ions of
Brahman. There is nothing unattainable to him who resides in a tirtha,
restraining lust and subjugating wrath, in consequence of such residence.
For the purpose of repairing to all the tirthas in the world, one should
mentally think of those amongst them that are almost inaccessible or
sojourns to which are attended with insurmountable difficulties. Sojourns
to tirthas is productive of the merits of sacrifices. They are competent
to cleanse everybody of sin. Fraught with great excellence, they are
capable of leading to heaven. The subject is truly a great mystery. The
very deities should bathe in tirthas. To them also they are
sin-cleansing. This discourse on tirthas should be imparted to Brahmanas,
and to such honest or righteous persons as are bent upon achieving what
is for their own good. It should also be recited in the hearing of one's
well-wishers and friends and of one's obedient and devoted disciples.
Angiras possessed of great ascetic merit, had imparted this discourse to
Gautama. Angiras himself had obtained it from Kasyapa of great
intelligence. The great Rishi regard this discourse as worthy of constant
repetition. It is the foremost of all cleansing things. If one recites it
regularly every day, one is sure to become cleansed of every sin and to
proceed to heaven after the termination of this life. One who listens to
this discourse recited in his hearing,--this discourse, viz., of Angiras,
that is regarded as a mystery,--is sure to attain in one's next life to
be born in a good family and, what is more, one would become endued with
the memory of one's previous existence.'"'"

SECTION XXVI

"Vaisampayana said,--'Equal unto Vrihaspati in intelligence and Brahma
himself in forgiveness, resembling Sakra in prowess and Surya in energy,
Bhishma the son of Ganga, of infinite might, had been overthrown in
battle by Arjuna. Accompanied by his brothers and many other people, king
Yudhisthira asked him these questions. The old hero was lying on a bed
that is coveted by heroes, in expectation of that auspicious time when he
could take leave of the physical frame. Many great Rishis had come there
for seeing that foremost one of Bharata's race. Amongst them were Atri
and Vasishtha and Bhrigu and Pulastya and Pulaha and Kratu. There were
also Angiras and Gotama and Agastya and Sumati of well-restrained soul,
and Viswamitra and Sthulasiras and Samvarta and Pramati and Dama. There
were also Vrihaspati and Usan