34 - The glory of Varanasi: The Greatness of Madhyameśhvara

This chapter deals mainly with the Madhyamešhvara linga at Varanasi. It need not be confused with the one in Panca Kedåra for which vide De 145. 

Süta said: 

1. After staying near Kapardisa for many years, the holy sage went to see Madhyamesha. 

2.* There he saw the river Mandakini of translucent, sanctifying waters, served by groups of sages. On seeing it, the sage became glad. 

*VV. 2-16 in this chapter are the same as Pd. P.1.37.1-19. 

3. Beholding intently (at the river), the holy sage Dvaipāyana whose mind was purified with deep devotional feelings and who was himself the knower of the rites of ablutions took his holy bath along with sages. 

Bracketed verse: 

3A. He the son of Satyavatī, worshipped Bhava (Shiva), the first cause of the worlds, with different kinds of flowers, after entering the shrine alongwith the leading disciples. 

4. After duly performing Tarpana rites to Devas, to the sages, to the Pitrus, he performed the worship of trident-bearing Madhyameśhvara, Ishana god Shiva. 

5. Then the tranquil devotees of Pashupati who had besmeared their bodies with Bhasma (sacred ashes) came to see Madhyameśhvara, Ishvara, Rudra. 

6-7. Their minds were attached to Omkāra. They were engrossed in the study of the Vedas. Some had matted hair. Some had tonsured heads; they had pure sacred thread; some had only the loin cloth, while others did not have any cloth. They were quiescent and devoted to the discipline of celibacy. They had full self control and were interested in perfect knowledge.*

*v.l. expert in meditation and Vedānta. 

8. On seeing sage Dvaipāyana surrounded by his disciples, the Brāhmaṇas worshipped him suitably and spoke these words. 

9. "Who are you, O great sage? Whence have you come along with your disciples?” Paila and other disciples spoke to those sages purified by means of piety. 

10. "This is the son of Satyavati, the holy sage Krishna dvaipāyana. He is Vyāsa and Hruşhikeśha (Vişhnu) himself by whom the Vedas have been classified.” 

11. To him, god Mahadeva, the Pinaka-bearing lord himself, became the son named Shuka, with a portion of his part. 

12. He has resorted to Mahadeva, Shankara, with heart and soul and the greatest devotion and has attained that perfect divine knowledge." 

13. Thereafter, all those devotees of Pashupati, with hairs standing on end due to excessive delight, spoke to Vyasa, son of Satyavati, with a quiescent mind. 

14. "O holy lord, the knowledge of Parameşhthin has been acquired by you by the grace of the lord of Devas. It is the greatest knowledge pertaining to Maheśhvara. 

15. Hence, expound this excellent, unrevealed mystic secret to us without any agitation. May we see the lord quickly after hearing about him through your oral utterance." 

16. After dismissing those disciples the chief of whom was sage Sumantu, the most excellent among the knowers of Yoga explained to the Yogins that great knowledge. 

17. At that same instant a pure and excellent mass of brilliant light manifested itself there. Those Brahmaņas got themselves merged there and vanished in a moment. 

18. Thereafter, the revered sage, the most excellent one among the knowers of Brahman, recalled Paila and all other disciples and recounted the greatness of Madhyamesha. 

19. It is here that the supreme lord Shiva indulges in sport alongwith his consort Parvatī, in the company of ganas. 

20. It is here that formerly Krişhna, son of Devakī, Hrushīkeśha stayed continuously for one year, surrounded by Pāśhupatas. 

21. Besmearing his body entirely with Bhasma, and devoted to the propitiation of Rudra, Hari performed the holy vow pertaining to Pashupati and propitiated Shambhu. 

22. Many of his disciples devoted to the vow of celibacy attained perfect knowledge, through his advice and perceived Maheśhvara. 

23. Lord Mahadeva, the blue-red complexioned God appeared directly before Krishna. The bestower of boons that he is, the lord conferred upon him excellent boons. 

24. "O embodiment of the Universe! Those of my devotees who worship Govinda with due rites and formalities, will have engendered in them this divine knowledge pertaining to Ishvara (Shiva). 

25. There is no doubt in this that you will be the Isha, worthy of being worshipped and meditated by the twice-born people devoted to me, thanks to my grace." 

26. The sins due to Brāhmana-slaughter, etc. of those people who visit the lord of Devas and who meditate on Pināka bearing lord, perish quickly. 

27. Those of Brāhmaṇas who, though engaged in sinful activities, give up their life (at this sacred place) will attain that Supreme abode. No doubt need be entertained in this respect. 

28. O Brāhmaṇas! They are verily the blessed ones who take a holy dip in Mandakini and worship the great God the excellent Madhyameśhvara (Linga). 

29. O Brāhmaṇas, anyone of these rites, viz. ablution charitable gifts, penance, Shrāddha and offering of the balls of rice (as pinda) performed duly at this place sanctifies upto the seventh generation. 

30. If they are performed at Kurukshetra when the sun is devoured by Rāhu (at the time of solar eclipse), the benefit that a man derives therefrom is tenfold." 

31. After saying thus, the great Yogin stayed for a long time in the vicinity of Madhyamesha, worshipping Maheśhvara.