The Skanda Purana
by G. V. Tagare | 1950 | 2,545,880 words
This page describes Greatness of Dhundhumareshvara (Dhundhumara-ishvara) which is chapter 38 of the English translation of the Skanda Purana, the largest of the eighteen Mahapuranas, preserving the ancient Indian society and Hindu traditions in an encyclopedic format, detailling on topics such as dharma (virtous lifestyle), cosmogony (creation of the universe), mythology (itihasa), genealogy (vamsha) etc. This is the thirty-eighth chapter of the Tirtha-mahatmya of the Nagara-khanda of the Skanda Purana.
Chapter 38 - Greatness of Dhundhumāreśvara (Dhundhumāra-īśvara)
[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]
Sūta said:
1-3. A Liṅga was installed there itself by king Dhundhumāra after erecting a very charming palace full of all kinds of jewels.
He built a hermitage there and performed a severe penance. It was, due to its power, that the Lord stationed himself in that Liṅga.
A tank near it was constructed by that noble-souled one, filled with water free from all impurities and very auspicious, comparable to all the Tīrthas.
4. An excellent man who takes his holy bath there and visits Dhundhumāreśvara, never sees the impassable Narakas in the abode of Yama.
The sages said:
5. In which race was King Dhundhumāra born? At what time was the penance performed by that very noble-minded one?
Sūta said:
6. A powerful son of Bṛhadaśva was born in the race of the Sun-god. He is well known as Kuvalayāśva as well as Dhundhumāra.
7. The great Daitya Dhundhu was killed by him in Marujāṅgala. Hence he is remembered as Dhundhumāra. He became renowned in all the three worlds.
8. Towards the closing days of his life, he went to the great holy spot Camatkārapura and performed a penance meditating on Maheśvara.
9. After installing the great Liṅga in the palace studded with jewels, he adored it along with oblations, offerings flowers, incense and unguents.
10. Thereupon Maheśvara, the great Lord, himself appeared before him seated on his bull and accompanied by Gaurī and the attendants.
11. The Lord said: “I shall bestow a boon. Request for anything desired by you. I shall grant you everything even if it be rare.”
Dhundhumāra said:
12. O Lord of all the Suras, if a boon has to be granted to us, O Bull-emblemed One, you should station yourself in this Liṅga.
Śrī Bhagavān said:
13-14. O excellent king, undoubtedly I shall always be present on the fourteenth lunar day in the bright half of Caitra along with Gaurī. A man who takes his holy plunge in the tank there and worships me present in the Liṅga shall go to my world, O king.
Sūta said:
15. After saying this the Lord vanished. Delighted in his heart the king stayed there and attained salvation.