Kala and Shona: The Rakshasa's Deception and the Soma-Vrata

Verse 1 (padma.5.112.1)

शंभुरुवाच- अथान्यदपि निर्वच्मि प्रमदाख्यानमुत्तमम् । सुतया देवरातस्य यत्प्राप्तं नामकीर्तनात्

śaṁbhuruvāca- athānyadapi nirvacmi pramadākhyānamuttamam sutayā devarātasya yatprāptaṁ nāmakīrtanāt

Shambhu said: Now I shall tell yet another excellent tale of a woman — what was obtained by the daughter of Devarata through the mere chanting of the divine name.

Verse 2 (padma.5.112.2)

देवरातसुता बाला कला नामातिरूपिणी । धनंजयसुतस्यासीद्भार्या शोणस्य धीमतः

devarātasutā bālā kalā nāmātirūpiṇī dhanaṁjayasutasyāsīdbhāryā śoṇasya dhīmataḥ

The young daughter of Devarata, named Kala, of exceeding beauty, was the wife of Shona, the wise son of Dhananjaya.

Verse 3 (padma.5.112.3)

तावुभौ नियतौ नित्यं धर्म्मैकप्रवणौ शुभौ । लब्धवंतौ निधिमथो गंगास्नानाय तौ गतौ

tāvubhau niyatau nityaṁ dharmmaikapravaṇau śubhau labdhavaṁtau nidhimatho gaṁgāsnānāya tau gatau

Both of them, ever disciplined, devoted solely to dharma, auspicious — they obtained a treasure when they had gone to bathe in the Ganga.

Verse 4 (padma.5.112.4)

प्रवाहपतिते कूले मृत्तिकानयनायतौ । कूलादादाय मृल्लोष्टं दृष्टवंतौ महाघटम्

pravāhapatite kūle mṛttikānayanāyatau kūlādādāya mṛlloṣṭaṁ dṛṣṭavaṁtau mahāghaṭam

On the bank fallen away by the current, having gone to fetch clay, taking a clod of earth from the bank, they saw a great pot—

Verse 5 (padma.5.112.5)

राजतं चोर्द्ध्वपाषाणमथ शोणः प्रियां वचः । इदमाह कथं कार्यं किं कर्तव्यं हि नो हितम्

rājataṁ corddhvapāṣāṇamatha śoṇaḥ priyāṁ vacaḥ idamāha kathaṁ kāryaṁ kiṁ kartavyaṁ hi no hitam

—of silver, with a stone lid raised above it. Shona then said this word to his beloved: "How should this be handled? What is truly beneficial for us to do?"

Verse 6 (padma.5.112.6)

भार्योवाच- न नारीमतमालंब्य किंचित्कार्यं समाचरेत् । न च नार्या चरेद्गुह्यमप्रियं वाथ किंचन

bhāryovāca- na nārīmatamālaṁbya kiṁcitkāryaṁ samācaret na ca nāryā caredguhyamapriyaṁ vātha kiṁcana

His wife said: "One should not undertake any matter relying upon a woman's opinion; nor should one share a secret, or anything unpleasant, with a woman."

Verse 7 (padma.5.112.7)

यदि नारीसमक्षं तु द्रविणं दृष्टिमापतेत् । वंचयीत तथा नारी ईदृशैर्वाक्यसंचयैः

yadi nārīsamakṣaṁ tu draviṇaṁ dṛṣṭimāpatet vaṁcayīta tathā nārī īdṛśairvākyasaṁcayaiḥ

"If wealth should come into view in a woman's presence, that woman would deceive her husband with such heaps of words as these—"

Verse 8 (padma.5.112.8)

अस्माभिर्न हि संप्रेक्ष्यं किं वा तत्र हि तिष्ठति । द्रविणं चेन्न संप्रेक्ष्यं बाधोदर्कं भविष्यति

asmābhirna hi saṁprekṣyaṁ kiṁ vā tatra hi tiṣṭhati draviṇaṁ cenna saṁprekṣyaṁ bādhodarkaṁ bhaviṣyati

"—'It is not to be looked upon by us — what indeed might be present there?' If the wealth is not properly examined, harm will result in the end."

Verse 9 (padma.5.112.9)

अन्याज्ञातं तु यदि चेत्कुतो ज्ञानविनिश्चयः । अप्रदृष्टस्त्विदानीं चेन्निभृतः कोपि तिष्ठति

anyājñātaṁ tu yadi cetkuto jñānaviniścayaḥ apradṛṣṭastvidānīṁ cennibhṛtaḥ kopi tiṣṭhati

"If it is unknown to others, then how would any certain knowledge of it arise? And if, unseen now, someone still lies hidden nearby—"

Verse 10 (padma.5.112.10)

तिरोधानं न किंचिच्चेन्मायया कोपि तिष्ठति । न चेन्माया मनुष्याणां क्षेत्त्रपालस्तु तिष्ठति

tirodhānaṁ na kiṁciccenmāyayā kopi tiṣṭhati na cenmāyā manuṣyāṇāṁ kṣettrapālastu tiṣṭhati

"—and if there is no concealment at all, someone would remain to notice through some trick; and if there is no human trickery, then the field-guardian deity would remain watching—"

Verse 11 (padma.5.112.11)

न हि चेद्भैरवश्चेह तिष्ठति ब्रह्मराक्षसः । न सोपि चेन्महाविद्या राज्ञां तत्र भविष्यति

na hi cedbhairavaśceha tiṣṭhati brahmarākṣasaḥ na sopi cenmahāvidyā rājñāṁ tatra bhaviṣyati

"—and if not even Bhairava, then a Brahma-rakshasa would be present here; and if not even that, then the great magic of kings would come into play there."

Verse 12 (padma.5.112.12)

न च जानाति चेद्राजा व्यवहारादिसंभवः । स चेद्गूढप्रकारेण चोरबाधा भविष्यति

na ca jānāti cedrājā vyavahārādisaṁbhavaḥ sa cedgūḍhaprakāreṇa corabādhā bhaviṣyati

"And if even the king does not know, then dealings with the treasure would arise anyway; and if that is done in a hidden manner, the trouble of thieves would result."

Verse 13 (padma.5.112.13)

अप्रमत्तस्य भवतो महानर्थो भविष्यति । प्रायेणार्थवतां नॄणां भोगलिप्सा प्रजायते

apramattasya bhavato mahānartho bhaviṣyati prāyeṇārthavatāṁ nṝṇāṁ bhogalipsā prajāyate

"Yet for you, if vigilant, great good fortune shall come. Generally, in men who possess wealth, a craving for enjoyment arises."

Verse 14 (padma.5.112.14)

भोगाद्भोगांतरेच्छा च सर्वानुष्ठाननाशिनी । जानाति यदि नारी स्वं भावयोगगतं तथा

bhogādbhogāṁtarecchā ca sarvānuṣṭhānanāśinī jānāti yadi nārī svaṁ bhāvayogagataṁ tathā

"From enjoyment, the desire for further enjoyment arises, which destroys all religious observance. And if a woman comes to know her own husband's true inclination—"

Verse 15 (padma.5.112.15)

नारी स्वतंत्रतामेति रोषाल्लब्धप्रकाशिनी । रोषे विश्वासतां याति तदा दोषः पुरोदितः

nārī svataṁtratāmeti roṣāllabdhaprakāśinī roṣe viśvāsatāṁ yāti tadā doṣaḥ puroditaḥ

"—the woman becomes independent, revealing herself freely out of anger. When trust develops in that anger, then the fault previously mentioned arises."

Verse 16 (padma.5.112.16)

विश्वासिनि च विश्रंभः प्रवासो वान्यचित्तता । विश्रम्भाज्जायते स्त्रीणां नानाविधविचेष्टिता

viśvāsini ca viśraṁbhaḥ pravāso vānyacittatā viśrambhājjāyate strīṇāṁ nānāvidhaviceṣṭitā

"In one who has become trusting, excessive intimacy follows, or, during her husband's journey, distraction of mind. From that excessive intimacy arises manifold misconduct in women."

Verse 17 (padma.5.112.17)

यं कंचित्पुरुषं दृष्ट्वा युवानं प्रीतिरापतेत् । प्रीत्या संजायते योगो योगान्मैथुनसंगतिः

yaṁ kaṁcitpuruṣaṁ dṛṣṭvā yuvānaṁ prītirāpatet prītyā saṁjāyate yogo yogānmaithunasaṁgatiḥ

"Seeing some young man, affection may arise; from affection, association comes about; from association, sexual union follows."

Verse 18 (padma.5.112.18)

सततं मैथुने जाते विश्रंभांतरमापतेत् । भवता वा तथा पूर्वं भुक्तेदानीं च भुज्यते

satataṁ maithune jāte viśraṁbhāṁtaramāpatet bhavatā vā tathā pūrvaṁ bhuktedānīṁ ca bhujyate

"Once such union has become constant, yet another degree of intimacy arises. 'As I was formerly enjoyed by you, so now I am enjoyed by another' —"

Verse 19 (padma.5.112.19)

का प्रतीच्छा तवेदानीं प्रीतिः कस्यामथापि वा । का विदग्धा सुसंस्निग्धा पुरुषादन्यतश्चरेत्

kā pratīcchā tavedānīṁ prītiḥ kasyāmathāpi vā kā vidagdhā susaṁsnigdhā puruṣādanyataścaret

"—'What preference do you now have, or with whom is your affection? What clever, deeply affectionate woman would ever roam beyond her own man?'"

Verse 20 (padma.5.112.20)

योब्रवीदथ वाक्यं तां यदि ब्रूयास्त्वमद्य मे । सर्वमेव तथा वच्मि नान्यथा वाक्यमुच्यते

yobravīdatha vākyaṁ tāṁ yadi brūyāstvamadya me sarvameva tathā vacmi nānyathā vākyamucyate

"He might say: 'If you should speak thus to me today, I shall tell you everything just as it is; no other word shall be spoken.'"

Verse 21 (padma.5.112.21)

इत्थं च धृष्टतां याता तथा रूपांतरेण च । द्रव्यमादाय यत्किंचिदनुवर्तेत्स्वतंत्रतः

itthaṁ ca dhṛṣṭatāṁ yātā tathā rūpāṁtareṇa ca dravyamādāya yatkiṁcidanuvartetsvataṁtrataḥ

"Thus, having become bold, and in a changed manner, she would take whatever wealth she can and go about independently."

Verse 22 (padma.5.112.22)

समारयित्वा तां द्रव्यं गृहीत्वा पातयिष्यति । अथ पूर्वं पति मृतौ प्रविशेन्नाशुशुक्षणिम्

samārayitvā tāṁ dravyaṁ gṛhītvā pātayiṣyati atha pūrvaṁ pati mṛtau praviśennāśuśukṣaṇim

"He might have her killed, take the wealth, and cast her body away. Or, should her husband die first, rather than enter the fire—"

Verse 23 (padma.5.112.23)

वैधव्ये द्रविणं सर्वं धर्मार्थं मे भविष्यति । इति निश्चित्य मनसा वैधव्ये समुपस्थिते

vaidhavye draviṇaṁ sarvaṁ dharmārthaṁ me bhaviṣyati iti niścitya manasā vaidhavye samupasthite

"—she might think: 'In my widowhood, all this wealth shall become mine, for the sake of dharma.' Having thus resolved, when widowhood has come—"

Verse 24 (padma.5.112.24)

योनिकुंडं समासाद्य दिवा वा यदि वा निशि । एकांतस्थानमभ्येत्य विवृत्य वसनं भगम्

yonikuṁḍaṁ samāsādya divā vā yadi vā niśi ekāṁtasthānamabhyetya vivṛtya vasanaṁ bhagam

"—she would go to some sacred pit, whether by day or by night, and, going to a solitary place, uncovering her garment and her private part—"

Verse 25 (padma.5.112.25)

इदमूचे वचो दुःखादुपस्थस्थकरा सती । किं त्वया वै कृतं योने किंवा पापमुपाश्रिता

idamūce vaco duḥkhādupasthasthakarā satī kiṁ tvayā vai kṛtaṁ yone kiṁvā pāpamupāśritā

"—she would speak this word, out of grief, her hand upon her private part: 'What have you done, O womanhood? What sin have you taken refuge in?'"

Verse 26 (padma.5.112.26)

शिश्नस्य वाथवा पापं यत्त्वदंतरवेशनात् । यच्च कर्तृकृतं पापं मादृक्सेवाविवर्जनात्

śiśnasya vāthavā pāpaṁ yattvadaṁtaraveśanāt yacca kartṛkṛtaṁ pāpaṁ mādṛksevāvivarjanāt

"'Or was it the sin of the phallus, that it entered you? And what sin was committed by the doer, in forsaking the service of one like me?'"

Verse 27 (padma.5.112.27)

अतोपि कंडूसंभूतौ प्रवेशयेदथांगुलीम् । विचित्रचेष्टां कृत्वा तु कंडू बुद्धेरतः परम्

atopi kaṁḍūsaṁbhūtau praveśayedathāṁgulīm vicitraceṣṭāṁ kṛtvā tu kaṁḍū buddherataḥ param

"And then, an itch having arisen even from that, she would insert a finger; and, performing various strange gestures, past all judgment—"

Verse 28 (padma.5.112.28)

मर्दयित्वा कराभ्यां तत्संताड्य च विवृत्य तु । असकृद्धुन्वती पादौ विवृतास्यातिदुःखिता

mardayitvā karābhyāṁ tatsaṁtāḍya ca vivṛtya tu asakṛddhunvatī pādau vivṛtāsyātiduḥkhitā

"—rubbing with both hands, striking it, uncovering it further, shaking her legs repeatedly, her mouth open, in the greatest distress—"

Verse 29 (padma.5.112.29)

खट्वा काष्ठमथालिंग्य स्तनपीडं यथाप्रियम् । अथो विचित्रचित्तत्वे ततः प्रद्युष्टती भवेत्

khaṭvā kāṣṭhamathāliṁgya stanapīḍaṁ yathāpriyam atho vicitracittatve tataḥ pradyuṣṭatī bhavet

"—she would embrace the wooden bedpost, pressing her breasts as she does to a lover; and, her mind grown wanton, would become promiscuous."

Verse 30 (padma.5.112.30)

अथवाह्नि पुरे स्थित्वा शाकं व्यवहृतं च यत् । आलंब्य वेश्मनि निशि संध्यायां विशिखासु च

athavāhni pure sthitvā śākaṁ vyavahṛtaṁ ca yat ālaṁbya veśmani niśi saṁdhyāyāṁ viśikhāsu ca

"Or, remaining in the town by day, on the pretext of some business regarding vegetables, at home, at night, at dusk, in the alleys—"

Verse 31 (padma.5.112.31)

कृत्वान्यवेषमात्मानं यैः कैरप्युपभुज्यते । अथ वाच्यप्रभावेण शंकिता योग्यमाहरेत्

kṛtvānyaveṣamātmānaṁ yaiḥ kairapyupabhujyate atha vācyaprabhāveṇa śaṁkitā yogyamāharet

"—having disguised herself, to be enjoyed by whomsoever. And then, if suspected by the power of gossip, she would obtain a suitable escape—"

Verse 32 (padma.5.112.32)

अज्ञातं च गृहं गत्वा रमयेदेव निश्चितम् । नारीसमक्षं लब्धे तु द्रविणे ह्येतदिष्यते

ajñātaṁ ca gṛhaṁ gatvā ramayedeva niścitam nārīsamakṣaṁ labdhe tu draviṇe hyetadiṣyate

"—and, going to an unknown house, would certainly indulge herself there. This is what happens should wealth be discovered in a woman's presence."

Verse 33 (padma.5.112.33)

तस्मान्मयापि भवतो न विचारप्रयोजनम् । शोण उवाच- एवमेतन्न संदेहो गच्छ त्वं तिष्ठ दूरतः

tasmānmayāpi bhavato na vicāraprayojanam śoṇa uvāca- evametanna saṁdeho gaccha tvaṁ tiṣṭha dūrataḥ

"Therefore, even for me, there is no purpose in deliberating with you." Shona said: "This is indeed so, without doubt. Go and stand at a distance."

Verse 34 (padma.5.112.34)

मलमूत्रविसर्गार्थं स्थित्वा गच्छाम्यतः परम् । तस्यां गतायां शोणोपि वस्त्रखंडं त्वकल्पयत्

malamūtravisargārthaṁ sthitvā gacchāmyataḥ param tasyāṁ gatāyāṁ śoṇopi vastrakhaṁḍaṁ tvakalpayat

"I shall relieve myself here and come after." When she had gone, Shona then fashioned a piece of cloth—

Verse 35 (padma.5.112.35)

एकैकस्मिंस्ततः खंडे त्वग्रहीद्द्रविणं बहु । सैकते त्ववरं जानुदघ्नं कृत्वा ततस्ततः

ekaikasmiṁstataḥ khaṁḍe tvagrahīddraviṇaṁ bahu saikate tvavaraṁ jānudaghnaṁ kṛtvā tatastataḥ

—and, in each individual piece, took up much of the wealth. In the sandy ground, he dug down, knee-deep, in various places—

Verse 36 (padma.5.112.36)

क्षिप्त्वा धनं पूरयित्वा विष्ठां चक्रे ततोपरि । वस्त्राधारं घटं तं च प्रतिचिक्षेप कुत्रचित्

kṣiptvā dhanaṁ pūrayitvā viṣṭhāṁ cakre tatopari vastrādhāraṁ ghaṭaṁ taṁ ca praticikṣepa kutracit

—and, casting the wealth in and filling it up, made the surface look like excrement over it. He threw back the cloth-wrapped pot elsewhere, somewhere.

Verse 37 (padma.5.112.37)

सर्वमज्ञातवत्कृत्वा स्नानाय प्रययौ मुनिः । तस्य भार्या ततः स्नानं कृत्वा संपूज्य पार्वतीम्

sarvamajñātavatkṛtvā snānāya prayayau muniḥ tasya bhāryā tataḥ snānaṁ kṛtvā saṁpūjya pārvatīm

Having made all of this appear as if unknown to him, the sage went to bathe. His wife then, having bathed and worshipped Parvati—

Verse 38 (padma.5.112.38)

गच्छेति भर्त्रा सा प्रोक्ता स्ववेश्माभ्यागमत्सती । एतामेकाकिनीं ज्ञात्वा मारीचो नाम राक्षसः

gaccheti bhartrā sā proktā svaveśmābhyāgamatsatī etāmekākinīṁ jñātvā mārīco nāma rākṣasaḥ

—told by her husband to go on ahead, that faithful wife went to her own home. Knowing her to be alone, a rakshasa named Maricha—

Verse 39 (padma.5.112.39)

भर्तृरूपमथास्थाय कलामेतदुवाच ह । मारीच उवाच- सप्तगोदावरीतीरे पवित्रं पापनाशनम्

bhartṛrūpamathāsthāya kalāmetaduvāca ha mārīca uvāca- saptagodāvarītīre pavitraṁ pāpanāśanam

—then taking on the form of her husband, said this to Kala. Maricha said: "On the bank of the seven-branched Godavari, sacred, sin-destroying—"

Verse 40 (padma.5.112.40)

द्राक्षाराममिति प्रोक्तं यत्र भीमः स्वयं स्थितः । भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदो नॄणां स्मरणात्पापनाशनः

drākṣārāmamiti proktaṁ yatra bhīmaḥ svayaṁ sthitaḥ bhuktimuktiprado nṝṇāṁ smaraṇātpāpanāśanaḥ

"—there is a place called Draksharama, where Bhima himself abides, bestowing worldly enjoyment and liberation to men, destroying sin merely through remembrance."

Verse 41 (padma.5.112.41)

तत्र गच्छावहे शीघ्रं त्वं तु निर्गच्छ सुंदरि । कलोवाच- इदानीमभिषेकाय प्रवृत्तो नाभिषिक्तवान्

tatra gacchāvahe śīghraṁ tvaṁ tu nirgaccha suṁdari kalovāca- idānīmabhiṣekāya pravṛtto nābhiṣiktavān

"Let us go there quickly; come out, O beautiful one." Kala said: "Just now you had set out for the anointing rite, but had not yet performed it."

Verse 42 (padma.5.112.42)

कथमेतादृशं त्वं हि पूर्वानुक्तं वदिष्यसि । प्रकृतेरन्यथाभावमुत्पातं विदुरुत्तमाः

kathametādṛśaṁ tvaṁ hi pūrvānuktaṁ vadiṣyasi prakṛteranyathābhāvamutpātaṁ viduruttamāḥ

"How then can you say something so different from what you said before? The wise know a change from one's true nature to be an evil omen."

Verse 43 (padma.5.112.43)

मारीच उवाच- भर्तुरप्रतिकूलत्वं नारीणां धर्म उच्यते । प्रतिकूलानुकूला वा मम शीघ्रं वदस्व तत्

mārīca uvāca- bharturapratikūlatvaṁ nārīṇāṁ dharma ucyate pratikūlānukūlā vā mama śīghraṁ vadasva tat

Maricha said: "Not to oppose one's husband is declared to be the very dharma of women. Whether you shall be against me or with me — tell me that quickly."

Verse 44 (padma.5.112.44)

तूष्णींभूत्वाथ सा साध्वी भर्तेत्येव विचार्य तम् । निर्ययौ तेन सा बाला वनमध्ये गता सती

tūṣṇīṁbhūtvātha sā sādhvī bhartetyeva vicārya tam niryayau tena sā bālā vanamadhye gatā satī

Then falling silent, that virtuous woman, thinking of him only as her husband, went out with him; and that faithful young woman went into the midst of the forest.

Verse 45 (padma.5.112.45)

अथ मध्याह्नकालोसौ क्रियतामाह्निकक्रियाः । राक्षसोथ वचः श्रुत्वा नानुष्ठानस्थलं त्विह

atha madhyāhnakālosau kriyatāmāhnikakriyāḥ rākṣasotha vacaḥ śrutvā nānuṣṭhānasthalaṁ tviha

She said, "Now it is midday; let the daily rites be performed." But the rakshasa, hearing this, said: "This is not the place for such observances."

Verse 46 (padma.5.112.46)

यत्र तत्रास्ति गंतव्यमितो गच्छावहे ततः । किंचित्प्रदेशं गत्वा तु गुहां वीक्ष्य सरस्तथा

yatra tatrāsti gaṁtavyamito gacchāvahe tataḥ kiṁcitpradeśaṁ gatvā tu guhāṁ vīkṣya sarastathā

"We must go on to wherever we must go from here." Having gone some further distance, and seeing a cave and a lake likewise—

Verse 47 (padma.5.112.47)

इह स्थानं हि मे स्थातुं कार्यं स्नानमथ प्रिये । इत्युक्त्वा सरसि स्नात्वा फलाहारं प्रकल्प्य च

iha sthānaṁ hi me sthātuṁ kāryaṁ snānamatha priye ityuktvā sarasi snātvā phalāhāraṁ prakalpya ca

—he said, "This place is right for us to stay; you should now bathe, my dear." Having said this, and having bathed in the lake, and prepared a meal of fruit—

Verse 48 (padma.5.112.48)

भोजनावसरे प्राप्ते कला दध्यावुमां शिवम् । अयं धवो मम न वा इति ध्यानपराभवत्

bhojanāvasare prāpte kalā dadhyāvumāṁ śivam ayaṁ dhavo mama na vā iti dhyānaparābhavat

—when the time for eating arrived, Kala meditated upon Uma and Shiva; she fell into meditation, wondering, "Is this indeed my husband, or not?"

Verse 49 (padma.5.112.49)

अथ ध्यानेन तं चोरं निश्चित्य च पतिव्रता । भीतातिनम्रवदना अश्रुपूर्णमुखी तदा

atha dhyānena taṁ coraṁ niścitya ca pativratā bhītātinamravadanā aśrupūrṇamukhī tadā

Then, through that meditation, having determined that this was a thief, that devoted wife, her face bowed low in fear, filled with tears—

Verse 50 (padma.5.112.50)

कष्टमापतितं पापमित्युक्त्वा निपापत च । रुदतीं तामथो दृष्ट्वा राक्षसः पापनिश्चयः

kaṣṭamāpatitaṁ pāpamityuktvā nipāpata ca rudatīṁ tāmatho dṛṣṭvā rākṣasaḥ pāpaniścayaḥ

—said, "What calamity has befallen me, what sin!" and collapsed. Seeing her weeping thus, the rakshasa, resolved upon sin—

Verse 51 (padma.5.112.51)

धर्षितुं तामथारेभे न चैतद्धर्षणं प्रति । बलात्कारमथो कर्तुं यतमाने तु राक्षसे

dharṣituṁ tāmathārebhe na caitaddharṣaṇaṁ prati balātkāramatho kartuṁ yatamāne tu rākṣase

—began to attempt to violate her; but she did not yield to that violation. And while the rakshasa was striving to commit that assault—

Verse 52 (padma.5.112.52)

आजानुनाभिपर्यंतं शैलस्थानमकल्पयत् । शिला समभवद्वस्त्रं राक्षसो वीक्ष्य तामथ

ājānunābhiparyaṁtaṁ śailasthānamakalpayat śilā samabhavadvastraṁ rākṣaso vīkṣya tāmatha

—her body, from the knees up to the navel, became transformed into stone; her very garment turned to stone. The rakshasa, seeing her thus—

Verse 53 (padma.5.112.53)

इत्येवं तां हनिष्यामि खादयिष्याम्यतः परम् । इत्युक्त्वा भ्रामयित्वासिं शिरश्छेत्तुं प्रचक्रमे

ityevaṁ tāṁ haniṣyāmi khādayiṣyāmyataḥ param ityuktvā bhrāmayitvāsiṁ śiraśchettuṁ pracakrame

—said, "Since it is so, I shall kill her, and thereafter devour her." Saying this, brandishing his sword, he began to sever her head.

Verse 54 (padma.5.112.54)

कलाहं मत्पतिर्ज्ञात्वा शापं दास्यति मा हर । इत्युक्तमात्रे वचसि शिरश्चिच्छेद राक्षसः

kalāhaṁ matpatirjñātvā śāpaṁ dāsyati mā hara ityuktamātre vacasi śiraściccheda rākṣasaḥ

"I am Kala; knowing this, my husband will curse you — do not slay me!" As soon as she had spoken these words, the rakshasa severed her head.

Verse 55 (padma.5.112.55)

प्राप्ता यां दुर्मृतिं तस्यामथ शैवाः समागताः । दूता विचित्राभरणाः सर्वायुधधराः शुभाः

prāptā yāṁ durmṛtiṁ tasyāmatha śaivāḥ samāgatāḥ dūtā vicitrābharaṇāḥ sarvāyudhadharāḥ śubhāḥ

At that very evil death which had come upon her, Shaiva messengers arrived, wearing wondrous ornaments, bearing every weapon, auspicious.

Verse 56 (padma.5.112.56)

एतां विमानमारोप्य शिवालोकमुपागमन् । तामागतां गिरिसुता हर्षेण प्रतिपूज्य च

etāṁ vimānamāropya śivālokamupāgaman tāmāgatāṁ girisutā harṣeṇa pratipūjya ca

Mounting her upon a celestial car, they arrived at the world of Shiva. The daughter of the mountain, honoring her joyfully upon her arrival—

Verse 57 (padma.5.112.57)

स्वपादप्रणतां शुद्धामुमा वाक्यमभाषत । पातिव्रत्येन ते तुष्टा अभीष्टं प्रददामि ते

svapādapraṇatāṁ śuddhāmumā vākyamabhāṣata pātivratyena te tuṣṭā abhīṣṭaṁ pradadāmi te

—as she, pure, bowed at her feet, Uma spoke this word: "I am pleased by your fidelity; ask for your heart's desire."

Verse 58 (padma.5.112.58)

कलोवाच- दासीभावं प्रयच्छ त्वं त्वत्पादाब्जं मम प्रियम् । प्रार्थ्यैःकिमन्यैर्बहुभिस्तथास्त्विति शिवाब्रवीत्

kalovāca- dāsībhāvaṁ prayaccha tvaṁ tvatpādābjaṁ mama priyam prārthyaiḥkimanyairbahubhistathāstviti śivābravīt

Kala said: "Grant me the state of your handmaiden; your lotus feet are dear to me — what use of many other things to ask for?" "So be it," said the auspicious goddess.

Verse 59 (padma.5.112.59)

इंद्रादिवनिताभिः सा पूजिताथ कलानिधिः । एतस्मिन्नंतरे प्राप्तः शोणो मुनिरथो गृहम्

iṁdrādivanitābhiḥ sā pūjitātha kalānidhiḥ etasminnaṁtare prāptaḥ śoṇo muniratho gṛham

That treasury of beauty was then honored by the wives of Indra and the other gods. Meanwhile, Shona the sage arrived home.

Verse 60 (padma.5.112.60)

न तत्र दृष्ट्वा तां भार्यां ध्यानयोगपरोभवत् । रक्षोहृतां मृतां प्राप्तां शिवालोकमुमां प्रति

na tatra dṛṣṭvā tāṁ bhāryāṁ dhyānayogaparobhavat rakṣohṛtāṁ mṛtāṁ prāptāṁ śivālokamumāṁ prati

Not finding his wife there, he became absorbed in meditative yoga; and perceived that she had been carried off by the rakshasa, had died, and had come near Uma in the world of Shiva.

Verse 61 (padma.5.112.61)

उमादत्तवरां चापि दृष्टवाञ्ज्ञानचक्षुषा । किंचिद्दुःखश्चिरं ध्यात्वा परावृत्य मुनिस्तदा

umādattavarāṁ cāpi dṛṣṭavāñjñānacakṣuṣā kiṁcidduḥkhaściraṁ dhyātvā parāvṛtya munistadā

He saw too, with the eye of knowledge, the boon granted to her by Uma. Somewhat grieved, having meditated for a long while, the sage then turned back—

Verse 62 (padma.5.112.62)

श्वशुरं गतवान्सोऽथ देवरातं मुनीश्वरः । निवेद्य सर्वं सहितो विश्वामित्रमगान्मुनिम्

śvaśuraṁ gatavānso'tha devarātaṁ munīśvaraḥ nivedya sarvaṁ sahito viśvāmitramagānmunim

—and that lord of sages went to his father-in-law, Devarata. Having reported everything, together with him, he went to the sage Vishvamitra.

Verse 63 (padma.5.112.63)

निवेद्य तद्वसिष्ठस्य वसिष्ठोऽप्याह तान्मुनीन् । गत्वा कैलासमादौ तु दृष्ट्वा देवं महेश्वरम्

nivedya tadvasiṣṭhasya vasiṣṭho'pyāha tānmunīn gatvā kailāsamādau tu dṛṣṭvā devaṁ maheśvaram

Having reported it, they went to Vasishtha; Vasishtha too said to those sages: "Going first to Kailasa and seeing the god Maheshvara—"

Verse 64 (padma.5.112.64)

अनुज्ञां शिवतो लब्ध्वा पार्वतीमंदिरे गताः । देव्यै विज्ञाप्य तत्सर्वं यथार्थं प्रवदामतत्

anujñāṁ śivato labdhvā pārvatīmaṁdire gatāḥ devyai vijñāpya tatsarvaṁ yathārthaṁ pravadāmatat

"—having obtained permission from Shiva, go to Parvati's temple. Having reported all of it truly to the goddess, we should then declare that matter."

Verse 65 (padma.5.112.65)

तथेत्युक्त्वा मुनिवराः कैलासं शंकरालयम् । गत्वा प्रणम्य देवेशं वीरभद्रेण पूजिताः

tathetyuktvā munivarāḥ kailāsaṁ śaṁkarālayam gatvā praṇamya deveśaṁ vīrabhadreṇa pūjitāḥ

Saying "so be it," the excellent sages went to Kailasa, Shankara's abode; bowing to the Lord of gods, they were honored by Virabhadra.

Verse 66 (padma.5.112.66)

विज्ञापयामासुरिदं शोणभार्य्याहृतेति च । शिवः प्राह मुनींद्रास्तांञ्ज्ञातमेव मया त्विदम्

vijñāpayāmāsuridaṁ śoṇabhāryyāhṛteti ca śivaḥ prāha munīṁdrāstāṁñjñātameva mayā tvidam

They reported this: that Shona's wife had been carried off. Shiva said to those foremost sages: "I already know this."

Verse 67 (padma.5.112.67)

अकालमरणं त्वस्या आयुर्वर्षशतं स्थितम् । अकालमृत्युयुक्तानां पुनर्ज्जीवनमस्ति च

akālamaraṇaṁ tvasyā āyurvarṣaśataṁ sthitam akālamṛtyuyuktānāṁ punarjjīvanamasti ca

"Hers was an untimely death; her allotted lifespan was a hundred years. For those who suffer an untimely death, revival is indeed possible."

Verse 68 (padma.5.112.68)

दशपुत्रप्रसूर्वीरा रूपसौभाग्यवत्यपि । भवद्भिरिति निश्चित्य समागतमिह द्विजाः

daśaputraprasūrvīrā rūpasaubhāgyavatyapi bhavadbhiriti niścitya samāgatamiha dvijāḥ

"She was destined to bear ten heroic sons, and to be blessed with beauty and good fortune." Having thus determined it, you, O Brahmins, have come here.

Verse 69 (padma.5.112.69)

यमलोकगतानां तु सर्वमेतद्विनिश्चितम् । ममलोकगतानां च गतिरन्या न विद्यते

yamalokagatānāṁ tu sarvametadviniścitam mamalokagatānāṁ ca gatiranyā na vidyate

"For those who have gone to the world of Yama, all of this is duly determined; but for those who have come to my world, no other path exists."

Verse 70 (padma.5.112.70)

अनया कीर्तितं नाम प्राणनिर्गमने पुरा । तया यमलिपिर्मृष्टा कथमायुष्यनिर्णयः

anayā kīrtitaṁ nāma prāṇanirgamane purā tayā yamalipirmṛṣṭā kathamāyuṣyanirṇayaḥ

"By her, my name was uttered as her life-breath departed; by that, Yama's very record was wiped clean. How, then, can a determination of remaining lifespan apply?"

Verse 71 (padma.5.112.71)

अथवा गिरिजायै च निवेदयत कृत्स्नशः । अथ ते पार्वतीपाददर्शनाय गता द्विजाः

athavā girijāyai ca nivedayata kṛtsnaśaḥ atha te pārvatīpādadarśanāya gatā dvijāḥ

"Or else, report the whole matter to Girija." Then those Brahmins went to behold Parvati's very feet.

Verse 72 (padma.5.112.72)

प्रणम्य मातरं सर्वे विश्वामित्रोऽब्रवीदिदम् । दीनानाथाकृशा भार्या प्रणष्टपितृकाञ्छिशून्

praṇamya mātaraṁ sarve viśvāmitro'bravīdidam dīnānāthākṛśā bhāryā praṇaṣṭapitṛkāñchiśūn

Having all bowed to the Mother, Vishvamitra said this: "A wretched, helpless, emaciated wife, and children who have lost their father—"

Verse 73 (padma.5.112.73)

रक्षयित्वा पुरा मातरिष्टदा त्वं सदा ह्यभूः । कला पौत्री ममैवेयं त्वामाराध्य पतिं त्वमुम्

rakṣayitvā purā mātariṣṭadā tvaṁ sadā hyabhūḥ kalā pautrī mamaiveyaṁ tvāmārādhya patiṁ tvamum

"—having protected them formerly, O Mother, you have ever been their desired refuge. This Kala is my very own granddaughter; worshipping you, she obtained—"

Verse 74 (padma.5.112.74)

शोणं लब्धवती मातस्त्वत्पूजायाः फलं त्विदम् । तपसा लभ्यते पर्णे दानेन यदि वापि च

śoṇaṁ labdhavatī mātastvatpūjāyāḥ phalaṁ tvidam tapasā labhyate parṇe dānena yadi vāpi ca

"—Shona, O Mother; this is the fruit of her worship of you. Whatever is obtained through austerity, or through the gift of leaves—"

Verse 75 (padma.5.112.75)

व्रतोपवासैरथवा कला सा लभ्यते मया । एतया परिविष्टान्नं भोक्तुमिच्छामि तत्कथम्

vratopavāsairathavā kalā sā labhyate mayā etayā pariviṣṭānnaṁ bhoktumicchāmi tatkatham

"—through vows and fasting — that very Kala was obtained by me as my granddaughter. I wish to eat food served by her — how, then, can this now happen?"

Verse 76 (padma.5.112.76)

पार्वत्युवाच- यादृशी चेष्यते भार्य्या तादृशी दीयते मया । नैनां त्यक्तुमहं शक्ता किं वा त्वं मन्यसे मुने

pārvatyuvāca- yādṛśī ceṣyate bhāryyā tādṛśī dīyate mayā naināṁ tyaktumahaṁ śaktā kiṁ vā tvaṁ manyase mune

Parvati said: "Whatever kind of wife may be desired, such a one is given by me — but I am not able to give up this one. What, then, do you think, O sage?"

Verse 77 (padma.5.112.77)

विश्वामित्र उवाच- माता त्वमित्येव मया अविशंकितमीरितम् । शोणो मुनिरयं मातस्तव विज्ञापयिष्यति

viśvāmitra uvāca- mātā tvamityeva mayā aviśaṁkitamīritam śoṇo munirayaṁ mātastava vijñāpayiṣyati

Vishvamitra said: "It is only because you are my mother that I have spoken thus, without hesitation. This sage Shona, O Mother, shall himself now inform you."

Verse 78 (padma.5.112.78)

शोण उवाच- तामेव भार्य्यां प्रतिमे प्रीतिरत्युक्तत्कटाति । सैव मे दीयतां भार्य्या चान्यथा मरणं भवेत्

śoṇa uvāca- tāmeva bhāryyāṁ pratime prītiratyuktatkaṭāti saiva me dīyatāṁ bhāryyā cānyathā maraṇaṁ bhavet

Shona said: "My love for that very wife of mine is exceedingly intense. Let that same wife be given back to me; otherwise, death shall come to me."

Verse 79 (padma.5.112.79)

पार्वत्युवाच- भार्या पतीसमावेव विषमौ तु विगर्हितौ । तव चासदृशी चेयं सदृशीं प्रददाम्यहम्

pārvatyuvāca- bhāryā patīsamāveva viṣamau tu vigarhitau tava cāsadṛśī ceyaṁ sadṛśīṁ pradadāmyaham

Parvati said: "A wife and husband must be equal to each other; unequal ones are condemned. If she is unequal to you, I shall give you one of equal standing."

Verse 80 (padma.5.112.80)

न च मन्मंदिरे प्राप्तां त्यक्ष्ये देहविवर्ज्जिताम् । शोण उवाच- यदि नो दीयते चेयं भार्य्यामन्यां मम प्रियाम्

na ca manmaṁdire prāptāṁ tyakṣye dehavivarjjitām śoṇa uvāca- yadi no dīyate ceyaṁ bhāryyāmanyāṁ mama priyām

"And, moreover, one who has come to my temple, bodiless now, I shall not give up." Shona said: "If she is not given back to me, give me another wife dear to me—"

Verse 81 (padma.5.112.81)

राज्यं महेश्वरे भक्तिं प्रयच्छ वरमुत्तमम् । भविष्यत्येव मे वैतदित्युक्त्वा चाब्रवीन्मुनीन्

rājyaṁ maheśvare bhaktiṁ prayaccha varamuttamam bhaviṣyatyeva me vaitadityuktvā cābravīnmunīn

"—or a kingdom, or devotion to Maheshvara, as an excellent boon; that alone shall become mine." Having said this, he then addressed the sages.

Verse 82 (padma.5.112.82)

भोक्तव्यमिह युष्माभिर्ममास्मिन्दिवसत्रयम् । प्रतींदुवारे देवस्य महेशस्यैव तुष्टये

bhoktavyamiha yuṣmābhirmamāsmindivasatrayam pratīṁduvāre devasya maheśasyaiva tuṣṭaye

"You must eat here with me, for these three days, on each Monday, for the satisfaction of the god Mahesha alone."

Verse 83 (padma.5.112.83)

भोजनीयाः सदा कालमष्टौ विप्रा मुनीश्वराः । इच्छया यत्र कुत्रापि व्रतमेतदुपक्रमेत्

bhojanīyāḥ sadā kālamaṣṭau viprā munīśvarāḥ icchayā yatra kutrāpi vratametadupakramet

"Eight Brahmin sages should always be fed at this time. This vow may be undertaken willingly anywhere at all."

Verse 84 (padma.5.112.84)

वत्सरे परिपूर्णे तु महाराज तमीश्वरम् । चतुर्निष्कप्रमाणेन तदर्द्धेनैव कारयेत्

vatsare paripūrṇe tu mahārāja tamīśvaram caturniṣkapramāṇena tadarddhenaiva kārayet

"When a full year has passed, O great king, one should have that Lord made, measuring four nishkas, or even half of that."

Verse 85 (padma.5.112.85)

श्वेतवस्त्रयुगं सूक्ष्मं चामरे व्यजने तथा । पादुकोपानहं च्छत्रं सर्वं विप्रे नियोजयेत्

śvetavastrayugaṁ sūkṣmaṁ cāmare vyajane tathā pādukopānahaṁ cchatraṁ sarvaṁ vipre niyojayet

"A pair of fine white garments, a yak-tail fan and a hand-fan likewise, sandals, footwear, and an umbrella — all of this should be given to a Brahmin."

Verse 86 (padma.5.112.86)

स्वशक्त्या दक्षिणां दत्वा ब्राह्मणांश्च विसर्जयेत् । एतदुद्यापने कुर्यादादौ मध्ये तथा सुधीः

svaśaktyā dakṣiṇāṁ datvā brāhmaṇāṁśca visarjayet etadudyāpane kuryādādau madhye tathā sudhīḥ

"Having given a fee according to one's means, one should then dismiss the Brahmins. This concluding rite should be performed at the beginning and in the middle by the wise as well—"

Verse 87 (padma.5.112.87)

दिनेदिने तथा पूजा सोमस्य परमात्मनः

dinedine tathā pūjā somasya paramātmanaḥ

"—and, day after day, worship of Soma, the Supreme Self, should be performed."

Verse 88 (padma.5.112.88)

तत्पुरुषस्य विद्महे महादेवस्य धीमहि । तन्नो रुद्र प्रःचोदयात्

tatpuruṣasya vidmahe mahādevasya dhīmahi tanno rudra praḥcodayāt

"'We meditate on that Purusha; we contemplate the great god; may that Rudra impel us on the path of knowledge' —"

Verse 89 (padma.5.112.89)

इति पूजामंत्रः । स्थंडिले पूजयेद्देवं प्रतिमायामथापि वा । एकभक्तं स्वयं कुर्याद्ब्रह्मचर्यसमन्वितम्

iti pūjāmaṁtraḥ sthaṁḍile pūjayeddevaṁ pratimāyāmathāpi vā ekabhaktaṁ svayaṁ kuryādbrahmacaryasamanvitam

—this is the mantra for worship. One should worship the god upon a ritual altar, or in an image; one should oneself take a single meal a day, observing celibacy.

Verse 90 (padma.5.112.90)

एतत्सोमव्रतं प्रोक्तं शिवतुष्टिप्रदं शुभम् । य एवं कुरुते भक्त्या नारी वा पुरुषोपि वा

etatsomavrataṁ proktaṁ śivatuṣṭipradaṁ śubham ya evaṁ kurute bhaktyā nārī vā puruṣopi vā

This is declared to be the Soma-vrata, auspicious, bestower of Shiva's satisfaction. Whoever performs it thus with devotion, whether woman or man—

Verse 91 (padma.5.112.91)

छायेव शंकरस्यासौ नित्यमेवानुवर्तते । अद्य सोमदिनं प्राप्तं मध्याह्नात्परतो भुजिः

chāyeva śaṁkarasyāsau nityamevānuvartate adya somadinaṁ prāptaṁ madhyāhnātparato bhujiḥ

—follows Shankara ever, like his very shadow. Today the day of Soma has arrived; the meal should come after midday—

Verse 92 (padma.5.112.92)

यूयं च सर्वे मुनयः कृतपौर्वाह्णिकक्रियाः । माध्याह्निकीं क्रिंयां कृत्वा भोक्तुमर्हथ सत्तमाः

yūyaṁ ca sarve munayaḥ kṛtapaurvāhṇikakriyāḥ mādhyāhnikīṁ kriṁyāṁ kṛtvā bhoktumarhatha sattamāḥ

You, all you sages, having performed your morning rites, and then your midday rites, are fit to eat, O excellent ones.

Verse 93 (padma.5.112.93)

मातुर्वचनमाकर्ण्य तथेत्युक्त्वा नमस्य च । अनुष्ठानाय ते सर्वे गता भागीरथीं नदीम्

māturvacanamākarṇya tathetyuktvā namasya ca anuṣṭhānāya te sarve gatā bhāgīrathīṁ nadīm

Hearing the Mother's word, and saying "so be it," and bowing, all of them went to the river Bhagirathi to perform their rites.

Verse 94 (padma.5.112.94)

संगमे मध्यतो वृत्ते कृत्वा माध्याह्निकीं क्रियाम् । विश्वेशपूजां कृत्वा च षोडशैरुपचारकैः

saṁgame madhyato vṛtte kṛtvā mādhyāhnikīṁ kriyām viśveśapūjāṁ kṛtvā ca ṣoḍaśairupacārakaiḥ

At the confluence, having situated themselves in the middle, they performed their midday rites, and worshipped Vishvesha with the sixteen offerings.

Verse 95 (padma.5.112.95)

अथ ते पार्वतीगेहं गत्वा देवीं प्रणम्य च । लोकमातुर्नियोगेन शालंकायनकात्मजः

atha te pārvatīgehaṁ gatvā devīṁ praṇamya ca lokamāturniyogena śālaṁkāyanakātmajaḥ

Then, going to Parvati's house, and bowing to the goddess, the son of Shalankayana, by the command of the Mother of the worlds—

Verse 96 (padma.5.112.96)

पादप्रक्षालनमुखानुपचारानकल्पयत् । पंचगंधकमादाय तान्मुनीनभ्यलेपयत्

pādaprakṣālanamukhānupacārānakalpayat paṁcagaṁdhakamādāya tānmunīnabhyalepayat

—arranged the offerings beginning with the washing of feet. Taking the panchagandhaka unguent, he anointed those sages with it.

Verse 97 (padma.5.112.97)

राज्यं च महदाप्नोति यो दद्यात्पंचगंधकम् । पंचबाणसमो भूत्वा स्त्रीणां वल्लभतामियात्

rājyaṁ ca mahadāpnoti yo dadyātpaṁcagaṁdhakam paṁcabāṇasamo bhūtvā strīṇāṁ vallabhatāmiyāt

He who gives panchagandhaka obtains a great kingdom; becoming equal to Kama, he becomes beloved of women.

Verse 98 (padma.5.112.98)

विष्णवे यो हि दद्यात्तु सोपि मारसमो भवेत् । कामीत्वकामी यः कुर्यात्कैलासे पंचवत्सरान्

viṣṇave yo hi dadyāttu sopi mārasamo bhavet kāmītvakāmī yaḥ kuryātkailāse paṁcavatsarān

He who gives it to Vishnu likewise becomes equal to Kama. Whether desiring or free of desire, whoever performs this for five years on Kailasa—

Verse 99 (padma.5.112.99)

सर्वगंधसमोपेतो भोगी चेष्टार्थसंयुतः । यथेष्टवर्तनो भूत्वा ततो जायेत भूमिपः

sarvagaṁdhasamopeto bhogī ceṣṭārthasaṁyutaḥ yatheṣṭavartano bhūtvā tato jāyeta bhūmipaḥ

—endowed with all fragrances, an enjoyer possessed of every desired object; having lived as he wished, is then born a king.

Verse 100 (padma.5.112.100)

कस्तूरीचंदनं चंद्रमगरुद्वितयं तथा । पंचगंधं समाख्यातं सर्वकार्येषु शोभनम्

kastūrīcaṁdanaṁ caṁdramagarudvitayaṁ tathā paṁcagaṁdhaṁ samākhyātaṁ sarvakāryeṣu śobhanam

Musk, sandal, camphor, and both kinds of agaru — this is declared to be the panchagandhaka, excellent in every undertaking.

Verse 101 (padma.5.112.101)

विलिप्तपंचगंधेषु ब्राह्मणेषु महात्मसु । आसीनेषु तदाभ्यागाद्ब्राह्मणः स्थविरः कृशः

viliptapaṁcagaṁdheṣu brāhmaṇeṣu mahātmasu āsīneṣu tadābhyāgādbrāhmaṇaḥ sthaviraḥ kṛśaḥ

While those great-souled Brahmins, anointed with the five fragrances, sat there, an old, emaciated Brahmin then arrived.

Verse 102 (padma.5.112.102)

उन्मत्तवेषो दिग्वासा जराजर्ज्जरितस्त्वरी । खल्वाटः श्वासकासी च बहुहिक्की क्षुधान्वितः

unmattaveṣo digvāsā jarājarjjaritastvarī khalvāṭaḥ śvāsakāsī ca bahuhikkī kṣudhānvitaḥ

Of a mad appearance, naked, decrepit with age, hasty in his gait, bald, wheezing and coughing, hiccupping much, and afflicted with hunger.

Verse 103 (padma.5.112.103)

लालास्नुतः श्मश्रुकूर्चश्लेष्मानम्रः स्खलत्पदः । द्व्यष्टवर्षा तथा नारी सर्वाभरणभूषिता

lālāsnutaḥ śmaśrukūrcaśleṣmānamraḥ skhalatpadaḥ dvyaṣṭavarṣā tathā nārī sarvābharaṇabhūṣitā

Drooling saliva, bristling with beard, bent down with phlegm, stumbling in his steps; with him a sixteen-year-old woman, adorned with every ornament—

Verse 104 (padma.5.112.104)

रूपलावण्यसंयुक्ता लोकोत्कृष्टस्वरूपिणी । पुरुषान्रूपसंयुक्तान्वीक्षंती च ततस्ततः

rūpalāvaṇyasaṁyuktā lokotkṛṣṭasvarūpiṇī puruṣānrūpasaṁyuktānvīkṣaṁtī ca tatastataḥ

—endowed with beauty and grace, of a form excelling all others in the world; looking here and there at handsome men—

Verse 105 (padma.5.112.105)

गायंती त्वथ नृत्यंती तं दृष्ट्वाह सती पतिम् । प्रबाधते वृद्धधवं शीघ्रमेहि कृशाधम

gāyaṁtī tvatha nṛtyaṁtī taṁ dṛṣṭvāha satī patim prabādhate vṛddhadhavaṁ śīghramehi kṛśādhama

—singing and dancing. Seeing him, that faithful-in-name-only wife said to her husband: "You trouble me, old man; come quickly, you wretched fellow."

Verse 106 (padma.5.112.106)

आलंब्य त्वत्करं वृद्ध दुःखिता नित्यमस्म्यहम् । भूषणं वसनं घ्राणं स्रग्विलेपनमेव च

ālaṁbya tvatkaraṁ vṛddha duḥkhitā nityamasmyaham bhūṣaṇaṁ vasanaṁ ghrāṇaṁ sragvilepanameva ca

"Relying on your hand, O old man, I am ever unhappy. Ornament, garment, fragrance, garland, and unguent—"

Verse 107 (padma.5.112.107)

हासो गीतिस्तथा पानं मंडनं शोभनं गृहम् । सर्वऋतुसमृद्धिश्च कामस्यैवाभिवृद्धये

hāso gītistathā pānaṁ maṁḍanaṁ śobhanaṁ gṛham sarvaṛtusamṛddhiśca kāmasyaivābhivṛddhaye

"—laughter, song, and drink, adornment, a beautiful house, and the abundance of every season — all these are for the increase of desire alone."

Verse 108 (padma.5.112.108)

सर्वेषामेव कामानां रतिरेका प्रयोजनम् । सुखानि सर्वाण्येकत्र रतिरेकत्र च स्थिता

sarveṣāmeva kāmānāṁ ratirekā prayojanam sukhāni sarvāṇyekatra ratirekatra ca sthitā

"The single purpose of all these enjoyments is love-play alone. All other pleasures are one matter, and love-play stands as another altogether."

Verse 109 (padma.5.112.109)

तुलया तुलितं सर्वं रतिः शतगुणाधिका । तन्मादृशी समासाद्य भवंतं किं करिष्यति

tulayā tulitaṁ sarvaṁ ratiḥ śataguṇādhikā tanmādṛśī samāsādya bhavaṁtaṁ kiṁ kariṣyati

"Weighed on the scale, love-play is a hundred times greater than all the rest. So one like me, having obtained you, what can I do?"

Verse 110 (padma.5.112.110)

इति चान्यानि वाक्यानि ब्रुवाणा गृह्य वै करे । तदुत्तरमुवाचेदं किं कुर्म्मो भाग्यमीदृशम्

iti cānyāni vākyāni bruvāṇā gṛhya vai kare taduttaramuvācedaṁ kiṁ kurmmo bhāgyamīdṛśam

Speaking these and other such words, taking hold of his hand, the old man answered her: "What can we do — such is our fortune."

Verse 111 (padma.5.112.111)

मा मारय दुरुक्त्या त्वं मां विज्ञायाथ चेदृशम् । एतादृशो द्विजः प्रायात्पार्वतीमंदिरं तदा

mā māraya duruktyā tvaṁ māṁ vijñāyātha cedṛśam etādṛśo dvijaḥ prāyātpārvatīmaṁdiraṁ tadā

"Do not slay me with such harsh words, knowing me to be as I am." Such was that Brahmin who then approached Parvati's temple.

Verse 112 (padma.5.112.112)

अविज्ञायैव गिरिजामिदं वचनमब्रवीत् । द्विज उवाच- अन्नार्थिनमिह प्राप्तं विद्धि मामतिथिं मुने

avijñāyaiva girijāmidaṁ vacanamabravīt dvija uvāca- annārthinamiha prāptaṁ viddhi māmatithiṁ mune

Without recognizing Girija, he spoke this word: The Brahmin said: "Know me, who have come here seeking food, to be your guest, O sage."

Verse 113 (padma.5.112.113)

भोजनावसरे प्राप्तं ब्राह्मणान्न हि भोजय । तद्भार्यावचनं प्राह क्व मुनिर्योषिदेव हि

bhojanāvasare prāptaṁ brāhmaṇānna hi bhojaya tadbhāryāvacanaṁ prāha kva muniryoṣideva hi

"Having arrived at the meal-time, do feed a Brahmin." His wife then said: "Where is a sage here — this is only a woman!"

Verse 114 (padma.5.112.114)

अंधस्य वचनं सर्वमेवमेतादृशं दृढम् । पार्वत्युवाच- प्रक्षाल्य चरणावेतमासने उपवेशय

aṁdhasya vacanaṁ sarvamevametādṛśaṁ dṛḍham pārvatyuvāca- prakṣālya caraṇāvetamāsane upaveśaya

"All the words of a blind man are just as firm as this" — implying dismissal. Parvati said: "Wash his feet, and seat him upon a seat."

Verse 115 (padma.5.112.115)

जांबूनदकृतेतीव भोज्येनातर्पयद्द्विजम् । सुरत्नचषकोपेतममृतं ब्रह्मवादिनीम्

jāṁbūnadakṛtetīva bhojyenātarpayaddvijam suratnacaṣakopetamamṛtaṁ brahmavādinīm

As if the vessel were made of gold, she satisfied the Brahmin with food; nectar-like it was, offered in a fine jeweled cup, by that speaker of Brahman.

Verse 116 (padma.5.112.116)

अरुंधतीमथाहूय पर्य्यवेषयदंबिका । कला चारुंधती चैव अनसूया पतिव्रता

aruṁdhatīmathāhūya paryyaveṣayadaṁbikā kalā cāruṁdhatī caiva anasūyā pativratā

Then, calling Arundhati, the Mother had her serve, along with her. Kala, Arundhati, and the devoted Anasuya—

Verse 117 (padma.5.112.117)

परिवेषं पदार्थानां स्रग्गंधाक्षतभूषणाः । अकुर्वन्नंबिकावाक्यात्षड्रसानां पृथक्पृथक्

pariveṣaṁ padārthānāṁ sraggaṁdhākṣatabhūṣaṇāḥ akurvannaṁbikāvākyātṣaḍrasānāṁ pṛthakpṛthak

—adorned with garlands, sandal-paste, unbroken rice, and ornaments, at Ambika's word, served each of the six flavors of food, one by one.

Verse 118 (padma.5.112.118)

भुंजानेषु तु विप्रेषु दिग्वासा ब्राह्मणाकृतिः । क्षणेन बुभुजे सर्वं दातुं नो शेकुरंगनाः

bhuṁjāneṣu tu vipreṣu digvāsā brāhmaṇākṛtiḥ kṣaṇena bubhuje sarvaṁ dātuṁ no śekuraṁganāḥ

While the Brahmins were eating, that naked Brahmin figure consumed everything in an instant, so that the women could no longer keep pace in serving.

Verse 119 (padma.5.112.119)

अथ सा गिरिजा देवी स्वयं दातुं प्रचक्रमे । यथादत्तमशेषं तु क्षणेनाश्नाति स द्विजः

atha sā girijā devī svayaṁ dātuṁ pracakrame yathādattamaśeṣaṁ tu kṣaṇenāśnāti sa dvijaḥ

Then the goddess Girija herself began to serve him. Whatever was given, that Brahmin consumed it entirely, in an instant.

Verse 120 (padma.5.112.120)

भांडस्थितमशेषं च भोक्तुमैच्छत्प्रिया सह । तथांबिका समादाय प्रादादक्षय्यमस्त्विति

bhāṁḍasthitamaśeṣaṁ ca bhoktumaicchatpriyā saha tathāṁbikā samādāya prādādakṣayyamastviti

He wished to eat everything remaining in the vessel too, together with his beloved. Ambika then took it up and gave it, saying, "Let it be inexhaustible."

Verse 121 (padma.5.112.121)

अथ वामकरेणासौ भोक्तुमैच्छत्ततः सती । तत्राप्यक्षय्यमेवास्तु तवान्नमिति चार्पयत्

atha vāmakareṇāsau bhoktumaicchattataḥ satī tatrāpyakṣayyamevāstu tavānnamiti cārpayat

Then his wife too wished to eat with her left hand. There too, saying, "Let your food too be inexhaustible," she gave it accordingly.

Verse 122 (padma.5.112.122)

करांतरमथोत्पाद्य भोक्तुमैच्छद्द्विजोत्तमः । एवं करसहस्रं च कृत्वैच्छद्भोजनं द्विजः

karāṁtaramathotpādya bhoktumaicchaddvijottamaḥ evaṁ karasahasraṁ ca kṛtvaicchadbhojanaṁ dvijaḥ

That foremost Brahmin then, producing yet other hands, wished to eat still more; and thus, having produced a thousand hands, that Brahmin desired to keep eating.

Verse 123 (padma.5.112.123)

दत्त्वा दत्त्वा पुनर्देवी संतुष्टा न च कोपना । न चित्तमन्यथाकर्तुं शक्यमस्या इति द्विजः

dattvā dattvā punardevī saṁtuṣṭā na ca kopanā na cittamanyathākartuṁ śakyamasyā iti dvijaḥ

The goddess, giving and giving again, remained content and never angry. Realizing, "Her mind cannot be shaken from this," that Brahmin—

Verse 124 (padma.5.112.124)

प्रक्षाल्य हस्तौ चरणौ हस्तार्पितसुगंधवान् । पार्वतीं वाक्यमाहेदं तोषितोहं वरं वृणु

prakṣālya hastau caraṇau hastārpitasugaṁdhavān pārvatīṁ vākyamāhedaṁ toṣitohaṁ varaṁ vṛṇu

—washed his hands and feet, was given fragrance for his hands, and spoke this word to Parvati: "I am pleased; ask for a boon."

Verse 125 (padma.5.112.125)

पार्वत्युवाच- मम दातुं वरं शक्तो यदि त्वं ब्राह्मणोत्तम । वरेण मम किं कार्य्यं शंकरो मे यतः पतिः

pārvatyuvāca- mama dātuṁ varaṁ śakto yadi tvaṁ brāhmaṇottama vareṇa mama kiṁ kāryyaṁ śaṁkaro me yataḥ patiḥ

Parvati said: "If you are truly capable of granting me a boon, O best of Brahmins — what use have I for a boon, since Shankara is my very husband?"

Verse 126 (padma.5.112.126)

तदाह ब्राह्मणो देवीं शंकरः कीदृशस्त्विति । सदृशोऽसौ त्वया नो वा त्वद्योग्यो नान्यथा भवेत्

tadāha brāhmaṇo devīṁ śaṁkaraḥ kīdṛśastviti sadṛśo'sau tvayā no vā tvadyogyo nānyathā bhavet

Then the Brahmin said to the goddess: "And what is Shankara like? Is he equal to you, or not? He must be worthy of you, and not otherwise."

Verse 127 (padma.5.112.127)

स्त्रीवल्लभत्वमप्येव रूपं दाक्ष्यं शुभांगना । नो चेदेतादृशी भार्य्या मदधीना कथं भवेत्

strīvallabhatvamapyeva rūpaṁ dākṣyaṁ śubhāṁganā no cedetādṛśī bhāryyā madadhīnā kathaṁ bhavet

"A woman's very virtue is in being beloved, in beauty, in skill, O fair one; otherwise, how could such a wife as this come under my sway?"

Verse 128 (padma.5.112.128)

पार्वत्युवाच- त्वद्भार्य्यावचनं श्रुत्वा तव वाक्यं तथा द्विज । अपलापस्त्वयं ब्रह्मञ्च्छ्रुतं किंवा तथाविषम्

pārvatyuvāca- tvadbhāryyāvacanaṁ śrutvā tava vākyaṁ tathā dvija apalāpastvayaṁ brahmañcchrutaṁ kiṁvā tathāviṣam

Parvati said: "Having heard your wife's words, and your own words too, O Brahmin — is this some denial, O sage, or is what I have heard actually true?"

Verse 129 (padma.5.112.129)

ब्राह्मण उवाच- धम्मिल्लं ते करिष्यामि ममांकं त्वं समारुह । प्रचलेद्यदि ते चित्तं पातिव्रत्यं कुतस्तव

brāhmaṇa uvāca- dhammillaṁ te kariṣyāmi mamāṁkaṁ tvaṁ samāruha pracaledyadi te cittaṁ pātivratyaṁ kutastava

The Brahmin said: "I shall arrange your hair; you climb upon my lap. If your mind should waver, where then is your fidelity to your husband?"

Verse 130 (padma.5.112.130)

पार्वत्युवाच- मम व्रतं द्विजश्रेष्ठ शंकरांकैकरोहणम् । अथ तच्चित्तमाज्ञाय भवान्याः परमेश्वरः

pārvatyuvāca- mama vrataṁ dvijaśreṣṭha śaṁkarāṁkaikarohaṇam atha taccittamājñāya bhavānyāḥ parameśvaraḥ

Parvati said: "My vow, O best of Brahmins, is to climb only upon Shankara's lap." Then, knowing her thought, Bhavani's Supreme Lord himself—

Verse 131 (padma.5.112.131)

द्व्यष्टवर्षवया भूत्वा सुस्निग्धकचबंधनः । सुस्निग्धचारुनयनो गोक्षीरसमविग्रहः

dvyaṣṭavarṣavayā bhūtvā susnigdhakacabaṁdhanaḥ susnigdhacārunayano gokṣīrasamavigrahaḥ

—becoming sixteen years of age, his hair bound with a soft glossy sheen, his eyes gentle and lovely, his body like cow's milk—

Verse 132 (padma.5.112.132)

कोटिकंदर्पलावण्यः सर्वाभरणभूषितः । स्वपार्श्वस्थितनार्यंसे प्रसारितभुजद्वयः

koṭikaṁdarpalāvaṇyaḥ sarvābharaṇabhūṣitaḥ svapārśvasthitanāryaṁse prasāritabhujadvayaḥ

—of a beauty rivaling ten million Kamas, adorned with every ornament, his arms outstretched toward the shoulders of the woman standing at his side—

Verse 133 (padma.5.112.133)

गायन्मंदतया साकमुमया पटुता यथा । अथ तां पार्वतीं शंभुः करेणाकृष्य च स्मयन्

gāyanmaṁdatayā sākamumayā paṭutā yathā atha tāṁ pārvatīṁ śaṁbhuḥ kareṇākṛṣya ca smayan

—singing softly, together with Uma, skillfully. Then Shambhu, drawing that Parvati close with his hand, smiling—

Verse 134 (padma.5.112.134)

विन्यस्य हस्तौ वनिता द्वयांसे गायन्समस्ताभरणः प्रसन्नदृक् । ननर्त चानंदसमृद्धगात्रो मुनींद्र गीतश्च सकालवेलम्

vinyasya hastau vanitā dvayāṁse gāyansamastābharaṇaḥ prasannadṛk nanarta cānaṁdasamṛddhagātro munīṁdra gītaśca sakālavelam

—placing his hands upon the shoulders of the two women, singing, adorned with every ornament, his gaze serene, his body overflowing with bliss, praised by the foremost sages, danced in perfect time and rhythm.

Verse 135 (padma.5.112.135)

एतादृशं शिवं ध्यात्वा जन्मकोटिशतेष्वपि । न दुःखं जायते तस्य सदा हर्षश्च जायते

etādṛśaṁ śivaṁ dhyātvā janmakoṭiśateṣvapi na duḥkhaṁ jāyate tasya sadā harṣaśca jāyate

He who meditates upon Shiva in such a form does not experience sorrow even through a hundred crore births; joy alone is born in him forever.

Verse 136 (padma.5.112.136)

अथ स्तुतो मुनिवरैर्नारीं कृत्वा हरिं ततः । अथ सा पार्वती तुष्टा देवं प्राह पिनाकिनम्

atha stuto munivarairnārīṁ kṛtvā hariṁ tataḥ atha sā pārvatī tuṣṭā devaṁ prāha pinākinam

Then, praised by the excellent sages, having made Vishnu appear as a woman too — that pleased Parvati then spoke to the bow-bearing god.

Verse 137 (padma.5.112.137)

पार्वत्युवाच- किमित्येतादृशं भावमास्थाय त्वमिहागतः । नारीं कृत्वा तथा विष्णुं किं प्रकृत्या न चागतौ

pārvatyuvāca- kimityetādṛśaṁ bhāvamāsthāya tvamihāgataḥ nārīṁ kṛtvā tathā viṣṇuṁ kiṁ prakṛtyā na cāgatau

Parvati said: "Why have you come here, adopting such a guise? And why did you and Vishnu, having become women, not come in your own true forms instead?"

Verse 138 (padma.5.112.138)

शिवः प्राह व्रते चात्र ह्यतिथेर्भोजनं शुभम् । जाने सिद्धिमथो येषां विषादो नाभिजायते

śivaḥ prāha vrate cātra hyatitherbhojanaṁ śubham jāne siddhimatho yeṣāṁ viṣādo nābhijāyate

Shiva said: "In this vow, the feeding of a guest is itself auspicious. I know the success of those in whom no despondency arises."

Verse 139 (padma.5.112.139)

जाते विषादे तु व्रतमसम्यगिति निश्चयः । सोमवाराः समायांति यावंतोब्दशतानि तु

jāte viṣāde tu vratamasamyagiti niścayaḥ somavārāḥ samāyāṁti yāvaṁtobdaśatāni tu

"But should despondency arise, the vow is judged imperfect. For as many Mondays as there are hundred-years' worth—"

Verse 140 (padma.5.112.140)

तावंति मत्पुरे देवि सर्वभोगसमन्वितः । सभार्य्यपुत्रबंधुश्च वेदोक्तायुष्यजीवितः

tāvaṁti matpure devi sarvabhogasamanvitaḥ sabhāryyaputrabaṁdhuśca vedoktāyuṣyajīvitaḥ

"—for that many years, O goddess, in my city, endowed with every enjoyment, with wife, sons, and kinsmen, living the lifespan declared by the Veda—"

Verse 141 (padma.5.112.141)

पश्चाद्वाराणसीं गत्वा मृतो मुक्तिमवाप्स्यति । शंभुरुवाच- अथ देवे स्थिते तत्र मुनयस्त्रिः प्रदक्षिणम्

paścādvārāṇasīṁ gatvā mṛto muktimavāpsyati śaṁbhuruvāca- atha deve sthite tatra munayastriḥ pradakṣiṇam

"—he shall dwell; and afterward, going to Varanasi, dying there, he shall attain liberation." Shambhu said: Then, as the god remained there, the sages performed threefold circumambulation—

Verse 142 (padma.5.112.142)

कृत्वा पंचनमस्कारान्पुनः कृत्वा प्रदक्षिणम् । पुनश्च दंडवद्भूत्वा विसृष्टा निर्ययुस्ततः

kṛtvā paṁcanamaskārānpunaḥ kṛtvā pradakṣiṇam punaśca daṁḍavadbhūtvā visṛṣṭā niryayustataḥ

—performing the fivefold prostration, and again circumambulating, and again prostrating like rods; and, then dismissed, they went forth from there.

Verse 143 (padma.5.112.143)

अथ शोणः शोभितांगीं भार्यामाप ह्यनिंदिताम् । राज्यं च भारते वर्षे धर्मेणापालयद्द्विजः

atha śoṇaḥ śobhitāṁgīṁ bhāryāmāpa hyaniṁditām rājyaṁ ca bhārate varṣe dharmeṇāpālayaddvijaḥ

Then Shona obtained his beloved wife again, of lovely limbs and blameless conduct; and that Brahmin ruled a kingdom in the land of Bharata according to dharma.

Verse 144 (padma.5.112.144)

मानुषानखिलान्भोगान्बुभुजे शिवभक्तिमान् । नित्यं देवार्चनपरो नित्यं ब्राह्मणपूजकः

mānuṣānakhilānbhogānbubhuje śivabhaktimān nityaṁ devārcanaparo nityaṁ brāhmaṇapūjakaḥ

He enjoyed every human pleasure, devoted to Shiva; ever intent on the worship of the god, ever honoring Brahmins—

Verse 145 (padma.5.112.145)

नित्यदाता नित्ययाजी नित्यश्रोता पुराणकम् । मृतः स गतवांल्लोकं शंकरस्य विभोः शुभम्

nityadātā nityayājī nityaśrotā purāṇakam mṛtaḥ sa gatavāṁllokaṁ śaṁkarasya vibhoḥ śubham

—ever a giver, ever a sacrificer, ever a hearer of the Puranas. When he died, he went to the auspicious world of the mighty Shankara.

Verse 146 (padma.5.112.146)

शंभुरुवाच- नामकीर्तनमाहात्म्यं प्रसंगात्परिकीर्तितम् । शृण्वतां सर्वपापघ्नं भक्तानां च तथा नृप

śaṁbhuruvāca- nāmakīrtanamāhātmyaṁ prasaṁgātparikīrtitam śṛṇvatāṁ sarvapāpaghnaṁ bhaktānāṁ ca tathā nṛpa

Shambhu said: This has been the greatness of the chanting of the divine name, told in the course of this occasion; for those who hear it, and for devotees too, O king, it destroys all sin—

Verse 147 (padma.5.112.147)

सर्वकल्याणदं नित्यं सुभार्य्या राज्यदं शिवम् । शिवभक्तिप्रदं गोप्यं यस्य कस्यापि नेरयेत्

sarvakalyāṇadaṁ nityaṁ subhāryyā rājyadaṁ śivam śivabhaktipradaṁ gopyaṁ yasya kasyāpi nerayet

—ever bestowing all good fortune, a good wife, and a kingdom, auspicious, bestowing devotion to Shiva; it should be kept secret, not told to just anyone.