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 82 - Nandītaṭa and other Holy Centres

(description of Nanditata-tirtha)

Brahmā said:

1. Those who are conversant with the Vedas know the holy centre well known as Nandītaṭa. I shall recount its efficacy, O Nārada, listen attentively.

2-3. The extremely energatic son of Atri is well known as the Moon god. He learnt Vedas and the Science of archery from Bṛhaspati. He learned all other arts and sciences too, O extremely intelligent one. Moon then said to Bṛhaspati, “I shall perform the worship of the preceptor”. Then the delighted Bṛhaspati said to his disciple Moon.

Bṛhaspati said:

4-10. My wife Tārā who has a lustre similar to that of Rati knows it.

Brahmā said:

Then Moon went into the inner apartment to ask her. On seeing Tārā with a stellar face he caught her by the hand and forcibly dragged her to his own abode out of covetousness.

As long as one is not bound by the snares of lovely woman, one remains full of courage, a perfectly wise man, a man of intelligent behaviour and one who has subdued all sense-organs.

Whose mind does not fall a victim to the arrows of Kāma on seeing a lovely woman of wide eyes especially in a secret lonely place?

That is why a lady of noble birth should never see a man other than her husband in a secret place. She should be afraid of violation to her chastity.

The noble-minded Bṛhaspati came to know of it through the servants and stood up suddenly and hastened to the place. On seeing that indecent behaviour he angrily cursed Moon after rebuking him with unpleasant words.

11. Who will be able to endure it if he sees his beloved wife molested by another? Therefore, Jīva fought with Moon angrily with the assistance of Devas.

12. The Moon god was not injured or harmed by the curses or weapons inspired with Mantras by Devas. Moon was not afflicted by the invocations of Bṛhaspati.

13. Without fear from anywhere Moon abducted Tārā to his abode, placed here there and enjoyed her as well as Rohiṇī for many years.

14-15. He could not be defeated by Devas either by angry outbursts or by curses or by Mantras. When Bṛhaspati could not get back his wife through the good offices of kings or sages, either by peaceful means or by threats and punishments, when he failed to redeem his wife in spite of his efforts, when all expedients had been exhausted, Bṛhaspati remembered his own Nīti (Policy).

16-18. “An intelligent man keeps insult in front and prestige behind. Thereby he pushes up his self-interest. Allowing the self-interest to drop off is foolishness. Results must be achieved by any means whatsoever by wise men. Deluded persons with false prestige fall a prey to misfortune”. After deciding thus the intelligent Bṛhaspati went to Śukra and informed him. On seeing him arrive Śukra received him with honour.

19. After he had sat down and taken rest he was duly worshipped. Then the preceptor of Daityas asked him the reason for his arrival.

20. Those who are adverse to persons visiting their houses are not good men. Bṛhaspati related to Śukra the case of abduction of his wife from the beginning,

21. On hearing the words of Bṛhaspati Śukra became angry. O Nārada, he admitted that the disciple Moon was guilty. On hearing about his misbehaviour Śukra said angrily:

Śukra said:

22-23. O lord of planets, listen. Dear brother, only when I bring back your beloved wife molested by another person will I take food and drink. Only then will I sleep (or even) speak. O mighty-armed one, after worshipping Śiva and cursing the Moon who had betrayed his preceptor I shall fetch her and take my food.

Brahmā said:

24. After saying this, the preceptor of Daityas went out in the company of Bṛhspati. With great effort he propitiated Śiva and acquired superior power.

25. From Śaṅkara who was worshipped with great devotion he obtained different boons. What is difficult of access to embodied beings if the lord is favourable?

26-27. Śukra accompanied by Bṛhaspati went to the place where the Moon-god was sporting with Tārā.

With great anger Śukṛa cursed Moon thus: “Listen to my words, O Candra. Since a sinful act has been committed by you due to your arrogance you shall become afflicted by leprosy.”

28. At once Moon became scorched by the curse of Śukra. Which of those persons who betray preceptor, master or friend have not attained destruction?

29-30. Moon gave up Tārā and Śukra took her away. He invited Devas, sages, Pitṛs, rivers of diverse kinds, medicinal herbs and chaste ladies. He then began to ask them the means of expiation in the context of Tārā episode.

31. Then Vedas said to Devas, “Let her take a holy bath in Gautamī with great devotion along with Bṛhaspati. Then Tārā will become pure.

32. This is a great secret. It should not be disclosed to anyone and everyone. In all (adverse) situations Gautamī is the sole refuge of men.

35. Tārā performed duly the holy rite of bath along with her husband. There was a shower of flowers. Cries of “victory” rose up.

34. “Again Devas gave. Again men gave. Kings performing truthful activities gave the wife of brahmin.”

35-36. After giving again the wife of the brahmin who had been rendered free from sins and impurities by Devas everything was conducive to welfare. Hence that holy centre became the destroyer of sins, O great sage. It yields all cherished desires. There was joy and welfare among Devas who were the enemies of Asuras.

37. The delight was all the more in regard to Bṛhaspati, Śukra and Tārā. Bṛhaspati who had attained the supreme pleasure spoke to Gaṅgā.

Bṛhaspati said:

38-39. O Gautamī, you are worthy of being worshipped by all. You bestow salvation on all. Especially when I am in zodiac Leo you will become the sanctifier of the three worlds. O most excellent river, you will be accompanied by all holy waters. O mother, when I am zodiac Leo the holy rivers, lakes, ponds, etc. in heaven, the mortal world and the nether worlds will go to you for taking their holy dip.

Brahmā said:

40-42. The holy centre named Ānanda is conducive to wealth, fame and longevity. It increases health and prosperity. It produces good fortune and great wealth. Gautama says that there are five thousand holy centres there. By remembering and reciting (this Purāṇa) one will attain what one wishes for. Nandin of Śiva who is installed here, performs pious rites directly on the banks of Gaṅgā always. Hence it is remembered as Nandītaṭa. This holy centre is Ānanda because it increases the joy of everyone.

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