadvīpa iti dvijaiḥ || tatra puṇyārjanaṁ kṛtvā śvetadvīpādhipo bhavet

That ground in Kashi is designated by brahmins as Shvetadvipa; having earned merit there, one becomes lord of Shvetadvipa.

Verse 7 (skanda.4.84.7)

ततः पादोदकात्तीर्थात्तीर्थं क्षीराब्धिसंज्ञकम् ।। तत्रार्जित महापुण्यो वसेत्क्षीराब्धिरोधसि

tataḥ pādodakāttīrthāttīrthaṁ kṣīrābdhisaṁjñakam || tatrārjita mahāpuṇyo vasetkṣīrābdhirodhasi

Beyond the Padodaka tirtha is the tirtha called Kshiraabdhi (Ocean of Milk); having earned great merit there, one dwells on the shore of the ocean of milk.

Verse 8 (skanda.4.84.8)

क्षीरोदाद्दक्षिणेभागे तीर्थं शंखाख्यनुत्तमम् ।। तत्र स्नातो भवेन्नूनं नाशंखादिनिधेः पतिः

kṣīrodāddakṣiṇebhāge tīrthaṁ śaṁkhākhyanuttamam || tatra snāto bhavennūnaṁ nāśaṁkhādinidheḥ patiḥ

To the south of Kshiroda is the unsurpassed tirtha called Shankha; bathing there, one certainly becomes lord of the imperishable treasures such as the conch.

Verse 9 (skanda.4.84.9)

अर्वाक्च शंखतीर्थाद्वै चक्रतीर्थमनुत्तमम् ।। संसारचक्रे न पतेत्तत्तीर्थजलमज्जनात्

arvākca śaṁkhatīrthādvai cakratīrthamanuttamam || saṁsāracakre na patettattīrthajalamajjanāt

Before the Shankha tirtha is the unsurpassed Chakra tirtha; by immersion in that tirtha's water, one no longer falls into the wheel of worldly existence.

Verse 10 (skanda.4.84.10)

गदातीर्थं तदग्रे तु संसारगदनाशनम् ।। तत्र श्राद्धादिकरणात्पश्येद्देवं गदाधरम्

gadātīrthaṁ tadagre tu saṁsāragadanāśanam || tatra śrāddhādikaraṇātpaśyeddevaṁ gadādharam

Beyond that is the Gada tirtha, which destroys the disease of worldly existence; by performing shraddha there, one beholds the mace-bearing god.

Verse 11 (skanda.4.84.11)

पद्माकृत्पद्मतीर्थं च तदग्रे पितृतृप्तिकृत् ।। तत्र स्नानादिकरणात्प्राप्नुयादघसंक्षयम्

padmākṛtpadmatīrthaṁ ca tadagre pitṛtṛptikṛt || tatra snānādikaraṇātprāpnuyādaghasaṁkṣayam

Lotus-shaped Padma tirtha, beyond that, satisfies the ancestors; by bathing there, one attains the destruction of sin.

Verse 12 (skanda.4.84.12)

ततस्तीर्थं महालक्ष्म्या महापुण्यफलप्रदम् ।। तत्राभ्यर्च्य महालक्ष्मीं निर्वाणकमलां लभेत्

tatastīrthaṁ mahālakṣmyā mahāpuṇyaphalapradam || tatrābhyarcya mahālakṣmīṁ nirvāṇakamalāṁ labhet

Then the tirtha of Mahalakshmi, giver of the fruit of great merit; worshipping Mahalakshmi there, one obtains the very lotus of liberation.

Verse 13 (skanda.4.84.13)

ततो गारुत्मतं तीर्थं संसारगरनाशनम् ।। कृतोदकक्रियस्तत्र वैकुंठे वसतिं लभेत्

tato gārutmataṁ tīrthaṁ saṁsāragaranāśanam || kṛtodakakriyastatra vaikuṁṭhe vasatiṁ labhet

Then the tirtha of Garuda, which destroys the poison of worldly existence; performing the water-rite there, one obtains a dwelling in Vaikuntha.

Verse 14 (skanda.4.84.14)

ततो नारदतीर्थं च ब्रह्मविद्यैककारणम् ।। तत्र स्नानेन मुक्तः स्याद्दृष्ट्वा नारदकेशवम्

tato nāradatīrthaṁ ca brahmavidyaikakāraṇam || tatra snānena muktaḥ syāddṛṣṭvā nāradakeśavam

Then Narada tirtha, the sole cause of the knowledge of Brahman; bathing there and beholding Narada-Keshava, one becomes liberated.

Verse 15 (skanda.4.84.15)

प्रह्लादतीर्थं तद्याम्ये महाभक्तिफलप्रदम् ।। तत्र वै स्नानमात्रेण विष्णोः प्रियतरो भवेत्

prahlādatīrthaṁ tadyāmye mahābhaktiphalapradam || tatra vai snānamātreṇa viṣṇoḥ priyataro bhavet

To its south is Prahlada tirtha, giver of the fruit of great devotion; by mere bathing there, one becomes exceedingly dear to Vishnu.

Verse 16 (skanda.4.84.16)

अंबरीषं ततस्तीर्थं महापातकनाशनम् ।। तत्र वै शुभकर्माणो जना नो गर्भभाजनम् ।।

aṁbarīṣaṁ tatastīrthaṁ mahāpātakanāśanam || tatra vai śubhakarmāṇo janā no garbhabhājanam ||

Then Ambarisha tirtha, which destroys the greatest sins; people of virtuous deeds there never again become subject to the womb.

Verse 17 (skanda.4.84.17)

आदित्यकेशवं नाम तदग्रे तीर्थमुत्तमम् ।। कृताभिषेकस्तत्रापि लभेत्स्वर्गाभिषेचनम्

ādityakeśavaṁ nāma tadagre tīrthamuttamam || kṛtābhiṣekastatrāpi labhetsvargābhiṣecanam

Beyond that, the excellent tirtha called Aditya-Keshava; having performed the ritual bath there too, one obtains a heavenly consecration.

Verse 18 (skanda.4.84.18)

दत्तात्रेयस्य तत्रास्ति तीर्थं त्रैलोक्यपावनम् ।। योगसिद्धिं लभे तत्र स्नानमात्रेण भावतः

dattātreyasya tatrāsti tīrthaṁ trailokyapāvanam || yogasiddhiṁ labhe tatra snānamātreṇa bhāvataḥ

There is the tirtha of Dattatreya there, purifying the three worlds; by mere devout bathing there, one obtains perfection in yoga.

Verse 19 (skanda.4.84.19)

तदग्रे भार्गवं तीर्थं महाज्ञानसमर्पकम् ।। तत्र स्नानविधानेन भवेद्भार्गव लोकभाक्

tadagre bhārgavaṁ tīrthaṁ mahājñānasamarpakam || tatra snānavidhānena bhavedbhārgava lokabhāk

Beyond that, the tirtha of Bhargava, bestower of great knowledge; by the rite of bathing there, one shares in the world of Bhargava.

Verse 20 (skanda.4.84.20)

ततो वामनतीर्थं च विष्णुसान्निध्यहेतुकम् ।। तत्र श्राद्धविधानेन मुच्यते पितृजादृणात्

tato vāmanatīrthaṁ ca viṣṇusānnidhyahetukam || tatra śrāddhavidhānena mucyate pitṛjādṛṇāt

Then Vamana tirtha, the cause of Vishnu's very presence; by the rite of shraddha there, one is freed of the debt owed to the ancestors.

Verse 21 (skanda.4.84.21)

नरनारायणाख्यं हि ततस्तीर्थं शुभप्रदम् ।। तत्तीर्थमज्जनात्पुंसां गर्भवासः सुदुर्लभः

naranārāyaṇākhyaṁ hi tatastīrthaṁ śubhapradam || tattīrthamajjanātpuṁsāṁ garbhavāsaḥ sudurlabhaḥ

Then the auspicious tirtha called Nara-Narayana; by immersion at that tirtha, dwelling in the womb becomes exceedingly rare for men.

Verse 22 (skanda.4.84.22)

यज्ञवाराहतीर्थं च ततो दक्षिणतः शुभम् ।। यत्र स्नातस्य वै पुंसां राजसूयफलं ध्रुवम्

yajñavārāhatīrthaṁ ca tato dakṣiṇataḥ śubham || yatra snātasya vai puṁsāṁ rājasūyaphalaṁ dhruvam

Then, to the south, the auspicious Yajnavaraha tirtha; bathing there, men certainly obtain the fruit of the Rajasuya sacrifice.

Verse 23 (skanda.4.84.23)

विदारनारसिंहाख्यं तीर्थं तत्रास्ति पावनम् ।। यत्रैकस्नानतो नश्येदघ जन्मशतार्जितम्

vidāranārasiṁhākhyaṁ tīrthaṁ tatrāsti pāvanam || yatraikasnānato naśyedagha janmaśatārjitam

There is the purifying tirtha called Vidara-Narasimha; by a single bath there, sin accumulated over a hundred births is destroyed.

Verse 24 (skanda.4.84.24)

गोपीगोविंदतीर्थं च ततो वैष्णवलोकदम् ।। यस्मिन्स्नातो नरो विद्वान्न विंद्याद्गर्भवेदनम्

gopīgoviṁdatīrthaṁ ca tato vaiṣṇavalokadam || yasminsnāto naro vidvānna viṁdyādgarbhavedanam

Then Gopi-Govinda tirtha, giver of the world of Vishnu; the wise man who bathes there never experiences the pain of the womb.

Verse 25 (skanda.4.84.25)

लक्ष्मीनृसिंहतीर्थं च गोपीगोविंद दक्षिणे ।। निर्वाणलक्ष्म्या यत्रत्यो व्रियते तु नरोत्तमः

lakṣmīnṛsiṁhatīrthaṁ ca gopīgoviṁda dakṣiṇe || nirvāṇalakṣmyā yatratyo vriyate tu narottamaḥ

And Lakshmi-Nrisimha tirtha, south of Gopi-Govinda; the best of men who dwells there is chosen by the very Lakshmi of liberation.

Verse 26 (skanda.4.84.26)

तद्दक्षिणायां काष्ठायां शेषतीर्थमनुत्तमम्।। महापापौघ शेषोपि न तिष्ठेद्यन्निमज्जनात् ।।

taddakṣiṇāyāṁ kāṣṭhāyāṁ śeṣatīrthamanuttamam|| mahāpāpaugha śeṣopi na tiṣṭhedyannimajjanāt ||

In the southern direction from there is the unsurpassed Shesha tirtha; by immersion in it, not even a remnant of the flood of great sins remains.

Verse 27 (skanda.4.84.27)

शंखमाधवतीर्थं च तद्याम्यां दिशि चोत्तमम् ।। तत्तीर्थसेवनान्नृणां कुतः पापभयं महत्

śaṁkhamādhavatīrthaṁ ca tadyāmyāṁ diśi cottamam || tattīrthasevanānnṛṇāṁ kutaḥ pāpabhayaṁ mahat

And, to its south, the excellent Shankha-Madhava tirtha; by service of that tirtha, how could men have any great fear of sin?

Verse 28 (skanda.4.84.28)

ततोपि पावनतरं तीर्थं तत्क्षणसिद्धिदम् ।। नीलग्रीवाख्यमतुलं तत्स्नायी सर्वदा शुचिः

tatopi pāvanataraṁ tīrthaṁ tatkṣaṇasiddhidam || nīlagrīvākhyamatulaṁ tatsnāyī sarvadā śuciḥ

Still more purifying, granting instant perfection, is the unmatched tirtha called Nilagriva; one who bathes there is ever pure.

Verse 29 (skanda.4.84.29)

तत्रोद्दालकतीर्थं च सर्वाघौघ विनाशनम् ।। ददाति महतीमृद्धिं स्नानमात्रेण तन्नृणाम्

tatroddālakatīrthaṁ ca sarvāghaugha vināśanam || dadāti mahatīmṛddhiṁ snānamātreṇa tannṛṇām

There too is Uddalaka tirtha, which destroys the whole flood of sin; it grants great prosperity to men by mere bathing.

Verse 30 (skanda.4.84.30)

ततः सांख्याख्य तीर्थं च सांख्येश्वर समीपतः ।। तत्तीर्थसेवनात्पुंसां सांख्ययोगः प्रसीदति

tataḥ sāṁkhyākhya tīrthaṁ ca sāṁkhyeśvara samīpataḥ || tattīrthasevanātpuṁsāṁ sāṁkhyayogaḥ prasīdati

Then the tirtha called Sankhya, near Sankhyeshvara; by service of that tirtha, the yoga of Sankhya becomes clear to men.

Verse 31 (skanda.4.84.31)

स्वर्लोकाद्यत्र संलीनः स्वयं देव उमापतिः ।। अतः स्वर्लीनतीर्थं च स्वर्लीनेश्वर सन्निधौ

svarlokādyatra saṁlīnaḥ svayaṁ deva umāpatiḥ || ataḥ svarlīnatīrthaṁ ca svarlīneśvara sannidhau

There, the god, the husband of Uma, himself merged from the heavenly world; hence the tirtha called Svarlina, near Svarlineshvara.

Verse 32 (skanda.4.84.32)

तत्र स्नानेन दानेन श्रद्धया द्विजभोजनैः ।। जपहोमार्चनैः पुंसामक्षयं सर्वमेव हि

tatra snānena dānena śraddhayā dvijabhojanaiḥ || japahomārcanaiḥ puṁsāmakṣayaṁ sarvameva hi

Whatever is done there by men — bathing, giving, faith, feeding brahmins, recitation, fire-offerings, worship — all of it becomes truly imperishable.

Verse 33 (skanda.4.84.33)

महिषासुरतीर्थं च तत्समीपेति पावनम् ।। यत्र तप्त्वा स दैत्येंद्रो विजिग्ये सकलान्सुरान्

mahiṣāsuratīrthaṁ ca tatsamīpeti pāvanam || yatra taptvā sa daityeṁdro vijigye sakalānsurān

Nearby is the purifying tirtha of Mahishasura, where that lord of demons, having practised austerity, conquered all the gods.

Verse 34 (skanda.4.84.34)

तत्तीर्थसेवकोद्यापि नारिभिः परिभूयते ।। न पातकैर्महद्भिश्च प्रार्थितं च फलं लभेत्

tattīrthasevakodyāpi nāribhiḥ paribhūyate || na pātakairmahadbhiśca prārthitaṁ ca phalaṁ labhet

A servant of that tirtha even today is not overcome by women, nor by great sins; and one obtains the fruit one prays for.

Verse 35 (skanda.4.84.35)

बाणतीर्थं च तस्यारात्तत्सहस्रभुजप्रदम् ।। तत्र स्नातो नरो भक्तिं प्राप्नुयाच्छांभवीं स्थिराम्

bāṇatīrthaṁ ca tasyārāttatsahasrabhujapradam || tatra snāto naro bhaktiṁ prāpnuyācchāṁbhavīṁ sthirām

Nearby is Bana tirtha, giver of a thousand arms; a man who bathes there obtains steady devotion to Shambhu.

Verse 36 (skanda.4.84.36)

गोप्रतारेश्वरं नाम तदग्रे तीर्थमुत्तमम् ।। अपुत्रोपि तरेद्यत्र स्नातो वैतरणीं सुखम्

gopratāreśvaraṁ nāma tadagre tīrthamuttamam || aputropi taredyatra snāto vaitaraṇīṁ sukham

Beyond that, the excellent tirtha named Gopratareshvara; even a man without a son who bathes there easily crosses the Vaitarani river.

Verse 37 (skanda.4.84.37)

तीर्थं हिरण्यगर्भाख्यं तद्याम्ये सर्वपापहृत्।। तत्र स्नातो हिरण्येन मुच्यते न कदाचन

tīrthaṁ hiraṇyagarbhākhyaṁ tadyāmye sarvapāpahṛt|| tatra snāto hiraṇyena mucyate na kadācana

To its south, the tirtha called Hiranyagarbha, remover of all sins; one who bathes there is never at any time separated from gold.

Verse 38 (skanda.4.84.38)

ततः प्रणवतीर्थं च सर्वतीर्थोत्तमोत्तमम् ।। जीवन्मुक्तो भवेत्तत्र स्नानमात्रेण मानवः

tataḥ praṇavatīrthaṁ ca sarvatīrthottamottamam || jīvanmukto bhavettatra snānamātreṇa mānavaḥ

Then Pranava tirtha, the very best of all tirthas; a man becomes liberated while yet alive by mere bathing there.

Verse 39 (skanda.4.84.39)

ततः पिशंगिला तीर्थं दर्शनादपि पापहृत् ।। मुने ममाधिष्ठानं वै तदगस्तेऽति सिद्धिदम्

tataḥ piśaṁgilā tīrthaṁ darśanādapi pāpahṛt || mune mamādhiṣṭhānaṁ vai tadagaste'ti siddhidam

Then Pishangila tirtha, which removes sin by mere sight; O sage Agastya, that is truly my own abode, and grants great perfection.

Verse 40 (skanda.4.84.40)

स्नात्वा पिशंगिला तीर्थे दत्त्वा दानं च किंचन ।। किं शोचति कृतात्पापादन्यत्रापि मृतो यदि

snātvā piśaṁgilā tīrthe dattvā dānaṁ ca kiṁcana || kiṁ śocati kṛtātpāpādanyatrāpi mṛto yadi

Having bathed at Pishangila tirtha and given even a small gift, why should one grieve over a sin committed, even should one die elsewhere?

Verse 41 (skanda.4.84.41)

यो वै पिशंगिला तीर्थे स्नात्वा मामर्चयिष्यति ।। भविष्यति स मे मित्त्रं मित्रतेजः समप्रभम्

yo vai piśaṁgilā tīrthe snātvā māmarcayiṣyati || bhaviṣyati sa me mittraṁ mitratejaḥ samaprabham

Whoever bathes at Pishangila tirtha and worships me shall become my friend, radiant with a splendour equal to the sun's.

Verse 42 (skanda.4.84.42)

ततस्त्रैविष्टपीदृष्टि निर्मलीकृत पुष्कलम्।। तीर्थं पिलिपिलाख्यं वै मनोमलविनाशनम्

tatastraiviṣṭapīdṛṣṭi nirmalīkṛta puṣkalam|| tīrthaṁ pilipilākhyaṁ vai manomalavināśanam

Then the tirtha called Pilipila, abundantly purifying, which has made pure the very gaze of the gods, destroying the impurity of the mind.

Verse 43 (skanda.4.84.43)

।। तत्र श्राद्धादिकरणाद्दीनानाथ प्रतर्पणात् ।। महतीं श्रियमाप्नोति मानवोतीव निश्चलाम्

|| tatra śrāddhādikaraṇāddīnānātha pratarpaṇāt || mahatīṁ śriyamāpnoti mānavotīva niścalām

By performing shraddha there, and by satisfying the poor and helpless, a man obtains a great and exceedingly steady fortune.

Verse 44 (skanda.4.84.44)

ततो नागेश्वरं तीर्थं महाघपरिशोधनम् ।। तत्तीर्थमज्जनादेव भवेत्सर्वाघसंक्षयः

tato nāgeśvaraṁ tīrthaṁ mahāghapariśodhanam || tattīrthamajjanādeva bhavetsarvāghasaṁkṣayaḥ

Then Nageshvara tirtha, which thoroughly purifies great sin; by mere immersion in that tirtha, the destruction of all sin occurs.

Verse 45 (skanda.4.84.45)

तद्दक्षिणे महापुण्यं कर्णादित्याख्यमुत्तमम् ।। तीर्थं यत्राप्लुतो मर्त्यो भास्करीं श्रियमावहेत्

taddakṣiṇe mahāpuṇyaṁ karṇādityākhyamuttamam || tīrthaṁ yatrāpluto martyo bhāskarīṁ śriyamāvahet

To its south, the excellent and greatly meritorious tirtha called Karnaditya; a mortal who bathes there brings upon himself the very splendour of the sun.

Verse 46 (skanda.4.84.46)

ततो भैरवतीर्थं च महाघौघक्षयप्रदम् ।। चतुरर्थोदयकरं सर्वविघ्ननिवारणम्

tato bhairavatīrthaṁ ca mahāghaughakṣayapradam || caturarthodayakaraṁ sarvavighnanivāraṇam

Then Bhairava tirtha, granting the destruction of the whole flood of sin, bringing about the rise of the four aims of life, warding off every obstacle.

Verse 47 (skanda.4.84.47)

भौमाष्टम्यां तत्र नरः स्नात्वा संतर्पयेत्पितॄन् ।। दृष्ट्वा च भैरवं कालं कलिं कालं च संजयेत्

bhaumāṣṭamyāṁ tatra naraḥ snātvā saṁtarpayetpitṝn || dṛṣṭvā ca bhairavaṁ kālaṁ kaliṁ kālaṁ ca saṁjayet

Bathing there on the eighth lunar day falling on a Tuesday, and offering tarpana to the ancestors, and beholding Bhairava, a man conquers even Time and the Kali age.

Verse 48 (skanda.4.84.48)

तीर्थं खर्वनृसिंहाख्यं तीर्थाद्भरवतः पुरः ।। तत्र स्नातस्य वै पुंसः कुतोघजनितं भयम्

tīrthaṁ kharvanṛsiṁhākhyaṁ tīrthādbharavataḥ puraḥ || tatra snātasya vai puṁsaḥ kutoghajanitaṁ bhayam

The tirtha called Kharva-Narasimha, before the Bhairava tirtha; how could a man who bathes there have any fear born of sin?

Verse 49 (skanda.4.84.49)

मृकंडस्य मुनेस्तीर्थं तद्याम्यामतिनिर्मलम ।। तत्र स्नानेन मर्त्यानां नापायमरणं क्वचित्

mṛkaṁḍasya munestīrthaṁ tadyāmyāmatinirmalama || tatra snānena martyānāṁ nāpāyamaraṇaṁ kvacit

The exceedingly pure tirtha of the sage Mrikanda, to its south; by bathing there, mortals never meet an untimely death.

Verse 50 (skanda.4.84.50)

ततः पंचनदाख्यं वै सर्वतीर्थनिषेवितम् ।। तीर्थं यत्र नरः स्नात्वा न संसारी पुनर्भवेत्

tataḥ paṁcanadākhyaṁ vai sarvatīrthaniṣevitam || tīrthaṁ yatra naraḥ snātvā na saṁsārī punarbhavet

Then the tirtha called Panchanada, served by all the tirthas; bathing there, a man never again becomes bound to worldly existence.

Verse 51 (skanda.4.84.51)

ब्रह्मांडोदरवर्तीनि यानि तीर्थानि सर्वतः ।। ऊर्जे यत्र समायांति स्वाघौघ परिनुत्तये

brahmāṁḍodaravartīni yāni tīrthāni sarvataḥ || ūrje yatra samāyāṁti svāghaugha parinuttaye

All the tirthas that exist throughout the interior of the universe assemble there in the month of Kartika, for the removal of their own flood of sin.

Verse 52 (skanda.4.84.52)

सर्वदा यत्र सर्वाणि दशम्यादिदिनत्रयम् ।। तिष्ठंति तीर्थवर्याणि निजनैर्मल्यहेतवे ।।

sarvadā yatra sarvāṇi daśamyādidinatrayam || tiṣṭhaṁti tīrthavaryāṇi nijanairmalyahetave ||

There, always, for three days beginning with the tenth lunar day, all the finest tirthas remain, for the sake of their own purification.

Verse 53 (skanda.4.84.53)

भूरिशः सर्वतीर्थानि मध्य काशि पदेपदे ।। परं पांचनदः कैश्चिन्महिमानापि कुत्रचित्

bhūriśaḥ sarvatīrthāni madhya kāśi padepade || paraṁ pāṁcanadaḥ kaiścinmahimānāpi kutracit

There are countless tirthas at every step in the midst of Kashi; but Panchanada's greatness is unmatched by any other anywhere.

Verse 54 (skanda.4.84.54)

अप्येकं कार्तिकस्याहस्तत्र वै सफलीकृतम् ।। जपहोमार्चनादानैः कृतकृत्यास्त एव हि

apyekaṁ kārtikasyāhastatra vai saphalīkṛtam || japahomārcanādānaiḥ kṛtakṛtyāsta eva hi

Even a single day of Kartika made fruitful there — through recitation, fire-offering, worship, and giving — those who do so are indeed fulfilled.

Verse 55 (skanda.4.84.55)

सर्वाण्यपि च तीर्थानि युगपत्तुलितान्यपि ।। नाधिजन्मुः पंचनद्याः कलाया अपि तुल्यताम्

sarvāṇyapi ca tīrthāni yugapattulitānyapi || nādhijanmuḥ paṁcanadyāḥ kalāyā api tulyatām

All the tirthas together, even when weighed all at once, could not attain equality with even a sixteenth part of Panchanada.

Verse 56 (skanda.4.84.56)

स्नात्वा पांचनदे तीर्थे दृष्ट्वा वै बिंदुमाधवम् ।। न जातु जायते धीमाञ्जननी जठराजिरे

snātvā pāṁcanade tīrthe dṛṣṭvā vai biṁdumādhavam || na jātu jāyate dhīmāñjananī jaṭharājire

Having bathed at the Panchanada tirtha and beheld Bindumadhava, the wise man is never again born in the field of a mother's womb.

Verse 57 (skanda.4.84.57)

ततो ज्ञानहदं तीर्थं जडानामपि जाड्यहृत् ।। तत्र स्नातो नरो जातु ज्ञानभ्रंशं न चाप्नुयात्

tato jñānahadaṁ tīrthaṁ jaḍānāmapi jāḍyahṛt || tatra snāto naro jātu jñānabhraṁśaṁ na cāpnuyāt

Then the tirtha Jnanahrada, which removes the dullness even of the dull; a man who bathes there never falls away from knowledge.

Verse 58 (skanda.4.84.58)

तत्र ज्ञानह्रदे स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा ज्ञानेश्वरं नरः ।। ज्ञानं तदधिगच्छेद्वै येन नो बाध्यते पुनः

tatra jñānahrade snātvā dṛṣṭvā jñāneśvaraṁ naraḥ || jñānaṁ tadadhigacchedvai yena no bādhyate punaḥ

Bathing at Jnanahrada and beholding Jnaneshvara, a man attains that knowledge by which he is never troubled again.

Verse 59 (skanda.4.84.59)

ततोस्ति मंगलं तीर्थं सर्वामंगलनाशनम् ।। तत्रावगाहनं कृत्वा भवेन्मंगलभाजनम्

tatosti maṁgalaṁ tīrthaṁ sarvāmaṁgalanāśanam || tatrāvagāhanaṁ kṛtvā bhavenmaṁgalabhājanam

Then there is Mangala tirtha, which destroys every inauspiciousness; by bathing there, one becomes a vessel of good fortune.

Verse 60 (skanda.4.84.60)

अमंगलानि नश्येयुर्भवेयुर्मंगलानि च ।। स्नातुर्वै मंगले तीर्थे नमस्कर्तुश्च मंगलम् ।।

amaṁgalāni naśyeyurbhaveyurmaṁgalāni ca || snāturvai maṁgale tīrthe namaskartuśca maṁgalam ||

Misfortunes are destroyed and good fortunes arise for one who bathes at the Mangala tirtha, and good fortune too for one who merely bows there.

Verse 61 (skanda.4.84.61)

मयूखमालिनस्तीर्थं तदग्रे मलनाशनम् ।। तत्राप्लुतो गभस्तीशं विलोक्य विमलो भवेत्

mayūkhamālinastīrthaṁ tadagre malanāśanam || tatrāpluto gabhastīśaṁ vilokya vimalo bhavet

Beyond that, the tirtha of Mayukhamalin, which destroys impurity; bathing there and beholding Gabhastisha, one becomes stainless.

Verse 62 (skanda.4.84.62)

मखतीर्थं तु तत्रैव मखैश्वर समीपतः ।। मखजं पुण्यमाप्नोति तत्र स्नातो नरोत्तमः

makhatīrthaṁ tu tatraiva makhaiśvara samīpataḥ || makhajaṁ puṇyamāpnoti tatra snāto narottamaḥ

Right there, Makha tirtha, near Makheshvara; the best of men who bathes there obtains the merit born of a sacrifice.

Verse 63 (skanda.4.84.63)

तत्पार्श्वे बिंदुतीर्थं च परमज्ञानकारणम् ।। तत्र श्राद्धादिकं कृत्वा लभेत्सुकृतमुत्तमम्

tatpārśve biṁdutīrthaṁ ca paramajñānakāraṇam || tatra śrāddhādikaṁ kṛtvā labhetsukṛtamuttamam

Beside it, Bindu tirtha, the cause of supreme knowledge; performing shraddha and the like there, one obtains excellent merit.

Verse 64 (skanda.4.84.64)

पिप्पलादस्य च मुनेस्तीर्थं तद्याम्यदिक्स्थितम् ।। स्नात्वा शनेर्दिने तत्र दृष्ट्वावै पिप्पलेश्वरम्

pippalādasya ca munestīrthaṁ tadyāmyadiksthitam || snātvā śanerdine tatra dṛṣṭvāvai pippaleśvaram

The tirtha of the sage Pippalada lies to its south; bathing there on Saturn's day, and beholding Pippaleshvara,

Verse 65 (skanda.4.84.65)

पिप्पलं तत्र सेवित्वा अश्वत्थ इति मंत्रतः ।। शनिपीडां न लभते दुःस्वप्नं चापि नाशयेत्

pippalaṁ tatra sevitvā aśvattha iti maṁtrataḥ || śanipīḍāṁ na labhate duḥsvapnaṁ cāpi nāśayet

and serving the pipal tree there with the mantra "Ashvattha," one does not suffer the affliction of Saturn, and destroys even bad dreams.

Verse 66 (skanda.4.84.66)

ततस्ताम्रवराहाख्यं तीर्थं चैवातिपावनम् ।। यत्र स्नानेन दानेन न मज्जेदघसागरे

tatastāmravarāhākhyaṁ tīrthaṁ caivātipāvanam || yatra snānena dānena na majjedaghasāgare

Then the exceedingly purifying tirtha called Tamravaraha; by bathing and giving there, one does not sink into the ocean of sin.

Verse 67 (skanda.4.84.67)

तदग्रे कालगंगा च कलिकल्मषनाशिनी ।। तस्यां स्नात्वा नरो धीमांस्तत्क्षणान्निरघो भवेत्

tadagre kālagaṁgā ca kalikalmaṣanāśinī || tasyāṁ snātvā naro dhīmāṁstatkṣaṇānniragho bhavet

Beyond that, Kalaganga, destroyer of the taint of Kali; bathing in it, a wise man becomes sinless that very instant.

Verse 68 (skanda.4.84.68)

इंद्रद्युम्नं महातीर्थमिंद्रद्युम्नेश्वराग्रतः ।। तोयकृत्यं तत्र कृत्वा लोकमैंद्रमवाप्नुयात

iṁdradyumnaṁ mahātīrthamiṁdradyumneśvarāgrataḥ || toyakṛtyaṁ tatra kṛtvā lokamaiṁdramavāpnuyāta

The great tirtha of Indradyumna, before Indradyumneshvara; performing the water-rite there, one attains the world of Indra.

Verse 69 (skanda.4.84.69)

ततस्तु रामतीर्थं च वीररामेश्वराग्रतः।। तत्तीर्थस्नानमात्रेण वैष्णवं लोकमाप्नुयात्

tatastu rāmatīrthaṁ ca vīrarāmeśvarāgrataḥ|| tattīrthasnānamātreṇa vaiṣṇavaṁ lokamāpnuyāt

Then Rama tirtha, before Vira-Rameshvara; by mere bathing at that tirtha, one attains the world of Vishnu.

Verse 70 (skanda.4.84.70)

तत ऐक्ष्वाकवं तीर्थं सर्वाघौघविनाशनम् ।। तत्र स्नानेन पूतात्मा जायते मनुजोत्तमः

tata aikṣvākavaṁ tīrthaṁ sarvāghaughavināśanam || tatra snānena pūtātmā jāyate manujottamaḥ

Then the tirtha of the Ikshvakus, which destroys the whole flood of sin; by bathing there, one becomes a purified soul, the very best of men.

Verse 71 (skanda.4.84.71)

मरुत्ततीर्थं तत्प्रांते मरुत्तेश्वरसन्निधो ।। तत्र स्नात्वा तमर्च्येशं महदैश्वर्यमाप्नुयात्

maruttatīrthaṁ tatprāṁte marutteśvarasannidho || tatra snātvā tamarcyeśaṁ mahadaiśvaryamāpnuyāt

At its edge, Marutta tirtha, near Maruttesha; bathing there and worshipping that lord, one attains great sovereignty.

Verse 72 (skanda.4.84.72)

मैत्रावरुणतीर्थं च ततः पातकनाशनम् ।। तत्र पिंडप्रदानेन पितॄणां भवति प्रियः

maitrāvaruṇatīrthaṁ ca tataḥ pātakanāśanam || tatra piṁḍapradānena pitṝṇāṁ bhavati priyaḥ

Then Maitravaruna tirtha, which destroys sin; by offering pindas there, one becomes dear to the ancestors.

Verse 73 (skanda.4.84.73)

ततोग्नितीर्थविमलमग्नीश पुरतो महत् ।। अग्निलोकमवाप्नोति तत्तीर्थपरिमज्जनात्

tatognitīrthavimalamagnīśa purato mahat || agnilokamavāpnoti tattīrthaparimajjanāt

Then the great, pure Agni tirtha, before Agnisha; one attains the world of Agni by immersion in that tirtha.

Verse 74 (skanda.4.84.74)

अंगारतीर्थं तत्रैव अंगारेश्वरसन्निधौ ।। तत्रांगार चतुर्थ्यां नु स्नात्वा निष्पापतामियात्

aṁgāratīrthaṁ tatraiva aṁgāreśvarasannidhau || tatrāṁgāra caturthyāṁ nu snātvā niṣpāpatāmiyāt

Right there, Angara tirtha, near Angareshvara; bathing there on the fourth lunar day falling on a Tuesday, one attains sinlessness.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.84.75)

ततो वै कलितीर्थं च कलशेश्वरसन्निधौ ।। स्नात्वा तल्लिंगमभ्यर्च्य कलिकालान्न बिभ्यति

tato vai kalitīrthaṁ ca kalaśeśvarasannidhau || snātvā talliṁgamabhyarcya kalikālānna bibhyati

Then Kali tirtha, near Kalasheshvara; bathing and worshipping that linga, one no longer fears the Kali age.

Verse 76 (skanda.4.84.76)

चंद्रतीर्थं च तत्रैव चंद्रेश्वरसमीपतः ।। तत्र स्नात्वार्च्य चंद्रेशं चंद्रलोकमवाप्नुयात्

caṁdratīrthaṁ ca tatraiva caṁdreśvarasamīpataḥ || tatra snātvārcya caṁdreśaṁ caṁdralokamavāpnuyāt

Right there, Chandra tirtha, near Chandreshvara; bathing there and worshipping Chandresha, one attains the world of the moon.

Verse 77 (skanda.4.84.77)

तदग्रे वीरतीर्थं च वीरेश्वर समीपतः ।। यदुक्तं प्राक्तवपुरस्तीर्थानामुत्तमं परम्

tadagre vīratīrthaṁ ca vīreśvara samīpataḥ || yaduktaṁ prāktavapurastīrthānāmuttamaṁ param

Beyond that, Vira tirtha, near Vireshvara, which has already been described before you as the very best of all tirthas.

Verse 78 (skanda.4.84.78)

विघ्नेशतीर्थं च ततः सर्वविघ्नविघातकृत् ।। जातुचित्तत्र संस्नातो न विघ्नैरभिभूयते

vighneśatīrthaṁ ca tataḥ sarvavighnavighātakṛt || jātucittatra saṁsnāto na vighnairabhibhūyate

Then Vighnesha tirtha, remover of every obstacle; whoever bathes there is never at any time overcome by obstacles.

Verse 79 (skanda.4.84.79)

हरिश्चंद्रस्य राजर्षस्ततस्तीर्थमनुत्तमम् ।। यत्र स्नातो नरो जातु न सत्याच्चयवते कचित्

hariścaṁdrasya rājarṣastatastīrthamanuttamam || yatra snāto naro jātu na satyāccayavate kacit

Then the unsurpassed tirtha of the royal sage Harishchandra; a man who bathes there never at all falls away from truth.

Verse 80 (skanda.4.84.80)

हरिश्चंद्रस्य तीर्थे तु यच्छ्रेयः समुपार्जितम् ।। तदक्षयफलं वीर इह लोके परत्र च

hariścaṁdrasya tīrthe tu yacchreyaḥ samupārjitam || tadakṣayaphalaṁ vīra iha loke paratra ca

Whatever merit is earned at Harishchandra's tirtha, O hero, bears imperishable fruit both in this world and the next.

Verse 81 (skanda.4.84.81)

ततः पर्वततीर्थं च पर्वतेश समीपतः ।। सर्वपर्वफलं तस्य स्नात्वा पर्वण्यपर्वणि

tataḥ parvatatīrthaṁ ca parvateśa samīpataḥ || sarvaparvaphalaṁ tasya snātvā parvaṇyaparvaṇi

Then Parvata tirtha, near Parvatesha; bathing there, whether on a sacred day or not, one obtains the fruit of every sacred day.

Verse 82 (skanda.4.84.82)

कंबलाश्वतरं तीर्थं तत्र सर्वविषापहम् ।। तत्र स्नातो भवेन्मर्त्यो गीतविद्याविशारदः

kaṁbalāśvataraṁ tīrthaṁ tatra sarvaviṣāpaham || tatra snāto bhavenmartyo gītavidyāviśāradaḥ

There, Kambalashvatara tirtha, which removes every poison; a mortal who bathes there becomes skilled in the art of song.

Verse 83 (skanda.4.84.83)

ततः सारस्वतं तीर्थं सर्वविद्योपपादकम् ।। तिष्ठेयुः पितरस्तत्र सह देवर्षिमानवैः

tataḥ sārasvataṁ tīrthaṁ sarvavidyopapādakam || tiṣṭheyuḥ pitarastatra saha devarṣimānavaiḥ

Then Sarasvata tirtha, which grants every branch of learning; there the ancestors dwell together with gods, sages, and men.

Verse 84 (skanda.4.84.84)

उमातीर्थं तु तत्रैव सर्वशक्तिसमन्वितम् ।। औमेयलोकप्राप्त्यै स्यात्स्नानमात्रेण निश्चितम्

umātīrthaṁ tu tatraiva sarvaśaktisamanvitam || aumeyalokaprāptyai syātsnānamātreṇa niścitam

Right there, Uma tirtha, endowed with every power; by mere bathing, one certainly attains the world belonging to Uma.

Verse 85 (skanda.4.84.85)

ततस्त्रिलोकी विख्यातं त्रिलोक्युद्धरणक्षमम् ।। तीर्थं श्रेष्ठतरं वीर यदाख्या मणिकर्णिका

tatastrilokī vikhyātaṁ trilokyuddharaṇakṣamam || tīrthaṁ śreṣṭhataraṁ vīra yadākhyā maṇikarṇikā

Then the tirtha renowned as Triloki, capable of uplifting the three worlds — that most excellent tirtha, O hero, is called Manikarnika.

Verse 86 (skanda.4.84.86)

चक्रपुष्करिणीतीर्थं तदादौ विष्णुना कृतम् ।। तदाख्या कर्णनादेव सर्वैः पापैः प्रमुच्यते

cakrapuṣkariṇītīrthaṁ tadādau viṣṇunā kṛtam || tadākhyā karṇanādeva sarvaiḥ pāpaiḥ pramucyate

First there was Chakrapushkarini tirtha, made by Vishnu; merely hearing its name, one is freed from every sin.

Verse 87 (skanda.4.84.87)

स्वर्गौकसस्त्रिसंध्यं वै जपंति मणिकर्णिकाम् ।। यन्नामग्रहणं पुंसां श्रेयसं परमाय हि

svargaukasastrisaṁdhyaṁ vai japaṁti maṇikarṇikām || yannāmagrahaṇaṁ puṁsāṁ śreyasaṁ paramāya hi

The dwellers of heaven recite the name "Manikarnika" three times a day; for men, uttering that name truly leads to the highest blessing.

Verse 88 (skanda.4.84.88)

यैः श्रुता यैः स्मृता वीर यैर्दृष्टा मणिकर्णिका ।। त एव कृतिनो लोके कृतकृत्यास्त एव हि

yaiḥ śrutā yaiḥ smṛtā vīra yairdṛṣṭā maṇikarṇikā || ta eva kṛtino loke kṛtakṛtyāsta eva hi

Those, O hero, by whom Manikarnika has been heard of, remembered, or seen — they alone are the accomplished ones in this world, they alone are truly fulfilled.

Verse 89 (skanda.4.84.89)

त्रिलोके ये जपंतीह मानवा मणिकर्णिकाम् ।। जपामि तानहं वीर त्रिकालं पुण्यकर्मणः

triloke ye japaṁtīha mānavā maṇikarṇikām || japāmi tānahaṁ vīra trikālaṁ puṇyakarmaṇaḥ

Whatever men in the three worlds recite the name "Manikarnika" — those men of virtuous deeds, O hero, I myself recite three times a day.

Verse 90 (skanda.4.84.90)

इष्टं तेन महायज्ञैः सहस्रशतदक्षिणैः ।। पंचाक्षरी महाविद्या येनोक्ता मणिकर्णिका

iṣṭaṁ tena mahāyajñaiḥ sahasraśatadakṣiṇaiḥ || paṁcākṣarī mahāvidyā yenoktā maṇikarṇikā

By whoever has uttered the five-syllabled great mantra, and the name Manikarnika, it is as if he has performed great sacrifices with a hundred thousand gifts of dakshina.

Verse 91 (skanda.4.84.91)

महादानानि दत्तानि तेन वै पुण्यकर्मणा ।। येनाहमर्चितो वीर संप्राप्य मणिकर्णिकाम्

mahādānāni dattāni tena vai puṇyakarmaṇā || yenāhamarcito vīra saṁprāpya maṇikarṇikām

By whatever man of virtuous deeds has worshipped me, O hero, having reached Manikarnika, it is as though he has given the greatest gifts.

Verse 92 (skanda.4.84.92)

मणिकर्ण्यंबुभिर्येन तर्पिताः प्रपितामहाः ।। तेन श्राद्धानि दत्तानि गयायां मधुपायसैः

maṇikarṇyaṁbubhiryena tarpitāḥ prapitāmahāḥ || tena śrāddhāni dattāni gayāyāṁ madhupāyasaiḥ

By whoever has offered tarpana to his great-grandfathers with the waters of Manikarnika, it is as if he has performed the shraddha rites at Gaya with honey and rice-pudding.

Verse 93 (skanda.4.84.93)

मणिकर्णीजलं येन संपीतं शुद्धबुद्धिना ।। किं तस्य सोमपानैस्तैः पुनरावृत्तिलक्षणैः

maṇikarṇījalaṁ yena saṁpītaṁ śuddhabuddhinā || kiṁ tasya somapānaistaiḥ punarāvṛttilakṣaṇaiḥ

For the pure-minded one who has drunk the water of Manikarnika, what further need has he of those soma-drinking sacrifices, which are marked by a return to rebirth?

Verse 94 (skanda.4.84.94)

ते स्नाताः सर्वतीर्थेषु महापर्वसुभूरिशः ।। तथा च सर्वावभृथैर्यैः स्नाता मणिकर्णिका ।।

te snātāḥ sarvatīrtheṣu mahāparvasubhūriśaḥ || tathā ca sarvāvabhṛthairyaiḥ snātā maṇikarṇikā ||

Those by whom Manikarnika has been bathed in are, in effect, bathed in all the tirthas, on all the great festival days, countless times, and with every concluding sacrificial bath.

Verse 95 (skanda.4.84.95)

तैः सुराः पूजिताः सर्वे ब्रह्मविष्णुमुखा मखैः ।। यैः स्वर्णकुसुमैरत्नैरर्चिता मणिकर्णिका

taiḥ surāḥ pūjitāḥ sarve brahmaviṣṇumukhā makhaiḥ || yaiḥ svarṇakusumairatnairarcitā maṇikarṇikā

By whoever has worshipped Manikarnika with golden flowers and jewels, all the gods, headed by Brahma and Vishnu, have in effect been worshipped with sacrifices.

Verse 96 (skanda.4.84.96)

अहं तेनोमया सार्धं दीक्षां संप्राप्य शांभवीम् ।। अर्चितः प्रत्यहं येन पूजिता णिकर्णिका

ahaṁ tenomayā sārdhaṁ dīkṣāṁ saṁprāpya śāṁbhavīm || arcitaḥ pratyahaṁ yena pūjitā ṇikarṇikā

By whoever has daily worshipped Manikarnika, I myself, together with Uma, have in effect been worshipped, having received his steadfast Shambhava initiation.

Verse 97 (skanda.4.84.97)

तपांसि तेन तप्तानि शीर्णपर्णादिना चिरम् ।। सेविता श्रद्धया येन श्रीमती मणिकर्णिका

tapāṁsi tena taptāni śīrṇaparṇādinā ciram || sevitā śraddhayā yena śrīmatī maṇikarṇikā

By whoever has served the glorious Manikarnika with faith, austerities have in effect been performed by him for long ages, on withered leaves and the like.

Verse 98 (skanda.4.84.98)

दत्त्वा दानानि भूरीणि मखानिष्ट्वा तु भूरिशः ।। चिरं तप्त्वाप्यरण्येषु स्वर्गैश्वर्यान्महीं पुनः

dattvā dānāni bhūrīṇi makhāniṣṭvā tu bhūriśaḥ || ciraṁ taptvāpyaraṇyeṣu svargaiśvaryānmahīṁ punaḥ

Having given abundant gifts, having performed many sacrifices, having long practised austerity in the forests, having enjoyed the sovereignty of heaven, and having returned again to earth —

Verse 99 (skanda.4.84.99)

विपुलेत्र महीपृष्ठे पंचक्रोश्यां मनोहरा ।। संश्रिता मणिकर्णीयैस्ते याताश्चानिवर्तकाः

vipuletra mahīpṛṣṭhe paṁcakrośyāṁ manoharā || saṁśritā maṇikarṇīyaiste yātāścānivartakāḥ

those who, upon this vast surface of the earth, take refuge in the enchanting five-krosha region around Manikarnika, once they go there, never return to rebirth.

Verse 100 (skanda.4.84.100)

दानानां च व्रतानां च क्रतूनां तपसामपि ।। इदमेव फलं मन्ये यदाप्या मणिकर्णिका

dānānāṁ ca vratānāṁ ca kratūnāṁ tapasāmapi || idameva phalaṁ manye yadāpyā maṇikarṇikā

Of gifts, of vows, of sacrifices, and of austerities, I consider this alone to be their true fruit: the attainment of Manikarnika.

Verse 101 (skanda.4.84.101)

मोक्षलक्ष्मीरियं साक्षाच्छ्रीमती मणिकर्णिका ।। प्रायोस्या महिमानं वै नवेद्म्यहमपि स्फुटम्

mokṣalakṣmīriyaṁ sākṣācchrīmatī maṇikarṇikā || prāyosyā mahimānaṁ vai navedmyahamapi sphuṭam

This glorious Manikarnika is truly the Goddess of Liberation herself; even I, in truth, do not fully know the extent of her greatness.

Verse 102 (skanda.4.84.102)

अवाच्यां मणिकर्ण्याश्च तीर्थं पाशुपतं परम् ।। तीर्थं तु रुद्रवासाख्यं विश्वतीर्थमतः परम्

avācyāṁ maṇikarṇyāśca tīrthaṁ pāśupataṁ param || tīrthaṁ tu rudravāsākhyaṁ viśvatīrthamataḥ param

Beyond what can be spoken of Manikarnika, there is the supreme Pashupata tirtha; then the tirtha called Rudravasa, and beyond that, Vishvatirtha —

Verse 103 (skanda.4.84.103)

मुक्तितीर्थं ततो रम्यमविमुक्तमथोत्तमम् ।। तीर्थं च तारकं स्कांदं ढुंढेस्तीर्थं ततोपि च

muktitīrthaṁ tato ramyamavimuktamathottamam || tīrthaṁ ca tārakaṁ skāṁdaṁ ḍhuṁḍhestīrthaṁ tatopi ca

then the lovely Mukti tirtha, then the excellent Avimukta; the tirtha of Taraka, of Skanda, and of Dhundhi as well —

Verse 104 (skanda.4.84.104)

भवानेयमथैशानं ज्ञानतीर्थमथोत्तमम् ।। नंदितीर्थं विष्णुतीर्थं तीर्थं पैतामहं ततः

bhavāneyamathaiśānaṁ jñānatīrthamathottamam || naṁditīrthaṁ viṣṇutīrthaṁ tīrthaṁ paitāmahaṁ tataḥ

Bhavaneya, then Aishana, then the excellent Jnana tirtha; Nandi tirtha, Vishnu tirtha, then the tirtha of Pitamaha —

Verse 105 (skanda.4.84.105)

नाभितीर्थमिदं चैव ब्रह्मनालमतः परम् ।। ततो भागीरथं तीर्थं यत्तवाग्रे पुराकथि

nābhitīrthamidaṁ caiva brahmanālamataḥ param || tato bhāgīrathaṁ tīrthaṁ yattavāgre purākathi

this very Nabhi tirtha, and beyond it Brahmanala; then the Bhagiratha tirtha, which was already told to you before.

Verse 106 (skanda.4.84.106)

तीर्थात्युत्तरवाहिन्यां स्वर्धुन्यां काशिसन्निधौ ।। संत्यनेकानि पुण्यानि मयोक्तान्यल्पशः पुनः

tīrthātyuttaravāhinyāṁ svardhunyāṁ kāśisannidhau || saṁtyanekāni puṇyāni mayoktānyalpaśaḥ punaḥ

Along the northward-flowing heavenly river near Kashi, there are countless holy tirthas, of which I have again told you but a few.

Verse 107 (skanda.4.84.107)

तत्रापि नितरां श्रेष्ठा पंचतीर्थी(?) नृपांगज ।। यस्यां स्तात्वा नरो भूयो गर्भवासं न संस्मरेत्

tatrāpi nitarāṁ śreṣṭhā paṁcatīrthī(?) nṛpāṁgaja || yasyāṁ stātvā naro bhūyo garbhavāsaṁ na saṁsmaret

Among these, the very greatest, O royal son, is Panchatirthi — bathing in which, a man never again recalls dwelling in the womb.

Verse 108 (skanda.4.84.108)

प्रथमं चासिसंभेदं तीर्थानां प्रवरं परम्।। ततो दशाश्वमेधाख्यं सर्वतीर्थनिषेवितम्

prathamaṁ cāsisaṁbhedaṁ tīrthānāṁ pravaraṁ param|| tato daśāśvamedhākhyaṁ sarvatīrthaniṣevitam

The first of these, and supreme among tirthas, is Asisambheda; then the tirtha called Dashashvamedha, served by all tirthas;

Verse 109 (skanda.4.84.109)

ततः पादोदकं तीर्थमादिकेशवसन्निधौ ।। ततः पंचनदं पुण्यं स्नानमात्रादघौघहृत्

tataḥ pādodakaṁ tīrthamādikeśavasannidhau || tataḥ paṁcanadaṁ puṇyaṁ snānamātrādaghaughahṛt

then Padodaka tirtha, near Adikeshava; then the meritorious Panchanada, which removes the whole flood of sin by mere bathing.

Verse 110 (skanda.4.84.110)

एतेषामपि तीर्थानां चतुर्णामपि सत्तम ।। पंचमं मणिकर्ण्याख्यं मनावेयवशुद्धिदम्

eteṣāmapi tīrthānāṁ caturṇāmapi sattama || paṁcamaṁ maṇikarṇyākhyaṁ manāveyavaśuddhidam

And, O most excellent one, the fifth of these four tirthas is that called Manikarnika, giver of the purity that comes from Manu's own descent.

Verse 111 (skanda.4.84.111)

अहं स्नाम्यत्र सततमुमया सह पर्वसु ।। ब्रह्मणा विष्णुना सार्धं सहेंद्रादिसुरर्षिभिः

ahaṁ snāmyatra satatamumayā saha parvasu || brahmaṇā viṣṇunā sārdhaṁ saheṁdrādisurarṣibhiḥ

I myself always bathe there on sacred days, together with Uma, together with Brahma and Vishnu, together with Indra and the other gods and sages.

Verse 112 (skanda.4.84.112)

अतएवात्र गीयेत गाथेयं श्रुतिसंमता।। नागलोककृतावासैः स्वर्गौकोभिश्च संततम्

ataevātra gīyeta gātheyaṁ śrutisaṁmatā|| nāgalokakṛtāvāsaiḥ svargaukobhiśca saṁtatam

Therefore, this verse, sanctioned by scripture, is constantly sung there by the dwellers of heaven and by those who dwell in the world of the nagas:

Verse 113 (skanda.4.84.113)

सत्यं सत्यं पुनः सत्यं सत्यपूर्वमिदं वचः ।। मणिकर्णी समं तीर्थं नास्ति ब्रह्मांडगोलके

satyaṁ satyaṁ punaḥ satyaṁ satyapūrvamidaṁ vacaḥ || maṇikarṇī samaṁ tīrthaṁ nāsti brahmāṁḍagolake

"Truth, truth, truth again — this word is preceded by truth: there is no tirtha equal to Manikarnika in the entire globe of the universe."

Verse 114 (skanda.4.84.114)

पंचतीर्थ्यां नरः स्नात्वा न देहं पांचभौतिकम् ।। गृह्णाति जातुचित्काश्यां पंचास्योवाथ जायते

paṁcatīrthyāṁ naraḥ snātvā na dehaṁ pāṁcabhautikam || gṛhṇāti jātucitkāśyāṁ paṁcāsyovātha jāyate

A man who bathes at the Panchatirthi never again takes on a body made of the five elements; at Kashi, he is either born as the five-faced one, or attains liberation.

Verse 115 (skanda.4.84.115)

इति दत्त्वा वरान्देवो वीरस्यांतर्दधे हरः ।। स च वीरोपि वीरेशं प्रार्च्य प्राप्तः समीहितम्

iti dattvā varāndevo vīrasyāṁtardadhe haraḥ || sa ca vīropi vīreśaṁ prārcya prāptaḥ samīhitam

Having thus granted these boons, the god Hara vanished from before the hero; and that hero too, having duly worshipped Vireshvara, attained his heart's desire.

Verse 116 (skanda.4.84.116)

।। स्कंद उवाच।। ।। तीर्थाध्यायमिमं पुण्यमगस्ते यो निशामयेत् ।। तस्याघसंक्षयं यायादपि जन्मशतार्जितम्

|| skaṁda uvāca|| || tīrthādhyāyamimaṁ puṇyamagaste yo niśāmayet || tasyāghasaṁkṣayaṁ yāyādapi janmaśatārjitam

Skanda said: O Agastya, whoever listens to this holy chapter of tirthas shall have destroyed even the sin accumulated over a hundred births.

Verse 117 (skanda.4.84.117)

इति वीरेश्वराख्यानं तीर्थाख्यानप्रसंगतः ।। कथितं ते पुरागस्ते कामेशं कथयाम्यतः

iti vīreśvarākhyānaṁ tīrthākhyānaprasaṁgataḥ || kathitaṁ te purāgaste kāmeśaṁ kathayāmyataḥ

Thus, in connection with this discourse on tirthas, the narrative of Vireshvara has been told to you, O Agastya of old; now I shall tell of Kameshvara.