46 - Vadavā and other Holy Centres

Brahmā said: 

1-2. It is the fire Vadavā (lit. 'mare'; Vadavanala=submarine fire) that is known as Mahānala. The lord is called Mahānala and the river is called Vadavā. 

Dear Sir, I shall describe that holy centre which dispels death, old age and other defects. 

Formerly, the sages performed a sacrifice in the Naimisa forest. 

3-4. The sages of great austerities made Mrutyu (Death) as slaughterer.¹ When sacrifice went on with Mrutyu as the slaugh terer, no one died among the mobile and immobile beings. Excepting the sacrificial animals, O excellent sage, mortal beings attained immortality. 

1. Samitr is one who officiates in a sacrifice as a slaughterer of the sacrificial victim. 

5. Therefore, heaven became void and the mortal world was overcrowded because they were neglected by Mrutyu. Then Devas said to the Räkshasas. 

6. “All of you go to sacrifice. Destroy that great sacrifice of 

sages." 

On hearing these words of Devas the Rākşhasas said to Devas: 

7. “We shall destroy that sacrifice. But what is our benefit therefrom? No one engages himself in any activity anywhere on any occasion without a proper reason."

Brahma said: 

8. Devas said to Asuras: "You too will get the benefit of sacrifice (?). Hence you go to the excellent sacrifice of sages". 

9. On hearing it they hurried to the place where the sacrifice was on in order to destroy it, especially at the instance of Devas. 

10. On coming to know of it, the sages said to Mrutyu: “What shall we do? At the instance of Devas the Rākşhasas have come here as the destroyers of sacrifice." 

11-12. The residents of Naimiņa forest discussed the matter with Mrutyu. Accordingly, they abandoned their hermitage, O Närada. They took with them only the sacred fire leaving the utensils behind for the successful conclusion of the sacrifice. They hastened to Gautami Tirtha along with the slaughterer. 

13. After taking their holy plunge there they eulogized Maheśāna for their protection. With their palms joined in reverence they eulogized the lord of Devas.

The sages said: 

14-17. 'We seek refuge in that Someśvara who sportingly created this universe; who is the creator and dispenser of the destiny of the three worlds; who has the cosmic form and who is beyond both the existing and the non-existing.

Mrutyu said: 

I seek refuge in that Sankara, the lord of Devas, who creates, protects and destroys everything merely by his will. 

I shall seek refuge in Shankara who has great strength and huge body; who has big serpents as his ornaments and who is the lord assuming a huge form.

Brahma said: 

Then the lord said: "What is it that you wish?" 

Mrutyu said: 

18. O lord of Devas, a terrible danger has befallen us from the Rākşhasas. Protect our sacrifice. Protect us so that our sacrifice be concluded. 

Brahmā said: 

19. The lord did so. The three-eyed bull-bannered lord did so. With Mrutyu as the slaughterer the sacrifice was concluded. 

20. The immortal ones slowly came there for their respective shares in Havi offering. The furious sages said to them along with Mrutyu.

The sages said: 

21. Since Rakshasas had been sent by you for destroying our sacrifice, let the sinful Räkşhasas be your enemies. 

Brahmā said: 

22-23. Thenceforth the Räkşhasas became the enemies of Devas. Devas and sages crowned Vadava, the Krutya¹, saying, “You be the wife of Mrutyu." The holy water that flowed at the time of coronation became the river Vadavă. 

1. A demoness or evil spirit created by black magic or born of sacrifice for destructive purposes. 

24-25. The Linga installed by Mrutyu is known as Mahanala. Thereafter, they know this holy centre as Vadavā Sangama. 

That holy centre where the lord is Mahānala yields worldly pleasures and salvation. There are altogether a thousand holy centres on the banks on either side. They give all desired things. By remembering them sins can be washed away.