27 - Paulastya Tirtha

 Brahmä said: 

1. The holy centre Paulastya Tirtha is mentioned as one which fulfils all desires of men. I shall mention its magic power that gives lost kingdom back to one. 

2. The eldest son of Viśravas who is now the lord of northern quarter was formerly richly endowed with all types of riches and achievements. He was the ruler of Lanka as well. 

3. He had three step-brothers, viz. Rāvana, Kumbhakarna and Vibhīşaņa. They were very powerful, endowed with unmeasured luster. They were his enemies as well. 

4-5. They too were the sons of Visravas but they were Räkşhasas (because they were born) of a Räkşhasī (ogress). Dhanada (Kubera), seated in the aerial chariot and accompanied by his step-brothers used to come to me everyday with great devotion and return after a while. 

Rāvana's infuriated mother spoke to her sons.

Ravana's mother said: 

6-7. I shall die. I don't care to live, O sons, because of this disparity and dissimilarity. 

Devas and Dänavas were mutual enemies (though) they were brothers (step-brothers). (Step-brothers) wish for each other's slaughter in pursuance of victory and prosperity. Hence, you are not at all desirous of victory, nor are you competent. You have no manliness. Alimless and useless is the life of that fellow who permits an enemy to be prosperous.

Brahma said: 

8. On hearing those words of their mother, O sage, the three brothers went to the forest and performed penance. 

9-10. All these three obtained boons from me. At the instigation of their uncle Mārica and their maternal grandfather and at the instance of their mother Ravana requested for Lankā. Due to their Rākşhasahood and the defects of their mother, there was a great enmity between the brothers. 

11-13. Then a war between brothers ensued like the war between Devas and Dänavas. In the war Rāvana conquered his quiet and calm elder brother Dhanada and captured the city of Lankā, the (aerial chariot) Puşpaka and other things. He then proclaimed throughout the three worlds consisting of mobile and immobile beings: "He who offers refuge to my step-brother is liable to be killed by me." 

Forsaken and ousted by his brother, Dhanada did not receive any support anywhere. He went to Pulastya his grandfather and bowed to him.

Dhanada said: 

14-17. I have been ousted by my wicked brother. What shall I do? Tell me what should be my support and refuge, the fate or a holy centre?

Brahmā said: 

On hearing the words of his grandson Pulastya said:

Pulastya said: 

Dear child, go to Gautami and eulogize lord Maheśvara. There in the middle of Ganga your wicked brother will have no access. You will attain prosperous achievement. Do so at my bidding. 

Brahma said: 

18-19. Saving "So be it" Dhanada went to Gautami accom- panied by his wife, parents and the aged Pulastya. The lord of wealth took bath in Ganga. Maintaining all holy rites he eulogized Siva, lord of the lord of Devas, the bestower of worldly pleasures and liberation. 

Dhanada said: 

20-23. O Sambhu, you alone are the master of this Universe consisting of mobile and immobile beings. There is no one else. If anyone swaggers after slighting you out of delusion, he is worthy of being punished. 

You sustain everything by your eight cosmic bodies. Every- thing exists (and functions) at your bidding. Still, non-scholars shall never attain you who are possessed of ancient glory and splendid refulgence. 

Something was born out of her dirt and Ambā jokingly said: "O lord, this is your heroic son." You glanced at it and it became Vighnarāja. Oh, the (powerful) action of the glance of Isha ! 

On seeing Kama and Rati separated in their conjugal enjoy- ment Girijā's eyes were filled with tears. She spoke to Isha about this. As a result of that, the bodiless Kāma acquired body and Rati acquired the fortune of conjugal bliss from the lord of Umā.¹

1. The reference here is to the episode of the burning of Kama by Siva's glance when he was trying to inspire Siva with amorous thought for Parvati at the instigation of gods at a time when Siva was engaged in deep meditation. (vide Valmiki Rāmāyana, Bāla Kanda, Ch. 23). 

Bralmā said: 

24. Even as he was eulogizing thus, the three-eyed lord appeared in front of him and asked him to choose a boon as he liked. Out of excessive delight he did not utter a word. 

25-27. Dhanada and Pulastya were silent. Lord Siva was delighted repeating "O, choose the boon, O, choose the boon." Then an unembodied voice was heard there telling Maheśvara thus: "The status of the protector of wealth should be granted to Dhanada." It was only after knowing the silent wish of Pulastya and the father of Dhanada, that the voice made the splendid intention explicit. 

28. The divine voice became auspicious. What should take place is like what has already taken place. What is about to be given is like what has already been given. What should be attained is like what has already been attained. 

29-33. He who had a number of enemies and who ex- perienced miseries worshipped Someśvara and acquired Linga, the lordship of a quarter, the mastery of wealth, vast liberal- mindedness, wives and sons. 

On hearing that voice Dhanada spoke these words to the Trident-bearing lord of Devas: "Let this be so." 

Saying "May it be so," the lord of Devas assented to the Divine voice. The lord then honoured Pulastya, sage Viśravas and Dhanapāla with holy boons and went away. Thenceforth, they know that holy centre as Paulastya Tirtha or Dhanada Tirtha or Vaiśravasa Tīrtha. It is holy and splendid. It fulfils all cherished desires. Holy dip etc. in these holy centres bestows much merit.