The Marriage of Gauri

Verse 1 (padma.1.43.1)

पुलस्त्य उवाच-। प्रादुरासीत्प्रतीहारः शुभ्रचीनांशुकांबरः। स जानुभ्यां महीं गत्वा पिहितास्यश्च पाणिना

pulastya uvāca- prādurāsītpratīhāraḥ śubhracīnāṁśukāṁbaraḥ sa jānubhyāṁ mahīṁ gatvā pihitāsyaśca pāṇinā

Pulastya said: A gatekeeper appeared, clad in shining silken garments. Touching the ground with his knees, and covering his mouth with his hand—

Verse 2 (padma.1.43.2)

उवाचानाविलं वाक्यमल्पाक्षरपरिष्कृतम्। दैत्येंद्रमर्कवृंदाभं बिभ्रतं भास्वरं वपुः

uvācānāvilaṁ vākyamalpākṣarapariṣkṛtam daityeṁdramarkavṛṁdābhaṁ bibhrataṁ bhāsvaraṁ vapuḥ

—he spoke a clear, brief and polished word to the lord of the daityas, who bore a radiant form like a multitude of suns.

Verse 3 (padma.1.43.3)

कालनेमिः सुरान्बद्ध्वा प्रादाय द्वारि तिष्ठति। स विज्ञापयति स्थेयं क्व वंदिनि च यैः प्रभो

kālanemiḥ surānbaddhvā prādāya dvāri tiṣṭhati sa vijñāpayati stheyaṁ kva vaṁdini ca yaiḥ prabho

"Kalanemi, having bound the gods, stands at the gate bringing them. He asks, O lord, where they should be kept, and by whom guarded."

Verse 4 (padma.1.43.4)

तन्निशम्याब्रवीद्दैत्यः प्रतीहारस्य भाषितम्। यथेष्ठं स्थीयतामेभिर्गृहं मे भुवनत्रयं

tanniśamyābravīddaityaḥ pratīhārasya bhāṣitam yatheṣṭhaṁ sthīyatāmebhirgṛhaṁ me bhuvanatrayaṁ

Hearing this, the daitya replied: "Let them stay wherever they wish — my house is the three worlds itself."

Verse 5 (padma.1.43.5)

केवलं वासवं त्वेकं मुंडयित्वा विमुच्यताम्। सितवस्त्रपरिच्छन्नं शुनःपादेन चिह्नितम्

kevalaṁ vāsavaṁ tvekaṁ muṁḍayitvā vimucyatām sitavastraparicchannaṁ śunaḥpādena cihnitam

"Only Vasava (Indra) alone should be shaved and released — clad in white cloth and marked with the print of a dog's paw."

Verse 6 (padma.1.43.6)

एवं कृते ततो देवा दूयमानेन चेतसा। जग्मुर्जगद्गुरुं द्रष्टुं शरणं कमलोद्भवम्

evaṁ kṛte tato devā dūyamānena cetasā jagmurjagadguruṁ draṣṭuṁ śaraṇaṁ kamalodbhavam

When this was done, the gods, their hearts grieving, went for refuge to see the guru of the universe, the lotus-born Brahma.

Verse 7 (padma.1.43.7)

विनिर्विण्णास्तमासाद्य शिरोभिर्द्धरणीं गताः। तुष्टुवुः सुष्ठु वर्णाढ्यैर्वचोभिः कमलासनम्

vinirviṇṇāstamāsādya śirobhirddharaṇīṁ gatāḥ tuṣṭuvuḥ suṣṭhu varṇāḍhyairvacobhiḥ kamalāsanam

Utterly despondent, they came to him and touched the ground with their heads, and praised the lotus-seated one with words rich in fine syllables.

Verse 8 (padma.1.43.8)

देवा ऊचुः-। नमस्त्वोंकारांकुरादिप्रसूत्यै विश्वस्थानानंतभेदस्य पूर्वम्। संभूतस्यानंतरं सत्वमूले संहारेच्छोस्ते नमः सत्वमूर्त्ते

devā ūcuḥ- namastvoṁkārāṁkurādiprasūtyai viśvasthānānaṁtabhedasya pūrvam saṁbhūtasyānaṁtaraṁ satvamūle saṁhārecchoste namaḥ satvamūrtte

The gods said: Salutations to you, O manifestation arising from the very sprout of Om, who came into being before the endless diversity of the universe, established at the root of existence, and who now desires its dissolution.

Verse 9 (padma.1.43.9)

व्यक्तीनां त्वामादिभूतं महिम्ना चास्मादस्मानभिधानाद्विचिंत्य। द्यावापृथ्व्योरूर्द्ध्वलोकांस्तथाधश्चांडादस्मात्त्वं विभागं चकर्थ

vyaktīnāṁ tvāmādibhūtaṁ mahimnā cāsmādasmānabhidhānādviciṁtya dyāvāpṛthvyorūrddhvalokāṁstathādhaścāṁḍādasmāttvaṁ vibhāgaṁ cakartha

You are the first source of all manifest things by your own greatness; and by this very self-knowing power you fashioned from this cosmic egg the division of heaven and earth, the worlds above and below.

Verse 10 (padma.1.43.10)

व्यक्तं मेरुर्यज्जरायुस्तवाभूदेवं विद्मस्त्वत्प्रणीतोवकाशः। व्यक्तं देवा जज्ञिरे यस्य देहाद्देहस्यांतश्चारिणो देहभाजः

vyaktaṁ meruryajjarāyustavābhūdevaṁ vidmastvatpraṇītovakāśaḥ vyaktaṁ devā jajñire yasya dehāddehasyāṁtaścāriṇo dehabhājaḥ

We know that manifest Meru arose as your very womb-caul, and by your ordinance came this expanse. From your manifest body the gods were born, and within that body dwell all embodied beings.

Verse 11 (padma.1.43.11)

द्यौस्ते मूर्द्धा लोचने चंद्रसूर्यौ व्यालाः केशाः श्रोत्ररंध्रे दिशस्ते। गात्रं यज्ञः सिंधवः संधयो वै पादौ भूमिस्तूदरं ते समुद्राः

dyauste mūrddhā locane caṁdrasūryau vyālāḥ keśāḥ śrotraraṁdhre diśaste gātraṁ yajñaḥ siṁdhavaḥ saṁdhayo vai pādau bhūmistūdaraṁ te samudrāḥ

Heaven is your head, the sun and moon your eyes, serpents your hair, the directions your ears' openings; sacrifice is your body, the rivers your joints, the earth your feet, and the oceans your belly.

Verse 12 (padma.1.43.12)

मायाकारः कारणं त्वं प्रसिद्धो वेदैः शांतो ज्योतिरर्कस्त्वमुक्तः। वेदार्थेन त्वां विवृण्वंति बुद्ध्या हृत्पद्मांतः संनिविष्टं पुराणम्

māyākāraḥ kāraṇaṁ tvaṁ prasiddho vedaiḥ śāṁto jyotirarkastvamuktaḥ vedārthena tvāṁ vivṛṇvaṁti buddhyā hṛtpadmāṁtaḥ saṁniviṣṭaṁ purāṇam

You are the maker of maya and the cause of all, proclaimed by the Vedas as the tranquil light, called the sun itself. By the meaning of the Vedas, through intellect, they reveal you as the primeval one seated within the lotus of the heart.

Verse 13 (padma.1.43.13)

त्वां चात्मानं लब्धयोगा गृणंति सांख्यैर्याः स्ताः सप्तसूक्ष्माः प्रणीताः। तासां हेतुर्याष्टमी चापि गीता तास्वंतस्थो जीवभूतस्त्वमेव

tvāṁ cātmānaṁ labdhayogā gṛṇaṁti sāṁkhyairyāḥ stāḥ saptasūkṣmāḥ praṇītāḥ tāsāṁ heturyāṣṭamī cāpi gītā tāsvaṁtastho jīvabhūtastvameva

Those who have attained yoga proclaim you as the Self; the seven subtle principles taught by the Samkhyas, and the eighth which is their cause, are sung of — and dwelling within all of them as the individual soul, you alone are that.

Verse 14 (padma.1.43.14)

दृष्ट्वा मूर्त्तिं स्थूलसूक्ष्मांचकार ये वै भावाः कारणे केचिदुक्ताः। संभूतास्ते त्वत्त एवादिसर्गे भूयस्तास्त्वां वासनां तेभ्युपेयाः

dṛṣṭvā mūrttiṁ sthūlasūkṣmāṁcakāra ye vai bhāvāḥ kāraṇe keciduktāḥ saṁbhūtāste tvatta evādisarge bhūyastāstvāṁ vāsanāṁ tebhyupeyāḥ

Whatever principles, gross or subtle, are declared to exist as causes, all of them arose from you alone at the first creation, and again resolve back into you as their latent tendency.

Verse 15 (padma.1.43.15)

त्वत्संकेतस्त्वंतरायो निगूढः कालोऽमेयो ध्वस्तसंख्याविकल्पः। भावाभावाव्यक्तिसंहारहेतुः सोऽनंतस्त्वं तस्य कर्ता निधानम्

tvatsaṁketastvaṁtarāyo nigūḍhaḥ kālo'meyo dhvastasaṁkhyāvikalpaḥ bhāvābhāvāvyaktisaṁhārahetuḥ so'naṁtastvaṁ tasya kartā nidhānam

Your very signal is the hidden, immeasurable Time, beyond all count and distinction, the cause of being, non-being, manifestation, and dissolution. That infinite Time is yours; you are its maker and its resting place.

Verse 16 (padma.1.43.16)

स्थूलस्सर्वोऽनर्थभूतस्ततोन्यस्सोऽर्थस्सूक्ष्मो यो हि तेभ्योपिगीतः। स्थूला भावाश्चावृता यैश्च तेषां तेभ्यः स्थूलस्त्वं पुराणे प्रणीतः

sthūlassarvo'narthabhūtastatonyasso'rthassūkṣmo yo hi tebhyopigītaḥ sthūlā bhāvāścāvṛtā yaiśca teṣāṁ tebhyaḥ sthūlastvaṁ purāṇe praṇītaḥ

All that is gross is without ultimate meaning; other than it, the subtle is the true reality. Yet by whatever gross conditions even that is enveloped, you are taught in the Purana to be more fundamental still.

Verse 17 (padma.1.43.17)

भूतंभूतं भूतिमद्भूतभावं भावेभावे भावितं त्वं युनक्षि। युक्तंयुक्तं व्यक्तिभावान्निरस्य स्थानेस्थाने व्यक्तिवृत्तिं करोषि

bhūtaṁbhūtaṁ bhūtimadbhūtabhāvaṁ bhāvebhāve bhāvitaṁ tvaṁ yunakṣi yuktaṁyuktaṁ vyaktibhāvānnirasya sthānesthāne vyaktivṛttiṁ karoṣi

Every being, endowed with existence, brought into its own state of becoming, you unite; and dissolving every union again, you bring about, place by place, the play of manifestation.

Verse 18 (padma.1.43.18)

इत्थं देवो व्यक्तिभाजां शरण्यस्त्राता गोप्ता भावितोऽनंतमूर्तिः। विरेमुरमरास्तु त्वा ब्रह्माणमिति कारणम्

itthaṁ devo vyaktibhājāṁ śaraṇyastrātā goptā bhāvito'naṁtamūrtiḥ viremuramarāstu tvā brahmāṇamiti kāraṇam

Thus, O god, refuge of all manifest beings, their protector and guardian, meditated on as the form without end — the immortals, having praised you, Brahma, the cause, fell silent.

Verse 19 (padma.1.43.19)

तस्थुर्मनोभिरिष्टार्थसंप्राप्ति प्रार्थनास्ततः। एवं स्तुतो विरिंचिस्तु प्रसादं परमं गतः

tasthurmanobhiriṣṭārthasaṁprāpti prārthanāstataḥ evaṁ stuto viriṁcistu prasādaṁ paramaṁ gataḥ

They stood in silence, their minds set on the fulfillment of their desired purpose, praying inwardly. Thus praised, Virinchi attained supreme grace of heart.

Verse 20 (padma.1.43.20)

अमरान्वरदोप्याह वामहस्तेन निर्दिशन्। ब्रह्मोवाच-। नारी वा भर्तृका कस्माद्धस्तसंत्यक्तभूषणा

amarānvaradopyāha vāmahastena nirdiśan brahmovāca- nārī vā bhartṛkā kasmāddhastasaṁtyaktabhūṣaṇā

Granter of boons, Brahma addressed the immortals, gesturing with his left hand. Brahma said: "Like a wife bereft of her husband, ornaments cast aside — why are you thus?"

Verse 21 (padma.1.43.21)

न राजसे कुतश्शक्रा म्लानवक्त्रसरोरुहः। हुताशनवियुक्तोपि धूमेन न विराजसे

na rājase kutaśśakrā mlānavaktrasaroruhaḥ hutāśanaviyuktopi dhūmena na virājase

"Why do you not shine, Shakra? Why is your lotus-face withered? Even fire, parted from its flame, does not shine through smoke alone."

Verse 22 (padma.1.43.22)

तृणौघेन प्रतिच्छन्नो दग्धदावश्चिरोषितः। यमामयशरीरेण क्लिष्टो नाद्य विराजसे

tṛṇaughena praticchanno dagdhadāvaściroṣitaḥ yamāmayaśarīreṇa kliṣṭo nādya virājase

"Like a long-quenched forest fire hidden beneath fresh grass, or a body afflicted by illness unto death — you do not shine today."

Verse 23 (padma.1.43.23)

दंडेनालंबनेनेव कृष्टो येन पदेपदे। रजनीचरनाथ त्वं किं भीत इव भाषसे

daṁḍenālaṁbaneneva kṛṣṭo yena padepade rajanīcaranātha tvaṁ kiṁ bhīta iva bhāṣase

"As though dragged step by step by a staff — why, lord over the night-rovers, do you speak as if afraid?"

Verse 24 (padma.1.43.24)

राक्षसेंन्द्रकृतादाने त्वमरातिक्षतो यथा। तनुस्ते वरुणोच्छुष्कापरीतस्येव वह्निना

rākṣaseṁndrakṛtādāne tvamarātikṣato yathā tanuste varuṇocchuṣkāparītasyeva vahninā

"As though seized by the lord of the rakshasas, wounded by an enemy — your body seems like fire dried up by Varuna's waters."

Verse 25 (padma.1.43.25)

विमुक्तरुधिरं चाथ पदं त्वं प्रविलोकय। वायो भवान्विचेतस्कः खड्गाग्रैरिव निष्कृतः

vimuktarudhiraṁ cātha padaṁ tvaṁ pravilokaya vāyo bhavānvicetaskaḥ khaḍgāgrairiva niṣkṛtaḥ

"Look at your own blood-drained foot. O Vayu, you seem bereft of your senses, as if cut through by sword-points."

Verse 26 (padma.1.43.26)

किं त्वं नतोसि धनद संत्यज्येव कुबेरतां। रुद्रास्त्रिशूलिनः संतोऽविदध्वं बहुशूरतां

kiṁ tvaṁ natosi dhanada saṁtyajyeva kuberatāṁ rudrāstriśūlinaḥ saṁto'vidadhvaṁ bahuśūratāṁ

"Why, giver of wealth, do you bow, as though abandoning your very lordship? And you Rudras, bearers of the trident — where has your great valor gone?"

Verse 27 (padma.1.43.27)

भवतां केन चाक्षिप्ता तीव्रता नस्तदुच्यतां। एवमुक्ताः सुरास्तेन ब्रह्मणा ब्रह्मवर्तिना

bhavatāṁ kena cākṣiptā tīvratā nastaducyatāṁ evamuktāḥ surāstena brahmaṇā brahmavartinā

"By whom has your fierce power been struck down? Tell me this." Thus addressed by Brahma, who abides in the absolute—

Verse 28 (padma.1.43.28)

वाचां प्रधानभूतत्वात्ते मारुतमचोदयन्। अथ शक्रमुखैर्देवैः पवनः प्रतिचोदितः

vācāṁ pradhānabhūtatvātte mārutamacodayan atha śakramukhairdevaiḥ pavanaḥ praticoditaḥ

—the gods, since he presides over speech, urged Vayu to answer. Then Vayu, thus urged by Indra and the other gods—

Verse 29 (padma.1.43.29)

प्राह देवं चतुर्वक्त्रं भवान्वेत्ति चराचरं। पुरहूतमुखाः सबला निमिषा विजिताः प्रसभं किल दैत्यशतैः

prāha devaṁ caturvaktraṁ bhavānvetti carācaraṁ purahūtamukhāḥ sabalā nimiṣā vijitāḥ prasabhaṁ kila daityaśataiḥ

—said to the four-faced god: "You know all that moves and does not move. Indra and the other mighty ones, in an instant, have been forcibly conquered by hundreds of daityas."

Verse 30 (padma.1.43.30)

क्रतवो विहिता भवता स्थितये जगतां च महाद्भुतचित्रगुणाः। अपि यज्ञकृतः श्रुतकामफला विहिता ॠषयस्तत एव पुरः

kratavo vihitā bhavatā sthitaye jagatāṁ ca mahādbhutacitraguṇāḥ api yajñakṛtaḥ śrutakāmaphalā vihitā ṝṣayastata eva puraḥ

"Sacrifices of wondrous, varied powers were ordained by you for the maintenance of the worlds; and sages who perform them, whose fruits are known from scripture, were also established by you of old."

Verse 31 (padma.1.43.31)

अपि नाकमभूत्किल यज्ञभुजां भवतो विनियोगवशात्सततम्। अपहृत्यविमानगणं सकृतो दनुजेन महाकरभूमिसमः

api nākamabhūtkila yajñabhujāṁ bhavato viniyogavaśātsatatam apahṛtyavimānagaṇaṁ sakṛto danujena mahākarabhūmisamaḥ

"Heaven itself always belonged to the enjoyers of sacrifice by your own ordinance — yet the danava has seized its very fleets of celestial cars, reducing it to a mere tribute-paying province."

Verse 32 (padma.1.43.32)

कृतवानसि सर्वगुणातिशयं यमशेषमहीधरराजतया। मखभूषितमंशुमतामवधिं सुरधामगिरिं गगनेपि सदा

kṛtavānasi sarvaguṇātiśayaṁ yamaśeṣamahīdhararājatayā makhabhūṣitamaṁśumatāmavadhiṁ suradhāmagiriṁ gaganepi sadā

"You made Mount Meru — foremost among all mountain-kings, ever adorned with sacrifice, the very boundary of the sun's rays, supreme even in the sky — endowed with every excellence."

Verse 33 (padma.1.43.33)

अधिवासविहारविधानुचितो दनुजेन परिष्कृतशृंगतटः। प्रविलम्बितरत्नगुहानिवहो बहुदैत्यसमाश्रयतां गमितः

adhivāsavihāravidhānucito danujena pariṣkṛtaśṛṁgataṭaḥ pravilambitaratnaguhānivaho bahudaityasamāśrayatāṁ gamitaḥ

"That mountain, once fit only for the gods' dwelling and sport, has had its very peaks and slopes seized by the danava, its jewel-caves made the resort of many daityas."

Verse 34 (padma.1.43.34)

असुरस्य च तस्य भयेन गतं सविषाद शरीरनिमित्ततया। उपभोग्यतयाधिकृतं सुचिरं विमलद्युतिपूरितदिग्वदनं

asurasya ca tasya bhayena gataṁ saviṣāda śarīranimittatayā upabhogyatayādhikṛtaṁ suciraṁ vimaladyutipūritadigvadanaṁ

"Out of fear of that asura, it has, to its own sorrow, become a mere object of his enjoyment, though for so long it filled the quarters of the sky with its spotless radiance."

Verse 35 (padma.1.43.35)

भवतैव विनिर्मितमादियुगे सुरहेतिसमूहवरं कुलिशं। दितिजस्य शरीरमवाप्यगतं शतधा मतिभेदमिवाल्पविदः

bhavataiva vinirmitamādiyuge surahetisamūhavaraṁ kuliśaṁ ditijasya śarīramavāpyagataṁ śatadhā matibhedamivālpavidaḥ

"Even the thunderbolt, best of divine weapons, which you yourself fashioned in the first age, shattered into a hundred pieces upon reaching that son of Diti's body — like the understanding of a man of little wisdom faced with a hard doubt."

Verse 36 (padma.1.43.36)

बाणैश्च युधि विद्धांगा द्वारि द्वास्थैर्निदर्शिताः। लब्धप्रवेशाः कृच्छ्रेण वयं तस्यामरद्विषः

bāṇaiśca yudhi viddhāṁgā dvāri dvāsthairnidarśitāḥ labdhapraveśāḥ kṛcchreṇa vayaṁ tasyāmaradviṣaḥ

"Our limbs pierced by arrows in battle, we were presented at his gate by the door-keepers; only with great difficulty did we gain entrance to that foe-of-the-immortals' assembly."

Verse 37 (padma.1.43.37)

सभायाममरादेव प्रकृष्योपनिवेशिताः। वेत्रहस्तैरजल्पंतस्तथोपहसिताः परैः

sabhāyāmamarādeva prakṛṣyopaniveśitāḥ vetrahastairajalpaṁtastathopahasitāḥ paraiḥ

"We were dragged and seated in his hall like servants, and by his cane-bearing attendants, though we did not speak, we were mocked by his followers."

Verse 38 (padma.1.43.38)

महार्थाः सिद्धसर्वार्था भवंतः स्वल्पभाषिणः। शास्त्रयुक्तमथ ब्रूत मामरा बहुभाषिणः

mahārthāḥ siddhasarvārthā bhavaṁtaḥ svalpabhāṣiṇaḥ śāstrayuktamatha brūta māmarā bahubhāṣiṇaḥ

"'You gods, of great purpose, who have accomplished every aim, are yet men of few words — speak me something backed by scripture, you talkative immortals!' [Taraka mocked us thus]."

Verse 39 (padma.1.43.39)

सभेयं दैत्यसिंहस्य न शक्रस्य विशृंखला। वदद्भिरिति दैत्यस्य प्रेष्यैर्विहसिता बहु

sabheyaṁ daityasiṁhasya na śakrasya viśṛṁkhalā vadadbhiriti daityasya preṣyairvihasitā bahu

"'This assembly belongs to the lion among daityas, not to unruly Shakra' — so saying, his servants mocked us at length."

Verse 40 (padma.1.43.40)

ॠतवो मूर्तिमंतश्चाप्यहर्निशमुपासते। कृतापराधं सत्रासं न त्यजंति कथंचन

ṝtavo mūrtimaṁtaścāpyaharniśamupāsate kṛtāparādhaṁ satrāsaṁ na tyajaṁti kathaṁcana

"The very seasons, taking bodily form, wait upon him day and night; and one who has offended him, however terrified, is never released, come what may."

Verse 41 (padma.1.43.41)

तंत्रीलयनयोपेतं सिद्धगंधर्वकिन्नरैः। सरागमुपधाविष्टं गीयते तस्य वेश्मसु

taṁtrīlayanayopetaṁ siddhagaṁdharvakinnaraiḥ sarāgamupadhāviṣṭaṁ gīyate tasya veśmasu

"In his halls, songs full of melody are sung by Siddhas, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras, accompanied by lute and rhythm."

Verse 42 (padma.1.43.42)

कृताकृतोपकरणैर्मित्रादि गुरुलाघवः। शरणागतसंत्यागी त्यक्तसत्यप्रतिश्रयः

kṛtākṛtopakaraṇairmitrādi gurulāghavaḥ śaraṇāgatasaṁtyāgī tyaktasatyapratiśrayaḥ

"With means both fair and foul, he weighs friend and foe by mere convenience; he abandons those who seek refuge, and has forsaken every bond of truth."

Verse 43 (padma.1.43.43)

इति निश्शेषमथवा निश्शेषं केन शक्यते। तस्याविनयमाख्यातुं स्रष्टा तत्र परायणम्

iti niśśeṣamathavā niśśeṣaṁ kena śakyate tasyāvinayamākhyātuṁ sraṣṭā tatra parāyaṇam

"Thus — or rather, who indeed could fully describe his utter want of discipline? Only the Creator himself is capable of that."

Verse 44 (padma.1.43.44)

इत्युक्त्वा व्यरमद्वायुः शनैर्देवविचेष्टितं। सुरानुवाच भगवांस्ततः स्मितमुखांबुजः

ityuktvā vyaramadvāyuḥ śanairdevaviceṣṭitaṁ surānuvāca bhagavāṁstataḥ smitamukhāṁbujaḥ

Having said this, Vayu slowly fell silent, having recounted the gods' plight. Then the blessed lord, his lotus-face breaking into a smile, spoke to the gods.

Verse 45 (padma.1.43.45)

ब्रह्मोवाच। अवध्यस्तारको दैत्यः सर्वैरपि सुरासुरैः। यस्य वध्यस्स नाद्यापि जातस्त्रिभुवने पुमान्

brahmovāca avadhyastārako daityaḥ sarvairapi surāsuraiḥ yasya vadhyassa nādyāpi jātastribhuvane pumān

Brahma said: "The daitya Taraka cannot be slain by any god or demon whatsoever; the man by whom he is to be slain has not yet been born in the three worlds."

Verse 46 (padma.1.43.46)

मया स वरदानेन छंदयित्वा निवारितः। तपसः सांप्रतं राजा त्रैलोक्यदहनात्मकः

mayā sa varadānena chaṁdayitvā nivāritaḥ tapasaḥ sāṁprataṁ rājā trailokyadahanātmakaḥ

"By granting him his own choice of boon, I restrained him — and now, [born] of his own austerity, he has become a king whose very nature is to burn the three worlds."

Verse 47 (padma.1.43.47)

स तु वव्रे वधं दैत्यश्शिशुतः सप्तवासरात्। स तु सप्तदिनो बालः शंकराद्यो भविष्यति

sa tu vavre vadhaṁ daityaśśiśutaḥ saptavāsarāt sa tu saptadino bālaḥ śaṁkarādyo bhaviṣyati

"That daitya chose death only at the hands of a seven-day-old infant. And that seven-day-old child shall be born of Shankara."

Verse 48 (padma.1.43.48)

तारकस्य निहंता स भास्कराभो भविष्यति। सांप्रतं चाप्यपत्नीकः शंकरो भगवान्प्रभुः

tārakasya nihaṁtā sa bhāskarābho bhaviṣyati sāṁprataṁ cāpyapatnīkaḥ śaṁkaro bhagavānprabhuḥ

"He, radiant as the sun, shall become the slayer of Taraka. But at present the blessed lord Shankara is without a wife."

Verse 49 (padma.1.43.49)

हिमाचलस्य दुहिता या च देवी भविष्यति। तस्याः सकाशाद्यः सूनुररण्याः पावको यथा

himācalasya duhitā yā ca devī bhaviṣyati tasyāḥ sakāśādyaḥ sūnuraraṇyāḥ pāvako yathā

"The daughter who will be born to the Himalaya mountain shall become that goddess. From her a son shall be born, as fire is born from friction-wood—"

Verse 50 (padma.1.43.50)

जनयिष्यति तं प्राप्य तारको न भविष्यति। मयाऽभ्युपायः कथितो यथैष हि भविष्यति

janayiṣyati taṁ prāpya tārako na bhaviṣyati mayā'bhyupāyaḥ kathito yathaiṣa hi bhaviṣyati

"—and when he is born, Taraka shall be no more. I have told you the means by which this shall come to pass."

Verse 51 (padma.1.43.51)

शेषं चाप्यस्य विभवं विभजध्वमनंतरं। स्तोककालं प्रतीक्षध्वं निर्विशंकेन चेतसा

śeṣaṁ cāpyasya vibhavaṁ vibhajadhvamanaṁtaraṁ stokakālaṁ pratīkṣadhvaṁ nirviśaṁkena cetasā

"As for the rest of his power, deal with it as it comes. For a little while yet, wait with untroubled minds."

Verse 52 (padma.1.43.52)

इत्युक्तास्त्रिदशास्तेन साक्षात्कमलयोनिना। जग्मुस्ते प्रणिपत्येशं यथायोगं दिवौकसः

ityuktāstridaśāstena sākṣātkamalayoninā jagmuste praṇipatyeśaṁ yathāyogaṁ divaukasaḥ

Thus addressed by the lotus-born one himself, the gods bowed to the Lord and returned, each to his own place in heaven.

Verse 53 (padma.1.43.53)

ततो यातेषु देवेषु ब्रह्मा लोकपितामहः। निशां सस्मार भगवांस्तां देवीं पूर्वसंभवां

tato yāteṣu deveṣu brahmā lokapitāmahaḥ niśāṁ sasmāra bhagavāṁstāṁ devīṁ pūrvasaṁbhavāṁ

Then, when the gods had gone, Brahma, grandsire of the worlds, called to mind that primordially-born goddess, Night.

Verse 54 (padma.1.43.54)

ततो भगवती रात्रिरुपतस्थे पितामहं। तां विविक्ते समालोक्य ब्रह्मोवाच विभावरीम्

tato bhagavatī rātrirupatasthe pitāmahaṁ tāṁ vivikte samālokya brahmovāca vibhāvarīm

Then the blessed goddess Night presented herself before the grandsire. Beholding her alone, Brahma spoke to that lady of darkness.

Verse 55 (padma.1.43.55)

ब्रह्मोवाच-। विभावरि महत्कार्यं देवानां समुपस्थितं। तत्कर्तव्यं त्वया देवि शृणु कार्यस्य निश्चयं

brahmovāca- vibhāvari mahatkāryaṁ devānāṁ samupasthitaṁ tatkartavyaṁ tvayā devi śṛṇu kāryasya niścayaṁ

Brahma said: "O Night, a great task on behalf of the gods has now arisen; it must be accomplished by you, goddess. Hear the resolve of that task."

Verse 56 (padma.1.43.56)

तारकोनाम दैत्येंद्रः सुरशत्रुरनिर्जितः। तस्या भवाय भगवान्जनयिष्यति चेश्वरः

tārakonāma daityeṁdraḥ suraśatruranirjitaḥ tasyā bhavāya bhagavānjanayiṣyati ceśvaraḥ

"There is an unconquered lord of the daityas named Taraka, enemy of the gods. For his destruction, the blessed Lord Shiva shall beget a son."

Verse 57 (padma.1.43.57)

सुतं स भविता तस्य तारकस्यांतकः किल। शंकरस्याभवत्पत्नी सती दक्षसुता तु या

sutaṁ sa bhavitā tasya tārakasyāṁtakaḥ kila śaṁkarasyābhavatpatnī satī dakṣasutā tu yā

"That son shall become the death of Taraka. She who was Shankara's wife, Sati, daughter of Daksha—"

Verse 58 (padma.1.43.58)

सा पितुः कुपिता देवी कस्मिंश्चित्कारणांतरे। भवित्री हिमशैलस्य दुहिता लोकभाविनी

sā pituḥ kupitā devī kasmiṁścitkāraṇāṁtare bhavitrī himaśailasya duhitā lokabhāvinī

"—that goddess, angered at her father for a certain reason, shall be reborn as the daughter of the Himalaya mountain, she who is to become the mother of the world."

Verse 59 (padma.1.43.59)

विरहेण हरस्तस्या मत्वा शून्यं जगत्त्रयं। स तस्य हिमशैलस्य कंदरे सिद्धसेविते

viraheṇa harastasyā matvā śūnyaṁ jagattrayaṁ sa tasya himaśailasya kaṁdare siddhasevite

"Hara, grieving her separation and thinking the three worlds empty without her, shall dwell for a time in a cave of that Himalaya mountain, frequented by Siddhas—"

Verse 60 (padma.1.43.60)

प्रतीक्षमाणस्तज्जन्म किंचित्कालं निवत्स्यति। तयोः सुतप्ततपसोर्भविता यो महान्सुतः

pratīkṣamāṇastajjanma kiṁcitkālaṁ nivatsyati tayoḥ sutaptatapasorbhavitā yo mahānsutaḥ

"—awaiting her birth. The great son who shall be born of the two of them, both deep in austerity—"

Verse 61 (padma.1.43.61)

भविष्यति स दैत्यस्य तारकस्य विनाशकः। जातमात्रा च सा देवी स्वल्पसंज्ञेव भामिनी

bhaviṣyati sa daityasya tārakasya vināśakaḥ jātamātrā ca sā devī svalpasaṁjñeva bhāminī

"—shall become the destroyer of the daitya Taraka. As soon as that goddess is born, though still an infant of little awareness—"

Verse 62 (padma.1.43.62)

विरहोत्कंठिता गाढं हरसंगमलालसा। तयोः सुतप्ततपसोः संयोगः स्याच्छुभावहः

virahotkaṁṭhitā gāḍhaṁ harasaṁgamalālasā tayoḥ sutaptatapasoḥ saṁyogaḥ syācchubhāvahaḥ

"—she shall be deeply anguished by separation, longing intensely for union with Hara. The union of the two of them, both matured through austerity, shall bring great good."

Verse 63 (padma.1.43.63)

ततस्ताभ्यां तु जनितः स्वल्पो वाक्कलहो भवेत्। ततस्तु संशयो भूयस्तारकस्य च दृश्यते

tatastābhyāṁ tu janitaḥ svalpo vākkalaho bhavet tatastu saṁśayo bhūyastārakasya ca dṛśyate

"But between them a small verbal dispute shall then arise, from which Taraka's own fear shall again seem to have some ground."

Verse 64 (padma.1.43.64)

तयोः संयुक्तयोस्तस्मात्सुरतासक्तिकारणे। विघ्नं त्वया विधातव्यं यथा ताभ्यां तथा शृणु

tayoḥ saṁyuktayostasmātsuratāsaktikāraṇe vighnaṁ tvayā vidhātavyaṁ yathā tābhyāṁ tathā śṛṇu

"Therefore, when the two of them are united in the intimacy of love, an obstacle must be created by you between them — hear how."

Verse 65 (padma.1.43.65)

गर्भस्थमेवतन्मातुः स्वेन रूपेण संज्ञया। ततो विहस्य शर्वस्तां विषण्णो नर्मपूर्वकं

garbhasthamevatanmātuḥ svena rūpeṇa saṁjñayā tato vihasya śarvastāṁ viṣaṇṇo narmapūrvakaṁ

"[You shall reveal] to the mother, while the child is still in the womb, its true form and name. Then Shiva, somewhat troubled, shall laugh and, in jest—"

Verse 66 (padma.1.43.66)

भर्त्सयिष्यति तां देवीं ततः सा कुपिता सती। प्रयास्यति तपश्चर्तुं ततः सा तपसा युता

bhartsayiṣyati tāṁ devīṁ tataḥ sā kupitā satī prayāsyati tapaścartuṁ tataḥ sā tapasā yutā

"—shall chide the goddess. Then she, offended, shall go off to perform austerity; and thus engaged in tapas—"

Verse 67 (padma.1.43.67)

जनयिष्यति तं शर्वादमितद्युतिमंडलं। संभविष्यति हंतासौ सुरारीणामसंशयम्

janayiṣyati taṁ śarvādamitadyutimaṁḍalaṁ saṁbhaviṣyati haṁtāsau surārīṇāmasaṁśayam

"—she shall bring forth from Shiva that son of boundless radiant form. He shall without doubt become the slayer of the enemies of the gods."

Verse 68 (padma.1.43.68)

त्वयापि दानवा देवि हंतव्या लोकदुर्जयाः। यावत्सुरेश्वरी देहसंक्रांतगुणसंचया

tvayāpi dānavā devi haṁtavyā lokadurjayāḥ yāvatsureśvarī dehasaṁkrāṁtaguṇasaṁcayā

"You too, O goddess, must slay the danavas otherwise unconquerable, for as long as the queen of the gods has not transferred her accumulated power into that body—"

Verse 69 (padma.1.43.69)

तत्संगमेन तावत्त्वं दैत्यान्हंतुं न शक्यसे। एवं कृते तपस्तप्त्वा त्वया सर्वं करिष्यति

tatsaṁgamena tāvattvaṁ daityānhaṁtuṁ na śakyase evaṁ kṛte tapastaptvā tvayā sarvaṁ kariṣyati

"—until that union, you alone will not be able to slay the daityas. When this has been done, having performed her austerity, she shall accomplish everything."

Verse 70 (padma.1.43.70)

समाप्तनियमा देवि यदा चोमा भविष्यति। तदा स्वमेव सा रूपं शैलजा प्रतिपत्स्यते

samāptaniyamā devi yadā comā bhaviṣyati tadā svameva sā rūpaṁ śailajā pratipatsyate

"When her vow is complete, O goddess, and she becomes Uma, then that daughter of the mountain shall assume her own true form."

Verse 71 (padma.1.43.71)

तदा त्वयापि सहिता भवानी सा भविष्यति। रूपांशेन तु संयुक्ता उमायास्त्वं भविष्यसि

tadā tvayāpi sahitā bhavānī sā bhaviṣyati rūpāṁśena tu saṁyuktā umāyāstvaṁ bhaviṣyasi

"Then she, Bhavani, shall be accompanied by you as well; joined to Uma by a portion of her form, you shall become one with her."

Verse 72 (padma.1.43.72)

एकानंशेति लोकस्त्वां वरदे पूजयिष्यति। भेदैर्बहुविधाकारैः सर्वगां कामसाधिनीम्

ekānaṁśeti lokastvāṁ varade pūjayiṣyati bhedairbahuvidhākāraiḥ sarvagāṁ kāmasādhinīm

"As Ekanamsha, O granter of boons, the world shall worship you, all-pervading, fulfiller of desires, in many varied forms."

Verse 73 (padma.1.43.73)

ॐकारवक्त्रा गायत्री त्वमिति ब्रह्मवादिभिः। आक्रांतैरूर्जिताकारा राजभिश्च महाभुजैः

oṁkāravaktrā gāyatrī tvamiti brahmavādibhiḥ ākrāṁtairūrjitākārā rājabhiśca mahābhujaiḥ

"You are Gayatri, whose face is the syllable Om, so declared by those who expound Brahman; and you take mighty form for kings hard-pressed in battle."

Verse 74 (padma.1.43.74)

त्वं भूरिति विशां माता शूद्रैश्शैवेति पूजिता। क्षांतिर्मुनीनामक्षोभ्या दया नियमिनामपि

tvaṁ bhūriti viśāṁ mātā śūdraiśśaiveti pūjitā kṣāṁtirmunīnāmakṣobhyā dayā niyamināmapi

"You are Bhu, mother of the common folk; worshipped by shudras as Shaivi; you are the unshakeable forbearance of sages, and the compassion of those bound by vows."

Verse 75 (padma.1.43.75)

त्वं महोपायसंदेहो नीतिर्नयविसर्पिणाम्। परिचित्तिस्त्वमर्थानां त्वमीहा प्राणिहृच्छया

tvaṁ mahopāyasaṁdeho nītirnayavisarpiṇām paricittistvamarthānāṁ tvamīhā prāṇihṛcchayā

"You are the great resolver of doubt in supreme method, the policy of statecraft; you are discernment of true purposes, and the desire dwelling in every heart."

Verse 76 (padma.1.43.76)

त्वं मुक्तिस्सर्वभूतानां त्वं गतिः सर्वदेहिनाम्। रतिस्त्वं रतचित्तानां प्रीतिस्त्वं हृदि देहिनाम्

tvaṁ muktissarvabhūtānāṁ tvaṁ gatiḥ sarvadehinām ratistvaṁ ratacittānāṁ prītistvaṁ hṛdi dehinām

"You are liberation for all beings, the goal of every embodied soul; you are the delight of hearts fixed on you, the love within every heart."

Verse 77 (padma.1.43.77)

त्वं कीर्तिः सत्यभूतानां त्वं शांतिर्दुष्टकर्मणाम्। त्वं भ्रांतिः सर्वभूतानां त्वं गतिः क्रतुयाजिनाम्

tvaṁ kīrtiḥ satyabhūtānāṁ tvaṁ śāṁtirduṣṭakarmaṇām tvaṁ bhrāṁtiḥ sarvabhūtānāṁ tvaṁ gatiḥ kratuyājinām

"You are the fame of the truthful, the atonement for evil deeds; you are the delusion of all beings, and the destination of those who perform sacrifice."

Verse 78 (padma.1.43.78)

जलधीनां महावेला त्वं च लीलाविलासिनी। प्रियकंठग्रहानंददायिनी त्वं विभावरी

jaladhīnāṁ mahāvelā tvaṁ ca līlāvilāsinī priyakaṁṭhagrahānaṁdadāyinī tvaṁ vibhāvarī

"You are the great shore-boundary of the oceans, playful and full of sport; you, O Night, are the giver of the joy of a beloved's embrace."

Verse 79 (padma.1.43.79)

इत्यनेकविधैर्देवी रूपैर्लोके त्वमर्चिता। ये त्वां स्तोष्यंति वरदे पूजयिष्यंति चापि ये

ityanekavidhairdevī rūpairloke tvamarcitā ye tvāṁ stoṣyaṁti varade pūjayiṣyaṁti cāpi ye

"Thus, O goddess, you are worshipped in the world under these many forms. Whoever shall praise you, O granter of boons, and whoever shall worship you—"

Verse 80 (padma.1.43.80)

ते सर्वकामानाप्स्यंति नियता नात्र संशयः। इत्युक्ता तु निशा देवी तथेत्युक्त्वा कृताञ्जलि

te sarvakāmānāpsyaṁti niyatā nātra saṁśayaḥ ityuktā tu niśā devī tathetyuktvā kṛtāñjali

"—they shall surely obtain all their desires; of this there is no doubt." Thus addressed, the goddess Night, saying "so be it," with joined palms—

Verse 81 (padma.1.43.81)

जगाम त्वरिता तूर्णं गृहं हिमगिरेर्महत्। तत्रासीनां महाहर्म्ये रत्नभित्तिसमाश्रयाम्

jagāma tvaritā tūrṇaṁ gṛhaṁ himagirermahat tatrāsīnāṁ mahāharmye ratnabhittisamāśrayām

—she went hastily to the great house of the Himalaya. There, in a mansion resting against jeweled walls, she saw Mena—

Verse 82 (padma.1.43.82)

ददर्श मेनामापाण्डुच्छविवक्त्रसरोरुहाम्। किंचित्क्षामां मुखोदग्रस्तनभारावनामिताम्

dadarśa menāmāpāṇḍucchavivaktrasaroruhām kiṁcitkṣāmāṁ mukhodagrastanabhārāvanāmitām

—her lotus-face somewhat pale, slightly wasted, bent forward a little by the weight of her breasts.

Verse 83 (padma.1.43.83)

महौषधिगणाबद्ध मंत्रराजनिषेविताम्। उदूढकनकोन्नद्ध जीवरक्षा मनोरमाम्

mahauṣadhigaṇābaddha maṁtrarājaniṣevitām udūḍhakanakonnaddha jīvarakṣā manoramām

She wore bundles of potent herbs and mantra-bound threads, and a lovely golden life-protecting amulet.

Verse 84 (padma.1.43.84)

मणिदीपगणज्योतिर्महालोकप्रकाशिते। प्रकीर्णबहुसिद्धार्थमनोज्ञपरिचारके

maṇidīpagaṇajyotirmahālokaprakāśite prakīrṇabahusiddhārthamanojñaparicārake

That chamber shone bright with the light of many jeweled lamps, filled with fine attendants and every auspicious item—

Verse 85 (padma.1.43.85)

शुद्धचीनांशुकच्छत्र भूशय्यास्तरणोज्ज्वले। धूपामोदमनोरम्ये सज्ज सर्वोपयोगिके

śuddhacīnāṁśukacchatra bhūśayyāstaraṇojjvale dhūpāmodamanoramye sajja sarvopayogike

—bright with pure silken canopies, bedding spread on the floor, delightful with incense, furnished with everything needful.

Verse 86 (padma.1.43.86)

ततः क्रमेण दिवसे गते दूरं विभावरी। विजृंभितसुखोदर्के ततो मेना महागृहे

tataḥ krameṇa divase gate dūraṁ vibhāvarī vijṛṁbhitasukhodarke tato menā mahāgṛhe

As the day drew far to its close, Night, growing wide with comfort, in that great house of Mena—

Verse 87 (padma.1.43.87)

प्रसुप्तप्रायपुरुषे निद्राभूतोपचारके। स्फुटालोके शशभृति भ्रान्तरात्रिविहंगमे

prasuptaprāyapuruṣe nidrābhūtopacārake sphuṭāloke śaśabhṛti bhrāntarātrivihaṁgame

—when its people had mostly fallen asleep, attendants lost in slumber, the moon shining clear, night-birds wandering—

Verse 88 (padma.1.43.88)

रजनीचर संचारभूतैरावृत चत्वरे। गाढकंठग्रहालग्ने शुभगोष्टजने ततः

rajanīcara saṁcārabhūtairāvṛta catvare gāḍhakaṁṭhagrahālagne śubhagoṣṭajane tataḥ

—its courtyards filled with roaming night-creatures, the auspicious household folk locked in close embrace—

Verse 89 (padma.1.43.89)

किंचिदाकुलतां प्राप्ते मेना नेत्रांबुजद्वये। आविवेश मुखे रात्रिः सुखमद्भुतसंगमा

kiṁcidākulatāṁ prāpte menā netrāṁbujadvaye āviveśa mukhe rātriḥ sukhamadbhutasaṁgamā

—as Mena's lotus-eyes grew somewhat restless, Night entered her mouth in a wondrous, blissful union.

Verse 90 (padma.1.43.90)

उन्मादाय जगन्मातुः क्रमेण जठरांतरे। आविवेशातुलं जन्म मन्यमाना कदा तु वै

unmādāya jaganmātuḥ krameṇa jaṭharāṁtare āviveśātulaṁ janma manyamānā kadā tu vai

For the delight of the world's mother, she gradually entered the womb, wondering when that incomparable birth would come.

Verse 91 (padma.1.43.91)

अरंजयद्गृहं देव्या गुहारण्ये विभावरी। ततो जगत्या निर्वाणहेतुर्हिमगिरिप्रिया

araṁjayadgṛhaṁ devyā guhāraṇye vibhāvarī tato jagatyā nirvāṇaheturhimagiripriyā

Night thus delighted that goddess's mountain-forest home. Then she, the cause of the world's peace, the beloved daughter of the Himalaya—

Verse 92 (padma.1.43.92)

ब्राह्मे मुहूर्ते सुभगे प्रासूयत गुहारणिं। तस्यां तु जायमानायां जंतवः स्थाणुजंगमाः

brāhme muhūrte subhage prāsūyata guhāraṇiṁ tasyāṁ tu jāyamānāyāṁ jaṁtavaḥ sthāṇujaṁgamāḥ

—gave birth, in the auspicious Brahma-muhurta, to her who would kindle Guha's birth. As she was born, all creatures, moving and unmoving—

Verse 93 (padma.1.43.93)

अभवन्सुखिनः सर्वे सर्वलोकनिवासिनः। नारकाणामपि तदा सुखं स्वर्गसमं महत्

abhavansukhinaḥ sarve sarvalokanivāsinaḥ nārakāṇāmapi tadā sukhaṁ svargasamaṁ mahat

—all dwellers of every world grew joyful. Even the denizens of hell felt, at that moment, a great joy equal to heaven's.

Verse 94 (padma.1.43.94)

अभवत्क्रूरसत्वानां चेतः शांतं च देहिनाम्। ज्योतिषामपि तेजस्तु सुतरां चाभवत्तदा

abhavatkrūrasatvānāṁ cetaḥ śāṁtaṁ ca dehinām jyotiṣāmapi tejastu sutarāṁ cābhavattadā

The hearts of even cruel creatures grew peaceful; and the light of the heavenly bodies shone with even greater brilliance.

Verse 95 (padma.1.43.95)

वनाश्रिताश्चोषधयः स्वादवंति फलानि च। गंधवंति च माल्यानि विमलं च नभोऽभवत्

vanāśritāścoṣadhayaḥ svādavaṁti phalāni ca gaṁdhavaṁti ca mālyāni vimalaṁ ca nabho'bhavat

The forest herbs and fruits grew sweet, garlands grew fragrant, and the sky became spotlessly clear.

Verse 96 (padma.1.43.96)

मारुतश्च सुखस्पर्शो दिशश्च सुमनोहराः। ॠतूद्भूतफलायोग परिपाकगुणोज्ज्वला

mārutaśca sukhasparśo diśaśca sumanoharāḥ ṝtūdbhūtaphalāyoga paripākaguṇojjvalā

The wind blew with a pleasant touch, the directions grew lovely, radiant with the ripened excellence of the season's fruits.

Verse 97 (padma.1.43.97)

अभवत्पृथिवी देवी शालिमालाकुलापि च। तपांसि दीर्घचीर्णानि मुनीनां भावितात्मनाम्

abhavatpṛthivī devī śālimālākulāpi ca tapāṁsi dīrghacīrṇāni munīnāṁ bhāvitātmanām

The earth-goddess became covered with garlands of rice-crops. The long-practiced austerities of purified sages—

Verse 98 (padma.1.43.98)

तस्मिन्गतानि साफल्यं काले निर्मलचेतसाम्। विस्मृतानि च शास्त्राणि प्रादुर्भावं प्रपेदिरे

tasmingatāni sāphalyaṁ kāle nirmalacetasām vismṛtāni ca śāstrāṇi prādurbhāvaṁ prapedire

—reached fulfillment at that time for those of stainless mind, and forgotten scriptures came again to light.

Verse 99 (padma.1.43.99)

प्रभावस्तीर्थमुख्यानां तदा पुण्यतमस्त्वभूत्। अंतरिक्षेऽमराश्चासन्विमानेषु सहस्रशः

prabhāvastīrthamukhyānāṁ tadā puṇyatamastvabhūt aṁtarikṣe'marāścāsanvimāneṣu sahasraśaḥ

The power of the foremost sacred fords became most potent then. In the sky the immortals appeared, thousands upon thousands, in their celestial cars—

Verse 100 (padma.1.43.100)

समहेंद्रजलाधीश वायु वह्नि पुरोगमाः। पुष्पवृष्टिं प्रमुमुचुस्तस्मिंस्तुहिन भूधरे

samaheṁdrajalādhīśa vāyu vahni purogamāḥ puṣpavṛṣṭiṁ pramumucustasmiṁstuhina bhūdhare

—led by great Indra, the lord of waters, Vayu and Agni, and showered flowers upon that snow-mountain.

Verse 101 (padma.1.43.101)

जगुर्गंधर्वमुख्याश्च ननृतुश्चाप्सरोगणाः। मेरुप्रभृतयश्चापि मूर्तिमंतो महाचलाः

jagurgaṁdharvamukhyāśca nanṛtuścāpsarogaṇāḥ meruprabhṛtayaścāpi mūrtimaṁto mahācalāḥ

The foremost gandharvas sang, troupes of apsarases danced; and even Meru and the other great mountains, taking bodily form—

Verse 102 (padma.1.43.102)

तस्मिन्महोत्सवे प्राप्ते दिव्याः प्रसृतपाणयः। सागरास्सरितश्चैव समाजग्मुश्च सर्वशः

tasminmahotsave prāpte divyāḥ prasṛtapāṇayaḥ sāgarāssaritaścaiva samājagmuśca sarvaśaḥ

—came, hands outstretched with divine offerings, to that great festival; and the oceans and rivers too all gathered there.

Verse 103 (padma.1.43.103)

हिमशैलोऽभवल्लोके तदा सर्वैश्चराचरैः। संसेव्यश्चाधिगम्यश्च साश्रयश्चाचलोत्तमः

himaśailo'bhavalloke tadā sarvaiścarācaraiḥ saṁsevyaścādhigamyaśca sāśrayaścācalottamaḥ

The Himalaya then became, for all moving and unmoving beings, a mountain fit to be resorted to, attained, and taken refuge in — the very best of mountains.

Verse 104 (padma.1.43.104)

अनुभूयोत्सवं देवा जग्मुः स्वान्निलयास्तदा। देवनागेंद्रगंधर्वशैललीलावती गणैः

anubhūyotsavaṁ devā jagmuḥ svānnilayāstadā devanāgeṁdragaṁdharvaśailalīlāvatī gaṇaiḥ

Having enjoyed the festival, the gods returned to their own abodes. Playful among the throngs of gods, naga-lords, gandharvas, and mountains—

Verse 105 (padma.1.43.105)

हिमशैलसुता देवी त्वहंपूर्विकया ततः। क्रमेण बुद्धिमानीता विद्याञ्चानलसैर्बुधैः

himaśailasutā devī tvahaṁpūrvikayā tataḥ krameṇa buddhimānītā vidyāñcānalasairbudhaiḥ

—that goddess, daughter of the Himalaya, each nurse vying to be first, was gradually brought to intelligence and instructed by tireless wise teachers.

Verse 106 (padma.1.43.106)

क्रमेण रूपसौभाग्यप्रबोधैर्भुवनत्रये। संपूर्णलक्षणा जाता हिमालयसुता तथा

krameṇa rūpasaubhāgyaprabodhairbhuvanatraye saṁpūrṇalakṣaṇā jātā himālayasutā tathā

By degrees, through beauty, good fortune, and awakening understanding, the daughter of the Himalaya became, in the three worlds, one of every perfect mark.

Verse 107 (padma.1.43.107)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे शक्रो नारदं देवसंमतम्। देवर्षिमथ सस्मार कार्यसाधनतत्परः

etasminnaṁtare śakro nāradaṁ devasaṁmatam devarṣimatha sasmāra kāryasādhanatatparaḥ

Meanwhile Indra, intent on accomplishing his purpose, called to mind Narada, the divine sage esteemed by all.

Verse 108 (padma.1.43.108)

स तु शक्रस्य विज्ञाय कांक्षितं भगवांस्तदा। आजगाम मुदा युक्तो महेंद्रस्य निवेशनम्

sa tu śakrasya vijñāya kāṁkṣitaṁ bhagavāṁstadā ājagāma mudā yukto maheṁdrasya niveśanam

Knowing Indra's wish, the blessed sage came, filled with joy, to the abode of great Indra.

Verse 109 (padma.1.43.109)

तं तु दृष्ट्वा सहस्राक्षः समुत्थाय महासनात्। यथार्हेण तु पाद्येन पूजयामास वासवः

taṁ tu dṛṣṭvā sahasrākṣaḥ samutthāya mahāsanāt yathārheṇa tu pādyena pūjayāmāsa vāsavaḥ

Seeing him, thousand-eyed Indra rose from his great seat and honored him fittingly with water for his feet.

Verse 110 (padma.1.43.110)

शक्रप्रणिहितां पूजां प्रतिगृह्य यथाविधि। नारदः कुशलं देवमपृच्छत्पाकशासनम्

śakrapraṇihitāṁ pūjāṁ pratigṛhya yathāvidhi nāradaḥ kuśalaṁ devamapṛcchatpākaśāsanam

Accepting Indra's due honor according to rite, Narada asked Indra after his welfare.

Verse 111 (padma.1.43.111)

पृष्टे च कुशले शक्रः प्रोवाच वचनं प्रभुः। इंद्र उवाच-। कुशलस्यांकुरस्तावत्संवृत्तो भुवनत्रये

pṛṣṭe ca kuśale śakraḥ provāca vacanaṁ prabhuḥ iṁdra uvāca- kuśalasyāṁkurastāvatsaṁvṛtto bhuvanatraye

Asked after his welfare, Lord Indra spoke. Indra said: 'The sprout of well-being has now appeared in the three worlds.'

Verse 112 (padma.1.43.112)

तत्फलोद्भवसंपत्तौ त्वं मया विदितो मुने। वेत्स्येव तत्समस्तं त्वं तथापि परिचोदितः

tatphalodbhavasaṁpattau tvaṁ mayā vidito mune vetsyeva tatsamastaṁ tvaṁ tathāpi paricoditaḥ

'In bringing that sprout to fruit, I know you, O sage, to be essential. Though you already know all, still I am urged to say—'

Verse 113 (padma.1.43.113)

निर्वृतिं परमां याति निवेद्यार्थं सुहृज्जने। तद्यथाशैलजा देवी योगं यायात्पिनाकिना

nirvṛtiṁ paramāṁ yāti nivedyārthaṁ suhṛjjane tadyathāśailajā devī yogaṁ yāyātpinākinā

'—one attains highest satisfaction by declaring one's purpose to friends. So let the mountain's daughter come to union with Shiva, the wielder of the Pinaka bow—'

Verse 114 (padma.1.43.114)

शीघ्रं तथोद्यमः सर्वैरस्मत्पक्षैर्विधीयताम्। अवगम्यार्थमखिलं तत आमंत्र्य नारदः

śīghraṁ tathodyamaḥ sarvairasmatpakṣairvidhīyatām avagamyārthamakhilaṁ tata āmaṁtrya nāradaḥ

'—and let all effort toward that end be made swiftly by our side.' Understanding the whole purpose, and taking leave—

Verse 115 (padma.1.43.115)

शीघ्रं जगाम भगवान्हिमशैलनिकेतनम्। तत्र द्वारे स विप्रेंद्रश्चित्रवेत्रलताकुले

śīghraṁ jagāma bhagavānhimaśailaniketanam tatra dvāre sa vipreṁdraścitravetralatākule

—the blessed Narada went quickly to the Himalaya's abode. There, at the gate adorned with ornamented cane-lattices—

Verse 116 (padma.1.43.116)

वंदितो हिमशैलेन निर्गतेन पुरो मुनिः। सह प्रविश्य भवनं भुवो भूषणतां गतम्

vaṁdito himaśailena nirgatena puro muniḥ saha praviśya bhavanaṁ bhuvo bhūṣaṇatāṁ gatam

—the sage was honored by the Himalaya, who came forth to greet him, and together they entered that mansion, ornament of the earth.

Verse 117 (padma.1.43.117)

निवेदिते स्वयं हैमे हिमशैलेन विस्तृते। महासने मुनिवरो निषसादातुलद्युतिः

nivedite svayaṁ haime himaśailena vistṛte mahāsane munivaro niṣasādātuladyutiḥ

On a great golden seat, offered by the Himalaya himself, the best of sages, of matchless radiance, sat down.

Verse 118 (padma.1.43.118)

यथार्हमर्घ्यं पाद्यं च शैलस्तस्मै न्यवेदयेत्। मुनिः स प्रतिजग्राह तमर्घ्यं विधिवत्तदा

yathārhamarghyaṁ pādyaṁ ca śailastasmai nyavedayet muniḥ sa pratijagrāha tamarghyaṁ vidhivattadā

The mountain offered him arghya and water for his feet, and the sage duly received it according to rite.

Verse 119 (padma.1.43.119)

गृहीतार्घम्मुनिश्रेष्ठमपृच्छत्श्लक्ष्णया गिरा। कुशलं तपसः शैलः शनैः फुल्लाननांबुजः

gṛhītārghammuniśreṣṭhamapṛcchatślakṣṇayā girā kuśalaṁ tapasaḥ śailaḥ śanaiḥ phullānanāṁbujaḥ

Having accepted the arghya, the mountain, his face slowly blossoming, gently asked the sage after the welfare of his austerities.

Verse 120 (padma.1.43.120)

मुनिरप्यद्रिराजानमपृच्छत्कुशलं तदा। नारद उवाच-। अहो धर्मोचितस्तेऽस्ति संनिवेशो महागिरे

munirapyadrirājānamapṛcchatkuśalaṁ tadā nārada uvāca- aho dharmocitaste'sti saṁniveśo mahāgire

The sage too asked the mountain-king after his welfare. Narada said: 'Ah, great mountain, your very situation is fit for dharma.'

Verse 121 (padma.1.43.121)

पृथुत्वं मनसा तुल्यं कंदराणां तवानघ। गुरुत्वं ते गुणौघानां स्थावरादतिरिच्यते

pṛthutvaṁ manasā tulyaṁ kaṁdarāṇāṁ tavānagha gurutvaṁ te guṇaughānāṁ sthāvarādatiricyate

'The breadth of your caverns, sinless one, matches your breadth of mind; your virtues weigh even more than your own solid mass.'

Verse 122 (padma.1.43.122)

प्रसन्नता च तोयस्य मुनिभ्यश्चाधिका तव। न लक्षयामः शैलेन्द्र कुत्राविनयिता स्थिता

prasannatā ca toyasya munibhyaścādhikā tava na lakṣayāmaḥ śailendra kutrāvinayitā sthitā

'The clarity of your waters surpasses even that of sages. We find nowhere, king of mountains, any impropriety dwelling in you.'

Verse 123 (padma.1.43.123)

नाना तपोभिर्मुनिभिर्ज्वलनार्कसमप्रभैः। पावनैः पावितो नित्यं त्वं कंदरसमाश्रयैः

nānā tapobhirmunibhirjvalanārkasamaprabhaiḥ pāvanaiḥ pāvito nityaṁ tvaṁ kaṁdarasamāśrayaiḥ

'You are ever purified by the various austerities of sages, radiant as fire and sun, holy ones sheltered in your caverns.'

Verse 124 (padma.1.43.124)

अवमत्य विमानानि स्वर्गवासविरागिणः। पितुर्गृहइवासीना देवगंधर्वकिन्नराः

avamatya vimānāni svargavāsavirāgiṇaḥ piturgṛhaivāsīnā devagaṁdharvakinnarāḥ

'Gods, gandharvas, and kinnaras, disdaining even their celestial cars, sit here as though in their own father's house.'

Verse 125 (padma.1.43.125)

अहो धन्योसि शैलेन्द्र यस्य ते कंदरं हरः। अध्यास्ते लोकनाथो हि रामध्यानपरायणः

aho dhanyosi śailendra yasya te kaṁdaraṁ haraḥ adhyāste lokanātho hi rāmadhyānaparāyaṇaḥ

'Blessed indeed are you, king of mountains, whose cavern is dwelt in by Hara himself, lord of the world, absorbed in meditation.'

Verse 126 (padma.1.43.126)

इत्युक्तवति देवर्षौ नारदे सादरं गिरा। हिमशैलस्य महिषी मेना मुनिदिदृक्षया

ityuktavati devarṣau nārade sādaraṁ girā himaśailasya mahiṣī menā munididṛkṣayā

While the divine sage Narada was thus speaking respectfully, Mena, queen of the Himalaya, desiring to see the sage—

Verse 127 (padma.1.43.127)

अनुयाता दुहित्रा तु स्वल्पालिपरिचारिका। लज्जाप्रणयनम्राङ्गी प्रविवेश निकेतनम्

anuyātā duhitrā tu svalpāliparicārikā lajjāpraṇayanamrāṅgī praviveśa niketanam

—accompanied by her daughter and a few attendants, her body bowed with modest affection, entered the hall.

Verse 128 (padma.1.43.128)

यत्र स्थितो मुनिवरः शैलेन सहितो वशी। तं दृष्ट्वा तेजसो राशिं मुनिं शैलप्रिया तदा

yatra sthito munivaraḥ śailena sahito vaśī taṁ dṛṣṭvā tejaso rāśiṁ muniṁ śailapriyā tadā

There, where the self-controlled sage sat with the mountain, seeing that mass of radiance, the mountain's beloved wife—

Verse 129 (padma.1.43.129)

ववंदे गूढवदना पाणिपद्मकृताञ्जलि। तां विलोक्य महाभागां देवर्षिरमितद्युतिः

vavaṁde gūḍhavadanā pāṇipadmakṛtāñjali tāṁ vilokya mahābhāgāṁ devarṣiramitadyutiḥ

—bowed to him, her face modestly veiled, hands joined in salutation. Seeing that illustrious lady, the sage of boundless radiance—

Verse 130 (padma.1.43.130)

आशीर्भिरमृतोद्गाररूपाभिस्तां व्यवर्द्धयत्। ततो विस्मितचित्ता तु हिमवद्गिरिपुत्रिका

āśīrbhiramṛtodgārarūpābhistāṁ vyavarddhayat tato vismitacittā tu himavadgiriputrikā

—blessed her with words pouring forth like nectar. Then the daughter of the Himalaya, her mind filled with wonder—

Verse 131 (padma.1.43.131)

एक्षिष्ट नारदं देवी मुनिमद्भुतरूपिणम्। एहि वत्सेति साप्युक्ता ॠषिणा स्निग्धया गिरा

ekṣiṣṭa nāradaṁ devī munimadbhutarūpiṇam ehi vatseti sāpyuktā ṝṣiṇā snigdhayā girā

—gazed upon the wondrous-formed sage Narada. 'Come, child,' the sage said to her in a voice full of tenderness.

Verse 132 (padma.1.43.132)

कंठे गृहीत्वा पितरमङ्के सा तु समाविशत्। उवाच माता तां देवीमभिवंदय पुत्रिके

kaṁṭhe gṛhītvā pitaramaṅke sā tu samāviśat uvāca mātā tāṁ devīmabhivaṁdaya putrike

Taking hold of her father's neck, she sat upon his lap. Her mother then said to that child: 'Bow to him, my daughter—'

Verse 133 (padma.1.43.133)

भगवंतं तपोधन्यं पतिमाप्स्यसि संमतम्। इत्युक्ता तु ततो मात्रा वस्त्रेण पिहितानना

bhagavaṁtaṁ tapodhanyaṁ patimāpsyasi saṁmatam ityuktā tu tato mātrā vastreṇa pihitānanā

'—and you shall obtain a well-approved husband from this blessed, austerity-rich one.' Hearing this, she hid her face with her garment—

Verse 134 (padma.1.43.134)

किंचित्कंपितमूर्द्धा तु वाक्यं नोवाच किंचन। ततः पुनरुवाचेदं वाक्यं माता सुतां तदा

kiṁcitkaṁpitamūrddhā tu vākyaṁ novāca kiṁcana tataḥ punaruvācedaṁ vākyaṁ mātā sutāṁ tadā

—her head trembling slightly, and said not a word. Then the mother again spoke this to her daughter.

Verse 135 (padma.1.43.135)

वत्से वंदय देवर्षिं ततो दास्यामि ते शुभम्। रत्नक्रीडनकं रम्यं स्थापितं यच्चिरं मया

vatse vaṁdaya devarṣiṁ tato dāsyāmi te śubham ratnakrīḍanakaṁ ramyaṁ sthāpitaṁ yacciraṁ mayā

'My child, bow to the divine sage, and I shall give you the lovely jeweled toy I have long kept for you.'

Verse 136 (padma.1.43.136)

इत्युक्ता सा ततो वेगादुद्गत्य चरणौ तदा। ववंदे मूर्ध्नि संधाय पाणिपंकजकुड्मलम्

ityuktā sā tato vegādudgatya caraṇau tadā vavaṁde mūrdhni saṁdhāya pāṇipaṁkajakuḍmalam

Thus told, she rose quickly and, joining her lotus-bud hands to her head, bowed at his feet.

Verse 137 (padma.1.43.137)

कृते तु वंदने तस्या माता सखिमुखेन तु। चोदयामास शनकैस्तस्याः सौभाग्यदर्शिताम्

kṛte tu vaṁdane tasyā mātā sakhimukhena tu codayāmāsa śanakaistasyāḥ saubhāgyadarśitām

When she had made her bow, the mother, through a friend, gently prompted him to reveal her fortune—

Verse 138 (padma.1.43.138)

शरीरलक्षणानां च परिज्ञानाय कौतुकात्। स्त्रीस्वभावात्स्वदुहितुश्चिंतां हृदि समुद्वहन्

śarīralakṣaṇānāṁ ca parijñānāya kautukāt strīsvabhāvātsvaduhituściṁtāṁ hṛdi samudvahan

—out of curiosity to learn the marks of her body, bearing, by a mother's nature, her anxiety for her daughter.

Verse 139 (padma.1.43.139)

ज्ञात्वा तदिंगितं शैलो महिष्याहृदयेन तु। अनुदीर्णाकृतिर्मेने रम्यमेतदुपस्थितम्

jñātvā tadiṁgitaṁ śailo mahiṣyāhṛdayena tu anudīrṇākṛtirmene ramyametadupasthitam

The mountain, understanding his queen's unspoken wish, though showing no outward sign, thought this a welcome occasion.

Verse 140 (padma.1.43.140)

चोदितः शैलमहिषी सख्या मुनिवरस्ततः। स्मिताननो महाभागो वाक्यं प्रोवाच नारदः

coditaḥ śailamahiṣī sakhyā munivarastataḥ smitānano mahābhāgo vākyaṁ provāca nāradaḥ

Thus urged by the mountain-queen's friend, the illustrious sage Narada, his face breaking into a smile, spoke these words.

Verse 141 (padma.1.43.141)

न जातोऽस्याः पतिर्भद्रे लक्षणैश्च विवर्जितः। उत्तानहस्ता सततं चरणैर्व्यभिचारिभिः

na jāto'syāḥ patirbhadre lakṣaṇaiśca vivarjitaḥ uttānahastā satataṁ caraṇairvyabhicāribhiḥ

'Her husband, good lady, is not yet born; he lacks ordinary marks — ever with empty upturned hands, and wandering feet.'

Verse 142 (padma.1.43.142)

सुच्छायास्या भविष्येयं किमन्यद्बहु भाष्यते। श्रुत्वैतत्संभ्रमाविष्टो ध्वस्तधैर्यो हिमाचलः

succhāyāsyā bhaviṣyeyaṁ kimanyadbahu bhāṣyate śrutvaitatsaṁbhramāviṣṭo dhvastadhairyo himācalaḥ

'This girl herself shall be of lovely radiance — why say more?' Hearing this, the Himalaya, overwhelmed with agitation, his composure shattered—

Verse 143 (padma.1.43.143)

नारदं प्रत्युवाचाथ साश्रुकंठो महागिरिः। हिमवानुवाच-। संसारस्यातिदोषस्य दुर्विज्ञेया गतिर्यतः

nāradaṁ pratyuvācātha sāśrukaṁṭho mahāgiriḥ himavānuvāca- saṁsārasyātidoṣasya durvijñeyā gatiryataḥ

—replied to Narada, his voice choked with tears. Himavat said: 'Since the course of this deeply flawed samsara is so hard to fathom—'

Verse 144 (padma.1.43.144)

सृष्ट्या चावश्यभाविन्या केनाप्यतिशयात्मना। कर्त्रा प्रणीता मर्यादा स्थिता संसारिणामियम्

sṛṣṭyā cāvaśyabhāvinyā kenāpyatiśayātmanā kartrā praṇītā maryādā sthitā saṁsāriṇāmiyam

'—by inevitable creation, this fixed order of beings was established by some Creator of surpassing nature.'

Verse 145 (padma.1.43.145)

यो जायते हि यद्बीजाज्जनितुः सोर्थसाधकः। जनिता चापि जातस्य न कश्चिदिति च स्फुटम्

yo jāyate hi yadbījājjanituḥ sorthasādhakaḥ janitā cāpi jātasya na kaściditi ca sphuṭam

'Whoever is born from whatever seed serves the begetter's purpose; yet the begetter has, in truth, no claim over the one born.'

Verse 146 (padma.1.43.146)

स्वकर्मणैव जायंते विवधा भूतजातयः। अंडजोह्यंडजाज्जातः पुनर्जायेत मानवः

svakarmaṇaiva jāyaṁte vivadhā bhūtajātayaḥ aṁḍajohyaṁḍajājjātaḥ punarjāyeta mānavaḥ

'The various species of beings are born only by their own karma. One born from an egg may be born again as a human—'

Verse 147 (padma.1.43.147)

मानुषोपि सरीसृप्यां मानुषत्वेन जायते। तत्रापि जातौ श्रेष्ठायां धर्मस्योत्कर्षणेन तु

mānuṣopi sarīsṛpyāṁ mānuṣatvena jāyate tatrāpi jātau śreṣṭhāyāṁ dharmasyotkarṣaṇena tu

'—and even a human attains humanity again through successive births. And even within that best of births, it is by the excellence of dharma—'

Verse 148 (padma.1.43.148)

अपुत्रजन्मनः शेषाः प्राणिनः समवस्थिताः। मनुजास्तत्र सुतरां नयेन सहधर्मिणः

aputrajanmanaḥ śeṣāḥ prāṇinaḥ samavasthitāḥ manujāstatra sutarāṁ nayena sahadharmiṇaḥ

'—that other creatures remain, for the most part, without true offspring; humans especially are bound by conduct to a life-partner.'

Verse 149 (padma.1.43.149)

क्रमेणाश्रमसंप्राप्तिर्ब्रह्मचारिव्रतादनु। तस्य कर्तुर्नियोगेन संसारो येन वर्धितः

krameṇāśramasaṁprāptirbrahmacārivratādanu tasya karturniyogena saṁsāro yena vardhitaḥ

'By stages one attains the householder stage, following the vow of celibacy; by that Creator's ordinance, samsara itself was made to increase.'

Verse 150 (padma.1.43.150)

संसारस्य हि नोत्पत्तिः सर्वे स्युर्यदि निर्गृहाः। कर्त्रा तु शास्त्रेषु सदा सुतलाभः प्रशंसितः

saṁsārasya hi notpattiḥ sarve syuryadi nirgṛhāḥ kartrā tu śāstreṣu sadā sutalābhaḥ praśaṁsitaḥ

'For if all were without households, samsara could never arise. And the Creator has, in the scriptures, always praised the obtaining of a good son.'

Verse 151 (padma.1.43.151)

प्राणिनां मोहनार्थाय नरकत्राणकारणात्। स्त्रिया विरहिता सृष्टिर्जंतूनां नोपपद्यते

prāṇināṁ mohanārthāya narakatrāṇakāraṇāt striyā virahitā sṛṣṭirjaṁtūnāṁ nopapadyate

'For the delusion of beings and deliverance from hell, creation of creatures without woman could never come about.'

Verse 152 (padma.1.43.152)

स्त्रीजातिस्तु प्रकृत्यैव कृपणा दैन्यभागिनी। शास्त्रालोचनसामर्थ्याद्दूषितं तासु कर्तृणा

strījātistu prakṛtyaiva kṛpaṇā dainyabhāginī śāstrālocanasāmarthyāddūṣitaṁ tāsu kartṛṇā

'The female sex is, by its very nature, pitiable, a sharer in wretchedness; by the capacity to reflect on scripture, the Creator has found fault in them.'

Verse 153 (padma.1.43.153)

तस्यां नोपरिभावज्ञा भवेदेति च वेधसा। शास्त्रेषूक्तमसंदिग्धं बहुवारं महाफलं

tasyāṁ noparibhāvajñā bhavedeti ca vedhasā śāstreṣūktamasaṁdigdhaṁ bahuvāraṁ mahāphalaṁ

'That she should not know her own worth — this too was ordained by the Creator; scripture states this, without doubt, many times as bearing great fruit.'

Verse 154 (padma.1.43.154)

दशपुत्रसमा कन्या यापि स्याच्छीलवर्जिता। वाक्यमेतत्फलभ्रष्टं पुंसां ग्लानिकरं फलं

daśaputrasamā kanyā yāpi syācchīlavarjitā vākyametatphalabhraṣṭaṁ puṁsāṁ glānikaraṁ phalaṁ

'A daughter, even devoid of good conduct, is said to equal ten sons — yet this saying, void of true fruit, brings only distress to men.'

Verse 155 (padma.1.43.155)

कन्या हि कृपणा शोच्या पितुर्दुःखविवर्द्धिनी। यापि स्यात्पूर्णसर्वार्था पतिपुत्रसमन्विता

kanyā hi kṛpaṇā śocyā piturduḥkhavivarddhinī yāpi syātpūrṇasarvārthā patiputrasamanvitā

'A daughter is a pitiable, lamentable thing, ever increasing her father's sorrow — even one fully blessed with husband and son.'

Verse 156 (padma.1.43.156)

किं पुनर्दुर्भगा हीना पतिपुत्रधनादिभिः। त्वं चोक्तवान्सुता या मे शरीरे दोषसंग्रहम्

kiṁ punardurbhagā hīnā patiputradhanādibhiḥ tvaṁ coktavānsutā yā me śarīre doṣasaṁgraham

'How much more one lacking husband, son, or wealth! And now you tell me this very daughter of mine bears a whole gathering of ill omens.'

Verse 157 (padma.1.43.157)

अहो मुह्यामि शुष्यामि ग्लामि सीदामि नारद। अयुक्तमपि वक्तव्यमप्राप्यमपि सांप्रतम्

aho muhyāmi śuṣyāmi glāmi sīdāmi nārada ayuktamapi vaktavyamaprāpyamapi sāṁpratam

'Ah, I am bewildered, I wither, I grow faint, I sink down, O Narada. Even what is improper, even what seems unattainable, must now be said—'

Verse 158 (padma.1.43.158)

अनुग्रहाय मे छिन्धि दुःखं कन्याश्रयं मुने। परिच्छिन्नेप्यसंदिग्धे मनः परिभवाश्रयात्

anugrahāya me chindhi duḥkhaṁ kanyāśrayaṁ mune paricchinnepyasaṁdigdhe manaḥ paribhavāśrayāt

'—for my sake, out of grace, cut away this sorrow that clings to my daughter, O sage. Even in a settled, undoubted matter, the mind, from fear of humiliation—'

Verse 159 (padma.1.43.159)

तृष्णा मुष्णाति निष्णातं फललोभाश्रयात्पुनः। स्त्रीणां हि परमं जन्म कुलानामुभयात्मनाम्

tṛṣṇā muṣṇāti niṣṇātaṁ phalalobhāśrayātpunaḥ strīṇāṁ hi paramaṁ janma kulānāmubhayātmanām

'—is robbed again by craving, hoping for a better result. For it is said that the supreme purpose of a woman's birth, for the good of both families—'

Verse 160 (padma.1.43.160)

इहामुत्र सुखायोक्तं सत्पतिप्राप्तिसंज्ञितम्। दुर्लभत्वात्सतः स्त्रीणां विगुणोपि पतिः किल

ihāmutra sukhāyoktaṁ satpatiprāptisaṁjñitam durlabhatvātsataḥ strīṇāṁ viguṇopi patiḥ kila

'—is said to be for happiness here and hereafter, defined as obtaining a good husband. Since a worthy one is so hard to find, even a flawed husband is accepted.'

Verse 161 (padma.1.43.161)

न प्राप्यते विना पुण्यैः पतिर्नार्याः कदाचन। यतो निस्साधनो धर्मः परिणामोत्थिता रतिः

na prāpyate vinā puṇyaiḥ patirnāryāḥ kadācana yato nissādhano dharmaḥ pariṇāmotthitā ratiḥ

'A husband is never obtained by a woman without merit, since dharma without means bears fruit only in its own time.'

Verse 162 (padma.1.43.162)

धनं जीवितपर्यंतं पत्यौ नार्याः प्रतिष्ठितम्। निर्द्धनो दुर्मुखो मूर्खः सर्वलक्षणवर्जितः

dhanaṁ jīvitaparyaṁtaṁ patyau nāryāḥ pratiṣṭhitam nirddhano durmukho mūrkhaḥ sarvalakṣaṇavarjitaḥ

'A woman's wealth, throughout her life, rests in her husband — be he poor, ill-spoken, foolish, or devoid of every good mark.'

Verse 163 (padma.1.43.163)

दैवतं परमं नार्याः पतिरुक्तः सदैव हि। त्वया देवर्षिणा प्रोक्तं न जातोऽस्याः पतिः किल

daivataṁ paramaṁ nāryāḥ patiruktaḥ sadaiva hi tvayā devarṣiṇā proktaṁ na jāto'syāḥ patiḥ kila

'A husband is ever declared a woman's supreme deity. Yet you, divine sage, have said hers has not even been born.'

Verse 164 (padma.1.43.164)

एतद्दौर्भाग्यमतुलमसंख्यं च दुरुद्वहम्। चराचरे भूतसर्गे चिंता सा व्यापिनी मुने

etaddaurbhāgyamatulamasaṁkhyaṁ ca durudvaham carācare bhūtasarge ciṁtā sā vyāpinī mune

'This misfortune is matchless, boundless, unbearable — a grief pervading the whole creation, O sage.'

Verse 165 (padma.1.43.165)

स न जात इति श्रुत्वा ममेदं व्याकुलं मनः। मनुष्यदेवजातीनां शुभाशुभनिवेदकम्

sa na jāta iti śrutvā mamedaṁ vyākulaṁ manaḥ manuṣyadevajātīnāṁ śubhāśubhanivedakam

'Hearing he is not yet born, my mind is thrown into confusion — for the marks that declare good or ill fortune among men and gods—'

Verse 166 (padma.1.43.166)

लक्षणं हस्तपादाभ्यां लक्षणं विहितं किल। सेयमुत्तानहस्तेति त्वयोक्ता मुनिपुंगव

lakṣaṇaṁ hastapādābhyāṁ lakṣaṇaṁ vihitaṁ kila seyamuttānahasteti tvayoktā munipuṁgava

'—are ordained through hands and feet. And you, best of sages, have called her uttana-hasta [a mark of ill fortune].'

Verse 167 (padma.1.43.167)

उत्तानहस्तता प्रोक्ता याचतामेव नित्यका। शुभोदयानां धन्यानां न कदाचित्प्रयच्छताम्

uttānahastatā proktā yācatāmeva nityakā śubhodayānāṁ dhanyānāṁ na kadācitprayacchatām

'Upturned-handedness is said to belong forever to beggars, never to the fortunate who give.'

Verse 168 (padma.1.43.168)

सुच्छाययास्याश्चरणौ त्वयोक्तौ व्यभिचारिणौ। तत्रापि श्रेयसी ह्याशा मुने न प्रतिभाति नः

succhāyayāsyāścaraṇau tvayoktau vyabhicāriṇau tatrāpi śreyasī hyāśā mune na pratibhāti naḥ

'And you called her lovely feet errant/wandering — even there we see no hope, O sage.'

Verse 169 (padma.1.43.169)

शरीरलक्षणाश्चान्ये पृथक्फलनिवेदिनः। इत्युक्त्वा विरते शैले महादुःखविचारिणि

śarīralakṣaṇāścānye pṛthakphalanivedinaḥ ityuktvā virate śaile mahāduḥkhavicāriṇi

'And other bodily marks each declare their own separate results.' Having said this, the mountain, sunk in great sorrow, fell silent.

Verse 170 (padma.1.43.170)

स्मितपूर्वमुवाचेदं नारदो देवपूजितः। नारद उवाच-। हर्षस्थाने च महति त्वया दुःखं निरुच्यते

smitapūrvamuvācedaṁ nārado devapūjitaḥ nārada uvāca- harṣasthāne ca mahati tvayā duḥkhaṁ nirucyate

Then Narada, worshipped by the gods, smiling, said: 'You speak of sorrow where there is occasion for the greatest joy.'

Verse 171 (padma.1.43.171)

अपरिच्छिन्नवाक्यार्थो मोहं यासि महागिरे। इमां शृणु गिरं मत्तो रहस्यपरिनिष्ठिताम्

aparicchinnavākyārtho mohaṁ yāsi mahāgire imāṁ śṛṇu giraṁ matto rahasyapariniṣṭhitām

'Not grasping the full meaning of my words, you have fallen into confusion, great mountain. Hear this speech, resting on its hidden sense.'

Verse 172 (padma.1.43.172)

समाहितो महाशैल मयोक्तस्य विचारणाम्। न जातोस्याः पतिर्देव्या यन्मयोक्तं हिमाचल

samāhito mahāśaila mayoktasya vicāraṇām na jātosyāḥ patirdevyā yanmayoktaṁ himācala

'Attend carefully to the true meaning of what I said. When I said this goddess's husband is not yet born—'

Verse 173 (padma.1.43.173)

स न जातो महादेवो भूतभव्यभवोद्भवः। शरण्यः शाश्वतः शास्ता शंकरः परमेश्वरः

sa na jāto mahādevo bhūtabhavyabhavodbhavaḥ śaraṇyaḥ śāśvataḥ śāstā śaṁkaraḥ parameśvaraḥ

'—I meant Mahadeva, source of all that has been, is, and shall be, refuge of all, eternal, ruler, Shankara, the supreme lord, who is never born in the ordinary sense.'

Verse 174 (padma.1.43.174)

ब्रह्मरुद्रेन्द्रमुनयो गर्भजन्मजरार्दिताः। तस्य ते परमेशस्य सर्वे क्रीडनका गिरे

brahmarudrendramunayo garbhajanmajarārditāḥ tasya te parameśasya sarve krīḍanakā gire

'Brahma, the Rudras, Indra, and the sages are all afflicted by womb, birth, and old age; they are all mere playthings of that supreme lord.'

Verse 175 (padma.1.43.175)

ब्रह्मांडतस्तदिच्छातः संभूतो भुवनप्रभुः। आत्मनो न विनाशोस्ति स्थावरांतेपि भूधर

brahmāṁḍatastadicchātaḥ saṁbhūto bhuvanaprabhuḥ ātmano na vināśosti sthāvarāṁtepi bhūdhara

'The lord of the worlds arises from the cosmic egg only by his own will; and for the Self there is no destruction, even down to the lowliest unmoving thing.'

Verse 176 (padma.1.43.176)

संसारे जायमानस्य म्रियमाणस्य देहिनः। नश्यते देह एवात्र नात्मनो नाश उच्यते

saṁsāre jāyamānasya mriyamāṇasya dehinaḥ naśyate deha evātra nātmano nāśa ucyate

'For an embodied being being born and dying in this world, only the body perishes here — the Self's destruction is never spoken of.'

Verse 177 (padma.1.43.177)

ब्रह्मादिस्थावरांतोऽयं संसारो यः प्रकीर्तितः। स जन्ममृत्युदुःखार्तो ह्यनिशं परिवर्तते

brahmādisthāvarāṁto'yaṁ saṁsāro yaḥ prakīrtitaḥ sa janmamṛtyuduḥkhārto hyaniśaṁ parivartate

'This samsara, from Brahma down to the lowliest fixed thing, revolves ceaselessly, afflicted by the sorrow of birth and death.'

Verse 178 (padma.1.43.178)

महादेवोऽचलःस्थाणुर्न जातो जनकोऽजरः। भविष्यति पतिः सोऽस्या जगन्नाथो निरामयः

mahādevo'calaḥsthāṇurna jāto janako'jaraḥ bhaviṣyati patiḥ so'syā jagannātho nirāmayaḥ

'Mahadeva is immovable, fixed, unborn, the father of all, unaging; he alone, lord of the world, free of affliction, shall become her husband.'

Verse 179 (padma.1.43.179)

यदुक्तं च मया देवी लक्षणैर्वर्जिता तव। शृणु तस्यापि वाक्यस्य सम्यक्त्वेन विचारणम्

yaduktaṁ ca mayā devī lakṣaṇairvarjitā tava śṛṇu tasyāpi vākyasya samyaktvena vicāraṇam

'And as for what I said, that this goddess is devoid of ordinary marks — hear the true meaning of that too.'

Verse 180 (padma.1.43.180)

लक्षणं दैविको ह्यंकः शरीरावयवाश्रयः। स चायुर्धनसौभाग्यपरिणामप्रकाशकः

lakṣaṇaṁ daiviko hyaṁkaḥ śarīrāvayavāśrayaḥ sa cāyurdhanasaubhāgyapariṇāmaprakāśakaḥ

'An ordinary bodily mark is a divine sign resting on a limb, revealing the outcome of lifespan, wealth, and fortune.'

Verse 181 (padma.1.43.181)

अनंतस्याप्रमेयस्य सौभाग्यस्य तु भूधर। नैवांको लक्षणाकारः शरीरे संविधीयते

anaṁtasyāprameyasya saubhāgyasya tu bhūdhara naivāṁko lakṣaṇākāraḥ śarīre saṁvidhīyate

'But for an infinite and immeasurable fortune, O mountain, no such ordinary bodily sign can ever be assigned.'

Verse 182 (padma.1.43.182)

अतोऽस्या लक्षणं गात्रे शैल नास्ति महामते। यच्चाहमुक्तवानस्या उत्तानकरता सदा

ato'syā lakṣaṇaṁ gātre śaila nāsti mahāmate yaccāhamuktavānasyā uttānakaratā sadā

'Therefore, wise mountain, no ordinary mark exists on her body. And as for what I said of her ever upturned hand—'

Verse 183 (padma.1.43.183)

उत्तानो वरदः पाणिरेष देव्याः सदैव तु। सुरासुरमुनिव्रातवरदात्री भविष्यति

uttāno varadaḥ pāṇireṣa devyāḥ sadaiva tu surāsuramunivrātavaradātrī bhaviṣyati

'—this goddess's upturned hand is ever a boon-granting hand; she shall become the giver of boons to gods, demons, and sages.'

Verse 184 (padma.1.43.184)

यच्च प्रोक्तं मया पादौ सुच्छायौ व्यभिचारिणौ। मत्तः शृणु त्वमस्यापि व्याख्योक्तिं शैलसत्तम

yacca proktaṁ mayā pādau succhāyau vyabhicāriṇau mattaḥ śṛṇu tvamasyāpi vyākhyoktiṁ śailasattama

'And as for what I said of her lovely feet being errant — hear the true meaning of that too, best of mountains.'

Verse 185 (padma.1.43.185)

चरणौ पद्मसंकाशौ स्वच्छावस्या नखोज्वलौ। सुरासुराणां नमतां किरीटमणिकांतिभिः

caraṇau padmasaṁkāśau svacchāvasyā nakhojvalau surāsurāṇāṁ namatāṁ kirīṭamaṇikāṁtibhiḥ

'Her two lotus-like feet, spotless, radiant with their nails, reflect the gems of the crowns of gods and demons bowing before her—'

Verse 186 (padma.1.43.186)

विचित्रवर्णैः पश्यद्भिः सुच्छायौ प्रतिबिंबितौ। एषा भार्या जगद्भर्तुर्वृषांकस्य महीधर

vicitravarṇaiḥ paśyadbhiḥ succhāyau pratibiṁbitau eṣā bhāryā jagadbharturvṛṣāṁkasya mahīdhara

'—reflected in many wondrous colors as they gaze. This one shall be the wife of the lord of the world, of him whose banner bears the bull.'

Verse 187 (padma.1.43.187)

जननी सर्वलोकस्य संभूताभूतभाविनी। शिवेयं पावनायैव त्वत्क्षेत्रे पावनद्युतिः

jananī sarvalokasya saṁbhūtābhūtabhāvinī śiveyaṁ pāvanāyaiva tvatkṣetre pāvanadyutiḥ

'Mother of all worlds, born, existing, and yet to be, this Shiva-consort of purifying radiance has appeared in your domain for the sake of purification.'

Verse 188 (padma.1.43.188)

तद्यथाशीघ्रमेवैषा योगं यायात्पिनाकिनः। तथा विधेयं विधिवत्त्वया शैलेंद्रसत्तम

tadyathāśīghramevaiṣā yogaṁ yāyātpinākinaḥ tathā vidheyaṁ vidhivattvayā śaileṁdrasattama

'So arrange, best of mountain-kings, that she may come to union with the wielder of Pinaka as swiftly as possible.'

Verse 189 (padma.1.43.189)

अस्त्यत्र हि महत्कार्यं देवानां हिमभूधर। एवं श्रुत्वा तु शैलेंद्रो नारदात्सर्वमेव हि

astyatra hi mahatkāryaṁ devānāṁ himabhūdhara evaṁ śrutvā tu śaileṁdro nāradātsarvameva hi

'For a great purpose of the gods is at stake here, O Himalaya.' Hearing all this from Narada—

Verse 190 (padma.1.43.190)

स्वमात्मानं पुनर्जातं मेने मेनापतिस्तदा। उवाच चापि संहृष्टो नारदं तु हिमाचलः

svamātmānaṁ punarjātaṁ mene menāpatistadā uvāca cāpi saṁhṛṣṭo nāradaṁ tu himācalaḥ

—Mena's husband felt as though he had been born anew. And, filled with joy, the Himalaya said to Narada—

Verse 191 (padma.1.43.191)

दुस्तरान्नरकाद्घोरादुद्धृतोस्मि त्वया विभो। पातालादहमुद्धृत्य सप्तलोकाधिपः कृतः

dustarānnarakādghorāduddhṛtosmi tvayā vibho pātālādahamuddhṛtya saptalokādhipaḥ kṛtaḥ

'I have been lifted by you, lord, from an unbearable hell; as though raised from the netherworld and made lord of the seven worlds.'

Verse 192 (padma.1.43.192)

हिमाचलोस्मि विख्यातस्त्वया मुनिवराधुना। हिमाचलाच्छतगुणां प्रापितोस्मि समुन्नतिं

himācalosmi vikhyātastvayā munivarādhunā himācalācchataguṇāṁ prāpitosmi samunnatiṁ

'I am known as Himachala, but now, best of sages, you have raised me a hundredfold higher still.'

Verse 193 (padma.1.43.193)

आनंदादेव चाहारि हृदयं मे महामुने। नाध्यवस्यति कृत्यानां विभागप्रविचारणम्

ānaṁdādeva cāhāri hṛdayaṁ me mahāmune nādhyavasyati kṛtyānāṁ vibhāgapravicāraṇam

'My very heart, O great sage, has been carried away by joy; it can no longer reflect on what is properly to be done.'

Verse 194 (padma.1.43.194)

भवद्विधानां नियतममोघं दर्शनं मुने। भवद्भिरेव हि प्रोक्तं निवासायात्मरूपिणाम्

bhavadvidhānāṁ niyatamamoghaṁ darśanaṁ mune bhavadbhireva hi proktaṁ nivāsāyātmarūpiṇām

'The sight of great ones such as you is ever unfailing, O sage; you yourselves have declared it a dwelling for the self-realized.'

Verse 195 (padma.1.43.195)

मुनीनां देवतानां च स्वयं कर्तास्मि कल्मषम्। तथापि वस्तुन्येकस्मिन्नाज्ञा मे संप्रदीयताम्

munīnāṁ devatānāṁ ca svayaṁ kartāsmi kalmaṣam tathāpi vastunyekasminnājñā me saṁpradīyatām

'Though I am myself a source of offense to sages and gods, still, in this one matter, let your command be granted to me.'

Verse 196 (padma.1.43.196)

इत्युक्तवति शैलेंद्रे स तदा हर्षनिर्भरः। उवाच नारदो वाक्यं कृतं सर्वमिति प्रभो

ityuktavati śaileṁdre sa tadā harṣanirbharaḥ uvāca nārado vākyaṁ kṛtaṁ sarvamiti prabho

When the mountain-king had spoken thus, Narada, overflowing with joy, said: 'All has been accomplished, my lord.'

Verse 197 (padma.1.43.197)

सुरकार्ये स एवार्थस्तवापि सुमहत्तरः। इत्युक्त्वा नारदः शीघ्रं जगाम त्रिदिवं ततः

surakārye sa evārthastavāpi sumahattaraḥ ityuktvā nāradaḥ śīghraṁ jagāma tridivaṁ tataḥ

'That very purpose serving the gods' cause is also the greatest good for you.' Having said this, Narada quickly went to heaven.

Verse 198 (padma.1.43.198)

स गत्वा देवभवनं महेंद्रं संददर्श ह। ततोनुरूपे स मुनिरुपविष्टो महासने

sa gatvā devabhavanaṁ maheṁdraṁ saṁdadarśa ha tatonurūpe sa munirupaviṣṭo mahāsane

He went to the abode of the gods and saw great Indra. Then the sage sat down upon a great seat befitting him.

Verse 199 (padma.1.43.199)

पृष्टः शक्रेण प्रोवाच गिरिजासंश्रयां कथाम्। नारद उवाच-। यन्मह्यमुक्तं कर्तव्यं तन्मया कृतमेव हि

pṛṣṭaḥ śakreṇa provāca girijāsaṁśrayāṁ kathām nārada uvāca- yanmahyamuktaṁ kartavyaṁ tanmayā kṛtameva hi

Asked by Indra, he told the whole account concerning the mountain's daughter. Narada said: 'What was told me to do, I have done.'

Verse 200 (padma.1.43.200)

किंतु पंचशरस्येषु गोचरत्वमपेक्षितम्। इत्युक्तो देवराजस्तु मुनिना कार्यदर्शिना

kiṁtu paṁcaśarasyeṣu gocaratvamapekṣitam ityukto devarājastu muninā kāryadarśinā

'But now the five-arrowed one must come into play.' Thus told by the sage, who saw clearly what was needed, Indra—

Verse 201 (padma.1.43.201)

चूतांकुरास्त्रं सस्मार भगवान्पाकशासनः। सस्मृतस्तु तदा क्षिप्रं सहस्राक्षेण धीमता

cūtāṁkurāstraṁ sasmāra bhagavānpākaśāsanaḥ sasmṛtastu tadā kṣipraṁ sahasrākṣeṇa dhīmatā

—called to mind the mango-blossom weapon. Called to mind swiftly by the wise thousand-eyed one—

Verse 202 (padma.1.43.202)

उपतस्थे रतियुतः सविलासो झषध्वजः। प्रादुर्भूतं च तं दृष्ट्वा शक्रः प्रोवाच मन्मथम्

upatasthe ratiyutaḥ savilāso jhaṣadhvajaḥ prādurbhūtaṁ ca taṁ dṛṣṭvā śakraḥ provāca manmatham

—Kama, playful, together with Rati, presented himself. Seeing him appear, Indra spoke to Manmatha.

Verse 203 (padma.1.43.203)

शक्र उवाच-। उपदेशेन बहुना किं त्वां प्रति रतिप्रिय। मनोभवोसि तेन त्वं वेत्सि भूतमनोगतम्

śakra uvāca- upadeśena bahunā kiṁ tvāṁ prati ratipriya manobhavosi tena tvaṁ vetsi bhūtamanogatam

Indra said: 'What use is much instruction to you, beloved of Rati? Since you are mind-born, you know every being's inner mind.'

Verse 204 (padma.1.43.204)

तद्यथानुक्रमं तु त्वं कुरु नाकसदां प्रियम्। शंकरं योजय क्षिप्रं गिरिपुत्र्या मनोभव

tadyathānukramaṁ tu tvaṁ kuru nākasadāṁ priyam śaṁkaraṁ yojaya kṣipraṁ giriputryā manobhava

'So act in your own manner, and do what pleases the dwellers of heaven. Unite Shankara swiftly with the mountain's daughter.'

Verse 205 (padma.1.43.205)

संयुक्तो मधुनानेन गच्छ रत्या सहायवान्। इत्युक्तो मदनस्तेन शक्रेण स्वार्थसिद्धये

saṁyukto madhunānena gaccha ratyā sahāyavān ityukto madanastena śakreṇa svārthasiddhaye

'Go, joined with Madhu, together with Rati.' Thus commanded by Indra for his own purpose's sake, Madana—

Verse 206 (padma.1.43.206)

प्रोवाच पंचबाणोथ वाक्यं भीतः शतक्रतुम्। काम उवाच-। अनया देव सामग्र्या मुनिदानवभीमया

provāca paṁcabāṇotha vākyaṁ bhītaḥ śatakratum kāma uvāca- anayā deva sāmagryā munidānavabhīmayā

—somewhat fearful, spoke these words to Indra. Kama said: 'O god, with this array of mine, terrible even to sages and danavas—'

Verse 207 (padma.1.43.207)

दुःसाध्यश्शंकरो देवः किं न वेत्सि जगत्प्रभो। तस्य देवस्य वेत्थ त्वं कारणं पदमव्ययम्

duḥsādhyaśśaṁkaro devaḥ kiṁ na vetsi jagatprabho tasya devasya vettha tvaṁ kāraṇaṁ padamavyayam

'—the god Shankara is exceedingly hard to overcome. Do you not know this, lord of the world? You know him to be the very imperishable cause.'

Verse 208 (padma.1.43.208)

प्रायः प्रसादे कोपेपि सर्वं हि महतां महत्। सर्वोपभोगसारं हि सौदर्यं स्वर्गसंभवम्

prāyaḥ prasāde kopepi sarvaṁ hi mahatāṁ mahat sarvopabhogasāraṁ hi saudaryaṁ svargasaṁbhavam

'For the great, whether in grace or wrath, everything is on a great scale. What is the essence of all enjoyment, beauty born of heaven—'

Verse 209 (padma.1.43.209)

विशेषं कांक्षतां शक्र सामान्याद्भ्रंशनं फलात्। श्रुत्वैतद्वचनं शक्रस्तमुवाचामरैर्युतः

viśeṣaṁ kāṁkṣatāṁ śakra sāmānyādbhraṁśanaṁ phalāt śrutvaitadvacanaṁ śakrastamuvācāmarairyutaḥ

'—for those seeking something extraordinary, O Indra, there is risk of falling even from the ordinary result.' Hearing this, Indra, with the gods, replied.

Verse 210 (padma.1.43.210)

शक्र उवाच-। वयं प्रमाणं ते तत्र रतिकांत न संशयः। संदंशेन विना शक्तिरयस्कारस्य नेष्यते

śakra uvāca- vayaṁ pramāṇaṁ te tatra ratikāṁta na saṁśayaḥ saṁdaṁśena vinā śaktirayaskārasya neṣyate

Indra said: 'We stand as your authority in this, beloved of Rati, without doubt. Without tongs, a blacksmith's power is of no avail.'

Verse 211 (padma.1.43.211)

कस्यचिच्च क्वचिद्दृष्टं सामर्थ्यं न तु सर्वतः। इत्युक्तः प्रययौ कामः सखायं मधुमाश्रितः

kasyacicca kvaciddṛṣṭaṁ sāmarthyaṁ na tu sarvataḥ ityuktaḥ prayayau kāmaḥ sakhāyaṁ madhumāśritaḥ

'One's capability is seen in some particular case, not everywhere.' Thus addressed, Kama set forth with his friend Madhu.

Verse 212 (padma.1.43.212)

रतियुक्तो जगामाशु प्रस्थं तुहिनभूभृतः। स तु प्राप्याकरोच्चिंतां कार्यस्योपायपूर्विकाम्

ratiyukto jagāmāśu prasthaṁ tuhinabhūbhṛtaḥ sa tu prāpyākarocciṁtāṁ kāryasyopāyapūrvikām

Together with Rati they went swiftly to the slope of the snow-mountain. There they pondered the means of accomplishing their task.

Verse 213 (padma.1.43.213)

महात्मानो हि निष्कंपा मनस्तेषां सुदुर्जयम्। तदादावेव संक्षोभ्य नेत्थं तस्य जयो भवेत्

mahātmāno hi niṣkaṁpā manasteṣāṁ sudurjayam tadādāveva saṁkṣobhya netthaṁ tasya jayo bhavet

'Great souls are unshakeable; their minds are hard to conquer. Disturbing him at the very outset would not bring victory.'

Verse 214 (padma.1.43.214)

संसिद्धिः प्रायशश्चैव पूर्वं संशोध्य मानसम्। कथमेवंविधैर्भावैर्द्वेषानुगमनं विना

saṁsiddhiḥ prāyaśaścaiva pūrvaṁ saṁśodhya mānasam kathamevaṁvidhairbhāvairdveṣānugamanaṁ vinā

'Success comes, for the most part, by first purifying the mind — how then, without first arousing aversion?'

Verse 215 (padma.1.43.215)

क्रोधः क्रूरतरात्संगाद्भीषणेर्ष्या महासखी। चापल्यान्मूर्ध्नि विध्वस्त धैर्याधारमहाबला

krodhaḥ krūratarātsaṁgādbhīṣaṇerṣyā mahāsakhī cāpalyānmūrdhni vidhvasta dhairyādhāramahābalā

'Anger arises from harsh contact, and terrible envy is its companion; from fickleness it shatters the very root of firmness.'

Verse 216 (padma.1.43.216)

तामस्य विनियोक्ष्यामि मनसो विकृतिं पुरः। पिधाय धैर्यद्वाराणि संतोषमपकृष्य च

tāmasya viniyokṣyāmi manaso vikṛtiṁ puraḥ pidhāya dhairyadvārāṇi saṁtoṣamapakṛṣya ca

'I shall first set that very disturbance to work in his mind — closing the doors of firmness, drawing away contentment.'

Verse 217 (padma.1.43.217)

अवगंतुं हि मां तत्र न कश्चिदिह पंडितः। विकल्पमात्रसंस्थानं विरूपाक्षमनोभवम्

avagaṁtuṁ hi māṁ tatra na kaścidiha paṁḍitaḥ vikalpamātrasaṁsthānaṁ virūpākṣamanobhavam

'No one wise there will perceive me — I who exist merely as a fleeting notion, arising in the mind of the three-eyed one.'

Verse 218 (padma.1.43.218)

प्रविश्याथ क्रियारंभी गंभीरावर्तदुस्तरः। भविष्यामि हरस्याहं तपःस्थस्य स्थिरात्मनः

praviśyātha kriyāraṁbhī gaṁbhīrāvartadustaraḥ bhaviṣyāmi harasyāhaṁ tapaḥsthasya sthirātmanaḥ

'Entering thus, beginning my work, deep as a whirlpool, I shall work upon Hara, steadfast in his austerity.'

Verse 219 (padma.1.43.219)

इंद्रियग्राममावृत्य रम्यसाधनसंविधिः। चिंतयित्वेति मदनो भूतभर्तुस्तदाश्रमम्

iṁdriyagrāmamāvṛtya ramyasādhanasaṁvidhiḥ ciṁtayitveti madano bhūtabhartustadāśramam

Having thought this, and enveloping the senses with delightful means, Madana went to the hermitage of the lord of beings.

Verse 220 (padma.1.43.220)

जगाम जगतीसारं सरलद्रुम वेदिकम्। शांतसत्वसमाकीर्णमचलं प्राणिसंकुलम्

jagāma jagatīsāraṁ saraladruma vedikam śāṁtasatvasamākīrṇamacalaṁ prāṇisaṁkulam

He went to that essence of the earth, with its platforms of straight trees, filled with peaceful creatures, that mountain thronged with life—

Verse 221 (padma.1.43.221)

नानापुष्पलताजालं सानुसंस्थगणेश्वरम्। निर्व्यग्रवृषभोद्घुष्टं नीलशाद्वलसानुकम्

nānāpuṣpalatājālaṁ sānusaṁsthagaṇeśvaram nirvyagravṛṣabhodghuṣṭaṁ nīlaśādvalasānukam

—webbed with vines of many flowers, its slopes home to Shiva's hosts, echoing with untroubled bulls' bellows, green with fresh grass.

Verse 222 (padma.1.43.222)

तत्रापश्यत्त्रिनेत्रस्य रम्यंकं चिद्द्वितीयकम्। वीरकं वीरलोकेशमीशानसदृशद्युतिम्

tatrāpaśyattrinetrasya ramyaṁkaṁ ciddvitīyakam vīrakaṁ vīralokeśamīśānasadṛśadyutim

There he beheld the delightful, second-to-none form of the three-eyed one — heroic, lord of the world of heroes, radiant as Ishana—

Verse 223 (padma.1.43.223)

पक्वं कुंकुमकिंजल्कपुंजपिंगजटासटम्। वेत्रपाणितमव्यग्रमुग्रं चाभद्रभूषणम्

pakvaṁ kuṁkumakiṁjalkapuṁjapiṁgajaṭāsaṭam vetrapāṇitamavyagramugraṁ cābhadrabhūṣaṇam

—his tawny matted locks like ripe saffron filaments, cane-staff bearer, undisturbed, fierce, adorned with inauspicious ornaments—

Verse 224 (padma.1.43.224)

ततो निमीलितोन्निद्र पद्मपत्रांतलोचनम्। प्रेक्षमाणमृजुस्थानं नासावंशाग्रगोचरम्

tato nimīlitonnidra padmapatrāṁtalocanam prekṣamāṇamṛjusthānaṁ nāsāvaṁśāgragocaram

—his lotus-petal eyes half-closed, gazing fixed and steady at the tip of his own nose—

Verse 225 (padma.1.43.225)

अतीवरम्यसिंहेंद्र चर्मलंबोत्तरीयकम्। श्रवणाहिफणोन्मुक्त निश्वासानलपिंगलं

atīvaramyasiṁheṁdra carmalaṁbottarīyakam śravaṇāhiphaṇonmukta niśvāsānalapiṁgalaṁ

—his upper garment the lovely hide of a great lion, tawny with the breath-fire from the serpent-hoods at his ears—

Verse 226 (padma.1.43.226)

प्रेंखत्कपोलपर्यंत चुंबिलंबिजटाचयम्। कृतवासुकिपर्यंत नाभिमूलनिवेशितम्

preṁkhatkapolaparyaṁta cuṁbilaṁbijaṭācayam kṛtavāsukiparyaṁta nābhimūlaniveśitam

—his matted locks swaying against his cheeks, the serpent Vasuki wound about him down to his navel—

Verse 227 (padma.1.43.227)

ब्रह्मांजलिस्थनासाग्र निबद्धोरगभूषणम्। ददर्श शंकरं कामः क्रमप्राप्तांतिकः शनैः

brahmāṁjalisthanāsāgra nibaddhoragabhūṣaṇam dadarśa śaṁkaraṁ kāmaḥ kramaprāptāṁtikaḥ śanaiḥ

—his hands joined before the tip of his nose, bound with serpent ornaments. Thus Kama, gradually drawing near, beheld Shankara.

Verse 228 (padma.1.43.228)

ततो भ्रमरझंकारमालंब्य द्रुमसानुगम्। प्रविष्टः कर्णरंध्रेण भवस्य मदनो मनः

tato bhramarajhaṁkāramālaṁbya drumasānugam praviṣṭaḥ karṇaraṁdhreṇa bhavasya madano manaḥ

Then, taking on a bee's hum among the trees, Madana entered through Shiva's ear into his mind.

Verse 229 (padma.1.43.229)

शंकरस्तमथाकर्ण्य मधुरं मदनाश्रयम्। सस्मार दक्षतनयां दयितां रंतुमानसः

śaṁkarastamathākarṇya madhuraṁ madanāśrayam sasmāra dakṣatanayāṁ dayitāṁ raṁtumānasaḥ

Shankara, hearing that sweet sound charged with Madana's power, called to mind Daksha's daughter, his mind turning toward delight.

Verse 230 (padma.1.43.230)

ततः शिवस्य शनकैस्तिरोधा याति निर्मला। समाधिभावना तस्थौ लक्ष्य प्रत्यक्षरूपिणी

tataḥ śivasya śanakaistirodhā yāti nirmalā samādhibhāvanā tasthau lakṣya pratyakṣarūpiṇī

Then Shiva's stainless meditative absorption slowly began to withdraw, though it still stood, as if visible before its very object.

Verse 231 (padma.1.43.231)

ततस्तन्मयतां यातः प्रत्यूह पिहिताशयः। विवेश विबुधाधीशो विकृतिं मदनात्मिकाम्

tatastanmayatāṁ yātaḥ pratyūha pihitāśayaḥ viveśa vibudhādhīśo vikṛtiṁ madanātmikām

Becoming absorbed in that recollection, his purpose now veiled, the lord entered into the very disturbance that is Madana's nature.

Verse 232 (padma.1.43.232)

ईषत्क्रोधसमाविष्टो धैर्यमालंब्य धूर्जटिः। निरस्यमदनंस्थित्वायोगमायासमावृतः

īṣatkrodhasamāviṣṭo dhairyamālaṁbya dhūrjaṭiḥ nirasyamadanaṁsthitvāyogamāyāsamāvṛtaḥ

Slightly overcome with anger, yet holding fast to composure, Dhurjati cast Madana aside and remained enveloped in yogic maya.

Verse 233 (padma.1.43.233)

स तया माययाविष्टो जज्वाल मदनस्ततः। इच्छाशरीरो दुर्ज्ञेयो दोषावासो महाशयः

sa tayā māyayāviṣṭo jajvāla madanastataḥ icchāśarīro durjñeyo doṣāvāso mahāśayaḥ

Overcome by that maya, Madana blazed up — he whose body is mere desire, hard to know, the abode of fault, though of great ambition.

Verse 234 (padma.1.43.234)

हृदयान्निर्गतः सोथ वासनाव्यसनात्मकः। बहिस्थलं समासाद्य उपतस्थे झषध्वजः

hṛdayānnirgataḥ sotha vāsanāvyasanātmakaḥ bahisthalaṁ samāsādya upatasthe jhaṣadhvajaḥ

Emerging from Shiva's heart, that one whose nature is the vice of desire, Kama, having reached the outer world, presented himself.

Verse 235 (padma.1.43.235)

अनुयातो हि साह्येन मित्रेण मधुना सह। सहकारतरोर्दृष्ट्वा मंदमारुतनिर्धुतं

anuyāto hi sāhyena mitreṇa madhunā saha sahakāratarordṛṣṭvā maṁdamārutanirdhutaṁ

Followed by his friend Madhu, seeing a mango-cluster shaken gently by the breeze—

Verse 236 (padma.1.43.236)

स्तबकं मदनो रम्यं हरवक्षसि सत्वरं। मुमोच मोहनं नाम मार्गणं मकरध्वजः

stabakaṁ madano ramyaṁ haravakṣasi satvaraṁ mumoca mohanaṁ nāma mārgaṇaṁ makaradhvajaḥ

—Madana swiftly let fly at Hara's breast, in that lovely blossom-cluster, the arrow named Mohana, the deluder.

Verse 237 (padma.1.43.237)

स तस्य हृदये शुद्धे नामशाली महाशरः। पपात परुषः प्रांशुः पुष्पबाणो विमोहनः

sa tasya hṛdaye śuddhe nāmaśālī mahāśaraḥ papāta paruṣaḥ prāṁśuḥ puṣpabāṇo vimohanaḥ

That great, aptly-named arrow, harsh, long, flower-tipped, deluding, fell upon his pure heart.

Verse 238 (padma.1.43.238)

ततः करणसंदोहे विद्धे तु हृदये भवः। बभूव भूतपो कंप्य धैर्योपि मदनोन्मुखः

tataḥ karaṇasaṁdohe viddhe tu hṛdaye bhavaḥ babhūva bhūtapo kaṁpya dhairyopi madanonmukhaḥ

Then, heart and senses pierced, Bhava trembled — though composed, his mind turned now toward passion.

Verse 239 (padma.1.43.239)

ततः प्रभुत्वाद्भावानामावेशं स्वमपश्यत। वाक्यं बहु बभाषेथ प्रत्यूहप्रसवात्मकं

tataḥ prabhutvādbhāvānāmāveśaṁ svamapaśyata vākyaṁ bahu babhāṣetha pratyūhaprasavātmakaṁ

Then, by his own lordship, he perceived this disturbance within himself, and spoke many words born of that very obstruction.

Verse 240 (padma.1.43.240)

ततः कोपानलोद्भूत घोर हुंकारभीषणे। बभूव वदने नेत्रं तृतीयमनलाकुलं

tataḥ kopānalodbhūta ghora huṁkārabhīṣaṇe babhūva vadane netraṁ tṛtīyamanalākulaṁ

Then, on his face, terrible with a dreadful roar born of the fire of wrath, a third eye appeared, filled with fire—

Verse 241 (padma.1.43.241)

रुद्रस्य रौद्रवपुषो जगत्संहारभैरवम्। तदंतिकस्थे मदने व्यस्फारयत धूर्जटिः

rudrasya raudravapuṣo jagatsaṁhārabhairavam tadaṁtikasthe madane vyasphārayata dhūrjaṭiḥ

—on Rudra's fearsome form, terrible as the world's own destruction, and Dhurjati opened it upon Madana standing close before him.

Verse 242 (padma.1.43.242)

तन्नेत्रविस्फुलिंगेन क्रोशतां नाकवासिनाम्। गमितो भस्मतां तूर्णं कंदर्पः कामदर्पकः

tannetravisphuliṁgena krośatāṁ nākavāsinām gamito bhasmatāṁ tūrṇaṁ kaṁdarpaḥ kāmadarpakaḥ

By the spark of that eye, while the dwellers of heaven cried out, Kandarpa, pride of desire, was instantly reduced to ashes.

Verse 243 (padma.1.43.243)

स तु तं भस्मसात्कृत्वा हरनेत्रोद्भवोनलः। व्यजृंभत जगद्दग्धुं ज्ञात्वा हुंकारघस्मरं

sa tu taṁ bhasmasātkṛtvā haranetrodbhavonalaḥ vyajṛṁbhata jagaddagdhuṁ jñātvā huṁkāraghasmaraṁ

Having reduced him to ashes, that fire born of Hara's eye, roaring, began to spread further, as if to burn the whole world.

Verse 244 (padma.1.43.244)

ततो भवो जगद्धेतोर्व्यभजज्जातवेदसम्। सहकारे मधौ चन्द्रे सुमनः स्स्वपरेष्वपि

tato bhavo jagaddhetorvyabhajajjātavedasam sahakāre madhau candre sumanaḥ ssvapareṣvapi

Then Bhava, for the world's sake, distributed that fire into the mango tree, into Spring, into the moon, into flowers, and into others—

Verse 245 (padma.1.43.245)

भृंगेषु कोकिलास्ये च विभागेन स्मरानलं। स बाह्याभ्यंतरे विद्धो हरोथ स्मरमार्गणैः

bhṛṁgeṣu kokilāsye ca vibhāgena smarānalaṁ sa bāhyābhyaṁtare viddho harotha smaramārgaṇaiḥ

—into bees and into the koel's throat, dividing the fire of desire. Hara himself was pierced both within and without by Kama's own arrows.

Verse 246 (padma.1.43.246)

भागेष्वेतेषु संविष्टं वीक्षती बहुनाशनं। विभक्तं लोकसंक्षोभकरं दुर्वारजृंभितं

bhāgeṣveteṣu saṁviṣṭaṁ vīkṣatī bahunāśanaṁ vibhaktaṁ lokasaṁkṣobhakaraṁ durvārajṛṁbhitaṁ

Rati, seeing that fire — destroyer of many, now divided among these things, disturbing the whole world—

Verse 247 (padma.1.43.247)

तत्प्राप्तिस्नेहसंपूर्णकामेन हृदये किल। ज्वलन्नहर्निशं भीमो दुःखस्य वशगोऽभवत्

tatprāptisnehasaṁpūrṇakāmena hṛdaye kila jvalannaharniśaṁ bhīmo duḥkhasya vaśago'bhavat

—and burning in her own heart full of longing for her beloved, day and night, fell utterly into the grip of terrible sorrow.

Verse 248 (padma.1.43.248)

विलोक्य हरहुंकार ज्वालाभस्मीकृतं स्मरं। विललाप रतिः क्रूरं बंधुना मधुना सह

vilokya harahuṁkāra jvālābhasmīkṛtaṁ smaraṁ vilalāpa ratiḥ krūraṁ baṁdhunā madhunā saha

Seeing Kama reduced to ashes by the flame of Hara's roar, Rati wailed piteously, together with her kinsman Madhu.

Verse 249 (padma.1.43.249)

ततो विलप्य बहुशो मधुना परिसांत्विता। जगाम शरणं देवमिंदुमौलित्रिलोचनं

tato vilapya bahuśo madhunā parisāṁtvitā jagāma śaraṇaṁ devamiṁdumaulitrilocanaṁ

After lamenting long and being comforted by Madhu, she went for refuge to the moon-crested three-eyed lord.

Verse 250 (padma.1.43.250)

भृंगानुयातां संगृह्य पुष्पितां सहकारजां। लतां पत्रद्रुमच्छन्नां जातां परभृतां सखीं

bhṛṁgānuyātāṁ saṁgṛhya puṣpitāṁ sahakārajāṁ latāṁ patradrumacchannāṁ jātāṁ parabhṛtāṁ sakhīṁ

Taking with her the flowering, bee-followed mango-vine, hidden among leaves, and her friend the cuckoo—

Verse 251 (padma.1.43.251)

निबध्य तु जटाजूटं कुटिलैरलकै रतिः। उद्वर्त्य गात्रं शुभ्रेण हृद्येन स्मरभस्मना

nibadhya tu jaṭājūṭaṁ kuṭilairalakai ratiḥ udvartya gātraṁ śubhreṇa hṛdyena smarabhasmanā

—Rati, binding her hair into matted coils, and smearing her body with her husband's pale, lovely ashes—

Verse 252 (padma.1.43.252)

जानुभ्यामवनिं गत्वा प्रोवाचेन्दुविभूषणम्। रतिरुवाच। नमः शिवायास्तु मनोमयाय जगन्मयायाद्भुतवर्त्मने नमः

jānubhyāmavaniṁ gatvā provācenduvibhūṣaṇam ratiruvāca namaḥ śivāyāstu manomayāya jaganmayāyādbhutavartmane namaḥ

—fell upon her knees and spoke to the moon-crowned lord. Rati said: 'Salutation to Shiva, of the nature of mind and universe, of wondrous ways!'

Verse 253 (padma.1.43.253)

नमः शिवायास्तु सुरार्चिताय तुभ्यं सदा भक्तकृपापराय। नमो भवायास्तु भवोद्भवाय नमोस्तु ते ध्वस्तमनोभवाय

namaḥ śivāyāstu surārcitāya tubhyaṁ sadā bhaktakṛpāparāya namo bhavāyāstu bhavodbhavāya namostu te dhvastamanobhavāya

'Salutation to Shiva, worshipped by gods, ever compassionate to devotees! Salutation to Bhava! Salutation to you who destroyed Madana!'

Verse 254 (padma.1.43.254)

नमोस्तु मायामदनाश्रयाय नमो निसर्गामलभूषिताय। नमोस्त्वमेयाय गुणायनाय नमोस्तु सिद्धाय पुरातनाय

namostu māyāmadanāśrayāya namo nisargāmalabhūṣitāya namostvameyāya guṇāyanāya namostu siddhāya purātanāya

'Salutation to refuge of maya and desire! Salutation to you adorned by your own spotless nature! Salutation to the immeasurable, primeval accomplished one!'

Verse 255 (padma.1.43.255)

नमः शरण्याय नमो गुणाय नमोस्तु ते भीमगणानुगाय। नमोस्तु नानाभुवनर्द्धिकर्त्रे नमोस्तु भक्ताभिमतप्रदाय

namaḥ śaraṇyāya namo guṇāya namostu te bhīmagaṇānugāya namostu nānābhuvanarddhikartre namostu bhaktābhimatapradāya

'Salutation to the refuge of all, to Virtue itself, to you followed by terrible hosts, to giver of prosperity, to fulfiller of devotees' wishes!'

Verse 256 (padma.1.43.256)

नमोथ कर्मप्रसवे नमः सदा अनंतरूपाय सदैव तुभ्यम्। असह्यकोपाय सदैव तुभ्यं शशांकचिह्नाय नमोस्तु तुभ्यम्

namotha karmaprasave namaḥ sadā anaṁtarūpāya sadaiva tubhyam asahyakopāya sadaiva tubhyaṁ śaśāṁkacihnāya namostu tubhyam

'Salutation to the source of action! Salutation to you of endless forms, of unbearable wrath, marked by the crescent moon!'

Verse 257 (padma.1.43.257)

असीमलीलापरमस्तुताय वृषेंद्रयानाय पुरांतकाय। नमः प्रसिद्धाय महौषधाय नमोस्तु नानाविधरूपकाय

asīmalīlāparamastutāya vṛṣeṁdrayānāya purāṁtakāya namaḥ prasiddhāya mahauṣadhāya namostu nānāvidharūpakāya

'Salutation to you, praised for boundless play, rider of the bull, destroyer of the triple city! Salutation to the great medicine, of many forms!'

Verse 258 (padma.1.43.258)

नमोस्तु कालाय नमः कलाय नमोस्तु ते कालकलातिगाय। चराचराचार्यविचार्यवर्यमाचार्यमुत्प्रेक्षितभूतसर्गं

namostu kālāya namaḥ kalāya namostu te kālakalātigāya carācarācāryavicāryavaryamācāryamutprekṣitabhūtasargaṁ

'Salutation to Time, to its every fraction, to you who transcend Time itself! Teacher of all beings, best of the contemplable, seer of creation—'

Verse 259 (padma.1.43.259)

त्वामिंदुमौलिशरणं प्रपन्ना प्रियाप्तयेहं सहसा महेशं। प्रयच्छ मे कामयशः समृद्धिं पतिं विना तं भगवन्न जीवे

tvāmiṁdumauliśaraṇaṁ prapannā priyāptayehaṁ sahasā maheśaṁ prayaccha me kāmayaśaḥ samṛddhiṁ patiṁ vinā taṁ bhagavanna jīve

'—to you, moon-crowned Mahesha, I have taken refuge to regain my beloved. Grant me back Kama's glory; without him, O Lord, I cannot live.'

Verse 260 (padma.1.43.260)

प्रियः प्रियायाः पुरुषेश नित्यस्ततो परः को भुवनेष्विहास्ति। प्रभुः प्रभावी प्रभवः प्रियाणां प्रवीणपर्याय परापरं तपः

priyaḥ priyāyāḥ puruṣeśa nityastato paraḥ ko bhuvaneṣvihāsti prabhuḥ prabhāvī prabhavaḥ priyāṇāṁ pravīṇaparyāya parāparaṁ tapaḥ

'O lord of persons, who else is the eternal beloved of the beloved, greater than he? You are the lord, the powerful source, the skillful refuge of the dear, the highest and lowest, the very essence of austerity.'

Verse 261 (padma.1.43.261)

त्वमेव नाथो भुवनस्य गोप्तां दयालुरुन्मूलितभक्तभीतिः। इत्थं स्तुतः शंकरइंद्रमौलिर्वृषाकपिर्मन्मथकांतया तु

tvameva nātho bhuvanasya goptāṁ dayālurunmūlitabhaktabhītiḥ itthaṁ stutaḥ śaṁkaraiṁdramaulirvṛṣākapirmanmathakāṁtayā tu

"You alone are the lord and protector of the world, compassionate, uprooting your devotees' fear." Thus praised by Manmatha's beloved, crescent-crowned, bull-riding Shankara—

Verse 262 (padma.1.43.262)

तुतोष दोषाकरखंडधारी उवाच चैनां मधुरं निरीक्ष्य। शंकर उवाच। भविष्यति च कामोयं काले कांते चिरादथ

tutoṣa doṣākarakhaṁḍadhārī uvāca caināṁ madhuraṁ nirīkṣya śaṁkara uvāca bhaviṣyati ca kāmoyaṁ kāle kāṁte cirādatha

—was pleased, and, gazing on her tenderly, spoke sweetly. Shankara said: "In time, beloved, after a long while, this Kama shall—"

Verse 263 (padma.1.43.263)

अनंग इति लोकेषु स विख्यातिं गमिष्यति। इत्युक्ता शिरसा वंद्य गिरीशं कामवल्लभा

anaṁga iti lokeṣu sa vikhyātiṁ gamiṣyati ityuktā śirasā vaṁdya girīśaṁ kāmavallabhā

"—come to be, known in the worlds as Ananga, the bodiless." Thus told, Kama's beloved bowed her head to the lord of the mountain—

Verse 264 (padma.1.43.264)

जगामोपवनं चान्यद्रतिस्तुहिन पर्वते। रुरोद चापि बहुशो दीना रम्ये स्थले स्थले

jagāmopavanaṁ cānyadratistuhina parvate ruroda cāpi bahuśo dīnā ramye sthale sthale

—and went to another grove on the snow-mountain. Wretched, she wept again and again in one lovely spot after another.

Verse 265 (padma.1.43.265)

मरणव्यवसायापि निवृत्ता च शिवाज्ञया। अथ नारदवाक्येन चोदितो हिमभूधरः

maraṇavyavasāyāpi nivṛttā ca śivājñayā atha nāradavākyena codito himabhūdharaḥ

Though resolved to die, she desisted at Shiva's own command. Meanwhile, prompted by Narada, the Himalaya—

Verse 266 (padma.1.43.266)

कृताभरणसंस्कारां कृतकौतुकमंगलां। स्वर्गपुष्पकृतापीडां शुभ्रचीनांशुकांबराम्

kṛtābharaṇasaṁskārāṁ kṛtakautukamaṁgalāṁ svargapuṣpakṛtāpīḍāṁ śubhracīnāṁśukāṁbarām

—[adorned his daughter,] her ornaments arranged, auspicious rites performed, a garland of heavenly flowers upon her head, in bright silken garments—

Verse 267 (padma.1.43.267)

सखीभ्यां संयुतां शैलो गृहीत्वा स्वसुतां ततः। जगाम सुभगे योगे तदा संपूर्णमानसः

sakhībhyāṁ saṁyutāṁ śailo gṛhītvā svasutāṁ tataḥ jagāma subhage yoge tadā saṁpūrṇamānasaḥ

—and, taking his daughter with two friends, went forth, his heart full, for that auspicious union.

Verse 268 (padma.1.43.268)

सकाननान्युपाक्रम्य वनान्युपवनानि च। ददर्श रुदतीं नारीमप्रतर्क्यां महौजसम्

sakānanānyupākramya vanānyupavanāni ca dadarśa rudatīṁ nārīmapratarkyāṁ mahaujasam

Passing through forests and groves, he saw a weeping woman of inconceivable, great splendor.

Verse 269 (padma.1.43.269)

न रूपेणेदृशी लोके रम्येषु वनसानुषु। कौतुकेन परामृष्टस्तां दृष्ट्वा रुदतीं गिरिः

na rūpeṇedṛśī loke ramyeṣu vanasānuṣu kautukena parāmṛṣṭastāṁ dṛṣṭvā rudatīṁ giriḥ

None in the world had such beauty, even among these lovely woodland slopes. Struck with curiosity, seeing her weeping, the mountain—

Verse 270 (padma.1.43.270)

उपसृप्य ततस्तस्या निकटं सोप्यपृच्छत। हिमवानुवाच-। कासि कस्यासि कल्याणि किमर्थं चापि रोदिषि

upasṛpya tatastasyā nikaṭaṁ sopyapṛcchata himavānuvāca- kāsi kasyāsi kalyāṇi kimarthaṁ cāpi rodiṣi

—drew near and asked. Himavat said: "Who are you, whose are you, auspicious lady, and why do you weep?"

Verse 271 (padma.1.43.271)

नैतदल्पमहं मन्ये कारणं लोकसुंदरि। सा तस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा उवाच मधुना सह

naitadalpamahaṁ manye kāraṇaṁ lokasuṁdari sā tasya vacanaṁ śrutvā uvāca madhunā saha

"I think this cause of yours no small thing, O beauty of the world." Hearing his words, she, together with Madhu—

Verse 272 (padma.1.43.272)

रुदंती शोकवचनं श्वसंती दैन्यवर्धनं। रतिरुवाच-। कामस्य दयितां भार्यां रतिं मां विद्धि सुव्रत

rudaṁtī śokavacanaṁ śvasaṁtī dainyavardhanaṁ ratiruvāca- kāmasya dayitāṁ bhāryāṁ ratiṁ māṁ viddhi suvrata

—weeping words of sorrow, sighing in growing misery, spoke. Rati said: "Know me, O good one, as Rati, Kama's beloved wife."

Verse 273 (padma.1.43.273)

गिरावस्मिंश्च भगवान्गिरिशस्तपसि स्थितः। तेन प्रत्यूहरुष्टेन क्रोधाद्विस्फार्य लोचनं

girāvasmiṁśca bhagavāngiriśastapasi sthitaḥ tena pratyūharuṣṭena krodhādvisphārya locanaṁ

"On this very mountain, the blessed lord of the mountain was engaged in austerity. Angered by the disturbance, opening his eye in wrath—"

Verse 274 (padma.1.43.274)

विमुच्याग्निशिखाज्वालां कामो भस्मावशेषितः। अहं तु शरणं याता तं देवं भयविह्वला

vimucyāgniśikhājvālāṁ kāmo bhasmāvaśeṣitaḥ ahaṁ tu śaraṇaṁ yātā taṁ devaṁ bhayavihvalā

"—he released a flame, and Kama was reduced to ashes. I, overwhelmed with fear, went for refuge to that very god—"

Verse 275 (padma.1.43.275)

स्तुतवत्यथ संतुष्टस्ततो मां गिरिशोऽब्रवीत्। तुष्टोहं कामदयिते कामोत्पत्तिर्भविष्यति

stutavatyatha saṁtuṣṭastato māṁ giriśo'bravīt tuṣṭohaṁ kāmadayite kāmotpattirbhaviṣyati

"—and, having praised him, and he being pleased, the lord of the mountain said to me: 'I am satisfied, Kama's beloved; Kama's rebirth shall come to pass.'"

Verse 276 (padma.1.43.276)

त्वत्स्तुतिं चाप्यधीयानो नरो भक्त्या मदाश्रयः। लप्स्यते कांक्षितं कामं निवर्तमरणादपि

tvatstutiṁ cāpyadhīyāno naro bhaktyā madāśrayaḥ lapsyate kāṁkṣitaṁ kāmaṁ nivartamaraṇādapi

"'And any man who recites your praise-hymn with devotion, taking refuge in me, shall obtain his desired object, even returning from death.'"

Verse 277 (padma.1.43.277)

प्रतीक्षमाणा तद्वाक्यमाशावेशवशादहं। शरीरं परिरक्षिष्ये किंचित्कालं महाद्युते

pratīkṣamāṇā tadvākyamāśāveśavaśādahaṁ śarīraṁ parirakṣiṣye kiṁcitkālaṁ mahādyute

"Awaiting that word, overcome by hope, O radiant one, I shall preserve this body of mine for some time yet."

Verse 278 (padma.1.43.278)

इत्युक्तस्तु तया रत्या शैलः संभ्रमभीषणः। पाणावादाय तनयां गंतुमैच्छत्स्वकं पुरं

ityuktastu tayā ratyā śailaḥ saṁbhramabhīṣaṇaḥ pāṇāvādāya tanayāṁ gaṁtumaicchatsvakaṁ puraṁ

Thus told by Rati, the mountain, shaken with alarm, taking his daughter's hand, wished to go on his way.

Verse 279 (padma.1.43.279)

भाविनोऽवश्यभावित्वाद्भवित्री भूतभाविनी। लज्जमाना सखिमुखैरुवाच पितरं गिरिं

bhāvino'vaśyabhāvitvādbhavitrī bhūtabhāvinī lajjamānā sakhimukhairuvāca pitaraṁ giriṁ

Since what must be must come to pass, she who was to become mother of all beings, modestly, through her friends, spoke to her father, the mountain.

Verse 280 (padma.1.43.280)

शैलपुत्र्युवाच-। दुर्भगेन शरीरेण किं ममानेन कारणं। कथं च तां दशां प्राप्तश्शङ्करो मे पतिर्भवेत्

śailaputryuvāca- durbhagena śarīreṇa kiṁ mamānena kāraṇaṁ kathaṁ ca tāṁ daśāṁ prāptaśśaṅkaro me patirbhavet

The mountain's daughter said: "What use is this ill-fated body of mine? How could Shankara ever become my husband?"

Verse 281 (padma.1.43.281)

तपोभिः प्राप्यतेभीष्टं नासाध्यं तु तपस्यतः। दुर्भगत्वं वृथा लोके विहिते सति साधने

tapobhiḥ prāpyatebhīṣṭaṁ nāsādhyaṁ tu tapasyataḥ durbhagatvaṁ vṛthā loke vihite sati sādhane

"'By austerities one attains one's desire; nothing is unattainable for one who performs tapas. Ill-fortune becomes meaningless once the true means is undertaken.'"

Verse 282 (padma.1.43.282)

तपसि भ्रष्टसंदेहा ततः स्वार्थजिगीषया। एवं तपः करिष्येहं यामीत्युक्तवतीं सुताम्

tapasi bhraṣṭasaṁdehā tataḥ svārthajigīṣayā evaṁ tapaḥ kariṣyehaṁ yāmītyuktavatīṁ sutām

"'Freed of doubt as to austerity, desiring to win my own end, I shall perform tapas — I go.'" To his daughter who had spoken thus—

Verse 283 (padma.1.43.283)

उवाच वाचा शैलेंद्रो गद्गदस्वरवर्णया। हिमवानुवाच-। उमेति चापलं पुत्रि न क्षमं तावकं वपुः

uvāca vācā śaileṁdro gadgadasvaravarṇayā himavānuvāca- umeti cāpalaṁ putri na kṣamaṁ tāvakaṁ vapuḥ

—the mountain-king replied, his voice choked. Himavat said: "'Oh no,' my child — this fickle idea does not suit your delicate frame."

Verse 284 (padma.1.43.284)

सोढुं क्लेशानुरूपस्य तपसः सौम्यदर्शने। भावीन्यपि च कार्याणि पदार्थानि सदैव तु

soḍhuṁ kleśānurūpasya tapasaḥ saumyadarśane bhāvīnyapi ca kāryāṇi padārthāni sadaiva tu

"'You could not endure the hardship of such austerity, gentle one. Things destined to happen—"

Verse 285 (padma.1.43.285)

भाविनोर्था भवंत्येव बहवोऽनिच्छतोपि हि। तस्मान्न तपसा तेस्ति बाले किंचित्प्रयोजनम्

bhāvinorthā bhavaṁtyeva bahavo'nicchatopi hi tasmānna tapasā testi bāle kiṁcitprayojanam

"'—come to pass on their own, even without wishing. Therefore, my child, austerity serves no real purpose here.'"

Verse 286 (padma.1.43.286)

भवनं चैव गच्छामि चिंतयिष्यामि तत्र वै। इत्युक्ता तु यदा नैव गृहमन्वेति शैलजा

bhavanaṁ caiva gacchāmi ciṁtayiṣyāmi tatra vai ityuktā tu yadā naiva gṛhamanveti śailajā

"'Let us go home; I shall consider it there.'" But when, thus told, the mountain's daughter would not go home—

Verse 287 (padma.1.43.287)

ततोद्रिश्चिंतयाविष्टः स्वसुतां प्रशशंस च। ततोंतरिक्षे दिव्या च वागभूद्भुवनत्रये

tatodriściṁtayāviṣṭaḥ svasutāṁ praśaśaṁsa ca tatoṁtarikṣe divyā ca vāgabhūdbhuvanatraye

—the mountain, overcome with anxiety, praised his daughter's resolve instead. Then a divine voice arose in the sky, heard through the three worlds—

Verse 288 (padma.1.43.288)

उमेति चापलं पुत्रि त्वयोक्ता तनया यतः। उमेति नाम तेनास्या भुवनेषु भविष्यति

umeti cāpalaṁ putri tvayoktā tanayā yataḥ umeti nāma tenāsyā bhuvaneṣu bhaviṣyati

"'Since you said \"U, mā\" [don't!] to your fickle daughter, therefore \"Uma\" shall be her name throughout the worlds.'"

Verse 289 (padma.1.43.289)

सिद्धिर्मूर्तिमती त्वेषा साधयिष्यति चिंतितम्। इति श्रुत्वा तु वचनं स तदाकाशमंडले

siddhirmūrtimatī tveṣā sādhayiṣyati ciṁtitam iti śrutvā tu vacanaṁ sa tadākāśamaṁḍale

"'She is Success itself, embodied — she shall accomplish what she has resolved upon.'" Hearing this word in the sky—

Verse 290 (padma.1.43.290)

अनुज्ञाय सुतां शैलो जगामाशु स्वमंदिरम्। पुलस्त्य उवाच-। शैलजापि ययौ शैलमगम्यमपि दैवतैः

anujñāya sutāṁ śailo jagāmāśu svamaṁdiram pulastya uvāca- śailajāpi yayau śailamagamyamapi daivataiḥ

—the mountain, giving his daughter leave, went quickly home. Pulastya said: The mountain's daughter too went to a peak unreachable even by the gods—

Verse 291 (padma.1.43.291)

सखीभ्यामनुयाता तु नियता नगराजजा। शृंगं हिमवतः पुण्यं नानाधातुविभूषितम्

sakhībhyāmanuyātā tu niyatā nagarājajā śṛṁgaṁ himavataḥ puṇyaṁ nānādhātuvibhūṣitam

—accompanied by two friends, resolute, to that sacred peak of the Himalaya, adorned with various minerals—

Verse 292 (padma.1.43.292)

दिव्यपुष्पलताकीर्णं भ्रमरोद्घुष्टपादपम्। दिव्यप्रस्रवणोपेतं मनोरथशतोज्ज्वलम्

divyapuṣpalatākīrṇaṁ bhramarodghuṣṭapādapam divyaprasravaṇopetaṁ manorathaśatojjvalam

—strewn with divine flower-vines, its trees resounding with bees, furnished with celestial streams, radiant as a hundred fulfilled wishes—

Verse 293 (padma.1.43.293)

नानापक्षिसमायुक्तं चक्रवाकोपशोभितम्। जलजस्थलजैः पुण्यैः प्रफुल्लैरुपशोभितम्

nānāpakṣisamāyuktaṁ cakravākopaśobhitam jalajasthalajaiḥ puṇyaiḥ praphullairupaśobhitam

—alive with many birds, adorned with chakravaka geese, beautified by sacred flowers of water and land, all in bloom—

Verse 294 (padma.1.43.294)

चित्रकंदरसंगुह्यं दिव्यगेहसमन्वितम्। विहंगसंघसंघुष्टं कल्पपादपसंकटम्

citrakaṁdarasaṁguhyaṁ divyagehasamanvitam vihaṁgasaṁghasaṁghuṣṭaṁ kalpapādapasaṁkaṭam

—its wondrous caverns full of hidden retreats, furnished with divine dwellings, echoing with birds, crowded with wish-fulfilling trees.

Verse 295 (padma.1.43.295)

तत्रापश्यन्महाशाखं शाखिनं हरितच्छदम्। सर्वर्तुकुसुमोपेतं चक्रवाकोपशोभितम्

tatrāpaśyanmahāśākhaṁ śākhinaṁ haritacchadam sarvartukusumopetaṁ cakravākopaśobhitam

There she saw a great-branched, green-leaved tree, bearing flowers of every season, adorned with chakravaka geese—

Verse 296 (padma.1.43.296)

नानापुष्पशताकीर्णं नानाविधफलान्वितम्। त्यक्तं सूर्यस्य रुचिभिर्भिन्नसंहतपल्लवम्

nānāpuṣpaśatākīrṇaṁ nānāvidhaphalānvitam tyaktaṁ sūryasya rucibhirbhinnasaṁhatapallavam

—covered with hundreds of varied flowers, laden with fruits of every kind, its dense foliage shielding out even the sun's rays.

Verse 297 (padma.1.43.297)

तत्रांबराणि संत्यज्य भूषणानि च शैलजा। संवीता वल्कलैर्दिव्यैर्दर्भनिर्मितमेखला

tatrāṁbarāṇi saṁtyajya bhūṣaṇāni ca śailajā saṁvītā valkalairdivyairdarbhanirmitamekhalā

There the mountain's daughter, casting off her fine garments and ornaments, wore divine bark-cloth, girded with a kusha-grass belt.

Verse 298 (padma.1.43.298)

त्रिःस्नाता पाटलाहारा बभूव शरदां शतम्। शतमेकेन जीर्णेन पर्णेनावर्त्तयत्तदा

triḥsnātā pāṭalāhārā babhūva śaradāṁ śatam śatamekena jīrṇena parṇenāvarttayattadā

Bathing thrice daily, living on pink kimshuka flowers, she remained a hundred autumns; another hundred years she lived on a single withered leaf.

Verse 299 (padma.1.43.299)

निराहारा शतं साभूत्समानां तपसो निधिः। तत उद्वेजिताः सर्वे प्राणिनस्तपसोग्निना

nirāhārā śataṁ sābhūtsamānāṁ tapaso nidhiḥ tata udvejitāḥ sarve prāṇinastapasogninā

For a hundred years more she remained without food, becoming a very treasury of austerity. Then all creatures grew disturbed by the fire of her tapas.

Verse 300 (padma.1.43.300)

ततः सस्मार भगवान्मुनीन्सप्त शतक्रतुः। ते समागम्य मुदिताः सर्वे समुदितास्तथा

tataḥ sasmāra bhagavānmunīnsapta śatakratuḥ te samāgamya muditāḥ sarve samuditāstathā

Then blessed Indra called to mind the seven sages. They, coming together joyfully, all assembled—

Verse 301 (padma.1.43.301)

पूजितास्ते महेंद्रेण पप्रच्छुस्तत्प्रयोजनम्। किमर्थं हि सुरश्रेष्ठ संस्मृतास्तु वयं त्वया

pūjitāste maheṁdreṇa papracchustatprayojanam kimarthaṁ hi suraśreṣṭha saṁsmṛtāstu vayaṁ tvayā

—and, honored by Indra, asked his purpose: "Why, O best of gods, have you called us to mind?"

Verse 302 (padma.1.43.302)

शक्रः प्रोवाच शृण्वंतु भगवंतः प्रयोजनम्। हिमाचले तपो घोरं तप्यते भूधरात्मजा

śakraḥ provāca śṛṇvaṁtu bhagavaṁtaḥ prayojanam himācale tapo ghoraṁ tapyate bhūdharātmajā

Indra said: "Hear, blessed ones, my purpose. On the Himalaya, the mountain's daughter performs terrible austerity."

Verse 303 (padma.1.43.303)

तस्याभिमतयोगेन भवंतः कर्तुमर्हथ। तपः समापनं देव्या जगदर्थे त्वरान्विताः

tasyābhimatayogena bhavaṁtaḥ kartumarhatha tapaḥ samāpanaṁ devyā jagadarthe tvarānvitāḥ

"You are fit to bring her austerity, undertaken for her desired union, to completion — hastening for the world's sake."

Verse 304 (padma.1.43.304)

तथेत्युक्त्वा ततः शैलं सिद्धसंघातसेवितम्। ऊचुरागम्य मुनयस्तामथो मधुराक्षरम्

tathetyuktvā tataḥ śailaṁ siddhasaṁghātasevitam ūcurāgamya munayastāmatho madhurākṣaram

Saying "so be it," the sages went to that Siddha-frequented mountain and spoke sweet words to her.

Verse 305 (padma.1.43.305)

पुत्रि कस्ते व्यवसितः कामः कमललोचने। तानुवाच ततो देवी सादरं गौरवान्मुनीन्

putri kaste vyavasitaḥ kāmaḥ kamalalocane tānuvāca tato devī sādaraṁ gauravānmunīn

"Daughter, lotus-eyed one, what is your resolved desire?" Then the goddess replied to the sages respectfully.

Verse 306 (padma.1.43.306)

देव्युवाच-। तपस्यंतो महाभागाः प्रोह्य मौनं भवादृशां। वंदनाय नियुक्ता धीर्याचयत्यविकल्पितम्

devyuvāca- tapasyaṁto mahābhāgāḥ prohya maunaṁ bhavādṛśāṁ vaṁdanāya niyuktā dhīryācayatyavikalpitam

The goddess said: "For illustrious ones like yourselves performing austerity, having set aside silence, the resolve to bow to you comes without hesitation."

Verse 307 (padma.1.43.307)

सुप्रसन्नमुखा यूयं गृहीत्वासनमादितः। उपविष्टाः श्रमं मुक्त्वा ततः प्रक्ष्यथ मामनु

suprasannamukhā yūyaṁ gṛhītvāsanamāditaḥ upaviṣṭāḥ śramaṁ muktvā tataḥ prakṣyatha māmanu

"With gladdened faces, first take your seats, and having rested, then question me further."

Verse 308 (padma.1.43.308)

इत्युक्तास्ते ततश्चक्रुस्तत्रासनपरिग्रहम्। सा च तान्विधिवत्पूर्वं पूजयित्वा विधानतः

ityuktāste tataścakrustatrāsanaparigraham sā ca tānvidhivatpūrvaṁ pūjayitvā vidhānataḥ

Thus told, they took their seats there. And she, having first duly honored them—

Verse 309 (padma.1.43.309)

उवाचादित्यसंकाशान्मुनीन्सप्तॠषीन्शनैः। त्यक्त्वा व्रतात्मकं मौनं नत्वा च विधिवन्मुनीन्

uvācādityasaṁkāśānmunīnsaptaṝṣīnśanaiḥ tyaktvā vratātmakaṁ maunaṁ natvā ca vidhivanmunīn

—spoke gently to those sun-radiant seven sages, setting aside her vow of silence, bowing to them duly.

Verse 310 (padma.1.43.310)

भगवंतोपि मौनांते तस्याः सप्तर्षयोप्यथ। गौरवाधारतां प्राप्तां पप्रच्छुस्तां पुनस्तथा

bhagavaṁtopi maunāṁte tasyāḥ saptarṣayopyatha gauravādhāratāṁ prāptāṁ papracchustāṁ punastathā

The blessed seven sages, when her silence had ended, again questioned her, now regarding her with due reverence.

Verse 311 (padma.1.43.311)

सापि गौरवगर्भेण मनसा चारुहासिनी। मुनीन्सर्वांस्तथालोक्य प्रोवाच प्रोह्य वाग्यमम्

sāpi gauravagarbheṇa manasā cāruhāsinī munīnsarvāṁstathālokya provāca prohya vāgyamam

She too, her mind full of respect, that lovely-smiling one, gazing upon all the sages, set aside silence and spoke.

Verse 312 (padma.1.43.312)

भगवंतो विजानीथ प्राणिनां मनसेप्सितम्। शरीरादिभिरत्यर्थं कदर्थ्यं ते हि देहिनः

bhagavaṁto vijānītha prāṇināṁ manasepsitam śarīrādibhiratyarthaṁ kadarthyaṁ te hi dehinaḥ

"Blessed ones, you know what beings desire in their hearts. Embodied beings are indeed sorely afflicted through the body and the rest."

Verse 313 (padma.1.43.313)

केचित्तु निपुणास्तत्र घटंते विविधोद्यमैः। उपायैर्दुर्लभान्भावान्प्राप्नुवंति ह्यतंद्रिताः

kecittu nipuṇāstatra ghaṭaṁte vividhodyamaiḥ upāyairdurlabhānbhāvānprāpnuvaṁti hyataṁdritāḥ

"Some, skillful in this, strive with various efforts and, untiring, obtain by right means what is hard to attain."

Verse 314 (padma.1.43.314)

अपरे तु परिच्छिद्य नानाकारानुपक्रमान्। देहांतरार्थं सारंभमाश्रयंति हि तद्व्रतम्

apare tu paricchidya nānākārānupakramān dehāṁtarārthaṁ sāraṁbhamāśrayaṁti hi tadvratam

"Others, deciding upon various methods, resort with great effort to that very vow, for the sake of another body."

Verse 315 (padma.1.43.315)

ममत्वाकाशसंभूतकुसुमस्रग्विभूषितम्। विंध्यशृंगं स्प्रष्टुकामो हस्तः प्रसरते मुहुः

mamatvākāśasaṁbhūtakusumasragvibhūṣitam viṁdhyaśṛṁgaṁ spraṣṭukāmo hastaḥ prasarate muhuḥ

"As for me — like a hand reaching out again and again to touch the Vindhya's peak, garlanded with impossible sky-flowers—"

Verse 316 (padma.1.43.316)

अहं किल भवं देवं पतिं प्राप्तुं समुद्यता। प्रकृत्यैव दुराराध्यं तपस्यंतं च संप्रति

ahaṁ kila bhavaṁ devaṁ patiṁ prāptuṁ samudyatā prakṛtyaiva durārādhyaṁ tapasyaṁtaṁ ca saṁprati

"—I have resolved to obtain the god Bhava as husband, one by nature exceedingly hard to please, now engaged in his own austerity—"

Verse 317 (padma.1.43.317)

सुरासुरैरनिर्णीतं परमार्थक्रियाश्रयं। सांप्रतं चापि निर्दग्धो मदनो वीतरागिणा

surāsurairanirṇītaṁ paramārthakriyāśrayaṁ sāṁprataṁ cāpi nirdagdho madano vītarāgiṇā

"—undetermined even by gods and demons, grounded in the highest truth; and just now Madana has been burnt by that very passionless one."

Verse 318 (padma.1.43.318)

कथमाराधयेदीशं मादृशी तादृशं शिवम्। इत्युक्ता मुनयस्ते तु स्थिरतां मनसस्ततः

kathamārādhayedīśaṁ mādṛśī tādṛśaṁ śivam ityuktā munayaste tu sthiratāṁ manasastataḥ

"How could one like I ever propitiate such a Shiva?" Thus told, the sages, to know the firmness of her mind—

Verse 319 (padma.1.43.319)

ज्ञातुमस्या वचः प्रोचुः प्रक्रमात्प्रकृतार्थकम्। मुनय ऊचुः-। द्विविधन्तु सुखं तावत्पुत्रि लोके विभाव्यते

jñātumasyā vacaḥ procuḥ prakramātprakṛtārthakam munaya ūcuḥ- dvividhantu sukhaṁ tāvatputri loke vibhāvyate

—spoke words fitting the matter. The sages said: "There are, my child, two kinds of happiness recognized in this world—"

Verse 320 (padma.1.43.320)

शरीरस्यास्य संयोगश्चेतसश्चापि निर्वृतिः। प्रकृत्या तु स दिग्वासा भीमो भस्मास्थिभूषणः

śarīrasyāsya saṁyogaścetasaścāpi nirvṛtiḥ prakṛtyā tu sa digvāsā bhīmo bhasmāsthibhūṣaṇaḥ

"—union of the body, and contentment of mind. But he, by nature, goes naked, is terrible, adorned with ash and bone—"

Verse 321 (padma.1.43.321)

कपाली भिक्षुको नग्नो विरूपाक्षोऽस्थिरक्रियः। प्रमत्तोन्मत्तकाकारो बीभत्सो कृतसंग्रहः

kapālī bhikṣuko nagno virūpākṣo'sthirakriyaḥ pramattonmattakākāro bībhatso kṛtasaṁgrahaḥ

"—skull-bearer, mere beggar, naked, deformed of eye, erratic, appearing intoxicated, repulsive, with no household."

Verse 322 (padma.1.43.322)

पत्या न तेन चास्त्यर्थो मूर्तानर्थेन कांक्षितः। यदि स्वस्य शरीरस्य सुखमिच्छसि शाश्वतम्

patyā na tena cāstyartho mūrtānarthena kāṁkṣitaḥ yadi svasya śarīrasya sukhamicchasi śāśvatam

"There is no true purpose with such a husband — misfortune embodied, yet desired. If you wish for lasting bodily happiness—"

Verse 323 (padma.1.43.323)

तत्कथं ते महादेवाद्भूतभाजो जुगुप्सितात्। स्रवन्नरवसासास्थिकपालकृतभूषणात्

tatkathaṁ te mahādevādbhūtabhājo jugupsitāt sravannaravasāsāsthikapālakṛtabhūṣaṇāt

"—then how, from this loathsome, ghost-attended Mahadeva, adorned with a skull dripping human fat and marrow—"

Verse 324 (padma.1.43.324)

श्वसदुग्रभुजंगेन्द्रकृतभूषणभूषितात्। श्मशानवासिनो रौद्रप्रमथानुगतादपि

śvasadugrabhujaṁgendrakṛtabhūṣaṇabhūṣitāt śmaśānavāsino raudrapramathānugatādapi

"—adorned with hissing serpent-ornaments, a cremation-ground dweller, followed by terrible ghostly attendants—"

Verse 325 (padma.1.43.325)

सुरेन्द्रमकुटव्रातनिघृष्टचरणोऽरिहा। हरिरस्ति जगद्धाता श्रीकान्तोऽनन्तमूर्तिमान्

surendramakuṭavrātanighṛṣṭacaraṇo'rihā harirasti jagaddhātā śrīkānto'nantamūrtimān

"[can happiness come]? There is Hari — his feet worn by the gods' crowns, slayer of enemies, sustainer of the world, beloved of Shri, of endless form."

Verse 326 (padma.1.43.326)

जप्यो यज्ञभुजामस्ति तथेन्द्रः पाकशासनः। देवतानां निधिश्चास्ति ज्वलनस्सर्वकामधुक्

japyo yajñabhujāmasti tathendraḥ pākaśāsanaḥ devatānāṁ nidhiścāsti jvalanassarvakāmadhuk

"There is he recited by sacrifice-enjoyers; there is Indra; there is the treasury of the gods, Agni, fulfiller of every desire."

Verse 327 (padma.1.43.327)

वायुरस्ति जगद्धाता यः प्राणस्सर्वदेहिनाम्। तथा वैश्रवणो राजा सर्वार्थमहिमा प्रभुः

vāyurasti jagaddhātā yaḥ prāṇassarvadehinām tathā vaiśravaṇo rājā sarvārthamahimā prabhuḥ

"There is Vayu, sustainer of the world, the breath of all beings; King Vaishravana, lord of majesty over every wealth."

Verse 328 (padma.1.43.328)

एभ्य एकतमं कस्मान्न त्वं संप्राप्तुमिच्छसि। उतान्यस्मादिह प्राप्यं सुखं ते मनसे हितम्

ebhya ekatamaṁ kasmānna tvaṁ saṁprāptumicchasi utānyasmādiha prāpyaṁ sukhaṁ te manase hitam

"Why do you not wish for one of these instead? Or is there some other happiness here, fitting your mind?"

Verse 329 (padma.1.43.329)

एवमेतत्तथा पुत्रि प्रभावो लोकसम्पदाम्। अस्मिन्देहे परे वापि कल्याणप्राप्तये तव

evametattathā putri prabhāvo lokasampadām asmindehe pare vāpi kalyāṇaprāptaye tava

"This indeed is so, my child — such is the power of these worldly fortunes, for your welfare in this body or the next."

Verse 330 (padma.1.43.330)

पितुरेवास्ति ते सर्वं सुरेभ्यो यन्निवेदितम्। वरस्य प्राप्तये क्लेशस्स चाप्यत्राफलस्तरुः

piturevāsti te sarvaṁ surebhyo yanniveditam varasya prāptaye kleśassa cāpyatrāphalastaruḥ

"All that has been declared by the gods rests with your father alone. This hardship for such a husband would be a fruitless tree."

Verse 331 (padma.1.43.331)

प्रायेण प्रार्थितो ह्यर्थस्समर्थो ह्यतिदुर्लभः। स्वस्थानविनियोगित्वात्पुत्रि तत्रापि लभ्यते

prāyeṇa prārthito hyarthassamartho hyatidurlabhaḥ svasthānaviniyogitvātputri tatrāpi labhyate

"For the most part, even a truly worthy but hard-to-attain object is obtained precisely by using the right means, my child."

Verse 332 (padma.1.43.332)

इत्युक्तवत्सु कुपिता मुनिवर्येषु शैलजा। उवाच क्रोधरक्ताक्षी विस्फुरद्दशनच्छदा

ityuktavatsu kupitā munivaryeṣu śailajā uvāca krodharaktākṣī visphuraddaśanacchadā

When the excellent sages had spoken thus, the mountain's daughter, angered, her eyes red with fury, her lips trembling, spoke.

Verse 333 (padma.1.43.333)

देव्युवाच-। असद्ग्रहस्य का नीतिर्व्यसनस्य क्व यंत्रणा। विपरीतार्थबोद्धारः सत्पथे केन योजिताः

devyuvāca- asadgrahasya kā nītirvyasanasya kva yaṁtraṇā viparītārthaboddhāraḥ satpathe kena yojitāḥ

The goddess said: "What logic can false conviction have? What restraint can a vice possess? Who ever set backward thinkers on the true path?"

Verse 334 (padma.1.43.334)

एवं मां वित्थ दुष्प्रज्ञामस्थानासद्ग्रहप्रियाम्। न मां प्रतिविचारोस्ति यदहंकारमानिनी

evaṁ māṁ vittha duṣprajñāmasthānāsadgrahapriyām na māṁ prativicārosti yadahaṁkāramāninī

"Do you think me so foolish, so fond of a groundless conviction? Or that I have no reflection, merely vain pride?"

Verse 335 (padma.1.43.335)

प्रजापतिसमाः सर्वे भवंतः सर्वदर्शिनः। न नूनं वित्थ तं देवं शाश्वतं जगतः प्रभुम्

prajāpatisamāḥ sarve bhavaṁtaḥ sarvadarśinaḥ na nūnaṁ vittha taṁ devaṁ śāśvataṁ jagataḥ prabhum

"You are all equal to Prajapati, all-seeing. Yet do you not know that eternal lord of the world—"

Verse 336 (padma.1.43.336)

अजमीशानमव्यक्तममेयमहिमोदयम्। आस्तां तत्कर्मसद्भावं संबोधं तावदावृतम्

ajamīśānamavyaktamameyamahimodayam āstāṁ tatkarmasadbhāvaṁ saṁbodhaṁ tāvadāvṛtam

"—unborn, the ruler, unmanifest, of immeasurable glory? Let alone his acts — even understanding him remains veiled."

Verse 337 (padma.1.43.337)

विदुस्तं न हरि ब्रह्ममुखा अपि सुरेश्वराः। यत्तस्यविभवं स्वोत्थं भुवनेषु विजृंभितम्

vidustaṁ na hari brahmamukhā api sureśvarāḥ yattasyavibhavaṁ svotthaṁ bhuvaneṣu vijṛṁbhitam

"Even Hari, Brahma, and the other lords of the gods do not know him — whose self-arisen glory spreads through the worlds—"

Verse 338 (padma.1.43.338)

प्रकटं सर्वभूतानां तदप्यथ न वित्थ किं। कस्यैतद्गगनं मूर्तिः कस्याग्निः कस्य मारुतः

prakaṭaṁ sarvabhūtānāṁ tadapyatha na vittha kiṁ kasyaitadgaganaṁ mūrtiḥ kasyāgniḥ kasya mārutaḥ

"—manifest to all beings — yet do you not know even that? Whose form is this sky? Whose is Agni? Whose is Vayu?"

Verse 339 (padma.1.43.339)

कस्य भूः कस्य वरुणः कश्चंद्रार्कविलोचनः। कस्यार्चयंति लोकेषु लिंगं भक्त्या सुरासुराः

kasya bhūḥ kasya varuṇaḥ kaścaṁdrārkavilocanaḥ kasyārcayaṁti lokeṣu liṁgaṁ bhaktyā surāsurāḥ

"Whose is the earth? Whose is Varuna? Whose eyes are sun and moon? Whose linga do gods and demons worship?"

Verse 340 (padma.1.43.340)

यच्च ब्रह्मेश्वरा देवा विष्ण्विन्द्राद्या महर्षयः। प्रभावं प्रभवं वापि तेषामपि न वित्थ किं

yacca brahmeśvarā devā viṣṇvindrādyā maharṣayaḥ prabhāvaṁ prabhavaṁ vāpi teṣāmapi na vittha kiṁ

"And do you not even know the power and origin of Brahma, the ruling gods, Vishnu, Indra, and the great sages?"

Verse 341 (padma.1.43.341)

अदितेः कश्यपाज्जाता देवा नारायणादयः। मरीचेः कश्यपः पुत्रो ह्यदितिर्दक्षपुत्रिका

aditeḥ kaśyapājjātā devā nārāyaṇādayaḥ marīceḥ kaśyapaḥ putro hyaditirdakṣaputrikā

"The gods, Narayana and the rest, were born of Kashyapa and Aditi; Kashyapa was Marichi's son, Aditi was Daksha's daughter."

Verse 342 (padma.1.43.342)

मरीचिश्चापि दक्षश्च पुत्रौ तौ ब्रह्मणः किल। ब्रह्मा हिरण्मयादंडादेव सिद्धविभूतिकः

marīciścāpi dakṣaśca putrau tau brahmaṇaḥ kila brahmā hiraṇmayādaṁḍādeva siddhavibhūtikaḥ

"Marichi and Daksha were both sons of Brahma; Brahma himself, of accomplished glory, arose from the golden egg."

Verse 343 (padma.1.43.343)

कस्य प्रादुरभूद्ध्यानात्प्राकृतः प्राकृतांशकः। अथ नारायणेनैव स्वकीयेच्छा समाश्रयात्

kasya prādurabhūddhyānātprākṛtaḥ prākṛtāṁśakaḥ atha nārāyaṇenaiva svakīyecchā samāśrayāt

"By whose meditation did that egg, itself a portion of primal matter, arise? By Narayana himself, through his own will—"

Verse 344 (padma.1.43.344)

तत्प्रेरितः प्रयात्वेष जन्म नारायणात्मकम्। सापि कर्मण एवोक्ता प्रेरणाविवशात्मनाम्

tatpreritaḥ prayātveṣa janma nārāyaṇātmakam sāpi karmaṇa evoktā preraṇāvivaśātmanām

"—and impelled by him, Brahma's birth was itself of Narayana's essence. And that very impelling springs from karma, which makes beings helpless."

Verse 345 (padma.1.43.345)

यथोन्मादादि दुष्टस्य मतिरेव हि साभवेत्। इष्टानेव पदार्थान्वै विपरीतान्हि मन्यते

yathonmādādi duṣṭasya matireva hi sābhavet iṣṭāneva padārthānvai viparītānhi manyate

"Just as a madman's mind becomes so distorted, he takes even truly desirable things as their opposite."

Verse 346 (padma.1.43.346)

लोकस्य व्यवहारेषु दृष्टेषु हसते सदा। धर्माधर्मफलप्राप्तौ विष्णुमेव निबोधत

lokasya vyavahāreṣu dṛṣṭeṣu hasate sadā dharmādharmaphalaprāptau viṣṇumeva nibodhata

"In the world's visible dealings he always laughs. Know that Vishnu alone governs the fruits of dharma and adharma."

Verse 347 (padma.1.43.347)

विदध्वमित्थं मुनयोऽसकृच्च मे गिरं गिरीशश्रुतिभूमिसन्निधौ। उत्कृष्टकेदार इवावनीतले सुबीजमुष्टिं सुफलाय कर्षकाः

vidadhvamitthaṁ munayo'sakṛcca me giraṁ girīśaśrutibhūmisannidhau utkṛṣṭakedāra ivāvanītale subījamuṣṭiṁ suphalāya karṣakāḥ

"Sages, give my word again and again a place near the lord of the mountain's feet — as farmers sow good seed in a well-tilled field for good harvest."

Verse 348 (padma.1.43.348)

ते तां श्रुत्वा हि तां रम्यां प्रक्रमात्प्रक्रमक्रियाम्। वाचंवाचां पतिप्रख्याः प्रोचुश्चस्मितसुंदराः

te tāṁ śrutvā hi tāṁ ramyāṁ prakramātprakramakriyām vācaṁvācāṁ patiprakhyāḥ procuścasmitasuṁdarāḥ

Hearing that lovely, methodically-ordered speech, those masters of speech, smiling, spoke as follows.

Verse 349 (padma.1.43.349)

मुनय ऊचुः-। जाते लोकविधाने तु सत्यं तत्कार्यमुत्तमम्। प्रायः प्रालेयशैलस्य शंका तत्कालरूपिणः

munaya ūcuḥ- jāte lokavidhāne tu satyaṁ tatkāryamuttamam prāyaḥ prāleyaśailasya śaṁkā tatkālarūpiṇaḥ

The sages said: "In this ordering of the world now underway, that task is indeed the highest. This is merely the snow-mountain's natural anxiety at the moment."

Verse 350 (padma.1.43.350)

सत्यमुत्कंठिताः सर्वे ये ये कार्यार्थमुद्यताः। तेषां त्वरंते चेतांसि किंतु नाममहात्मनाम्

satyamutkaṁṭhitāḥ sarve ye ye kāryārthamudyatāḥ teṣāṁ tvaraṁte cetāṁsi kiṁtu nāmamahātmanām

"It is true that all eager to accomplish a task find their hearts hastening — but the conduct of the truly great-souled—"

Verse 351 (padma.1.43.351)

लोकयात्रानुगंतव्या विशेषेण विवक्षितैः। यतस्तद्धर्ममेधंते तत्प्रामाण्यं परे धृताः

lokayātrānugaṁtavyā viśeṣeṇa vivakṣitaiḥ yatastaddharmamedhaṁte tatprāmāṇyaṁ pare dhṛtāḥ

"—must be followed according to the world's own course, especially by those who speak rightly of it — for by that dharma flourishes, and others come to hold it authoritative."

Verse 352 (padma.1.43.352)

इत्युक्त्वा मुनयो जग्मुस्त्वरितास्तुहिनाचलम्। तत्र ते पूजितास्तेन हिमशैलेन सादरम्

ityuktvā munayo jagmustvaritāstuhinācalam tatra te pūjitāstena himaśailena sādaram

Having said this, the sages went in haste to the snow-mountain. There they were honored respectfully by the Himalaya.

Verse 353 (padma.1.43.353)

ऊचुर्मुनिवराः प्रीताः स्वल्पकं तु त्वरान्विताः। मुनय ऊचुः-। देवो दुहितरं साक्षात्पिनाकी तव मार्गते

ūcurmunivarāḥ prītāḥ svalpakaṁ tu tvarānvitāḥ munaya ūcuḥ- devo duhitaraṁ sākṣātpinākī tava mārgate

The excellent sages, pleased, spoke briefly, being in haste. The sages said: "The Pinaka-bearing god himself now seeks your daughter."

Verse 354 (padma.1.43.354)

तच्छीघ्रं पावयात्मानमाहुत्येवानले हुतम्। कार्यं हि तच्च देवानां सुचिरं परिवर्तते

tacchīghraṁ pāvayātmānamāhutyevānale hutam kāryaṁ hi tacca devānāṁ suciraṁ parivartate

"So purify yourself swiftly, as an offering cast into fire. This task of the gods has already dragged on far too long."

Verse 355 (padma.1.43.355)

जगदुद्धारणायैष विधातव्यः समुद्यमः। इत्युक्तस्तु तदा शैलो हर्षावेशवशान्मुनीन्

jagaduddhāraṇāyaiṣa vidhātavyaḥ samudyamaḥ ityuktastu tadā śailo harṣāveśavaśānmunīn

"For the world's deliverance, this effort must now be made." Thus addressed, the mountain, overcome by joy—

Verse 356 (padma.1.43.356)

असमर्थोभवद्वक्तुमुत्तरं प्रार्थयन्निव। ततो मेना मुनीन्वंद्य प्रोवाच स्नेहविक्लवा

asamarthobhavadvaktumuttaraṁ prārthayanniva tato menā munīnvaṁdya provāca snehaviklavā

—found himself unable to reply, as if pleading silently. Then Mena, bowing to the sages, distraught with love, spoke—

Verse 357 (padma.1.43.357)

दुहितुस्तान्मुनींश्चैव वचनं स्वयमर्थवत्। मेनोवाच-। यदर्थं दुहितुर्जन्म चेच्छंत्यपि महाफलं

duhitustānmunīṁścaiva vacanaṁ svayamarthavat menovāca- yadarthaṁ duhiturjanma cecchaṁtyapi mahāphalaṁ

—on behalf of her daughter, meaningful words of her own. Mena said: "That very purpose for which a daughter's birth, even one of great fruit, is desired—"

Verse 358 (padma.1.43.358)

तदेवोपस्थितं सर्वं प्रक्रमेणैव सांप्रतम्। कुलजन्मवयोरूपविभुत्वैस्सहितोपि यः

tadevopasthitaṁ sarvaṁ prakrameṇaiva sāṁpratam kulajanmavayorūpavibhutvaissahitopi yaḥ

"—all of that has now indeed arrived, in due course. Yet even one endowed with noble birth, youth, beauty, and power—"

Verse 359 (padma.1.43.359)

वरस्तस्यापि नाहूय सुता देया ह्ययाचतः। दिग्वासा जटिलः शूली दग्धकामोपि कामदः

varastasyāpi nāhūya sutā deyā hyayācataḥ digvāsā jaṭilaḥ śūlī dagdhakāmopi kāmadaḥ

"—such a suitor, even so, one does not give a daughter unasked; naked, matted-haired, trident-bearer — though he burnt Kama, he is [ironically] a 'giver of desire'—"

Verse 360 (padma.1.43.360)

स तु मत्सुतया घोरः कथं नाम उपास्यते। मुनय ऊचुः-। ऐश्वर्यमवगच्छस्व शंकरस्य सुरासुराः

sa tu matsutayā ghoraḥ kathaṁ nāma upāsyate munaya ūcuḥ- aiśvaryamavagacchasva śaṁkarasya surāsurāḥ

"—how could my daughter serve such a terrible one?" The sages said: "Understand Shankara's true sovereignty — even gods and demons—"

Verse 361 (padma.1.43.361)

आराध्यमानपादाब्ज युगलाश्च सुनिर्वृताः। यस्योपयोगि यद्रूपं तेन तत्प्रार्थ्यते चिरम्

ārādhyamānapādābja yugalāśca sunirvṛtāḥ yasyopayogi yadrūpaṁ tena tatprārthyate ciram

"—their worshipped lotus-feet bring utter contentment. Whatever form is fitting for one's need, that alone is long sought."

Verse 362 (padma.1.43.362)

घोरं तपस्यते बाला तेन रूपेण निर्वृता। यत्सा व्रतानि दिव्यानि नयिष्यति समापनम्

ghoraṁ tapasyate bālā tena rūpeṇa nirvṛtā yatsā vratāni divyāni nayiṣyati samāpanam

"This girl performs terrible austerity, content only in that form. Since she shall bring her divine vows to completion—"

Verse 363 (padma.1.43.363)

तदत्रावहिता तावदस्मास्वेव भविष्यति। इत्युक्त्वा गिरिणा सार्द्धं ययुर्यत्रास्ति शैलजा

tadatrāvahitā tāvadasmāsveva bhaviṣyati ityuktvā giriṇā sārddhaṁ yayuryatrāsti śailajā

"—the matter now rests with us alone." Having said this, they went with the mountain to where the mountain's daughter was.

Verse 364 (padma.1.43.364)

जितार्कज्वलनज्वाला तपस्तेजोमयीह्युमा। प्रोक्ता सा मुनिभिः स्निग्धं मानिन्याह वचोर्थवत्

jitārkajvalanajvālā tapastejomayīhyumā proktā sā munibhiḥ snigdhaṁ māninyāha vacorthavat

Uma, her tapas-radiance outshining even the sun, was addressed tenderly by the sages; that proud lady replied with meaningful words.

Verse 365 (padma.1.43.365)

नाहं क्षुद्रात्किलेच्छामि ॠते शर्वात्पिनाकिनः। स्थितं च तारतम्येन प्राणिनां परमर्द्धिदं

nāhaṁ kṣudrātkilecchāmi ṝte śarvātpinākinaḥ sthitaṁ ca tāratamyena prāṇināṁ paramarddhidaṁ

"I desire nothing petty — only Sharva, wielder of the Pinaka. He stands, by degree, above all, the supreme giver of prosperity."

Verse 366 (padma.1.43.366)

धीरतैश्वर्यकार्याणि प्रमाणमतुलं महत्। यस्मान्न किंचिदपरं यच्च यस्मात्प्रवर्तते

dhīrataiśvaryakāryāṇi pramāṇamatulaṁ mahat yasmānna kiṁcidaparaṁ yacca yasmātpravartate

"His firmness, sovereignty, and acts are of matchless, great authority. Nothing is beyond him, and all things proceed from him."

Verse 367 (padma.1.43.367)

यस्यैश्वर्यमनाद्यंतं तमहं शरणं गता। समः सव्यवसायश्च दीर्घेण विपरीतकः

yasyaiśvaryamanādyaṁtaṁ tamahaṁ śaraṇaṁ gatā samaḥ savyavasāyaśca dīrgheṇa viparītakaḥ

"I have gone for refuge to him whose sovereignty has neither beginning nor end. My resolve is fixed like his eternity — opposed only by the fleeting."

Verse 368 (padma.1.43.368)

एवं निशम्य ते वाचं देव्या मुनिवरास्तदा। आनंदाश्रुपरीताक्षाः सस्वजुस्तां तपस्विनीं

evaṁ niśamya te vācaṁ devyā munivarāstadā ānaṁdāśruparītākṣāḥ sasvajustāṁ tapasvinīṁ

Hearing these words of the goddess, the sages, their eyes filled with tears of joy, embraced that ascetic maiden.

Verse 369 (padma.1.43.369)

ऊचुश्च परमप्रीताः शैलजां मधुरं वचः। ॠषय ऊचुः। अत्यद्भुतमहो पुत्रि ज्ञानमूर्तिरिवामला

ūcuśca paramaprītāḥ śailajāṁ madhuraṁ vacaḥ ṝṣaya ūcuḥ atyadbhutamaho putri jñānamūrtirivāmalā

Greatly pleased, they spoke sweet words to the mountain's daughter. The sages said: "How wondrous, child — you are like knowledge itself, embodied and spotless."

Verse 370 (padma.1.43.370)

प्रसादयसि नो भावं भवभावप्रतिश्रयात्। ननु विद्मो वयं तस्य देवस्यैश्वर्यमद्भुतम्

prasādayasi no bhāvaṁ bhavabhāvapratiśrayāt nanu vidmo vayaṁ tasya devasyaiśvaryamadbhutam

"You gladden our hearts through your devotion to Bhava. Indeed we too know that god's wondrous sovereignty."

Verse 371 (padma.1.43.371)

त्वन्निश्चयस्य दृढतां वेत्तुं वयमिहागताः। अचिरादेव तन्वंगि कामस्त्वेष भविष्यति

tvanniścayasya dṛḍhatāṁ vettuṁ vayamihāgatāḥ acirādeva tanvaṁgi kāmastveṣa bhaviṣyati

"We came here only to test the firmness of your resolve. Very soon, slender one, this desire shall come to pass."

Verse 372 (padma.1.43.372)

आदित्यस्स प्रभो याति रत्नेभ्यः का द्युतिः पृथक्। कोऽर्थो वर्णान्स्वकांस्त्यक्त्वा तथा त्वं गिरिशं विना

ādityassa prabho yāti ratnebhyaḥ kā dyutiḥ pṛthak ko'rtho varṇānsvakāṁstyaktvā tathā tvaṁ giriśaṁ vinā

"The sun is the source [of light]; what light do jewels have apart from him? So too apart from the lord of the mountain, you have no meaning."

Verse 373 (padma.1.43.373)

यामो नेकाभ्युपायेन तमभ्यर्थयितुं वयम्। अस्माकमपि चैषोर्थः सुतरां हृदि वर्तते

yāmo nekābhyupāyena tamabhyarthayituṁ vayam asmākamapi caiṣorthaḥ sutarāṁ hṛdi vartate

"We go now, by more than one means, to entreat him. This purpose lies especially close to our own hearts too."

Verse 374 (padma.1.43.374)

अतस्त्वमेव सा बुद्धिर्यतो नीतिस्त्वमेव हि। अतो निःसंशयं कार्यं शंकरोपि विधास्यति

atastvameva sā buddhiryato nītistvameva hi ato niḥsaṁśayaṁ kāryaṁ śaṁkaropi vidhāsyati

"You yourself are that wisdom, since you yourself are right conduct. Therefore, without doubt, Shankara too shall bring this about."

Verse 375 (padma.1.43.375)

इत्युक्त्वा पूजितास्सर्वे मुनयो गिरिकन्यया। प्रययुर्गिरिशं द्रष्टुं प्रस्थं हिमवतो महत्

ityuktvā pūjitāssarve munayo girikanyayā prayayurgiriśaṁ draṣṭuṁ prasthaṁ himavato mahat

Having said this, all the sages, honored by the mountain's daughter, went to see the lord of the mountain.

Verse 376 (padma.1.43.376)

गंगांभः प्लावितात्मानः पिंगाबद्धजटासटाः। भृंगानुयातपाणिस्थ मंदारकुसुमस्रजः

gaṁgāṁbhaḥ plāvitātmānaḥ piṁgābaddhajaṭāsaṭāḥ bhṛṁgānuyātapāṇistha maṁdārakusumasrajaḥ

Their bodies bathed in the Ganga's waters, tawny matted locks bound up, mandara garlands, followed by bees, in their hands—

Verse 377 (padma.1.43.377)

संप्राप्य तु गिरेः प्रस्थं ददृशुः शंकराश्रमम्। प्रशांताशेषसत्वौघं पर्यस्तिमितकाननम्

saṁprāpya tu gireḥ prasthaṁ dadṛśuḥ śaṁkarāśramam praśāṁtāśeṣasatvaughaṁ paryastimitakānanam

—reaching the mountain's slope, they saw Shankara's hermitage — its host of creatures utterly tranquil, its whole forest wrapped in stillness.

Verse 378 (padma.1.43.378)

निःशब्दक्षोभसलिल प्रयातं सर्वतो दिशम्। तत्रापश्यंस्ततोद्वारि वीरकं वेत्रपाणिनम्

niḥśabdakṣobhasalila prayātaṁ sarvato diśam tatrāpaśyaṁstatodvāri vīrakaṁ vetrapāṇinam

Its waters flowed silently on all sides. There, at the entrance, they saw Viraka, cane-staff in hand.

Verse 379 (padma.1.43.379)

तमेते मुनयः पूज्या विनीताः कार्यगौरवात्। ऊचुर्मधुरभाषाभिस्ते वाचं वाग्मिनां वराः

tamete munayaḥ pūjyā vinītāḥ kāryagauravāt ūcurmadhurabhāṣābhiste vācaṁ vāgmināṁ varāḥ

Those venerable sages, humbled by the gravity of their task, best of eloquent speakers, addressed him in sweet words.

Verse 380 (padma.1.43.380)

द्रष्टुं वयमिहायाताः शंकरं गुणनायकं। त्रिलोचनं विजानीहि सुरकार्यप्रचोदिताः

draṣṭuṁ vayamihāyātāḥ śaṁkaraṁ guṇanāyakaṁ trilocanaṁ vijānīhi surakāryapracoditāḥ

"We have come to see Shankara, the very foundation of virtue, the three-eyed one. Know that we are impelled by the cause of the gods."

Verse 381 (padma.1.43.381)

त्वमेव नो गतिस्तत्र यथाकालानतिक्रमः। स्यात्प्रार्थनैषा प्रायेण प्रतीहारमयी प्रभो

tvameva no gatistatra yathākālānatikramaḥ syātprārthanaiṣā prāyeṇa pratīhāramayī prabho

"You alone are our means, that no time be lost. This petition is generally made through a gatekeeper, lord."

Verse 382 (padma.1.43.382)

इत्युक्तो मुनिभिः सोथ गौरवात्तानुवाच ह। सवनस्यापरां संध्यां कर्तुं मंदाकिनीं गतः

ityukto munibhiḥ sotha gauravāttānuvāca ha savanasyāparāṁ saṁdhyāṁ kartuṁ maṁdākinīṁ gataḥ

Thus addressed by the sages, he replied respectfully: "He has gone to the Mandakini for his second evening rite."

Verse 383 (padma.1.43.383)

क्षणेन भाविता विप्रास्ततो द्रक्ष्यथ शूलिनम्। इत्युक्ता मुनयस्तस्थुर्यत्नात्कार्यविचक्षणाः

kṣaṇena bhāvitā viprāstato drakṣyatha śūlinam ityuktā munayastasthuryatnātkāryavicakṣaṇāḥ

"In but a moment, brahmins, you shall see the trident-bearer." Thus told, the sages, skilled in judging the moment, waited attentively—

Verse 384 (padma.1.43.384)

गंभीरांबुधरं प्रावृट्तृषिताश्चातका यथा। तथा क्षणेन निष्पन्न समाचारक्रियाविधिम्

gaṁbhīrāṁbudharaṁ prāvṛṭtṛṣitāścātakā yathā tathā kṣaṇena niṣpanna samācārakriyāvidhim

—like thirsty chataka birds waiting for the monsoon cloud. And in but a moment, his evening rites complete—

Verse 385 (padma.1.43.385)

वीरासनकृतोद्देशं मृगचर्मनियामितम्। ततो विनीतो जानुभ्यामवलंब्य महीं मुदा

vīrāsanakṛtoddeśaṁ mṛgacarmaniyāmitam tato vinīto jānubhyāmavalaṁbya mahīṁ mudā

—Shiva appeared, seated in vira-asana, girded with deer-hide. Then, humbly, resting his knees on the ground with joy—

Verse 386 (padma.1.43.386)

उवाच वीरको देवं प्रणयैकसमाश्रयम्। संप्राप्ता मुनयः सप्त द्रष्टुं त्वां दीप्ततेजसं

uvāca vīrako devaṁ praṇayaikasamāśrayam saṁprāptā munayaḥ sapta draṣṭuṁ tvāṁ dīptatejasaṁ

—Viraka spoke to the god, sole refuge of devotion: "Seven sages have come to see you, O radiant one."

Verse 387 (padma.1.43.387)

विभो समादिश द्रष्टुं ततो ध्यानमिहार्हसि। इत्युक्तो धूर्जटिस्तेन वीरकेण महात्मना

vibho samādiśa draṣṭuṁ tato dhyānamihārhasi ityukto dhūrjaṭistena vīrakeṇa mahātmanā

"O lord, command their reception; it is fitting you attend to this now." Thus addressed by great Viraka, Dhurjati—

Verse 388 (padma.1.43.388)

भ्रूभंगसंज्ञया तेषां प्रवेशाज्ञां ददौ तदा। मूर्द्धकंपेन तान्सप्त वीरकोपि महामुनीन्

bhrūbhaṁgasaṁjñayā teṣāṁ praveśājñāṁ dadau tadā mūrddhakaṁpena tānsapta vīrakopi mahāmunīn

—by the sign of his brow, granted permission for their entry. Then Viraka too, with a nod—

Verse 389 (padma.1.43.389)

आजुहाव विदूरस्थान्दर्शनाय पिनाकिनः। त्वराबद्धजटास्ते च लंबकृष्णानिजांबराः

ājuhāva vidūrasthāndarśanāya pinākinaḥ tvarābaddhajaṭāste ca laṁbakṛṣṇānijāṁbarāḥ

—summoned those seven great sages, standing not far off, for their audience with the Pinaka-bearer. Hastily binding their hair, in dark hanging garments—

Verse 390 (padma.1.43.390)

विविशुर्वेदिकां दिव्यां गिरीशस्य विभोस्ततः। बद्धपाणिपुटा क्षिप्त नाकपुष्पोत्त्करास्ततः

viviśurvedikāṁ divyāṁ girīśasya vibhostataḥ baddhapāṇipuṭā kṣipta nākapuṣpottkarāstataḥ

—they entered the divine platform of the mountain-lord, hands joined, scattering heavenly flowers.

Verse 391 (padma.1.43.391)

पिनाकिपादयुगलं वंद्य नाकनिवासिनः। ततः स्निग्धेक्षिताः संतो मुनयः शूलपाणिना

pinākipādayugalaṁ vaṁdya nākanivāsinaḥ tataḥ snigdhekṣitāḥ saṁto munayaḥ śūlapāṇinā

The dwellers of heaven bowed to the Pinaka-bearer's two feet, and the sages, regarded tenderly by the trident-bearer—

Verse 392 (padma.1.43.392)

गिरीशं ते ततो दृष्ट्वा ते समं तुष्टवुर्मुदा

girīśaṁ te tato dṛṣṭvā te samaṁ tuṣṭavurmudā

—then, seeing the lord of the mountain, together, with joy, praised him.

Verse 393 (padma.1.43.393)

मुनय ऊचुः-। अहो कृतार्था वयमेव सांप्रतं सुरेश्वरैर्वंदितपादपल्लवम्। विलोकयामो गुणगौरवर्द्धिभिः समादिशेः कार्यमशेषरक्षणम्

munaya ūcuḥ- aho kṛtārthā vayameva sāṁprataṁ sureśvarairvaṁditapādapallavam vilokayāmo guṇagauravarddhibhiḥ samādiśeḥ kāryamaśeṣarakṣaṇam

The sages said: "We are now truly blessed, beholding your lotus-feet, honored by the lords of gods. Command us in the task of universal protection."

Verse 394 (padma.1.43.394)

ततः प्रहस्य सर्वज्ञ उवाच मुनिसत्तमान्। भवतां यद्धृदिगतं कार्यं तत्कुरुताधुना

tataḥ prahasya sarvajña uvāca munisattamān bhavatāṁ yaddhṛdigataṁ kāryaṁ tatkurutādhunā

Then the all-knowing one, smiling, said to the sages: "Whatever task lies in your hearts, accomplish it now."

Verse 395 (padma.1.43.395)

इत्युक्ता मुनयस्तूर्णं ययुर्यत्र च शैलजा। बभाषिरे विभागज्ञा गिरिजां गिरिगह्वरे। रम्यं प्रियमनोहारि मारूपं तपसादह

ityuktā munayastūrṇaṁ yayuryatra ca śailajā babhāṣire vibhāgajñā girijāṁ girigahvare ramyaṁ priyamanohāri mārūpaṁ tapasādaha

Thus told, the sages went at once to where the mountain's daughter was. Knowing what was proper, they said to her: "Do not let austerity burn away this lovely, beloved form!"

Verse 396 (padma.1.43.396)

प्रीतस्ते शंकरः पाणिमेष प्रतिग्रहीष्यति। वयमर्थितवंतस्ते पितरं पूर्वमागताः

prītaste śaṁkaraḥ pāṇimeṣa pratigrahīṣyati vayamarthitavaṁtaste pitaraṁ pūrvamāgatāḥ

"Shankara, well pleased, shall now take your hand. We have already entreated your father first."

Verse 397 (padma.1.43.397)

पित्रा सह गृहं गच्छ वयं यामः स्वमंदिरं। इत्युक्ता तपसः सत्यं फलमस्तीति चिंत्य सा

pitrā saha gṛhaṁ gaccha vayaṁ yāmaḥ svamaṁdiraṁ ityuktā tapasaḥ satyaṁ phalamastīti ciṁtya sā

"Go home with your father; we return to our own abodes." Thus told, reflecting that austerity does bear true fruit—

Verse 398 (padma.1.43.398)

त्वरमाणा ययौ वेश्म पितुर्दिव्यं सुशोभितं। सा तत्र रजनीं मेने वर्षायुतसमां सती

tvaramāṇā yayau veśma piturdivyaṁ suśobhitaṁ sā tatra rajanīṁ mene varṣāyutasamāṁ satī

—she went in haste to her father's splendid, divine palace. There, chaste, she felt each night like ten thousand years—

Verse 399 (padma.1.43.399)

हरदर्शनसंजात समुत्कंठा हिमाद्रिजा। ततो मुहूर्त्ते ब्राह्मे तु तस्याश्चक्रुः सुहृत्क्रियां

haradarśanasaṁjāta samutkaṁṭhā himādrijā tato muhūrtte brāhme tu tasyāścakruḥ suhṛtkriyāṁ

—the Himalaya's daughter, filled with longing to see Hara. Then, in the Brahma-muhurta, her well-wishers performed—

Verse 400 (padma.1.43.400)

नानामंगलसंदोहान्यथावत्क्रमपूर्वकम्। दिव्यमंगलसंयोगान्मंदिरे बहुमंगले

nānāmaṁgalasaṁdohānyathāvatkramapūrvakam divyamaṁgalasaṁyogānmaṁdire bahumaṁgale

—a host of auspicious observances, each in due order, with divine and blessed conjunctions in that most auspicious palace.

Verse 401 (padma.1.43.401)

उपासत गिरिं मूर्त्ता ॠतवः सर्वकामिकाः। वायवः सुखदाश्चासन्संमार्जनविधौ गिरेः

upāsata giriṁ mūrttā ṝtavaḥ sarvakāmikāḥ vāyavaḥ sukhadāścāsansaṁmārjanavidhau gireḥ

The seasons, taking bodily form, granting every wish, attended the mountain; the winds too became pleasant, sweeping it clean.

Verse 402 (padma.1.43.402)

हर्म्येषु श्रीः स्वयं देवी कृतनाना प्रसाधना। कांतिः सर्वेषु भावेषु ॠद्धिश्च भरणाकुला

harmyeṣu śrīḥ svayaṁ devī kṛtanānā prasādhanā kāṁtiḥ sarveṣu bhāveṣu ṝddhiśca bharaṇākulā

In its mansions the goddess Shri herself, adorned in manifold ways, was present, as was Radiance and full Prosperity.

Verse 403 (padma.1.43.403)

चिंतामणिप्रभृतयो रत्नाश्शैलं समंततः। उपतस्थुर्लताश्चापि कल्पकाद्या महाद्रुमाः

ciṁtāmaṇiprabhṛtayo ratnāśśailaṁ samaṁtataḥ upatasthurlatāścāpi kalpakādyā mahādrumāḥ

Wish-fulfilling gems attended the mountain on every side, as did the vines and the great wish-granting trees.

Verse 404 (padma.1.43.404)

ओषध्यो मूर्तिमत्यश्च दिव्यौषधिसमन्विताः। रसाश्च धातवश्चैव सर्वे शैलस्य किंकराः

oṣadhyo mūrtimatyaśca divyauṣadhisamanvitāḥ rasāśca dhātavaścaiva sarve śailasya kiṁkarāḥ

The very herbs took bodily form with divine plants; elixirs and minerals too became servants of the mountain.

Verse 405 (padma.1.43.405)

किंकरास्तस्य शैलस्य व्यग्राश्चाश्रमवर्तिनः। नद्यः समुद्रा निखिलाः स्थावरं जंगमं च यत्

kiṁkarāstasya śailasya vyagrāścāśramavartinaḥ nadyaḥ samudrā nikhilāḥ sthāvaraṁ jaṁgamaṁ ca yat

The mountain's servants busied themselves throughout the hermitage; every river, ocean, all that is fixed and moving—

Verse 406 (padma.1.43.406)

ते सर्वे हिमशैलस्य महिमानमवर्द्धयन्। अभवन्मुनयो नागा यक्षा गंधर्वकिन्नराः

te sarve himaśailasya mahimānamavarddhayan abhavanmunayo nāgā yakṣā gaṁdharvakinnarāḥ

—all these increased the Himalaya's glory. Sages, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, and kinnaras were all there.

Verse 407 (padma.1.43.407)

शंकरस्यापि विबुधा गंधमादनपर्वते। सज्जमंडनसंभारास्तस्थुर्निर्मल मूर्त्तयः

śaṁkarasyāpi vibudhā gaṁdhamādanaparvate sajjamaṁḍanasaṁbhārāstasthurnirmala mūrttayaḥ

On Mount Gandhamadana, Shankara's own gods too stood ready, adorned, their forms utterly stainless.

Verse 408 (padma.1.43.408)

शर्वस्याथ जटाजूटे चंद्रखंडं पितामहः। बबंध प्रणयोदार विस्फारितविलोचनः

śarvasyātha jaṭājūṭe caṁdrakhaṁḍaṁ pitāmahaḥ babaṁdha praṇayodāra visphāritavilocanaḥ

Then, in Sharva's matted locks, grandsire Brahma, his eyes wide with affection, fastened the crescent moon.

Verse 409 (padma.1.43.409)

कपालमालां विपुलां चामुंडा मूर्ध्नि बध्नती। उवाच गिरिशं काली पुत्रं जनय शंकर

kapālamālāṁ vipulāṁ cāmuṁḍā mūrdhni badhnatī uvāca giriśaṁ kālī putraṁ janaya śaṁkara

Chamunda, binding a vast skull-garland on his head, and Kali, said: "Beget a son, O Shankara—"

Verse 410 (padma.1.43.410)

यो दैत्येंद्रकुलं हत्वा मां रक्तैस्तर्पयिष्यति। शौरिर्वतंसिकारत्नं कंठाभरणमुज्वलम्

yo daityeṁdrakulaṁ hatvā māṁ raktaistarpayiṣyati śaurirvataṁsikāratnaṁ kaṁṭhābharaṇamujvalam

"—one who shall destroy the daitya lords and satisfy me with their blood." Shauri (Vishnu), taking a jeweled ear-ornament, a brilliant necklace—

Verse 411 (padma.1.43.411)

भुजंगाभरणं गृह्य सज्जश्शंभोः पुरोऽभवत्। शक्रो गजाजिनं तस्य वसाभ्यक्ताग्रपल्लवम्

bhujaṁgābharaṇaṁ gṛhya sajjaśśaṁbhoḥ puro'bhavat śakro gajājinaṁ tasya vasābhyaktāgrapallavam

—and a serpent-ornament, made himself ready before Shambhu. Indra held out an elephant-hide smeared with fat at its edges—

Verse 412 (padma.1.43.412)

दध्रे सरभसं स्विद्यद्विस्तीर्ण मुखपंकजम्। वायवश्च ववुस्तीक्ष्णास्तीक्ष्णं हिमगिरिप्रभम्

dadhre sarabhasaṁ svidyadvistīrṇa mukhapaṁkajam vāyavaśca vavustīkṣṇāstīkṣṇaṁ himagiriprabham

—eagerly, his broad face perspiring. Sharp winds blew, keen as the very radiance of the Himalaya.

Verse 413 (padma.1.43.413)

वृषं विभूषयामासुर्हरयानं मनोजवम्। विरेजुर्नयनान्तस्थाः शंभोः सूर्यानलेंदवः

vṛṣaṁ vibhūṣayāmāsurharayānaṁ manojavam virejurnayanāntasthāḥ śaṁbhoḥ sūryānaleṁdavaḥ

They adorned the bull, Hara's mount, mind-swift. The sun, fire, and moon shone forth at the corners of Shambhu's eyes.

Verse 414 (padma.1.43.414)

स्वां द्युतिं लोकनाथस्य जगतः कर्मसाक्षिणः। चिताभस्मसमाधत्त कपाले रजतप्रभम्

svāṁ dyutiṁ lokanāthasya jagataḥ karmasākṣiṇaḥ citābhasmasamādhatta kapāle rajataprabham

He, witness of the world's deeds, applied pyre-ashes to his own radiant form, silver-bright upon his skull.

Verse 415 (padma.1.43.415)

मनुजास्थिमयीं मालां निबंबंध च पाणिना। प्रेताधिपः पुरे दूरे सभयः समवर्तत

manujāsthimayīṁ mālāṁ nibaṁbaṁdha ca pāṇinā pretādhipaḥ pure dūre sabhayaḥ samavartata

He bound with his own hand a garland of human bones. Yama remained, out of fear, far off from that city.

Verse 416 (padma.1.43.416)

नानाकारमहारत्नभूषणं धनदाहृतम्। विहायोदीप्तसर्पेंद्र कटकेन स्वपाणिना

nānākāramahāratnabhūṣaṇaṁ dhanadāhṛtam vihāyodīptasarpeṁdra kaṭakena svapāṇinā

Setting aside a jeweled ornament brought by Kubera, he adorned his hand with a bracelet of the shining serpent-king.

Verse 417 (padma.1.43.417)

कर्णोत्तंसं चकारेशो ह्यमलं तक्षकं स्वयम्। निष्पन्नाभरणं चैव प्रसाध्येशं प्रसाधनैः

karṇottaṁsaṁ cakāreśo hyamalaṁ takṣakaṁ svayam niṣpannābharaṇaṁ caiva prasādhyeśaṁ prasādhanaiḥ

The lord himself made the stainless serpent Takshaka his ear-ornament. Thus fully adorned, the lord was ready.

Verse 418 (padma.1.43.418)

तत्राप्येषा नियमतो ह्यभवन्व्यग्रमूर्तयः। मुमोचाभिनवान्सर्वरम्यशालिरसौषधीन्

tatrāpyeṣā niyamato hyabhavanvyagramūrtayaḥ mumocābhinavānsarvaramyaśālirasauṣadhīn

There too the Earth-goddess, busy according to order, released fresh, all-lovely crops and medicinal herbs.

Verse 419 (padma.1.43.419)

व्यग्रा तु पृथिवी देवी सर्वभावात्मनोरमा। गृहीत्वा वरुणः साक्षाद्रत्नाढ्याभरणानि च

vyagrā tu pṛthivī devī sarvabhāvātmanoramā gṛhītvā varuṇaḥ sākṣādratnāḍhyābharaṇāni ca

The earth-goddess, lovely in every aspect, made her offerings. Varuna himself, taking jewel-rich ornaments—

Verse 420 (padma.1.43.420)

पुष्पाणि च विचित्राणि नानारत्नमयानि तु। तस्थौ साभरणो देवः सर्वज्ञः सर्वदेहिनाम्

puṣpāṇi ca vicitrāṇi nānāratnamayāni tu tasthau sābharaṇo devaḥ sarvajñaḥ sarvadehinām

—and varied gem-flowers, that all-knowing god stood there, thus adorned, for the good of all beings.

Verse 421 (padma.1.43.421)

ज्वलनश्चापि दिव्यानि हैमान्याभरणानि च। जातरूपपवित्राणि प्रयतः समुपस्थितः

jvalanaścāpi divyāni haimānyābharaṇāni ca jātarūpapavitrāṇi prayataḥ samupasthitaḥ

Agni too, self-controlled, presented himself bearing divine golden ornaments, pure as native gold.

Verse 422 (padma.1.43.422)

वायुर्ववौ च सुरभिः सुखसंस्पर्शनो विभुम्। छत्रं चंद्रकरोद्दामं हासितं च शतक्रतुः

vāyurvavau ca surabhiḥ sukhasaṁsparśano vibhum chatraṁ caṁdrakaroddāmaṁ hāsitaṁ ca śatakratuḥ

Vayu blew, fragrant and pleasant. Indra, delighted, took up a moon-white parasol—

Verse 423 (padma.1.43.423)

जग्राह मुदितः श्रीमान्बाहुभिर्वज्रभूषणः। जगुर्गंधर्वमुख्याश्च ननृतुश्चाप्सरोगणाः

jagrāha muditaḥ śrīmānbāhubhirvajrabhūṣaṇaḥ jagurgaṁdharvamukhyāśca nanṛtuścāpsarogaṇāḥ

—with his own thunderbolt-adorned arms. The foremost gandharvas sang, and troupes of apsarases danced.

Verse 424 (padma.1.43.424)

वादयंतोतिमधुरं जगुर्गंधर्वकिन्नराः। मुहूर्तादृतवस्तत्र जगुश्च ननृतुश्च वै

vādayaṁtotimadhuraṁ jagurgaṁdharvakinnarāḥ muhūrtādṛtavastatra jaguśca nanṛtuśca vai

Playing sweetly, gandharvas and kinnaras sang; and in a moment the seasons too sang and danced there.

Verse 425 (padma.1.43.425)

चपलाश्च गणास्तस्थुर्लोडयंतो हिमाचलम्। उपविष्टः क्रमाद्धाता विश्वकृद्भगनेत्रहा

capalāśca gaṇāstasthurloḍayaṁto himācalam upaviṣṭaḥ kramāddhātā viśvakṛdbhaganetrahā

The playful Ganas stood, shaking the Himalaya. Then, in due order, Brahma, the world's creator, took his seat—

Verse 426 (padma.1.43.426)

चकारौद्वाहिकं कृत्यं पत्न्या सह यथोदितम्। दत्तार्घ्यो गिरिराजेन सुरवृंदैर्विनोदितः

cakāraudvāhikaṁ kṛtyaṁ patnyā saha yathoditam dattārghyo girirājena suravṛṁdairvinoditaḥ

—and performed the wedding rite with the bride, as prescribed. Offered arghya by the mountain-king, entertained by hosts of gods—

Verse 427 (padma.1.43.427)

अवसत्तां क्षपां तत्र पत्न्या सह पुरांतकः। ततो गंधर्वगीतेन नृत्येनाप्सरसामपि

avasattāṁ kṣapāṁ tatra patnyā saha purāṁtakaḥ tato gaṁdharvagītena nṛtyenāpsarasāmapi

—the destroyer of the triple city passed that night there with his wife. Then, by the gandharvas' songs, the apsarases' dance—

Verse 428 (padma.1.43.428)

स्तुतिभिर्देवदैत्यानां विबुद्धो विबुधाधिपः। आमंत्र्य हिमशैलेंद्रं प्रभाते जायया सह

stutibhirdevadaityānāṁ vibuddho vibudhādhipaḥ āmaṁtrya himaśaileṁdraṁ prabhāte jāyayā saha

—and hymns of gods and daityas, the lord of the wise awoke, and at dawn, taking leave of the Himalaya, with his wife—

Verse 429 (padma.1.43.429)

जगाम मंदरगिरिं वायुवेगेन शृंगिणा। ततो गते भगवति नीललोहिते सहोमया रतिमनुभूतभूधरः

jagāma maṁdaragiriṁ vāyuvegena śṛṁgiṇā tato gate bhagavati nīlalohite sahomayā ratimanubhūtabhūdharaḥ

—departed for Mount Mandara on his horned bull, swift as wind. When the blue-throated lord had gone with Uma, the mountain, having felt such joy—

Verse 430 (padma.1.43.430)

सबांधवो भवति हि कस्य नो मनो विशृंखलं जगति हि कन्यका पितुः। पुरोद्यानेषु रम्येषु विविक्तेषु वनेषु च

sabāṁdhavo bhavati hi kasya no mano viśṛṁkhalaṁ jagati hi kanyakā pituḥ purodyāneṣu ramyeṣu vivikteṣu vaneṣu ca

—grew quiet with his kin; whose heart does not grow unmoored when a daughter leaves her father? Meanwhile, in lovely gardens and secluded forests—

Verse 431 (padma.1.43.431)

सुरक्तहृदयो देव्या विजहार भगाक्षिहा। ततो बहुतिथे काले पुत्रनाम्ना गिरेः सुता

suraktahṛdayo devyā vijahāra bhagākṣihā tato bahutithe kāle putranāmnā gireḥ sutā

—his heart deeply enamored, Shiva sported with the goddess. Then, after a long while, the mountain's daughter, longing for a son—

Verse 432 (padma.1.43.432)

सखीभिः सहिता क्रीडां चक्रे कृत्रिम पुत्रकैः। कदाचिद्गंधतैलेन गात्रमभ्यज्य शैलजा

sakhībhiḥ sahitā krīḍāṁ cakre kṛtrima putrakaiḥ kadācidgaṁdhatailena gātramabhyajya śailajā

—together with her friends, played at making artificial children. Once, having anointed her limbs with fragrant oil, the mountain's daughter—

Verse 433 (padma.1.43.433)

चूर्णैरुद्वर्तयामास मलेनापूरितां तनुम्। तदुद्वर्त्तनकं गृह्य नरं चक्रे गजाननम्

cūrṇairudvartayāmāsa malenāpūritāṁ tanum tadudvarttanakaṁ gṛhya naraṁ cakre gajānanam

—rubbed the paste-covered impurities from her body with fine powders. Taking that scraped residue, she fashioned a man with an elephant's face.

Verse 434 (padma.1.43.434)

पुरुषं क्रीडती देवी तच्चाप्यक्षिपदंभसि। जाह्नव्या शिवया सख्या ततः सोभूद्बृहत्तनुः

puruṣaṁ krīḍatī devī taccāpyakṣipadaṁbhasi jāhnavyā śivayā sakhyā tataḥ sobhūdbṛhattanuḥ

As she played with that figure, she cast it into the water; and by her friend the Ganga, it became a body of great size.

Verse 435 (padma.1.43.435)

कायेनातिविशालेन जगदापूरयत्तदा। पुत्रेत्युवाच तं देवी पुत्रेत्यूचे च जाह्नवी

kāyenātiviśālena jagadāpūrayattadā putretyuvāca taṁ devī putretyūce ca jāhnavī

With its vast body it filled the whole world. "My son," said the goddess; "my son," said Jahnavi (Ganga) too.

Verse 436 (padma.1.43.436)

गांगेय इति देवैस्तु पूजितोऽभूद्गजाननः। विनायकाधिपत्यं च ददावस्य पितामहः

gāṁgeya iti devaistu pūjito'bhūdgajānanaḥ vināyakādhipatyaṁ ca dadāvasya pitāmahaḥ

The elephant-faced one was honored by the gods as Gangeya. The grandsire granted him lordship as Vinayaka.

Verse 437 (padma.1.43.437)

पुनः सा क्रीडती चक्रे तरुं च वरवर्णिनी। मनोज्ञमंकुरं रूढमशोकस्य शुभानना

punaḥ sā krīḍatī cakre taruṁ ca varavarṇinī manojñamaṁkuraṁ rūḍhamaśokasya śubhānanā

Again, playing, that fair lady made a charming sprout of the Ashoka tree take root—

Verse 438 (padma.1.43.438)

वर्द्धयामास तं चापि कृतसंस्कारमंगलम्। बृहस्पतिमुखैर्विप्रैर्दिवस्पतिपुरोहितैः

varddhayāmāsa taṁ cāpi kṛtasaṁskāramaṁgalam bṛhaspatimukhairviprairdivaspatipurohitaiḥ

—and raised it up with auspicious rites of consecration, through brahmins headed by Brihaspati, Indra's priest.

Verse 439 (padma.1.43.439)

ततो देवैः समुनिभिः प्रोक्ता देवी त्विदं वचः। अधुना दर्शिते मार्गे मर्यादां कर्तुमर्हसि

tato devaiḥ samunibhiḥ proktā devī tvidaṁ vacaḥ adhunā darśite mārge maryādāṁ kartumarhasi

Then the gods, with the sages, said to the goddess: "Now that the way is shown, establish its proper measure."

Verse 440 (padma.1.43.440)

फलं किं भविता देवि कल्पितैस्तरुपुत्रकैः। इत्युक्ता हर्षपूर्णांगी प्रोवाचातिशुभां गिरं

phalaṁ kiṁ bhavitā devi kalpitaistaruputrakaiḥ ityuktā harṣapūrṇāṁgī provācātiśubhāṁ giraṁ

"What fruit shall these imagined tree-children bring, O goddess?" Thus asked, filled with joy, she spoke this auspicious word.

Verse 441 (padma.1.43.441)

एकं निरुदके ग्रामे यः कूपं कारयेद्बुधः। बिंदौबिंदौ च तोयस्य स वसेद्वत्सरं दिवि

ekaṁ nirudake grāme yaḥ kūpaṁ kārayedbudhaḥ biṁdaubiṁdau ca toyasya sa vasedvatsaraṁ divi

"Whoever, wise, has a well dug in a waterless village shall dwell in heaven for a year for every drop of water it yields."

Verse 442 (padma.1.43.442)

दशकूपसमावापी दशवापीसमो ह्रदः। दशह्रदसमा कन्या दशकन्यासमो द्रुमः

daśakūpasamāvāpī daśavāpīsamo hradaḥ daśahradasamā kanyā daśakanyāsamo drumaḥ

"A pond equals ten wells; a lake equals ten ponds; a daughter equals ten lakes; a tree equals ten daughters."

Verse 443 (padma.1.43.443)

एषा वै शुभ मर्यादा नियता लोकभाविनी। इत्युक्तास्तु ततो विप्रा बृहस्पतिपुरोगमाः

eṣā vai śubha maryādā niyatā lokabhāvinī ityuktāstu tato viprā bṛhaspatipurogamāḥ

"This is the fixed, auspicious measure, ordained for the world's welfare." Thus told, the brahmins led by Brihaspati—

Verse 444 (padma.1.43.444)

जग्मुः स्वमंदिराण्येव भवानीं वंद्य मातरं। गतेषु तेषु देवोपि शंकरः पर्वतात्मजां

jagmuḥ svamaṁdirāṇyeva bhavānīṁ vaṁdya mātaraṁ gateṣu teṣu devopi śaṁkaraḥ parvatātmajāṁ

—bowed to mother Bhavani and went to their own abodes. When they had gone, Shankara too, the mountain's daughter's—

Verse 445 (padma.1.43.445)

पाणिनालम्ब्यमानेन न स्वमावासमगच्छत। चित्तप्रसादजननं प्रासादाट्टालगोपुरं

pāṇinālambyamānena na svamāvāsamagacchata cittaprasādajananaṁ prāsādāṭṭālagopuraṁ

—hand held in his own, did not go to his own abode, but went instead to a mind-delighting palace with towers and gateways—

Verse 446 (padma.1.43.446)

लंबमौक्तिकदामानं मालिकाकुलवेदिकं। सुनद्धकलधौतं च क्रीडागृहमनोगतं

laṁbamauktikadāmānaṁ mālikākulavedikaṁ sunaddhakaladhautaṁ ca krīḍāgṛhamanogataṁ

—hung with pearl-strings, its platforms crowded with garlands, wrought in silver, a mind-charming pleasure-house—

Verse 447 (padma.1.43.447)

प्रकीर्णकुसुमामोद मत्तालिकुलकूजितम्। किन्नरोद्गीतसंगीत गृहांतरितभित्तिकम्

prakīrṇakusumāmoda mattālikulakūjitam kinnarodgītasaṁgīta gṛhāṁtaritabhittikam

—fragrant with scattered flowers, humming with intoxicated bees, its walls resounding with kinnaras' songs—

Verse 448 (padma.1.43.448)

सुगंधिधूपसंघातं मनःप्राप्यमलक्षितं। क्रीडामयूरनारीभिरभितो रभसार्पितं

sugaṁdhidhūpasaṁghātaṁ manaḥprāpyamalakṣitaṁ krīḍāmayūranārībhirabhito rabhasārpitaṁ

—thick with fragrant incense, mind-delighting, alive with peacock-tending women's play all around—

Verse 449 (padma.1.43.449)

हंससंघातसंदिष्ट स्फटिकस्तभंतोरणं। अनाविलमसंभ्रांत्या बहुशः किन्नराकुलं

haṁsasaṁghātasaṁdiṣṭa sphaṭikastabhaṁtoraṇaṁ anāvilamasaṁbhrāṁtyā bahuśaḥ kinnarākulaṁ

—its crystal pillars and archways marked with flocks of swans, undisturbed, thronged with kinnaras—

Verse 450 (padma.1.43.450)

शुकैर्यत्राभिदृश्यंते पद्मरागविनिर्मिताः। भित्तयो जातिसंभ्रांत्या प्रतिबिंबितमौक्तिकाः

śukairyatrābhidṛśyaṁte padmarāgavinirmitāḥ bhittayo jātisaṁbhrāṁtyā pratibiṁbitamauktikāḥ

—where parrots seemed made of ruby, the walls seeming strung with reflected pearls.

Verse 451 (padma.1.43.451)

तत्राक्षैः प्रियया देवो विहर्तुमुपचक्रमे। स्वछेंद्रनीलभूभागे क्रीडंतौ यत्र संस्थितौ

tatrākṣaiḥ priyayā devo vihartumupacakrame svacheṁdranīlabhūbhāge krīḍaṁtau yatra saṁsthitau

There the god began to sport, playing dice with his beloved, upon a floor of clear sapphire—

Verse 452 (padma.1.43.452)

वपुः सहायतां प्राप्तौ विनोदरसनिर्वृतौ। एवं प्रक्रीडतोस्तत्र देवीशंकरयोस्तदा

vapuḥ sahāyatāṁ prāptau vinodarasanirvṛtau evaṁ prakrīḍatostatra devīśaṁkarayostadā

—their bodies now companions to one another, delighting in the flavor of their sport. While they were thus playing—

Verse 453 (padma.1.43.453)

प्रादुर्भूतो महाशब्दः पतितांबरगोचरः। तच्छ्रुत्वा कौतुकाद्देवी किमेतदिति शंकरम्

prādurbhūto mahāśabdaḥ patitāṁbaragocaraḥ tacchrutvā kautukāddevī kimetaditi śaṁkaram

—a great sound arose, as though falling from the sky. Hearing it, the goddess, out of curiosity, asked Shankara—

Verse 454 (padma.1.43.454)

पर्यपृच्छत्सुरवरं हरं विस्मितपूर्वकं। उवाच देवो नैतत्ते दृष्टपूर्वं शुचिस्मिते

paryapṛcchatsuravaraṁ haraṁ vismitapūrvakaṁ uvāca devo naitatte dṛṣṭapūrvaṁ śucismite

—with wonder, what it was. The god replied: "You have not seen this before, O pure-smiling one."

Verse 455 (padma.1.43.455)

एते गणेशाः क्रीडंते शैलेस्मिन्मत्प्रियाः सदा। तपसा ब्रह्मचर्येण नामभिः क्षेत्रसेवनैः

ete gaṇeśāḥ krīḍaṁte śailesminmatpriyāḥ sadā tapasā brahmacaryeṇa nāmabhiḥ kṣetrasevanaiḥ

"These are the lords of my Ganas, ever dear to me, playing on this mountain — by austerity, celibacy, reciting my names, and tending sacred fields—"

Verse 456 (padma.1.43.456)

यैरहं तोषितः पूर्वं त एते मनुजोत्तमाः। मत्समीपमनुप्राप्ता मम हृद्याः शुभानने

yairahaṁ toṣitaḥ pūrvaṁ ta ete manujottamāḥ matsamīpamanuprāptā mama hṛdyāḥ śubhānane

"—by whom I was long ago pleased, these best of men have come near me, dear to my heart, O fair one."

Verse 457 (padma.1.43.457)

कामरूपा महोत्साहा महारूपगुणान्विताः। कर्मभिर्विस्मयं तेषां प्रयामि बलशालिनाम्

kāmarūpā mahotsāhā mahārūpaguṇānvitāḥ karmabhirvismayaṁ teṣāṁ prayāmi balaśālinām

"Able to take any form, of great vigor, endowed with great form and virtue — I am amazed at these mighty ones' deeds."

Verse 458 (padma.1.43.458)

सामरस्यास्य जगतः सृष्टिसंहरणक्षमाः। ब्रह्मचन्द्रेंद्र गंधर्वैस्सकिन्नरमहोरगैः

sāmarasyāsya jagataḥ sṛṣṭisaṁharaṇakṣamāḥ brahmacandreṁdra gaṁdharvaissakinnaramahoragaiḥ

"They are capable of creating and destroying this whole world with its gods; Brahma, the Moon, Indra, gandharvas, kinnaras, great serpents honor them."

Verse 459 (padma.1.43.459)

विवर्जितोप्यहं नित्यं नैभिर्विरहितो रमे। हृद्या मे चारुसर्वाङ्गि त एते क्रीडिता गिरौ

vivarjitopyahaṁ nityaṁ naibhirvirahito rame hṛdyā me cārusarvāṅgi ta ete krīḍitā girau

"Though ever free of attachment, I never delight apart from them. Dear to my heart, lovely one, are these who play on the mountain."

Verse 460 (padma.1.43.460)

इत्युक्ता तु तदा देवी त्यक्त्वा तं विस्मयाकुला। गवाक्षांतरमासाद्य प्रेक्षते चकितानना

ityuktā tu tadā devī tyaktvā taṁ vismayākulā gavākṣāṁtaramāsādya prekṣate cakitānanā

Thus told, the goddess, filled with wonder, left him and went to a latticed window, gazing out with a startled face.

Verse 461 (padma.1.43.461)

यावंतस्ते कृशा दीर्घा ह्रस्वाः स्थूला महोदराः। व्याघ्रेभवदनाः केचित्केचिन्मेषाजरूपिणः

yāvaṁtaste kṛśā dīrghā hrasvāḥ sthūlā mahodarāḥ vyāghrebhavadanāḥ kecitkecinmeṣājarūpiṇaḥ

As many as they were — thin, tall, short, stout, big-bellied; some with tiger or elephant faces, some in the form of rams and goats—

Verse 462 (padma.1.43.462)

अनेकप्राणिरूपाश्च ज्वालास्याः कृष्णपिंगलाः। सौम्या भीमाः स्मितमुखाः कृष्णपिंगजटास्सदा

anekaprāṇirūpāśca jvālāsyāḥ kṛṣṇapiṁgalāḥ saumyā bhīmāḥ smitamukhāḥ kṛṣṇapiṁgajaṭāssadā

—of the forms of many creatures, mouths blazing with fire, dark and tawny; gentle or terrible, smiling-faced, ever with dark and tawny matted hair—

Verse 463 (padma.1.43.463)

नानाविहंगवदना नानाविधसुराननाः। कौशेयचर्मवसना नग्नाश्चान्यो विरूपिणः

nānāvihaṁgavadanā nānāvidhasurānanāḥ kauśeyacarmavasanā nagnāścānyo virūpiṇaḥ

—with various birds' faces, various gods' faces, clad in silk or hides, some naked, others misshapen—

Verse 464 (padma.1.43.464)

गोकर्णा गजकर्णाश्च बहुवक्त्रेक्षणोदराः। बहुपादा बहुभुजा दिव्यनानास्त्रपाणयः

gokarṇā gajakarṇāśca bahuvaktrekṣaṇodarāḥ bahupādā bahubhujā divyanānāstrapāṇayaḥ

—cow-eared, elephant-eared, with many faces, eyes, bellies, many-footed, many-armed, holding divine weapons—

Verse 465 (padma.1.43.465)

अनेककुसुमापीडा नानाव्याकुलभीषणाः। कृतनानायुधधरा नानाकवचभूषणाः

anekakusumāpīḍā nānāvyākulabhīṣaṇāḥ kṛtanānāyudhadharā nānākavacabhūṣaṇāḥ

—crowned with many flowers, terrible in various frenzies, bearing various weapons, adorned with various armor—

Verse 466 (padma.1.43.466)

विचित्रवाहनारूढा दिव्यरूपा वियच्चराः। वीणावाद्यरवोद्घुष्टा नानास्थानकनर्तकाः

vicitravāhanārūḍhā divyarūpā viyaccarāḥ vīṇāvādyaravodghuṣṭā nānāsthānakanartakāḥ

—mounted on wondrous vehicles, of divine form, wandering the sky, resounding with vinas, dancing in various stances.

Verse 467 (padma.1.43.467)

गणेशांस्तांस्तथा दृष्ट्वा देवी प्रोवाच शंकरम्। देव्युवाच-। गणेशाः कतिसंख्याताः किंनामानः किमात्मकाः

gaṇeśāṁstāṁstathā dṛṣṭvā devī provāca śaṁkaram devyuvāca- gaṇeśāḥ katisaṁkhyātāḥ kiṁnāmānaḥ kimātmakāḥ

Seeing those lords of the Ganas, the goddess spoke to Shankara. The goddess said: "How many are these Ganeshas? What are their names, their nature?"

Verse 468 (padma.1.43.468)

एकैकशो मम ब्रूहि निष्ठिता ये पृथक्पृथक्। शंकर उवाच-। कोटिकोटिश्च संख्याता नानाविख्यातपौरुषाः

ekaikaśo mama brūhi niṣṭhitā ye pṛthakpṛthak śaṁkara uvāca- koṭikoṭiśca saṁkhyātā nānāvikhyātapauruṣāḥ

"Tell me of each one, each distinct." Shankara said: "They number crore upon crore, of manifold renowned might—"

Verse 469 (padma.1.43.469)

जगदापूरितं सर्वमेभिर्भीमैर्महाबलैः। सिद्धक्षेत्रेषु रथ्यासु जीर्णोद्यानेषु वेश्मसु

jagadāpūritaṁ sarvamebhirbhīmairmahābalaiḥ siddhakṣetreṣu rathyāsu jīrṇodyāneṣu veśmasu

"—the whole world is filled with these terrible, mighty ones. In Siddha-fields, on roads, in ruined gardens, in houses—"

Verse 470 (padma.1.43.470)

दानवानां शरीरेषु बालेषून्मत्तकेषु च। एते विशंति मुदिता नानाहारविहारिणः

dānavānāṁ śarīreṣu bāleṣūnmattakeṣu ca ete viśaṁti muditā nānāhāravihāriṇaḥ

"—in the bodies of danavas, of children, of madmen, these enter joyfully, sustaining themselves by various means."

Verse 471 (padma.1.43.471)

ऊष्मपाः फेनपाश्चैव धूमपा मधुपायिनः। मेदाहारारुधिरपास्सर्वभक्षा ह्यभोजनाः

ūṣmapāḥ phenapāścaiva dhūmapā madhupāyinaḥ medāhārārudhirapāssarvabhakṣā hyabhojanāḥ

"Some drink vapor, some foam, some smoke, some honey; some feed on fat and blood, some eat everything, some eat nothing."

Verse 472 (padma.1.43.472)

देवादास्तापसाहारा नानावाद्यरतिप्रियाः। न हि वक्तुमनंतत्वाच्छक्यन्ते हि गणाः पृथक्

devādāstāpasāhārā nānāvādyaratipriyāḥ na hi vaktumanaṁtatvācchakyante hi gaṇāḥ pṛthak

"Some subsist on what gods give, some on ascetics' food; all delight in music. Being infinite, the Ganas cannot be described one by one."

Verse 473 (padma.1.43.473)

देव्युवाच-। नागत्वगुत्तरासंगः शुद्धांगो मुंजमेखली। मनःशिलेन कल्केन चपलो रंजिताननः

devyuvāca- nāgatvaguttarāsaṁgaḥ śuddhāṁgo muṁjamekhalī manaḥśilena kalkena capalo raṁjitānanaḥ

The goddess said: "Wearing a serpent-skin garment, of pure body, girded with munja-grass, his face reddened with red-arsenic paste, that lively one—"

Verse 474 (padma.1.43.474)

भृंगदष्टोत्पलानां च स्रग्दामा मधुराकृतिः। पाषाणशकलोत्तान कांस्यतालप्रवर्तकः

bhṛṁgadaṣṭotpalānāṁ ca sragdāmā madhurākṛtiḥ pāṣāṇaśakalottāna kāṁsyatālapravartakaḥ

"—wearing a garland of bee-bitten lotuses, of sweet appearance, striking a bell-metal cymbal on a stone—"

Verse 475 (padma.1.43.475)

असौ गणेश्वरो देव किंनामा किन्नरानुगः। य एष गणगीतेषु दत्तकर्णो मुहुर्मुहुः

asau gaṇeśvaro deva kiṁnāmā kinnarānugaḥ ya eṣa gaṇagīteṣu dattakarṇo muhurmuhuḥ

"—that lord of the Ganas, lord, what is his name, followed by kinnaras, who again and again lends his ear to the Ganas' songs?"

Verse 476 (padma.1.43.476)

शर्व उवाच-। स एष वीरको देवि सदा मे हृदयप्रियः। नानाश्चर्यगुणाधारो गणेश्वर गणार्चितः

śarva uvāca- sa eṣa vīrako devi sadā me hṛdayapriyaḥ nānāścaryaguṇādhāro gaṇeśvara gaṇārcitaḥ

Sharva said: "That, O goddess, is Viraka, ever dear to my heart, the foundation of many wondrous virtues, a lord among the Ganas, honored by them."

Verse 477 (padma.1.43.477)

देव्युवाच। ईदृशस्य सुतस्यास्ति ममोत्कंठा पुरांतक। कदाहमीदृशं पुत्रं द्रक्ष्याम्यानंददायकं

devyuvāca īdṛśasya sutasyāsti mamotkaṁṭhā purāṁtaka kadāhamīdṛśaṁ putraṁ drakṣyāmyānaṁdadāyakaṁ

The goddess said: "I have a longing for just such a son, O destroyer of the triple city. When shall I see such a joy-giving son?"

Verse 478 (padma.1.43.478)

शर्व उवाच-। एष एव सुतस्तेस्तु नयनानंदकारकः। त्वया मात्रा कृतार्थो हि वीरकोपि सुमध्यमे

śarva uvāca- eṣa eva sutastestu nayanānaṁdakārakaḥ tvayā mātrā kṛtārtho hi vīrakopi sumadhyame

Sharva said: "Let this very one be your son, delighting your eyes. Viraka too shall be blessed, having you as mother, O slender one."

Verse 479 (padma.1.43.479)

इत्युक्त्वा प्रेषयामास विजयां हर्षणोत्सुकां। वीरकानयनायाशु दुहिता भूभृतः सखीं

ityuktvā preṣayāmāsa vijayāṁ harṣaṇotsukāṁ vīrakānayanāyāśu duhitā bhūbhṛtaḥ sakhīṁ

Having said this, the mountain's daughter, eager with joy, sent her friend Vijaya at once to bring Viraka.

Verse 480 (padma.1.43.480)

सावरुह्य त्वरायुक्ता प्रासादादंबरस्पृशः। गणपं गणमध्यस्थं सूर्यकोटिप्रवर्तनम्

sāvaruhya tvarāyuktā prāsādādaṁbaraspṛśaḥ gaṇapaṁ gaṇamadhyasthaṁ sūryakoṭipravartanam

She, hastening, descended from the sky-touching palace to that lord of the Ganas, standing amid the Ganas, radiant as a crore of suns—

Verse 481 (padma.1.43.481)

विजयोवाच-। एहि वीरक चापल्यात्त्वया देवी प्रतोषिता। त्वामाह्वयति चेत्युक्तस्त्यक्त्वा पाषाणखंडकम्

vijayovāca- ehi vīraka cāpalyāttvayā devī pratoṣitā tvāmāhvayati cetyuktastyaktvā pāṣāṇakhaṁḍakam

Vijaya said: "Come, Viraka! By your playfulness the goddess has been delighted; she calls you." Thus told, setting aside the stone he held—

Verse 482 (padma.1.43.482)

देव्याः सपीपमागच्छद्विजयानुगतः शनैः। प्रासादशिखरोत्फुल्लरक्तांबुजनिभ द्युतिः

devyāḥ sapīpamāgacchadvijayānugataḥ śanaiḥ prāsādaśikharotphullaraktāṁbujanibha dyutiḥ

—he came slowly toward the goddess, following Vijaya, his radiance like a red lotus blooming atop the palace-spire.

Verse 483 (padma.1.43.483)

तं दृष्ट्वा प्रस्थितानल्पस्वादुक्षीरपयोधरा। गिरिजोवाच-। पिब क्षीरमिदं वत्स स्रुतं पिब यथेच्छकम्

taṁ dṛṣṭvā prasthitānalpasvādukṣīrapayodharā girijovāca- piba kṣīramidaṁ vatsa srutaṁ piba yathecchakam

Seeing him arrive, she, her breast full of sweet flowing milk, said: "Drink this milk, child, drink it flowing, just as you wish."

Verse 484 (padma.1.43.484)

उवाच देवी सस्नेहं गिरा मधुरवर्णया। एहि सद्यो हि जातोसि मे पुत्रको देवदेवेन दत्तोधुना वीरक

uvāca devī sasnehaṁ girā madhuravarṇayā ehi sadyo hi jātosi me putrako devadevena dattodhunā vīraka

The goddess spoke tenderly, in sweet words: "Come, for you have this moment been born as my own son, given to me by the god of gods, Viraka."

Verse 485 (padma.1.43.485)

उक्तवत्यंकआधाय पर्यष्वजत्तं कपोले चुचुंबागराण्नंदिनी। मूर्ध्न्युपाघ्राय संमार्ज्य गात्राणि चाभूषयामास दिव्यैः स्वयंभूषणैः

uktavatyaṁkaādhāya paryaṣvajattaṁ kapole cucuṁbāgarāṇnaṁdinī mūrdhnyupāghrāya saṁmārjya gātrāṇi cābhūṣayāmāsa divyaiḥ svayaṁbhūṣaṇaiḥ

Having said this, the mountain's daughter set him on her lap, embraced him, kissed his cheek again and again, smelled his head, wiped his limbs—

Verse 486 (padma.1.43.486)

किंकिणीमेखलानूपुरैः सन्मणिप्रोतकेयूरहारैरमूल्यैर्गुणैः। कोमलैः पल्लवैश्चित्रितश्चारुभिर्मंगलैः कंकणैर्दिव्यमंत्रोद्भवैः

kiṁkiṇīmekhalānūpuraiḥ sanmaṇiprotakeyūrahārairamūlyairguṇaiḥ komalaiḥ pallavaiścitritaścārubhirmaṁgalaiḥ kaṁkaṇairdivyamaṁtrodbhavaiḥ

—and adorned him with her own divine ornaments — little bells, girdle, anklets, priceless jeweled armlets and necklaces, soft-leaf-decorated lovely bracelets born of divine mantras.

Verse 487 (padma.1.43.487)

तस्य शुद्धैस्ततोभूरिभिश्चाकरोन्मिश्रसिद्धार्थकैरङ्गरक्षाविधिं। एवमादाय चोवाच कृत्वा स्रजं मूर्ध्नि गोरोचनापत्रभंगोज्ज्वलैः

tasya śuddhaistatobhūribhiścākaronmiśrasiddhārthakairaṅgarakṣāvidhiṁ evamādāya covāca kṛtvā srajaṁ mūrdhni gorocanāpatrabhaṁgojjvalaiḥ

She performed for him the rite of bodily protection with pure white mustard seeds, and, placing a garland on his head, bright with gorochana lines, said—

Verse 488 (padma.1.43.488)

वत्सवत्साधुना क्रीड सार्द्धं गणैरप्रमत्तो व्रज श्वभ्रवर्जं शनैः। व्यालमालाकुलाः शैलसानुद्रुमादंतिभिर्भग्नशाखाः परं भंगिनः

vatsavatsādhunā krīḍa sārddhaṁ gaṇairapramatto vraja śvabhravarjaṁ śanaiḥ vyālamālākulāḥ śailasānudrumādaṁtibhirbhagnaśākhāḥ paraṁ bhaṁginaḥ

"—'Play well, my child, with the Ganas, but heedfully; go slowly, avoiding pits. The slopes are thick with serpents and fragile broken branches.'"

Verse 489 (padma.1.43.489)

जाह्नवीमंडलक्षुब्धतोयाकुलं मा विशेथा बहुव्याघ्रजुष्टे वने। वत्स संख्येषु दुर्गेषु यद्वीरक पुत्र भावायतां स्वच्छचित्तो जनः

jāhnavīmaṁḍalakṣubdhatoyākulaṁ mā viśethā bahuvyāghrajuṣṭe vane vatsa saṁkhyeṣu durgeṣu yadvīraka putra bhāvāyatāṁ svacchacitto janaḥ

"'Do not enter the Ganga's stirred waters, nor the tiger-filled forest. In every difficult place, Viraka, may your pure heart stay watchful.'"

Verse 490 (padma.1.43.490)

प्रार्थितं भव्यमायातिभाविन्यसौ भाव्यतां सोपि निर्वर्त्यसर्वैर्गुणैः। एवमुक्तोऽनया वीरको मातरं सस्मयन्नाह लीलावशाविष्टधीः

prārthitaṁ bhavyamāyātibhāvinyasau bhāvyatāṁ sopi nirvartyasarvairguṇaiḥ evamukto'nayā vīrako mātaraṁ sasmayannāha līlāvaśāviṣṭadhīḥ

"'What is rightly wished for, being destined, comes to be; let it too be fulfilled with every good quality.'" Thus told, Viraka, smiling, playfully said to his mother—

Verse 491 (padma.1.43.491)

एष मात्रा स्वयं मे कृतः कंकणः पत्रकश्चित्रितः पाटलैर्बिंदुभिः। चारुपुष्पैरियं मालतीभिः कृतामालिका मे शिरस्याहिता कोमला

eṣa mātrā svayaṁ me kṛtaḥ kaṁkaṇaḥ patrakaścitritaḥ pāṭalairbiṁdubhiḥ cārupuṣpairiyaṁ mālatībhiḥ kṛtāmālikā me śirasyāhitā komalā

"—'This bracelet has been made for me by my own mother, its leaf painted with rosy dots; and this soft mālati garland has been placed on my head.'"

Verse 492 (padma.1.43.492)

तोषयामीश्वरीमित्ययं सत्वरं चिंतयित्वा व्रजद्बाह्यतः क्रीडनम्। स्वैर्गणैः संयुतो वीरको हर्षितो दक्षिणात्पश्चिमं पश्चिमादुत्तरम्

toṣayāmīśvarīmityayaṁ satvaraṁ ciṁtayitvā vrajadbāhyataḥ krīḍanam svairgaṇaiḥ saṁyuto vīrako harṣito dakṣiṇātpaścimaṁ paścimāduttaram

Thinking, "I shall quickly please my mistress," he went outside to play; joyful Viraka, with his Ganas, went from south to west, west to north—

Verse 493 (padma.1.43.493)

उत्तरात्पूर्वमभ्येत्य सख्यायुता प्रेक्षते तं गवाक्षांतराद्वीरकं। शैलपुत्री बहिः क्रीडितारं जगत्स्नेहतः पुत्रलुब्धायतस्सोत्र कः

uttarātpūrvamabhyetya sakhyāyutā prekṣate taṁ gavākṣāṁtarādvīrakaṁ śailaputrī bahiḥ krīḍitāraṁ jagatsnehataḥ putralubdhāyatassotra kaḥ

—and then north to east. The mountain's daughter, with her friend, watched him playing outside from the lattice — who is not eager for a son, drawn by affection?

Verse 494 (padma.1.43.494)

मोहमायाति यः स्वल्पवेत्ता जडो मांसविण्मूत्रसंघातदेहोद्वहः। द्रष्टुमभ्यंतरं नाकवासेश्वरेष्विन्दुमौलिप्रविष्टेषु कक्षांतरम्

mohamāyāti yaḥ svalpavettā jaḍo māṁsaviṇmūtrasaṁghātadehodvahaḥ draṣṭumabhyaṁtaraṁ nākavāseśvareṣvindumaulipraviṣṭeṣu kakṣāṁtaram

Whoever, of little knowledge, dull, merely carrying this body of flesh and filth, falls into such delusion — let him look within, among these dwellers of heaven under the moon-crested lord.

Verse 495 (padma.1.43.495)

वाहनान्येवमारोहमाणास्ततो लोकपालास्त्रपूगं मुहूर्त्तावधि। खड्ग एषो विखड्गाकरो निर्मलः कृंतकः कस्य केनाहृतो ब्रूत नः

vāhanānyevamārohamāṇāstato lokapālāstrapūgaṁ muhūrttāvadhi khaḍga eṣo vikhaḍgākaro nirmalaḥ kṛṁtakaḥ kasya kenāhṛto brūta naḥ

Then the guardians of the world, on their vehicles, for a moment, seeing the weapons there, said: "This unsheathed, spotless, sharp sword — whose is it, who brought it? Tell us."

Verse 496 (padma.1.43.496)

नोभवेद्धस्तदंडेन किं ब्रूमहे भीममूर्त्यं गणे नास्ति कृत्यं गिरौ। पाश एषोस्ति तेनात्र को बध्यते मा वृथा लोकपालानुगास्तिष्ठत

nobhaveddhastadaṁḍena kiṁ brūmahe bhīmamūrtyaṁ gaṇe nāsti kṛtyaṁ girau pāśa eṣosti tenātra ko badhyate mā vṛthā lokapālānugāstiṣṭhata

"Could this not be done with a mere staff? There's no such task on this mountain for a fearsome form. And here's a noose — who would be bound with this? Attendants, don't stand about idly."

Verse 497 (padma.1.43.497)

एवमेवैतदित्यब्रुवंस्ते तदा वीक्ष्य देवानुगं वीरकं रक्षकं। प्राह देवी वने पर्वते निर्जराध्यग्निशालामुखे भूतले भूतपाः

evamevaitadityabruvaṁste tadā vīkṣya devānugaṁ vīrakaṁ rakṣakaṁ prāha devī vane parvate nirjarādhyagniśālāmukhe bhūtale bhūtapāḥ

"Just so," they said, seeing Viraka, the gods' attendant, as protector. The goddess said to him, in the forest, on the mountain, near springs—

Verse 498 (padma.1.43.498)

निर्झरांभो निपातेषु नो मज्जतात्पुष्पजालावनद्धेषु धामस्वपि। प्रोच्चनानाद्रिकुंजावगाहेष्वथो मारुतास्फोटसंरक्षणे कामतः

nirjharāṁbho nipāteṣu no majjatātpuṣpajālāvanaddheṣu dhāmasvapi proccanānādrikuṁjāvagāheṣvatho mārutāsphoṭasaṁrakṣaṇe kāmataḥ

"'Do not plunge into waterfalls, nor into flower-netted bowers; do not venture deep into lofty mountain-thickets, and take care against sudden winds.'"

Verse 499 (padma.1.43.499)

कांचनोत्तुंग शृंगावरोहक्षितौ हैमरेणूत्करासंगपिंगद्युतिः। खेचराणां वने चापि रम्ये बभौ रूपसंपत्प्रकारोगणो वासितुम्

kāṁcanottuṁga śṛṁgāvarohakṣitau haimareṇūtkarāsaṁgapiṁgadyutiḥ khecarāṇāṁ vane cāpi ramye babhau rūpasaṁpatprakārogaṇo vāsitum

On the golden peak's slope, its ground tawny with gold-dust, and in the sky-wanderers' lovely forest, the splendid host of Ganas shone forth as if to dwell there.

Verse 500 (padma.1.43.500)

मंदरेकंदरे चारुवापीतटे कुन्दमंदारपुष्पप्रवालांबुजे। सिद्धनारीभिरापीतरूपामृतं विस्तृतैर्नेत्रमात्रैरनुन्मेषिभिः

maṁdarekaṁdare cāruvāpītaṭe kundamaṁdārapuṣpapravālāṁbuje siddhanārībhirāpītarūpāmṛtaṁ vistṛtairnetramātrairanunmeṣibhiḥ

In a cave of Mandara, on a lovely pool's bank amid kunda, mandara, coral, and lotus flowers, the Siddha women, wide-eyed and unblinking, drank in his form's very nectar.

Verse 501 (padma.1.43.501)

वीरकं शैलपुत्री निमेषांतरादस्मरत्पुत्रगृध्नुर्विनोदार्थिनी। सोपि तादृक्क्षणावाप्तपुण्योदयो यो हि जन्मांतरेऽस्यात्मजत्वं ततः

vīrakaṁ śailaputrī nimeṣāṁtarādasmaratputragṛdhnurvinodārthinī sopi tādṛkkṣaṇāvāptapuṇyodayo yo hi janmāṁtare'syātmajatvaṁ tataḥ

Longing for a son, seeking delight, the mountain's daughter called Viraka to mind in an unguarded moment. He too, gaining such merit then, thereby attained true sonship to her in another birth.

Verse 502 (padma.1.43.502)

क्रीडतस्तस्य तृप्तिः कथं जायते योपि भावाज्यग? द्वेधसा तेजसा। कलिपतःप्रेक्षणं दिव्यगीतक्षणं नृत्यलोलैर्गणैशैः प्रवृत्यक्षणं

krīḍatastasya tṛptiḥ kathaṁ jāyate yopi bhāvājyaga? dvedhasā tejasā kalipataḥprekṣaṇaṁ divyagītakṣaṇaṁ nṛtyalolairgaṇaiśaiḥ pravṛtyakṣaṇaṁ

How could satisfaction ever arise for one at play, of twofold radiant nature? The sight of the Lord of the age, moments of divine song, moments of the dancing Ganeshas—

Verse 503 (padma.1.43.503)

सिंहनादाकुले गंडशैले ज्वलद्रत्नजाले बृहत्सालतालेक्षणम्। फुल्लनाना तमालालिकालेक्षणं वृक्षमूले विलोलोमरालेक्षणम्

siṁhanādākule gaṁḍaśaile jvaladratnajāle bṛhatsālatālekṣaṇam phullanānā tamālālikālekṣaṇaṁ vṛkṣamūle vilolomarālekṣaṇam

—the sight of great sal-palm trees ablaze with gem-nets on rocky slopes filled with lions' roars; blooming bee-thronged tamalas; restless swans at a tree's root—

Verse 504 (padma.1.43.504)

स्वल्पपंके जले पंकजांकेक्षणं मातुरंके शुभे निष्कलंकेक्षणम्। परिक्रीडते बाललीलाविसारी गणेशाधिपा देवतानंदकारी

svalpapaṁke jale paṁkajāṁkekṣaṇaṁ māturaṁke śubhe niṣkalaṁkekṣaṇam parikrīḍate bālalīlāvisārī gaṇeśādhipā devatānaṁdakārī

—lotuses in a barely-muddy pool; his mother's blessed, spotless lap. Thus that lord of the Ganas, spreading childlike play, delighting the gods, sported about.

Verse 505 (padma.1.43.505)

निकुंजेषु विद्याधरोद्गीतशीलः पिनाकीव लीलाविलासैः सलीलः। प्रकाश्य भुवनं गोभिस्ततो दिनकरे गते

nikuṁjeṣu vidyādharodgītaśīlaḥ pinākīva līlāvilāsaiḥ salīlaḥ prakāśya bhuvanaṁ gobhistato dinakare gate

In the bowers, accustomed to Vidyadharas' songs, playful like the Pinaka-bearer himself — then, when the sun, having lit the world, had set—

Verse 506 (padma.1.43.506)

देशांतरं तदा पश्चाद्दूरस्थो धरणीधरः। मित्रत्वमस्य सुदृढं हृदये द्योतयन्निव

deśāṁtaraṁ tadā paścāddūrastho dharaṇīdharaḥ mitratvamasya sudṛḍhaṁ hṛdaye dyotayanniva

—having gone into another region, the sun stood far off, as if displaying, in his own heart, his firm friendship with the mountain.

Verse 507 (padma.1.43.507)

नित्यमाराधितो विप्रैः श्रीमान्विघनसः सुतः। नाकरोत्सवितुर्मेरुरुपकारं पतिष्यतः

nityamārādhito vipraiḥ śrīmānvighanasaḥ sutaḥ nākarotsaviturmerurupakāraṁ patiṣyataḥ

The glorious son of Vighnesha, ever worshipped by brahmins, did not need to aid the setting sun, for Meru itself performed that service.

Verse 508 (padma.1.43.508)

जनेष्वेषा व्यवस्थेति श्रूयते स्रवलितो ह्यधः। दिनेनानुगतो भानुः स्वजनं परिपूरयन्

janeṣveṣā vyavastheti śrūyate sravalito hyadhaḥ dinenānugato bhānuḥ svajanaṁ paripūrayan

This is heard to be the fixed order among men: the sun, sliding down, followed by the day, keeps filling its own kindred with light.

Verse 509 (padma.1.43.509)

संध्याबद्धांजलिपुटा मुनयोभिमुखा रविम्। यावदद्यासते शीघ्रं निवार्योष्णाभिभाविताम्

saṁdhyābaddhāṁjalipuṭā munayobhimukhā ravim yāvadadyāsate śīghraṁ nivāryoṣṇābhibhāvitām

As the sages, hands joined in twilight rite, faced the sun, quickly warding off its fierce heat as it set—

Verse 510 (padma.1.43.510)

व्यजृंभताथ लोकेस्मिन्क्रमाद्वैभावरं तमः। कुटिलस्येव हृदये कालुष्यं दूषयन्मनः

vyajṛṁbhatātha lokesminkramādvaibhāvaraṁ tamaḥ kuṭilasyeva hṛdaye kāluṣyaṁ dūṣayanmanaḥ

—the darkness of night gradually spread over this world, like the very malice growing in a crooked man's heart.

Verse 511 (padma.1.43.511)

ज्वलत्फणिफणारत्नदीपोद्योतित भित्तिके। शयने शशसंघात रत्नवस्त्रोत्तरच्छदे

jvalatphaṇiphaṇāratnadīpodyotita bhittike śayane śaśasaṁghāta ratnavastrottaracchade

[There,] the walls lit by glowing jewel-lamps in blazing serpent-hoods, upon a bed spread with a fine moon-marked jeweled coverlet—

Verse 512 (padma.1.43.512)

नानारत्नद्युतिलसच्छक्रचापविडंबके। रत्नैः किंकिणिजालेन लसन्मुक्ताकलापके

nānāratnadyutilasacchakracāpaviḍaṁbake ratnaiḥ kiṁkiṇijālena lasanmuktākalāpake

—shimmering with many-jeweled radiance mimicking Indra's rainbow, gleaming with pearl-strings and tinkling gem-bell nets—

Verse 513 (padma.1.43.513)

कमनीयचलल्लीला वितानाच्छादितांबरे। मंदरे मंन्दसंचारं गते गिरिसुतायुतः

kamanīyacalallīlā vitānācchāditāṁbare maṁdare maṁndasaṁcāraṁ gate girisutāyutaḥ

—beneath a lovely, gently swaying canopy veiling the sky — when, on Mount Mandara, all had grown slow and still, with the mountain's daughter—

Verse 514 (padma.1.43.514)

तस्थौ गिरिसुता बाहुलता मिलितकंधरः। शशिमौलिः सितज्योत्स्नास्फारपूरितगोचरः

tasthau girisutā bāhulatā militakaṁdharaḥ śaśimauliḥ sitajyotsnāsphārapūritagocaraḥ

—the moon-crested lord remained there, his neck entwined by the mountain-daughter's vine-like arms, the horizon filled with spreading moonlight.

Verse 515 (padma.1.43.515)

गिरिजाप्यसितापांगी नीलोत्पलदलच्छविः। विभावर्या च संपृक्ता बभूवातीव गोमयी

girijāpyasitāpāṁgī nīlotpaladalacchaviḥ vibhāvaryā ca saṁpṛktā babhūvātīva gomayī

And Girija too, her dark-cornered eyes lovely as a blue lotus-petal, joined with the very night, became one exceedingly radiant.

Verse 516 (padma.1.43.516)

तामुवाच ततो देवः क्रीडाकेलिकलायुताम्

tāmuvāca tato devaḥ krīḍākelikalāyutām

Then the god spoke to her, skilled in the very arts of amorous play—