Rudra's Release from the Sin of Brahmahatya

Verse 1 (padma.1.14.1)

भीष्म उवाच। कथं त्रिपुरुषाज्जातो ह्यर्जुनः परवीरहा। कथं कर्णस्तु कानीनः सूतजः परिकीर्त्यते।

bhīṣma uvāca kathaṁ tripuruṣājjāto hyarjunaḥ paravīrahā kathaṁ karṇastu kānīnaḥ sūtajaḥ parikīrtyate

Bhishma said: How was Arjuna, slayer of enemy heroes, born from three divine persons? And how is Karna, though born of an unwed maiden, spoken of as the son of a charioteer?

Verse 2 (padma.1.14.2)

वरं तयोः कथं भूतं निसर्गादेव तद्वद। बृहत्कौतूहलं मह्यं तद्भवान्वक्तुमर्हति।

varaṁ tayoḥ kathaṁ bhūtaṁ nisargādeva tadvada bṛhatkautūhalaṁ mahyaṁ tadbhavānvaktumarhati

How did this boon come to them, as if by nature itself? Tell me this — I have great curiosity, and you are the one fit to relate it to me.

Verse 3 (padma.1.14.3)

पुलस्त्य उवाच। छिन्ने वक्त्रे पुरा ब्रह्मा क्रोधेन महता वृतः। ललाटे स्वेदमुत्पन्नं गृहीत्वा ताडयद्भुवि।

pulastya uvāca chinne vaktre purā brahmā krodhena mahatā vṛtaḥ lalāṭe svedamutpannaṁ gṛhītvā tāḍayadbhuvi

Pulastya said: Long ago, when Rudra's fifth face had been severed, Brahma, overcome with great anger, took the sweat that had formed on his forehead and dashed it upon the ground.

Verse 4 (padma.1.14.4)

स्वेदतः कुंडली जज्ञे सधनुष्को महेषुधिः। सहस्रकवची वीरः किंकरोमीत्युवाच ह।

svedataḥ kuṁḍalī jajñe sadhanuṣko maheṣudhiḥ sahasrakavacī vīraḥ kiṁkaromītyuvāca ha

From that sweat was born a hero wearing earrings, bearing a bow and a great quiver, clad in a thousand-fold armor, who said, 'What shall I do?'

Verse 5 (padma.1.14.5)

तमुवाच विरिंचस्तु दर्शयन्रुद्रमोजसा। हन्यतामेष दुर्बुद्धिर्जायते न यथा पुनः।

tamuvāca viriṁcastu darśayanrudramojasā hanyatāmeṣa durbuddhirjāyate na yathā punaḥ

Then Virinchi (Brahma), pointing him vigorously toward Rudra, said to him: 'Let this evil-minded one be slain, so that he may never be born again.'

Verse 6 (padma.1.14.6)

ब्रह्मणो वचनं श्रुत्वा धनुरुद्यम्य पृष्ठतः। संप्रतस्थे महेशस्य बाणहस्तोतिरौद्रदृक्।

brahmaṇo vacanaṁ śrutvā dhanurudyamya pṛṣṭhataḥ saṁpratasthe maheśasya bāṇahastotiraudradṛk

Hearing Brahma's word, raising his bow, arrow in hand, with a most terrible gaze, he set out from behind toward Mahesha (Rudra).

Verse 7 (padma.1.14.7)

दृष्ट्वा पुरुषमत्युग्रं भीतस्तस्य त्रिलोचनः। अपक्रांतस्ततो वेगाद्विष्णोराश्रममभ्यगात्।

dṛṣṭvā puruṣamatyugraṁ bhītastasya trilocanaḥ apakrāṁtastato vegādviṣṇorāśramamabhyagāt

Seeing that most fierce being, the three-eyed one (Rudra) became afraid, and swiftly fled from there to Vishnu's hermitage.

Verse 8 (padma.1.14.8)

त्राहित्राहीति मां विष्णो नरादस्माच्च शत्रुहन्। ब्रह्मणा निर्मितः पापो म्लेच्छरूपो भयंकरः।

trāhitrāhīti māṁ viṣṇo narādasmācca śatruhan brahmaṇā nirmitaḥ pāpo mleccharūpo bhayaṁkaraḥ

'Save me, save me, O Vishnu, slayer of enemies, from this man! This sinful, outcast-formed, fearsome being has been created by Brahma —

Verse 9 (padma.1.14.9)

यथा हन्यान्न मां क्रुद्धस्तथा कुरु जगत्पते। हुंकारध्वनिना विष्णुर्मोहयित्वा तु तं नरम्।

yathā hanyānna māṁ kruddhastathā kuru jagatpate huṁkāradhvaninā viṣṇurmohayitvā tu taṁ naram

act, O Lord of the world, so that this enraged one may not slay me.' Vishnu, with the mere sound of 'hum,' deluded that man,

Verse 10 (padma.1.14.10)

अदृश्यः सर्वभूतानां योगात्मा विश्वदृक्प्रभुः। तत्र प्राप्तं विरूपाक्षं सांत्वयामास केशवः।

adṛśyaḥ sarvabhūtānāṁ yogātmā viśvadṛkprabhuḥ tatra prāptaṁ virūpākṣaṁ sāṁtvayāmāsa keśavaḥ

becoming invisible to all beings, the yogic-souled Lord who beholds all — and Keshava then comforted Virupaksha (Rudra), who had come there.

Verse 11 (padma.1.14.11)

ततस्स प्रणतो भूमौ दृष्टो देवेन विष्णुना। विष्णुरुवाच। पौत्रो हि मे भवान्रुद्र कं ते कामं करोम्यहम्।

tatassa praṇato bhūmau dṛṣṭo devena viṣṇunā viṣṇuruvāca pautro hi me bhavānrudra kaṁ te kāmaṁ karomyaham

Then, as he bowed to the ground, the god Vishnu beheld him. Vishnu said: 'You are indeed my own grandson, O Rudra — what wish of yours shall I fulfill?'

Verse 12 (padma.1.14.12)

दृष्ट्वा नारायणं देवं भिक्षां देहीत्युवाच ह। कपालं दर्शयित्वाग्रे प्रज्वलंस्तेजसोत्कटम्।

dṛṣṭvā nārāyaṇaṁ devaṁ bhikṣāṁ dehītyuvāca ha kapālaṁ darśayitvāgre prajvalaṁstejasotkaṭam

Seeing the god Narayana, he said, 'Give me alms,' and showed before him the skull, blazing with fierce splendor.

Verse 13 (padma.1.14.13)

कपालपाणिं संप्रेक्ष्य रुद्रं विष्णुरचिन्तयत्। कोन्यो योग्यो भवेद्भिक्षुर्भिक्षादानस्य सांप्रतम्।

kapālapāṇiṁ saṁprekṣya rudraṁ viṣṇuracintayat konyo yogyo bhavedbhikṣurbhikṣādānasya sāṁpratam

Seeing Rudra, skull in hand, Vishnu reflected: 'Who else could be a more fitting recipient for the giving of alms just now?'

Verse 14 (padma.1.14.14)

योग्योऽयमिति संकल्प्य दक्षिणं भुजमर्पयत्। तद्बिभेदातितीक्ष्णेन शूलेन शशिशेखरः।

yogyo'yamiti saṁkalpya dakṣiṇaṁ bhujamarpayat tadbibhedātitīkṣṇena śūlena śaśiśekharaḥ

Resolving, 'This one is worthy,' he offered his own right arm; and the moon-crested one (Shiva) pierced it with his exceedingly sharp trident.

Verse 15 (padma.1.14.15)

प्रावर्तत ततो धारा शोणितस्य विभोर्भुजात्। जांबूनदरसाकारा वह्निज्वालेव निर्मिता।

prāvartata tato dhārā śoṇitasya vibhorbhujāt jāṁbūnadarasākārā vahnijvāleva nirmitā

Then a stream of blood began to flow from the Lord's arm, resembling molten gold in appearance, as though formed from a flame of fire.

Verse 16 (padma.1.14.16)

निपपात कपालांतश्शम्भुना सा प्रभिक्षिता। ऋज्वी वेगवती तीव्रा स्पृशंती त्वांबरं जवात्।

nipapāta kapālāṁtaśśambhunā sā prabhikṣitā ṛjvī vegavatī tīvrā spṛśaṁtī tvāṁbaraṁ javāt

That stream, begged for by Shambhu, fell into the skull — straight, swift, and intense, touching the very sky with its speed.

Verse 17 (padma.1.14.17)

पंचाशद्योजना दैर्घ्याद्विस्ताराद्दशयोजना। दिव्यवर्षसहस्रं सा समुवाह हरेर्भुजात्।

paṁcāśadyojanā dairghyādvistārāddaśayojanā divyavarṣasahasraṁ sā samuvāha harerbhujāt

Fifty yojanas in length and ten yojanas in breadth, that stream flowed from Hari's arm for a thousand divine years.

Verse 18 (padma.1.14.18)

इयंतं कालमीशोसौ भिक्षां जग्राह भिक्षुकः। दत्ता नारायणेनाथ कापाले पात्र उत्तमे।

iyaṁtaṁ kālamīśosau bhikṣāṁ jagrāha bhikṣukaḥ dattā nārāyaṇenātha kāpāle pātra uttame

For that whole span of time, that Ishvara, in the guise of a mendicant, received alms, given by Narayana into that excellent vessel, the skull.

Verse 19 (padma.1.14.19)

ततो नारायणः प्राह शंभुं परमिदं वचः। संपूर्णं वा न वा पात्रं ततो वै परमीश्वरः।

tato nārāyaṇaḥ prāha śaṁbhuṁ paramidaṁ vacaḥ saṁpūrṇaṁ vā na vā pātraṁ tato vai paramīśvaraḥ

Then Narayana spoke this excellent word to Shambhu: 'Is the vessel full, or not?' Then the supreme Lord (Shiva),

Verse 20 (padma.1.14.20)

सतोयांबुदनिर्घोषं श्रुत्वा वाक्यं हरेर्हरः। शशिसूर्याग्निनयनः शशिशेखरशोभितः।

satoyāṁbudanirghoṣaṁ śrutvā vākyaṁ harerharaḥ śaśisūryāgninayanaḥ śaśiśekharaśobhitaḥ

hearing Hari's word, which sounded like the thunder of a water-laden cloud — he whose eyes are the moon, sun, and fire, adorned by the crescent moon on his crest —

Verse 21 (padma.1.14.21)

कपाले दृष्टिमावेश्य त्रिभिर्नेत्रैर्जनार्दनम्। अंगुल्या घटयन्प्राह कपालं परिपूरितम्।

kapāle dṛṣṭimāveśya tribhirnetrairjanārdanam aṁgulyā ghaṭayanprāha kapālaṁ paripūritam

fixing his gaze upon the skull with all three eyes, and gesturing with his finger toward Janardana, said, 'The skull is now full.'

Verse 22 (padma.1.14.22)

श्रुत्वा शिवस्य तां वाणीं विष्णुर्धारां समाहरत्। पश्तोऽथ हरेरीशः स्वांगुल्या रुधिरं तदा।

śrutvā śivasya tāṁ vāṇīṁ viṣṇurdhārāṁ samāharat paśto'tha harerīśaḥ svāṁgulyā rudhiraṁ tadā

Hearing that word of Shiva, Vishnu withdrew the stream. Then, as Hari looked on, the Lord, with his own finger, that blood —

Verse 23 (padma.1.14.23)

दिव्यवर्षसहस्रं च दृष्टिपातैर्ममंथ सः। मथ्यमाने ततो रक्ते कलिलं बुद्बुदं क्रमात्।

divyavarṣasahasraṁ ca dṛṣṭipātairmamaṁtha saḥ mathyamāne tato rakte kalilaṁ budbudaṁ kramāt

he churned for a thousand divine years, also with the strikes of his very glance. As the blood was thus churned, a turbid, bubble-like mass gradually formed —

Verse 24 (padma.1.14.24)

बभूव च ततः पश्चात्किरीटी सशरासनः। बद्धतूणीरयुगलो वृषस्कंधोङ्गुलित्रवान्।

babhūva ca tataḥ paścātkirīṭī saśarāsanaḥ baddhatūṇīrayugalo vṛṣaskaṁdhoṅgulitravān

and after that there came into being one wearing a crown, with bow and arrows, two quivers bound to him, shoulders like a bull's, wearing a finger-guard,

Verse 25 (padma.1.14.25)

पुरुषो वह्निसंकाशः कपाले संप्रदृश्यते। तं दृष्ट्वा भगवान्विष्णुः प्राह रुद्रमिदं वचः।

puruṣo vahnisaṁkāśaḥ kapāle saṁpradṛśyate taṁ dṛṣṭvā bhagavānviṣṇuḥ prāha rudramidaṁ vacaḥ

a man resembling fire, appearing there within the skull. Seeing him, the Lord Vishnu spoke this word to Rudra —

Verse 26 (padma.1.14.26)

कपाले भव को वाऽयं प्रादुर्भूतोऽभवन्नरः। वचः श्रुत्वा हरेरीशस्तमुवाच विभो शृणु।

kapāle bhava ko vā'yaṁ prādurbhūto'bhavannaraḥ vacaḥ śrutvā harerīśastamuvāca vibho śṛṇu

'Who is this man who has appeared within the skull?' Hearing this, Hari's Lord (Shiva) said to him: 'O mighty one, listen —

Verse 27 (padma.1.14.27)

नरो नामैष पुरुषः परमास्त्रविदां वरः। भवतोक्तो नर इति नरस्तस्माद्भविष्यति।

naro nāmaiṣa puruṣaḥ paramāstravidāṁ varaḥ bhavatokto nara iti narastasmādbhaviṣyati

this person is indeed named Nara, foremost among knowers of the highest weapons. Since he was called 'nara' by you, he shall henceforth be known as Nara.

Verse 28 (padma.1.14.28)

नरनारायणौ चोभौ युगे ख्यातौ भविष्यतः। संग्रामे देवकार्येषु लोकानां परिपालने।

naranārāyaṇau cobhau yuge khyātau bhaviṣyataḥ saṁgrāme devakāryeṣu lokānāṁ paripālane

Both Nara and Narayana together shall become renowned throughout the age — in battle, in the deeds of the gods, and in the protection of the worlds.

Verse 29 (padma.1.14.29)

एष नारायणसखो नरस्तस्माद्भविष्यति। अथासुरवधे साह्यं तव कर्ता महाद्युतिः।

eṣa nārāyaṇasakho narastasmādbhaviṣyati athāsuravadhe sāhyaṁ tava kartā mahādyutiḥ

This Nara shall henceforth be Narayana's companion; and moreover, O one of great splendor, he shall become your helper too in the slaying of the asuras.

Verse 30 (padma.1.14.30)

मुनिर्ज्ञानपरीक्षायां जेता लोके भविष्यति। तेजोधिकमिदं दिव्यं ब्रह्मणः पंचमं शिरः।

munirjñānaparīkṣāyāṁ jetā loke bhaviṣyati tejodhikamidaṁ divyaṁ brahmaṇaḥ paṁcamaṁ śiraḥ

As a sage, in the testing of knowledge, he shall be victorious in the world. This being, of surpassing divine splendor born from Brahma's fifth head,

Verse 31 (padma.1.14.31)

तेजसो ब्रह्मणो दीप्ताद्भुजस्य तव शोणितात्। मम दृष्टि निपाताच्च त्रीणि तेजांसि यानि तु।

tejaso brahmaṇo dīptādbhujasya tava śoṇitāt mama dṛṣṭi nipātācca trīṇi tejāṁsi yāni tu

from Brahma's blazing splendor, from the blood of your own arm, and from the strike of my own glance — from the union of these three lusters,

Verse 32 (padma.1.14.32)

तत्संयोगसमुत्पन्नः शत्रुं युद्धे विजेष्यति। अवध्या ये भविष्यंति दुर्जया अपि चापरे।

tatsaṁyogasamutpannaḥ śatruṁ yuddhe vijeṣyati avadhyā ye bhaviṣyaṁti durjayā api cāpare

it has arisen, and it shall conquer the enemy in battle; even those who shall be unslayable, and others hard for anyone else to conquer,

Verse 33 (padma.1.14.33)

शक्रस्य चामराणां च तेषामेष भयंकरः। एवमुक्त्वा स्थितः शंभुर्विस्मितश्च हरिस्तदा।

śakrasya cāmarāṇāṁ ca teṣāmeṣa bhayaṁkaraḥ evamuktvā sthitaḥ śaṁbhurvismitaśca haristadā

for all of them, even for Shakra and the immortals, this one shall be a terror.' Having said this, Shambhu remained still, and Hari, at that moment, was filled with wonder.

Verse 34 (padma.1.14.34)

कपालस्थः स तत्रैव तुष्टाव हरकेशवौ। शिरस्यंजलिमाधाय तदा वीर उदारधीः।

kapālasthaḥ sa tatraiva tuṣṭāva harakeśavau śirasyaṁjalimādhāya tadā vīra udāradhīḥ

He who stood within the skull then, right there, began to praise both Hara and Keshava; and that noble-minded hero, joining his palms above his head,

Verse 35 (padma.1.14.35)

किंकरोमीति तौ प्राह इत्युक्त्वा प्रणतः स्थितः। तमुवाच हरः श्रीमान्ब्रह्मणा स्वेन तेजसा।

kiṁkaromīti tau prāha ityuktvā praṇataḥ sthitaḥ tamuvāca haraḥ śrīmānbrahmaṇā svena tejasā

asked those two, 'What shall I do?' Having said this, he stood bowed down. Then the glorious Hara, by Brahma's own splendor,

Verse 36 (padma.1.14.36)

सृष्टो नरो धनुष्पाणिस्त्वमेनं तु निषूदय। इत्थमुक्त्वांजलिधरं स्तुवंतं शंकरो नरम्।

sṛṣṭo naro dhanuṣpāṇistvamenaṁ tu niṣūdaya itthamuktvāṁjalidharaṁ stuvaṁtaṁ śaṁkaro naram

said to him, 'You, Nara, bow in hand, have been created for this — now slay this one.' Having thus spoken, and praising Nara, who stood there with joined palms, Shankara,

Verse 37 (padma.1.14.37)

तथैवांजलिसंबद्धं गृहीत्वा च करद्वयम्। उद्धृत्याथ कपालात्तं पुनर्वचनमब्रवीत्।

tathaivāṁjalisaṁbaddhaṁ gṛhītvā ca karadvayam uddhṛtyātha kapālāttaṁ punarvacanamabravīt

took hold of his two hands, still joined together, and, lifting him up out of the skull, spoke to him once more —

Verse 38 (padma.1.14.38)

स एष पुरुषो रौद्रो यो मया वेदितस्तव। विष्णुहुंकाररचितमोहनिद्रां प्रवेशितः।

sa eṣa puruṣo raudro yo mayā veditastava viṣṇuhuṁkāraracitamohanidrāṁ praveśitaḥ

'This is that fierce man born of Rudra's wrath, whom I made known to you; he has been made to enter a sleep of delusion, wrought by Vishnu's mere hum-sound.

Verse 39 (padma.1.14.39)

विबोधयैनं त्वरितमित्युक्त्वान्तर्दधे हरः। नारायणस्य प्रत्यक्षं नरेणानेन वै तदा।

vibodhayainaṁ tvaritamityuktvāntardadhe haraḥ nārāyaṇasya pratyakṣaṁ nareṇānena vai tadā

Wake him swiftly.' Having said this, Hara vanished. Then, in the very presence of Narayana, by this Nara,

Verse 40 (padma.1.14.40)

वामपादहतः सोपि समुत्तस्थौ महाबलः। ततो युद्धं समभवत्स्वेदरक्तजयोर्महत्।

vāmapādahataḥ sopi samuttasthau mahābalaḥ tato yuddhaṁ samabhavatsvedaraktajayormahat

struck with his left foot, that mighty sweat-born one too rose up. Then a great battle broke out between the sweat-born one and the blood-born one.

Verse 41 (padma.1.14.41)

विस्फारितधनुः शब्दं नादिताशेषभूतलम्। कवचं स्वेदजस्यैकं रक्तजेन त्वपाकृतम्।

visphāritadhanuḥ śabdaṁ nāditāśeṣabhūtalam kavacaṁ svedajasyaikaṁ raktajena tvapākṛtam

The twanging of drawn bows resounded, filling the whole earth with sound; one piece of the sweat-born one's armor was torn away by the blood-born one.

Verse 42 (padma.1.14.42)

एवं समेतयोर्युद्धे दिव्यं वर्षद्वयं तयोः। युध्यतोः समतीतं च स्वेदरक्तजयोर्नृप।

evaṁ sametayoryuddhe divyaṁ varṣadvayaṁ tayoḥ yudhyatoḥ samatītaṁ ca svedaraktajayornṛpa

O king, thus engaged in mutual combat, two divine years passed for the sweat-born and blood-born as they fought.

Verse 43 (padma.1.14.43)

रक्तजं द्विभुजं दृष्ट्वा स्वेदजं चैव संगतौ। विचिन्त्य वासुदेवोगाद्ब्रह्मणः सदनं परम्।

raktajaṁ dvibhujaṁ dṛṣṭvā svedajaṁ caiva saṁgatau vicintya vāsudevogādbrahmaṇaḥ sadanaṁ param

Seeing the two-armed blood-born one and the sweat-born one thus engaged in combat, Vasudeva, after reflection, went to Brahma's supreme abode.

Verse 44 (padma.1.14.44)

ससंभ्रममुवाचेदं ब्रह्माणं मधुसूदनः। रक्तजेनाद्य भो ब्रह्मन्स्वेदजोयं निपातितः।

sasaṁbhramamuvācedaṁ brahmāṇaṁ madhusūdanaḥ raktajenādya bho brahmansvedajoyaṁ nipātitaḥ

In agitation, Madhusudana spoke thus to Brahma: 'O Brahma, today this sweat-born one has been struck down by the blood-born one.'

Verse 45 (padma.1.14.45)

श्रुत्वैतदाकुलो ब्रह्मा बभाषे मधुसूदनम्। हरे द्यजन्मनि नरो मदीयो जीवतादयम्।

śrutvaitadākulo brahmā babhāṣe madhusūdanam hare dyajanmani naro madīyo jīvatādayam

Hearing this, troubled, Brahma said to Madhusudana: 'O Hari, in this birth, let this Nara, who is mine, live on.'

Verse 46 (padma.1.14.46)

तथा तुष्टोऽब्रवीत्तं च विष्णुरेवं भविष्यति। गत्वा तयो रणमपि निवार्याऽऽह च तावुभौ।

tathā tuṣṭo'bravīttaṁ ca viṣṇurevaṁ bhaviṣyati gatvā tayo raṇamapi nivāryā''ha ca tāvubhau

Then, pleased, Vishnu said to him, 'So it shall be.' Going to their battlefield, he restrained them both and said —

Verse 47 (padma.1.14.47)

अन्यजन्मनि भविता कलिद्वापरयोर्मिथः। संधौ महारणे जाते तत्राहं योजयामि वां।

anyajanmani bhavitā kalidvāparayormithaḥ saṁdhau mahāraṇe jāte tatrāhaṁ yojayāmi vāṁ

'In another birth, at the junction of the Kali and Dvapara ages, a great war shall take place — there I shall employ you both.'

Verse 48 (padma.1.14.48)

विष्णुना तु समाहूय ग्रहेश्वरसुरेश्वरौ। उक्ताविमौ नरौ भद्रौ पालनीयौ ममाज्ञया।

viṣṇunā tu samāhūya graheśvarasureśvarau uktāvimau narau bhadrau pālanīyau mamājñayā

Then Vishnu, summoning the lord of celestial bodies (Surya) and the lord of the gods (Indra), said: 'These two auspicious Naras are to be protected, at my command, by the two of you.

Verse 49 (padma.1.14.49)

सहस्रांशो स्वेदजोयं स्वकीयोंऽशो धरातले। द्वापरांतेवतार्योयं देवानां कार्यसिद्धये।

sahasrāṁśo svedajoyaṁ svakīyoṁ'śo dharātale dvāparāṁtevatāryoyaṁ devānāṁ kāryasiddhaye

O Sahasramshu (thousand-rayed Surya), this sweat-born one is your own portion; he is to be incarnated upon the earth at the end of Dvapara, for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose.

Verse 50 (padma.1.14.50)

यदूनां तु कुले भावी शूरोनाम महाबलः। तस्य कन्या पृथा नाम रूपेणाप्रतिमा भुवि।

yadūnāṁ tu kule bhāvī śūronāma mahābalaḥ tasya kanyā pṛthā nāma rūpeṇāpratimā bhuvi

In the Yadu lineage there shall be a mighty king named Shura; his daughter, named Pritha, unequaled in beauty upon the earth,

Verse 51 (padma.1.14.51)

उत्पत्स्यति महाभागा देवानां कार्यसिद्धये। दुर्वासास्तु वरं तस्यै मंत्रग्रामं प्रदास्यति।

utpatsyati mahābhāgā devānāṁ kāryasiddhaye durvāsāstu varaṁ tasyai maṁtragrāmaṁ pradāsyati

that illustrious one shall be born for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose. Durvasas shall grant her, as a boon, a group of mantras,

Verse 52 (padma.1.14.52)

मंत्रेणानेन यं देवं भक्त्या आवाहयिष्यति। देवि तस्य प्रसादात्तु तव पुत्रो भविष्यति।

maṁtreṇānena yaṁ devaṁ bhaktyā āvāhayiṣyati devi tasya prasādāttu tava putro bhaviṣyati

by which mantra, whatever god she shall summon with devotion — 'O goddess, by his grace alone shall a son be born to you.'

Verse 53 (padma.1.14.53)

सा च त्वामुदये दृष्ट्वा साभिलाषा रजस्वला। चिंताभिपन्ना तिष्ठंती भजितव्या विभावसो।

sā ca tvāmudaye dṛṣṭvā sābhilāṣā rajasvalā ciṁtābhipannā tiṣṭhaṁtī bhajitavyā vibhāvaso

And she, seeing you at your rising, filled with longing, in her season of fertility, standing lost in thought — O Vibhavasu (Surya), she is to be favored by you.

Verse 54 (padma.1.14.54)

तस्या गर्भे त्वयं भावी कानीनः कुंतिनंदनः। भविष्यति सुतो देवदेवकार्यार्थसिद्धये।

tasyā garbhe tvayaṁ bhāvī kānīnaḥ kuṁtinaṁdanaḥ bhaviṣyati suto devadevakāryārthasiddhaye

In her womb this future son, born of an unwed maiden, delight of Kunti, shall come to be, as her son, for the fulfillment of the God of gods' purpose.'

Verse 55 (padma.1.14.55)

तथेति चोक्त्वा प्रोवाच तेजोराशिर्दिवाकरः। पुत्रमुत्पादयिष्यामि कानीनं बलगर्वितम्।

tatheti coktvā provāca tejorāśirdivākaraḥ putramutpādayiṣyāmi kānīnaṁ balagarvitam

Saying 'so be it,' the mass of splendor Divakara (Surya) then said: 'I shall beget, from an unwed maiden, a son proud in strength,

Verse 56 (padma.1.14.56)

यस्य कर्णेति वै नाम लोकः सर्वो वदिष्यति। मत्प्रसादादस्य विष्णो विप्राणां भावितात्मनः।

yasya karṇeti vai nāma lokaḥ sarvo vadiṣyati matprasādādasya viṣṇo viprāṇāṁ bhāvitātmanaḥ

whose name the whole world shall come to speak as 'Karna.' O Vishnu, by my grace, for this one, toward brahmins of purified soul,

Verse 57 (padma.1.14.57)

अदेयं नास्ति वै लोके वस्तु किंचिच्च केशव। एवं प्रभावं चैवैनं जनये वचनात्तव।

adeyaṁ nāsti vai loke vastu kiṁcicca keśava evaṁ prabhāvaṁ caivainaṁ janaye vacanāttava

O Keshava, there shall exist nothing in the world that is not to be given by him. At your word, I shall beget him with such power.'

Verse 58 (padma.1.14.58)

एवमुक्त्वा सहस्रांशुर्देवं दानवघातिनम्। नारायणं महात्मानं तत्रैवांतर्दधे रविः।

evamuktvā sahasrāṁśurdevaṁ dānavaghātinam nārāyaṇaṁ mahātmānaṁ tatraivāṁtardadhe raviḥ

Having said this, Sahasramshu (Surya), to the danava-slaying, great-souled god Narayana, then vanished right there.

Verse 59 (padma.1.14.59)

अदर्शनं गते देवे भास्करे वारितस्करे। वृद्धश्रवसमप्येवमुवाच प्रीतमानसः।

adarśanaṁ gate deve bhāskare vāritaskare vṛddhaśravasamapyevamuvāca prītamānasaḥ

When the god Bhaskara had disappeared from sight, Vishnu, with a pleased mind, spoke likewise to Vriddhashravas (Indra) —

Verse 60 (padma.1.14.60)

सहस्रनेत्ररक्तोत्थो नरोऽयं मदनुग्रहात्। स्वांशभूतो द्वापरांते योक्तव्यो भूतले त्वया।

sahasranetraraktottho naro'yaṁ madanugrahāt svāṁśabhūto dvāparāṁte yoktavyo bhūtale tvayā

'O thousand-eyed one, this Nara, born of blood, by my grace, is your own portion, and is to be employed by you upon the earth at the end of Dvapara.

Verse 61 (padma.1.14.61)

यदा पांडुर्महाभागः पृथां भार्यामवाप्स्यति। माद्रीं चापि महाभाग तदारण्यं गमिष्यति।

yadā pāṁḍurmahābhāgaḥ pṛthāṁ bhāryāmavāpsyati mādrīṁ cāpi mahābhāga tadāraṇyaṁ gamiṣyati

When the illustrious Pandu shall obtain Pritha, and Madri too, O illustrious one, as his wives, he shall then go to the forest.

Verse 62 (padma.1.14.62)

तस्याप्यरण्यसंस्थस्य मृगः शापं प्रदास्यति। तेन चोत्पन्नवैराग्यः शतशृगं गमिष्यति।

tasyāpyaraṇyasaṁsthasya mṛgaḥ śāpaṁ pradāsyati tena cotpannavairāgyaḥ śataśṛgaṁ gamiṣyati

While he dwells in the forest, a deer shall pronounce a curse upon him; and, becoming detached because of it, he shall go to Shatashringa.

Verse 63 (padma.1.14.63)

पुत्रानभीप्सन्क्षेत्रोत्थान्भार्यां स प्रवदिष्यति। अनीप्संती तदा कुंती भर्त्तारं सा वदिष्यति।

putrānabhīpsankṣetrotthānbhāryāṁ sa pravadiṣyati anīpsaṁtī tadā kuṁtī bharttāraṁ sā vadiṣyati

Desiring sons raised up through another, he shall speak to his wife of this; but Kunti, unwilling, shall then say to her husband —

Verse 64 (padma.1.14.64)

नाहं मर्त्यस्य वै राजन्पुत्रानिच्छे कथंचन। दैवतेभ्यः प्रसादाच्च पुत्रानिच्छे नराधिप।

nāhaṁ martyasya vai rājanputrānicche kathaṁcana daivatebhyaḥ prasādācca putrānicche narādhipa

'O king, I do not, in any manner, desire sons through any mortal man. O lord of men, I desire sons only through the grace of the gods.'

Verse 65 (padma.1.14.65)

प्रार्थयंत्यै त्वया शक्र कुंत्यै देयो नरस्ततः। वचसा च मदीयेन एवं कुरु शचीपते।

prārthayaṁtyai tvayā śakra kuṁtyai deyo narastataḥ vacasā ca madīyena evaṁ kuru śacīpate

'O Shakra, when Kunti prays to you, Nara is then to be given by you to her; do this at my word, O lord of Shachi.'

Verse 66 (padma.1.14.66)

अथाब्रवीत्तदा विष्णुं देवेशो दुःखितो वचः। अस्मिन्मन्वंतरेऽतीते चतुर्विंशतिके युगे।

athābravīttadā viṣṇuṁ deveśo duḥkhito vacaḥ asminmanvaṁtare'tīte caturviṁśatike yuge

Then the lord of the gods (Indra), sorrowful, said this to Vishnu: 'In this present Manvantara, when the twenty-fourth age had passed,

Verse 67 (padma.1.14.67)

अवतीर्य रघुकुले गृहे दशरथस्य च। रावणस्य वधार्थाय शांत्यर्थं च दिवौकसाम्।

avatīrya raghukule gṛhe daśarathasya ca rāvaṇasya vadhārthāya śāṁtyarthaṁ ca divaukasām

you took incarnation in the Raghu lineage, in the house of Dasharatha, for the slaying of Ravana and for the peace of the gods,

Verse 68 (padma.1.14.68)

रामरूपेण भवता सीतार्थमटता वने। मत्पुत्रो हिंसितो देव सूर्यपुत्रहितार्थिना।

rāmarūpeṇa bhavatā sītārthamaṭatā vane matputro hiṁsito deva sūryaputrahitārthinā

in the form of Rama, wandering in the forest for Sita's sake — O god, striving for the welfare of the Sun's son (Sugriva), you

Verse 69 (padma.1.14.69)

वालिनाम प्लवंगेंद्रः सुग्रीवार्थे त्वया यतः। दुःखेनानेन तप्तोहं गृह्णामि न सुतं नरम्।

vālināma plavaṁgeṁdraḥ sugrīvārthe tvayā yataḥ duḥkhenānena taptohaṁ gṛhṇāmi na sutaṁ naram

slew my son, Vali by name, lord of the monkeys. Tormented by this grief, I shall not accept this son, Nara.'

Verse 70 (padma.1.14.70)

अगृह्णमानं देवेंद्रं कारणांतरवादिनम्। हरिः प्रोचे शुनासीरं भुवो भारावतारणे।

agṛhṇamānaṁ deveṁdraṁ kāraṇāṁtaravādinam hariḥ proce śunāsīraṁ bhuvo bhārāvatāraṇe

To Devendra, who refused and cited other reasons, Hari, concerning the removal of the earth's burden, spoke to Shunasira (Indra) —

Verse 71 (padma.1.14.71)

अवतारं करिष्यामि मर्त्यलोके त्वहं प्रभो। सूर्यपुत्रस्य नाशार्थं जयार्थमात्मजस्य ते।

avatāraṁ kariṣyāmi martyaloke tvahaṁ prabho sūryaputrasya nāśārthaṁ jayārthamātmajasya te

'O Lord, I myself shall take incarnation in the mortal world, for the destruction of the Sun's son (Karna) and for the victory of your own son (Arjuna);

Verse 72 (padma.1.14.72)

सारथ्यं च करिष्यामि नाशं कुरुकुलस्य च। ततो हृष्टोभवच्छक्रो विष्णुवाक्येन तेन ह।

sārathyaṁ ca kariṣyāmi nāśaṁ kurukulasya ca tato hṛṣṭobhavacchakro viṣṇuvākyena tena ha

and I shall be his charioteer too, and bring about the destruction of the Kuru line.' Then, at that word of Vishnu, Shakra became joyful,

Verse 73 (padma.1.14.73)

प्रतिगृह्य नरं हृष्टः सत्यं चास्तु वचस्तव। एवमुक्त्वा वरं देवः प्रेषयित्वाऽच्युतः स्वयम्।

pratigṛhya naraṁ hṛṣṭaḥ satyaṁ cāstu vacastava evamuktvā varaṁ devaḥ preṣayitvā'cyutaḥ svayam

and, joyfully accepting Nara, said, 'Let your word come true.' Having said this, Achyuta himself, having sent him forth,

Verse 74 (padma.1.14.74)

गत्वा तु पुंडरीकाक्षो ब्रह्माणं प्राह वै पुनः। त्वया सृष्टमिदं सर्वं त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरम्।

gatvā tu puṁḍarīkākṣo brahmāṇaṁ prāha vai punaḥ tvayā sṛṣṭamidaṁ sarvaṁ trailokyaṁ sacarācaram

then, the lotus-eyed one, went and spoke once more to Brahma: 'This entire triple world, moving and unmoving, was created by you.

Verse 75 (padma.1.14.75)

आवां कार्यस्य करणे सहायौ च तव प्रभो। स्वयं कृत्वा पुनर्नाशं कर्तुं देव न बुध्यसे।

āvāṁ kāryasya karaṇe sahāyau ca tava prabho svayaṁ kṛtvā punarnāśaṁ kartuṁ deva na budhyase

O Lord, we two are your helpers in accomplishing your purpose. Yet having created this yourself, O god, you do not think of bringing about its destruction again —

Verse 76 (padma.1.14.76)

कृतं जुगुप्सितं कर्म शंभुमेतं जिघांसता। त्वया च देवदेवस्य सृष्टः कोपेन वै पुमान्।

kṛtaṁ jugupsitaṁ karma śaṁbhumetaṁ jighāṁsatā tvayā ca devadevasya sṛṣṭaḥ kopena vai pumān

a detestable deed was done by you, out of a desire to kill Shambhu; and out of anger toward the God of gods, you yourself created this man.

Verse 77 (padma.1.14.77)

शुद्ध्यर्थमस्य पापस्य प्रायश्चित्तं परं कुरु। गृह्णन्वह्नित्रयं देव अग्निहोत्रमुपाहर।

śuddhyarthamasya pāpasya prāyaścittaṁ paraṁ kuru gṛhṇanvahnitrayaṁ deva agnihotramupāhara

For the purification of this sin, perform the highest atonement. O god, taking up the three fires, undertake the Agnihotra sacrifice,

Verse 78 (padma.1.14.78)

पुण्यतीर्थे तथा देशे वने वापि पितामह। स्वपत्न्या सहितो यज्ञं कुरुष्वास्मत्परिग्रहात्।

puṇyatīrthe tathā deśe vane vāpi pitāmaha svapatnyā sahito yajñaṁ kuruṣvāsmatparigrahāt

O grandsire, in some holy tirtha, or in some land, or even in a forest, together with your own wife, perform the sacrifice with our sanction.

Verse 79 (padma.1.14.79)

सर्वे देवास्तथादित्या रुद्राश्चापि जगत्पते। आदेशं ते करिष्यंति यतोस्माकं भवान्प्रभुः।

sarve devāstathādityā rudrāścāpi jagatpate ādeśaṁ te kariṣyaṁti yatosmākaṁ bhavānprabhuḥ

O lord of the world, all the gods, and the Adityas, and the Rudras too shall obey your command, since you alone are our lord.

Verse 80 (padma.1.14.80)

एकोहि गार्हपत्योग्निर्दक्षिणाग्निर्द्वितीयकः। आहवनीयस्तृतीयस्तु त्रिकुंडेषु प्रकल्पय।

ekohi gārhapatyognirdakṣiṇāgnirdvitīyakaḥ āhavanīyastṛtīyastu trikuṁḍeṣu prakalpaya

The one Garhapatya fire, the second the Dakshina fire, and the third the Ahavaniya fire — establish these in three fire-pits.

Verse 81 (padma.1.14.81)

वर्तुले त्वर्चयात्मानम्मामथो धनुराकृतौ। चतुःकोणे हरं देवं ऋग्यजुःसामनामभिः।

vartule tvarcayātmānammāmatho dhanurākṛtau catuḥkoṇe haraṁ devaṁ ṛgyajuḥsāmanāmabhiḥ

In the round pit, worship yourself; in the bow-shaped pit, worship me; and in the four-cornered pit, worship the god Hara — with the names of the Rig, Yajus, and Sama.

Verse 82 (padma.1.14.82)

अग्नीनुत्पाद्य तपसा परामृद्धिमवाप्य च। दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रं तु हुत्वाग्नीन्शमयिष्यसि।

agnīnutpādya tapasā parāmṛddhimavāpya ca divyaṁ varṣasahasraṁ tu hutvāgnīnśamayiṣyasi

Having kindled the fires through austerity, and having attained supreme prosperity, after offering oblations for a thousand divine years, you shall pacify those fires.

Verse 83 (padma.1.14.83)

अग्निहोत्रात्परं नान्यत्पवित्रमिह पठ्यते। सुकृतेनाग्निहोत्रेण प्रशुद्ध्यंति भुवि द्विजाः।

agnihotrātparaṁ nānyatpavitramiha paṭhyate sukṛtenāgnihotreṇa praśuddhyaṁti bhuvi dvijāḥ

Nothing higher than the Agnihotra is declared here as purifying. By the well-performed Agnihotra, twice-born men become fully purified on earth.

Verse 84 (padma.1.14.84)

पंथानो देवलोकस्य ब्राह्मणैर्दशितास्त्वमी। एकोग्निः सर्वदा धार्यो गृहस्थेन द्विजन्मना।

paṁthāno devalokasya brāhmaṇairdaśitāstvamī ekogniḥ sarvadā dhāryo gṛhasthena dvijanmanā

These paths to the world of the gods have been shown by the brahmins. A single fire must always be maintained by a twice-born householder.

Verse 85 (padma.1.14.85)

विनाग्निना द्विजेनेह गार्हस्थ्यन्न तु लभ्यते। भीष्म उवाच। योऽसौ कपालादुत्पन्नो नरो नाम धनुर्द्धरः।

vināgninā dvijeneha gārhasthyanna tu labhyate bhīṣma uvāca yo'sau kapālādutpanno naro nāma dhanurddharaḥ

Without fire, a twice-born man does not attain the state of a householder here.' Bhishma said: That bow-bearing man named Nara, who was born from the skull —

Verse 86 (padma.1.14.86)

किमेष माधवाज्जात उताहो स्वेन कर्मणा। उत रुद्रेण जनितो ह्यथवा बुद्धिपूर्वकम्।

kimeṣa mādhavājjāta utāho svena karmaṇā uta rudreṇa janito hyathavā buddhipūrvakam

was he born of Madhava, or through his own past deeds? Or was he begotten by Rudra, or was it done with deliberate purpose?

Verse 87 (padma.1.14.87)

ब्रह्मन्हिरण्यगर्भोऽयमंडजातश्चतुर्मुखः। अद्भुतं पञ्चमं तस्य वक्त्रं तत्कथमुत्थितम्।

brahmanhiraṇyagarbho'yamaṁḍajātaścaturmukhaḥ adbhutaṁ pañcamaṁ tasya vaktraṁ tatkathamutthitam

O brahmin, this Hiranyagarbha, born of the cosmic egg, four-faced — how did his wondrous fifth face come to arise?

Verse 88 (padma.1.14.88)

सत्वे रजो न दृश्येत न सत्वं रजसि क्वचित्। सत्वस्थो भगवान्ब्रह्मा कथमुद्रेकमादधात्।

satve rajo na dṛśyeta na satvaṁ rajasi kvacit satvastho bhagavānbrahmā kathamudrekamādadhāt

In sattva, rajas should not appear, nor sattva ever in rajas — how then did such an excess of passion arise in the Lord Brahma, who abides in sattva,

Verse 89 (padma.1.14.89)

मूढात्मना नरो येन हंतुं हि प्रहितो हरं। पुलस्त्य उवाच। महेश्वरहरी चैतो द्वावेव सत्पथि स्थितौ।

mūḍhātmanā naro yena haṁtuṁ hi prahito haraṁ pulastya uvāca maheśvaraharī caito dvāveva satpathi sthitau

so that, becoming deluded in mind, he sent Nara forth to slay Hara?' Pulastya said: Maheshvara and Hari — these two alone stand established on the true path.

Verse 90 (padma.1.14.90)

तयोरविदितं नास्ति सिद्धासिद्धं महात्मनोः। ब्रह्मणः पंचमं वक्त्रमूर्द्ध्वमासीन्महात्मनः।

tayoraviditaṁ nāsti siddhāsiddhaṁ mahātmanoḥ brahmaṇaḥ paṁcamaṁ vaktramūrddhvamāsīnmahātmanaḥ

For those two great souls, nothing remains unknown, whether accomplished or unaccomplished. The great-souled Brahma's fifth face was situated upward, upon the top of his head.

Verse 91 (padma.1.14.91)

ततो ब्रह्माभवन्मूढो रजसा चोपबृंहितः। ततोऽयं तेजसा सृष्टिममन्यत मया कृता।

tato brahmābhavanmūḍho rajasā copabṛṁhitaḥ tato'yaṁ tejasā sṛṣṭimamanyata mayā kṛtā

Then Brahma became deluded, and further inflamed by the quality of rajas; then, in his own splendor, he came to believe, 'This creation has been made by me alone,

Verse 92 (padma.1.14.92)

मत्तोऽन्यो नास्ति वै देवो येन सृष्टिः प्रवर्तिता। सह देवाः सगंधर्वाः पशुपक्षिमृगाकुलाः।

matto'nyo nāsti vai devo yena sṛṣṭiḥ pravartitā saha devāḥ sagaṁdharvāḥ paśupakṣimṛgākulāḥ

there exists no other god but me by whom this creation has been set in motion' — seeing this creation filled with gods, gandharvas, and beasts, birds, and deer.

Verse 93 (padma.1.14.93)

एवं मूढः स पंचास्यो विरिंचिरभवत्पुनः। प्राग्वक्त्रं मुखमेतस्य ऋग्वेदस्य प्रवर्तकम्।

evaṁ mūḍhaḥ sa paṁcāsyo viriṁcirabhavatpunaḥ prāgvaktraṁ mukhametasya ṛgvedasya pravartakam

Thus overcome by delusion, that five-faced Virinchi became so once more. His eastward face is the propounder of the Rig Veda;

Verse 94 (padma.1.14.94)

द्वितीयं वदनं तस्य यजुर्वेदप्रवर्तकम्। तृतीयं सामवेदस्य अथर्वार्थं चतुर्थकम्।

dvitīyaṁ vadanaṁ tasya yajurvedapravartakam tṛtīyaṁ sāmavedasya atharvārthaṁ caturthakam

his second face is the propounder of the Yajur Veda; the third belongs to the Sama Veda, and the fourth is devoted to the meaning of the Atharva Veda.

Verse 95 (padma.1.14.95)

सांगोपांगेतिहासांश्च सरहस्यान्ससंग्रहान्। वेदानधीते वक्त्रेण पंचमेनोर्द्ध्वचक्षुषा।

sāṁgopāṁgetihāsāṁśca sarahasyānsasaṁgrahān vedānadhīte vaktreṇa paṁcamenorddhvacakṣuṣā

He recites the Vedas, together with their limbs and sub-limbs, the histories, their secret doctrines, and compendiums, through his fifth face, whose gaze turns upward.

Verse 96 (padma.1.14.96)

तस्याऽसुरसुराः सर्वे वक्त्रस्याद्भुतवर्चसः। तेजसा न प्रकाशंते दीपाः सूर्योदये यथा।

tasyā'surasurāḥ sarve vaktrasyādbhutavarcasaḥ tejasā na prakāśaṁte dīpāḥ sūryodaye yathā

Before the splendor of that wondrously radiant face, all the asuras and gods lost their own luster, just as lamps grow dim at sunrise.

Verse 97 (padma.1.14.97)

स्वपुरेष्वपि सोद्वेगा ह्यवर्तंत विचेतसः। न कंचिद्गणयेच्चान्यं तेजसा क्षिपते परान्।

svapureṣvapi sodvegā hyavartaṁta vicetasaḥ na kaṁcidgaṇayeccānyaṁ tejasā kṣipate parān

Even in their own cities they became anxious and bewildered. He regarded no one else as anything; with his splendor he cast all others aside.

Verse 98 (padma.1.14.98)

नाभिगंतु न च द्रष्टुं पुरस्तान्नोपसर्पितुम्। शेकुस्त्रस्ताः सुरास्सर्वे पद्मयोनिं महाप्रभुम्।

nābhigaṁtu na ca draṣṭuṁ purastānnopasarpitum śekustrastāḥ surāssarve padmayoniṁ mahāprabhum

All the terrified gods were unable to approach, unable to look upon, unable to draw near before that great lord, the lotus-born one.

Verse 99 (padma.1.14.99)

अभिभूतमिवात्मानं मन्यमाना हतत्विषः। सर्वे ते मंत्रयामासुर्दैवता हितमात्मनः।

abhibhūtamivātmānaṁ manyamānā hatatviṣaḥ sarve te maṁtrayāmāsurdaivatā hitamātmanaḥ

Considering themselves as if overwhelmed, their own splendor extinguished, all the deities took counsel together for their own welfare —

Verse 100 (padma.1.14.100)

गच्छामः शरणं शंभुं निस्तेजसोऽस्य तेजसा। देवा ऊचुः। नमस्तेसर्वसत्वेश महेश्वर नमोनमः।

gacchāmaḥ śaraṇaṁ śaṁbhuṁ nistejaso'sya tejasā devā ūcuḥ namastesarvasatveśa maheśvara namonamaḥ

'Let us go, drained of our splendor by his splendor, for refuge to Shambhu.' The gods said: 'Homage to you, O Maheshvara, lord of all beings, homage, homage!

Verse 101 (padma.1.14.101)

जगद्योने परंब्रह्म भूतानां त्वं सनातनः। प्रतिष्ठा सर्वजगतां त्वं हेतुर्विष्णुना सह।

jagadyone paraṁbrahma bhūtānāṁ tvaṁ sanātanaḥ pratiṣṭhā sarvajagatāṁ tvaṁ heturviṣṇunā saha

O womb of the world, O supreme Brahman, you are the eternal source of all beings; together with Vishnu, you are the foundation and cause of all the worlds.'

Verse 102 (padma.1.14.102)

एवं संस्तूयमानोसौ देवर्षिपितृदानवैः। अंतर्हित उवाचेदं देवाः प्रार्थयतेप्सितम्।

evaṁ saṁstūyamānosau devarṣipitṛdānavaiḥ aṁtarhita uvācedaṁ devāḥ prārthayatepsitam

Thus praised by the gods, sages, ancestors, and danavas, remaining unseen, he said: 'O gods, ask for what you desire.'

Verse 103 (padma.1.14.103)

देवा ऊचुः। प्रत्यक्षदर्शनं दत्वा देहि देव यथेप्सितम्। कृत्वा कारुण्यमस्माकं वरश्चापि प्रदीयताम्।

devā ūcuḥ pratyakṣadarśanaṁ datvā dehi deva yathepsitam kṛtvā kāruṇyamasmākaṁ varaścāpi pradīyatām

The gods said: 'O god, granting us your visible presence, give us what we desire. Show us your compassion, and grant us a boon as well.

Verse 104 (padma.1.14.104)

यदस्माकं महद्वीर्यं तेज ओजः पराक्रमः। तत्सर्वं ब्रह्मणा ग्रस्तं पंचमास्यस्य तेजसा।

yadasmākaṁ mahadvīryaṁ teja ojaḥ parākramaḥ tatsarvaṁ brahmaṇā grastaṁ paṁcamāsyasya tejasā

Whatever great vigor, splendor, energy, and valor we possessed, all of it has been swallowed up by the splendor of Brahma's fifth face.

Verse 105 (padma.1.14.105)

विनेशुः सर्वतेजांसि त्वत्प्रसादात्पुनः प्रभो। जायते तु यथापूर्वं तथा कुरु महेश्वर।

vineśuḥ sarvatejāṁsi tvatprasādātpunaḥ prabho jāyate tu yathāpūrvaṁ tathā kuru maheśvara

All our splendors have been destroyed; O Lord, may they, by your grace, arise once more as before — do this, O Maheshvara.'

Verse 106 (padma.1.14.106)

ततः प्रसन्नवदनो देवैश्चापि नमस्कृतः। जगाम यत्र ब्रह्माऽसौ रजोहंकारमूढधीः।

tataḥ prasannavadano devaiścāpi namaskṛtaḥ jagāma yatra brahmā'sau rajohaṁkāramūḍhadhīḥ

Then, his face gracious, and saluted by the gods, he went to where that Brahma sat, his mind deluded by rajas and pride.

Verse 107 (padma.1.14.107)

स्तुवंतो देवदेवेशं परिवार्य समाविशन्। ब्रह्मा तमागतं रुद्रं न जज्ञे रजसावृतः।

stuvaṁto devadeveśaṁ parivārya samāviśan brahmā tamāgataṁ rudraṁ na jajñe rajasāvṛtaḥ

Praising the God of gods, they surrounded him and entered together. Brahma, covered over by rajas, did not recognize Rudra as he arrived,

Verse 108 (padma.1.14.108)

सूर्यकोटिसहस्राणां तेजसा रंजयन्जगत्। तदादृश्यत विश्वात्मा विश्वसृग्विश्वभावनः।

sūryakoṭisahasrāṇāṁ tejasā raṁjayanjagat tadādṛśyata viśvātmā viśvasṛgviśvabhāvanaḥ

delighting the world with a splendor equal to millions upon millions of suns; then that soul of the universe, creator and nourisher of the universe, was seen,

Verse 109 (padma.1.14.109)

सपितामहमासीनं सकलं देवमंडलम्। अभिगम्य ततो रुद्रो ब्रह्माणं परमेष्ठिनम्।

sapitāmahamāsīnaṁ sakalaṁ devamaṁḍalam abhigamya tato rudro brahmāṇaṁ parameṣṭhinam

seated together with the whole assembly of the gods and the Grandsire himself. Then, approaching that Supreme Lord Brahma, Rudra said —

Verse 110 (padma.1.14.110)

अहोतितेजसा वक्त्रमधिकं देव राजते। एवमुक्त्वाट्टहासं तु मुमोच शशिशेखरः।

ahotitejasā vaktramadhikaṁ deva rājate evamuktvāṭṭahāsaṁ tu mumoca śaśiśekharaḥ

'Ah, O god, how exceedingly this face shines with splendor!' Having said this, the moon-crested one let out a loud burst of laughter,

Verse 111 (padma.1.14.111)

वामांगुष्ठनखाग्रेण ब्रह्मणः पंचमं शिरः। चकर्त कदलीगर्भं नरः कररुहैरिव।

vāmāṁguṣṭhanakhāgreṇa brahmaṇaḥ paṁcamaṁ śiraḥ cakarta kadalīgarbhaṁ naraḥ kararuhairiva

and with the very tip of his left thumbnail, he sliced off Brahma's fifth head, just as a man might cut through the pith of a plantain stem with his nails.

Verse 112 (padma.1.14.112)

विच्छिन्नं तु शिरः पश्चाद्भवहस्ते स्थितं तदा। ग्रहमंडलमध्यस्थो द्वितीय इव चंद्रमाः।

vicchinnaṁ tu śiraḥ paścādbhavahaste sthitaṁ tadā grahamaṁḍalamadhyastho dvitīya iva caṁdramāḥ

That severed head, thereafter, rested in Bhava's (Shiva's) hand, like a second moon set in the midst of the circle of the planets.

Verse 113 (padma.1.14.113)

करोत्क्षिप्तकपालेन ननर्त च महेश्वरः। शिखरस्थेन सूर्येण कैलास इव पर्वतः।

karotkṣiptakapālena nanarta ca maheśvaraḥ śikharasthena sūryeṇa kailāsa iva parvataḥ

And Maheshvara danced, the skull tossed up in his hand, like Mount Kailasa with the sun resting upon its very peak.

Verse 114 (padma.1.14.114)

छिन्ने वक्त्रे ततो देवा हृष्टास्तं वृषभध्वजम्। तुष्टुवुर्विविधैस्तोत्रैर्देवदेवं कपर्दिनम्।

chinne vaktre tato devā hṛṣṭāstaṁ vṛṣabhadhvajam tuṣṭuvurvividhaistotrairdevadevaṁ kapardinam

When that face had been severed, the gods, rejoicing, praised him, the bull-bannered one, the God of gods, he of the matted locks, with various hymns.

Verse 115 (padma.1.14.115)

देवा ऊचुः। नमः कपालिने नित्यं महाकालस्य कालिने। ऐश्वर्यज्ञानयुक्ताय सर्वभागप्रदायिने।

devā ūcuḥ namaḥ kapāline nityaṁ mahākālasya kāline aiśvaryajñānayuktāya sarvabhāgapradāyine

The gods said: 'Homage forever to the skull-bearer, to him who is death even to Mahakala (Time itself); to him endowed with sovereignty and knowledge, the giver of every share of sacrifice,

Verse 116 (padma.1.14.116)

नमो हर्षविलासाय सर्वदेवमयाय च। कलौ संहारकर्ता त्वं महाकालः स्मृतो ह्यसि।

namo harṣavilāsāya sarvadevamayāya ca kalau saṁhārakartā tvaṁ mahākālaḥ smṛto hyasi

homage to him whose very sport is joy, who consists of all the gods. In the Kali age you are the agent of dissolution — hence you are called Mahakala.

Verse 117 (padma.1.14.117)

भक्तानामार्तिनाशस्त्वं दुःखांतस्तेन चोच्यसे। शंकरोष्याशुभक्तानां तेन त्वं शंकरः स्मृतः।

bhaktānāmārtināśastvaṁ duḥkhāṁtastena cocyase śaṁkaroṣyāśubhaktānāṁ tena tvaṁ śaṁkaraḥ smṛtaḥ

You are the destroyer of your devotees' afflictions, and therefore called 'the end of sorrow'; and you swiftly bring welfare to your devotees, and therefore are remembered as Shankara.

Verse 118 (padma.1.14.118)

छिन्नं ब्रह्मशिरो यस्मात्त्वं कपालं बिभर्षि च। तेन देव कपाली त्वं स्तुतो ह्यद्य प्रसीद नः।

chinnaṁ brahmaśiro yasmāttvaṁ kapālaṁ bibharṣi ca tena deva kapālī tvaṁ stuto hyadya prasīda naḥ

Since you bear Brahma's severed head as a skull, therefore, O god, you are called Kapalin — praised thus today, be gracious to us.'

Verse 119 (padma.1.14.119)

एवं स्तुतः प्रसन्नात्मा देवान्प्रस्थाप्य शंकरः। स्वानि धिष्ण्यानि भगवांस्तत्रैवासीन्मुदान्वितः।

evaṁ stutaḥ prasannātmā devānprasthāpya śaṁkaraḥ svāni dhiṣṇyāni bhagavāṁstatraivāsīnmudānvitaḥ

Thus praised, Shankara, his mind well pleased, sent the gods off to their own abodes, and the Lord himself remained right there, filled with joy.

Verse 120 (padma.1.14.120)

विज्ञाय ब्रह्मणो भावं ततो वीरस्य जन्म च। शिरो नीरस्य वाक्यात्तु लोकानां कोपशांतये।

vijñāya brahmaṇo bhāvaṁ tato vīrasya janma ca śiro nīrasya vākyāttu lokānāṁ kopaśāṁtaye

Understanding Brahma's true state of mind, the birth of that hero Nara, and Brahma's own conciliatory word, having cast aside his pride over the severed head — for the pacifying of the worlds' anger,

Verse 121 (padma.1.14.121)

शिरस्यंजलिमाधाय तुष्टावाथ प्रणम्य तम्। तेजोनिधि परं ब्रह्म ज्ञातुमित्थं प्रजापतिम्।

śirasyaṁjalimādhāya tuṣṭāvātha praṇamya tam tejonidhi paraṁ brahma jñātumitthaṁ prajāpatim

joining his hands upon his own head, and bowing low, Rudra then praised him — the treasury of splendor, the supreme Brahman, Prajapati — so as to honor him rightly,

Verse 122 (padma.1.14.122)

निरुक्तसूक्तरहस्यैर्ऋग्यजुः सामभाषितैः। रुद्र उवाच। अप्रमेय नमस्तेस्तु परमस्य परात्मने।

niruktasūktarahasyairṛgyajuḥ sāmabhāṣitaiḥ rudra uvāca aprameya namastestu paramasya parātmane

with the secret meanings of the Nirukta and the hymns, in the words of the Rig, Yajus, and Sama. Rudra said: 'O immeasurable one, homage to you, the supreme Self beyond all measure —

Verse 123 (padma.1.14.123)

अद्भुतानां प्रसूतिस्त्वं तेजसां निधिरक्षयः। विजयाद्विश्वभावस्त्वं सृष्टिकर्ता महाद्युते।

adbhutānāṁ prasūtistvaṁ tejasāṁ nidhirakṣayaḥ vijayādviśvabhāvastvaṁ sṛṣṭikartā mahādyute

You are the source of all wonders, the imperishable treasury of splendors; by your own triumph you are the very being of the universe, the creator of creation, O one of great luster.

Verse 124 (padma.1.14.124)

ऊर्द्ध्ववक्त्र नमस्तेस्तु सत्वात्मकधरात्मक। जलशायिन्जलोत्पन्न जलालय नमोस्तु ते।

ūrddhvavaktra namastestu satvātmakadharātmaka jalaśāyinjalotpanna jalālaya namostu te

O one whose face turns upward, homage to you — you whose very self is sattva and the earth; you who lie upon the waters, arose from the waters, whose abode is the waters — homage to you.

Verse 125 (padma.1.14.125)

जलजोत्फुल्लपत्राक्ष जय देव पितामह। त्वया ह्युत्पादितः पूर्वं सृष्ट्यर्थमहमीश्वर।

jalajotphullapatrākṣa jaya deva pitāmaha tvayā hyutpāditaḥ pūrvaṁ sṛṣṭyarthamahamīśvara

O you whose eyes are like the blossoming petals of the lotus, victory to you, O god, O Grandsire! By you indeed was I brought forth of old, for the sake of creation, O Lord.

Verse 126 (padma.1.14.126)

यज्ञाहुतिसदाहार यज्ञांगेश नमोऽस्तु ते। स्वर्णगर्भ पद्मगर्भ देवगर्भ प्रजापते।

yajñāhutisadāhāra yajñāṁgeśa namo'stu te svarṇagarbha padmagarbha devagarbha prajāpate

O you whose constant sustenance is the oblations of sacrifice, lord of the very limbs of sacrifice, homage be to you; O golden-wombed, lotus-wombed, divine-wombed one, O Lord of creatures —

Verse 127 (padma.1.14.127)

त्वं यज्ञस्त्वं वषट्कारः स्वधा त्वं पद्मसंभव। वचनेन तु देवानां शिरश्छिन्नं मया प्रभो।

tvaṁ yajñastvaṁ vaṣaṭkāraḥ svadhā tvaṁ padmasaṁbhava vacanena tu devānāṁ śiraśchinnaṁ mayā prabho

You are the sacrifice itself, you are the exclamation vashat, you are the offering to the ancestors, O lotus-born one. Yet, O Lord, at the word of the gods, your head was severed by me,

Verse 128 (padma.1.14.128)

ब्रह्महत्याभिभूतोस्मि मां त्वं पाहि जगत्पते। इत्युक्तो देवदेवेन ब्रह्मा वचनमब्रवीत्।

brahmahatyābhibhūtosmi māṁ tvaṁ pāhi jagatpate ityukto devadevena brahmā vacanamabravīt

and now I am overwhelmed by the sin of slaying a brahmin; O Lord of the world, protect me.' Thus addressed by the God of gods, Brahma spoke this word:

Verse 129 (padma.1.14.129)

ब्रह्मोवाच। सखा नाराणो देवः स त्वां पूतं करिष्यति। कीर्तनीयस्त्वया धन्यः स मे पूज्यः स्वयं विभुः।

brahmovāca sakhā nārāṇo devaḥ sa tvāṁ pūtaṁ kariṣyati kīrtanīyastvayā dhanyaḥ sa me pūjyaḥ svayaṁ vibhuḥ

Brahma said: 'The god Narayana, who is your friend, he alone shall purify you. He, blessed one, is worthy of being praised by you; he, the Lord himself, is honored even by me.

Verse 130 (padma.1.14.130)

अनुध्यातोऽसि वै नूनं तेन देवेन विष्णुना। येन ते भक्तिरुत्पन्ना स्तोतुं मां मतिरुत्थिता।

anudhyāto'si vai nūnaṁ tena devena viṣṇunā yena te bhaktirutpannā stotuṁ māṁ matirutthitā

Surely you have indeed been called to mind by that god Vishnu, by whom devotion has arisen in you, and the resolve to praise me has awakened in your mind.

Verse 131 (padma.1.14.131)

शिरश्छेदात्कपाली त्वं सोमसिद्धांतकारकः। कोटीः शतं च विप्राणामुद्धर्तासि महाद्युते।

śiraśchedātkapālī tvaṁ somasiddhāṁtakārakaḥ koṭīḥ śataṁ ca viprāṇāmuddhartāsi mahādyute

By the cutting off of this head, you have become Kapalin and the establisher of the Soma doctrine; O one of great splendor, you shall save a hundred crores of brahmins.

Verse 132 (padma.1.14.132)

ब्रह्महत्याव्रतं कुर्या नान्यत्किंचन विद्यते। अभाष्याः पापिनः क्रूरा ब्रह्मघ्नाः पापकारिणः।

brahmahatyāvrataṁ kuryā nānyatkiṁcana vidyate abhāṣyāḥ pāpinaḥ krūrā brahmaghnāḥ pāpakāriṇaḥ

You must observe the vow for the sin of brahmin-slaying — there is no other course. One should not speak with sinners, the cruel, brahmin-slayers, and doers of evil deeds;

Verse 133 (padma.1.14.133)

वैतानिका विकर्मस्था न ते भाष्याः कथंचन। तैस्तु दृष्टैस्तथा कार्यं भास्करस्यावलोकनम्।

vaitānikā vikarmasthā na te bhāṣyāḥ kathaṁcana taistu dṛṣṭaistathā kāryaṁ bhāskarasyāvalokanam

nor should one speak in any way with those given to improper vaitanika rites and wrongful conduct. If one is seen by such people, one should then gaze upon the sun.

Verse 134 (padma.1.14.134)

अंगस्पर्शे कृते रुद्र सचैलो जलमाविशेत्। एवं शुद्धिमवाप्नोति पूर्वं दृष्टां मनीषिभिः।

aṁgasparśe kṛte rudra sacailo jalamāviśet evaṁ śuddhimavāpnoti pūrvaṁ dṛṣṭāṁ manīṣibhiḥ

O Rudra, if their bodily touch occurs, one should enter water even while clothed. In this way purity is attained, as declared of old by the wise.

Verse 135 (padma.1.14.135)

स भवान्ब्रह्महन्तासि शुद्ध्यर्थं व्रतमाचर। चीर्णे व्रते पुनर्भूयः प्राप्स्यसि त्वं वरान्बहून्।

sa bhavānbrahmahantāsi śuddhyarthaṁ vratamācara cīrṇe vrate punarbhūyaḥ prāpsyasi tvaṁ varānbahūn

You yourself stand guilty of brahmin-slaying; therefore observe the vow for the sake of purification. When the vow is fully performed, you shall again obtain many boons.'

Verse 136 (padma.1.14.136)

एवमुक्त्वा गतो ब्रह्मा रुद्रस्तन्नाभिजज्ञिवान्। अचिंतयत्तदाविष्णुं ध्यानगत्या ततः स्वयं।

evamuktvā gato brahmā rudrastannābhijajñivān aciṁtayattadāviṣṇuṁ dhyānagatyā tataḥ svayaṁ

Having said this, Brahma departed; Rudra, not fully grasping this counsel, then himself, through the power of meditation, called Vishnu to mind,

Verse 137 (padma.1.14.137)

लक्ष्मीसहायं वरदं देवदेवं सनातनम्। अष्टांगप्रणिपातेन देवदेवस्त्रिलोचनः।

lakṣmīsahāyaṁ varadaṁ devadevaṁ sanātanam aṣṭāṁgapraṇipātena devadevastrilocanaḥ

the boon-giving, eternal God of gods, companion of Lakshmi; and the three-eyed God of gods (Rudra), prostrating with all eight limbs,

Verse 138 (padma.1.14.138)

तुष्टाव प्रणतो भूत्वा शंखचक्रगदाधरम्। रुद्र उवाच। परं पराणाममृतं पुराणं परात्परं विष्णुमनंतवीर्यं।

tuṣṭāva praṇato bhūtvā śaṁkhacakragadādharam rudra uvāca paraṁ parāṇāmamṛtaṁ purāṇaṁ parātparaṁ viṣṇumanaṁtavīryaṁ

having bowed down, praised him, the bearer of conch, discus, and mace. Rudra said: 'The supreme among the supreme, immortal, ancient, higher than the highest, Vishnu of infinite power,

Verse 139 (padma.1.14.139)

स्मरामि नित्यं पुरुषं वरेण्यं नारायणं निष्प्रतिमं पुराणम्। परात्परं पूर्वजमुग्रवेगं गंभीरगंभीरधियां प्रधानम्।

smarāmi nityaṁ puruṣaṁ vareṇyaṁ nārāyaṇaṁ niṣpratimaṁ purāṇam parātparaṁ pūrvajamugravegaṁ gaṁbhīragaṁbhīradhiyāṁ pradhānam

I ever call to mind that most excellent, incomparable, ancient Purusha, Narayana — higher than the highest, the first-born, of fierce speed, foremost among those of the most profound wisdom.

Verse 140 (padma.1.14.140)

नतोस्मि देवं हरिमीशितारं परात्परं धामपरं च धाम। परापरं तत्परमं च धाम परापरेशं पुरुषं विशालम्।

natosmi devaṁ harimīśitāraṁ parātparaṁ dhāmaparaṁ ca dhāma parāparaṁ tatparamaṁ ca dhāma parāpareśaṁ puruṣaṁ viśālam

I bow to the god Hari, the ruler, higher than the highest, the supreme abode and the transcendent abode; that supreme, all-surpassing abode, the vast Purusha, lord over the transcendent and the immanent —

Verse 141 (padma.1.14.141)

नारायणं स्तौमि विशुद्धभावं परापरं सूक्ष्ममिदं ससर्ज। सदास्थितत्वात्पुरुषप्रधानं शांतं प्रधानं शरणं ममास्तु।

nārāyaṇaṁ staumi viśuddhabhāvaṁ parāparaṁ sūkṣmamidaṁ sasarja sadāsthitatvātpuruṣapradhānaṁ śāṁtaṁ pradhānaṁ śaraṇaṁ mamāstu

I praise Narayana, of purest nature, transcendent and immanent, who created this subtle universe; ever abiding, the foremost among beings, peaceful, the primal source — let him be my refuge.

Verse 142 (padma.1.14.142)

नारायणं वीतमलं पुराणं परात्परं विष्णुमपारपारम्। पुरातनं नीतिमतां प्रधानं धृतिक्षमाशांतिपरं क्षितीशम्।

nārāyaṇaṁ vītamalaṁ purāṇaṁ parātparaṁ viṣṇumapārapāram purātanaṁ nītimatāṁ pradhānaṁ dhṛtikṣamāśāṁtiparaṁ kṣitīśam

Narayana, free of taint, ancient, higher than the highest, Vishnu, whose farther shore is beyond all measure; the primeval one, foremost among the wise, devoted to firmness, forbearance, and peace, lord of the earth —

Verse 143 (padma.1.14.143)

शुभं सदा स्तौमि महानुभावं सहस्रमूर्द्धानमनेकपादम्। अनंतबाहुं शशिसूर्यनेत्रं क्षराक्षरं क्षीरसमुद्रनिद्रम्।

śubhaṁ sadā staumi mahānubhāvaṁ sahasramūrddhānamanekapādam anaṁtabāhuṁ śaśisūryanetraṁ kṣarākṣaraṁ kṣīrasamudranidram

I ever praise that auspicious one of great majesty, of a thousand heads and countless feet; of endless arms, whose eyes are the moon and sun, both perishable and imperishable, who sleeps upon the ocean of milk.

Verse 144 (padma.1.14.144)

नारायणं स्तौमि परं परेशं परात्परं यत्त्रिदशैरगम्यम्। त्रिसर्गसंस्थं त्रिहुताशनेत्रं त्रितत्वलक्ष्यं त्रिलयं त्रिनेत्रम्।

nārāyaṇaṁ staumi paraṁ pareśaṁ parātparaṁ yattridaśairagamyam trisargasaṁsthaṁ trihutāśanetraṁ tritatvalakṣyaṁ trilayaṁ trinetram

I praise Narayana, supreme, lord of the highest, higher than the highest, unattainable even by the thirty gods; abiding in the threefold creation, whose eyes are the threefold sacred fire, marked by the three principles, embodying the threefold dissolution, three-eyed.

Verse 145 (padma.1.14.145)

नमामि नारायणमप्रमेयं कृते सितं द्वापरतश्च रक्तम्। कलौ च कृष्णं तमथो नमामि ससर्ज यो वक्त्रत एव विप्रान्।

namāmi nārāyaṇamaprameyaṁ kṛte sitaṁ dvāparataśca raktam kalau ca kṛṣṇaṁ tamatho namāmi sasarja yo vaktrata eva viprān

I bow to that immeasurable Narayana — white in the Krita age, red from the time of Dvapara, and dark in Kali; to him I bow, who created brahmins from his very mouth,

Verse 146 (padma.1.14.146)

भुजांतरात्क्षत्रमथोरुयुग्माद्विशः पदाग्राच्च तथैव शूद्रान्। नमामि तं विश्वतनुं पुराणं परात्परं पारगमप्रमेयम्।

bhujāṁtarātkṣatramathoruyugmādviśaḥ padāgrācca tathaiva śūdrān namāmi taṁ viśvatanuṁ purāṇaṁ parātparaṁ pāragamaprameyam

kshatriyas from his arms, vaishyas from his two thighs, and likewise shudras from the tips of his feet. I bow to him whose body is the universe, the ancient one, higher than the highest, who has crossed beyond all limits, immeasurable.

Verse 147 (padma.1.14.147)

सूक्ष्ममूर्त्तिं महामूर्त्तिं विद्यामूर्त्तिममूर्तिकम्। कवचं सर्वदेवानां नमस्ये वारिजेक्षणम्।

sūkṣmamūrttiṁ mahāmūrttiṁ vidyāmūrttimamūrtikam kavacaṁ sarvadevānāṁ namasye vārijekṣaṇam

Of subtle form, of great form, of the form of knowledge, and formless too; the very armor of all the gods — I bow to the lotus-eyed one.

Verse 148 (padma.1.14.148)

सहस्रशीर्षं देवेशं सहस्राक्षं महाभुजम्। जगत्संव्याप्य तिष्ठंतं नमस्ये परमेश्वरम्।

sahasraśīrṣaṁ deveśaṁ sahasrākṣaṁ mahābhujam jagatsaṁvyāpya tiṣṭhaṁtaṁ namasye parameśvaram

Of a thousand heads, lord of the gods, of a thousand eyes, mighty-armed; pervading and abiding throughout the world — I bow to the supreme Lord.

Verse 149 (padma.1.14.149)

शरण्यं शरणं देवं विष्णुं जिष्णुं सनातनम्। नीलमेघप्रतीकाशं नमस्ये शार्ङ्गपाणिनम्।

śaraṇyaṁ śaraṇaṁ devaṁ viṣṇuṁ jiṣṇuṁ sanātanam nīlameghapratīkāśaṁ namasye śārṅgapāṇinam

The refuge of all who seek shelter, the god Vishnu, ever-victorious and eternal; resembling a dark blue cloud, bearer of the bow Sharnga — I bow to him.

Verse 150 (padma.1.14.150)

शुद्धं सर्वगतं नित्यं व्योमरूपं सनातनम्। भावाभावविनिर्मुक्तं नमस्ये सर्वगं हरिम्।

śuddhaṁ sarvagataṁ nityaṁ vyomarūpaṁ sanātanam bhāvābhāvavinirmuktaṁ namasye sarvagaṁ harim

Pure, all-pervading, eternal, of the form of space, everlasting; free from both existence and non-existence — I bow to Hari, who pervades all.

Verse 151 (padma.1.14.151)

न चात्र किंचित्पश्यामि व्यतिरिक्तं तवाच्युत। त्वन्मयं च प्रपश्यामि सर्वमेतच्चराचरम्।

na cātra kiṁcitpaśyāmi vyatiriktaṁ tavācyuta tvanmayaṁ ca prapaśyāmi sarvametaccarācaram

I see here nothing whatsoever apart from you, O Achyuta; I behold all this, moving and unmoving, as consisting wholly of you.'

Verse 152 (padma.1.14.152)

एवं तु वदतस्तस्य रुद्रस्य परमेष्ठिनः। इतीरितेस्तेन सनातन स्वयं परात्परस्तस्य बभूव दर्शने।

evaṁ tu vadatastasya rudrasya parameṣṭhinaḥ itīritestena sanātana svayaṁ parātparastasya babhūva darśane

As Rudra, that Supreme Lord, spoke thus, and as it was uttered by him, the eternal, transcendent one himself then appeared before his very sight,

Verse 153 (padma.1.14.153)

रथांगपाणिर्गरुडासनो गिरिं विदीपयन्भास्करवत्समुत्थितः। वरं वृणीष्वेति सनातनोब्रवीद्वरस्तवाहं वरदः समागतः।

rathāṁgapāṇirgaruḍāsano giriṁ vidīpayanbhāskaravatsamutthitaḥ varaṁ vṛṇīṣveti sanātanobravīdvarastavāhaṁ varadaḥ samāgataḥ

discus in hand, seated on Garuda, illuminating the mountain as he rose up like the sun. 'Choose a boon,' said the eternal one: 'I have come as your boon-giver.'

Verse 154 (padma.1.14.154)

इतीरिते रुद्रवरो जगाद ममातिशुद्धिर्भविता सुरेश। न चास्य पापस्य हरं हि चान्यत्संदृश्यतेग्र्यं च ऋते भवं तम्।

itīrite rudravaro jagāda mamātiśuddhirbhavitā sureśa na cāsya pāpasya haraṁ hi cānyatsaṁdṛśyategryaṁ ca ṛte bhavaṁ tam

Thus addressed, the foremost of the Rudras said: 'O lord of the gods, let my complete purification come to be; for no other supreme remover of this sin can be seen, other than that primal Bhava, yourself.

Verse 155 (padma.1.14.155)

ब्रह्महत्याभिभूतस्य तनुर्मे कृष्णतां गता। शवगंधश्च मे गात्रे लोहस्याभरणानि मे।

brahmahatyābhibhūtasya tanurme kṛṣṇatāṁ gatā śavagaṁdhaśca me gātre lohasyābharaṇāni me

Overwhelmed by the sin of brahmin-slaying, my body has turned dark; a corpse-like stench clings to my limbs, and iron ornaments have come upon me.

Verse 156 (padma.1.14.156)

कथं मे न भवेदेवमेतद्रूपं जनार्दनम्। किं करोमि महादेव येन मे पूर्विका तनूः।

kathaṁ me na bhavedevametadrūpaṁ janārdanam kiṁ karomi mahādeva yena me pūrvikā tanūḥ

O Janardana, how might this form of mine cease to be as it now is? What am I to do, O great god, by which my former body,

Verse 157 (padma.1.14.157)

त्वत्प्रसादेन भविता तन्मे कथय चाच्युत। विष्णुरुवाच। ब्रह्मवध्या परा चोग्रा सर्वकष्टप्रदा परा।

tvatprasādena bhavitā tanme kathaya cācyuta viṣṇuruvāca brahmavadhyā parā cogrā sarvakaṣṭapradā parā

may, by your grace, be restored to me? O Achyuta, tell me this.' Vishnu said: 'The sin of brahmin-slaying is supreme and terrible, the giver of every suffering.

Verse 158 (padma.1.14.158)

मनसापि न कुर्वीत पापस्यास्य तु भावनाम्। भवता देववाक्येन निष्ठा चैषा निबोधिता।

manasāpi na kurvīta pāpasyāsya tu bhāvanām bhavatā devavākyena niṣṭhā caiṣā nibodhitā

One should not even in thought entertain this sin. This resolve has already been made known to you through the word of the gods.

Verse 159 (padma.1.14.159)

इदानीं त्वं महाबाहो ब्रह्मणोक्तं समाचर। भस्मसर्वाणि गात्राणि त्रिकालं घर्षयेस्तनौ।

idānīṁ tvaṁ mahābāho brahmaṇoktaṁ samācara bhasmasarvāṇi gātrāṇi trikālaṁ gharṣayestanau

Now, O mighty-armed one, carry out what Brahma has instructed. Rub ash over your entire body three times a day;

Verse 160 (padma.1.14.160)

शिखायां कर्णयोश्चैव करे चास्थीनि धारय। एवं च कुर्वतो रुद्र कष्टं नैव भविष्यति।

śikhāyāṁ karṇayoścaiva kare cāsthīni dhāraya evaṁ ca kurvato rudra kaṣṭaṁ naiva bhaviṣyati

and wear bones upon your topknot, upon your ears, and in your hand. O Rudra, doing this, no hardship shall come to you.'

Verse 161 (padma.1.14.161)

संदिश्यैवं स भगवांस्ततोंऽतर्द्धानमीश्वरः। लक्ष्मीसहायो गतवान्रुद्रस्तं नाभिजज्ञिवान्।

saṁdiśyaivaṁ sa bhagavāṁstatoṁ'tarddhānamīśvaraḥ lakṣmīsahāyo gatavānrudrastaṁ nābhijajñivān

Having given this instruction, that Lord Ishvara, companion of Lakshmi, vanished right there; Rudra could not perceive where he had gone.

Verse 162 (padma.1.14.162)

कपालपाणिर्देवेशः पर्यटन्वसुधामिमाम्। हिमवंतं समैनाकं मेरुणा च सहैव तु।

kapālapāṇirdeveśaḥ paryaṭanvasudhāmimām himavaṁtaṁ samainākaṁ meruṇā ca sahaiva tu

Then the Lord of gods, skull in hand, wandered over this earth — over the Himalaya, together with Mount Ainaka, and over Meru as well,

Verse 163 (padma.1.14.163)

कैलासं सकलं विंध्यं नीलं चैव महागिरिम्। कांचीं काशीं ताम्रलिप्तां मगधामाविलां तथा।

kailāsaṁ sakalaṁ viṁdhyaṁ nīlaṁ caiva mahāgirim kāṁcīṁ kāśīṁ tāmraliptāṁ magadhāmāvilāṁ tathā

over Kailasa, and the whole Vindhya range, and the great mountain Nila; and over Kanchi, Kashi, Tamralipta, and Magadha and Avila too,

Verse 164 (padma.1.14.164)

वत्सगुल्मं च गोकर्णं तथा चैवोत्तरान्कुरून्। भद्राश्वं केतुमालं च वर्षं हैरण्यकं तथा।

vatsagulmaṁ ca gokarṇaṁ tathā caivottarānkurūn bhadrāśvaṁ ketumālaṁ ca varṣaṁ hairaṇyakaṁ tathā

at Vatsagulma, and Gokarna, and in Uttara Kuru; in Bhadrashva, Ketumala, and the region of Hairanyaka as well,

Verse 165 (padma.1.14.165)

कामरूपं प्रभासं च महेंद्रं चैव पर्वतम्। ब्रह्महत्याभिभूतोसौ भ्रमंस्त्राणं न विंदति।

kāmarūpaṁ prabhāsaṁ ca maheṁdraṁ caiva parvatam brahmahatyābhibhūtosau bhramaṁstrāṇaṁ na viṁdati

in Kamarupa, in Prabhasa, and on Mount Mahendra too. Overwhelmed by the sin of brahmin-slaying, he wandered thus, but found no relief.

Verse 166 (padma.1.14.166)

त्रपान्वितः कपालं तु पश्यन्हस्तगतं सदा। करौ विधुन्वन्बहुशो विक्षिप्तश्च मुहुर्मुहुः।

trapānvitaḥ kapālaṁ tu paśyanhastagataṁ sadā karau vidhunvanbahuśo vikṣiptaśca muhurmuhuḥ

Filled with shame, ever gazing at the skull always visible in his hand, shaking his hands again and again, and casting it away time after time,

Verse 167 (padma.1.14.167)

यदास्य धुन्वतो हस्तौ कपालं पतते न तु। तदास्य बुद्धिरुत्पन्ना व्रतं चैतत्करोम्यहम्।

yadāsya dhunvato hastau kapālaṁ patate na tu tadāsya buddhirutpannā vrataṁ caitatkaromyaham

when, even as he shook his hands, the skull would not fall, this thought then arose in him: 'Now I shall undertake this very vow,

Verse 168 (padma.1.14.168)

मदीयेनैव मार्गेण द्विजा यास्यंति सर्वतः। ध्यात्वैवं सुचिरं देवो वसुधां विचचार ह।

madīyenaiva mārgeṇa dvijā yāsyaṁti sarvataḥ dhyātvaivaṁ suciraṁ devo vasudhāṁ vicacāra ha

so that twice-born men shall everywhere walk by this very path of mine.' Reflecting thus for a very long time, the god wandered over the earth.

Verse 169 (padma.1.14.169)

पुष्करं तु समासाद्य प्रविष्टोऽरण्यमुत्तमम्। नानाद्रुमलताकीर्णं नानामृगरवाकुलम्।

puṣkaraṁ tu samāsādya praviṣṭo'raṇyamuttamam nānādrumalatākīrṇaṁ nānāmṛgaravākulam

Then, arriving at Pushkara, he entered that excellent forest, thickly covered with many trees and creepers, filled with the cries of many deer,

Verse 170 (padma.1.14.170)

द्रुमपुष्पभरामोद वासितं यत्सुवायुना। बुद्धिपूर्वमिव न्यस्तैः पुष्पैर्भूषितभूतलम्।

drumapuṣpabharāmoda vāsitaṁ yatsuvāyunā buddhipūrvamiva nyastaiḥ puṣpairbhūṣitabhūtalam

fragrant with the abundant scent of tree-blossoms carried on a gentle breeze, its ground adorned with flowers strewn as if by design,

Verse 171 (padma.1.14.171)

नानागधंरसैरन्यैः पक्वापक्वैः फलैस्तथा। विवेश तरुवृंदेन पुष्पामोदाभिनंदितः।

nānāgadhaṁrasairanyaiḥ pakvāpakvaiḥ phalaistathā viveśa taruvṛṁdena puṣpāmodābhinaṁditaḥ

possessed of many fragrant essences and fruits both ripe and unripe. Delighted by the multitude of trees and the fragrance of their flowers, he entered within.

Verse 172 (padma.1.14.172)

अत्राराधयतो भक्त्या ब्रह्मा दास्यति मे वरम्। ब्रह्मप्रसादात्संप्राप्तं पौष्करं ज्ञानमीप्सितम्।

atrārādhayato bhaktyā brahmā dāsyati me varam brahmaprasādātsaṁprāptaṁ pauṣkaraṁ jñānamīpsitam

'Here, by worshipping with devotion, Brahma shall grant me a boon' — thus thinking, he sought the desired knowledge belonging to Pushkara, attainable through Brahma's grace,

Verse 173 (padma.1.14.173)

पापघ्नं दुष्टशमनं पुष्टिश्रीबलवर्द्धनम्। एवं वै ध्यायतस्तस्य रुद्रस्यामिततेजसः।

pāpaghnaṁ duṣṭaśamanaṁ puṣṭiśrībalavarddhanam evaṁ vai dhyāyatastasya rudrasyāmitatejasaḥ

which destroys sin, quells the wicked, and increases nourishment, glory, and strength. While Rudra, of measureless splendor, thus meditated,

Verse 174 (padma.1.14.174)

आजगाम ततो ब्रह्मा भक्तिप्रीतोऽथ कंजजः। उवाच प्रणतं रुद्रमुत्थाप्य च पुनर्गुरुः।

ājagāma tato brahmā bhaktiprīto'tha kaṁjajaḥ uvāca praṇataṁ rudramutthāpya ca punarguruḥ

Brahma, the lotus-born, pleased by his devotion, then came there; and the teacher, raising up the bowed Rudra, said to him —

Verse 175 (padma.1.14.175)

दिव्यव्रतोपचारेण सोहमाराधितस्त्वया। भवता श्रद्धयात्यर्थं ममदर्शनकांक्षया।

divyavratopacāreṇa sohamārādhitastvayā bhavatā śraddhayātyarthaṁ mamadarśanakāṁkṣayā

'By this observance of a divine vow, I have been worshipped by you — you have done this with the utmost faith, out of a longing to behold me.

Verse 176 (padma.1.14.176)

व्रतस्था मां हि पश्यंति मनुष्या देवतास्तथा। तदिच्छया प्रयच्छामि वरं यत्प्रवरं वरम्।

vratasthā māṁ hi paśyaṁti manuṣyā devatāstathā tadicchayā prayacchāmi varaṁ yatpravaraṁ varam

Only those established in such a vow, whether men or gods, are able to behold me. Because of that desire, I grant you a boon — whatever supreme boon you wish,

Verse 177 (padma.1.14.177)

सर्वकामप्रसिद्ध्यर्थं व्रतं यस्मान्निषेवितम्। मनोवाक्कायभावैश्च संतुष्टेनांतरात्मना।

sarvakāmaprasiddhyarthaṁ vrataṁ yasmānniṣevitam manovākkāyabhāvaiśca saṁtuṣṭenāṁtarātmanā

since, for the accomplishment of every desire, you have observed this vow with mind, speech, and body, and with a fully contented inner self.

Verse 178 (padma.1.14.178)

कं ददामि च वै कामं वद भोस्ते यथेप्सितम्। रुद्र उवाच। एष एवाद्य भगवन्सुपर्याप्तो महा वरः।

kaṁ dadāmi ca vai kāmaṁ vada bhoste yathepsitam rudra uvāca eṣa evādya bhagavansuparyāpto mahā varaḥ

What desired thing shall I grant you? Tell me, as you wish.' Rudra said: 'O Lord, this alone is today a fully sufficient and great boon for me —

Verse 179 (padma.1.14.179)

यद्दृष्टोसि जगद्वंद्य जगत्कर्तर्नमोस्तुते। महता यज्ञसाध्येन बहुकालार्जितेन च।

yaddṛṣṭosi jagadvaṁdya jagatkartarnamostute mahatā yajñasādhyena bahukālārjitena ca

that I have beheld you, worshipped by all the world, creator of the world — homage to you! Through a great sacrifice, accomplished and earned over a long time,

Verse 180 (padma.1.14.180)

प्राणव्ययकरेण त्वं तपसा देव दृश्यते। इदं कपालं देवेश न करात्पतितं विभो।

prāṇavyayakareṇa tvaṁ tapasā deva dṛśyate idaṁ kapālaṁ deveśa na karātpatitaṁ vibho

through austerity that consumes even one's very life-breath, O god, are you to be seen. Yet, O Lord of gods, O mighty one, this skull has still not fallen from my hand.

Verse 181 (padma.1.14.181)

त्रपाकरा ऋषीणां च चर्यैषा कुत्सिता विभो। त्वत्प्रसादाद्व्रतं चेदं कृतं कापालिकं तु यत्।

trapākarā ṛṣīṇāṁ ca caryaiṣā kutsitā vibho tvatprasādādvrataṁ cedaṁ kṛtaṁ kāpālikaṁ tu yat

O mighty one, this conduct of mine is a cause of shame among the sages, and is despised. By your grace, this Kapalika vow that has been performed —

Verse 182 (padma.1.14.182)

सिद्धमेतत्प्रपन्नस्य महाव्रतमिहोच्यताम्। पुण्यप्रदेशे यस्मिंस्तु क्षिपामीदं वदस्व मे।

siddhametatprapannasya mahāvratamihocyatām puṇyapradeśe yasmiṁstu kṣipāmīdaṁ vadasva me

let this great vow be declared here fulfilled for me, who have taken refuge in you. In what sacred place should I cast this away — tell me,

Verse 183 (padma.1.14.183)

पूतो भवामि येनाहं मुनीनां भावितात्मनाम्। ब्रह्मोवाच। अविमुक्तं भगवतः स्थानमस्ति पुरातनम्।

pūto bhavāmi yenāhaṁ munīnāṁ bhāvitātmanām brahmovāca avimuktaṁ bhagavataḥ sthānamasti purātanam

so that I may become pure in the eyes of sages of purified soul.' Brahma said: 'There is an ancient place of the Lord, known as Avimukta —

Verse 184 (padma.1.14.184)

कपालमोचनं तीर्थं तव तत्र भविष्यति। अहं च त्वं स्थितस्तत्र विष्णुश्चापि भविष्यति।

kapālamocanaṁ tīrthaṁ tava tatra bhaviṣyati ahaṁ ca tvaṁ sthitastatra viṣṇuścāpi bhaviṣyati

there the tirtha named Kapalamochana ('skull-releasing') shall become yours. I, and you, shall dwell there, and Vishnu too shall be there.

Verse 185 (padma.1.14.185)

दर्शने भवतस्तत्र महापातकिनोपि ये। तेपि भोगान्समश्नंति विशुद्धा भवने मम।

darśane bhavatastatra mahāpātakinopi ye tepi bhogānsamaśnaṁti viśuddhā bhavane mama

By the mere sight of you there, even great sinners, fully purified, shall enjoy blessings in my own abode.

Verse 186 (padma.1.14.186)

वरणापि असीचापि द्वे नद्यौ सुरवल्लभे। अंतराले तयोः क्षेत्रे वध्या न विशति क्वचित्।

varaṇāpi asīcāpi dve nadyau suravallabhe aṁtarāle tayoḥ kṣetre vadhyā na viśati kvacit

Varana and Asi are two rivers, beloved of the gods; within the sacred field between them, death — or sin — never finds entry.

Verse 187 (padma.1.14.187)

तीर्थानां प्रवरं तीर्थं क्षेत्राणां प्रवरं तव। आदेहपतनाद्ये तु क्षेत्रं सेवंति मानवाः।

tīrthānāṁ pravaraṁ tīrthaṁ kṣetrāṇāṁ pravaraṁ tava ādehapatanādye tu kṣetraṁ sevaṁti mānavāḥ

It is the foremost of tirthas, the foremost of sacred fields — yours. Those men who dwell in that sacred field until their body falls away,

Verse 188 (padma.1.14.188)

ते मृता हंसयानेन दिवं यांत्यकुतोभयाः। पंचक्रोशप्रमाणेन क्षेत्रं दत्तं मया तव।

te mṛtā haṁsayānena divaṁ yāṁtyakutobhayāḥ paṁcakrośapramāṇena kṣetraṁ dattaṁ mayā tava

they, upon death, go to heaven upon a swan-vehicle, free of all fear. I have granted you a sacred field of five krosha's extent.

Verse 189 (padma.1.14.189)

क्षेत्रमध्याद्यदा गंगा गमिष्यति सरित्पतिम्। तदा सा महती पुण्या पुरी रुद्र भविष्यति।

kṣetramadhyādyadā gaṁgā gamiṣyati saritpatim tadā sā mahatī puṇyā purī rudra bhaviṣyati

When, through the middle of this sacred field, the Ganga shall flow toward the lord of rivers, then, O Rudra, a great and sacred city shall arise there.

Verse 190 (padma.1.14.190)

पुण्या चोदङ्मुखी गंगा प्राची चापि सरस्वती। उदङ्मुखी योजने द्वे गच्छते जाह्नवी नदी।

puṇyā codaṅmukhī gaṁgā prācī cāpi sarasvatī udaṅmukhī yojane dve gacchate jāhnavī nadī

The sacred Ganga, flowing northward, and Sarasvati, flowing eastward — the river Jahnavi flows northward for two yojanas.

Verse 191 (padma.1.14.191)

तत्र वै विबुधाः सर्वे मया सह सवासवाः। आगता वासमेष्यंति कपालं तत्र मोचय।

tatra vai vibudhāḥ sarve mayā saha savāsavāḥ āgatā vāsameṣyaṁti kapālaṁ tatra mocaya

There all the gods, together with me and Vasava (Indra), shall come and take up their abode. Go there and release the skull.

Verse 192 (padma.1.14.192)

तस्मिंस्तीर्थे तु ये गत्वा पिण्डदानेन वै पितॄन्। श्राद्धैस्तु प्रीणयिष्यंति तेषां लोकोऽक्षयो दिवि।

tasmiṁstīrthe tu ye gatvā piṇḍadānena vai pitṝn śrāddhaistu prīṇayiṣyaṁti teṣāṁ loko'kṣayo divi

Those who go to that tirtha and satisfy the ancestors with the offering of rice-balls and shraddha rites — for them there shall be an imperishable world in heaven.

Verse 193 (padma.1.14.193)

वाराणस्यां महातीर्थे नरः स्नातो विमुच्यते। सप्तजन्मकृतात्पापाद्गमनादेव मुच्यते।

vārāṇasyāṁ mahātīrthe naraḥ snāto vimucyate saptajanmakṛtātpāpādgamanādeva mucyate

A man who bathes at the great tirtha of Varanasi is released; by the mere act of going there, he is freed even from sins committed across seven births.

Verse 194 (padma.1.14.194)

तत्तीर्थं सर्वतीर्थानामुत्तमं परिकीर्तितम्। त्यजंति तत्र ये प्राणान्प्राणिनः प्रणतास्तव।

tattīrthaṁ sarvatīrthānāmuttamaṁ parikīrtitam tyajaṁti tatra ye prāṇānprāṇinaḥ praṇatāstava

That tirtha is declared the foremost of all tirthas. Those living beings who give up their breath there, bowed before you,

Verse 195 (padma.1.14.195)

रुद्रत्वं ते समासाद्य मोदंते भवता सह। तत्रापि हि तु यद्दत्तं दानं रुद्र यतात्मना।

rudratvaṁ te samāsādya modaṁte bhavatā saha tatrāpi hi tu yaddattaṁ dānaṁ rudra yatātmanā

attain the very state of Rudra and rejoice together with you. And there too, O Rudra, whatever gift is given by a self-controlled person,

Verse 196 (padma.1.14.196)

स्यान्महच्च फलं तस्य भविता भावितात्मनः। स्वांगस्फुटित संस्कारं तत्र कुर्वंति ये नराः।

syānmahacca phalaṁ tasya bhavitā bhāvitātmanaḥ svāṁgasphuṭita saṁskāraṁ tatra kurvaṁti ye narāḥ

that shall bear great fruit for one of purified soul. Those who there perform the consecrating rite of marking their own limbs,

Verse 197 (padma.1.14.197)

ते रुद्रलोकमासाद्य मोदंते सुखिनः सदा। तत्र पूजा जपो होमः कृतो भवति देहिनां।

te rudralokamāsādya modaṁte sukhinaḥ sadā tatra pūjā japo homaḥ kṛto bhavati dehināṁ

attain the world of Rudra and rejoice there always in happiness. Worship, recitation, and fire-oblation performed there by embodied beings,

Verse 198 (padma.1.14.198)

अनंतफलदः स्वर्गो रुद्रभक्तियुतात्मनः। तत्र दीपप्रदाने तु ज्ञानचक्षुर्भवेन्नरः।

anaṁtaphaladaḥ svargo rudrabhaktiyutātmanaḥ tatra dīpapradāne tu jñānacakṣurbhavennaraḥ

grant a heaven of endless fruit to one whose soul is filled with devotion to Rudra. By offering a lamp there, a man attains the eye of knowledge.

Verse 199 (padma.1.14.199)

अव्यंगं तरुणं सौम्यं रूपवंतं तु गोसुतम्। योङ्कयित्वा मोचयति स याति परमं पदम्।

avyaṁgaṁ taruṇaṁ saumyaṁ rūpavaṁtaṁ tu gosutam yoṅkayitvā mocayati sa yāti paramaṁ padam

Whoever brands and then releases a young, gentle, handsome, unblemished bull-calf attains the supreme state,

Verse 200 (padma.1.14.200)

पितृभिः सहितो मोक्षं गच्छते नात्र संशयः। अथ किं बहुनोक्तेन यत्तत्र क्रियते नरैः।

pitṛbhiḥ sahito mokṣaṁ gacchate nātra saṁśayaḥ atha kiṁ bahunoktena yattatra kriyate naraiḥ

and, together with his ancestors, attains liberation — of this there is no doubt. What need of saying more — whatever is done there by men,

Verse 201 (padma.1.14.201)

कर्मधर्मं समुद्दिश्य तदनंतफलं भवेत्। स्वर्गापवर्गयोर्हेतुस्तद्धि तीर्थम्मतं भुवि।

karmadharmaṁ samuddiśya tadanaṁtaphalaṁ bhavet svargāpavargayorhetustaddhi tīrthammataṁ bhuvi

if directed toward righteous action, bears endless fruit. That tirtha is indeed held, on earth, to be the cause of both heaven and final liberation.

Verse 202 (padma.1.14.202)

स्नानाज्जपात्तथा होमादनंतफलसाधनम्। गत्वा वाराणसीतीर्थं भक्त्या रुद्रपरायणाः।

snānājjapāttathā homādanaṁtaphalasādhanam gatvā vārāṇasītīrthaṁ bhaktyā rudraparāyaṇāḥ

Through bathing, recitation, and fire-oblation, it is the means to endless fruit. Devotees devoted to Rudra, going with devotion to the tirtha of Varanasi,

Verse 203 (padma.1.14.203)

ये तत्र पंचतां प्राप्ता भक्तास्ते नात्र संशयः। वसवः पितरो ज्ञेया रुद्राश्चैव पितामहाः।

ye tatra paṁcatāṁ prāptā bhaktāste nātra saṁśayaḥ vasavaḥ pitaro jñeyā rudrāścaiva pitāmahāḥ

those devotees who attain death there — of this there is no doubt. The Vasus are to be known as equivalent to the ancestors, and the Rudras as the grandfathers,

Verse 204 (padma.1.14.204)

प्रपितामहास्तथादित्या इत्येषा वैदिकी श्रुतिः। त्रिविधः पिंडदानाय विधिरुक्तो मयानघ।

prapitāmahāstathādityā ityeṣā vaidikī śrutiḥ trividhaḥ piṁḍadānāya vidhirukto mayānagha

and the Adityas as the great-grandfathers — this is the Vedic teaching. O sinless one, I have declared a threefold rite for the offering of rice-balls.

Verse 205 (padma.1.14.205)

मानुषैः पिंडादानं तु कार्यमत्रागतैस्सदा। पिंडदानं च तत्रैव स्वपुत्रैः कार्यमादरात्।

mānuṣaiḥ piṁḍādānaṁ tu kāryamatrāgataissadā piṁḍadānaṁ ca tatraiva svaputraiḥ kāryamādarāt

Men who come there must always perform the offering of rice-balls; and there, sons too must perform the offering of rice-balls with reverence.

Verse 206 (padma.1.14.206)

सुपुत्रास्ते पितॄणां तु भवंति सुखदायकाः। प्रोक्तं तीर्थं मया तुभ्यं दर्शनादपि मुक्तिदम्।

suputrāste pitṝṇāṁ tu bhavaṁti sukhadāyakāḥ proktaṁ tīrthaṁ mayā tubhyaṁ darśanādapi muktidam

Good sons alone become a source of happiness for their ancestors. I have thus told you of this tirtha, which grants liberation even by mere sight.

Verse 207 (padma.1.14.207)

स्नात्वा तु सलिले तत्र मुच्यते जन्मबंधनात्। विमुक्तो ब्रह्महत्यायास्तत्र रुद्र यथासुखम्।

snātvā tu salile tatra mucyate janmabaṁdhanāt vimukto brahmahatyāyāstatra rudra yathāsukham

Bathing in its waters, one is freed from the bondage of birth. O Rudra, freed from the sin of brahmin-slaying, dwell there at your ease.

Verse 208 (padma.1.14.208)

अविमुक्ते मया दत्ते तिष्ठ त्वं भार्यया सह। रुद्र उवाच। पृथिव्यां यानि तीर्थानि तेष्वहं विष्णुना सह।

avimukte mayā datte tiṣṭha tvaṁ bhāryayā saha rudra uvāca pṛthivyāṁ yāni tīrthāni teṣvahaṁ viṣṇunā saha

Dwell, together with your wife, in Avimukta, granted by me.' Rudra said: 'In whatever tirthas exist upon this earth, in all of them, together with Vishnu,

Verse 209 (padma.1.14.209)

तिष्ठामि भवतोक्तेन वर एष वृतो मया। अहं देवो महादेव आराध्यो भवता सदा।

tiṣṭhāmi bhavatoktena vara eṣa vṛto mayā ahaṁ devo mahādeva ārādhyo bhavatā sadā

I shall abide, as you have said — this is the boon I have chosen. May I, the god Mahadeva, always be worshipped by you.

Verse 210 (padma.1.14.210)

वरं दास्यामि ते चाहं संतुष्टेनांतरात्मना। विष्णोश्चाहं प्रदास्यामि वरांश्च मनसीप्सितान्।

varaṁ dāsyāmi te cāhaṁ saṁtuṣṭenāṁtarātmanā viṣṇoścāhaṁ pradāsyāmi varāṁśca manasīpsitān

And I too, with a fully satisfied inner self, shall grant you a boon; and on Vishnu's behalf as well I shall grant the boons desired in the mind,

Verse 211 (padma.1.14.211)

सुराणां चैव सर्वेषां मुनीनां भवितात्मनाम्। अहं दाता अहं याच्यो नान्यो भाव्यः कथंचन।

surāṇāṁ caiva sarveṣāṁ munīnāṁ bhavitātmanām ahaṁ dātā ahaṁ yācyo nānyo bhāvyaḥ kathaṁcana

of all the gods and of sages of purified soul as well. I am the giver, I am the one to be entreated — no other is ever to be regarded so.'

Verse 212 (padma.1.14.212)

ब्रह्मोवाच। एवं करिष्येहं रुद्र यत्वयोक्तं वचः शुभम्। नारायणश्च ते वाक्यं कर्ता सर्वं न संशयः।

brahmovāca evaṁ kariṣyehaṁ rudra yatvayoktaṁ vacaḥ śubham nārāyaṇaśca te vākyaṁ kartā sarvaṁ na saṁśayaḥ

Brahma said: 'So shall I do, O Rudra, that auspicious word which you have spoken; and Narayana too shall fulfill everything of your word — of this there is no doubt.'

Verse 213 (padma.1.14.213)

विसृज्यैवं तदा रुद्रं ब्रह्मा चांतरधीयत। वाराणस्यां महादेवो गत्वा तीर्थं न्यवेशयत्।

visṛjyaivaṁ tadā rudraṁ brahmā cāṁtaradhīyata vārāṇasyāṁ mahādevo gatvā tīrthaṁ nyaveśayat

Having thus taken leave of Rudra, Brahma then vanished. Mahadeva, going to Varanasi, established that tirtha there.