The Glory of Khadgadhareshvara

Verse 1 (padma.6.154.1)

साभ्रमत्यास्तटे गुप्तं तीर्थं परमपावनम् । खङ्गधारमिति ख्यातं कलौ गुप्तं भविष्यति

sābhramatyāstaṭe guptaṃ tīrthaṃ paramapāvanam khaṅgadhāramiti khyātaṃ kalau guptaṃ bhaviṣyati

On the bank of the Sabarmati there is a hidden tirtha, supremely purifying, known as Khadgadhara -- in the Kali age it shall remain hidden.

Verse 2 (padma.6.154.2)

यत्र प्रसंगतः स्नात्वा पीत्वा वापो यदृच्छया । सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तो रुद्रलोके महीयते

yatra prasaṃgataḥ snātvā pītvā vāpo yadṛcchayā sarvapāpavinirmukto rudraloke mahīyate

Whoever bathes there even by chance, or drinks its water by mere happenstance, is freed from all sin and is honored in the world of Rudra.

Verse 3 (padma.6.154.3)

यत्र साभ्रमती पुण्या कश्यपानुगता सती । रुद्रेण हि जटाजूटे धृता पातालगामिनः

yatra sābhramatī puṇyā kaśyapānugatā satī rudreṇa hi jaṭājūṭe dhṛtā pātālagāminaḥ

There the sacred Sabarmati, faithfully following Kashyapa, and bound for the netherworld, was held by Rudra in the mass of his matted locks.

Verse 4 (padma.6.154.4)

खङ्गधारेति वै नाम्ना रुद्रस्तत्रैव संस्थितः । यत्र स्नात्वा दिवं याताः पापिनोऽपि सुरेश्वरि

khaṅgadhāreti vai nāmnā rudrastatraiva saṃsthitaḥ yatra snātvā divaṃ yātāḥ pāpino'pi sureśvari

There, under the name Khadgadhara, Rudra himself abides; bathing there, even sinners, O queen of the gods, have gone to heaven.

Verse 5 (padma.6.154.5)

अत्रैवोदाहरंतीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । किरातेन कृतं यच्च व्रतं परमदुष्करम्

atraivodāharaṃtīmamitihāsaṃ purātanam kirātena kṛtaṃ yacca vrataṃ paramaduṣkaram

Here they tell this ancient tale -- of the most difficult vow that was performed by a Kirata, a hunter.

Verse 6 (padma.6.154.6)

पार्वत्युवाच। किं नाम वै किरातोऽभूत्किं तेन व्रतमाहितम् । तत्सर्वं श्रोतुमिच्छामि यथातथ्येन कथ्यताम्

pārvatyuvāca kiṃ nāma vai kirāto'bhūtkiṃ tena vratamāhitam tatsarvaṃ śrotumicchāmi yathātathyena kathyatām

Parvati said: What was that hunter's name, and what vow did he undertake? I wish to hear all of it -- tell it just as it happened.

Verse 7 (padma.6.154.7)

नह्यन्यो विद्यते लोके त्वां विना वदतां वरः । तस्मात्कथय भो देव सर्वं शुश्रूषणे हितम्

nahyanyo vidyate loke tvāṃ vinā vadatāṃ varaḥ tasmātkathaya bho deva sarvaṃ śuśrūṣaṇe hitam

There exists no other in the world, apart from you, who is foremost among speakers. Therefore tell it all, O god -- it is good for one who wishes to listen.

Verse 8 (padma.6.154.8)

महादेव उवाच। आसीत्पुरा महारौद्रश्चंडो नाम दुरात्मवान् । क्रूरः शठो नैष्कृतिको भूतानां च भयावहः

mahādeva uvāca āsītpurā mahāraudraścaṃḍo nāma durātmavān krūraḥ śaṭho naiṣkṛtiko bhūtānāṃ ca bhayāvahaḥ

Mahadeva said: There was formerly a most fierce man named Chanda, evil-souled -- cruel, deceitful, treacherous, a terror to living creatures.

Verse 9 (padma.6.154.9)

जालेन मत्स्यान्दुष्टात्मा घातयत्यनिशं ततः । भल्लैर्मृगान्श्वापदांश्च कृष्णसारान्सशल्लकान्

jālena matsyānduṣṭātmā ghātayatyaniśaṃ tataḥ bhallairmṛgānśvāpadāṃśca kṛṣṇasārānsaśallakān

That evil-souled man ceaselessly killed fish with nets, and, with spears, deer, wild beasts, black antelope, and porcupines --

Verse 10 (padma.6.154.10)

खगान्नानाविधांश्चैव विध्वा कांश्चित्प्रपातयेत् । पक्षिणो घातयन्क्रुद्धो बर्हिणश्च विशेषतः

khagānnānāvidhāṃścaiva vidhvā kāṃścitprapātayet pakṣiṇo ghātayankruddho barhiṇaśca viśeṣataḥ

and birds of many kinds -- some he brought down by piercing them; in his fury he killed birds, and peacocks especially.

Verse 11 (padma.6.154.11)

लुब्धको हि महापापो दुष्टो दुष्टजनप्रियः । भार्या तथाविधा तस्य पुंश्चली च महामया

lubdhako hi mahāpāpo duṣṭo duṣṭajanapriyaḥ bhāryā tathāvidhā tasya puṃścalī ca mahāmayā

That hunter was a great sinner, wicked, fond of wicked people; his wife too was of that same nature -- unchaste and full of great guile.

Verse 12 (padma.6.154.12)

एवं विहरतस्तस्य बहुकालो व्यवर्त्तत । एकदा निशि पापीयान्श्रीवृक्षोपरि संस्थितः

evaṃ viharatastasya bahukālo vyavarttata ekadā niśi pāpīyānśrīvṛkṣopari saṃsthitaḥ

Thus, as he roamed about, a long time passed. One night that sinful man climbed up into a bilva tree,

Verse 13 (padma.6.154.13)

कोलं हंतुं धनुःपाणिः शरं संयोज्य कार्मुके । एवं निशा गता तस्य जाग्रतो निमिषस्य हि । माघमासे सितायां वै चतुर्दश्यां नगात्मजे

kolaṃ haṃtuṃ dhanuḥpāṇiḥ śaraṃ saṃyojya kārmuke evaṃ niśā gatā tasya jāgrato nimiṣasya hi māghamāse sitāyāṃ vai caturdaśyāṃ nagātmaje

bow in hand, to kill a boar, an arrow fitted to his bow. Thus the night passed for him, awake without so much as blinking; O daughter of the mountain, it was the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of Magha.

Verse 14 (padma.6.154.14)

श्रीवृक्षपत्राणि बहूनि तत्र संच्छेदयामास रुषान्वितोऽपि । श्रीवृक्षमूले परिवर्त्तमानं लिगं च तस्योपरितानि पेतुः

śrīvṛkṣapatrāṇi bahūni tatra saṃcchedayāmāsa ruṣānvito'pi śrīvṛkṣamūle parivarttamānaṃ ligaṃ ca tasyoparitāni petuḥ

Filled with impatience, he cut off many bilva leaves there; and, unbeknownst to him, a linga lay at the foot of the bilva tree, and those leaves fell down upon it.

Verse 15 (padma.6.154.15)

श्रीवृक्षपर्णानि च दैवयोगात्जातं च सर्वं शिवपूजनं तत्

śrīvṛkṣaparṇāni ca daivayogātjātaṃ ca sarvaṃ śivapūjanaṃ tat

By the working of fate, through those bilva leaves, all of it became, unknowingly, an act of worship of Shiva.

Verse 16 (padma.6.154.16)

गंडूषकारिणा तेन स्नपनं च महत्कृतम् । अज्ञानिना च तेनैव पुष्कसेन दुरात्मना

gaṃḍūṣakāriṇā tena snapanaṃ ca mahatkṛtam ajñāninā ca tenaiva puṣkasena durātmanā

By his mouth-rinsing too, that great bathing-rite was performed -- by that ignorant, evil-souled outcaste himself.

Verse 17 (padma.6.154.17)

माघमासे सिते पक्षे चतुर्दश्यां विधूदये । पुष्कसो हि दुराचारो निष्पन्नो गतकल्मषः

māghamāse site pakṣe caturdaśyāṃ vidhūdaye puṣkaso hi durācāro niṣpanno gatakalmaṣaḥ

On the fourteenth of the bright fortnight of Magha, at moonrise, that evil-conducted outcaste was thus purified, freed of his sin.

Verse 18 (padma.6.154.18)

तस्य भार्या प्रचंडा च आगता तस्य सन्निधौ । निराशा च निराहारा यत्रासौ पुष्कसः स्थितः

tasya bhāryā pracaṃḍā ca āgatā tasya sannidhau nirāśā ca nirāhārā yatrāsau puṣkasaḥ sthitaḥ

His wife, Prachanda, then came to where he was -- disappointed and without food, to the place where he was seated.

Verse 19 (padma.6.154.19)

न प्राप्तः शूकरस्तेन मृगोऽपि महिषोऽपि वा । अशनार्थं च तस्यैव अन्नमादाय भामिनी

na prāptaḥ śūkarastena mṛgo'pi mahiṣo'pi vā aśanārthaṃ ca tasyaiva annamādāya bhāminī

He had caught neither boar, nor deer, nor buffalo; and that woman, bringing food for his meal,

Verse 20 (padma.6.154.20)

तेन दृष्टा प्रचंडा सा आयांती क्रूरलोचना । सा तस्य भार्या नद्यां वै जलमध्ये पपात ह

tena dṛṣṭā pracaṃḍā sā āyāṃtī krūralocanā sā tasya bhāryā nadyāṃ vai jalamadhye papāta ha

was seen by him -- fierce-eyed Prachanda, approaching; and that wife of his fell into the middle of the river's water.

Verse 21 (padma.6.154.21)

तावत्तयोक्तश्चंडात्मा एहि शीघ्रं च भक्षय । समानीतं त्वदर्थं च मत्स्यमांसं मयाधुना

tāvattayoktaścaṃḍātmā ehi śīghraṃ ca bhakṣaya samānītaṃ tvadarthaṃ ca matsyamāṃsaṃ mayādhunā

Then she said to that fierce-souled man: 'Come quickly, and eat -- I have now brought fish-flesh for you.'

Verse 22 (padma.6.154.22)

कृतं किं मूढ पूर्वेद्युर्मांसं पार्श्वे न दृश्यते । नाशितं च त्वया मूढ कुटुंबं लंघते तव

kṛtaṃ kiṃ mūḍha pūrvedyurmāṃsaṃ pārśve na dṛśyate nāśitaṃ ca tvayā mūḍha kuṭuṃbaṃ laṃghate tava

'What have you done, fool? The flesh from yesterday is nowhere to be seen beside you. You have wasted it, fool -- your family goes hungry because of you.'

Verse 23 (padma.6.154.23)

एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु वचनं चंडायाश्चंडरूपवान् । शिवरात्र्युपवासेन रात्रौ जागरणेन च

etacchrutvā tu vacanaṃ caṃḍāyāścaṃḍarūpavān śivarātryupavāsena rātrau jāgaraṇena ca

Hearing these words of fierce Prachanda, that fierce-formed man -- by the fast of Shivaratri and by his night-long vigil --

Verse 24 (padma.6.154.24)

शुद्धांतःकरणो जातः स्नातुं नद्यां शुचिव्रतः । यावत्स्नाति स दुष्टात्मा तावत्श्वा तत्र चागतः

śuddhāṃtaḥkaraṇo jātaḥ snātuṃ nadyāṃ śucivrataḥ yāvatsnāti sa duṣṭātmā tāvatśvā tatra cāgataḥ

had become pure of heart, and, his vow now purified, went to bathe in the river. While that evil-souled man was bathing, a dog came there,

Verse 25 (padma.6.154.25)

शुना तदा भक्षितं च सर्वं मांसं सुरेश्वरि । चंडा प्रकुपिता तं च श्वानं हंतुमुपस्थिता

śunā tadā bhakṣitaṃ ca sarvaṃ māṃsaṃ sureśvari caṃḍā prakupitā taṃ ca śvānaṃ haṃtumupasthitā

and, O queen of the gods, the dog ate up all the fish-flesh. Prachanda, enraged, rose up to kill that dog.

Verse 26 (padma.6.154.26)

निवारिता हि चंडेन चंडा प्रकुपिता तदा । न हंतव्यस्त्वया चैष किमनेनाशुभं कृतम्

nivāritā hi caṃḍena caṃḍā prakupitā tadā na haṃtavyastvayā caiṣa kimanenāśubhaṃ kṛtam

But she was stopped by Chanda, though Prachanda was enraged: 'This creature should not be killed by you -- what wrong has it done?'

Verse 27 (padma.6.154.27)

तयोक्तं भक्षितं चान्नं अनेनैव दुरात्मना । किं त्वं भक्षयिता मूढ भविताद्य बुभुक्षितः

tayoktaṃ bhakṣitaṃ cānnaṃ anenaiva durātmanā kiṃ tvaṃ bhakṣayitā mūḍha bhavitādya bubhukṣitaḥ

She said: 'The food has been eaten up by this wretched creature! Fool, what will you eat now? You will go hungry today.'

Verse 28 (padma.6.154.28)

पुष्कस उवाच। यच्छुना भक्षितं चान्नं तेनाहं परितोषितः । किमनेन शरीरेण नश्वरेण गतायुषा

puṣkasa uvāca yacchunā bhakṣitaṃ cānnaṃ tenāhaṃ paritoṣitaḥ kimanena śarīreṇa naśvareṇa gatāyuṣā

Pushkasa said: 'I am content that the food was eaten by the dog. What use is this perishable body, whose lifespan is already spent?'

Verse 29 (padma.6.154.29)

ये पुष्यंति शरीरं वै सर्वभावेन भामिनि । मूढास्ते पापिनो ज्ञेया लोकद्वय बहिष्कृताः

ye puṣyaṃti śarīraṃ vai sarvabhāvena bhāmini mūḍhāste pāpino jñeyā lokadvaya bahiṣkṛtāḥ

'Those who nourish the body alone, with their whole being, O woman -- they are to be known as fools and sinners, cast out from both worlds.'

Verse 30 (padma.6.154.30)

तस्मान्मानं परित्यज्य कामं चापि दुरात्मताम् । स्वस्थाभावविमर्शेन तत्वबुध्या स्थिरा भव

tasmānmānaṃ parityajya kāmaṃ cāpi durātmatām svasthābhāvavimarśena tatvabudhyā sthirā bhava

'Therefore, abandoning pride, desire, and evil disposition alike, become steady through reflection upon your true state, through wisdom of the ultimate truth.'

Verse 31 (padma.6.154.31)

अहमेतच्छरीरं वै खङ्गधारव्रतेन च । त्यक्ष्याम्यद्य वरारोहे किं चिरंजीवनेन मे

ahametaccharīraṃ vai khaṅgadhāravratena ca tyakṣyāmyadya varārohe kiṃ ciraṃjīvanena me

'This body of mine, by the vow of the sword's edge, I shall renounce this very day, O fair one -- what use is a long life to me?'

Verse 32 (padma.6.154.32)

इत्युक्त्वा खङ्गमाकृष्य यावद्भिनत्ति कं स्वकम् । आगताश्च गणास्तावद्बहवः शिवनोदिताः

ityuktvā khaṅgamākṛṣya yāvadbhinatti kaṃ svakam āgatāśca gaṇāstāvadbahavaḥ śivanoditāḥ

Having said this, he drew his sword, and just as he was about to cut off his own head, many hosts of Shiva, sent by him, arrived there.

Verse 33 (padma.6.154.33)

विमानानि बहून्यत्र आगतानि तदंतिके । दृष्ट्वा स चैव तान्येवं विमानानि गणांस्तथा

vimānāni bahūnyatra āgatāni tadaṃtike dṛṣṭvā sa caiva tānyevaṃ vimānāni gaṇāṃstathā

Many celestial chariots arrived there, close by; and seeing those chariots and those hosts,

Verse 34 (padma.6.154.34)

उवाच परया भक्त्या पुष्कसोऽपि च तान्प्रति । कस्मात्समागता यूयं सर्वे रुद्राक्षधारिणः

uvāca parayā bhaktyā puṣkaso'pi ca tānprati kasmātsamāgatā yūyaṃ sarve rudrākṣadhāriṇaḥ

Pushkasa, with the highest devotion, said to them: 'Why have you all come here, wearing rudraksha beads --

Verse 35 (padma.6.154.35)

सर्वे स्फटिकसंकाशाः सर्वे चंद्रार्द्धशेखराः । कपर्दिनश्चर्मपरीतवाससो भुजंगभोगैः कृतहारभूषणाः

sarve sphaṭikasaṃkāśāḥ sarve caṃdrārddhaśekharāḥ kapardinaścarmaparītavāsaso bhujaṃgabhogaiḥ kṛtahārabhūṣaṇāḥ

-- all resembling crystal, all bearing the crescent moon on your crest, matted-haired, clad in hide garments, adorned with garlands made of the coils of serpents,

Verse 36 (padma.6.154.36)

श्रियान्विता रुद्रसमानवीर्या यथातथं भो वदतोचितं मम । पुष्कसेन तदा पृष्टा ऊचुस्ते रुद्रपार्षदाः

śriyānvitā rudrasamānavīryā yathātathaṃ bho vadatocitaṃ mama puṣkasena tadā pṛṣṭā ūcuste rudrapārṣadāḥ

-- endowed with splendor, equal in might to Rudra -- tell me the truth, whatever is proper for me to hear.' Thus questioned by Pushkasa, those attendants of Rudra spoke:

Verse 37 (padma.6.154.37)

गणा ऊचुः। प्रेषितास्मो वयं चंड शिवेन परमेष्ठिना । आगच्छ त्वरितो भूत्वा सस्त्रीको यानमारुह

gaṇā ūcuḥ preṣitāsmo vayaṃ caṃḍa śivena parameṣṭhinā āgaccha tvarito bhūtvā sastrīko yānamāruha

The attendants said: 'O Chanda, we have been sent by Shiva, the Supreme Lord. Come quickly, together with your wife, and mount this celestial chariot.'

Verse 38 (padma.6.154.38)

लिगार्चनं कृतं यच्च त्वया रात्रौ शिवस्य च । तेन कर्मविपाकेन प्राप्तोऽसि परमां गतिम्

ligārcanaṃ kṛtaṃ yacca tvayā rātrau śivasya ca tena karmavipākena prāpto'si paramāṃ gatim

'By the worship of Shiva's linga that you performed that night, by the fruit ripening of that deed, you have attained the highest destination.'

Verse 39 (padma.6.154.39)

तथोक्तो वीरभद्रेण उवाच प्रहसन्निव । किं मया सुकृतं चीर्णं पापिना पुष्कसेन हि

tathokto vīrabhadreṇa uvāca prahasanniva kiṃ mayā sukṛtaṃ cīrṇaṃ pāpinā puṣkasena hi

Thus addressed by Virabhadra, he said, as though laughing: 'What good deed have I, sinful Pushkasa, ever performed?'

Verse 40 (padma.6.154.40)

मृगयारसिकेनैव मूढेन च दुरात्मना । पापाचारोह्यहं नित्यं कथं स्वर्गे वसाम्यहम्

mṛgayārasikenaiva mūḍhena ca durātmanā pāpācārohyahaṃ nityaṃ kathaṃ svarge vasāmyaham

'I, who delighted only in the hunt, a fool of evil soul, of sinful conduct always -- how could I ever come to dwell in heaven?'

Verse 41 (padma.6.154.41)

कथं लिगार्चनं चाद्या कृतमस्ति तदुच्यताम् । परं कौतुकमापन्नः पृच्छामि कृपया वद

kathaṃ ligārcanaṃ cādyā kṛtamasti taducyatām paraṃ kautukamāpannaḥ pṛcchāmi kṛpayā vada

'How, and when, did I perform worship of the linga -- tell me this. I am filled with great wonder; please tell me, out of kindness.'

Verse 42 (padma.6.154.42)

वीरभद्र उवाच। देवदेवो महादेवो यो गंगाधरसंज्ञकः । परितुष्टोऽद्य ते चंड सभार्यस्य उमापतिः

vīrabhadra uvāca devadevo mahādevo yo gaṃgādharasaṃjñakaḥ parituṣṭo'dya te caṃḍa sabhāryasya umāpatiḥ

Virabhadra said: The god of gods, Mahadeva, he who is known as Gangadhara -- that lord of Uma is today well satisfied with you, O Chanda, and with your wife.

Verse 43 (padma.6.154.43)

प्रासंगिकं त्वया चाद्य कृतमर्चनमेव च । कोलं निरीक्षमाणेन बिल्वपत्राणि चैव हि

prāsaṃgikaṃ tvayā cādya kṛtamarcanameva ca kolaṃ nirīkṣamāṇena bilvapatrāṇi caiva hi

By mere circumstance, you performed worship today; for, while you were watching for a boar, bilva leaves --

Verse 44 (padma.6.154.44)

छेदितानि त्वया चंड पतितानि तदैव हि । लिंगस्य मस्तके तानि तेन त्वं सुकृती प्रभो

cheditāni tvayā caṃḍa patitāni tadaiva hi liṃgasya mastake tāni tena tvaṃ sukṛtī prabho

cut down by you, O Chanda, fell at that very moment upon the head of a linga. By that, O lord, you have become one of virtuous deeds.

Verse 45 (padma.6.154.45)

तवैवं जागरो जातो महावृक्षोपरि ध्रुवम् । तेनैव जागरेणैव तुतोष जगदीश्वरः

tavaivaṃ jāgaro jāto mahāvṛkṣopari dhruvam tenaiva jāgareṇaiva tutoṣa jagadīśvaraḥ

Your night-long wakefulness, kept perched atop that great tree, certainly counted as a vigil; and by that very vigil the Lord of the universe became pleased.

Verse 46 (padma.6.154.46)

छलेनैव महाभाग कोलसंदर्शनेन हि । शिवरात्रिदिनं व्याध प्रसंगेनाप्युपोषितम्

chalenaiva mahābhāga kolasaṃdarśanena hi śivarātridinaṃ vyādha prasaṃgenāpyupoṣitam

Even unwittingly, O most fortunate one, through your watching for a boar, O hunter, you kept a fast on the very day of Shivaratri, by mere coincidence.

Verse 47 (padma.6.154.47)

तेनोपवासेन च जागरेणतुष्टो ह्यसौ देववरो महात्मा । तव प्रसादाय महानुभावो ददाति सर्वान्वरदो वरांश्च

tenopavāsena ca jāgareṇatuṣṭo hyasau devavaro mahātmā tava prasādāya mahānubhāvo dadāti sarvānvarado varāṃśca

By that fasting and that vigil, that great-souled, foremost of gods became pleased; and, most magnanimous, the giver of boons now grants you, for your favor, every boon.

Verse 48 (padma.6.154.48)

एवमुक्तस्तदा तेन वीरभद्रेण धीमता । पुष्कसोऽपि विमानाग्र्यमारुरोह च पश्यताम्

evamuktastadā tena vīrabhadreṇa dhīmatā puṣkaso'pi vimānāgryamāruroha ca paśyatām

Thus addressed by that wise Virabhadra, Pushkasa then ascended the most excellent celestial chariot, before the very eyes of all who watched --

Verse 49 (padma.6.154.49)

गणानां देवतानां च सर्वेषां प्राणिनामपि । तदा दुंदुभयो नेदुर्भेरीतूर्याण्यनेकशः

gaṇānāṃ devatānāṃ ca sarveṣāṃ prāṇināmapi tadā duṃdubhayo nedurbherītūryāṇyanekaśaḥ

of the hosts, of the gods, and of all living beings. Then the drums resounded, and kettledrums and trumpets by the many;

Verse 50 (padma.6.154.50)

वीणावेणुमृदंगानि लास्यनाट्य युतानि च । जगुर्गंधर्वपतयो ननृतुश्चाप्सरोगणाः

vīṇāveṇumṛdaṃgāni lāsyanāṭya yutāni ca jagurgaṃdharvapatayo nanṛtuścāpsarogaṇāḥ

lutes, flutes, and mridangas sounded together with graceful dance; the lords of the Gandharvas sang, and the hosts of Apsarases danced.

Verse 51 (padma.6.154.51)

चामरैर्विज्यमानो हि छत्रैश्च विविधैरपि । महोत्सवेन महता ह्यानीतः शिवसन्निधौ

cāmarairvijyamāno hi chatraiśca vividhairapi mahotsavena mahatā hyānītaḥ śivasannidhau

Fanned with chowries and shaded by various umbrellas, he was brought, with a great festival, into the very presence of Shiva.

Verse 52 (padma.6.154.52)

पुष्कसोऽपि तदा प्राप्तस्तीर्थस्नान शिवार्चनात् । किं पुनः श्रद्धया भक्त्या शिवाय परमात्माने

puṣkaso'pi tadā prāptastīrthasnāna śivārcanāt kiṃ punaḥ śraddhayā bhaktyā śivāya paramātmāne

Thus even Pushkasa attained this, from bathing at the tirtha and worship of Shiva alone -- how much more, then, for one who with faith and devotion offers to Shiva, the Supreme Soul,

Verse 53 (padma.6.154.53)

पुष्पादिकं फलं गंधं तांबूलाक्षतमेव च । ये प्रयच्छंति लोकेऽस्मिंस्ते रुद्रा नात्र संशयः

puṣpādikaṃ phalaṃ gaṃdhaṃ tāṃbūlākṣatameva ca ye prayacchaṃti loke'smiṃste rudrā nātra saṃśayaḥ

flowers and the like, fruit, fragrant paste, betel-leaf, and unbroken rice -- those who offer such things in this world become Rudras themselves, without doubt.

Verse 54 (padma.6.154.54)

महादेव उवाच। तदाप्रभृति तत्तीर्थं खङ्गधारेति विश्रुतम् । एतत्तीर्थं कलौ गुप्तं भविष्यति सुरेश्वरि

mahādeva uvāca tadāprabhṛti tattīrthaṃ khaṅgadhāreti viśrutam etattīrthaṃ kalau guptaṃ bhaviṣyati sureśvari

Mahadeva said: From that time on, that tirtha became renowned as Khadgadhara. This tirtha shall remain hidden in the Kali age, O queen of the gods.

Verse 55 (padma.6.154.55)

माघमासेऽथ वैशाखे कार्तिक्यां च विशेषतः । स्नानं येन प्रकुर्वंति मुक्तास्ते नगनंदिनि

māghamāse'tha vaiśākhe kārtikyāṃ ca viśeṣataḥ snānaṃ yena prakurvaṃti muktāste naganaṃdini

In the month of Magha, in Vaishakha, and especially in Kartika, whoever performs bathing here, O daughter of the mountain, is liberated.

Verse 56 (padma.6.154.56)

वसिष्ठो वामदेवश्च भरद्वाजोऽथ गौतमः । स्नानार्थे वै समायांति देवं द्रष्टुं पिनाकिनम्

vasiṣṭho vāmadevaśca bharadvājo'tha gautamaḥ snānārthe vai samāyāṃti devaṃ draṣṭuṃ pinākinam

Vasishtha, Vamadeva, Bharadvaja, and Gautama all come here to bathe, to behold the god who bears the Pinaka bow.

Verse 57 (padma.6.154.57)

त्रियुगे वर्त्तते लिंगं कलौ नैव तु पार्वति । विश्वामित्रेण ऋषिणा दत्तशापो ह्यहं तदा

triyuge varttate liṃgaṃ kalau naiva tu pārvati viśvāmitreṇa ṛṣiṇā dattaśāpo hyahaṃ tadā

Through three ages the linga remains visible, but not in the Kali age, O Parvati -- for I was then given a curse by the sage Vishvamitra.

Verse 58 (padma.6.154.58)

पार्वत्युवाच। कथं शापस्तु ऋषिणा दत्तश्चैव सुरेश्वर । तदहं श्रोतुमिच्छामि त्वत्तो देव न संशयः

pārvatyuvāca kathaṃ śāpastu ṛṣiṇā dattaścaiva sureśvara tadahaṃ śrotumicchāmi tvatto deva na saṃśayaḥ

Parvati said: How was that curse given by the sage, O lord of the gods? I wish to hear it from you, O god -- there is no doubt of that.

Verse 59 (padma.6.154.59)

महादेव उवाच। एकस्मिन्समये देवि विश्वामित्रो महातपाः । आगतः खङ्गधारेऽस्मिंस्तीर्थे वै परमाद्भुते

mahādeva uvāca ekasminsamaye devi viśvāmitro mahātapāḥ āgataḥ khaṅgadhāre'smiṃstīrthe vai paramādbhute

Mahadeva said: On one occasion, O goddess, Vishvamitra, of great austerity, came to this most wondrous tirtha of Khadgadhara,

Verse 60 (padma.6.154.60)

साभ्रमत्यां कृतस्नानो दर्शनं कृतवान्मम । तत्र तिष्ठति नित्यं वै पूजां कुर्वन्ननेकधा

sābhramatyāṃ kṛtasnāno darśanaṃ kṛtavānmama tatra tiṣṭhati nityaṃ vai pūjāṃ kurvannanekadhā

and, having bathed in the Sabarmati, took darshan of me. There he remained continuously, performing worship in many ways.

Verse 61 (padma.6.154.61)

तत्र कोऽपि महादुष्टः कौलिकः पापरुपधृक् । मांसं दत्तं तदा तेन शिवस्योपरि भामिनि

tatra ko'pi mahāduṣṭaḥ kaulikaḥ pāparupadhṛk māṃsaṃ dattaṃ tadā tena śivasyopari bhāmini

There a certain most wicked Kaulika, a heretical practitioner of sinful form, offered flesh, O lady, upon the linga of Shiva.

Verse 62 (padma.6.154.62)

दृष्ट्वा तदपि मांसं च विश्वामित्रोऽथ वै पुनः । अब्रवीच्च तदा तत्र दुष्कृतं पापिना कृतम्

dṛṣṭvā tadapi māṃsaṃ ca viśvāmitro'tha vai punaḥ abravīcca tadā tatra duṣkṛtaṃ pāpinā kṛtam

Seeing that flesh, Vishvamitra then again said there: 'A wicked deed has been done by this sinner.'

Verse 63 (padma.6.154.63)

न दत्तस्तस्य दंडो हि शर्वेण परमात्मना । तस्मादहं हि निश्चित्य शापं दास्ये न संशयः

na dattastasya daṃḍo hi śarveṇa paramātmanā tasmādahaṃ hi niścitya śāpaṃ dāsye na saṃśayaḥ

'Yet no punishment has been given to him by Sharva, the Supreme Soul. Therefore, having resolved, I shall certainly give a curse.'

Verse 64 (padma.6.154.64)

विचार्यैवं तदा तेन शप्तोऽहं देवि वै तदा

vicāryaivaṃ tadā tena śapto'haṃ devi vai tadā

Having thus reflected, he then cursed me, O goddess, at that time.

Verse 65 (padma.6.154.65)

अस्मिन्कलियुगे घोरे गुप्तस्त्वं भव सर्वथा । इति दत्वाथ वै शापं गतवान्मुनिसत्तमः

asminkaliyuge ghore guptastvaṃ bhava sarvathā iti datvātha vai śāpaṃ gatavānmunisattamaḥ

'In this terrible Kali age, may you remain hidden in every way.' Having thus pronounced the curse, that foremost of sages departed.

Verse 66 (padma.6.154.66)

तदा प्रभृति भो देवि गुप्तोऽहं ऋषिशापतः । ममस्थाने विशेषेण पूजनं कुरुते यदि

tadā prabhṛti bho devi gupto'haṃ ṛṣiśāpataḥ mamasthāne viśeṣeṇa pūjanaṃ kurute yadi

From that time, O goddess, I have remained hidden by the sage's curse. Yet if anyone performs worship especially at my place,

Verse 67 (padma.6.154.67)

तेषां हि दुरितं यच्च नश्यते तत्क्षणादपि । मृन्मयीं मामकीं मूर्तिं कृत्वा ये पूजयंति वै

teṣāṃ hi duritaṃ yacca naśyate tatkṣaṇādapi mṛnmayīṃ māmakīṃ mūrtiṃ kṛtvā ye pūjayaṃti vai

whatever sin they have is destroyed that very instant. Those who fashion an earthen image of me and worship it,

Verse 68 (padma.6.154.68)

अत्र स्थाने विशेषेण मामके तु वसंति हि । खङ्गधारेश्वर इति नाम्ना ख्यातः कलौयुगे

atra sthāne viśeṣeṇa māmake tu vasaṃti hi khaṅgadhāreśvara iti nāmnā khyātaḥ kalauyuge

dwell especially at this, my own place. I am known by the name Khadgadhareshvara in the Kali age.

Verse 69 (padma.6.154.69)

कृते वै मंदिरं नाम त्रेतायां गौरवः स्मृतः । द्वापरे विश्वविख्यातः कलौ खङ्गेश्वरः स्मृतः

kṛte vai maṃdiraṃ nāma tretāyāṃ gauravaḥ smṛtaḥ dvāpare viśvavikhyātaḥ kalau khaṅgeśvaraḥ smṛtaḥ

In the Krita age I was called by the name Mandira; in Treta I was remembered as Gaurava; in Dvapara I was renowned throughout the world; and in Kali I am remembered as Khadgeshvara.

Verse 70 (padma.6.154.70)

दक्षिणं भागमाश्रित्य मम स्थानं सुरेश्वरि । इति ज्ञात्वा तु तत्रैव कृत्वा मूर्तिं सदा बुधः

dakṣiṇaṃ bhāgamāśritya mama sthānaṃ sureśvari iti jñātvā tu tatraiva kṛtvā mūrtiṃ sadā budhaḥ

My place lies toward the southern side, O queen of the gods. Knowing this, the wise, having made an image there,

Verse 71 (padma.6.154.71)

पूजनं कुरुते नित्यं वांछितं फलमाप्नुयात् । धर्मार्थकाममोक्षांश्च लभते मानवो भुवि

pūjanaṃ kurute nityaṃ vāṃchitaṃ phalamāpnuyāt dharmārthakāmamokṣāṃśca labhate mānavo bhuvi

should ever perform worship, and thereby obtain the desired fruit. Such a man obtains dharma, artha, kama, and moksha upon this earth.

Verse 72 (padma.6.154.72)

धूपं दीपं च नैवेद्यं तथा वै चंदनादिकम् । येऽर्पयंति हि देवेशि लोकनाथे महेश्वरि । न दुःखं तु भवेत्तेषां सत्यं सत्यं वरानने

dhūpaṃ dīpaṃ ca naivedyaṃ tathā vai caṃdanādikam ye'rpayaṃti hi deveśi lokanāthe maheśvari na duḥkhaṃ tu bhavetteṣāṃ satyaṃ satyaṃ varānane

O queen of the gods, those who offer incense, a lamp, food-offering, and sandal-paste and the like to the Lord of the worlds, Maheshvara -- sorrow shall never befall them; truly, truly, O fair-faced one.