Section LXXXV - Tirthas of Bharata Varsha: Sacred Places to Visit for Merit
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXXV including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Narada continues to narrate to Yudhishthira the various sacred tirthas or pilgrimage sites that Bhishma visited as instructed by Rishi Pulastya. Each tirtha, from Samvedya to Prayaga, is described in detail, along with the specific merits and benefits one attains by bathing or performing rituals there. Pulastya emphasizes the importance of faith and purity of heart when visiting these sacred places, as well as the significance of following the prescribed rituals to obtain maximum merit.
Bhishma's journey to these tirthas is highlighted as an example of devotion and righteousness, with the promise of attaining the highest fruit of a hundred horse-sacrifices and earning salvation in the afterlife. The celestial Rishis, including Valmiki, Kasyapa, and Vyasa, eagerly await Yudhishthira's visit to these tirthas, signaling the importance and auspiciousness of such a pilgrimage. The narrative emphasizes the virtue and lineage of Yudhishthira, comparing him to great kings and sages of the past, with the prophecy that he will rule with renown and success after conquering his enemies.
Narada assures Yudhishthira that following the footsteps of Bhishma and visiting these tirthas with faith and devotion will bring him great fame and merit, akin to legendary kings like Bhagiratha and Rama. The importance of meeting the great Rishi Lomasa, who will guide him on the pilgrimage, is emphasized as a key step towards achieving success and glory. The narrative underscores the power of virtue and righteousness in rulership, drawing parallels between Yudhishthira and revered historical figures who ruled with valor and righteousness.
Yudhishthira, comforted and inspired by Narada's words, reflects on the sacredness and significance of tirthas and begins reciting the merits of pilgrimage to the ascetics. The story of Bhishma's pilgrimage serves as a guiding light for Yudhishthira, reaffirming the importance of faith, purity, and adherence to rituals in attaining spiritual merit and success. Through his journey to the tirthas, guided by divine instruction, Yudhishthira is destined to achieve great renown, conquer his enemies, and rule his kingdom with honor and righteousness. The narrative closes with the theme of devotion and righteousness leading to ultimate success and fulfillment in one's life's journey.
Full English translation:
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Section LXXXV, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section LXXXV:
What are the benefits of visiting different tirthas as mentioned in the story?
By visiting various tirthas, one can attain merits like the horse-sacrifice, giving away gold and kine, obtaining knowledge, and achieving prosperity, purity, and salvation.
Daily life: Tirthas of Bharata Varsha: Sacred Places to Visit for Merit:
The narrative from the epic literature emphasizes the significance of visiting sacred places or tirthas for cleansing sins, acquiring merit, and ultimately achieving salvation. It underscores the power of devotion, austerity, and the sanctity of holy rivers and sites, portraying them as conduits for divine blessings. To incorporate such teachings into daily life, one doesn't necessarily need to embark on extensive pilgrimages; rather, it's more about cultivating the underlying values these journeys symbolize.
In daily life, this can be translated into practicing purity, both in thought and action, and maintaining a sense of reverence towards nature and the environment, which are often considered manifestations of the divine in many traditions. Just as pilgrims perform rituals and offer prayers at tirthas, individuals can set aside time for meditation, self-reflection, and performing acts of kindness, seeing these activities as personal rituals that cleanse the mind and spirit.
Moreover, just as the narrative extols the virtue of self-discipline through fasting and regulated diet while visiting sacred sites, one can adopt a disciplined approach to life's desires and temptations, aiming for a balanced and ethical lifestyle. This involves treating others with respect, honesty, and compassion, recognizing the divinity within every individual, and acting in ways that uplift oneself and those around.
The emphasis on reciting and listening to sacred texts and the merits of such activities highlights the importance of nourishing the mind with positive thoughts and knowledge. Engaging with inspirational literature, whether religious or secular, that teaches moral values and virtues can serve a similar purpose in today's world, guiding individuals towards a path of righteousness and enlightenment.
Lastly, the narrative's encouragement to remember and honor the divine presence in everyday life can inspire individuals to live with gratitude, humility, and a constant awareness of the larger cosmic order. By viewing life itself as a pilgrimage, where every action contributes to one's spiritual journey, one can make daily living a meaningful pursuit of purity, merit, and ultimate liberation.