Section LXXXVIII - Sacred Tirthas of South and Surashtra: Rivers, Lakes and Asylums
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXXVIII 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:
Dhaumya narrates the sacred tirthas of the south, highlighting the importance of the rivers Godavari, Venna, Bhimarathi, and Payoshni, which are believed to cleanse sins and grant merit. The tirtha of Nriga on the river Payoshni is said to be superior in merit to all other tirthas, containing an image of Mahadeva and offering purification from sins. The sacred wood of Mathara and the tirthas of Surparaka and Asoka also hold significance in the southern region.
Moving on to the tirthas of the Surashtra country, Dhaumya describes Chamasodbheda, Prabhasa, and Pindaraka among the sacred spots along the sea-coast, believed to bestow great merit. The hill of Ujjayanta is mentioned as a place for performing austerities and achieving success, according to celestial Rishi Narada. Dwaravati, where Krishna dwells as the eternal Virtue and the God of gods, is revered as a site of immense importance and purity.
The story emphasizes the sacredness and merit associated with various tirthas, rivers, and asylums in the southern and Surashtra regions. Dhaumya's detailed descriptions provide insight into the spiritual significance of these places and their ability to cleanse sins and grant merit to devotees. The presence of divine beings like Mahadeva and Krishna adds a layer of reverence and sanctity to these sacred sites, making them highly esteemed among ascetics and pilgrims seeking spiritual growth and blessings.
Full English translation:
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Section LXXXVIII, 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 LXXXVIII:
-What are some of the sacred spots in the southern region described by Dhaumya?
Dhaumya mentions the rivers Godavari, Venna, Bhimarathi, and Payoshni, along with tirthas like Varaha, Asoka, and Kumaris. The tirthas are associated with renowned sages and divine idols, holding great significance and power. -
Which tirthas and sacred asylums are found in the Surashtra country according to Dhaumya?
Dhaumya mentions Chamasodbheda, Prabhasa, Pindaraka, Ujjayanta hill, Dwaravati, and the dwelling place of Krishna (slayer of Madhu). Performances of austerities in these locations are said to bestow great merit and lead to heavenly recognition. -
Who is the eternal Virtue according to Dhaumya and what significance does Ujjayanta hold?
Dhaumya speaks of Krishna as the eternal Virtue, the purest and auspicious God dwelling in Dwaravati. The Ujjayanta hill in Surashtra is believed to bring success and heavenly accolades to those who practice austerities there, as proclaimed by the celestial Rishi Narada.
Daily life: Sacred Tirthas of South and Surashtra: Rivers, Lakes and Asylums:
This story, with its focus on the powerful places of cleansing and spiritual renewal, gently reminds us to integrate the essence of spiritual cleansing and devotion into our daily lives. The narrative underlines the importance of seeking out spaces or practices that allow us to reflect, cleanse our sins, and connect with a higher power. While we may not have access to the sacred rivers and asylums mentioned, we can create our own sacred spaces in our homes or communities where we can meditate, pray, and perform acts of kindness.
The story also highlights the virtue of perseverance in our spiritual practices, akin to the gods and ascetics undergoing penance for salvation. It encourages us to be steadfast in our pursuit of personal growth and spiritual enlightenment, suggesting that, like the pilgrimage to these sacred places, our personal journey to purification and merit requires dedication and effort. Adopting a mindset that values persistence in spiritual or personal improvement endeavors can lead us towards a more fulfilling life.
Lastly, the emphasis on the purity and merit of certain sacred spots inspires us to seek purity in our actions and thoughts. Just as the waters of the Payoshni river can cleanse one's sins, we can find or create practices that purify us, such as mindfulness, meditation, or acts of charity. The story thus serves as a gentle nudge towards leading a life that balances spiritual practices with daily responsibilities, encouraging us to find our own paths to purification and enlightenment.