Sanctity of the Tirthas in Narmada

1. О excellent Brahmana, the excellent greatness of Setu has been heard by me. Now I wish to hear the collected list of the Tirthas on the river Narmada.1

2. Listen, О Mohini, I shall recount every thing. There are four hundred most important Tirthas on both the banks of the Narmada together.

1. The Narmada, though not mentioned in the Vedic literature is eulogized in the Mbh. Vana (chs. 121-122) and Puranas like the Mt. P. (chs. 186-194, 554 verses), the KP. 2. (chs. 40-42, verses 189), the Pd. P. Adi (chs. 13-23, 739) while SKP. has devoted one complete book Reva-Khcw4a to it. As compared with the above, the treatment of Narmada in the NP. in 35 verses is sketchy. Narmada is superior to Ganga as its mere sight inmediatcly sanctifies the seer. (V. 31). Thousands of

Puranic exaggeration. People normally visit its source (Amarakuptaka), Mahishmatl (or Omkara Mandhata) and Bhrigukaccha (Broach). Routine recommendations for the performance of Srdddha, Dana, 3<Фа are the features of every Tirtha need not be repeated.

3. There are eleven Tirthas on the northern bank and twentythree on the southern bank. The thirtyfifth TIrtha is said to be at the meeting place of the Reva with the sea.

4. From the mountain Amarakantaka (where the Narmada rises) round the Omkara Tirtha within two Kfoshas kms) in all the quarters, there are three and a half crores of Tirthas.

5. There are a crore of Tirthas situated in the confluence of the Kapila (with the Narmada). A hundred thousand Tirthas are founded in the Asoka grove.

6. A hundred Tirthas are at the Angaragarta, ten thousand at Kubja, a thousand in the confluence with Vayu and a hundred Tirthas of Sarasvati are situated here.

7. They know that there are two hundred holy spots in the Suklatirtha, a thousand in Vishnutirtha, a thousand in Mahismati and ten thousand holy spots in the Sulabheda.

8. There are a thousand holy spots in the Devagrama village, there are seven hundred in Uliika. There are a hundred and eight Tirthas at the confluence of the Maninadi

9 As many Tirthas are in Vaidyanatha, and as many in Ghatesvara. There are a hundred and fifty thousand sacred places in the meeting place of Reva (Narmada) and the sea.

10. There are eightyeight thousand Tirthas in Vyasa and also hundreds of islands. In the confluence of the Karafija, ten thousand and eight Tirthas are situated.

11. In the confluence of the Erandi (modern Uri) there are a hundred and eight Tirthas, there are sixtyeight tirthas, in the Dhutapapa and one and a half crores in the Kokila.

12. О queen of men, there are a thousand Tirthas in Romakeia and a thousand in DvadaSarka. In the Suklatirtha there are eight hundred lakhs and two thousand Tirthas.

13. They know that in all confluences of rivers with Narmada there are hundred and eight Tirthas. There are five hundred Tirthas in Nanda, the confluence of the river Kaveri.

14. In the Ksetra (holy centre)of Bhrigu, there are a crore of Tirthas. In Bharabhrti there are a hundred and eight Tirthas.

15. There are a hundred and fifty Tirthas in AkriireSa and hundred thousand in Vimalesa. In the sphere of Narmada, the number of Tirthas is one and a half crores.

16. О splendid-faced lady, there are ten Tirthas of the sun, nine of Kapila and eight of Vidhu (the Moon god). There are a crore and eight Tirthas of Nandin.

17. О Mohini, there are seven Tirthas in each of these holy spots namely Nagavarta, Agnyavarta and Siddha- varta and there are five Tirthas named Kedaradaiva, Indriya- daiva, Varidaiva, Isadaiva and Nandi daiva.

18-19. The following are mentioned to be of four Tirthas in each Viz: Yamela, Vaidyanatha, Vamana, Angarakesvara, Sarasvata, Munis'a, Darukes'a and Gautama. There are three Tirthas at Vimalesvara. There are then the Tirthas of Sahasrayajfia, Bhismesa and Svarna Tirtha.

20. The following are great Tirthas viz. Dhautapapa, KaranjeSa Rnamuktiguha, Dasasvamedha, Nanda, Manmathesa and Bhargava.

21-23. О auspicious lady, each of these is a great Tirtha Parasara, Ayoni, Vyasa, Pitrnandi, Gopesa, Marutesa, Jangalesa, Suklaka, Aksarcsa, Pippalesa, Marinavyesvara, Dipakesvara, Uttare^a, Asokesa, Yodhanesa and Rauhina, Lokesa is said to be two in nnmber. There are one thousand nine hundred individual Tirthas, О fair one.

24. In groups there are two hundred and four hundred Tirthas. There are Tirthas pertaining to Shiva. The Tirthas pertaining to Vishnu are twentytwo.

25. All these Tirthas pertain to Brahma; twentyeight Tirthas pertain to Sakti. Among them, О splendid-faced lady, seven pertain to Mothers and three to Brahmi.

26. There are two Tirthas of Vaisnavi. О gentle lady, Raudri (among the Mothers) is stationed in the remaining Tirthas. О splendid-faced lady, one Tirtha is mentioned as that of Ksetrapala.

27. О Mohini, three and a half crores of Tirthas have been mentioned by Vayu. They arc intermediary Tirthas. Some are hidden and some manifest.

28-29а. These Tirthas are in the Reva (Narmada) region on the ground} in the atmosphere or in the heaven. The man who takes a holy dip anywhere in these Tirthas, О blessed lady, becomes pure in soul and attains excellent goal.

29b-30a. Holy dip, charitable gift, Japa, Нота, the study of the Vedas and the worship of the deity, everything performed on the banks of Narmada has everlasting benefits.

30b-31a. The waters of Sarasvatl sanctify in three days. О chaste lady, the waters of Yamuna sanctify in seven days. The waters of Ganga are meritorious even in a single dip; but the waters of Narmada are holy even by their sight.

31b-32a. Thus, О gentle lady, the multitudes of Tirthas on Narmada have been listed. These Tirthas suppress great sins of those who remember them.

32b-35. The man who hears about these Tirthas, he who narrates and he who reads this list, О gentle lady, is liberated from sins. There is no fear of pestilence, or from arson in the house where these names of Tirthas have been written down and are revered too. There is no fear from kings, thieves and enemies, nor from sickness. That house is filled with fortune, riches and food-grains perpetually. It is always joyous and auspicious through the marriage and other celebrations of sons, grandsons etc.

1. О Brahmana, very wonderful is this greatness of Narmada. It has been heard by me as it was described by you. It is destructive of sins.

2. О blessed holy lord, now tell me the greatness of Avanti1 and that of Mahakala worthy of being adored by the Devas.

3. О gentle lady, listen. I shall recount the greatness of Avanti. If duly glorified, it yields merit unto men and destroys their sins.

4. The grove Mahakalavana is meritorious. It is an excellent place for penance. Lord Mahakala is perpetually engaged in penance there.

5. There is no other holy centre on the earth greater than Mahakalavana. О gentle lady, by visiting it, a man competes with the deities.

6. О lady of beautiful eyes, by taking a holy dip in the Tirtha named Kapalamocana, with devotion, even a Brahmana- slaycr becomes sanctified.

7. Similarly, by worshipping the deity called Kalakalesa, the man gains victory in disputes and always succeeds in his undertakings.

8. There is another Tirtha here viz: the Apsarahkunda. The man who plunges therein shall become blessed and enjoy all worldly pleasures. He shall be like Kandarpa (cupid) himself.

9. One who takes a holy dip in the Kun^a called Mahisa shall conquer the enemies in battle. One who takes a holy dip in the lake Rudrasaras is honoured in the world of Rudra.

1. Avanti is the region with Ujjayini as its capital, though later on they were identified. It is known since the time of Panini. The NP. states- that in different Yugas it was known under different names such as Amara- vati, Kusasthali, Kanaka 3rnga, Padmavati, Kumudvati and Ujjayini. It is associated with Mahakala, a famous jyotir-linga. The fight between god Shiva and Andhakasura took place in the Mahakalavana in (the country called) Avanti. A number of sub-Tirthas are mentioned in the NP. with the usual recommendations of bath, Tarpana, Шпа, Sraddha etc. The SKP. has devoted one Volume (Khanda) to describe the great sanctity of Avanti.

10. By visiting Kunclalesvara and by worshipping the deity in accordance with the injunctions, the devotee gains in business and activities and becomes a favourite of Shiva.

11. By taking a holy dip in the Tirtha called Vidya- dhara, the man becomes purified. By worshipping Markande- ivara the devotee becomes rich and long-lived.

12. If a man worships goddess Sltala stationed in Kalavana, he need never fear swelling boils (smallpox).

13. By visiting the holy centre Svargadvara, by taking a holy bath and by worshipping SadaShiva, a man never attains wretchedness. He is honoured in the heavenly world.

14. By visiting the holy centre Rajasthala and taking a holy dip in the oceanic Tirtha, the devotee attains the excellent benefit of holy ablution in all the Tlrthas.

15. By taking a holy bath in the tank of Sankara, the man of regular holy observances attains desired pleasures and in the end goes to the city of Rudra.

16-17. By worshipping Sankaraditya, a man shall be invincible. By taking a holy dip in the Nilagaiiga and by devoutly worshipping goddess Gandhavati, the man is liberated from all sins. By taking a holy dip in Dasasvamedha, one attains the benefit of a horse-sacrifice.

18. By visiting the shrine of the goddess Ekanamsa (?), and by worshipping the goddess of Devas with scents, fragrant flowers etc. one attains the desired benefits.

19-20a. By worshipping Harasiddhi a man shall be a lord of all Siddhis. By worshipping the fourteen deities beginning with Pigacaka, a man obtains the desired benefits. No doubt need be entertained in this regard.

20b-21. The man who takes a holy dip in the lake of Rudras and worships Hanumatkesvara with faith, shall attain riches. By worshipping Valmlkesvara, one shall become a storehouse of all lores.

22. The man who worships Sukresvara and other Lingas faithfully shall be richly endowed with worldly pleasures and shall be free from ailments.

23. By worshipping Райсе^апа, a man shall attain all Siddhis. By roaming over Kusasthali, the devotee attains the desired benefit.

24. By worshipping Акгйгеshа, one attains fearlessness from cruel persons and beings. By taking a holy plunge in Mandakini, one shall attain the benefit of a holy dip in the Ganga.

25. By worshipping Ankapada, a man shall become an attendant of Shiva. By worshipping Gandraditya, one shall attain different worldly pleasures.

26. By worshipping Karabhesvara, one shall attain happiness of vehicles. By worshipping Lad<;lukapriya Vighnesa (Vighnesa fond of sweets) one shall be happy.

27-28a. By worshipping Kusumesa and others, one enjoys all pleasures. By taking a holy dip in the Yajfiavapi and by worshipping Markandesa, the man obtains the benefit of all Yajiias. He stays in heaven for the period of a Yuga.

28b-29. О chaste lady, by taking the holy dip in the Somavatl and by worshipping Somes vara, the man obtains the desired benefits both here and hereafter. О Mohini, by worshipping in Yatanakalana, the man never faces tortures in hell.

30-31. By worshipping Narakesa, one attains the goal of heavenly world. By worshipping Kedaresa, Ratnesvara, Saubhagyesa and Naraditya, the devotee obtains the desired benefit. By worshipping Keshavarka, the man shall be a favourite of Keshava.

32-34a. By taking a holy dip in Saktibheda, one is liberated from terrible and difficult calamities. By taking a holy dip in Svarnaksura Brahmavapl and by worshipping Abhayesvara and Agastyesa, О daughter of Brahma, one shall become the abode of all riches. The man who perfectly worships Orhkaresa and other Lingas, shall obtain all desires. Thanks to the grace of Mahesa.

34b-35a. О gentle lady, there is no limit to the number of Lingas in Mahakalavana. By worshipping any Li nga situated anywhere, one shall be a favourite of Shiva.

35b-36. The names of Avanti are Kanakasrnga, Kusa- sthali, Avantika, Padmavatl, Kumudvati and Ujjayinl. In every Kalpa it has a different name. It is called Vishala and Amaravati as well.

37. The man who takes bath in Sipra river and worships Mahesa, shall attain his cherished desires, thanks to the grace of the deity.

38-39a. By taking a holy dip in the Gomati Kuncta the man obtains heavenly goal. By taking a holy dip in Vamana Kumja, by eulogising Srldhara, the lord of all Devas, by uttering his thousand names, a man shall become Hari himself on the earth.

39b-40a. He who takes a holy dip in the lake VlreSa- saras and worships Kalabhairava, enjoys riches and attains Shiva’s world.

40b-41a. He who visits Kutumbesvara and worships him with various means of service, achieves his different cherished desires, and in the end achieves heavenly goal.

41b-42a. He who worships Devamadhava in the Devaprayagasaras derives devotion for Madhava and attains the region ofVishnu.

42b-43a. О chaste lady, he who takes a holy bath in the Tirtha of Karkaraja with controlled mind, shall be rid of all ailments. He shall become rich and enjoyer of pleasures.

43b-44. The man who faithfully worships Vighnesa Bhairava, Uma, Rudras, Adityas and other Devas in the course of his pilgrimage in the Antargrha (?) with whatever means that are available, shall gain heavenly world.

45-46. О lady, there are many other Tlrthas in Rudrasaras. By worshipping Sankara in them, the man shall be happy. By taking a holy dip in the AstatirthI (collection of eight Tirthas), the man obtains the benefit of pilgrimage to Kalaranya. О daughter of Brahma, truth, it is the truth that has been mentioned by me.

47. Thus everything in regard to the greatness of Avanti has been narrated. By listing to the greatness of Avanti, the man is liberated from all sins.

1. О Vasu, the greatness of Avanti that is destructive of sins of men, has been heard. Now I wish to hear the greatness of Mathura.1

2. О Mohini, listen. I shall recount the greatness of Mathura that is conducive to auspiciousness. It was here that the lord was born on being requested by the lotus-born deity Brahma.

3. After manifesting himself there, the lord went over to the cowherds’ colony of Nanda. Staying there, he played all games in the company of young cowherds.

4. After killing demons beginning with Putana, sent by Karhsa, he sported in the twelve forests along with the cowherd esses.

5. О Mohinl, listen. Now I shall recount to you those Tlrthas that are in the forests and in the area of Mathura.

6. The first forest1 2 is what is called Madhuvana. By taking a holy bath there and performing the Tarpana rites unto the Devas, sages and Pitrs, the excellent man is honoured in the world of Vishnu.

1. Being a Vaishnava Purana, the NP naturally concludes with the descriptions of Mathura and Vrndavana. Mathura is famous since the 6th century B.C., as we get references in the Anguttara (1. 167) and Majjhima (II. 84) Nikayas to Buddha’s direct disciple Maha- Kaccayana preaching in Mathura. Excavations at Mathura reveal that in addition to Brahmanism, and Buddhism, Jainism also flourished at Mathura. The Vd. P 99.383, VP. V. 6. 28-40, AP. 11.8-9 mention it but it is glorified in details in Vaishnava Puranas like V. P. V VI amia, Bh. P. X Skandha. The NP. being a Vaishi?ava Purana describes it as a Tirtha. The NP. uses two terms — Mathura Manila, the country round Mathura within the radius of twenty Yojanas in the middle of which the town of Mathura is situated (VV. 20-21.)

2. VV. 6-18 enumerate 12 forests round Mathura — now mere names only. The NP. describes the fruits of religious acts performed in each forest.

7. О gentle lady, the second excellent forest is what is called Tala. The man who takes a holy bath there with devotion, has all his objectives in life accomplished.

8. О lady of beautiful eyes, the third one is what is called Kumuda. By taking a holy bath there, the devotee attains cherished desires and rejoices here and hereafter.

9. The fourth one is glorified by the name of Kamya- vana. It contains many Tlrthas. By visiting it one attains the world of Vishnu.

10. There is an excellent Tlrtha called Vimala Kun<ja. It is the most excellent of all Tirthas. О gentle lady, the man who takes a holy dip there, attains the region of Vishnu.

11. The fifth forest that is destructive of sins, is called Bahula. By taking a holy ablution, the man attains all desires.

12. There is the sixth forest named Bhadravana. The man who takes a bath here, sees everything auspicious, thanks to the grace of lord Krishna.

13. О gentle lady, the seventh forest is Khadira Vana. Merely by taking a holy dip here, the man attains that greatest region of Vishnu..

14. The eighth forest is Mahavana most liked by Hari. By visiting it with devotion, the man is honoured in the world of Indra (i.e. heaven).

15. The ninth forest is Lohajangha. The man who takes a holy bath there, attains worldly pleasures and salvation, thanks to the grace of MahaVishnu.

16. О lady of beautiful waist, Bilva is the tenth forest. He who takes a holy dip there, goes to the world of Shiva or Vishnu as he pleases.

17. The eleventh forest is Bhandlra, most liked by the Yogins. The man who devoutly takes a bath there, is liberated from all sins.

18. Vrndavana is the twelfth one. It destroys all sins. О chaste lady, there is no other forest equal to this on the surface of the earth.

19. The man who takes a holy bath there and performs Tarpana to the Devas, sages and Pitfs, becomes liberated from the three-fold indebtedness. He is honoured in the world of Vishnu.

20. The precincts of the holy centre Mathura extend to twenty Yojanas (240 kms). If any person takes a holy bath anywhere within this area, he shall attain devotion to Vishnu.

21. Within it, is the city named Mathura. It is the most excellent of all cities. Merely by seeing it, one obtains devotion to Vishnu.

22. О queen of men, there is a jewel among Tirthas named Visranti.1 The man who devoutly takes a holy dip there, attains the region of Vishnu.

23. Near Visranti and to the south of it, is the excellent Tirtha viz. Vimukta. It is certain that the man who devoutly takes bath there attains liberation.

24. О queen of the people, still south of it, is the Rama Tirtha. The man who takes a holy bath there shall certainly be liberated from the bondage of ignorance.

25. To the south of this, is the excellent Tirtha called Samsara Mokshana. A man who takes a holy dip there, is honoured in the world of Vishnu.

26. To the south of this is the Tirtha called Prayaga. It is difficult of access even to the Devas. О gentle lady, the man who takes a holy dip there shall obtain the benefit of Agnistoma.

27. Thereafter, is the Tirtha Kanakhala. О chaste lady, the man who takes a holy bath there, attains heaven.

1. W. 22 ff describe various Tirthas in this region, declare the religious merits accrued from bath etc. in those Tirthas. The Viiranti Tirtha is Visrama Ghat Here Krishna is supposed to have taken rest after killing Kamsa. Various Tirthas reminding one of other famous independent Tirthas like Prayaga, Kanakhala are also included in the list of sub-Tirthas at Mathura. The usual formula of bath, Japa etc. is recommended at each Tirtha.

23. To the south of it is the holy centre Tinduka. The excellent man who takes a holy bath there attains the benefit of Rajasuya sacrifice. He rejoices in heaven like a Deva.

29. Beyond that is the holy centre Patusvami Tlrtha. It is a favourite of the Sun-god. By taking a holy bath dnd seeing the Sun, the devotee enjoys all worldly pleasures and goes to heaven.

30. О gentle lady, to the south of it is the excellent Dhruva Tirtha. By taking a holy bath and by having a sight of Dhruva (pole star), the devotee obtains the region of Vishnu.

31. Beyond Dhruva Tirtha, to the south of it is the Tlrtha frequented by seven sages. By taking the holy plunge and by visiting the sages, the devotee rejoices in the world of sages.

32. To the south of Rsitirtha is the excellent Moksha Tirtha. Merely by taking a holy bath therein, one is liberated from all sins.

33. To the south of it is Bodhini Tirtha. The man who takes a holy dip there and offers Pinda to the Pitrs leads them to the heaven.

34. To the south of it is Koti Tirtha. By taking the bath therein, a man is liberated from all sins. He shall attain the world of Vishnu.

35. To the northern side of Visranti is the holy centre Asikundaka. О gentle lady, the man who takes a holy bath there attains the region of Vishnu.

36. О lady of beautiful eyes, Nava Tirtha is to the north of Asikunda. By taking a holy dip there, the man is honoured in the heavenly world.

37. The Tirtha called Samyamana is situated to the north of it. By taking a holy dip therein and offering charitable gifts, the devotee does not see the world of Yama.

38. To the north of it there is a great Tirtha Dharayatana. By taking the holy bath therein, the man rejoices in the company of ancestors.

39. To the north of it is the Naga Tirtha. О Mohinl, by taking a holy dip therein the devotee derives fearlessness, protection from the serpents. He is honoured in the heavenly world.

Ghantabharanaka. By means of a holy dip this Tirtha dispels all sins. It bestows the goal of the world of Brahma.

Soma. He who takes a holy plunge in it, attains the world of Soma (Moon). Rid of sins he becomes the most excellent of men.

42. О auspicious lady, one should take a holy bath in Praci Sarasvatl which is to the north of it. Merely by taking a holy dip there, the man shall become the lord of speech.

43. To the north of it is the Gakra Tirtha. The man who takes a holy dip there, conquers hosts of his enemies and rejoices in heaven for the period of seven Yugas.

44. О blessed lady, the Tirtha Dasasvamedha is situated to the north of it. By taking a holy dip therein, one shall attain the benefit of a horse-sacrifice.

45. By worshipping Shiva designated Gokarna, in accordance with the injunctions, the man attains his cherished desires. In the end he is honoured in the world of Shiva.

46. To the north of it is situated the Tirtha named Vighna-Raja. By taking a holy bath there one shall attain the benefit of his holy rites without an obstacle.

47. To the north of it is the Tirtha named Ananta. The man who takes a holy bath there shall attain the benefit of twentyfour Tirthas of Mathura.

48. О blessed lady, Lord Hari himself is stationed in Mathura, in the form of Caturvyuha (four manifestations of Vishnu). He is the bestower of liberation on the citizens of Mathura.

49. The four manifestations are: one is the form of Varaha (the Divine Boar), another one is called Narayana; the third form is called Vamana and the fourth is Haladhara (i.e. Sankarsana) 1

1. This is another variety of the VyQha Theory including Varaha, Narayana, Vamana and Sankarsana as the four VyUhas.

50. By visiting the lord of the four Vyuhas and by worshipping him in accordance with the injunctions, man attains liberation.

5h By visiting and duly worshipping RangeSa, Bhiitesa, Mahavidya and Bhairava, the devotee shall attain the benefit of the pilgrimage.

52. By taking a holy dip in the Catuhsamudrika (where four oceans meet), the well of Kubja and Ganga called Krishna and of the lord of Ganas (attendants), the devotee is liberated from all sins.

53. О auspicious-faced lady, lord Keshava, the destroyer of all miseries presides as the overlord of the entire zone called Mathura.

54. О gentle lady, if one does not see Keshava in the sacred zone of Mathura, one’s life becomes purposeless. He will drift about in the ocean of worldly existence.

55-56. О splendid-faced lady, there are many other numerous Tlrthas there. By taking a holy dip therein and by giving something to the people staying there, a man wards off a wretched state. He does not go to hell. The truth has been stated to you. He who narrates or listens to the greatness of Mathura attains devotion to Hari and (thereafter) attains all cherished desires.

1. О bestower of honour, the greatness of Mathura and the forests has been heard. Tell me a little about the secret of Vrndavana too.

2. О Brahmana, Vrndavana is, as it were, the glory of the earth preserved in secret. I desire to hear about it. Narrate it to me in detail.

3. О gentle lady, listen to the esoteric secret from me about Vrndavana. After acquiring it from the excellent preceptor, it has never been recounted by me to anyone.

4. О gentle lady, the secret of the lord of the cowherd- esses had been communicated to my preceptor by Narada of great soul. But it had been at first confided to Narada by Vrnda.

5-6. That I shall recount to you as it is conducive to the uplift of the universe. On one occasion, Narada, the dear friend of the lord, was wandering over the worlds. He reached Vrndavana and stopped on the banks of the lake Puspasaras.

О gentle lady, it is situated in the north-west sector of the sacred place Mathura.

7. A fourth part of Vrndavana is the secret rendezvous of the lord of cowherdesses. The mountain Govardhana is also there near the Sakhlsthala. (the rendezvous of his friend).

8. That is the penance grove of Vrnda. It is in Nandi- grama near the Yamuna. О chaste lady, the beautiful Vrndavana is on the charming banks of the Yamuna.

9. О blessed lady, the highly meritorious Puspasaras lake is also there. On the same beautiful bank is the hermitage of Vrnda which is extremely conducive to pleasure.

10-11. It is here that Hari takes rest every day at midday along with his woman friends. Narada resorted for a short while in the cool shade of a tree. He drank the cool water of the lake Puspasaras after performing the midday holy rites. He sat on the bank of the lake.

12. Even as Narada sat watching, О Mohim, cowherds and cowherdesses came into that beautiful hermitage of Vrnda in groups and in groups they went away.1

13. For the period of a Yama (three hours) he stayed there thus, when the day was short of half a Prahara he entered the wonderful hermitage.

Г VV. 12-33 describe how Narada who wanted to know the Secret of Love-Devotion to Kf?na, was changed into a woman and enjoyed by Lord Кг9ДО<

14. Vrnda, the gentle lady devoted to the love of Krishna was staying there receiving the visitors and extending hospitality to them with fruits etc.

15. О gentle lady, on seeing that ascetic woman, Narada who was highly esteemed by saintly persons, bowed down to her, with great humility. He sat on the bare ground.

16. At the end of her meditation and Yogic practice, Vrnda opened her eyes. She offered a seat to Narada who was the guest.

17. Desirous of knowing the secret of the lord of cowherd- esses (i.e. Krishna) from her, Narada stayed there on being respectfully honoured by Vrnda.

18. The son of Brahma (i.e. Narada) accepted the hospitality extended by her. Knowing that she was delighted in her mind, he informed her of his heart-felt desire.

19. Having gauged his desire of knowledge with her Yogic power and meditation, О beautiful lady, she sent for her friend named Madhavi and told her:

20. “O Madhavi, see that Narada, the great soul, realizes his desire so that the meritoriousness of myself and this hermitage is enhanced.

21. If one does not carry out the loving request of a visitor to the hermitage, it is in vain. It is comparable to a jackal’s den.

22. At the behest of her mistress Vrnda, Madhavi, the good lady, took Narada to the excellent bank of a lake.

23-25a. She directed him to take his holy bath facing the north-west. Then, О gentle lady, at the behest of that lady, Narada of divine vision dipped himself into the water meditating on ShriKrishna’s contact. When the excellent sage Narada plunged into the lake, the lady Madhavi went back to Vrnda, О gentle lady, after completing her task of carrying out his wish.

25b-26a. Narada came out of the water after the plunge and found himself in the form of a woman. It was very surprising.

26b-27. Naradi (the lady Narada) smilingly glanced all round and saw a woman stationed in the north-east. She was beautiful and was bedecked in excellent ornaments. She was beckoning with the gesticulations of her hand to Narad! to come towards her.

28. Narad! was called by her and so she went near that lady. After instilling confidence into her, she was taken to another place.

29. Narad! was taken by the lady to a certain chamber full of woman and ornamentally decorated with gems and jewels. The lady withdrew thereafter and Narad! was received duly by those women.

30. She was received by the groups of companions, Visakha etc. After consoling her, О gentle lady, she was taken within the inner chamber by a maid. There Narad! saw the lord of the cowherdesses.

31. When the messengers returned, Narad! was called by the lover of cowherdesses. After bowing down to the lord, she went near him bashfully.

32. The man of taste (LordKrishna) embraced her, had the sportful dalliance with her and then dismissed her. Gradually she came once again to the lake Puspasaras.

33. She was then made to plunge into the lake on the south-west side. Narada then regained his manhood. He was surprised at it.

34. At the behest of Vrnda, Narada performed a penance in the south-eastern side of the lake in an isolated spot and stayed there eagerly to see that (?).

35. Narada thus continued his penance sustaining himself with the fruits sent by Vrnda.

36. Once Narada was moving about here and there within his hermitage. He heard some charming sound uttered by some lady.

37. On hearing it, Narada of a spiritual vision became curious. He searched the forest but could not see any trace of the person.

38. Surprised much at this, he respectfully asked Vrnda about it. She narrated to him the story of the Kubja (humpbacked lady) from the beginning.

39. This hump-backed lady is stationed in a house underground. She is the excellent beloved of the lord. In an isolated place, she receives her Lord and renders service to him to his heart’s content.

40. О excellent sage, excepting me no one knows her. Hence I shall succinctly narrate. It is because you were desirous of seeing her that you performed the penance.

41. Early in the morning, Krishna was wakened up by his mother. He took his bath and breakfast. Followed by his friends he went to the forest for grazing the cows. In that connection he entered Vrndavana.

42. He spent his time sporting about along with his friends (the cowherds) and preventing the cows (from straying). He entered my hermitage along with his two or three dear friends.

43 Propitiated by means of fruits, roots and other edibles offered by me, he used to sleep along with his beloved lady in the calf-shed covetable by everyone.

44- The cowherd fond of cowherds’ colony was served by his intimate lady friend Radha. Thus, he used to sport about in different bowers severally for a period of about four hours and a half.

45. While he was asleep there, he was fanned by Radha and others. Within a Yama and a half, he himself used to wake up and honour his beloved ones.

46-47. Surrounded by cowherds and cows, he delightedly used to go back to the cowherds’ colony in the evening. His female friends used to take Radha1, his beloved to the spot called Sakhi-Sthala. Every day the beautiful ladies of large eyes, used to go to their own houses along with her. Coming to and fro like this sportingly, he frequented that place everyday.

48. He is seen, О dear one, only by me and not by god Brahma, Shiva and others. О dear one, the grandeur of the rendezvous of the hump-backed lady was not observed even by me.

49. I know it through the utterance of the delighted lover. I am telling you a secret that should be well guarded as well. She got this excellent rendezvous through the merit accruing from the offer of unguents to Lord Krishna.

1. The author of the NP. regards Radha as the highest deity along with Кипа. Radha the anonymous cowherdess — beloved of Kr?na in the Bh. P, has attained topmost eminence in pre-Jayadeva period in East India (Bengal-Orissa region). Hence this chapter is the crowning piece of the NP.

50-52. She was always eagerly occupied in Krishna’s service. She was alone and he too was alone. But there are hundred crores of similar couples imitating Kubja and Krishna and engaged in different kinds of dalliance. Born of the first pair they enliven the immobile ones as well. Though they are devoid of going (out of existence?) and coming (into existence), they are still ever fresh and new (?) (Defective) that is unapproachable to the third person where the second person becomes united with one.1

53. О Brahmana, their form comprising in itself the origination, sustenance and dissolution of the universe is extraordinary. I alone know this. Having heard what has been heard you too know this.

54-55. A Mantra (what is secretly discussed) is burnt (doomed) if it reaches six ears. Follow (in practice) this saying. On hearing this highly inaccessible secret through the utterance of Vrnda, sage Narada thought of both. The sage acquired that great principle. О daughter of Brahma, this is the subject-matter between a preceptor and a disciple.

56. They alone understand not anyone else. The same principle holds good in regard to us both. О auspicious lady, only one knows; there is only one hearer and he knows from one the speaker.

57. Hence, there is only one reality. There are not many things here. О highly-blessed lady, the secret of the lord of cowherd esses has been related to you.

58-60a. I shall narrate to you the open public behaviour of the lord. Listen with proper attention. О daughter of Brahma, in the forest of Vrndavana, this Brahmakuncja is highly meritorious. It is the place where Reality was clearly manifested to your father. The man who takes a holy dip there, pondering over the original dress and feature, visualizes a part of the grandeur of the Eternal Player.

60b-61a. О gentle lady, it is Govindakuntja where Govinda was pondered over by Indra who understood the Tattva (the real principle). By taking the holy dip there one shall attain ‘That’.

1. This is the Advaita (non-dualism in Bhakti). This is the esoteric secret in the path of Vaifttava Bhakti.

61b-62a. Where the Rasa dance was begun by Kuftjaviharin (one who sports about in bowers i.e. Lord Krishna) who assumed single as well as multifarious forms and danced with the cowherdesses, a Tirtha has been formed of the same nature and efficacy. By taking a holy dip therein, one can realise the lord.

62b-63a. At the spot where Nanda and other cowherds saw the magnificence of the omnipresent Lord, is a Tirtha called by the name Tattva-Prakasa (Revealer of Reality). It is waters of Shri Yamuna.

63b-64a. The place where the encounter with and pounding of Kaliya was shown to the cowherds is mentioned as a meritorious Tirtha. It is destructive of sins of men.

64b-65a. The place where the cowherds were rescued from the forest fire along with their womenfolk, children, infants and wealth by Krishna is a holy Tirtha. which is destructive of sins by means of a holy dip therein

65b-66a. A man who takes a holy dip in the place where demon Kesinwho had assumed the form of a horse had been killed by Krishna playfully, attains the abode of Vishnu.

66b-67a. The place where the wicked demon Vrsa was killed by him who thereby became pure, is well known as Aristakunda. It yields salvation merely through holy dip therein.

67b-69a. There are Tlrthas in the places where the demons Dhenuka, Agha, Baka, Vatsa, Vyoma and Lamba were killed by Krishna sportively. By taking bath and by performing Tarpana rites devoutly to the Pitrs and the Devas, the devotee attains the desired benefits, thanks to the favour of Gopala.

69b-70a. The places where he slept, took food, walked about, something was heard by him, or seen by him, or committed by him in an extraordinary manner are all K?etras (holy centres). They yield heavenly goal by means of a holy dip therein, О gentle lady.

70b-71a. Wherever he was heard, thought about, seen, bowed, embraced, eulogised or requested for by meritorious persons, there exists a Tirtha that bestows salvation.

71b-72a. О gentle lady, the place where a terrible penance was performed by Srlradha is Shri Kunda which is highly meritorious for a holy dip, charitable gifts, Japa and other things.

72b-77. The holy place of Vrndavana extends to five Yojanas (60 kms.) all round and the following arc the main Tirthas: Vatsitirtha, Gandrasaras, Apsaras lake, Rudrakunda, Kamakunda, the great temple of Hari, Visala (rich in merit by) having the Alakananda, the beautiful Nipakhanda, Dharmakunda, devoid of impurities, the spot of Krishna’s taking meals, the region of Bala, Brhatsanu, the place of rendezvous of Hari, Nandigrama, Kunda (holy pool) of Kisorl (girl), Kokilakanana (the forest of cuckoos), the milk ocean of Sesasayin, Krldadesa (the place of sports), Aksayavata, Ramakunda, Ciracaurya (the place where garments of cowherdesses were stolen by Krishna), Bhadrabhandirabilvaka, the sacred lake called Mana, the bank called Bhaktabhojana, the Akrfira Tirtha, Tarksyagovinda and Bahularanyaka. О auspicious lady, such is the holy centre Vi ndavana.

78. It is very holy. It is resorted to by the meritorious persons. By its mere sight, it bestows salvation. Even the Devas desire for its view which is difficult of access (even to them).

79-80a. People are not competent to witness the interior sport even by means of penance. О beautiful woman, in all the three worlds, there is nothing difficult of access to that person who eschews attachment everywhere and resorts to Vrndavana.

80b-81a. О lady (dear to all), perpetual devotion to Nandanandana rises up even in a person who utters the name ‘Vrndavana’.

81b-82. О Mohini, in the holy Vrndavana, men, women, monkeys, worms, insects, locusts, birds, trees, deer, mountains always utter the names Rad ha and Krishna.

83. I think that a visit to Vrndavana is difficult to those men who are overwhelmed by Krishna’s Maya and whose minds arc defiled by lust.

84. О auspicious lady, their lives have been rendered fruitful by those meritorious persons by whom Vrndavana has been visited. They deserve the compassion of Hari.

85. О daughter of Brahma, of what use is much talk said and heard? The splendid and meritorious Vrndavana must be resorted to by those who desire to attain liberation.

86. Vrndavana must be seen, approached, resorted to and meditated upon always. There is nothing else on the earth that is as conducive to the enhancement of glory.

87. It was here that in an ancient Kalpa, a Brahmana named Govardhana performed a great penance after becoming detached from the entire world.

88. О gentle lady, the unchanging lord Vishnu, the lord of Devas, went to that place of his in order to grant the boon to that Brahmana.

89-92. The Brahmana saw the lord of gods thus; He was holding the conch, discus and iron club. The jewel Kaustubha was shining on his chest. His earrings had the shape of the shark. He had a good crown and beautiful bangles. He was bedecked in anklets that produced a sweet jingling sound. A garland of sylvan flowers was worn round his neck. There was a mark of Shrivatsa on his chest. He was clad in a yellow silken garment. He had the lustre of a fresh cloud. His umbilicus, neck, cheeks, nose, teeth, knees, thigh, and the waist were all fine and beautiful. He was an ocean of mercy. He was joyous: His lotus-like face indicated his pleasure.

93. On seeing the lord, the Brahmana got up immediately and prostrated on the ground straight as a staff. On being asked, ‘‘Tell me the boon you wish to choose”, Govardhana said to Hari:

94-96a. “Place your feet on my back and stand there. This is the boon I crave for”. On hearing it, the lord thought over it again and again and finally stood on his back. Then the Brahmana said again: “O lord, О lord of the universe,

I cannot approve of letting you come down from my back. Hence, be steady like this. 1

1. VV. 87-101 explain that the Govardhana hill so dear to Krishna was originally a Brahmana who was devoted to Krishna.

96b. Ever since that time, the lord, the Atman of the universe did not abandon the Brahmana Govardhana who assumed the form of a mountain. In some cases he goes to Yogivana.

97-99. During the time of his incarnation as Krishna, the lord knew that the Brahmana Govardhana had attained Sarupya (the identity of form) with himself. Hence, he fed him through Nanda and others by means of a heap of cooked rice and milk. After propitiating the Brahmana turned into a mountain he realized that he was thirsty. So he made him drink from the fresh clouds. By this action he became a friend of Vasudeva.

100. О gentle lady, the man who devoutly worships the mountain by means of services and circumambulates it, gets no rebirth.

101. The mountain Govardhana has become meritorious, thanks to the residence ofHari. If one visits this, he need not visit other holy mountains.

102. The sand-banks of the Yamuna are beautiful and rendered more so by the sports of Krishna, О blessed lady, say yourself: Where else on the surface of the earth, can you sec a holier place?

103. Hence, after abandoning other holy forests, rivers and mountains that yield merit unto men, Vrndavana should always be resorted to.

104. The river Yami (Yamuna) is holy. The mountain Govardhana is holy. Hence, is there any forest on the earth holier than Vrndavana?

105. There is nothing else worthy of being resorted to by persons whose minds are deeply attached to worldly objects and who are afraid of the sins of Kali age. There is no other place in the three worlds but Vrndavana that is worthy of being resorted to.

106. In it Hari roams about all the while along with the cows, cowherds and cowherdesses. Peacock feathers adorn his crest. He has the form of an excellent dancer. Karnikara flowers adorn his ears. By the sound of his flute, the sound of the female swan is conquered (i.e. it excels it). VaijayantI garland covers his body. He has acquired a number of jewels from Nanda’s person. He is the supreme soul called Hamsa (swan) and Aham (?)

107. Girisa (Shiva) who melts (i.e. is overwhelmed) with devotion, meditates on him day and night in the company of the daughter of the mountain (Parvati) in secret. He is indeed called Ardhanarlsvara. The lotus-born deity Brahma keeps his wife Gayatri within the cavity of his heart. Indra looks at Saci with his thousand eyes (?)

108. (Defective) A person who appreciates the taste but not a master of the ear confines his wife in a secret (isolated) place due to the fear of hearing the sound of the flute. What else is the popular talk? The flute (which was originally a piece of bamboo) underwent the process of cutting, drying, burning and perforation (?). Still it yearned to imbibe the nectar from the lips of the lord of cowherdesses.

109. How can I describe the good fortune of those Ballavls (cowherdesses) accompanied by whom, the son of Nanda came to Vrndavana during the nights and sported in dalliance in the bowers brightly illuminated by the rays of the moon. Even the dust from their feet is not attainable to Shri (Lakshmi), Shiva, Brahma and oth ers.

110. Even the grasses, deer, birds, worms and other living beings that have attained Vrndavana are worthy of being worshipped by Brahma, Нага and Rama (Lakshmi). A person who comes there and is engaged in the nondualistic states (of the Lord) and who has attained Brahman-hood becomes happy in love and plays about immersed in the billows of the ocean of happiness.

111. There (in Vrndavana) wild beasts of prey forget their natural enmity and behave like friends and enjoy the bliss of Vrndavana. If one eschews this and goes elsewhere, can he be happy (in the world) that is a boxofKrishna’s Maya? Gan a person who eschews lord of wealth and goes elsewhere get wealth?

112. That Vrndavana forest is the form of the merit of the whole world. Resorting to it, the darkness in my mind (is dispelled). I am able to excel the whole world and keep it permanently suppressed. At every step, the lord of the cowherdesses is soaked in love. He does not differentiate between a high born and a low born person, but uplifts all devotees irrespective of their states.

113. Lord Krishna is prepared even to serve a devotee who remembers and sees the cowherds, cowherdesses, birds, deer, mountains and the dust of the land trodden by the cows and the cowherds and bows down. He is tied to them by means of the rope of love. Hence do not think of any other lord worthy of being resorted to, other than the lord of the cowherd’s colony. О daughter of Brahma I do not know any other such deity.

114-115. Thus the greatness of the forest of Vrndavana has been succinctly narrated to you, О daughter of Brahma. There remains nothing to be recounted.

116. This alone should always be heard, glorified, remembered and meditated upon by sinless men afraid of worldly existence.

117. О daughter of Brahma, the pure man who listens, to the greatness of Vrndavana and glorifies it, is undoubtedly Vishnu himself.

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