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 85 - Kapilātīrtha and other Holy Centres

(description of Kapila-tirtha)

Brahmā said:

1. The holy cenrte Kapilātīrtha is mentioned by various names. It is remembered as Āṅgirasa; it is called Āditya and Saiṃhikeya.

2-3. On the southern bank of Gautamī, O excellent sage, the Āṅgirasas performed sacrifice on behalf of Ādityas. Ādityas gave Earth as Dakṣiṇā (monetary gift) to Āṅgirasas. The Āṅgirasas went to perform penance. The Earth became Saiṃhikī (Lioness in form) and devoured the people.

4-5. All the people were afraid. They intimated it to Āṅgirasas. Due to their wisdom they understood that the lioness was the Earth.

Approaching Ādityas, Āṅgirasas spoke to them: “Please take back this Earth given by you.” Then the Ādityas said “No”.

6-10. Wise men never take back what has already been offered as Dakṣiṇā. If anyone takes back the Earth gifted away by him or by others, he is born as a worm in the faeces and remains like that for sixty thousand years.

There is no greater sin than taking back the Earth offered by oneself to others. It is an extremely terrible sin. “We will not take her back. If what is given by oneself is not taken back, what should be done? We shall take back the Earth offered as Dakṣiṇā, as a thing bought.”

When they agreed saying “So be it”, Devas gave a Kapilā (tawny-coloured cow) of auspicious traits instead in exchange of the Earth on the southern bank of Gaṅgā.

At that place Viṣṇu stands himself in personal form. He is the bestower of worldly pleasures and salvation.

11-14. The Kapilā Saṅgama (Confluence of Kapilā) is the destroyer of all sins. From the holy waters of the charitable gift a river Kapilā flowed.

The charitable offering of a cow is better than that of the Earth even if it is an agricultural land full of plants. The sage saved the world after making this exchange. The holy centre where this took place is cited as Gotīrtha. It has been mentioned by the wise that there are a hundred holy centres there that bestow sanctity and merit. By taking bath and offering charitable gifts there one shall obtain the benefit of gifting a plot of land. The place where Kapilā joined Gaṅgā is known as Kapilā-saṅgama.

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