Chapter 60 - Greatness of Narāditya

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

The sages said:

1. O Sūta-nandana, earlier you had mentioned the deity Māhitthā. By whom was the deity installed? Do describe every thing without leaving anything.

Sūta said:

2-3. The Vidyā (divine power) named Śoṣaṇī was propitiated by Agastya. The great goddess was propitiated through Ātharvaṇa Mantra. Then the ocean was dried up by the noble-souled son of Mitra and Varuṇa. He addressed the goddess standing before.

4-7a. “Since Māhittha (?) has been adopted by you, everything is auspicious unto me. Therefore you will become the deity named Māhitthā. In the holy place of Camatkārapura you will get excellent adoration. One who is endowed with devotion and adores with the Ātharvaṇa Mantras, you who are stationed there, shall obtain prosperity always. Hence hasten to that excellent city along with me. Be present there for ever in order to protect Brāhmaṇas.”

7b. It was thus that the excellent deity Māhitthā happened to manifest there.

8. This mountain that had been moving was rendered immobile by that deity. It was here, O excellent Brāhmaṇas, that the mountain was pierced by Skanda with his Śakti (Tri-dent) formerly.

9. Another deity named Narāditya was installed by Nara. One who visits him on the sixth lunar day coinciding with a Sunday is liberated from sins.

10. Like Arjuna, he will never suffer defeat from enemies. A sick man is rid of his ailments. Poor people will attain wealth.

11. Similarly, O excellent Brāhmaṇas one who visits Lord Janārdana who lifted up the mountain Govardhana there, on the first day in the bright half of the month of Kārttika, will have many cows devoid of ailments.

12. Lord Hari himself directly in the guise of the Man-lion and Vināyaka, the bestower of all desires and the remover of all obstacles, was installed by Arjuna.

13. One who devoutly worships him on the fourth lunar day through sweetmeats and other foodstuffs shall be liberated from all obstacles. He will get desired benefit. O excellent Brāhmaṇas, he is stationed there for the welfare of leading Brāhmaṇas.

14. One who worships him through Ātharvaṇa Mantras on the twelfth lunar day in the bright half of the month of Kārttika attains the greatest goal.

15-16. O excellent Brāhmaṇas, both the deities Nara and Nārāyaṇa are present there. One who is greatly rediant and visits them devoutly and worships them on the twelfth day, attains the highest place devoid of old age and death.

17. O excellent Brāhmaṇas, Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) who undertook his pilgrimage came to the holy place of Hāṭakeśvara.

18. On seeing that sacred holy spot full of many excellent Tīrthas, he installed Āditya in a very charming mansion (temple).

19. Lords Nara and Nārāyaṇa were installed afterwards in front of him (i.e. Āditya). Similarly the Lord holding the mountain Govardhana was also installed.

20. Another deity was also installed by him with great faith, namely Narasiṃha. Thus the son of Kuntī established five shrines.

21. Then he summoned all the Brāhmaṇas hailing from that city, gave them ample cash and spoke after duly bowing to them with devotion:

22. “The Sun-god, the destroyer of all ailments, has been installed by me and entrusted to you all. It is your duty always to look after the shrine.

The Brāhmaṇa said:

23. O excellent one among the sons of Pāṇḍu, do go home with full confidence. All of us will carry out what is conducive to what is good for you.

24. Thereupon Arjuna was delighted. He gave much wealth to them. He took leave of them, bowed to them and went to his city.

Sūta said:

25. Thus everything concerning the greatness of Narāditya has been narrated to you, O excellent Brāhmaṇas. It destroys the sins of the listeners.