Chapter 58 - Greatness of Śiva Gaṅgā

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Sūta said:

1-4. After installing the four deities of great merit, Gāṅgeya (Bhīṣma) installed Gaṅgā of triple path in the Kūpikā (holy well) to the east of Śivaliṅga.

The highly esteemed one then joyously honoured the excellent Brāhmaṇas and said:

“A person who takes his holy bath in this and visits me shall become liberated from all sins and go to Śivaloka. Similarly a man who makes his solemn oath untrue (i.e. breaks it) will go to Yama’s abode quickly.”

5. After saying this, Bhīṣma, the highly esteemed grandfather of Kurus, became extremely delighted and went to his city

Sūta said:

6. There was a boy born of a Śūdra and named Pauṇḍraka. During childhood, he used to play day and night.

7-8. Jokingly a friend’s book was stolen by him. On being asked by his friends, Pauṇḍraka said: “It has not been taken away by me. The book should have been well pondered by you all with great endeavour. Look out for it somewhere here.”

9. Taking his bath in the waters of Gaṅgā solemn oaths were taken by him. (Later) when he ceased to be a wicked fellow the book that had been stolen was returned by him.

10. Again he cracked many charming jokes with him. Then he became a leper and immediately he became a despicable person.

11. He was abandoned by all the kinsmen and even by beloved wives. Thereupon he became dejected and he committed suicide by hurling himself down from the precipice.

12. By its power he became rid of leprosy. That person indulging in jokes became mute due to the fault of the theft of the scriptural text.

13. Hence, O Brāhmaṇas, in front of this deity, even the slightest solemn oath should not be taken by one who wishes for his own happiness, even a jocular vein.