76 - The Greatness of Setu

The line of rocks jutting out of the sea between Rameśhvara & Sri Lanka is supposed to be the relic of the bridge that was built by Rāma with the help of monkeys. It is regarded holy even in the Bh. P. (VIII.14.31, X.79.15) Parāśhara (X11.65-67) recommends a visit to Setu as atonement for Brahmahatya. 

Mohini said: 

1-2a. O excellent Brāhmaṇa, well done. It is very nice, that the Rāmāyaṇa has been narrated by you. It is destructive of all sins of men and conducive to the increase of merits. Now I wish to hear the excellent greatness of Setu.1 

Vasu said: 

2b-3a. O gentle lady, listen, I shall recount to you the excellent greatness of Setu on seeing which, O queen, one is liberated from the ocean of worldly existence. 

3b-5. The very sight of the Setu is meritorious. Lord Rameśhvara there grants immortality to men by its vision only. By worshipping Rämeśhvara with fully controlled mind, a man enjoys all prosperities and glories. No doubt need be entertained in this respect. There is another holy centre here Viz.: Chakratirtha. It is destructive of sins. 

6a. The holy bath, charitable gifts, Japa and Homa there, facilitate everlasting benefits. 

1. As compared with the setu-måhätmya in SK. P. III. chs. 1-52, this chapter of 20 verses shows that the NP. gives a brief sketch of the Setu and sub-Tirthas like Agastya, Agni, Jață, Sitā-Kunda near it. Some Kundas, especially in the temple of Rāmanātha (i.e. Rameśhvara) are in good conditions and one feels like taking bath (or basketful of water) from each. The Phalashruti of these baths is the usual routine one. 

6b-7a. He who goes to Tälatirtha and takes his holy dip there, attains excellent birth and rejoices on the earth like a Deva. 

7b-8a. Then, O blessed lady, after reaching the holy centre Papavināšhana (a Tirtha Destructive of sins) and by taking a holy bath, the man is rid of all sins. He is honoured in the heaven. 

8b-9a. He should then go to Sitākuņda and perform the rite of ablution perfectly. By performing the Tarpaņa rite of the Pitris and Devas, he shall attain all desires. 

9b. By approaching the Mangala (auspicious) Tirtha and by taking a holy dip, he is liberated from sins. 

10. By taking a holy bath in the tank called Amrutaväpi the man attains immortality. By taking a holy bath in Brahmakunda a man shall attain the world of Brahmā. 

11. By performing ablution in the Tīrtha of Lakshmana, a man attains the goal of Yogins. By taking the holy dip in Jațātirtha a man becomes free from illness. 

12. By taking a holy bath in the Hanumatkuņda a man becomes unconquerable to the enemies. By plunging into the Agastya Tirtha, the man becomes blessed with sons and wealth. 

13. The man who plunges into the Rāmakuņda attains the world of Rāma. By means of ablution in the Lakśhmitirtha, the man shall become fortunate and handsome. 

14. By taking a holy dip in the Agnitīrtha, the man is liberated from all sins. By means of ablution in the śhivatirtha, the attainment of Shiva’s world becomes possible. 

15. One who has taken a holy dip in the Shankhatirtha does not attain a wretched state (hell). By taking a holy dip in the Tirthas, Yamunā etc. he goes to the heaven. 

16. By plunging into the Koțitirtha one attains the benefit of all Tīrthas. A man who takes a plunge into the Sådhyåmruta attains the same world as that of the Sadhyas. 

17. By taking a holy dip in the Sarvatirtha, a man attains cherished desires. One who takes a holy dip in the Dhanuśhkoți duly, is liberated from bondage. 

18. A man taking a plunge in the Kśhira-kunda shall attain various worldly pleasures. By taking a dip in the Kapitīrtha a man does not take any ignominious rebirth. 

19. One who takes a holy dip in the Gāyatri and the Sarasvati is liberated from sins. By taking a holy dip in the Tirtha Ruņamochana etc. the devotee is rid of indebtedness. 

20. O splendid lady, thus the greatness of the Tīrthas at the Setu has been recounted. It is destructive of all sins of those who read and those who listen to it.