Chapter 25 - The Greatness of Sarasvatī

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Note: Out of the six different rivers with the name Sarasvatì (De 180-181), the river mentioned here is the Prācī Sarasvatì near Prabhāsa (see vv 11-16).

Sūta said:

1. I shall describe to you the greatness of another holy spot

and how Sarasvatì was brought to Dharmāraṇya from Satyaloka.

2-6a. The sages saw Mārkaṇḍeya seated comfortably, attended by great sages. He had the brilliance akin to that of the midday sun. He was an expert in all scriptures. He had the power of all the holy spots. He was divine by nature. He was the most excellent of all sages.

He was in Yogic absorption. He was blessed, revered and firm in performing holy vows. He was Yoga incarnate. He was extremely quiescent. He held a Kamaṇḍalu (waterpot), and a rosary. He was reputed to be alive even at the end of the Kalpa. He was unperturbed and wise. He was steady. He had the lustre of Pitāmaha (Brahmā). He was engaged in meditation. His eyes were fully blossomed with delight. The sages bowed to him and eulogized him.

The sages said:

6b-9. O holy lord, at the time of the Sattra lasting for twelve years in the Naimiṣa forest, the river, Brahmā’s daughter, had been brought down to the earth in the same manner as Gaṅgā was brought down to the earth there itself.

Formerly in front of Śaunaka, the sage and Kulapati, legends were being sung. At that time, Sage Sūta had announced this, even as others were listening. On hearing that great narrative, this has been impressed in our mind that it is destructive of sins and the mother (generator) of merits in all living beings, even at a mere sight.

Mārkaṇḍeya said:

10. O Brāhmaṇas, Sarasvatī was brought to Dharmāraṇya from Satyaloka by me. It was brought to Mountain Surekha so that it would be a refuge to those who seek asylum.

11-16. On the meritorious twelfth day of the bright half in the month of Bhādrapada, one should cause the offering of oblations etc. (to the Pitṛs) on that sacred place Dvārāvatī which is resorted to by sages and Gandharvas. One (thereby) obtains unending merit offered by Pitṛs. This great legend is destructive of sins. It yields merit.

The water of Sarasvatī is holier than all holy things and is annihilator of great sins. It is the most auspicious among auspicious things and merit-yielding. What is there high up (in heaven) which is not in the waters at Prabhāsa? The water of Sarasvatī removes the sin of Brāhmaṇa-slaughter of all men.

Men who take their bath in Sarasvatī and propitiate the Manes and the deities, will have no further occasion to offer balls of rice or to suck the breast (of any woman).

Just as the wish-yielding cows are the bestowers of desired benefits, so also Sarasvatī is the sole means of attaining heaven and salvation.