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 62 - Holy Centres Yakṣiṇīsaṅgama etc.

(description of Yakshini-sangama)

Brahmā said:

1. The holy centre named Yakṣiṇī-Saṅgama yields all benefits. By taking bath and offering charitable gifts there one shall obtain all cherished desires.

2. One shall obtain the benefit of Satrayāga[1] merely by taking bath at the place where the lord is Yakṣeśvara who bestows worldly pleasures and salvation by granting his vision.

3-5. There was a sister of Viśvāvasu[2] named Pippalā. She went to the Satra of the sages residing on the bank of Gautamī. On seeing the sages there feeble and emaciated she laughed with great arrogance. She had (the temerity) to laugh at her ciders. She repeated the Mantras firmly: “Let there be Vauṣaṭ. Let there be Śrauṣaṭ”. She had repeated the Mantras with a wrong accent. Therefore, they cursed her: “Be a flowing river” Then she became the river famous as “Yakṣiṇī”.

6. Then Viśvāvasu worshipped the sages and the threeeyed lord. Making the river join Gautamī he made it free from curse.

7-9. Thereafter that holy centre is remembered as Yakṣiṇīsaṅgama. By performing the rites of holy bath there and by giving charitable gifts one obtains all cherished desires. The place where Śambhu accompanied by Śivā became pleased with Viśvāvasu is the greatest holy centre Śaiva (pertaining to Śivā). It is well known as Durgātīrtha also.

It dispels all sins. It destroys all evil destinies and adversities. O great sage, it is the essence of all important holy centres. It is a holy centre praised by excellent sages. It bestows all spiritual achievements on men.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Soma sacrifice lasting for more than twelve days.

[2]:

A Gandharva chief.

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