The Tale of Kamakshi

Verse 1 (padma.5.12.1)

शेष उवाच। इत्युक्तवंतं स्वपतिं वीक्ष्य प्रेम्णा सुनिर्भरम् । प्रत्युवाच हसंतीव किंचिद्गद्गदभाषिणी

śeṣa uvāca ityuktavaṁtaṁ svapatiṁ vīkṣya premṇā sunirbharam pratyuvāca hasaṁtīva kiṁcidgadgadabhāṣiṇī

Shesha said: Seeing her own husband speak thus, overwhelmed with love, she replied, smiling somewhat, her speech a little choked with feeling —

Verse 2 (padma.5.12.2)

नाथ ते विजयोभूयात्सर्वत्र रणमंडले । शत्रुघ्नाज्ञा प्रकर्तव्या हयरक्षा यथा भवेत्

nātha te vijayobhūyātsarvatra raṇamaṁḍale śatrughnājñā prakartavyā hayarakṣā yathā bhavet

"My lord, may victory be yours everywhere on the battlefield; carry out Shatrughna's command so that the horse's protection is secured."

Verse 3 (padma.5.12.3)

स्मरणीया हि सर्वत्र सेविका त्वत्पदानुगा । कदापि मानसं नाथ त्वत्तो नान्यत्र गच्छति

smaraṇīyā hi sarvatra sevikā tvatpadānugā kadāpi mānasaṁ nātha tvatto nānyatra gacchati

"May I, your servant, following your feet, be remembered by you everywhere; my lord, my mind never goes anywhere but to you."

Verse 4 (padma.5.12.4)

परमायोधने कांत स्मर्तव्याहं न जातुचित् । सत्यां मयि तव स्वांते युद्धे 3विजयसंशयः

paramāyodhane kāṁta smartavyāhaṁ na jātucit satyāṁ mayi tava svāṁte yuddhe 3vijayasaṁśayaḥ

"In the fiercest battle, beloved, never once think of me; if I remain true in your heart, there can be no doubt of victory in war."

Verse 5 (padma.5.12.5)

पद्मनेत्र तथा कार्यमूर्मिलाद्या यथा मम । हास्यं नैव प्रकुर्वंति मां वीक्ष्य करताडनैः

padmanetra tathā kāryamūrmilādyā yathā mama hāsyaṁ naiva prakurvaṁti māṁ vīkṣya karatāḍanaiḥ

"O lotus-eyed one, act so that Urmila and the others, seeing me, do not clap their hands and mock me —"

Verse 6 (padma.5.12.6)

इयं पत्नी महाभीरोः संग्रामे प्रपलायितुः । कातरा यर्हि युद्ध्यंति शूराणां समयः कुतः

iyaṁ patnī mahābhīroḥ saṁgrāme prapalāyituḥ kātarā yarhi yuddhyaṁti śūrāṇāṁ samayaḥ kutaḥ

"'This is the wife of a great coward who fled from battle' — for when cowards do not fight at all, when does a hero's moment even come for them?"

Verse 7 (padma.5.12.7)

इत्येवं न हसंत्युच्चैर्यथा मे देवरांगनाः । तथा कार्यं महाबाहो रामस्य हयरक्षणे

ityevaṁ na hasaṁtyuccairyathā me devarāṁganāḥ tathā kāryaṁ mahābāho rāmasya hayarakṣaṇe

"So that my sisters-in-law never laugh loudly at me in this way — act accordingly, mighty-armed one, in guarding Rama's horse."

Verse 8 (padma.5.12.8)

योद्धा त्वमादौ सर्वत्र परे ये तव पृष्ठतः । धनुष्टंकारबधिराः क्रियंतां बलिनः परे

yoddhā tvamādau sarvatra pare ye tava pṛṣṭhataḥ dhanuṣṭaṁkārabadhirāḥ kriyaṁtāṁ balinaḥ pare

"Be everywhere the first to fight; let the other mighty ones stand behind you, deafened by the twang of your bow."

Verse 9 (padma.5.12.9)

तवप्रोद्यत्करांभोज करवालभिया बलम् । परेषां भवतात्क्षिप्रमन्योन्य भयव्याकुलम्

tavaprodyatkarāṁbhoja karavālabhiyā balam pareṣāṁ bhavatātkṣipramanyonya bhayavyākulam

"By the very sight of your uplifted lotus-hand and your sword, may the enemy's forces swiftly grow confused, each fearing the other."

Verse 10 (padma.5.12.10)

कुलं महदलं कार्यं परान्विजयता त्वया । गच्छ स्वामिन्महाबाहो तव श्रेयो भवत्विह

kulaṁ mahadalaṁ kāryaṁ parānvijayatā tvayā gaccha svāminmahābāho tava śreyo bhavatviha

"Defeating the enemy, you must uphold the great task of your lineage; go, my lord, mighty-armed one — may good fortune be yours here."

Verse 11 (padma.5.12.11)

इदं धनुर्गृहाणाशु महद्गुणविभूषितम् । यस्य गर्जितमाकर्ण्य वैरिवृंदं भयातुरम्

idaṁ dhanurgṛhāṇāśu mahadguṇavibhūṣitam yasya garjitamākarṇya vairivṛṁdaṁ bhayāturam

"Take up quickly this bow, adorned with great virtue, at whose very roar the host of enemies grows fearful,"

Verse 12 (padma.5.12.12)

इमौ ते त्विषुधी वीर बध्येतां शं यथा भवेत् । वैरिकोटिविनिष्पेष बाणकोटि सुपूरितौ

imau te tviṣudhī vīra badhyetāṁ śaṁ yathā bhavet vairikoṭiviniṣpeṣa bāṇakoṭi supūritau

"and these two quivers of yours, hero, may they be tied so that all is well with you — filled with countless arrows that grind millions of enemies to dust."

Verse 13 (padma.5.12.13)

कवचं त्विदमाधेहि शरीरे कामसुंदरे । वज्रप्रभा महादीप्ति हतसंतमसंदृढम्

kavacaṁ tvidamādhehi śarīre kāmasuṁdare vajraprabhā mahādīpti hatasaṁtamasaṁdṛḍham

"Put on this armor upon your body, lovely as Kama's own, blazing with the radiance of the thunderbolt, striking down darkness, sturdy."

Verse 14 (padma.5.12.14)

शिरस्त्राणं निजोत्तंसे कुरु कांत मनोरमम् । इमेव तंसे विशदे मणिरत्नविभूषिते

śirastrāṇaṁ nijottaṁse kuru kāṁta manoramam imeva taṁse viśade maṇiratnavibhūṣite

"Place upon your head, beloved, this lovely helmet — and these two bright, jewel-adorned shoulder-guards as well."

Verse 15 (padma.5.12.15)

इति सुविमलवाचं वीरपुत्रीं प्रपश्यन् । नयनकमलदृष्ट्या वीक्षमाणस्तंदंगम् । अधिगतपरिमोदो भारतिः शत्रुजेता । रणकरणसमर्थस्तां जगादातिधीरः

iti suvimalavācaṁ vīraputrīṁ prapaśyan nayanakamaladṛṣṭyā vīkṣamāṇastaṁdaṁgam adhigataparimodo bhāratiḥ śatrujetā raṇakaraṇasamarthastāṁ jagādātidhīraḥ

Thus, gazing upon that hero's daughter of the purest speech with his lotus-like eyes, filled with delight, most resolute, capable in the conduct of war, Bharata's son, conqueror of enemies, spoke to her —

Verse 16 (padma.5.12.16)

पुष्कल उवाच। कांते यत्त्वं वदसि मां तथा सर्वं चराम्यहम् । वीरपत्नी भवेत्कीर्तिस्तव कांतिमतीप्सिता

puṣkala uvāca kāṁte yattvaṁ vadasi māṁ tathā sarvaṁ carāmyaham vīrapatnī bhavetkīrtistava kāṁtimatīpsitā

Pushkala said: "Beloved, whatever you say, all of that I shall do; the fame of a hero's wife that you desire, radiant one, shall be yours."

Verse 17 (padma.5.12.17)

इति कांतिमतीदत्तं कवचं मुकुटं वरम् । धनुर्महेषुधीखड्गं सर्वं जग्राह वीर्यवान्

iti kāṁtimatīdattaṁ kavacaṁ mukuṭaṁ varam dhanurmaheṣudhīkhaḍgaṁ sarvaṁ jagrāha vīryavān

Thus the mighty one took up all that his radiant wife had given him — armor, crown, bow, great quiver, and sword.

Verse 18 (padma.5.12.18)

परिधाय च तत्सर्वं बहुशो भासमन्वितः । शुशुभेऽतीव सुभटः सर्वशस्त्रास्त्रकोविदः

paridhāya ca tatsarvaṁ bahuśo bhāsamanvitaḥ śuśubhe'tīva subhaṭaḥ sarvaśastrāstrakovidaḥ

Having put on all of it, resplendent in many ways, that fine warrior, skilled in every weapon and missile, shone exceedingly.

Verse 19 (padma.5.12.19)

तमस्त्रशस्त्रशोभाढ्यं वीरमालाविभूषितम् । कुंकुमागुरुकस्तूरी चंदनादिकचर्चितम्

tamastraśastraśobhāḍhyaṁ vīramālāvibhūṣitam kuṁkumāgurukastūrī caṁdanādikacarcitam

Him, adorned with the splendor of missiles and weapons, decked with garlands fit for a hero, anointed with saffron, aloeswood, musk, sandal, and the like —

Verse 20 (padma.5.12.20)

नानाकुसुममालाभिराजानुपरिशोभितम् । नीराजयामास मुहुस्तत्र कांतिमती सती

nānākusumamālābhirājānupariśobhitam nīrājayāmāsa muhustatra kāṁtimatī satī

adorned above with garlands of various flowers, that chaste, radiant lady repeatedly waved the lamp of blessing over him there.

Verse 21 (padma.5.12.21)

नीराजयित्वा बहुशः किरंती मौक्तिकैर्मुहुः । गलदश्रुचलन्नेत्रा परिरेभे पतिं निजम्

nīrājayitvā bahuśaḥ kiraṁtī mauktikairmuhuḥ galadaśrucalannetrā parirebhe patiṁ nijam

Having waved the lamp many times, scattering pearls again and again, her eyes trembling with tears, she embraced her own husband.

Verse 22 (padma.5.12.22)

दृढं सपरिरभ्यैतां चिरमाश्वासयत्तदा । वीरपत्नि कांतिमति विरहं मा कृथा मम

dṛḍhaṁ saparirabhyaitāṁ ciramāśvāsayattadā vīrapatni kāṁtimati virahaṁ mā kṛthā mama

Embracing her firmly, he then consoled her for a long while: "O hero's wife, radiant Kantimati, do not let my absence become a cause of grief."

Verse 23 (padma.5.12.23)

एष गच्छामि सविधे तव भामे पतिव्रते । इत्युक्त्वा तां निजां पत्नीं रथमारुरुहे वरम्

eṣa gacchāmi savidhe tava bhāme pativrate ityuktvā tāṁ nijāṁ patnīṁ rathamāruruhe varam

"I go now, O radiant, chaste one, remaining near to you." Having said this to his own wife, he mounted his fine chariot.

Verse 24 (padma.5.12.24)

तं प्रयांतं पतिं श्रेष्ठं नयनैर्निमिषोज्झितैः । विलोकयामास तदा पतिव्रतपरायणा

taṁ prayāṁtaṁ patiṁ śreṣṭhaṁ nayanairnimiṣojjhitaiḥ vilokayāmāsa tadā pativrataparāyaṇā

As that finest of husbands departed, she, devoted wholly to her husband, watched him with eyes that never blinked.

Verse 25 (padma.5.12.25)

स ययौ जनकं द्रष्टुं जननीं प्रेमविह्वलाम् । गत्वा पितरमंबां च ववंदे शिरसा मुदा

sa yayau janakaṁ draṣṭuṁ jananīṁ premavihvalām gatvā pitaramaṁbāṁ ca vavaṁde śirasā mudā

He went to see his father and his mother, overwhelmed with love; going to them, he bowed his head joyfully.

Verse 26 (padma.5.12.26)

माता पुत्रं परिष्वज्य स्वांकमारोपयत्तदा । मुंचंती बाष्पनिचयं स्वस्त्यस्त्विति जगाद सा

mātā putraṁ pariṣvajya svāṁkamāropayattadā muṁcaṁtī bāṣpanicayaṁ svastyastviti jagāda sā

His mother, embracing her son, set him upon her own lap; shedding a flood of tears, she said, "May all be well with you."

Verse 27 (padma.5.12.27)

पितरं प्राह भरतं रामो यज्ञकरः परः । पालनीयो लक्ष्मणेन भवद्भिश्च महात्मभिः

pitaraṁ prāha bharataṁ rāmo yajñakaraḥ paraḥ pālanīyo lakṣmaṇena bhavadbhiśca mahātmabhiḥ

To his father Bharata he said: "Rama, the great performer of the sacrifice, is to be protected by Lakshmana and by you great souls."

Verse 28 (padma.5.12.28)

आज्ञप्तोऽसौ जनन्या च पित्रा हृषितया गिरा । ययौ शत्रुघ्नकटकं महावीरविभूषितम्

ājñapto'sau jananyā ca pitrā hṛṣitayā girā yayau śatrughnakaṭakaṁ mahāvīravibhūṣitam

Given leave by his mother and father with joyful words, he went to Shatrughna's camp, adorned with great heroes.

Verse 29 (padma.5.12.29)

रथिभिः पत्तिभिर्वीरैः सदश्वैः सादिभिर्वृतः । ययौ मुदा रघूत्तंस महायज्ञहयाग्रणीः

rathibhiḥ pattibhirvīraiḥ sadaśvaiḥ sādibhirvṛtaḥ yayau mudā raghūttaṁsa mahāyajñahayāgraṇīḥ

Surrounded by charioteers, foot-soldiers, heroes, fine horses, and horsemen, that ornament of the Raghus, foremost guardian of the great sacrificial horse, went on joyfully.

Verse 30 (padma.5.12.30)

गच्छन्पांचालदेशांश्च कुरूंश्चैवोत्तरान्कुरून् । दशार्णाञ्छ्रीविशालांश्च सर्वशोभासमन्वितः

gacchanpāṁcāladeśāṁśca kurūṁścaivottarānkurūn daśārṇāñchrīviśālāṁśca sarvaśobhāsamanvitaḥ

Passing through the lands of Panchala, and the Kurus and Uttara Kurus too, and Dasharna and glorious Vishala, resplendent with beauty —

Verse 31 (padma.5.12.31)

तत्र तत्रोपशृण्वानो रघुवीरयशोऽखिलम् । रावणासुरघातेन भक्तरक्षाविधायकम्

tatra tatropaśṛṇvāno raghuvīrayaśo'khilam rāvaṇāsuraghātena bhaktarakṣāvidhāyakam

hearing everywhere the complete fame of the hero of Raghu's line, who by slaying the demon Ravana had accomplished the protection of his devotees —

Verse 32 (padma.5.12.32)

पुनश्च हयमेधादि कार्यमारभ्य पावनम् । यशो वितन्वन्भुवने लोकान्रामोऽविता भयात्

punaśca hayamedhādi kāryamārabhya pāvanam yaśo vitanvanbhuvane lokānrāmo'vitā bhayāt

and having again begun the sacred rite of the horse-sacrifice, spreading his fame throughout the world, Rama protected the people from fear.

Verse 33 (padma.5.12.33)

तेभ्यस्तुष्टो ददौ हारान्रत्नानि विविधानि च । महाधनानि वासांसि शत्रुघ्नः प्रवरो महान्

tebhyastuṣṭo dadau hārānratnāni vividhāni ca mahādhanāni vāsāṁsi śatrughnaḥ pravaro mahān

Pleased with them, the great and excellent Shatrughna gave them necklaces, various jewels, great wealth, and garments.

Verse 34 (padma.5.12.34)

सुमतिर्नाम तेजस्वी सर्वविद्याविशारदः । रघुनाथस्य सचिवः शत्रुघ्नानुचरो वरः

sumatirnāma tejasvī sarvavidyāviśāradaḥ raghunāthasya sacivaḥ śatrughnānucaro varaḥ

One named Sumati, radiant, learned in every branch of knowledge, was a minister of Raghunatha and the finest attendant of Shatrughna.

Verse 35 (padma.5.12.35)

ययौ तेन महावीरो ग्रामाञ्जनपदान्बहून् । रघुनाथप्रतापेन न कोपि हृतवान्हयम्

yayau tena mahāvīro grāmāñjanapadānbahūn raghunāthapratāpena na kopi hṛtavānhayam

With him the great hero passed through many villages and provinces; by Raghunatha's very majesty, no one seized the horse.

Verse 36 (padma.5.12.36)

देशाधिपाये बहवो महाबलपराक्रमाः । हस्त्यश्वरथपादात चतुरंगसमन्विताः

deśādhipāye bahavo mahābalaparākramāḥ hastyaśvarathapādāta caturaṁgasamanvitāḥ

Many rulers of lands, of great might and valor, complete with the four divisions of elephants, horses, chariots, and foot-soldiers,

Verse 37 (padma.5.12.37)

संपदो बहुशो नीत्वा मुक्तामाणिक्यसंयुताः । शत्रुघ्नं हयरक्षार्थमागतं प्रणता मुहुः

saṁpado bahuśo nītvā muktāmāṇikyasaṁyutāḥ śatrughnaṁ hayarakṣārthamāgataṁ praṇatā muhuḥ

bringing much wealth, together with pearls and rubies, bowed again and again to Shatrughna, who had come to guard the horse —

Verse 38 (padma.5.12.38)

इदं राज्यं धनं सर्वं सपुत्रपशुबांधवम् । रामचंद्रस्य सर्वं हि न मदीयं रघूद्वह

idaṁ rājyaṁ dhanaṁ sarvaṁ saputrapaśubāṁdhavam rāmacaṁdrasya sarvaṁ hi na madīyaṁ raghūdvaha

"This kingdom, all this wealth, together with sons, cattle, and kinsmen — all of it belongs to Ramachandra, O upholder of the Raghu line, none of it is mine!"

Verse 39 (padma.5.12.39)

एवं तदुक्तमाकर्ण्य शत्रुघ्नः परवीरहा । आज्ञां स्वां तत्र संज्ञाप्य ययौ तैः सहितः पथि

evaṁ taduktamākarṇya śatrughnaḥ paravīrahā ājñāṁ svāṁ tatra saṁjñāpya yayau taiḥ sahitaḥ pathi

Hearing such words spoken, Shatrughna, slayer of enemy heroes, having made known his command there, went on his way together with them.

Verse 40 (padma.5.12.40)

एवं क्रमेण संप्राप्तः शत्रुघ्नो हयसंयुतः । अहिच्छत्रां पुरीं ब्रह्मन्नानाजनसमाकुलाम्

evaṁ krameṇa saṁprāptaḥ śatrughno hayasaṁyutaḥ ahicchatrāṁ purīṁ brahmannānājanasamākulām

Thus, in due course, Shatrughna, together with the horse, arrived, O brahmin, at the city of Ahicchatra, thronged with people of every kind —

Verse 41 (padma.5.12.41)

ब्रह्मद्विजसमाकीर्णां नानारत्नविभूषिताम् । सौवर्णैः स्फाटिकैर्हर्म्यैर्गोपुरैः समलंकृताम्

brahmadvijasamākīrṇāṁ nānāratnavibhūṣitām sauvarṇaiḥ sphāṭikairharmyairgopuraiḥ samalaṁkṛtām

filled with brahmins and twice-born, adorned with various jewels, beautified with golden and crystal mansions and city-gates —

Verse 42 (padma.5.12.42)

यत्र रंभा तिरस्कारकारिण्यः कमलाननाः । दृश्यंते सर्वहर्म्येषु ललना लीलयान्विताः

yatra raṁbhā tiraskārakāriṇyaḥ kamalānanāḥ dṛśyaṁte sarvaharmyeṣu lalanā līlayānvitāḥ

where, in every mansion, lotus-faced women, putting even Rambha to shame, could be seen at play.

Verse 43 (padma.5.12.43)

यत्र स्वाचारललिताः सर्वभोगैकभोगिनः । धनदानुचरायद्वत्तथा लीलासमन्विताः

yatra svācāralalitāḥ sarvabhogaikabhoginaḥ dhanadānucarāyadvattathā līlāsamanvitāḥ

where people, graceful in their own conduct, enjoyers of every pleasure, moved about at play like the very attendants of Kubera, lord of wealth,

Verse 44 (padma.5.12.44)

यत्र वीरा धनुर्हस्ताःशरसंधानकोविदाः । कुर्वंति तत्र राजानं सुहृष्टं सुमदाभिधम्

yatra vīrā dhanurhastāḥśarasaṁdhānakovidāḥ kurvaṁti tatra rājānaṁ suhṛṣṭaṁ sumadābhidham

where heroes, bow in hand, skilled in the nocking of arrows, made the king there, named Sumada, greatly delighted.

Verse 45 (padma.5.12.45)

एवंविधं ददर्शासौ नगरं दूरतः प्रभुः । पार्श्वे तस्य पुरश्रेष्ठमुद्यानं शोभयान्वितम्

evaṁvidhaṁ dadarśāsau nagaraṁ dūrataḥ prabhuḥ pārśve tasya puraśreṣṭhamudyānaṁ śobhayānvitam

Such a city that lord beheld from afar; beside it stood a garden of the finest city, filled with beauty,

Verse 46 (padma.5.12.46)

पुन्नागैर्नागचंपैश्च तिलकैर्देवदारुभिः । अशोकैः पाटलैश्चूतैर्मंदारैःकोविदारकैः

punnāgairnāgacaṁpaiśca tilakairdevadārubhiḥ aśokaiḥ pāṭalaiścūtairmaṁdāraiḥkovidārakaiḥ

with punnaga, naga-champa, tilaka, and deodar trees, ashoka, patala, mango, mandara, and kovidara,

Verse 47 (padma.5.12.47)

आम्रजंबुकदंबैश्च प्रियालपनसैस्तथा । शालैस्तालैस्तमालैश्च मल्लिकाजातियूथिभिः

āmrajaṁbukadaṁbaiśca priyālapanasaistathā śālaistālaistamālaiśca mallikājātiyūthibhiḥ

mango, jambu, and kadamba, priyala and jackfruit, sala, tala, and tamala trees, jasmine of various kinds,

Verse 48 (padma.5.12.48)

नीपैः कदंबैर्बकुलैश्चंपकैर्मदनादिभिः । शोभितं सददर्शाथशत्रुघ्नःपरवीरहा

nīpaiḥ kadaṁbairbakulaiścaṁpakairmadanādibhiḥ śobhitaṁ sadadarśāthaśatrughnaḥparavīrahā

nipa, kadamba, bakula, champaka, and madana — such a garden Shatrughna, slayer of enemy heroes, then beheld.

Verse 49 (padma.5.12.49)

हयोगतस्तद्वनमध्यदेशे । तमालतालादि सुशोभिते वै । ययौ ततः पृष्ठत एव वीरो । धनुर्धरैः सेवितपादपद्मः

hayogatastadvanamadhyadeśe tamālatālādi suśobhite vai yayau tataḥ pṛṣṭhata eva vīro dhanurdharaiḥ sevitapādapadmaḥ

Following the horse into the midst of that forest, resplendent with tamala, tala, and other trees, that hero, whose lotus feet were served by bow-bearers, went on behind it.

Verse 50 (padma.5.12.50)

ददर्श त रचितं देवायतनमद्भुतम् । इंद्रनीलैश्च वैडूर्यैस्तथा मारकतैरपि

dadarśa ta racitaṁ devāyatanamadbhutam iṁdranīlaiśca vaiḍūryaistathā mārakatairapi

There he beheld a wondrous temple to the gods, fashioned of sapphire, cat's-eye, and emerald,

Verse 51 (padma.5.12.51)

शोभितं सुरसेवार्हं कैलासप्रस्थसन्निभम् । जातरूपमयैः स्तंभैःशोभितं सद्मनां वरम्

śobhitaṁ surasevārhaṁ kailāsaprasthasannibham jātarūpamayaiḥ staṁbhaiḥśobhitaṁ sadmanāṁ varam

resplendent, worthy of the gods' own worship, like the summit of Kailasa, adorned with pillars of pure gold — finest of dwellings.

Verse 52 (padma.5.12.52)

दृष्ट्वातद्रघुनाथस्य भ्राता देवालयं वरम् । पप्रच्छ सुमतिं स्वीयं मंत्रिणं वदतांवरम्

dṛṣṭvātadraghunāthasya bhrātā devālayaṁ varam papraccha sumatiṁ svīyaṁ maṁtriṇaṁ vadatāṁvaram

Seeing that fine temple, Raghunatha's brother asked Sumati, his own minister, most eloquent of speakers —

Verse 53 (padma.5.12.53)

शत्रुघ्न उवाच। वदामात्य वरेदं किं कस्यदेवस्य केतनम् । का देवता पूज्यतेऽत्र कस्य हेतोः स्थितानघ

śatrughna uvāca vadāmātya varedaṁ kiṁ kasyadevasya ketanam kā devatā pūjyate'tra kasya hetoḥ sthitānagha

Shatrughna said: "Tell me, best of ministers, what is this — whose divine shrine is it? Which deity is worshipped here, and for what reason, O sinless one, does it stand here?"

Verse 54 (padma.5.12.54)

एवमाकर्ण्य यथावदिहसर्वशः

evamākarṇya yathāvadihasarvaśaḥ

Being asked thus, Sumati began to relate everything here truly, in full —

Verse 55 (padma.5.12.55)

कामाक्षायाः परं स्थानं विद्धि विश्वैकशर्मदम् । यस्या दर्शनमात्रेण सर्वसिद्धिः प्रजापते

kāmākṣāyāḥ paraṁ sthānaṁ viddhi viśvaikaśarmadam yasyā darśanamātreṇa sarvasiddhiḥ prajāpate

"Know this to be the supreme abode of Kamakshi, O lord of creatures, the sole giver of happiness to the whole universe — by whose mere sight all attainment is achieved."

Verse 56 (padma.5.12.56)

देवासुरास्तु यां स्तुत्वा नत्वा प्राप्ताखिलां श्रियम् । धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणां दात्री भक्तानुकंपिनी

devāsurāstu yāṁ stutvā natvā prāptākhilāṁ śriyam dharmārthakāmamokṣāṇāṁ dātrī bhaktānukaṁpinī

"Gods and demons, praising and bowing to her, have obtained all prosperity from her — giver of dharma, artha, kama, and moksha, compassionate to her devotees."

Verse 57 (padma.5.12.57)

याचिता सुमदेनात्राहिच्छत्रा पतिना पुरा । स्थिता करोति सकलं भक्तानां दुःखहारिणी

yācitā sumadenātrāhicchatrā patinā purā sthitā karoti sakalaṁ bhaktānāṁ duḥkhahāriṇī

"Entreated here of old by King Sumada, she came to dwell here in Ahicchatra, remover of all her devotees' sorrows, doer of all things."

Verse 58 (padma.5.12.58)

तां नमस्कुरु शत्रुघ्न सर्ववीर शिरोमणे । नत्वाशु सिद्धिं प्राप्नोषि ससुरासुरदुर्ल्लभाम्

tāṁ namaskuru śatrughna sarvavīra śiromaṇe natvāśu siddhiṁ prāpnoṣi sasurāsuradurllabhām

"Bow to her, Shatrughna, crest-jewel of all heroes; having bowed, you shall swiftly attain a success rare even for gods and demons."

Verse 59 (padma.5.12.59)

इति श्रुत्वाथ तद्वाक्यं शत्रुघ्नः शत्रुतापनः । पप्रच्छ सकलां वार्तां भवान्याः पुरुषर्षभः

iti śrutvātha tadvākyaṁ śatrughnaḥ śatrutāpanaḥ papraccha sakalāṁ vārtāṁ bhavānyāḥ puruṣarṣabhaḥ

Hearing these words, Shatrughna, scorcher of foes, that bull among men, then asked for the complete account of Bhavani —

Verse 60 (padma.5.12.60)

शत्रुघ्न उवाच। कोऽहिच्छत्रापती राजा सुमदः किं तपः कृतम् । येनेयं सर्वलोकानां माता तुष्टात्र संस्थिता

śatrughna uvāca ko'hicchatrāpatī rājā sumadaḥ kiṁ tapaḥ kṛtam yeneyaṁ sarvalokānāṁ mātā tuṣṭātra saṁsthitā

Shatrughna said: "Who is this King Sumada, lord of Ahicchatra? What austerity did he perform, by which this mother of all the worlds, pleased, came to dwell here?"

Verse 61 (padma.5.12.61)

वद सर्वं महामात्य नानार्थपरिबृंहितम् । यथावत्त्वं हि जानासि तस्माद्वद महामते

vada sarvaṁ mahāmātya nānārthaparibṛṁhitam yathāvattvaṁ hi jānāsi tasmādvada mahāmate

"Tell me all, great minister, elaborated with its many meanings; as you truly know it, tell it, O greatly wise one."

Verse 62 (padma.5.12.62)

सुमतिरुवाच। हेमकूटो गिरिः पूतः सर्वदेवोपशोभितः । तत्रास्ति तीर्थं विमलमृषिवृंदसुसेवितम्

sumatiruvāca hemakūṭo giriḥ pūtaḥ sarvadevopaśobhitaḥ tatrāsti tīrthaṁ vimalamṛṣivṛṁdasusevitam

Sumati said: "There is a sacred mountain, Hemakuta, pure, adorned by all the gods; there is a spotless holy ford there, well-attended by throngs of sages."

Verse 63 (padma.5.12.63)

सुमदो हि तपस्तेपे हतमातृपितृप्रजः । अरिभिः सर्वसामंतैर्जगाम तपसे हि तम्

sumado hi tapastepe hatamātṛpitṛprajaḥ aribhiḥ sarvasāmaṁtairjagāma tapase hi tam

"Sumada, whose mother, father, and subjects had been slain by enemies and rival chieftains, went there to perform austerity."

Verse 64 (padma.5.12.64)

वर्षाणि त्रीणि सपदा त्वेकेन मनसा स्मरन् । जगतां मातरं दध्यौ नासाग्रस्तिमितेक्षणः

varṣāṇi trīṇi sapadā tvekena manasā smaran jagatāṁ mātaraṁ dadhyau nāsāgrastimitekṣaṇaḥ

"For three years, remembering with a single mind the mother of the worlds, his gaze fixed unmoving at the tip of his nose, he meditated."

Verse 65 (padma.5.12.65)

वर्षाणि त्रीणि शुष्काणां पर्णानां भक्षणं चरन् । चकार परमुग्रं स तपः परमदुश्चरम्

varṣāṇi trīṇi śuṣkāṇāṁ parṇānāṁ bhakṣaṇaṁ caran cakāra paramugraṁ sa tapaḥ paramaduścaram

"For three years, subsisting on dried leaves alone, he performed the most fierce, most difficult austerity."

Verse 66 (padma.5.12.66)

अब्दानि त्रीणि सलिले शीतकाले ममज्ज सः । ग्रीष्मे चचार पंचाग्नीन्प्रावृट्सु जलदोन्मुखः

abdāni trīṇi salile śītakāle mamajja saḥ grīṣme cacāra paṁcāgnīnprāvṛṭsu jaladonmukhaḥ

"For three years he submerged himself in water in the cold season; in summer he practiced the five-fires austerity; in the rains he stood gazing up at the clouds."

Verse 67 (padma.5.12.67)

त्रीणि वर्षाणि पवनं संरुध्य स्वांतगोचरम् । भवानीं संस्मरन्धीरो न च किंचन पश्यति

trīṇi varṣāṇi pavanaṁ saṁrudhya svāṁtagocaram bhavānīṁ saṁsmarandhīro na ca kiṁcana paśyati

"For three years, holding the breath within, steadfast, remembering Bhavani, he perceived nothing else at all."

Verse 68 (padma.5.12.68)

वर्षे तु द्वादशेऽतीते दृष्ट्वैतत्परमं तपः । विभाव्य मनसातीव शक्रः पस्पर्ध तं भयात्

varṣe tu dvādaśe'tīte dṛṣṭvaitatparamaṁ tapaḥ vibhāvya manasātīva śakraḥ paspardha taṁ bhayāt

"When the twelfth year had passed, seeing this supreme austerity and reflecting deeply upon it, Indra, out of fear, grew troubled by him."

Verse 69 (padma.5.12.69)

आदिदेश सकामं तु परिवारपरीवृतम् । अप्सरोभिः सुसंयुक्तं ब्रह्मेंद्रादिजयोद्यतम्

ādideśa sakāmaṁ tu parivāraparīvṛtam apsarobhiḥ susaṁyuktaṁ brahmeṁdrādijayodyatam

"He commanded Kama, surrounded by his retinue, well-attended by apsarases, ever eager for victory over Brahma, Indra, and the rest —"

Verse 70 (padma.5.12.70)

गच्छ कामसखे मह्यं प्रियमाचर मोहन । सुमदस्य तपोविघ्नं समाचर यथा भवेत्

gaccha kāmasakhe mahyaṁ priyamācara mohana sumadasya tapovighnaṁ samācara yathā bhavet

"'Go, friend of desire, do me this favor, O enchanter — act so that Sumada's austerity is obstructed.'"

Verse 71 (padma.5.12.71)

इति श्रुत्वा महद्वाक्यं तुरासाहः स्वयंप्रभुः । उवाच विश्वविजये प्रौढगर्वो रघूद्वह

iti śrutvā mahadvākyaṁ turāsāhaḥ svayaṁprabhuḥ uvāca viśvavijaye prauḍhagarvo raghūdvaha

"Hearing this great command, the self-ruling Kama, swollen with pride at his conquest of the whole world, spoke, O upholder of the Raghu line —"

Verse 72 (padma.5.12.72)

काम उवाच। स्वामिन्कोऽसौ हि सुमदः किं तपः स्वल्पकं पुनः । ब्रह्मादीनां तपोभंगं करोम्यस्य तु का कथा

kāma uvāca svāminko'sau hi sumadaḥ kiṁ tapaḥ svalpakaṁ punaḥ brahmādīnāṁ tapobhaṁgaṁ karomyasya tu kā kathā

"Kama said: 'My lord, who indeed is this Sumada? What, once more, is his trifling austerity? I have broken the austerities even of Brahma and the rest — what then is there to say of him?"

Verse 73 (padma.5.12.73)

मद्बाणबलनिर्भिन्नश्चंद्रस्तारां गतः पुरा । त्वमप्यहल्यां गतवान्विश्वामित्रस्तु मेनिकाम्

madbāṇabalanirbhinnaścaṁdrastārāṁ gataḥ purā tvamapyahalyāṁ gatavānviśvāmitrastu menikām

"'By the power of my arrow, the moon of old was struck and went to Tara; you too went to Ahalya, and Vishvamitra to Menaka."

Verse 74 (padma.5.12.74)

चिंतां मा कुरु देवेंद्र सेवके मयि संस्थिते । एष गच्छामि सुमदं देवान्पालय मारिष

ciṁtāṁ mā kuru deveṁdra sevake mayi saṁsthite eṣa gacchāmi sumadaṁ devānpālaya māriṣa

"'Have no anxiety, lord of the gods, while I, your servant, stand ready. I go now to Sumada — you, meanwhile, protect the gods, honored one.'"

Verse 75 (padma.5.12.75)

एवमुक्त्वा कामदेवो हेमकूटं गिरिं ययौ । वसंतेन युतः सख्या तथैवाप्सरसांगणैः

evamuktvā kāmadevo hemakūṭaṁ giriṁ yayau vasaṁtena yutaḥ sakhyā tathaivāpsarasāṁgaṇaiḥ

"Having said this, the god of love went to Mount Hemakuta, accompanied by his friend Vasanta and by throngs of apsarases."

Verse 76 (padma.5.12.76)

वसंतस्तत्र सकलान्वृक्षान्पुष्पफलैर्युतान् । कोकिलान्षट्पदश्रेण्या घुष्टानाशु चकार ह

vasaṁtastatra sakalānvṛkṣānpuṣpaphalairyutān kokilānṣaṭpadaśreṇyā ghuṣṭānāśu cakāra ha

"There Vasanta made all the trees at once burst into flower and fruit, and set the koels and rows of bees humming."

Verse 77 (padma.5.12.77)

वायुः सुशीतलो वाति दक्षिणां दिशमाश्रितः । कृतमालासरित्तीर लवंगकुसुमान्वितः

vāyuḥ suśītalo vāti dakṣiṇāṁ diśamāśritaḥ kṛtamālāsarittīra lavaṁgakusumānvitaḥ

"A cool breeze blew, coming from the southern direction, along the banks of the Kritamala river, laden with the scent of clove-blossoms."

Verse 78 (padma.5.12.78)

एवंविधे वने वृत्ते रंभानामाप्सरोवरा । सखीभिः संवृता तत्र जगाम सुमदांतिकम्

evaṁvidhe vane vṛtte raṁbhānāmāpsarovarā sakhībhiḥ saṁvṛtā tatra jagāma sumadāṁtikam

"With the forest thus transformed, Rambha, finest of apsarases, surrounded by her companions, went there, near to Sumada."

Verse 79 (padma.5.12.79)

तत्रारभत गानं सा किन्नरस्वरशोभना । मृदंगपणवानेकवाद्यभेदविशारदा

tatrārabhata gānaṁ sā kinnarasvaraśobhanā mṛdaṁgapaṇavānekavādyabhedaviśāradā

"There she began to sing, her voice lovely as a kinnara's, skilled in the many varieties of mridanga, panava, and other instruments."

Verse 80 (padma.5.12.80)

तद्गानमाकर्ण्य नराधिपोऽसौ । वसंतमालोक्य मनोहरं च । तथान्यपुष्टारटितं मनोरमं । चकार चक्षुः परिवर्तनं बुधः

tadgānamākarṇya narādhipo'sau vasaṁtamālokya manoharaṁ ca tathānyapuṣṭāraṭitaṁ manoramaṁ cakāra cakṣuḥ parivartanaṁ budhaḥ

"Hearing that song, and beholding the enchanting spring and the sweet cry of the koel, that wise king turned his gaze away from his meditation."

Verse 81 (padma.5.12.81)

तं प्रबुद्धं नृपं वीक्ष्य कामः पुष्पायुधस्त्वरन् । चकार सत्वरं सज्यं धनुस्तत्पृष्ठतोऽनघ

taṁ prabuddhaṁ nṛpaṁ vīkṣya kāmaḥ puṣpāyudhastvaran cakāra satvaraṁ sajyaṁ dhanustatpṛṣṭhato'nagha

"Seeing that king thus awakened, Kama, armed with flowers, hastened, swiftly stringing his bow there behind him, O sinless one."

Verse 82 (padma.5.12.82)

एकाप्सरास्तत्र नृपस्य पादयोः । संवाहनं नर्तितनेत्रपल्लवा । चकार चान्या तु कटाक्षमोक्षणं । चकार काचिद्भृशमंगचेष्टितम्

ekāpsarāstatra nṛpasya pādayoḥ saṁvāhanaṁ nartitanetrapallavā cakāra cānyā tu kaṭākṣamokṣaṇaṁ cakāra kācidbhṛśamaṁgaceṣṭitam

"There one apsaras began to massage the king's feet, her eyes dancing like tender leaves; another cast sidelong glances; yet another made abundant, alluring gestures of the body."

Verse 83 (padma.5.12.83)

अप्सरोभिस्तथाकीर्णः कामविह्वलमानसः । चिंतयामास मतिमाञ्जितेंद्रियशिरोमणिः

apsarobhistathākīrṇaḥ kāmavihvalamānasaḥ ciṁtayāmāsa matimāñjiteṁdriyaśiromaṇiḥ

"Surrounded thus by the apsarases, his mind overwhelmed by desire, that wise one, crest-jewel of the self-controlled, reflected —"

Verse 84 (padma.5.12.84)

एता मे तपसो विघ्नकारिण्योऽप्सरसां वराः । शक्रेण प्रेषिताः सर्वाः करिष्यंति यथातथम्

etā me tapaso vighnakāriṇyo'psarasāṁ varāḥ śakreṇa preṣitāḥ sarvāḥ kariṣyaṁti yathātatham

"'These finest apsarases, obstacles to my austerity, all sent by Indra, will do exactly as they intend.'"

Verse 85 (padma.5.12.85)

इति संचिंत्य सुतपास्ता उवाच वरांगनाः । का यूयं कुत्र संस्थाः किं भवतीनां चिकीर्षितम्

iti saṁciṁtya sutapāstā uvāca varāṁganāḥ kā yūyaṁ kutra saṁsthāḥ kiṁ bhavatīnāṁ cikīrṣitam

"Reflecting thus, that man of great austerity said to those excellent women: 'Who are you? Where do you dwell? What is it you wish to do?"

Verse 86 (padma.5.12.86)

अत्यद्भुतं जातमहो यद्भवत्योऽक्षिगोचराः । यास्तपोभिः सुदुष्प्राप्यास्ता मे तपस आगताः

atyadbhutaṁ jātamaho yadbhavatyo'kṣigocarāḥ yāstapobhiḥ suduṣprāpyāstā me tapasa āgatāḥ

"'How wondrous indeed, that you should appear before my eyes — you, so hard to attain even through austerity, have come here to my very penance!'"