The Curse of the Five Apsaras at Lake Achchhoda

Verse 1 (padma.3.22.1)

नारद उवाच । एवं ते कथितं राजन्नर्मदातीर्थमुत्तमम् । पुरा गंधर्वकन्यानां शापजं भयमुल्बणम्

nārada uvāca evaṁ te kathitaṁ rājannarmadātīrthamuttamam purā gaṁdharvakanyānāṁ śāpajaṁ bhayamulbaṇam

Narada said: Thus, O king, I have told you of the excellent tirtha of the Narmada. Of old, a terrible fear arose from a curse upon some gandharva maidens,

Verse 2 (padma.3.22.2)

नाशितं तन्महाराज रेवाजलकणाग्निना । रेवाजलकणस्पर्शान्मुक्तो भवति मानवः

nāśitaṁ tanmahārāja revājalakaṇāgninā revājalakaṇasparśānmukto bhavati mānavaḥ

which, O great king, was destroyed by the fire of a mere drop of Reva's water; by the mere touch of a drop of Reva's water, a man becomes freed.

Verse 3 (padma.3.22.3)

युधिष्ठिर उवाच । भगवन्बहुकन्याभिः शापो लंभि कथं कुतः । कस्यापत्यानि तास्तासां नाम किं कीदृशं वयः

yudhiṣṭhira uvāca bhagavanbahukanyābhiḥ śāpo laṁbhi kathaṁ kutaḥ kasyāpatyāni tāstāsāṁ nāma kiṁ kīdṛśaṁ vayaḥ

Yudhishthira said: O Lord, how and from where did so many maidens come to receive this curse? Whose daughters were they, what were their names, and what was their age?

Verse 4 (padma.3.22.4)

कथं रेवाजलस्पर्शाद्विपाकाच्छापसंभवात् । विमुक्ताः कुत्र ताः सस्नुः सर्वं मे कथय प्रभो

kathaṁ revājalasparśādvipākācchāpasaṁbhavāt vimuktāḥ kutra tāḥ sasnuḥ sarvaṁ me kathaya prabho

How were they freed by the touch of Reva's water from the ripening of that curse, and where did they bathe? Tell me all of this, O Lord.

Verse 5 (padma.3.22.5)

नर्मदातीर्थमाहात्म्यं चमत्कारकरं भवेत् । श्रवणादपि पापानां मलनाशनमुच्यते

narmadātīrthamāhātmyaṁ camatkārakaraṁ bhavet śravaṇādapi pāpānāṁ malanāśanamucyate

The glory of the Narmada tirtha is a wondrous thing; it is said that even the mere hearing of it destroys the impurity of sins.

Verse 6 (padma.3.22.6)

नर्मदानर्मदाशब्दो येन केनचिदुच्यते । तस्य स्याच्छाश्वती मुक्तिर्यावदाचंद्र तारकम्

narmadānarmadāśabdo yena kenaciducyate tasya syācchāśvatī muktiryāvadācaṁdra tārakam

Whoever utters the word 'Narmada' or 'Reva' in any manner whatsoever, for him there shall be eternal liberation, as long as the moon and stars endure.

Verse 7 (padma.3.22.7)

व्याहृतं भवता पूर्वं रेवामाहात्म्यमुत्तमम् । तथापि चरितं साधो यदेतत्तन्निगद्यताम्

vyāhṛtaṁ bhavatā pūrvaṁ revāmāhātmyamuttamam tathāpi caritaṁ sādho yadetattannigadyatām

You have already told the excellent glory of the Reva; nevertheless, O virtuous one, that story too should be told.

Verse 8 (padma.3.22.8)

अथ चोत्तमवार्ताया सेवितव्या मनीषिभिः । अतः पृच्छामि विप्रेंद्र रेवामाहात्म्यमुत्तमम् । इतिहासं वद विभो कन्यानां चरितोज्ज्वलम्

atha cottamavārtāyā sevitavyā manīṣibhiḥ ataḥ pṛcchāmi vipreṁdra revāmāhātmyamuttamam itihāsaṁ vada vibho kanyānāṁ caritojjvalam

A fine tale deserves to be attended to by the wise; hence I ask you, O lord of brahmins — the excellent glory of the Reva; tell me, O mighty one, this bright history of the maidens.

Verse 9 (padma.3.22.9)

नारद उवाच । श्रूयतां राजशार्दूल धर्मगर्भापरा कथा । यथारणिर्वह्निगर्भा धर्म्मस्तु ब्रह्मसूरिव

nārada uvāca śrūyatāṁ rājaśārdūla dharmagarbhāparā kathā yathāraṇirvahnigarbhā dharmmastu brahmasūriva

Narada said: Listen, O tiger among kings, to another story, pregnant with dharma — as the fire-stick is pregnant with fire, so is Dharma, like a son of Brahma.

Verse 10 (padma.3.22.10)

गंधर्वः शुकसंगीतिस्तस्य कन्या प्रमोहिनी । सुशीलस्य सुशीला च सुस्वरा स्वरवेदिनः

gaṁdharvaḥ śukasaṁgītistasya kanyā pramohinī suśīlasya suśīlā ca susvarā svaravedinaḥ

There was a gandharva named Shukasangiti; his daughter was Pramohini; of Sushila, Sushila herself; of Svaravedin, Susvara;

Verse 11 (padma.3.22.11)

सुतारा चंद्रकांतस्य चंद्रिका सुप्रभस्य च । इमानि वरनामानि तासामप्सरसां नृप

sutārā caṁdrakāṁtasya caṁdrikā suprabhasya ca imāni varanāmāni tāsāmapsarasāṁ nṛpa

of Chandrakanta, Sutara; and of Suprabha, Chandrika — O king, these were the fine names of these apsarases.

Verse 12 (padma.3.22.12)

कुमार्यः पंच सर्वास्ता वयसा सुभगाः पुनः । भाषंते च मिथस्तास्तु भगिन्य इव सर्वदा

kumāryaḥ paṁca sarvāstā vayasā subhagāḥ punaḥ bhāṣaṁte ca mithastāstu bhaginya iva sarvadā

All five maidens, of like age and fortunate, always spoke to one another as though they were sisters.

Verse 13 (padma.3.22.13)

चंद्रादिव विनिष्क्रांताश्चंद्रिका इव सोज्ज्वलाः । चंद्राननाः सुकेश्यश्च चंद्रकांताइवोज्ज्वलाः

caṁdrādiva viniṣkrāṁtāścaṁdrikā iva sojjvalāḥ caṁdrānanāḥ sukeśyaśca caṁdrakāṁtāivojjvalāḥ

As if they had emerged from the moon itself, radiant like moonlight, moon-faced, with beautiful hair, brilliant like the moon-gem,

Verse 14 (padma.3.22.14)

देवेष्वेता विलासिन्यः कौमुद्यः कैरवेष्विव । लावण्यपिंडसंभूता दिव्यरूपा मनोहराः

deveṣvetā vilāsinyaḥ kaumudyaḥ kairaveṣviva lāvaṇyapiṁḍasaṁbhūtā divyarūpā manoharāḥ

playful among the gods, like moonlight amid a bed of water-lilies, the very embodiment of loveliness, of divine form and enchanting,

Verse 15 (padma.3.22.15)

उद्भिन्नकुचपद्मिन्यः केतक्य इव माधवे । उत्पन्नयौवनैः कांता वल्लीव नवपल्लवैः

udbhinnakucapadminyaḥ ketakya iva mādhave utpannayauvanaiḥ kāṁtā vallīva navapallavaiḥ

their breasts blossoming like lotus-buds, as ketaki flowers in spring, lovely with newly-arrived youth, like a creeper with tender new shoots,

Verse 16 (padma.3.22.16)

हेमगौराश्च हेमाभा हेमाभरणभूषिताः । हेमचंपकमालिन्यो हेमच्छविसुवाससः

hemagaurāśca hemābhā hemābharaṇabhūṣitāḥ hemacaṁpakamālinyo hemacchavisuvāsasaḥ

golden-fair and golden-hued, adorned with golden ornaments, garlanded with golden champaka flowers, of golden radiance and beautiful garments,

Verse 17 (padma.3.22.17)

स्वरग्रामावलीहासु विविधा मूर्च्छनासु च । तालवाद्यविनोदेषु वेणुवीणाप्रवादने

svaragrāmāvalīhāsu vividhā mūrcchanāsu ca tālavādyavinodeṣu veṇuvīṇāpravādane

skilled in the playful scale-runs of the sevenfold musical notes, in various melodic modulations, in the amusements of rhythm and instrument, in the playing of flute and vina,

Verse 18 (padma.3.22.18)

मृदंगनादसंभिन्नलास्यमध्यलयेषु च । चित्रादिषु विनोदेषु कलासु च विशारदाः

mṛdaṁganādasaṁbhinnalāsyamadhyalayeṣu ca citrādiṣu vinodeṣu kalāsu ca viśāradāḥ

in the medium-tempo dance mingled with the sound of the mridanga drum, and skilled in painting and other amusements and arts.

Verse 19 (padma.3.22.19)

एवंभूताश्च ताः कन्या मुमुहुः क्रीडनैर्वरैः । पितृभिर्लालिताः सर्वाश्चेरुश्च धनदालये

evaṁbhūtāśca tāḥ kanyā mumuhuḥ krīḍanairvaraiḥ pitṛbhirlālitāḥ sarvāśceruśca dhanadālaye

Such were these maidens, delighting in fine sports; cherished by their fathers, they all wandered about in the abode of the Lord of wealth.

Verse 20 (padma.3.22.20)

कौतुकादेकदा पंच मिलित्वा मासि माधवे । कन्या मंदारपुष्पाणि विचिन्वंत्यो वनाद्वनम्

kautukādekadā paṁca militvā māsi mādhave kanyā maṁdārapuṣpāṇi vicinvaṁtyo vanādvanam

Once, out of curiosity, the five maidens gathered together in the month of Madhava, gathering mandara flowers from forest to forest,

Verse 21 (padma.3.22.21)

गौरीं समाराधयितुं स्वरांगनाः कदाचिदच्छोदसरोवरं ययुः । हेमांबुजानि प्रवराणि ताः पुनस्तस्मादुपादाय वरोत्पलैः सह

gaurīṁ samārādhayituṁ svarāṁganāḥ kadācidacchodasarovaraṁ yayuḥ hemāṁbujāni pravarāṇi tāḥ punastasmādupādāya varotpalaiḥ saha

went once, to worship Gauri, those celestial women, to the lake Achchhoda; and having gathered from there fine golden lotuses together with excellent blue lotuses,

Verse 22 (padma.3.22.22)

वैडूर्यशुद्धस्फटिकप्रकुट्टिमे स्नात्वा तु घट्टे परिधाय चांबरम् । मौनेन च स्थंडिलपिंडिकामयीं सुवर्णमुक्ताभरणां विनिर्ममुः

vaiḍūryaśuddhasphaṭikaprakuṭṭime snātvā tu ghaṭṭe paridhāya cāṁbaram maunena ca sthaṁḍilapiṁḍikāmayīṁ suvarṇamuktābharaṇāṁ vinirmamuḥ

having bathed at the ghat, paved with pure vaidurya-gem and crystal, and having put on garments, they silently fashioned an altar adorned with gold and pearls.

Verse 23 (padma.3.22.23)

समर्चितां चंदनगंधकुंकुमैरभ्यर्च्य गौरीं वरपंकजादिभिः । नानोपहारैः शुभभक्तिभाविता लास्यप्रयोगैर्ननृतुः कुमारिकाः

samarcitāṁ caṁdanagaṁdhakuṁkumairabhyarcya gaurīṁ varapaṁkajādibhiḥ nānopahāraiḥ śubhabhaktibhāvitā lāsyaprayogairnanṛtuḥ kumārikāḥ

Having worshipped Gauri with sandal-paste, fragrance, and vermilion, and with fine lotuses and other offerings, filled with auspicious devotion, those maidens danced with graceful movements.

Verse 24 (padma.3.22.24)

गांधर्वमाश्रित्य परं स्वरं ततो गेयं स्वभावध्वनिभिः समूर्छनम् । एणीदृशस्ताः प्रजगुः कलाक्षरं तारप्रवृद्धं गतिभिश्च सुस्वरम्

gāṁdharvamāśritya paraṁ svaraṁ tato geyaṁ svabhāvadhvanibhiḥ samūrchanam eṇīdṛśastāḥ prajaguḥ kalākṣaraṁ tārapravṛddhaṁ gatibhiśca susvaram

Then, resorting to the finest gandharva melody, singing with natural resonances and modulations, those doe-eyed ones sang with clear syllables, rising high, in fine and sweet cadences.

Verse 25 (padma.3.22.25)

तस्मिन्सुभावे रसवर्षहर्षं कन्यास्वलं निर्भरचित्तवृत्तिषु । अच्छोदतीर्थे प्रवरे तदागतः स्नातुं मुनेर्वेदनिधेः सुतोग्रजः

tasminsubhāve rasavarṣaharṣaṁ kanyāsvalaṁ nirbharacittavṛttiṣu acchodatīrthe pravare tadāgataḥ snātuṁ munervedanidheḥ sutograjaḥ

In that lovely mood, the maidens, their minds overflowing with the joy of that rasa, utterly absorbed at that excellent tirtha of Achchhoda — just then, to bathe there, came the elder son of the sage who was a treasury of the Vedas.

Verse 26 (padma.3.22.26)

रूपेण निःसीमतरो वराननः प्रफुल्लपद्मायतलोचनो युवा । विस्तीर्णवक्षाः सुभुजोऽतिसुंदरः श्यामच्छविः कामइवापरो हि सः

rūpeṇa niḥsīmataro varānanaḥ praphullapadmāyatalocano yuvā vistīrṇavakṣāḥ subhujo'tisuṁdaraḥ śyāmacchaviḥ kāmaivāparo hi saḥ

Boundless in beauty, of fine countenance, a youth with eyes like blooming lotus petals, broad-chested, fine-armed, exceedingly handsome, dark-hued, like a second Kamadeva.

Verse 27 (padma.3.22.27)

स ब्रह्मचारी सुशिखो हि शोभते दंडेन युक्तो धनुषेव मन्मथः । एणाजिनप्रावरणः समुद्रधृग्हेमाभमौंजीकटिमेखलः परः

sa brahmacārī suśikho hi śobhate daṁḍena yukto dhanuṣeva manmathaḥ eṇājinaprāvaraṇaḥ samudradhṛghemābhamauṁjīkaṭimekhalaḥ paraḥ

That celibate student, of fine top-knot, equipped with his staff, shone as though he bore Manmatha's very bow; clad in black antelope hide, wearing the sacred thread, with a golden-hued girdle of munja grass, supreme.

Verse 28 (padma.3.22.28)

तं दृष्ट्वा ब्राह्मणं बालास्तास्तत्र सरसस्तटे । जहृषुः कौतुकाविष्टा अयं नो भवितातिथिः

taṁ dṛṣṭvā brāhmaṇaṁ bālāstāstatra sarasastaṭe jahṛṣuḥ kautukāviṣṭā ayaṁ no bhavitātithiḥ

Seeing that brahmin there on the bank of the lake, those maidens grew filled with curiosity: 'He shall be our guest!'

Verse 29 (padma.3.22.29)

संत्यक्तगीतनृत्यास्तास्तस्यालोकनलालसाः । हरिण्यो लुब्धकेनेव विद्धाः कामेन सायकैः

saṁtyaktagītanṛtyāstāstasyālokanalālasāḥ hariṇyo lubdhakeneva viddhāḥ kāmena sāyakaiḥ

Abandoning their singing and dancing, longing to gaze upon him, they became like does struck by the arrows of Kamadeva.

Verse 30 (padma.3.22.30)

पश्यपश्येति जल्पंत्यो मुग्धाः पंच ससंभ्रमम् । तस्मिन्विप्रवरे यूनि कामदेवभ्रमं ययुः

paśyapaśyeti jalpaṁtyo mugdhāḥ paṁca sasaṁbhramam tasminvipravare yūni kāmadevabhramaṁ yayuḥ

Saying, 'Look, look!' to one another, bewildered and flustered, all five mistook that fine brahmin youth for Kamadeva himself.

Verse 31 (padma.3.22.31)

पुनःपुनस्तमभ्यर्च्य नयनैः पंकजैरिव । पश्चाद्विचारमारब्धमप्सरोभिः परस्परम्

punaḥpunastamabhyarcya nayanaiḥ paṁkajairiva paścādvicāramārabdhamapsarobhiḥ parasparam

Worshipping him again and again with their lotus-like eyes, a discussion then began among those apsarases:

Verse 32 (padma.3.22.32)

यद्ययं कामदेवो हि रतिहीनः कथं भवेत् । अथवाह्यश्विनौ देवौ तावुभौ युगचारिणौ

yadyayaṁ kāmadevo hi ratihīnaḥ kathaṁ bhavet athavāhyaśvinau devau tāvubhau yugacāriṇau

'If this is indeed Kamadeva, how could he be without Rati? Or perhaps he is one of the two Ashvin gods, who wander together as a pair?'

Verse 33 (padma.3.22.33)

गंधर्वः किन्नरो वाथ सिद्धो वा कामरूपधृक् । ऋषिपुत्रोऽथवा कश्चित्कश्चिद्वा मनुजोत्तमः

gaṁdharvaḥ kinnaro vātha siddho vā kāmarūpadhṛk ṛṣiputro'thavā kaścitkaścidvā manujottamaḥ

'Or is he a gandharva, or a kinnara, or a Siddha assuming form at will? Or perhaps some sage's son, or some excellent man?'

Verse 34 (padma.3.22.34)

अस्ति वा कश्चिदेवायं धात्रा सृष्टो हि नः कृते । यथाभाग्यवतामर्थे निधानं पूर्वकर्मभिः

asti vā kaścidevāyaṁ dhātrā sṛṣṭo hi naḥ kṛte yathābhāgyavatāmarthe nidhānaṁ pūrvakarmabhiḥ

'Or perhaps he is some [special] one, created by the Creator for our sake — like a treasure deposited by past deeds for those who are fortunate.'

Verse 35 (padma.3.22.35)

तथास्माकं कुमारीणां गौर्यानीतो वरोत्तमः । करुणाजलकल्लोल लब्धाद्री र्कृ!तचित्तया

tathāsmākaṁ kumārīṇāṁ gauryānīto varottamaḥ karuṇājalakallola labdhādrī rkṛ!tacittayā

'Thus, for us maidens, Gauri has brought this excellent bridegroom, obtained through the waves of her compassion — for she has taken this to heart.'

Verse 36 (padma.3.22.36)

मया वृतस्त्वया चायं त्वया वृतस्तथानया । एवं पंचसुकन्यासु वदंतीषु नृपोत्तम

mayā vṛtastvayā cāyaṁ tvayā vṛtastathānayā evaṁ paṁcasukanyāsu vadaṁtīṣu nṛpottama

'I have chosen him,' said one — 'and you too have chosen him,' said another — 'and he is chosen by her too' — thus, O foremost of kings, spoke the five maidens.

Verse 37 (padma.3.22.37)

श्रुत्वा तद्वचनं तत्र कृतमाध्याह्निकक्रियः । चिंतयामास मेधावी किं कृत्वा सुकृतं भवेत्

śrutvā tadvacanaṁ tatra kṛtamādhyāhnikakriyaḥ ciṁtayāmāsa medhāvī kiṁ kṛtvā sukṛtaṁ bhavet

Having heard their words there, having performed his midday rites, that intelligent youth pondered what good deed he ought to do.

Verse 38 (padma.3.22.38)

गाधिसंभवपराशरादयः कंडुदेवलमुखाश्च ये द्विजाः । तेऽपि योगि बलिनो विमोहिताः लीलया तदबलाभिरद्भुतम्

gādhisaṁbhavaparāśarādayaḥ kaṁḍudevalamukhāśca ye dvijāḥ te'pi yogi balino vimohitāḥ līlayā tadabalābhiradbhutam

Even the sons of Gadhi, and Parashara and others, and brahmins like Kandu and Devala — even they, powerful yogis, were bewildered by such maidens' playful, wondrous beauty.

Verse 39 (padma.3.22.39)

योषितां नयनतीक्ष्णसायकैर्भ्रूलतासुदृढचापनिर्गतैः । धन्विना मकरकेतुना हतः कस्य नो पतति वामनो मृगः

yoṣitāṁ nayanatīkṣṇasāyakairbhrūlatāsudṛḍhacāpanirgataiḥ dhanvinā makaraketunā hataḥ kasya no patati vāmano mṛgaḥ

By women's sharp arrow-glances, released from the firm bows of their curved brows, struck by that archer with the makara-banner — whose humble deer-like heart does not fall?

Verse 40 (padma.3.22.40)

तावदेव नयधीर्विराजते तावदेव जनताभयं भवेत् । तावदेव धृतचित्तता भृशं तावदेव गणना कुलस्य च

tāvadeva nayadhīrvirājate tāvadeva janatābhayaṁ bhavet tāvadeva dhṛtacittatā bhṛśaṁ tāvadeva gaṇanā kulasya ca

So long only does righteous discernment shine, so long only does one become a refuge from fear for others, so long only does firmness of mind hold, and so long only does the reckoning of one's lineage matter —

Verse 41 (padma.3.22.41)

तावदेव तपसः प्रगल्भता तावदेव शमसेवनं नृणाम् । यावदेव ललनेक्षणा स वैर्माद्यते द्रुतमदैर्न पूरुषः

tāvadeva tapasaḥ pragalbhatā tāvadeva śamasevanaṁ nṛṇām yāvadeva lalanekṣaṇā sa vairmādyate drutamadairna pūruṣaḥ

so long only does the boldness of austerity last, so long only do men practice tranquility — as long as a man is not swiftly maddened, intoxicated, by a beautiful woman's glance.

Verse 42 (padma.3.22.42)

मोहयंति मदयंति रागिणं योषितः स्वललितैर्मनोहरैः । मोदयंति मदयंति मामिमा धर्मरक्षणपरं हि स्वैर्गुणैः

mohayaṁti madayaṁti rāgiṇaṁ yoṣitaḥ svalalitairmanoharaiḥ modayaṁti madayaṁti māmimā dharmarakṣaṇaparaṁ hi svairguṇaiḥ

Women bewitch and intoxicate the passionate man with their charming, enchanting graces — 'these maidens delight and intoxicate even me, though I am devoted to protecting dharma, by their very qualities.'

Verse 43 (padma.3.22.43)

मांसरक्तमलमूत्रनिर्मिते योषितां वपुषि निर्गुणेऽशुचौ । कामिनस्तु परिकल्प्य चारुतामाविशंति सुविमूढचेतसः

māṁsaraktamalamūtranirmite yoṣitāṁ vapuṣi nirguṇe'śucau kāminastu parikalpya cārutāmāviśaṁti suvimūḍhacetasaḥ

In a woman's body — made of flesh, blood, filth, and urine, without real virtue, impure — the utterly deluded, lustful of mind, imagine beauty and become enthralled.

Verse 44 (padma.3.22.44)

दारुणा हि परिकीर्तितांगना साधुभिर्विमलबुद्धिभिर्बुधैः । यावदेव न समीपगा इमास्तावदेव हि गृहं व्रजाम्यहम्

dāruṇā hi parikīrtitāṁganā sādhubhirvimalabuddhibhirbudhaiḥ yāvadeva na samīpagā imāstāvadeva hi gṛhaṁ vrajāmyaham

Women have been declared terrible by the good, by scholars of pure understanding. 'So long as these do not come near me, so long, indeed, shall I return home.'

Verse 45 (padma.3.22.45)

समीपं तस्य यावन्न आगच्छंति वरस्त्रियः । वैष्णवेन प्रभावेण तावदंतर्दधे द्विजः

samīpaṁ tasya yāvanna āgacchaṁti varastriyaḥ vaiṣṇavena prabhāveṇa tāvadaṁtardadhe dvijaḥ

As long as those excellent women had not yet come near to him, by Vaishnava power, that brahmin then vanished from sight.

Verse 46 (padma.3.22.46)

तस्य योगबलाद्भूप गतस्यादर्शनं तदा । दृष्ट्वा तदद्भुतं कर्म वैष्णवब्रह्मचारिणः

tasya yogabalādbhūpa gatasyādarśanaṁ tadā dṛṣṭvā tadadbhutaṁ karma vaiṣṇavabrahmacāriṇaḥ

By the power of his yoga, O king, he became invisible there; having witnessed that wondrous act of the Vaishnava celibate student,

Verse 47 (padma.3.22.47)

वित्रस्तनयना बाला कुरंग्य इव कातराः । संक्रांतनयनाः शून्या ददृशुस्ता दिशोदश

vitrastanayanā bālā kuraṁgya iva kātarāḥ saṁkrāṁtanayanāḥ śūnyā dadṛśustā diśodaśa

the maidens, their eyes trembling with fear like frightened does, their gaze wandering, empty, looked in all ten directions.

Verse 48 (padma.3.22.48)

कन्या ऊचुः । इंद्रजालं स्फुटं वेत्ति मायां जानाति वा पुनः । दृष्टोऽप्यदृष्टरूपोभूदित्यूचुस्ताः परस्परम्

kanyā ūcuḥ iṁdrajālaṁ sphuṭaṁ vetti māyāṁ jānāti vā punaḥ dṛṣṭo'pyadṛṣṭarūpobhūdityūcustāḥ parasparam

The maidens said: 'Does he clearly know the art of illusion, or does he know maya itself? Having been seen, he has become of unseen form' — thus they spoke to one another.

Verse 49 (padma.3.22.49)

व्याप्तं च हृदयं तासां तदैव विरहाग्निना । ज्वलद्दावानलेनेव सुस्निग्धं सर्वकाननम्

vyāptaṁ ca hṛdayaṁ tāsāṁ tadaiva virahāgninā jvaladdāvānaleneva susnigdhaṁ sarvakānanam

At that very moment their hearts became pervaded by the fire of separation, as a blazing forest-fire engulfs a whole forest of tender leaves.

Verse 50 (padma.3.22.50)

त्यजेंद्रजालिकां विद्यां कांत दर्शय सत्वरम् । आत्मानं न हि ते युक्तं प्राग्ग्रासे मक्षिकोपमम्

tyajeṁdrajālikāṁ vidyāṁ kāṁta darśaya satvaram ātmānaṁ na hi te yuktaṁ prāggrāse makṣikopamam

'Abandon your magician's craft, O beloved, and show yourself swiftly; it is not fitting for you to be like a fly before being swallowed.'

Verse 51 (padma.3.22.51)

हा कष्टं दर्शितः कस्माद्धात्रा त्वं घटितः कुतः । ज्ञातं महानुसंतापहेतुर्नः स्वं विनिर्मितः

hā kaṣṭaṁ darśitaḥ kasmāddhātrā tvaṁ ghaṭitaḥ kutaḥ jñātaṁ mahānusaṁtāpaheturnaḥ svaṁ vinirmitaḥ

'Alas, what misery! Why did the Creator show you to us, and from where did he fashion you? Now we know that you yourself were made to be the cause of our great affliction.'

Verse 52 (padma.3.22.52)

कच्चित्ते निर्दयं चेतः कच्चिदस्मासु नो मतिः । कच्चित्क्रूरोऽसि हे कांत कच्चिन्मुष्णासि नो मनः

kaccitte nirdayaṁ cetaḥ kaccidasmāsu no matiḥ kaccitkrūro'si he kāṁta kaccinmuṣṇāsi no manaḥ

'Is your heart perhaps merciless? Do you perhaps have no regard for us? Are you perhaps cruel, O beloved? Do you perhaps steal our hearts away?'

Verse 53 (padma.3.22.53)

कच्चिन्न प्रत्ययोस्मा सु कच्चिदस्मान्परीक्षसे । कच्चिन्निर्ममता शीलः कच्चिन्मायाविशारदः

kaccinna pratyayosmā su kaccidasmānparīkṣase kaccinnirmamatā śīlaḥ kaccinmāyāviśāradaḥ

'Do you perhaps not trust us? Do you perhaps test us? Are you perhaps of a nature without attachment? Are you perhaps skilled in illusion?'

Verse 54 (padma.3.22.54)

कच्चिच्चित्ते प्रवेष्टुं च वेत्सि विज्ञानलाघवम् । कच्चिन्निष्क्रमणोपायं न जानासि कुतः पुनः

kacciccitte praveṣṭuṁ ca vetsi vijñānalāghavam kaccinniṣkramaṇopāyaṁ na jānāsi kutaḥ punaḥ

'Do you perhaps know the subtle art of entering our hearts? Do you perhaps not know a way out again — then how did you enter?'

Verse 55 (padma.3.22.55)

कच्चिद्विनापराधं तु किमस्मासु प्रकुप्यसे । कच्चिद्दुःखं न जानासि परेषां विप्रलंभनम्

kaccidvināparādhaṁ tu kimasmāsu prakupyase kaccidduḥkhaṁ na jānāsi pareṣāṁ vipralaṁbhanam

'Have we, without fault, done something, that you are angry with us? Do you perhaps not know the pain of deceiving others?'

Verse 56 (padma.3.22.56)

त्वद्दर्शनं विना नष्टा हृदयेश्वर सांप्रतम् । न जीवामोऽथ जीवामः पुनस्त्वद्दर्शनाशया

tvaddarśanaṁ vinā naṣṭā hṛdayeśvara sāṁpratam na jīvāmo'tha jīvāmaḥ punastvaddarśanāśayā

'O lord of our hearts, without your sight we are now as good as destroyed; we neither live nor die — only the hope of seeing you again sustains us.'

Verse 57 (padma.3.22.57)

वयं च नीयतां तत्र शीघ्रं यत्र गतो भवान् । त्वद्दर्शनहरो धाता व्यधान्मोदांकुरच्छिदाम्

vayaṁ ca nīyatāṁ tatra śīghraṁ yatra gato bhavān tvaddarśanaharo dhātā vyadhānmodāṁkuracchidām

'Take us too, quickly, to wherever you have gone; the Creator, by taking away the sight of you, has cut off the very sprout of our joy.'

Verse 58 (padma.3.22.58)

सर्वथा दर्शनं देहि कारुण्यं भज सर्वथा । पर्य्यंतं न प्रपश्यंति कस्य चित्सुजना जनाः

sarvathā darśanaṁ dehi kāruṇyaṁ bhaja sarvathā paryyaṁtaṁ na prapaśyaṁti kasya citsujanā janāḥ

'In every way, grant us your sight; in every way, show compassion — do the good ever fail to look after anyone's ultimate need?'

Verse 59 (padma.3.22.59)

इत्थं विलप्यताः कन्याः प्रतीक्ष्य च बहुक्षणम् । पितुर्भयाद्गृहं गंतुं शीघ्रमारेभिरे ततः

itthaṁ vilapyatāḥ kanyāḥ pratīkṣya ca bahukṣaṇam piturbhayādgṛhaṁ gaṁtuṁ śīghramārebhire tataḥ

Thus lamenting, and having waited a long time, the maidens then, out of fear of their fathers, began to return home quickly.

Verse 60 (padma.3.22.60)

तत्प्रेमनिगडैर्बद्धा भृशं विरहविक्लवाः । कथंचिद्धैर्यमालंब्य ताः स्वंस्वं गृहमागताः

tatpremanigaḍairbaddhā bhṛśaṁ virahaviklavāḥ kathaṁciddhairyamālaṁbya tāḥ svaṁsvaṁ gṛhamāgatāḥ

Bound by the fetters of love, exceedingly distraught with separation, having somehow mustered courage, they reached their own homes.

Verse 61 (padma.3.22.61)

आगत्य पतिताः सर्वा मातॄणां तु समीपतः । किमेतन्मातृभिः पृष्टाः कुतः कालात्ययोऽभवत्

āgatya patitāḥ sarvā mātṝṇāṁ tu samīpataḥ kimetanmātṛbhiḥ pṛṣṭāḥ kutaḥ kālātyayo'bhavat

Having arrived there, they all fell down near their mothers. 'What is this?' the mothers asked — 'why has there been such a delay?'

Verse 62 (padma.3.22.62)

क्रीडंत्यः किन्नरीभिस्तु सार्द्धं संगतकं यदा । संस्थितास्तेन न ज्ञातो दिवसोऽच्छोदसरोवरे

krīḍaṁtyaḥ kinnarībhistu sārddhaṁ saṁgatakaṁ yadā saṁsthitāstena na jñāto divaso'cchodasarovare

'While playing together with kinnari maidens, we became so absorbed that we did not notice the day pass at the lake Achchhoda.'

Verse 63 (padma.3.22.63)

पथि श्रांता वयं मातः संतापस्तेन नस्तनौ । मोहेन महता वक्तुं न केनाप्युत्सहामहे

pathi śrāṁtā vayaṁ mātaḥ saṁtāpastena nastanau mohena mahatā vaktuṁ na kenāpyutsahāmahe

'We are tired from the road, O mother, and hence there is this weariness in our bodies.' Overcome with great confusion, they were unable to speak of the matter to anyone.

Verse 64 (padma.3.22.64)

इत्युक्त्वा लुठितास्तत्र मणिभूमौ कुमारिकाः । आकारं गोपयंत्यस्ता मुग्धा जल्पंति मातृभिः

ityuktvā luṭhitāstatra maṇibhūmau kumārikāḥ ākāraṁ gopayaṁtyastā mugdhā jalpaṁti mātṛbhiḥ

Having said this, the maidens threw themselves down upon the gem-paved ground; concealing their true state, bewildered, they spoke only such things to their mothers.

Verse 65 (padma.3.22.65)

काचिन्नर्तयति क्रीडामयूरं न मुदा तदा । न पाठयति तं कीरं पंजरेऽन्या कुतूहलात्

kācinnartayati krīḍāmayūraṁ na mudā tadā na pāṭhayati taṁ kīraṁ paṁjare'nyā kutūhalāt

One no longer made her pet peacock dance with joy; another, out of curiosity, no longer taught her caged parrot to speak.

Verse 66 (padma.3.22.66)

लालयेन्नकुलं नान्या नोल्लापयति सारिकाम् । अपरातीव संमुग्धा नैव खेलति सारसैः

lālayennakulaṁ nānyā nollāpayati sārikām aparātīva saṁmugdhā naiva khelati sārasaiḥ

One no longer fondled her mongoose; another did not call to her mynah; another, utterly bewildered, did not play with her saras cranes.

Verse 67 (padma.3.22.67)

भेजिरे न विनोदं ता रेमिरे नैव मंदिरे । ऊचिरे बांधवैर्नालं वीणावाद्यं न चक्रिरे

bhejire na vinodaṁ tā remire naiva maṁdire ūcire bāṁdhavairnālaṁ vīṇāvādyaṁ na cakrire

They took no delight in amusements, found no pleasure in their chambers, spoke little with their kinsfolk, and did not play upon the vina.

Verse 68 (padma.3.22.68)

कल्पद्रुमप्रसूनं यत्सर्वं तच्चानलोपमम् । मंदारकुसुमामोदि न पपुर्मधुरं मधु

kalpadrumaprasūnaṁ yatsarvaṁ taccānalopamam maṁdārakusumāmodi na papurmadhuraṁ madhu

Even the flower of the wish-fulfilling tree seemed to them like fire; they did not drink the sweet nectar fragrant with mandara blossoms.

Verse 69 (padma.3.22.69)

योगिन्य इव ताः कन्या नासाग्रन्यस्तलोचनाः । अलक्ष्यध्यानसंतानाः पुरुषोत्तममानसाः

yoginya iva tāḥ kanyā nāsāgranyastalocanāḥ alakṣyadhyānasaṁtānāḥ puruṣottamamānasāḥ

Like yoginis, those maidens fixed their gaze upon the tips of their noses, their thoughts unbroken and imperceptible, their minds set upon that supreme man.

Verse 70 (padma.3.22.70)

चंद्रकांतमणिच्छन्ने स्रवद्वारिणि कंदरे । क्षणं वातायने स्थित्वा जलयंत्रगृहेक्षणम्

caṁdrakāṁtamaṇicchanne sravadvāriṇi kaṁdare kṣaṇaṁ vātāyane sthitvā jalayaṁtragṛhekṣaṇam

In a grotto covered with moonstone gems, where water trickled down, having stood a moment at the window of the fountain-house,

Verse 71 (padma.3.22.71)

रचयंति क्षणं शय्यां दीर्घिकां भोजिनीदलैः । वीज्यमानाः सखीभिस्ताः शीतलैर्नलिनीदलैः

racayaṁti kṣaṇaṁ śayyāṁ dīrghikāṁ bhojinīdalaiḥ vījyamānāḥ sakhībhistāḥ śītalairnalinīdalaiḥ

for a moment they would fashion a bed of lotus-leaves at the edge of the pool, fanned by their friends with cool lotus-petals.

Verse 72 (padma.3.22.72)

इत्थं युगसमां रात्रिमनयंस्ता वरस्त्रियः । कथंचिद्धारणं कृत्वा विह्वलाः सज्वरा इव

itthaṁ yugasamāṁ rātrimanayaṁstā varastriyaḥ kathaṁciddhāraṇaṁ kṛtvā vihvalāḥ sajvarā iva

Thus those excellent women passed a night that felt as long as an age, distraught as if fevered, having somehow endured it.

Verse 73 (padma.3.22.73)

प्रातर्व्योममणिं दृष्ट्वा मन्यमानाः स्वजीवितम् । विज्ञाप्य मातरं स्वांस्वां गौरीं पूजयितुं गताः

prātarvyomamaṇiṁ dṛṣṭvā manyamānāḥ svajīvitam vijñāpya mātaraṁ svāṁsvāṁ gaurīṁ pūjayituṁ gatāḥ

At dawn, having seen the jewel of the sky, and thinking their very life depended on it, having informed their mothers, they went to worship Gauri.

Verse 74 (padma.3.22.74)

स्नात्वा तेन विधानेन पुष्पैर्धूपैस्तथा पुनः । विधाय पूजनं देव्या गायंत्यस्तत्र ताः स्थिताः

snātvā tena vidhānena puṣpairdhūpaistathā punaḥ vidhāya pūjanaṁ devyā gāyaṁtyastatra tāḥ sthitāḥ

Having bathed, and duly performed the worship of the Goddess again with flowers and incense, they stood there singing.

Verse 75 (padma.3.22.75)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे विप्रः स्नातुं सोऽपि समागतः । पितुराश्रमतस्तस्मादच्छोदेऽत्र सरोवरे

etasminnaṁtare vipraḥ snātuṁ so'pi samāgataḥ piturāśramatastasmādacchode'tra sarovare

Meanwhile, that brahmin too came again, from his father's hermitage, to bathe at that lake Achchhoda.

Verse 76 (padma.3.22.76)

मित्रं दृष्ट्वैव रात्र्यंते पद्मिन्य इव कन्यकाः । तत्फुल्लनयना जातास्तं दृष्ट्वा ब्रह्मचारिणम्

mitraṁ dṛṣṭvaiva rātryaṁte padminya iva kanyakāḥ tatphullanayanā jātāstaṁ dṛṣṭvā brahmacāriṇam

As lotus-flowers open at the sight of their friend the sun at night's end, so, upon beholding that celibate student, those maidens' eyes blossomed.

Verse 77 (padma.3.22.77)

गत्वा तत्रैव ताः कन्या समीपं ब्रह्मचारिणः । सव्यापसव्यबंधेन भुजपाशं च चक्रिरे

gatvā tatraiva tāḥ kanyā samīpaṁ brahmacāriṇaḥ savyāpasavyabaṁdhena bhujapāśaṁ ca cakrire

Those maidens went straight to that celibate student and, with hands crossed left and right, bound him in a chain of arms.

Verse 78 (padma.3.22.78)

गतोऽसि प्रिय पूर्वेद्युर्गंतुमद्य न लभ्यते । वृतस्त्वं नूनमस्माभिर्नात्र तेऽस्ति विचारणा

gato'si priya pūrvedyurgaṁtumadya na labhyate vṛtastvaṁ nūnamasmābhirnātra te'sti vicāraṇā

'You went away yesterday, O beloved, but today you shall not be permitted to leave; you are surely chosen by us — there is no room for deliberation on this.'

Verse 79 (padma.3.22.79)

इत्युक्तो ब्राह्मणः प्राह प्रहसन्बाहुपाशगः । युष्माभिरुच्यते भद्रमनुकूलं प्रियं वचः

ityukto brāhmaṇaḥ prāha prahasanbāhupāśagaḥ yuṣmābhirucyate bhadramanukūlaṁ priyaṁ vacaḥ

Thus addressed, the brahmin, held in that chain of arms, laughing, said: 'What you say, O gentle ones, is pleasing and agreeable speech.'

Verse 80 (padma.3.22.80)

प्रथमाश्रमनिष्ठस्य किंतु नश्येत मे व्रतम् । विद्याभ्यसनशीलस्य नाभूत्पारं गुरोः कुले

prathamāśramaniṣṭhasya kiṁtu naśyeta me vratam vidyābhyasanaśīlasya nābhūtpāraṁ guroḥ kule

'But, being established in the first stage of life, my vow would be destroyed thereby. One devoted to the pursuit of learning must not, before reaching the far shore in his guru's household, [take such a path].'

Verse 81 (padma.3.22.81)

आश्रमे यत्र यो धर्मो रक्षणीयः सुपंडितैः । विवाहोऽयमतो मन्ये न धर्म इति कन्यकाः

āśrame yatra yo dharmo rakṣaṇīyaḥ supaṁḍitaiḥ vivāho'yamato manye na dharma iti kanyakāḥ

'Whatever dharma belongs to whatever stage of life must be protected by the learned. Therefore I consider that this marriage is not dharma' — thus he told the maidens.

Verse 82 (padma.3.22.82)

आकर्ण्य विप्रवाक्यानि विप्रमूचुर्वरस्त्रियः । सकलध्वनिसोत्कंठ्यो कोकिलाइव माधवे

ākarṇya vipravākyāni vipramūcurvarastriyaḥ sakaladhvanisotkaṁṭhyo kokilāiva mādhave

Having heard the brahmin's words, those excellent women spoke to him, eager with every melody like cuckoos in spring —

Verse 83 (padma.3.22.83)

धर्मादर्थोऽर्थतः कामः कामात्सुखफलोदयः । इत्येवं निश्चयज्ञास्ते वर्णयंति विपश्चितः

dharmādartho'rthataḥ kāmaḥ kāmātsukhaphalodayaḥ ityevaṁ niścayajñāste varṇayaṁti vipaścitaḥ

'From dharma comes wealth, from wealth comes desire, and from desire arises the fruit of pleasure' — thus the wise, knowers of settled truth, declare.

Verse 84 (padma.3.22.84)

सकामो धर्मबाहुल्यात्पुरतस्ते समुत्थितः । सेव्यतां विविधैर्भोगैः स्वच्छाभूमिरियं यतः

sakāmo dharmabāhulyātpurataste samutthitaḥ sevyatāṁ vividhairbhogaiḥ svacchābhūmiriyaṁ yataḥ

'You have already, through abundance of dharma, arrived with desire arisen; this pleasant, untainted spot should be enjoyed with various delights, for it is fit for this.'

Verse 85 (padma.3.22.85)

श्रुत्वा तद्वचनं तासां प्राह गंभीरया गिरा । तथ्यं वो वचनं किंतु ममाप्यावश्यकं व्रतम्

śrutvā tadvacanaṁ tāsāṁ prāha gaṁbhīrayā girā tathyaṁ vo vacanaṁ kiṁtu mamāpyāvaśyakaṁ vratam

Having heard their words, he spoke with a deep voice: 'Your words are true, but my vow too is indispensable.'

Verse 86 (padma.3.22.86)

प्राप्यानुज्ञां गुरोः कुर्वे विवाहकर्म नान्यथा । इत्युक्ताः पुनरूचुस्ताः स्फुटं मूढोऽसि सुंदर

prāpyānujñāṁ guroḥ kurve vivāhakarma nānyathā ityuktāḥ punarūcustāḥ sphuṭaṁ mūḍho'si suṁdara

'Having obtained my guru's permission, I shall perform the rite of marriage — not otherwise.' Thus addressed, they spoke again clearly: 'You are foolish indeed, O handsome one.'

Verse 87 (padma.3.22.87)

सिद्धौषधं ब्रह्मधिया रसायनं सिद्धिर्निधिः साधुकुला वरांगनाः । मंत्रस्तथा सिद्धरसश्च धर्मतो मुने निषेव्याः सुधिया समागताः

siddhauṣadhaṁ brahmadhiyā rasāyanaṁ siddhirnidhiḥ sādhukulā varāṁganāḥ maṁtrastathā siddharasaśca dharmato mune niṣevyāḥ sudhiyā samāgatāḥ

'A perfected remedy, an elixir attained through knowledge of Brahman, a treasure of accomplishment, women of good family, a mantra, and likewise a perfected potion — O sage, when these come, in accordance with dharma, to one of good understanding, they ought to be made use of.'

Verse 88 (padma.3.22.88)

कार्यं नु दैवाद्यदि सिद्धिमागतं तस्मिन्नुपेक्षां न च यांति नीतिगाः । यस्मादुपेक्षा न पुनः फलप्रदा तस्मान्न दीर्घीकरणं प्रशस्यते

kāryaṁ nu daivādyadi siddhimāgataṁ tasminnupekṣāṁ na ca yāṁti nītigāḥ yasmādupekṣā na punaḥ phalapradā tasmānna dīrghīkaraṇaṁ praśasyate

'If some matter, by fate, comes to fulfillment, those versed in worldly policy do not neglect it — since neglect never again brings its fruit; therefore delay is not to be praised.'

Verse 89 (padma.3.22.89)

विषादप्यमृतं ग्राह्यममेध्यादपि कांचनम् । नीचादप्युत्तमां विद्यां स्त्रीरत्नं दुष्कुलादपि

viṣādapyamṛtaṁ grāhyamamedhyādapi kāṁcanam nīcādapyuttamāṁ vidyāṁ strīratnaṁ duṣkulādapi

'Nectar should be taken even from poison; gold even from what is unclean; excellent learning even from the lowly; and a jewel of a woman even from a low family.'

Verse 90 (padma.3.22.90)

सांद्रानुरागाः कुलजन्मनिर्मलाः स्नेहार्द्रचित्ता सुगिरः स्वयंवराः । कन्या सुरूपाः खलु चारुयौवना धन्या लभंतेऽत्र नरास्तु नेतरे

sāṁdrānurāgāḥ kulajanmanirmalāḥ snehārdracittā sugiraḥ svayaṁvarāḥ kanyā surūpāḥ khalu cāruyauvanā dhanyā labhaṁte'tra narāstu netare

'Maidens of deep, sincere affection, pure from noble birth, of hearts moist with love, sweet of speech, choosing their own husbands, of beautiful form and lovely youth — blessed indeed are the men who obtain such maidens here, and none others.'

Verse 91 (padma.3.22.91)

क्व वयं सुरसुंदर्य्यः क्व भवांस्तापसो बटुः । दुर्घटस्य विधानेन मन्ये धातैव पंडितः

kva vayaṁ surasuṁdaryyaḥ kva bhavāṁstāpaso baṭuḥ durghaṭasya vidhānena manye dhātaiva paṁḍitaḥ

'Where are we, celestial beauties; and where are you, an ascetic celibate youth! I think the Creator himself is the wise arranger of this seemingly impossible match.'

Verse 92 (padma.3.22.92)

तस्मादस्मानिदानीं तु स्वीकुर्य्यात्मंगलं भवान् । गांधर्वेण विवाहेन अन्यथा नोपजीवनम्

tasmādasmānidānīṁ tu svīkuryyātmaṁgalaṁ bhavān gāṁdharveṇa vivāhena anyathā nopajīvanam

'Therefore you should now accept us auspiciously, through the gandharva form of marriage — otherwise there is no other way for us to live on.'

Verse 93 (padma.3.22.93)

श्रुत्वा वाक्यं ततः प्राह ब्राह्मणो धर्मवित्तमः । भो मृगाक्ष्यः कथं त्याज्यो धर्मो धर्मधनैर्नरैः

śrutvā vākyaṁ tataḥ prāha brāhmaṇo dharmavittamaḥ bho mṛgākṣyaḥ kathaṁ tyājyo dharmo dharmadhanairnaraiḥ

Having heard their words, the brahmin, most excellent in the knowledge of dharma, said: 'O fawn-eyed ones, how could dharma be abandoned by men whose wealth is dharma itself?'

Verse 94 (padma.3.22.94)

धर्मश्चार्थश्चकामश्च मोक्षश्चैतच्चतुष्टयम् । यथोक्तं फलदं ज्ञेयं विपरीतं तु निष्फलम्

dharmaścārthaścakāmaśca mokṣaścaitaccatuṣṭayam yathoktaṁ phaladaṁ jñeyaṁ viparītaṁ tu niṣphalam

'Dharma, artha, kama, and moksha — these four, when pursued as prescribed, are known to yield fruit; but done contrary to prescription, they are fruitless.'

Verse 95 (padma.3.22.95)

नाकालेऽहं व्रती कुर्यामतो दारपरिग्रहम् । न क्रिया फलमाप्नोति क्रियाकालं न वेत्ति यः

nākāle'haṁ vratī kuryāmato dāraparigraham na kriyā phalamāpnoti kriyākālaṁ na vetti yaḥ

'Being under a vow, I shall not take a wife at an improper time; an action does not obtain its fruit when performed by one who does not know the proper time for it.'

Verse 96 (padma.3.22.96)

यतो धर्मविचारेऽस्मिन्प्रसक्तं मम मानसम् । तस्माच्छृणुत हे कन्या न समीहे स्वयंवरम्

yato dharmavicāre'sminprasaktaṁ mama mānasam tasmācchṛṇuta he kanyā na samīhe svayaṁvaram

'Since my mind is engaged in this very consideration of dharma, therefore, O maidens, listen — I do not desire a self-chosen marriage.'

Verse 97 (padma.3.22.97)

एवं ज्ञात्वाशयं तस्य समीक्ष्यैव परस्परम् । करात्करं विमुच्याथ जग्राहांघ्रिं प्रमोहिनी

evaṁ jñātvāśayaṁ tasya samīkṣyaiva parasparam karātkaraṁ vimucyātha jagrāhāṁghriṁ pramohinī

Thus, having understood his intent, and having looked at one another, they released hand from hand, and then Pramohini seized his foot.

Verse 98 (padma.3.22.98)

भुजौ जगृहतुस्तस्य सुशीला सुस्वरा तथा । आलिलिंग सुतारा च वक्त्रं चुंबति चंद्रिका

bhujau jagṛhatustasya suśīlā susvarā tathā āliliṁga sutārā ca vaktraṁ cuṁbati caṁdrikā

Sushila and Susvara seized his two arms; Sutara embraced him, and Chandrika began to kiss his face.

Verse 99 (padma.3.22.99)

तथापि निर्विकारोऽसौ प्रलयानलसन्निभः । शशाप ब्रह्मचारी ताः क्रोधेनात्यंतमूर्छितः

tathāpi nirvikāro'sau pralayānalasannibhaḥ śaśāpa brahmacārī tāḥ krodhenātyaṁtamūrchitaḥ

Even so, unmoved, resembling the fire of universal dissolution, that celibate student, overcome with extreme anger, cursed them —

Verse 100 (padma.3.22.100)

पिशाच्य इव मां लग्ना तत्पिशाच्यो भविष्यथ । एवं तेनाशु शप्तास्तास्तं त्यक्त्वा पुरतः स्थिताः

piśācya iva māṁ lagnā tatpiśācyo bhaviṣyatha evaṁ tenāśu śaptāstāstaṁ tyaktvā purataḥ sthitāḥ

'Just as you have clung to me like female ghouls, so shall you become female ghouls.' Thus swiftly cursed by him, they released him and stood before him.

Verse 101 (padma.3.22.101)

किमेतच्चेष्टितं पापं ह्यनागसि विचेष्टया । प्रियंकृतोऽप्रियंकृत्वा धिक्त्वां धर्मकृतांतकम्

kimetacceṣṭitaṁ pāpaṁ hyanāgasi viceṣṭayā priyaṁkṛto'priyaṁkṛtvā dhiktvāṁ dharmakṛtāṁtakam

'What is this wicked act — done to us, who are without fault, for a mere playful gesture! Having repaid what was pleasing with what is displeasing, shame upon you, O destroyer of dharma itself!'

Verse 102 (padma.3.22.102)

अनुरक्तेषु भक्तेषु मित्रेषु द्रोहकारिणः । पुंसो लोकोभयोः सौख्यं नाशमेतीति नः श्रुतम्

anurakteṣu bhakteṣu mitreṣu drohakāriṇaḥ puṁso lokobhayoḥ saukhyaṁ nāśametīti naḥ śrutam

'We have heard that for a man who does harm to loving devotees and friends, happiness in both worlds is destroyed.'

Verse 103 (padma.3.22.103)

तस्मात्त्वमपि नः शापात्पिशाचो भव सत्वरम् । इत्युक्त्वापि च ता बाला निःश्वसंत्यः क्रुधाकुलाः

tasmāttvamapi naḥ śāpātpiśāco bhava satvaram ityuktvāpi ca tā bālā niḥśvasaṁtyaḥ krudhākulāḥ

'Therefore may you too, by our curse, swiftly become a ghoul!' Having said this, those maidens, overcome with anger, sighed —

Verse 104 (padma.3.22.104)

तदेवान्योन्यसंरंभात्तस्मिन्सरसि पार्थिव । ताः कन्या ब्रह्मचारी च सर्वे पैशाच्यमागताः

tadevānyonyasaṁraṁbhāttasminsarasi pārthiva tāḥ kanyā brahmacārī ca sarve paiśācyamāgatāḥ

at that very moment, O king, through their mutual rage, at that very lake, those maidens and the celibate student — all of them — became transformed into ghouls.

Verse 105 (padma.3.22.105)

स पिशाचः पिशाच्यस्ताः क्रंदमानाः सुदारुणम् । क्षपयंति विपाकांस्तान्पूर्वोपात्तस्य कर्म्मणः

sa piśācaḥ piśācyastāḥ kraṁdamānāḥ sudāruṇam kṣapayaṁti vipākāṁstānpūrvopāttasya karmmaṇaḥ

He became a male ghoul, and they female ghouls; wailing most terribly, they began to exhaust the ripening of their previously accumulated deeds.

Verse 106 (padma.3.22.106)

स्वकाले प्रभवत्येव पूर्वोपात्तं शुभाशुभम् । स्वच्छायामिव दुर्वारं देवानामपि पार्थिव

svakāle prabhavatyeva pūrvopāttaṁ śubhāśubham svacchāyāmiva durvāraṁ devānāmapi pārthiva

That which was accumulated in the past, whether good or bad, comes to fruition in its own proper time — inescapable even for the gods, O king, like one's own shadow.

Verse 107 (padma.3.22.107)

क्रंदंति पितरस्तासां मातरस्तत्र तत्र च । भ्रातरश्चैव बालानां दैवं हि दुरतिक्रमम्

kraṁdaṁti pitarastāsāṁ mātarastatra tatra ca bhrātaraścaiva bālānāṁ daivaṁ hi duratikramam

The fathers of those maidens wept, and their mothers here and there, and their brothers too — for fate indeed is exceedingly hard to escape.

Verse 108 (padma.3.22.108)

अतऊर्ध्वं पिशाचास्ते आहारार्थं सुदुःखिताः । इतस्ततश्च धावंतो वसंति सरसस्तटे

ataūrdhvaṁ piśācāste āhārārthaṁ suduḥkhitāḥ itastataśca dhāvaṁto vasaṁti sarasastaṭe

From then on, those ghouls, greatly wretched for want of food, running hither and thither, dwelt on the bank of that lake.