Chapter 197 - The Greatness of Mūlasthāna Tīrtha

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Śrī Mārkaṇḍeya said:

1-11. Next to that, one should go to the excellent Sūrya Tīrtha which is well known as Mūlasthāna (the original holy spot).

It is a splendid shrine established by the Lotus-born Deity. The goddess was told by Mūlaśrīpati, “Instal Bhāskara.” On hearing what was told by the Lord, the goddess installed Bhāskara.

It is mentioned as ‘Bhāskara designated Mūlasthāna’ on the banks of Narmadā.

A man who controls his mind, takes his holy bath there in the Tīrtha, offers libations of water and rice-balls to Pitṛs and deities and thereafter visits Mūlasthāna attains the greatest goal. A special feature there has been heard by me.

It is a greater than the greatest secret. I heard it in the assembly of sages from the Moon-crested Lord Śaṅkara.

On the seventh lunar day, the Mūla constellation or Sunday, a devotee should go to the river Revā, take the holy bath in the waters, propitiate Devas and Pitṛs and offer Dāna in accordance with his capacity, O most excellent one among the descendants of Bharata.

He should carry on the adoration with Karavīra flowers and the water of red sandal-paste. He should instal Bhāskara devoutly and in accordance with the injunctions.

Then he should fumigate with incense along with Aguru (agallochum) and Kundara grass in particular. The Lord of the chiefs of Devas is adored with incenses and lights should be kindled illuminating the ten quarters.

He should observe fast and keep awake at night, and there should be a special arrangement for vocal and instrumental music. If this is performed, O Lord of the earth, he shall never be a victim of acute misery.

O excellent king, he will stay in Sūryaloka for a period of three hundred Kalpas and he will be served and attended upon by Gandharvas and celestial damsels there.