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 45 - Śeṣatīrtha and other Holy Centres

(description of Shesha-tirtha)

Brahmā said:

1. The holy centre known as Śeṣatīrtha grants all cherished desires. I shall describe its features which have already been stated by me.

2. The great Nāga (serpent) named Śeṣa was the lord of nether worlds. Surrounded by all Nāgas he went to Rasātala.

3. This lord of Nāgas was ousted (from Rasātala) by Rākṣasas, Daityas and Danujas who entered Rasātala. He therefore became agitated and spoke to me.

Śeṣa said:

4. Rasātala had been given by you to Rākṣasas as well as to me. They do not give me room. Hence, I am seeking refuge in you.

5. Then I said to him. “Go to Gautamī, O Nāga. By eulogizing Mahādeva there you will get everything you desire.

6. There is no other holy centre in the three worlds which can accord what you desire”.

Induced by my suggestion the Nāga took his holy plunge in Gaṅgā carefully. With palms joined in reverence, he eulogized the lord of Devas.

Śeṣa said:

7-9. Obeisance to the lord of three worlds, the destroyer of Dakṣa’s sacrifice. Obeisance to you, the primordial Maker. Obeisance to the lord identical with the three worlds.

Obeisance to the thousand-headed one. Obeisance to the lord carrying out the duty of annihilation. Obeisance to you having the form of Kāla. Save me, O Śaṅkara, Lord of everything, save me, O lord of Moon, O lord accompanied by Umā, O omnipresent one. O lord of the universe, obeisance to you; Give me whatever I desire in my mind.

Brahmā said:

10-14. Then the delighted Maheśvara granted boons desired by the Nāga. For the destruction of enemies of Devas—Daityas, Dānavas and Rākṣasas, he gave Śeṣa a trident. Then he was advised by Śiva, “Kill the leading enemies by means of this”.

Along with the other Nāgas he returned to Rasātala and killed his enemies in battle.

After killing Daityas, Dānavas and Rākṣasas with his trident he returned to the place where Lord Hara, Śeṣeśvara was present.

A crevasse appeared in the path whereby the king of Nāgas came from Rasātala to the place where the lord was present, in order to see the lord.

The holy water of Gaṅgā flowed through that crevasse. It is the bestower of great merit.

15-16. That water flowed to Gaṅgā. Beyond that is the confluence of Gaṅgā. There is a big sacrificial pit in front of the lord. At the place where the Nāga performed Homa a fire remained present always. The water became hot. It is here that we have the confluence of Gaṅgā.

17. After propitiating the lord of Devas the delighted Nāga of great fame attained what he desired from Śiva and went to Rasātala.

18. Thereafter that holy centre is called Nāgatīrtha. It is holy. It fulfils all desires. It destroys sickness and poverty.

19-20. It is conducive to longevity. It is holy and bestower of fortune. Through holy dips and distribution of gifts it yields salvation. He who listens and reads this with devotion, he who remembers this attains salvation. The place where Śiva handed over the trident to Śeṣa is the holy centre Śeṣeśvara.

There are altogether, O eminent sage, two thousand one hundred holy centres on the banks (of the river). They bestow all riches.

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