Chapter 213 - Efficacy of Kuhara-vāsi-Sāṃbāditya

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Sūta said:

1-4. This greatness of Ratnāditya has been spoken to you all. It is destructive of all leprous ailments and all sins. Let a further instance of the greatness of Ravi be listened to.

Formerly there was a certain Brāhmaṇa afflicted with the disease of leprosy. O excellent Brāhmaṇas, staying there he propitiated the Sun-god.

He came to the south-eastern side and made an icon (idol) of the Sun of red sandalwood with the mind sanctified.

Then at the end of a thousand years Divākara was pleased with him. Appearing before him, he said, “I shall grant a boon to you.”

The Brāhmaṇa said:

5. O Lord, if you are pleased, cure the sickness due to leprosy. I have no other purpose, not even of the kingdom of heaven.

Śrī Bhagavān said:

6. On the seventh lunar day coinciding with a Sunday take your holy bath in the splendid and auspicious whirlpool, O Brāhmaṇa, and make one hundred eight circumambulations with fruits held in your hand. Then you will be rid of leprosy.

7. Any other man of the earth who performs this Vrata shall be rid of all ailments and will attain my world.

8. [Śrī Sūrya Uvāca.^[1]] On hearing it the Brāhmaṇa did so with perfect faith. He became rid of leprosy and attained a divine physical form.

9. Lord Ravi (Sun) said again to him when he was rid of the ailments: “O excellent Brāhmaṇa, what other thing pleasing to you shall I carry out?”

10. He said, “O Lord, you always stay here (permanently).”

Śrī Bhagavān said:

11. Henceforth my stay will be in this holy place by the name Kuharavāsa. That will be my designation.

12. Once upon a time, O excellent Brāhmaṇas, there was a son of Viṣṇu (i.e. Śrī Kṛṣṇa) named Sāmba born of Jāṃbavatī. He was richly endowned with handsomeness,

13-14. He caused excitement among all women, even mothers, O Brāhmaṇas. When the excellent scion of the family of Yadus went along the highway the women of the city used to look at him with great delight and eagerness. They used to set aside all their domestic chores and come to the windows.

15-18. They were extremely interested in looking at him whose body was similar to that of Kāma. Some of them might have smeared the unguents only partially over their bodies. Some had applied collyrium only to one of the eyes. Others had tied their tresses of hairs very loose (partially). Still others had abandoned their children. Some rushed (to the windows) having woven a shoe on one foot and a sandal on the second. The beautiful women thus ran about. In the case of some other women who rushed to the windows, children and elders getting furious began to shout at them. Their minds were agitated as the knots of their clothes became loose.

19-21. Still those excellent ladies rushed towards the windows. With the rays from his eyes falling on them he pulled their hearts to the ground as it were. He was such a young man on a par with Lord Kāma.

On seeing the beautifull form of Sāṃba, a certain beautiful woman felt her limbs scorched with (the fever of) love. She stood motionless (looking at him) as if she was painted in a picture.

22. After seeing him richly endowed with handsome features and youthful form some fell down from the windows (of the upper storey) and lay unconscious on the ground.

23. Other excellent women said to one another, “Only that woman is blessed who has embraced him.”

24-26. Throughout the nights in the month of Māgha not only women but even men sat down incessantly talking unrestrictedly such things. They were all surprised at his handsomeness. Others said: “We will (gladly) serve him without any remuneration. Thereby, we can always see his Moon-like face. The elongation of his eyes is undoubtedly restricted by his ears. Otherwise we cannot even imagine how large they would be.”

27. Viewed at like this by women and men, he passed through the main street as he was very eager to meet his father.

28. His sisters, mothers, brother’s wives—all these and even the ladies of Brāhmaṇa household, came to (attained) such a plight, even his mother’s and sisters especially.

29. It was on another day in the rainy season (that this happened) at nightfall. The fortnight was the dark one fully enveloped in darkness. Even what was in front of one could not be seen distinctly.

30. His (step) mother named Nandinī was extremely afflicted by the arrows of Kāmadeva. She assumed the guise of his wife and lay on his couch.

31. Sāṃba thought that it was his own beloved and enjoyed the lady thoroughly with diverse kinds of sexual dalliances effectively carried on with unbelievable eagerness.

32-33. The excellent scion of the Yadu family (Sāṃba) began to ponder thus, ‘The daughter of the king of Aṅga is dearer to me than even my vital breath. She too is not capable of such coitus as has been displayed by this lady. Even courtesans do not know such methods at all.’

34. Then he held in hand firmly and brought a lamp instantly and beheld. Oh, it was his mother who was remembered (by the name) Nandini [Nandinī?].

35. Then he censured her: “Fie upon you, O sinful woman! What is this that has been committed by you? It is despised by all the people. It is conducive only to distress in hell.”

36. She was overcome with shame and agitated through fear. She disappeared (in darkness) in a moment in the height of her fear.

37. Sāṃba lamented in distress. He could not sleep at all. The rest of the night appeared like a hundred years.

38. When the night passed off and the solar disc came up, the son of Hari got up with great grief still harassing him.

39. He eschewed all essential routine activities and summoned an excellent Brāhmaṇa conversant with the injunctions of the scriptural texts. He then said to him:

40-41. He spoke to him secretly with great humility with palms joined in reverence.

Sāṃba said:

If one indulges in sexual intercourse with one’s mother, sister or daughter, how can one regain purity? Tell me the complete truth after poring over all the scriptural texts in due order.

The Brāhmaṇa said:

42. O dear one, expiatory rite has been laid down in all the scriptural texts, the repositories of Dharma. They are of diverse kinds in the case of (contact) with another woman.

43. Expiatory rites have been proclaimed in the case of these three women and the three men involved for the sake of purity.

44. O scion of the family of Yadu, after indulging in sexual union with one’s mother, sister or daughter inadvertently, sensible persons should perform purificatory rites.

For the sake of purity one Tiṅginī rite (see vv 48-53) should be performed. I do not know anything else.

45. In all the scriptural texts this decision has been cited, which I have proclaimed. O leading Yādava, nothing else.

46. On being asked, if anyone mentions any other expiatory rite as he pleases, he shall incur sin like that of the perpetrator himself.

Sāṃba said:

47. O excellent Brāhmaṇa, tell me the nature and details of this Tiṅginī rite in full. I have an interest therein.

The Brāhmaṇa said:

48. O Yādava (descendant of Yadu), one should fill a deep pit of one’s own size with cowḍung powder upto one^:s own face and stand therein.

49. The cowdung particles are to be strewn, above the head too avoiding the face.

50. Thereafter, it should be set on fire at the region of the foot (of the person undergoing expiation) and the fire should burn slowly.

51. The person standing there should not move his limbs at all. Nor should be cry aloud. He must meditate on Janārdana.

52. When the life becomes extinct, the body is purified.

53. The nature of Tiṅginī has been explained by me. A due performance of this expiatory rite is destructive of great sins.

54. On hearing his words, Sāṃba, the son of Jāmbavatī, resolved in his mind that he would perform the expiatory rite of Tiṅginī.

55-61. In an isolated place he spoke to Vāsudeva with contemptuous feelings of hatred (about himself): “O father, I have been deceived by Nandinī, your wife. The sinful woman adopted the guise of my wife. When there was darkness all round she was (carnally) approached by me thinking that it was my own wife.

I came to know the truth through her movements. I censured her and let her off. Ever since then there have appeared the spots of leprosy on my body.

A certain excellent Brāhmaṇa conversant with scriptural texts was asked by me, ‘Tell me the expiatory rite for the sin of (carnally) approaching one’s mother.’

He said that due performance of Tiṅginī is conducive to my purity. I shall perform it to get redemption from that sin.

Grant me the permission soon so that I can begin (expiatory) procedure. Whatever misdeed have been committed by me during childhood should be exonerated. Do something so that my mother (Jāṃbavatī) should not feel sorry.

62. On hearing his words like a blow of thunderbolt, Hari became grief-stricken. His eyes were filled with tears and he spoke in faltering words:

63. “O son, this has not been committed by you deliberately. Since it has not been done knowingly the sin is but little.

64. Only that sin which has been committed knowingly will have everlasting effect, if the king does not restrain him or punish him.

65. Hence, I shall tell you the requisite expiation for the sake of gaining purity, so that your leprosy will be dispelled, O highly esteemed one. I shall tell you what Dana you have to offer.

66. All the statements of sages are either conditional or unconditional. Some are uttered, some are prohibited and some are re-iterated.

67. Hence in this matter, O my son, carry out my instructions. Great welfare will befall you in this world as well as hereafter.

68. In the holy spot of Hāṭakeśvara there is the well-known deity Mārtaṇḍa (Sun) installed by Viśvāmitra. The deity is well-known and is destructive of all leprous ailments.

69-71. In the bright half of the ṃonth of Mādhava, on the seventh lunar day coinciding with a Sunday and the constellation Pitṛdaivatya (‘having Pitṛs as the presiding deity’ i.e. Maghā) at sunrise a person must make one hundred eight circumambulations with the mind sanctified by faith. He should have with him excellent fruits severally according to the number of circumamblations. Undoubtedly his leprosy will vanish.

72. He who has become free from ailments and made as many circumambulations will be honoured in the world of the Sun for as many Yugas as the number of circumambulations be makes.

73. A man who makes his circumambulations on a Sunday and bows down with great devotion shall also be rid of ailments.

74. Hence, O great king (?) do propitiate Lord Bhāskara in accordance with the procedure which I have mentioned in full to you.

75. Propitiate him quickly with your mind free from confusion, and with the riddance of ailments and sins, you will attain a divine body.

76. Do not feel distressed over the fell disease of leprosy as long as the Lord designated as Kuharāśraya is stationed in that holy spot.”

77. Then, on hearing his words, the son of Viṣṇu (Sāṃba) set off.

Sūta said:

78. On hearing these words of the Discus-bearing Lord of Devas, Sāṃba made up his mind to go to Arbuda (en route to Hāṭakeśvara).

79. Then, on an auspicious day, that son of Viṣṇu set off surrounded by an army and fully accompanied by elephants, horses and chariots.

80. He was followed for a long distance by Kṛṣṇa unwearied in his actions and all the mothers with eyes filled with tears.

81. (He was followed by) the heroic Balabhadra, the intelligent Cārudeṣṇa, Yuyudhāna, Aniruddha and the wise Pradyumna.

82. Thereupon, seeing her own son proceeding ahead towards the holy Tīrtha, Jāṃbavatī began her lamentations like a female osprey.

83. “Alas! I am doomed. I am ruined. I am unfortunate and deficient in luck. My only son has been reduced to this condition?”

84-85. On seeing her lamenting thus, Madhusūdana said: “Why do you indulge in inauspicious acts even as he is setting out? Your eyes are filled with tears. You are distressed and your tresses are dishevelled. He will come back to you once again, rid of all his ailments, free from leprosy and fully endowed with the benefit of his pilgrimage.”

86. In the meantime Sāṃba hurriedly got down from his vehicle and went to the spot where Jāṃbavatī was standing.

87. Delighted in his heart, he bowed to her and stood with palms joined in reverence. After bowing down he laughed and spoke these words:

88. “O mother, do not feel distressed in vain on my account. I will return soon concluding my pilgrimage.”

Jāṃbavatī said:

89. O my dear son, may all the sylvan deities protect you in the forest from all beasts of prey, vampires, and wicked ones all round.

90. May Govinda protect your head. May Madhusūdana protect your neck (throat). May Hṛṣīkeśa protect your hands. May the Slayer of Daityas protect your heart (chest).

91. May Puṇḍarīkāṣa protect your stomach. May Gadādhara protect your hips. May Kṛṣṇa protect the pair of your knees; May Dharaṇīdhara protect your feet.

92. Thus (as per Nyāsa procedure) she touched the different limbs with her own hand, embraced him and repeatedly sniffed at his head.

93. The renowned lady then bade farewell to her son for whom she had prayed for adequate protection. Then she returned with all the members of Antaḥpura (Inner Apartment).

94. She was miserable, tears welling up in her eyes. She heaved sighs like a hissing serpentess. So also was Lord Viṣṇu along with all the Yādavas.

95. After bidding farewell to Sāṃba, he reentered the city of Dvārakā keeping Balabhadra at the head. His eyes were filled with tears.

96. He entered the city along with his sons, grandsons, friends and kinsmen. O excellent Brāhmaṇas, Sāṃba set out from Dvārakā.

97. In due course, he reached the confluence of the rivers and the ocean where the deity Yogīśvara had been installed by Aṃbarīṣa.

98. Lord Viṣṇu, the destroyer of the sins of all creatures still stands there (as Yogīśvara deity). The scion of the Yadu family took his holy bath and worshipped Yogīśvara.

99. Then he offered various gifts to the Brāhmaṇas as well as others, the distressed, the blind and the miserable ones, according to his capacity.

100. The son of Harī gave away whatever is desired by any one such as vehicles, jewels and clothes. He stayed there for three nights with great concentration.

101. Then he went to the hermitage of Cyavana, where Viṣṇu had been installed by Cyavana.

102. The deity that is destructive of all sins is on the sacred banks of Sinḍhu. There too the Yādava offered gifts to the most important Brāhmaṇas.

103. He gave them every thing that they desired and expressed so. The gift was made in accordance with the rules laid down in the scriptural texts. There too, Sāṃba stayed with perfect continence and faith.

104. He halted there for three nights and took regular baths in the auspicious waters of Sindhu. Then he started slowly towards the holy spots beginning with Puṣkara.

105. He continued the journey incessantly meditating on Lord Puṣkaravāsin. The most excellent one among the descendants of Yadu reached Puṣkara in due course.

106. He took his holy bath in the meritorious waters of the Kuṇḍa and offered libations to the Pitṛs and Devas. On a Sunday coinciding with Saptamī, he took fruits with him and went to the place where the deity mentioned by Viṣṇu (Kṛṣṇa) was present.

107. He devoutly worshipped Lord Kuharavāsin through garments, unguents, incenses and food offerings of various kinds.

108. Then he made the circumambulations slowly with fruits in his hands. Equipped with the greatest faith, he repeated the Sūryagāyatrī Mantra.

109. O excellent Brāhmaṇas, as he continued his circumambulations of Ravi, the disease of leprosy began to vanish.

110. There, O excellent Brāhmaṇas, in an instant this thought arose in the mind of the intelligent Sāṃba: ‘I am rid of the disease of leprosy without the least trace of doubt.’

111-112. Whatever had come there along with him in the form of elephants, horses, chariots and jewels he gave unto the Nāgaras entirely in addition to five villages granted by him. After installing Sāṃbāditya he started homewards.

113. Whatever few things remained (after giving gifts to Nāgaras), he gifted away devoutly to the Sūryavipras^[2] (Brāhmaṇas devoutly worshipping Sun-god) after adoring Divākara.

114. Sāṃba went home after giving away eight thousand horses, three hundred elephants and six hundred chariots yoked with fast horse as well as an indefinite number of precious stones.

115. If anyone devoutly reads this excellent narrative of Sāṃba or listens to it, no one in his family will be afflicted with leprosy.

Sūta said:

116. Thus has been fully described to you the excellent fourth Tīrtha of Viśvāmitra, the meritorious Tīrtha causing welfare unto women too.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

This—Sūrya uvāca—is wrongly printed in the text. It should be deleted.

[2]:

This probably refers to Maga Brahmins, the traditional worshippers of the Sun-god.