Yatinatha Brahma-Hamsa Avatara

Nandishvara said

Wise sage, I will tell you of the avatara of Shiva, the supreme self, called Yatinatha, which gives great joy. On the mountain called Arbuda lived Ahuka, born a bhilla, whose wife Ahukaa was excellent in her vows. Both were great devotees of Shiva and worshipped him. Once the bhilla, ever devoted to Shiva, went far off to bring food for his wife. Meanwhile, to test him, Shankara came in the evening to the bhilla's house in the form of a yati. The master of the house returned just then. Full of love, the wise man worshipped the yati. To test his feelings Shankara had come as a yati, for he engages in great play. Lovingly, though in a frightened and distressed voice, he said: give me a place to stay until morning, bhilla, and may you be well; I will certainly leave then. The bhilla replied that what he said was true but he had little room, so where would the yati stay? Hearing this the yati decided to leave. But, thinking over what her husband had said, the bhilli said: husband, give the yati room and do not refuse a guest. Think of a householder's dharma, or dharma will be lost. Stay inside the house with the yati happily, and I will find a place outside with your large weapons. The bhilla heard her auspicious, dharmic words, but thought in his mind: after sending my wife out, how can I stay inside? If the yati goes elsewhere that is against dharma. Neither is right for a householder. Whatever happens, I will stay outside. Deciding so, he happily let them stay inside, and stayed outside by his weapons.

In the night cruel, harmful animals troubled him. He made great efforts to drive them off as best he could and was strong, but by his prarabdha karma he was devoured by the stronger violent beasts. In the morning the yati got up and saw that the bhilla who used to roam the forest had been devoured by the beasts. He was very unhappy. The bhilli was also distressed, but seeing the yati miserable, she held back her own grief and said: why do you grieve, yati? He has met a fortunate end. He is blessed and has accomplished his aim by dying thus. I will also reduce myself to ashes in a fire and follow him, so please build a pyre and I will gladly follow the eternal dharma of women. Hearing her the yati thought her words beneficial. When the pyre was built she followed her dharma and entered it.

Then Shiva appeared directly before her. Hara happily praised her, saying she was blessed, and that he was pleased with her conduct: she should ask a boon, nothing could be refused her, especially as he was under her control. She heard Shambhu's words, which gave great bliss, and, thus made happy, could not think of anything in particular. Noticing her state, Hara was extremely pleased and again asked her to name a boon. Shiva said that this yati was his form and in her next life, as a swan, he would unite her with her beloved. The bhilla would be born in the supreme city of Naishadha as Virasena's great son, named Nala, without doubt. She would be born in the city of Vaidarbha as King Bhima's daughter, famous as Damayanti, with all the qualities. When the two united they would enjoy a vast kingdom, and after enjoyment would certainly gain liberation, which even lords of yogis find very hard to get. Having said so, Shambhu took the form of a lingam and did not move from the spot, and from this nature he is called Achalesha. The bhilla Ahuka became Virasena's son in Naishadha, the great king Nala, and the bhilli Ahukaa became Bhima's daughter in Vidarbha, famous as Damayanti. Shiva as Yatinatha took the form of a swan and arranged the marriage of Damayanti and Nala. By their former hospitality they had gained great merit, and as a swan Lord Shankara saw that they would be happy. Shiva's hamsa avatara, skilled in carrying many messages, brought great bliss to Nala and Damayanti. This supreme sacred account of Shiva's holy deeds in the forms called Yatisha and Hamsa is very wonderful and gives liberation, and the auspicious accounts of the avataras Yatisha and Brahma-hamsa ensure the supreme destination for those who hear or have them heard. It yields all desired fruits, grants heaven, fame and long life, is supreme and increases devotion. A person who hears this account of Shambhu as yati and swan enjoys every happiness in this world and at the end goes to Shiva's city.