The history of the Tirthas Vinashana, Gargashrota, Shakuha, Subhumika (ch 37)

MAHABHARATA

Shalya Parva

CHAPTER 37

(GADAYUDDHA PARVA)—Continued

The history of the Tirthas Vinashana, Gargashrota, Shakuha, Subhumika

SYNOPSIS

The narrative recounts the sacred pilgrimage of Baladeva (Balarama), the elder brother of Krishna and a prominent hero of the Yadava dynasty, along the Sarasvati River. His journey unfolds as a spiritual odyssey to numerous tirthas (pilgrimage sites), each imbued with profound religious and mythical significance.

Vinashana: The Vanishing Sarasvati

Baladeva begins his journey at Vinashana, a place where the Sarasvati River disappears underground. This phenomenon, according to legend, is due to the river’s contempt for Shudras and Abhiras. The disappearance of the Sarasvati renders the site a symbol of mystery and divinity, referred to by sages as Vinashana, or “the vanishing point.” Here, Baladeva bathes in the sacred waters, purifying himself before continuing his pilgrimage.

Subhumika: The Playground of Celestial Beings

Next, he arrives at Subhumika, a beautiful shrine on the Sarasvati’s banks, where enchanting Apsaras, known for their divine beauty, frolic in eternal joy. This site is a haven for Gandharvas, celestial musicians who visit regularly to revel in music, dance, and divine play. The atmosphere is filled with the melodies of celestial instruments and songs, creating an ethereal ambiance. Baladeva is captivated by the sacred harmony of this tirtha and offers immense wealth to the Brahmanas there, honoring their presence.

Gargashrota: The Wisdom of Sage Garga

Baladeva’s journey then takes him to Gargashrota, a tirtha named after the illustrious sage Garga. Renowned for his mastery of time, celestial mechanics, and auspicious omens, Garga had once made this site his abode. The location is a hub for sages seeking enlightenment on cosmic truths. Baladeva, smeared with white sandalwood paste and clad in blue robes, reverently distributes riches and food to the ascetics, honoring their spiritual achievements.

Shankha: The Sacred Tree of Meru

At Shankha, Baladeva encounters the Mahashankha tree, a towering wonder as tall as Mount Meru and as radiant as the white Himalayas. This sacred tree is surrounded by mystical beings—Yakshas, Vidyadharas, Rakshasas, and Siddhas—who observe strict vows and sustain themselves solely on the tree’s fruits. The site exudes a sense of ancient sanctity and otherworldly power. Baladeva, moved by the spiritual energy of this place, offers generous gifts to the Brahmanas before departing.

Nagadhanvana: The Abode of Vasuki

Continuing his journey, Baladeva reaches Nagadhanvana, a tirtha teeming with serpents and presided over by Vasuki, the king of snakes. This sacred place is revered as the site where the celestials once crowned Vasuki as the ruler of all serpents. Despite the presence of snakes, the area is free of fear, radiating divine protection. Baladeva pays his respects to Vasuki and the sages residing there, offering valuable gifts and alms.

The Eastward Turn of Sarasvati at Naimisha

As he moves further, Baladeva marvels at the Sarasvati’s eastward turn near the Naimisha forest. This change in the river’s course, as recounted by Vaishampayana, was a compassionate act in the Satya Yuga. During a twelve-year-long sacrificial ritual performed by numerous Rishis, the Sarasvati shifted her flow to provide ample space for the sages’ sacred activities. Baladeva is awestruck by this miraculous event and offers prayers and gifts at this holy site.

Sapta-Sarasvat: A Sacred Sanctuary

The journey concludes at Sapta-Sarasvat, a sacred region adorned with vibrant forests and teeming with wildlife. This tirtha is home to diverse ascetics practicing rigorous penances, including those who subsist on air, water, or fallen leaves. The forests are rich with trees like Vadari, Plaksha, Ashvattha, and Parijata, creating an enchanting and serene environment. Here, Baladeva bathes in the holy waters, distributes wealth, and offers worship to the ascetics and sages.

Chapter 37

वैशम्पायन उवाच
ततो विनशनं राजन् जगामाथ हलायुधः ।
शूद्राभीरान् प्रति द्वेषाद् यत्र नष्टा सरस्वती ॥१॥

vaiśampāyana uvāca
tato vinaśanaṃ rājan jagāmātha halāyudhaḥ |
śūdrābhīrān prati dveṣād yatra naṣṭā sarasvatī || 1 ||

Vaishampayana said
"Then Baladeva, O king, went to Vinashana where the Sarasvati has disappeared out of view in consequence of her hatred for Shudras and Abhiras.

तस्मात् तु ऋषयो नित्यं प्राहुर्विनशनेति च ।

tasmāt tu ṛṣayo nityaṃ prāhurvinaśaneti ca |

And because the Sarasvati, on account of this contempt, is lost there Rishis, O chief of the Bharatas, always name the place as Vinashana.

तत्राप्युपस्पृश्य बल: सरस्वत्यां महाबलः ॥ २॥
सूभूमिकं ततोऽगच्छत् सरस्वत्यास्तटे वरे ।

tatrāpyupaspṛśya bala: sarasvatyāṃ mahābalaḥ || 2 ||
sūbhūmikaṃ tato’gacchat sarasvatyāstaṭe vare |

Having bathed in that tirtha of the Sarasvati, the powerful Baladeva then went to Subhumika situate on the excellent bank of the same river.

तत्र चाप्सरसः शुभ्रा नित्यकालमतन्द्रिताः ॥ ३ ॥
क्रीडाभिर्विमलाभिश्च क्रीडन्ति विमलाननाः ।

tatra cāpsarasaḥ śubhrā nityakālamatandritāḥ || 3 ||
krīḍābhirvimalābhiśca krīḍanti vimalānanāḥ |

There many fair-complexioned and beautiful-faced Apsaras are always engaged in innocent pastimes.

तत्र देवाः सगन्धर्वा मासि मासि जनेश्वर ॥ ४॥
अभिगच्छन्ति तत् तीर्थं पुण्यं ब्राह्मणसेवितम् ।

tatra devāḥ sagandharvā māsi māsi janeśvara || 4 ||
abhigacchanti tat tīrthaṃ puṇyaṃ brāhmaṇasevitam |

The celestials and the Gandharvas, every month, O king, go to that sacred shrine which is the resort of Brahman himself.

तत्रादृश्यन्त गन्धर्वास्तथैवाप्सरसां गणाः ॥ ५ ॥
समेत्य सहिता राजन् यथाप्राप्तं यथासुखम्।

tatrādṛśyanta gandharvāstathaivāpsarasāṃ gaṇāḥ || 5 ||
sametya sahitā rājan yathāprāptaṃ yathāsukham|

The Gandharvas and various clans of Apsaras are to be seen there, O king, passing their days happily.

तत्र मोदन्ति देवाश्च पितरश्च सवीरुधः ॥ ६ ॥
पुण्यैः पुष्पैः सदा दिव्यैः कीर्यमाणाः पुनः पुनः ।

tatra modanti devāśca pitaraśca savīrudhaḥ || 6 ||
puṇyaiḥ puṣpaiḥ sadā divyaiḥ kīryamāṇāḥ punaḥ punaḥ |

There the celestials and departed manes in the midst of the showers of sacred and auspicious flowers sport in joy.

आक्रीडभूमिः सा राजंस्तासामप्सरसां शुभा ॥७॥
सुभूमिकेति विख्याता सरस्वत्यास्तटे वरे ।

ākrīḍabhūmiḥ sā rājaṃstāsāmapsarasāṃ śubhā || 7 ||
subhūmiketi vikhyātā sarasvatyāstaṭe vare |

There all the creepers are covered with flowers. And because, O king, that spot is the beautiful sporting ground of those Apsaras, therefore is that shrine on the charming bank of the Sarasvati is called Subhumika.

तत्र स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च वसु विप्राय माधवः ॥ ८॥
श्रुत्वा गीतं च तद् दिव्यं वादित्राणां च निःस्वनम् ।

tatra snātvā ca dattvā ca vasu viprāya mādhavaḥ || 8 ||
śrutvā gītaṃ ca tad divyaṃ vāditrāṇāṃ ca niḥsvanam |

Baladeva of Madhu's race, having bathed in that tirtha and distributed immense riches amongst the Brahmanas, heard the sound of those celestial songs and musical instruments.

छायाश्च विपुला दृष्ट्वा देवगन्धर्वरक्षसाम् ॥ ९ ॥
गन्धर्वाणां ततस्तीर्थमागच्छद् रोहिणीसुतः ।

chāyāśca vipulā dṛṣṭvā devagandharvarakṣasām || 9 ||
gandharvāṇāṃ tatastīrthamāgacchad rohiṇīsutaḥ |

He also saw there many shadows of gods, Gandharvas and Rakshasas. The son of Rohini then proceeded to the tirtha of the Gandharvas.

विश्वावसुमुखास्तत्र गन्धर्वास्तपसान्विताः॥१०॥
नृत्यवादित्रगीतं च कुर्वन्ति सुमनोरमम् ।

viśvāvasumukhāstatra gandharvāstapasānvitāḥ || 10 ||
nṛtyavāditragītaṃ ca kurvanti sumanoramam |

There many Gandharvas, headed by Vishvavasu and possessed of ascetic merit, pass their time in dance and singing many sweet songs.

तत्र दत्त्वा हलधरो विप्रेभ्यो विविधं वसु ॥ ११ ॥
अजाविकं गोखरोष्ट्रं सुवर्ण रजतं तथा ।

tatra dattvā haladharo viprebhyo vividhaṃ vasu || 11 ||
ajāvikaṃ gokharoṣṭraṃ suvarṇa rajataṃ tathā |

Giving away various kinds of riches to the Brahmanas, as also goat and sheep and kine and mules and camels and gold and silver.

भोजयित्वा द्विजान् कामैः संतर्प्य च महाधनैः ॥ १२ ॥
प्रययौ सहितो विप्रैः स्तूयमानश्च माधवः ।

bhojayitvā dvijān kāmaiḥ saṃtarpya ca mahādhanaiḥ || 12 ||
prayayau sahito vipraiḥ stūyamānaśca mādhavaḥ |

And feeding many Brahmanas and satisfying them with many rich gifts as desired by them, Baladeva, of Madhu's race, left that place accompanied by many Brahmanas and praised by them.

तस्माद् गन्धर्वतीर्थाच्च महाबाहुररिंदमः ॥ १३ ॥
गर्गस्रोतो महातीर्थमाजगामैककुण्डली ।

tasmād gandharvatīrthācca mahābāhurariṃdamaḥ || 13 ||
gargasroto mahātīrthamājagāmaikakuṇḍalī |

Leaving that tirtha the favorite haunt of the Gandharvas, that mighty-armed chastiser of foes, having but one ear-ring, then went to the famous tirtha called Gargashrota.

तत्र गर्गेण वृद्धेन तपसा भावितात्मना ॥ १४ ॥
कालज्ञानगतिश्चैव ज्योतिषां च व्यतिक्रमः ।
उत्पाता दारुणाश्चैव शुभाश्च जनमेजय ॥ १५ ॥
सरस्वत्या शुभे तीर्थे विदिता वै महात्मना ।

tatra gargeṇa vṛddhena tapasā bhāvitātmanā || 14 ||
kālajñānagatiścaiva jyotiṣāṃ ca vyatikramaḥ |
utpātā dāruṇāścaiva śubhāśca janamejaya || 15 ||
sarasvatyā śubhe tīrthe viditā vai mahātmanā |

There, in that sacred tirtha of the Sarasvati, the illustrious and old Garga, having a soul cleansed by ascetic penances, O Janamejaya, had mastered the knowledge of time and its course, of the deviations of luminous bodies (in the sky) and of all auspicious and inauspicious portents.

तस्य नाम्ना च तत् तीर्थं गर्गस्रोत इति स्मृतम् ॥ १६ ॥
तत्र गर्गं महाभागमृषयः सुव्रता नृप ।
उपासांचक्रिरे नित्यं कालज्ञानं प्रति प्रभो ।। १७ ॥

tasya nāmnā ca tat tīrthaṃ gargasrota iti smṛtam || 16 ||
tatra gargaṃ mahābhāgamṛṣayaḥ suvratā nṛpa |
upāsāṃcakrire nityaṃ kālajñānaṃ prati prabho || 17 ||

That tirtha was called after his name Gargashrota. There, O king, highly blessed Rishis of firm vows always waited upon Garga, O lord, for acquiring a knowledge of time.

तत्र गत्वा महाराज बलः श्वेतानुलेपनः ।
विधिवद्धि धनं दत्त्वा मुनीनां भावितात्मनाम् ॥ १८ ॥

tatra gatvā mahārāja balaḥ śvetānulepanaḥ |
vidhivaddhi dhanaṃ dattvā munīnāṃ bhāvitātmanām || 18 ||

Besmeared with white sandal-paste O king, Baladeva, going to that tirtha, duly distributed wealth amongst many ascetics of pure souls.

उच्चावचांस्तथा भक्ष्यान् विप्रेभ्यो विप्रदाय सः ।
नीलवासास्तदागच्छच्छङ्घतीर्थं महायशाः॥१९॥

uccāvacāṃstathā bhakṣyān viprebhyo vipradāya saḥ |
nīlavāsāstadāgacchacchaṅghatīrthaṃ mahāyaśāḥ || 19 ||

Having distributed also many sorts of rich food amongst the Brahmanas, that illustrious one, clad in blue robes, then went to the tirtha called Shankha.

तत्रापश्यन्महाशङ्खं महामेरुमिवोच्छ्रितम् ।
श्वेतपर्वतसंकाशमृषिसंघैर्निषेवितम् ॥ २० ॥
सरस्वत्यास्तटे जातं नगं तालध्वजो बली ।

tatrāpaśyanmahāśaṅkhaṃ mahāmerumivocchritam |
śvetaparvatasaṃkāśamṛṣisaṃghairniṣevitam || 20 ||
sarasvatyāstaṭe jātaṃ nagaṃ tāladhvajo balī |

There, on the bank of the Sarasvati that powerful palmyra-emblemed hero beheld a gigantic tree called Mahashankha, tall as Meru, looking like the white-mountain and resorted to by many Rishis.

यक्षा विद्याधराश्चैव राक्षसाश्चामितौजसः ॥ २१ ॥
पिशाचाश्चामितबला यत्र सिद्धाः सहस्रशः ।

yakṣā vidyādharāścaiva rākṣasāścāmitaujasaḥ || 21 ||
piśācāścāmitabalā yatra siddhāḥ sahasraśaḥ |

There dwell Yakshas and Vidyadharas and Rakshasas of great energy and Pishachas of incomparable might and Siddhas, in thousands.

ते सर्वे ह्यशनं त्यक्त्वा फलं तस्य वनस्पतेः ॥ २२ ॥
व्रतैश्च नियमैश्चैव काले काले स्म भुञ्जते ।
प्राप्तैश्च नियमैस्तैस्तैर्विचरन्तः पृथक् पृथक् ॥ २३ ॥
अदृश्यमाना मनुजैर्व्यचरन् पुरुषर्षभ ।
एवं ख्यातो नरव्याघ्र लोकेऽस्मिन् स वनस्पतिः ॥ २४ ॥

te sarve hyaśanaṃ tyaktvā phalaṃ tasya vanaspateḥ || 22 ||
vrataiśca niyamaiścaiva kāle kāle sma bhuñjate |
prāptaiśca niyamaistaistairvicarantaḥ pṛthak pṛthak || 23 ||
adṛśyamānā manujairvyacaran puruṣarṣabha |
evaṃ khyāto naravyāghra loke’smin sa vanaspatiḥ || 24 ||

Desisting from other kinds of food, all of them observe vows and regulations and take at the proper time the fruits of that king of the forest for their sustenance and rove separately unseen by men, O foremost of men. That monarch of the forest, O king, is celebrated throughout the world.

ततस्तर्थं सरस्वत्याः पावनं लोकविश्रुतम् ।
तस्मिंश्च यदुशार्दूलो दत्त्वा तीर्थे पयस्विनीः ॥ २५ ॥
ताम्रायसानि भाण्डानि वस्त्राणि विविधानि च।
पूजयित्वा द्विजांश्चैव पूजितश्च तपोधनैः ॥ २६ ॥

tatastarthaṃ sarasvatyāḥ pāvanaṃ lokaviśrutam |
tasmiṃśca yaduśārdūlo dattvā tīrthe payasvinīḥ || 25 ||
tāmrāyasāni bhāṇḍāni vastrāṇi vividhāni ca|
pūjayitvā dvijāṃścaiva pūjitaśca tapodhanaiḥ || 26 ||

That tree is the cause of this tirtha. Having given away many milch cows, vessels of copper and iron and diverse sorts of other vessels, that foremost Yadu's race, viz., Baladeva, having the plough for his weapon, worshipped the Brahmanas and was adored by them in return. He then, O king, went to the Dvaita lake.

पुण्यं द्वैतवनं राजन्नाजगाम हलायुधः ।
तत्र गत्वा मुनीन् दृष्ट्वा नानावेषधरान् बलः ॥ २७॥

puṇyaṃ dvaitavanaṃ rājannājagāma halāyudhaḥ |
tatra gatvā munīn dṛṣṭvā nānāveṣadharān balaḥ || 27 ||

Arrived there, Vala saw various ascetics dressed diversely. Bathing in its waters, he adored the Brahmanas.

आप्लुत्य सलिले चापि पूजयामास वै द्विजान् ।
तथैव दत्त्वा विप्रेभ्यः परिभोगान् सुपुष्कलान् ॥ २८॥
ततः प्रायाद् बलो राजन् दक्षिणेन सरस्वतीम् ।

āplutya salile cāpi pūjayāmāsa vai dvijān |
tathaiva dattvā viprebhyaḥ paribhogān supuṣkalān || 28 ||
tataḥ prāyād balo rājan dakṣiṇena sarasvatīm |

Having distributed profusely amongst the Brahmanas various articles of enjoyment Baladeva then, O king, went on along the southern bank of the Sarasvati.

गत्वा चैवं महाबाहुर्नातिदूरे महायशाः ॥ २९ ॥
धर्मात्मा नागधन्वानं तीर्थमागमदच्युतः ।

gatvā caivaṃ mahābāhurnātidūre mahāyaśāḥ || 29 ||
dharmātmā nāgadhanvānaṃ tīrthamāgamadacyutaḥ |

The mighty-armed and illustrious Rama, of pure soul and unmitigated glory, then proceeded to the tirtha called Nagadhanvana.

यत्र पन्नगराजस्य वासुकेः संनिवेशनम् ॥ ३० ॥
महाद्युतेर्महाराज बहुभिः पन्नगैर्वृतम् ।
ऋषीणां हि सहस्राणि यत्र नित्यं चतुर्दश ॥ ३१ ॥

yatra pannagarājasya vāsukeḥ saṃniveśanam || 30 ||
mahādyutermahārāja bahubhiḥ pannagairvṛtam |
ṛṣīṇāṃ hi sahasrāṇi yatra nityaṃ caturdaśa || 31 ||

Abounding with snakes, O king, it was the abode of the highly effulgent Vasuki, the king of serpents. There four and then ten thousand Rishis also lived permanently.

यत्र देवाः समागम्य वासुकिं पन्नगोत्तमम् ।
सर्वपन्नगराजानमभ्यषिञ्चन् यथाविधि ॥ ३२ ॥
पन्नगेभ्यो भयं तत्र विद्यते न स्म पौरव ।

yatra devāḥ samāgamya vāsukiṃ pannagottamam |
sarvapannagarājānamabhyaṣiñcan yathāvidhi || 32 ||
pannagebhyo bhayaṃ tatra vidyate na sma paurava |

Having come there in days of yore the celestials had, according to due rites, installed the great snake Vasuki as king of all the snakes. There is no fear of snakes in that place O you of Kuru's race.

तत्रापि विधिवद्दत्त्वा विप्रेभ्यो रत्नसंचयान् ॥ ३३॥
प्रायात् प्राचीं दिशं तत्र तत्र तीर्थान्यनेकशः ।
सहस्रशतसंख्यानि प्रथितानि पदे पदे ॥ ३४ ॥

tatrāpi vidhivaddattvā viprebhyo ratnasaṃcayān || 33 ||
prāyāt prācīṃ diśaṃ tatra tatra tīrthānyanekaśaḥ |
sahasraśatasaṃkhyāni prathitāni pade pade || 34 ||

Duly distributing many valuable articles there amongst the Brahmanas Baladeva then set out with face towards the east and reached, one after another, hundreds and thousands of celebrated tirthas situated all around.

आप्लुत्य तत्र तीर्थेषु यथोक्तं तत्र चर्षिभिः ।
कृत्वोपवासनियमं दत्त्वा दानानि सर्वशः ॥ ३५ ॥
अभिवाद्य मुनींस्तान् वै तत्र तीर्थनिवासिनः ।
उद्दिष्टमार्गः प्रययौ यत्र भूयः सरस्वती ॥ ३६ ॥
प्राडमुखं वै निववतै वृष्टिर्वातहता यथा ।
ऋषीणां नैमिषयाणामवेक्षार्थं महात्मनाम् ॥ ३७॥

āplutya tatra tīrtheṣu yathoktaṃ tatra carṣibhiḥ |
kṛtvopavāsaniyamaṃ dattvā dānāni sarvaśaḥ || 35 ||
abhivādya munīṃstān vai tatra tīrthanivāsinaḥ |
uddiṣṭamārgaḥ prayayau yatra bhūyaḥ sarasvatī || 36 ||
prāḍamukhaṃ vai nivavatai vṛṣṭirvātahatā yathā |
ṛṣīṇāṃ naimiṣayāṇāmavekṣārthaṃ mahātmanām || 37 ||

Bathing in all those tirthas and observing fasts and other vows as sanctioned by the Rishis and given away immense riches and saluting all the ascetics who lived there, Baladeva once more set out, along the way pointed out to him by those ascetics for reaching that spot where the Sarasvati turns in an eastward direction like torrents of rain bent by the velocity of the storm. The river took that course for seeing the great Rishis dwelling in the forest of Naimisha.

निवृत्तां तां सरिच्छ्रेष्टां तत्र दृष्ट्वा तु लाङ्गली ।
बभूव विस्मितो राजन् बलः श्वेतानुलेपनः॥३८॥

nivṛttāṃ tāṃ saricchreṣṭāṃ tatra dṛṣṭvā tu lāṅgalī |
babhūva vismito rājan balaḥ śvetānulepanaḥ || 38 ||

Always smeared with white sandal-paste, Vala, having the plough for his weapon, seeing that great river change her course, was O king, filled with wonder.

जनमेजय उवाच
कस्मात् सरस्वती ब्रह्मन् निवृत्ता प्राडमुखीभवत् ।
व्याख्यातमेतदिच्छामि सर्वमध्वर्युसत्तम ॥ ३९ ॥

janamejaya uvāca
kasmāt sarasvatī brahman nivṛttā prāḍamukhībhavat |
vyākhyātametadicchāmi sarvamadhvaryusattama || 39 ||

Janamejaya said

"Why O Brahmana, did the Sarasvati bend her course there towards the east. O best of Adhvaryus, you should tell me everything regarding this.

कस्मिंश्चित् कारणे तत्र विस्मितो यदुनन्दनः ।
निवृत्ता हेतुना केन कथमेव सरिद्वरा ॥ ४० ॥

kasmiṃścit kāraṇe tatra vismito yadunandanaḥ |
nivṛttā hetunā kena kathameva saridvarā || 40 ||

Why was that delighter of the Yadus filled with wonder? Why, indeed did that best of rivers thus change her course."

वैशम्पायन उवाच
पूर्वं कृतयुगे राजन् नैमिषेयास्तपस्विनः ।
वर्तमाने सुविपुले सत्रे द्वादशवार्षिके ॥ ४१ ॥

vaiśampāyana uvāca
pūrvaṃ kṛtayuge rājan naimiṣeyāstapasvinaḥ |
vartamāne suvipule satre dvādaśavārṣike || 41 ||

Vaishampayana said

"Formerly, in the Satya Yuga, O king, the ascetics living in Naimisha were engaged in a great sacrifice extending for twelve years.

ऋषयो बहवो राजंस्तत् सत्रमभिपेदिरे ।
उषित्वा च महाभागास्तस्मिन् सत्रे यथाविधि ॥ ४२॥
निवृत्ते नैमिषेये वै सत्रे द्वादशवार्षिके ।
आजग्मुर्ऋषयस्तत्र वहवस्तीर्थकारणात्॥४३॥

ṛṣayo bahavo rājaṃstat satramabhipedire |
uṣitvā ca mahābhāgāstasmin satre yathāvidhi || 42 ||
nivṛtte naimiṣeye vai satre dvādaśavārṣike |
ājagmurṛṣayastatra vahavastīrthakāraṇāt || 43 ||

Many Rishis, O king, came to that sacrifice. Passing their time according to proper rites, in the celebration of that sacrifice, those great Rishis, after the termination of that twelve year's sacrifice at Naimisha, set out in large numbers for seeing the various sacred shrines.

ऋषीणां बहुलत्वात्तु सरस्वत्या विशाम्पते ।
तीर्थानि नगरायन्ते कूले वै दक्षिणे तदा ॥ ४४ ॥

ṛṣīṇāṃ bahulatvāttu sarasvatyā viśāmpate |
tīrthāni nagarāyante kūle vai dakṣiṇe tadā || 44 ||

On account of the number of the Rishis, O king, the tirthas on the southern banks of the Sarasvati all looked like towns and cities.

समन्तपञ्चकं यावत्तावत्ते द्विजसत्तमाः ।
तीर्थ लोभान्नरव्याघ्र नद्यास्तीरं समाश्रिताः ॥ ४५॥

samantapañcakaṃ yāvattāvatte dvijasattamāḥ |
tīrtha lobhānnaravyāghra nadyāstīraṃ samāśritāḥ || 45 ||

Those foremost of Brahmanas, O foremost of men, being anxious to enjoy the merits of tirthas, took up their abodes on the bank of the river up to Samantapanchaka.

जुह्वतां तत्र तेषां तु मुनीनां भावितात्मनाम् ।
स्वाध्यायेनातिमहता बभूवुः पूरिता दिशः ॥ ४६ ॥

juhvatāṃ tatra teṣāṃ tu munīnāṃ bhāvitātmanām |
svādhyāyenātimahatā babhūvuḥ pūritā diśaḥ || 46 ||

The whole region was as if filled with loud Vedic recitations of those Rishis of pure souls, all engaged in pouring libations of sacrificial fires.

अग्निहोत्रैस्तस्ततेषां क्रियमाणैर्महात्मनाम् ।
अशोभत सरिच्छ्रेष्टा दीप्यमानैः समन्ततः ॥ ४७ ॥

agnihotraistastateṣāṃ kriyamāṇairmahātmanām |
aśobhata saricchreṣṭā dīpyamānaiḥ samantataḥ || 47 ||

That best of rivers shone highly beautiful with those burning homa fires all around, over which those great ascetics poured libations of clarified butter.

वालखिल्या महाराज अश्मकुट्टाश्च तापसाः ।
दन्तोलूखलिनश्चान्ये प्रसंख्यानास्तथा परे ॥ ४८ ॥
वायुभक्षा जलाहाराः पर्णभक्षाश्च तापसाः ।
नानानियमयुक्ताश्च तथा स्थण्डिलशायिनः ॥ ४९ ॥
आसन् वै मुनयस्तत्र सरस्वत्याः समीपतः ।
शोभयन्तः सरिच्छ्रेष्ठां गङ्गामिव दिवौकसः ॥ ५० ॥

vālakhilyā mahārāja aśmakuṭṭāśca tāpasāḥ |
dantolūkhalinaścānye prasaṃkhyānāstathā pare || 48 ||
vāyubhakṣā jalāhārāḥ parṇabhakṣāśca tāpasāḥ |
nānāniyamayuktāśca tathā sthaṇḍilaśāyinaḥ || 49 ||
āsan vai munayastatra sarasvatyāḥ samīpataḥ |
śobhayantaḥ saricchreṣṭhāṃ gaṅgāmiva divaukasaḥ || 50 ||

Valakhilyas and Ashmarkuttas, Dantolukhalinas, Samprakshyanas and other ascetics, as also those living on air and those living on water and those living on dry leaves of trees and various others who practised diverse kinds of vows and those that lived on bare and hard earth, all came to that spot in the vicinity of the Sarasvati. And they rendered that foremost of rivers highly beautiful like the celestials beautifying with their presence the heavenly rivers called Mandakini.

शतशश्च समापेतुर्ऋषयः सत्रयाजिनः ।
तेऽवकाशं न ददृशुः सरस्वत्या महाव्रताः ॥ ५१॥

śataśaśca samāpeturṛṣayaḥ satrayājinaḥ |
te’vakāśaṃ na dadṛśuḥ sarasvatyā mahāvratāḥ || 51 ||

Hundreds of Rishis, all given to the observance of sacrifices, came there. Those observers of great vows could not find sufficient accommodation on the banks of the Sarasvati.

ततो यज्ञोपवीतैस्ते तत्तीर्थं निर्मिमाय वै।
जुहुवुश्चाग्निहोत्रांश्च चक्रुश्च विविधाः क्रियाः ॥ ५२ ॥

tato yajñopavītaiste tattīrthaṃ nirmimāya vai|
juhuvuścāgnihotrāṃśca cakruśca vividhāḥ kriyāḥ || 52 ||

Measuring small plots of land with their sacred threads, they celebrated Agnihotras and other rites.

ततस्तमऋषिसंघातं निराशं चिन्तयान्वितम् ।
दर्शयामास राजेन्द्र तेषामर्थे सरस्वती ॥५३॥

tatastamṛṣisaṃghātaṃ nirāśaṃ cintayānvitam |
darśayāmāsa rājendra teṣāmarthe sarasvatī || 53 ||

The river Sarasvati saw, O king, those Rishis filled with despair and anxiety for want of a commodious tirtha wherein to perform their rites.

ततः कुञ्जान् बहून कृत्वा संनिवृत्ता सरस्वती ।
ऋषीणां पुण्यतपसां कारुण्याज्जनमेजय ॥५४॥

tataḥ kuñjān bahūna kṛtvā saṃnivṛttā sarasvatī |
ṛṣīṇāṃ puṇyatapasāṃ kāruṇyājjanamejaya || 54 ||

Accordingly, that best of streams came there, having made sufficient accommodation on her bank for those Rishis, out of compassion for them, O Janamejaya.

ततो निवृत्य राजेन्द्र तेषामर्थे सरस्वती ।
भूयः प्रतीच्यभिमुखी प्रसुस्राव सरिद्वरा ।। ५५॥
अमोघा गमनं कृत्वा तेषां भूयो व्रजाम्यहम् ।
इत्युद्भुतं महच्चक्रे तदा राजन् महानदी ॥५६॥

tato nivṛtya rājendra teṣāmarthe sarasvatī |
bhūyaḥ pratīcyabhimukhī prasusrāva saridvarā || 55 ||
amoghā gamanaṃ kṛtvā teṣāṃ bhūyo vrajāmyaham |
ityudbhutaṃ mahaccakre tadā rājan mahānadī || 56 ||

Having thus, O king, changed her course for their sake, the Sarasvati, that best of rivers, once more flowed in a westerly direction, to make the arrival of the Rishis there successful. O king, the great river accomplished there this wonderful feat.

एवं स कुञ्जो राजन् वै नैमिषीय इति स्मृतः ।
कुरुश्रेष्ठ कुरुक्षेत्रे कुरुष्व महतीं क्रियाम् ॥५७॥
तत्र कुञ्जान् बहून दृष्ट्वा निवृत्तां च सरस्वतीम् ।
बभूव विस्मयस्तत्र रामस्याथ महात्मनः ।। ५८ ।।

evaṃ sa kuñjo rājan vai naimiṣīya iti smṛtaḥ |
kuruśreṣṭha kurukṣetre kuruṣva mahatīṃ kriyām || 57 ||
tatra kuñjān bahūna dṛṣṭvā nivṛttāṃ ca sarasvatīm |
babhūva vismayastatra rāmasyātha mahātmanaḥ || 58 ||

Thus those reservoirs of water, O king, were formed in Naimisha. There, at Kurukshetra, O Kuru chief, do you celebrate grand sacrifices and rites. Beholding those innumerable reservoirs of water and seeing that the best of rivers change her course, the high-souled Rama was filled with wonder.

उपस्पृश्य तु तत्रापि विधिवद् यदुनन्दनः ।
दत्त्वा दायान् द्विजातिभ्यो भाण्डानि विविधानि च ॥५९॥
भक्ष्यं भोज्यं च विविधं ब्राह्मणेभ्यः प्रदाय च।
ततः प्रायाद् बलो राजन् पूज्यमानो द्विजातिभिः ॥ ६०॥
सरस्वतीतीर्थवरं नानाद्विजगणायुतम् ।
बलरेडगुदकाश्मर्यप्लक्षाश्वत्यबिभीतकैः ॥ ६१ ॥
कङ्कोलैश्च पलाशैश्च करीरैः पीलुभिस्तथा ।
सरस्वतीतीर्थरुहैस्तरुभिर्विविधैस्तथा ।। ६२ ।।

upaspṛśya tu tatrāpi vidhivad yadunandanaḥ |
dattvā dāyān dvijātibhyo bhāṇḍāni vividhāni ca || 59 ||
bhakṣyaṃ bhojyaṃ ca vividhaṃ brāhmaṇebhyaḥ pradāya ca|
tataḥ prāyād balo rājan pūjyamāno dvijātibhiḥ || 60||
sarasvatītīrthavaraṃ nānādvijagaṇāyutam |
balareḍagudakāśmaryaplakṣāśvatyabibhītakaiḥ || 61 ||
kaṅkolaiśca palāśaiśca karīraiḥ pīlubhistathā |
sarasvatītīrtharuhaistarubhirvividhaistathā || 62 ||

Bathing in those tirthas duly and distributing wealth and various other articles of enjoyment amongst the Brahmanas, that delighter of Yadu's race also gave away various kinds of food and desirable articles to them. Adored by those Rishis, Vala, O king, left that foremost of all tirthas on the Sarasvati, (viz., Sapta-Sarasvat). Numerous birds also lived there. And it abounded with Vadari, Inguda, Kacmaryya, Plahsha, Ashvattha, Vibhitaka, Kakkola, Palasha, Karira, Pilu and various other kinds of trees that grow on the banks of the Sarasvati.

करूपकवरैश्चैव बिल्वैराम्रातकैस्तथा ।
अतिमुक्तकपण्डैश्च पारिजातैश्च शोभितम् ॥ ६३ ॥

karūpakavaraiścaiva bilvairāmrātakaistathā |
atimuktakapaṇḍaiśca pārijātaiśca śobhitam || 63 ||

And it was adorned with forests of Karushakas, Vilvas and Amratakas and Atimuktas and Kashandas and Parijatas.

कदलीवनभूयिष्ठं दृष्टिकान्तं मनोहरम् ।
वाय्वम्बुफलपर्णादैर्दन्तोलूखलिकैरपि ।। ६४ ।।
तथाश्मकुट्टैर्वानेयैर्मुनिभिर्बहुभिर्वृतम्।
स्वाध्यायघोषसंघुष्टं मृगयूथशताकुलम्।। ६५ ।।

kadalīvanabhūyiṣṭhaṃ dṛṣṭikāntaṃ manoharam |
vāyvambuphalaparṇādairdantolūkhalikairapi || 64 ||
tathāśmakuṭṭairvāneyairmunibhirbahubhirvṛtam|
svādhyāyaghoṣasaṃghuṣṭaṃ mṛgayūthaśatākulam || 65 ||

It abounded with forests of Plantains pleasant to view and most charming. And it was haunted by various ascetics, some living on air, some water, some on fruits, some on leaves, some on raw raise again which they husked with the aid only of stones, and some that were called Vaneyas. It was filled with the chantings of the Vedas and abounded with diverse kinds of animals.

अहिंस्त्रैर्धर्मपरमैर्नृभिपत्यर्थसेवितम् ।
सप्तसारस्वतं तीर्थमाजगाम हलायुधः ॥ ६६ ॥
यत्र मङ्कुणकंः सिद्धस्तपस्तेपे महामुनिः॥६७॥

ahiṃstrairdharmaparamairnṛbhipatyarthasevitam |
saptasārasvataṃ tīrthamājagāma halāyudhaḥ || 66 ||
yatra maṅkuṇakaṃḥ siddhastapastepe mahāmuniḥ || 67 ||

And it was the favorite abode of men shorn of malice and devoted to righteousness. Baladeva, having the plow for his weapon, arrived at that tirtha, called the Sapta - Sarasvat, where the great ascetic Mankanaka had his penances successfully practiced.