Puṇḍarīka and Bhārata

The Uttara Khaṇḍa of the Padma Mahā Purāṇa tells of Puṇḍarīka, a man of dharma who lived on the bank of the Godāvarī, and of his brother Bhārata, who was full of pāpa. Bhārata died at the Pushkara tīrtha inside Indraprastha, and by that death alone he was freed in spite of his pāpa. Puṇḍarīka asked that Bhagavān Vishṇu live in his house for a month, and Bhagavān Vishṇu did so. On the last day of Māgha, Bhagavān Vishṇu took Puṇḍarīka to bathe at Pushkara, and there Puṇḍarīka became one with Vishṇu.

Mālava and Puṇḍarīka

Mālava of the Vidarbha region was known for great generosity throughout his life. On the bank of the Godāvarī he gave a large part of his wealth to his nephew Puṇḍarīka. Puṇḍarīka was a man of dharma. He was deeply devoted to Vishṇu, peaceful, and fond of giving. (Chapter 218)

Bhārata’s wickedness and his death at Pushkara

Puṇḍarīka had a brother named Bhārata, who was the opposite of him. Bhārata was full of pāpa, greedy and without scruple. He had wasted his inheritance, and he now came to Puṇḍarīka to get more.

Bhārata came to the Pushkara tīrtha that stands within Indraprastha. This is the copy of the great Pushkara that was set up there by the command of Bhagavān Vishṇu. Bhārata died at this tīrtha. Dying at Pushkara within Indraprastha was enough to give him moksha (liberation), in spite of all his pāpa. He was taken to Vaikuṇṭha. (Chapter 218)

Bhagavān Vishṇu lives in Puṇḍarīka’s house

Puṇḍarīka’s devotion was so deep that he asked Bhagavān Vishṇu to live in his house for a whole month. Bhagavān Vishṇu was pleased with his pure bhakti (devotion) that wanted nothing for itself, and he granted the wish. He lived in Puṇḍarīka’s home for a month. Puṇḍarīka and his family did pūjā to him every day. (Chapter 219)

The last day and Puṇḍarīka’s liberation

The last day of the month was the last day of Māgha, a most holy month. Bhagavān Vishṇu took Puṇḍarīka to bathe at the Pushkara tīrtha within Indraprastha. The Purāṇa says that a bath at Pushkara on the last day of Māgha gives very great puṇya (merit).

Puṇḍarīka bathed there in the company of Bhagavān Vishṇu, with perfect devotion. His separate existence dissolved, and he became one with Vishṇu (sāyujya-mukti). (Chapter 219)

Sources

• Padma Mahā Purāṇa, Uttara Khaṇḍa, Chapters 218–219