Chapter 211 - Greatness of Śaṅkha Tīrtha

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Viśvāmitra said:

1. After describing the cause of (king’s) poverty as well as of the defect of the fell disease of leprosy of the king, Nārada, the excellent sage, spoke again:

2-10. “It is after knowing it through divine vision thus, that the entire cause of leprosy as well as of poverty has been described to you.

Now I shall tell you how your discomfiture resulted from (the attack of your) enemies as a sequel to the insult done unto the Brāhmaṇas.

Any Lord of Ānarta who is to be crowned here as king, first goes devoutly to the village of Nāgaras. This was contemplated by you, O king, but due to inadvertence, it was not done. The Brāhmaṇas who requested (for it) repeatedly were turned back. Due to anger, the charter of benefits offered to the Brāhmaṇas from the days of their fathers and grandfathers was ignored by you.

Therefore, you are faced with failure and defeat at the hands of enemies. Having realized this, O king, grant those charters to the Brāhmaṇas by way of restoration. What was forfeited should be restored.”

On hearing it, the king had his holy bath devoutly performed in Śaṅkha Tīrtha. He summoned those Brāhmaṇas through a Madhyaga. In front of the deity. Śaṅkhāditya, the king washed their feet and gave the noble-souled Nāgaras one hundred twenty-six Śāsanas (charters of benefit or grants).

11. In the meantime, with the favour of the Brāhmaṇas, all the enemies who were present there met with their death.

Viśvāmitra said:

12. Thus, O excellent one among kings, everything concerned with the power of Śaṅkha Tīrtha has been narrated to you. What more do you wish to hear?