86 - Sankhahrada and other Holy Centres

Brahmā said: 

1. The holy centre where Sankhagadadhara (the lord who holds conch and iron club) is the deity, is called Sankhahrada. By taking a holy bath and by visiting the deity one is released from worldly bondage. 

2-3. I shall describe the event that happened there. It yields worldly pleasures and salvation. 

Formerly in the beginning of Krutayuga Brahm, was singing the Säman songs. Rakshasas who were born of the abode of Cosmic Egg and could assume many forms came to him in order to devour Brahma. They were too proud of their strength and they held weapons too. 

4. Then I spoke to Vişhnu, preceptor of the universe, (pleading) for protection. Vişhnu prepared himself for killing Rākşhasas with his discus. 

5-6. After chopping off the heads of Rākşhasas with his discus he blew the conch. After making the surface (of the Earth) free of troublesome creatures and the heaven free of enemies, Hari filled his conch with great delight. Thereupon the Rākşhasas completely perished. 

7. The place where this happened by the power of the conch of Vişhnu is called Sankhatirtha. It gives peace, security and happiness to men. 

8-11. It is holy and it yields all cherished desires. By being remembered it bestows auspiciousness. It produces longevity and health. It increases the quality and quantity of wealth and progeny. By remembering or by (regular) reading (of the Purāņa), one shall achieve all cherished desires. 

O sage, there are ten thousand holy centres there. They dispel all sins. These holy centres numbering ten thousand are destroyers of sins. Even Maheśhvara does not know how to describe adequately their efficacy. There is no substitute for this annihilator of sins.