1875.] Rani Narayan — Translation of the Ayodhyd-Mdhdtmya. 157 



lasting blessings. Its pilgrimage is performed on the fourth of the light 

 half of Kartika. The distribution of gold and grain, in proportion to a man's 

 power, gives me satisfaction.' Having thus made known this holy spot, 

 the bestower of salvation, Brahma, disappeared. 



"North-east of Brahma -kund, at a distance of two hundred yards, is 

 Rina-mochan (' wiper-off of debt'), which is difficult of access to the 

 wicked and unlucky. Its water joins that of the Sarayu, and its origin is 

 this : — Once, on a pilgrimage, the Muni Lomas came here, and by bathing 

 was freed from all debts, and cured of mental diseases. Feeling this, he was 

 much surprised, and lifting up his hands, and shedding tears of joy, spoke 

 in the following manner : — ' Rina-mochan is superior to all other sacred 

 places, for bathing in it removes all debts. The three debts, Rishi Rin, 

 Deva Rin, and Pitri Rin,* from which a man can only be freed by a 

 Brahm charj sacrifice and by having a son, are destroyed by bathing in it. 

 O people, I found out its glory in a moment ! It is therefore incumbent 

 on you, to bathe, give grain, gold, &c, through which you shall obtain all 

 kinds of blessing.' 



" Further east of this holy place, at the distance of forty yards is 

 Pap a-mochan (sin- wiper). Its origin is this : There was a Brahman 

 named Narhar in the country of Panchala, who, falling into the company of 

 liars and wicked people, committed many crimes, such as killing Brahmans 

 and speaking against the Vedas. He once, with some virtuous men, came on 

 a pilgrimage to Ayodhya, and became absolved of his sins by bathing at this 

 holy spot. Flowers fell on his head from the sky, and a beautiful vehicle 

 descended, riding on which he went to the regions of the gods. From that 

 time it became famous, and received the name of Papa-mochan. Every one 

 praises it. Its pilgrimage is performed in the dark half of Magha. The 

 fruits of bathing and giving alms here are everlasting and destroy all sins.' 



Chapter XVII. 

 Mahadeva continued, " Goddess, east of Papa-mochan, and two hundred 

 yards distant from it, is situated S a h a s h r a - d h a r a, in the water of the 

 Sarayu, and is called Lakshmana-kund. It destroys all sins. Here Laksh- 

 mana disappeared by the order of Ramachandra. Its origin is this : When 

 Raghunatha had performed the business of the gods, Kal (death) being sent by 

 Brahma, assumed some shape, came and solicited him to disappear. "While he 

 was talking privately with Raghunatha, he took a promise from him to give up 

 whoever entered the room during their conversation. Raghunatha ordered 

 him to put Lakshmana at the door, to prevent any one from coming in. By 

 the will of God, Durbasa Muni came and said to Lakshmana, I am hungry, 

 go to Raghunatha and inform him of my arrival.' Lakshmana made several 

 * Debts of Munis ; debts of the gods ; debts of forefathers. 



