Studies in Skanda Purana: Pilgrimage- Part- lll Vol-l (An Old and Rare Book)

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To a person like me seeking the blessings of Brahmi Bhārati, it is some solace that the third part of the Studies in the Skanda Purāņa is coming out. It deals with pilgrimage--Tīrthopanişad and Lingopanişad - glorifying Tirthas and Linga shrines (temples). It was a bit delayed, because of my Vanavāsa in the Daņďakāraṇya full of Rakşasas, those who are slaves to kāñcana and kantā.

I had been at Saugar University where my predecessor, Prof. K. D. Bajpai had been very active. I was inspired by a small monograph on Malhar-ancient Mallalapattana-which represents ancient Kantipura--a Pradeśa and a city as well as a Tirtha-kşetra. Kedara khanda refers to the Linga-shrine of Mallala-natha at Kanti (Kantyāṁ Mallalanathaḥ). There are references to many other important Śiva-kşetras among which Hemakūta (with the shrine of Virūpaksa at Tunga) represents Suvarnagiri of Asokan Minor Rock Edicts. Asoka had retired as Bhikṣugatika to Suvarşagiri-Vihara (cf. mayā saṁgham upayīte). Thus this was also very important centre of learning, art and religion.

Skanda Purāņa is a vast ocean and I have to sail without a boat. Sa Kedāraḥ sa Tarakaḥ-He is alone my support. I have been travelling in the hills and forests without any aid from any worldly agency.

Thus, I have been able to present before you, Mother, what was so far a hidden treasure denied even to those who claim to have been devoted to Purāṇas. Dr. R. C. Hazra could not study Skanda in his Purānic Records and even after that, it did not attract him. It is the mine of information

I have collected the matter relating to Tirthas, which was enormous. Hence I had to cut it short. Even this could not be compressed in one volume. Hence I had to break it again into two volumes.

**Contents and Sample Pages**