The Glory of Vartraghni (Indra and the Sin of Brahmahatya)

Verse 1 (padma.6.168.1)

महादेव उवाच। ततोगच्छेन्महादेवि वार्त्रघ्न्या गिरिकन्यया । शक्रश्चैव तया साध्व्या संगमं यत्र लब्धवान्

mahādeva uvāca tatogacchenmahādevi vārtraghnyā girikanyayā śakraścaiva tayā sādhvyā saṃgamaṃ yatra labdhavān

Mahadeva said: One should then go, O great goddess, to Vartraghni, the mountain's daughter -- the place where Shakra obtained union with that virtuous river.

Verse 2 (padma.6.168.2)

तत्र स्नानं प्रकुर्वंति नरा नियतमानसाः । दशानामश्वमेधानां यत्फलं स्नानकृल्लभेत्

tatra snānaṃ prakurvaṃti narā niyatamānasāḥ daśānāmaśvamedhānāṃ yatphalaṃ snānakṛllabhet

Men of controlled mind who bathe there obtain the fruit that comes from ten horse-sacrifices, merely from bathing.

Verse 3 (padma.6.168.3)

तत्र यः कुरुते श्राद्धं पिंडान्वै तिलचूर्णजान् । पुनाति पुरुषो वंशान्सप्तसप्तपरावरान्

tatra yaḥ kurute śrāddhaṃ piṃḍānvai tilacūrṇajān punāti puruṣo vaṃśānsaptasaptaparāvarān

Whoever performs shraddha there, offering rice-balls made of sesame powder, purifies seven generations before and seven after in his lineage.

Verse 4 (padma.6.168.4)

संपूज्य विधिवत्स्नात्वा संगमे गणनायकम् । न विघ्नैरभिभूयेत लक्ष्म्या नैव विहीयते

saṃpūjya vidhivatsnātvā saṃgame gaṇanāyakam na vighnairabhibhūyeta lakṣmyā naiva vihīyate

Having duly worshipped and bathed at that confluence, worshipping the Lord of the Ganas, one is never overcome by obstacles, nor ever forsaken by fortune.

Verse 5 (padma.6.168.5)

पार्वत्युवाच। कस्मिन्कार्यसमारंभे समायातः पुरंदरः । स्वर्गलोकादिमं लोकमेतदाख्यातुमर्हसि

pārvatyuvāca kasminkāryasamāraṃbhe samāyātaḥ puraṃdaraḥ svargalokādimaṃ lokametadākhyātumarhasi

Parvati said: For what undertaking did Purandara come here, down from the world of heaven to this world? You should tell me of this.

Verse 6 (padma.6.168.6)

वार्त्रघ्नी च नदी केन निरुक्तेन निगद्यते । पुरंदरपुरं देव ब्रह्मघोषनिनादितम् । संभावयति योऽजस्रं मम तत्संगमं वद

vārtraghnī ca nadī kena niruktena nigadyate puraṃdarapuraṃ deva brahmaghoṣanināditam saṃbhāvayati yo'jasraṃ mama tatsaṃgamaṃ vada

And by what etymology is the river called Vartraghni? O god, tell me of that confluence which Purandara's own city, resounding with the murmur of sacred chant, ceaselessly regards with reverence.

Verse 7 (padma.6.168.7)

महादेव उवाच। अस्मिंश्चैव तु भूर्लोके प्रश्नोऽयं समभूत्पुरा । युधिष्ठिरेति विख्यातो राजा वै धार्मिको महान्

mahādeva uvāca asmiṃścaiva tu bhūrloke praśno'yaṃ samabhūtpurā yudhiṣṭhireti vikhyāto rājā vai dhārmiko mahān

Mahadeva said: In this very world of mortals, this same question once arose, long ago -- the great and righteous king renowned as Yudhishthira

Verse 8 (padma.6.168.8)

पृष्टवान्स तु भीष्माय धर्मिणे ज्ञानरूपिणे । तेनोक्तं यत्तु तद्देवि प्रवक्ष्यामि तवाग्रतः

pṛṣṭavānsa tu bhīṣmāya dharmiṇe jñānarūpiṇe tenoktaṃ yattu taddevi pravakṣyāmi tavāgrataḥ

asked it of Bhishma, that righteous man, the very embodiment of knowledge. What Bhishma told him, O goddess, I shall now relate before you.

Verse 9 (padma.6.168.9)

दशवर्षसहस्राणि दशवर्षशतानि च । वृत्रवासवयोर्युद्धमभवल्लोमहर्षणम्

daśavarṣasahasrāṇi daśavarṣaśatāni ca vṛtravāsavayoryuddhamabhavallomaharṣaṇam

For ten thousand years, and also ten hundred years, the hair-raising battle between Vritra and Vasava went on.

Verse 10 (padma.6.168.10)

ततः पराजितः शक्रः कृत्वा वृत्रेण संविधम् । अद्रोहे स रणं त्यक्त्वा जगाम शरणं मम

tataḥ parājitaḥ śakraḥ kṛtvā vṛtreṇa saṃvidham adrohe sa raṇaṃ tyaktvā jagāma śaraṇaṃ mama

Then Shakra, defeated, having made a pact with Vritra of mutual non-aggression, abandoned the battle and came for refuge to me.

Verse 11 (padma.6.168.11)

वार्त्रघ्न्या संगमे पुण्ये तोषयामास शंकरम् । अथांतरिक्षेऽहं देवि दर्शनं दत्तवांस्तदा

vārtraghnyā saṃgame puṇye toṣayāmāsa śaṃkaram athāṃtarikṣe'haṃ devi darśanaṃ dattavāṃstadā

At the sacred confluence of the Vartraghni he satisfied Shankara; and then, O goddess, I appeared to him there, granting him a vision of myself in the sky.

Verse 12 (padma.6.168.12)

ममगात्रात्तु यद्भस्म पतितं काश्यपी तटे । भस्मगात्रेति तत्पुण्यं लिंगं देवि विनिर्मितम्

mamagātrāttu yadbhasma patitaṃ kāśyapī taṭe bhasmagātreti tatpuṇyaṃ liṃgaṃ devi vinirmitam

The ash that fell from my own body onto the bank of the Kashyapi -- from that, O goddess, a sacred linga was formed, called Bhasmagatra.

Verse 13 (padma.6.168.13)

भूतेश्वरं भस्मगात्रं ब्रह्मणा संप्रतिष्ठितम् । तस्य वै दर्शनादेव ब्रह्महत्या लयं व्रजेत्

bhūteśvaraṃ bhasmagātraṃ brahmaṇā saṃpratiṣṭhitam tasya vai darśanādeva brahmahatyā layaṃ vrajet

Bhasmagatra, Lord of Beings, was established by Brahma himself; by the mere sight of it, the sin of killing a brahmin passes into dissolution.

Verse 14 (padma.6.168.14)

मुच्यते सर्वपापेभ्यः श्राद्धं कृत्वा युगादिषु । तदहं सुप्रसन्नोऽभूदिन्द्राय सुमहात्मने

mucyate sarvapāpebhyaḥ śrāddhaṃ kṛtvā yugādiṣu tadahaṃ suprasanno'bhūdindrāya sumahātmane

One is freed from all sins by performing shraddha there at the beginnings of the yugas. There I became well pleased with Indra, that great-souled one, and said:

Verse 15 (padma.6.168.15)

यद्यत्त्वं वांछसे देव तत्सर्वं हि ददामि ते । अनेन वज्रयोगेन शीघ्रं वृत्रं हनिष्यसि

yadyattvaṃ vāṃchase deva tatsarvaṃ hi dadāmi te anena vajrayogena śīghraṃ vṛtraṃ haniṣyasi

'Whatever you desire, O god, all that I shall grant you. By the use of this vajra you shall soon slay Vritra.'

Verse 16 (padma.6.168.16)

शक्र उवाच। भगवंस्त्वत्प्रसादेन दितिजं च दुरासदम् । वज्रेण निहनिष्यामि पश्यतस्ते सुरोत्तम

śakra uvāca bhagavaṃstvatprasādena ditijaṃ ca durāsadam vajreṇa nihaniṣyāmi paśyataste surottama

Shakra said: O Lord, by your grace, I shall slay that unassailable son of Diti with the vajra, before your very eyes, O best of gods.

Verse 17 (padma.6.168.17)

एवमुक्त्वा तदा इंद्रो गतवांश्चासुरं प्रति । तदा दुंदुभयो नेदुर्देवसैन्ये विशेषतः

evamuktvā tadā iṃdro gatavāṃścāsuraṃ prati tadā duṃdubhayo nedurdevasainye viśeṣataḥ

Having spoken thus, Indra then went forth against the demon. Then the war-drums resounded, especially throughout the army of the gods,

Verse 18 (padma.6.168.18)

मृदंग डिंडिमाश्चैव भेरी तूर्याण्यनेकशः । असुराणां च सर्वेषां वृत्तिलोभो महानभूत

mṛdaṃga ḍiṃḍimāścaiva bherī tūryāṇyanekaśaḥ asurāṇāṃ ca sarveṣāṃ vṛttilobho mahānabhūta

with mridangas and small drums, kettledrums and trumpets of many kinds; and among all the demons a great eagerness for the coming battle arose.

Verse 19 (padma.6.168.19)

बलवान्मघवा चैव क्षणेन समजायत् । तमाविष्टं ततो ज्ञात्वा ऋषयः पन्नगास्तथा

balavānmaghavā caiva kṣaṇena samajāyat tamāviṣṭaṃ tato jñātvā ṛṣayaḥ pannagāstathā

Powerful Maghavan was instantly filled with might; and the sages and serpents, knowing him thus possessed of power,

Verse 20 (padma.6.168.20)

स्तुवंति शक्रमीशानं स्तुत्या जयजयेति च । गच्छतस्तस्य शक्रस्य युद्धकामस्य सन्निधौ । ऋषिभिः स्तूयमानस्य रूपमासीत्सुदुर्भरम्

stuvaṃti śakramīśānaṃ stutyā jayajayeti ca gacchatastasya śakrasya yuddhakāmasya sannidhau ṛṣibhiḥ stūyamānasya rūpamāsītsudurbharam

praised Shakra, the lord, with hymns of praise, crying 'Victory! Victory!' As Shakra advanced, eager for battle, praised by the sages, his form became difficult even to look upon.

Verse 21 (padma.6.168.21)

महादेव उवाच। वृत्रस्यसहसा देवि तदा संग्राममूर्द्धनि । अभवन्यानि लिंगानि शरीरे तानि मे शृणु

mahādeva uvāca vṛtrasyasahasā devi tadā saṃgrāmamūrddhani abhavanyāni liṃgāni śarīre tāni me śṛṇu

Mahadeva said: Then, O goddess, suddenly, at the very forefront of the battle, certain signs appeared upon Vritra's body -- hear them from me.

Verse 22 (padma.6.168.22)

ज्वलतास्योभवद्धोरो वैवर्ण्यमभवत्परम् । गात्रकंपश्च सुमहान्श्वासः सोष्मा व्यजायत्

jvalatāsyobhavaddhoro vaivarṇyamabhavatparam gātrakaṃpaśca sumahānśvāsaḥ soṣmā vyajāyat

His face, terrible, seemed aflame; an extreme pallor came over him; a great trembling of his limbs occurred, and hot, heavy breathing arose.

Verse 23 (padma.6.168.23)

रोमहर्षश्च तीव्रोऽभूच्छ्वासश्चैव महानभूत् । निष्पपात महाघोरा उल्काः पार्श्वं प्रपेदिरे

romaharṣaśca tīvro'bhūcchvāsaścaiva mahānabhūt niṣpapāta mahāghorā ulkāḥ pārśvaṃ prapedire

A violent horripilation seized him, and his breathing grew heavy; great and terrible meteors fell, streaking down beside him.

Verse 24 (padma.6.168.24)

गृध्रा वटाः श्येन कंका वचो मुंचन्सुदारुणाः । वृत्रस्योपरि ते सर्वे चक्रवत्परिबभ्रमुः

gṛdhrā vaṭāḥ śyena kaṃkā vaco muṃcansudāruṇāḥ vṛtrasyopari te sarve cakravatparibabhramuḥ

Vultures, crows, hawks, and herons, uttering most dreadful cries, all circled above Vritra like a wheel.

Verse 25 (padma.6.168.25)

ततः स गजमास्थाय इंद्रस्तत्र समागतः । वज्रोद्यतकरस्तत्र शक्रस्तं दैत्यमासदत्

tataḥ sa gajamāsthāya iṃdrastatra samāgataḥ vajrodyatakarastatra śakrastaṃ daityamāsadat

Then, mounted upon his elephant, Indra came there; and Shakra, his hand raised with the vajra, approached that demon.

Verse 26 (padma.6.168.26)

अमानुषमथो नादं स मुमोच सुरेश्वरः । वृत्रासुरस्य यततः शक्रो वज्रमपातयत्

amānuṣamatho nādaṃ sa mumoca sureśvaraḥ vṛtrāsurasya yatataḥ śakro vajramapātayat

The lord of the gods let loose a superhuman roar; and as the demon Vritra strove against him, Shakra hurled down the vajra.

Verse 27 (padma.6.168.27)

स वज्रः सुमहातेजाः कालाग्निसदृशो महान् । समुद्रस्य तटे वृत्रं शक्रो दैत्यमपातयत्

sa vajraḥ sumahātejāḥ kālāgnisadṛśo mahān samudrasya taṭe vṛtraṃ śakro daityamapātayat

That vajra, of tremendous splendor, great as the fire of time itself, felled the demon Vritra, by Shakra's hand, upon the shore of the ocean.

Verse 28 (padma.6.168.28)

ततो नादः समभवत्पुनरेव समंततः । वृत्रं विनिहतं दृष्ट्वा सर्वदेवभयंकरम्

tato nādaḥ samabhavatpunareva samaṃtataḥ vṛtraṃ vinihataṃ dṛṣṭvā sarvadevabhayaṃkaram

Then a great roar arose again from all sides, at the sight of Vritra slain -- he who had struck terror into all the gods.

Verse 29 (padma.6.168.29)

पुष्पवृष्टिस्तु महती इंद्र मूर्ध्नि पपात ह । वृत्रं हत्वा स भगवान्दानवेशं भयंकरम्

puṣpavṛṣṭistu mahatī iṃdra mūrdhni papāta ha vṛtraṃ hatvā sa bhagavāndānaveśaṃ bhayaṃkaram

A great shower of flowers fell upon Indra's head. Having slain that terrible lord of the danavas, Vritra, that illustrious one,

Verse 30 (padma.6.168.30)

स्तूयमानोऽमरैः सार्द्धं देवदानीं तमाविशत् । अथ वृत्रशरीरात्तु निर्गतं तेज उत्तमम्

stūyamāno'maraiḥ sārddhaṃ devadānīṃ tamāviśat atha vṛtraśarīrāttu nirgataṃ teja uttamam

praised together by all the immortals, entered the city of the gods. Then, from Vritra's body, there emerged a supreme, terrible power --

Verse 31 (padma.6.168.31)

ब्रह्महत्यामहाघोरा रौद्र लोकभयंकरी । करालवदना सा च विकृता कृष्णपिंगला

brahmahatyāmahāghorā raudra lokabhayaṃkarī karālavadanā sā ca vikṛtā kṛṣṇapiṃgalā

the most terrible personification of Brahmahatya, fierce and terrifying to the world, with a gaping mouth, deformed, black and tawny in hue,

Verse 32 (padma.6.168.32)

कपालमालिनी चैव सुकृशा नगनंदिनि । रुधिराक्ता च पापिष्ठा मीनगंधातिभीषणा

kapālamālinī caiva sukṛśā naganaṃdini rudhirāktā ca pāpiṣṭhā mīnagaṃdhātibhīṣaṇā

wearing a garland of skulls, O daughter of the mountain, emaciated, spattered with blood, most sinful, reeking of fish, exceedingly fearsome.

Verse 33 (padma.6.168.33)

सानिष्क्रम्य महादेवि तादृग्रूपा भयावहा । इंद्रमन्वेषयामास तदा वै सुरसत्तमे

sāniṣkramya mahādevi tādṛgrūpā bhayāvahā iṃdramanveṣayāmāsa tadā vai surasattame

Emerging thus, O great goddess, in that dreadful form, she then went in search of Indra, O best of gods.

Verse 34 (padma.6.168.34)

निर्धावती ततः सा तु दृष्ट्वा शक्रं महौजसम् । कंठे जग्राह देवेंद्रं सुलग्ना साभवत्तदा

nirdhāvatī tataḥ sā tu dṛṣṭvā śakraṃ mahaujasam kaṃṭhe jagrāha deveṃdraṃ sulagnā sābhavattadā

Rushing forth and beholding Shakra of great might, she seized the lord of the gods by the throat, and clung fast to him there.

Verse 35 (padma.6.168.35)

स च तस्मिन्समुद्भ्रांतो ब्रह्महत्याकृते भये । निलिल्य बिसमध्येऽसौ स्थितो वर्षगणान्बहून्

sa ca tasminsamudbhrāṃto brahmahatyākṛte bhaye nililya bisamadhye'sau sthito varṣagaṇānbahūn

And Indra, utterly distraught with fear because of the Brahmahatya, hid himself in the midst of a lotus-fiber and remained there for many years.

Verse 36 (padma.6.168.36)

तया गृहीतो भो देवि निश्चेष्टः समपद्यत । तस्या व्यपोहने शक्रः प्रयत्नं च चकार ह

tayā gṛhīto bho devi niśceṣṭaḥ samapadyata tasyā vyapohane śakraḥ prayatnaṃ ca cakāra ha

O goddess, seized by her, he became powerless. Shakra made every effort to cast her off,

Verse 37 (padma.6.168.37)

न शक्तोऽभून्महादेवि ब्रह्महत्यां व्यपोहितुम् । तया गृहीतमात्रस्तु देवेंद्रो निष्ठरूपधृक्

na śakto'bhūnmahādevi brahmahatyāṃ vyapohitum tayā gṛhītamātrastu deveṃdro niṣṭharūpadhṛk

but, O great goddess, he was unable to shake off Brahmahatya. The lord of the gods, seized by her, took on a wretched form,

Verse 38 (padma.6.168.38)

पितामहमुपागम्य शिरसा प्रत्यपूजयत् । ज्ञात्वा गृहीतं शक्रं तु द्विजप्रवरहत्यया

pitāmahamupāgamya śirasā pratyapūjayat jñātvā gṛhītaṃ śakraṃ tu dvijapravarahatyayā

and, going to the grandfather Brahma, worshipped him with bowed head. Knowing that Shakra had been seized by the sin of killing a foremost brahmin,

Verse 39 (padma.6.168.39)

ब्रह्मा संचिंतयामास तदा वै सुरसत्तमे । सा चिंत्यमाना ब्रह्माणमुपगम्याब्रवीद्वचः

brahmā saṃciṃtayāmāsa tadā vai surasattame sā ciṃtyamānā brahmāṇamupagamyābravīdvacaḥ

Brahma, O best of gods, then pondered upon the matter. Brahmahatya herself, being thus considered, then approached Brahma and spoke these words:

Verse 40 (padma.6.168.40)

प्राप्तास्मि भगवन्देव त्वत्सकाशं हि मानद । यत्कर्त्तव्यं मया देव तद्भवान्वक्तुमर्हति

prāptāsmi bhagavandeva tvatsakāśaṃ hi mānada yatkarttavyaṃ mayā deva tadbhavānvaktumarhati

'I have come, O lord god, into your very presence, O honorer of others. Whatever it is that I should do, O god, you should tell me.'

Verse 41 (padma.6.168.41)

तामुवाच महाभागे ब्रह्महत्यां पितामहः । स्वरेण मधुरेणाथ संक्षेपेण यथातथम्

tāmuvāca mahābhāge brahmahatyāṃ pitāmahaḥ svareṇa madhureṇātha saṃkṣepeṇa yathātatham

The Grandfather then spoke to that most fortunate Brahmahatya, in a sweet voice, briefly, telling her the truth:

Verse 42 (padma.6.168.42)

मुच्यतां देवराजोऽयं मत्प्रियं कुरु भामिनि । ब्रूहि किं ते करोम्यद्य कामं त्वं किमिहेच्छसि

mucyatāṃ devarājo'yaṃ matpriyaṃ kuru bhāmini brūhi kiṃ te karomyadya kāmaṃ tvaṃ kimihecchasi

'Let this king of the gods be released; do this for my sake, O lady. Tell me, what shall I do for you today? What desire do you have here?'

Verse 43 (padma.6.168.43)

हत्योवाच। शक्रादपगमिष्यामि वचनात्ते नरोत्तम । देवदेव नमस्तेस्तु निवासं च ददस्व मे

hatyovāca śakrādapagamiṣyāmi vacanātte narottama devadeva namastestu nivāsaṃ ca dadasva me

Hatya said: At your word, O foremost of men, I shall depart from Shakra. O god of gods, salutations to you -- grant me a dwelling place.

Verse 44 (padma.6.168.44)

महादेव उवाच। तथेति तां प्रतिज्ञाय हत्यां चापि पितामहः । उपायमथ शक्रस्य ब्रह्महत्यापनोदने

mahādeva uvāca tatheti tāṃ pratijñāya hatyāṃ cāpi pitāmahaḥ upāyamatha śakrasya brahmahatyāpanodane

Mahadeva said: 'So be it,' the Grandfather promised her; and then he set about devising a means for removing Shakra's sin of killing a brahmin.

Verse 45 (padma.6.168.45)

ततो वह्निं समाहूय ब्रह्मा वचनमब्रवीत् । शक्रहत्या चतुर्थांशं जातवेदो गृहाण भो

tato vahniṃ samāhūya brahmā vacanamabravīt śakrahatyā caturthāṃśaṃ jātavedo gṛhāṇa bho

Then, summoning Fire, Brahma spoke these words: 'O Jatavedas, take one quarter of Shakra's sin of killing.'

Verse 46 (padma.6.168.46)

अग्निरुवाच। मम मोक्षस्य को हेतुर्ब्रह्महत्याकृते प्रभो । एतदिच्छामि विज्ञातुं तत्त्वतो लोकपूजित

agniruvāca mama mokṣasya ko heturbrahmahatyākṛte prabho etadicchāmi vijñātuṃ tattvato lokapūjita

Agni said: What, O lord, shall be the means of my release from this Brahmahatya? This I wish to know in truth, O you who are worshipped by the world.

Verse 47 (padma.6.168.47)

ब्रह्मोवाच। यस्त्वां ज्वलंतमासाद्य न होष्यति नरः क्वचित् । बीजौषधितिलानग्रे फलमूलसमित्कुशान्

brahmovāca yastvāṃ jvalaṃtamāsādya na hoṣyati naraḥ kvacit bījauṣadhitilānagre phalamūlasamitkuśān

Brahma said: Whatever man, having approached you while you blaze, fails ever to offer into you seeds, herbs, sesame, or, before that, fruit, roots, sacrificial sticks, and kusha grass --

Verse 48 (padma.6.168.48)

तदैव त्यक्षति त्वां च तत्रैव च निवत्स्यति । ब्रह्महत्या हव्यवाह व्येतु ते मनसो ज्वरः

tadaiva tyakṣati tvāṃ ca tatraiva ca nivatsyati brahmahatyā havyavāha vyetu te manaso jvaraḥ

-- into that very man this sin shall pass, forsaking you, and shall dwell there instead. O Bearer of Oblations, let the fever of your mind, caused by Brahmahatya, depart.

Verse 49 (padma.6.168.49)

ततः स परिजग्राह तद्वचो हव्यकव्यभुक् । पितामहश्च भगवान्तथा तदलभत्प्रियम्

tataḥ sa parijagrāha tadvaco havyakavyabhuk pitāmahaśca bhagavāntathā tadalabhatpriyam

Then Agni, the consumer of oblations to gods and ancestors, accepted that word; and the illustrious Grandfather thus obtained what pleased him.

Verse 50 (padma.6.168.50)

ततो वृक्षौषधितृणान्याहूय स पितामहः । इममर्थं महाभागे वक्तुं समुपचक्रमे

tato vṛkṣauṣadhitṛṇānyāhūya sa pitāmahaḥ imamarthaṃ mahābhāge vaktuṃ samupacakrame

Then the Grandfather, summoning the trees, herbs, and grasses, began to speak to them, O most fortunate one, concerning this same matter.

Verse 51 (padma.6.168.51)

ततो वृक्षौषधितृणैस्तथैवोक्तं यथातथम् । व्यथितान्यग्निवद्देवि ब्रह्माणं वाक्यमब्रुवन्

tato vṛkṣauṣadhitṛṇaistathaivoktaṃ yathātatham vyathitānyagnivaddevi brahmāṇaṃ vākyamabruvan

Then the trees, herbs, and grasses, distressed just as Agni had been, O goddess, spoke these words to Brahma:

Verse 52 (padma.6.168.52)

अस्माकं ब्रह्महत्यायाः कथयंतः पितामह । स्वभाव निहिता तस्मान्न पुनर्हंतुमर्हसि

asmākaṃ brahmahatyāyāḥ kathayaṃtaḥ pitāmaha svabhāva nihitā tasmānna punarhaṃtumarhasi

'O Grandfather, why do you speak to us of taking on Brahmahatya? It goes against our very nature -- therefore you should not do this to us again.'

Verse 53 (padma.6.168.53)

वयमग्निं तथा शीतं वर्षं च पवनेरितम् । सहामः सततं देव तथा छेदनभेदनम्

vayamagniṃ tathā śītaṃ varṣaṃ ca pavaneritam sahāmaḥ satataṃ deva tathā chedanabhedanam

'We constantly endure fire, and cold, and rain driven by wind, O god, and likewise cutting and splitting.'

Verse 54 (padma.6.168.54)

ब्रह्मोवाच। अकारणं नरो यस्तु युष्मच्छेदनभेदनम् । करिष्यति महामोहात्तमेषानु प्रयास्यति

brahmovāca akāraṇaṃ naro yastu yuṣmacchedanabhedanam kariṣyati mahāmohāttameṣānu prayāsyati

Brahma said: Whatever man, out of great delusion, causes you to be cut or split for no valid reason, this sin shall pass on to follow him.

Verse 55 (padma.6.168.55)

महादेव उवाच। ततो महौषधितृणैरोमित्युक्तं महात्मभिः । ब्रह्माणमपि संपूज्य जग्मुश्चाथ यथागतम्

mahādeva uvāca tato mahauṣadhitṛṇairomityuktaṃ mahātmabhiḥ brahmāṇamapi saṃpūjya jagmuścātha yathāgatam

Mahadeva said: Then, saying 'Om, so be it,' those great trees, herbs, and grasses, having duly worshipped Brahma, went back the way they had come.

Verse 56 (padma.6.168.56)

आहूयाप्सरसो देवस्ततो लोकपितामहः । वाचा मधुरया प्राह सांत्वयन्निव सत्तमे

āhūyāpsaraso devastato lokapitāmahaḥ vācā madhurayā prāha sāṃtvayanniva sattame

Then the Grandfather of the worlds, summoning the Apsarases, spoke to them in a sweet voice, as though consoling them, O most excellent one:

Verse 57 (padma.6.168.57)

इयं वृत्रादनुप्राप्ता ब्रह्महत्या वराङ्गनाः । चतुर्थमस्या भागं च मयोक्तं संप्रतीच्छथ

iyaṃ vṛtrādanuprāptā brahmahatyā varāṅganāḥ caturthamasyā bhāgaṃ ca mayoktaṃ saṃpratīcchatha

'O fair ladies, this Brahmahatya, come forth from Vritra -- I ask you to accept a quarter portion of her, as I have said.'

Verse 58 (padma.6.168.58)

अप्सरा ऊचुः । ग्रहणे कृतबुद्धीनां देवेश तव शासनात् । संमोक्षसमयोऽस्माकं चिंतनीयः पितामह

apsarā ūcuḥ grahaṇe kṛtabuddhīnāṃ deveśa tava śāsanāt saṃmokṣasamayo'smākaṃ ciṃtanīyaḥ pitāmaha

The Apsarases said: O lord of the gods, since we are resolved by your command to accept her, O Grandfather, you should also determine for us the moment of our own release.

Verse 59 (padma.6.168.59)

पितामह उवाच। रजस्वलासु नारीषु यो वै मैथुनमाचरेत् । तमेषा यास्यति क्षिप्रं व्येतु वो मनसो ज्वरः

pitāmaha uvāca rajasvalāsu nārīṣu yo vai maithunamācaret tameṣā yāsyati kṣipraṃ vyetu vo manaso jvaraḥ

The Grandfather said: Whatever man engages in intercourse with women during their menstrual period, to him this sin shall quickly pass. Let the fever of your minds now depart.

Verse 60 (padma.6.168.60)

महादेव उवाच। तथेति हृष्टमनसः प्रत्युक्ता ह्यप्सरोगणाः । स्वानि स्थानानि संप्राप्य रेमिरे शैलजे तदा

mahādeva uvāca tatheti hṛṣṭamanasaḥ pratyuktā hyapsarogaṇāḥ svāni sthānāni saṃprāpya remire śailaje tadā

Mahadeva said: 'So be it,' the hosts of Apsarases replied, their minds now joyful; and, O daughter of the mountain, having returned to their own abodes, they then rejoiced.

Verse 61 (padma.6.168.61)

ततश्च लोककृद्देवः पुनरेव पितामहः । आपः संचिंतयामास ततस्ताश्च समागमन्

tataśca lokakṛddevaḥ punareva pitāmahaḥ āpaḥ saṃciṃtayāmāsa tatastāśca samāgaman

Then the Creator of the worlds, the Grandfather, once again turned his thought to the Waters; and thereupon they too assembled before him.

Verse 62 (padma.6.168.62)

ताश्च सर्वाः समागम्य ब्रह्माणममितौजसम् । इदमूचुर्वचो देवि प्रणिपत्य पितामहम्

tāśca sarvāḥ samāgamya brahmāṇamamitaujasam idamūcurvaco devi praṇipatya pitāmaham

All of them, having assembled and bowed down before Brahma of boundless power, spoke these words, O goddess, to the Grandfather:

Verse 63 (padma.6.168.63)

इमाः स्म देव संप्राप्तास्त्वत्सकाशमरिंदम। शासनात्तव देवेश समाज्ञापय तत्प्रभो

imāḥ sma deva saṃprāptāstvatsakāśamariṃdama śāsanāttava deveśa samājñāpaya tatprabho

'O god, O tamer of foes, we have come here into your presence at your command; O lord of the gods, command us as you will, O lord.'

Verse 64 (padma.6.168.64)

ब्रह्मोवाच। इयं वृत्रादनुप्राप्ता पुरुहूतं भयानका । ब्रह्महत्या चतुर्थांशं यूयमस्याः प्रतीच्छथ

brahmovāca iyaṃ vṛtrādanuprāptā puruhūtaṃ bhayānakā brahmahatyā caturthāṃśaṃ yūyamasyāḥ pratīcchatha

Brahma said: This dreadful Brahmahatya, come forth from Vritra upon Purandara -- accept a quarter portion of her.

Verse 65 (padma.6.168.65)

आप ऊचुः। एवं भवतु लोकेश यत्त्वं वदसि नः प्रभोः । मोक्षस्य समयं नस्त्वं संचिंतयितुमर्हसि

āpa ūcuḥ evaṃ bhavatu lokeśa yattvaṃ vadasi naḥ prabhoḥ mokṣasya samayaṃ nastvaṃ saṃciṃtayitumarhasi

The Waters said: So be it, O lord of the worlds, as you, our master, command us. But you should also determine for us the moment of our release.

Verse 66 (padma.6.168.66)

त्वं हि देवेंद्र सर्वस्य जगतः परमा गतिः । कोऽन्येभ्यो हि प्रसादोऽपि यः कृच्छ्रान्नः समुद्धरेत्

tvaṃ hi deveṃdra sarvasya jagataḥ paramā gatiḥ ko'nyebhyo hi prasādo'pi yaḥ kṛcchrānnaḥ samuddharet

'For you, O lord of the gods, are the supreme refuge of the entire universe. What favor from anyone else could ever deliver us from distress?'

Verse 67 (padma.6.168.67)

ब्रह्मोवाच। अल्पमेव मतिं कृत्वा यो नरो बुद्धिमोहितः

brahmovāca alpameva matiṃ kṛtvā yo naro buddhimohitaḥ

Brahma said: Whatever man, his understanding confused, forming but a trivial resolve --

Verse 68 (padma.6.168.68)

श्लेष्ममूत्रपुरीषाणि युष्मासु प्रतिमोक्षति । तमेव यास्यति क्षिप्रं तत्रैव च निवत्स्यति । ततो वै भविता मोक्ष इति सत्यं ब्रवीमि वः

śleṣmamūtrapurīṣāṇi yuṣmāsu pratimokṣati tameva yāsyati kṣipraṃ tatraiva ca nivatsyati tato vai bhavitā mokṣa iti satyaṃ bravīmi vaḥ

-- releases phlegm, urine, or excrement into you -- to him alone this sin shall quickly pass, and shall dwell there instead. Then indeed shall come your release; this I tell you in truth.

Verse 69 (padma.6.168.69)

महादेव उवाच। ततो विमुच्य देवेंद्रं ब्रह्महत्या सुरेश्वरि । गतातिहृष्टो देवेशो ह्यभवद्देवशासनात्

mahādeva uvāca tato vimucya deveṃdraṃ brahmahatyā sureśvari gatātihṛṣṭo deveśo hyabhavaddevaśāsanāt

Mahadeva said: Then, O queen of the gods, Brahmahatya released the lord of the gods, and the lord of the gods, greatly rejoicing, went his way, by the command of the gods.

Verse 70 (padma.6.168.70)

एवं शक्रेण संप्राप्ता ब्रह्महत्या पुरा युगे । अस्मिंस्तीर्थे तपस्तप्त्वा शुद्धात्मा त्रिदिवं ययौ

evaṃ śakreṇa saṃprāptā brahmahatyā purā yuge asmiṃstīrthe tapastaptvā śuddhātmā tridivaṃ yayau

Thus the Brahmahatya obtained by Shakra in that former age was dispelled; performing austerity at this tirtha, purified in soul, he went to the third heaven.

Verse 71 (padma.6.168.71)

अश्वमेधं ततः कृत्वा विपाप्मा समपद्यत । इति साभ्रमती तीर्थे वार्त्रघ्नीयं नगात्मजे

aśvamedhaṃ tataḥ kṛtvā vipāpmā samapadyata iti sābhramatī tīrthe vārtraghnīyaṃ nagātmaje

Then, having performed the horse-sacrifice, he became free of sin. Thus, O daughter of the mountain, is told the tale of Vartraghni at the Sabarmati tirtha.