Chapter 10 - Sārasvata’s Advice to King Bhoja

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Pārvatī said:

I. Oh! The glory of the holy place, and of the mountain Raìvataka, of Bhava, the God of gods and so also of Vastrāpatha!

2. The (rivers) Gaṅgā, Sarasvatī, so also Gomatī, and the river Narmadā—all exist in the water of Svarṇarekhā; so also Brahmā with Indra (resides there).

3-4. The residence of the chief gods like Brahmā, Indra, Viṣṇu and also of Śaṅkara is there till the end of the Day of Brahmā.

5. O Maheśvara, O Lord, tell (me) what King Bhojarāja did on getting the female deer and what Sage Sārasvata did.

The Lord said:

6. She was the best of all women in respect of qualities like beauty, generosity. She was always delighted, calm and always did auspicious things.

7. She enhanced her relation among women as mother, sister, friend, daughter, and among men she established her relation as father, brother, preceptor, son.

8. Having got such a virtuous wife, the king was delighted. Praising Sage Sārasvata, the king spoke (these) words.

The King said:

9. O Lord, by your celibacy and penance you have pleased Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Hara, Sūrya, Indra, Agni and the group of Maruts.

10. You are my highest deity. You are my father, mother, preceptor and master. You have actually narrated may other (i.e. previous) birth.

11. The great Raivataka mountain is well known in Surāṣṭra country. Bhava is known as self-born in the holy place Vastrāpatha.

12. On the top of the mountain Ujjayanta Gaurī, Skanda, and the chiefs of the (attendants) Gaṇas, have all, cherishing Bhava, stayed till the Day of Brahmā.

13. Vāmana, having founded a city for (i.e. in honour of) Śiva, Siddheśvara, having conquered and bound Bali himself remains at Raivataka.

14. Perhaps all this wonder is seen by the living by undertaking pilgrimage to the sacred place. Hari is at Vastrāpatha.

15. Abandoning my kingdom, dear sons, foot-soldiers, horses, chariots, elephants, putting the son on the throne I should cerainly [certainly?] go.

16. Through your favour I have heard everything. If I go on the piltrimage [pilgrimage?] I shall see Bhava, Hari at Vastrāpatha.

17. Having gone beyond the world of the Sun, of Soma (i.e. the Moon), of Indra, Viṣṇu’s city, the world of Brahmā, I shall go to the abode of Śiva.

18. The sage, hearing the various words of the king, was horripilated. Desiring to know everything about the king, the sage warded off the king.

Sārasvata said:

19. O king, even in the house there are chief gods like Śiva, Viṣṇu, water, Darbhas, sesamum seeds. O King, you should restrain your mind from seeing the interior of many countries.