The Hunter's Self-Offering and the King Who Became Jvalamukha

Verse 1 (padma.5.110.1)

श्रीराम उवाच- अयमग्निशिखो नाम वह्निः शिवगणश्च वै । स कथं तादृशो भूतस्तन्मे वद नमस्तव

śrīrāma uvāca- ayamagniśikho nāma vahniḥ śivagaṇaśca vai sa kathaṁ tādṛśo bhūtastanme vada namastava

Shri Rama said: This one named Agnishikha, of fiery nature, a very gana of Shiva — how did he come to be such? Tell me this; homage to you.

Verse 2 (padma.5.110.2)

शंभुरुवाच- अयमासीत्पुरा कश्चित्क्षत्त्रियः क्रोधनः सदा । नष्टभार्यो नष्टसेनो नष्टराष्ट्रोतिदुःखितः

śaṁbhuruvāca- ayamāsītpurā kaścitkṣattriyaḥ krodhanaḥ sadā naṣṭabhāryo naṣṭaseno naṣṭarāṣṭrotiduḥkhitaḥ

Shambhu said: This one was formerly a certain Kshatriya, ever wrathful; having lost his wife, lost his army, and lost his kingdom, he was greatly sorrowful.

Verse 3 (padma.5.110.3)

लब्ध्वा लुलाय द्वितयं कृषिं चक्रे सहात्मजैः । ऋणेन महता युक्तः पुनश्चातीव दुःखितः

labdhvā lulāya dvitayaṁ kṛṣiṁ cakre sahātmajaiḥ ṛṇena mahatā yuktaḥ punaścātīva duḥkhitaḥ

Having obtained a pair of buffaloes, he took up farming together with his sons; burdened with great debt, he became once again exceedingly sorrowful.

Verse 4 (padma.5.110.4)

पुनश्च दुःखितो राजा सर्पेण सुतनाशनात् । तथाभूतो महीपालस्तत्याज कृषिमप्युत

punaśca duḥkhito rājā sarpeṇa sutanāśanāt tathābhūto mahīpālastatyāja kṛṣimapyuta

And the king, sorrowful again through the loss of a son to a snake, that lord of the earth, thus afflicted, abandoned even farming.

Verse 5 (padma.5.110.5)

परित्यज्य सुतौ चापि त्यक्ताहारो रुरोद ह । सुतावथ समागम्य प्राहतुः पितरं त्विदम्

parityajya sutau cāpi tyaktāhāro ruroda ha sutāvatha samāgamya prāhatuḥ pitaraṁ tvidam

Abandoning his two remaining sons as well, having given up food, he wept. Then his two sons came to him and said this to their father.

Verse 6 (padma.5.110.6)

किमर्थं रुद्यते तात नष्टो नायाति रोदनात् । शरीरशोषणायाथ शोकस्तेऽद्य भविष्यति

kimarthaṁ rudyate tāta naṣṭo nāyāti rodanāt śarīraśoṣaṇāyātha śokaste'dya bhaviṣyati

"Why do you weep, father? The lost one does not return through weeping; this grief of yours today will only waste away your body."

Verse 7 (padma.5.110.7)

शोकेन चक्षुषी नष्टे कंठो नष्टस्तथा तव । अनुष्ठानं तथा नष्टं किमर्थं परितप्यसे

śokena cakṣuṣī naṣṭe kaṁṭho naṣṭastathā tava anuṣṭhānaṁ tathā naṣṭaṁ kimarthaṁ paritapyase

"Through grief your eyes are ruined, your voice likewise ruined, and your religious observances too are ruined; why do you torment yourself so?"

Verse 8 (padma.5.110.8)

एको नष्टो न चायाति रक्ष पंचस्थितानसून् । बहूनां रक्षणं पुण्यमाश्रितानां विशेषतः

eko naṣṭo na cāyāti rakṣa paṁcasthitānasūn bahūnāṁ rakṣaṇaṁ puṇyamāśritānāṁ viśeṣataḥ

"One lost one does not return; protect the lives of the five who remain. The protection of the many, especially of those who depend on you, is meritorious."

Verse 9 (padma.5.110.9)

अन्याश्रितममुं शत्रुं कथं शोचितुमर्हसि । पितोवाच- पुत्रः शत्रुः कथं पुत्रौ युवां शत्रू तथा च मे

anyāśritamamuṁ śatruṁ kathaṁ śocitumarhasi pitovāca- putraḥ śatruḥ kathaṁ putrau yuvāṁ śatrū tathā ca me

"That one, who has taken refuge with another [death], is an enemy — how can you rightly grieve for him?" The father said: "How can a son be an enemy? Are you two, my sons, then also my enemies?"

Verse 10 (padma.5.110.10)

अत्यंतसुखिनं पुत्रं कथं शत्रुमभाषतम् । सुतावूचतुः जायमानो हरेद्भार्यां वर्द्धमानो हरेद्धनम्

atyaṁtasukhinaṁ putraṁ kathaṁ śatrumabhāṣatam sutāvūcatuḥ jāyamāno haredbhāryāṁ varddhamāno hareddhanam

"How can you call a son, a source of the greatest happiness, an enemy?" The sons said: "At his very birth he robs his mother; as he grows, he takes away wealth—"

Verse 11 (padma.5.110.11)

म्रियमाणस्तथा प्राणाञ्छत्रुत्वं किमतः परम् । यत्सुखं च त्वया प्रोक्तं स्पर्शनालिंगनादिभिः

mriyamāṇastathā prāṇāñchatrutvaṁ kimataḥ param yatsukhaṁ ca tvayā proktaṁ sparśanāliṁganādibhiḥ

"—and, dying, he robs one's very life-breath; what greater enmity is there than this? And the happiness you speak of, from touch, embrace, and the rest—"

Verse 12 (padma.5.110.12)

दुःखोदर्कमिदं राजन्सर्वमेतद्वदामि ते । प्रसूतिकाले पुत्रस्य भार्यानाशविचारणा

duḥkhodarkamidaṁ rājansarvametadvadāmi te prasūtikāle putrasya bhāryānāśavicāraṇā

"—all of this, O king, ends in sorrow; I tell you all of this. At the time of a son's birth, there is the danger of the mother's very death—"

Verse 13 (padma.5.110.13)

जीवितायामथोपत्न्यामात्मनः सुखनाशनम् । योन्यशुद्धौ तु जातायां संयोगो नोपपद्यते

jīvitāyāmathopatnyāmātmanaḥ sukhanāśanam yonyaśuddhau tu jātāyāṁ saṁyogo nopapadyate

"—and even should the wife survive, it is the destruction of one's own former happiness. When impurity has come upon the womb, union is not possible—"

Verse 14 (padma.5.110.14)

आलिंगनपरे गाढं स्तन्येनांगं परिप्लुते । तथापि यदि संयोगः शिशुरोदनताः स्त्रियाः

āliṁganapare gāḍhaṁ stanyenāṁgaṁ pariplute tathāpi yadi saṁyogaḥ śiśurodanatāḥ striyāḥ

"—while intent on embracing, the woman's body is soaked with milk; and even if union occurs, the infant's crying disturbs the woman—"

Verse 15 (padma.5.110.15)

दृढं शिशुगतं चित्तं ततो वैरस्यमेव च । अथ चेत्पतितो डिंभो मध्ये मैथुनमुद्गतिः

dṛḍhaṁ śiśugataṁ cittaṁ tato vairasyameva ca atha cetpatito ḍiṁbho madhye maithunamudgatiḥ

"—her mind fixed firmly on the child, and from that only distaste results. And if the child wakes in the very midst of intercourse—"

Verse 16 (padma.5.110.16)

रतिमध्ये तु विच्छेदे दुःखं किंचिदसन्निभम् । सर्वकाले परिमिते कदाचिद्रतिसंभवः

ratimadhye tu vicchede duḥkhaṁ kiṁcidasannibham sarvakāle parimite kadācidratisaṁbhavaḥ

"—the interruption in the midst of love-play brings a sorrow beyond compare. At every limited time, union arises only occasionally—"

Verse 17 (padma.5.110.17)

तत्काले भोजनं नास्ति स्वापो नास्ति च भार्यया । शिशूनां रक्षणे दुःखं व्याधितर्षग्रहादिभिः

tatkāle bhojanaṁ nāsti svāpo nāsti ca bhāryayā śiśūnāṁ rakṣaṇe duḥkhaṁ vyādhitarṣagrahādibhiḥ

"—at that time there is no eating, and no sleeping with one's wife. There is sorrow in protecting infants from illness, thirst, evil spirits, and the like."

Verse 18 (padma.5.110.18)

तन्मतं यत्सुखं चित्रं यथांकारोहणं पितुः । आलिंगनकृतं तात चुंबनादिकृतं तथा

tanmataṁ yatsukhaṁ citraṁ yathāṁkārohaṇaṁ pituḥ āliṁganakṛtaṁ tāta cuṁbanādikṛtaṁ tathā

"That opinion, that there is a wondrous joy — like the child climbing upon its father's lap, the joy of embracing him and kissing him, O father—"

Verse 19 (padma.5.110.19)

अत्यन्तमधुरोक्त्यादि यत्सुखानि नरेश्वर । रतिमध्ये विरामस्य कलां नार्हंति षोडशीम्

atyantamadhuroktyādi yatsukhāni nareśvara ratimadhye virāmasya kalāṁ nārhaṁti ṣoḍaśīm

"—and its most sweet prattle, and such pleasures, O lord of men — all of these are not worth even a sixteenth part of the pain of that interruption during love-play."

Verse 20 (padma.5.110.20)

अन्यान्यपि च दुःखानि संति पुत्रे सहस्रशः । अनेन त्वं किं क्रियसे इहामुत्र विरोधिना

anyānyapi ca duḥkhāni saṁti putre sahasraśaḥ anena tvaṁ kiṁ kriyase ihāmutra virodhinā

"And there are thousands of other sorrows too, concerning a son. Why do you occupy yourself so with this grief, harmful both here and hereafter?"

Verse 21 (padma.5.110.21)

त्यज शोकमिदं तस्मादावां पुत्रौ स्थिताविह । श्रीराजोवाच-। त्यजामि शोकं दुर्वारं सर्वकार्यविरोधिनम्

tyaja śokamidaṁ tasmādāvāṁ putrau sthitāviha śrīrājovāca- tyajāmi śokaṁ durvāraṁ sarvakāryavirodhinam

"Give up this grief, therefore; we two, your sons, are still here." The illustrious king said: "I give up this hard-to-restrain grief, harmful to every undertaking."

Verse 22 (padma.5.110.22)

आत्मनश्च हितं कार्यमिहामुत्र सुतौ मम । पुरोधसं तु गच्छामि मम पूर्वं महागुरुम्

ātmanaśca hitaṁ kāryamihāmutra sutau mama purodhasaṁ tu gacchāmi mama pūrvaṁ mahāgurum

"My own good, both here and hereafter, is now my task, my sons. I shall go to my priest, my former great guru."

Verse 23 (padma.5.110.23)

वसिष्ठं मुनिवर्यं च स दास्यति गतिं मम । एवमुक्त्वा गतो विप्रं वाराणस्यां स्थितं गुरुम्

vasiṣṭhaṁ munivaryaṁ ca sa dāsyati gatiṁ mama evamuktvā gato vipraṁ vārāṇasyāṁ sthitaṁ gurum

"To the excellent sage Vasishtha — he shall grant me a good path." Having said this, he went to that Brahmin, his guru, residing in Varanasi.

Verse 24 (padma.5.110.24)

दंडवत्प्रणनामाथ मुनिना परिपूजितः । आलिंगितशिरो घ्रातो दत्तासनपरिग्रहः

daṁḍavatpraṇanāmātha muninā paripūjitaḥ āliṁgitaśiro ghrāto dattāsanaparigrahaḥ

He prostrated like a rod, and was duly honored by the sage; his head was embraced and blessed, and he was given a seat.

Verse 25 (padma.5.110.25)

उक्तश्चागमनं किं ते किं कार्य्यं करवाणि वै । राजोवाच- गतिं प्रयच्छ मे विप्र संसारतरणाय हि

uktaścāgamanaṁ kiṁ te kiṁ kāryyaṁ karavāṇi vai rājovāca- gatiṁ prayaccha me vipra saṁsārataraṇāya hi

He was asked: "What is the reason for your coming? What may I do for you?" The king said: "Grant me a path, O Brahmin, for crossing over this world."

Verse 26 (padma.5.110.26)

खिन्नोहं कर्मणा शश्वद्भवंतं शरणं गतः । वसिष्ठ उवाच- गतिं पश्य महालिंगं विश्वेश्वरमिति स्थितम्

khinnohaṁ karmaṇā śaśvadbhavaṁtaṁ śaraṇaṁ gataḥ vasiṣṭha uvāca- gatiṁ paśya mahāliṁgaṁ viśveśvaramiti sthitam

"Wearied by my own deeds, I have come ever to you for refuge." Vasishtha said: "Behold your path: this great linga standing here, called Vishveshvara—"

Verse 27 (padma.5.110.27)

एनं पूजय राजेंद्र देवदेवं पिनाकिनम् । यमाराध्य पुरा शक्तिररुंधत्याः सुतो मुनिः

enaṁ pūjaya rājeṁdra devadevaṁ pinākinam yamārādhya purā śaktiraruṁdhatyāḥ suto muniḥ

"—worship him, O lord of kings, the God of gods, the bow-bearer. Long ago, having worshipped him, the sage Shakti, son of Arundhati—"

Verse 28 (padma.5.110.28)

रक्षसा भक्षितश्चापि यमलोकं गतो न सः । किंचित्कालं गतः स्वर्गं ब्रह्मलोकमगादतः

rakṣasā bhakṣitaścāpi yamalokaṁ gato na saḥ kiṁcitkālaṁ gataḥ svargaṁ brahmalokamagādataḥ

"—though devoured by a rakshasa, did not go to the world of Yama. He went to heaven for some time, and thence to the world of Brahma."

Verse 29 (padma.5.110.29)

ब्रह्मलोकाद्विष्णुलोके क्रीडन्नास्ते सुतो मम । अमुं पश्य महाराज लुब्धकं वनचारिणम्

brahmalokādviṣṇuloke krīḍannāste suto mama amuṁ paśya mahārāja lubdhakaṁ vanacāriṇam

"From the world of Brahma, he now dwells sporting in the world of Vishnu. Behold, O great king, this hunter, a wanderer of the forest—"

Verse 30 (padma.5.110.30)

पूजयंतं हि विश्वेशं पत्रमात्रै स्वसंभृतैः । शमीवृक्षस्य संभूतैस्तथा पूगप्रसूनकैः

pūjayaṁtaṁ hi viśveśaṁ patramātrai svasaṁbhṛtaiḥ śamīvṛkṣasya saṁbhūtaistathā pūgaprasūnakaiḥ

"—worshipping Vishvesha with mere leaves he himself has gathered, born of the shami tree, and likewise with betel-nut blossoms—"

Verse 31 (padma.5.110.31)

कदंबकुसुमैरर्ककुसुमैर्यूथिकाभवैः । एतैरन्यैर्महेशानं पूजयंतं विलोकय

kadaṁbakusumairarkakusumairyūthikābhavaiḥ etairanyairmaheśānaṁ pūjayaṁtaṁ vilokaya

"—with kadamba flowers, arka flowers, and jasmine — behold him worshipping Mahesha with these and other such things."

Verse 32 (padma.5.110.32)

इतोर्द्धयाममात्रेण मरिष्यति तदद्भुतम् । अंतकाले समायाते लुब्धकोपि शिवाय वै

itorddhayāmamātreṇa mariṣyati tadadbhutam aṁtakāle samāyāte lubdhakopi śivāya vai

"In just half a watch from now, he will die — a wondrous thing indeed. When the time of his death arrives, that hunter too, for the sake of Shiva—"

Verse 33 (padma.5.110.33)

उपहारप्रदानाय दृष्टवान्पार्श्वतो घटम् । तं चूतफलसंपूर्णं शुनोच्छिष्टं विगर्हितम्

upahārapradānāya dṛṣṭavānpārśvato ghaṭam taṁ cūtaphalasaṁpūrṇaṁ śunocchiṣṭaṁ vigarhitam

"—wishing to make an offering, saw a pot nearby, full of mango fruits, but defiled, left over from a dog, contemptible."

Verse 34 (padma.5.110.34)

संकल्पितोपहारस्य ह्यभावाल्लुब्धकस्तथा । इदं जगौ शुभं वाक्यं लोकानां भक्तिसूचकम्

saṁkalpitopahārasya hyabhāvāllubdhakastathā idaṁ jagau śubhaṁ vākyaṁ lokānāṁ bhaktisūcakam

For lack of the offering he had resolved to make, that hunter then uttered this auspicious word, indicative of devotion, to the people gathered there.

Verse 35 (padma.5.110.35)

पुष्पाभावे हरिर्नेत्रं फलाभावेंगुलं रविः । लिंगविस्रंसनेकं च जमदग्नि ऋषिस्तथा

puṣpābhāve harirnetraṁ phalābhāveṁgulaṁ raviḥ liṁgavisraṁsanekaṁ ca jamadagni ṛṣistathā

"When flowers were lacking, Hari offered his own eye; when fruit was lacking, the sun offered a finger; when the linga once slipped, the sage Jamadagni likewise—"

Verse 36 (padma.5.110.36)

लिंगपीठविभेदे च गात्रं निर्भिद्य दत्तवान् । अन्यैर्माहैश्वरैरन्यत्साहसं परमं कृतम्

liṁgapīṭhavibhede ca gātraṁ nirbhidya dattavān anyairmāhaiśvarairanyatsāhasaṁ paramaṁ kṛtam

"—pierced his own body and gave flesh to mend it. Other Shiva-devotees have performed other supreme acts of daring."

Verse 37 (padma.5.110.37)

ममापि तत्तथा कार्य्यमन्यथा दोषभागहम् । एतस्मिन्नंतरे कश्चिदुन्मत्तः शिवमभ्यगात्

mamāpi tattathā kāryyamanyathā doṣabhāgaham etasminnaṁtare kaścidunmattaḥ śivamabhyagāt

"I too must do something of that kind; otherwise I shall be the bearer of fault." Just then, some madman approached Shiva's shrine.

Verse 38 (padma.5.110.38)

अथ लुब्धकृतां पूजामाहृत्याभक्षयत्क्षणात् । वमनं च तथा चक्रे शिवपीठेथ लुब्धकः

atha lubdhakṛtāṁ pūjāmāhṛtyābhakṣayatkṣaṇāt vamanaṁ ca tathā cakre śivapīṭhetha lubdhakaḥ

He then took up the worship-offering made by the hunter and instantly devoured it, and then vomited upon Shiva's pedestal.

Verse 39 (padma.5.110.39)

शिवापकारिणं चैनं हन्मि नो वेत्यचिंतयत् । अथ स्वात्मवधायैव यत्नमास्थाय शंकरः

śivāpakāriṇaṁ cainaṁ hanmi no vetyaciṁtayat atha svātmavadhāyaiva yatnamāsthāya śaṁkaraḥ

The hunter thought: "Shall I kill this offender against Shiva, or not?" Then, applying his effort to the killing of his own self alone instead, he addressed Shankara.

Verse 40 (padma.5.110.40)

उन्मत्तेन यथोद्भुक्ता शिवपूजा मया कृता । लिंगप्रावरणे ह्येषा तदहं मम देहिनः

unmattena yathodbhuktā śivapūjā mayā kṛtā liṁgaprāvaraṇe hyeṣā tadahaṁ mama dehinaḥ

"The worship of Shiva I performed has now been consumed by that madman; therefore, for the covering of the linga, I shall give this, my very own—"

Verse 41 (padma.5.110.41)

प्रावृतिस्त्वगियं त्वद्य निर्म्मोक्तव्या मया द्रुतम् । पूजाविमोचनायैतत्फलहानेर्गलं त्यजेत्

prāvṛtistvagiyaṁ tvadya nirmmoktavyā mayā drutam pūjāvimocanāyaitatphalahānergalaṁ tyajet

"—body's covering, this skin, to be swiftly stripped off by me today. For the release of my worship, and lest its fruit be lost, one should give up even one's throat."

Verse 42 (padma.5.110.42)

इत्थं संकल्प्य स तथा तीक्ष्णस्वधितिनाद्भुतम् । चक्रे त्वचं दक्षपादं त्वचं च्छित्वा कटेरधः

itthaṁ saṁkalpya sa tathā tīkṣṇasvadhitinādbhutam cakre tvacaṁ dakṣapādaṁ tvacaṁ cchitvā kaṭeradhaḥ

Having thus resolved, he, with a sharp axe, did a wondrous thing: he cut the skin from his right foot, cutting below the waist—

Verse 43 (padma.5.110.43)

वामपादं तथा चक्रे कटिपर्यंतमाशुच । हृष्टश्चावेपितश्चैव तत ऊर्ध्वमथाच्छिनत्

vāmapādaṁ tathā cakre kaṭiparyaṁtamāśuca hṛṣṭaścāvepitaścaiva tata ūrdhvamathācchinat

—and likewise did the same with the left foot up to the waist, swiftly; joyful and yet trembling, he then cut further upward.

Verse 44 (padma.5.110.44)

करांसोदरहृत्कंठत्वचं निर्भिद्य लुब्धकः । मस्तकस्य त्वचं चापि निर्बिभेद प्रहृष्टवान्

karāṁsodarahṛtkaṁṭhatvacaṁ nirbhidya lubdhakaḥ mastakasya tvacaṁ cāpi nirbibheda prahṛṣṭavān

Having pierced through the skin of his hands, shoulders, belly, chest, and throat, the hunter, greatly delighted, pierced through the skin of his very head as well.

Verse 45 (padma.5.110.45)

तयोरंतरतस्तस्माद्गात्रं निर्भिद्य वर्तुलम् । छित्त्वांगुलि समादाय देवायार्पितवांस्त्वचम्

tayoraṁtaratastasmādgātraṁ nirbhidya vartulam chittvāṁguli samādāya devāyārpitavāṁstvacam

From within his own body, he cut a round piece, and cut off a finger's-worth of himself, and offered up that skin to the god.

Verse 46 (padma.5.110.46)

आरादेव तथा दिव्यरूपः स्वक्षश्चतुर्भुजः । नानाभूषणसंयुक्तः स्थितो वियति शाङ्करः

ārādeva tathā divyarūpaḥ svakṣaścaturbhujaḥ nānābhūṣaṇasaṁyuktaḥ sthito viyati śāṅkaraḥ

Then instantly, of divine form, his own eyes intact, four-armed, adorned with manifold ornaments, that Shiva-devotee stood, of a divine body, in the sky.

Verse 47 (padma.5.110.47)

अथ शैवाः समायाता दूताः शतसहस्रशः । विचित्रमुकुटाकाराः सर्वाभरणभूषिताः

atha śaivāḥ samāyātā dūtāḥ śatasahasraśaḥ vicitramukuṭākārāḥ sarvābharaṇabhūṣitāḥ

Then Shaiva messengers arrived, by the hundreds of thousands, wearing wondrous crowns, adorned with every ornament—

Verse 48 (padma.5.110.48)

त्रिशूलपाणयः सर्वे शुद्धस्फटिकसंनिभाः । चतुर्भुजाः सुरूपाश्च विमानवरसंस्थिताः

triśūlapāṇayaḥ sarve śuddhasphaṭikasaṁnibhāḥ caturbhujāḥ surūpāśca vimānavarasaṁsthitāḥ

—all bearing tridents, resembling pure crystal, four-armed, of excellent form, seated upon excellent celestial cars.

Verse 49 (padma.5.110.49)

सर्वे सूर्यसमाः शांता रंभावत्प्रियया युताः । सूनुपत्नीबलोत्साह विलासस्त्रीशतान्विताः

sarve sūryasamāḥ śāṁtā raṁbhāvatpriyayā yutāḥ sūnupatnībalotsāha vilāsastrīśatānvitāḥ

All of them, radiant as the sun, tranquil, each accompanied by a beloved like Rambha; joined by hundreds of graceful women rejoicing in their sons and wives.

Verse 50 (padma.5.110.50)

तेजसा सूर्यसदृशाः पुष्पवृष्टिमवाकिरन् । तैराहूतो लुब्धकश्च नागच्छदवदच्च तान्

tejasā sūryasadṛśāḥ puṣpavṛṣṭimavākiran tairāhūto lubdhakaśca nāgacchadavadacca tān

Splendid as the sun, they showered down a rain of flowers. Called by them, the hunter did not come, and spoke to them.

Verse 51 (padma.5.110.51)

भार्याबंधुजनोपेतो गच्छेहमथवा न वा । शैवास्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा वाक्यमेतदथोचिरे

bhāryābaṁdhujanopeto gacchehamathavā na vā śaivāstadvacanaṁ śrutvā vākyametadathocire

"Whether I go with my wife and kinsfolk together, or not, I will decide." The Shaivas, hearing this word, then spoke this reply.

Verse 52 (padma.5.110.52)

येन पुण्यं कृतं पापं तेन भोग्यं हि तत्फलम् । लुब्धक उवाच- अशौचानां च सर्वेषां धर्माणामेककर्तृकम्

yena puṇyaṁ kṛtaṁ pāpaṁ tena bhogyaṁ hi tatphalam lubdhaka uvāca- aśaucānāṁ ca sarveṣāṁ dharmāṇāmekakartṛkam

"By him who has performed merit or sin, its fruit must indeed be enjoyed by that one alone." The hunter said: "For all who are impure, and for all my duties, done by me alone—"

Verse 53 (padma.5.110.53)

माहेश्वराणां धर्माणां फलं च द्विबहुष्वपि । एतस्मिन्नंतरे प्राप्तो वीरभद्रः शतार्भकः

māheśvarāṇāṁ dharmāṇāṁ phalaṁ ca dvibahuṣvapi etasminnaṁtare prāpto vīrabhadraḥ śatārbhakaḥ

"—the fruit of the pious duties of a devotee of Mahesha extends to even two or many." Just then, Virabhadra, accompanied by a hundred young ones—

Verse 54 (padma.5.110.54)

नानाकोटिगणोपेतो एहि लुब्धकबंधुयुक् । सर्वं त्वयोक्तं च तथा सभार्यो ज्ञातिबंधुयुक्

nānākoṭigaṇopeto ehi lubdhakabaṁdhuyuk sarvaṁ tvayoktaṁ ca tathā sabhāryo jñātibaṁdhuyuk

—together with crores of manifold ganas, arrived: "Come, hunter, together with your kin. All that you have said shall be so — with your wife and family—"

Verse 55 (padma.5.110.55)

आरुह्येदं विमानं च शिवं गच्छ शिवं तु वः । अथ तद्वचनात्प्राप्तः शिवलोकं विमानगः

āruhyedaṁ vimānaṁ ca śivaṁ gaccha śivaṁ tu vaḥ atha tadvacanātprāptaḥ śivalokaṁ vimānagaḥ

"—mounting this celestial car, go to Shiva; may it be well with you." Then, by his word, he attained the world of Shiva, riding the celestial car.

Verse 56 (padma.5.110.56)

वसिष्ठ उवाच- दृष्टवानसि सर्वं त्वमीशपूजां समाचर । विमुक्तपापबंधस्त्वं शिवलोकं गमिष्यसि

vasiṣṭha uvāca- dṛṣṭavānasi sarvaṁ tvamīśapūjāṁ samācara vimuktapāpabaṁdhastvaṁ śivalokaṁ gamiṣyasi

Vasishtha said: "You have seen all of this; now practice the worship of Ishvara. Freed from the bondage of sin, you shall go to the world of Shiva."

Verse 57 (padma.5.110.57)

यदि राज्यं त्वया प्रार्थ्यं मार्जयेशां गणं नृप । गोमयोदकलेपं च नित्यमेव समाचर

yadi rājyaṁ tvayā prārthyaṁ mārjayeśāṁ gaṇaṁ nṛpa gomayodakalepaṁ ca nityameva samācara

"If a kingdom is to be sought by you, O king, sweep before Ishvara's gana, and always perform the anointing with cow-dung and water."

Verse 58 (padma.5.110.58)

एतावता भूमिराज्यं ध्रुवं तव भविष्यति । यावदायुश्च ते राज्यमंते शिवपदं भवेत्

etāvatā bhūmirājyaṁ dhruvaṁ tava bhaviṣyati yāvadāyuśca te rājyamaṁte śivapadaṁ bhavet

"By this alone, sovereignty over the earth shall certainly be yours; your kingdom shall last as long as your life, and in the end the abode of Shiva shall be yours."

Verse 59 (padma.5.110.59)

नैतस्मिंस्तु भवेद्राज्यसंसिद्धिरनुमृत्युतः । अतो देहांतरं प्राप्य शिवसेवाप्रभावतः

naitasmiṁstu bhavedrājyasaṁsiddhiranumṛtyutaḥ ato dehāṁtaraṁ prāpya śivasevāprabhāvataḥ

"But in this very body, only after death shall the kingdom's attainment come. Therefore, having obtained another body, through the power of service to Shiva—"

Verse 60 (padma.5.110.60)

भविष्यति च ते राज्यं शिवभक्तिः स्थिरा तथा । शंभुरुवाच- अथ कृत्वा तथा पूजां मृतः स्वर्गं गतस्ततः

bhaviṣyati ca te rājyaṁ śivabhaktiḥ sthirā tathā śaṁbhuruvāca- atha kṛtvā tathā pūjāṁ mṛtaḥ svargaṁ gatastataḥ

"—your kingdom shall come to be, and your devotion to Shiva shall likewise be firm." Shambhu said: Then, having thus performed the worship, he died and went to heaven.

Verse 61 (padma.5.110.61)

राजजन्मपुनः प्राप्य राज्यं चक्रे शिवेरतः । कदाचिदथ देवस्य गृहमभ्यगमन्नृपः

rājajanmapunaḥ prāpya rājyaṁ cakre śiverataḥ kadācidatha devasya gṛhamabhyagamannṛpaḥ

Having obtained a royal birth once more, and devoted to Shiva, he took up his kingdom. Once, the king went to the temple of the god—

Verse 62 (padma.5.110.62)

नानादीपसमोपेतं मणिभिर्नागराडिव । भटानामथ संमर्द एको दीपो पतन्नृपे

nānādīpasamopetaṁ maṇibhirnāgarāḍiva bhaṭānāmatha saṁmarda eko dīpo patannṛpe

—furnished with many lamps, adorned with gems like a serpent-king. Amid a crush of soldiers, one lamp fell upon the king.

Verse 63 (padma.5.110.63)

तदासौ कुपितो राजा दीपमादाय सत्वरम् । देवालयपुरे रम्ये न्यक्षिपत्कोपसंयुतः

tadāsau kupito rājā dīpamādāya satvaram devālayapure ramye nyakṣipatkopasaṁyutaḥ

Then that angry king, seizing the lamp swiftly, in fury, cast it into the lovely city-temple of the god.

Verse 64 (padma.5.110.64)

दग्धं देवगृहं तेन एनश्च समपद्यत । अथ तेन पुनस्तत्र दग्धं वेश्मगृहादिकम्

dagdhaṁ devagṛhaṁ tena enaśca samapadyata atha tena punastatra dagdhaṁ veśmagṛhādikam

By that act, the god's house was burnt, and sin was incurred. By that same act, other buildings and houses too were burnt there.

Verse 65 (padma.5.110.65)

निर्मापयामास नृपो महेशानमथायजत् । अथ मृत्युदिने प्राप्ते राजाराधितशंकरः

nirmāpayāmāsa nṛpo maheśānamathāyajat atha mṛtyudine prāpte rājārādhitaśaṁkaraḥ

The king had it rebuilt, and worshipped Mahesha. Then, when the day of his death arrived, the king, who had worshipped Shankara—

Verse 66 (padma.5.110.66)

भस्मस्नायी भस्मशायी जपन्रुद्रं ममार ह । शिवलोकं गतः सोयं वीरभद्रेण भाषितः

bhasmasnāyī bhasmaśāyī japanrudraṁ mamāra ha śivalokaṁ gataḥ soyaṁ vīrabhadreṇa bhāṣitaḥ

—bathing in ash, sleeping on ash, reciting Rudra's name, died. He went to the world of Shiva, and was addressed by Virabhadra.

Verse 67 (padma.5.110.67)

भव त्वं गणशार्दूलो ममवै परिचारकः । शाङ्करान्मम निर्देशादानयस्व ममांतिकम्

bhava tvaṁ gaṇaśārdūlo mamavai paricārakaḥ śāṅkarānmama nirdeśādānayasva mamāṁtikam

"Become a tiger among ganas, my own attendant; by my command, bring offenders against Shiva into my presence."

Verse 68 (padma.5.110.68)

शिरोहीनो भवांश्चापि ज्वालावक्त्रो भविष्यति । सतूवाच महात्मानं वीरभद्रं गणेश्वरम्

śirohīno bhavāṁścāpi jvālāvaktro bhaviṣyati satūvāca mahātmānaṁ vīrabhadraṁ gaṇeśvaram

"And you too shall become one without a head, with a face of flame." He then said to the great soul Virabhadra, lord of ganas—

Verse 69 (padma.5.110.69)

चक्षुः श्रोत्रं तथा जिह्वा नासिकास्यं शिरोगणः । एतैर्विना व्यवहृतिः कथं मे संभविष्यति

cakṣuḥ śrotraṁ tathā jihvā nāsikāsyaṁ śirogaṇaḥ etairvinā vyavahṛtiḥ kathaṁ me saṁbhaviṣyati

—"Eyes, ears, a tongue, a nose, a mouth, a head — how shall my ordinary functioning come to pass without these?"

Verse 70 (padma.5.110.70)

अभावे शिरसः किं वा मया पापं कृतं विभो । वीरभद्र उवाच- त्वयैव स्वीकृता पूर्वं देवी परमसुंदरी

abhāve śirasaḥ kiṁ vā mayā pāpaṁ kṛtaṁ vibho vīrabhadra uvāca- tvayaiva svīkṛtā pūrvaṁ devī paramasuṁdarī

"And, O mighty one, in the absence of a head, what sin have I even committed?" Virabhadra said: "A most beautiful goddess-like woman was formerly taken up by you."

Verse 71 (padma.5.110.71)

महेशभवनं नित्यं चार्तुवर्णकरंगकैः । स्वस्तिकं सर्वतोभद्रं नंद्यावर्तादिकं शुभम्

maheśabhavanaṁ nityaṁ cārtuvarṇakaraṁgakaiḥ svastikaṁ sarvatobhadraṁ naṁdyāvartādikaṁ śubham

She would daily adorn the house of Mahesha with colored designs of the four hues — the svastika, the sarvatobhadra, the nandyavarta, and other auspicious signs—

Verse 72 (padma.5.110.72)

पद्ममुत्पलमांदोल पादो व्यजन चामरे । त्रिशूलं शंखचक्रे च गदाधनुरथैव च

padmamutpalamāṁdola pādo vyajana cāmare triśūlaṁ śaṁkhacakre ca gadādhanurathaiva ca

—the lotus, the blue lotus, a swing, a foot-stool, a fan and yak-tail whisk, the trident, the conch and discus, the mace and bow and chariot—

Verse 73 (padma.5.110.73)

त्रिशूलं डमरुंखड्गं वृषं भृंगिरिटिं शिवम् । तथाष्टपत्रं कमलमन्यद्यंत्रादिकं तथा

triśūlaṁ ḍamaruṁkhaḍgaṁ vṛṣaṁ bhṛṁgiriṭiṁ śivam tathāṣṭapatraṁ kamalamanyadyaṁtrādikaṁ tathā

—the trident, the drum, the sword, the bull, Bhringiriti, and Shiva himself; and the eight-petaled lotus, and other yantras too—

Verse 74 (padma.5.110.74)

कल्पयंती प्रतिदिनं सेवते वृषभध्वजम् । कदाचिदथ सा वेश्या देवसद्मन्युपस्थिता

kalpayaṁtī pratidinaṁ sevate vṛṣabhadhvajam kadācidatha sā veśyā devasadmanyupasthitā

—fashioning these designs daily, she served the bull-bannered one. Once, that courtesan was present in the god's temple.

Verse 75 (padma.5.110.75)

राज्ञः कारांकिकः कश्चिद्देववेश्म समाविशत् । अथ तां दृष्टवांस्तत्र स इदं वाक्यमुक्तवान्

rājñaḥ kārāṁkikaḥ kaściddevaveśma samāviśat atha tāṁ dṛṣṭavāṁstatra sa idaṁ vākyamuktavān

Some prison-warden of the king entered the god's temple. Seeing her there, he spoke this word.

Verse 76 (padma.5.110.76)

काराङ्किक उवाच- एकांतसंस्थिता वेश्या युवाहं स्थविरश्च न । स्थविरं व्याधितं षंढमशक्तं धनवर्जितम्

kārāṅkika uvāca- ekāṁtasaṁsthitā veśyā yuvāhaṁ sthaviraśca na sthaviraṁ vyādhitaṁ ṣaṁḍhamaśaktaṁ dhanavarjitam

The warden said: "You are a courtesan, standing alone; I am young, not old. A woman should reject an old, diseased, impotent, incapable, penniless—"

Verse 77 (padma.5.110.77)

अदीर्घमेहनं दीनं पुरुषं योषिदुत्सृजेत् । अश्मश्रुलं मलच्छन्नं जडं दुर्गंधिदूषितम्

adīrghamehanaṁ dīnaṁ puruṣaṁ yoṣidutsṛjet aśmaśrulaṁ malacchannaṁ jaḍaṁ durgaṁdhidūṣitam

"—one of a short organ, a wretched man; a bearded one covered in filth, dull-witted, defiled by foul odor—"

Verse 78 (padma.5.110.78)

स्वल्पमव्यसनं नारी दूरतः परिवर्ज्जयेत् । तस्मान्मे दीयतां वेश्ये मैथुनं जीवयाशु माम्

svalpamavyasanaṁ nārī dūrataḥ parivarjjayet tasmānme dīyatāṁ veśye maithunaṁ jīvayāśu mām

"—a small-membered man, one without vice — a woman should shun such a man from afar. Therefore, O courtesan, grant me union; revive me quickly."

Verse 79 (padma.5.110.79)

वेश्योवाच- नियतः सर्वजातीनामिहामुत्र सुखप्रदः । पातिव्रत्यं परो धर्म्मः स्त्रीणामिति हि शुश्रुम

veśyovāca- niyataḥ sarvajātīnāmihāmutra sukhapradaḥ pātivratyaṁ paro dharmmaḥ strīṇāmiti hi śuśruma

The courtesan said: "I have heard that fidelity to one's husband, certain and bestowing happiness both here and hereafter, is the supreme dharma for women."

Verse 80 (padma.5.110.80)

यदधीना यदा वेश्या तदा नान्येन संगता । पतिव्रतेति विख्याता तस्मात्तं परिपालयेत्

yadadhīnā yadā veśyā tadā nānyena saṁgatā pativrateti vikhyātā tasmāttaṁ paripālayet

"Whenever a courtesan is under the protection of one man, and has no union with another, she is renowned as devoted to that husband; therefore I protect that vow."

Verse 81 (padma.5.110.81)

कारांकिक उवाच- यदि चैवं मृतिः शीघ्रं भविष्यति न संशयः । अथ राजांतिकं गत्वा राजानमिदमुक्तवान्

kārāṁkika uvāca- yadi caivaṁ mṛtiḥ śīghraṁ bhaviṣyati na saṁśayaḥ atha rājāṁtikaṁ gatvā rājānamidamuktavān

The warden said: "If it is so, then my death shall swiftly follow, without doubt." Then, going to the king's presence, he said this.

Verse 82 (padma.5.110.82)

वेश्या वेश्यैव नो भार्या नेति वक्तुं च नोचितम् । इत्थं राजानमुक्त्वाथ मंडं चैवारनालजम्

veśyā veśyaiva no bhāryā neti vaktuṁ ca nocitam itthaṁ rājānamuktvātha maṁḍaṁ caivāranālajam

"A courtesan is only a courtesan, not a wife — it is not fitting for her to refuse." Having said this to the king, he then took some rice-starch water—

Verse 83 (padma.5.110.83)

किंचिदादाय तस्यास्तु मंदिरं गतवानयम् । निद्रावसरमालोक्य प्रसृज्यच करं ततः

kiṁcidādāya tasyāstu maṁdiraṁ gatavānayam nidrāvasaramālokya prasṛjyaca karaṁ tataḥ

—and went to her house. Watching for a moment when she slept, he then stretched out his hand—

Verse 84 (padma.5.110.84)

वस्त्रस्य विवरे तत्र मंडं चिक्षेप दुष्टधीः । एवं कृत्वा ततो गत्वा राजानमिदमुक्तवान्

vastrasya vivare tatra maṁḍaṁ cikṣepa duṣṭadhīḥ evaṁ kṛtvā tato gatvā rājānamidamuktavān

—and, that evil-minded man, threw the starch into a fold of her garment there. Having done this, he then went and said this to the king.

Verse 85 (padma.5.110.85)

राजन्निर्गत्य गत्वाथ वेश्याग्र्यां तव योषितः । उत्थापयित्वा वेश्यां तां सर्वांगं द्रष्टुमर्हसि

rājannirgatya gatvātha veśyāgryāṁ tava yoṣitaḥ utthāpayitvā veśyāṁ tāṁ sarvāṁgaṁ draṣṭumarhasi

"O king, having gone out to your foremost courtesan's house — you should rouse that courtesan and are fit to examine her whole body—"

Verse 86 (padma.5.110.86)

उन्मुक्तबंधमथवा वसनं पश्य यत्नतः । वेश्यावेश्माथगतवान्राजा कारांकिकं वचः

unmuktabaṁdhamathavā vasanaṁ paśya yatnataḥ veśyāveśmāthagatavānrājā kārāṁkikaṁ vacaḥ

"—or, having loosened its knot, examine her garment carefully." The king went to the courtesan's house, with the warden's word in mind.

Verse 87 (padma.5.110.87)

इदमाह सनिद्रेयं पश्येमां यामि पश्यसि । स तूवाच नृपं तत्र न मे युक्तमिदं नृप

idamāha sanidreyaṁ paśyemāṁ yāmi paśyasi sa tūvāca nṛpaṁ tatra na me yuktamidaṁ nṛpa

He said: "She is asleep; look at her — go and see." But he said to the king there: "This is not fitting for me, O king."

Verse 88 (padma.5.110.88)

तन्मातरं वा पितरं दर्शनाय नियोजय । तद्दृष्टौ सर्वमेवेदं व्यक्तमाशु भविष्यति

tanmātaraṁ vā pitaraṁ darśanāya niyojaya taddṛṣṭau sarvamevedaṁ vyaktamāśu bhaviṣyati

"Appoint her mother, or her father, to examine her instead. Once they see it, all of this will swiftly become clear."

Verse 89 (padma.5.110.89)

आनीता ह्यथ राज्ञा तु माता वीक्षितुमुद्यता । वचनात्तु नृपस्यैव वस्त्रं शोधयतीव सा

ānītā hyatha rājñā tu mātā vīkṣitumudyatā vacanāttu nṛpasyaiva vastraṁ śodhayatīva sā

Then, brought by the king himself, the mother came, ready to examine her. At the king's own word, she seemed to be checking the garment—

Verse 90 (padma.5.110.90)

तत्रस्थितं मंडमथ विज्ञायांबा ह्यमर्दयत् । मर्दनाद्वसनं क्लिन्नं किं तदित्याह पार्थिवः

tatrasthitaṁ maṁḍamatha vijñāyāṁbā hyamardayat mardanādvasanaṁ klinnaṁ kiṁ tadityāha pārthivaḥ

—and, discovering the starch lodged there, the mother rubbed it. From the rubbing, the garment became wet; "What is that?" asked the king.

Verse 91 (padma.5.110.91)

न किंचिद्देव नो किंचिदिति वेश्याप्रसूरपि । बहुवाक्येन राजाथ वसनं वीक्ष्य शंकया

na kiṁciddeva no kiṁciditi veśyāprasūrapi bahuvākyena rājātha vasanaṁ vīkṣya śaṁkayā

"Nothing, O lord, nothing at all," said the courtesan's own mother. But, with much interrogation, the king, examining the garment with suspicion—

Verse 92 (padma.5.110.92)

शुक्रक्लिन्नमिदं वासः प्राहैतत्पश्यतामिति । अथ दृष्ट्वा समीपस्थास्तथेत्यूचुर्वचो नृपम्

śukraklinnamidaṁ vāsaḥ prāhaitatpaśyatāmiti atha dṛṣṭvā samīpasthāstathetyūcurvaco nṛpam

—said, "This garment is wet with semen; let everyone look." And those nearby, having looked, confirmed this word to the king.

Verse 93 (padma.5.110.93)

राजाथ स्वगृहं गत्वा दंडाध्यक्षमभाषत । इदानीमेव वेश्यायाः शिरश्छिंध्यविचारयन्

rājātha svagṛhaṁ gatvā daṁḍādhyakṣamabhāṣata idānīmeva veśyāyāḥ śiraśchiṁdhyavicārayan

The king then went to his own palace and spoke to the executioner: "Right now, without any deliberation, sever the courtesan's head."

Verse 94 (padma.5.110.94)

दर्शनीयं शिरस्तस्या घटिकाभ्यंतरे मम । दंडकश्च नृपोक्त्यास्यास्तथा कृत्वा ह्यदर्शयत्

darśanīyaṁ śirastasyā ghaṭikābhyaṁtare mama daṁḍakaśca nṛpoktyāsyāstathā kṛtvā hyadarśayat

"Her head is to be shown to me within one ghatika." And the executioner, at the king's word, did exactly this, and showed him the head.

Verse 95 (padma.5.110.95)

वीरभद्र उवाच- एवं कृतं त्वया पूर्वं प्राप्तं च फलमद्य ते । ज्वालयैव हि वक्ता त्वं श्रोता द्रष्टा च जिघ्रसि

vīrabhadra uvāca- evaṁ kṛtaṁ tvayā pūrvaṁ prāptaṁ ca phalamadya te jvālayaiva hi vaktā tvaṁ śrotā draṣṭā ca jighrasi

Virabhadra said: "Thus did you act formerly, and now, today, you have obtained your fruit. Only through flame shall you speak, hear, see, and smell—"

Verse 96 (padma.5.110.96)

रसं जानासि मतिमानतिक्रोधी भविष्यसि । शंभुरुवाच- एवं ज्वालामुखो जातो राजा माहेश्वरोऽक्षमी

rasaṁ jānāsi matimānatikrodhī bhaviṣyasi śaṁbhuruvāca- evaṁ jvālāmukho jāto rājā māheśvaro'kṣamī

"—and taste too, O wise one, having become excessively wrathful." Shambhu said: Thus that king, a devotee of Mahesha yet lacking in forbearance, became Jvalamukha.

Verse 97 (padma.5.110.97)

तस्मात्तु क्षमिणा भाव्यं परत्रेह सुखेप्सुना । य इदं शृणुयान्नित्यं पुण्याख्यानमनुत्तमम्

tasmāttu kṣamiṇā bhāvyaṁ paratreha sukhepsunā ya idaṁ śṛṇuyānnityaṁ puṇyākhyānamanuttamam

Therefore one who desires happiness, both here and hereafter, must be forbearing. Whoever ever hears this excellent, meritorious tale—

Verse 98 (padma.5.110.98)

विमुक्तपापबंधश्च शिवलोके भविष्यति

vimuktapāpabaṁdhaśca śivaloke bhaviṣyati

—freed from the bondage of sin, shall attain the world of Shiva.