Chapter 68 - The Greatness of Dhanada

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Śrī Mārkaṇḍeya said:

1-11. Then one should go to the Tīrtha of Dhanada, O Yudhiṣṭhira. It is on the southern bank of Narmadā and it causes the destruction of all sins. There is no doubt about this that the benefit of all the Tīrthas is obtained there.

A person with the sense-organs under control should observe fast with great devotion on the thirteenth day in the bright half of the month of Caitra and keep awake at night.

A wise man should bathe Dhanada with Pañcāmṛta, O great king. A Dīpa (lamp) supplied with ghee should be given. Arrangement for vocal and instrumental music should be made. Desirous of the welfare of himself, he should adore Brāhmaṇas in the morning. They should be persons deserving Pratigraha (religious gift) and expounders of the principles of various lores. They must be persons regularly performing rites enjoined in Śrauta and Smārta Texts. They should be indifferent towards the wives of others. They should be adored with gifts of cows, gold, garments, shoes, foodstuffs, umbrellas and beds. All sins shall thus be destroyed. The sins acquired in the course of three births shall be destroyed by the power of Dhanada. It is the giver of heavenly pleasures to the arrogant and salvation to the humble. It shall give food to the poor in every birth. Destruction of misery and birth in a good family shall be had naturally by the man.

By resorting to the waters of Narmadā, there shall be destruction of ailments. He who imparts Vidyā (learning) at the Tīrtha of Dhanada attains Bhāskara Loka (world of the Sun) which is free of all ailments.

Those who arrange a large procession of idols in accordance with their capacity, O son of Pāṇḍu, on the southern bank of Revā, go to the world of Śaṅkara bereft of all miseries.