The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 2,273 pages of information about The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1.

The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 2,273 pages of information about The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1.
is the Akshaya-vata, celebrated over the three worlds.  Whatever is offered there to the Pitris is said to become inexhaustible.  Bathing there at the Mahanadi, and offering oblations to the gods and the Pitris, a man acquireth eternal regions, and also rescueth his race.  Proceeding then to Brahma-sara that is adorned by the woods of Dharma, and passing one night there, a man attaineth to the region of Brahma.  In that lake, Brahma had raised a sacrificial pillar.  By walking round this pillar, a person acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice.  One should next, O mighty monarch, go to Denuka celebrated over the world.  Staying there for one night and giving away sesame and kine, one’s soul being cleansed from every sin, one ascendeth, without doubt to the region of Soma.  There, O king, on the mountains, the cow called Kapila used to range with her calf.  There is little doubt, of this, O Bharata, the hoof-marks, of that cow and her calf are seen there to this day.  By bathing in those hoof-prints, O foremost of monarchs, whatever sin a man may have incurred is, O Bharata, washed away.  Then should one go to Gridhravata, the spot consecrated to the trident-bearing god.  Approaching the deity having the bull for his mark one should rub himself with ashes.  If a Brahmana, he obtains the merit of observing the twelve year’s vow and if belonging to any of the other orders, he is freed from all his sins.  One should next proceed to the Udyanta mountains, resounding with melodious notes.  There, O bull of the Bharata race, is still seen the foot-print of Savitri.  The Brahmana of rigid vows, who sayeth his morning, noon and evening prayers there, obtaineth the merit of performing that service for twelve years.  There, O bull of the Bharata race, is the famous Yonidwara.  Repairing thither, a person becometh exempted from the pain of rebirth.  The person that stayeth at Gaya during both the dark and lighted fortnights, certainly sanctifieth, O king, his own race up and down to the seventh generation.  One should wish for many sons so that even one may go to Gaya, or celebrate the horse-sacrifice, or offer a nila bull.  Then, O king, the pilgrim should proceed to Phalgu.  By this, he obtains the merit of horse-sacrifice, and acquires great success.  O king, one should repair then, with subdued soul, to Dharmaprishta.  There, O foremost of warriors, dwelleth Dharma for aye.  Drinking of the water of a well which is there, and purifying one’s self by a bath, he that offereth oblations to the gods and the Pitris is cleansed of all his sins and ascendeth to heaven.  There in that tirtha is the hermitage of the great Rishi Matanga of soul under complete control.  By entering that beautiful asylum capable of soothing fatigue and sorrow, one earneth the merit of the Gavayana sacrifice, and by touching (the image of) Dharma which is there, one obtaineth the fruit of the horse-sacrifice.  One should next go, O king, to the excellent tirtha called Brahmasthana. 
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The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.