The Tirtha-Mahatmya of Arunachala

Verse 1 (skanda.1.107.1)

गौतम उवाच । पुरा नारायणः कल्पे शयानः सलिलार्णवे । शेषपर्यंकशयने कदाचिन्नैव बुध्यत

gautama uvāca purā nārāyaṇaḥ kalpe śayānaḥ salilārṇave śeṣaparyaṁkaśayane kadācinnaiva budhyata

Gautama said: Once, in an age long past, Narayana, lying asleep upon the ocean of waters on his couch of Shesha, for some reason did not awaken.

Verse 2 (skanda.1.107.2)

तमसा पूरितं विश्वमपज्ञातमलक्षणम् । वीक्ष्य कल्पावसानेऽपि विषेदुर्नित्यसूरयः

tamasā pūritaṁ viśvamapajñātamalakṣaṇam vīkṣya kalpāvasāne'pi viṣedurnityasūrayaḥ

Beholding the universe filled with darkness, unrecognizable and without any mark, even at the very close of the age, the eternal sages fell into distress.

Verse 3 (skanda.1.107.3)

अहो कष्टमिदं रूपं तमसा विश्वमोहनम् । येन कल्पावसानेपि विष्णुर्नाद्यापि बुध्यते

aho kaṣṭamidaṁ rūpaṁ tamasā viśvamohanam yena kalpāvasānepi viṣṇurnādyāpi budhyate

'Ah, what distressing shape is this — the darkness that has bewildered the whole universe, by which, even at the very close of the age, Vishnu has still not awakened!'

Verse 4 (skanda.1.107.4)

ज्योतिषः पुरुषं पूर्णमपश्यंतं सुरा अपि । कथं वा तमसः शांतिं लभेरन्परिभाविनः

jyotiṣaḥ puruṣaṁ pūrṇamapaśyaṁtaṁ surā api kathaṁ vā tamasaḥ śāṁtiṁ labheranparibhāvinaḥ

'Even the gods, unable to behold the full Person of Light, how indeed could they find peace from this darkness that so overwhelms them?'

Verse 5 (skanda.1.107.5)

इति निश्चित्य मनसा देवदेवमुमापतिम् । चिंतयामासुरात्मस्थं तेजोराशिं निरंजनम्

iti niścitya manasā devadevamumāpatim ciṁtayāmāsurātmasthaṁ tejorāśiṁ niraṁjanam

Having thus resolved in their minds, they meditated upon the God of gods, the spouse of Uma, as a spotless mass of light dwelling within their own inmost self.

Verse 6 (skanda.1.107.6)

ततः प्रसन्नो भगवांस्तेजोराशिर्महेश्वरः । विश्वावनाय विज्ञप्तः प्रणतैर्नित्यसूरिभिः

tataḥ prasanno bhagavāṁstejorāśirmaheśvaraḥ viśvāvanāya vijñaptaḥ praṇatairnityasūribhiḥ

Then, pleased by the prostration and entreaty of the eternal sages, the blessed Maheshvara, that very mass of light, entreated for the protection of the universe, —

Verse 7 (skanda.1.107.7)

ततस्तेजोमयाच्छंभोः स्फुलिंगांशुसमुद्भवाः । उदस्तंभंत देवानां त्रयस्त्रिंशच्च कोटयः

tatastejomayācchaṁbhoḥ sphuliṁgāṁśusamudbhavāḥ udastaṁbhaṁta devānāṁ trayastriṁśacca koṭayaḥ

— from that radiant Shambhu, thirty-three crore gods, born like the sparks and rays of that light, rose up and stood forth.

Verse 8 (skanda.1.107.8)

बोधितः सकलैर्देवैः समुत्थाय रमापतिः । प्रभातं वीक्ष्य सकलं मनस्येवमचिन्तयत्

bodhitaḥ sakalairdevaiḥ samutthāya ramāpatiḥ prabhātaṁ vīkṣya sakalaṁ manasyevamacintayat

Awakened by all the gods, the Lord of Lakshmi rose, and, beholding the dawn spread all around him, reflected thus in his mind.

Verse 9 (skanda.1.107.9)

मया तमसि उद्रेकादकाले शयनं कृतम् । प्रबोधाय परं ज्योतिः स्वयं दृष्टः सदाशिवः

mayā tamasi udrekādakāle śayanaṁ kṛtam prabodhāya paraṁ jyotiḥ svayaṁ dṛṣṭaḥ sadāśivaḥ

'Through the excess of darkness I fell into an untimely sleep; and for my very awakening, Sadashiva himself, the supreme light, was made visible.'

Verse 10 (skanda.1.107.10)

जगदुत्पत्तिकृत्यानि स्वयं कर्तुं व्यवस्यति । किं मयात्र पुनः कार्यं ब्रह्मणा वा स्वयंभुवा

jagadutpattikṛtyāni svayaṁ kartuṁ vyavasyati kiṁ mayātra punaḥ kāryaṁ brahmaṇā vā svayaṁbhuvā

'He himself resolves to perform the works of the world's creation; what then remains here for me to do, or indeed for self-born Brahma?'

Verse 11 (skanda.1.107.11)

धिङ्मां स्थितमनात्मज्ञं निद्रया हृतचेतसम् । अथवा सर्वकर्तारं शरणं यामि शंकरम् । १ १ । सर्वदोषप्रशमनं सर्वाभीष्टफलप्रदम् । पवित्रमल्पपुण्यानां दुर्लभं शंभुदर्शनम्

dhiṅmāṁ sthitamanātmajñaṁ nidrayā hṛtacetasam athavā sarvakartāraṁ śaraṇaṁ yāmi śaṁkaram 1 1 sarvadoṣapraśamanaṁ sarvābhīṣṭaphalapradam pavitramalpapuṇyānāṁ durlabhaṁ śaṁbhudarśanam

'Shame upon me, who lay bereft of self-knowledge, my consciousness stolen away by sleep; rather let me take refuge in Shankara, the doer of all things — in the sight of that pure Shambhu, difficult for those of little merit to attain, which quells every fault and grants every desired fruit.'

Verse 12 (skanda.1.107.12)

चिंतयन्नेवमात्मस्थं ज्योतिर्लिंगं सदाशिवम् । प्रणनाम हरिर्भक्त्या देवमष्टांगतो मुहुः

ciṁtayannevamātmasthaṁ jyotirliṁgaṁ sadāśivam praṇanāma harirbhaktyā devamaṣṭāṁgato muhuḥ

Thus meditating upon Sadashiva, the linga of light dwelling within his own self, Hari, with devotion, bowed again and again with all eight limbs touching the ground.

Verse 13 (skanda.1.107.13)

विश्वस्रष्टारमीशानं तुष्टाव दुरितच्छिदम् । अथ तेजोमयः शंभुः शरण्यः शरणागतम्

viśvasraṣṭāramīśānaṁ tuṣṭāva duritacchidam atha tejomayaḥ śaṁbhuḥ śaraṇyaḥ śaraṇāgatam

He praised Ishana, creator of the universe, remover of every misdeed; then that radiant Shambhu, refuge of the surrendered, spoke to him who had taken refuge in him —

Verse 14 (skanda.1.107.14)

अनुगृह्य कटाक्षैस्तं समुत्तिष्ठेत्यभाषत । उत्थाय करुणापूर्णं शंभुं चंद्रार्द्धशेखरम्

anugṛhya kaṭākṣaistaṁ samuttiṣṭhetyabhāṣata utthāya karuṇāpūrṇaṁ śaṁbhuṁ caṁdrārddhaśekharam

'— gracing him with his glance of favour, said, "Rise." Then, rising, to Shambhu, full of compassion, who bears the crescent moon,'

Verse 15 (skanda.1.107.15)

नमस्त्रिभुवनेशाय त्रिमूर्तिगुणधारिणे । त्रिदेववपुषे तुभ्यं त्रिदृशे त्रिपुरद्रुहे

namastribhuvaneśāya trimūrtiguṇadhāriṇe tridevavapuṣe tubhyaṁ tridṛśe tripuradruhe

'Salutation to you, Lord of the three worlds, bearer of the qualities of the three forms, of threefold divine body, three-eyed, foe of the Tripura demons.'

Verse 16 (skanda.1.107.16)

त्वमेव जगतामीशो निजांशैर्देवतामयैः । कार्यकारणरूपेण करोषि स्वेच्छया क्रियाः

tvameva jagatāmīśo nijāṁśairdevatāmayaiḥ kāryakāraṇarūpeṇa karoṣi svecchayā kriyāḥ

'You alone are the Lord of the worlds, who, through your own portions taking the forms of the gods, perform your works, as cause and effect, entirely of your own free will.'

Verse 17 (skanda.1.107.17)

मां नियुज्य जगद्गुप्तौ परिमोह्य च मायया । न दोषमुत संकल्पं विहातुमपि नेच्छसि

māṁ niyujya jagadguptau parimohya ca māyayā na doṣamuta saṁkalpaṁ vihātumapi necchasi

'Having appointed me to the guardianship of the world, and having bewildered me with your maya, you refuse even to relinquish this fault of your own design.'

Verse 18 (skanda.1.107.18)

किं करोमि जगन्मूर्त्तौ न्यस्तभारोऽस्म्यहं त्वयि । न दोषमीहसे नूनमकालशयनेन माम्

kiṁ karomi jaganmūrttau nyastabhāro'smyahaṁ tvayi na doṣamīhase nūnamakālaśayanena mām

'What am I to do, embodied in the world? I have laid my whole burden upon you alone; surely it is you yourself who have willed this fault of untimely sleep upon me.'

Verse 19 (skanda.1.107.19)

हर शम्भो हरेरार्तिमनुतापं समीक्ष्य सः । आदिदेश हरः श्रीमान्प्रायश्चित्तं हरेरिदम्

hara śambho harerārtimanutāpaṁ samīkṣya saḥ ādideśa haraḥ śrīmānprāyaścittaṁ hareridam

Beholding Vishnu's distress and remorse, that glorious Hara, O Shambhu, prescribed to Hari this very atonement.

Verse 20 (skanda.1.107.20)

अरुणाचलरूपेण तिष्ठामि वसुधातले । तस्य दर्शनमात्रेण भविता ते तमः क्षयः

aruṇācalarūpeṇa tiṣṭhāmi vasudhātale tasya darśanamātreṇa bhavitā te tamaḥ kṣayaḥ

'I dwell upon this earth in the form of Arunachala; by the mere sight of it, this darkness of yours shall be destroyed.'

Verse 21 (skanda.1.107.21)

पूर्वस्मै विष्णवे तत्र वरो दत्तो मया पुरा । तदैव तैजसं लिंगमरुणाचल संज्ञितम् । तेजोमयमिदं रूपं प्रशांतं लोकरक्षणात् । यदग्निमयमव्यक्तमपारगुणवैभवम्

pūrvasmai viṣṇave tatra varo datto mayā purā tadaiva taijasaṁ liṁgamaruṇācala saṁjñitam tejomayamidaṁ rūpaṁ praśāṁtaṁ lokarakṣaṇāt yadagnimayamavyaktamapāraguṇavaibhavam

'To that same Vishnu a boon was granted there by me long ago; at that very time this linga of light, named Arunachala — this radiant form, made peaceful for the protection of the worlds, of the nature of fire, unmanifest, of boundless power and virtue —'

Verse 22 (skanda.1.107.22)

नदीनां निर्झराणां च मेघमुक्तांभसामपि । अंतर्ज्योतिर्मयत्वेन लयस्तत्रैव दृश्यते

nadīnāṁ nirjharāṇāṁ ca meghamuktāṁbhasāmapi aṁtarjyotirmayatvena layastatraiva dṛśyate

'— there is seen the very dissolution of rivers, of mountain streams, and even of waters released from the clouds, into that inner radiance.'

Verse 23 (skanda.1.107.23)

अंधानां दृष्टिलाभेन पंगूनां पादसंचरैः । अपुत्राणां च पुत्राप्त्या मूकानां वाक्प्रवृत्तिभिः

aṁdhānāṁ dṛṣṭilābhena paṁgūnāṁ pādasaṁcaraiḥ aputrāṇāṁ ca putrāptyā mūkānāṁ vākpravṛttibhiḥ

'— by granting sight to the blind, the power to walk to the lame, sons to the sonless, the gift of speech to the mute,'

Verse 24 (skanda.1.107.24)

सर्वसिद्धिप्रदानेन सर्वव्याधिविमोचनैः । सर्वपापप्रशमनैर्यत्सर्ववरदं स्थितम्

sarvasiddhipradānena sarvavyādhivimocanaiḥ sarvapāpapraśamanairyatsarvavaradaṁ sthitam

'— by granting every accomplishment, freeing from every disease, and quelling every sin, it stands there, granter of every boon.'

Verse 25 (skanda.1.107.25)

इत्युक्तांतर्दधे शम्भुर्हरिश्चैवारुणाचलम् । आगत्य तप आस्थाय शोणाचलमुपास्त च

ityuktāṁtardadhe śambhurhariścaivāruṇācalam āgatya tapa āsthāya śoṇācalamupāsta ca

Having said this, Shambhu vanished, and Vishnu made his way to Arunachala; arriving there, established in penance, he worshipped Shonachala.

Verse 26 (skanda.1.107.26)

तमद्रिं परितो दृष्ट्वा सुरान्काननसंश्रयान् । ऋषीणामाश्रमान्पुण्यान्स्थापयामास वै हरिः । वेदान्सांगोपनिषदान्समंतान्मूर्तिधारिणः

tamadriṁ parito dṛṣṭvā surānkānanasaṁśrayān ṛṣīṇāmāśramānpuṇyānsthāpayāmāsa vai hariḥ vedānsāṁgopaniṣadānsamaṁtānmūrtidhāriṇaḥ

Beholding that mountain on every side, Hari established there all around it the sacred hermitages of the gods and sages taking refuge in the forest, and the Vedas, together with their limbs and Upanishads, in embodied form.

Verse 27 (skanda.1.107.27)

ससर्ज दिव्यरूपाणां शतमप्सरसां कुलम् । नृत्यैर्गीतैश्च वादित्रैस्सेवध्वमिति चादिशत्

sasarja divyarūpāṇāṁ śatamapsarasāṁ kulam nṛtyairgītaiśca vāditraissevadhvamiti cādiśat

He created a hundred nymphs of divine form, and bade them: 'Serve here with dance, with song, and with music.'

Verse 28 (skanda.1.107.28)

स्नात्वा ब्रह्मसरस्यस्मिन्विष्णुः कमललोचनः । प्रदक्षिणं चकारामुमरुणाद्रिं समर्चितम्

snātvā brahmasarasyasminviṣṇuḥ kamalalocanaḥ pradakṣiṇaṁ cakārāmumaruṇādriṁ samarcitam

Lotus-eyed Vishnu, bathing in this Brahma-lake, performed circumambulation of this worshipped Arunadri.

Verse 29 (skanda.1.107.29)

अपापः सर्वलोकानामाधिपत्यं च लब्धवान् । रमया सहितो नित्यमभिरूपसुरूपया

apāpaḥ sarvalokānāmādhipatyaṁ ca labdhavān ramayā sahito nityamabhirūpasurūpayā

Freed of sin, he obtained the lordship of all the worlds, ever together with the lovely, radiant Rama.

Verse 30 (skanda.1.107.30)

भास्करस्तेजसां राशिरसुरैरपि पीडितः । ब्रह्मोपदेशादानर्च भक्त्यारुणगिरीश्वरम्

bhāskarastejasāṁ rāśirasurairapi pīḍitaḥ brahmopadeśādānarca bhaktyāruṇagirīśvaram

The sun, that mass of radiance, when afflicted even by the demons, at Brahma's counsel worshipped, with devotion, the Lord of the red mountain.

Verse 31 (skanda.1.107.31)

निमज्ज्य विमले तीर्थे पावने ब्रह्मनिर्मिते । प्रदक्षिणं चकारैनमरुणार्द्रि स्वयंप्रभुम्

nimajjya vimale tīrthe pāvane brahmanirmite pradakṣiṇaṁ cakārainamaruṇārdri svayaṁprabhum

Immersing himself in that pure and sacred ford, made by Brahma, he performed circumambulation of this self-luminous Arunadri.

Verse 32 (skanda.1.107.32)

अशेषदैत्यविजयं लब्ध्वा मेरुप्रदक्षिणम् । लेभे च परमं तेजः परतेजःप्रणाशनम्

aśeṣadaityavijayaṁ labdhvā merupradakṣiṇam lebhe ca paramaṁ tejaḥ paratejaḥpraṇāśanam

Having gained victory over all the demons, and having obtained circumambulation of Meru, he attained that supreme radiance which overpowers all other radiance.

Verse 33 (skanda.1.107.33)

दक्षशापानलाक्रांतस्सोमः शिववचोबलात् । अरुणाचलमभ्यर्च्य लब्धरूपोऽभवत्पुनः

dakṣaśāpānalākrāṁtassomaḥ śivavacobalāt aruṇācalamabhyarcya labdharūpo'bhavatpunaḥ

The moon, scorched by the fire of Daksha's curse, by the strength of Shiva's word, regained his form once more by worshipping Arunachala.

Verse 34 (skanda.1.107.34)

अग्निर्ब्रह्मर्षिशापेन यक्ष्मरोगप्रपीडितः । अपूतोऽपि पवित्रोऽभूदरुणाचलसेवया

agnirbrahmarṣiśāpena yakṣmarogaprapīḍitaḥ apūto'pi pavitro'bhūdaruṇācalasevayā

Agni, afflicted with consumption by a brahmarishi's curse, though defiled, became pure once more through the service of Arunachala.

Verse 35 (skanda.1.107.35)

शक्रो वृत्रं बलं पाकं नमुचिं जृंभमुद्धृतम् । शिवलब्धवरान्दैत्यान्पुरा हत्वा जगत्पतीन्

śakro vṛtraṁ balaṁ pākaṁ namuciṁ jṛṁbhamuddhṛtam śivalabdhavarāndaityānpurā hatvā jagatpatīn

Indra, having in the past slain Vritra, Bala, Paka, Namuchi, and the risen Jrimbha — these demon-lords who had received boons from Shiva —

Verse 36 (skanda.1.107.36)

पातकैश्च परिक्षीणस्तथा लोकांतमाश्रितः । शम्भुं प्रसाद्य तपसा शिवेन परिचोदितः!

pātakaiśca parikṣīṇastathā lokāṁtamāśritaḥ śambhuṁ prasādya tapasā śivena paricoditaḥ!

— weakened by his sins, taking refuge at the far edge of the world, pleasing Shambhu through austerity, and impelled by Shiva —

Verse 37 (skanda.1.107.37)

अरुणाद्रिं समभ्यर्च्य विपापोऽभूत्सुराधिपः । इष्ट्वा च हयमेधेन प्रीणयामास शंकरम्

aruṇādriṁ samabhyarcya vipāpo'bhūtsurādhipaḥ iṣṭvā ca hayamedhena prīṇayāmāsa śaṁkaram

— by fully worshipping Arunadri, the lord of the gods became free of sin, and, performing the horse-sacrifice, pleased Shankara.

Verse 38 (skanda.1.107.38)

लब्ध्वा चेन्द्रपदं शक्रः शतमप्सरसांकुलम् । सेवार्थमादिशन्छ्रीमान्दिव्यदुंदभिसेवया

labdhvā cendrapadaṁ śakraḥ śatamapsarasāṁkulam sevārthamādiśanchrīmāndivyaduṁdabhisevayā

Having obtained the position of Indra, the glorious lord bade a hundred nymphs to serve there, together with the service of the divine kettle-drum.

Verse 39 (skanda.1.107.39)

पुष्पमेघान्समादिश्य दिव्याभिः पुष्पवृष्टिभिः । समर्चयति शोणाद्रिं दिवि नित्यं च वंदते

puṣpameghānsamādiśya divyābhiḥ puṣpavṛṣṭibhiḥ samarcayati śoṇādriṁ divi nityaṁ ca vaṁdate

Bidding the flower-bearing clouds, he worships Shonadri with showers of divine flowers, and forever bows to it from heaven.

Verse 40 (skanda.1.107.40)

शेषोऽपि शोणशैलेशं समभ्यर्च्य शिवाज्ञया । अभजत्कामरूपत्वं महीमण्डलधारकः

śeṣo'pi śoṇaśaileśaṁ samabhyarcya śivājñayā abhajatkāmarūpatvaṁ mahīmaṇḍaladhārakaḥ

Even Shesha, bearer of the whole circle of the earth, by Shiva's command, fully worshipping the Lord of Shonashaila, attained the power to take on any form at will.

Verse 41 (skanda.1.107.41)

अन्ये नागाश्च गन्धर्वाः सिद्धाश्चाप्सरसां गणाः । दिक्पालाश्च तमभ्यर्च्य लेभिरेऽपेक्षितान्वरान्

anye nāgāśca gandharvāḥ siddhāścāpsarasāṁ gaṇāḥ dikpālāśca tamabhyarcya lebhire'pekṣitānvarān

Other serpents, gandharvas, siddhas, hosts of nymphs, and the guardians of the directions too, by worshipping it, obtained the boons they desired.

Verse 42 (skanda.1.107.42)

देवैरशेषैर्दैत्यादीञ्जेतुकामैः समुद्यतैः । प्रार्थितः सर्वतोऽभीष्टवरदोऽरुणभूधरः

devairaśeṣairdaityādīñjetukāmaiḥ samudyataiḥ prārthitaḥ sarvato'bhīṣṭavarado'ruṇabhūdharaḥ

Entreated too by all the gods, eager and ready to conquer the demons and their kind, this mountain Aruna grants desired boons from every side.

Verse 43 (skanda.1.107.43)

त्वष्ट्रा विरचिताकार आदित्यस्तेजसा तपन् । ग्रहनाथस्तु शोणाद्रिं विलंघयितुमुद्यतः

tvaṣṭrā viracitākāra ādityastejasā tapan grahanāthastu śoṇādriṁ vilaṁghayitumudyataḥ

The sun, lord of the planets, his form fashioned by Tvashta, blazing with his own radiance, once set out to overleap Shonadri.

Verse 44 (skanda.1.107.44)

रथवाहाः पुनस्तस्य शक्तिहीनाः श्रमं गताः । सोऽपि श्रिया विहीनश्च जातः गोणाद्रितेजसा

rathavāhāḥ punastasya śaktihīnāḥ śramaṁ gatāḥ so'pi śriyā vihīnaśca jātaḥ goṇādritejasā

But the steeds drawing his chariot, losing their strength, fell into exhaustion, and he himself too, through the radiance of Shonadri, became deprived of his glory.

Verse 45 (skanda.1.107.45)

नाशक्नोच्च दिवं गन्तुं सर्वगत्यांशुमालिनः । स तु ब्रह्मोपदेशेन समाराध्यारुणाचलम्

nāśaknocca divaṁ gantuṁ sarvagatyāṁśumālinaḥ sa tu brahmopadeśena samārādhyāruṇācalam

Though lord of rays that go everywhere, he became unable even to travel through the sky; then, by Brahma's counsel, he thoroughly worshipped Arunachala.

Verse 46 (skanda.1.107.46)

प्रीत्या तस्माद्विभोर्लेभे मार्गं व्योम्नो हयाञ्छुभान् । ततः प्रभृति तिग्मांशुः स हि शोणाख्यपर्वतम्

prītyā tasmādvibhorlebhe mārgaṁ vyomno hayāñchubhān tataḥ prabhṛti tigmāṁśuḥ sa hi śoṇākhyaparvatam

From that Lord, out of his affection, he regained the path of the sky and his auspicious horses once more; and from that time on, that sharp-rayed Sun, does he ever fail —

Verse 47 (skanda.1.107.47)

न लंघयति किं त्वस्य प्रदक्षिणपरिक्रमैः । दक्षयागपरिध्वस्ता हीनांगास्त्रिदशाः पुरा

na laṁghayati kiṁ tvasya pradakṣiṇaparikramaiḥ dakṣayāgaparidhvastā hīnāṁgāstridaśāḥ purā

— to circle it in reverence before he crosses it? Of old, the thirty gods, mutilated and stripped of their limbs at Daksha's sacrifice,

Verse 48 (skanda.1.107.48)

अरुणाचलमाराध्य नवान्यंगानि लेभिरे । पूषा दन्तं शिखी हस्तं भगो नेत्रं त्वखंडितम्

aruṇācalamārādhya navānyaṁgāni lebhire pūṣā dantaṁ śikhī hastaṁ bhago netraṁ tvakhaṁḍitam

regained new limbs once more by worshipping Arunachala — Pushan his teeth, Agni his hand, Bhaga his eyes, whole and unmutilated.

Verse 49 (skanda.1.107.49)

घ्राणं वाणी च लेभे सा शोणाचलनिषेवणात् । भार्गवः क्षीणनेत्रस्स विष्णुहस्तकुशाग्रतः

ghrāṇaṁ vāṇī ca lebhe sā śoṇācalaniṣevaṇāt bhārgavaḥ kṣīṇanetrassa viṣṇuhastakuśāgrataḥ

— and she (Sarasvati) obtained her sense of smell and speech through the service of Shonachala. Bhargava, whose eye had been destroyed by the very tip of the kusha grass beneath Vishnu's foot,

Verse 50 (skanda.1.107.50)

बलिदत्तावनीदानजलधारानिरोधतः । स तु शोणाचलं गत्वा तपः कृत्वातिदुष्करम्

balidattāvanīdānajaladhārānirodhataḥ sa tu śoṇācalaṁ gatvā tapaḥ kṛtvātiduṣkaram

— for having obstructed the stream of water poured out for Bali's gift — that Bhargava, going to Shonachala and performing austerity most severe,

Verse 51 (skanda.1.107.51)

लेभे नेत्रं च पूतात्मा भास्कराख्ये गिरौ स्थितः । अरुणाचलनाथस्य सेवया सूर्यसारथिः

lebhe netraṁ ca pūtātmā bhāskarākhye girau sthitaḥ aruṇācalanāthasya sevayā sūryasārathiḥ

— his soul made pure, established on the mountain called Bhaskara, regained his eye through the service of the Lord of Arunachala; and the charioteer of the sun too —

Verse 52 (skanda.1.107.52)

प्रतर्दनाख्यो नृपतिर्ग्रहीतुं देवकन्यकाम् । अरुणाद्रिपतेर्गानं कुर्वंतीं सादरोऽभवत्

pratardanākhyo nṛpatirgrahītuṁ devakanyakām aruṇādripatergānaṁ kurvaṁtīṁ sādaro'bhavat

— A king named Pratardana, desiring to seize a celestial maiden as she sang the praises of the Lord of the red mountain, became eagerly, though respectfully, drawn toward her.

Verse 53 (skanda.1.107.53)

क्षणात्कपिमुखो जातो मंत्रिभिश्चोदितो नृपः । प्रत्यर्प्य तां पुनश्चान्याः प्रादादरुणभूभृते

kṣaṇātkapimukho jāto maṁtribhiścodito nṛpaḥ pratyarpya tāṁ punaścānyāḥ prādādaruṇabhūbhṛte

Urged on by his ministers, the king instantly became monkey-faced; restoring her, he then offered other maidens instead to the mountain Aruna.

Verse 54 (skanda.1.107.54)

ततश्चारुमुखोजातः प्रसादादरुणेशितुः । सायुज्यमस्मै सकलं दत्तवान्भक्तिभावतः

tataścārumukhojātaḥ prasādādaruṇeśituḥ sāyujyamasmai sakalaṁ dattavānbhaktibhāvataḥ

Then, by the grace of the Lord of Aruna, he became fair-faced once more, and, through devotion, was granted complete union with him.

Verse 55 (skanda.1.107.55)

अरुणाचलनाथस्यसंनिधौ ज्ञानदुर्बलः । गंधर्वः पुष्पकाख्यस्तु भक्तिहीनो ह्यगात्पुरा

aruṇācalanāthasyasaṁnidhau jñānadurbalaḥ gaṁdharvaḥ puṣpakākhyastu bhaktihīno hyagātpurā

Once, near the presence of the Lord of Arunachala, a gandharva named Pushpaka, feeble in wisdom for want of devotion, went his way.

Verse 56 (skanda.1.107.56)

ततो व्याघ्रमुखं दृष्ट्वा गंधर्वपरिचारकाः । किमेतदिति साश्चर्यं पप्रछुस्ते परस्परम्

tato vyāghramukhaṁ dṛṣṭvā gaṁdharvaparicārakāḥ kimetaditi sāścaryaṁ paprachuste parasparam

Then, seeing him tiger-faced, his gandharva attendants, filled with astonishment, asked one another: 'What is this?'

Verse 57 (skanda.1.107.57)

अथ नारद निर्दिष्टमवज्ञाफलमात्मनः । बुद्ध्वारुणाद्रिं संपूज्य पुनश्च सुमुखोऽभवत्

atha nārada nirdiṣṭamavajñāphalamātmanaḥ buddhvāruṇādriṁ saṁpūjya punaśca sumukho'bhavat

Then, learning from Narada the fruit of his own disrespect, he worshipped Arunadri and became fair-faced once again.

Verse 58 (skanda.1.107.58)

शिवभूमिरियं ख्याता परितो योजनद्वयम् । मुक्तिस्तत्र प्रमीतानां कदापि विलयो न हि

śivabhūmiriyaṁ khyātā parito yojanadvayam muktistatra pramītānāṁ kadāpi vilayo na hi

This land, extending two yojanas all around, is renowned as Shiva's own ground; the liberation of those who die there is never lost.

Verse 59 (skanda.1.107.59)

सप्तर्षयः पुरा भूमौ शापदोषसमन्विताः । सिषेविरेरुणाद्रिं वै नाथो ज्ञात्वा विनिश्चयम्

saptarṣayaḥ purā bhūmau śāpadoṣasamanvitāḥ siṣevireruṇādriṁ vai nātho jñātvā viniścayam

Of old, the seven sages, burdened by the fault of a curse, served Arunadri upon this earth, and the Lord, knowing their resolve,

Verse 60 (skanda.1.107.60)

शापमोक्षं ददौ श्रीमान्सप्तर्षीणां महात्मनाम् । सप्तर्षिभिः कृतं तीर्थं सर्वपापविनाशनम्

śāpamokṣaṁ dadau śrīmānsaptarṣīṇāṁ mahātmanām saptarṣibhiḥ kṛtaṁ tīrthaṁ sarvapāpavināśanam

granted release from the curse to those great-souled seven sages; the ford made by the seven sages is a destroyer of every sin.

Verse 61 (skanda.1.107.61)

शोणाचलस्य निकटे दृश्यते पावनं शुभम् । पंगुर्मुनिः शोणशैलात्पादौ लब्धुं समागतः

śoṇācalasya nikaṭe dṛśyate pāvanaṁ śubham paṁgurmuniḥ śoṇaśailātpādau labdhuṁ samāgataḥ

Near Shonachala that pure and auspicious ford is to be seen; there a lame sage once came to Shonashaila to obtain his feet.

Verse 62 (skanda.1.107.62)

अंतर्हितप्रार्थितार्थो दारुहस्तपुटे वहन् । जानुचंक्रमणव्यग्रः शोणनद्यास्तटं गतः

aṁtarhitaprārthitārtho dāruhastapuṭe vahan jānucaṁkramaṇavyagraḥ śoṇanadyāstaṭaṁ gataḥ

Bearing his hidden desire within him, carrying a wooden basket in his hand, struggling on to walk upon his knees, he made his way to the bank of the Shona river.

Verse 63 (skanda.1.107.63)

दारुहस्तपुटे तीर्थे निचिक्षेप पिपासतः । जानुचंक्रमणे तस्मिन्धूर्तस्तोयं पिपासति

dāruhastapuṭe tīrthe nicikṣepa pipāsataḥ jānucaṁkramaṇe tasmindhūrtastoyaṁ pipāsati

That sage, being thirsty, set down his wooden basket at the Daruhasta ford; at that very Janu-chankramana ford, a certain rogue too came to drink the water.

Verse 64 (skanda.1.107.64)

अथ शोणाचलं प्राप्तः कथं वा दारुहस्तकः । किमेतदिति तं पृच्छन्नाधावत्कलितत्परः

atha śoṇācalaṁ prāptaḥ kathaṁ vā dāruhastakaḥ kimetaditi taṁ pṛcchannādhāvatkalitatparaḥ

'How has this fellow with the wood-basket reached Shonachala?', he asked, and, filled with curiosity, ran up toward him.

Verse 65 (skanda.1.107.65)

लब्धपादश्च सहसा जगाम च निजालयम् । नाद्राक्षीत्पुरुषं तत्र दारुहस्तौ पुरोगमौ

labdhapādaśca sahasā jagāma ca nijālayam nādrākṣītpuruṣaṁ tatra dāruhastau purogamau

Regaining his feet, the sage went off at once toward his own home; he did not so much as see that man again there before the Daruhasta ford.

Verse 66 (skanda.1.107.66)

स्वयं गृहीत्वा चालोक्य ववंदेऽरुणपर्वतम् । ननंद लब्धचरणो लब्धरूपो महामुनिः

svayaṁ gṛhītvā cālokya vavaṁde'ruṇaparvatam nanaṁda labdhacaraṇo labdharūpo mahāmuniḥ

Taking up his own basket, and beholding it, he bowed to the mountain Aruna; having regained his feet and his own true form, that great sage rejoiced.

Verse 67 (skanda.1.107.67)

विस्मयोत्फुल्लनयनैः शिवभक्तैर्महात्मभिः । पूजितो लब्धपादः सञ्जगाम च यथागतम्

vismayotphullanayanaiḥ śivabhaktairmahātmabhiḥ pūjito labdhapādaḥ sañjagāma ca yathāgatam

Worshipped by great-souled devotees of Shiva, their eyes wide with wonder, having regained his feet, he went away just as he had come.

Verse 68 (skanda.1.107.68)

वाली शक्रसुतः श्रीमाञ्छ्रंगादुदयभूभृतः । अस्ताचलस्य शिखरं प्रतिगन्तुं समुद्यतः

vālī śakrasutaḥ śrīmāñchraṁgādudayabhūbhṛtaḥ astācalasya śikharaṁ pratigantuṁ samudyataḥ

Vali, Indra's glorious son, once set out to travel from the peak of the rising mountain toward the peak of the setting mountain.

Verse 69 (skanda.1.107.69)

आलुलोकेऽरुणगिरिं मध्ये देवनमस्कृतम् । ऊर्ध्वं गंतुं समुद्युक्तः क्षीणवीर्योऽपतद्भुवि

āluloke'ruṇagiriṁ madhye devanamaskṛtam ūrdhvaṁ gaṁtuṁ samudyuktaḥ kṣīṇavīryo'patadbhuvi

He beheld in the midst Arunagiri, bowed to by the gods; setting out to leap over it, he lost all his strength and fell to the earth.

Verse 70 (skanda.1.107.70)

पित्रा शक्रेण संगम्य चोदितः शोणपर्वतम् । लिंगं तैजसमभ्यर्च्य लब्धवीर्योऽभवत्पुनः

pitrā śakreṇa saṁgamya coditaḥ śoṇaparvatam liṁgaṁ taijasamabhyarcya labdhavīryo'bhavatpunaḥ

Meeting his father Indra, and urged by him toward the mountain Shona, he worshipped the linga of light there and regained his strength once more.

Verse 71 (skanda.1.107.71)

नलः पूर्वं समभ्यर्च्य स्वसृष्टा मानवप्रियाः । पालयामास धर्मात्मा नीतिसारसमन्वितः

nalaḥ pūrvaṁ samabhyarcya svasṛṣṭā mānavapriyāḥ pālayāmāsa dharmātmā nītisārasamanvitaḥ

Nala, having first worshipped it fully, then, righteous and imbued with the very essence of statecraft, ruled and cherished the people he himself had brought into being.

Verse 72 (skanda.1.107.72)

इलः प्रविश्य सहसा गौरीवनमखंडितम् । स्त्रीभावं समनुप्राप्तः पप्रच्छ स्वं पुरोधसम्

ilaḥ praviśya sahasā gaurīvanamakhaṁḍitam strībhāvaṁ samanuprāptaḥ papraccha svaṁ purodhasam

Ila, entering unknowingly into Gauri's undivided grove, was transformed into a woman, and asked this of his own family priest.

Verse 73 (skanda.1.107.73)

वशिष्ठेन समादिष्टः शोणाद्रिं समपूजयत् । तपसाराध्य देवेशं पुनः पुंस्त्वमुपागतः

vaśiṣṭhena samādiṣṭaḥ śoṇādriṁ samapūjayat tapasārādhya deveśaṁ punaḥ puṁstvamupāgataḥ

Instructed by Vashishtha, she fully worshipped Shonadri, and, through austerity worshipping the Lord of gods, regained manhood once more.

Verse 74 (skanda.1.107.74)

सोमोपदेशाद्भक्त्याथ सस्मारारुणपर्वतम् । ईशानुग्रहतो लेभे शापमोक्षं तपोधिकः

somopadeśādbhaktyātha sasmārāruṇaparvatam īśānugrahato lebhe śāpamokṣaṁ tapodhikaḥ

By the moon's counsel, and with devotion, he remembered the mountain Aruna, and by the grace of the Lord, that one great in austerity obtained release from the curse.

Verse 75 (skanda.1.107.75)

लेभे च परमं स्थानमप्राप्यममरैरपि । भरतो मृगशावस्य स्मरणादायुषोऽत्यये

lebhe ca paramaṁ sthānamaprāpyamamarairapi bharato mṛgaśāvasya smaraṇādāyuṣo'tyaye

And Bharata, through the very remembrance of a fawn at the end of his life, attained that supreme abode which is unattainable even by the immortals.

Verse 76 (skanda.1.107.76)

न मुक्तिं प्राप योगेन मृगजन्मनि संगतः । पत्नीविरहजं दुःखं प्राप्तवानमितं हरिः

na muktiṁ prāpa yogena mṛgajanmani saṁgataḥ patnīvirahajaṁ duḥkhaṁ prāptavānamitaṁ hariḥ

Though joined to yoga, being bound to a birth as a deer he did not attain liberation; boundless was the grief born of separation from his companion that that deer suffered.

Verse 77 (skanda.1.107.77)

पुनर्भृगूपदेशेन शोणाद्रिमिममर्चयन् । अवतारेषु सर्वेषु सर्वदुःखान्यपाकरोत्

punarbhṛgūpadeśena śoṇādrimimamarcayan avatāreṣu sarveṣu sarvaduḥkhānyapākarot

But once more, at Bhrigu's counsel, worshipping this Shonadri, he removed every sorrow in all his subsequent births thereafter.

Verse 78 (skanda.1.107.78)

सरस्वती च सावित्री श्रीर्भूमिः सरितस्तथा । अभ्यर्च्य शोणशैलेशमापदो निरतारिषुः

sarasvatī ca sāvitrī śrīrbhūmiḥ saritastathā abhyarcya śoṇaśaileśamāpado niratāriṣuḥ

Sarasvati, Savitri, Shri, the Earth, and the rivers too, worshipping the Lord of Shonashaila, crossed safely over their own calamities.

Verse 79 (skanda.1.107.79)

भास्करः पूर्वदिग्भागे विश्वामित्रस्तु दक्षिणे । पश्चिमे वरुणो भागे त्रिशूलं चोत्तराश्रयम्

bhāskaraḥ pūrvadigbhāge viśvāmitrastu dakṣiṇe paścime varuṇo bhāge triśūlaṁ cottarāśrayam

The sun in the eastern quarter, Vishvamitra in the south, Varuna in the western part, and the trident as refuge in the north —

Verse 80 (skanda.1.107.80)

योजनद्वयपर्यंते सीमाः शैलेषु संस्थिताः । चतस्रो देवतास्त्वेताः सेवंते शोणपर्वतम्

yojanadvayaparyaṁte sīmāḥ śaileṣu saṁsthitāḥ catasro devatāstvetāḥ sevaṁte śoṇaparvatam

these four divinities, established at the boundary of two yojanas upon the mountains, serve the mountain Shona.

Verse 81 (skanda.1.107.81)

स्थिताः सीमावसानेषु शोणाद्रीशमवस्थितम् । नमंति देवाश्चत्वारः शिवं शोणाचलाकृतिम्

sthitāḥ sīmāvasāneṣu śoṇādrīśamavasthitam namaṁti devāścatvāraḥ śivaṁ śoṇācalākṛtim

Remaining thus at the very ends of the boundaries, these four gods bow to the Lord of Shonadri — to Shiva established in the very form of the red mountain.

Verse 82 (skanda.1.107.82)

अस्योत्तरस्मिञ्छिखरे दृश्यते वटभूरुहः । सिद्धवेषः सदैवास्ते यस्य मूले महेश्वरः

asyottarasmiñchikhare dṛśyate vaṭabhūruhaḥ siddhaveṣaḥ sadaivāste yasya mūle maheśvaraḥ

On its northern peak is to be seen a great banyan tree, at whose root Maheshvara ever dwells, in the guise of a siddha.

Verse 83 (skanda.1.107.83)

यस्य च्छायातिमहती सर्वदा मण्डलाकृतिः । लक्ष्यते विस्मयोपेतैः सर्वदा देवमानवैः

yasya cchāyātimahatī sarvadā maṇḍalākṛtiḥ lakṣyate vismayopetaiḥ sarvadā devamānavaiḥ

Its vast shade, ever circular in shape, is beheld with wonder by gods and men at all times.

Verse 84 (skanda.1.107.84)

अष्टभिः परितो लिंगैरष्टदिक्पालपूजितैः । अष्टासु संस्थितैर्दिक्षु शोभते ह्युपसेवितः

aṣṭabhiḥ parito liṁgairaṣṭadikpālapūjitaiḥ aṣṭāsu saṁsthitairdikṣu śobhate hyupasevitaḥ

Surrounded on all sides by eight lingas, each worshipped by one of the eight guardians of the directions, established thus in the eight quarters, it shines forth, well-served.

Verse 85 (skanda.1.107.85)

नृपाणां शम्भुभक्तानां शंकराज्ञानुपालिनाम् । अत्रैव महदास्थानमादिदेवेन निर्मितम्

nṛpāṇāṁ śambhubhaktānāṁ śaṁkarājñānupālinām atraiva mahadāsthānamādidevena nirmitam

For kings devoted to Shambhu, who uphold Shankara's command, a great royal assembly-hall was built here by the Primeval God himself.

Verse 86 (skanda.1.107.86)

बकुलश्च महांस्तत्र सदार्थितफलप्रदः । आगमार्थविदा मूले वामदेवेन सेव्यते

bakulaśca mahāṁstatra sadārthitaphalapradaḥ āgamārthavidā mūle vāmadevena sevyate

There stands a great Bakula tree, ever granting the fruit that is asked of it, at whose root Vamadeva, knower of the meaning of the Agamas, performs his service.

Verse 87 (skanda.1.107.87)

अगस्त्यश्च वशिष्ठश्च संपूज्यारुणभूधरम् । संस्थाप्य लिंगे विमले तेपाते तादृशं तपः

agastyaśca vaśiṣṭhaśca saṁpūjyāruṇabhūdharam saṁsthāpya liṁge vimale tepāte tādṛśaṁ tapaḥ

Agastya and Vashishtha, worshipping the mountain Aruna, established there a spotless linga, and performed austerity of just such greatness.

Verse 88 (skanda.1.107.88)

हिरण्यगर्भतनयः पुरा शोणनदः पुमान् । अत्र तीव्रं तपस्तप्त्वा गंगाभिमुखगोऽभवत

hiraṇyagarbhatanayaḥ purā śoṇanadaḥ pumān atra tīvraṁ tapastaptvā gaṁgābhimukhago'bhavata

The son of Hiranyagarbha, of old the man who became the river Shona, performing severe austerity here, gained a course flowing toward the Ganga.

Verse 89 (skanda.1.107.89)

अत्र शोणनदी पुण्या प्रवहत्यमलोदका । वेणा च पुण्यतटिनी परितः सेवतेऽचलम्

atra śoṇanadī puṇyā pravahatyamalodakā veṇā ca puṇyataṭinī paritaḥ sevate'calam

Here flows the sacred river Shona, its waters pure, and the sacred river Vena too serves this mountain from every side.

Verse 90 (skanda.1.107.90)

वायव्याश्च दिशो भागे वायुतीर्थं च शोभते । तत्र स्नात्वा मरुत्पूर्वं जगत्प्राणत्वमाप्तवान्

vāyavyāśca diśo bhāge vāyutīrthaṁ ca śobhate tatra snātvā marutpūrvaṁ jagatprāṇatvamāptavān

In the northwestern quarter the Vayu-tirtha too shines forth; bathing there, the Wind-god first attained the very rank of life-breath of the universe.

Verse 91 (skanda.1.107.91)

उत्तरेऽस्य गिरेस्तीर्थं सुवर्णकमलोज्ज्वलम् । दिव्यसौगंधिकाकीर्णं हंसभृंगमनोहरम्

uttare'sya girestīrthaṁ suvarṇakamalojjvalam divyasaugaṁdhikākīrṇaṁ haṁsabhṛṁgamanoharam

To the north of this mountain is a ford bright with golden lotuses, filled with divine fragrant blossoms, and delightful with swans and bees.

Verse 92 (skanda.1.107.92)

कौबेरं तीर्थमेशान्यामैशान्यं तीर्थमुत्तमम्

kauberaṁ tīrthameśānyāmaiśānyaṁ tīrthamuttamam

In the direction of Ishana lies the Kaubera tirtha, and, in the direction between Ishana and the north, another excellent ford.

Verse 93 (skanda.1.107.93)

तस्यैव पश्चिमे भागे विष्णुः कमललोचनः । स्नात्वा विष्णुत्वमभजत्कमलालालिताकृतिः

tasyaiva paścime bhāge viṣṇuḥ kamalalocanaḥ snātvā viṣṇutvamabhajatkamalālālitākṛtiḥ

In its western part, lotus-eyed Vishnu, bathing there, and cherished in his form by Kamala, attained his very own state of Vishnu-hood.

Verse 94 (skanda.1.107.94)

नवग्रहाः पुरा तत्र स्नात्वा ग्रहपदं गताः । नवग्रहप्रसादश्च जायते तत्र मज्जताम्

navagrahāḥ purā tatra snātvā grahapadaṁ gatāḥ navagrahaprasādaśca jāyate tatra majjatām

Of old the nine planets bathed here and attained their very status as planets; and the grace of the nine planets too comes to those who immerse themselves there.

Verse 95 (skanda.1.107.95)

दुर्गा विनायक स्कन्दो क्षेत्रपालः सरस्वती । रक्षंति परितस्तीर्थं ग्राहयमेतदनन्तरम्

durgā vināyaka skando kṣetrapālaḥ sarasvatī rakṣaṁti paritastīrthaṁ grāhayametadanantaram

Durga, Vinayaka, Skanda, Kshetrapala, and Sarasvati guard this ford on every side, and thereafter render it fit for approach.

Verse 96 (skanda.1.107.96)

गंगा च यमुना चैव गोदावरी सरस्वती । नर्मदासिन्धुकावेर्यः शोणः शोर्णनदी च सा

gaṁgā ca yamunā caiva godāvarī sarasvatī narmadāsindhukāveryaḥ śoṇaḥ śorṇanadī ca sā

The Ganga, the Yamuna, the Godavari, the Sarasvati, the Narmada, the Sindhu, the Kaveri, the Shona — and that same river Shona too —

Verse 97 (skanda.1.107.97)

एता गूढा निषेवंते पूर्वाद्याशासु संततम् । नश्यंत्यः सकलं पापमात्मक्षेत्रसमुद्भवम्

etā gūḍhā niṣevaṁte pūrvādyāśāsu saṁtatam naśyaṁtyaḥ sakalaṁ pāpamātmakṣetrasamudbhavam

— these rivers, hidden from sight, ceaselessly serve there in the eastern and other quarters, destroying every sin born within their own sacred fields.

Verse 98 (skanda.1.107.98)

अन्याश्च सरितो दिव्याः पार्थिव्यश्च शुभोदकाः । उदजृंभंत सहसा शोणाद्रीशप्रसादतः

anyāśca sarito divyāḥ pārthivyaśca śubhodakāḥ udajṛṁbhaṁta sahasā śoṇādrīśaprasādataḥ

Other divine rivers too, and earthly ones of auspicious water, suddenly sprang forth there by the grace of the Lord of Shonadri.

Verse 99 (skanda.1.107.99)

आगस्त्यं दक्षिणे भागे तीर्थं महदुदाहृतम् । सर्वभाषार्थसंसिद्धिर्जायते तत्र मज्जताम्

āgastyaṁ dakṣiṇe bhāge tīrthaṁ mahadudāhṛtam sarvabhāṣārthasaṁsiddhirjāyate tatra majjatām

In the southern part is proclaimed the great Agastya ford; those who immerse themselves there attain accomplishment in the meaning of every tongue.

Verse 100 (skanda.1.107.100)

अत्रागस्त्यः समागत्य स्नात्वा मुनिगणावृतः । अभ्यर्चयति शोणाद्रिं मासि भाद्रपदे सदा

atrāgastyaḥ samāgatya snātvā munigaṇāvṛtaḥ abhyarcayati śoṇādriṁ māsi bhādrapade sadā

Here Agastya, surrounded by a company of sages, comes, bathes, and ever worships Shonadri, always in the month of Bhadrapada.

Verse 101 (skanda.1.107.101)

वाशिष्ठमुत्तरे भागे तीर्थं दिव्यं शुभोदयम् । सर्ववेदार्थसंसिद्धिर्जायते तत्र मज्जनात्

vāśiṣṭhamuttare bhāge tīrthaṁ divyaṁ śubhodayam sarvavedārthasaṁsiddhirjāyate tatra majjanāt

In the northern part is the divine Vashishtha ford, of auspicious rising; bathing there brings accomplishment in the meaning of all the Vedas.

Verse 102 (skanda.1.107.102)

अत्र मेरोः समागत्य वशिष्ठो भगवानृषिः । करोत्याश्वयुजे मासि शोणाद्रीशनिषेवणम्

atra meroḥ samāgatya vaśiṣṭho bhagavānṛṣiḥ karotyāśvayuje māsi śoṇādrīśaniṣevaṇam

Here, coming from Meru, the blessed sage Vashishtha performs service of the Lord of Shonadri, in the month of Ashvina.

Verse 103 (skanda.1.107.103)

गंगानाम महत्तीर्थं पूर्वोत्तरदिशि स्थितम् । तत्र स्नानाद्भवेन्नृणां सर्वपातकनाशनम्

gaṁgānāma mahattīrthaṁ pūrvottaradiśi sthitam tatra snānādbhavennṛṇāṁ sarvapātakanāśanam

The great ford named Ganga lies in the northeastern direction; bathing there brings about the destruction of every sin of men.

Verse 104 (skanda.1.107.104)

गंगाद्याः सरितः सर्वाः कार्त्तिके मासि संगताः । अत्रारुणाद्रिनाथस्य सेवां कुर्वंति सादरम्

gaṁgādyāḥ saritaḥ sarvāḥ kārttike māsi saṁgatāḥ atrāruṇādrināthasya sevāṁ kurvaṁti sādaram

The Ganga and all the other rivers, gathering here in the month of Kartika, perform, with reverence, the service of the Lord of Arunadri.

Verse 105 (skanda.1.107.105)

ब्राह्म्यं नाम महातीर्थमरुणाद्रीशसन्निधौ । तस्योपसंगमात्सद्यो ब्रह्महत्यादि नश्यति

brāhmyaṁ nāma mahātīrthamaruṇādrīśasannidhau tasyopasaṁgamātsadyo brahmahatyādi naśyati

The great ford named Brahmya lies in the very presence of the Lord of Arunadri; by mere approach to it, sins such as the killing of a brahmin are instantly destroyed.

Verse 106 (skanda.1.107.106)

मार्गे मासि समागत्य ब्रह्मलोकात्पितामहः । स्नात्वा तत्प्रत्यहं देवमर्चयत्यरुणाचलम्

mārge māsi samāgatya brahmalokātpitāmahaḥ snātvā tatpratyahaṁ devamarcayatyaruṇācalam

Coming from Brahmaloka in the month of Margashirsha, grandfather Brahma bathes here and worships the God Arunachala daily.

Verse 107 (skanda.1.107.107)

पौषे मासि समागत्य स्नात्वा तीर्थे निजैः सुरैः । महेन्द्रः शोणशैलेशमभ्यर्चयति शंकरम्

pauṣe māsi samāgatya snātvā tīrthe nijaiḥ suraiḥ mahendraḥ śoṇaśaileśamabhyarcayati śaṁkaram

Coming in the month of Pausha together with his own gods, bathing in the ford, great Indra worships Shankara, Lord of Shonashaila.

Verse 108 (skanda.1.107.108)

शैवंनाम महातीर्थं संनिधौ तत्र वर्तते । रुद्रो ब्रह्मकपालेन सह तत्र न्यमज्जत

śaivaṁnāma mahātīrthaṁ saṁnidhau tatra vartate rudro brahmakapālena saha tatra nyamajjata

The great ford named Shaiva lies in its very presence; there Rudra once immersed himself, together with the skull of Brahma.

Verse 109 (skanda.1.107.109)

अत्र शम्भुर्गणैः सार्द्धं माघे मासि प्रसीदति । प्रायश्चित्तानि सर्वाणि नॄणां सफलयन्भुवि

atra śambhurgaṇaiḥ sārddhaṁ māghe māsi prasīdati prāyaścittāni sarvāṇi nṝṇāṁ saphalayanbhuvi

Here Shambhu, together with his ganas, becomes gracious in the month of Magha, making fruitful upon this earth every atonement of men.

Verse 110 (skanda.1.107.110)

आग्नेयमग्निदिग्भागे तीर्थं सौभाग्यदायकम् । अग्निरत्र पुरा स्नात्वा स्वाहया संगतः सुखी

āgneyamagnidigbhāge tīrthaṁ saubhāgyadāyakam agniratra purā snātvā svāhayā saṁgataḥ sukhī

In the direction of fire lies a ford that grants good fortune; here, of old, Agni bathed and, joined with Svaha, became happy.

Verse 111 (skanda.1.107.111)

अनंगोपि स्मरः स्नात्वा फाल्गुने मासि संगतः । अभ्यर्च्य शोणशैलेशमभूत्सर्वसुखाधिपः

anaṁgopi smaraḥ snātvā phālgune māsi saṁgataḥ abhyarcya śoṇaśaileśamabhūtsarvasukhādhipaḥ

Even the bodiless god of love, bathing in the month of Phalguna and worshipping the Lord of Shonashaila, became lord of every pleasure.

Verse 112 (skanda.1.107.112)

दिशि दक्षिणपूर्वस्यां वैष्णवं तीर्थमद्भुतम् । ब्रह्मर्षयः सदा तत्र वसंति कृतकौतुकाः

diśi dakṣiṇapūrvasyāṁ vaiṣṇavaṁ tīrthamadbhutam brahmarṣayaḥ sadā tatra vasaṁti kṛtakautukāḥ

In the southeastern direction is a wondrous Vaishnava ford; brahmarshis, ever filled with wonder, dwell there always.

Verse 113 (skanda.1.107.113)

चैत्रे मासि समागत्य विष्णुस्तत्र रमापतिः । स्नात्वाभ्यर्च्यारुणाद्रीशमभवल्लोकनायकः

caitre māsi samāgatya viṣṇustatra ramāpatiḥ snātvābhyarcyāruṇādrīśamabhavallokanāyakaḥ

In the month of Chaitra, Vishnu, Lord of Lakshmi, comes here, and, bathing and worshipping, by the grace of the Lord of Arunadri becomes the leader of all worlds.

Verse 114 (skanda.1.107.114)

सौरंनाम महातीर्थं कौबेरदिशि जृंभितम् । सर्वरोगोपशांतिश्च जायते तत्र मज्जनात्

sauraṁnāma mahātīrthaṁ kauberadiśi jṛṁbhitam sarvarogopaśāṁtiśca jāyate tatra majjanāt

The great ford named Saura opens out in the direction of Kubera; immersion there brings about the alleviation of every disease.

Verse 115 (skanda.1.107.115)

वैशाखे मासि दिनकृत्स्नात्वात्रेशं निषेवते । वालखिल्यैः समं श्रीमान्वेदैश्च सह संगतः

vaiśākhe māsi dinakṛtsnātvātreśaṁ niṣevate vālakhilyaiḥ samaṁ śrīmānvedaiśca saha saṁgataḥ

In the month of Vaishakha the Sun, bathing here, serves the Lord of Atri, glorious, joined together with the Valakhilyas and the Vedas.

Verse 116 (skanda.1.107.116)

आश्विनं पावनं तीर्थमीशब्रह्मोत्तरे स्थितम् । आप्लुतौ भिपजौ दस्रौ पूतावत्र निमज्जनात्

āśvinaṁ pāvanaṁ tīrthamīśabrahmottare sthitam āplutau bhipajau dasrau pūtāvatra nimajjanāt

The sacred Ashvina ford lies to the north of the Isha and Brahma fords; by immersion there the two physician-gods, the Ashvins, become pure.

Verse 117 (skanda.1.107.117)

अत्राश्विनौ समागत्य स्नात्वाभ्यर्च्य च शंकरम् । दक्षिणे शोण शैलस्य निकटे वर्त्तते शुभम्

atrāśvinau samāgatya snātvābhyarcya ca śaṁkaram dakṣiṇe śoṇa śailasya nikaṭe varttate śubham

Here the two Ashvins come, bathe and worship Shankara — this auspicious ford lies to the south of Shonashaila, close by.

Verse 118 (skanda.1.107.118)

कामदं मोक्षदं चैव तीर्थं पांडवसंज्ञितम् । पुरा हि पांडवास्तत्र मजनात्क्षितिनायकाः

kāmadaṁ mokṣadaṁ caiva tīrthaṁ pāṁḍavasaṁjñitam purā hi pāṁḍavāstatra majanātkṣitināyakāḥ

This ford, known by the name Pandava, grants both desire and liberation; of old the Pandava kings, bathing here —

Verse 119 (skanda.1.107.119)

अत्र धात्री समागत्य सर्वौषधिफलान्विता । ज्येष्ठे मासि समं देवैरार्चयच्चारुणाचलम्

atra dhātrī samāgatya sarvauṣadhiphalānvitā jyeṣṭhe māsi samaṁ devairārcayaccāruṇācalam

Here Dhatri, laden with every herb and fruit, worships Arunachala together with the gods, in the month of Jyeshtha.

Verse 120 (skanda.1.107.120)

आषाढे मासि संत्यक्ता विश्वेदेवा महाबलाः । अभ्यर्च्य शोणशैलेशमागच्छन्मखराध्यताम्

āṣāḍhe māsi saṁtyaktā viśvedevā mahābalāḥ abhyarcya śoṇaśaileśamāgacchanmakharādhyatām

In the month of Ashadha, the mighty Vishvedevas, once set aside, worshipped the Lord of Shonashaila and thereby attained the presidency of sacrifices.

Verse 121 (skanda.1.107.121)

वैश्वदेवं महातीर्थं सोमसूर्योत्तराश्रयम् । विश्वाधिपत्यमतुलं लभ्यते तत्र मज्जनात्

vaiśvadevaṁ mahātīrthaṁ somasūryottarāśrayam viśvādhipatyamatulaṁ labhyate tatra majjanāt

The great Vaishvadeva ford lies to the north of the Soma and Surya fords; immersion there brings incomparable sovereignty over the universe.

Verse 122 (skanda.1.107.122)

परितो लक्ष्यते तीर्थं पूर्वस्यां दिशि शोभने । अत्र लक्ष्मीः पुरा स्नात्वा लेभे पुरुषमुत्तमम्

parito lakṣyate tīrthaṁ pūrvasyāṁ diśi śobhane atra lakṣmīḥ purā snātvā lebhe puruṣamuttamam

In the eastern direction a ford is seen shining all around, beautiful to behold; here Lakshmi, of old, bathing, obtained the Supreme Person.

Verse 123 (skanda.1.107.123)

उत्तरस्यां दिशि पुरा पुण्या स्कंदनदी स्थिता । अत्र स्नात्वा पुरा स्कंदः संप्राप्तो विपुलं बलम्

uttarasyāṁ diśi purā puṇyā skaṁdanadī sthitā atra snātvā purā skaṁdaḥ saṁprāpto vipulaṁ balam

In the northern direction of old stood the sacred river of Skanda; bathing here, Skanda of old obtained vast strength.

Verse 124 (skanda.1.107.124)

पश्चिमस्यां दिशि ख्याता परा कुंभनदी शुभा । अगस्त्यः कुंभकः कुंभस्तत्र नित्यं व्यवस्थितः

paścimasyāṁ diśi khyātā parā kuṁbhanadī śubhā agastyaḥ kuṁbhakaḥ kuṁbhastatra nityaṁ vyavasthitaḥ

In the western direction the excellent and auspicious Kumbha river is renowned; Agastya, called both Kumbhaka and Kumbha, ever dwells there.

Verse 125 (skanda.1.107.125)

गंगा च मूलभागस्था यमुना गगने स्थिता । सोमोद्भवा शिरोभागे सेवंते शोणपर्वतम्

gaṁgā ca mūlabhāgasthā yamunā gagane sthitā somodbhavā śirobhāge sevaṁte śoṇaparvatam

The Ganga at its base, the Yamuna dwelling in the sky, and the river sprung from the moon at its summit — all these serve the mountain Shona.

Verse 126 (skanda.1.107.126)

बहून्यपि च तीर्थानि संभूतानि समंततः । तेषां भेदान्पुरा वेत्तुं मार्कण्डेयस्तु नाशकत्

bahūnyapi ca tīrthāni saṁbhūtāni samaṁtataḥ teṣāṁ bhedānpurā vettuṁ mārkaṇḍeyastu nāśakat

Many other fords too have arisen all around it; even Markandeya, of old, was unable to comprehend their full variety.

Verse 127 (skanda.1.107.127)

तपोभिर्बहुभिस्सोयं शोणाद्रीशमतोषयत् । प्रार्थयामास च वरं प्रीतात्तस्मान्मुनीश्वरः

tapobhirbahubhissoyaṁ śoṇādrīśamatoṣayat prārthayāmāsa ca varaṁ prītāttasmānmunīśvaraḥ

Through many austerities he satisfied the Lord of Shonadri, and that lord of sages, pleased, entreated him for a boon.

Verse 128 (skanda.1.107.128)

मार्कण्डेय उवाच । भगवन्नरुणाद्रीश तीर्थभेदाः सहस्रशः । प्रख्याताश्च प्रकाशंते दुर्बोधास्त्वल्पचेतसाम्

mārkaṇḍeya uvāca bhagavannaruṇādrīśa tīrthabhedāḥ sahasraśaḥ prakhyātāśca prakāśaṁte durbodhāstvalpacetasām

Markandeya said: O Lord, ruler of the red mountain! The distinctions among the fords are in the thousands; though renowned, they remain hard to grasp for those of little understanding.

Verse 129 (skanda.1.107.129)

कथमेकत्र सांनिध्यं लभेरन्भुवि मानवाः । अपर्याप्तश्च भवति पृथगेषां निषेवणे

kathamekatra sāṁnidhyaṁ labheranbhuvi mānavāḥ aparyāptaśca bhavati pṛthageṣāṁ niṣevaṇe

How could men on this earth ever obtain nearness to all these in one single place? And to serve them one by one would never suffice either.

Verse 130 (skanda.1.107.130)

अंतर्निगूढतेजास्त्वं गत्वा यस्सकलैः सुरैः । आरण्यसे कुरु तथा शोणाद्रिस्पर्शभीरुभिः

aṁtarnigūḍhatejāstvaṁ gatvā yassakalaiḥ suraiḥ āraṇyase kuru tathā śoṇādrisparśabhīrubhiḥ

You, whose radiance lies hidden within, arrange it thus — for even the gods, fearful of touching Shonadri directly, worship it there only from afar.

Verse 131 (skanda.1.107.131)

अहं च शंभुमभ्यर्च्य तपसारुणपर्वतम् । सर्वलोकोपकारार्थं सूक्ष्म लिंगमपूजयम्

ahaṁ ca śaṁbhumabhyarcya tapasāruṇaparvatam sarvalokopakārārthaṁ sūkṣma liṁgamapūjayam

And I too, worshipping Shambhu, through austerity upon the mountain Aruna, worshipped a subtle linga there for the benefit of all the worlds.

Verse 132 (skanda.1.107.132)

विश्वकर्मकृतं दिव्यं विमानं विविधोत्सवम् । संकल्प्य सकलान्भोगान्नित्यानजनयत्पुनः

viśvakarmakṛtaṁ divyaṁ vimānaṁ vividhotsavam saṁkalpya sakalānbhogānnityānajanayatpunaḥ

Resolving upon a divine chariot, wrought by Vishvakarma, rich with manifold festivities, I brought into being once more every kind of eternal enjoyment.

Verse 133 (skanda.1.107.133)

धर्मशास्त्राणि विविधान्यवापुर्मुनिपुंगवाः । शिवकार्याणि सर्वाणि चक्रुभक्तिसमन्विताः

dharmaśāstrāṇi vividhānyavāpurmunipuṁgavāḥ śivakāryāṇi sarvāṇi cakrubhaktisamanvitāḥ

Foremost sages obtained the various codes of dharma, and, full of devotion, accomplished all the works of Shiva.

Verse 134 (skanda.1.107.134)

मया च शंभुमभ्यर्च्य कृताग्न्याहुतिसंभवाः । सप्त कन्या वरारोहाः पूजार्थं विनियोजिताः

mayā ca śaṁbhumabhyarcya kṛtāgnyāhutisaṁbhavāḥ sapta kanyā varārohāḥ pūjārthaṁ viniyojitāḥ

I too, worshipping Shambhu, and offering oblations into the fire, appointed seven maidens of excellent form for the sake of worship.

Verse 135 (skanda.1.107.135)

हतशत्रुगणैभूपैर्लब्धराज्यैः पुरा नृपैः । प्रत्येकं विविधैर्भोगैः शोणशैलाधिपोर्चितः

hataśatrugaṇaibhūpairlabdharājyaiḥ purā nṛpaiḥ pratyekaṁ vividhairbhogaiḥ śoṇaśailādhiporcitaḥ

By kings of old, who, having slain their host of enemies, regained their kingdoms, the Lord of Shonashaila was worshipped, each in turn, with manifold offerings.

Verse 136 (skanda.1.107.136)

इदमनुभववैभवं विचित्रं दुरितहरं शिवलिंगमद्रिरूपम् । अमलमनभिगम्यनामधेयं वरमरुणाद्रिनायकं भजस्व

idamanubhavavaibhavaṁ vicitraṁ duritaharaṁ śivaliṁgamadrirūpam amalamanabhigamyanāmadheyaṁ varamaruṇādrināyakaṁ bhajasva

This wondrous glory of experience, sin-destroying, this Shiva-linga in the very form of a mountain, spotless, whose name is beyond full comprehension — worship this excellent Lord of Arunadri.

Verse 137 (skanda.1.107.137)

अवनतजनरक्षणोचितस्य स्मरणनिराकृतविश्वकल्मषस्य । भजनममितपुण्यराशियोगादरुणगिरेः कृतिनः परं लभस्व

avanatajanarakṣaṇocitasya smaraṇanirākṛtaviśvakalmaṣasya bhajanamamitapuṇyarāśiyogādaruṇagireḥ kṛtinaḥ paraṁ labhasva

Fit to protect all who bow before him, whose mere remembrance drives away every impurity of the world — through devotion to that mountain Aruna, O accomplished one, by the merit of boundless accumulated virtue, obtain the supreme goal.