Sambodhi 2012 Vol 35

Author(s): J B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 74

64
Satyavrat Varma
SAMBODHI
old Sarasvati - bed to it west," and the name Sarasvatī was appropriated by a small stream flowing to its east after the holy river dried up due to some unknown reasons. From its description as a tīrtha it would be reasonable to presume that a holy spot Prācī Sarasvati by name existed at Prthudaka. It was probably the same place which is known as Vasistha Sarasvati. A Prāci Siva temple stands there even now.18 Sarasvatīkūpa
The name Sarasvatīkūpa seems to imply that it was originally a mighty kūpa (well) where from gushed out a strong current of Sarasvati. The presumption receives confirmation from the story of Trita who was jetted out from the inferno of a blind well by the flow of Sarasvati that lept up from its dry bed by divine grace. 19
Sarasvatīkūpa was famous in the three worlds as an important tīrtha. It is so holy that its mere darśana relieves one of all sins and ensures salvation. Those who propitiate gods and offer libations to the manes there attain inexhaustible fruit. Sarasvatīkūpa is a tīrtha specially dedicated to the forefathers (VP, 42. 16-18). Saptasarasvata
The Saptasarasvata is a unique tīrtha the like of which is hard to come across in the three worlds (trailokyasyāpi durlabham). Its eminence proceeds from the fact that seven streams of Sarasvati flow here together. According to the VP, the seven streams were actually the seven rivers named Suprabhā, Kancanāksī, Viśālā, Mānasahradā, Sarasvatī, Oghavati and Suvenu (or Surenu) that respectively flowed in Puskara, Naimisāranya, Gayā, Uttarakosala, Kuruksetra, Kedāra and Gangādvāra, but, invoked by the great sage Mankanaka, consented to come to the Saptasārasvata to flow there a (streams of) Sarasvati (s). With the presence of the seven currents (= streams) of Sarasvatī, it equals in merit the seven sacred places related to the said rivers (VP, 37. 17-40). A sip of their water bestows on one the merit accruing from drinking the Somarasa. (VP, 62.55)
Saptasārasvata was the abiding abode of righteousness (dharmasya nidhānam agryam, VP, 62:53), and thereby drove away sins and other human infirmities in no time. It matched Prthūdaka in sanctity (Prthūdakasyāstu samaṁ phalena, VP, 62.52). It was at Saptasārasvata that Mankanaka attained the highest accomplishment on dhahood (VP, 37.40), and the great god Sankara consented to live there permanently with Mankanaka in a hermitage