Mahabharata Episode 62: The Wisdom of Sage Dhomya and the Arrival of Sage Lomash
After receiving guidance from Sage Narada, the Pandavas continue their spiritual journey in exile. This episode focuses on Sage Dhomya’s teachings on the importance of Tirth Yatra (pilgrimage) and the arrival of Sage Lomash, who brings news of Arjuna’s divine journey.
Teachings of Sage Dhomya on Tirthas
As the royal priest of the Pandavas, Sage Dhomya provides deeper insights into the significance of visiting sacred places (Tirthas). He tells them that pilgrimage is not just about traveling but about spiritual cleansing, devotion, and gaining divine blessings.
He describes several holy places and their significance:
1. Ganga Sagar (West Bengal)
Where the Ganga meets the ocean.
Bathing here removes all sins and grants peace to ancestors.
2. Vishnupad Temple (Gaya, Bihar)
The place where Lord Vishnu placed His foot, leaving an imprint.
Offering Pind Daan here ensures the ancestors' salvation.
3. Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu)
Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here before the war against Ravana.
Performing rituals here is equivalent to meditating for thousands of years.
4. Mathura and Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh)
The birthplace of Lord Krishna and the land of His divine pastimes.
Devotion here grants unwavering faith and spiritual enlightenment.
5. Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu)
One of the seven Moksha-puris (cities leading to salvation).
Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped here for prosperity and peace.
6. Dwaraka (Gujarat)
The kingdom of Lord Krishna.
Visiting this city blesses one with wisdom and divine protection.
7. Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
The abode of Mahakal (Lord Shiva).
One of the most powerful Jyotirlingas, granting fearlessness and success.
8. Jagannath Puri (Odisha)
The temple of Lord Jagannath (Krishna), Balram, and Subhadra.
The famous Rath Yatra is held here, and darshan of the deities purifies the soul.
9. Badrinath (Uttarakhand)
The temple of Lord Vishnu (Badri Narayan).
A visit here is equivalent to completing all other pilgrimages.
10. Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Pilgrimage here grants freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
Dhomya emphasizes that visiting these Tirthas will help the Pandavas purify their hearts and minds, making them stronger for the future challenges ahead.
Arrival of Sage Lomash
While the Pandavas are discussing their pilgrimage, Sage Lomash arrives. He is a great sage who has traveled across all realms, including Swargalok (heaven).
News of Arjuna from Swargalok
Sage Lomash informs Yudhishthira that Arjuna is in Indralok, learning divine weapons and skills under Lord Indra.
Arjuna has gained the favor of Shiva, Indra, and other celestial beings, and his training is nearing completion.
Indra has assured that Arjuna will return stronger, and when the time comes, the Pandavas will regain their lost kingdom.
Decision to Embark on the Tirth Yatra
Encouraged by Sage Lomash’s words, Yudhishthira decides to begin their Tirth Yatra under his guidance.
The Pandavas, accompanied by Sage Lomash and Sage Dhomya, set forth on their sacred journey to visit the holiest places in Bharatvarsha.
This marks the beginning of one of the most significant spiritual journeys of the Mahabharata, filled with devotion, penance, and divine encounters.
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