Chapter 221 - The Greatness of Haṃseśvara (haṃsa-īśvara-tīrtha)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Note: In order to explain the name Haṃseśvara the legend of the curse of Brahmā to his vehicle swan for his desertion and Brahmā’s guidance to expiate sin of desertion by installing a Liṅga on the bank of Revā, is narrated.

Śrī Mārkaṇḍeya said:

1-6. Thereafter, O great king, a person should go to an excellent Tīrtha named Haṃseśvara on the southern bank of Revā within two Krośas (4 miles=6 kms.) from Mātṛtīrtha. It is meritorious and destructive of mental depression.

Formerly, Haṃsa, son of one of Dakṣa’s daughters born in the family of Kaśyapa, performed a great penance and became the vehicle of Brahmā.

Once, without any direction from Brahmā, he became too impetuous. O Yudhiṣṭhira, he was attacked by Śivagaṇas. He fled away in the course of the destruction of Dakṣa’s Yajña. Without bearing Vidhi (Brahmā) he became a deserter and ran away. Even when remembered by Brahmā, the bird did not come to him. So Brahmā cursed him and dismissed him from his office.

Knowing himself to be cursed, Haṃsa (Swan) hurriedly approached Brahmā, the grandfather, bowed down to him and requested:

Haṃsa said:

7-16. It does not behove you to curse me born of brutish womb. It is but natural in the case of brutes that the mind is devoid of discrimination. Still, O Lord, granting that I am a sinner, that I deserted you, the master, O Pitāmaha, I shall tell you how it happened. I became frightened when the fierce attendants of Śarva rushed at me suddenly. In my fright, I left you and fled. Even now, O Lord, I see the cause of fear before me. That was why, even on being remembered by you, I did not come to you.

Śrī Mārkaṇḍeya said:

Saying this to the Creator, Haṃsa heaved sighs in a wretched manner worshipping him through the eyes (reverential glance): “O Lord, save, save me, the sinning brute of deluded mind fallen in front of you. You are the only Lord, the author of the creation. All these objects of diverse types have been created by you. Indeed if I have been created by you in this manner, O Creator, it is verily your own fault.

None other than you is capable of cursing and blessing. Whom shall I then seek for refuge? I have been a slave but now dismissed from the service. O dear one, I deserve to be slapped with the palm of your hand. But save me, your devotee.

Vidyā and Avidyā (knowledge and ignorance) manifested themselves from you. So also Dharma and Adharma (piety and impiety), Sat and Asat (good and bad, existent and non-existent), Dyu and Niśā (day and night). You create the different aspects of the universe. Such a unique one I seek as refuge.

In view of your single and multifarious activities, you are single and also have many forms. You are devoid of activity as well as engaged in all activities. Hence I seek refuge in you.

Obeisance, obeisance to the most excellent one! Obeisance, obeisance to the bestower of boons! Obeisance to the creator and dispense! Obeisance, obeisance to one who is worthy of being the refuge!

O Lord, what can this speech of mine bereft of the essence of letters and learning offer by way of eulogy? What is my power? What is my knowledge? Forgive this utterance of mine.”

Śrī Mārkaṇḍeya said:

17-27. Even as Haṃsa was submitting this Brahmā, delighted in his mind, said: “You have been granted learning (knowledge), O bird, do not be sorry. Purify yourself through penance so that you will attain the end of the curse. By taking the holy bath render service unto Revā. After installing Maheśvara, you will attain your original status ere long.

The benefit of installing Śiva is the same as is attained after performing many Yajñas with the full complement of excellent monetary gifts and Dāna of crores of cows and gold.

By installing Śiva on the banks of Revā, one is rid of all sins whether he be slayer of a Brāhmaṇa, imbiber of liquor, thief of gold or defiler of the bed of preceptor.

Hence, by installing the Three-eyed Lord on the banks of Bharga-sarit (Revā) you shall be rid of all faults and attain the excellent office.”

On being told thus by Brahmā, the excellent bird became delighted and contented. Saying “Yes, so be it” he hurried to the excellent banks of Narmadā.

After performing austerities for some time, he installed Śaṅkara after his own name, the excellent Haṃseśvara, O excellent descendant of Bharata. By adoring this deity, the most excellent bird attained the greatest position.

O Yudhiṣṭhira, one should go to the Haṃseśvara Tīrtha, take the holy bath and worship Parameśāna. He is rid of sins.

By eulogizing the Lord with thorough concentration of mind, one can avert wretchedness.

O excellent descendant of Bharata, by performing Śrāddha, offering a lamp and feeding Brāhmaṇas to the extent of one’s capacity, one is honoured in Svargaloka.

O son of Kuntī, a person should adore Śiva once or thrice a day and make gift of a recently calved cow to an excellent Brāhmaṇa. He is honoured in Śivaloka for sixty thousand years.