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 69 - Khaḍgatīriha and other Holy Centres

(description of Khadga-tirtha)

Brahmā said:

1. The holy centre Khaḍgatīrtha is on the northern bank of Gautamī. By taking holy plunge there and offering charitable gifts a man attains salvation.

2. I shall tell you what happend there. Listen attentively, O Nārada. There was a brahmin well known as Pailūṣa. He was the son of Kavaṣa.

3. On account of the burden of maintaining a large family he began to run about here and there seeking wealth. But he did not get anything. Then he became detached from the world and lost interest in worldly affairs.

4. When the fate is extremely adverse and manly endeavour becomes futile nothing else lends support to a learned man except Vairāgya (freedom from passionate attachement to worldly things).

5-9. Thereupon, he began to sigh frequently and think thus: “I do not possess any hereditary wealth. I have many dependents to maintain. But the soul is proud. It cannot bear any stress and strain. Fie upon the doings of the evil fate!”

Once he got some job. In that job he did not get adequate amount. Then he became dejected and detached (and said): “Service is prohibited. If at all there is anything (not prohibited) it is inaccessible (tome). Penance is very difficult to perform. Greed drags me forcibly towards evil activities. O Tṛṣṇā, it is out of ignorance that you have acted against me. Hence, obeisance be to you.”

After thinking thus and after considering what he should do to sever all bondages the highly intelligent Pailūṣa spoke to his father.

Pailūṣa said:

10. O saintly lord, O dear father, tell me that means whereby I can allay anger and greed as well as cross (the ocean of) worldly existence that cannot be crossed, by the sword of perfect knowledge.

Kavaṣa said:

11. One shall seek perfect knowledge from Īśvara—so says the Vedic text. Hence, propitiate him. You shall obtain perfect knowledge from Īśvara.

Brahmā said:

12. Saying “So be it”, Pailūṣa worshipped Īśvara for the sake of knowledge. Thereupon, lord Īśāna who was delighted granted him perfect knowledge. That (brahmin) of superior intelligence spoke these wise things, that bestow salvation upon the seeker.

Pailūṣa said:

13-17. The first enemy is Krodha (Anger). Even if it is ineffective (for others) it burns one’s own body. By appeasing it by means of perfect knowledge one shall obtain supreme bliss.

Greediness is of different types. It is deceptive. It is binding. It causes sins. By killing it by the sword of perfect knowledge a man becomes happy.

Contact (with sensual objects) is a great evil even to Devas and others. So says the Vedic text. This contact is a great enemy of the soul though it is free from contact.

By destroying this by the sword of perfect knowledge one shall attain identity with Śiva, Doubt is highly destructive. It causes the destruction of virtue and wealth.

By destroying it one shall obtain the greatest of one’s cherished desires. Hope possesses one like a female vampire. It burns all happiness. By destroying it, one shall attain the state of liberated soul.

Brahmā said:

18-20. Then, after acquiring perfect knowledge he resorted to the banks of Gaṅgā. He got rid of delusion by perfect knowledge. Then he attained release.

Thenceforth that holy centre is remembered as Khaḍgatīrtha. (It is also known as) Jñānatīrtha, Kavaṣa and Pailūṣa. It bestows all cherished desires.

Great sages have mentioned about this and six thousand other holy centres. They dispel all sins and depressing agonies entirely and bestow what is desired.

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