Chapter 173 - The Greatness of Śuddheśvara (śuddha-īśvara-tīrtha)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Note: The story of Brahmā’s head sticking to Śiva’s hand is repeated elsewhere in Skandapurāṇa. The credit of freeing Śiva’s hand from the skull is given to different Tīrthas in different Purāṇas. Here the author of Revā Khaṇḍa gives the credit to Śuddheśvara Tīrtha on Narmadā.

Śrī Mārkaṇḍeya said:

1-5. Thereafter, O great king, a person should go to the highly splendid Tīrtha that destroys all the sins, on the southern bank of Narmadā.

It is well known as Siddheśvara (Śuddheśvara) and is destructive of great sins.

It was here that Maheśvara, the Lord of Devas, attained great sanctity. Earlier, O son of Kuntī, the Trident-bearing Lord of Devas had incurred the sin of Brāhmaṇa-slaughter.

Formerly Brahmā, the grandfather of the worlds, had five heads. For some reason, a lie had been uttered by him.

On hearing it, Parameśvara became furious with him immediately. The Lord then cut off his head with his Fingers (nails). The severed head stuck to his hand and never dropped down. Thereupon the Lord of the chiefs of Devas roamed all over the earth.

6-15. Then he went to Vārāṇasī and the head dropped down there. Although the skull fell down, the Sin of Brāhmaṇa-slaughter did not leave him.

Thereupon, Maheśvara, the Lord of Devas, went to the oceans in the east, south, west and north. He wandered over all the Tīrthas. Still the Sin of Brāhmaṇa-slaughter did not leave him.

The Lord reached the excellent Tīrtha on the southern bank of Narmadā. After reaching Kulakoṭi, the self-possessed Lord uttered the prayers. After performing the expiatory rites, he became free from sins.

Then Maheśvara, the Lord of Devas, became rid of all evils. Granting that holy spot to Devas, the Lord vanished there itself.

Ever since then, the Tīrtha was glorified as Śuddharudra. It became well-reputed as the greatest eradicator of the Sin of Brāhmaṇa-slaughter in all the three worlds.

One should duly take his holy bath every month on the new-moon day and in the bright half, O Yudhiṣṭhira, and offer libations to the Pitṛs and Devatās. He should offer a ball of rice to the Pitṛs with the self duly purified, O king. The Pitṛs will become pleased with him for twelve years.

By adoring Parameśvara named Śuddheśvara by means of sweet scents, incense, lights and other things one is honoured in Śivaloka.

Thus, O king, the excellent Śuddharudra has been recounted to you in the manner it was heard by me from the Tridentbearing Lord. One is rid of all sins and one goes to Rudra Loka.