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Mathura Mahatmya, Part Four
BY: SUN STAFF
May 06, 2010 — CANADA (SUN) — Srila Rupa Goswami's Glorification of Mathura
Text 359
skande mathura-khande
tato vrindavanam punyam
vrinda-devi-samasritam
harinadhishthitam ta ca
rudra-brahmadi-sevitam
skande mathura-khande-in the Skanda Purana, Mathura'-khanda; tatah-then; vrindavanam-Vrindavana; punyam-sacred; vrinda-devi-by Vrinda-devi; samasritam-sheltered; harina-by Lord Hari; adhishthitam-resided; tat-that; ca-and; rudra-brahma-adi-by the demigods headed by Brahma' and Siva; sevitam-served.
In the Skanda Purana, Mathura-khanda, it is said:
Next is sacred Vrindavana, where Lord Hari resides. It is protected by Vrinda-devi and served by Brahma, Siva, and the demigods.
Text 360
vrindavanam su-gahanam
visalam vistritam bahu
muninam asramaih purnam
vanya-vrinda-samanvitam
vrindavanam-Vrindavana; su-gahanam-very dense; visalam-large; vistritam-expanded; bahu-great; muninam'of sages; asramaih-with asramas; purnam-filled; vanya-vrinda-with creatures and flowers of the forest; samanvitam-filled.
Vrindavana is very large and dense. It is filled with sages' asramas. It is filled with the creatures and flowers of the forest.
Text 361
yatha lakshmih priyatama
yatha bhakti-para narah
govindasya priyatamam
tatha vrindavanam bhuvi
yatha-as; lakshmih-the goddess of fortune; priyatama-most dear; yatha-as; bhakti-para narah-the devotees; govindasya-of Govinda; priyatamam-most dear; tatha-in that way; vrindavanam-Vrindavana; bhuvi-on the earth.
As Lakshmi-devi is dear, and as the devotees are dear, so in this world is Vrindavana dear to Lord Govinda.
Text 362
vatsair vatsa-taribhis ca
sakam kridati madhavah
vrindavanantara-gatah
sa-ramair balakavritah
vatsair-with calves; vatsa-taribhih-cows; ca-and; sakam-with; kridati-plays; madhavah-Krishna; vrindavanantara-gatah-in Vrindavana; sa-ramair-with Balarama; balaka-by the boys; avritah-accompanied.
In Vrindavana Lord Madhava enjoys pastimes with the cows, calves, boys, and Balarama.
Text 363
aho vrindavanam ramyam
yatra govardhano girih
yatra tirthany anekani
vishnudeva-kritani ca
ahah-Oh; vrindavanam-Vrindavana; ramyam-charming; yatra-where; govardhano girih-Govardhana Hill; yatra-where; tirthani-sacred places; anekani-many; vishnudeva-kritani-made by Lord Vishnu; ca-and.
Oh, Vrindavana is beautiful with Govardhana Hill and with many holy places made sacred by Lord Vishnu.
Text 364
padme nirvana-khande
paramananda-kandakhyam
maha-pataka-nasanam
samasta-duhkha-samhantri-
jiva-matra-vimuktidam
padme-in the Padma Purana; nirvana-khande-Nirvana-khanda; paramananda-kanda-akhyam-known as the source of transcendental bliss; maha-pataka-nasanam-destroying great sins; samasta-duhkha-samhantri-destroying all sufferings; jiva-matra-vimuktidam-giving liberation to the living entities.
In the Padma Purana, Nirvana-khanda, it is said:
Vrindavana is filled with transcendental bliss. It destroys the greatest sins. It ends all sufferings. Simply living within it grants liberation.
Text 365
sri-dasama-skande
vanam vrindavanam nama
pasavyam nava-kananam
gopa-gopi-gavam sevyam
punyadri-trina-virudham
sri-dasama-skande-in the Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam; vanam-another forest; vrindavanam nama-named Vrindavana; pasavyam-a very suitable place for maintenance of the cows ad other animals; nava-kananam-there are many new gardenlike places; gopa-gopi-gavam-for all the cowherd men, the members of their families, and the cows; sevyam-a very happy, very suitable place; punya-adri-there are nice mountains; trina-plants; virudham-and creepers.
In the Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.11.28, it is said:
Between Nandisvara and Mahavana is a place named Vrindavana. This place is very suitable because it is lush with grass, plants and creepers for the cows and other animals. It has nice gardens and tall mountains and is full of facilities for the happiness of all the gopas and gopis and our animals.*
Text 366
vrindavanam sakhi bhuvo vitanoti kirtim
yad devaki-suta-padambuja-labdha-lakshmih
govinda-venum anu-matta-mayura-nrityam
prekshyadri-sanv-avatarany asamasta-sattvam
vrindavanam-Vrindavana; sakhi-O friend; bhuvah-of the earth; vitanoti-expands; kirtim-the fame; yad'which; devaki-suta-of Devaki's son;pada-ambuja-lotus feet; labdha-attained; lakshmih-opulence; govinda-of Krishna; venum-the flute; anu-following; matta-maddened; mayura-peacocks; nrityam-dancing; prekshya-seeing; adri-of the hill; sanv-on the top; avatarany asamasta-sattvam-not possible for others.
In the Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.21.10, it is also said:
Dear friends, our Vrindavana is proclaiming the glories of this entire earth because this planet is glorified by the lotus footprints of the son of Devaki. Besides that, when Govinda plays His flute, the peacocks immediately become mad. When all the animals and trees and plants, either on the top of Govardhana Hill or in the valley, see the dancing of the peacock, they all stand still and listen to the transcendental sound of the flute with great attention. We think that this boon is not possible or available on any other planet.*
Text 367
etena vrindavanasya loka-prasiddhya shodasa-krosi-vistaratvam yuktam eva. sri-govinda-vrindavanakhye brihad-gautamiya-tantre tt idam drisyate. tatra narada-prasno yatha
kim idam dvadasabhikhyam
vrindaranyam visampate
srotum icchami bhagavan
yadi yogyo 'sti me vada
etena-by this; vrindavanasya-of Vrindavana; loka-in the world; prasiddhya-by the fame; shodasa-krosi-vistaratvam-16 krosas in size; yuktam-proper; eva-indeed; sri-govinda-vrindavana-akhye-in the Govinda-Vrindavana-sastra; brihad-gautamiya-tantre'in teh Brihad-gautamiya Tantra; tu-indeed; idam-this; drisyate-is seen; tatra-there; narada-of Narada; prasnah-the question; yatha-as; kim-what?; idam-this; dvadasabhikhyamknown as the twelfth; vrindaranyam-Vrindavana; visampate-O king; srotum-to hear; icchami-I wish; bhagavan-O Lord; yadi-if;l yogyah-proper; asti-is; me-for me. vada
Vrindavana is famous in this world as being 16 krosas (32 size. This is seen in the Sri Govinda-Vrindavana-sastra and the Brihad-Gautamiya-tantra. In that scripture Narada asks the following question:
What is Vrindavana, which is named here as the twelfth forest? I desire to hear of it. O Lord, if You think it is right, please tell me of it.
Text 368
tatra sri-krishnasyottaram
idam vrindavanam ramyam
mama dhamaiva kevalam
atra ye pasavah pakshi-
vriksha-kita-naramarah
ye ca santi mamadhishthe
mrita yanti mamalayam
tatra-there; sri-krishnasya-of Lord Krishna; uttaram-answer; idam-this; vrindavanam-Vrindavana; ramyam-beautiful; mama-My; dhama-abode; eva-indeed; kevalam-transcendental; atra-here; ye-who; pasavah-animals; pakshi-birds; vriksha-trees; kita-insects and words; nara-humans; amarah-demigods; ye-who; ca-and; santi-are; mama-My; adhishthe-stay; mritah-after death; yanti-attain; mama-My; alayam-abode.
Lord Krishna answered:
Beautiful Vrindavana is My transcendental abode. The beasts, birds, trees, insects, worms, humans, and demigods who stay here with Me will all go, when they die, to My own abode.
Text 369
atra ye gopa-kanyas ca
nivasanti mamalaye
yoginyas ta maya nityam
mama seva-parayanah
atra-here; ye-who; gopa-kanyah-gopis; ca-and; nivasanti-reside; mama-My; alaye-in the abode; yoginyah-yoginis; tah-they; maya-by Me; nityam-eternally; mama-My; seva-to the service; parayanah-devoted.
The gopis who reside here in My abode and serve Me with devotion stay eternally by My side.
Text 370
panca-yojanam evasti
vanam me deha-rupakam
kalindiyam sushumnakhya
paramamrita-vahini
atra devas ca bhutani
vartante sukshma-rupatah
panca-yojanam-five yojanas; eva-indeed; asti-is; vanam-forest; me-My; deha-rupakam-form;l kalindiyam-in the Yamuna; sushumna-akhyah-named Sushumna; parama-amrita-vahini-a river of nectar; atra-here; devah-demigods; ca-and; bhutani-sages; vartante-are; sukshma-in subtle; rupatah-forms.
This forest of five yojanas (40 miles, is My body. This Yamuna is the Sushumna River that flows with nectar. The demigods and sages stay here in subtle forms.
Text 371
sarva-deva-mayas caham
na tyajami vanam kvacit
avirbhavas tirobhavo
bhaved atra yuge yuge
tejomayam idam ramyam
adrisyam carma-cakshusa
sarva-deva-mayah-the personification of all the demigods; ca-and; aham-I; na-not; tyajami-leave; vanam-forest; kvacit-somewhere; avirbhavah-appearance;l tirobhavah-disappearance; bhaved-is; atra-here; yuge yuge-milleneium after millenium; tejomayam-splendid; idam-this; ramyam-charming; adrisyam-invisible; carma-f flesh; cakshusa-eyes.
I, who am the personification of all the demigods, never leave this forest. Millenium after millenium I appear and disappear. This splendidly beautiful forest then becomes invisible to material eyes.
Text 372
atha sri-govindasyadi-varahe
vrindavane ca govindam
ye pasyanti vasundhare
na te yama-purim yanti
yanti punya-kritam gatim
atha-now; sri-govindasya-of Lord Govinda; adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; vrindavane-in Vrindavana; ca-and; govindam-Lord Govinda; ye-who; pasyanti-see; vasundhare'O earth; na-not; te-they; yama-purim-Yama's city; yanti-attain; yanti'they go; punya-kritam-of the pure; gatim-to the destination.
Glorification of the Sri Govinda Deity
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
O earth-goddess, they who see the Govinda Deity in Vrindavana do not go to Yamaraja's city. They go to the place where pure-hearted saints go.
Text 373
skande mathura-khande sri-naradoktau
tasmin vrindavane punyam
govindasya niketanam
tat-sevaka-samakirnam
tatraiva sthiyate maya
skande mathura-khande-in the Skanda Purana, Mathura'-khanda; sri-narada-uktau-in Narada's words; tasmin-in this; vrindavane-Vrindavana; punyam-sacred; govindasya-of Govinda; niketanam-the temple; tat-sevaka-His servants; samakirnam-assembled; tatra-there; eva-indeed; sthiyate-is stood; maya-by me.
In the Skanda Purana, Mathura-khanda, Sri Narada says:
In Vrindavana is the sacred temple of Lord Govinda. When His servants are assembled, I stand among them.
Text 374
bhuvi govinda-vaikuntham
tasmin vrindavane nripa
yatra vrindadayo bhrityah
santi govinda-manasah
bhuvi-on the earth; govinda-vaikuntham-Lord Govinda's Vaikuntha abode; tasmin-in that; vrindavane-Vrindavana;l nripa-O king; yatra-where; vrinda-adayah-beginning with Vrinda'-devi; bhrityah-servants; santi-are; govinda-manasah-their hearts fixed on Lord Govinda.
O king, Vrindavana, where Vrinda-devi and others whose hearts are fixed on Lord Govinda stay, is Lord Govinda's Vaikuntha abode on this earth.
Text 375
vrindavane maha-sadma
yair drishtam purushottamaih
govindasya mahi-pala
te kritartha mahi-tale
vrindavane-in Vrindavana; maha-sadma-great abode; yair-by whom; drishtam-seen; purusha-uttamaih-by great souls; govindasya-of Lord Govinda; mahi-pala-O king; te-they; kritarthah-successful; mahi-tale-on the earth.
O king, the great souls who see Lord Govinda's temple in Vrindavana have attained all success on this earth.
Text 376
atha sri-govinda-tirthasya saura-purane
govinda-svami-tirthakhyam
asti tirtham mahottamam
vasudeva-tanujasya
vishnor atyanta-vallabham
atha-now; sri-govinda-tirthasya-of Sri Govinda-tirtha; saura-purane-in the Saura Purana; govinda-svami-tirthakhyam-named Govindasvami-tirtha; asti-is; tirtham-a holy place; maha-uttamam-great; vasudeva-of Vasudeva; tanujasya-of the son; vishnor-of Lord Vishnu;l atyanta-vallabham-very dear.
Glorification of Govinda-tirtha
In the Saura Purana it is said:
The great holy place named Govindasvami-tirtha is very dear to Lord Vishnu, who became the son of King Vasudeva.
Text 377
govinda-svami-namatra
vasaty arcatmako 'cyutah
tatra snatva tam abhyarcya
muktim icchanti sadhavah
govinda-svami-nama-named Govinda-svami; atra-here; vasati-resides; arcatmakah-Deity; acyutah-Acyuta; tatra-there; snatva-having bathed; tam-Him; abhyarcya-having worshiped; muktim-liberation» icchanti-desire; sadhavah-saints.
Here Lord Acyuta's Deity of Lord Govindasvami resides. The saintly devotees bathe nearby, worship the Deity, and yearn for release from the world of birth and death.
Text 378-379
atha sri-brahma-kundasyadi-varahe
tatra brahme maha-bhage
bahu-gulma-latavritetatra snanam prakurvita
eka-ratroshito narah
gandharvair apsarobhis ca
kridamanah sa modate
tathatra muncate pranan
mama lokam sa gacchati
atha-now; sri-brahma-kundasya-of Brahma-kunda; adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; tatra-there; brahme-in Brahma-kunda; maha-bhage-O auspicious one; bahu-gulma-latav-with many trees and vines; avrite-filled; tatra-there; snanam-bath; prakurvita-does; eka-ratra-for one night; ushitah-fasting; narah-a person; gandharvair-with Gandharvas; apsarobhih-apsaras; ca-and; kridamanah-playing; sah-he; modate-enjoys; tatha-so; atra-here; muncate'is liberated; pranan-from life; mama-My; lokam-abode; sah-he; gacchati-goes.
Glorification of Brahma-kunda
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
A person who, fasting for the night, bathes in beautiful Brahma-kunda, which is surrounded by many trees and vines, enjoys pastimes with the Gandharvas and Apsaras. Leaving this life here, he goes to My abode.
Text 380
skande
tatra kundam maha-bhage
bahu-gulma-latavritam
punyam eva maha-tirtham
su-ramya-salilavritam
skande-in the Skanda Purana; tatra-there; kundam-lake; maha-bhage-O auspicious one; bahu-gulma-lata-avritam-surrounded with trees and vines; punyam-sacred; eva-indeed; maha-tirtham-great holy place; su-ramya-charming; salila-with water; avritam-filled.
In the Skanda Purana it is said:
O auspicious one, in this place is a very sacred lake with beautiful waters surrounded by many trees and vines.
Text 381
tatra snanam prakurvita
catuh-kaloshito narah
modate vimale divye
gandharvanam kule sukham
tatra-there; snanam-a bath; prakurvita-does; catuh-kala-four times; ushitah-fasting; narah-a person; modate-enjoys; vimale-in the pure; divye-splendid world; gandharvanam-of Gandharvas; kule'in the community; sukham-happiness.
A person who fasts and bathes here four times, enjoys in the community of Gandharvas in the splendid heavenly world.
Text 382
tatrapi muncate pranan
satatam krita-niscayah
gandharva-kulam utsrijya
mama lokam sa gacchati
tatra-there; api-also; muncate-gives up; pranan-life; satatam-always; krita-niscayah-determined; gandharva-kulam-in the community of Gandharvas; utsrijya-giving up; mama-My; lokam-abode; sah-he; gacchati-goes.
A person who stays here with determination and departs from this life here, leaves the company of the Gandharvas and goes to My abode.
Text 383
tatrascaryam pravakshyami
tat srinusva vasundhare
labhante manujah siddhim
mama karya-parayanah
tatra-there; ascaryam-a wonder; pravakshyami-I will tell; tat-this; srinusva-please listen; vasundhare'O earth; labhante-attain; manujah-people; siddhim-perfection; mama-My; karya-parayanah-devoted to the service.
O earth-goddess, listen and I will tell you something wonderful: They who devotedly serve Me in this place attain the supreme perfection.
Text 384-385
tasya tatrottara-parsve
'soka-vrikshah sita-prabhah
vaisakhasya tu masasya
sukla-pakshasya dvadasi
sa pushpati ca madhyahne
mama bhaktasukhavahah
na kascid abhijanati
vina bhagavatam sucim
tasya-of this; tatra-there uttara-parsve-north; asoka-vrikshah'an asoka tree; sita-prabhah-white; vaisakhasya-of Vaisakha; tu-indeed; masasya-of the month; sukla-pakshasya dvadasi-on the sukla-dvadasi; sah-it; pushpati-blooms; ca-and; madhyahne-in mid-day; mama-My; bhakta-devottes; sukhavahah-bringing happiness; na-not; kascid-anyone; abhijanati-knows; vina-except; bhagavatam-devotee; sucim-pure.
North of this place is a white asoka tree that in the month of Vaisakha (April-May,, on the sukla-dvadasi, at noon, suddenly bursts into full bloom. Except for My pure devotee, no one can understand how this happens.
Text 386
atha kesi-tirthasyadi-varahe
ganga sata-gunam punyam
yatra kesi nipatitah
tatrapi ca visesho 'sti
kesi-tirthe vasundhare
tasmin pinda-pradanena
gaya-pinda-phalam labhet
atha-now; kesi-tirthasya-of Kesi-tirtha; adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; ganga-the Ganges; sata-gunam-a hundred times; punyam-sacred; yatra-where; kesi-Kesi; nipatitah-died; tatra-there; api-also; ca-and; viseshah-specific; asti-is; kesi-tirthe-in Kesi-tirtha; vasundhare-O earth; tasmin-there; pinda-pradanena'by offering pinda; gaya-pinda-phalam-result of offering pinda in Gaya; labhet-attains.
Glorification of Kesi-tirtha
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
Kesi-tirtha, the place where Kesi died, is a hundred times more sacred than the Ganges. By offering pinda in Kesi-tirtha one attains the result of offering pinda in Gaya.
Text 387
atha kaliya-hradasya tatraiva
kaliyasya hradam gatva
kridam kritva vasundhare
snana-matrena tatraiva
sarva-papaih pramucyate
atha-now; kaliya-hradasya-of Kaliya-hrada; tatra-there; eva-indeed; kaliyasya hradam-Kaliya-hrada» gatva-having gone; kridam-pastimes; kritva-having done; vasundhare-O earth; snana-matrena-simply by bathing; tatra-there; eva-indeed; sarva-papaih-of all sins; pramucyate-becomes freed.
Glorification of Kaliya-hrada
In the same scripture it is said:
O earth-goddess, a person who goes to Kaliya-hrada, bathes there and plays in the water, simply by bathing becomes freed from all sins.
Text 388
varahe
kaliyasya hradam punyam
asti guhyam param mama
yatraham kridaye nityam
vimale yamunambhasi
varahe-in the Varaha Purana; kaliyasya hradam-Kaliya-hrada; punyam-sacred; asti-is; guhyam-secret; param-great; mama-My; yatra-where; aham-I; kridaye-enjoy pastimes; nityam-eternally; vimale-in the pure; yamuna-of the Yamuna; ambhasi-water.
In the Varaha Purana it is said:
Sacred Kaliya-hrada, where I eternally play in the Yamuna's pure waters, is a great secret of Mine.
Text 389
tatrabhishekam kurvita
aho-ratroshito narah
takshakasya griham gatva
mama loke mahiyate
tatra-there; abhishekam-bath; kurvita-does; ahah-day; ratra-and night; ushitah-fasting; narah-a person; takshakasya-of a carpenter; griham-to the home;l gatva-having gone; mama-My; loke-in the abode; mahiyate-glorified.
Even a person born in a carpenter's house, who fasts for a day and night and bathes there, is glorified in My abode.
Text 390-391
atrapi mahad ascaryam
pasyanti pandita narah
kaliya-hrada-purvena
kadambo mahato drumah
sata-sakho visalakshi
pushpam surabhi-gandhi ca
sa ca dvadasa-masani
manojnah subha-sitalah
pushpayati visalakshi
bhasvarams tu diso dasa
atra-here; api-also; mahad-great; ascaryam-wonder; pasyanti-see; panditah narah-wise; kaliya-hrada-of Kaliya-hrada;purvena-in the east; kadambah-kadamba tree; mahatah-great; drumah-tree; sata-hundred; sakhah-branches; visala-large; akshi-eyes; pushpam-flowers; surabhi-gandhi-fragrant; ca-and; sah-it; ca-and; dvadasa-masani-for 12 months; manojnah'beautiful; subha-pleasant; sitalah-cool; pushpayati-blooms; visalakshi-O girl with the beautiful eyes; bhasvaran-shining; tu-indeed; disah-directions; dasa-ten.
Wise men see a great wonder there. To the east of Kaliya-hrada is a great kadamba tree. O girl with beautiful, large eyes, this beautiful, splendidly white, pleasnatly cool, hundred-branched tree is filled with fragrant flowers. O girl with beauitful, large eyes, this tree remains always in bloom through all twelve months of the year, always filling the ten directions with its splendor.
Text 392
saura-purane
tatah kaliya-tirthakhyam
tirtham amho-vinasanam
anrityad yatra bhagavan
balah kaliya-mastake
saura-purane-in the Saura Purana; tatah-then; kaliya-tirtha-akhyam-named Kaliya-tirtha; tirtham-holy place» amhah-sins; vinasanam-destroying; anrityad-danced; yatra-where; bhagavan-the Lord; balah'a child; kaliya-of Kaliya; mastake-on the head.
In the Saura Purana it is said:
Next is the holy place named Kaliya-tirtha, which destroys sins. There the Supreme Personality of Godhead as boy danced on Kaliya's head.
Text 393
tatra yas tu krita-snano
vasudevam samarcayet
aganya-janma-dushprapam
krishna-sayujyam asnute
tatra-there; yah-who; tu-indeed; krita-snanah-bathes; vasudevam-Lord Vasudeva; samarcayet-worships; aganya-countless; janma-births; dushprapam-difficult to attain; krishna-sayujyam-Krishna-sayuja mukti; asnute-enjoys.
A person who bathes there and worships Lord Vasudeva attains krishna-sayujya-mukti, which is difficult to attain even after countless births.
Text 394
atha dvadasaditya-samjnasyadi-varahe
surya-tirthe narah snato
drishtvadityam vasundhare
aditya-bhavanam prapya
krita-krityah sa modate
atha-now; dvadasaditya-samjnasya-Dvadasaditya-tirtha; adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; surya-tirthe-at Surya-tirtha; narah-a person; snatah-bathed; drishtva-having seen; adityam-the sun-god» vasundhare-O earth; aditya-bhavanam-the sun-god's abode; prapya-attaining; krita-krityah'successful; sah-he; modate-enjoys.
Glorification of Dvadasaditya-tirtha
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
O earth-goddess, a person who bathes at Surya-tirtha and sees the deity of the sun-god there, goes to the sun-god's abode and becomes happy.
Text 395
aditye 'hani sankrantav
asmin tirthe vasundhare
manasabhipsitam kamam
samprapnoti na samsayah
aditye ahani-on Sunday; sankrantav-on Sankranti; asmin-in this; tirthe-holy place; vasundhare-O earth; manasa-by the heart; abhipsitam-desired; kamam-desire;l samprapnoti-atains; na-not; samsayah-doubt.
O earth-goddess, a person (who bathes, at this holy place on a Sunday during a sankranti attains his heart's desire. Of this there is no doubt.
Text 396
saura-purane
dvadasaditya-tirthakhyam
tirtham tad anu pavakam
tasya darsana-matrena
nrinam amho vinasyati
saura-purane-in the Saura Purana; dvadasaditya-tirthakhyam-named Dvadasaditya-tirtha; tirtham-holy place; tad-that; anu-following; pavakam-purifying; tasya-of it; darsana-matrena-simply by seeing; nrinam-of men; amhah-sin; vinasyati-perishes.
In the Saura Purana it is said:
Next is purifying Dvadasaditya-tirtha. Simply by seeing it, the sins of men become destroyed.
Text 397
athokta-kramam yatrayah kartavyopadesah. adi-varahe
prathamam madhuvanam proktam
dvadasam vrindikavanam
etani ye prapasyanti
na te naraka-bhojinah
atha-then; ukta-said; kramam-sequence; yatrayah-of a visit; kartavya-to do; upadesah-teaching; adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; prathamam-first; madhuvanam-Madhuvana; proktam-said; dvadasam-twelve; vrindikavanam-Vrindavana;l etani-they; ye-who; prapasyanti-see; na te-they; naraka-hell; bhojinah-experience.
Instruction to Visit the Twelve Forests of Vrindavana
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
They who see the twelve forests of Vrindavana, which begin with Madhuvana, will not go to hell.
Text 398
yatha-kramena ye yatram
vananam dvadasasya tu
karishyanti vararohe
yanti te brahmam alayam
yatha-kramena-one by one; ye-who; yatram-visit; vananam-of the forests; dvadasasya-twelve; tu-indeed; karishyanti-will do; vararohe-O beautiful girl; yanti-attain; te-they; brahmam-spiritual; alayam-abode.
O beautiful one, they who visit, one by one, the twelve forests (of Vrindavana, go to the spiritual abode.
Text 399
atha sri-govardhanasya
tatraiva asti govardhanam nama
kshetram parama-durlabham
mathura-pascime bhage
adurad yojana-dvayam
atha-now; sri-govardhanasya-of Govarhana Hill; tatra-there; eva-indeed; asti-is; govardhanam-Govardhana; nama-named; kshetram-place; parama-durlabham-very rare; mathura-pascime-west of Mathura; bhage-O auspicious one; adurad'not far; yojana-dvayam-two yojanas.
Glorification of Sri Govardhana
In the same scripture it is said:
Two yojanas (16 miles), which is not very far, west of Mathura' is the very rare place named Govardhana Hill.
Text 400
anna-kutam tatah prapya
tasya kuryat pradakshinam
na tasya punar avrittir
devi sarvam bravimi te
anna-kutam-Annakut-tirtha; tatah-then; prapya-attaining; tasya-of that; kuryat-may do; pradakshinam-circumambulation; na-not; tasya-of him; punar-again; avrittir-return; devi-O goddess; sarvam-everything; bravimi-I say; te-to you.
A person who circumambulates the place named Annakuta-tirtha does not return to this world. O goddess, I will now tell you everything about it.
Text 401
snatva manasa-gangayam
drishtva govardhane harim
annakutam parikramya
kim manah paritapyase
snatva-having bathed; manasa-gangayam-in the manasa-ganga; drishtva-having seen; govardhane-on Govardhana Hill; harim-Lord Hari; annakutam-Annakuta-tirtha; parikramya-circumambulating; kim-what?; manah-heart; paritapyase-suffers.
After bathing in the Manasa-ganga, seeing the Deity of Lord Hari on Govardhana Hill, and circumambulating Annakuta-tirtha, what heart can remain unhappy?
Text 402
indrasya varshato 'ty-artham
gavam pida-karam jalam
tasam samrakshanarthaya
dhrito giri-varo maya
indrasya-of Indra; varshatah-rains; aty-artham-great; gavam-of the cows; pida-karam-tormenting» jalam-water; tasam-of them; samrakshanarthaya-to protect; dhritah-held; giri-varah-the âest of hills; maya-by Me.
To protect the cows distressed by Indra's torrential rains, I lifted Govardhana Hill.
Text 403
anna-kuta iti khyatah
sarvatah sakra-pujitah
soma-vare tt amavasyam
prapya govardhanam narah
dattva pindan pitribhyas ca
rajasuya-phalam labhet
anna-kuta iti khyatahknown as Annakuta-tirtha; sarvatah-completely; sakra-by Indra; pujitah-worshiped; soma-vare-on Sunday; tu-indeed; amavasyam-the new-moon; prapya-attaining; govardhanam-Go9vardhana; narah-a person; dattva-giving; pindan-pinda; pitribhyah-to the pitas; ca-and; rajasuya-phalam-result of a rajasuya-yajna; labhet-attains.
The place where Indra worshiped Lord Krishna is famous as Annakuta-tirtha. A person who, on a Sunday that is also a new-moon day, goes to Govardhana Hill and offers pinda to his ancestors, attains the result of offering a rajasuya-yajna.
Text 404
skande mathura-khande
govardhanas ca bhagavan
yatra govardhano dhritah
rakshita yadavah sarva
indra-vrishti-nivaranat
skande mathura-khande-in the Skanda Purana, Mathura'-khanda; govardhanah-Govardhana; ca-and; bhagavan'the Lord; yatra-where; govardhanah-Govardhana; dhritah-held; rakshita-protected; yadavah-the Yadus; sarve-all; indra-of Indra; vrishti-the rain; nivaranat-because of stopping.
In the Skanda Purana, Mathura-khanda, it is said:
Govardhana Hill is an incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. When the Lord lifted the hill, all the people of Vraja were saved from Indra's rains.
Text 405
aho govardhano vishnur
yatra tishthati sarvada
yatra brahma sivo lakshmir
vasaty eva na samsayah
ahah-Oh; govardhanah-Govardhana; vishnur-Lord Vishnu; yatra-where; tishthati-stays; sarvada-always; yatra-where; brahma-Brahma; sivah-Siva; lakshmir-Lakshmi; vasati-reside; eva-certainly; na-not; samsayah-doubt.
Oh, Lord Vishnu stays eternally on Govardhana Hill. Brahma, Siva, and Lakshmi also reside there. Of this there is no doubt.
Text 406
varahe
asti govardhanam nama
guhyam kshetram param mama
adurad ashta-krosat tu
mathurayas ca pascime
varahe-in the Varaha Purana; asti-is; govardhanam- nama-named Govardhana; guhyam-secret; kshetram-place; param-transcendental; mama-My; adurad-not far; ashta-krosat-8 krosas; tu-indeed; mathurayah-from Mathura; ca-and; pascime-west.
In the Varaha Purana it is said:
Eight krosas (16 miles), not very far, west of Mathura', is My very confidential place named Govardhana.
Text 407
tatrapi mahad ascaryam
yat pasyanti su-cetasah
tasmin samvartate bhumir
sarva-bhagavata-priyam
tatra-there; api-also; mahad-great; ascaryam-a wonder; yat-which; pasyanti-see; su-cetasah'wise; tasmin-there; samvartate-is; bhumir-place; sarva-bhagavata-priyam-dear to all the devotees.
The wise see a great wonder there. In that place is something dear to all the devotees.
Text 408
catur-vimsati-dvadasyam
tasmin sikhara-parvate
sthulan pasyanti dipan vai
dyotayanto diso dasa
catur-vimsati-dvadasyam-on Caturvimsati-dvadasi; tasmin-there; sikhara-parvate-on the hill; sthulan-great; pasyanti-see; dipan-lamps; vai-indeed; dyotayantah-shining; disah-directions; dasa-ten.
On Caturvimsati-dvadasi the devotees see on Govardhana Hill many great lamps shining in the ten directions.
Text 409
yas ca tan pasyate dipan
mama karma-parayanah
labhate paramam siddhim
evam etan na samsayah
yah-who; ca-and; tan-them; pasyate-sees; dipan-lamps; mama-My; karma-parayanah'devoted to the service; labhate-attains; paramam-supreme; siddhim-perfection; evam-in this way;l etan-them; na-not; samsayah-doubt.
They who, devoted to My service, see these lamps. attain the supreme perfection. Of this there is no doubt.
Text 410-11
bhadre parsva-parivartinyam ekadasyam govardhana-yatra. adi-varahe
masi bhadra-pade ya tu
sukla caikadasi subha
govardhane sopavasah
kuryat tasya pradakshinam
govardhanam parikraman
drishtva devam harim prabhum
rajasuyasvamedhabhyam
phalam prapnoty asamsayah
bhadre-in Bhadra; parsva-parivartinyam ekadasyam-on the sukla-ekadasi; govardhana-to Govardhana; yatra-a visit; adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; masi bhadra-pade-in the month of Bhadra; ya-which; tu-indeed; sukla-sukla; ca-and; ekadasi-ekadasi; subha-auspicious; govardhane-on Govardhana Hill; sopavasah-with fasting; kuryat-does; tasya-of it; pradakshinam-circumambulation; govardhanam-Govardhana; parikraman-circumambulating; drishtva-having seen; devam- harim- prabhum-Lord Hari; rajasuya-rajasuya; asvamedhabhyam-an asvamedha sacrifices; phalam-result; prapnoti-attains; asamsayah-without doubt.
Visiting Govardhana Hill During Ekadasi in the Month of Bhadra (August-September)
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
On the auspicious sukla-ekadasi in the month of Bhadra (August-September, one should fast and circumambulate Govardhana Hill. After circumambulating Govardhana Hill and seeing the Deity of Lord Hari there, one attains the result of having performed an rajasuya-yajna and an asvamedha-yajna. Of this there is no doubt.
Text 412
sri-dasame
hantayam adrir abala hari-dasa-varyo
yad rama-krisna-carana-sparasa-pramodah
manam tanoti saha-go-ganayos tayor yat
paniya-suyavasa-kandara-kanda-mulaih
hanta-oh» ayam-this» adrir-hill» abalah-O friends» hari-dasa-varyah-the best among the servants of the Lord; yat-because; rama-krisna-carana-of the lotus feet of Lord Krishna and Balarama» sparasa-by the touch» pramodah-jubilant» manam-respects» tanoti-ogfers» saha-with» go-ganayoh-cows, calves, and cowherd boys» tayoh-to Them (Sri Krishna and Balarama)» yat-because» paniya-drinking water» suyavasa-very soft grass» kandara-caves» kanda-mulaih-and by roots.
In the Tenth Canto (10.21.18, of Srimad-Bhagavatam it is said:
Of all the devotees this Govardhana Hill is the best! O my friends, this hill supplies Krishna and Balarama, as well as Their calves, cows, and cowherd friends, with all kinds of necessities: water for drinking, very soft grass, caves, fruits, flowers, and vegetables. In this way the hill offers respect to the Lord. Being touched by the lotus feet of Krishna and Balarama, Govardhana Hill appears very jubilant.*
Text 413
tatrastha-brahma-kundasya mathura-khande
tatra snatva brahma-kunde
brahmana toshito harih
indradi-loka-palanam
jatani ca saramsi hi
tatra-there; stha-situated; brahma-kundasya-Brahma-kunda; mathura-khande-in the Mathura'-khanda;l tatra-there; snatva-having bathed; brahma-kunde-in Brahma-kunda; brahmana-by Brahma; toshitah-pleased; harih-Lord Hari; indra-adi-loka-palanam-of Indra and the other demigod planetary rulers; jatani'born; ca-and; saramsi-lakes; hi-indeed.
Glorification of Brahma-kunda In That Place
In the Mathura-khanda it is said:
After bathing in Brahma-kunda, Brahma satisfied Lord Hari. Indra and other planetary rulers created other lakes nearby.
Text 414
adi-varahe
hradam tatra maha-bhage
druma-gulma-latavritam
catvari tatra tirthani
punyani ca subhani ca
adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; hradam-a lake; tatra-there; maha-bhage-O auspicious one; druma-gulma-latavritam-surrounded by trees and vines; catvari-fourteen; tatra-there; tirthani punyani-holy places; ca-and; subhani-auspicious; ca-and.
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
O auspicious one, that lake is surrounded by groves of trees and vines and by fourteen auspicious holy places.
Text 415
aidram purvena parsvena
yama-tirtham tu dakshine
varunam pascime tirtham
kauveram cottarena tu
tatra madhye sthitas caham
kridayishye yad icchaya
aidram-Indra-tirtha; purvena-in the east; parsvena-side; yama-tirtham-Yama-tirtha; tu-indeed; dakshine-in the south; varunam-Varuna-tirtha; pascime-in the west; tirtham- kauveram-Kuvera-tirtha; ca-and; uttarena-in the north; tu-indeed; tatra-there; madhye-in the middle; sthitah-situated; ca-and; aham-I; kridayishye-will enjoy pastimes; yad-which; icchaya-as I wish.
On the eastern side is Indra-tirtha. On the south is Yama-tirtha. On the west is Varuna-tirtha. On the north is Kuvera-tirtha. In these places I will enjoy pastimes as I wish.
Text 416
sri-govinda-kundasya mathura-khande
yatrabhishikto bhagavan
maghona yadu-vairina
govinda-kundam taj-jatam
snana-matrena moksha-dam
sri-govinda-kundasya-Govinda-kunda; mathura-khande-in the Mathura-khanda; yatra-where; abhishiktah-bathed; bhagavan-the Lord; maghona-by Indra; yadu-of the Yadus; vairina-the enemy; govinda-kundam-Govinda-kunda; taê-jatam-born from that; snana-matrena-simply by bathing; moksha-dam-grants liberation.
Glorification of Sri Govinda-kunda
In the Mathura-khanda it is said:
The Supreme Personality of Godhead was bathed by Indra, who had become the enemy of Vraja. From that bathing Govinda-kunda, was created. Govinda-kunda grants liberation to those who do nothing more than bathe in it.
Text 417
adi-varahe
anna-kutasya sannidhye
tirtham sakra-vinirmitam
tasmin snane tarpane ca
sata-kratu-phalam labhet
adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; anna-kutasya-Annakut„a; sannidhye-near; tirtham-a holy place; sakra-by Indra; vinirmitam-made; tasmin-there; snane-in âathing; tarpane-pleasing; ca-and; sata-kratu-phalam-result of a hundred yajnas; labhet-attains.
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
Near Annakuta-tirtha is the holy place (Govinda-kunda, that Indra made. A person who bathes there and offers tarpana attains the result of performing a hundred yajnas.
Text 418
sri-radha-kundadikasyadi-varahe
arishta-radha-kundabhyam
snanat phalam avapyate
rajasuyasvamedhabhyam
natra karya vicarana
sri-radha-kunda-Radha'-kunda; adikasya-beginning with; adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; arishta-radha-kundabhyam-Radha'-kunda and Syama-kunda; snanat-from bathing; phalam-result; avapyate-is attained; rajasuya-asvamedhabhyam-of rajasuya and asvamedha yajnas; na-not; atra-here; karya-should be done; vicarana-doubt.
Glorification of Radha-kunda and Other Places
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
By bathing in Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda, one attains the result of having performed a rajasuya-yajna and an asvamedha-yajna. Of this there is no doubt.
Text 419
mathura-khande
dipotsave karttike ca
radha-kunde yudhishthira
drisyate sakalam visvam
bhrityair vishnu-parayanaih
mathura-khande-in the Mathura'-khanda; dipotsave-in the dipotsava festival; karttike-during Karttika; ca-and; radha-kunde-at Radha'-kunda; yudhishthira-O Yudhishthira; drisyate-is seen; sakalam-all; visvam-the universe; bhrityair-by servants; vishnu-to Lord Vishnu; parayanaih-devoted.
In the Mathura-khanda it is said:
O Yudhishthira, during the dipotsava festival Lord Vishnu's devoted servants at Radha-kunda can see the entire universe.
Text 420
padme karttika-mahatmye
govardhane girau ramye
radha-kundam priyam hareh
karttike bahulashtamyam
tatra snatva hareh priyah
padme karttika-mahatmye-in the Padma Purana, Karttika-mahatmya; govardhane-on Govardhana; girau-Hill; ramye'charming; radha-kundam-Radha-kunda; priyam-dear; hareh-to Hari; karttike-in Karttika; bahulashtamyam-Bahulastami; tatra-there; snatva-having bathed; hareh'to Lord Hari; priyah-dear.
In the Padma Purana, Karttika-mahatmya, it is said:
Radha-kunda, by beautiful Govardhana Hill, is dear to Lord Hari. A person who bathes there on the Bahulashtami day of the month of Karttika is also dear to Lord Hari.
Text 421
naro bhakto bhaved vipras
tat-sthitasya pratoshanam
yatha radha priya vishnos
tasyah kundam priyam tatha
narah-a person; bhaktah-a devotee; bhaved-becomes; viprahbrahmana; tat-sthitasya-staying there; pratoshanam-satisfaction; yatha-as; radha-Radha; priya-is dear; vishnohto Vishnu; tasyah-Her; kundam-lake; priyam-dear; tatha-in the same way.
O brahmanas, a person who satisfies the residents of Radha-kunda becomes a great devotee. As S"rimati Radha is dear to Lord Vishnu, so Her lake (Radha-kunda, is also dear to Him.
Text 422
sarva-gopishu saivaika
vishnor atyanta-vallabha
tat-kunde karttikashtamyam
tatra snatva hareh priyah
sarva-among all; gopishu-the gopis; sa-She; eva-indeed; eka-alone; vishnor-to Lord Vishnu; atyanta-most; vallabha-dear; tat-kunde-at Her lake; karttika-of Karttika; ashtamyam-on the astami day; tatra-there; snatva-having bathed; hareh-of Lord Hari;l priyah-dear.
Among all the gopis, She is most dear to Lord Vishnu. A person who, on the ashtami day of the month of Karttika, bathes in Her lake, becomes dear to Lord Hari.
Text 423
natva stutva ca sampujyo
deva-deva-janardanah
prabodhinyam yatha-as; pritas
tatha pritas tato bhavet
natva-offering obeisances; stutva-offering prayers; ca-and; sampujyah-to be worshiped; deva-deva-the master of the demigods; janardanah-Janardana; prabodhinyam-on Prabodhini; yatha-as; pritahpleased; tatha-so; pritah-pleased; tatah-then; bhavet-is.
As Lord Janardana, the master of the demigods, is pleased by obeisances, prayers and worship during the Prabodhini day, so He is also pleased when these are done at Radha-kunda.
Text 424
athakrura-tirthasya saura-purane
ananta-vasati-sreshtham
sarva-papa-vinasanam
akrura-tirtham aty-artham
asti priyataram hareh
atha-now; akrura-tirthasya-of Akrura-tirtha; saura-purane-in the Saura Purana; ananta-limitless; vasati-of abodes; sreshtham-the best; sarva-papa-vinasanam-destroying all sins; akrura-tirtham-Akrura-tirtha; aty-artham asti priyataram-is very dear; hareh-to Lord Hari.
Glorification of Akrura-tirtha
In the Saura Purana it is said:
The best of the Lord's numberless abodes and the destroyer of all sins, Akrura-tirtha is very dear to Lord Hari.
Text 425
purnimayam tu yah snayat
tatra tirtha-vare narah
sa mukta eva samsarat
karttikyam tu viseshatah
purnimayam-on the full-moon day; tu-indeed; yah-who; snayat-bathes; tatra-there; tirtha-vare-at the best of holy places; narah-a person; sah-he; muktah-liberated; eva-indeed; samsarat-from birth and death; karttikyam-during Karttika; tu-indeed; viseshatah-specifically.
A person who, on the full-moon day of the month of Karttika, bathes at that very holy place, becomes freed from the cycle of repeated birth and death.
Text 426
adi-varahe
tirtha-rajam hi cakruram
guhyanam guhyam uttamam
tat-phalam samavapnoti
sarva-tirthavagahanat
adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; tirtha-rajam-the king of holy places; hi-indeed; ca-and; akruram-Akrura; guhyanam-of secrets; guhyam-secret; uttamam-supreme; tat-phalam-result; samavapnoti-atains; sarva-tirtha-in all holy places; avagahanat-from bathing.
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
Akrura-tirtha is the king of holy places, the most confidential of confidential abodes. There one attains the result of bathing in all other holy places.
Text 427
akrure ca punah snatva
rahu-graste divakare
rajasuyasvamedhabhyam
phalam prapnoti niscitam
akrure-at Akrura-tirtha; ca-and; punah-again; snatva-having bathed; rahu-graste divakare-on a solar eclipse; rajasuya-asvamedhabhyam-of a rajasuya and asvamedha sacrifice; phalam-result; prapnoti-attains; niscitam-certainly.
A person who, during a solar eclipse, bathes in Akrura-tirtha, certainly attains the result of performing a rajasuya-yajna and an asvamedha-yajna.
Text 428
atha bhandagarasya varahe
bhandagaram iti khyatam
guhyam ati tato mama
labhante manuja bhumi
siddhim tatra na samsayah
atha-now; bhandagarasya-of Bhandagara-tirtha; varahe-in the Varaha Purana; bhandagaram-Bhandagara-tirtha; iti-thus; khyatam-celebrated; guhyam-confidential; ati-very; tatah-then; mama-My; labhante-attain; manujah-people; bhumi-on the earth; siddhim-perfection» tatra-there; na-not; samsayah-doubt.
Glorification of Bhandagara-tirtha
In the Varaha Purana it is said:
O earth-goddess, the place known as Bhandagara-tirtha is My confidential abode. In Bhandagara-tirtha people attain perfection. Of this there is no doubt.
Text 429-431
tatra kundam maha-bhage
druma-gulma-latavritam
tatra snanam prakurvita
aho-ratroshito narah
lokam vaidyadharam gatva
modate krita-niscayah
tatrascaryam pravakshyami
bhumi guhyam param mama
catur-vimsati-dvadasyam
mama bhakti-vayavsthitah
ardha-ratreshu srinvanti
gitam karna-sukhavaham
tatra-there; kundam-lake; maha-bhage-O auspicious one; druma-gulma-latavritam-surrounded by trees and vines; tatra-there; snanam-bath; prakurvita-does; ahah-day; ratra-and night; ushitah-fasting; narah-a person; lokam- vaidyadharam-Vidyadharaloka; gatva-having gone; modate-enjoys; krita-niscayah-determined; tatra-there; ascaryam-a wonder; pravakshyami-I will describe; bhumi-on the earth; guhyam-secret; param-great; mama-My; catur-vimsati-dvadasyam-on caturvimsati-dvadasi; mama-My; bhakti-vayavsthitah-situated in devotion; ardha-half; ratreshu-in nights; srinvanti-hear; gitam-sing; karna-to the ears; sukha-happiness; avaham-carrying.
O auspicious one, that lake is surrounded by groves of trees and vines. A person who, fasting for a day and a night, bathes there, goes to Vidyadharaloka, where enjoys great happiness. O earth-goddess, I shall now tell you a wonderful secret. At this place, on caturvimsati-dvadasi, my devotees stay awake, in the middle of the night hearing songs about Me that bring pleasure to the ears.
Text 432
atha nandisvarasya sri-dasame
punya bata vraja-bhuvo yad ayam nri-lingo
gudhah purana-purusho vana-citra-malyah
gah palayan saha-balah kvanayams ca venum
vikridayancati giritra-ramarcitanghrih
atha-now; nandisvarasya-of Nandisvara; sri-dasame-in the Tenth Canto; punya-sacred; bata-indeed; vraja-bhuvah-of the land of Vraja; yad-whih; ayam-this; nr„-lingah-in a human form; gudhah-concealed; purana-purushah-the ancient Supreme Person; vana-citra-malyah-wearing wonderful garlands of forest-flowers; gah-the cows; palayan-protecting; saha-balah-with Balarama; kvanayan-playing; ca-and; venum-the flute; vikridaya-playfully; ancati'tilting; giritra-by Siva; rama-and Lakshmi; arcita-worshiped; anghrih-feet.
Glorification of Nandisvara-tirtha
In the Tenth Canto (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.44.13, it is said:
Dear friends, just imagine how fortunate the land of Vrindavana is where the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself is present, always decorated with flower garlands and engaged in tending cows along with His brother, Lord Balarama. He is always accompanied by His cowherd boy friends, and He plays His transcendental flute. The residents of Vrindavana are fortunate to be able to constantly see the lotus feet of Krishna and Balarama, which are worshiped by great demigods like Lord Siva and Brahma and the goddess of fortune.*
Text 433
tatha ca pathanti
pavane sarasi snatva
krishnam nandisvare girau
drishtva nandam yasodam ca
sarvabhishtam avapnuyat
tatha-so; ca-and; pathanti-read; pavane sarasi-in Pavana-sarovara; snatva-having bathed; krishnam-Krishna; nandisvare-in Nandisvara; girau-hill; drishtva-having seen; nandam-Nanda;
yasodam-Yasoda; ca-and; sarva-all; abhishtam-desires; avapnuyat-attains.
In the Vedi literatures it is said:
A person who bathes in Pavana-sarovara on Nandisvara Hill and sees the Deities of Nanda and Yasoda, attains all his desires.
Text 434
sakatarohanasyadi-varahe
sakatarohanam nama
tasmin kshetre param mama
mathura-pascime bhage
adurad ardha-yojane
sakatarohanasya-of Sakatarohana-tirtha; adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; sakatarohanam- nama-named Sakatarohana-tirtha; tasmin-in this; kshetre-place; param-transcendental; mama-My; mathura-pascime-to the west of Mathura; bhage-O auspicious one; adurad-not far; ardha-yojane-half a yojana.
Glorification of Sakatarohana-tirtha
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
Half a yojana (4 miles), not far, west of Mathura' is My holy place named Sakatarohana-tirtha.
Text 435
anekani sahasrani
bhramaranam vasanti vai
tatrabhishekam kurvita
eka-ratroshito narah
sa tu vaidyadharam lokam
gatva tu ramate sukham
anekani-many; sahasrani-thousands; bhramaranam-of bees; vasanti-live; vai-indeed; tatra-there; abhishekam-bath; kurvita-does; eka-ratra-for one night; ushitah-fasting; narah-a person; sah-he; tu-indeed» vaidyadharam- lokam-to Vidyadharaloka; gatva-having gone; tu-indeed; ramate-enjoys; sukham-happiness.
Many thousands of bees reside there. A person who, fasting for one night, bathes there, goes to Vidyadharaloka, where he enjoys great happiness.
Text 436
tatrapi mahad ascaryam
pasyanti pathi samsthitah
sarva-pushpa-varam kundam
magha-mase tu dvadasi
tatra-there; api-also; mahad-a great; ascaryam-wonder; pasyanti-see; pathi-on the pathway; samsthitah-situated; sarva-pushpa-varam-filled with all flowers; kundam-lake; magha-mase-in the month of Magha; tu-indeed; dvadasi-on the dvadasi.
Travelers on the pathways there see a great wonder. On the dvadasi of the month of Magha (January-February, they see the lake there filled with every kind of flower.
Text 437
atha grahana-snanady-artham keshucit tirtheshu kurukshetratvati-desah. adi-varahe
govardhanam tathakruram
dve koti dakshinottare
praskandanam ca bhandiram
kurukshetra-samani sat
atha-now; grahana-snanady-artham-for bathing; keshucit'certain; tirtheshu-holy places; kurukshetratvati-desah-are like Kurukshetra; adi-varahe-in the Adi-varaha Purana; govardhanam-Govardhana; tatha-then; akruram-Akrura-tirtha; dve-two; koti'sides; dakshina-south; uttare-north; praskandanam-Praskandana-tirtha; ca-and; bhandiram-Bhandira; kurukshetra-Kurukshetra; samani-equal; sat-being.
Some of These Holy Bathing-places Are Like Kurukshetra
In the Adi-varaha Purana it is said:
With Govardhana and Akrura-tirtha on the south and north, and Praskandana-tirtha and Bhandira on the other sides, the area is like Kurukshetra.
Text 438
atha yathartha-kathanam tatraiva
asi-kundam ca vaikuntham
koti-tirthottamam tada
avimuktam soma-tirtham
samyamanam tindukam tatha
cakra-tirtham tathakruram
dvadasaditya-samjnakam
ete punyah pavitras ca
maha-pataka-nasanah
atha-now; yathartha-appropriate; kathanam-description; tatra-there; eva-indeed; asi-kundam-Asi-kunda; ca-and; vaikuntham-Vaikuntha-tirtha; koti-tirtha-Koti-tirtha; uttamam-after; tada-then; avimuktam-Avimukta-tirtha; soma-tirtham-Soma-tirtha; samyamanam-Samyamana-tirtha; tindukam-Tinduka-tirtha; tatha-then; cakra-tirtham-Cakra-tirtha; tatha-then; akruram-Akrura-tirtha; dvadasaditya-samjnakam'the place named Dvadasaditya-tirtha; ete-these; punyah-sacred; pavitrah-pure; ca-and; maha-great; pataka-sins; nasanah-destroying.
These Places Are Like Kurukshetra
In the same scripture it is said:
The places are: Asi-kunda, Vaikuntha-tirtha, Koti-tirtha, Avimukta-tirtha, Soma-tirtha, Samyamana-tirtha, Tinduka-tirtha, Cakra-tirtha, Akrura-tirtha, and Dvadasaditya-tirtha. These purifying sacred places destroy the greatest sins.
Text 439
kurukshetra chata-guna
mathurayam na samsayah
kurukshetrac-than Kurukshetra; chata-guna-a hundred times» mathurayam-in Mathura; na-not; samsayah-doubt.
These places in Mathura' are a hundred times more sacred than Kurukshetra. Of this there is no doubt.
Text 440
ye pathanti maha-bhage
srinvanti ca samahitah
mathurayas ca mahatmyam
te yanti paramam gatim
ye-who; pathanti-who read; maha-bhage-O auspicious one; srinvanti-hear; ca-and; samahitah-assembled; mathurayah-of Mathura; ca-and; mahatmyam-glorification;- te-they; yanti-attain; paramam- gatim-the supreme destination.
O fortunate one, they who read or hear of the glories of Mathura' go to the supreme destination.
Text 441
te kulani tarayanti
dve sate pakshayor dvayoh
mahatmya-sravanad eva
natra karya vicarana
te-they; kulani-relatives; tarayanti-liberate; dve sate-two hundred; pakshayor dvayoh'on both sides; mahatmya-of the glories; sravanad-by hearing; eva-indeed; na-not; atra-here; karya-to be done; vicarana-doubt.
By hearing the glories of Mathura, the listeners liberate two hundred relatives on both sides of their families. Of this there is no doubt.
Text 442 and 443
mathura-maha-tirthani
visrantir asi-kundam ca
vaikuntho dhruva eva ca
krishna-ganga cakra-tirtham
sarasvatyas ca sangamah
catuh-samudrikah kupo
gokarnakhya-sivas tatha
govardhano nanda-griham
vatsa-kridanakas tatha
vanani dvadasa tatha
maha-tirthani mathure
mathura-of Mathura; maha-the great; tirthani-holy places; visrantir-Visranti-tirtha; asi-kundam-Asi-kunda; ca-and; vaikunthah-Vaikuntha-tirtha; dhruva-Dhruva-tirtha; eva-certainly; ca-and; krishna-ganga-the Krishna-ganga; cakra-tirtham-Cakra-tirtha; sarasvatyah-the Sarasvati; ca-and; sangamah-sangama» catuh-samudrikah kupah-Catuh-samudrika-kupa; gokarnakhya-sivah-Gokarnakupa; tatha-then; govardhanah-Govardhana; nanda-griham-Nanda's home; vatsakridanakah-Vatsakridanaka; tatha-then; vanani-forests; dvadasa-twelve; tatha'then; maha-tirthani-great holy places; mathure-in Mathura.
The Great Holy Places of Mathura
Visranti-tirtha, Asi-kunda, Vaikuntha-tirtha, Dhruva-tirtha, Krishna-ganga, Cakra-tirtha, Sarasvati-sangama, Catuh-samudrika-kupa, Gokarna-siva, Govardhana Hill, Nanda's home, Vatsa-kridana-tirtha, and the twelve forests, are the great holy places in Mathura.
Text 444
atha mathure deva-varah
narayananya-paryayah
kesavo madhya-samsthitah
svayambhuh padmanabhas ca
dirgha-vishnur gatasramah
govindo hari-varahav
iti mathura-devatah
atha-now; mathure-in Mathura; deva-varah-the great Deities; narayananya-paryayah-beginning with Lord Nara'yana; kesavah-Kesava; madhya-samsthitah-in the middle; svayambhuh-Svayambhu; padmanabhah-Padmanabha; ca-and; dirgha-vishnur-Dirgha-Vishnu; gatasramah-Lord Gatasrama; govindah-Govinda; hari+hari; varahau-and Varaha; iti-thus; mathura-in Mathura; devatah-the Deities.
The Deities of Mathura
Narayana, Kesava, Svayambhu, Padmanabha, Dirgha-Vishnu, Gatasrama, Govinda, Hari, and Varaha, are the Deities of Mathura.
Text 445
mathurayas tu mahatmyam
sa-vanaya mahadbhutam
gopalottara-tapanyam
anyad apy asti kirtanam
mathurayah-of Mathura; tu-indeed; mahatmyam-glorification;- sa-vanayah-with its forests; maha-adbhutam-great wonder; gopala-uttara-tapanyam-in Gopala-tapani Upanishad, Chapter Two; anyad-another; api-also; asti-is; kirtanam-glorification.
This is the wonderful glorification of Mathura' and its forests. Further glorification is in the Gopala-tapani Upanishad, Chapter Two.
Text 446
tirthany uktani bhurini
puranesht atra mathure
khyatany evadhuna tesham
likhitaniha kanicit
tirthani-holy places; uktani-described; bhurini-many; puraneshu-in the Purana; atra-here; mathure'in Mathura; khyatani-famous; eva-indeed; adhuna-now; tesham-of them; likhitani-have been written; iha-here; kanicit-some.
Many holy places in Mathura are described in the Puranas. Some of the more famous of them have been written here.
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