Chapter 91 - Creation of Agni Tīrtha

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Note: The story of Agni cursing the animals detailed in vv. 25-45 of the last chapter is found in Mahābhārata, Anuśāsana 85.28-40.

Sūta said:

1-3. After saying thus and consoling Fire-god who was angry, O excellent Brāhmaṇas, Lord Pitāmaha stopped.

Then he went to Brahmaloka along with all the Suras including Śakra, Viṣṇu and Śiva. The Devas went to their region.

Pāvaka stationed himself in the Agnihotras of leading Brāhmaṇas. He duly accepted the Havis issuing from Vasordhārā.

4. It was thus that the excellent Agnitīrtha originated there. A man who takes his holy bath there in morning is rid of the sins accrued that day.

5. On seeing those Devas set off to their abodes, those leading elephant, parrot and frog spoke in their great misery:

6. “O leading Suras, was have been cursed by Pāvaka because of you. Hence think about the means for restoring our tongues.”

The Devas said:

7. O excellent elephant, though your tongue as in the case of others is inverted, it shall be especially efficient in its work. There is no doubt about it.

8. Further, all of you residing in the palaces of leading kings will be honoured duly and you will eat sweet food in plenty.

9. O parrot, though your tongue has been made dull by Havirbhuj (Fire-god), still it shall be worthy of the praise of kings.

10. Further, with our favour, you shall be worthy of the praise of other rich and glorious persons too.

O frog, though you have been rendered devoid of a tongue by Vahni, your croaking voice shall be long and loud.

11. After saying thus and blessing them sympathetically the Devas proceeded to their abode.