Agni Purāṇa
113 - The greatness of Narmada
Agni said:
1. Ishall describe the greatness of Narmada which yields great pleasure. The water of the Ganges purifies the bather at once. The water of the river Narmadā (purifies) at the mere sight of it.
2-3. It extends (in length) to one hundred yojana and two yojanas in breadth. There are sixty thousand holy places and sixty crores on the hills on either side at Amarakanțaka. (The place of) confluence with Käveri is meritorious. Listen to me. Ishall describe about Sriparvata.
4-5. (Goddess) Gauri in the guise of (goddess) Śri (Lakshmi) did penance here. Lord Hari told her, who was doing penance, thatshe would attain salvation, and that hill will be known after her name as Sriparvata. Hundred yojanas all along (the hill) would become greatly meritorious. Charity, penance, chants and ceremony done here all yield undiminishing merits.
6. Death at this place (conveys one) to the world of Siva. This excellent sacred place yields everything. Lord Siva sports here with his consort. (The demon) Hiraṇyakasipu performed penance here and became mighty. The sages attained perfection here.
Summary of chapter 113 of the Agni Purāṇa is as follows:
The birth rites performed immediately after delivery are described. Agni prescribes the father's recitation of mantras into the newborn's ear, touch of the tongue with a gold instrument carrying honey and ghṛta, and the first breath-blessing (medha-janana). The disposal of the placenta (jarāyu), the cutting of the navel-cord at an auspicious moment, and the first bath of the child with specific herbs are detailed. The chapter emphasizes the sanctification of the new life's entry into the world of dharma.
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