The Curse of Hunda and the Boon of Dattatreya

Verse 1 (padma.2.103.1)

'कुञ्जल उवाच । अशोकसुन्दरी जाता सर्वयोषिद्वरा तदा। रेमे सुनन्दने पुण्ये सर्वकामगुणान्विते

'kuñjala uvāca aśokasundarī jātā sarvayoṣidvarā tadā reme sunandane puṇye sarvakāmaguṇānvite

Kunjala said: Then Ashokasundari, thus born, the finest among all women, wandered at will in that holy Nandana grove, endowed with every desired quality.

Verse 2 (padma.2.103.2)

सुरूपाभिः सुकन्याभिर्देवानां चारुहासिनी । सर्वान्भोगान्प्रभुञ्जाना गीतनृत्यविचक्षणा

surūpābhiḥ sukanyābhirdevānāṁ cāruhāsinī sarvānbhogānprabhuñjānā gītanṛtyavicakṣaṇā

With the lovely maidens of the gods, that sweetly-laughing one enjoyed every pleasure, skilled in song and dance.

Verse 3 (padma.2.103.3)

विप्रचित्तेः सुतो हुण्डो रौद्रस्तीव्रश्च सर्वदा । स्वेच्छाचारो महाकामी नन्दनं प्रविवेश ह

vipracitteḥ suto huṇḍo raudrastīvraśca sarvadā svecchācāro mahākāmī nandanaṁ praviveśa ha

Hunda, son of Vipracitti, ever fierce and violent, self-willed and consumed with lust, entered the Nandana grove.

Verse 4 (padma.2.103.4)

अशोकसुन्दरीं दृष्ट्वा सर्वालङ्कारसंयुताम् । तस्यास्तु दर्शनाद्दैत्यो विद्धः कामस्य मार्गणैः

aśokasundarīṁ dṛṣṭvā sarvālaṅkārasaṁyutām tasyāstu darśanāddaityo viddhaḥ kāmasya mārgaṇaiḥ

Seeing Ashokasundari, adorned with every ornament, that demon, at the very sight of her, was pierced by the arrows of the god of love.

Verse 5 (padma.2.103.5)

तामुवाच महाकायः का त्वं कस्यासि वा शुभे । कस्मात्त्वं कारणाच्चात्र आगतासि वनोत्तमम्

tāmuvāca mahākāyaḥ kā tvaṁ kasyāsi vā śubhe kasmāttvaṁ kāraṇāccātra āgatāsi vanottamam

That huge-bodied one said to her: 'Auspicious one, who are you, whose daughter are you? For what reason have you come to this finest of forests?'

Verse 6 (padma.2.103.6)

'अशोकसुन्दर्युवाच । शिवस्यापि सुपुण्यस्य सुताहं शृणु साम्प्रतम् । स्वसाहं कार्तिकेयस्य जननी गोत्रजापि मे

'aśokasundaryuvāca śivasyāpi supuṇyasya sutāhaṁ śṛṇu sāmpratam svasāhaṁ kārtikeyasya jananī gotrajāpi me

Ashokasundari said: 'I am the daughter of Shiva, the most holy — hear this now; I am the sister of Kartikeya, and the same are my parents too.'

Verse 7 (padma.2.103.7)

बालभावेन सम्प्राप्ता लीलया नन्दनं वनम् । भवान्कोहि किमर्थं तु मामेवं परिपृच्छति

bālabhāvena samprāptā līlayā nandanaṁ vanam bhavānkohi kimarthaṁ tu māmevaṁ paripṛcchati

'In my childlike nature, I have come here to the Nandana grove for sport. Who are you, and why do you question me so?'

Verse 8 (padma.2.103.8)

हुण्ड उवाच । विप्रचित्तेः सुतश्चाहं गुणलक्षणसंयुतः। हुण्डेति नाम्ना विख्यातो बलवीर्यमदोद्धतः

huṇḍa uvāca vipracitteḥ sutaścāhaṁ guṇalakṣaṇasaṁyutaḥ huṇḍeti nāmnā vikhyāto balavīryamadoddhataḥ

Hunda said: 'I am the son of Vipracitti, endowed with virtue and fine marks; renowned by the name Hunda, intoxicated with the pride of strength and valor.'

Verse 9 (padma.2.103.9)

दैत्यानामप्यहं श्रेष्ठो मत्समो नास्ति राक्षसः । देवेषु मर्त्यलोकेषु तपसा यशसा कुले

daityānāmapyahaṁ śreṣṭho matsamo nāsti rākṣasaḥ deveṣu martyalokeṣu tapasā yaśasā kule

'Even among the demons I am foremost, there is no rakshasa my equal — not among gods, not in the world of mortals, not in austerity, in fame, or in lineage.'

Verse 10 (padma.2.103.10)

अन्येषु नागलोकेषु धनभोगैर्वरानने । दर्शनात्ते विशालाक्षि हतः कन्दर्पमार्गणैः

anyeṣu nāgalokeṣu dhanabhogairvarānane darśanātte viśālākṣi hataḥ kandarpamārgaṇaiḥ

'Nor in the other naga-worlds, fair one, in wealth and enjoyment. O wide-eyed one, at the very sight of you I have been wounded by the arrows of the god of love.'

Verse 11 (padma.2.103.11)

शरणं ते ह्यहं प्राप्तः प्रसादसुमुखी भव । भव स्ववल्लभा भार्या मम प्राणसमा प्रिया

śaraṇaṁ te hyahaṁ prāptaḥ prasādasumukhī bhava bhava svavallabhā bhāryā mama prāṇasamā priyā

'I have come to your refuge; be gracious, with a smiling face, toward me. Become my beloved wife, dear to me as my very life.'

Verse 12 (padma.2.103.12)

अशोकसुन्दर्युवाच । श्रूयतामभिधास्यामि सर्वसंबंधकारणम्। भवितव्या सुजातस्य लोके स्त्री पुरुषस्य हि

aśokasundaryuvāca śrūyatāmabhidhāsyāmi sarvasaṁbaṁdhakāraṇam bhavitavyā sujātasya loke strī puruṣasya hi

Ashokasundari said: 'Listen, I shall tell the whole reason. In this world, for a man of good birth, one woman is destined to be.'

Verse 13 (padma.2.103.13)

भवितव्यस्तथा भर्ता स्त्रिया यः सदृशो गुणैः । संसारे लोकमार्गोयं शृणु हुण्ड यथाविधि

bhavitavyastathā bhartā striyā yaḥ sadṛśo guṇaiḥ saṁsāre lokamārgoyaṁ śṛṇu huṇḍa yathāvidhi

'And likewise for a woman that husband is destined who is her equal in virtue. This, Hunda, is the way of the world; hear it as it truly is.'

Verse 14 (padma.2.103.14)

अस्त्येव कारणं चात्र यथा तेन भवाम्यहम् । सुभार्या दैत्यराजेन्द्र शृणुष्व यतमानसः

astyeva kāraṇaṁ cātra yathā tena bhavāmyaham subhāryā daityarājendra śṛṇuṣva yatamānasaḥ

'There is a definite reason why I am as I am. O king of the demons, hear with an attentive mind whose good wife I am destined to be.'

Verse 15 (padma.2.103.15)

वृक्षराजादहं जाता यदा काले महामते । शम्भोर्भावं सुसङ्गृह्य पार्वत्या कल्पिता ह्यहम्

vṛkṣarājādahaṁ jātā yadā kāle mahāmate śambhorbhāvaṁ susaṅgṛhya pārvatyā kalpitā hyaham

'When, O wise one, at the appointed time I was born from the Kalpa-tree, I was fashioned by Parvati, who had taken up Shiva's own loving intent.'

Verse 16 (padma.2.103.16)

देवस्यानुमते देव्या सृष्टो भर्ता ममैव हि । सोमवंशे महाप्राज्ञः स धर्मात्मा भविष्यति

devasyānumate devyā sṛṣṭo bhartā mamaiva hi somavaṁśe mahāprājñaḥ sa dharmātmā bhaviṣyati

'By the god's permission, my husband too was ordained by the goddess herself — he shall be one of great wisdom, righteous, born in the lunar dynasty.'

Verse 17 (padma.2.103.17)

जिष्णुर्जिष्णुसमो वीर्ये तेजसा पावकोपमः। सर्वज्ञः सत्यसन्धश्च त्यागे वैश्रवणोपमः

jiṣṇurjiṣṇusamo vīrye tejasā pāvakopamaḥ sarvajñaḥ satyasandhaśca tyāge vaiśravaṇopamaḥ

'He shall be victorious, in valor equal to Vishnu (Jishnu), in splendor like fire, all-knowing, true to his vows, and in generosity equal to Kubera.'

Verse 18 (padma.2.103.18)

यज्वा दानपतिः सोपि रूपेण मन्मथोपमः । नहुषोनाम धर्मात्मा गुणशील महानिधिः

yajvā dānapatiḥ sopi rūpeṇa manmathopamaḥ nahuṣonāma dharmātmā guṇaśīla mahānidhiḥ

'A performer of sacrifices, lord of charity, in beauty equal to the god of love — he shall be known by the name Nahusha, righteous, a great treasury of virtue and character.'

Verse 19 (padma.2.103.19)

देव्या देवेन मे दत्तःख्यातोभर्ताभविष्यति । तस्मात्सर्वगुणोपेतं पुत्रमाप्स्यामि सुन्दरम्

devyā devena me dattaḥkhyātobhartābhaviṣyati tasmātsarvaguṇopetaṁ putramāpsyāmi sundaram

'Given to me by the goddess and the god, he shall become my renowned husband. From him I shall obtain a beautiful son, endowed with every virtue —'

Verse 20 (padma.2.103.20)

इन्द्रोपेन्द्र समं लोके ययातिं जनवल्लभम्। लप्स्याम्यहं रणे धीरं तस्माच्छम्भोः प्रसादतः

indropendra samaṁ loke yayātiṁ janavallabham lapsyāmyahaṁ raṇe dhīraṁ tasmācchambhoḥ prasādataḥ

'— beloved among people like Indra and Upendra, named Yayati; steadfast in battle — that son I shall obtain, through Shiva's grace.'

Verse 21 (padma.2.103.21)

अहं पतिव्रता वीर परभार्या विशेषतः। अतस्त्वं सर्वथा हुण्ड त्यज भ्रान्तिमितोव्रज

ahaṁ pativratā vīra parabhāryā viśeṣataḥ atastvaṁ sarvathā huṇḍa tyaja bhrāntimitovraja

'O hero, I am devoted to one husband alone, as untouchable to any other as another man's wife. Therefore, Hunda, abandon this delusion entirely, and go from here.'

Verse 22 (padma.2.103.22)

प्रहस्यैव वचो ब्रूते अशोकसुन्दरीं प्रति। 'हुण्ड उवाच । नैव युक्तं त्वया प्रोक्तं देव्या देवेन चैव हि

prahasyaiva vaco brūte aśokasundarīṁ prati 'huṇḍa uvāca naiva yuktaṁ tvayā proktaṁ devyā devena caiva hi

Laughing, he spoke this word to Ashokasundari — Hunda said: 'What was told to you by the goddess and the god does not seem fitting.'

Verse 23 (padma.2.103.23)

नहुषोनाम धर्मात्मा सोमवंशे भविष्यति। भवती वयसा श्रेष्ठा कनिष्ठो न स युज्यते

nahuṣonāma dharmātmā somavaṁśe bhaviṣyati bhavatī vayasā śreṣṭhā kaniṣṭho na sa yujyate

'This Nahusha who is to be born, righteous, in the lunar dynasty — you are older than he in years, and a younger husband is not fitting.'

Verse 24 (padma.2.103.24)

कनिष्ठा स्त्री प्रशस्ता तु पुरुषो न प्रशस्यते । कदा स पुरुषो भद्रे तव भर्ता भविष्यति

kaniṣṭhā strī praśastā tu puruṣo na praśasyate kadā sa puruṣo bhadre tava bhartā bhaviṣyati

'A younger woman is praised, but a younger man is not praised. Auspicious one, when will such a man ever become your husband?'

Verse 25 (padma.2.103.25)

तारुण्यं यौवनं चापि नाशमेवं प्रयास्यति। यौवनस्य बलेनापि रूपवत्यः सदा स्त्रियः

tāruṇyaṁ yauvanaṁ cāpi nāśamevaṁ prayāsyati yauvanasya balenāpi rūpavatyaḥ sadā striyaḥ

'Your youth and prime shall by then have passed away in vain. It is by the strength of youth alone that beautiful women ever —'

Verse 26 (padma.2.103.26)

पुरुषाणां वल्लभत्वं प्रयान्ति वरवर्णिनि । तारुण्यं हि महामूलं युवतीनां वरानने

puruṣāṇāṁ vallabhatvaṁ prayānti varavarṇini tāruṇyaṁ hi mahāmūlaṁ yuvatīnāṁ varānane

'— O fair one, become dear to men. Youth, O lovely-faced one, is the very foundation of young women.'

Verse 27 (padma.2.103.27)

तस्या धारेण भुंजंति भोगान्कामान्मनोनुगान् । कदा सोभ्येष्यते भद्रे आयोः पुत्रः शृणुष्व मे

tasyā dhāreṇa bhuṁjaṁti bhogānkāmānmanonugān kadā sobhyeṣyate bhadre āyoḥ putraḥ śṛṇuṣva me

'Upon it alone they enjoy the pleasures their heart desires. Auspicious one, hear from me — when will that son of Ayu even grow up?'

Verse 28 (padma.2.103.28)

यौवनं वर्ततेऽद्यैव वृथा चैव भविष्यति। गर्भत्वं च शिशुत्वं च कौमारं च निशामय

yauvanaṁ vartate'dyaiva vṛthā caiva bhaviṣyati garbhatvaṁ ca śiśutvaṁ ca kaumāraṁ ca niśāmaya

'Your youth is here now and it will pass in vain. Consider too the stages of the womb, of infancy, and of boyhood —'

Verse 29 (padma.2.103.29)

कदासौ यौवनोपेतस्तव योग्यो भविष्यति । यौवनस्य प्रभावेन पिबस्व मधुमाधवीम्

kadāsau yauvanopetastava yogyo bhaviṣyati yauvanasya prabhāvena pibasva madhumādhavīm

'— when will he, grown to manhood, become fit for you? While your youth still has its power, drink now of the sweetness of spring.'

Verse 30 (padma.2.103.30)

मया सह विशालाक्षि रमस्व त्वं सुखेन वै। हुण्डस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा शिवस्य तनया पुनः

mayā saha viśālākṣi ramasva tvaṁ sukhena vai huṇḍasya vacanaṁ śrutvā śivasya tanayā punaḥ

'O wide-eyed one, take your pleasure with me in happiness.' Hearing this word of Hunda, Shiva's daughter, once again —

Verse 31 (padma.2.103.31)

उवाच दानवेन्द्रं तं साध्वसेन समन्विता। अष्टाविञ्शतिके प्राप्ते द्वापराख्ये युगे तदा

uvāca dānavendraṁ taṁ sādhvasena samanvitā aṣṭāviñśatike prāpte dvāparākhye yuge tadā

— though touched with fear, spoke thus to that lord of demons: 'When the twenty-eighth age, called Dvapara, comes to pass, then —'

Verse 32 (padma.2.103.32)

शेषावतारो धर्मात्मा वसुदेवसुतो बलः। रेवतस्य सुतां दिव्यां भार्यां स च करिष्यति

śeṣāvatāro dharmātmā vasudevasuto balaḥ revatasya sutāṁ divyāṁ bhāryāṁ sa ca kariṣyati

'— the incarnation of Shesha, the righteous Bala (Balarama), son of Vasudeva, shall make the divine daughter of Revata his wife.'

Verse 33 (padma.2.103.33)

सापि जाता महाभाग कृताख्ये हि युगोत्तमे । युगत्रयप्रमाणेन सा हि ज्येष्ठा बलादपि

sāpi jātā mahābhāga kṛtākhye hi yugottame yugatrayapramāṇena sā hi jyeṣṭhā balādapi

'That maiden too, O blessed one, was born in the excellent age called Krita — measured by three ages, she is older even than Bala himself.'

Verse 34 (padma.2.103.34)

बलस्य सा प्रिया जाता रेवती प्राणसम्मिता। भविष्यद्वापरे प्राप्त इह सा तु भविष्यति

balasya sā priyā jātā revatī prāṇasammitā bhaviṣyadvāpare prāpta iha sā tu bhaviṣyati

'Bala's beloved Revati, dear to him as his very life, has already been born — and it is only when Dvapara comes that she shall here become his.'

Verse 35 (padma.2.103.35)

मायावती पुरा जाता गन्धर्वतनया वरा । अपहृत्य नियम्यैव शम्बरो दानवोत्तमः

māyāvatī purā jātā gandharvatanayā varā apahṛtya niyamyaiva śambaro dānavottamaḥ

'Long ago there was born Mayavati, the fine daughter of a gandharva, whom the foremost demon Shambara abducted and held captive.'

Verse 36 (padma.2.103.36)

तस्या भर्ता समाख्यातो माधवस्य सुतो बली। प्रद्युम्नो नाम वीरेशो यादवेश्वरनन्दनः

tasyā bhartā samākhyāto mādhavasya suto balī pradyumno nāma vīreśo yādaveśvaranandanaḥ

'Her husband, it is told, shall be the mighty son of Madhava — the son of the lord of the Yadavas, the lord of heroes named Pradyumna.'

Verse 37 (padma.2.103.37)

तस्मिन्युगे भविष्येत भाव्यं दृष्टं पुरातनैः। व्यासादिभिर्महाभागैर्ज्ञानवद्भिर्महात्मभिः

tasminyuge bhaviṣyeta bhāvyaṁ dṛṣṭaṁ purātanaiḥ vyāsādibhirmahābhāgairjñānavadbhirmahātmabhiḥ

'That shall come to pass in that same age — this future event has been foreseen even by ancient, wise and great-souled sages such as Vyasa.'

Verse 38 (padma.2.103.38)

एवं हि दृश्यते दैत्य वाक्यं देव्या तदोदितम्। मां प्रति हि जगद्धात्र्या पुत्र्या हिमवतस्तदा

evaṁ hi dṛśyate daitya vākyaṁ devyā tadoditam māṁ prati hi jagaddhātryā putryā himavatastadā

'Thus, demon, is it to be understood: the word spoken by the Mother of the universe, the goddess, concerning me, the daughter of Himavat, proves true indeed.'

Verse 39 (padma.2.103.39)

त्वं तु लोभेन कामेन लुब्धो वदसि दुष्कृतम् । किल्बिषेण समाजुष्टं वेदशास्त्रविवर्जितम्

tvaṁ tu lobhena kāmena lubdho vadasi duṣkṛtam kilbiṣeṇa samājuṣṭaṁ vedaśāstravivarjitam

'But you, blinded by greed and desire, speak wicked words — words steeped in sin, devoid of Vedic scripture.'

Verse 40 (padma.2.103.40)

यद्यस्यदिष्टमेवास्ति शुभं वाप्यशुभं दृढम् । पूर्वकर्मानुसारेण तत्तस्य परिजायते

yadyasyadiṣṭamevāsti śubhaṁ vāpyaśubhaṁ dṛḍham pūrvakarmānusāreṇa tattasya parijāyate

'Whatever is destined for a person, whether auspicious or inauspicious, is unalterable — it comes to him only in accordance with his past deeds.'

Verse 41 (padma.2.103.41)

देवानां ब्राह्मणानां च वदने यत्सुभाषितम्। निःसरेद्यदि सत्यं तदन्यथा नैव जायते

devānāṁ brāhmaṇānāṁ ca vadane yatsubhāṣitam niḥsaredyadi satyaṁ tadanyathā naiva jāyate

'Whatever fine word issues from the mouth of gods and brahmins, if it be true, it can never turn out otherwise.'

Verse 42 (padma.2.103.42)

मद्भाग्यादेवमाज्ञातं नहुषस्यापि तस्य च। समायोगं विचार्यैवं देव्या प्रोक्तं शिवेन च

madbhāgyādevamājñātaṁ nahuṣasyāpi tasya ca samāyogaṁ vicāryaivaṁ devyā proktaṁ śivena ca

'By my own destiny this was made known — my union with Nahusha was declared by the goddess and by Shiva only after due reflection.'

Verse 43 (padma.2.103.43)

एवं ज्ञात्वा शमं गच्छ त्यज भ्रान्तिं मनःस्थिताम्। नैव शक्तो भवान्दैत्य मे मनश्चालितुं ध्रुवम्

evaṁ jñātvā śamaṁ gaccha tyaja bhrāntiṁ manaḥsthitām naiva śakto bhavāndaitya me manaścālituṁ dhruvam

'Knowing this, be at peace; abandon the delusion lodged in your mind. Demon, you are surely incapable of shaking my resolve.'

Verse 44 (padma.2.103.44)

पतिव्रता दृढा चित्ते स को मे चालितुं क्षमः। महाशापेन धक्ष्यामि इतो गच्छ महासुर

pativratā dṛḍhā citte sa ko me cālituṁ kṣamaḥ mahāśāpena dhakṣyāmi ito gaccha mahāsura

'My heart is fixed firm in devotion to my one husband — who can shake it? O great demon, else I shall burn you to ash with a mighty curse — go from here.'

Verse 45 (padma.2.103.45)

एवमाकर्ण्य तद्वाक्यं हुण्डो वै दानवो बली । मनसा चिन्तयामास कथं भार्या भवेदियम्

evamākarṇya tadvākyaṁ huṇḍo vai dānavo balī manasā cintayāmāsa kathaṁ bhāryā bhavediyam

Hearing this word, the mighty demon Hunda began to ponder in his mind how she might yet become his wife.

Verse 46 (padma.2.103.46)

विचिन्त्य हुण्डो मायावी अन्तर्धानं समागतः । ततो निष्क्रम्य वेगेन तस्मात्स्थानाद्विहाय ताम्। अन्यस्मिन्दिवसे प्राप्ते मायां कृत्वा तमोमयीम्

vicintya huṇḍo māyāvī antardhānaṁ samāgataḥ tato niṣkramya vegena tasmātsthānādvihāya tām anyasmindivase prāpte māyāṁ kṛtvā tamomayīm

Having thought this, the deceitful Hunda vanished from there. Then, having sped away from that place, leaving her behind, on another day he wrought a dark, deluding magic —

Verse 47 (padma.2.103.47)

दिव्यं मायामयं रूपं कृत्वा नार्यास्तु दानवः । मायया कन्यका रूपो बभूव मम नन्दन

divyaṁ māyāmayaṁ rūpaṁ kṛtvā nāryāstu dānavaḥ māyayā kanyakā rūpo babhūva mama nandana

— that demon assumed the divine, illusory form of a woman. By his magic, my son, he became the very shape of a maiden.

Verse 48 (padma.2.103.48)

सा कन्यापि वरारोहा मायारूपागमत्ततः। हास्यलीला समायुक्ता यत्रास्ते भवनन्दिनी

sā kanyāpi varārohā māyārūpāgamattataḥ hāsyalīlā samāyuktā yatrāste bhavanandinī

That beautiful maiden-form, wrought by illusion, arrived there where the daughter of Shiva sat, given to playful laughter.

Verse 49 (padma.2.103.49)

उवाच वाक्यं स्निग्धेव अशोकसुन्दरीं प्रति । कासि कस्यासि सुभगे तिष्ठसि त्वं तपोवने

uvāca vākyaṁ snigdheva aśokasundarīṁ prati kāsi kasyāsi subhage tiṣṭhasi tvaṁ tapovane

'She' spoke an affectionate word to Ashokasundari: 'Who are you, whose daughter are you, fair one? Why do you dwell in this forest of austerity?'

Verse 50 (padma.2.103.50)

किमर्थं क्रियते बाले कामशोषणकं तपः। तन्ममाचक्ष्व सुभगे किन्निमित्तं सुदुष्करम्

kimarthaṁ kriyate bāle kāmaśoṣaṇakaṁ tapaḥ tanmamācakṣva subhage kinnimittaṁ suduṣkaram

'For what purpose, young one, do you perform this austerity that withers desire itself? Tell me, fair one, for what cause is this so difficult a penance?'

Verse 51 (padma.2.103.51)

तन्निशम्य शुभं वाक्यं दानवेनापि भाषितम् । मायारूपेण छन्नेन साभिलाषेण सत्वरम्

tanniśamya śubhaṁ vākyaṁ dānavenāpi bhāṣitam māyārūpeṇa channena sābhilāṣeṇa satvaram

Hearing this fair and affectionate word, spoken by the demon in his disguised, illusory form, Ashokasundari swiftly —

Verse 52 (padma.2.103.52)

आत्मसृष्टि सुवृत्तान्तं प्रवृत्तं तु यथा पुरा । तपसः कारणं सर्वं समाचष्ट सुदुःखिता

ātmasṛṣṭi suvṛttāntaṁ pravṛttaṁ tu yathā purā tapasaḥ kāraṇaṁ sarvaṁ samācaṣṭa suduḥkhitā

— related the whole account of her own origin, just as it had happened, and the whole cause of her austerity, all the while deeply sorrowful.

Verse 53 (padma.2.103.53)

उपप्लवं तु तस्यापि दानवस्य दुरात्मनः। मायारूपं न जानाति सौहृदात्कथितं तया

upaplavaṁ tu tasyāpi dānavasya durātmanaḥ māyārūpaṁ na jānāti sauhṛdātkathitaṁ tayā

Not recognizing the illusion of that vile demon, out of trust and affection she told even the account of her own misfortune to that disguised one.

Verse 54 (padma.2.103.54)

"हुण्ड उवाच । पतिव्रतासि हे देवि साधुव्रतपरायणा। साधुशीलसमाचारा साधुचारा महासती

"huṇḍa uvāca pativratāsi he devi sādhuvrataparāyaṇā sādhuśīlasamācārā sādhucārā mahāsatī

Hunda (in his disguise) said: 'O goddess, you are devoted to one husband, given to the vows of the virtuous, of good conduct, a great and chaste woman.'

Verse 55 (padma.2.103.55)

अहं पतिव्रता भद्रे पतिव्रतपरायणा। तपश्चरामि सुभगे भर्तुरर्थे महासती

ahaṁ pativratā bhadre pativrataparāyaṇā tapaścarāmi subhage bharturarthe mahāsatī

'I too, fair one, am devoted to one husband, given wholly to that vow; I too, O great and chaste one, perform this austerity for my husband's sake.'

Verse 56 (padma.2.103.56)

मम भर्ता हतस्तेन हुंडेनापि दुरात्मना। तस्य नाशाय वै घोरं तपस्यामि महत्तपः

mama bhartā hatastena huṁḍenāpi durātmanā tasya nāśāya vai ghoraṁ tapasyāmi mahattapaḥ

'My husband was slain by that very vile Hunda. It is for his destruction that I perform this terrible, great austerity.'

Verse 57 (padma.2.103.57)

एहि मे स्वाश्रमे पुण्ये गंगातीरे वसाम्यहम्। अन्यैर्मनोहरैर्वाक्यैरुक्ता प्रत्ययकारकैः

ehi me svāśrame puṇye gaṁgātīre vasāmyaham anyairmanoharairvākyairuktā pratyayakārakaiḥ

'Come to my holy hermitage — I dwell on the bank of the Ganga.' With such other beguiling and convincing words —

Verse 58 (padma.2.103.58)

हुंडेन सखिभावेन मोहिता शिवनंदिनी। समाकृष्टा सुवेगेन महामोहेन मोहिता

huṁḍena sakhibhāvena mohitā śivanaṁdinī samākṛṣṭā suvegena mahāmohena mohitā

— in the guise of a friend, Hunda beguiled Shiva's daughter. Bewildered by that great delusion, she was drawn along helplessly.

Verse 59 (padma.2.103.59)

आनीतात्मगृहं दिव्यमनौपम्यं सुशोभनम्। मेरोस्तु शिखरे पुत्र वैडूर्याख्यं पुरोत्तमम्

ānītātmagṛhaṁ divyamanaupamyaṁ suśobhanam merostu śikhare putra vaiḍūryākhyaṁ purottamam

She was brought to his own divine, incomparable, most beautiful home — my son, to a foremost city named Vaidurya, set upon the peak of Meru,

Verse 60 (padma.2.103.60)

अस्ति सर्वगुणोपेतं कांचनाख्यं महाशिवम्। तुंगप्रासादसंबाधैः कलशैर्दंडचामरैः

asti sarvaguṇopetaṁ kāṁcanākhyaṁ mahāśivam tuṁgaprāsādasaṁbādhaiḥ kalaśairdaṁḍacāmaraiḥ

a city named Kanchana, endowed with every quality, most auspicious — crowded with towering mansions, pinnacle-vessels, staffs and chowries,

Verse 61 (padma.2.103.61)

नानवृक्षसमोपेतैर्वनैर्नीलैर्घनोपमैः। वापीकूपतडागैश्च नदीभिस्तु जलाशयैः

nānavṛkṣasamopetairvanairnīlairghanopamaiḥ vāpīkūpataḍāgaiśca nadībhistu jalāśayaiḥ

rich with trees of every kind, with dark forests like clouds, with step-wells, wells, ponds and river-fed reservoirs,

Verse 62 (padma.2.103.62)

शोभमानं महारत्नैः प्राकारैर्हेमसंयतैः। सर्वकामसमृद्धार्थं सम्पूर्णं दानवस्य हि

śobhamānaṁ mahāratnaiḥ prākārairhemasaṁyataiḥ sarvakāmasamṛddhārthaṁ sampūrṇaṁ dānavasya hi

resplendent with great jewels and golden ramparts — that demon's city, complete with the abundance of every desire.

Verse 63 (padma.2.103.63)

ददृशे सा पुरं रम्यमशोकसुन्दरी तदा। कस्य देवस्य संस्थानं कथयस्व सखे मम

dadṛśe sā puraṁ ramyamaśokasundarī tadā kasya devasya saṁsthānaṁ kathayasva sakhe mama

Ashokasundari, beholding that lovely city, said: 'Whose divine abode is this? Tell me, friend.'

Verse 64 (padma.2.103.64)

सोवाच दानवेन्द्रस्य दृष्टपूर्वस्य वै त्वया। तस्य स्थानं महाभागे सोऽहं दानवपुङ्गवः

sovāca dānavendrasya dṛṣṭapūrvasya vai tvayā tasya sthānaṁ mahābhāge so'haṁ dānavapuṅgavaḥ

'She' answered: 'O blessed one, this is the abode of that very lord of demons whom you saw before — I am that foremost demon.'

Verse 65 (padma.2.103.65)

मया त्वं तु समानीता मायया वरवर्णिनि । तामाभाष्य गृहं नीता शातकौम्भं सुशोभनम्

mayā tvaṁ tu samānītā māyayā varavarṇini tāmābhāṣya gṛhaṁ nītā śātakaumbhaṁ suśobhanam

'You, fair one, have been brought here by me through illusion.' Speaking thus to her, he led her into that beautiful golden mansion,

Verse 66 (padma.2.103.66)

नानावेश्मैः समाजुष्टं कैलासशिखरोपमम्। निवेश्य सुंदरीं तत्र दोलायां कामपीडितः

nānāveśmaiḥ samājuṣṭaṁ kailāsaśikharopamam niveśya suṁdarīṁ tatra dolāyāṁ kāmapīḍitaḥ

filled with many buildings, resembling the peak of Kailasa. Setting that lovely one there upon a swing, tormented by desire,

Verse 67 (padma.2.103.67)

पुनः स्वरूपी दैत्येन्द्रः कामबाणप्रपीडितः। करसम्पुटमाबध्य उवाच वचनं तदा

punaḥ svarūpī daityendraḥ kāmabāṇaprapīḍitaḥ karasampuṭamābadhya uvāca vacanaṁ tadā

that lord of demons resumed his own true form once more, sorely afflicted by the arrow of desire; joining his hands, he spoke this word —

Verse 68 (padma.2.103.68)

यं यं त्वं वाञ्छसे भद्रे तं तं दद्मि न संशयः। भज मां त्वं विशालाक्षिभजन्तं कामपीडितम्

yaṁ yaṁ tvaṁ vāñchase bhadre taṁ taṁ dadmi na saṁśayaḥ bhaja māṁ tvaṁ viśālākṣibhajantaṁ kāmapīḍitam

'Auspicious one, whatever you desire, that I shall give you, without doubt. O wide-eyed one, I, tormented by desire, worship you — worship me in return.'

Verse 69 (padma.2.103.69)

'श्रीदेव्युवाच । नैव चालयितुं शक्तो भवान्मां दानवेश्वरः। मनसापि न वै धार्यं मम मोहं समागतम्

'śrīdevyuvāca naiva cālayituṁ śakto bhavānmāṁ dānaveśvaraḥ manasāpi na vai dhāryaṁ mama mohaṁ samāgatam

Shri Devi said: 'O lord of demons, you are in no way capable of shaking me. This delusion that has come upon me is not one I would accept even in thought.'

Verse 70 (padma.2.103.70)

भवादृशैर्महापापैर्देवैर्वा दानवाधमैः। दुष्प्राप्याहं न संदेहो मा वदस्व पुनः पुनः

bhavādṛśairmahāpāpairdevairvā dānavādhamaiḥ duṣprāpyāhaṁ na saṁdeho mā vadasva punaḥ punaḥ

'Neither great sinners like you, nor the vilest of demons, nor even the gods — can obtain me; of this there is no doubt. Do not say this again and again.'

Verse 71 (padma.2.103.71)

स्कन्दानुजा सा तपसाभियुक्ता जाज्वल्यमाना महता रुषा च। संहर्तुकामा परि दानवं तं कालस्य जिह्वेव यथा स्फुरन्ती

skandānujā sā tapasābhiyuktā jājvalyamānā mahatā ruṣā ca saṁhartukāmā pari dānavaṁ taṁ kālasya jihveva yathā sphurantī

Skanda's younger sister, immersed in austerity, blazing with a mighty wrath, wishing to destroy the demon, quivered like the very tongue of Death.

Verse 72 (padma.2.103.72)

पुनरुवाच सा देवी तमेवं दानवाधमम् । उग्रं कर्म कृतं पाप चात्मनाशनहेतवे

punaruvāca sā devī tamevaṁ dānavādhamam ugraṁ karma kṛtaṁ pāpa cātmanāśanahetave

That goddess spoke again to the vile demon: 'Sinner, you have done this terrible deed for your own destruction.'

Verse 73 (padma.2.103.73)

आत्मवञ्शस्य नाशाय स्वजनस्यास्य वै त्वया। दीप्ता स्वगृहमानीता सुशिखा कृष्णवर्त्मनः

ātmavañśasya nāśāya svajanasyāsya vai tvayā dīptā svagṛhamānītā suśikhā kṛṣṇavartmanaḥ

'For the destruction of your own family and kin, you have brought me — a burning, blazing crest of dark flame — into your own house.'

Verse 74 (padma.2.103.74)

यथाऽशुभः कूटपक्षी सर्वशोकैः समुद्गतः। गृहं तु विशते यस्य तस्य नाशं प्रयच्छति

yathā'śubhaḥ kūṭapakṣī sarvaśokaiḥ samudgataḥ gṛhaṁ tu viśate yasya tasya nāśaṁ prayacchati

'Just as an inauspicious owl, harbinger of every grief, brings ruin upon the house it enters —'

Verse 75 (padma.2.103.75)

स्वजनस्य च सर्वस्य सधनस्य कुलस्य च। स द्विजो नाशमिच्छेत विशत्येव यदा गृहम्

svajanasya ca sarvasya sadhanasya kulasya ca sa dvijo nāśamiccheta viśatyeva yadā gṛham

'— just as a brahmin who wishes destruction upon all his own kin and his prosperous lineage is the one who so enters that house —'

Verse 76 (padma.2.103.76)

तथा तेहं गृहं प्राप्ता तव नाशं समीहती । पुत्राणां धनधान्यस्य तव वंशस्य साम्प्रतम्

tathā tehaṁ gṛhaṁ prāptā tava nāśaṁ samīhatī putrāṇāṁ dhanadhānyasya tava vaṁśasya sāmpratam

'— even so have I come into your house, and now I desire the destruction of your sons, your wealth and grain, and your very lineage.'

Verse 77 (padma.2.103.77)

जीवं कुलं धनं धान्यं पुत्रपौत्रादिकं तव। सर्वं ते नाशयित्वाहं यास्यामि च न संशयः

jīvaṁ kulaṁ dhanaṁ dhānyaṁ putrapautrādikaṁ tava sarvaṁ te nāśayitvāhaṁ yāsyāmi ca na saṁśayaḥ

'Your life, your family, your wealth, your grain, your sons and grandsons — having destroyed all of these, I shall depart from here, without doubt.'

Verse 78 (padma.2.103.78)

यथा त्वयाहमानीता चरन्ती परमं तपः । पतिकामा प्रवाञ्च्छन्ती नहुषं चायुनन्दनम्

yathā tvayāhamānītā carantī paramaṁ tapaḥ patikāmā pravāñcchantī nahuṣaṁ cāyunandanam

'Just as you have brought me here, causing me to undergo the utmost austerity — while I, desiring a husband, wished only for Nahusha, the son of Ayu —'

Verse 79 (padma.2.103.79)

तथा त्वां मम भर्ता च नाशयिष्यति दानव । मन्निमित्तउपायोऽयं दृष्टो देवेन वै पुरा

tathā tvāṁ mama bhartā ca nāśayiṣyati dānava mannimittaupāyo'yaṁ dṛṣṭo devena vai purā

'— even so, demon, my husband shall destroy you. This very outcome was foreseen by the god beforehand, on my account.'

Verse 80 (padma.2.103.80)

सत्येयं लौकिकी गाथा यां गायन्ति विदो जनाः। प्रत्यक्षं दृश्यते लोके न विन्दन्ति कुबुद्धयः

satyeyaṁ laukikī gāthā yāṁ gāyanti vido janāḥ pratyakṣaṁ dṛśyate loke na vindanti kubuddhayaḥ

'This is a true saying current in the world, which the wise recite — it is seen plainly in this world, though the foolish do not grasp it.'

Verse 81 (padma.2.103.81)

येन यत्र प्रभोक्तव्यं यस्माद्दुःखसुखादिकम्। स एव भुंजते तत्र तस्मादेव न संशयः

yena yatra prabhoktavyaṁ yasmādduḥkhasukhādikam sa eva bhuṁjate tatra tasmādeva na saṁśayaḥ

'Whatever a person is destined to enjoy, wherever, and whatever sorrow or joy is to come to him from whatever source — that alone he enjoys there; of this there is no doubt.'

Verse 82 (padma.2.103.82)

कर्मणोस्य फलं भुङ्क्ष्व स्वकीयस्य महीतले। यास्यसे निरयस्थानं परदाराभिमर्शनात्

karmaṇosya phalaṁ bhuṅkṣva svakīyasya mahītale yāsyase nirayasthānaṁ paradārābhimarśanāt

'Enjoy the fruit of this deed of your own here on this earth — for laying hold of another's wife, you shall go to hell.'

Verse 83 (padma.2.103.83)

सुतीक्ष्णं हि सुधारं तु सुखड्गं च विघट्टति। अङ्गुल्यग्रेण कोपाय तथा मां विद्धि साम्प्रतम्

sutīkṣṇaṁ hi sudhāraṁ tu sukhaḍgaṁ ca vighaṭṭati aṅgulyagreṇa kopāya tathā māṁ viddhi sāmpratam

'As one who, in anger, touches with a fingertip the sharp edge of a fine sword — know me now to be just such a thing.'

Verse 84 (padma.2.103.84)

सिंहस्य सम्मुखं गत्वा क्रुद्धस्य गर्जितस्य च। को लुनाति मुखात्केशान्साहसाकारसंयुतः

siṁhasya sammukhaṁ gatvā kruddhasya garjitasya ca ko lunāti mukhātkeśānsāhasākārasaṁyutaḥ

'Who, going before a roaring, enraged lion, would rashly pluck the hairs from its very mouth?'

Verse 85 (padma.2.103.85)

सत्याचारां दमोपेतां नियतां तपसि स्थिताम्। निधनं चेच्छते यो वै स वै मां भोक्तुमिच्छति

satyācārāṁ damopetāṁ niyatāṁ tapasi sthitām nidhanaṁ cecchate yo vai sa vai māṁ bhoktumicchati

'Whoever desires the destruction of a woman true in conduct, self-controlled, steadfast in her vow of austerity, wishes as it were to consume one such as me.'

Verse 86 (padma.2.103.86)

समणिं कृष्णसर्पस्य जीवमानस्य साम्प्रतम् । गृहीतुमिच्छते सो हि यथा कालेन प्रेषितः

samaṇiṁ kṛṣṇasarpasya jīvamānasya sāmpratam gṛhītumicchate so hi yathā kālena preṣitaḥ

'He who wishes to seize the jewel from a living black serpent — he is as one sent forth by Death itself.'

Verse 87 (padma.2.103.87)

भवांस्तु प्रेषितो मूढ कालेन कालमोहितः । तदा ते ईदृशी जाता कुमतिः किं नपश्यसि

bhavāṁstu preṣito mūḍha kālena kālamohitaḥ tadā te īdṛśī jātā kumatiḥ kiṁ napaśyasi

'You too, fool, have been sent forth by Death, deluded by Death itself. Such an evil intelligence has arisen in you — do you not see it?'

Verse 88 (padma.2.103.88)

ऋते तु आयुपुत्रेण समालोकयते हि कः। अन्यो हि निधनं याति ममरूपावलोकनात्

ṛte tu āyuputreṇa samālokayate hi kaḥ anyo hi nidhanaṁ yāti mamarūpāvalokanāt

'Save for Ayu's son, who else can even look upon me? Whoever else beholds my form goes only to his own death.'

Verse 89 (padma.2.103.89)

एवमाभाषयित्वा तं गङ्गातीरं गता सती । सशोका दुःखसंविग्ना नियतानि यमान्विता

evamābhāṣayitvā taṁ gaṅgātīraṁ gatā satī saśokā duḥkhasaṁvignā niyatāni yamānvitā

Having spoken thus, that chaste one went to the bank of the Ganga — sorrowful, distressed with grief, bound by rigorous vows of restraint.

Verse 90 (padma.2.103.90)

पूर्वमाचरितं घोरं पतिकामनया तपः। तव नाशार्थमिच्छंती चरिष्ये दारुणं पुनः

pūrvamācaritaṁ ghoraṁ patikāmanayā tapaḥ tava nāśārthamicchaṁtī cariṣye dāruṇaṁ punaḥ

'That same terrible austerity I once performed out of desire for my husband, that same terrible austerity I shall now perform again, for your destruction.'

Verse 91 (padma.2.103.91)

यदा त्वां निहतं दुष्टं नहुषेण महात्मना। निशितैर्वज्रसङ्काशैर्बाणैराशीविषोपमैः

yadā tvāṁ nihataṁ duṣṭaṁ nahuṣeṇa mahātmanā niśitairvajrasaṅkāśairbāṇairāśīviṣopamaiḥ

'When the great-souled Nahusha shall strike you down, wicked one, with sharp arrows like thunderbolts, like venomous serpents,'

Verse 92 (padma.2.103.92)

रणे निपतितं पाप मुक्तकेशं सलोहितम् । गतासुं च प्रपश्यामि तदा यास्याम्यहं पतिम्

raṇe nipatitaṁ pāpa muktakeśaṁ salohitam gatāsuṁ ca prapaśyāmi tadā yāsyāmyahaṁ patim

'— beholding you, sinner, fallen upon the battlefield, your hair disheveled, drenched in blood, lifeless — only then shall I go to my husband.'

Verse 93 (padma.2.103.93)

एवं सुनियमं कृत्वा गंगातीरमनुत्तमम्। संस्थिता हुंडनाशाय निश्चला शिवनंदिनी

evaṁ suniyamaṁ kṛtvā gaṁgātīramanuttamam saṁsthitā huṁḍanāśāya niścalā śivanaṁdinī

Having thus made a firm vow, Shiva's daughter, unwavering, settled upon that finest bank of the Ganga, for Hunda's destruction.

Verse 94 (padma.2.103.94)

वह्नेर्यथादीप्तिमती शिखोज्ज्वला तेजोभियुक्ता प्रदहेत्सुलोकान्। क्रोधेन दीप्ता विबुधेशपुत्री गङ्गातटे दुश्चरमाचरत्तपः

vahneryathādīptimatī śikhojjvalā tejobhiyuktā pradahetsulokān krodhena dīptā vibudheśaputrī gaṅgātaṭe duścaramācarattapaḥ

Blazing like fire, her flame ablaze, full of splendor as if to consume all the worlds — that daughter of the gods, kindled with wrath, undertook the harshest austerity on the bank of the Ganga.

Verse 95 (padma.2.103.95)

"कुञ्जल उवाच । एवमुक्ता महाभाग शिवस्य तनया गता । गङ्गांभसि ततः स्नात्वा स्वपुरे काञ्चनाह्वये

"kuñjala uvāca evamuktā mahābhāga śivasya tanayā gatā gaṅgāṁbhasi tataḥ snātvā svapure kāñcanāhvaye

Kunjala said: Having spoken thus, O blessed one, Shiva's daughter departed. Then, having bathed in the waters of the Ganga, in her own city of Kanchana —

Verse 96 (padma.2.103.96)

तपश्चचार तन्वङ्गी हुण्डस्य वधहेतवे । अशोकसुन्दरी बाला सत्येन च समन्विता

tapaścacāra tanvaṅgī huṇḍasya vadhahetave aśokasundarī bālā satyena ca samanvitā

— that slender-limbed maiden, Ashokasundari, performed austerity for Hunda's destruction, steadfast in truth.

Verse 97 (padma.2.103.97)

हुण्डोपि दुःखितोभूतः शापदग्धेन चेतसा। चिंतयामास सन्तप्त अतीव वचनानलैः

huṇḍopi duḥkhitobhūtaḥ śāpadagdhena cetasā ciṁtayāmāsa santapta atīva vacanānalaiḥ

Hunda too became sorrowful, his heart scorched by the curse. Exceedingly tormented, as if burned by the very fire of her words, he fell to brooding.

Verse 98 (padma.2.103.98)

समाहूय अमात्यं तं कम्पनाख्यमथाब्रवीत् । समाचष्ट स वृत्तान्तं तस्याः शापोद्भवं महत्

samāhūya amātyaṁ taṁ kampanākhyamathābravīt samācaṣṭa sa vṛttāntaṁ tasyāḥ śāpodbhavaṁ mahat

He summoned his minister named Kampana and related to him the whole grave account that had arisen from the curse.

Verse 99 (padma.2.103.99)

शप्तोस्म्यशोकसुंदर्या शिवस्यापि सुकन्यया। नहुषस्यापि मे भर्त्तुस्त्वं तु हस्तान्मरिष्यसि

śaptosmyaśokasuṁdaryā śivasyāpi sukanyayā nahuṣasyāpi me bharttustvaṁ tu hastānmariṣyasi

'I have been cursed by Ashokasundari, Shiva's own fair daughter, that I shall die at the hands of her husband, Nahusha.'

Verse 100 (padma.2.103.100)

नैव जातस्त्वसौ गर्भ आयोर्भार्या च गुर्विणी। यथा सत्याद्व्यलीकस्तु तस्याः शापस्तथा कुरु

naiva jātastvasau garbha āyorbhāryā ca gurviṇī yathā satyādvyalīkastu tasyāḥ śāpastathā kuru

'That child is not even yet born — Ayu's wife is only now with child. Somehow, make that curse, born of her truthful word, prove false.'

Verse 101 (padma.2.103.101)

कम्पन उवाच । अपहृत्य प्रियां तस्य आयोश्चापि समानय । अनेनापि प्रकारेण तव शत्रुर्न जायते

kampana uvāca apahṛtya priyāṁ tasya āyoścāpi samānaya anenāpi prakāreṇa tava śatrurna jāyate

Kampana said: 'Abduct Ayu's own beloved wife and bring her here. By this means too your enemy will not come into being.'

Verse 102 (padma.2.103.102)

नो वा प्रपातयस्व त्वं गर्भं तस्याः प्रभीषणैः । अनेनापि प्रकारेण तव शत्रुर्न जायते

no vā prapātayasva tvaṁ garbhaṁ tasyāḥ prabhīṣaṇaiḥ anenāpi prakāreṇa tava śatrurna jāyate

'Or else, through terrifying means, cause her very pregnancy to fail. By this means too your enemy shall not be born.'

Verse 103 (padma.2.103.103)

जन्मकालं प्रतीक्षस्व नहुषस्य दुरात्मनः । अपहृत्य समानीय जहि त्वं पापचेतनम्

janmakālaṁ pratīkṣasva nahuṣasya durātmanaḥ apahṛtya samānīya jahi tvaṁ pāpacetanam

'Or else, wait for the very hour of that wicked Nahusha's birth — the moment he is born, abduct him and slay that sinful one.'

Verse 104 (padma.2.103.104)

एवं समंत्र्य तेनापि कंपनेन स दानवः । अभूत्स उद्यमोपेतो नहुषस्य प्रणाशने

evaṁ samaṁtrya tenāpi kaṁpanena sa dānavaḥ abhūtsa udyamopeto nahuṣasya praṇāśane

Having thus taken counsel with that Kampana, the demon became fully intent upon the destruction of Nahusha.

Verse 105 (padma.2.103.105)

'विष्णुरुवाच । एलपुत्रो महाभाग आयुर्नाम क्षितीश्वरः। सार्वभौमः स धर्मात्मा सत्यव्रतपरायणः

'viṣṇuruvāca elaputro mahābhāga āyurnāma kṣitīśvaraḥ sārvabhaumaḥ sa dharmātmā satyavrataparāyaṇaḥ

Vishnu said: O blessed one, there was a lord of the earth named Ayu, son of Ila, a sovereign emperor, righteous, devoted wholly to vows of truth.

Verse 106 (padma.2.103.106)

इन्द्रोपेन्द्रसमो राजा तपसा यशसा बलैः। दानयज्ञैः सुपुण्यैश्च सत्येन नियमेन च

indropendrasamo rājā tapasā yaśasā balaiḥ dānayajñaiḥ supuṇyaiśca satyena niyamena ca

That king was equal to Indra and Upendra in austerity, fame and strength — endowed also with charity, sacrifice, purity and self-discipline.

Verse 107 (padma.2.103.107)

एकच्छत्रेण वै राज्यं चक्रे भूपतिसत्तमः। पृथिव्यां सर्वधर्मज्ञः सोमवंशस्य भूषणम्

ekacchatreṇa vai rājyaṁ cakre bhūpatisattamaḥ pṛthivyāṁ sarvadharmajñaḥ somavaṁśasya bhūṣaṇam

That best of kings ruled the realm under a single royal umbrella — knower of every dharma on earth, the very ornament of the lunar dynasty.

Verse 108 (padma.2.103.108)

पुत्रं न विंदते राजा तेन दुःखी व्यजायत। चिंतयामास धर्मात्मा कथं मे जायते सुतः

putraṁ na viṁdate rājā tena duḥkhī vyajāyata ciṁtayāmāsa dharmātmā kathaṁ me jāyate sutaḥ

The king had no son, and because of this he remained sorrowful. That righteous man kept pondering: 'How shall a son be born to me?'

Verse 109 (padma.2.103.109)

इति चिन्तां समापेदे आयुश्च पृथिवीपतिः। पुत्रार्थं परमं यत्नमकरोत्सुसमाहितः

iti cintāṁ samāpede āyuśca pṛthivīpatiḥ putrārthaṁ paramaṁ yatnamakarotsusamāhitaḥ

King Ayu, lord of the earth, remained sunk in this care, and, most attentive, made every supreme effort to obtain a son.

Verse 110 (padma.2.103.110)

अत्रिपुत्रो महात्मा वै दत्तात्रेयो महामुनिः। क्रीडमानः स्त्रिया सार्द्धं मदिरारुणलोचनः

atriputro mahātmā vai dattātreyo mahāmuniḥ krīḍamānaḥ striyā sārddhaṁ madirāruṇalocanaḥ

There was Dattatreya, son of Atri, that great-souled sage, his eyes reddened with wine, sporting together with a woman —

Verse 111 (padma.2.103.111)

वारुण्या मत्त धर्मात्मा स्त्रीवृन्दैश्च समावृतः। अङ्के युवतिमाधाय सर्वयोषिद्वरां शुभाम्

vāruṇyā matta dharmātmā strīvṛndaiśca samāvṛtaḥ aṅke yuvatimādhāya sarvayoṣidvarāṁ śubhām

— that righteous one, intoxicated with wine, surrounded by a throng of women, holding upon his lap a young woman, the finest and most auspicious among all women,

Verse 112 (padma.2.103.112)

गायते नृत्यते विप्रः सुरां च पिबते भृशम्। विना यज्ञोपवीतेन महायोगीश्वरोत्तमः

gāyate nṛtyate vipraḥ surāṁ ca pibate bhṛśam vinā yajñopavītena mahāyogīśvarottamaḥ

that brahmin sang, danced, and drank deeply of wine — without even the sacred thread, though he was the foremost among the great lords of yoga.

Verse 113 (padma.2.103.113)

पुष्पमालाभिर्दिव्याभिर्मुक्ताहारपरिच्छदैः । चंदनागुरुदिग्धांगो राजमानो मुनीश्वरः

puṣpamālābhirdivyābhirmuktāhāraparicchadaiḥ caṁdanāgurudigdhāṁgo rājamāno munīśvaraḥ

Adorned with divine garlands of flowers and strings of pearls, his limbs smeared with sandalwood and aloe, that lord of sages shone resplendent.

Verse 114 (padma.2.103.114)

तस्याश्रमं नृपो गत्वा तं दृष्ट्वा द्विजसत्तमम् । प्रणाममकरोन्मूर्ध्ना दण्डवत्सुसमाहितः

tasyāśramaṁ nṛpo gatvā taṁ dṛṣṭvā dvijasattamam praṇāmamakaronmūrdhnā daṇḍavatsusamāhitaḥ

The king, going to his hermitage and beholding that finest of brahmins, bowed his head and, with a fully collected mind, prostrated himself in full obeisance.

Verse 115 (padma.2.103.115)

अत्रिपुत्रः स धर्मात्मा समालोक्य नृपोत्तमम्। आगतं पुरतो भक्त्या अथ ध्यानं समास्थितः

atriputraḥ sa dharmātmā samālokya nṛpottamam āgataṁ purato bhaktyā atha dhyānaṁ samāsthitaḥ

That righteous son of Atri, seeing the best of kings arrive before him with devotion, then settled himself, as it were, into meditation.

Verse 116 (padma.2.103.116)

एवं वर्षशतं प्राप्तं तस्य भूपस्य सत्तम। निश्चलं शान्तिमापन्नं मानसं भक्तितत्परम्

evaṁ varṣaśataṁ prāptaṁ tasya bhūpasya sattama niścalaṁ śāntimāpannaṁ mānasaṁ bhaktitatparam

O worthy one, thus a hundred years passed for that king — his mind remained unwavering, at peace, wholly devoted to that devotion.

Verse 117 (padma.2.103.117)

समाहूय उवाचेदं किमर्थं क्लिश्यसे नृप। ब्रह्माचारेण हीनोस्मि ब्रह्मत्वं नास्ति मे कदा

samāhūya uvācedaṁ kimarthaṁ kliśyase nṛpa brahmācāreṇa hīnosmi brahmatvaṁ nāsti me kadā

Then, summoning him, the sage said: 'O king, why do you trouble yourself so? I am devoid of brahmacharya, true brahminhood is never in me.'

Verse 118 (padma.2.103.118)

सुरामांसप्रलुब्धोऽस्मि स्त्रियासक्तः सदैव हि । वरदाने न मे शक्तिरन्यं शुश्रूष ब्राह्मणम्

surāmāṁsapralubdho'smi striyāsaktaḥ sadaiva hi varadāne na me śaktiranyaṁ śuśrūṣa brāhmaṇam

'I am greedy for wine and flesh, ever attached to women. I have no power to grant a boon — go serve some other brahmin.'

Verse 119 (padma.2.103.119)

"आयुरुवाच । भवादृशो महाभाग नास्ति ब्राह्मणसत्तमः। सर्वकामप्रदाता वै त्रैलोक्ये परमेश्वरः

"āyuruvāca bhavādṛśo mahābhāga nāsti brāhmaṇasattamaḥ sarvakāmapradātā vai trailokye parameśvaraḥ

Ayu said: 'O blessed one, there is no brahmin finer than you. You alone are the Supreme Lord in the three worlds, the giver of every desire.'

Verse 120 (padma.2.103.120)

अत्रिवंशे महाभाग गोविंदः परमेश्वरः। ब्राह्मणस्य स्वरूपेण भवान्वै गरुडध्वजः

atrivaṁśe mahābhāga goviṁdaḥ parameśvaraḥ brāhmaṇasya svarūpeṇa bhavānvai garuḍadhvajaḥ

'In the Atri lineage, you, O blessed one, are the Supreme Lord Govinda himself — in the guise of a brahmin you are none other than the bearer of Garuda's banner.'

Verse 121 (padma.2.103.121)

नमोऽस्तु देवदेवेश नमोऽस्तु परमेश्वर। त्वामहं शरणं प्राप्तः शरणागतवत्सल

namo'stu devadeveśa namo'stu parameśvara tvāmahaṁ śaraṇaṁ prāptaḥ śaraṇāgatavatsala

'Salutations to you, O God of gods; salutations to you, O Supreme Lord. O lover of those who take refuge, I have come to your refuge.'

Verse 122 (padma.2.103.122)

उद्धरस्व हृषीकेश मायां कृत्वा प्रतिष्ठसि । विश्वस्थानां प्रजानां तु विद्वांसंविश्वनायकम्

uddharasva hṛṣīkeśa māyāṁ kṛtvā pratiṣṭhasi viśvasthānāṁ prajānāṁ tu vidvāṁsaṁviśvanāyakam

'Deliver me, O Hrishikesha. You alone abide, having assumed this illusion, the all-knowing leader of all the beings of the universe.'

Verse 123 (padma.2.103.123)

जानाम्यहं जगन्नाथं भवन्तं मधुसूदनम्। मामेव रक्ष गोविन्द विश्वरूप नमोस्तु ते

jānāmyahaṁ jagannāthaṁ bhavantaṁ madhusūdanam māmeva rakṣa govinda viśvarūpa namostu te

'I know you, Lord of the universe, as Madhusudana. Protect me, O Govinda; O Vishvarupa, salutations to you.'

Verse 124 (padma.2.103.124)

"कुञ्जल उवाच । गते बहुतिथे काले दत्तात्रेयो नृपोत्तमम्। उवाच मत्तरूपेण कुरुष्व वचनं मम

"kuñjala uvāca gate bahutithe kāle dattātreyo nṛpottamam uvāca mattarūpeṇa kuruṣva vacanaṁ mama

Kunjala said: After much time had passed, Dattatreya, still in his intoxicated form, said to that best of kings: 'Do as I say —

Verse 125 (padma.2.103.125)

कपाले मे सुरां देहि पाचितं मांसभोजनम्। एवमाकर्ण्य तद्वाक्यं स चायुः पृथिवीपतिः

kapāle me surāṁ dehi pācitaṁ māṁsabhojanam evamākarṇya tadvākyaṁ sa cāyuḥ pṛthivīpatiḥ

'— give me wine in a skull-bowl, and cooked meat to eat.' Hearing this word, Ayu, lord of the earth —

Verse 126 (padma.2.103.126)

उत्सुकस्तु कपालेन सुरामाहृत्य वेगवान्। पलं सुपाचितं चैव च्छित्त्वा हस्तेन सत्वरम्

utsukastu kapālena surāmāhṛtya vegavān palaṁ supācitaṁ caiva cchittvā hastena satvaram

— eager, swiftly brought wine in the skull-bowl, and, cutting well-cooked meat quickly with his own hand,

Verse 127 (padma.2.103.127)

नृपेन्द्रः प्रददौ चापि दत्तात्रेयाय सत्तम। अथ प्रसन्नचेताः स संजातो मुनिपुङ्गवः

nṛpendraḥ pradadau cāpi dattātreyāya sattama atha prasannacetāḥ sa saṁjāto munipuṅgavaḥ

that best of kings, O worthy one, offered all of it to Dattatreya. Then that foremost of sages became glad at heart.

Verse 128 (padma.2.103.128)

दृष्ट्वा भक्तिं प्रभावं च गुरुशुश्रूषणं परम्। समुवाच नृपेन्द्रं तमायुं प्रणतमानसम्

dṛṣṭvā bhaktiṁ prabhāvaṁ ca guruśuśrūṣaṇaṁ param samuvāca nṛpendraṁ tamāyuṁ praṇatamānasam

Beholding his devotion, his steadfastness, and his supreme service to his guru, he spoke to King Ayu, whose mind was bowed in submission —

Verse 129 (padma.2.103.129)

वरं वरय भद्रं ते दुर्लभं भुवि भूपते। सर्वमेव प्रदास्यामि यंयमिच्छसि साम्प्रतम्

varaṁ varaya bhadraṁ te durlabhaṁ bhuvi bhūpate sarvameva pradāsyāmi yaṁyamicchasi sāmpratam

'O king, ask for a boon, may good befall you — even one rare in this world. Whatever you now desire, all of that I shall grant you.'

Verse 130 (padma.2.103.130)

"राजोवाच । भवान्दाता वरं सत्यं कृपया मुनिसत्तम। पुत्रं देहि गुणोपेतं सर्वज्ञं गुणसंयुतम्

"rājovāca bhavāndātā varaṁ satyaṁ kṛpayā munisattama putraṁ dehi guṇopetaṁ sarvajñaṁ guṇasaṁyutam

The king said: 'O foremost of sages, you are truly a giver of boons. By your grace, give me a son endowed with virtue, all-knowing, full of good qualities —

Verse 131 (padma.2.103.131)

देववीर्यं सुतेजं च अजेयं देवदानवैः। क्षत्रियै राक्षसैर्घोरैर्दानवैः किन्नरैस्तथा

devavīryaṁ sutejaṁ ca ajeyaṁ devadānavaiḥ kṣatriyai rākṣasairghorairdānavaiḥ kinnaraistathā

'— of godlike valor and splendor, unconquerable by gods and demons; unconquerable too by kshatriyas, terrible rakshasas, danavas and kinnaras;'

Verse 132 (padma.2.103.132)

देवब्राह्मणसम्भक्तः प्रजापालो विशेषतः। यज्वा दानपतिः शूरः शरणागतवत्सलः

devabrāhmaṇasambhaktaḥ prajāpālo viśeṣataḥ yajvā dānapatiḥ śūraḥ śaraṇāgatavatsalaḥ

'a supreme devotee of gods and brahmins, especially a protector of his people; a performer of sacrifice, lord of charity, a hero, a lover of those who seek refuge;'

Verse 133 (padma.2.103.133)

दाता भोक्ता महात्मा च वेदशास्त्रेषु पण्डितः। धनुर्वेदेषु निपुणः शास्त्रेषु च परायणः

dātā bhoktā mahātmā ca vedaśāstreṣu paṇḍitaḥ dhanurvedeṣu nipuṇaḥ śāstreṣu ca parāyaṇaḥ

'a giver, an enjoyer, a great soul, learned in the Vedas and scriptures; skilled in the science of the bow, ever devoted to the sacred texts;'

Verse 134 (padma.2.103.134)

अनाहतमतिर्धीरः संग्रामेष्वपराजितः। एवं गुणः सुरूपश्च यस्माद्वञ्शः प्रसूयते

anāhatamatirdhīraḥ saṁgrāmeṣvaparājitaḥ evaṁ guṇaḥ surūpaśca yasmādvañśaḥ prasūyate

'of unshaken intellect, resolute, unconquered in battles — one endowed with these very qualities and of fine form, through whom my lineage may continue.'

Verse 135 (padma.2.103.135)

देहि पुत्रं महाभाग ममवंशप्रधारकम्। यदि चापि वरो देयस्त्वया मे कृपया विभो

dehi putraṁ mahābhāga mamavaṁśapradhārakam yadi cāpi varo deyastvayā me kṛpayā vibho

'Give me, O blessed one, such a son who shall sustain my lineage. Lord, if indeed you wish, out of your kindness, to grant me a boon.'

Verse 136 (padma.2.103.136)

"दत्तात्रेय उवाच । एवमस्तु महाभाग तव पुत्रो भविष्यति। गृहे वंशकरः पुण्यः सर्वजीवदयाकरः

"dattātreya uvāca evamastu mahābhāga tava putro bhaviṣyati gṛhe vaṁśakaraḥ puṇyaḥ sarvajīvadayākaraḥ

Dattatreya said: 'So be it, blessed one. A son shall be born in your house — one who shall carry your lineage forward, holy, compassionate toward all beings,'

Verse 137 (padma.2.103.137)

एभिर्गुणैस्तु संयुक्तो वैष्णवांशेन संयुतः । राजा च सार्वभौमश्च इन्द्रतुल्यो नरेश्वरः

ebhirguṇaistu saṁyukto vaiṣṇavāṁśena saṁyutaḥ rājā ca sārvabhaumaśca indratulyo nareśvaraḥ

'endowed with all these very qualities, imbued with a portion of Vishnu — he shall be a king, a sovereign emperor, a lord of men equal to Indra.'

Verse 138 (padma.2.103.138)

एवं खलु वरं दत्वा ददौ फलमनुत्तमम्। भूपमाह महायोगी सुभार्यायै प्रदीयताम्

evaṁ khalu varaṁ datvā dadau phalamanuttamam bhūpamāha mahāyogī subhāryāyai pradīyatām

Having thus granted the boon, that great yogi also gave the means for its fruit. He said to the king: 'Give this to your good wife.'

Verse 139 (padma.2.103.139)

एवमुक्त्वा विसृज्यैव तमायुं प्रणतं पुरः। आशीर्भिरभिनन्द्यैव अन्तर्द्धानमधीयत

evamuktvā visṛjyaiva tamāyuṁ praṇataṁ puraḥ āśīrbhirabhinandyaiva antarddhānamadhīyata

Having spoken thus, and taking leave of Ayu, who stood humbly bowed before him, and greeting him with blessings, he vanished from sight.