66 - Visnutirtha and other Holy Centres

Brahmā said: 

1. The holy centre well known as Vişhnutīrtha (is being recounted now). Listen to what happened there. There was sage well known as Maudgalya since he was the son of Mudgala. 

2-5. His wife was well known as Jābālā. She had good sons. The father, sage Mudgala, was old and well known in the worlds. His splendid wise was known by ihe name Bhagirathi. 

Maudgalya used to take bath in Gangā early in the morning. He was regular in observing holy rites with self-control. O excellent sage, this was his daily routine, On the banks of Gangā, the son of Mudgala used to invoke Vişhņu by incans of Kusa grass, clay, Sami flowers in his lotus-like heart by the method taught by his preceptor everyday. 

6. When invoked by him, the consort of Lakşmī, the lord of the universe holding conch, discus and iron club, came to him in a hurry seated on Garuda. 

7. On being worshipped devotedly by that sage Maudgalya, the lord of the universe used to recount wonderfully variegated stories to Maudgalya. 

8. Late in the afternoon Visnu repeatedly told Maudgali- "Go back to your abode, dear one. You are tired.” 

9. On being told thus by lord Vişhņu that brahmin went home. Then the lord of the universe went to his abode accom panied by Devas. 

10-14. The learned Maudgalaya used to bring something to his house and give his wife money earned by himself. He was (mainly) devoted to the lotus-like feet of MahāVişhnu. 

Maudgalya's beloved wife was a chaste lady and considered him as her ultimate goal. Greens, roots or fruits whatever was brought by her husband she used to cook very well and serve food unto the guests, her husband and her sons. She used to take her food only after they had been fed. She too used to perform holy rites with self-control. Everyday at night, when all had taken food, the delighted son of Mudgala used to recount to them the wonderful stories hcard from Vişhnu. A great deal of time passed by. The wife of Maudgalya, who had been surprised (on account of their sufferings) said to her husband in secret.

Jābālā said: 

15-16. O highly intelligent one, when Vişhnu comes near you ask the lord of the universe: "If Vişhnu, honoured by Devas, approaches why should misery befall us?" The moment that lord is remembered old age, birth, death and sickness vanish; what then if he is seen! 

Brahmā said: 

17. Saying "So be it", on hearing the words of his beloved wife, Maudgalya worshipped Hari as usual. With palms joined in reverence he humbly asked him.

Maudgalya said: 

18. When you are remembered, 0 lord of the universe, sorrow, powerty and sin vanish. But even when you are seen how is it that adversity still persists in me?

Srivişhņu said: 

19. All living beings everywhere and always enjoy or suffer the conscquences of their own deeds. No one does anything good or bad to anyone. 

20. The fruit is in accordance with the seed that is sown. Never and nowhere can mango be produced from a margosa seed. 

21. How can they be befitting recipients of glory and wealth-they by whom Gautami has not been served, Hari and Sankara have not been worshipped and nothing has been given to the brahmins? 

22. Nothing has been given by you to brahmins or to me. Only what is given goes over to the supreme soul. 

23-24. One can very well become a purified soul by means of regular acts of cleanliness through clay, water, kuśa and Mantras or by causing emaciation of the body. 

But nowhere can men attain worldly pleasures without offer- ing charitable gifts. One becomes purified by performing holy rites. Then alone one becomes detached (i.e, loses interest in worldly pleasures). 

25. Then his knowledge becomes unimpeded. Thereafter he becomes a liberated soul while still living. Through devotion to me at first, liberation is easy of access to everyone. 

26. Worldly pleasures can be achieved by means of charitable gifts etc. or by alleviating the misery of all living beings. Or you will attain liberation, but you will not obtain worldly pleasures through devotion (alone). 

Maudgalya said: 

27-28. How can there be libcration through devotion? Liberation is rarer than worldly pleasures. If liberation is achieved, of what avail is anything else to the embodied beings? Liberation is worthy of bcing honoured by everyone more than devotion. O lord, who is identical with the universe, I would like to have it. 

Vishnu said: 

29-31. This is the difference, O brahmin. Whatever is given away to a brahmin or (other) suppliants after remembering me shall be given in return everlasting benefit. If without meditating upon me anything is given away it yields only an equivalent benefit. That is already given. It is not capable of contributing to our worldly enjoyment. Hence, O highly intelligent one, certainly give me something to eat or to a superior brahmin after resorting to the banks of Gautami. 

Brahmā said: 

32-34. Maudgalya said to Vişhnu: "I have nothing else to be given to you. The body etc. (which I have) is dedicated unto you." Then Vişhnu, the lord of the universe, hastened to tell Garuda: "Bring an ear of corn here. He will offer that to me. Thereafter, he will obtain befitting worldly pleasures according to his choice." On hearing the command of his master the lord of birds did so. 

35. Maudgalya who performed holy rites with self-control placed the grains of corn in the land of Vişhnu. In the meantime Vişhnu spoke to Viśvakarman.

Vişhnua said: 

36. O highly intelligent one, all the cherished desires and ambitions shall be fulfilled in the family of this sage up to the seventh generation of successors. They will have cows, gold, grains, clothes and ornaments.

Brahmā said: 

37. Due to the power of Vishnu and Gangă Maudgalya obtained all those things which embellish and contribute to mental satisfaction in the world. 

38. On being told by Vişhņu "Go home" Maudgalya went back. On seeing all riches and prosperity in his hermitage the sage spoke. 

The sage said: 

39. Oh the power of charitable gift! Oh the remembrance of Vişhnu! Oh the power of Ganga! By whom could this great thing have been imagined? Brahmā said: 

40. In the company of his wife, sons, grandsons and kins men, Maudgalya enjoyed worldly pleasures and attained salvation along with his ancestors. 

41-43. Thenceforth that holy centre is well known as Maudgalya and Vaishnava. The holy bath taken and charitable gifts distributed there yield the benefits of worldly pleasures and liberation. 

If somehow the holy centre is heard or remembered Vişhnu becomes pleased with him. He shall be rid of all sins. He shall be happy. 

There are eleven thousand holy centres on both the banks together. Through holy bath, offering charitable gifts, Japas etc. these holy centres bestow all riches.