Chapter 15 - The Glory of Śaṅkarāditya

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Note: The name of the Tīrtha [i.e., Śaṅkaravāpikā] suggests the joint presence of the Sun-god and Śiva in the Śaṅkaravāpī. A strange incident shows that it is Śiva who asks for a boon from the Sun-god (vv 9-12). It appears to be originally a Solar Tīrtha.

Sanatkumāra said:

1. Listen, O Vyāsa. This great Tīrtha named Śaṅkaravāpikā is the excellent Tīrtha created by the Lord while sporting about.

2. The water used for washing the skull was poured down by the Lord of Devas. It is made to form a tank. Hence it is (called) Śaṅkaravāpikā.

3-4. On the eighth day coinciding with a Sunday, a person should perform bath in four quarters (corners) and internal sub-quarters and in the middle of the tank. He should give nine bowls filled with Haviṣya food. He should give greens, roots etc. to Brāhmaṇas. Listen to the meritorious benefit thereof.

5. Whatever worlds there are full of all living beings, here and hereafter, he goes over there and enjoys excellent prosperity.

6. Those men who proclaim the greatness (of this Tīrtha) are worthy of being worshipped in Rudraloka too. They transcend the future. Obeisance to them always.

Sanatkumāra said:

7. Thereupon the Lord of the chiefs of Devas, the Pināka-wielding and the bull-emblemed Lord, remained pure and eulogized Divākara (the Sun), the Lord of Devas.

8. The delighted Lord of day (the Sun) came and said to Śaṅkara:

Sūrya said:

9-12. Choose your boon, O Lord of goblins, I am the bestower of boons. I shall grant you a boon.

He said to him: “If you are the bestower of a boon, do what is being requested for. For the sake of the benefit of all living beings, be present here partially.” On hearing the words of Maheśvara, Ravi, the Sun-god descended there. At the instance of the powerful Śaṅkara, the Lord of all the Devas, the Sun-god became present there and became well-known under the name Śaṅkarāditya. He caused blessings unto all the worlds.

Devas, Daityas and Gandharvas along with Kinnaras were surprised and said:

13. “Lo, this place is blessed where the Slayer of the Three Puras is present. Bhāskara too is present here in the middle of the Tīrtha.”

14. Thereupon, all those delighted excellent Suras beginning with Brahmā adored the Lord of Devas, Śaṅkara as well as Āditya.

15-16. All those Devas assumed forms and descended there. Installing the splendid (idol of the deities) they said these words: “Men who take their holy bath here will never become miserable due to old age, death or griefs. By visiting Śaṅkarāditya here, one gets more benefit than the merit accruing from all the Yajñas and more than all the benefits of all Dānas.

17-19. They will never have mental anguish nor physical illness. They will never face poverty. Unequalled prosperity will be always enjoyed by them. O tiger among sages, by visiting Śaṅkarāditya, ailments are removed, poverty is dispelled and separation from kinsmen is averted. Thus the excellent and great region was established formerly by the Trident-armed Lord of Devas, by the name Śaṅkarāditya.