The origin of Prabhasa (ch35)

CHAPTER 35
(GADAYUDDHA PARVA)-Continued
The origin of Prabhasa described by Vaishampayana

SYNOPSIS

The story begins with King Janamejaya inquiring about the return of Rama (Baladeva), Krishna's elder brother after he departs from Dwaraka. Janamejaya asks about Rama's journey and his witnessing of the great battle between the Kurus and the Pandavas.

Vaishampayana, the narrator, recounts that after the Pandavas had established themselves at Upaplavya, they sent Krishna as a messenger to Dhritarashtra in an attempt to secure peace. Despite Krishna’s sincere and wise counsel, Dhritarashtra and his sons rejected his advice, leading Krishna to return to the Pandavas. Krishna then informs the Pandavas that, as per fate, the Kauravas are determined to disregard his words. He calls upon them to follow him under the constellation Pushya, signaling a moment of cosmic significance.

Meanwhile, Rama, the son of Rohini, declares his support for the Kurus, but Krishna, averse to this notion, refuses. Enraged, Rama embarks on a pilgrimage to the sacred Sarasvati, accompanied by the Yadavas. As he prepares for his journey, he commands his servants to bring necessary items, including sacred fire, gold, silver, cattle, horses, and other provisions for a religious sojourn. Rama’s pilgrimage is marked by generous charity as he distributes wealth to the Brahmanas and the needy, providing comfort to weary travelers and creating an environment of joy and prosperity.

The road Rama travels is filled with festive activity, as food, drink, clothing, and other comforts are shared with those in need. The sacred journey is filled with reverence, as Rama visits holy sites, offering sacrifices and performing rites. At each Tirtha, he distributes gifts such as milch cows, horses, and precious gems, benefiting both the local Brahmanas and the general populace. The road itself is adorned with natural beauty, creating an atmosphere of divine bliss. The pilgrimage reflects the virtues of generosity, piety, and cosmic order.

One of the most significant moments during Rama's journey is his visit to Prabhasa, a Tirtha on the Sarasvati. Here, the narrative shifts to an account of the moon god (Soma), who had been cursed by Daksha for favoring his wife Rohini over his other twenty-seven wives, the daughters of Daksha. Disregarding the pleas of his other wives, Soma was cursed with a disease of phthisis, causing him to grow weak and emaciated. As Soma’s power waned, the earth suffered, with crops failing and creatures growing weak due to the absence of his radiance.

The celestial beings, distressed by the imbalance caused by Soma’s affliction, sought Daksha’s intervention. Daksha, unable to revoke the curse, directs Soma to treat all his wives equally and to bathe in the holy Tirtha of Prabhasa to regain his strength. Soma follows these instructions and, after bathing in the sacred waters of Prabhasa, is restored to his former glory, his radiance illuminating the universe once again. The rejuvenated Soma, along with the celestial beings, returns to Daksha, who advises him to respect women and Brahmanas henceforth.

As Rama’s pilgrimage continues, he visits several other Tirthas, including Chamasodbheda and Udapana, where he performs further rites and makes substantial donations. Even though the Sarasvati River is not visible at Udapana, it is believed that the river has an invisible current beneath the earth, making the place sacred and beneficial for ascetic practices.

Throughout the narrative, the themes of piety, the cosmic balance of the universe, and the virtues of pilgrimage and charity are central. Rama’s journey not only serves to honor sacred sites but also to restore harmony and promote the welfare of all living beings through his generous acts. The text concludes with a reflection on the significance of the Tirthas, especially the Prabhasa, where Soma’s redemption takes place, underscoring the sacredness of the river and its role in restoring cosmic order.

CHAPTER 35

जनमेजय उवाच
पूर्वमेव यदा रामस्तस्मिन् युद्ध उपस्थिते । 
आमन्त्र्य केशवं यातो वृष्णिभिः सहितः प्रभुः ॥ १॥ 

janamejaya uvāca
pūrvameva yadā rāmastasmin yuddha upasthite | 
āmantrya keśavaṃ yāto vṛṣṇibhiḥ sahitaḥ prabhuḥ || 1 ||

Janamejaya said

On the eye the great battle (between the Kurus and the Pandus) Rama, with Keshava's permission, had left Dwaraka accompanied by many of the Vrishnis.

साहाय्यं धार्तराष्ट्रस्य न च कर्तास्मि केशव ।
न चैव पाण्डुपुत्राणां गमिष्यामि यथागतम् ॥ २ ॥

sāhāyyaṃ dhārtarāṣṭrasya na ca kartāsmi keśava |
na caiva pāṇḍuputrāṇāṃ gamiṣyāmi yathāgatam || 2 ||

He had said to Keshava -"I will help neither the son of Dhritarashtra nor the sons of Pandu, but will go wherever I like."

एवमुक्त्वा तदा राम्रो यातः क्षत्रनिवर्हणः ।
तस्य चागमनं भूयो ब्रह्मशंसितुमर्हसि ॥ ३ ॥

evamuktvā tadā rāmro yātaḥ kṣatranivarhaṇaḥ |
tasya cāgamanaṃ bhūyo brahmaśaṃsitumarhasi || 3 ||

Having said so, Rama that subduer of enemies, had gone away. O Brahmana, tell me everything about his return.

आख्याहि मे विस्तरशः कथं राम उपस्थितः ।
कथं च दृष्ट्वान् युद्धं कुशलो ह्यसि सत्तम ॥४॥

ākhyāhi me vistaraśaḥ kathaṃ rāma upasthitaḥ |
kathaṃ ca dṛṣṭvān yuddhaṃ kuśalo hyasi sattama || 4 ||

Tell me in full how Rama came there and how he witnessed the battle. Indeed you are a skillful narrator.

वैशम्पायन उवाच
उपप्लव्ये निविष्टेषु पाण्डवेषु महात्मसु । 
प्रेषितो धृतराष्ट्रस्य समीपं मधुसूदनः ॥ ५ ॥ 
शमं प्रति महाबाहो हितार्थं सर्वदेहिनाम् ।

vaiśampāyana uvāca
upaplavye niviṣṭeṣu pāṇḍaveṣu mahātmasu | 
preṣito dhṛtarāṣṭrasya samīpaṃ madhusūdanaḥ || 5 || 
śamaṃ prati mahābāho hitārthaṃ sarvadehinām |

Vaishampayana said

After the great Pandavas had taken up their post at Upaplavya, they sent Krishna to Dhritarashtra for the object of peace, O mighty-armed one, and for behalf of all creatures.

स गत्वा हास्तिनपुरं धृतराष्ट्रं समेत्य च ॥ ६ ॥ 
उक्त्वान् वचनं तथ्यं हितं चैव विशेषतः ।

sa gatvā hāstinapuraṃ dhṛtarāṣṭraṃ sametya ca || 6 || 
uktvān vacanaṃ tathyaṃ hitaṃ caiva viśeṣataḥ |

Having gone to Hastinapura and met Dhritarashtra, Keshava spoke whole-some and sincere words.

न च तत् कृतवान् राजा यथा ख्यातं हि तत् पुरा ॥ ७ ॥
अनवाप्य शमं तज्ञ कृष्णः पुरुषसत्तमः ।
आगच्छत महाबाहुरुपप्लव्यं जनाधिप ॥ ८ ॥

na ca tat kṛtavān rājā yathā khyātaṃ hi tat purā || 7 ||
anavāpya śamaṃ tajña kṛṣṇaḥ puruṣasattamaḥ |
āgacchata mahābāhurupaplavyaṃ janādhipa || 8 ||

The king, however, as I have told you before did not pay heed to his advice. Unable to secure peace, the mighty-armed Krishna, The foremost of men, returned, O king, to Upaplavya.

ततः प्रत्यागतः कृष्णो धार्तराष्ट्रविसर्जितः ।
अक्रियायां नरव्याघ्र पाण्डवानिदमब्रवीत् ॥ ९ ॥

tataḥ pratyāgataḥ kṛṣṇo dhārtarāṣṭravisarjitaḥ |
akriyāyāṃ naravyāghra pāṇḍavānidamabravīt || 9 ||

Dismissed by Dhritarashtra's son Krishna came back and, upon his mission's failure, O foremost of kings, said to the Pandavas.

न कुर्वन्ति वचो मह्यं
'कुरव: कालनोदिता: ।
निर्गच्छध्वं पाण्डवेयाः पुष्येण सहिता मया ॥ १० ॥

na kurvanti vaco mahyaṃ
'kurava: kālanoditā: |
nirgacchadhvaṃ pāṇḍaveyāḥ puṣyeṇa sahitā mayā || 10 ||

Urged by fate, the Kauravas have disregarded my words. Come, O sons of Pandu, with me, under the constellation Pushya.

ततो विभज्यमानेषु बलेषु बलिनां वरः ।
प्रोवाच भ्रातरं कृष्णं रौहिणेयो महामनाः ॥ ११ ॥

tato vibhajyamāneṣu baleṣu balināṃ varaḥ |
provāca bhrātaraṃ kṛṣṇaṃ rauhiṇeyo mahāmanāḥ || 11 ||

After this, while the troops of both parties were being collected and arrayed, the great son of Rohini, that foremost of all powerful persons, said to his brother Krishna.

तेषामपि महाबाहो साहाय्यं मधुसूदन ।
क्रियतामिति तत् कृष्णो नास्य चक्रे वचस्तदा ॥ १२॥

teṣāmapi mahābāho sāhāyyaṃ madhusūdana |
kriyatāmiti tat kṛṣṇo nāsya cakre vacastadā || 12 ||

"O mighty-armed one, O slayer of Madhu, let us help the Kurus." Krishna, however, did not pay heed to those words of his.

ततो मन्युपरीतात्मा जगाम यदुनन्दनः ।
तीर्थयात्रां हलधरः सरस्वत्यां महायशाः ।। १३ ॥

tato manyuparītātmā jagāma yadunandanaḥ |
tīrthayātrāṃ haladharaḥ sarasvatyāṃ mahāyaśāḥ || 13 ||

Enraged at this, that illustrious son of Yadu's race, viz., the wielder of the plow, then started on a pilgrimage of the Sarasvati.

मैत्रनक्षत्रयोगे स्म सहितः सर्वयादवैः ।

आश्रयामास भोजस्तु दुर्योधनमरिदमः ॥ १४ ॥
युयुधानेन सहितो वासुदेवस्तु पाण्डवान् ।

maitranakṣatrayoge sma sahitaḥ sarvayādavaiḥ |
āśrayāmāsa bhojastu duryodhanamaridamaḥ || 14 ||
yuyudhānena sahito vāsudevastu pāṇḍavān |

Accompanied by all the Yadavas, he set out under the conjunction of the asterism called Maitra. The Bhoja chief (Kritavarman), however, took the side of Duryodhana. Accompanied by Yuyudhana, Vasudeva took that of the Pandavas.

रौहिणेये गते शूरे पुष्येण मधुसूदनः ॥ १५ ॥
पाण्डवेयान् पुरस्कृत्य ययावभिमुखः कुरून् ।

rauhiṇeye gate śūre puṣyeṇa madhusūdanaḥ || 15 ||
pāṇḍaveyān puraskṛtya yayāvabhimukhaḥ kurūn |

After the heroic son of Rohini had started under the constellation Pushya, the slayer of Madhu, placing the Pandavas in his van, went against the Kurus.

गच्छन्नेव पथिस्थस्तु रामः प्रेष्यानुवाच ह ।। १६ ।।
सम्भारांस्तीर्थयात्रायां सर्वोपकरणानि च ।
आनयध्वं द्वारकायामग्नीन् वै याजकांस्तथा ॥ १७॥

gacchanneva pathisthastu rāmaḥ preṣyānuvāca ha || 16 ||
sambhārāṃstīrthayātrāyāṃ sarvopakaraṇāni ca |
ānayadhvaṃ dvārakāyāmagnīn vai yājakāṃstathā || 17 ||

While proceeding, Rama ordered his servants on the way, saying- "Bring all the necessary articles of use for a pilgrimage. Bring the sacred fire that is at Dwaraka and our priests.

सुवर्ण रजतं चैव धेनूर्वासांसि वाजिन: ।
कुञ्जरांश्च रथांश्चैव खरोष्ट्रं वाहनानि च ॥ १८ ॥

suvarṇa rajataṃ caiva dhenūrvāsāṃsi vājina: |
kuñjarāṃśca rathāṃścaiva kharoṣṭraṃ vāhanāni ca || 18 ||

Bring gold, silver, kine, robes, horses, elephants, cars, mules, camels and other beasts of burden.

क्षिप्रमानीयतां सर्वं तीर्थहेतोः परिच्छदम् ।
प्रतिस्रोत: सरस्वत्या गच्छध्वं शीघ्रगामिनः ॥ १९ ॥

kṣipramānīyatāṃ sarvaṃ tīrthahetoḥ paricchadam |
pratisrota: sarasvatyā gacchadhvaṃ śīghragāminaḥ || 19 ||

All these necessaries for a sojourn to the sacred waters and proceed quickly towards the Sarasvati.

ऋत्विजश्चानयध्वं वै शतशश्च द्विजर्षभान्।
एवं संदिश्य तु प्रेष्यान् बलदेवो महाबलः ॥ २० ॥
तीर्थयात्रां ययौ राजन् कुरूणां वैशसे तदा ।
सरस्वतीं प्रतिस्रोतः समन्तादभिजग्मिवान् ॥ २१॥
ऋत्विग्भिश्च सुहृद्भिश्च तथान्यैर्द्विजसत्तमैः ।
रथैर्गजैस्तताश्चैश्च प्रेष्यैश्च भरतर्षभ ॥ २२ ॥

ṛtvijaścānayadhvaṃ vai śataśaśca dvijarṣabhān|
evaṃ saṃdiśya tu preṣyān baladevo mahābalaḥ || 20 ||
tīrthayātrāṃ yayau rājan kurūṇāṃ vaiśase tadā |
sarasvatīṃ pratisrotaḥ samantādabhijagmivān || 21 ||
ṛtvigbhiśca suhṛdbhiśca tathānyairdvijasattamaiḥ |
rathairgajaistatāścaiśca preṣyaiśca bharatarṣabha || 22 ||

Bring also some priests for the performance of a special rite and hundreds and hundreds of best Brahmanas." Having given these orders to the servants, powerful Baladeva started on a pilgrimage at that time of great danger to the Kurus. Setting out towards the Sarasvati, he visited all the sacred shrines along her course, accompanied by priests, friends, and many leading Brahmanas, as also with cars and elephants and horses and servants, O best of Bharata's race and with many vehicles drawn by kine and mules and camels. 

गोखरोष्ट्रप्रयुक्तैश्च यानैश्च बहुभिर्वृतः ।
श्रान्तानां क्लान्तवपुषां शिशूनां विपुलायुषाम् ॥ २३ ॥

gokharoṣṭraprayuktaiśca yānaiśca bahubhirvṛtaḥ |
śrāntānāṃ klāntavapuṣāṃ śiśūnāṃ vipulāyuṣām || 23 ||

Various sorts of necessaries of life were distributed profusely in various countries amongst the weary and worn, children and the old, in response, O king, to their prayers. 

देशे देशे तु देयानि दानानि विविधानि च ।
अर्चायै चार्थिना राजन् क्लृप्तानि बहुशस्तथा ॥ २४ ॥
तानि यानीह देशेषु प्रतीक्षन्ति स्म भारत ।
बुभुक्षितानामर्थाय क्लृप्तमन्नं समन्ततः ॥ २५ ॥

deśe deśe tu deyāni dānāni vividhāni ca |
arcāyai cārthinā rājan klṛptāni bahuśastathā || 24 ||
tāni yānīha deśeṣu pratīkṣanti sma bhārata |
bubhukṣitānāmarthāya klṛptamannaṃ samantataḥ || 25 ||

Everywhere, O king, Brahmanas were sumptuously fed with whatever they wanted. At the command of Rohini's son, men, at different stages of the journey, stocked sufficient food and drink.

यो यो यत्र द्विजो भोज्यं भोक्तुं कामयते तदा ।
तस्य तस्य तु तत्रैवमुपजह्नुस्तदा नृप ॥ २६ ॥
तत्र तत्र स्थिता राजन् रौहिणेयस्य शासनात्।
भक्ष्यपेयस्य कुर्वन्ति राशींस्तत्र समन्ततः ॥ २७ ॥

yo yo yatra dvijo bhojyaṃ bhoktuṃ kāmayate tadā |
tasya tasya tu tatraivamupajahnustadā nṛpa || 26 ||
tatra tatra sthitā rājan rauhiṇeyasya śāsanāt|
bhakṣyapeyasya kurvanti rāśīṃstatra samantataḥ || 27 ||

Costly garments and bedstead coverlets were distributed amongst Brahmanas desirous of ease and comfort. and Whatever a Brahmana or Kshatriya wanted, it was given to him.

वासांसि च महार्हाणि पर्यङ्कास्तरणानि च ।
पूजार्थं तत्र क्लृप्तानि विप्राणं सुखमिच्छताम् ॥ २८ ॥ 
यत्र यः स्वपते विप्रो यो वा जागर्ति भारत । 
तत्र तत्र तु तस्यैव सर्वं क्लृप्तमदृश्यत ॥ २९ ॥ 
यथासुखं जनः सर्वो याति तिष्ठति वै तदा । 
यातुकामस्य यानानि पानानि तृषितस्य च ॥ ३० ॥ 
बुभुक्षितस्य चान्नानि स्वादूनि भरतर्षभ । 
उपजह्नुर्नरास्तत्र वस्त्राण्याभरणानि च ॥ ३१ ॥

vāsāṃsi ca mahārhāṇi paryaṅkāstaraṇāni ca |
pūjārthaṃ tatra klṛptāni viprāṇaṃ sukhamicchatām || 28 || 
yatra yaḥ svapate vipro yo vā jāgarti bhārata | 
tatra tatra tu tasyaiva sarvaṃ klṛptamadṛśyata || 29 || 
yathāsukhaṃ janaḥ sarvo yāti tiṣṭhati vai tadā | 
yātukāmasya yānāni pānāni tṛṣitasya ca || 30 || 
bubhukṣitasya cānnāni svādūni bharatarṣabha | 
upajahnurnarāstatra vastrāṇyābharaṇāni ca || 31 ||

The party thus proceeded with great happiness and lived happily. Balarama's suite gave away vehicles to persons desirous of making journeys, drinks to them that were thirsty and rich food to them that were hungry, as well raiments and ornaments, O best of Bharata's race, to many.

स पन्थाः प्रबभौ राजन् सर्वस्यैव सुखावहः । 
स्वर्गोपमस्तदा वीर नराणां तत्र गच्छताम् ।

sa panthāḥ prababhau rājan sarvasyaiva sukhāvahaḥ | 

svargopamastadā vīra narāṇāṃ tatra gacchatām |

The road, O king, along which the party proceeded, looked resplendent, was comfortable for all and resembled heaven itself.

नित्यप्रमुदितोपतेः स्वादुभक्ष्यः शुभान्वितः ॥ ३२ ॥
विपण्यापणपण्यानां नानाजनशतैर्वृतः ।
नानाद्रुमलतोपेतो नानारत्नविभूषितः ॥ ३३ ॥

nityapramuditopateḥ svādubhakṣyaḥ śubhānvitaḥ || 32 ||
vipaṇyāpaṇapaṇyānāṃ nānājanaśatairvṛtaḥ |
nānādrumalatopeto nānāratnavibhūṣitaḥ || 33 ||

There were rejoicings everywhere and rich food was procurable everywhere. There were shops and stalls and various objects were kept there for sale. The entire way was thronged with human beings. And it was decorated with various kinds of trees and creatures and various kinds of gems.

ददौ द्विजेभ्यः ऋतुदक्षिणाश्च
यदुप्रवीरो हलभृत् प्रतीतः ॥ ३४ ॥
ततो महात्मा नियमे स्थितात्मा
पुण्येषु तीर्थेषु वसूनि राजन्।

dadau dvijebhyaḥ ṛtudakṣiṇāśca
yadupravīro halabhṛt pratītaḥ || 34 ||
tato mahātmā niyame sthitātmā
puṇyeṣu tīrtheṣu vasūni rājan|

The great Baladeva, observing rigid vows, distributed amongst the Brahmanas profuse wealth and plentiful sacrificial presents, O king, at various sacred spots.

दोश्च धेनूश्च सहस्रशो वै
सुवाससः काञ्चनबद्धशृङ्गीः ।
हयांश्च नानाविधदेशजातान्
यानानि दासांश्च शुभान् द्विजेभ्यः ॥ ३५ ॥

dośca dhenūśca sahasraśo vai
suvāsasaḥ kāñcanabaddhaśṛṅgīḥ |
hayāṃśca nānāvidhadeśajātān
yānāni dāsāṃśca śubhān dvijebhyaḥ || 35 ||

The chief of Yadu's race also distributed thousands of milch kine covered with excellent cloths and having their horns coated with gold, many horses born in different countries, many vehicles and many beautiful slaves.

रत्नानि मुक्तामणिविद्रुमं चा-
प्यग्र्यं सुवर्ण रजतं सुशुद्धम्।
अयस्मयं ताम्रमयं च भाण्डं
ददौ द्विजातिप्रवरेषु रामः ॥ ३६॥

ratnāni muktāmaṇividrumaṃ cā-
pyagryaṃ suvarṇa rajataṃ suśuddham|
ayasmayaṃ tāmramayaṃ ca bhāṇḍaṃ
dadau dvijātipravareṣu rāmaḥ || 36 ||

Balarama also distributed to the foremost of the Brahmanas gems, garlands, diamonds, pure gold and silver, and iron and copper utensils.

एवं स वित्तं प्रददौ महात्मा सरस्वतीतीर्थवरेषु भूरि
ययौ क्रमेणाप्रतिप्रभाव-
स्ततः कुरुक्षेत्रमुदारवृत्तिः ॥ ३७ ॥

evaṃ sa vittaṃ pradadau mahātmā sarasvatītīrthavareṣu bhūri
yayau krameṇāpratiprabhāva-
stataḥ kurukṣetramudāravṛttiḥ || 37 ||

Thus did the great Rama distribute wealth in various sacred shrines on the Sarasvati. In the course of his travels, that noble hero of matchless power at last came to Kurukshetra. 

जनमेजय उवाच
सारस्वतानां तीर्थानां गुणोत्पात्त वदस्व मे ।
फलं च द्विपदां श्रेष्ठ कर्मनिर्वृत्तिमेव च ॥ ३८ ॥

janamejaya uvāca
sārasvatānāṃ tīrthānāṃ guṇotpātta vadasva me |
phalaṃ ca dvipadāṃ śreṣṭha karmanirvṛttimeva ca || 38 ||

Janamejaya said

Describe to me, O foremost of men, the characteristics, the origin, and the merits of the several Tirthas on the Sarasvati and the rites to be performed while going there. 

यथाक्रमेण भगवंस्तीर्थानामनुपूर्वशः ।
ब्रह्मन् ब्रह्मविदां श्रेष्ठ परं कौतूहलं हि मे ॥ ३९ ॥

yathākrameṇa bhagavaṃstīrthānāmanupūrvaśaḥ |
brahman brahmavidāṃ śreṣṭha paraṃ kautūhalaṃ hi me || 39 ||

Tell me these, in their order, O illustrious man. My curiosity is not to be satisfied, O foremost of all persons conversant with the knowledge of Brahman.

वैशम्पायन उवाच
तीर्थानां च फलं राजन् गुणोत्पत्तिं च सर्वशः ।
मयोच्यमानं वै पुण्यं शृणु राजेन्द्र कृत्स्नशः ॥४०॥ 

vaiśampāyana uvāca
tīrthānāṃ ca phalaṃ rājan guṇotpattiṃ ca sarvaśaḥ |
mayocyamānaṃ vai puṇyaṃ śṛṇu rājendra kṛtsnaśaḥ || 40 ||

Vaishampayana said

The account of the characteristics and origin of all these Tirthas, O king, is very lengthy. I shall, however, describe them to you. Listen to that sacred account, O king.

पूर्वं महाराज यदुप्रवीर
ऋत्विकसुहृद् विप्रगणैश्च सार्धम् ।
पुण्यं प्रभासं समुपाजगाम
यत्रोडुराड् यक्ष्मणा किश्यमानः ॥ ४१ ॥
विमुक्तशाप: पुनराप्य तेज:
सर्वं जगद् भासयते नरेन्द्र ।
एवं तु तीर्थप्रवरं पृथिव्यां
प्रभासनात् तस्य ततः प्रभासः ॥ ४२ ॥

pūrvaṃ mahārāja yadupravīra
ṛtvikasuhṛd vipragaṇaiśca sārdham |
puṇyaṃ prabhāsaṃ samupājagāma
yatroḍurāḍ yakṣmaṇā kiśyamānaḥ || 41 ||
vimuktaśāpa: punarāpya teja:
sarvaṃ jagad bhāsayate narendra |
evaṃ tu tīrthapravaraṃ pṛthivyāṃ
prabhāsanāt tasya tataḥ prabhāsaḥ || 42 ||

Accompanied by his priests and friends, Baladeva first went to the Tirthas called Prabhasa. There, the Lord of the asterism ( viz., Soma), who had been suffering from phthisis, was freed from his disease. Regaining energy there, O king, be now lights up the universe. And because that foremost of Tirthas on Earth had formerly invested Soma again with effulgence, it is, therefore, called Prabhasa.

 

जनमेजय उवाच
कथं तु भगवान् सोमो यक्ष्मणा समगृह्यत ।
कथं च तीर्थप्रवरे तस्मिंश्चन्द्रो न्यमज्जत ॥ ४३ ॥
कथमाप्लुत्य तस्मिंस्तु पुनराप्यायितः शशी ।
एतन्मे सर्वमाचक्ष्व विस्तरेण महामुने ॥ ४४ ॥ 

janamejaya uvāca
kathaṃ tu bhagavān somo yakṣmaṇā samagṛhyata |
kathaṃ ca tīrthapravare tasmiṃścandro nyamajjata || 43 ||
kathamāplutya tasmiṃstu punarāpyāyitaḥ śaśī |
etanme sarvamācakṣva vistareṇa mahāmune || 44 ||

Janamejaya said

"For what was the worshipful Soma afflicted with phthisis? How also did he bathe in that tirtha? How did he, having bathed in that sacred water, regain his lost power? Describe it to me fully, O great Muni.

वैशम्पायन उवाच
दक्षस्य तनयास्तात प्रादुरासन् विशाम्पते ।
स सप्तविंशतिं कन्या दक्षः सोमाय वै ददौ ॥ ४५॥

vaiśampāyana uvāca
dakṣasya tanayāstāta prādurāsan viśāmpate |
sa saptaviṃśatiṃ kanyā dakṣaḥ somāya vai dadau || 45 ||

Vaishampayana said

Daksha had twenty seven daughters, O king. There he gave away (in marriage) unto Soma.

नक्षत्रयोगनिरताः संख्यानार्थं च ताभवन् ।
पल्यो वै तस्य राजेन्द्र सोमस्य शुभकर्मणः ॥ ४६ ॥

nakṣatrayoganiratāḥ saṃkhyānārthaṃ ca tābhavan |
palyo vai tasya rājendra somasya śubhakarmaṇaḥ || 46 ||

Connected with the several constellations, those wives, O king, of Soma of glorious deeds, served to help men in calculating time. 

तास्तु सर्वा विशालाक्ष्यो रूपेणाप्रतिमा भुवि ।
अत्यात्यत तासां तु रोहिणी रूपसम्पदा ॥ ४७ ॥

tāstu sarvā viśālākṣyo rūpeṇāpratimā bhuvi |
atyātyata tāsāṃ tu rohiṇī rūpasampadā || 47 ||

Endued with large eyes, all of them were peerless in beauty in the world. In beauty, however, Rohini excelled them all.

ततस्तस्यां स भगवान् प्रीतें चक्रे निशाकरः ।
साऽस्य द्या बभूवाथ तस्मात् तां बुभुजे सदा ॥ ४८ ॥

tatastasyāṃ sa bhagavān prīteṃ cakre niśākaraḥ |
sā’sya dyā babhūvātha tasmāt tāṃ bubhuje sadā || 48 ||

The worshipful Soma took great fancy for her. She was very much liked by him and therefore, he enjoyed the pleasures of her company alone.

पुरा हि सोमो राजेन्द्र रोहिण्यामवसत् परम् ।
ततस्ताः कुपिताः सर्वा नक्षत्राख्या महात्मनः ॥ ४९ ॥

purā hi somo rājendra rohiṇyāmavasat param |
tatastāḥ kupitāḥ sarvā nakṣatrākhyā mahātmanaḥ || 49 ||

Formerly, O king, Soma lived long with Rohini exclusively. For this, those other wives of his, the constellations, became displeased with that high-souled one.

ता गत्वा पितरं प्राहुः प्रजापतिमतन्द्रिताः ।
सोमो वसति नास्मासु रोहिणीं भजते सदा ॥ ५० ॥

tā gatvā pitaraṃ prāhuḥ prajāpatimatandritāḥ |
somo vasati nāsmāsu rohiṇīṃ bhajate sadā || 50 ||

Going to their father Daksha, that Lord of creation, they said to him - "Soma does not live with us. He always lives with Rohini only. 

ता वयं सहिताः सर्वास्त्वत्सकाशे प्रजेश्वर।
वत्स्यामो नियताहारस्तपश्चरणतत्पराः ॥ ५१ ॥

tā vayaṃ sahitāḥ sarvāstvatsakāśe prajeśvara|
vatsyāmo niyatāhārastapaścaraṇatatparāḥ || 51 ||

All of us, therefore, O Lord of creatures, shall live in your house practicing austere penances.”

श्रुत्वा तासां तु वचनं दक्षः सोममथाब्रवीत् ।
समं वर्तस्व भार्यासु मा त्वाऽधर्मो महान् स्पृशेत् ॥ ५२

śrutvā tāsāṃ tu vacanaṃ dakṣaḥ somamathābravīt |
samaṃ vartasva bhāryāsu mā tvā’dharmo mahān spṛśet || 52 ||

Hearing those words of theirs, Daksha saw Soma and said to him, "Treat all your wives equally. Do not commit a great sin."

तास्तु सर्वाऽब्रवीद् दक्षो गच्छध्वं शशिनोऽन्तिकम् ।
समं वत्स्यति सर्वासु चन्द्रमा मम शासनात्।। ५३ ।

tāstu sarvā’bravīd dakṣo gacchadhvaṃ śaśino’ntikam |
samaṃ vatsyati sarvāsu candramā mama śāsanāt || 53 ||

And Daksha then said to those daughters of his- "Go, all of you, to Shashin. At my command, he, surnamed Chandramas, will treat you all equally,"

विसृष्टास्तास्तथा जग्मुः शीतांशुभवनं तदा ।
तथापि सोमो भगवान् पुनरेव महीपते ॥ ५४ ॥
रोहिणीं निवसत्येव प्रीयमाणो मुहुर्मुहुः ।

visṛṣṭāstāstathā jagmuḥ śītāṃśubhavanaṃ tadā |
tathāpi somo bhagavān punareva mahīpate || 54 ||
rohiṇīṃ nivasatyeva prīyamāṇo muhurmuhuḥ |

Dismissed by him, they then proceeded to the house of him having cool rays. Still, the worshipful Soma, O king, behaved as before, for pleased with Rohini alone, he always lived in her company.

ततस्ताः सहिताः सर्वा भूयः पितरमब्रुवन् ॥ ५५ ॥
तव शुश्रूषणे युक्ता वत्स्यामो हि तवान्तिके ।
सोमो वसति नास्मासु नाकरोद् वचनं तव ॥ ५६ ॥

tatastāḥ sahitāḥ sarvā bhūyaḥ pitaramabruvan || 55 ||
tava śuśrūṣaṇe yuktā vatsyāmo hi tavāntike |
somo vasati nāsmāsu nākarod vacanaṃ tava || 56 ||

His other wives then once more came to the abode of their father and said to him - "Serving you, we will live under your protection. Soma does not live with us and does not obey your commands."

तासां तद् वचनं श्रुत्वा दक्षः सोममथाब्रवीत् ।
समं वर्तस्व भार्यासु मा त्वां शप्स्ये विरोचन ॥ ५७ ॥

tāsāṃ tad vacanaṃ śrutvā dakṣaḥ somamathābravīt |
samaṃ vartasva bhāryāsu mā tvāṃ śapsye virocana || 57 ||

Hearing those words of theirs, Daksha once more said to Soma "Treat all your wives equally. Let me not, O Virochana, curse you." 

अनादृत्य तु तद् वाक्यं दक्षस्य भगवाञ्शशी ।
रोहिण्या सार्धमवसत् ततस्ताः कुपिताः पुनः ॥ ५८ ॥

anādṛtya tu tad vākyaṃ dakṣasya bhagavāñśaśī |
rohiṇyā sārdhamavasat tatastāḥ kupitāḥ punaḥ || 58 ||

Disregarding, however, the behest of Daksha, the worshipful Soma continued to live with Rohini alone. At this, his other wives became once more angry.

गत्वा च पितरं प्राहुः प्रणम्य शिरसा तदा ।
सोमो वसति नास्मासु तस्मान्नः शरणं भव ॥ ५९ ॥

gatvā ca pitaraṃ prāhuḥ praṇamya śirasā tadā |
somo vasati nāsmāsu tasmānnaḥ śaraṇaṃ bhava || 59 ||

Going to their father, they bowed to him by lowering their heads and said - "Soma does not live with us. Give us shelter.

रोहिण्यामेव भगवान् सदा वसति चन्द्रमाः ।
न त्वद्वचो गणयति नास्मासु स्नेहमिच्छति ॥ ६० ॥
तस्मान्नस्त्राहि सर्वा वै यथान: सोम आविशेत् ।

rohiṇyāmeva bhagavān sadā vasati candramāḥ |
na tvadvaco gaṇayati nāsmāsu snehamicchati || 60 ||
tasmānnastrāhi sarvā vai yathāna: soma āviśet |

The worshipful Chandramas always live with Rohini exclusively. He does not value your words and does not wish to love us. Therefore, save us so that Soma may accept us all.

तच्छ्रुत्वा भगवान् क्रुद्धो यक्ष्माणां पृथिवीपते ॥ ६१ ॥
ससर्ज रोषात् सोमाय त चोडुपतिमाविशत् ।

tacchrutvā bhagavān kruddho yakṣmāṇāṃ pṛthivīpate || 61 ||
sasarja roṣāt somāya ta coḍupatimāviśat |

Hearing those words, the worshipful Daksha, O king, became angry and imprecated the curse of phthisis upon Some. Thus did that disease affect the king of stars.

स यक्ष्मणाभिभूतासमाक्षीयताहरहः शशी ।। ६२ ॥
यत्नं चाप्यकरोद् राजन् मोक्षार्थं तस्य यक्ष्मणः ।
इष्ट्वेभिर्महाराज विविधाभिर्निशाकरः ।। ६३ ।।
न चामुच्यत शापाद् वै क्षयं चैवाभ्यगच्छत् ।

sa yakṣmaṇābhibhūtāsamākṣīyatāharahaḥ śaśī || 62 ||
yatnaṃ cāpyakarod rājan mokṣārthaṃ tasya yakṣmaṇaḥ |
iṣṭvebhirmahārāja vividhābhirniśākaraḥ || 63 ||
na cāmucyata śāpād vai kṣayaṃ caivābhyagacchat |

Afflicted with phthisis, the moon began to waste away day by day. He tried much to get rid of that disease by celebrating various sacrifices, O king. The Moon, however, could not free himself from that curse. On the other hand, he daily grew lean and emaciated.

क्षीयमाणे ततः सोमे ओषध्यो न प्रजज्ञिरे ॥ ६४॥
निरास्वादरसाः सर्वा हतवीर्याश्च सर्वशः ।

kṣīyamāṇe tataḥ some oṣadhyo na prajajñire || 64 ||
nirāsvādarasāḥ sarvā hatavīryāśca sarvaśaḥ |

On account, of the wasting of Soma the deciduous herbs failed to grow, Their juices dried up they became tasteless and all of them lost their virtues.

ओषधीनां क्षये जाते प्राणिनामपि संक्षयः ॥ ६५ ॥
कृशाश्चासन् प्रजाः सर्वाः क्षीयमाणे निशाकरे |

oṣadhīnāṃ kṣaye jāte prāṇināmapi saṃkṣayaḥ || 65 ||
kṛśāścāsan prajāḥ sarvāḥ kṣīyamāṇe niśākare |

And on account of the absence of the deciduous herbs, living creatures also began to die. Indeed, owing to the wasting of Soma, all creatures grew emaciated.

ततो देवाः समागम्य सोममूचुर्महीपते ॥ ६६ ॥
किमिदं भवतो रूपमीदृशं न प्रकाशते ।
कारणं ब्रूहि नः सर्वं येनेदं ते महद् भयम् ।। ६७ ।।

ato devāḥ samāgamya somamūcurmahīpate || 66 ||
kimidaṃ bhavato rūpamīdṛśaṃ na prakāśate |
kāraṇaṃ brūhi naḥ sarvaṃ yenedaṃ te mahad bhayam || 67 ||

Then all the celestials, approaching Soma, O king, asked him, saying - "Why is it that your form is not so beautiful and resplendent as before? Tell us whence has originated this great calamity.

श्रुत्वा तु वचनं त्वत्तो विधास्यामस्ततो वयम् ।
एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच सर्वांस्ताञ्शशलक्षणः ॥ ६८ ॥
शापस्य लक्षणं चैव यक्ष्माणं च तथाऽऽत्मनः ।
देवास्तथा वचः श्रुत्वा गत्वा दक्षमथाब्रुवन् ॥ ६९ ॥

śrutvā tu vacanaṃ tvatto vidhāsyāmastato vayam |
evamuktaḥ pratyuvāca sarvāṃstāñśaśalakṣaṇaḥ || 68 ||
śāpasya lakṣaṇaṃ caiva yakṣmāṇaṃ ca tathā’’tmanaḥ |
devāstathā vacaḥ śrutvā gatvā dakṣamathābruvan || 69 ||

Hearing your answer, we shall do what is needed to remove your fear." Thus addressed the god, having the hare for his mark, replied to them, and informed them of the cause of the curse and of the phthisis with which he was attacked.

प्रसीद भगवन् सोमे शापोऽयं विनिवर्त्यताम् ।
असौ हि चन्द्रमाः क्षीणः किञ्चिच्छेषो हि लक्ष्यते ॥ ७०

prasīda bhagavan some śāpo’yaṃ vinivartyatām |
asau hi candramāḥ kṣīṇaḥ kiñciccheṣo hi lakṣyate || 70 ||

Having heard those words the celestials repaired to Daksha and said - "Be pleased O worship one, with Soma. Withdrew your this curse.

क्षयाचैवास्य देवेश प्रजाश्चैव गताः क्षयम् ।
वीरुदोषधयश्चैव बीजानि विविधानि च ॥ ७१ ॥

kṣayācaivāsya deveśa prajāścaiva gatāḥ kṣayam |
vīrudoṣadhayaścaiva bījāni vividhāni ca || 71 ||

The Moon is very emaciated. Only a small portion of his body is seen. On account of his wasting, O Lord of the Celestials, all creatures also are wasting. Creepers and herbs of various sorts are also wasted.

तेषां क्षये क्षयोऽस्माकं विनाऽस्मभिर्जगच किम् ।
इति ज्ञात्वा लोकगुरो प्रसादं कर्तुमर्हसि ॥ ७२ ॥

teṣāṃ kṣaye kṣayo’smākaṃ vinā’smabhirjagaca kim |
iti jñātvā lokaguro prasādaṃ kartumarhasi || 72 ||

By their waste, we also are suffering emaciation. Without us, what will this universe be? Knowing this, O lord of the universe, it behooves you to be pleased with Soma."

एवमुक्तस्ततो देवान् प्राह वाक्यं प्रजापतिः ।
नैतच्छक्यं मम वचो व्यावर्तयितुमन्यथा ॥ ७३ ॥

evamuktastato devān prāha vākyaṃ prajāpatiḥ |
naitacchakyaṃ mama vaco vyāvartayitumanyathā || 73 ||

Thus addressed, Daksha, the Lord of creatures, said: "It is impossible to make my words prove otherwise.

हेतुना तु महाभाग निवर्तिष्यति केनचित् ।
समं वर्ततु सर्वासु शशी भार्यासु नित्यशः ॥ ७४ ॥

hetunā tu mahābhāga nivartiṣyati kenacit |
samaṃ vartatu sarvāsu śaśī bhāryāsu nityaśaḥ || 74 ||

By some contrivance, however, O celestials, by words may be withdrawn. Let the moon treat his wives equally.

सरस्वत्या वरे तीर्थे उन्मज्रशशलक्षणः ।
पुनर्वर्धिष्यते देवास्तद् वै सत्यं वचो मम ॥ ७५ ॥

sarasvatyā vare tīrthe unmajraśaśalakṣaṇaḥ |
punarvardhiṣyate devāstad vai satyaṃ vaco mama || 75 ||

Having bathed also in that foremost of tirthas on the Sarasvati, the hare-embalmed god shall regain his strength. These words of mine are true.

मासार्थं च क्षयं सोमो नित्यमेव गमिष्यति ।
मासार्थं तु सदा वृद्धिं सत्यमेतद् वचो मम ॥ ७६ ॥

māsārthaṃ ca kṣayaṃ somo nityameva gamiṣyati |
māsārthaṃ tu sadā vṛddhiṃ satyametad vaco mama || 76 ||

For half the month Soma shall decrease every day and for half the month following he will increase daily. These words of mine are true.

समुद्रं पश्चिमं गत्वा सरस्वत्यब्धिसङ्गमम् ।
आराधयतु देवेशं ततः कान्तिमवाप्स्यति ॥ ॥ ७७ ॥

samudraṃ paścimaṃ gatvā sarasvatyabdhisaṅgamam |
ārādhayatu deveśaṃ tataḥ kāntimavāpsyati || 77 ||

Proceeding to the western ocean at the spot where the Sarasvati joins the ocean that vast repository of waters, let him worship that God of gods Mahadeva there. He will then regain his form and beauty."

सरस्वतीं ततः सोमः स जगामर्षिशासनात् ।
प्रभासं प्रथमं तीर्थं सरस्वत्या जगाम ह। ७८ ॥

sarasvatīṃ tataḥ somaḥ sa jagāmarṣiśāsanāt |
prabhāsaṃ prathamaṃ tīrthaṃ sarasvatyā jagāma ha| || 78 ||

Thus commanded by the Rishi Daksha, Soma then proceeded to the Sarasvati. He reached the greatest of tirthas called Prabhasa belonging to the Sarasvati.

अमावास्यां महातेजास्तत्रोन्मज्जन् महाद्युतिः ।
लोकान् प्रभासयामास शीतंशुत्वमवाप च ॥ ७९ ॥

amāvāsyāṃ mahātejāstatronmajjan mahādyutiḥ |
lokān prabhāsayāmāsa śītaṃśutvamavāpa ca || 79 ||

Bathing there on the day of the new moon, that god of great energy and great effulgence regained his cool rays and began again to illuminate the universe.

देवास्तु सर्वे राजेन्द्र प्रभासं प्राप्य पुष्कलम् ।
सोमेन सहिता भूत्वा दक्षस्य प्रमुखेऽभवन् ॥ ८० ॥

devāstu sarve rājendra prabhāsaṃ prāpya puṣkalam |
somena sahitā bhūtvā dakṣasya pramukhe’bhavan || 80 ||

All the creatures also, O king, having gone to Prabhasa, returned with Soma amongst them to where Daksha was..

ततः प्रजापतिः सर्वा विससर्जाथ देवता: ।
सोमं च भगवान् प्रीतो भूयो वचनमब्रवीत् ॥ ८१ ॥
मावमंस्थाः स्त्रियः पुत्र मा च विप्रान् कदाचन ।
गच्छ युक्तः सदा भूत्वा कुरु वै शासनं मम ॥ ८२ ॥

tataḥ prajāpatiḥ sarvā visasarjātha devatā: |
somaṃ ca bhagavān prīto bhūyo vacanamabravīt || 81 ||
māvamaṃsthāḥ striyaḥ putra mā ca viprān kadācana |
gaccha yuktaḥ sadā bhūtvā kuru vai śāsanaṃ mama || 82 ||

- Receiving them properly that Lord of creatures then sent them away. Pleased with Soma, the worshipful Daksha once more addressed him, saying "Do not, O son, disregard women and never disregard Brahmanas. Go and obey my commands." 

स विसृष्टो महाराज जगामाथ स्वमालयम् ।
प्रजाश्च मुदिता भूत्वा पुनस्तस्थुर्यथा पुरा ॥ ८३ ॥

sa visṛṣṭo mahārāja jagāmātha svamālayam |
prajāśca muditā bhūtvā punastasthuryathā purā || 83 ||

Dismissed by him, Soma returned to his own abode. All creatures began to live joyously as before.

एवं ते सर्वमाख्यातं यथा शप्तो निशाकरः ।
प्रभासं च यथा तीर्थं तीर्थानां प्रवरं महत् ॥ ८४ ॥

evaṃ te sarvamākhyātaṃ yathā śapto niśākaraḥ |
prabhāsaṃ ca yathā tīrthaṃ tīrthānāṃ pravaraṃ mahat || 84 ||

I have thus told you everything about how the Moon had been cursed and how also Prabhasa became the best of all tirthas.

अमावास्यां महाराज नित्यशः शशलक्षण: ।
स्नात्वा ह्याप्यायते श्रीमान् प्रभासे तीर्थ उत्तमे ॥ ८५ ॥

amāvāsyāṃ mahārāja nityaśaḥ śaśalakṣaṇa: |
snātvā hyāpyāyate śrīmān prabhāse tīrtha uttame || 85 ||

On every day of the new moon, O king, the god, having the hare for his mark, bathes in the excellent tirtha of Prabhasa and regains his form and beauty.

अतश्चैतत् प्रजानन्ति प्रभासमिति भूमिप।
प्रभां हि परमां लेभे तस्मिन्नुन्मज्ज्य चन्द्रमाः ॥ ८६॥

ataścaitat prajānanti prabhāsamiti bhūmipa|
prabhāṃ hi paramāṃ lebhe tasminnunmajjya candramāḥ || 86 ||

O lord of Earth, that tirtha is known by the name of Prabhasa because bathing there the moon regained his great (Prabha) effulgence. 

ततस्तु चमसोद्भेदमच्युतस्त्वगमद् बली ।
चमसोद्भेद इत्येवं यं जनाः कथयन्त्युत ॥ ८७ ॥

tatastu camasodbhedamacyutastvagamad balī |
camasodbheda ityevaṃ yaṃ janāḥ kathayantyuta || 87 ||

After this, the mighty and illustrious Baladeva proceeded to Chamasodbheda, that is to that tirtha which is called by that name.

तत्र दत्त्वा च दानानि विशिष्टानि हलायुधः । 
उषित्वा रजनीमेकां स्नात्वा च विधिवत्तदा ॥ ८८ ॥

tatra dattvā ca dānāni viśiṣṭāni halāyudhaḥ | 
uṣitvā rajanīmekāṃ snātvā ca vidhivattadā || 88 ||

Distributing many precious presents at that place, the hero, having the plow for his weapon, passed one night there and performed his absolutions duly.

उदपानमथागच्छत्त्वरावान् केशवाग्रजः ।
आद्यं स्वस्त्ययनं चैव यत्रावाप्य महत् फलम्॥ ८९ ॥ 
स्निग्धत्वादोषधीनां च भूमेश्च जनमेजय । 
जानान्ति सिद्धा राजेन्द्र नष्टामपि सरस्वतीम् ॥ ९० ॥

udapānamathāgacchattvarāvān keśavāgrajaḥ |
ādyaṃ svastyayanaṃ caiva yatrāvāpya mahat phalam || 89 || 
snigdhatvādoṣadhīnāṃ ca bhūmeśca janamejaya | 
jānānti siddhā rājendra naṣṭāmapi sarasvatīm || 90 ||

The elder brother of Keshava then speedily repaired to Udapana. Although the Sarasvati is not visible there, yet persons endued with ascetic success, no account of their obtaining great merits and sanctity of that spot and also of the coolness of the herbs and of the land there, know that the river has an invisible current, O king, underneath the earth there.