This chapter opens with King Janamejaya asking about Balarāma’s return after departing from Dvārakā. Vaiśampāyana replies that Balarāma, having sided with the Kurus against Krishna's wishes, left for a pilgrimage along the Sarasvatī with the Yādavas.
As Krishna's peace mission to Dhṛtarāṣṭra fails, he urges the Pāṇḍavas to prepare for war under the Pushya constellation. Meanwhile, Balarāma embarks on a sacred journey, distributing wealth, food, and gifts to Brahmanas and the needy, creating an atmosphere of festivity and piety along the route.
At Prabhāsa Tīrtha, the tale of Soma is recounted: cursed by Dakṣa for favoring Rohiṇī, the moon god becomes weak, affecting life on Earth. On Dakṣa’s advice, Soma bathes at Prabhāsa, is cured, and regains his radiance.
Balarāma continues to holy sites like Cāmasodbheda and Udapāna, performing rites and giving alms. Though the Sarasvatī is unseen at Udapāna, the place remains sacred, its hidden current known to ascetics.
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, I will leave as I came, choosing my own path."
एवमुक्त्वा तदा राम्रो यातः क्षत्रनिवर्हणः ।
तस्य चागमनं भूयो ब्रह्मशंसितुमर्हसि ॥ ३ ॥
evamuktvā tadā rāmro yātaḥ kṣatranivarhaṇaḥ |
tasya cāgamanaṃ bhūyo brahmaśaṃsitumarhasi || 3 ||
Having spoken thus, Rāma, the subduer of kṣatriyas, departed. O revered Brāhmaṇa, please narrate to me his return once more.
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 Rāma returned and how he witnessed the battle. O noble one, you are a masterful 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 When the great-souled Pāṇḍavas had settled in Upaplavya, Kṛṣṇa, the slayer of Madhu, was sent to Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s court, O mighty-armed one, to pursue peace for the welfare of all beings.
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 Hastināpura and met Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Keśava (Kṛṣṇa) spoke words that were true and particularly beneficial.
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, did not act upon it, as has already been known before. Failing to secure peace, Kṛṣṇa, the knower of truth and the foremost of men, returned to Upaplavya, O King.
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 the failure of his mission, 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 attention 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, Balarama, that illustrious son of Yadu's race, the wielder of the plough, then started on a pilgrimage along the Sarasvatī.
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 O Duryodhana. Accompanied by Yuyudhana, Vāsudeva 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 |
Once the valiant son of Rohiṇī, Balarāma, had set out on his journey under the auspicious constellation of Puṣya, Madhusūdana (Kṛṣṇa), the slayer of Madhu, advancing with the Pāṇḍavas at the forefront, proceeded resolutely toward 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 on the way, Lord Rama spoke to his messengers: “Bring all the necessary items for the pilgrimage, including all the materials, and also bring the priests that are at Dwarka, along with the sacred fire.”
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, cows, robes, horses, elephants, chariots and mules, vehicles and possessions.
क्षिप्रमानीयतां सर्वं तीर्थहेतोः परिच्छदम् ।
प्रतिस्रोत: सरस्वत्या गच्छध्वं शीघ्रगामिनः ॥ १९ ॥
kṣipramānīyatāṃ sarvaṃ tīrthahetoḥ paricchadam |
pratisrota: sarasvatyā gacchadhvaṃ śīghragāminaḥ || 19 ||
Bring all the items needed for the pilgrimage. Head towards the sacred rived Sarasvati and proceed swiftly.
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 and went to the Kuru region belonging to Kuru people. 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 chariots and elephants and horses and servants, O best of Bharata's race and with many vehicles drawn by cows, mules and camels.
गोखरोष्ट्रप्रयुक्तैश्च यानैश्च बहुभिर्वृतः ।
श्रान्तानां क्लान्तवपुषां शिशूनां विपुलायुषाम् ॥ २३ ॥
gokharoṣṭraprayuktaiśca yānaiśca bahubhirvṛtaḥ |
śrāntānāṃ klāntavapuṣāṃ śiśūnāṃ vipulāyuṣām || 23 ||
Various sorts of life’s necessities 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 ||
At every place along the journey, O King, various kinds of charity were distributed in abundance. Offerings were made for worship and generously bestowed upon those in need. Across the land, these provisions had been arranged, awaiting their recipients, ensuring that the hungry and the destitute found nourishment readily available in all directions.
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 ||
O King, wherever a Brāhmaṇa desired to partake of food, it was instantly arranged for him at that very place. By the command of the illustrious son of Rohiṇī (Balarāma), provisions were made in abundance. At every stop along the journey, vast heaps of food and drink were prepared and readily available, ensuring that no one went without, and all were provided for generously.
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 ||
O King, luxurious garments, exquisite bedding, and fine coverlets were arranged for the comfort of the Brāhmaṇas who desired ease and honor. Whatever a Brāhmaṇa required—whether for rest or wakefulness—was instantly provided at that very place.
Everyone traveled or stayed at will, experiencing complete comfort. Carriages were given to those who wished to journey, refreshing drinks were offered to the thirsty, and delicious food was served to the hungry, O best of the Bharatas. Additionally, men freely distributed garments and ornaments, ensuring that all were well-provided for.
स पन्थाः प्रबभौ राजन् सर्वस्यैव सुखावहः ।
स्वर्गोपमस्तदा वीर नराणां तत्र गच्छताम् ।
sa panthāḥ prababhau rājan sarvasyaiva sukhāvahaḥ |
svargopamastadā vīra narāṇāṃ tatra gacchatām |
O King, that road gleamed radiantly, bringing comfort and delight to all who traversed it. At that time, O mighty one, it appeared as if it led to heaven itself for those journeying upon it.
नित्यप्रमुदितोपतेः स्वादुभक्ष्यः शुभान्वितः ॥ ३२ ॥
विपण्यापणपण्यानां नानाजनशतैर्वृतः ।
नानाद्रुमलतोपेतो नानारत्नविभूषितः ॥ ३३ ॥
nityapramuditopateḥ svādubhakṣyaḥ śubhānvitaḥ || 32 ||
vipaṇyāpaṇapaṇyānāṃ nānājanaśatairvṛtaḥ |
nānādrumalatopeto nānāratnavibhūṣitaḥ || 33 ||
It was ever vibrant with joy, adorned with delightful and delectable foods, and filled with an atmosphere of auspiciousness. Lined with bustling marketplaces and trading stalls, it teemed with people from all walks of life. The path was shaded by diverse trees and lush creepers, while brilliant gemstones and ornaments adorned the surroundings, creating a sight of unparalleled splendor.
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 valiant Yadu hero, the wielder of the plough, Balarāma, joyfully distributed seasonal gifts and sacrificial donations among the Brāhmaṇas. O King, that great soul, firmly devoted to vows, offered abundant wealth at various sacred tīrthas.
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 ||
Thousands of cows and buffaloes, draped in fine garments and adorned with golden-tipped horns, were bestowed upon the Brāhmaṇas. Horses of diverse breeds from different regions, elegant vehicles, and auspicious servants—all were generously gifted by him.
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||
Precious gems, pearls, coral, and the finest gold and purified silver, along with vessels made of iron, copper, and brass—all these were generously bestowed by Rāma upon the foremost of the Brāhmaṇas.
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, the great-souled Rāma distributed immense wealth at the most sacred tīrthas along the Sarasvatī River. In due course, that noble-minded one, whose power was unrivaled, proceeded towards Kurukṣetra.
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 ||
O best among the twice-born, please tell me about the merits and origins of the sacred Sarasvatī tīrthas (pilgrimage sites along the Sarasvatī River). Also, O noble one, describe the fruits and benefits they yield and the fulfillment of deeds associated with them.
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 ||
O great king! The mighty hero of the Yadus, accompanied by his officiating priests, dear friends, and groups of Brāhmaṇas, first arrived at the sacred tīrtha of Prabhāsa. It was there that the Moon God, afflicted by Yakṣmā (a wasting disease leading to gradual emaciation and loss of vitality), had once suffered.
Freed from his curse at this very tīrtha, the Moon God regained his brilliance and once again illuminated the entire world, O ruler of men. Thus, this foremost of all tīrthas on Earth became renowned as ‘Prabhāsa’ due to the resplendent radiance restored to him.
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 Yakṣmā? 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, and he gave away them all n marriage unto Soma the Moon god.
नक्षत्रयोगनिरताः संख्यानार्थं च ताभवन् ।
पल्यो वै तस्य राजेन्द्र सोमस्य शुभकर्मणः ॥ ४६ ॥
nakṣatrayoganiratāḥ saṃkhyānārthaṃ ca tābhavan |
palyo vai tasya rājendra somasya śubhakarmaṇaḥ || 46 ||
Connected with nakṣatras, 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 ||
All of them had large, beautiful eyes and were unmatched in beauty on Earth. However, among them, Rohiṇī surpassed all in grace and charm.
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 ||
Then, the blessed Moon God Niśākara, The one who illuminates the night, became especially pleased with her. She became dear to him, and therefore, he always enjoyed her company.
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 nakshatras, 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 practising 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 then spoke to 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 |
Then Dakṣa said to all of them: “Go to Śaśin (the Moon God), by my command, he shall dwell with 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 |
Thus, having been sent off, they then proceeded to the abode of Śītāṁśu (the cool-rayed one). Yet, O King, despite this, the blessed Soma continued to reside with Rohiṇī, delighting in her company again and again.
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 (the Radiant One), 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 blessed Chandra (Moon) always resides with Rohiṇī alone. He does not heed your words, nor does he desire affection for us. Therefore, protect us all, so that Soma may dwell with us as well.”
तच्छ्रुत्वा भगवान् क्रुद्धो यक्ष्माणां पृथिवीपते ॥ ६१ ॥
ससर्ज रोषात् सोमाय त चोडुपतिमाविशत् ।
tacchrutvā bhagavān kruddho yakṣmāṇāṃ pṛthivīpate || 61 ||
sasarja roṣāt somāya ta coḍupatimāviśat |
Hearing this, the blessed Dakṣa, filled with anger, O lord of the earth, out of wrath, he created Yakṣmā, a wasting curse for Soma, and it entered the lord of the stars (Moon).
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 Yakṣmā, 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. He continued to wane.
क्षीयमाणे ततः सोमे ओषध्यो न प्रजज्ञिरे ॥ ६४॥
निरास्वादरसाः सर्वा हतवीर्याश्च सर्वशः ।
kṣīyamāṇe tataḥ some oṣadhyo na prajajñire || 64||
nirāsvādarasāḥ sarvā hatavīryāśca sarvaśaḥ |
As Soma (the Moon) began to wane, The medicinal herbs (Oṣadhis) no longer sprouted. Devoid of taste and essence, they lost their potency and strength entirely.
ओषधीनां क्षये जाते प्राणिनामपि संक्षयः ॥ ६५ ॥
कृशाश्चासन् प्रजाः सर्वाः क्षीयमाणे निशाकरे |
oṣadhīnāṃ kṣaye jāte prāṇināmapi saṃkṣayaḥ || 65 ||
kṛśāścāsan prajāḥ sarvāḥ kṣīyamāṇe niśākare |
As the herbs perished, the living beings also began to decline. All creatures became emaciated, as Niśākara, the demigod of Moon, continued to wane.
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 words, we shall then take the appropriate measures. Thus addressed, Śaśalakṣaṇaḥ (the hare-marked one, the Moon demigod) told them everything—the nature of the curse, the affliction of Yakṣmā, and his own suffering. After hearing his words, the gods then went to Dakṣa and spoke to him.
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
O Blessed One, be gracious to Soma and let this curse be withdrawn! For behold, Chandra (the Moon) has waned, And only a small portion of him remains visible.
क्षयाचैवास्य देवेश प्रजाश्चैव गताः क्षयम् ।
वीरुदोषधयश्चैव बीजानि विविधानि च ॥ ७१ ॥
kṣayācaivāsya deveśa prajāścaiva gatāḥ kṣayam |
vīrudoṣadhayaścaiva bījāni vividhāni ca || 71 ||
O Lord of the Gods, due to his waning, The living beings too have begun to perish. Likewise, the herbs, plants, and various seeds have also suffered destruction.
तेषां क्षये क्षयोऽस्माकं विनाऽस्मभिर्जगच किम् ।
इति ज्ञात्वा लोकगुरो प्रसादं कर्तुमर्हसि ॥ ७२ ॥
teṣāṃ kṣaye kṣayo’smākaṃ vinā’smabhirjagaca kim |
iti jñātvā lokaguro prasādaṃ kartumarhasi || 72 ||
With their destruction, our own existence is also at risk. Without us, what will become of the world? Therefore, O Teacher of the Worlds (Lokaguru), you ought to show your grace and be merciful.
एवमुक्तस्ततो देवान् प्राह वाक्यं प्रजापतिः ।
नैतच्छक्यं मम वचो व्यावर्तयितुमन्यथा ॥ ७३ ॥
evamuktastato devān prāha vākyaṃ prajāpatiḥ |
naitacchakyaṃ mama vaco vyāvartayitumanyathā || 73 ||
Thus addressed, Prajāpati (Dakṣa) spoke these words to the gods: “It is not possible for me To revoke my words in any other way.
हेतुना तु महाभाग निवर्तिष्यति केनचित् ।
समं वर्ततु सर्वासु शशी भार्यासु नित्यशः ॥ ७४ ॥
hetunā tu mahābhāga nivartiṣyati kenacit |
samaṃ vartatu sarvāsu śaśī bhāryāsu nityaśaḥ || 74 ||
O highly fortunate ones, through some cause, the curse shall be partially withdrawn. Let Śaśī (the Moon) dwell equally with all his wives forever.
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 Moon demigod 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 a month, Soma (the Moon) shall wane continuously. And for half a month, he shall always wax again. These words of mine are true.
समुद्रं पश्चिमं गत्वा सरस्वत्यब्धिसङ्गमम् ।
आराधयतु देवेशं ततः कान्तिमवाप्स्यति ॥ ॥ ७७ ॥
samudraṃ paścimaṃ gatvā sarasvatyabdhisaṅgamam |
ārādhayatu deveśaṃ tataḥ kāntimavāpsyati || || 77 ||
Let him go to the western ocean, to the confluence of the Sarasvatī and the sea. There, he should worship the Lord of the Gods (Deveśa), And then he shall regain his radiance."
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 ||
O King, all the gods Arrived at the abundant (sacred) Prabhāsa Tīrtha. Together with Soma, they stood before Dakṣa.
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 ||
Then, Prajāpati (Dakṣa) dismissed all the gods. Pleased with Soma, the worshipful Daksha once more addressed him, saying "Do not, O son, disregard women and never disregard Brahmanas. Go now, always acting with righteousness, and follow my command."
स विसृष्टो महाराज जगामाथ स्वमालयम् ।
प्रजाश्च मुदिता भूत्वा पुनस्तस्थुर्यथा पुरा ॥ ८३ ॥
sa visṛṣṭo mahārāja jagāmātha svamālayam |
prajāśca muditā bhūtvā punastasthuryathā purā || 83 ||
Thus dismissed, O great king, Soma then returned to his own abode. The creatures of the world, filled with joy, once again flourished as they had 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 the new moon night (Amāvāsyā), O King, the hare-marked Moon (Śaśalakṣaṇa), after taking a ritual bath, is restored at the sacred Prabhāsa Tīrtha.
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 by 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 plough 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 went to Udapana. Although the Sarasvati is not visible there, yet persons endued with ascetic success, on 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.