74 - Parushņisangama and other Holy Centres

Brahma said: 

1. The holy centre named Paruşhnīsangama is well-known in the three worlds. I shall recount its characteristic features, It destroys all sins. 

2-4. Atri propitiated Brahma, Vişhņu and Maheśhvara. When they were pleased, he said: "You (three) shall be my sons. O Devas, a beautiful daughter also shall be born to me". 

So Brahma, Vishnu and Maheśhvara were born as his sons. Atri begot a daughter named Subhātreyi. The three sons of that noble sage were Datta, Soma and Durvåsas. 

5-6. The sage Angiras was born of Agni (Fire-god) along with Angāras (sparks of fire). Therefore, he is called Angiras. Atri gave Atreyi of supreme splendour to that Angiras. 

On account of the power of Agni he always spoke harsh words to Atreyi. Ātrcyi went on serving him regularly. 

Sons of great strength and valour were born of her to Angiras. This sage Angiras always spoke harsh words to Atreyi. The Angirasas, the sons, used to quieten their father always, 

Once she was excessively dejected on account of the harsh words of her husband. The distressed lady joined her palms in reverence and spoke to her elderly father-in-law (the Fire-god). 

Atreyi said: 

9-10. O carrier of Havyas, I am daughter of Atri and the wife of your son. I am always engaged in serving my husband and sons. My husband always speaks harsh words to me, For no reason he looks at me angrily. Instruct me, O eldest one among Devas, and restrain my husband.

The Fire-god said: 

11-12. Your husband, sage Angiras, is born of sparks of flame. O gentle lady, let some mcans be employed so that he becomes quiet. 

Being fiery your husband has approached fire (?) O lady with excellent face. Then, at my behest you flow in the form of water. 

Atreyi said: 

13. I would rather endure the harsh words. Let not my husband leap into the fire. Of what avail is life for women who are against their husbands? 

14. I wish for peaceful words. So also I must have my husband too. 

Fire-god said: 

!5-16. Agni is present in waters, in bodies, in mobile as well as immobile beings. I am the perpetual abode of your husband. I am considered his father. Realizing that I am what I am, do not worry too much. Moreover, "Waters are divine mothers and Agni is (your) father-in-law"-keeping this firmly in mind do not be too much disheartened, dear daughter in-law. 

Atreyi said: 

17. You yourself say that waters are mothers. I am the wife of your son, Agni. Being his wife how can I be his mother as well in the form of waters, lord?

Fire-god said: 

18. At first you were (wife as a religious partner). Then you were (wise as the sustainer). Then you are (wife from whom the son is born). You are (wife as one who seeks the welfare of her husband). O gentle lady, you have assumed all these roles. (Hence) do as I ask you to do. 

19. He who is born of her is her son. She is his mother dcfinitely. There is no doubt about it. Hence those who are conversant with the principles of the Vedas say that she is no longer his wife when a son is born.

 Brahmā said: 

20. On hearing the words of her father-in-law Atreyi flooded with water her husband who had assumed the form of fire. 

21-22. The couple got mingled with the water of Ganga, O brahmin. Both of them attained quiet forms and features. 

The couple were on a par with Vişhnu in the company of Lakşhmi, Sankara accompanied by Uma and the Moon united with Rohini. 

23. Sweeping her husband by means of flood she assumed aquatic body. She became the famous river Parushni and joined the river Ganga. 

21-27. One shall obtain the merit of bestowing a hundred cows by taking holy plunge in Paruşhņi. The sons of Arigiras performed Yajñas with plenty of monetary gifts. 

Those who are well versed in the Purăņas mention that there are three thousand holy centres there on either side of the river, dear one. They know that they severally yield the benefit of performing yajñas. The holy plunge and offering charitable gifts there, cspccially at the confluence of Parusni and Gang, yield more benefit than a hundred Vājapeyas. It is not possible to mention adequately the benefit that accrues from the holy plunge and offerings of charitable gifts there.