|
So
it became so sacred that it could drive the yamaduthas at the very sight of
those who sip them. A dip releases everyone from the cycle of births and deaths.
Asthinimajjana in them emancipates the dead, for they are the waters of Brahma,
consecreted by the contact of Sri Maha Vishnu, and later released from the
matted locks of Lord Maheswar.
When
Sagara's sons, sixty thousand in number, were burnt with the soul power of
Kapila, Bhaghiratha wanted to emancipate them. Realising the efficacy of Ganga
water, he did penance lasting for thousands of years, and when Sri Maha Vishnu
appeared, he prayed for sending Ganga to marthyaloka. It was granted. But for
curtailing the force of descent and violence of flow, he prayed to Maheswar, who
only listening to his plight accepted to hold the turbulent Ganga in his matted
Jatas, and then allow it flowing in normal way. And he did. That exact place
identified as the source of the river is called Gomukh and it lies 18 km. off
the present temple further uphill. Orthodox people trek to the source to offer
prayers.
|
