The Gautami Mahatmya

by G. P. Bhatt | 1955 | 127,137 words

This is the English translation of the Gautami-Mahatmya, which forms the fourth part of the Brahma-purana. The Gautamimahatmya narrates the legends and merits of the various holy places (tirthas) situated around the bank of the Godavari river in 105 chapters. It can be seen as distinct work by itself, and was declared as a “highly meritorious puran...

Chapter 42 - Mātṛtīrtha

(description of Matri-tirtha)

Brahmā said:

1. The holy centre known as “Mātṛtīrtha” is conducive to all sorts of achievements of men. A creature is freed from all mental ailments merely by remembering that holy centre.

2. There was a terrible battle between Devas and Asuras. Devas were not able to conquer Dānavas in battle.

3. Then, along with Devas, I approached the Trident-armed lord standing in his abode. With my palms joined in reverence I eulogized him by reciting a number of prayers.

4-7. Devas and Asuras after mutual consultation came to an agreement that they should churn the ocean. O Maheśa, while they were churning there emerged Kālakūṭa (a virulent poison). Excepting you who else could have been competent to swallow it?

Cupid is competent to keep the three worlds under his control by means of his flowery weapons. He is worthy of being saluted by other Devas too. (Even he) met with destruction when he tried to extend his power over Hara.

O enemy of Cupid, after churning the ocean you gave to the heaven-dwellers the best thing, viz. the nectar, and yourself consumed the poison. This adds to your glory. It is certainly a greatness of yours.

Thereupon the three-eyed primordial lord was satisfied.

Śiva said:

8-10. I shall give you whatever is desired by you. May the excellent Devas speak out their needs.

Devas said:

We are in great terror of Dānavas. O bull-bannered one, come along with us. Kill our enemies. Save us, O lord, we are having a protector in you.

O Śiva, if you had not been a disinterested friend what could the miserable embodied beings have done?

Brahmā said:

11. On being requested thus he went at the very same moment to the place where the enemies of Devas were camping. A fierce battle raged between Śaṅkara and the enemies of Devas.

12. Then the three-eyed lord became tired. Śiva (then) assumed the Tāmasa form. As he fought, drops of sweat fell from his forehead,

13. Having resorted to the Tāmasa form he killed Asuras. On seeing that form the Asuras went to the Earth from the top of Meru.

14. Killing all Daityas Hara too went to the Earth. Being, frightened, they went around here and there all over the Earth.

15. In the same manner Rudra too followed them in anger. In the same manner (as before) drops of perspiration fell down as Śambhu fought.

16. Wherever the drops of perspiration came into contact with the Earth, O sage, the Mothers with the features of Śiva were born.

17. All of them said to Maheśvara, “We shall devour Asuras”. Then the lord surrounded by Devas said:

Śiva said:

18. Those Rākṣasas who came from heaven to the Earth have reached the nether worlds (now). All of you hear my speech.

19. Let the Mothers go wherever the enemies go. Now, the enemies have gone to the nether worlds. They are afraid of me. Following these enemies all of you too go to the nether worlds.

Brahmā said:

20-23. Piercing the Earth, those Mothers went to the place where Daityas and Dānavas were hiding. The Mothers killed all those terrible enemies of Devas. Through the same path they returned to Devas. Ever since the departure of Mothers and till their return, Devas had been staying on the banks of Gautamī. This holy centre is called Pratiṣṭhāna because Mothers departed therefrom and Devas were firmly established there. It is holy and conducive to victory. Wherever Mothers were born there were separate holy centres called Mātṛtīrthas.

24-25. In different places there were holes leading to the nether worlds.

Devas granted boons to the Mothers: “Let them be worshipped in the world in the same manner as Śiva for ever.” After saying this Devas vanished and Mothers remained there alone.

26-28. Wherever the goddesses Mothers stayed the places are known as Mātṛtīrtha. They are worthy of being resorted to even by Devas. Why not then by the human beings?

A holy dip, distribution of charitable gifts and water libation to Manes—everything has everlasting benefit in accordance with the utterance of lord Śiva.

He who listens to this narrative, reads or remembers this narrative of the holy centres of the Mothers shall become long-lived and happy.

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