Tīrthāni Śrī Mahādevasya (from Vana Parva)

 

Tīrthāni Śrī Mahādevasya

The following discussion comes in vana parva.

Nārada said:

"Listen carefully, O King, to what the wise Bhīṣma once heard from the great sage Pulastya.

Long ago, Bhīṣma, that foremost among virtuous men, was observing the Pitṛyajña (a vow dedicated to honoring the ancestors). During this time, he lived in a sacred and beautiful region near the source of the Ganga, a place frequently visited by celestial sages (Rishis), Gandharvas, and even the gods themselves.

While residing there, Bhīṣma faithfully performed oblations to his ancestors, the gods, and the sages, strictly following the sacred rites prescribed in the scriptures.

 

One day, as he was engaged in silent recitations and meditation, he suddenly beheld Pulastya, the great sage of divine brilliance. Seeing the radiant and awe-inspiring Rishi, Bhīṣma was filled with both immense joy and astonishment.

 

Recognizing the greatness of the sage, Bhīṣma immediately performed the customary rites to honor him. After purifying himself, he approached Pulastya with deep reverence, carrying the ceremonial Arghya (offering of water) on his head. Bowing low, he said, ‘O revered sage of excellent vows, may you be blessed! I am Bhīṣma, your humble servant. The very sight of you has freed me from all my sins.’

 

Having said this, Bhīṣma, ever devoted to virtue, stood before Pulastya in silence, his hands folded in respect. The great sage, observing Bhīṣma’s disciplined life, emaciated body due to strict vows, and deep devotion to the study of the Vedas, was filled with joy."

 

Pulastya’s Blessing and Teachings on Tīrthas

 

Pulastya, pleased with Bhīṣma’s humility, self-restraint, and unwavering truthfulness, said:

"O Bhīṣma, your virtue and devotion towards your ancestors have greatly pleased me. That is why you have been granted this vision of me. My sight can penetrate all things—so tell me, what is it that you seek? Ask me for any boon, and I shall grant it to you."

 

Bhīṣma, overwhelmed with gratitude, replied: "O great sage, simply being blessed by your vision is a supreme achievement for me. You, who are worshipped by the three worlds, have already granted me immense fortune. Yet, if I have indeed earned your favor, I wish to ask you something that has long been on my mind. I have certain doubts regarding the sanctity of tīrthas (holy pilgrimage sites). Please enlighten me, O revered sage. What merit does a person gain by traveling across the earth and visiting these sacred places? What is the significance of these tīrthas? Please explain this to me in detail."

 

Pulastya smiled and said: "Listen carefully, O son, and I will explain the great merits associated with tīrthas, which are the refuge of sages. A person who has mastery over his actions—who controls his hands, feet, mind, and knowledge—reaps the full benefits of visiting tīrthas.

 

One who has renounced material attachments, who is content and free from arrogance, gains the true rewards of these sacred places. A pure-hearted person, one who acts selflessly, who eats in moderation, and who has complete control over his senses, will fully benefit from the sanctity of tīrthas.

 

One who is free from anger, who remains steadfast in truth, who follows strict vows, and who sees all living beings as his own self—such a person truly attains the merits of tīrthas."

 

The Rishis have declared in the Vedas the different types of sacrifices and the rewards they bring both in this world and the next. However, these elaborate rituals require great wealth and vast resources, making them difficult for the poor to perform. Such sacrifices are usually undertaken by kings or wealthy individuals.

 

But there exists a spiritual practice that even those without wealth, family, or allies can accomplish—one that grants merits equal to the grandest of yajñas. This, O King, is the sacred act of undertaking pilgrimages to tīrthas (holy places), which are considered even superior to sacrifices. A true seeker of merit must fast for three nights at a tīrtha, give away gold, and donate cows. Indeed, the rewards obtained from performing great yajñas like Agnishtoma pale in comparison to the merit one gains through sincere pilgrimage and acts of charity at these holy sites.

 

Thus starts the discussion on teerthas. Give below are the key tīrthas with highlight of all references to Lord Śiva (Mahādeva)

 

1. Bhadrāvata Tīrtha (Sthāṇu’s Tīrtha)

• A sacred tīrtha known over the three worlds as Bhadrāvata is dedicated to Sthāṇu (an epithet of Lord Śiva), the husband of Umā.
• A person who visits this place and beholds Iśāna (Śiva) attains the merit of donating a thousand cows (go-dāna).
• Through the grace of Mahādeva, the pilgrim acquires the status of Gaṇapatya and is blessed with prosperity, peace, and divine grace.

 

2. Śankukarneśwara Tīrtha

• The god worshipped here is Śankukarneśwara, a form of Śiva.
• Worshipping this deity at this tīrtha grants ten times the merit of a horse-sacrifice (Aśvamedha yajña).

 

3. Drimi Tīrtha

• A tīrtha where Brahmā and other gods worshipped Mahādeva.
• Bathing here and worshipping Rudra, surrounded by the gods, cleanses a person of all sins since birth.
• Drimi was a sage who worshipped Śiva, and this tīrtha is named after him.
• Vishnu, after slaying the Daityas and Dānavas, came here to purify himself.

 

4. Rudrakoti Tīrtha

• Rudrakoti is a highly sacred tīrtha where ten million (koti) sages assembled with the sole purpose of beholding Mahādeva.
• Each sage desired to be the first to see Śiva.
• To prevent disputes, Śiva multiplied himself into ten million forms, appearing before each sage simultaneously.
• Overwhelmed by devotion, the sages were granted a boon by Śiva: "From this day, your dharma (righteousness) shall grow."
• Bathing here grants the merit of a horse-sacrifice and ensures the liberation (mokṣa) of one’s ancestors.

 

 

5. Śivodbheda Tīrtha

• This tīrtha is one of the places where the river Sarasvatī re-emerges after disappearing near Mount Meru.
• Bathing here grants the merit of donating a thousand cows (go-dāna).
• The tīrtha is specifically named after Śiva (Udbheda meaning emergence), signifying his divine presence.

 

6. Raudrapāda Tīrtha

• Raudrapāda means "the footstep of Rudra (Śiva)."
• Beholding Mahādeva here grants the merit of performing a horse-sacrifice (Aśvamedha yajña).

 

7. Devikā Tīrtha

• A sacred tīrtha where Brahmins first appeared.
• This place is regarded as the region of the Triśūla-dhara (Śiva who holds the trident).
• Bathing here and worshipping Mahādeva with offerings of rice boiled in milk and butter grants the merit of a great sacrifice (yajña).

 

8. Kāmākhyā Tīrtha

• This tīrtha is named after Kāmākhyā, a goddess associated with Śiva.
• It is a place highly venerated by the gods.
• Bathing here ensures quick success in one’s endeavors.

 

9. Saptasārasvata Tīrtha (Mankanaka’s Story)

• The sage Mankanaka performed deep penance at this site.
• One day, he accidentally cut his hand with Kuśa grass, and to his astonishment, vegetable juice (not blood) flowed from his wound.
• Overjoyed, he began dancing, and the entire universe, including mobile and immobile beings, started dancing with him.
• The gods, troubled by this phenomenon, approached Mahādeva, requesting him to stop the uncontrolled dancing.
• Śiva, with a heart full of joy, came to Mankanaka and pressed his thumb on his own hand, causing white ashes (bhasma) to emerge instead of blood.
• Mankanaka, humbled by Śiva’s display of divine power, realized that Śiva was beyond all material existence.
• He fell at Śiva’s feet and worshipped him with devotion.
• Śiva, pleased with his worship, granted him a boon that his asceticism would increase a thousandfold.
• He also declared that those who bathe in Saptasārasvata and worship him there would attain all their desires and ultimately reach the divine Sarasvata region.

 

10. Kapālamocana Tīrtha

• This tīrtha is named Kapālamocana, which means "the remover of skulls."
• It is associated with Śiva, possibly linked to the story where Śiva carried Brahmā’s skull (kapāla) as part of a penance.
• Bathing here cleanses one of all sins.

 

11. Sthāṇuvata Tīrtha

• This tīrtha is named after Sthāṇu, a form of Śiva.
• Bathing here grants great religious merit.
• It is one of the most celebrated tīrthas in the three worlds.

 

12. Śrīkunja Tīrtha

• A tīrtha in the river Sarasvatī where one can obtain the merit of an Agnishtoma yajña by bathing.
• The presence of Mahādeva is implied in the sacredness of this location.

 

13. Anaraka Tīrtha

Mahādeva’s wife (Pārvatī) is present at this tīrtha.

• Beholding the goddess here ensures that one never experiences distress in the future.
• The tīrtha also contains an image of Viśveśwara, a form of Śiva.
• Worshipping Viśveśwara Śiva here absolves all sins.

 

14. Gangāhrada Tīrtha

• Bathing in Gangāhrada and worshipping Mahādeva grants the status of Gaṇapatya and ensures the spiritual liberation of one’s ancestors.

 

15. Munjavata tīrtha

• The Munjavata tīrtha is a sacred site associated with Śiva (Sthāṇu). Residing there for one night while observing a fast grants a devotee the esteemed status of Gaṇapatya, signifying a close connection with Gaṇeśa and the celestial attendants of Śiva. This tīrtha is revered for its spiritual potency, and those who seek divine blessings and liberation (mokṣa) often undertake this pilgrimage with a disciplined mind and body.

 

16. Suvarna tīrtha

 

 

• The Suvarna tīrtha holds great significance as the site where Viṣṇu once offered adoration to Rudra to seek his grace. Pleased with Viṣṇu’s devotion, the Destroyer of Tripura blessed him, declaring that Viṣṇu would be foremost in the universe and deeply revered by all beings. A pilgrim visiting this sacred place and worshipping Śiva, the deity marked by the bull, attains the merit of a horse-sacrifice and the esteemed status of Gaṇapatya.

 

17. Dhumāvatī tīrtha,

 

• From there, one should proceed to Dhumāvatī tīrtha, where fasting for three nights ensures the fulfillment of all cherished desires. To the southern half of this sacred site of the Goddess lies Rathāvarta tīrtha, where, with a devout heart and self-control, one may attain an exalted state through the grace of Mahādeva.

 

18. Rudravarta tīrtha

 

• Finally, visiting Rudravarta tīrtha and bathing there grants direct ascension to heaven.