Sambodhi 2012 Vol 35

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

Page 78

68
Satyavrat Varma
SAMBODHI
There is no other tīrtha as meritorious, sacred and sanctifying as Prthūdaka. 32 It relieves one of all the sins and wrongs done knowingly or unknowingly.33
In view of its wide fame and high sanctity, many a holy personage visited Prthūdaka from time to time. When the great sage Rusangu, a siddha, realised that his end was imminent and the Gangādvāra tīrtha where he lived was unable to emancipate him, he asked his sons to shift him to Prthūdaka
he holy Sarasvati. They respected the sentiments of their old father. The sage took a bath in the Sarasvati, and realising the efficacy of the holy place, proclaimed that he who sheds his mortal coil on the northern bank of Sarasvati at Prthudaka, muttering prayer, is released from the mundane snares and attains immortality (VP, 39. 16-20). After meeting Parvati Lord Sankara came to Prthūdaka and had a ceremonial bath in the Sarasvati which freed him from defilements (VP, 51. 73-74). And the deities propitiated their Agnisvātta forefathers there so that they could secure Menā for the Himālaya. According to the Mahabharata it was at Prthüdaka that Brahmā chalked out the plan to create the universe. 34 Brahmayoni
Brahmayoni is an important tīrtha, created by Brahmā at Prthūdaka. Sitting on the bank of the Sarasvatī, he contemplated the creation of the four varnas. His deep mediatation led to the birth of the Brāhmanas from his mouth, the Ksatriyas from his arms, the Vaiśyas from his thighs and the sūdras from his feet. Finding the four classes of people (varņas) sitting in his hermitage, he establsihed the Brahmayoni. One aspiring for salvation is released from the wordly cycle by taking a dip in the Brahmayoni (VP, 39. 21-25). A bath at the Brahmayoni, according to the Mahābhārata, leads a pure-hearted and disciplined man to Brahmaloka, and purifies his seven generations (Mah, Vanaparva, 83. 140-141). Rāmahrada
Rāmahrada is a somewhat queer tīrtha. Paraśurāma, the fiery sage, after he had effaced the Ksatriyas from the earth, founded five lakes / ponds and filled them with (their) blood. He offered libations to his forefathers with such devotion that they, at his request, absolved him of the grievous sin, restored the fruit of penance to him and turned the gory lakes into sacred tīrthas. Those who likewise propitiate their ancestors at Rāmahrada are blessed with coveted boons, their wishes are realised, and they reside in heaven for endless time. One practicing abstinence, obtains large amount of gold by taking a bath and worshipping Paraśurāma at Rāmahrada (VP, 1-15).