The Tale of the Chaste Wife

Verse 1 (padma.1.51.1)

नरोत्तम उवाच- त्रिदशानां च देवानामन्येषां जगदीश्वरः। प्रभुः कर्ता च हर्त्ता च गोप्ता भर्त्ता पिता प्रसूः

narottama uvāca tridaśānāṁ ca devānāmanyeṣāṁ jagadīśvaraḥ prabhuḥ kartā ca harttā ca goptā bharttā pitā prasūḥ

Narottama said: The Lord of the universe, ruler of the thirty gods and others — the master, creator, and destroyer, protector, sustainer, father, and progenitor —

Verse 2 (padma.1.51.2)

अस्माकं वाक्श्रमो विष्णोः कथनेनैव युज्यते। किंतु कौतूहलं मेऽस्ति पिपासा वा क्षुधापि वा

asmākaṁ vākśramo viṣṇoḥ kathanenaiva yujyate kiṁtu kautūhalaṁ me'sti pipāsā vā kṣudhāpi vā

our weariness of speech is relieved simply by speaking of Vishnu. But I have a curiosity — like a thirst, or even a hunger —

Verse 3 (padma.1.51.3)

कृतं पृच्छति येनैव वक्तव्यं तत्प्रियेण हि। अतीतं चैव जानाति कथं नाथ पतिव्रता

kṛtaṁ pṛcchati yenaiva vaktavyaṁ tatpriyeṇa hi atītaṁ caiva jānāti kathaṁ nātha pativratā

"the question by which one asks something already done should be answered by one who loves it. How, O lord, does a devoted wife come to know the past?"

Verse 4 (padma.1.51.4)

किं वा तस्यां प्रभावं च वक्तुमर्हस्यशेषतः। भगवानुवाच- कथितं मे पुरा वत्स पुनः कौतूहलं द्विज

kiṁ vā tasyāṁ prabhāvaṁ ca vaktumarhasyaśeṣataḥ bhagavānuvāca kathitaṁ me purā vatsa punaḥ kautūhalaṁ dvija

"And what is her power? Please tell me all of it." The Lord said: "I have told you this before, my child; again you have curiosity, O twice-born."

Verse 5 (padma.1.51.5)

कथयिष्यामि तत्सर्वं यत्ते मनसि वर्तते। पतिव्रता पतिप्राणा सदा पत्युर्हिते रता

kathayiṣyāmi tatsarvaṁ yatte manasi vartate pativratā patiprāṇā sadā patyurhite ratā

"I shall tell you all that is in your mind. A devoted wife, whose very life is her husband, is always devoted to her husband's welfare."

Verse 6 (padma.1.51.6)

देवानामपि साऽऽराध्या मुनीनां ब्रह्मवादिनां। धवस्यैकस्य या नारी लोके पूज्यतमा स्मृता

devānāmapi sā''rādhyā munīnāṁ brahmavādināṁ dhavasyaikasya yā nārī loke pūjyatamā smṛtā

"She is worthy of worship even by the gods and by sages who speak of Brahman. The woman who belongs to a single husband is remembered as the most worshipful in the world."

Verse 7 (padma.1.51.7)

तस्या संमानने गुर्वी निभृता न भविष्यति। मध्यदेशे पुरा तात नगरी चातिशोभना

tasyā saṁmānane gurvī nibhṛtā na bhaviṣyati madhyadeśe purā tāta nagarī cātiśobhanā

"In honouring her, there is great weight; it will not remain concealed. Long ago, my son, in the Madhyadesha, there was a most beautiful city."

Verse 8 (padma.1.51.8)

तस्यां च ब्रह्मजातीया सेव्या नाम्नी पतिव्रता। तस्या धवोऽभवत्कुष्ठी पूर्वकर्मविरोधतः

tasyāṁ ca brahmajātīyā sevyā nāmnī pativratā tasyā dhavo'bhavatkuṣṭhī pūrvakarmavirodhataḥ

"In it there was a brahmin-caste devoted wife named Sevya. Her husband had become a leper, on account of some conflict from a former deed."

Verse 9 (padma.1.51.9)

गलद्व्रणास्य पत्युश्च नित्यं चर्यापरायणा। यद्यन्मनोरथं तस्य शक्त्या सा कुरुते भृशम्

galadvraṇāsya patyuśca nityaṁ caryāparāyaṇā yadyanmanorathaṁ tasya śaktyā sā kurute bhṛśam

"Her husband had oozing sores, and she was ever devoted to caring for him; whatever his desire was, she diligently fulfilled it to the best of her ability."

Verse 10 (padma.1.51.10)

अर्चयेद्देववन्नित्यं स्नेहं कुर्यादमत्सरा। कदाचित्पथि गच्छंतीं वेश्यां परमसुंदरीम्

arcayeddevavannityaṁ snehaṁ kuryādamatsarā kadācitpathi gacchaṁtīṁ veśyāṁ paramasuṁdarīm

"She would worship him daily as a god, and show him affection without envy. Once, on the road, a most beautiful courtesan passing by,"

Verse 11 (padma.1.51.11)

दृष्ट्वाऽतीवाभवन्मोहान्मन्मथाविष्टचेतनः। निश्श्वस्य सुतरां दीर्घं ततस्तु विमनाऽभवत्

dṛṣṭvā'tīvābhavanmohānmanmathāviṣṭacetanaḥ niśśvasya sutarāṁ dīrghaṁ tatastu vimanā'bhavat

he saw, and seeing her, he fell into extreme delusion, his mind possessed by desire. Sighing very deeply, he then became distressed at heart.

Verse 12 (padma.1.51.12)

श्रुत्वा गृहाद्विनिःसृत्य साध्वी पप्रच्छ तं पतिं। उन्मनास्त्वं कथं नाथ निःश्वासस्ते कथं विभो

śrutvā gṛhādviniḥsṛtya sādhvī papraccha taṁ patiṁ unmanāstvaṁ kathaṁ nātha niḥśvāsaste kathaṁ vibho

Hearing this, coming out of the house, the virtuous woman asked her husband: "Why are you troubled at heart, my lord? Why do you sigh, O master?"

Verse 13 (padma.1.51.13)

ब्रूहि मे यच्च कर्तव्यमकर्तव्यं च यत्प्रियम्। दयितं ते करिष्यामि त्वमेको मे गुरुः प्रियः

brūhi me yacca kartavyamakartavyaṁ ca yatpriyam dayitaṁ te kariṣyāmi tvameko me guruḥ priyaḥ

"Tell me what is to be done, or what should not be done, but is dear to you. I shall do what you desire; you alone are my dear guru."

Verse 14 (padma.1.51.14)

अभीष्टं वद मे नाथ यथाशक्ति करोम्यहम्। इत्युक्ते तामुवाचेदं वृथा किं भाषसे प्रिये

abhīṣṭaṁ vada me nātha yathāśakti karomyaham ityukte tāmuvācedaṁ vṛthā kiṁ bhāṣase priye

"Tell me your wish, my lord; I shall do it to the best of my ability." Thus addressed, he said to her: "Why do you speak in vain, my dear?"

Verse 15 (padma.1.51.15)

न शक्ता त्वं न चैवाहं मोघं वक्तुं न युज्यते। प्रष्टुं नाधिकरोषीति यथा दीर्घतरोः फलम्

na śaktā tvaṁ na caivāhaṁ moghaṁ vaktuṁ na yujyate praṣṭuṁ nādhikaroṣīti yathā dīrghataroḥ phalam

"You are not capable of it, nor am I; it is not fitting to speak in vain. You have no right to ask, just as one desires the fruit of a tall tree —"

Verse 16 (padma.1.51.16)

भूमौ स्थित्वा तु खर्वात्मा समुद्धर्तुं प्रवांछति। तथा मे रमणी लोभान्मोहाद्यदभिवांछितम्

bhūmau sthitvā tu kharvātmā samuddhartuṁ pravāṁchati tathā me ramaṇī lobhānmohādyadabhivāṁchitam

"— standing on the ground, though of small stature, one wishes to pluck it. Likewise, my beloved, what I desire out of greed and delusion —"

Verse 17 (padma.1.51.17)

दंपत्योरपि दुःसाध्यमपयानं वदाम्यहम्। पतिव्रतोवाच- ज्ञात्वा तु त्वन्मनोवृत्तं शक्ताहं कार्यसाधने

daṁpatyorapi duḥsādhyamapayānaṁ vadāmyaham pativratovāca jñātvā tu tvanmanovṛttaṁ śaktāhaṁ kāryasādhane

"— even for a married couple, is difficult to achieve; I tell you it is beyond reach." The devoted wife said: "Knowing your state of mind, I am capable of accomplishing the task."

Verse 18 (padma.1.51.18)

आदेशं कुरु मे नाथ कर्तव्यं येन केनचित्। यदि ते दुर्लभं कार्यं कर्तुं शक्नोमि यत्नतः

ādeśaṁ kuru me nātha kartavyaṁ yena kenacit yadi te durlabhaṁ kāryaṁ kartuṁ śaknomi yatnataḥ

"Give me your command, my lord, of whatever must be done, by whatever means. If your desire is hard to attain, I can accomplish it through diligent effort."

Verse 19 (padma.1.51.19)

तदा मे त्वतिकल्याणं फलिष्यति परे त्विह। इत्युक्ते परमः प्रीतः स्थितो वचनमब्रवीत्

tadā me tvatikalyāṇaṁ phaliṣyati pare tviha ityukte paramaḥ prītaḥ sthito vacanamabravīt

"Then supreme good fortune will result for me, both here and hereafter." Thus addressed, greatly pleased, he spoke these words:

Verse 20 (padma.1.51.20)

पापाभ्यासाच्च पाप्मानं पृच्छतीति विनिश्चयः। पथ्यस्मिन्संप्रगच्छंतीं वेश्यां परमसुंदरीम्

pāpābhyāsācca pāpmānaṁ pṛcchatīti viniścayaḥ pathyasminsaṁpragacchaṁtīṁ veśyāṁ paramasuṁdarīm

"From the habit of sin, one asks about sin — this is certain. On this road, I saw a most beautiful courtesan passing by,"

Verse 21 (padma.1.51.21)

सर्वतश्चानवद्यांगीं दृष्ट्वा मे दह्यते मनः। यदि तां त्वत्प्रसादाच्च प्राप्नोमि नवयौवनां

sarvataścānavadyāṁgīṁ dṛṣṭvā me dahyate manaḥ yadi tāṁ tvatprasādācca prāpnomi navayauvanāṁ

"flawless in every limb; seeing her, my mind burns. If, by your grace, I could obtain her, fresh in her youth,"

Verse 22 (padma.1.51.22)

तदा मे सफलं जन्म कुरु साध्वि हितं मम। यदि मां कुष्ठिनं दीनं पूतिगंधं नवव्रणम्

tadā me saphalaṁ janma kuru sādhvi hitaṁ mama yadi māṁ kuṣṭhinaṁ dīnaṁ pūtigaṁdhaṁ navavraṇam

"then my birth would become fruitful; do what is good for me, virtuous one. But if that beautiful woman does not go to me —"

Verse 23 (padma.1.51.23)

न गच्छति वरारोहा तदा मे निधनं हितम्। श्रुत्वा तेनेरितं वाक्यं साध्वी वचनमब्रवीत्

na gacchati varārohā tadā me nidhanaṁ hitam śrutvā teneritaṁ vākyaṁ sādhvī vacanamabravīt

"— a leper, wretched, foul-smelling, with fresh sores — then death is better for me." Hearing these words spoken by him, the virtuous woman replied:

Verse 24 (padma.1.51.24)

यथाशक्ति करिष्यामि स्थिरी भव प्रभोऽधुना। मनसाथ समालोच्य क्षपांते ह्युषसि द्रुतम्

yathāśakti kariṣyāmi sthirī bhava prabho'dhunā manasātha samālocya kṣapāṁte hyuṣasi drutam

"I shall do this to the best of my ability; be steady now, my lord." Then, having reflected in her mind, at the end of the night, at dawn, quickly,

Verse 25 (padma.1.51.25)

गोमयं सह शोधन्या गृहीत्वा सा ययौ मुदा। संप्राप्य गणिकागेहं शोधयित्वा च चत्वरम्

gomayaṁ saha śodhanyā gṛhītvā sā yayau mudā saṁprāpya gaṇikāgehaṁ śodhayitvā ca catvaram

taking cow-dung along with a broom, she went joyfully. Arriving at the courtesan's house, she cleaned the courtyard,

Verse 26 (padma.1.51.26)

प्रतोलीं वीथिकां चैव गोमयं प्रददौ मुदा। सा तूर्णमागता गेहे जनस्यालोकने भयात्

pratolīṁ vīthikāṁ caiva gomayaṁ pradadau mudā sā tūrṇamāgatā gehe janasyālokane bhayāt

the main street, and the lane too, joyfully applying the cow-dung; she quickly returned home, out of fear of being seen by people.

Verse 27 (padma.1.51.27)

एवं क्रमेण सा साध्वी चरति स्म दिनत्रयम्। अथ सा वारमुख्या च चेटिकाश्चेटकानपि

evaṁ krameṇa sā sādhvī carati sma dinatrayam atha sā vāramukhyā ca ceṭikāśceṭakānapi

In this manner, that virtuous woman continued for three days. Then that chief courtesan asked her servant-girls and servants:

Verse 28 (padma.1.51.28)

अपृच्छत्कस्य कर्माणि शोभनानि च चत्वरे। मया नोक्तेप्युषः काले कस्य मत्प्रियकारणात्

apṛcchatkasya karmāṇi śobhanāni ca catvare mayā noktepyuṣaḥ kāle kasya matpriyakāraṇāt

"Whose work is this, so beautifully done in the courtyard? Even though I did not order it, at dawn, out of love for whom,"

Verse 29 (padma.1.51.29)

रुच्यकर्मणि दीप्यंते रथ्या चत्त्वर वीथिकाः। परस्परेण संचिंत्य वारमुख्यां च तेऽब्रुवन्

rucyakarmaṇi dīpyaṁte rathyā cattvara vīthikāḥ paraspareṇa saṁciṁtya vāramukhyāṁ ca te'bruvan

"do the streets, courtyard, and lanes shine with such pleasing work?" Reflecting among themselves, they said to the chief courtesan:

Verse 30 (padma.1.51.30)

अस्माभिर्न कृतं भद्रे कर्म चैतत्प्रमार्जनम्। अथ सा विस्मयं गत्वा संचिंत्य रजनीक्षये

asmābhirna kṛtaṁ bhadre karma caitatpramārjanam atha sā vismayaṁ gatvā saṁciṁtya rajanīkṣaye

"We did not do this cleaning work, good lady." Then she, becoming astonished, reflecting at the end of the night,

Verse 31 (padma.1.51.31)

तया च दृश्यते सा च तथैव पुनरागता। दृष्ट्वा तां महतीं साध्वीं ब्राह्मणीं च पतिव्रताम्

tayā ca dṛśyate sā ca tathaiva punarāgatā dṛṣṭvā tāṁ mahatīṁ sādhvīṁ brāhmaṇīṁ ca pativratām

watched for her, and the devoted wife came again just the same. Seeing that great, virtuous brahmin woman, devoted to her husband,

Verse 32 (padma.1.51.32)

दधार चरणे तस्या हा क्षमस्वेति भाषिणी। आयुर्देहं च संपत्तिर्यशोर्थः कीर्तिरेव च

dadhāra caraṇe tasyā hā kṣamasveti bhāṣiṇī āyurdehaṁ ca saṁpattiryaśorthaḥ kīrtireva ca

she grasped her feet, saying, "Forgive me!" and thought: "Life, body, wealth, glory, purpose, and fame —"

Verse 33 (padma.1.51.33)

एतासां मे विनाशाय स्फुरसीव पतिव्रते। यद्यत्प्रार्थयसे साध्वि नित्यं दास्यामि तद्दृढम्

etāsāṁ me vināśāya sphurasīva pativrate yadyatprārthayase sādhvi nityaṁ dāsyāmi taddṛḍham

"— you seem to have appeared for the destruction of all these of mine, O devoted wife. Whatever you ask, O virtuous one, I shall firmly and constantly give you,"

Verse 34 (padma.1.51.34)

सुवर्णं मणिरत्नं वा चेलं वा यन्मनोरथं। तामुवाच ततः साध्वी न मे चार्थे प्रयोजनम्

suvarṇaṁ maṇiratnaṁ vā celaṁ vā yanmanorathaṁ tāmuvāca tataḥ sādhvī na me cārthe prayojanam

"gold, jewels, gems, or clothing — whatever is your heart's desire." The virtuous woman then said to her: "I have no need of wealth,"

Verse 35 (padma.1.51.35)

अस्ति कार्यं च ते किञ्चिद्वदामि कुरुषे यदि। तदा मे हृदि संतोषः कृतं सर्वं त्वयाऽधुना

asti kāryaṁ ca te kiñcidvadāmi kuruṣe yadi tadā me hṛdi saṁtoṣaḥ kṛtaṁ sarvaṁ tvayā'dhunā

"but I have a certain task for you; if I tell you and you do it, then my heart is content, as if everything has now been done by you."

Verse 36 (padma.1.51.36)

गणिकोवाच- सत्यं सत्यं करिष्यामि द्रुतं वद पतिव्रते। कुरु मे रक्षणं मातर्द्रुतं कृत्यं च मे वद

gaṇikovāca satyaṁ satyaṁ kariṣyāmi drutaṁ vada pativrate kuru me rakṣaṇaṁ mātardrutaṁ kṛtyaṁ ca me vada

The courtesan said: "Truly, truly I shall do it; tell me quickly, devoted wife. Protect me, mother; tell me quickly what must be done."

Verse 37 (padma.1.51.37)

त्रपया निकृतं वाच्यं तस्यामुक्तं वरं प्रियम्। क्षणं विमृश्य सा वेश्या कृत्वा क्षांतिमुवाच च

trapayā nikṛtaṁ vācyaṁ tasyāmuktaṁ varaṁ priyam kṣaṇaṁ vimṛśya sā veśyā kṛtvā kṣāṁtimuvāca ca

With shame, hesitantly, she nonetheless spoke that dear request. Reflecting for a moment, that courtesan, having composed herself patiently, said:

Verse 38 (padma.1.51.38)

कुष्ठिनः पूतिगंधस्य संपर्के दुःखिता भृशम्। दिनैकं च करिष्यामि यद्यागच्छति मद्गृहम्

kuṣṭhinaḥ pūtigaṁdhasya saṁparke duḥkhitā bhṛśam dinaikaṁ ca kariṣyāmi yadyāgacchati madgṛham

"I am greatly distressed at contact with a leper, foul-smelling; but I shall do it for a single day, if he comes to my house."

Verse 39 (padma.1.51.39)

पतिव्रतोवाच- आगमिष्यामि ते गेहमद्य रात्रौ च सुंदरि। भुक्तभोग्यं पतिं हृष्टं पुनर्नेष्यामि मद्गृहम्

pativratovāca āgamiṣyāmi te gehamadya rātrau ca suṁdari bhuktabhogyaṁ patiṁ hṛṣṭaṁ punarneṣyāmi madgṛham

The devoted wife said: "I shall come to your house tonight itself, O beautiful one. Having enjoyed his pleasure, I shall then joyfully take my husband back to my house."

Verse 40 (padma.1.51.40)

गणिकोवाच- गच्छ शीघ्रं महाभागे स्वगृहं च पतिव्रते। पतिस्ते चार्द्धरात्रे स आगच्छतु च मद्गृहम्

gaṇikovāca gaccha śīghraṁ mahābhāge svagṛhaṁ ca pativrate patiste cārddharātre sa āgacchatu ca madgṛham

The courtesan said: "Go quickly, greatly fortunate devoted wife, to your own house; let your husband come to my house at midnight."

Verse 41 (padma.1.51.41)

बहवो मे प्रियास्संति राजानस्तत्समाश्च ये। एकैको मद्गृहे नित्यं तिष्ठतीह निरंतरम्

bahavo me priyāssaṁti rājānastatsamāśca ye ekaiko madgṛhe nityaṁ tiṣṭhatīha niraṁtaram

"I have many lovers, kings and their equals; each one continually stays in my house here, one at a time."

Verse 42 (padma.1.51.42)

अद्याहं मे गृहं शून्यं करिष्यामि च त्वद्भयात्। स चागच्छतु ते भर्त्ता स चास्मान्प्राप्य गच्छतु

adyāhaṁ me gṛhaṁ śūnyaṁ kariṣyāmi ca tvadbhayāt sa cāgacchatu te bharttā sa cāsmānprāpya gacchatu

"Today I shall make my house empty, out of regard for you; let your husband come, and having reached us, let him go afterward."

Verse 43 (padma.1.51.43)

एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु सा साध्वी गतासौ स्वगृहे तथा। पत्यौ निवेदयामास कृत्यं ते फलितं प्रभो

etacchrutvā tu sā sādhvī gatāsau svagṛhe tathā patyau nivedayāmāsa kṛtyaṁ te phalitaṁ prabho

Hearing this, that virtuous woman went to her own house, and reported to her husband: "My lord, your task has borne fruit."

Verse 44 (padma.1.51.44)

अद्य रात्रौ च तद्गेहं गंतुं ख्यातिं करोति सा। प्रभूताः पतयस्तस्यास्तव कालो न विद्यते

adya rātrau ca tadgehaṁ gaṁtuṁ khyātiṁ karoti sā prabhūtāḥ patayastasyāstava kālo na vidyate

"Tonight, she announces you may go to her house. She has many lovers; there is no fixed time for you."

Verse 45 (padma.1.51.45)

विप्र उवाच- कथं यास्यामि तद्गेहं मया गंतुं न शक्यते। एतज्ज्ञात्वा कुतः क्षांतिः कृतं कार्यं कथं भवेत्

vipra uvāca kathaṁ yāsyāmi tadgehaṁ mayā gaṁtuṁ na śakyate etajjñātvā kutaḥ kṣāṁtiḥ kṛtaṁ kāryaṁ kathaṁ bhavet

The brahmin said: "How shall I go to that house? I am unable to go there. Knowing this, how can there be patience? How can the task be accomplished?"

Verse 46 (padma.1.51.46)

पतिव्रतोवाच- स्वपृष्ठस्थमहं कृत्वा नेष्यामि तद्गृहं प्रति। सिद्धे ह्यर्थे नयिष्यामि पुनस्ते नैव वर्त्मना

pativratovāca svapṛṣṭhasthamahaṁ kṛtvā neṣyāmi tadgṛhaṁ prati siddhe hyarthe nayiṣyāmi punaste naiva vartmanā

The devoted wife said: "Placing you on my own back, I shall carry you to that house. Once the matter is accomplished, I shall bring you back the very same way."

Verse 47 (padma.1.51.47)

द्विज उवाच- कल्याणि त्वत्कृतेनैव सर्वं मे कृत्यमेष्यति। इदानीं यत्कृतं कर्म स्त्रीजनैरपि दुःसहम्

dvija uvāca kalyāṇi tvatkṛtenaiva sarvaṁ me kṛtyameṣyati idānīṁ yatkṛtaṁ karma strījanairapi duḥsaham

The brahmin said: "O auspicious one, by your doing alone, all my task will be accomplished." Meanwhile, a deed had occurred that was hard to bear even for women —

Verse 48 (padma.1.51.48)

तस्मिंश्च नगरे रम्ये नित्यं च धनिनो गृहे। पौरेश्च प्रचुरं वित्तं हृतं राज्ञा श्रुतं तदा

tasmiṁśca nagare ramye nityaṁ ca dhanino gṛhe paureśca pracuraṁ vittaṁ hṛtaṁ rājñā śrutaṁ tadā

in that lovely city, wealth had been constantly stolen from the houses of the rich and the citizens; the king then heard of it.

Verse 49 (padma.1.51.49)

श्रुत्वा सर्वान्निशाचारानाहूय नृपती रुषा। जीवितुं यदि वो वांछा चोरं मामद्य दास्यथ

śrutvā sarvānniśācārānāhūya nṛpatī ruṣā jīvituṁ yadi vo vāṁchā coraṁ māmadya dāsyatha

Hearing this, the king, in anger, summoned all the night-watchmen: "If you wish to live, you will hand me the thief today."

Verse 50 (padma.1.51.50)

गृहीत्वा तु नृपस्याज्ञां यत्तैर्जिघृक्षयाकुलैः। चारैश्चोरो गृहीतस्तैर्बलाच्चैव नृपाज्ञया

gṛhītvā tu nṛpasyājñāṁ yattairjighṛkṣayākulaiḥ cāraiścoro gṛhītastairbalāccaiva nṛpājñayā

Having received the king's order, those watchmen, eager to seize someone, and by the king's command, forcibly seized a 'thief' —

Verse 51 (padma.1.51.51)

नगरोपांतदेशे च वृक्षमूले घने वने। समाधिस्थोमहातेजामांडव्योमुनिपुंगवः

nagaropāṁtadeśe ca vṛkṣamūle ghane vane samādhisthomahātejāmāṁḍavyomunipuṁgavaḥ

in the outskirts of the city, at the root of a tree, in a dense forest, absorbed in meditation, of great splendour, was the sage Mandavya, foremost of sages,

Verse 52 (padma.1.51.52)

व्यातिष्ठद्वह्निसंकाशो योगिनां प्रवरो मुनिः। अंतर्नाडीगतो वायुः किंचिन्न प्रतिभाति च

vyātiṣṭhadvahnisaṁkāśo yogināṁ pravaro muniḥ aṁtarnāḍīgato vāyuḥ kiṁcinna pratibhāti ca

radiant like fire, that best of yogis, that sage — his breath contained within his inner channels, showing no sign of life at all.

Verse 53 (padma.1.51.53)

तं ब्रह्मतुल्यं तिष्ठन्तं दृष्ट्वा दुष्टा महामुनिम्। चोरोयमद्भुताकारो धूर्तस्तिष्ठति कानने

taṁ brahmatulyaṁ tiṣṭhantaṁ dṛṣṭvā duṣṭā mahāmunim coroyamadbhutākāro dhūrtastiṣṭhati kānane

Seeing that great sage, equal to Brahma, sitting there, those wicked men said: "This is a thief, of strange appearance, a rogue, sitting here in the forest."

Verse 54 (padma.1.51.54)

एवमुक्त्वा तु तं पापा बबन्धुर्मुनिसत्तमम्। नोक्ताश्च नेक्षितास्तेन पुरुषा अतिदारुणाः

evamuktvā tu taṁ pāpā babandhurmunisattamam noktāśca nekṣitāstena puruṣā atidāruṇāḥ

Having said this, those sinful, most dreadful men bound that best of sages; he neither spoke to them nor even looked at them.

Verse 55 (padma.1.51.55)

ततो राजा उवाचेदं संप्राप्तस्तस्करो मया। उपांते च पथिद्वारे कुरुध्वं घोरदण्डनम्

tato rājā uvācedaṁ saṁprāptastaskaro mayā upāṁte ca pathidvāre kurudhvaṁ ghoradaṇḍanam

Then the king said this: "The thief has been caught by me; at the outskirts, at the gateway of the road, inflict a terrible punishment."

Verse 56 (padma.1.51.56)

मांडव्यश्च मुनिस्तत्र पथिशूले च कीलितः। पायुदेशे च तैर्दत्तं शूलं यावच्च मस्तकम्

māṁḍavyaśca munistatra pathiśūle ca kīlitaḥ pāyudeśe ca tairdattaṁ śūlaṁ yāvacca mastakam

And the sage Mandavya was there impaled on a stake by the roadside; the stake was driven from the anus up to the head.

Verse 57 (padma.1.51.57)

व्यथां स च न जानाति शूले विद्धतनुर्यमात्। अन्यैरपि कृतो दण्डः कृतस्तैस्तु मनोहितः

vyathāṁ sa ca na jānāti śūle viddhatanuryamāt anyairapi kṛto daṇḍaḥ kṛtastaistu manohitaḥ

He felt no pain, his body pierced by the stake, being beyond death. Punishment was inflicted by others too, done deliberately.

Verse 58 (padma.1.51.58)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे रात्रावंधकारे घनोन्नते। स्वपतिं पृष्ठतः कृत्वा प्रययौ सा पतिव्रता

etasminnaṁtare rātrāvaṁdhakāre ghanonnate svapatiṁ pṛṣṭhataḥ kṛtvā prayayau sā pativratā

Meanwhile, at night, in the dense darkness, having placed her husband on her back, that devoted wife set out.

Verse 59 (padma.1.51.59)

मांडव्यस्य तनौ सङ्गात्कुष्ठिनो गंध आगतः। भग्नः समाधिस्तस्यैवं कुष्ठिसंसर्गतो ध्रुवम्

māṁḍavyasya tanau saṅgātkuṣṭhino gaṁdha āgataḥ bhagnaḥ samādhistasyaivaṁ kuṣṭhisaṁsargato dhruvam

By contact with Mandavya's body, the smell of the leper reached him; his meditative absorption was thus broken, certainly, because of the leper's contact.

Verse 60 (padma.1.51.60)

मांडव्य उवाच- एवं येनाधुना कृच्छ्रं कारितं गात्रवेदनम्। स एव भस्मतां यातु प्रोदिते च विरोचने

māṁḍavya uvāca evaṁ yenādhunā kṛcchraṁ kāritaṁ gātravedanam sa eva bhasmatāṁ yātu prodite ca virocane

Mandavya said: "He by whom, right now, this hardship of bodily pain has been caused to me — let him be reduced to ashes when the sun rises."

Verse 61 (padma.1.51.61)

मांडव्येनैवमुक्तस्स पपात धरणीतले। ततः पतिव्रता चाह ब्रध्नो नोदयतु ध्रुवं

māṁḍavyenaivamuktassa papāta dharaṇītale tataḥ pativratā cāha bradhno nodayatu dhruvaṁ

Cursed thus by Mandavya, he fell to the ground. Then the devoted wife declared: "Let the sun surely not rise!"

Verse 62 (padma.1.51.62)

दिनत्रयं गृहं नीत्वा शापाद्वेश्मगता ततः। शयनीये स्थितं रम्ये धृत्वाऽतिष्ठत्पतिव्रता

dinatrayaṁ gṛhaṁ nītvā śāpādveśmagatā tataḥ śayanīye sthitaṁ ramye dhṛtvā'tiṣṭhatpativratā

For three days she carried him home; because of the curse, having gone to the house, that devoted wife kept him placed on a lovely bed.

Verse 63 (padma.1.51.63)

शप्त्वा तं च मुनिश्रेष्ठो गतो देशमभीष्टकम्। सूरो नोदयते लोके यावच्चैव दिनत्रयम्

śaptvā taṁ ca muniśreṣṭho gato deśamabhīṣṭakam sūro nodayate loke yāvaccaiva dinatrayam

Having cursed him, that best of sages went to his desired place. The sun did not rise in the world for as long as three days.

Verse 64 (padma.1.51.64)

निखिलं व्यथितं दृष्ट्वा त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरम्। शतक्रतुं पुरस्कृत्य गता देवाः पितामहम्

nikhilaṁ vyathitaṁ dṛṣṭvā trailokyaṁ sacarācaram śatakratuṁ puraskṛtya gatā devāḥ pitāmaham

Seeing the entire three worlds, with all moving and unmoving beings, in distress, the gods, with Indra at their head, went to the grandsire.

Verse 65 (padma.1.51.65)

वृत्तं न्यवेदयन्सर्वं पद्मयोनौ दिवौकसः। कारणं च न जानीमस्त्वं तु योग्यं विधेहि नः

vṛttaṁ nyavedayansarvaṁ padmayonau divaukasaḥ kāraṇaṁ ca na jānīmastvaṁ tu yogyaṁ vidhehi naḥ

The dwellers of heaven reported the whole matter to the lotus-born one: "We do not know the cause; ordain what is fitting for us."

Verse 66 (padma.1.51.66)

ब्रह्मोवाच- पतिव्रताया यद्वृत्तं मांडव्यस्य मुनेश्च यत्। यथा नोदयते ब्रध्नो धाता देवेष्ववेदयत्

brahmovāca pativratāyā yadvṛttaṁ māṁḍavyasya muneśca yat yathā nodayate bradhno dhātā deveṣvavedayat

Brahma said: what had happened regarding the devoted wife and the sage Mandavya, and why the sun did not rise, the Ordainer declared to the gods.

Verse 67 (padma.1.51.67)

ततो देवा विमानैश्च पुरस्कृत्य प्रजापतिम्। गतास्तदंतिकं विप्र तूर्णं सर्वे च भूतलम्

tato devā vimānaiśca puraskṛtya prajāpatim gatāstadaṁtikaṁ vipra tūrṇaṁ sarve ca bhūtalam

Then the gods, with their celestial chariots, with Prajapati at their head, all quickly went, O brahmin, to that place, to the surface of the earth,

Verse 68 (padma.1.51.68)

तेषां श्रिया विमानानां मुनीनां किरणैस्तथा। शतसूर्यमिवाभाति नान्यत्र च गृहोदरे

teṣāṁ śriyā vimānānāṁ munīnāṁ kiraṇaistathā śatasūryamivābhāti nānyatra ca gṛhodare

and by the splendour of their chariots, and the rays of the sages likewise, it shone like a hundred suns — nowhere else, but within that house.

Verse 69 (padma.1.51.69)

हा हतास्मि कथं सूरो मद्गृहे समुपस्थितः। अदृश्यंत तया देवा विमानैर्हंससन्निभैः

hā hatāsmi kathaṁ sūro madgṛhe samupasthitaḥ adṛśyaṁta tayā devā vimānairhaṁsasannibhaiḥ

"Alas, I am ruined — how has the sun come to be present in my house?" She saw the gods in chariots resembling swans.

Verse 70 (padma.1.51.70)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे ब्रह्मा तामुवाच पतिव्रताम्। अखिलानां च देवानां द्विजानां च गवां तथा

etasminnaṁtare brahmā tāmuvāca pativratām akhilānāṁ ca devānāṁ dvijānāṁ ca gavāṁ tathā

Meanwhile Brahma said to that devoted wife: "Of all the gods, of the twice-born, and of cows likewise —"

Verse 71 (padma.1.51.71)

यथैव निधनं तेषां कथं ते परिरोचते। मातः क्रोधं त्यजस्वाद्य सूर्यस्योदयनं प्रति

yathaiva nidhanaṁ teṣāṁ kathaṁ te parirocate mātaḥ krodhaṁ tyajasvādya sūryasyodayanaṁ prati

"— just as their destruction would follow, how could this please you? Mother, abandon your anger today regarding the sunrise."

Verse 72 (padma.1.51.72)

पतिव्रतोवाच- सर्वलोकानतिक्रम्य पतिरेको गुरुर्मम। अस्य मृत्युर्मुनेश्शापादुदिते च विरोचने

pativratovāca sarvalokānatikramya patireko gururmama asya mṛtyurmuneśśāpādudite ca virocane

The devoted wife said: "Surpassing all the worlds, my husband alone is my guru. His death, by the sage's curse, was ordained for when the sun rises;"

Verse 73 (padma.1.51.73)

तेनैव कारणेनैष मया शप्तो दिवाकरः। न कोपान्न च मोहाच्च लोभात्कामान्न मत्सरात्

tenaiva kāraṇenaiṣa mayā śapto divākaraḥ na kopānna ca mohācca lobhātkāmānna matsarāt

"for that very reason, I have cursed the sun — not out of anger, nor delusion, nor greed, nor desire, nor envy."

Verse 74 (padma.1.51.74)

ब्रह्मोवाच- एकस्य निधनेनैव त्रैलोक्यस्य हितं भवेत्। ततस्ते चाधिकं पुण्यं मातरेवं भविष्यति

brahmovāca ekasya nidhanenaiva trailokyasya hitaṁ bhavet tataste cādhikaṁ puṇyaṁ mātarevaṁ bhaviṣyati

Brahma said: "By the death of just one, the welfare of the three worlds would result; thus, mother, even greater merit will come to you."

Verse 75 (padma.1.51.75)

सा चोवाच विधिं तत्र देवानामग्रतः सती। पतिं त्यक्त्वा च मे सत्यं शिवं मे नानुरोचते

sā covāca vidhiṁ tatra devānāmagrataḥ satī patiṁ tyaktvā ca me satyaṁ śivaṁ me nānurocate

She said to the Ordainer there, before the gods, that virtuous woman: "Truly, having abandoned my husband, nothing auspicious pleases me."

Verse 76 (padma.1.51.76)

ब्रह्मोवाच- उदिते च खगे सौम्ये पत्यौ ते भस्मतां गते। स्वस्थेभूते च त्रैलोक्ये करिष्यामि हितं तव

brahmovāca udite ca khage saumye patyau te bhasmatāṁ gate svasthebhūte ca trailokye kariṣyāmi hitaṁ tava

Brahma said: "When the gentle sun rises and your husband is reduced to ashes, and when the three worlds are restored to well-being, I shall do what is good for you."

Verse 77 (padma.1.51.77)

भस्मनः पुरुषो भाव्यः कामदेवसमप्रभः। गुणैः सर्वैर्युतो भर्ता रतिवत्त्वं च सर्वदा

bhasmanaḥ puruṣo bhāvyaḥ kāmadevasamaprabhaḥ guṇaiḥ sarvairyuto bhartā rativattvaṁ ca sarvadā

"From the ashes, a man shall arise, radiant as the god of love, your husband endowed with every virtue, and you like Rati, forever."

Verse 78 (padma.1.51.78)

यथापूज्यो हरिर्दैवैर्यथा लक्ष्मीश्च पूजिता। तथैव दंपती स्वर्गे तस्मान्मद्वचनं कुरु

yathāpūjyo harirdaivairyathā lakṣmīśca pūjitā tathaiva daṁpatī svarge tasmānmadvacanaṁ kuru

"Just as Hari is worshipped by the gods, and as Lakshmi is worshipped, so shall you, the couple, be worshipped in heaven. Therefore, do as I say."

Verse 79 (padma.1.51.79)

पतिव्रतोवाच- पत्युर्मे निधने ब्रह्मन्विधवा लोकनिंदिता। कांस्तु लोकान्गमिष्यामि भग्ना चारामलीमसा

pativratovāca patyurme nidhane brahmanvidhavā lokaniṁditā kāṁstu lokāngamiṣyāmi bhagnā cārāmalīmasā

The devoted wife said: "At my husband's death, O Brahma, a widow is censured by the world. What worlds indeed shall I go to, broken and stained?"

Verse 80 (padma.1.51.80)

ब्रह्मोवाच- अतस्ते नास्ति दोषो वै न मृतस्ते धवोऽधुना। अस्माकं वचनेनैव कुष्ठी मन्मथतां व्रजेत्

brahmovāca ataste nāsti doṣo vai na mṛtaste dhavo'dhunā asmākaṁ vacanenaiva kuṣṭhī manmathatāṁ vrajet

Brahma said: "Therefore there is no fault in this — your husband will not die now. By our very word, the leper shall attain the form of the god of love."

Verse 81 (padma.1.51.81)

वदत्येवंविधौ सा च विमृश्य क्षणमेव च। बाढमुक्तवती सा च ततस्सूर्योदयोऽभवत्

vadatyevaṁvidhau sā ca vimṛśya kṣaṇameva ca bāḍhamuktavatī sā ca tatassūryodayo'bhavat

As he spoke thus, she, having reflected for just a moment, said, "Very well" — and then the sunrise occurred.

Verse 82 (padma.1.51.82)

अभवद्भस्मरूपोऽसौ मुनिशापप्रपीडितः। भस्मनो मध्यतो जातो द्विजो मन्मथपीडितः

abhavadbhasmarūpo'sau muniśāpaprapīḍitaḥ bhasmano madhyato jāto dvijo manmathapīḍitaḥ

He became reduced to ashes, afflicted by the sage's curse; from the midst of the ashes, a brahmin was born, radiant like the god of love.

Verse 83 (padma.1.51.83)

दृष्ट्वा विस्मयपमापन्नाः सर्वे ते पुरवासिनः। मुदिता देवसंघाश्च जनः स्वस्थतरोऽभवत्

dṛṣṭvā vismayapamāpannāḥ sarve te puravāsinaḥ muditā devasaṁghāśca janaḥ svasthataro'bhavat

Seeing this, all the city-dwellers were filled with astonishment; the hosts of gods rejoiced, and the people became more at ease.

Verse 84 (padma.1.51.84)

विमानेनार्कवर्णेन स्वर्लोकादागतेन च। पतिना सह सा साध्वी सुरैः सार्द्धं गता दिवम्

vimānenārkavarṇena svarlokādāgatena ca patinā saha sā sādhvī suraiḥ sārddhaṁ gatā divam

In a chariot the colour of the sun, which had come from heaven, together with her husband, that virtuous woman went to heaven, together with the gods.

Verse 85 (padma.1.51.85)

एवं पतिव्रता यस्माच्छुभा चैव तु मत्समा। तेन वृत्तं च जानाति भूतं भव्यं प्रवर्तनम्

evaṁ pativratā yasmācchubhā caiva tu matsamā tena vṛttaṁ ca jānāti bhūtaṁ bhavyaṁ pravartanam

Thus, since a devoted wife, auspicious, is indeed equal to me — by that, she knows the events of the past, and the course of what is to come.

Verse 86 (padma.1.51.86)

य इदं श्रावयेल्लोके पुण्याख्यानमनुत्तमम्। तस्य पापं क्षयं याति जन्मजन्मकृतं च यत्

ya idaṁ śrāvayelloke puṇyākhyānamanuttamam tasya pāpaṁ kṣayaṁ yāti janmajanmakṛtaṁ ca yat

Whoever causes this most excellent, meritorious tale to be heard in the world — his sin, whatever committed birth after birth, is destroyed,

Verse 87 (padma.1.51.87)

अक्षयं लभते स्वर्गं विबुधैः संप्रयुज्यते। ब्राह्मणो लभते वेदं जन्मजन्मसु बाडव

akṣayaṁ labhate svargaṁ vibudhaiḥ saṁprayujyate brāhmaṇo labhate vedaṁ janmajanmasu bāḍava

he obtains imperishable heaven, and joins with the wise; a brahmin obtains the Veda, birth after birth, O worthy one,

Verse 88 (padma.1.51.88)

सकृच्छृणोति यः पूतो दुष्कृतौघाद्विमुच्यते। सुरालयमवाप्नोति स्वर्गाद्भ्रष्टो धनी भवेत्

sakṛcchṛṇoti yaḥ pūto duṣkṛtaughādvimucyate surālayamavāpnoti svargādbhraṣṭo dhanī bhavet

he who hears it even once, purified, is freed from the flood of evil deeds. He attains the abode of the gods; and even if fallen from heaven, he becomes wealthy.