Chapter 8 - Propitiation of Rudra by Brahmā

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

King Bhoja said:

1-2. O Lord Sārasvata, I have listened to the excellent (description of the) greatness of the holy place Vastrāpatha and also of the Raivataka mountain, especially of the water of Svarṇarekhā. Now I desire to listen to the creation of the holy place. Please tell it to me.

3. Who is the one that is placed in the midst of Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Śiva? What is this river Svarṇarekhā, destroying all sins?

4. Why have Gods like Brahma come to this holy place? How is it that God Nārāyaṇa (i.e. Viṣṇu) has himself come here?

5. (How is it that) abandoning her golden abode, Bhavānī, bringing Kārttikeya with her, stays here along with gods like Indra?

Sārasvata said:

6. O great king, listen to the full (account). I shall tell you, in detail; by telling it all the sins will end.

7. Formerly at the end of Brahmā’s Day, Rudra withdrew this world with the movable and immovable objects. He was honoured by Brahmā and Viṣṇu.

8. All that night the three had become one figure; they remained like that till the end of the Night, and again became separate.

9. The (three) gods, Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Śiva, were full of Rajas (passion), Sattva (goodness) and Tamas (ignorance). Venerable Brahmā brought about the creation; Hari protected it.

10. Rudra withdraws the entire (creation) according to the measure of the period of the world. He first created the revered Dakṣa, the lord of created beings.

11. They all, having made the universe together with the movable and the immovable, the three gods, became separate, and remained in Satyaloka.

12. With their minds full of curiosity, the three having reached the earth, surrounded by gods, climbed the excellent mountain Kailāśa.

13. A dispute arose between Brahmā and Rudra, (both saying:) ‘I am the most senior’. Then Mahādeva, (getting) angry, was eager to kill Brahmā.

14. Brahmā was warded off by Viṣṇu, saying, “Dispute is not proper for you. Neither you nor I was there, when this universe with the movable and immovable objects, was not there.

15. “Lord Maheśvara alone lay in the water. When the God was awake willingly, he through curiosity first created you and then me.

16. “Due to his favour the universe was held (by me) in the form of tortoise.

17. “Entry was made into the universe due to Śaṅkara’s favour also. The entire creation was fashioned by you and its protection was entrusted to me.

18. “God Śiva is one only, the omnipresent Great Lord.

19. “One seated like one that is indifferent, sees the best from the worldly existence. The status of the grandsire is made in your case due to “Śaṅkara’s grace.” Hearing the words of Viṣṇu Brahmā propitiated Hara.

20. Maheśvara was then pleased by such Vedic words as ‘One without a beginning or an end’, ‘the God with many heads’, ‘the one with great arms.’ He said: “O Brahman, ask for the boon that is in your mind.”