Skanda Purana

Whoever beholds Jayeśvara, the god of gods and the great lord, is truly blessed. If one worships the Śiva liṅga at the very gateway of Śiva, immense merit is gained. Now, let me describe another sacred presence, the supreme Mārkaṇḍeśvara. Merely seeing that god Śaṃkara bestows the fruit of the Vājapeya sacrifice, one of the highest spiritual rewards. Listen, Vyāsa, to the glory of this great place, the most excellent in that city. Here, Lord Śiva fulfills the wishes of his devotees and protects them with the love and care of a father for his son. The goddess here was worshipped by Brahma and praised by the best of the gods; indeed, she existed even before Brahma and grants perfect accomplishments to those who revere her. Whoever, after bathing in the sacred Brahma lake, beholds Brahmeshvara Śiva, attains profound blessings. Now I will describe another sacred feature: the supreme sacrificial pond. The pit created for sacrifice is remembered as the sacrificial pond, a place of purity. Whoever bathes there becomes pure and, upon beholding Paśupati, is filled with divine grace. This sacred region is adorned with palaces made of gold, jewels, pearls, and all manner of desired pleasures. A man who bathes in the pond of beauty emerges handsome, blessed with attractive form. Whoever bathes in the pond of love becomes pure and focused, attains all desired pleasures, and, after death, goes to the abode of Śiva. On the bright eighth day of the month of Āṣāḍha, whoever performs a vigil here reaps great merit. Bathing in the elephant pond and worshipping the universal form of the Lord brings still greater blessings. Bathing in the goat-scented pond and beholding Brahmeshvara Śiva is also highly auspicious. If one bathes at the Chakra tirtha and worships the lord of the chakra, he attains the world of Rudra and dwells in a palace of his choosing. Becoming pure like Soma, he delights in the world of Soma itself. Vyāsa, you ask how all this came to be. Hear now the truth of how the liṅga of Someshvara manifested. The god Soma, the blessed nourisher of the world, played a central role. In Avanti, there lived the great and fortunate sage Atri, a treasury of austerity and spiritual power. With arms raised in devotion, he practiced severe austerities, meditating deeply on Brahman. From Atri’s eyes a radiant flow emerged, illuminating all ten directions. When the directions could no longer contain this brilliance, it shone upon all the worlds and then fell to the earth. The water that arose from Soma, Vyāsa, was created by that very radiance. Thus, the river Śipra, like Soma himself, became renowned as the giver of all success. She is famed in the three worlds as the bestower of merit, even upon sinners. It is said that even four people, merely by beholding her, are certainly freed from sin. Whoever, wise and devout, performs bathing, giving, recitation, or sacrifice on her banks attains great merit. By offering sesame-water and funeral cakes here, one blesses departed ancestors. Everywhere, Śipra is rare and precious, just as Soma and the Soma vessel are. The waters of Śipra and Soma, Vyāsa, grant the fruit of a crore of sacred fords. If, on a new moon day, a Monday coincides with Vyatipāta, that time is supremely auspicious. Thus, O great sage, the holy place of Somavatī arose here. Then, Soma himself was placed upon a chariot, desiring the welfare of all the worlds. Yoked with a thousand steeds, Soma was then impelled forward by Brahma. All the gods and beings, delighted and composed, praised him with all their hearts. Thus, the sacredness of this region, the river Śipra, and the manifestations of Śiva and Soma became established, bestowing blessings and liberation upon all who come with faith and devotion.