The Description of the Sacred Field's Tirthas

Verse 1 (skanda.4.97.1)

।। अगस्त्य उवाच ।। ।। एतद्भविष्यं श्रुत्वाहं व्यासस्य शिवनंदन ।। आश्चर्यभाजनं जातस्तीर्थानि कथयाधुना

|| agastya uvāca || || etadbhaviṣyaṁ śrutvāhaṁ vyāsasya śivanaṁdana || āścaryabhājanaṁ jātastīrthāni kathayādhunā

Agastya said: Having heard this future of Vyasa, O son of Shiva, I have become a vessel of wonder; now tell of the tirthas.

Verse 2 (skanda.4.97.2)

आनंदकानने यानि यत्र संति षडानन ।। तानि लिंगस्वरूपाणि समाचक्ष्व ममाग्रतः

ānaṁdakānane yāni yatra saṁti ṣaḍānana || tāni liṁgasvarūpāṇi samācakṣva mamāgrataḥ

Whatever tirthas are in Anandakanana, O six-faced one, tell me their linga-forms before me.

Verse 3 (skanda.4.97.3)

।। स्कंद उवाच ।। ।। अयमेव हि वै प्रश्नो देव्यै देवेन भोस्तदा ।। यादृशः कथितो वच्मि तादृशं शृणु कुंभज

|| skaṁda uvāca || || ayameva hi vai praśno devyai devena bhostadā || yādṛśaḥ kathito vacmi tādṛśaṁ śṛṇu kuṁbhaja

Skanda said: This very question was asked by the goddess to the god then; as it was told, so I tell you — listen, O pot-born one.

Verse 4 (skanda.4.97.4)

।। देव्युवाच ।। ।। यानि यानि हि तीर्थानि यत्रयत्र महेश्वर ।। तानि तानीह मे काश्यां तत्रतत्र वद प्रभो

|| devyuvāca || || yāni yāni hi tīrthāni yatrayatra maheśvara || tāni tānīha me kāśyāṁ tatratatra vada prabho

The Goddess said: Whatever tirthas exist, wherever, O Maheshvara, tell me all of those here in Kashi, wherever they are, O lord.

Verse 5 (skanda.4.97.5)

।। देवदेव उवाच ।। ।। शृणु देवि विशालाक्षि तीर्थं लिंगमुदाहृतम् ।। जलाशयेपि तीर्थाख्या जाता मूर्ति परिग्रहात् ।।

|| devadeva uvāca || || śṛṇu devi viśālākṣi tīrthaṁ liṁgamudāhṛtam || jalāśayepi tīrthākhyā jātā mūrti parigrahāt ||

The God of gods said: Listen, O goddess Vishalakshi, a tirtha is declared to be a linga; even in a body of water, the name 'tirtha' arises from the assumption of a divine form.

Verse 6 (skanda.4.97.6)

मूर्तयो ब्रह्मविष्ण्वर्कशिवविघ्नेश्वरादिकाः ।। लिंगं शैवमिति ख्यातं यत्रैतत्तीर्थमेव तत्

mūrtayo brahmaviṣṇvarkaśivavighneśvarādikāḥ || liṁgaṁ śaivamiti khyātaṁ yatraitattīrthameva tat

The forms of Brahma, Vishnu, Surya, Shiva, Vighneshvara and others — wherever this linga called Shaiva is, that itself is the tirtha.

Verse 7 (skanda.4.97.7)

वाराणस्यां महादेवः प्रथमं तीर्थमुच्यते ।। तदुत्तरे महाकूपः सारस्वतपदप्रदः

vārāṇasyāṁ mahādevaḥ prathamaṁ tīrthamucyate || taduttare mahākūpaḥ sārasvatapadapradaḥ

In Varanasi, Mahadeva is called the first tirtha; to its north is the Mahakupa, giver of Sarasvati's state of eloquence.

Verse 8 (skanda.4.97.8)

क्षेत्रपूर्वोत्तरेभागे तद्दृष्टं पशुपाशहृत् ।। तत्पश्चाद्विग्रहवती पूज्या वाराणसी नरैः

kṣetrapūrvottarebhāge taddṛṣṭaṁ paśupāśahṛt || tatpaścādvigrahavatī pūjyā vārāṇasī naraiḥ

In the north-east portion of the sacred field, that is seen, remover of the bonds of the beast-soul; after that is embodied Varanasi, worshipped by men.

Verse 9 (skanda.4.97.9)

सा पूजिता प्रयत्नेन सुखवस्तिप्रदा सदा ।। महादेवस्य पूर्वेण गोप्रेक्षं लिंगमुत्तमम्

sā pūjitā prayatnena sukhavastipradā sadā || mahādevasya pūrveṇa goprekṣaṁ liṁgamuttamam

Worshipped with effort, she ever bestows comfortable rest. To the east of Mahadeva is the excellent linga Goprekshalinga.

Verse 10 (skanda.4.97.10)

तद्दर्शनाद्भवेत्सम्यग्गोदानजनितं फलम् ।। गोलोकात्प्रेषिता गावः पूर्वं यच्छंभुना स्वयम्

taddarśanādbhavetsamyaggodānajanitaṁ phalam || golokātpreṣitā gāvaḥ pūrvaṁ yacchaṁbhunā svayam

From its sight comes fully the fruit born of the gift of a cow. The cows sent formerly from Goloka by Shambhu himself,

Verse 11 (skanda.4.97.11)

वाराणसीं समायाता गोप्रेक्षं तत्ततः स्नृतम् ।। गोप्रेक्षाद्दक्षिणेभागे दधीचीश्वरसंज्ञितम् ।।१ १।। तद्दर्शनाद्भवेत्पुंसां फलं यज्ञसमुद्भवम् ।। अत्रीश्वरं तु तत्प्राच्यां मधुकैटभपूजितम्

vārāṇasīṁ samāyātā goprekṣaṁ tattataḥ snṛtam || goprekṣāddakṣiṇebhāge dadhīcīśvarasaṁjñitam ||1 1|| taddarśanādbhavetpuṁsāṁ phalaṁ yajñasamudbhavam || atrīśvaraṁ tu tatprācyāṁ madhukaiṭabhapūjitam

came to Varanasi, and that place is remembered as Goprekshalinga. South of Goprekshalinga is Dadhichishvara; from its sight comes the fruit born of sacrifice. To its east is Atrishvara, worshipped by Madhu and Kaitabha.

Verse 12 (skanda.4.97.12)

लिंगं दृष्ट्वा प्रयत्नेन वैष्णवं पदमृच्छति ।। गोप्रेक्षात्पूर्वदिग्भागे लिंगं वै विज्वरं स्मृतम्

liṁgaṁ dṛṣṭvā prayatnena vaiṣṇavaṁ padamṛcchati || goprekṣātpūrvadigbhāge liṁgaṁ vai vijvaraṁ smṛtam

Having seen that linga with effort, one attains Vishnu's own state. To the east of Goprekshalinga is the linga named Vijvara (fever-free).

Verse 13 (skanda.4.97.13)

तस्य संपूजनान्मर्त्यो विज्वरो जायते क्षणात् ।। प्राच्यां वेदेश्वरस्तस्य चतुर्वेदफलप्रदः

tasya saṁpūjanānmartyo vijvaro jāyate kṣaṇāt || prācyāṁ vedeśvarastasya caturvedaphalapradaḥ

By worship of it, a mortal becomes fever-free instantly. To its east is Vedeshvara, giver of the fruit of the four Vedas.

Verse 14 (skanda.4.97.14)

वेदेश्वरादुदीच्यां तु क्षेत्रज्ञश्चादिकेशवः ।। दृष्टं त्रिभुवनं सर्वं तस्य संदर्शनाद्ध्रुवम्

vedeśvarādudīcyāṁ tu kṣetrajñaścādikeśavaḥ || dṛṣṭaṁ tribhuvanaṁ sarvaṁ tasya saṁdarśanāddhruvam

North of Vedeshvara are Kshetrajna and Adikeshava; by sight of that, all three worlds are certainly seen.

Verse 15 (skanda.4.97.15)

संगमेश्वरमालोक्य तत्प्राच्याम जायतेनघः ।। चतुर्मुखेन विधिना तत्पूर्वेण चतुर्मुखम्

saṁgameśvaramālokya tatprācyāma jāyatenaghaḥ || caturmukhena vidhinā tatpūrveṇa caturmukham

Having beheld Sangameshvara to its east, one becomes sinless; to its east, by the four-faced Vidhi,

Verse 16 (skanda.4.97.16)

प्रयागसंज्ञकम लिंगमर्चितम ब्रह्मलोकदम् ।। तत्र शांतिकरी गौरी पूजिता शांतिकृद्भवेत्

prayāgasaṁjñakama liṁgamarcitama brahmalokadam || tatra śāṁtikarī gaurī pūjitā śāṁtikṛdbhavet

the linga called Prayaga is worshipped, giver of Brahma's world. There, Gauri the peace-bringer, when worshipped, brings peace.

Verse 17 (skanda.4.97.17)

वरणायास्तटे पूर्वे पूज्यं कुंतीश्वरं नृभिः ।। तत्पूजनात्प्रजायंते पुत्रा निजकुलोज्ज्वलाः

varaṇāyāstaṭe pūrve pūjyaṁ kuṁtīśvaraṁ nṛbhiḥ || tatpūjanātprajāyaṁte putrā nijakulojjvalāḥ

On the eastern bank of the Varana, Kuntishvara is to be worshipped by men; by its worship, sons illustrious to their own lineage are born.

Verse 18 (skanda.4.97.18)

कुंतीश्वरादुत्तरतस्तीर्थं वै कापिलो ह्रदः ।। तत्र वै स्नानमात्रेण वृषभध्वजपूजनात्

kuṁtīśvarāduttaratastīrthaṁ vai kāpilo hradaḥ || tatra vai snānamātreṇa vṛṣabhadhvajapūjanāt

North of Kuntishvara is the tirtha Kapila-hrada; there, by mere bathing, by worship of the bull-bannered one,

Verse 19 (skanda.4.97.19)

राजसूयस्य यज्ञस्य फलं त्वविकलं भवेत् ।। रोरवादिषु ये केचित्पितरः कोटिसंमिताः

rājasūyasya yajñasya phalaṁ tvavikalaṁ bhavet || roravādiṣu ye kecitpitaraḥ koṭisaṁmitāḥ

the fruit of the Rajasuya sacrifice becomes complete. Whatever crore-numbered ancestors are in Rorava and other hells,

Verse 20 (skanda.4.97.20)

तत्र श्राद्धे कृते पुत्रैः पितृलोकं प्रयांति ते ।। आनुसूयेश्वरं लिंगं गोप्रेक्षादुत्तरे मुने

tatra śrāddhe kṛte putraiḥ pitṛlokaṁ prayāṁti te || ānusūyeśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ goprekṣāduttare mune

when a shraddha is performed there by their descendants, they go to the world of the ancestors. The linga Anusuyeshvara is north of Goprekshalinga, O sage.

Verse 21 (skanda.4.97.21)

तद्दर्शनाद्भवेत्स्त्रीणां पातिव्रत्य फलं स्फुटम् ।। तल्लिंगपूर्वदिग्भागे पूज्यः सिद्धिविनायकः

taddarśanādbhavetstrīṇāṁ pātivratya phalaṁ sphuṭam || talliṁgapūrvadigbhāge pūjyaḥ siddhivināyakaḥ

By its sight, women clearly obtain the fruit of chastity. To the east of that linga, Siddhi-Vinayaka is to be worshipped;

Verse 22 (skanda.4.97.22)

यां सिद्धिं यः समीहेत स तामाप्नोति तन्नतेः ।। हिरण्यकशिपोर्लिंगं गणेशात्पश्चिमे ततः

yāṁ siddhiṁ yaḥ samīheta sa tāmāpnoti tannateḥ || hiraṇyakaśiporliṁgaṁ gaṇeśātpaścime tataḥ

whatever accomplishment one desires, that one obtains by bowing to him. West of Ganesha is the linga of Hiranyakashipu;

Verse 23 (skanda.4.97.23)

हिरण्यकूपस्तत्रास्ति हिरण्याश्वसमृद्धिकृत्

hiraṇyakūpastatrāsti hiraṇyāśvasamṛddhikṛt

there is the Hiranyakupa, which brings the prosperity of golden horses.

Verse 24 (skanda.4.97.24)

मुंडासुरेश्वरं लिंगं तत्प्रतीच्यां च सिद्धिदम्।। अभीष्टदं तु नैर्ऋत्यां गोप्रेक्षाद्वृषभेश्वरम्

muṁḍāsureśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tatpratīcyāṁ ca siddhidam|| abhīṣṭadaṁ tu nairṛtyāṁ goprekṣādvṛṣabheśvaram

The linga Mundasureshvara, to its west, is a giver of accomplishment; to the south-west of Goprekshalinga is Vrishabheshvara, giver of desired things.

Verse 25 (skanda.4.97.25)

मुने स्कंदेश्वरं लिंगं महादेवस्य पश्चिमे ।। तल्लिंगपूजनान्नृणां भवेन्मम सलोकता

mune skaṁdeśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ mahādevasya paścime || talliṁgapūjanānnṛṇāṁ bhavenmama salokatā

O sage, the linga Skandeshvara is to the west of Mahadeva; by worship of that linga, men attain my own world.

Verse 26 (skanda.4.97.26)

तत्पार्श्वतो हि शाखेशो विशाखेशश्च तत्र वै ।। नैगमेयेश्वरस्तत्र येन्ये नंद्यादयो गणाः

tatpārśvato hi śākheśo viśākheśaśca tatra vai || naigameyeśvarastatra yenye naṁdyādayo gaṇāḥ

By its side are Shakhesha and Vishakhesha; there too is Naigameyeshvara, and other ganas beginning with Nandi.

Verse 27 (skanda.4.97.27)

तेषामपि हि लिंगानि तत्र संति सहस्रशः ।। तद्दर्शनाद्भवेत्पुंसां तत्तद्गणसलोकता

teṣāmapi hi liṁgāni tatra saṁti sahasraśaḥ || taddarśanādbhavetpuṁsāṁ tattadgaṇasalokatā

Their lingas too exist there by the thousands; by seeing them, men attain the world of that respective gana.

Verse 28 (skanda.4.97.28)

नंदीश्वरात्प्रतीच्यां च शिलादेशः कुधीहरः ।। महाबलप्रदस्तत्र हिरण्याक्षेश्वरः शुभः

naṁdīśvarātpratīcyāṁ ca śilādeśaḥ kudhīharaḥ || mahābalapradastatra hiraṇyākṣeśvaraḥ śubhaḥ

West of Nandishvara is Shiladesha, remover of ill intellect; there is the auspicious Hiranyaksheshvara, giver of great strength.

Verse 29 (skanda.4.97.29)

तद्दक्षिणेट्टहासाख्यं लिंगं सर्वसुखप्रदम् ।। प्रसन्नवदनेशाख्यं लिंगं तस्योत्तरे शुभम्

taddakṣiṇeṭṭahāsākhyaṁ liṁgaṁ sarvasukhapradam || prasannavadaneśākhyaṁ liṁgaṁ tasyottare śubham

To its south is the linga named Attahasa, giver of all happiness; to its north is the auspicious linga Prasannavadanesha.

Verse 30 (skanda.4.97.30)

प्रसन्नवदनस्तिष्ठेद्भक्तस्तद्दर्शनाच्छुभात् ।। तदुत्तरे प्रसन्नोदं कुंडं नैर्मल्यदं नृणाम्

prasannavadanastiṣṭhedbhaktastaddarśanācchubhāt || taduttare prasannodaṁ kuṁḍaṁ nairmalyadaṁ nṛṇām

By its auspicious sight, a devotee attains a pleasant countenance. To its north is the Prasannoda pool, giver of purity to men.

Verse 31 (skanda.4.97.31)

प्रतीच्यामट्टहासस्य मित्रावरुणनामनी ।। लिंगे तल्लोकदे पूज्ये महापातकहारिणी

pratīcyāmaṭṭahāsasya mitrāvaruṇanāmanī || liṁge tallokade pūjye mahāpātakahāriṇī

West of Attahasa are the two lingas named Mitra and Varuna, worthy of worship, giving that world, removers of great sin.

Verse 32 (skanda.4.97.32)

नैर्ऋत्यां चाट्टहासस्य वृद्धवासिष्ठसंज्ञकम् ।। लिंगं तत्पूजनात्पुंसां ज्ञानमुत्पद्यते महत्

nairṛtyāṁ cāṭṭahāsasya vṛddhavāsiṣṭhasaṁjñakam || liṁgaṁ tatpūjanātpuṁsāṁ jñānamutpadyate mahat

To the south-west of Attahasa is the linga named Vriddhavasishtha; by its worship, great knowledge arises for men.

Verse 33 (skanda.4.97.33)

वसिष्ठेश समीपस्थः कृष्णेशो विष्णुलोकदः ।। तद्याम्यां याज्ञवल्क्येशो ब्रह्मतेजोविवधर्नः

vasiṣṭheśa samīpasthaḥ kṛṣṇeśo viṣṇulokadaḥ || tadyāmyāṁ yājñavalkyeśo brahmatejovivadharnaḥ

Near Vasishthesha is Krishnesha, giver of Vishnu's world; to its south is Yajnavalkyesha, increaser of Brahmanical splendour.

Verse 34 (skanda.4.97.34)

प्रह्लादेश्वरमभ्यर्च्य तत्पश्चाद्भक्तिवर्धनम् ।। स्वयंलीनः शिवो यत्र भक्तानुग्रहकाम्यया

prahlādeśvaramabhyarcya tatpaścādbhaktivardhanam || svayaṁlīnaḥ śivo yatra bhaktānugrahakāmyayā

Having worshipped Prahladeshvara, next, the increaser of devotion, where Shiva himself merged out of a wish to favour his devotees.

Verse 35 (skanda.4.97.35)

अतः स्वलीनं तत्पूर्वे लिंगं पूज्यं प्रयत्नतः ।। सदैव ज्ञाननिष्ठानां परमानंदमिच्छताम् ।। या गतिर्विहिता तेषां स्वलीने सा तनुत्यजाम्

ataḥ svalīnaṁ tatpūrve liṁgaṁ pūjyaṁ prayatnataḥ || sadaiva jñānaniṣṭhānāṁ paramānaṁdamicchatām || yā gatirvihitā teṣāṁ svalīne sā tanutyajām

Therefore that linga, Svalina, to its east, should be worshipped with effort; the destination ordained for those devoted to knowledge, desiring supreme bliss, is that same merging at death.

Verse 36 (skanda.4.97.36)

वैरोचनेश्वरं लिंगं स्वलीनात्पुरतः स्थितम्।। तदुत्तरे बलीशं च महाबलविवर्धनम्

vairocaneśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ svalīnātpurataḥ sthitam|| taduttare balīśaṁ ca mahābalavivardhanam

The linga Vairochaneshvara stands in front of Svalina; to its north is Balisha, greatly increasing strength.

Verse 37 (skanda.4.97.37)

तत्रैव लिंगं बाणेशं पूजितं सर्वकामदम् ।। चंद्रेश्वरस्य पूर्वेण लिंगं विद्येश्वराभिधम्

tatraiva liṁgaṁ bāṇeśaṁ pūjitaṁ sarvakāmadam || caṁdreśvarasya pūrveṇa liṁgaṁ vidyeśvarābhidham

There too is the worshipped linga Baneshvara, giver of all desires; east of Chandreshvara is the linga named Vidyeshvara.

Verse 38 (skanda.4.97.38)

सर्वाविद्याः प्रसन्नाः स्युस्तस्य लिंगस्य सेवनात् ।। तद्दक्षिणे तु वीरेशो महासिद्धि विधायकः

sarvāvidyāḥ prasannāḥ syustasya liṁgasya sevanāt || taddakṣiṇe tu vīreśo mahāsiddhi vidhāyakaḥ

All learning becomes favourable through service to that linga; to its south is Viresha, bestower of great accomplishment.

Verse 39 (skanda.4.97.39)

तत्रैव विकटा देवी सर्वदुःखौघमोचनी ।। पंचमुद्रं महापीठं तज्ज्ञेयं सर्वसिद्धिदम्

tatraiva vikaṭā devī sarvaduḥkhaughamocanī || paṁcamudraṁ mahāpīṭhaṁ tajjñeyaṁ sarvasiddhidam

There too is the goddess Vikata, remover of the whole flood of sorrow; the great seat with five seals is to be known there, giver of all accomplishment.

Verse 40 (skanda.4.97.40)

तत्र जप्ता महामंत्राः क्षिप्रं सिध्यंति नान्यथा ।। तत्पीठे वायुकोणे तु संपूज्यः सगरेश्वरः

tatra japtā mahāmaṁtrāḥ kṣipraṁ sidhyaṁti nānyathā || tatpīṭhe vāyukoṇe tu saṁpūjyaḥ sagareśvaraḥ

Great mantras recited there are quickly accomplished, not otherwise; in the north-west of that seat is the worshipped Sagareshvara.

Verse 41 (skanda.4.97.41)

तदर्चनादश्वमेधफलं त्वविकलं भवेत् ।। तदीशाने च वालीशस्तिर्यग्योनि निवारकः

tadarcanādaśvamedhaphalaṁ tvavikalaṁ bhavet || tadīśāne ca vālīśastiryagyoni nivārakaḥ

By worshipping that, the complete fruit of the Ashvamedha is obtained; in its north-east is Valisha, preventer of birth as an animal.

Verse 42 (skanda.4.97.42)

महापापौघविध्वंसी सुग्रीवेशस्तदुत्तरे ।। हनूमदीश्वरस्तत्र ब्रह्मचर्यफलप्रदः

mahāpāpaughavidhvaṁsī sugrīveśastaduttare || hanūmadīśvarastatra brahmacaryaphalapradaḥ

To its north is Sugriveshvara, destroyer of the whole flood of great sin; there is Hanumadishvara, giver of the fruit of celibacy.

Verse 43 (skanda.4.97.43)

महाबुद्धिप्रदस्तत्र पूज्यो जांबवतीश्वरः ।। आश्विने येश्वरौ पूज्यौ गंगायाः पश्चिमे तटे

mahābuddhipradastatra pūjyo jāṁbavatīśvaraḥ || āśvine yeśvarau pūjyau gaṁgāyāḥ paścime taṭe

There, Jambavatishvara is worshipped, giver of great wisdom; on the western bank of the Ganga, the two Ashvin-lords are worshipped.

Verse 44 (skanda.4.97.44)

तदुत्तरे भद्रह्रदो गवां क्षीरेण पूरितः ।। कपिलानां सहस्रेण सम्यग्दत्तेन यत्फलम्

taduttare bhadrahrado gavāṁ kṣīreṇa pūritaḥ || kapilānāṁ sahasreṇa samyagdattena yatphalam

To its north is Bhadra-hrada, filled with the milk of cows; whatever fruit comes from the proper gift of a thousand tawny cows,

Verse 45 (skanda.4.97.45)

तत्फलं लभते मर्त्यः स्नातो भद्रह्रदे ध्रुवम् ।। पूर्वाभाद्रपदा युक्ता पौर्णमासी यदा भवेत्

tatphalaṁ labhate martyaḥ snāto bhadrahrade dhruvam || pūrvābhādrapadā yuktā paurṇamāsī yadā bhavet

that fruit a mortal certainly obtains by bathing in Bhadra-hrada. When the full moon falls conjoined with the Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra,

Verse 46 (skanda.4.97.46)

तदा पुण्यतमः कालो वाजिमेधफलप्रदः ।। ह्रद पश्चिम तीरे तु भद्रेश्वर विलोकनात्

tadā puṇyatamaḥ kālo vājimedhaphalapradaḥ || hrada paścima tīre tu bhadreśvara vilokanāt

that is the most sacred time, giver of the fruit of a horse-sacrifice. On the western shore of the pool, by beholding Bhadreshvara,

Verse 47 (skanda.4.97.47)

गोलोकं प्राप्नुयात्तस्मात्पुण्यान्नैवात्र संशयः ।। भद्रेश्वराद्यातुधान्यामुपशांत शिवो मुने

golokaṁ prāpnuyāttasmātpuṇyānnaivātra saṁśayaḥ || bhadreśvarādyātudhānyāmupaśāṁta śivo mune

one attains Goloka — from that merit there is no doubt. From Bhadreshvara, in the south-west direction, Shiva became at peace, O sage.

Verse 48 (skanda.4.97.48)

तस्य लिंगस्य संस्पर्शात्परा शांतिं समृच्छति ।। उपशांत शिवं लिंगं दृष्ट्वा जन्मशतार्जितम्

tasya liṁgasya saṁsparśātparā śāṁtiṁ samṛcchati || upaśāṁta śivaṁ liṁgaṁ dṛṣṭvā janmaśatārjitam

By mere touch of that linga, one obtains supreme peace. Having seen the linga Upashantashiva, equal to what is earned over a hundred births,

Verse 49 (skanda.4.97.49)

त्यजेदश्रेयसो राशिं श्रेयोराशिं च विंदति ।। तदुत्तरे च चक्रेशो योनिचक्र निवारकः

tyajedaśreyaso rāśiṁ śreyorāśiṁ ca viṁdati || taduttare ca cakreśo yonicakra nivārakaḥ

one casts off the mass of ill-fortune and finds the mass of good fortune. To its north is Chakresha, preventer of the wheel of rebirth.

Verse 50 (skanda.4.97.50)

तदुत्तरे चक्रह्रदो महापुण्यविवर्धनः ।। स्नात्वा चक्रह्रदे मर्त्यश्चक्रेशं परिपूज्य च

taduttare cakrahrado mahāpuṇyavivardhanaḥ || snātvā cakrahrade martyaścakreśaṁ paripūjya ca

To its north is Chakra-hrada, greatly increasing merit; having bathed in Chakra-hrada and duly worshipped Chakresha,

Verse 51 (skanda.4.97.51)

शिवलोकमवाप्नोति भावितेनांतरात्मना ।। तन्नैर्ऋते च शूलेशो द्रष्टव्यश्च प्रयत्नतः

śivalokamavāpnoti bhāvitenāṁtarātmanā || tannairṛte ca śūleśo draṣṭavyaśca prayatnataḥ

one attains the world of Shiva with a purified inner soul. In its south-west, Shulesha should be seen with effort.

Verse 52 (skanda.4.97.52)

शूलं तत्र पुरा न्यस्तं स्नानार्थं वरवर्णिनि ।। ह्रदस्तत्र समुत्पन्नः शूलेशस्याग्रतो महान्

śūlaṁ tatra purā nyastaṁ snānārthaṁ varavarṇini || hradastatra samutpannaḥ śūleśasyāgrato mahān

A trident was formerly placed there for the purpose of bathing, O fair-complexioned one; a great pool arose there, before Shulesha.

Verse 53 (skanda.4.97.53)

स्नानं कृत्वा ह्रदे तत्र दृष्ट्वा शूलेश्वरं विभुम् ।। रुद्रलोकं नरा यांति त्यक्त्वा संसारगह्वरम्

snānaṁ kṛtvā hrade tatra dṛṣṭvā śūleśvaraṁ vibhum || rudralokaṁ narā yāṁti tyaktvā saṁsāragahvaram

Having bathed in that pool and seen the mighty Shuleshvara, men go to the world of Rudra, having left the cavern of samsara.

Verse 54 (skanda.4.97.54)

तत्पूर्वतो नारदेन तपस्तप्तं महत्तरम्।। लिंगं च स्थापितं श्रेष्ठं कुंडं चापि शुभं कृतम्

tatpūrvato nāradena tapastaptaṁ mahattaram|| liṁgaṁ ca sthāpitaṁ śreṣṭhaṁ kuṁḍaṁ cāpi śubhaṁ kṛtam

To its east, Narada performed great austerity, and established an excellent linga, and also made an auspicious pool.

Verse 55 (skanda.4.97.55)

तत्र कुंडे नरः स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा वै नारदेश्वरम् ।। संसाराब्धिमहाघोरं संतरेन्नात्र संजयः

tatra kuṁḍe naraḥ snātvā dṛṣṭvā vai nāradeśvaram || saṁsārābdhimahāghoraṁ saṁtarennātra saṁjayaḥ

There, having bathed in that pool and seen Naradeshvara, a man surely crosses the great, terrible ocean of samsara.

Verse 56 (skanda.4.97.56)

नारदेश्वर पूर्वेण दृष्ट्वाऽवभ्रातकेश्वरम् ।। निर्मलां गतिमाप्नोति पापौघं च विमुंचति

nāradeśvara pūrveṇa dṛṣṭvā'vabhrātakeśvaram || nirmalāṁ gatimāpnoti pāpaughaṁ ca vimuṁcati

East of Naradeshvara, having seen Avabhratakeshvara, one attains a pure course and is freed from the flood of sin.

Verse 57 (skanda.4.97.57)

तदग्रे ताम्रकुंडं च तत्र स्नातो न गर्भभाक् ।। विघ्नहर्ता गणाध्यक्षस्तद्वायव्ये सुविघ्नहृत्

tadagre tāmrakuṁḍaṁ ca tatra snāto na garbhabhāk || vighnahartā gaṇādhyakṣastadvāyavye suvighnahṛt

In front of it is Tamrakunda; one who bathes there does not enter a womb again. To its north-west is the obstacle-remover, the lord of the ganas, remover of obstacles.

Verse 58 (skanda.4.97.58)

तत्र विघ्नहरं कुंडं तत्र स्नातो न विघ्नभाक् ।। अनारकेश्वरं लिंगं तदुदग्दिशि चोत्तमम्

tatra vighnaharaṁ kuṁḍaṁ tatra snāto na vighnabhāk || anārakeśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tadudagdiśi cottamam

There is the obstacle-removing pool; one who bathes there does not partake of obstacles. The excellent linga Anarakeshvara is to its north.

Verse 59 (skanda.4.97.59)

कुंडं चानारकाख्यं वै तत्र स्नातो न नारकी ।। वरणायास्तटे रम्ये वरणेशस्तदुत्तरे

kuṁḍaṁ cānārakākhyaṁ vai tatra snāto na nārakī || varaṇāyāstaṭe ramye varaṇeśastaduttare

And the pool named Anaraka — one who bathes there does not become a denizen of hell. On the lovely bank of the Varana, Varanesha is to its north.

Verse 60 (skanda.4.97.60)

तत्र पाशुपतः सिद्धस्त्वक्षपादो महामुने ।। अनेनैव शरीरेण शाश्वतीं सिद्धिमागतः

tatra pāśupataḥ siddhastvakṣapādo mahāmune || anenaiva śarīreṇa śāśvatīṁ siddhimāgataḥ

There, the accomplished Pashupata Akshapada, O great sage, attained eternal accomplishment with this very body.

Verse 61 (skanda.4.97.61)

तत्पश्चिमे च शैलेशः परनिर्वाणकामदः ।। कोटीश्वरं तु तद्याम्यां लिंगं शाश्वतसिद्धिदम्

tatpaścime ca śaileśaḥ paranirvāṇakāmadaḥ || koṭīśvaraṁ tu tadyāmyāṁ liṁgaṁ śāśvatasiddhidam

To its west is Shailesha, giver of the desire for supreme liberation; to its south is the linga Kotishvara, giver of eternal accomplishment.

Verse 62 (skanda.4.97.62)

कोटितीर्थे ह्रदे स्नात्वा कोटीशं परिपूज्य च ।। गवां कोटिप्रदानस्य फलमाप्नोति मानवः

koṭitīrthe hrade snātvā koṭīśaṁ paripūjya ca || gavāṁ koṭipradānasya phalamāpnoti mānavaḥ

Having bathed in the pool at Kotitirtha and duly worshipped Kotisha, a man obtains the fruit of the gift of a crore of cows.

Verse 63 (skanda.4.97.63)

महाश्मशानस्तंभोस्ति कोटीशाद्वह्निदिक्स्थितः ।। तस्मिन्स्तंभे महारुद्रस्तिष्ठते चोमया सह

mahāśmaśānastaṁbhosti koṭīśādvahnidiksthitaḥ || tasminstaṁbhe mahārudrastiṣṭhate comayā saha

In the south-east direction from Kotisha is the great cremation-ground pillar; on that pillar, great Rudra resides together with Uma.

Verse 64 (skanda.4.97.64)

तं स्तंभं समलंकृत्य नरस्तत्पदमाप्नुयात् ।। तत्रैव तीर्थं परमं कपालेश समीपतः

taṁ staṁbhaṁ samalaṁkṛtya narastatpadamāpnuyāt || tatraiva tīrthaṁ paramaṁ kapāleśa samīpataḥ

Having duly adorned that pillar, a man attains his state. There too is the supreme tirtha, near Kapalesha,

Verse 65 (skanda.4.97.65)

कपालमोचनं नाम तत्र स्नातोऽश्वमेधभाक् ।। ऋणमोचनतीर्थं तु तदुदग्दिशि शोभनम्

kapālamocanaṁ nāma tatra snāto'śvamedhabhāk || ṛṇamocanatīrthaṁ tu tadudagdiśi śobhanam

named Kapalamochana; one who bathes there partakes of the merit of the Ashvamedha. The Rinamochana tirtha is to its north, lovely.

Verse 66 (skanda.4.97.66)

तत्र तीर्थे नरः स्नात्वा मुक्तो भवति चर्णतः ।। तत्रैवांगारकं तीर्थं कुंडं चांगारनिर्मलम्

tatra tīrthe naraḥ snātvā mukto bhavati carṇataḥ || tatraivāṁgārakaṁ tīrthaṁ kuṁḍaṁ cāṁgāranirmalam

Having bathed in that tirtha, a man becomes free from debt. There too is the Angaraka tirtha, and the pure Angara pool.

Verse 67 (skanda.4.97.67)

स्नात्वांगारक तीर्थे तु भवेद्भूयो न गर्भभाक् ।। अंगारवारयुक्तायां चतुर्थ्यां स्नाति यो नरः ।। व्याधिभिर्नाभि भूयेत न च दुःखी कदाचन

snātvāṁgāraka tīrthe tu bhavedbhūyo na garbhabhāk || aṁgāravārayuktāyāṁ caturthyāṁ snāti yo naraḥ || vyādhibhirnābhi bhūyeta na ca duḥkhī kadācana

Having bathed in the Angaraka tirtha, one does not enter a womb again. Whoever bathes on the fourth lunar day joined with Tuesday is never afflicted by diseases, and never sorrowful.

Verse 68 (skanda.4.97.68)

विश्वकर्मेश्वरं लिंगं ज्ञानदं च तदुत्तरे ।। महामुंडेश्वरं लिंगं तस्य दक्षिणतः शुभम्

viśvakarmeśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ jñānadaṁ ca taduttare || mahāmuṁḍeśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tasya dakṣiṇataḥ śubham

To its north is the linga Vishvakarmeshvara, giver of knowledge; to its south is the auspicious linga Mahamundeshvara.

Verse 69 (skanda.4.97.69)

कूपः शुभोद नामापि स्नातव्यं तत्र निश्चितम् ।। तत्र मुंडमयी माला मया क्षिप्तातिशोभना

kūpaḥ śubhoda nāmāpi snātavyaṁ tatra niścitam || tatra muṁḍamayī mālā mayā kṣiptātiśobhanā

There too is a well named Shubhoda; one should certainly bathe there. There, a garland made of skulls, exceedingly beautiful, was cast by me.

Verse 70 (skanda.4.97.70)

महामुंडा ततो देवी समुत्पन्नाघहारिणी ।। खट्वांगं च धृतं तत्र खट्वांगेशस्ततोभवत्

mahāmuṁḍā tato devī samutpannāghahāriṇī || khaṭvāṁgaṁ ca dhṛtaṁ tatra khaṭvāṁgeśastatobhavat

From it arose the goddess Mahamunda, remover of sin. And there a skull-staff was held; from that arose Khatvangesha.

Verse 71 (skanda.4.97.71)

निष्पापो जायते मर्त्यः खट्वांगेश विलोकनात् ।। भुवनेशस्ततो याम्यां कुंडं च भुवनेश्वरम्

niṣpāpo jāyate martyaḥ khaṭvāṁgeśa vilokanāt || bhuvaneśastato yāmyāṁ kuṁḍaṁ ca bhuvaneśvaram

A mortal becomes sinless by beholding Khatvangesha. Then, to its south, is Bhuvanesha, and the pool Bhuvaneshvara.

Verse 72 (skanda.4.97.72)

तत्र कुंडे नरः स्नातो भुवने शोभवेन्नरः ।। तद्याम्यां विमलेशश्च कुंडं च विमलोदकम्

tatra kuṁḍe naraḥ snāto bhuvane śobhavennaraḥ || tadyāmyāṁ vimaleśaśca kuṁḍaṁ ca vimalodakam

Having bathed in that pool, a man shines forth in the worlds. To its south is Vimalesha, and the pool of pure water.

Verse 73 (skanda.4.97.73)

तत्र स्नात्वा विलोक्येशं विमलो जायते नरः ।। तत्र पाशुपतः सिद्धस्त्र्यंबको नाम नामतः

tatra snātvā vilokyeśaṁ vimalo jāyate naraḥ || tatra pāśupataḥ siddhastryaṁbako nāma nāmataḥ

Having bathed there and beheld Isha, a man becomes pure. There, the accomplished Pashupata named Tryambaka,

Verse 74 (skanda.4.97.74)

अनेनैव शरीरेण रुद्रलोकमवाप्तवान् ।। भृगोरायतनं तस्य पश्चिमेऽतीव पुण्यदम्

anenaiva śarīreṇa rudralokamavāptavān || bhṛgorāyatanaṁ tasya paścime'tīva puṇyadam

attained the world of Rudra with this very body. To its west is the abode of Bhrigu, exceedingly meritorious.

Verse 75 (skanda.4.97.75)

विधिपूर्वं तदभ्यर्च्य प्राप्नुयाच्छिवमंदिरम् ।। शुभेश्वरश्च तद्याम्यां महाशुभफलप्रदः

vidhipūrvaṁ tadabhyarcya prāpnuyācchivamaṁdiram || śubheśvaraśca tadyāmyāṁ mahāśubhaphalapradaḥ

Having duly worshipped that, one attains the abode of Shiva. To its south is Shubheshvara, giver of the fruit of great auspiciousness.

Verse 76 (skanda.4.97.76)

तत्र सिद्धः पाशुपतः कपिलर्षिर्महातपाः ।। तत्रास्ति हि गुहा रम्या कपिलेश्वर संनिधौ

tatra siddhaḥ pāśupataḥ kapilarṣirmahātapāḥ || tatrāsti hi guhā ramyā kapileśvara saṁnidhau

There, the accomplished Pashupata, the sage Kapila of great austerity, dwells; there is a lovely cave near Kapileshvara.

Verse 77 (skanda.4.97.77)

तां गुहां प्रविशेद्यो वै न स गर्भे विशेत्क्वचित् ।। तत्र यज्ञोदकूपोस्ति वाजिमेधफलप्रदः

tāṁ guhāṁ praviśedyo vai na sa garbhe viśetkvacit || tatra yajñodakūposti vājimedhaphalapradaḥ

Whoever enters that cave never enters a womb anywhere. There is a well of sacrificial water, giver of the fruit of a horse-sacrifice.

Verse 78 (skanda.4.97.78)

ओंकार एष एवासावादिवर्णमयात्मकः ।। मत्स्योदर्युत्तरे कूले नादेशस्त्वहमेव च

oṁkāra eṣa evāsāvādivarṇamayātmakaḥ || matsyodaryuttare kūle nādeśastvahameva ca

This is the very Omkara itself, the embodiment of the primal syllable. On the northern bank of the Matsyodari, Nadesha — that is I myself.

Verse 79 (skanda.4.97.79)

नादेशः परमं ब्रह्म नादेशः परमा गतिः ।। नादेशः परमं स्थानं दुःखसंसारमोचनम्

nādeśaḥ paramaṁ brahma nādeśaḥ paramā gatiḥ || nādeśaḥ paramaṁ sthānaṁ duḥkhasaṁsāramocanam

Nadesha is the supreme Brahman, Nadesha is the supreme goal, Nadesha is the supreme place, releasing one from the samsara of sorrow.

Verse 80 (skanda.4.97.80)

कदाचित्तस्य देवस्य दर्शने याति जाह्नवी ।। मत्स्योदरी सा कथिता स्नानं पुण्यैरवाप्यते

kadācittasya devasya darśane yāti jāhnavī || matsyodarī sā kathitā snānaṁ puṇyairavāpyate

At times, the Jahnavi goes to the sight of that god; that river is called Matsyodari, and bathing there is obtained through merit.

Verse 81 (skanda.4.97.81)

मत्स्योदरी यदा गंगा पश्चिमे कपिलेश्वरम् ।। समायाति महादेवि तदा योगः सुदुर्लभः

matsyodarī yadā gaṁgā paścime kapileśvaram || samāyāti mahādevi tadā yogaḥ sudurlabhaḥ

When the Ganga, as Matsyodari, comes to the west of Kapileshvara, O great goddess, that is an exceedingly rare conjunction.

Verse 82 (skanda.4.97.82)

उद्दालकेश्वरं लिंगमुदीच्यां कपिलेश्वरात् ।। तद्दर्शनेन संसिद्धिः परा सर्वैरवाप्यते

uddālakeśvaraṁ liṁgamudīcyāṁ kapileśvarāt || taddarśanena saṁsiddhiḥ parā sarvairavāpyate

The linga Uddalakeshvara is to the north of Kapileshvara; by sight of that, supreme accomplishment is obtained by all.

Verse 83 (skanda.4.97.83)

तदुत्तरे बाष्कुलीशं लिंगं सर्वार्थसिद्धिदम् ।। बाष्कुलीशाद्दक्षिणतो लिंगं वै कौस्तुभेश्वरम्

taduttare bāṣkulīśaṁ liṁgaṁ sarvārthasiddhidam || bāṣkulīśāddakṣiṇato liṁgaṁ vai kaustubheśvaram

To its north is Bashkulisha, giver of accomplishment of all aims; south of Bashkulisha is the linga Kaustubheshvara.

Verse 84 (skanda.4.97.84)

तस्यार्चनेन रत्नौघैर्न वियुज्येत कर्हिचित् ।। शंकुकर्णेश्वरं लिंगं कौस्तुभेश्वरदक्षिणे ।।

tasyārcanena ratnaughairna viyujyeta karhicit || śaṁkukarṇeśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ kaustubheśvaradakṣiṇe ||

By worship of it, one is never parted from floods of jewels. The linga Shankukarneshvara is to the south of Kaustubheshvara.

Verse 85 (skanda.4.97.85)

संसेव्य परमं ज्ञानं लभेदद्यापि साधकः ।। अघोरेशो गुहाद्वारि कूपस्तस्योत्तरे शुभः

saṁsevya paramaṁ jñānaṁ labhedadyāpi sādhakaḥ || aghoreśo guhādvāri kūpastasyottare śubhaḥ

By serving it well, a seeker even now attains supreme knowledge. Aghoresha is at the door of the cave; a well to its north is auspicious,

Verse 86 (skanda.4.97.86)

अघोरोद इति ख्यातो वाजिमेधफलप्रदः ।। गर्गेशो दमनेशश्च तत्र लिंगद्वयं शुभम्

aghoroda iti khyāto vājimedhaphalapradaḥ || gargeśo damaneśaśca tatra liṁgadvayaṁ śubham

known as Aghoroda, giver of the fruit of a horse-sacrifice. There, Gargesha and Damanesha, two auspicious lingas.

Verse 87 (skanda.4.97.87)

अनेनैवेह देहेन यत्र तौ सिद्धिमापतुः ।। तल्लिंगयोः समर्चातः सिद्धिर्भवति वांछिता

anenaiveha dehena yatra tau siddhimāpatuḥ || talliṁgayoḥ samarcātaḥ siddhirbhavati vāṁchitā

Where those two attained accomplishment with this very body; by worshipping those two lingas, desired accomplishment is obtained.

Verse 88 (skanda.4.97.88)

तद्दक्षिणे महाकुंडं रुद्रावास इति स्मृतम् ।। तत्र रुद्रेशमभ्यर्च्य कोटिरुद्रफलं लभेत्

taddakṣiṇe mahākuṁḍaṁ rudrāvāsa iti smṛtam || tatra rudreśamabhyarcya koṭirudraphalaṁ labhet

To its south is the great pool remembered as Rudravasa; having duly worshipped Rudresha there, one obtains the fruit of worshipping a crore Rudras.

Verse 89 (skanda.4.97.89)

चतुर्दशी यदापर्णे रुद्रनक्षत्र संयुता ।। तदा पुण्यतमः कालस्तस्मिन्कुंडे महाफलः

caturdaśī yadāparṇe rudranakṣatra saṁyutā || tadā puṇyatamaḥ kālastasminkuṁḍe mahāphalaḥ

When the fourteenth lunar day falls joined with the Rudra nakshatra, that is the most sacred time, of great fruit, at that pool.

Verse 90 (skanda.4.97.90)

रुद्रकुंडे नरः स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा रुद्रेश्वरं विभुम् ।। यत्रतत्र मृतो वापि रुद्रलोकमवाप्नुयात्

rudrakuṁḍe naraḥ snātvā dṛṣṭvā rudreśvaraṁ vibhum || yatratatra mṛto vāpi rudralokamavāpnuyāt

Having bathed in Rudrakunda and beheld the mighty Rudreshvara, wherever one dies, one attains the world of Rudra.

Verse 91 (skanda.4.97.91)

रुद्रस्य नैर्ऋते भागे लिंगं तत्र महालयम् ।। तदग्रे पितृकूपोस्ति पितॄणामालयः परः

rudrasya nairṛte bhāge liṁgaṁ tatra mahālayam || tadagre pitṛkūposti pitṝṇāmālayaḥ paraḥ

To the south-west of Rudra is a great linga-abode there; in front of it is the Pitrikupa, the supreme abode of ancestors.

Verse 92 (skanda.4.97.92)

तत्र श्राद्धं नरः कृत्वा पिंडान्कूपे परिक्षिपेत् ।। एकविंशकुलोपेतः श्राद्धकृद्रुद्रलोकभाक्

tatra śrāddhaṁ naraḥ kṛtvā piṁḍānkūpe parikṣipet || ekaviṁśakulopetaḥ śrāddhakṛdrudralokabhāk

Having performed a shraddha there, a man should cast the offering-balls into the well; the performer of shraddha, with twenty-one generations, attains the world of Rudra.

Verse 93 (skanda.4.97.93)

तत्र वैतरणी नाम दीर्घिका पश्चिमानना ।। तस्यां स्नातो नरो देवि नरकं नैव गच्छति

tatra vaitaraṇī nāma dīrghikā paścimānanā || tasyāṁ snāto naro devi narakaṁ naiva gacchati

There is a long pool named Vaitarani, facing west; bathing there, O goddess, a man never goes to hell.

Verse 94 (skanda.4.97.94)

बृहस्पतीश्वरं लिंगं रुद्रकुंडाच्च पश्चिमे ।। गुरुपुष्यसमायोगे दृष्ट्वा दिव्यां लभेद्गिरम्

bṛhaspatīśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ rudrakuṁḍācca paścime || gurupuṣyasamāyoge dṛṣṭvā divyāṁ labhedgiram

The linga Brihaspatishvara is to the west of Rudrakunda; at the conjunction of Guru and Pushya, seeing it, one obtains divine speech.

Verse 95 (skanda.4.97.95)

रुद्रावासाद्दक्षिणतः कामेशं लिंगमुत्तमम् ।। तद्दक्षिणे महाकुंडं स्नानाच्चिंतित कामदम्

rudrāvāsāddakṣiṇataḥ kāmeśaṁ liṁgamuttamam || taddakṣiṇe mahākuṁḍaṁ snānācciṁtita kāmadam

South of Rudravasa is the excellent linga Kamesha; to its south is the great pool, giver of desired wishes through bathing.

Verse 96 (skanda.4.97.96)

चैत्रशुक्ल त्रयोदश्यां तत्र यात्रा च कामदा ।। नलकूबर लिंगं च प्राच्यां कामेश्वराच्छुभम्

caitraśukla trayodaśyāṁ tatra yātrā ca kāmadā || nalakūbara liṁgaṁ ca prācyāṁ kāmeśvarācchubham

On the thirteenth of the bright fortnight of Chaitra, a pilgrimage there is desire-granting. The auspicious linga Nalakubara is to the east of Kameshvara.

Verse 97 (skanda.4.97.97)

तदग्रे पावनः कूपो धनधान्य समृद्धिदः ।। नलकूबरपूर्वेण सूर्याचंद्रमसेश्वरौ

tadagre pāvanaḥ kūpo dhanadhānya samṛddhidaḥ || nalakūbarapūrveṇa sūryācaṁdramaseśvarau

In front of it is the purifying well, giver of the abundance of wealth and grain. East of Nalakubara are Surya and Chandramaseshvara.

Verse 98 (skanda.4.97.98)

अज्ञानध्वांतपटलीं हरतस्तौ समर्चितौ ।। तद्दक्षिणेध्वकेशश्च दृष्टो मोहविनाशनः ।।

ajñānadhvāṁtapaṭalīṁ haratastau samarcitau || taddakṣiṇedhvakeśaśca dṛṣṭo mohavināśanaḥ ||

Worshipped, those two remove the mass of the darkness of ignorance. To its south is Dhvakesha, seen, destroyer of delusion.

Verse 99 (skanda.4.97.99)

तत्र सिद्धीश्वरं लिंगं महासिद्धिसमर्पकम् ।। तत्रैव मंडलेशश्च मंडलेशपदप्रदः

tatra siddhīśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ mahāsiddhisamarpakam || tatraiva maṁḍaleśaśca maṁḍaleśapadapradaḥ

There is the linga Siddhishvara, bestower of great accomplishment; there too is Mandalesha, giver of the position of a Mandalesha.

Verse 100 (skanda.4.97.100)

कामकुंडस्य पूर्वेण च्यवनेशः समृद्धिदः ।। तत्रैव सनकेशश्च राजसूयफलप्रदः

kāmakuṁḍasya pūrveṇa cyavaneśaḥ samṛddhidaḥ || tatraiva sanakeśaśca rājasūyaphalapradaḥ

East of Kamakunda is Chyavanesha, giver of prosperity; there too is Sanakesha, giver of the fruit of the Rajasuya.

Verse 101 (skanda.4.97.101)

सनत्कुमार लिंगं च तत्पश्चाद्योगसिद्धिकृत् ।। तदुत्तरे सनंदेशो महाज्ञान समर्थकः

sanatkumāra liṁgaṁ ca tatpaścādyogasiddhikṛt || taduttare sanaṁdeśo mahājñāna samarthakaḥ

To its west is the linga of Sanatkumara, giver of yoga-accomplishment; to its north is Sanandesha, granting great knowledge.

Verse 102 (skanda.4.97.102)

तद्याम्यामाहुतीशश्च दृष्टो होमफलप्रदः ।। तद्याम्यां पुण्यजनकं लिंगं पंचशिखेश्वरम्

tadyāmyāmāhutīśaśca dṛṣṭo homaphalapradaḥ || tadyāmyāṁ puṇyajanakaṁ liṁgaṁ paṁcaśikheśvaram

To its south is Ahutisha, seen, giver of the fruit of fire-offerings; to its south is the meritorious linga Panchashikheshvara.

Verse 103 (skanda.4.97.103)

मार्कंडेय ह्रदस्तस्य पश्चिमे पुण्यवर्धनः ।। तस्मिन्ह्रदे नरः स्नात्वा किं भूयः परिशोचति

mārkaṁḍeya hradastasya paścime puṇyavardhanaḥ || tasminhrade naraḥ snātvā kiṁ bhūyaḥ pariśocati

To its west is the Markandeya pool, increaser of merit; having bathed in that pool, what more could one grieve over?

Verse 104 (skanda.4.97.104)

तत्र स्नानं च दानं च भवेदक्षय पुण्यदम् ।। तदुत्तरे च कुंडेशः सर्वसिद्धैर्नमस्कृतः

tatra snānaṁ ca dānaṁ ca bhavedakṣaya puṇyadam || taduttare ca kuṁḍeśaḥ sarvasiddhairnamaskṛtaḥ

Bathing and giving there become bestowers of imperishable merit; to its north is Kundesha, saluted by all the accomplished ones.

Verse 105 (skanda.4.97.105)

दीक्षां पाशुपतीं लब्ध्वा द्वादशाब्देन यत्फलम् ।। तत्फलं लभते विप्र मर्त्यः कुंडेश दर्शनात् ।।

dīkṣāṁ pāśupatīṁ labdhvā dvādaśābdena yatphalam || tatphalaṁ labhate vipra martyaḥ kuṁḍeśa darśanāt ||

Whatever fruit is obtained from receiving the Pashupata initiation for twelve years, that fruit, O brahmin, a mortal obtains from the sight of Kundesha.

Verse 106 (skanda.4.97.106)

मार्कंडेय ह्रदात्पूर्वं शांडिल्येशः सुपुण्यदः ।। तत्पश्चिमे च चंडेशश्चंडांशु ग्रहणाघहृत्

mārkaṁḍeya hradātpūrvaṁ śāṁḍilyeśaḥ supuṇyadaḥ || tatpaścime ca caṁḍeśaścaṁḍāṁśu grahaṇāghahṛt

East of the Markandeya pool is Shandilyesha, giver of great merit; to its west is Chandesha, remover of the sin of a solar eclipse.

Verse 107 (skanda.4.97.107)

दक्षिणे च कपालेशात्कुंडं श्रीकंठसंज्ञितम् ।। तत्र कुंडे नरः स्नात्वा दाता स्याच्छ्रीप्रभावतः

dakṣiṇe ca kapāleśātkuṁḍaṁ śrīkaṁṭhasaṁjñitam || tatra kuṁḍe naraḥ snātvā dātā syācchrīprabhāvataḥ

South of Kapalesha is the pool named Shrikantha; having bathed in that pool, a man becomes generous through the power of Shri.

Verse 108 (skanda.4.97.108)

महालक्ष्मीश्वरं लिंगं तस्य कुंडस्य सन्निधौ ।। महालक्ष्मीं समभ्यर्च्य स्नातस्तत्कुंडवारिषु

mahālakṣmīśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tasya kuṁḍasya sannidhau || mahālakṣmīṁ samabhyarcya snātastatkuṁḍavāriṣu

The linga Mahalakshmishvara is near that pool; one who, having worshipped Mahalakshmi, bathes in the waters of that pool,

Verse 109 (skanda.4.97.109)

चामरासक्तहस्ताभिर्दिव्यस्त्रीभिश्च वीज्यते ।। यदा मत्स्योदरीं यांति स्वर्गलोकाद्दिवौकसः ।। तदा तेनैव मार्गेण यांति स्त्रीभिर्वृताः सुखम्

cāmarāsaktahastābhirdivyastrībhiśca vījyate || yadā matsyodarīṁ yāṁti svargalokāddivaukasaḥ || tadā tenaiva mārgeṇa yāṁti strībhirvṛtāḥ sukham

is fanned by divine women, their hands holding chowries. When the celestial beings go from Svargaloka to Matsyodari,

Verse 110 (skanda.4.97.110)

स्वर्गद्वारमतः ख्यातं तत्स्थानं मुनिसत्तम ।। तत्कुंड दक्षिणेभागे लिंगं ब्रह्मपदप्रदम्

svargadvāramataḥ khyātaṁ tatsthānaṁ munisattama || tatkuṁḍa dakṣiṇebhāge liṁgaṁ brahmapadapradam

they go by that very path, surrounded by women, in happiness; that place is therefore known as Svargadvara, O best of sages. To the south of that pool is a linga giving the state of Brahma.

Verse 111 (skanda.4.97.111)

गायत्रीश्वर सावित्रीश्वरौ पूज्यौ प्रयत्नतः ।। मत्स्योदर्यास्तटे रम्ये लिंगं सत्यवतीश्वरम्

gāyatrīśvara sāvitrīśvarau pūjyau prayatnataḥ || matsyodaryāstaṭe ramye liṁgaṁ satyavatīśvaram

Gayatrishvara and Savitrishvara are to be worshipped with effort; on the lovely bank of Matsyodari is the linga Satyavatishvara.

Verse 112 (skanda.4.97.112)

तयोः पूर्वेण संपूज्य तपःश्री परिवर्धनम् ।। उग्रेश्वरं महालिंगं लक्ष्मीशात्पूर्वदिक्स्थितम्

tayoḥ pūrveṇa saṁpūjya tapaḥśrī parivardhanam || ugreśvaraṁ mahāliṁgaṁ lakṣmīśātpūrvadiksthitam

Having worshipped, to their east, the increaser of the glory of austerity; the great linga Ugreshvara is situated to the east of Lakshmisha.

Verse 113 (skanda.4.97.113)

जातिस्मरो भवेन्मर्त्यस्तल्लिंगस्य समर्चनात् ।। तद्दक्षिणे चोग्रकुंडं स्नानात्कनखलाधिकम्

jātismaro bhavenmartyastalliṁgasya samarcanāt || taddakṣiṇe cograkuṁḍaṁ snānātkanakhalādhikam

A mortal recalls his past births through worship of that linga; to its south is Ugrakunda, equal to a bathing greater than at Kanakhala.

Verse 114 (skanda.4.97.114)

करवीरेश्वरं लिंगंतस्य कुंडंस्य पश्चिमे ।। तस्य दर्शनतः पुंसां जायते रोगसंक्षयः

karavīreśvaraṁ liṁgaṁtasya kuṁḍaṁsya paścime || tasya darśanataḥ puṁsāṁ jāyate rogasaṁkṣayaḥ

The linga Karavireshvara is to the west of that pool; from sight of it, men's diseases are destroyed.

Verse 115 (skanda.4.97.115)

तद्वाव्ये मरीचीशं कुंडं चाघौघनाशनम् ।। तत्पश्चाच्चेंद्रकुंडं लिंगं चेंद्रेश्वरं मुने

tadvāvye marīcīśaṁ kuṁḍaṁ cāghaughanāśanam || tatpaścācceṁdrakuṁḍaṁ liṁgaṁ ceṁdreśvaraṁ mune

To its north-west is the pool Marichisha, destroying the flood of sin; to its west is Indrakunda, and the linga Indreshvara, O sage.

Verse 116 (skanda.4.97.116)

इंद्रेशाद्दक्षिणेभागे शुभा कर्कोटवापिका ।। तत्र वापीजले स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा कर्कोटकेश्वरम् ।।

iṁdreśāddakṣiṇebhāge śubhā karkoṭavāpikā || tatra vāpījale snātvā dṛṣṭvā karkoṭakeśvaram ||

In the south direction from Indresha is the auspicious Karkota well; having bathed in that well's water and beheld Karkotakeshvara,

Verse 117 (skanda.4.97.117)

नागानामाधिपत्यं तु जायते नात्र संशयः ।। तत्पश्चाद्दृमिचंडेशो ब्रह्महत्याहरो हरः

nāgānāmādhipatyaṁ tu jāyate nātra saṁśayaḥ || tatpaścāddṛmicaṁḍeśo brahmahatyāharo haraḥ

one attains lordship over the Nagas — of this there is no doubt. To its west is Drumichandesha, Hara, remover of the sin of killing a brahmin.

Verse 118 (skanda.4.97.118)

तद्दक्षिणे महाकुंडं रुद्रलोकफलप्रदम् ।। तत्पश्चिमे महालिंगमग्नीश इति विश्रुतम्

taddakṣiṇe mahākuṁḍaṁ rudralokaphalapradam || tatpaścime mahāliṁgamagnīśa iti viśrutam

To its south is a great pool, giver of the fruit of Rudraloka; to its west is the great linga known as Agnisha.

Verse 119 (skanda.4.97.119)

आग्नेयं नाम कुंडं च तत्पूर्वेग्निसलोकदम् ।। आग्नेयेश्वरतः प्राच्यां कुंडं तद्दक्षिणे शुभम्

āgneyaṁ nāma kuṁḍaṁ ca tatpūrvegnisalokadam || āgneyeśvarataḥ prācyāṁ kuṁḍaṁ taddakṣiṇe śubham

The pool named Agneya is to its east, giver of the world of Agni; to the east of Agneyeshvara is an auspicious pool, to its south.

Verse 120 (skanda.4.97.120)

तत्र कुंडे नरः स्नात्वा स्वर्गे वसति पूर्वजैः ।। तत्प्राच्यां बालचंद्रेशश्चंद्रलोकगतिप्रदः

tatra kuṁḍe naraḥ snātvā svarge vasati pūrvajaiḥ || tatprācyāṁ bālacaṁdreśaścaṁdralokagatipradaḥ

Having bathed in that pool, a man dwells in heaven with his forefathers. To its east is Balachandresha, giver of the path to the world of the moon.

Verse 121 (skanda.4.97.121)

परितो बालचंद्रेशं गणलिंगान्यनेकशः ।। विलोक्य तानि लिंगानि गाणपत्यं पदं लभेत्

parito bālacaṁdreśaṁ gaṇaliṁgānyanekaśaḥ || vilokya tāni liṁgāni gāṇapatyaṁ padaṁ labhet

Around Balachandresha are many gana-lingas; having beheld those lingas, one attains the position of a gana-lord.

Verse 122 (skanda.4.97.122)

बालचंद्र समीपे तु कूपः पितृगणप्रियः ।। तत्र श्राद्धप्रदः स्नात्वा पितॄन्सप्ताऽत्र तारयेत्

bālacaṁdra samīpe tu kūpaḥ pitṛgaṇapriyaḥ || tatra śrāddhapradaḥ snātvā pitṝnsaptā'tra tārayet

Near Balachandra is a well beloved of the ancestor-hosts; having bathed there and performed shraddha, one delivers seven generations of ancestors.

Verse 123 (skanda.4.97.123)

तदंधोः पूर्वतो लिंगं पुण्यं विश्वेश्वराह्वयम्।। विश्वेश्वरस्य पूर्वेण वृद्धकालेश्वरो हरः

tadaṁdhoḥ pūrvato liṁgaṁ puṇyaṁ viśveśvarāhvayam|| viśveśvarasya pūrveṇa vṛddhakāleśvaro haraḥ

East of that channel is the meritorious linga called Vishveshvara; east of Vishveshvara is Hara, Vriddhakaleshvara.

Verse 124 (skanda.4.97.124)

कालोदो नाम कूपोस्ति तदग्रे सर्वरोगहृत् ।। यैस्तु तत्रोदकं पीतं स्त्रीभिः पुंभिः स्वकर्मभिः

kālodo nāma kūposti tadagre sarvarogahṛt || yaistu tatrodakaṁ pītaṁ strībhiḥ puṁbhiḥ svakarmabhiḥ

There is a well named Kaloda, remover of all diseases, in front. Those women and men who have drunk that water there through their own deeds,

Verse 125 (skanda.4.97.125)

न तेषां परिवर्तोत्र कल्पकोटिशतैरपि ।। तत्पीत्वा जन्मबंधोत्थाद्भयान्मुच्येत मानवः

na teṣāṁ parivartotra kalpakoṭiśatairapi || tatpītvā janmabaṁdhotthādbhayānmucyeta mānavaḥ

for them there is no return here even after a hundred crores of ages; having drunk that, a man is freed from the fear born of the bondage of birth.

Verse 126 (skanda.4.97.126)

तत्र कूपे तु यद्दत्तं दानं शिवरतात्मनाम् ।। संवर्तेपि न तस्यास्ति नाशः कलशसंभव

tatra kūpe tu yaddattaṁ dānaṁ śivaratātmanām || saṁvartepi na tasyāsti nāśaḥ kalaśasaṁbhava

Whatever gift is given there, by those devoted to Shiva, that gift has no destruction even at the great dissolution, O pot-born one.

Verse 127 (skanda.4.97.127)

खंडस्फुटितसंस्कारं तत्र कुर्वंति ये नराः ।। ते रुद्रलोकमासाद्य मोदंते सुखिनः सदा

khaṁḍasphuṭitasaṁskāraṁ tatra kurvaṁti ye narāḥ || te rudralokamāsādya modaṁte sukhinaḥ sadā

Whoever performs the rite for the broken and shattered images there — they, having reached the world of Rudra, rejoice, happy, forever.

Verse 128 (skanda.4.97.128)

कालेशाद्दक्षिणे भागे मृत्य्वीशस्त्वपमृत्युहृत् ।। लिंगं दक्षेश्वराह्वं च ततः कूपादुदग्दिशि

kāleśāddakṣiṇe bhāge mṛtyvīśastvapamṛtyuhṛt || liṁgaṁ dakṣeśvarāhvaṁ ca tataḥ kūpādudagdiśi

To the south of Kalesha is Mrityvisha, remover of untimely death; the linga named Dakshesvara is to the north of that well.

Verse 129 (skanda.4.97.129)

अपराधसहस्रं तु नश्येत्तस्य समर्चनात्

aparādhasahasraṁ tu naśyettasya samarcanāt

A thousand offenses are destroyed by proper worship of it.

Verse 130 (skanda.4.97.130)

महाकालेश लिंगं च दक्षेशात्पूर्वतो महत् ।। महाकुंडे नरः स्नात्वा महाकालं तु योर्चयेत्

mahākāleśa liṁgaṁ ca dakṣeśātpūrvato mahat || mahākuṁḍe naraḥ snātvā mahākālaṁ tu yorcayet

The great linga Mahakalesha is to the east of Dakshesha; having bathed in the great pool, one should worship Mahakala there.

Verse 131 (skanda.4.97.131)

अर्चितं तेन वै तत्र जगदेतच्चराचरम् ।। अंतकेश्वरमालोक्य तद्याम्यां नांतकस्य भीः

arcitaṁ tena vai tatra jagadetaccarācaram || aṁtakeśvaramālokya tadyāmyāṁ nāṁtakasya bhīḥ

By him, all this world, moving and unmoving, is worshipped there. Having beheld Antakeshvara, to its south, there is no fear of Antaka.

Verse 132 (skanda.4.97.132)

हस्तिपालेश्वरं लिंगं तस्य दक्षिणतो मुने।। तस्य पूजनतो याति पुण्यं वै हस्तिदानजम्

hastipāleśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tasya dakṣiṇato mune|| tasya pūjanato yāti puṇyaṁ vai hastidānajam

The linga Hastipaleshvara is to its south, O sage; by worshipping it, the merit born of the gift of an elephant is obtained.

Verse 133 (skanda.4.97.133)

तत्रैरावतकुंडं च लिंगमैरावतेश्वरम् ।। तल्लिंगमर्चयन्मर्त्यो धनधान्यसमृद्धिभाक्

tatrairāvatakuṁḍaṁ ca liṁgamairāvateśvaram || talliṁgamarcayanmartyo dhanadhānyasamṛddhibhāk

There too is Airavatakunda, and the linga Airavateshvara; a mortal who worships that linga becomes endowed with wealth and grain.

Verse 134 (skanda.4.97.134)

तद्दक्षिणे श्रेयसे च लिंगं स्यान्मालतीश्वरम् ।। हस्तीश्वरादुत्तरे तु जयंतेशो जयप्रदः

taddakṣiṇe śreyase ca liṁgaṁ syānmālatīśvaram || hastīśvarāduttare tu jayaṁteśo jayapradaḥ

To its south, for welfare, is the linga Malatishvara; to the north of Hastishvara is Jayantesha, giver of victory.

Verse 135 (skanda.4.97.135)

बंदीश्वरो महाकाल कुंडादुत्तरतः शुभः ।। बंदिकुंडं च विख्यातं वाराणस्यां महाघहृत्

baṁdīśvaro mahākāla kuṁḍāduttarataḥ śubhaḥ || baṁdikuṁḍaṁ ca vikhyātaṁ vārāṇasyāṁ mahāghahṛt

Bandishvara is auspicious, to the north of Mahakala-kunda; the Bandikunda is renowned in Varanasi, remover of great sin.

Verse 136 (skanda.4.97.136)

तत्र स्नानेन दानेन श्राद्धेनाक्षयमश्नुते ।। धन्वंतरीश्वरं लिंगं कुंडं तन्नाम चैव हि

tatra snānena dānena śrāddhenākṣayamaśnute || dhanvaṁtarīśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ kuṁḍaṁ tannāma caiva hi

There, by bathing, giving, and shraddha, one obtains the imperishable. The linga Dhanvantarishvara, and the pool of that very name.

Verse 137 (skanda.4.97.137)

तस्य लिंगस्य नामान्यत्कुंडनामान्यदेव हि ।। तुंगेश्वरं लिंग नाम कुंडं वैद्येश्वराभिधम्

tasya liṁgasya nāmānyatkuṁḍanāmānyadeva hi || tuṁgeśvaraṁ liṁga nāma kuṁḍaṁ vaidyeśvarābhidham

That linga's name is different, the pool's name is different again; the linga's name is Tungeshvara, the pool is called Vaidyeshvara.

Verse 138 (skanda.4.97.138)

सुधामय्यो महौषध्यः क्षिप्तास्तत्र महाधियः ।। तत्कुंडस्नानतस्तस्मात्तल्लिंग परिवीक्षणात् ।। नश्यंति व्याधयः सर्वे सह पापैः सुदारुणैः

sudhāmayyo mahauṣadhyaḥ kṣiptāstatra mahādhiyaḥ || tatkuṁḍasnānatastasmāttalliṁga parivīkṣaṇāt || naśyaṁti vyādhayaḥ sarve saha pāpaiḥ sudāruṇaiḥ

There, ambrosia-like great medicinal herbs, of great wisdom, were cast; from bathing in that pool and beholding that linga, all diseases are destroyed, along with the most terrible sins.

Verse 139 (skanda.4.97.139)

तदुत्तरे हलीशेशः सर्वव्याधिनिपूदनः ।। शिवेश्वरः शिवकरस्तुंगनाम्नश्च दक्षिणे

taduttare halīśeśaḥ sarvavyādhinipūdanaḥ || śiveśvaraḥ śivakarastuṁganāmnaśca dakṣiṇe

To its north is Halishesha, destroyer of all disease; Shiveshvara, the auspicious-maker, is to the south of the one named Tunga.

Verse 140 (skanda.4.97.140)

जमदग्नीश्वरं लिंगं शिवेशाद्दक्षिणे शुभम् ।। तत्पश्चिमे भैरवेशः कूपस्तस्योत्तरे शुभः

jamadagnīśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ śiveśāddakṣiṇe śubham || tatpaścime bhairaveśaḥ kūpastasyottare śubhaḥ

The auspicious linga Jamadagnishvara is to the south of Shivesha; to its west is Bhairavesha; to its north is an auspicious well.

Verse 141 (skanda.4.97.141)

तदुदस्पर्शमात्रेण सर्वयज्ञफलं लभेत् ।। तत्कूपपश्चिमे भागे सुकेशो योगसिद्धिदः

tadudasparśamātreṇa sarvayajñaphalaṁ labhet || tatkūpapaścime bhāge sukeśo yogasiddhidaḥ

By mere touch of its water, one obtains the fruit of all sacrifices; to the west of that well is Sukesha, giver of yoga-accomplishment.

Verse 142 (skanda.4.97.142)

तन्नैर्ऋत्यां च व्यासेशः कूपश्च विमलोदकः ।। व्यासकूपे नरः स्नात्वा तर्पयित्वा सुरान्पितॄन्

tannairṛtyāṁ ca vyāseśaḥ kūpaśca vimalodakaḥ || vyāsakūpe naraḥ snātvā tarpayitvā surānpitṝn

To its south-west is Vyasesha, and a well of pure water; having bathed in Vyasa's well, and offered libation to gods and ancestors,

Verse 143 (skanda.4.97.143)

अक्षयं लभते लोकं यत्रकुत्राभिकांक्षितम् ।। व्यासतीर्थात्पश्चिमतो घंटाकर्णो ह्रदो महान्

akṣayaṁ labhate lokaṁ yatrakutrābhikāṁkṣitam || vyāsatīrthātpaścimato ghaṁṭākarṇo hrado mahān

one obtains an imperishable world, whatever is desired wherever. West of Vyasatirtha is the great pool Ghantakarna.

Verse 144 (skanda.4.97.144)

घंटाकर्णह्रदे स्नात्वा व्यासंश परिदर्शनात् ।। यत्रतत्र मृतो वापि वाराणस्यां मृतो भवेत्

ghaṁṭākarṇahrade snātvā vyāsaṁśa paridarśanāt || yatratatra mṛto vāpi vārāṇasyāṁ mṛto bhavet

Having bathed in Ghantakarna pool and beheld Vyasa's linga fully, wherever one dies, one is counted as having died in Varanasi.

Verse 145 (skanda.4.97.145)

घंटाकर्ण समीपे तु पंचचूडाप्सरः सरः ।। पंचचूडाजले स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा देवं तमीश्वरम्

ghaṁṭākarṇa samīpe tu paṁcacūḍāpsaraḥ saraḥ || paṁcacūḍājale snātvā dṛṣṭvā devaṁ tamīśvaram

Near Ghantakarna is the lake Panchachudapsaras; having bathed in the waters of Panchachuda and beheld that lord god,

Verse 146 (skanda.4.97.146)

स्वर्गलोकं नरो याति पंचचूडाप्रियो भवेत् ।। गौरीकूपस्ततोवाच्यां सर्वजाड्यविनाशनः

svargalokaṁ naro yāti paṁcacūḍāpriyo bhavet || gaurīkūpastatovācyāṁ sarvajāḍyavināśanaḥ

a man goes to Svargaloka, becoming beloved of Panchachuda. Gaurikupa is then to its west, destroyer of all dullness.

Verse 147 (skanda.4.97.147)

पंचचूडोत्तरे भागे तीर्थं चाशोकसंज्ञितम्।। मंदाकिनी महातीर्थं तदुदीच्यां महाघहृत्

paṁcacūḍottare bhāge tīrthaṁ cāśokasaṁjñitam|| maṁdākinī mahātīrthaṁ tadudīcyāṁ mahāghahṛt

To the north of Panchachuda is a tirtha named Ashoka; to its north is the great tirtha Mandakini, remover of great sin.

Verse 148 (skanda.4.97.148)

स्वर्गलोकेपि सा पुण्या किं पुनर्मानवे मुने ।। तदुत्तरे मध्यमेशो मध्ये क्षेत्रं स्वपित्यहो

svargalokepi sā puṇyā kiṁ punarmānave mune || taduttare madhyameśo madhye kṣetraṁ svapityaho

Even in Svargaloka it is meritorious — how much more so for man, O sage! To its north is Madhyamesha; in the very middle, the sacred field lies, ah.

Verse 149 (skanda.4.97.149)

तत्र जागरणं कृत्वाऽशोकाष्टम्यां मधौ नरः ।। न जातु शोकं लभते सदानंदमयो भवेत्

tatra jāgaraṇaṁ kṛtvā'śokāṣṭamyāṁ madhau naraḥ || na jātu śokaṁ labhate sadānaṁdamayo bhavet

Having kept vigil there on Ashokashtami, in spring, a man never experiences sorrow, and becomes ever full of bliss.

Verse 150 (skanda.4.97.150)

मुक्तिक्षेत्रप्रमाणं च क्रोशं क्रोशं च सर्वतः।। आरभ्य लिंगादस्माच्च पुण्यदान्मध्यमेश्वरात्

muktikṣetrapramāṇaṁ ca krośaṁ krośaṁ ca sarvataḥ|| ārabhya liṁgādasmācca puṇyadānmadhyameśvarāt

The measure of the liberation-field is one krosha in every direction, beginning from this meritorious linga, Madhyameshvara.

Verse 151 (skanda.4.97.151)

एतदेव सदा प्राहुः सर्वे वै प्रपितामहाः ।। कश्चिदस्मत्कुले जातो मंदाकिन्या जलाप्लुतः

etadeva sadā prāhuḥ sarve vai prapitāmahāḥ || kaścidasmatkule jāto maṁdākinyā jalāplutaḥ

This indeed our forefathers have always declared. Someone born of our own lineage, having bathed in the waters of the Mandakini,

Verse 152 (skanda.4.97.152)

भोजयेत्प्रयतो विप्रान्यतीन्पाशुपतानपि ।। मदाकिन्यां नरः स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा वै मध्यमेश्वरम्

bhojayetprayato viprānyatīnpāśupatānapi || madākinyāṁ naraḥ snātvā dṛṣṭvā vai madhyameśvaram

should devoutly feed brahmins, ascetics, and Pashupatas. Having bathed in the Mandakini and beheld Madhyameshvara,

Verse 153 (skanda.4.97.153)

एकविंशत्कुलोपेतो रुद्रलोके वसेच्चिरम् ।। मध्यमेशादवाच्यां च विश्वेदेवेश्वरः शुभः

ekaviṁśatkulopeto rudraloke vasecciram || madhyameśādavācyāṁ ca viśvedeveśvaraḥ śubhaḥ

one, together with twenty-one generations, dwells long in the world of Rudra. To the south-west of Madhyamesha is the auspicious Vishvadeveshvara.

Verse 154 (skanda.4.97.154)

तदर्चनादर्चिताः स्युर्विश्वेदेवास्त्रयोदश ।। तत्पूर्वे वीरभद्रेशो महावीरपदप्रदः

tadarcanādarcitāḥ syurviśvedevāstrayodaśa || tatpūrve vīrabhadreśo mahāvīrapadapradaḥ

By worship of it, the thirteen Vishvedevas are worshipped. To its east is Virabhadresha, giver of the state of a great hero.

Verse 155 (skanda.4.97.155)

भद्रदा भद्र्काली च तस्य दक्षिणतः शुभा ।। भद्राकाल ह्रदो नाम तत्रातीव शुभप्रदः

bhadradā bhadrkālī ca tasya dakṣiṇataḥ śubhā || bhadrākāla hrado nāma tatrātīva śubhapradaḥ

Bhadrada and Bhadrakali, auspicious, are to its south; there is the pool named Bhadrakala, exceedingly auspicious.

Verse 156 (skanda.4.97.156)

आपस्तंबेश्वरं लिंगं तत्प्राच्यां ज्ञानदं परम् ।। तदुत्तरे पुण्यकूपस्तत्पश्चाच्छौनको ह्रदः

āpastaṁbeśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tatprācyāṁ jñānadaṁ param || taduttare puṇyakūpastatpaścācchaunako hradaḥ

The linga Apastambeshvara is to its east, supremely giving knowledge; to its north is a meritorious well; to its west is the Shaunaka pool.

Verse 157 (skanda.4.97.157)

ह्रदपश्चिमतो लिंगं शौनकेशं सुधीप्रदम् ।। ह्रदे तत्र नरः स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा वै शौनकेश्वरम्

hradapaścimato liṁgaṁ śaunakeśaṁ sudhīpradam || hrade tatra naraḥ snātvā dṛṣṭvā vai śaunakeśvaram

To the west of the pool is the linga Shaunakesha, giver of good wisdom; having bathed in that pool and beheld Shaunakeshvara,

Verse 158 (skanda.4.97.158)

ज्ञानं तत्संलभेद्दिव्यं येन मृत्युं तरत्यसौ ।। तद्दक्षिणे जंबुकेशस्तिर्यग्योनि निवारकः

jñānaṁ tatsaṁlabheddivyaṁ yena mṛtyuṁ taratyasau || taddakṣiṇe jaṁbukeśastiryagyoni nivārakaḥ

one obtains divine knowledge, by which one crosses death. To its south is Jambukesha, preventer of birth as an animal.

Verse 159 (skanda.4.97.159)

तदुत्तरे मतंगेशो गानविद्याप्रबोधकः ।। मतंगेशस्य वायव्ये नानालिंगानि सर्वतः

taduttare mataṁgeśo gānavidyāprabodhakaḥ || mataṁgeśasya vāyavye nānāliṁgāni sarvataḥ

To its north is Matangesha, awakener of the art of music; to the north-west of Matangesha are various lingas everywhere,

Verse 160 (skanda.4.97.160)

मुनिभिः स्थापितानीह सर्वसिद्धिप्रदानि च ।। ब्रह्मरातेश्वरं लिंगं मतंगेशाच्च दक्षिणे

munibhiḥ sthāpitānīha sarvasiddhipradāni ca || brahmarāteśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ mataṁgeśācca dakṣiṇe

established here by sages, giving all accomplishments. The linga Brahmaratesvara is to the south of Matangesha.

Verse 161 (skanda.4.97.161)

तल्लिंगदर्शनादायुर्नांतराच्छिद्यते क्वचित् ।। तत्राज्यपेश्वरं लिंगं पितृलिंगान्यनेकशः ।। तल्लिंगसेवया सर्वे तुष्यंति प्रपितामहाः

talliṁgadarśanādāyurnāṁtarācchidyate kvacit || tatrājyapeśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ pitṛliṁgānyanekaśaḥ || talliṁgasevayā sarve tuṣyaṁti prapitāmahāḥ

By sight of that linga, life is never cut short. There is the linga Ajyapeshvara, and many ancestor-lingas; by service to that linga, all the forefathers are pleased.

Verse 162 (skanda.4.97.162)

तद्दक्षिणे सिद्धकूपः सिद्धाः संति सहस्रशः।। वायुरूपास्तु ये सिद्धा ये सिद्धा भानुरश्मिगाः

taddakṣiṇe siddhakūpaḥ siddhāḥ saṁti sahasraśaḥ|| vāyurūpāstu ye siddhā ye siddhā bhānuraśmigāḥ

To its south is Siddhakupa; there are siddhas by the thousands — those of the form of Vayu, and those who ride the sun's rays.

Verse 163 (skanda.4.97.163)

तैः स्थापितं तु यल्लिंगं तत्सिद्धेश्वरमीरितम् ।। तस्य संदर्शनादेव सर्वाः स्युः सिद्धयोऽमलाः

taiḥ sthāpitaṁ tu yalliṁgaṁ tatsiddheśvaramīritam || tasya saṁdarśanādeva sarvāḥ syuḥ siddhayo'malāḥ

By them that linga was established, called Siddheshvara; from sight of it alone, all accomplishments become pure.

Verse 164 (skanda.4.97.164)

तत्पश्चिमे सिद्धवापी पीता स्नाता च सिद्धिदा ।। प्राच्यां च सिद्धकूपाद्वै लिंगं व्याघ्रेश्वराभिधम्

tatpaścime siddhavāpī pītā snātā ca siddhidā || prācyāṁ ca siddhakūpādvai liṁgaṁ vyāghreśvarābhidham

To its west is Siddhavapi, giver of accomplishment through drinking and bathing; to the east of Siddhakupa is the linga named Vyaghreshvara.

Verse 165 (skanda.4.97.165)

तल्लिंगदर्शनान्नृणां न भयं व्याघ्रचोरजम् ।। ज्येष्ठेश्वरं च तद्याम्यां ज्येष्ठस्थानेति सिद्धिदम्

talliṁgadarśanānnṛṇāṁ na bhayaṁ vyāghracorajam || jyeṣṭheśvaraṁ ca tadyāmyāṁ jyeṣṭhasthāneti siddhidam

From sight of that linga, men have no fear from tiger or thief. Jyeshtheshvara is to its south, giver of accomplishment as Jyeshthasthana.

Verse 166 (skanda.4.97.166)

तद्दक्षिणे मुदां धाम लिंगं प्रहसितेश्वरम् ।। तदुत्तरे निवासेश काशीवासफलप्रदः

taddakṣiṇe mudāṁ dhāma liṁgaṁ prahasiteśvaram || taduttare nivāseśa kāśīvāsaphalapradaḥ

To its south is the abode of joys, the linga Prahasiteshvara; to its north is Nivasesha, giver of the fruit of dwelling in Kashi.

Verse 167 (skanda.4.97.167)

चतुःसमुद्रकूपोस्ति तत्राब्धिस्नान पुण्यदः ।। ज्येष्ठा देवी तु तत्रास्ति नता ज्येष्ठपदप्रदा

catuḥsamudrakūposti tatrābdhisnāna puṇyadaḥ || jyeṣṭhā devī tu tatrāsti natā jyeṣṭhapadapradā

There is the Chatuh-samudra well, giver of merit equal to bathing in the four oceans; there is the goddess Jyeshtha, saluted, giver of the state of Jyeshtha.

Verse 168 (skanda.4.97.168)

अवाच्यां व्याघ्रलिंगाच्च लिंगं चंडीश्वराभिधम् ।। तदुत्तरे दंडखातं सरः पितृमुदावहम्

avācyāṁ vyāghraliṁgācca liṁgaṁ caṁḍīśvarābhidham || taduttare daṁḍakhātaṁ saraḥ pitṛmudāvaham

South-west of the Tiger-linga is the linga named Chandishvara; to its north is the lake Dandakhata, delighting the ancestors.

Verse 169 (skanda.4.97.169)

ग्रहणानंतरे स्नानं दंडखातेति पुण्यदम् ।। जैगीषव्य गुहा तत्र तत्र लिंगं तदाह्वयम्

grahaṇānaṁtare snānaṁ daṁḍakhāteti puṇyadam || jaigīṣavya guhā tatra tatra liṁgaṁ tadāhvayam

Bathing there after an eclipse is meritorious, at Dandakhata. There is the cave of Jaigishavya, and the linga of that same name there.

Verse 170 (skanda.4.97.170)

त्रिरात्रोपोषितस्तत्र ज्ञानं लभ्येत निर्मलम् ।। महापुण्यप्रदं लिंगं तत्पश्चाद्देवलेश्वरम्

trirātropoṣitastatra jñānaṁ labhyeta nirmalam || mahāpuṇyapradaṁ liṁgaṁ tatpaścāddevaleśvaram

Having fasted three nights there, one obtains pure knowledge. The great-merit-giving linga Devaleshvara is to its west.

Verse 171 (skanda.4.97.171)

शतकालस्तत्समीपे शतं कालानुमापतिः ।। तल्लिंगाविर्भवे काश्यां कालयामास कुंभज

śatakālastatsamīpe śataṁ kālānumāpatiḥ || talliṁgāvirbhave kāśyāṁ kālayāmāsa kuṁbhaja

Shatakala is near it, the hundred-fold lord of time; at that linga's manifestation in Kashi, Time itself became subdued, O pot-born one.

Verse 172 (skanda.4.97.172)

तल्लिंगदशर्नादायुः शतवर्षाण्यखंडितम् ।। शातातपेशस्तद्याम्यां महाजपफलप्रदः

talliṁgadaśarnādāyuḥ śatavarṣāṇyakhaṁḍitam || śātātapeśastadyāmyāṁ mahājapaphalapradaḥ

From sight of that linga, life extends unbroken for a hundred years. Shatatapesha is to its south, giver of the fruit of great japa.

Verse 173 (skanda.4.97.173)

तत्पश्चिमे हेतुकेशो हेतुभूतो महाफले ।। तद्दक्षिणेक्षपादेशो महाज्ञानप्रर्वतकः

tatpaścime hetukeśo hetubhūto mahāphale || taddakṣiṇekṣapādeśo mahājñānaprarvatakaḥ

To its west is Hetukesha, the very cause of great fruit; to its south is Akshapadesha, propagator of great knowledge.

Verse 174 (skanda.4.97.174)

तदग्रे च कणादेशस्तत्र पुण्योदकः प्रहिः ।। स्नात्वा काणादकूपे यः कणादेशं समर्चयेत्

tadagre ca kaṇādeśastatra puṇyodakaḥ prahiḥ || snātvā kāṇādakūpe yaḥ kaṇādeśaṁ samarcayet

In front of it is Kanadesha, whose water there is meritorious. Having bathed in the Kanada well, whoever duly worships Kanadesha,

Verse 175 (skanda.4.97.175)

न धनेन न धान्येन त्यज्यते स कदाचन ।। तस्य दक्षिणतो दृश्यो भूतीशो भूतिकृत्सताम्

na dhanena na dhānyena tyajyate sa kadācana || tasya dakṣiṇato dṛśyo bhūtīśo bhūtikṛtsatām

is never abandoned, neither by wealth nor by grain. To its south is seen Bhutisha, bestower of prosperity upon the good.

Verse 176 (skanda.4.97.176)

तत्पश्चिमेऽघसंहर्तृ आषाढीश्वर संज्ञितम् ।। दुर्वासेशश्च तत्पूर्वे सर्वकामसमृद्धिकृत्

tatpaścime'ghasaṁhartṛ āṣāḍhīśvara saṁjñitam || durvāseśaśca tatpūrve sarvakāmasamṛddhikṛt

To its west is the remover of sin named Ashadhishvara; to its east is Durvasesha, increaser of all desires.

Verse 177 (skanda.4.97.177)

तद्याम्यां भारभूतेशः पापभारापहारकः ।। व्यासेश्वरस्य पूर्वेण द्वौ शंखलिखितेश्वरौ ।। तौ दृश्यौ यत्नतः काश्यां महाज्ञान प्रवर्तकौ

tadyāmyāṁ bhārabhūteśaḥ pāpabhārāpahārakaḥ || vyāseśvarasya pūrveṇa dvau śaṁkhalikhiteśvarau || tau dṛśyau yatnataḥ kāśyāṁ mahājñāna pravartakau

To its south is Bharabhuteshvara, remover of the burden of sin. East of Vyaseshvara are the two, Shankha and Likhiteshvara; both are to be seen with effort in Kashi, propagators of great knowledge.

Verse 178 (skanda.4.97.178)

यत्समाप्याप्यते पुण्यं निष्ठा पाशुपतव्रतम् ।। तदाप्यतेत्र विश्वेश सकृदीक्षणतः क्षणात्

yatsamāpyāpyate puṇyaṁ niṣṭhā pāśupatavratam || tadāpyatetra viśveśa sakṛdīkṣaṇataḥ kṣaṇāt

Whatever merit is obtained by completing the vow of the Pashupata discipline, that is obtained here at Vishvesha by a single glance, instantly.

Verse 179 (skanda.4.97.179)

तदीशानेवधूतेशो योगज्ञानप्रवर्तकः ।। तीर्थं चैवावधूतेशं सर्वकल्मषनाशकृत्

tadīśānevadhūteśo yogajñānapravartakaḥ || tīrthaṁ caivāvadhūteśaṁ sarvakalmaṣanāśakṛt

To its north-east is Avadhutesha, propagator of yoga-knowledge; and the tirtha Avadhutesha itself, destroyer of all impurity.

Verse 180 (skanda.4.97.180)

अवधूतेश्वरात्पूर्वे लिंगं पशुपतीश्वरम् ।। तल्लिंगसेवया पुंसां पशुपाशविमोक्षणम्

avadhūteśvarātpūrve liṁgaṁ paśupatīśvaram || talliṁgasevayā puṁsāṁ paśupāśavimokṣaṇam

East of Avadhuteshvara is the linga Pashupatishvara; by service to that linga, men are released from the bonds of the beast-soul.

Verse 181 (skanda.4.97.181)

तद्दक्षिणे गोभिलेशो महाभिलषितप्रदः। जीमूतवाहनेशश्च तत्पश्चाल्लिंगमुत्तमम्

taddakṣiṇe gobhileśo mahābhilaṣitapradaḥ| jīmūtavāhaneśaśca tatpaścālliṁgamuttamam

To its south is Gobhilesha, giver of great desires; Jimutavahanesha, to its west, is an excellent linga.

Verse 182 (skanda.4.97.182)

विद्याधरपदप्राप्तिस्तल्लिंगपरिसेवनात्।। मयूखार्कः पंचनदे गभस्तीशश्च तत्र वै

vidyādharapadaprāptistalliṁgaparisevanāt|| mayūkhārkaḥ paṁcanade gabhastīśaśca tatra vai

The attainment of the state of a Vidyadhara comes from service to that linga; at Panchanada are Mayukharka and Gabhastisha, there.

Verse 183 (skanda.4.97.183)

दधिकल्पह्रदो नाम तदुदीच्यां महाप्रहिः ।। दुर्लभं तत्प्रहिस्नानं दुर्लभं च तदीक्षणम्

dadhikalpahrado nāma tadudīcyāṁ mahāprahiḥ || durlabhaṁ tatprahisnānaṁ durlabhaṁ ca tadīkṣaṇam

There is a pool named Dadhikalpa, to its north, exceedingly rare; bathing there is rare, and its very sight is rare.

Verse 184 (skanda.4.97.184)

गभस्तीशोत्तरे भागे दधिकल्पेश्वरो हरः ।। नरस्तमाशु संवीक्ष्य कल्पं त्र्यक्षपुरे वसेत्

gabhastīśottare bhāge dadhikalpeśvaro haraḥ || narastamāśu saṁvīkṣya kalpaṁ tryakṣapure vaset

To the north of Gabhastisha is Hara, Dadhikalpeshvara; a man who beholds him at once dwells for a kalpa in the three-eyed one's city.

Verse 185 (skanda.4.97.185)

गभस्तीशाद्दक्षिणे तु मंगलां मंगलालयाम् ।। उद्दिश्य मंगलां गौरीं भोजयेद्द्विजदंपती

gabhastīśāddakṣiṇe tu maṁgalāṁ maṁgalālayām || uddiśya maṁgalāṁ gaurīṁ bhojayeddvijadaṁpatī

South of Gabhastisha, in Mangala's abode, dedicating the offering to Mangala Gauri, one should feed a twice-born couple,

Verse 186 (skanda.4.97.186)

अलंकृत्य यथाशक्ति तत्पुण्यांतो न कर्हिचित् ।। क्षितिप्रदक्षिणफला मंगलैका प्रदक्षिणा

alaṁkṛtya yathāśakti tatpuṇyāṁto na karhicit || kṣitipradakṣiṇaphalā maṁgalaikā pradakṣiṇā

having adorned them according to one's ability — the end of that merit never comes. Circumambulation of Mangala alone bears the fruit of circumambulating the earth.

Verse 187 (skanda.4.97.187)

वदनप्रेक्षणादेवी मुखप्रेक्षेश्वरोत्तरे ।। मंगलायाः समीपे तु सर्वसिद्धिकरी शिवा

vadanaprekṣaṇādevī mukhaprekṣeśvarottare || maṁgalāyāḥ samīpe tu sarvasiddhikarī śivā

The goddess is seen by gazing upon her face; to the north of Mukhapreksheshvara, near Mangala, is the all-accomplishing Shiva.

Verse 188 (skanda.4.97.188)

लिंगे त्वष्ट्रीशवृत्तेशौ मुखप्रेक्षोत्तरे शुभे ।। सहेमभूमिदानस्य फलं दर्शनतस्तयोः

liṁge tvaṣṭrīśavṛtteśau mukhaprekṣottare śubhe || sahemabhūmidānasya phalaṁ darśanatastayoḥ

To the north of Mukhapreksha, auspicious, are the two lingas Tvashtreshvara and Vritteshvara; from sight of those two comes the fruit of the gift of land with gold.

Verse 189 (skanda.4.97.189)

तदुत्तरे चर्चिकाया देव्याः संदर्शनं शुभम् ।। रेवतेश्वर लिंगं च चर्चिकाग्रेण शांतिकृत्

taduttare carcikāyā devyāḥ saṁdarśanaṁ śubham || revateśvara liṁgaṁ ca carcikāgreṇa śāṁtikṛt

To its north, the sight of the goddess Charchika is auspicious; the linga Revateshvara, in front of Charchika, brings peace.

Verse 190 (skanda.4.97.190)

महाशुभायतस्याग्रे लिंगं पंचनदेश्वरम् ।। मंगलोदो महाकूपो मंगला पश्चिमे शुभः

mahāśubhāyatasyāgre liṁgaṁ paṁcanadeśvaram || maṁgalodo mahākūpo maṁgalā paścime śubhaḥ

In front of that greatly auspicious abode is the linga Panchanadeshvara; the great well Mangaloda is auspicious, to the west of Mangala.

Verse 191 (skanda.4.97.191)

उपमन्योर्महालिंगं मंगला पश्चिमे शुभम् ।। व्याघ्रपादेश्वरं लिंगं तत्पश्चाद्व्याघ्रभीतिहृत्

upamanyormahāliṁgaṁ maṁgalā paścime śubham || vyāghrapādeśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tatpaścādvyāghrabhītihṛt

The great linga of Upamanyu is auspicious, to the west of Mangala; the linga Vyaghrapadeshvara, to its west, removes the fear of tigers.

Verse 192 (skanda.4.97.192)

नैर्ऋत्यां च गभस्तीशाच्छशांकेशोघसंघहृत् ।। तत्पश्चिमे चैत्ररथं लिंगं दिव्यगतिप्रदम्

nairṛtyāṁ ca gabhastīśācchaśāṁkeśoghasaṁghahṛt || tatpaścime caitrarathaṁ liṁgaṁ divyagatipradam

To the south-west of Gabhastisha is Shashankesha, remover of the flood of sin; to its west is the linga Chaitraratha, giver of a divine course.

Verse 193 (skanda.4.97.193)

रेवतेशात्पश्चिमतो जैमिनीशो महाघहृत् ।। तत्र लिंगान्यनेकानि ऋषीणामृषिसत्तम

revateśātpaścimato jaiminīśo mahāghahṛt || tatra liṁgānyanekāni ṛṣīṇāmṛṣisattama

West of Revatesha is Jaiminisha, remover of great sin; there are many lingas of the sages there, O best of sages.

Verse 194 (skanda.4.97.194)

जैमिनीशाच्च वायव्ये लिंगं वै रावणेश्वरम् ।। न तद्दशर्नतः पुंसां राक्षसानां महाभयम्

jaiminīśācca vāyavye liṁgaṁ vai rāvaṇeśvaram || na taddaśarnataḥ puṁsāṁ rākṣasānāṁ mahābhayam

To the north-west of Jaiminisha is the linga named Ravaneshvara; from sight of it, men have great fear of the Rakshasas removed.

Verse 195 (skanda.4.97.195)

तद्दक्षिणे वराहेशो मांडव्येशस्ततो यमे ।। तद्दक्षिणे प्रचंडेशो योगेशो दक्षिणे ततः

taddakṣiṇe varāheśo māṁḍavyeśastato yame || taddakṣiṇe pracaṁḍeśo yogeśo dakṣiṇe tataḥ

To its south is Varahesha, then Mandavyesha to its south; to its south is Prachandesha, then Yogesha to its south.

Verse 196 (skanda.4.97.196)

तद्दक्षिणे च धातेशः सोमेशश्च तदग्रतः ।। तन्नैर्ऋत्यां कनकेशो महाकनकदः सताम्

taddakṣiṇe ca dhāteśaḥ someśaśca tadagrataḥ || tannairṛtyāṁ kanakeśo mahākanakadaḥ satām

To its south is Dhatesha, and Somesha in front of it; to its south-west is Kanakesha, giver of great gold to the good.

Verse 197 (skanda.4.97.197)

तदुत्तरे पांडवानां पंचलिंगानि सन्मुदे ।। संवर्तेशस्तदग्रे च श्वेतेशस्तस्य पश्चिमे

taduttare pāṁḍavānāṁ paṁcaliṁgāni sanmude || saṁvarteśastadagre ca śveteśastasya paścime

To its north are the five lingas of the Pandavas, for the joy of the good; Samvartesha is in front of that, and Shvetesha to its west.

Verse 198 (skanda.4.97.198)

तत्पश्चात्कलशेशश्च लिंगं कालाभयप्रदम् ।। कालेन पाशिते श्वेते मुने कुंभात्समुत्थितम्

tatpaścātkalaśeśaśca liṁgaṁ kālābhayapradam || kālena pāśite śvete mune kuṁbhātsamutthitam

To its west is Kalashesha, and the linga giver of fearlessness from Time; born from a pot, established by Shveta when bound by Time, O sage.

Verse 199 (skanda.4.97.199)

चित्रगुप्तेश्वरं लिंगं तदुदीच्यामघापहम् ।। चित्रगुप्तेश्वरात्पश्चाद्यो दृढेशो महाफलः

citragupteśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tadudīcyāmaghāpaham || citragupteśvarātpaścādyo dṛḍheśo mahāphalaḥ

The linga Chitraguptesvara, to its north, removes sin; west of Chitraguptesvara is the great-fruited Dridhesha.

Verse 200 (skanda.4.97.200)

कलशेशादवाच्यां च ग्रहेशो लिंगमुत्तमम् ।। ग्रहबाधां शमयति तल्लिंग परिलोकनम्

kalaśeśādavācyāṁ ca graheśo liṁgamuttamam || grahabādhāṁ śamayati talliṁga parilokanam

South-west of Kalashesha is Grahesha, an excellent linga; the sight of that linga pacifies the affliction of planets.

Verse 201 (skanda.4.97.201)

चित्रगुप्तेश्वरात्पश्चाद्यदृच्छेशो महाफलः ।। उतथ्यवामदेवेशं लिंगं याम्यां ग्रहेश्वरात्

citragupteśvarātpaścādyadṛccheśo mahāphalaḥ || utathyavāmadeveśaṁ liṁgaṁ yāmyāṁ graheśvarāt

West of Chitraguptesvara is the great-fruited Yadrichchhesha; south of Grahesvara is the linga Utathya-Vamadevesha.

Verse 202 (skanda.4.97.202)

कंबलाश्वतरेशौ च तस्य दक्षिणतः शुभे ।। तत्रैव निर्मलं लिंगं नलकूबरपूजितम्

kaṁbalāśvatareśau ca tasya dakṣiṇataḥ śubhe || tatraiva nirmalaṁ liṁgaṁ nalakūbarapūjitam

To its south are Kambala and Ashvataresha, two auspicious lingas; there too is the pure linga worshipped by Nalakubara.

Verse 203 (skanda.4.97.203)

तद्याम्यां मणिकर्णीशं तदुदक्पलितेश्वरम् ।। जराहरं च तत्रैव तत्पश्चात्पापनाशनम्

tadyāmyāṁ maṇikarṇīśaṁ tadudakpaliteśvaram || jarāharaṁ ca tatraiva tatpaścātpāpanāśanam

To its south is Manikarnisha; to its north is Paliteshvara; there too is Jarahara, and after it, Papanashana.

Verse 204 (skanda.4.97.204)

तत्पश्चिमे निर्जरेशस्तन्नैर्ऋत्यां पितामहः ।। पितामहस्रोतिका च तत्र श्राद्धं महाफलम्

tatpaścime nirjareśastannairṛtyāṁ pitāmahaḥ || pitāmahasrotikā ca tatra śrāddhaṁ mahāphalam

To its west is Nirjaresha; to its south-west is Pitamaha; there is the Pitamaha-channel, where shraddha is of great fruit.

Verse 205 (skanda.4.97.205)

तद्याम्यां वरुणेशश्च बाणेशस्तस्य दक्षिणे। पितामहस्रोतिकायां कूश्मांडेशस्तु सिद्धिकृत्

tadyāmyāṁ varuṇeśaśca bāṇeśastasya dakṣiṇe| pitāmahasrotikāyāṁ kūśmāṁḍeśastu siddhikṛt

To its south are Varunesha, and Banesha to its south; in the Pitamaha-channel is Kushmandesha, giver of accomplishment.

Verse 206 (skanda.4.97.206)

तत्पूर्वतो राक्षसेशो गंगेशस्तस्य दक्षिणे ।। तदुत्तरे निम्नगेशाः संति लिंगान्यनेकशः

tatpūrvato rākṣaseśo gaṁgeśastasya dakṣiṇe || taduttare nimnageśāḥ saṁti liṁgānyanekaśaḥ

To its east is Rakshasesha, and Gangesha to its south; to its north are the river-lords, many lingas.

Verse 207 (skanda.4.97.207)

वैवस्वतेश्वरस्तत्र यमलोकनिवारकः ।। तत्पश्चाददितीशश्च चक्रेशस्तस्य चाग्रतः

vaivasvateśvarastatra yamalokanivārakaḥ || tatpaścādaditīśaśca cakreśastasya cāgrataḥ

Vaivasvateshvara is there, preventer of Yama's realm; to its west is Aditisha, and Chakresha in front of it.

Verse 208 (skanda.4.97.208)

तदग्रे कालकेशाख्यो दृष्टप्रत्ययकृत्परः ।। छाया संदृश्यते तत्र निष्पापस्तदवेक्षणात्

tadagre kālakeśākhyo dṛṣṭapratyayakṛtparaḥ || chāyā saṁdṛśyate tatra niṣpāpastadavekṣaṇāt

In front of that is the one named Kalakesha, giving proof to what is seen; a shadow is seen there, and one becomes sinless by beholding it.

Verse 209 (skanda.4.97.209)

तदग्रे तारकेशश्च तदग्रे स्वर्णभारदः।। तदुत्तरे मरुत्तेशः शक्रेशश्च तदग्रतः

tadagre tārakeśaśca tadagre svarṇabhāradaḥ|| taduttare marutteśaḥ śakreśaśca tadagrataḥ

In front of that is Tarakesha, and in front of that, giver of golden abundance; to its north is Marutesha, and Shakresha in front of it.

Verse 210 (skanda.4.97.210)

तद्दक्षिणे च रंभेशस्तत्रैव च शशीश्वरः ।। तदुत्तरे लोकपेशास्तत्र लिंगान्यनेकशः

taddakṣiṇe ca raṁbheśastatraiva ca śaśīśvaraḥ || taduttare lokapeśāstatra liṁgānyanekaśaḥ

To its south is Rambhesha, and there too Shashishvara; to its north are the Lokapesha, many lingas there.

Verse 211 (skanda.4.97.211)

नागगंधर्वयक्षाणां किन्नराप्सरसामपि ।। देवर्षिगणवृदानां नानासिद्धिकराण्यपि

nāgagaṁdharvayakṣāṇāṁ kinnarāpsarasāmapi || devarṣigaṇavṛdānāṁ nānāsiddhikarāṇyapi

of the Nagas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Kinnaras, and Apsarases, and of the hosts of gods and seers too, givers of various accomplishments.

Verse 212 (skanda.4.97.212)

शक्रेशाद्दक्षिणे भागे फाल्गुनेशो महाघहृत् ।। महापाशुपतेशश्च तद्याम्यां शुभकृत्परः

śakreśāddakṣiṇe bhāge phālguneśo mahāghahṛt || mahāpāśupateśaśca tadyāmyāṁ śubhakṛtparaḥ

South of Shakresha is Phalgunesha, remover of great sin; Mahapashupatesha, to its south, is a great auspicious-maker.

Verse 213 (skanda.4.97.213)

तत्पश्चिमे समुद्रेश ईशानेशस्तदुत्तरे।। तत्पूर्वे लांगलीशश्च सर्वसिद्धिसमर्पकः

tatpaścime samudreśa īśāneśastaduttare|| tatpūrve lāṁgalīśaśca sarvasiddhisamarpakaḥ

To its west is Samudresha; Ishanesha to its north; to its east is Langalisha, bestower of all accomplishment.

Verse 214 (skanda.4.97.214)

रागद्वेषविनिर्मुक्ताः सिद्धिं यांति च पूजकाः ।। तेषां मोक्षो मया ख्यातो न तु ते देवि मानवाः

rāgadveṣavinirmuktāḥ siddhiṁ yāṁti ca pūjakāḥ || teṣāṁ mokṣo mayā khyāto na tu te devi mānavāḥ

Free of attachment and aversion, the worshippers attain accomplishment; their liberation has been declared by me, O goddess — but they are not ordinary humans.

Verse 215 (skanda.4.97.215)

मधुपिंगश्वेतकेतू लांगलीशे तपस्विनौ ।। अनेनैव शरीरेण जग्मतुः सिद्धिमुत्तमाम्

madhupiṁgaśvetaketū lāṁgalīśe tapasvinau || anenaiva śarīreṇa jagmatuḥ siddhimuttamām

Madhupinga and Shvetaketu, two ascetics, at Langalisha, attained supreme accomplishment with this very body.

Verse 216 (skanda.4.97.216)

तत्रैव नकुलीशश्च कपिलेशश्च तत्र वै।। रहस्यं परमं चोभौ मम व्रत निषेविणौ

tatraiva nakulīśaśca kapileśaśca tatra vai|| rahasyaṁ paramaṁ cobhau mama vrata niṣeviṇau

There too is Nakulisha, and Kapilesha there as well; both are practitioners of my supreme secret vow.

Verse 217 (skanda.4.97.217)

तत्सन्निधौ प्रीतिकेशस्तत्र प्रीतिर्मम प्रिये ।। तत्रोपवासादेकस्मात्फलमब्दशताधिकम्

tatsannidhau prītikeśastatra prītirmama priye || tatropavāsādekasmātphalamabdaśatādhikam

Near it is Pritikesha; there is my delight, O beloved; from a single fast there, the fruit is more than a hundred years' worth.

Verse 218 (skanda.4.97.218)

एकं जागरणं कृत्वा प्रीतिकेश उपोषितः ।। गणत्वपदवी तस्य निश्चिता मम पर्वणि

ekaṁ jāgaraṇaṁ kṛtvā prītikeśa upoṣitaḥ || gaṇatvapadavī tasya niścitā mama parvaṇi

Having kept one vigil, fasting at Pritikesha, the status of a gana is assured for him at my festival.

Verse 219 (skanda.4.97.219)

देवस्य दक्षिणे भागे तत्र वापी शुभोदका ।। तदंबुप्राशनं नृणामपुनर्भवहेतवे

devasya dakṣiṇe bhāge tatra vāpī śubhodakā || tadaṁbuprāśanaṁ nṛṇāmapunarbhavahetave

To the south of the linga is a stepped-well of auspicious water; drinking that water is a cause, for men, of no further rebirth.

Verse 220 (skanda.4.97.220)

तज्जलात्पश्चिमे भागे दंडपाणिः सदावति ।। तत्प्राच्यवाच्युत्तरस्यां तारः कालः शिलादजः

tajjalātpaścime bhāge daṁḍapāṇiḥ sadāvati || tatprācyavācyuttarasyāṁ tāraḥ kālaḥ śilādajaḥ

West of that water is Dandapani, ever protecting; to its east, south, and north are Tara, Kala, and the son of Shilada.

Verse 221 (skanda.4.97.221)

लिंगत्रयं हृदब्जेयच्छ्रद्धयापी तमर्पयेत् ।। यैस्तत्र तज्जलं पीतं कृतार्थास्ते नरोत्तमाः

liṁgatrayaṁ hṛdabjeyacchraddhayāpī tamarpayet || yaistatra tajjalaṁ pītaṁ kṛtārthāste narottamāḥ

A trio of lingas — whoever devoutly offers homage from the lotus of the heart to them; those by whom that water there was drunk, those best of men, are fulfilled.

Verse 222 (skanda.4.97.222)

अविमुक्तसमीपेच्यों मोक्षेशो मोक्षबुद्धिदः ।। करुणेशो दयाधाम तदुदीच्यां समर्चयेत्

avimuktasamīpecyoṁ mokṣeśo mokṣabuddhidaḥ || karuṇeśo dayādhāma tadudīcyāṁ samarcayet

Near Avimukta is Mokshesha, giver of the intellect of liberation; Karunesha, the abode of compassion, is to be worshipped to its north.

Verse 223 (skanda.4.97.223)

स्वर्णाक्षेशस्तु तत्प्राच्यां ज्ञानदस्तस्य चोत्तरे ।। सौभाग्यगौरी संपूज्या बहुसौभाग्यसंपदे

svarṇākṣeśastu tatprācyāṁ jñānadastasya cottare || saubhāgyagaurī saṁpūjyā bahusaubhāgyasaṁpade

Svarnaksesha is to its east, giver of knowledge to its north; Saubhagya-Gauri is to be worshipped, for the wealth of great fortune.

Verse 224 (skanda.4.97.224)

विश्वेशाद्दक्षिणेभागे निकुंभेशः प्रयत्नतः ।। क्षेत्रक्षेमकरः पूज्यस्तत्पश्चाद्विघ्ननायकः

viśveśāddakṣiṇebhāge nikuṁbheśaḥ prayatnataḥ || kṣetrakṣemakaraḥ pūjyastatpaścādvighnanāyakaḥ

South of Vishvesha is Nikumbhesha, worshipped with effort, giver of welfare to the sacred field; to its west, the lord of obstacles is worshipped.

Verse 225 (skanda.4.97.225)

सर्वविघ्नच्छिदभ्यर्च्यश्चतुर्थ्यां तु विशेषतः ।। विरूपाक्षो निकुंभेशाद्वह्नौ पूज्यः सुसिद्धिदः

sarvavighnacchidabhyarcyaścaturthyāṁ tu viśeṣataḥ || virūpākṣo nikuṁbheśādvahnau pūjyaḥ susiddhidaḥ

The remover of all obstacles should be worshipped, especially on the fourth day; to the fire-direction from Nikumbhesha, Virupaksha is worshipped, giver of good accomplishment.

Verse 226 (skanda.4.97.226)

तद्दक्षिणे च शुक्रेशः पुत्रपौत्रप्रवर्धनः ।। तदुदीच्यां महालिंगं देवयानीश्वराभिधम्

taddakṣiṇe ca śukreśaḥ putrapautrapravardhanaḥ || tadudīcyāṁ mahāliṁgaṁ devayānīśvarābhidham

To its south is Shukresha, increaser of sons and grandsons; to its north is the great linga named Devayanishvara.

Verse 227 (skanda.4.97.227)

शुक्रेशादग्रतः पूज्यः कचेश इति संज्ञितः ।। शुक्रकूपमुपस्पृश्य हयमेधफलं लभेत्

śukreśādagrataḥ pūjyaḥ kaceśa iti saṁjñitaḥ || śukrakūpamupaspṛśya hayamedhaphalaṁ labhet

In front of Shukresha is the worshipped one named Kachesha; touching the Shukra-well, one obtains the fruit of a horse-sacrifice.

Verse 228 (skanda.4.97.228)

भवानीशौ नमस्यौ च शुक्रेशात्पश्चिमे शुभौ ।। भक्तपोतप्रदौ तौ तु निजभक्तस्य सर्वदा

bhavānīśau namasyau ca śukreśātpaścime śubhau || bhaktapotapradau tau tu nijabhaktasya sarvadā

Bhavanisha, to be saluted, auspicious, is to the west of Shukresha; that pair ever gives the boat of devotion to their own devotee.

Verse 229 (skanda.4.97.229)

अलर्केशः समभ्यर्च्यः शुक्रेशात्पूर्वदिक्स्थितः ।। मदालसेश्वरस्तत्र तत्पूर्वे सर्वविघ्नहृत्

alarkeśaḥ samabhyarcyaḥ śukreśātpūrvadiksthitaḥ || madālaseśvarastatra tatpūrve sarvavighnahṛt

Alarkesha is to be duly worshipped, situated to the east of Shukresha; Madalaseshvara is there, to its east, remover of all obstacles.

Verse 230 (skanda.4.97.230)

गणेश्वरेश्वरं लिंगं सर्वसिद्धिकरं परम् ।। हत्वा लंकेश्वरं विप्र रघुणाथ प्रतिष्ठितम्

gaṇeśvareśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ sarvasiddhikaraṁ param || hatvā laṁkeśvaraṁ vipra raghuṇātha pratiṣṭhitam

The linga Ganeshvareshvara, giver of all accomplishment, was established by Raghunatha, O brahmin, after slaying the lord of Lanka.

Verse 231 (skanda.4.97.231)

तल्लिंगस्पर्शनादाशु ब्रह्महापि विशुध्यति ।। महापुण्यप्रदं चान्यत्तत्रार्च्यं त्रिपुरांतकम्

talliṁgasparśanādāśu brahmahāpi viśudhyati || mahāpuṇyapradaṁ cānyattatrārcyaṁ tripurāṁtakam

By mere touch of that linga, even a killer of a brahmin is quickly purified. Another great merit-giving one to be worshipped there is Tripurantaka.

Verse 232 (skanda.4.97.232)

दत्तात्रेयेश्वरं लिंगं तस्य पश्चिमतः शुभम् ।। तद्याम्यां हरिकेशेशो गोकर्णेशस्ततः परम्

dattātreyeśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tasya paścimataḥ śubham || tadyāmyāṁ harikeśeśo gokarṇeśastataḥ param

The auspicious linga Dattatreyeshvara is to its west; to its south is Harikeshesha, then Gokarnesha further on.

Verse 233 (skanda.4.97.233)

सरस्तदग्रे पापघ्नं तत्पश्चाच्च ध्रुवेश्वरः ।। तदग्रे धुवकुंडं च पितृप्रीतिकरं परम्

sarastadagre pāpaghnaṁ tatpaścācca dhruveśvaraḥ || tadagre dhuvakuṁḍaṁ ca pitṛprītikaraṁ param

There is a lake in front, remover of sin; to its west is Dhruveshvara; in front of it is Dhruvakunda, greatly delighting the ancestors.

Verse 234 (skanda.4.97.234)

तदुत्तरपिशाचेशः पैशाच्य पदहारकः ।। पित्रीशस्तद्यमदिशि पितृकुंडं तदग्रतः

taduttarapiśāceśaḥ paiśācya padahārakaḥ || pitrīśastadyamadiśi pitṛkuṁḍaṁ tadagrataḥ

To its north is Pishachesha, remover of the state of a ghost; Pitrisha is to its south, and Pitrikunda is in front of that.

Verse 235 (skanda.4.97.235)

तत्र श्राद्धकृतां पुंसां तुष्येयुः प्रपितामहाः।। अग्रे ध्रुवेशात्तारेशो वैद्यनाथः स एव हि

tatra śrāddhakṛtāṁ puṁsāṁ tuṣyeyuḥ prapitāmahāḥ|| agre dhruveśāttāreśo vaidyanāthaḥ sa eva hi

There, the ancestors of those who perform shraddha are pleased. In front of Dhruvesha is Taresha, who is Vaidyanatha himself.

Verse 236 (skanda.4.97.236)

तन्नैर्ऋत्यां मनोलिंगं वंशवृद्धिकरं परम् ।। प्रियव्रतेश्वरं लिंगं वैद्यनाथपुरोगतम्

tannairṛtyāṁ manoliṁgaṁ vaṁśavṛddhikaraṁ param || priyavrateśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ vaidyanāthapurogatam

To its south-west is Manolinga, greatly increasing lineage; the linga Priyavrateshvara stands before Vaidyanatha.

Verse 237 (skanda.4.97.237)

तद्याम्यां मुचुकुंदेशस्तत्पार्श्वे गौतमेश्वरः ।। तत्पश्चिमेन भद्रेश्तद्याम्यामृष्यशृंगिणः

tadyāmyāṁ mucukuṁdeśastatpārśve gautameśvaraḥ || tatpaścimena bhadreśtadyāmyāmṛṣyaśṛṁgiṇaḥ

To its south is Mucukundesha; by its side is Gautameshvara; to its west is Bhadresha; to its south is that of Rishyashringa.

Verse 238 (skanda.4.97.238)

ब्रह्मेशस्तत्पुरस्ताच्च पर्जन्येशस्तदीशगः ।। तत्प्राच्यां नहुषेशश्च विशालाक्षी च तत्पुरः

brahmeśastatpurastācca parjanyeśastadīśagaḥ || tatprācyāṁ nahuṣeśaśca viśālākṣī ca tatpuraḥ

Brahmesha is in front of that, and Parjanyesha in his direction; to its east are Nahushesha, and Vishalakshi in front.

Verse 239 (skanda.4.97.239)

विशालाक्षीश्वरं लिंगं तत्रैव क्षेत्रवस्तिदम् ।। जरासंधेश्वरं लिंगं तद्याम्यां ज्वरनाशनम्

viśālākṣīśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tatraiva kṣetravastidam || jarāsaṁdheśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tadyāmyāṁ jvaranāśanam

The linga Vishalakshishvara is there, giver of a home in the sacred field; the linga Jarasandheshvara, to its south, destroys fever.

Verse 240 (skanda.4.97.240)

तत्पुरस्ताद्धिरण्याक्षलिंगं पूज्यं हिरण्यदम् ।। तत्पश्चिमे गयाधीशस्तत्प्रतीच्यां भगीरथः

tatpurastāddhiraṇyākṣaliṁgaṁ pūjyaṁ hiraṇyadam || tatpaścime gayādhīśastatpratīcyāṁ bhagīrathaḥ

In front of it is the worshipped linga of Hiranyaksha, giver of gold; to its west is Gayadhisha; to its south-west is Bhagiratha.

Verse 241 (skanda.4.97.241)

तदग्रे च दिलीपेशो ब्रह्मेशात्पश्चिमे मुने ।। तत्र लिंगं सकुंडं च स्नातुरिष्टफलप्रदम्

tadagre ca dilīpeśo brahmeśātpaścime mune || tatra liṁgaṁ sakuṁḍaṁ ca snāturiṣṭaphalapradam

In front of that is Dilipesha, west of Brahmesha, O sage; there is a linga with a pool, giver of the desired fruit to the bather.

Verse 242 (skanda.4.97.242)

तत्र विश्वावसोर्लिंगं मुंडेशस्तत्र पूर्वतः ।। तद्दक्षिणे विधीशश्च तद्याम्यां वाजिमेधकः

tatra viśvāvasorliṁgaṁ muṁḍeśastatra pūrvataḥ || taddakṣiṇe vidhīśaśca tadyāmyāṁ vājimedhakaḥ

There is the linga of Vishvavasu; Mundesha is to its east; to its south is Vidhisha; to its south is the giver of a horse-sacrifice's fruit.

Verse 243 (skanda.4.97.243)

दशाश्वमेधिके स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा तल्लिंगमुत्तमम् ।। दशानामश्वमेधानां फलं प्राप्नोति मानवः

daśāśvamedhike snātvā dṛṣṭvā talliṁgamuttamam || daśānāmaśvamedhānāṁ phalaṁ prāpnoti mānavaḥ

Having bathed at Dashashvamedhika and seen that excellent linga, a man obtains the fruit of ten horse-sacrifices.

Verse 244 (skanda.4.97.244)

तदुत्तरे मातृतीर्थं स्नातुर्जन्मभयापहृत् ।। तत्र स्नानं तु यकुर्यान्नारी वा पुरुषोपि वा

taduttare mātṛtīrthaṁ snāturjanmabhayāpahṛt || tatra snānaṁ tu yakuryānnārī vā puruṣopi vā

To its north is Matritirtha, remover of the fear of rebirth for the bather; whether woman or man bathes there,

Verse 245 (skanda.4.97.245)

ईप्सितं फलमाप्नोति मातृणां च प्रसादतः ।। दक्षिणे तव कुंडाच्च पुष्पदंतेश्वरः परः

īpsitaṁ phalamāpnoti mātṛṇāṁ ca prasādataḥ || dakṣiṇe tava kuṁḍācca puṣpadaṁteśvaraḥ paraḥ

one obtains the desired fruit, by the grace of the Mothers. South of your pool is the supreme Pushpadanteshvara.

Verse 246 (skanda.4.97.246)

तदग्निदिशि देवर्षि गण लिंगान्यनेकशः ।। पुष्पदंताद्दक्षिणतः सिद्धीशः परसिद्धिदः

tadagnidiśi devarṣi gaṇa liṁgānyanekaśaḥ || puṣpadaṁtāddakṣiṇataḥ siddhīśaḥ parasiddhidaḥ

To its fire-direction are many lingas of divine seers and ganas; to the south of Pushpadanta is Siddhisha, giver of supreme accomplishment.

Verse 247 (skanda.4.97.247)

पंचोपचारपूजातः स्वप्ने सिद्धिं परां दिशेत् ।। राज्यप्राप्तिर्भवेत्पुंसां हरिश्चंद्रेशसेवया

paṁcopacārapūjātaḥ svapne siddhiṁ parāṁ diśet || rājyaprāptirbhavetpuṁsāṁ hariścaṁdreśasevayā

Through worship with the five offerings, they show supreme accomplishment in a dream; kingship comes to men through service to Harishchandresha.

Verse 248 (skanda.4.97.248)

तत्पश्चिमे नैर्ऋतेशोंगिरसेशस्ततो यमे ।। तद्दक्षिणे च क्षेमेशश्चित्रांगेशस्ततो यमे

tatpaścime nairṛteśoṁgiraseśastato yame || taddakṣiṇe ca kṣemeśaścitrāṁgeśastato yame

To its west is Nairritesha, then Angirasesha to its south; to its south is Kshemesha, then Chitrangesha to its south.

Verse 249 (skanda.4.97.249)

तद्दक्षिणे च केदारो रुद्रानुचरताप्रदः ।। चंद्रसूर्यान्वयैर्भूपैः केदाराद्दक्षिणापथे

taddakṣiṇe ca kedāro rudrānucaratāpradaḥ || caṁdrasūryānvayairbhūpaiḥ kedārāddakṣiṇāpathe

To its south is Kedara, giver of the state of a Rudra-attendant; south of Kedara, on the southern road, by kings of the lineage of the moon and sun,

Verse 250 (skanda.4.97.250)

प्रतिष्ठितानि लिंगानि शतशोथ सहस्रशः ।। लोलार्काद्दक्षिणाशायां सर्वाशापूरकोर्चितः

pratiṣṭhitāni liṁgāni śataśotha sahasraśaḥ || lolārkāddakṣiṇāśāyāṁ sarvāśāpūrakorcitaḥ

hundreds and thousands of lingas have been established. In the southern direction from Lolarka is worshipped the fulfiller of all wishes,

Verse 251 (skanda.4.97.251)

करंधमेश्वरं लिंगं तत्प्रतीच्यां महाफलम् ।। तत्पश्चिमे महादुर्गा महादुर्गप्रभंजनी

karaṁdhameśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tatpratīcyāṁ mahāphalam || tatpaścime mahādurgā mahādurgaprabhaṁjanī

the linga Karandhameshvara, to its west, of great fruit; to its west is Mahadurga, destroyer of great difficulties.

Verse 252 (skanda.4.97.252)

शुष्केश्वरं च तद्याम्यां शुष्कया सरितार्चितम् ।। जनकेशस्तत्प्रतीच्यां शंकुकर्णस्तदुत्तरे

śuṣkeśvaraṁ ca tadyāmyāṁ śuṣkayā saritārcitam || janakeśastatpratīcyāṁ śaṁkukarṇastaduttare

Shushkeshvara is to its south, worshipped by the dry river; Janakesha is to its west; Shankukarna to its north.

Verse 253 (skanda.4.97.253)

महासिद्धीश्वरं लिंगं तत्प्राच्यां सर्वसिद्धिदम् ।। सिद्धकुंडे नरः स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा सिद्धेश्वरं महत्

mahāsiddhīśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ tatprācyāṁ sarvasiddhidam || siddhakuṁḍe naraḥ snātvā dṛṣṭvā siddheśvaraṁ mahat

The linga Mahasiddhishvara is to its east, giver of all accomplishment; having bathed in Siddhakunda and seen the great Siddheshvara,

Verse 254 (skanda.4.97.254)

सर्वासामेव सिद्धीनां पारं गच्छति मानवः ।। शंकुकर्णेश वायव्ये लिंगं वाडव्यसंज्ञितम्

sarvāsāmeva siddhīnāṁ pāraṁ gacchati mānavaḥ || śaṁkukarṇeśa vāyavye liṁgaṁ vāḍavyasaṁjñitam

a man reaches the far shore of all accomplishments. To the north-west of Shankukarnesha is the linga named Vadavya.

Verse 255 (skanda.4.97.255)

तदग्रे च विभांडेशः कहोलेशस्तदुत्तरे ।। तत्र द्वारेश्वरं लिंगं देवी द्वारेश्वरी शुभा

tadagre ca vibhāṁḍeśaḥ kaholeśastaduttare || tatra dvāreśvaraṁ liṁgaṁ devī dvāreśvarī śubhā

In front of it is Vibhandesha; Kaholesha to its north; there is the linga Dvareshvara, and the auspicious goddess Dvareshvari.

Verse 256 (skanda.4.97.256)

तत्पूजनाद्भवेत्सिद्धिरानंदारण्य वस्तिदा ।। रक्षकाश्च गणास्तत्र नानारूपायुधा मुने

tatpūjanādbhavetsiddhirānaṁdāraṇya vastidā || rakṣakāśca gaṇāstatra nānārūpāyudhā mune

By worship of her, accomplishment comes, giving a home in Anandaranya; there are protector-ganas of various forms and weapons there, O sage.

Verse 257 (skanda.4.97.257)

तत्रैव हरिदीशं च लिंगं कात्यायनं ततः ।। तत्पार्श्वे जांगलेशश्च तत्पश्चान्मुकुटेश्वरः

tatraiva haridīśaṁ ca liṁgaṁ kātyāyanaṁ tataḥ || tatpārśve jāṁgaleśaśca tatpaścānmukuṭeśvaraḥ

There too is the linga Haridisha, then Katyayana; by its side is Jangalesha, then Mukuteshvara to its west.

Verse 258 (skanda.4.97.258)

तत्रैव कुंडं विमलं सर्वयात्राफलप्रदम् ।। स्नात्वा मुकुटकुंडे च दृष्ट्वा वै मुकुटेश्वरम्

tatraiva kuṁḍaṁ vimalaṁ sarvayātrāphalapradam || snātvā mukuṭakuṁḍe ca dṛṣṭvā vai mukuṭeśvaram

There too is a pure pool, giver of the fruit of every pilgrimage; having bathed in Mukutakunda and beheld Mukuteshvara,

Verse 259 (skanda.4.97.259)

यात्रया सर्व लिंगानां यत्फलं तदवाप्यते ।। तपसश्चापि योगस्य सिद्धिदा साऽवनीपरा

yātrayā sarva liṁgānāṁ yatphalaṁ tadavāpyate || tapasaścāpi yogasya siddhidā sā'vanīparā

one obtains the fruit that comes from pilgrimage to all lingas. It is the supreme giver of accomplishment of austerity and yoga, on earth.

Verse 260 (skanda.4.97.260)

मुने शतं सहस्राणि तत्र लिंगानि सिद्धये ।। एका दिगुत्तरा देवि वाराणस्यां प्रिया मम

mune śataṁ sahasrāṇi tatra liṁgāni siddhaye || ekā diguttarā devi vārāṇasyāṁ priyā mama

O sage, there are a hundred thousand lingas there, for accomplishment; one direction is especially dear to me, O goddess, in Varanasi.

Verse 261 (skanda.4.97.261)

तत्रापि पंचायतने रतिर्मे नितरां प्रिये ।। उत्पत्तिस्थिति कालेपि तत्राहं सर्वदा स्थितः

tatrāpi paṁcāyatane ratirme nitarāṁ priye || utpattisthiti kālepi tatrāhaṁ sarvadā sthitaḥ

There too, at the five-abode, my delight is exceedingly great, O beloved; at the time of creation and preservation too, I am ever established there.

Verse 262 (skanda.4.97.262)

एवं यस्तु विजानाति न स पापैः प्रलिप्यते ।। सत्यं सत्यं पुनः सत्यं त्रिसत्यं नान्यतः प्रिये

evaṁ yastu vijānāti na sa pāpaiḥ pralipyate || satyaṁ satyaṁ punaḥ satyaṁ trisatyaṁ nānyataḥ priye

Whoever knows this thus is never tainted by sins; true, true, again true, thrice true, not otherwise, O beloved.

Verse 263 (skanda.4.97.263)

शीघ्रं तत्रैव गंतव्यं यदीच्छेन्मामकं पदम् ।। उद्देशमात्रं लिगानि कथितानि मया मुने

śīghraṁ tatraiva gaṁtavyaṁ yadīcchenmāmakaṁ padam || uddeśamātraṁ ligāni kathitāni mayā mune

One should go there swiftly, if one desires my own state. I have told, O sage, only an indication of the lingas.

Verse 264 (skanda.4.97.264)

द्विस्त्रिः कृत्वः स्थापितानि भक्त्या लिंगानि कानिचित् ।। न तानि पुनरुक्तानि श्रद्धयार्च्यानि सर्वतः

dvistriḥ kṛtvaḥ sthāpitāni bhaktyā liṁgāni kānicit || na tāni punaruktāni śraddhayārcyāni sarvataḥ

Some lingas, established devoutly two or three times, are not to be seen as mere repetition — they are to be worshipped everywhere with faith.

Verse 265 (skanda.4.97.265)

एतानि यानि लिंगानि यानि कुंडानि येंऽधवः ।। या वाप्यस्तानि सर्वाणि श्रद्धेयानि मनीषिभिः

etāni yāni liṁgāni yāni kuṁḍāni yeṁ'dhavaḥ || yā vāpyastāni sarvāṇi śraddheyāni manīṣibhiḥ

Whatever lingas, whatever pools, whatever lakes there are, whatever stepped-wells — all of these are to be trusted by the wise.

Verse 266 (skanda.4.97.266)

एतेषां दर्शनात्स्नानात्फलमत्रोत्तरोत्तरम्।। अत्रत्यानां च लिंगानां कूपानां सरसामपि

eteṣāṁ darśanātsnānātphalamatrottarottaram|| atratyānāṁ ca liṁgānāṁ kūpānāṁ sarasāmapi

From sight and bathing at these, the merit here is progressively greater; of the lingas, wells, and lakes here,

Verse 267 (skanda.4.97.267)

वापीनां चापि मूर्तीनां कः संख्यातुं प्रभुर्भवेत् ।। आनंदकाननस्थानि तृणान्यपि परं वरम्

vāpīnāṁ cāpi mūrtīnāṁ kaḥ saṁkhyātuṁ prabhurbhavet || ānaṁdakānanasthāni tṛṇānyapi paraṁ varam

and the stepped-wells and images too, who could be capable of counting them? Even the very grass growing in Anandakanana is supremely excellent —

Verse 268 (skanda.4.97.268)

दिवौकसोपि नान्यत्र यत्पुनर्जन्मभाजनम्।। सर्वलिंगमयी काशी सर्वतीर्थेकजन्मभूः

divaukasopi nānyatra yatpunarjanmabhājanam|| sarvaliṁgamayī kāśī sarvatīrthekajanmabhūḥ

even the celestials have nowhere else that keeps one from becoming a vessel of rebirth. Kashi, made entirely of lingas, is the sole birthplace of all tirthas,

Verse 269 (skanda.4.97.269)

स्वर्गापवर्गयोर्दात्री दृष्टा देहांतसेविता ।। मम प्रियतमा देवि त्वमेव तपसो बलात्

svargāpavargayordātrī dṛṣṭā dehāṁtasevitā || mama priyatamā devi tvameva tapaso balāt

giver of both heaven and liberation, seen, served until the body's end. You are my most beloved, O goddess, by the very power of your austerity;

Verse 270 (skanda.4.97.270)

स्वभावतस्त्वियं काशी सुखविश्रामभूर्मम ।। ये काश्यानाम गृह्णंति येनुमोदंत एव हि

svabhāvatastviyaṁ kāśī sukhaviśrāmabhūrmama || ye kāśyānāma gṛhṇaṁti yenumodaṁta eva hi

by its own nature this Kashi is my ground of happy repose. Those who take the name Kashi, and those who rejoice in it,

Verse 271 (skanda.4.97.271)

ते मे शाखविशाखाभाः स्कंदनंदिगजास्यवत् ।। त एव भक्ता मे देवि त एव मम सेवकाः

te me śākhaviśākhābhāḥ skaṁdanaṁdigajāsyavat || ta eva bhaktā me devi ta eva mama sevakāḥ

they are to me like branches and twigs, like Skanda, Nandi, and the elephant-faced one. They are my devotees, O goddess, they are my servants.

Verse 272 (skanda.4.97.272)

मुमुक्षवस्त एवात्र येचानंदवनौकसः ।। तपस्तप्तं महत्तैस्तु कृतं तैस्तु महाव्रतम्

mumukṣavasta evātra yecānaṁdavanaukasaḥ || tapastaptaṁ mahattaistu kṛtaṁ taistu mahāvratam

Those here who are seekers of liberation, who dwell in Anandavana — great austerity has been performed by them, great vows practised by them,

Verse 273 (skanda.4.97.273)

तैश्च दत्तं महादानं ये चानंदवनौकसः ।। ते स्नातसर्वतीर्था वै तेखिलाध्वरदीक्षिताः

taiśca dattaṁ mahādānaṁ ye cānaṁdavanaukasaḥ || te snātasarvatīrthā vai tekhilādhvaradīkṣitāḥ

and great gifts given by them, those who dwell in Anandavana; they have bathed at all tirthas, they are initiated into all sacrifices.

Verse 274 (skanda.4.97.274)

ते चीर्णसर्वधर्माहि ये चानंदवनौकसः ।। सुरासुरोरगनरा भूमिभारायतेऽखिलाः ।। वयस्यपीह चरमे येनानंदवनौकसः

te cīrṇasarvadharmāhi ye cānaṁdavanaukasaḥ || surāsuroraganarā bhūmibhārāyate'khilāḥ || vayasyapīha carame yenānaṁdavanaukasaḥ

They have observed all dharmas, those who dwell in Anandavana; gods, demons, serpents, and men — all others merely burden the earth — even those among Anandavana's dwellers who merely reach old age surpass them.

Verse 275 (skanda.4.97.275)

अंत्यजोपि वरः काश्यां नान्यत्र श्रुतिपारगः ।। संसारपारगः पूर्वस्त्वंत्यश्चांत्यजतोप्यधः

aṁtyajopi varaḥ kāśyāṁ nānyatra śrutipāragaḥ || saṁsārapāragaḥ pūrvastvaṁtyaścāṁtyajatopyadhaḥ

Even an outcaste is superior in Kashi to one, elsewhere, versed in the Vedas; the former has crossed samsara, while the latter, though learned, remains lower than even an outcaste.

Verse 276 (skanda.4.97.276)

स एव नूनं सर्वज्ञः स एव ह्यधिकेक्षणः ।। यः पार्थिवीं तनुं हित्वा काश्यां धत्ते सुधामयीम्

sa eva nūnaṁ sarvajñaḥ sa eva hyadhikekṣaṇaḥ || yaḥ pārthivīṁ tanuṁ hitvā kāśyāṁ dhatte sudhāmayīm

He indeed is truly all-knowing, he indeed has the higher vision, who, having given up his earthly body, takes on an ambrosial one in Kashi.

Verse 277 (skanda.4.97.277)

श्रुत्वाध्यायमिदं पुण्यं सर्वतीर्थरहस्यवत् ।। काशीदर्शनजं पुण्यं प्राप्नोति नियतं नरः

śrutvādhyāyamidaṁ puṇyaṁ sarvatīrtharahasyavat || kāśīdarśanajaṁ puṇyaṁ prāpnoti niyataṁ naraḥ

Having heard this holy chapter, the secret of all tirthas, a man surely obtains the merit born of the sight of Kashi.

Verse 278 (skanda.4.97.278)

यः पठेदिममध्यायं प्रातः प्रातर्दिनेदिने ।। दृष्टानि तेन सर्वाणि तीर्थान्येतानि नान्यथा

yaḥ paṭhedimamadhyāyaṁ prātaḥ prātardinedine || dṛṣṭāni tena sarvāṇi tīrthānyetāni nānyathā

Whoever reads this chapter every single morning, by him all these tirthas have been seen, without doubt.

Verse 279 (skanda.4.97.279)

सर्वलिंगमयाध्यायं योऽमुं नित्यं जपेत्सुधीः ।। न तं यमो न तं दूता नैनमंहोपि बाधते

sarvaliṁgamayādhyāyaṁ yo'muṁ nityaṁ japetsudhīḥ || na taṁ yamo na taṁ dūtā nainamaṁhopi bādhate

Whoever intelligent one recites daily this chapter, made entirely of lingas, is troubled by neither Yama, nor his messengers, nor even sin.

Verse 280 (skanda.4.97.280)

ब्रह्मयज्ञफलं तस्य जायते सुकृतात्मनः ।। यो जपेदमुमध्यायं शुचिस्तद्गतमानसः

brahmayajñaphalaṁ tasya jāyate sukṛtātmanaḥ || yo japedamumadhyāyaṁ śucistadgatamānasaḥ

The fruit of a Brahma-yajna arises for that virtuous soul; whoever, pure, his mind fixed thereon, recites this chapter,

Verse 281 (skanda.4.97.281)

स स्नातः सर्वकुंडेषु सर्ववाप्यंबुपः स च ।। सर्वलिंगार्चकः सोत्र योऽमुमध्यायमाजपेत्

sa snātaḥ sarvakuṁḍeṣu sarvavāpyaṁbupaḥ sa ca || sarvaliṁgārcakaḥ sotra yo'mumadhyāyamājapet

he is as one bathed at all pools, as one who has drunk the water of all stepped-wells; he is a worshipper of all lingas, whoever recites this chapter.

Verse 282 (skanda.4.97.282)

किमन्यैर्बहुभिः स्तोत्रैरतिस्तोकफलप्रदैः ।। मत्प्रेमवद्भिरध्यायो जप्तव्योयं महाफल

kimanyairbahubhiḥ stotrairatistokaphalapradaiḥ || matpremavadbhiradhyāyo japtavyoyaṁ mahāphala

What need of many other hymns, giving only trifling fruit? This chapter, of great fruit, should be recited by those who love me.

Verse 283 (skanda.4.97.283)

महादानेषु दत्तेषु यत्फलं प्राप्यतेऽत्र वै ।। सकृज्जपान्महाध्यायादमुष्मात्तत्समाप्यते

mahādāneṣu datteṣu yatphalaṁ prāpyate'tra vai || sakṛjjapānmahādhyāyādamuṣmāttatsamāpyate

Whatever fruit is obtained here from the giving of great gifts, that is accomplished by a single recitation of this great chapter.

Verse 284 (skanda.4.97.284)

स्नात्वा सर्वाणि तीर्थानि दृष्ट्वा लिंगान्यनेकशः ।। यत्फलं लभ्यते मर्त्यैस्तदेतज्जपनाद्ध्रुवम्

snātvā sarvāṇi tīrthāni dṛṣṭvā liṁgānyanekaśaḥ || yatphalaṁ labhyate martyaistadetajjapanāddhruvam

Whatever fruit mortals obtain by bathing at all tirthas and seeing many lingas, that same is obtained, certainly, by this recitation.

Verse 285 (skanda.4.97.285)

इदमेव तपोत्युग्रमयमेव जपो महान् ।। काशीलिंगावली नामाध्यायो जप्येत यन्मुने

idameva tapotyugramayameva japo mahān || kāśīliṁgāvalī nāmādhyāyo japyeta yanmune

This alone is the severe austerity, this alone is the great japa — this chapter, named 'The Garland of Kashi's Lingas,' is to be recited, O sage.

Verse 286 (skanda.4.97.286)

मम द्रुहे नास्तिकाय वेदनिंदारताय च।। न दातव्यो न दातव्यो न दातव्यो जपस्त्वयम्

mama druhe nāstikāya vedaniṁdāratāya ca|| na dātavyo na dātavyo na dātavyo japastvayam

To one who hates me, an unbeliever, devoted to reviling the Vedas, this recitation should never, never, never be given.

Verse 287 (skanda.4.97.287)

अध्यायस्यास्य जपनात्पापं ब्रह्मवधोद्भवम् ।। अगम्यागमनं चापि तथाभक्षस्यभक्षणम्

adhyāyasyāsya japanātpāpaṁ brahmavadhodbhavam || agamyāgamanaṁ cāpi tathābhakṣasyabhakṣaṇam

From reciting this chapter, sin born of the killing of a brahmin, and also going to a forbidden woman, and eating forbidden food,

Verse 288 (skanda.4.97.288)

गुरुदाराभिचारोत्थं हेमस्तेयसमुद्भवम् ।। मातापितृवधाज्जातं गोभ्रूणहननोद्भवम्

gurudārābhicārotthaṁ hemasteyasamudbhavam || mātāpitṛvadhājjātaṁ gobhrūṇahananodbhavam

sin arising from sorcery against a guru's wife, born of stealing gold, born of killing mother or father, born of killing a cow or an embryo,

Verse 289 (skanda.4.97.289)

महापापानि पापानि ज्ञाताज्ञातानि भूरिशः ।। उपपापानि पापानि मनोवाक्कायजान्यपि

mahāpāpāni pāpāni jñātājñātāni bhūriśaḥ || upapāpāni pāpāni manovākkāyajānyapi

great sins and lesser sins, known or unknown, in great number, sub-sins, sins born of mind, speech, or body too —

Verse 290 (skanda.4.97.290)

विलयं यांत्यशेषाणि निःसंदेहं ममाज्ञया ।। पुत्रान्पौत्रान्धनं धान्यं कलत्रं क्षेत्रमेव च

vilayaṁ yāṁtyaśeṣāṇi niḥsaṁdehaṁ mamājñayā || putrānpautrāndhanaṁ dhānyaṁ kalatraṁ kṣetrameva ca

all of these, without exception, dissolve without doubt, by my command. Sons, grandsons, wealth, grain, a wife, and land,

Verse 291 (skanda.4.97.291)

मनःसमीहितं सर्वं स्वर्गं मोक्षसुखान्यपि ।। जप्त्वाध्यायमिमं विद्वान्प्राप्स्यत्येव न संशयः

manaḥsamīhitaṁ sarvaṁ svargaṁ mokṣasukhānyapi || japtvādhyāyamimaṁ vidvānprāpsyatyeva na saṁśayaḥ

everything desired in the mind, heaven, the joys of liberation too — reciting this chapter, a wise man shall certainly obtain them, without doubt.

Verse 292 (skanda.4.97.292)

इति यावत्समाख्याति देवो देवीपुरः कथाम् ।। तावन्नंदीसमागत्य प्रणम्येति व्यजिज्ञपत्

iti yāvatsamākhyāti devo devīpuraḥ kathām || tāvannaṁdīsamāgatya praṇamyeti vyajijñapat

While the god was thus telling this story before the goddess, Nandi came and, bowing, informed him thus —

Verse 293 (skanda.4.97.293)

जाता परिसमाप्तिश्च महाप्रासादनिर्मितेः ।। सज्जीकृतो रथश्चायं ब्रह्माद्या मिलिताः सुराः

jātā parisamāptiśca mahāprāsādanirmiteḥ || sajjīkṛto rathaścāyaṁ brahmādyā militāḥ surāḥ

"The completion of the great temple's construction has occurred. This chariot has been readied; Brahma and the other gods have gathered."

Verse 294 (skanda.4.97.294)

तार्क्ष्यगः पुंडरीकाक्षो द्वारि तिष्ठति सानुगः ।। प्रतीक्षमाणोऽवसरं पुरस्कृत्य मुनीश्वरान्

tārkṣyagaḥ puṁḍarīkākṣo dvāri tiṣṭhati sānugaḥ || pratīkṣamāṇo'vasaraṁ puraskṛtya munīśvarān

"Garuda-riding Pundarikaksha stands at the gate with his attendants, waiting for the moment, placing the lords of sages before him."

Verse 295 (skanda.4.97.295)

चतुर्दशसु लोकेषु ये ये तिष्ठंति सुव्रताः ।। ते निशम्याद्यमिलिताः प्रावेशिक महोत्सवम्

caturdaśasu lokeṣu ye ye tiṣṭhaṁti suvratāḥ || te niśamyādyamilitāḥ prāveśika mahotsavam

"Whatever virtuous ones dwell in the fourteen worlds, hearing of this, have gathered today for the entrance-festival."

Verse 296 (skanda.4.97.296)

।। स्कंद उवाच ।। ।। इति नंदिवचः श्रुत्वा देवो देवी समायुतः ।। दिव्यं रथं समारुह्य निर्जगाम त्रिविष्टपात्

|| skaṁda uvāca || || iti naṁdivacaḥ śrutvā devo devī samāyutaḥ || divyaṁ rathaṁ samāruhya nirjagāma triviṣṭapāt

Skanda said: Having heard this word of Nandi, the god, together with the goddess, mounting the divine chariot, set out from Trivishtapa.