Chapter 92 - Greatness of Brahmakuṇḍa (Importance of Bhīṣma-pañcaka Vrata)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Sūta said:

1-5. Thus the greatness of Agnitīrtha has been narrated to you. Now the origin of Brahmakuṇḍa may be listened to, O Brāhmaṇas.

When Brahmā was installed by the noble-souled Mārkaṇḍa, a Kuṇḍa was also created there with crystal-clear water.

This was also proclaimed that in the month of Kārttika, when the Moon is in the constellation Kṛttikā a devotee should observe the Bhīṣmavrata properly, take his holy bath here in the auspicious waters and worship the Lotus-born Lord thereafter. Even if he is a Śūdra, he will attain Brāhmaṇa womb (i.e. will be reborn as a Brāhmaṇa) after casting off this body. A Brāhmaṇa who, after properly observing the Bhīṣmavrata, takes his holy bath there in the Kuṇḍa, will go to Brahmaloka.

6. Even as the excellent sage Mārkaṇḍeya was narrating thus, the entire speech was heard by a certain cowherd.

7. Then the Bhīṣmapañcaka Vrata was dully observed by him with great ardour and faith in the Month of Kārttika.

8. Thereafter on the full-Moon day when the Moon was in conjunction with Kṛttikā, he adored (at first) the Lotus-born Lord and afterwards Puruṣottama.

9. Then, as time passed on, he died, O Brāhmaṇas and he was reborn in this city itself in the house of a Brāhmaṇa. Endowed with great lustre, he gave his father and mother great pleasure. Further he could remember the previous birth too.

10-12. He grew prosperous thus in that excellent city. He entertained the same affection towards the father of the (previous) Śūdra birth as he had towards the parents (of this birth). The reborn Brāhmaṇa who was rich rendered all help to him and did everything approved by him. One day, as the span of life came to a close, the Śūdra father of the previous birth died.

13. The Brāhmaṇa son lamented much over this and performed all the rites due to the departed one without omitting anything. He had such a great devotion.

14. On noticing such an act on his part, he was asked by his father, mother, son and others (of this birth) out of curiosity:

15-16. “Why are you always extremely friendly to this lowborn cowherd although he seemed to expect nothing? Do tell us. Why did you perform the obsequies when he passed away? Kindly explain this entirely if it is not a great secret.”

17. On hearing their words he became slightly abashed. He told them, “Listen. I shall certainly narrate it.

18. In the previous birth, I was his duly honoured son dearer to him than his own life. I was well-versed in the art and craft of cattle-breeding.

19. Once, even as the great sage Mārkaṇḍa was speaking, I heard his statement referring to Brahmakuṇḍa:

20-21. ‘A man endowed with perfect faith, who observes the Bhīṣmapañcakavrata on the full-moon day in the month of Kārttika when the Moon is in conjunction with the Kṛttikā constellation, takes his holy bath here, visits Lord Pitāmaha and worships Janārdana shall become a Brāhmaṇa in the next birth even if he happens to be a Śūdra.’

22. That observance was done by me after taking the holy bath in the sacred Kuṇḍa in the month of Kārttika. Hence I was reborn as an excellent Brāhamaṇa.

25. I was born in the well-known family of Candrodaya, a Brāhmaṇa-sage. I could recollect the previous birth. Hence I became excessively affectionate towards that Śūdra too without [?any?] inhibition.

24. Therefore (even now) I fully realize and devoutly perform the excellent Bhīṣmapañcaka Vrata on the full-moon day in the month of Kārttika when there is the conjunction of the full-Moon with the Kṛttikā constellation.

Sūta said:

25. On hearing his words, they and other excellent Brāhmaṇas observed the Bhīṣmapañcaka Vrata with perfect ardour and faith.

26. Ever since then that Kuṇḍa became well-known as Brahmakuṇḍa all over the earth. It is situated on the northern side.

27. A Brāhmaṇa who always takes his holy bath there, is reborn as a leading Brāhmaṇa frequently.