Note 439 — Chapter I

The mere sight of the Narbadā has the same effect as a bath in the Ganges or the Jumnā.439 It is said that the Narbadā is the image of Shiva, and that fragments of the stony bow of Shiva are to be found in its bed.440 The stones in the bed of this river have the same sanctity as the images of god Shiva.441 Shāligram stones, which are worshipped as the images of Vishnu, are found in this river.441 It is an act of high merit among Hindus to take a pradakshinā round the Narbadā, i.e., to travel along the banks of the river, inhabited as the region is by many Sādhus and other holy persons.442 Ashvatthāmā, the immortal son of Drona, is believed to reside on the banks of this river and to pay occasional visits to the Bhils in the neighbourhood.442 The Shukla-tīrtha, situated on the Narbadā, is visited by numerous pilgrims, and a fair is held there on every sixtieth year.442