25 - Shukratirtha and Mrutasanjivani Tirtha

Brahmā said: 

1. The holy centre known as Shukratirtha is conducive to the achievement of all Siddhis. It subdues sins and destroys ailments. 

2-4. There were two great sages of excellent virtue, namely Angiras and Bhrugu. Their sons known as Jiva (Jupiter) and Kavi (Venus). were very intelligent and handsome. The sons were obedient to their parents. On seeing that their sons had had their initiation ceremony the fathers spoke to each other.

The sages said: 

Only one of us need be the preceptor for our sons, main- taining discipline. Let one be the preceptor and let the other one remain carefree and happy.

Brahmā said: 

5. On hearing this Angiras said to Bhargava quickly, "I shall teach them equally. Let Bhargava remain carefree and happy." 

6. On hearing these words of Angiras the scion of the family of Bhrugu said "So be it" and entrusted his son Shukra to Angiras. 

7. He taught both the boys separately on account of his unequal feeling towards them. After a long time Shukra spoke to Bruhaspati. 

Shukra said: 

8. O preceptor, everyday you teach me with discrimination. This discrimination between son and disciple is not proper on the part of a preceptor. 

9. Only teachers of deluded thinking practise discrimination. There is no limit to the sins incurred by the persons of discriminatory feelings. 

10. O preceptor, you have been well-understood. I shall bow down to you again and again. I shall go to another preceptor. It behoves you to permit me. 

11. O brahmin, I shall go to my father. If he too were to have this discrimination, I shall go elsewhere. O lord, I take leave of you. Bid me depart.

Brahma said: 

12. After taking leave of his preceptor Bruhaspati and on being permitted by him Shukra went from there thinking, "I shall go to my father only after I have acquired learning." 

13. So "Whom shall I approach? Which preceptor will be excellent?" thinking thus he asked Vruddhagautama of great intellect.

Shukra said: 

14. Who can be my preceptor, o excellent sage? Tell me. I shall go to that person who is competent to be the preceptor of all the three worlds. 

Brahmā said: 

15. Old Gautama told him to approach Lord Siva, the preceptor of the Universe, lord of the worlds.

Shukra said: 

How can I see that lord of Devas? Where can I propitiate him? 

On being addressed thus, Gautama said.

Gautama said: 

16. Remaining pure in mind and body on the Gautami Tirtha propitiate Shiva by means of hymns. Being pleased there by the lord of three worlds will impart learning to you.

Brahmā said: 

17. At those words of Gautama, the scion of the family of  Bhrgu went to Gangā. After taking a holy dip and becoming pure tle boy began eulogizing Siva. 

18-21. "O Sambhu, I am seeking refuge in you, the sole refuge for the poor and the helpless. O lord with the crescent moon, I am a boy of puerile intellect. I do not know how to eulogize you. Obeisance be to you. I have been abandoned by my preceptor. I have neither friends nor comrades. In every respect you are the lord. O lord of the worlds, obeisance be to you. You are weightier than the weightiest and greater than the greatest. I am only a small boy. O lord identical with the universe, obeisance be to you. It is for the sake of learning that I have come to you. O lord of Devas, I do not know your way. Look at me with kindness. Obeisance be to you, O lord, witness unto the worlds."

Brahmā said: 

22-23. Even as he was eulogizing thus the lord of Devas became pleased with him. 

Shiva said: 

Welfare unto you. Choose what you wish even if it were to be difficult of access unto Devas.

Brahmā said: 

24-27. Shukra said to the lord of Devas, with palms joined in reverence and the mind greatly pleased.

Shukra said: 

O lord, I beg of you that learning which is not accessible to the sages as well as Brahmā and others. You are my preceptor. You are my deity

Brahmā said: 

The excellent Deva granted unto suppliant Shukra the Vidya called Sañjavani which was unknown even to Devas. 

Other Vidyās are secular. Vedic lore is known to many, When Sankara is pleased what is it that remains unachieved. 

28. After acquiring the great learning he went to his father. By virtue of his learning Shukra received honour. He became the preceptor of Daityas. 

29-32. Afterwards Kacha, the son of Bruhaspati acquired Vidya from Shukra. The reason thereof was something very different. From Kacha, Bruhaspati acquired this and from him Devas acquired it separately. It was this great Vidvå which they called Mrutajīvani. 

The place where Shukra acquired that Vidyā after worshipping Shiva on the northern bank of Gautamni is called Shukratirtha. 

This Tirtha is conducive to the increase of life and health. Holy dip and charitable gifts at that place bestow everlasting merit.