G. V. Tagare - Skanda Purana Volume 5: Avantya-khanda

[Note: In vv 30-34, Sanatkumra explains how the terms . The scale of efficaciousness of these holy places in vv 38-42 is to show the holiest character of Mahklavana.]

30-34. This spot where sins are destroyed is called Ketra (holy spot of pilgrimage). Since this is the abode of the Mothers ( etc.), it is called Pha.

People who die (here) are not reborn. Hence it is called ara (arid land). This place is called Guhya because it is always a favourite resort of the noble-souled (goblins) it is called mana.

The following holy spots are called Divyamana. (divine cremation ground): Mahklavana, Avimuktaka, . They are always dear to Rudra.

35-36. The holy Lord sports about in all these always.

Naimia is a great holy is considered ten times more meritorious than Kuruketra.

37. O Vysa, the excellent Mahklavana is ten times more efficacious (in giving merits) than it, as well as all holy places all over the earth such as Prabhsa etc.

38-42. (Out of all holy places) Prabhsa is the first and foremost holy spot of the . But, O sage, Mahklavana is very famous and reputed in all respects. Except in the case of Mahklavana, all these five epithetsmana, ara, Ketra, Pha and Vana, are not applicable together to a single holy spot.

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Note: This is the (vv 18-26, 28-29).

1-4. Formerly, when all mobile and immobile beings had perished and there remained only one vast expanse of ocean, there was neither fire nor the sun, neither the earth nor the sky or quarters. There were no stars, no luminary, no firmament, neither the moon nor the planets, neither alone stood by for the purpose of blessing the worlds. The Lord stood there observing all the regions in the various quarters.

5. For the sake of creation, he stirred round, , Kma who was not much emaciated.

6. The embryo became a bubble and developed rapidly. It became an egg of gold, fully round and very strong, massive.

7. Struck by the hand, it became a great thing with two fragments. The lower fragment is known as the earth and the upper one the firmament studded with stars.

8. Then Brahm, with five faces and four arms, manifested in the middle. Thereafter conccedingly[?] directed him:

9. By my blessings, O mighty-armed one, start the creation of the universe of diverse kinds. After saying this, the Lord vanished somewhere. But Brahm did not go.

10-11. Brahm who was being urged to create, thought of the Lord. Being meditated upon by Brahm for getting the requisite knowledge, Lord . Even after acquiring the Vedas, he was not competent to create for a long time.

12. To propitiate Bhava, he began his penance once more. When he did not visualize the Lord, he contemplated on the Lord and eulogized him with devotion.