159 - Circumambulation in Mathurä

Earth said:

1. By your favour, O Janärdana, I have now learnt a good deal about the numerous tirthas and their efficacy.

2. The sort of merit we acquire by resorting to the tirthas cannot be acquired by gifts, penance, sacrifices or circumambulation of the earth.

3. But it is difficult for people to go to all these tirthas that lie scattered about in different parts of the earth.

4. So be pleased to tell me whether there is any easy means of doing this.

Varäha said:

5. Listen, O blessed one, I shall tell you the number of tirthas calculated to be in this earth.

6. By going over the whole earth we can find sixty thousand and sixty hundred crores of tirthas.

7. These tirthas as well as devas and stars in the sky are counted by Väyu who lives as long as the world exists.

8. All these have been visited by Brahma, Lomašha, Närada, Dhruva, the son of Jämbavati, Rävana and Hanumän,

9. As also by Bali by wandering over the surface of the earth with its oceans and forests.

10. Sugriva has gone to the interior places also. Formerly Indra did the same, so too the Pandavas.

11. Some sages like Märkandeya also have done so by their yogic powers, but none else has done so or can do.

12. Ordinary people with their limited capacity, cannot even think of all these, then why say about their going there.

13. The merit of going to all tirthas in the seven islands of the earth, is attained, and even more, by going to (the tirthas) in Mathurä.

14.  the same effect as circumambulation in the seven islands.

15. Therefore, circumambulation may be properly done in Mathurä by those desirous of accomplishing their desires.

Earth said:

16. Be pleased to tell me the rules of circumambulation at Mathurä.

Varäha said:

17. This was asked of Brahmä by the seven sages in yore and they were told about it.

18. Knowing the account about it in all the Purànas, he told them about this matter.

19-20. I tell you that hundred times the merit that accrues from all temples, all tirthas, all gifts and all rituals for well-being in this world as well as in the world beyond, accrues by the circumambulation in Mathurä. This is the truth.

21. Hearing this the sages bowed to Brahma and then went to Mathurä and put up their hermitages there.

22. Together with Dhruva they were waiting for the Navami day in the bright half of the month Kumuda.

23. Circumambulating in Mathurä on that day removes all sins.