87 - Kiskindha - A Holy Centre

Brahma said: 

1. The holy centre Kiskindhatirtha is said to be the bestower of all cherished desires of men. It is the place where the deity Bhava dwells. It dispels all sins. 

2-4 I shall describe its form and features. Listen attentively, O Närada. 

Formerly, Rama, son of Dasharatha, with the help of the residents of Kiskindha killed in battle Rāvana who caused worlds to cry. After killing him along with his sons and his army, the king, the slayer of the enemies returned taking Sitā with him. He was accompanied by his brother Lakşhmaņa, the powerful monkeys, the mighty Vibhishana and Devas. 

5-6. The auspicious rite of Svastyayana (wishing him happy and prosperous journey) was performed. The glorious king flew by the aerial chariot Puşhpaka that (formerly) belonged to the lord of wealth and that could go speedily wherever one desired to go. All of them went to Ayodhyā. On his way Rāma, the slayer of enemies, who was worthy of being sought refuge in by the people in need of refuge saw Gangā. 

7-8. He saw Gautami, the sanctifier of the universe, the bestower of cherished desires, the ultimate goal for the removal of mental distress and pleasant to the eyes. On seeing it the glorious king entered the banks of Gautami and addressed the monkeys beginning with Hanuman in a voice faltering due to excessive delight. 

Rāma said: 

9. O monkeys, it was due to the power of this (holy river) that my lordly father became free from all sins and thereafter went to heaven, 

10. She is the mother of all creatures. She is the bestower of worldly pleasures. She shall even bestow salvation. She shall destroy even terrible sins. Which other river is equal to this? 

11. All the sins have been permanently destroyed. By the power of this river even enemies have become friends. Vibhīşaņa has become my permanent ally. Sitä has been redeemed. Hanuman has become a kinsman. 

12. It is through the worship of this river that Lanka has been destroyed and Rāvana has been killed along with his group. Gautama worshipped the excellent lord Siva having matted hair, worthy of being resorted to, and attained the river. 

13. She is the producer of all desired objects. She is the destroyer of all inauspicious things. She is the only sanctifier of the Universe. Today the mother of rivers is seen directly. 

14. By body, by speech and by mind I seek refuge in Gangā who is worthy of being resorted to. With all feelings (of reverence) I salute the mother of good ones, who has taken up her dwelling in the matted hair of Siva.

 Brahmā said: 

15. On hearing these words of the king, the monkeys plunged into it and swam there. They duly performed worship with various flowers and objects worthy of being offered as present. 

16. After worshipping Siva duly, the king eulogized him with words endowed with feelings. The monkeys rejoiced. They danced and sang. 

17. Accompanied by his beloved wife, the great soul stayed there happily for that night. He was surrounded by persons full of love. He cast off all misery that was caused by enemies. What is it that is not obtained by resorting of Gautami? 

18. With wonder and amazement he looked at his servants. Delighted, he eulogized Godavari. Honouring the entire group of servants he attained a very special pleasure. Again when it  dawned and the sun became free from impurities Vibhishana spoke to Rāma, the son of Daśharatha.

Vibhishana said: 

19. We are not at all satiated by the holy centre till now. We shall live here for some time. We shall stay here for four more nights and thereafter we shall go to Ayodhyā in a body. 

Brahma said: 

20. The monkeys agreed to his suggestion. They worshipped the lord of all, Ishvara, for the next four nights. Then they went to the holy centre, the favourite of his brother (i.e. Rāvana). 

21. That holy centre is famous throughout the world by the name Siddheśhvara. It is through his grace that Rāvana became very powerful. Thus they spent five days and worshipped Lingas installed by themselves. 

22. The son of Vayu, Hanuman, the follower of the king, began to serve there. On his way the great king said to Hanuman—"Ceremoniously cast off all Lingas. 

23. These lingas are installed by me as well as by others who are excellent knowers of Mantras. They have been installed by Shankara's servants also. Without the rite of (ceremonious dischage) no external (Linga) of Bhava should be joined to the Great Shankara. 

24-25. If anyone were to remain intact in spite of slighting him, the deity or Linga, he would be standing steadily on the edge or blade of a sword or other similar things. 

Those who have no faith, those who are indifferent and those who do not perform their duty after the worship of Linga, are deservedly cooked and roasted in all sorts of miserable hells by the servants of Yama." 

At the behest of Rama, the son of Väyu, Hanumān, went there but could not uproot it with his hands. 

26. Then he wished to take it out with his tail. He encircled the Linga with his tail. But he abandoned his effort. He was unable to uproot it. It was surprising to the great monkeys as well as the king. 

27. Who is that intelligent man strong enough to shake the Linga of Maheśha that has attained stability and grandeur ? On seeing it steadfast the excellent king of great magnificence suddenly went out. 

28. He invited Brahmins. After circumambulating and performing worship with extremely pure heart Ramachandra bowed down to Lingas along with all those brahmins. 

29-31. Therefore, this holy centre was resorted to by the eminent residents of Kishkindha. There is no doubt that the great sins are destroyed by taking a plunge (into the waters) hiere, 

Saying "O Mother Gautami, be pleased” he devoutly bowed down to her once again. He blurted out these words often. He was overwhelmed by surprise. He looked at and bowed down to Gautami. 

Thenceforth, Devas say that this Kishkindha is extremely sacrcd. He who reads, remembers or listens to this narrative devoutly gets rid of his sins. What to speak of holy plunge and offering charitable gifts!