102 - Meeting of Godāvari and the Sea in Seven Branches

Brahmā said: 

1. The holy centre Samudratīrtha is the bestower of benefits of all holy centres. I shall mention its characteristic features. Listen attentively, O Närada. 

2. Discharged by Gautama, this Gangā, the destroyer of sins, flowed towards the Eastern ocean for the good of the worlds. 

3. While it was coming down, the divine river was held in the Kamandalu by me. The goddess was held in matted hair of Sambhu, the supreme soul. 

4-7. The Ocean saw Gangã that was born of Vişhnu’s feet, that was brought over to the mortal world by a noble-souled brahmin, that destroyed sins merely on being remembered and that which was worthier than the worthiest. On seeing her, the Ocean thought about his duty. “She is worthy of being saluted by the Universe. She is the goddess of worlds, she is bowed down to by Brahima, Shiva and others. If I do not receive her duly, Dharma would be defiled. If anyone, out of delusion, does not honour duly a visiting noble-souled person there can be no saviour unto that sinner in both the worlds.” 

After thinking thus, the lord of rivers, the lord of jewels, assumed a physical form endowed with humility. With palms joined in reverence he spoke thus to Ganga. 

Sindhu said: 

8. The water that is present in the nether worlds, in the Earth and in the firmament-may it enter me. I will not say anything, 

9. There are jewels, Nectar, Rakşhasas, Devas, and mountains in me. I am bearing all these and other terrible things as well. 

10. Accompanied by Goddess Laksmi, Vişhnu sleeps in me perpetually. In the whole world consisting of the mobile and immobile, there is nothing that is impossible for me. 

11. He, who, out of pride, does not duly honour a great person coming as guest shall fall off from Dharma and fall into the hell. 

12-14. I have no pain or sorrow in holding these, except the discomfiture I had sustained from Agastya. But in regard to dignity you are extremely distinguished from them. Therefore I am saying this, O goddess Gangā. You join me on a footing of equality. If you come in your whole form (i.e. in a single stream) I will be unable to join you. O goddess, if you join me in many different streams I shall join you and not otherwise, O Gangă, if you are willing) to join in several streams I shall consider it. 

Brahmā said: 

15. That Gautami Gangă said thus to the lord of waters, Ocean who had spoken thus: “Do as I suggest. 

16-18. You, bring here Arundhati and others, the wives of the seven sages along with their husbands. Then I shall become smaller in size. Thereafter I shall join you.” 

Saying “So be it” the Ocean brought the wives of the seven sages along with those sages. He brought them to the goddess. She divided herself into seven streams. The Gautami Gangā went to the Ocean in seven channels. 

19-20. These seven Gangas (channels) came to be known by the names of seven sages. 

Taking holy bath, offering charitable gifts, listening to, reading and remembring this narrative devoutly is auspicious and it yields all cherished desires. 

In the three worlds there is no other greater holy centre than the Ocean for one who wishes the destruction of sins, the attainment of worldly pleasures and liberation and mental satisfaction.