Agni Purana
by N. Gangadharan | 1954 | 360,691 words | ISBN-10: 8120803590 | ISBN-13: 9788120803596
This page describes The greatness of Narmada (mahatmya) which is chapter 113 of the English translation of the Agni Purana, one of the eighteen major puranas dealing with all topics concerning ancient Indian culture, tradition and sciences. Containing roughly 15,000 Sanskrit metrical verses, subjects contained in the Agni-Purana include cosmology, philosophy, architecture, iconography, economics, diplomacy, pilgrimage guides, ancient geography, gemology, ayurveda, etc.
Chapter 113 - The greatness of Narmadā (māhātmya)
[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]
Fire-god said:
l. I shall describe the greatness of Narmadā [i.e., narmadāmāhātmya—narmadādikamāhātmyaṃ] which yields great pleasure. The water of the Ganges purifies the bather at once. The water of the river Narmadā (purifies) at the mere sight of it.
2-3. It extends (in length) to one hundred yojana and two yojanas in breadth. There are sixty thousand holy places and sixty crores on the hills on either side at Amarakaṇṭaka. (The place of) confluence with Kāverī is meritorious. Listen to me. I shall describe about Śrīparvata.
4-5. (Goddess) Gaurī in the guise of (goddess) Śrī (Lakṣmī) did penance here. Lord Hari told her, who was doing penance, that she would attain salvation, and that hill will be known after her name as Śrīparvata. Hundred yojanas all along (the hill) would become greatly meritorious. Charity, penance, chants and ceremony done here all yield undiminishing merits.
6. Death at this place (conveys one) to the world of Śiva. This excellent sacred place yields everything. Lord Śiva sports here with his consort. (The demon) Hiraṇyakaśipu performed penance here and became mighty. The sages attained perfection here.