Chapter 115 - The Greatness of Aṅgāraka Tīrtha

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Śrī Mārkaṇḍeya said:

1-11. Thereafter, O great king, a person should go to the great Aṅgāraka Tīrtha that accords handsome features to all people. It is situated on the banks of Narmadā and is well-known.

It is said, O great king, that penance was performed by Aṅgāraka (Mars) for millions, billions and trillions of years. Thereupon, Mahādeva was pleased and was filled with great compassion. Appearing before him in person directly, the Lord spoke to the son of Earth (i.e. Mars):

“O blessed one, I am the bestower of boon even if it be very difficult for even Devas. O dear one, tell me. What has been desired by you. I shall grant you that boon.”

Aṅgāraka (Mars) said:

O Lord of Devas, O great Lord of all the worlds, with your favour, I shall always move about in the Firmament amidst the Planets. Let this boon be of everlasting benefit to me as long as Mountain Meru exists in the world, as long as the Moon and the Sun shine and as long as the rivers and oceans flourish.

After granting the excellent boon saying “Let it be so”, the Lord of Devas went away through the sky even as Suras and Asuras made obeisance to him.

The Son of Earth (Mars) installed Śaṅkara there and went to heaven. He was allotted the status of a Planet in the (stellar) world.

He who takes his holy bath there in the Tīrtha, worships Parameśvara, and performs Homa, with anger well under control, shall obtain the benefit of a horse-sacrifice.

He who takes his holy bath there on the Aṅgāraka Caturthī day (Tuesday coinciding with the fourth lunar day) and worships Planet Mars duly, shall be in the Aṅgāraka region extending over ten Yojanas and be endowed with a comely form. The creature that dies there itself willingly or unwillingly, shall become an attendant of Rudra and rejoice along with him.