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 86 - Śaṅkhahrada and other Holy Centres

(description of Shankhahrada-tirtha)

Brahmā said:

1. The holy centre where Śaṅkhagadādhara (the lord who holds conch and iron club) is the deity, is called Śaṅkhahrada. By taking a holy bath and by visiting the deity one is released from worldly bondage.

2-3. I shall describe the event that happened there. It yields worldly pleasures and salvation.

Formerly in the beginning of Kṛtayuga Brahmā was singing the Sāman songs. Rākṣasas who were born of the abode of Cosmic Egg and could assume many forms came to him in order to devour Brahmā. They were too proud of their strength and they held weapons too.

4. Then I spoke to Viṣṇu, preceptor of the universe, (pleading) for protection. Viṣṇu prepared himself for killing Rākṣasas with his discus.

5-6. After chopping off the heads of Rākṣasas with his discus he blew the conch. After making the surface (of the Earth) free of troublesome creatures and the heaven free of enemies, Hari filled his conch with great delight. Thereupon the Rākṣasas completely perished.

7. The place where this happened by the power of the conch of Viṣṇu is called Śaṅkhatīrtha. It gives peace, security and happiness to men.

8-11. It is holy and it yields all cherished desires. By being remembered it bestows auspiciousness. It produces longevity and health. It increases the quality and quantity of wealth and progeny. By remembering or by (regular) reading (of the Purāṇa), one shall achieve all cherished desires.

O sage, there are ten thousand holy centres there. They dispel all sins. These holy centres numbering ten thousand are destroyers of sins. Even Maheśvara does not know how to describe adequately their efficacy. There is no substitute for this annihilator of sins.

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