82 - Nanditaţa and other Holy Centres 

Brahmā said: 

1. Those who are conversant with the Vedas know the holy centre well known as Nanditaţa. I shall recount its efficacy, O Närada, listen attentively. 

2-3. The extremely energetic son of Atri is well known as the Moon god. He learnt Vedas and the Science of archery from Bruhaspati. He learned all other arts and sciences too, O extremely intelligent one. Moon then said to Bruhaspati, "I shall perform the worship of the preceptor". Then the delighted Bruhaspati said to his disciple Moon.

Bruhaspati said:

 4-10. My wife Tärā who has a lustre similar to that of Rati knows it. 

Brahma said: 

Then Moon went into the inner apartment to ask her. On seeing Tara with a stellar face he caught her by the hand and forcibly dragged her to his own abode out of covetousness. 

As long as one is not bound by the snares of lovely woman, one remains full of courage, a perfectly wise man, a man of intelligent behaviour and one who has subdued all sense-organs. 

Whose mind does not fall a victim to the arrows of Kama on seeing a lovely woman of wide eyes especially in a secret lonely place? 

That is why a lady of noble birth should never see a man other than her husband in a secret place. She should be afraid of violation to her chastity. 

The noble-minded Bruhaspati came to know of it through the servants and stood up suddenly and hastened to the place. On seeing that indecent behaviour he angrily cursed Moon after rebuking him with unpleasant words. 

11. Who will be able to endure it if he sees his beloved wife molested by another? Therefore, Jiva fought with Moon angrily with the assistance of Devas. 

• 12. The Moon god was not injured or harmed by the curses or weapons inspired with Mantras by Devas. Moon was not afflicted by the invocations of Bruhaspati. 

13. Without fear from anywhere Moon abducted Tärä to his abode, placed here there and enjoyed her as well as Rohiņi for many years. 

14-15. He could not be defeated by Devas either by angry outbursts or by curses or by Mantras. When Bruhaspati could not get back his wife through the good offices of kings or sages, either by peaceful means or by threats and punishments, when he failed to redeem his wife in spite of his efforts, when all expedients had been exhausted, Bruhaspati remembered his own Nīti (Policy). 

16-18. "An intelligent man keeps insult in front and prestige behind. Thereby he pushes up his self-interest. Allowing the self-interest to drop off is foolishness. Results must be achieved by any means whatsoever by wise men. Deluded per sons with false prestige fall a prey to misfortune". After deciding thus the intelligent Bruhaspati went to Shukra and informed him. On seeing him arrive Shukra received him with honour. 

19. After he had sat down and taken rest he was duly the worshipped. Then the preceptor of Daityas asked him reason for his arrival. 

20. Those who are adverse to persons visiting their houses are not good men, Bruhaspati related to Shukra the case of abduction of his wife from the beginning. 

21. On hearing the words of Bruhaspati Shukra became angry, O Närada, he admitted that the disciple Moon was guilty. On hearing about his misbehaviour Shukra said angrily: 

Shukra said: 

22-23. O lord of planets, listen. Dear brother, only when I bring back your beloved wife molested by another person will I take food and drink. Only then will I sleep (or even) speak. O mighty-armed one, after worshipping Siva and cursing the Moon who had betrayed his preceptor I shall fetch her and take my food. 

Brahmā said: 

24. After saying this, the preceptor of Daityas went out in the company of Bruhaspati. With great effort he propitiated Siva and acquired superior power. 

25. From Sankara who was worshipped with great devotion he obtained different boons. What is difficult of access to embodied beings if the lord is favourable? 

26-27. Shukra accompanied by Bruhaspati went to the place where the Moon-god was sporting with Tārā. 

With great anger Shukra cursed Moon thus: Listen to my words, O Chandra. Since a sinful act has been committed by you due to your arrogance you shall become afflicted by leprosy." 

28. At once Moon became scorched by the curse of Shukra. Which of those persons who betray preceptor, master or friend have not attained destruction? 

29-30. Moon gave up Tárā and Shukra took her away. He invited Devas, sages, Pitrus, rivers of diverse kinds, medicinal herbs and chaste ladies. He then began to ask them the means of expiation in the context of Tarā episode. 

31. Then Vedas said to Devas, "Let her take a holy bath in Gautami with great devotion along with Bruhaspati. Then Tarā will become pure. 

32. This is a great secret. It should not be disclosed to anyone and everyone. In all (adverse) situations Gautami is the sole refuge of men. 

33. Täră performed duly the holy rite of bath along with her husband. There was a shower of flowers. Cries of “victory" rose up. 

34. "Again Devas gave. Again men gave. Kings performing truthful activities gave the wife of brahmin," 

35-36. After giving again the wife of the brahmin who had been rendered free from sins and impurities by Devas everything was conducive to welfare. Hence that holy centre became the destroyer of sins, O great sage. It yields all cherished desires. There was joy and welfare among Devas who were the enemies of Asuras, 

37. The delight was all the more in regard to Bruhaspati, Shukra and Tára. Bruhaspati who had attained the supreme pleasure spoke to Gangā.

Bruhaspati said: 

38-39. O Gautami, you are worthy of being worshipped by all. You bestow salvation on all. Especially when I am in zodiac Leo you will become the sanctifier of the three worlds. O most excellent river, you will be accompanied by all holy waters. O mother, when I am zodiac Leo the holy rivers, lakes, ponds, etc. in heaven, the mortal world and the nether worlds will go to you for taking their holy dip. 

Brahmā said: 

40-42. The holy centre named Ananda is conducive to wealth, fame and longevity. It increases health and prosperity. It produces good fortune and great wealth. Gautama says that there are five thousand holy centres there. By remembering and reciting (this Purana) one will attain what one wishes for. Nandin of Siva who is installed here, performs pious rites directly on the banks of Gangā always. Hence it is remembered as Nanditaţa. This holy centre is Ananda because it increases the joy of everyone.