26 - Seven Thousand Holy Centres

Brahmā said: 

1. The holy centre known as Indra Tirtha destroys the sin of brahmin slaughter. Even by being remembered it destroys heaps of sins and masses of sufferings. 

2. Formerly, when Vrutra was slain, O Narada, the sin of brahmin slaughter pursued Indra who was frightened by the very thought of Brahmin slaughter. 

3. He, the slayer of Vrutra, began to run here and there. Wherever he went the thought of Brahmin slaughter pursued him. 

4-5. He entered a great lake and penetrated a lotus stalk. Assuming the form of a fibre Indra took his abode there. The slaughter-thought stood watching on the bank of the lake for a thousand divine years. During this whole period Devas remained without Indra. 

6-7. Devas had consultations among themselves without excitement: "How can Indra be regained?" After thinking of the place of slaughter, I spoke to Devas: "Let Indra be sprinkled with the waters of Gautami. After taking a holy dip he will be purified in his soul and will become Indra once again." 

8-9. Accordingly they decided and went to Gautami. Devas and sages were desirous of showering the lord after he had taken a holy dip. The infuriated Gautama spoke as Indra was about to be showered with the holy water.

 Gautama said: 

10. I will reduce to ashes all those persons who will shower the sinful Indra who had defiled the bed of his preceptor. Let Devas go away quickly.

Brahmā said:  

11. On hearing the words of the sage Devas avoided Gautami and hurried to Narmadá taking Indra with them. 

12-13. They stood ready for showering Indra on the northern bank of Narmadā. As Indra was about to be showered, the holy sage Mandavya said, "If the showering is perforined I will reduce you to ashes." Then Devas worshipped Mångavya by hymns and persuaded him by cogent reasons. 

Devas said: 

14. Osage, wherever Indra the thousand-eyed lord is about to be showered, a terrible obstacle crops up there. 

15-17. Hence, O sage, the cause of our welfare, perform Santi rite for quelling the evil. Be pleased to grant us boons. O sage; we shall offer you a place where you shall perform sacrifice (Removal of dirt'). We shall give to you many other excellent things as well. Hence, it behoves you to permit. The place where the ablution of Indra is to take place shall be full of grains, trees and fruits. It will bestow all cherished things on men. There will never be drought or famine in this place.

 Brahmā said: 

18. Then Mändavya, the excellent sage, honoured by the world agreed to it. The rites of ablution and purification were performed there with all ceremonials. 

19-23. Then that land was called Mälava by Devas and sages when Indra was showered and purified. They brought Gautami Ganga and showered him again for the increase of merit. Devas, sages, I, Vişhnu, Vasistha, Gautama, Agastya, Atri, Kaśyapa, Yakşhas and Nāgas and others performed holy ablution by that sacred water. Then I showered Indra with the water coming out of Kamandalu. 'Two rivers Punya and Siktā arose therefrom and joined Gargă. 

24-27. Their coniluences are well known. They are resorted to by sages. Thenceforth that holy centre is called Punyasangama Tirtha. 

At the confluence of Siktā (with Gangā) the holy centre is called Aindra Tirtha. Seven thousand splendid holy centres cropped up there. A holy dip and the distribution of charitable gifts at the confluence gives everlasting benefit. This must be realised. No worry need be felt on this account. He who reads this holy narrative or listens to it shall be rid of all sins of thought, words and deeds.