Pulastya Grants a Boon to Bhishma

Pulastya said: O one who is knowledgeable about dharma! O immensely fortunate one! I am entirely satisfied with your humility, self-control and devotion to the truth. O unblemished one! It is because of your dharma and because of your devotion to your father that you have been able to see me. I am extremely pleased with you. My vision is unrestricted. Tell me what I can do for you. I will give you whatever you ask for. Bhishma replied: O immensely fortunate one! O one who is worshipped by all the worlds! If you are pleased with me and I have been able to see you, I think that all my tasks have been accomplished. But if I have obtained your favour, I will tell you about a doubt in my heart. Please dispel it. A doubt exists about the dharma that comes from the tirthas. I wish to hear about this from you, separately for each of them. Please tell me. O brahmana rishi! O infinitely valorous one! Tell me what merits are obtained by circling the earth.