तीर्थोपवासः कर्तव्यः शिरसो मुंडनं तथा। शिरोगतानि पापानि यांति मुंडनतो यतः
One should undertake a fast at the sacred ford, and also shave the head; for the sins that reside on the head depart upon shaving.
यदह्नि तीर्थप्राप्तिः स्यात्ततोह्नः पूर्ववासरे
On the day when arrival at the sacred ford is to occur, one should stay there from the previous day.
तीर्थप्रसंगात्तीर्थांगमप्युक्तं त्वत्पुरोमया
Because of the occasion of the sacred ford, the approach to the ford has also been declared by me before you.
काशीकांती च मायाख्या त्वयोध्याद्वारवत्यपि
Kāśī, Kāntī, and Māyā by name, as well as Ayodhyā and Dvāravatī.
श्रीशैलो मोक्षदः सर्वः केदारोपि ततोऽधिकः
Śrīśaila grants liberation to all, but Kedāra is even greater than that.
प्रयागादपि तीर्थाग्र्यादविमुक्तं विशिष्यते 4.1.6.
Even more distinguished than Prayāga, the foremost of sacred fords, is Avimukta.
अन्यानि मुक्तिक्षेत्राणि काशीप्राप्तिकराणि च श्रावयित्वा द्विजांश्चापि श्रद्धाभक्तिसमन्वितान्
Other fields of liberation, and those that grant attainment of Kāśī, having caused the twice-born who are endowed with faith and devotion to hear of them—
क्षत्रियान्धर्मनिरतान्वैश्यान्सन्मार्गवर्तिनः
—and the kṣatriyas devoted to dharma, and the vaiśyas who walk the good path—
अगस्तिरुवाच तस्य पुत्रो महातेजाः शिवशर्मेति विश्रुतः
Agastya said: His son, of great brilliance, was renowned as Śivaśarman.
अधीत्यवेदान्विधिवदर्थं विज्ञाय तत्त्वतः।. पठित्वा धर्मशास्त्राणि पुराणान्यधिगम्य च
Having duly studied the Vedas and truly understood their meaning, having recited the Dharmaśāstras and also mastered the Purāṇas,
अंगान्यभ्यस्य तर्कांश्च परिलोड्य समंततः
Having practiced bodily exercises and thoroughly examined various arguments,
आयुर्वेदं विचार्यापि नाट्यवेदे कृतश्रमः
Even after considering Ayurveda, I exerted myself in the study of the Nāṭyaveda.
कलासु च कृताभ्यासो मन्त्रशास्त्रविचक्षणः
I practiced the arts and became skilled in the science of mantras.
अर्थानुपार्ज्य धर्मेण भुक्त्वा भोगान्यदृच्छया
Without acquiring wealth, I enjoyed pleasures as they came, in accordance with righteousness.
यौवनं गत्वरं ज्ञात्वा जरां दृष्ट्वाश्रितां श्रुतिम्
Recognizing the fleeting nature of youth and seeing old age accompanied by the scriptures,
पठतो मे गतः कालस्तथोपार्जयतो धनम्
Time passed for me while reading and likewise while earning wealth.
न मया तोषितो विष्णुः सर्वपापहरो हरिः
I did not please Viṣṇu, the remover of all sins, Hari.
तमस्तोमहरः सूर्यो नार्चि तो वै मया क्वचित् 4.1.7.
I never worshipped the Sun, who dispels masses of darkness, at any time.
न प्रीणिता मया देवा यज्ञैः सर्वैः समृद्धिदाः
I did not gladden the gods, who grant prosperity, with all kinds of sacrifices.
न मया तर्पिता विप्रा मृष्टान्नैर्मधुरै रसैः
I did not satisfy the Brahmins with well-cooked food and sweet flavors.
बहुपुष्पफलोपेताः सुच्छायाः स्निग्धपल्लवाः
Trees bearing many flowers and fruits, with pleasant shade and tender leaves,
दुकूलैः स्वानुकूलैश्च चोलैः प्रत्यंगभूषणैः
Nor did I offer garments, suitable cloths, or ornaments for each limb.
द्विजाय नोर्वरा दत्ता यमलोकनिवारिणी
Nor did I give a cow to a twice-born, one that averts the realm of Yama.
नालंकृता सवत्सा गौः पात्राय प्रतिपादिता
Nor did I present a decorated cow with calf to a worthy recipient.
ऋणापनुत्तये मातुः कारितो न जलाशयः
Nor did I construct a water reservoir for my mother to clear her debts.
छत्रोपानत्कुंडिकाश्च नाध्वगाय समर्पिताः
Nor did I offer an umbrella, shoes, or water-pot to a traveler.
न च कन्याविवाहार्थं वसु क्वापि मयार्पितम्
Nor did I ever give wealth for the purpose of a maiden's marriage.
न वाजपेयावभृथे स्नातो लोभवशादहम् 4.1.7.
Nor did I bathe at the Vājapeya sacrifice's conclusion, due to greed.
न मया स्थापितं लिंगं कृत्वा देवालयं शुभम
I have not established a liṅga nor constructed an auspicious temple.
विष्णोरायतनं नैव कृतं सर्वसमृद्धिदम्
Nor have I built a shrine for Viṣṇu, which brings all prosperity.