Greatness of river Ganga in Vindhyachala

Vindhyachala: Greatness of river Ganga in Vindhyachala:

(Aushanasa Purana - Vindhyachala Mahatmya - 19)

• Meditation: I meditate on river Ganga in Vindhyachala.

• Devotion of king Punyakirti towards Devi Ganga: There was a king named Punyakirti who used to listen to Itihasas and Puranas. In these Shastras he heard about the greatness of river Ganga. The king developed a very intimate association with river Ganga. He used to use Ganga waters for his bath and food. He used to remember Ganga with shraddha and his Aatma was always in Ganga.

• Devi Ganga instructing king Punyakirti: The king asked the boon that he might be able to live near Ganga and have its darshan everyday. Devi Ganga said that even the devas cannot have her darshan everyday. If the king wants to have her darshan everyday, the king should go to her residence. The king said that she lives everywhere, so where is her residence? Devi Ganga said that, it is true that she pervades everywhere, but her residence is in Vindhya Kshetra. Therefore, the king should hand over his kingdom to his son and come to reside in Vindhya Kshetra.

• King Punyakirti staying in Vindhyachala and worshipping Devi Ganga: The king became happy and did the same. He handed over his kingdom to his son and came to stay in the Vindhya Kshetra with his queen. The king used to bathe in the Ganga and perform Sandhyas three times a day. He used to listen to the greatness of river Ganga and worshipped her.

• Devi Ganga giving darshan to king Punyakirti: Devi Ganga gave darshan to king Punyakirti and told him to ask for a boon. The king said that he has been blessed by her darshan and contemplation. Devi Ganga said that all this is due to the merit of this Kshetra. King Punyakirti said that his wish is fulfilled by the darshan of Devi Ganga and he is not interested in the perishable things of the world. Devi Ganga used to give darshan to king Punyakirti regularly and finally king Punyakirti attained the blessed state.

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