Chapter 214 - The Greatness of Śrī Kapāla Tīrtha

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Śrī Mārkaṇḍeya said:

1-11. I shall recount the fourth great act of the Lord. Merely by listening to it, one is rid of all sins.

The lord wandered over the earth as a Kapālin (holder of a skull) wearing patched garments. He was surrounded by Piśācas, Rākṣasas, Dākinīs, and Yoginīs.

He assumed the form of a Bhairava and resorted to a cremation ground where he performed an elaborate penance causing freedom from fear to all the three worlds. He spent the Āṣāḍha month there. Hence his name Āṣāḍhī became well-known.

In another place, the Kanthā (patched garment) was left by Lord Parameṣṭhin, Ever since then, O great king, he is called Kantheśvara. By visiting him, one obtains the merit of a horse-sacrifice.

Then the Deva continued his spontaneous wanderings. He met a Balākāra (vendor of gum myrrh or the shoot of the plant). He was told by Hara: “O fair one, if you do not become angry with me now (I have a request). Fill (cover up) the Liṅga with Balā. I shall give you plenty of money.”

On being told thus by the Lord, the pedlar was deluded by covetousness. He fitted Balā to the Liṅgas. They were of high and medium quality. He went on filling till his stock was exhausted. On seeing the Liṅga still standing erect, he became worried.

On seeing him thus agitated, Parameśvara broke it into pieces and said laughingly: “My Liṅga was not filled. I shall go away if you consider it to be necessary (if you allow me). I shall give you the money if the Liṅga is filled-up.”

The Vaṇik (Pedlar) said:

12-18. I have not performed meritorious deeds. I am not blessed. O Parameśvara, I have to be bound over. Unable to do something pleasing to you, I will regret it for a long time.

On hearing these words of the son of a Vaṇīk [Vaṇik?], O descendant of Bharata, Maheśvara gave him inexhaustible wealth and stationed himself there.

Ever since then, O great king, the Liṅga stood there with a desire to bless the worlds. It appeared as though adorned with Balākās (Cranes) in order to give credence.

The path made by the Lord and well-established sportingly became well-known in all the three worlds as “Devamārga”. He who views this and worships it, is rid of all sins.

He who goes to Devamārga and worships Balākeśvara, reaches Pañcāyatana and goes to Rudraloka.

Men who die in Devamārga become purified souls. They do not come back again from Rudraloka.

O most excellent one among men, by listening devoutly to the greatness of Devamārga, one is rid of all sins. No hesitation need be felt in believing this.