The Skanda Purana
by G. V. Tagare | 1950 | 2,545,880 words
This page describes Greatness of Mahodaya which is chapter 327 of the English translation of the Skanda Purana, the largest of the eighteen Mahapuranas, preserving the ancient Indian society and Hindu traditions in an encyclopedic format, detailling on topics such as dharma (virtous lifestyle), cosmogony (creation of the universe), mythology (itihasa), genealogy (vamsha) etc. This is the three hundred twenty-seventh chapter of the Prabhasa-kshetra-mahatmya of the Prabhasa Khanda of the Skanda Purana.
Chapter 327 - Greatness of Mahodaya
[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]
Īśvara said:
1-3. Thereafter, a pilgrim should go to the holy spot Mahodaya situated to the north-east thereof (i.e. Mahākāla.).
The devotee should take his holy bath there in accordance with the injunctions and perform the rites of libation to the Pitṛs and Devatās.
He need not be afraid of the defects (sins) due to the acceptance of gifts. Mahodaya is that holy spot that gives great delight to the Brāhmaṇas devoted to acceptance of gifts. It bestows salvation on those attached to worldly pleasures too. Hence it is well-known as Mahodaya.
4. O great goddess, for the purpose of according protection to it, the Mothers have been posted. They are stationed to the north of Mahākāla. A man should have his holy bath there and worship the Mothers at the outset.
5. Thus, O goddess, the great prosperity of Mahodaya has been spoken by me. It is destructive of all the sins of men. It grants salvation to one who performs holy bath therein.
6. That holy spot is circular all round to the extent of half a Krośa. The centre thereof is of great importance. It is a favourite of sages always.