Vamana Comes to Bali's Sacrifice

Verse 1 (skanda.1.18.1)

॥लोमश उवाच॥ कर्मणा परिभूतो हि महेंद्रो गुरुमब्रवीत्॥ विना यत्नेन संक्लेसात्तर्तुं कर्म्म किमुच्यताम्

||lomaśa uvāca|| karmaṇā paribhūto hi maheṃdro gurumabravīt|| vinā yatnena saṃklesāttartuṃ karmma kimucyatām

Lomasha said: Mahendra, thus overcome by the fruit of his own deed, said to his preceptor: "Tell me what I might do to cross this affliction without further struggle."

Verse 2 (skanda.1.18.2)

बृहस्पतिरुवाचेदं त्यक्त्वा चैवामरावतीम्॥ यास्यामोऽन्यत्र सर्वे वै सकुटुंबा जिगीपवः

bṛhaspatiruvācedaṃ tyaktvā caivāmarāvatīm|| yāsyāmo'nyatra sarve vai sakuṭuṃbā jigīpavaḥ

Brihaspati said: "Let us all abandon Amaravati and go elsewhere, together with our households; even while still desiring victory, this we must now do."

Verse 3 (skanda.1.18.3)

तथा चक्रुः सुराः सर्वे हित्वा चैवामरावतीम्॥ बर्हिणो रुपमास्थाय गतः सद्यः पुरंदरः

tathā cakruḥ surāḥ sarve hitvā caivāmarāvatīm|| barhiṇo rupamāsthāya gataḥ sadyaḥ puraṃdaraḥ

All the gods did just this, abandoning Amaravati; Purandara at once took the form of a peacock and departed.

Verse 4 (skanda.1.18.4)

काको भूत्वा यमः साक्षात्कृकलासो धनाधिपः॥ अग्निः कपोतको भूत्वा भेको भूत्वा महेश्वरः

kāko bhūtvā yamaḥ sākṣātkṛkalāso dhanādhipaḥ|| agniḥ kapotako bhūtvā bheko bhūtvā maheśvaraḥ

Yama himself became a crow, the lord of wealth a chameleon, Agni a dove, and the great lord became a frog.

Verse 5 (skanda.1.18.5)

नैर्ऋतस्तत्क्षणादेव कपोतोऽभूत्ततो गतः॥ पाशी कपिंजलो भूत्वा वायुः पारावतोऽभवत्

nairṛtastatkṣaṇādeva kapoto'bhūttato gataḥ|| pāśī kapiṃjalo bhūtvā vāyuḥ pārāvato'bhavat

Nairrita at once became a dove and departed; the noose-bearer Varuna became a partridge, and Vayu became a wild pigeon.

Verse 6 (skanda.1.18.6)

एवं नानातनुभृतो हित्वा ते त्रिदिवं गताः॥ कश्यपस्याश्रमं पुण्यं संप्राप्तास्ते भयातुराः

evaṃ nānātanubhṛto hitvā te tridivaṃ gatāḥ|| kaśyapasyāśramaṃ puṇyaṃ saṃprāptāste bhayāturāḥ

Thus, taking on manifold forms and abandoning heaven, all of them, stricken with fear, made their way to Kashyapa's sacred hermitage.

Verse 7 (skanda.1.18.7)

अदितिं मातरं सर्वे शशंसुर्दैत्यचेष्टितम्

aditiṃ mātaraṃ sarve śaśaṃsurdaityaceṣṭitam

All of them told mother Aditi of everything the daityas had done.

Verse 8 (skanda.1.18.8)

अप्रियं तदुपाकर्ण्य ह्यदितिः पुत्रलालसा॥ उवाच कश्यपं सा तु सुराणां व्यसनं महत्॥ महर्षे श्रयतां वाक्यं श्रुत्वा तत्कर्तुमर्हसि

apriyaṃ tadupākarṇya hyaditiḥ putralālasā|| uvāca kaśyapaṃ sā tu surāṇāṃ vyasanaṃ mahat|| maharṣe śrayatāṃ vākyaṃ śrutvā tatkartumarhasi

Hearing this unwelcome news, Aditi, filled with love for her sons, told Kashyapa of this great calamity that had befallen the gods: "O great sage, hear my words, and act as they demand."

Verse 9 (skanda.1.18.9)

दैत्यैः पराजिता देवा हित्वा चैवामरावतीम्॥ त्वदीयमाश्रमं प्राप्तास्तान्रक्षस्व प्रजापते

daityaiḥ parājitā devā hitvā caivāmarāvatīm|| tvadīyamāśramaṃ prāptāstānrakṣasva prajāpate

"Defeated by the daityas and forced to abandon Amaravati, the gods have come here to your own hermitage; O lord of creatures, protect them."

Verse 10 (skanda.1.18.10)

तस्यास्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा कश्यपो वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥ तपसा महता तन्वि जानीहि त्वं च भामिनि॥ अजेया ह्यसुराः साध्वि भृगुणा ह्यनुमोदिताः

tasyāstadvacanaṃ śrutvā kaśyapo vākyamabravīt|| tapasā mahatā tanvi jānīhi tvaṃ ca bhāmini|| ajeyā hyasurāḥ sādhvi bhṛguṇā hyanumoditāḥ

Hearing her words, Kashyapa said: "O slender one, O fair lady, know that those asuras, blessed by Bhrigu and endowed with great penance, are unconquerable."

Verse 11 (skanda.1.18.11)

तेषां जयो हि तपसा उग्रेणाऽद्येन भामिनि॥ कुरु शीघ्रतरेणैव सुराणां कार्यसिद्धये

teṣāṃ jayo hi tapasā ugreṇā'dyena bhāmini|| kuru śīghratareṇaiva surāṇāṃ kāryasiddhaye

"O fair one, victory over them can come only through fierce penance; therefore undertake it swiftly, for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose."

Verse 12 (skanda.1.18.12)

व्रतमेतन्महाभागे कथयाम्यर्थसिद्धये॥ तत्कुरुष्व प्रयत्नेन यथोक्तविधिना शुभे

vratametanmahābhāge kathayāmyarthasiddhaye|| tatkuruṣva prayatnena yathoktavidhinā śubhe

"O most fortunate one, I shall tell you of a vow for the fulfilment of this purpose; O auspicious one, perform it with diligence, according to the rite I now declare."

Verse 13 (skanda.1.18.13)

मासि भाद्रपदे देवि दशम्यां नियता शुचिः॥ एकभक्तं प्रकुर्वीत विष्णोः प्रीत्यर्थमेव च

māsi bhādrapade devi daśamyāṃ niyatā śuciḥ|| ekabhaktaṃ prakurvīta viṣṇoḥ prītyarthameva ca

"O goddess, on the tenth day of the month of Bhadrapada, disciplined and pure, one should take but a single meal, for Vishnu's satisfaction."

Verse 14 (skanda.1.18.14)

प्रर्थनीयो हरिः साक्षात्सर्वकामवरेश्वरः॥ मंत्रेणानेन सुभगे तद्भक्तैर्वरवर्णिनि

prarthanīyo hariḥ sākṣātsarvakāmavareśvaraḥ|| maṃtreṇānena subhage tadbhaktairvaravarṇini

"O fair one, O lovely one, Hari himself, granter of every desire, should be entreated by his devotees with this very mantra —"

Verse 15 (skanda.1.18.15)

तव भक्तोस्म्यहं नाथ दशम्यादिदिनत्रयम्॥ व्रतं चराम्यहं विष्णो अनुज्ञां दातुमर्हसि

tava bhaktosmyahaṃ nātha daśamyādidinatrayam|| vrataṃ carāmyahaṃ viṣṇo anujñāṃ dātumarhasi

"'O lord, I am your devotee; beginning with the tenth day, for three days I shall observe this vow, O Vishnu — grant me your leave.'"

Verse 16 (skanda.1.18.16)

अनेनैव च मंत्रेण प्रार्थनीयो जगत्पतिः॥ एकभक्तं प्रकुर्वीत तच्च भक्तं च केवलम्

anenaiva ca maṃtreṇa prārthanīyo jagatpatiḥ|| ekabhaktaṃ prakurvīta tacca bhaktaṃ ca kevalam

"With this very mantra should the lord of the universe be entreated; one should take but a single meal, and that too offered purely in devotion."

Verse 17 (skanda.1.18.17)

रंभापत्रे च भोक्तव्यं वर्जितं लवणेन हि॥ एकादश्यां चोपवासं प्रकुर्वीत प्रयत्नतः

raṃbhāpatre ca bhoktavyaṃ varjitaṃ lavaṇena hi|| ekādaśyāṃ copavāsaṃ prakurvīta prayatnataḥ

"One should eat upon a banana leaf, without salt; and on the eleventh day one should observe a fast with diligence."

Verse 18 (skanda.1.18.18)

रात्रौ जागरणं कुर्यात्प्रयत्नेन सुमध्यमे॥ द्वादश्यां निपुणत्वेन पारणा तु विधानतः॥ कर्तव्या ज्ञातिभिः सार्द्धं भोजयित्वा द्विजीत्तमान्

rātrau jāgaraṇaṃ kuryātprayatnena sumadhyame|| dvādaśyāṃ nipuṇatvena pāraṇā tu vidhānataḥ|| kartavyā jñātibhiḥ sārddhaṃ bhojayitvā dvijīttamān

"O slender-waisted one, through the night one should keep vigil with care; and on the twelfth day, the fast should be broken according to rite, with skill, feeding the foremost brahmins and breaking one's fast together with kinsfolk."

Verse 19 (skanda.1.18.19)

एवं द्वादशमासांस्तु कुर्याद्व्रतमतंद्रितः॥ मासि भाद्रपदे प्राप्ते एकादश्यां प्रयत्नतः॥ विष्णुमभ्यर्च्य यत्नेन कलशोपरि संस्थितम्

evaṃ dvādaśamāsāṃstu kuryādvratamataṃdritaḥ|| māsi bhādrapade prāpte ekādaśyāṃ prayatnataḥ|| viṣṇumabhyarcya yatnena kalaśopari saṃsthitam

"Thus should this vow be kept without slackening for twelve full months; and when the eleventh day of Bhadrapada comes again, Vishnu, established upon a kalasha, should be worshipped with the greatest care."

Verse 20 (skanda.1.18.20)

सौवर्णं राजतं वापि यताशक्त्या प्रकल्पयेत्॥ श्रवणेन तु संयुक्तां द्वादशीं पापनाशिनीम्॥ व्रती उपवसेद्यत्नात्सर्वदोषप्रशांतये

sauvarṇaṃ rājataṃ vāpi yatāśaktyā prakalpayet|| śravaṇena tu saṃyuktāṃ dvādaśīṃ pāpanāśinīm|| vratī upavasedyatnātsarvadoṣapraśāṃtaye

"According to one's means, an image should be made of gold or silver; and the one keeping the vow should fast with diligence on that sin-destroying twelfth day, when it falls under the Shravana asterism, for the quelling of every fault."

Verse 21 (skanda.1.18.21)

एवं हि कश्यपेनोक्तं श्रुत्वाऽदितिरथाचरत्॥ व्रतं सांवत्सरं यावन्नियमेन समन्वितता

evaṃ hi kaśyapenoktaṃ śrutvā'ditirathācarat|| vrataṃ sāṃvatsaraṃ yāvanniyamena samanvitatā

Hearing this rite thus explained by Kashyapa, Aditi observed that vow, with full discipline, for a whole year.

Verse 22 (skanda.1.18.22)

वर्षांतेन व्रतेनैव परितुष्टो जनार्दनः॥ प्रादुर्बभूव द्वादश्यां श्रवणेन तदा द्विजाः

varṣāṃtena vratenaiva parituṣṭo janārdanaḥ|| prādurbabhūva dvādaśyāṃ śravaṇena tadā dvijāḥ

At the year's end, pleased by that vow, O brahmins, Janardana himself appeared, on that very twelfth day under the Shravana asterism.

Verse 23 (skanda.1.18.23)

बटुरूपधरः श्रीशो द्विभुजः कमलेक्षमः॥ अतसीपुष्पसंकाशो वनमालाविभूषितः

baṭurūpadharaḥ śrīśo dvibhujaḥ kamalekṣamaḥ|| atasīpuṣpasaṃkāśo vanamālāvibhūṣitaḥ

The lord of Shri appeared in the form of a young celibate boy, two-armed, lotus-eyed, hued like the flax flower, adorned with a garland of forest flowers.

Verse 24 (skanda.1.18.24)

तं दृष्ट्वा विस्मयाविष्टा पूजामध्येऽदितिस्तदा॥ कश्यपेन समायुक्ता साऽस्तौषीत्कमलेक्षणा

taṃ dṛṣṭvā vismayāviṣṭā pūjāmadhye'ditistadā|| kaśyapena samāyuktā sā'stauṣītkamalekṣaṇā

Beholding him, that lotus-eyed Aditi, filled with wonder, together with Kashyapa, praised him even in the midst of her worship.

Verse 25 (skanda.1.18.25)

॥अदितिरुवाच॥ नमोनमः कारणकारणाय ते विश्वात्मने विश्वसृजे चिदात्मने॥ वरेण्यरूपाय परावरात्मने ह्यकुंठबोधाय नमोनमस्ते

||aditiruvāca|| namonamaḥ kāraṇakāraṇāya te viśvātmane viśvasṛje cidātmane|| vareṇyarūpāya parāvarātmane hyakuṃṭhabodhāya namonamaste

Aditi said: "Salutation upon salutation to you, O cause of all causes, O self of the universe, O creator of the universe, O consciousness itself, O most excellent form, O self both immanent and transcendent, O unimpeded knowledge."

Verse 26 (skanda.1.18.26)

इति स्मृतस्तदाऽदित्या देवानां परिरच्युतः॥ प्रहस्य भगवानाह अदितिं देवमातरम्

iti smṛtastadā'dityā devānāṃ pariracyutaḥ|| prahasya bhagavānāha aditiṃ devamātaram

Thus praised by Aditi, the lord, who upholds and exalts the gods, spoke, smiling, to Aditi, mother of the gods —

Verse 27 (skanda.1.18.27)

॥श्रीभगवानुवाच॥ तपसा परमेणैव प्रसन्नोहं तवानघे॥ अमुना वपुषा चैव देवानां कार्यसिद्धये

||śrībhagavānuvāca|| tapasā parameṇaiva prasannohaṃ tavānaghe|| amunā vapuṣā caiva devānāṃ kāryasiddhaye

The blessed lord said: "O sinless one, I am pleased by your supreme penance; for the fulfilment of the gods' purpose, I have appeared in this very form."

Verse 28 (skanda.1.18.28)

श्रुत्वा भगवतो वाक्यमदितिस्तमुवाचह॥ भगवन्पराजिता देवा असुरैर्बलवत्तरैः॥ तान्रक्ष शरणापन्नासुरान्सर्वाञ्जनार्दन

śrutvā bhagavato vākyamaditistamuvācaha|| bhagavanparājitā devā asurairbalavattaraiḥ|| tānrakṣa śaraṇāpannāsurānsarvāñjanārdana

Hearing the lord's words, Aditi said to him: "O lord, the gods have been defeated by the mightier asuras; O Janardana, protect all of them, who have come to you for refuge."

Verse 29 (skanda.1.18.29)

निशम्य वाक्यं किल तच्च तस्या विष्णुर्विकुंठाधिपतिः स एकः॥ ज्ञात्वा च सर्वं सुरचेष्टितं तदा बलेश्च सर्वं च चिकीर्षितं च

niśamya vākyaṃ kila tacca tasyā viṣṇurvikuṃṭhādhipatiḥ sa ekaḥ|| jñātvā ca sarvaṃ suraceṣṭitaṃ tadā baleśca sarvaṃ ca cikīrṣitaṃ ca

Hearing her words, Vishnu, lord of Vaikuntha, alone understanding all that the gods had done and all that Bali now intended, fell to deep thought.

Verse 30 (skanda.1.18.30)

किं कार्यमद्यैव मया हि कार्यं येनैव देवा जयमाप्नुवंति॥ पराजयं दैत्यवराश्च सर्वे विष्णुः परात्मैव विचिंत्य सर्वम्

kiṃ kāryamadyaiva mayā hi kāryaṃ yenaiva devā jayamāpnuvaṃti|| parājayaṃ daityavarāśca sarve viṣṇuḥ parātmaiva viciṃtya sarvam

"This very day I must do something so that the gods may attain victory, for the finest of the daityas now move ever closer to defeat" — thus did the supreme lord Vishnu consider all things.

Verse 31 (skanda.1.18.31)

गदमुवाच भगवान्गच्छस्वाद्य वधं प्रति॥ वैरोचनिं महाभागे घात यस्व त्वरान्विता

gadamuvāca bhagavāngacchasvādya vadhaṃ prati|| vairocaniṃ mahābhāge ghāta yasva tvarānvitā

The lord said to Gada: "Go now, this very day, to slay Virochana's son; O most fortunate one, destroy him swiftly."

Verse 32 (skanda.1.18.32)

गदोवाच हृषीकेशं प्रहसन्तीव भामिनी॥ मया ह्यशक्यो वधितुं ब्रह्मण्यो हि बलिर्महान्

gadovāca hṛṣīkeśaṃ prahasantīva bhāminī|| mayā hyaśakyo vadhituṃ brahmaṇyo hi balirmahān

Gada, smiling, said to Hrishikesha: "I am unable to slay that great Bali, so devoted to brahmins."

Verse 33 (skanda.1.18.33)

चक्रं प्रति तदा विष्मुरुवाच परिसांत्वयन्॥ त्वं गच्छ बलिनं हंतुं शीघ्रमेव सुदर्शन

cakraṃ prati tadā viṣmuruvāca parisāṃtvayan|| tvaṃ gaccha balinaṃ haṃtuṃ śīghrameva sudarśana

Then Vishnu spoke soothingly to the discus: "O Sudarshana, go quickly and slay Bali."

Verse 34 (skanda.1.18.34)

तदोवाच त्वरेणैव चक्रपाणिं सुदर्शनम्॥ न शक्यते मया हंतुं बलिनं तं महाप्रभो

tadovāca tvareṇaiva cakrapāṇiṃ sudarśanam|| na śakyate mayā haṃtuṃ balinaṃ taṃ mahāprabho

Then Sudarshana said swiftly to Vishnu, wielder of the discus: "O great lord, I too am unable to slay that Bali."

Verse 35 (skanda.1.18.35)

ब्रह्मण्योऽसि यथा विष्णो तथासौ दैत्यपुंगवः॥ धनुषा च तथैवोक्तः शार्ङ्गपाणिश्च विस्मितः॥ चिंतयामास बहुधा विमृश्य सुचिरं बहु

brahmaṇyo'si yathā viṣṇo tathāsau daityapuṃgavaḥ|| dhanuṣā ca tathaivoktaḥ śārṅgapāṇiśca vismitaḥ|| ciṃtayāmāsa bahudhā vimṛśya suciraṃ bahu

"O Vishnu, that foremost of daityas is as devoted to brahmins as you yourself are" — thus spoke even the bow; and Vishnu, wielder of the Sharnga, struck with wonder, fell into long and deep reflection.

Verse 36 (skanda.1.18.36)

॥अत्रिरुवाच॥ तदा ते ह्यसुराः सर्वे किमकुर्वस्तदुच्यताम्

||atriruvāca|| tadā te hyasurāḥ sarve kimakurvastaducyatām

Atri said: "Then what did all those asuras do? Tell me this."

Verse 37 (skanda.1.18.37)

॥लोमश उवाच॥ तदा ते ह्यसुराः सर्वे बलिप्रभृतयो दिवि॥ रुरुधुर्नगरीं रम्यां योद्धुकामाः पुरंदरम्

||lomaśa uvāca|| tadā te hyasurāḥ sarve baliprabhṛtayo divi|| rurudhurnagarīṃ ramyāṃ yoddhukāmāḥ puraṃdaram

Lomasha said: Then Bali and all the other asuras, up in heaven, besieged that beautiful city, eager to do battle with Purandara.

Verse 38 (skanda.1.18.38)

न विदुर्ह्यसुराः सर्वे गतान्देवांस्त्रिविष्टपात्॥ नानारूपधरां स्तस्मात्कश्यपस्याश्रयं प्रति

na vidurhyasurāḥ sarve gatāndevāṃstriviṣṭapāt|| nānārūpadharāṃ stasmātkaśyapasyāśrayaṃ prati

None of the asuras knew that the gods, having abandoned heaven and taken on manifold forms, had already gone for refuge to Kashyapa's hermitage.

Verse 39 (skanda.1.18.39)

प्राकारमारुह्य तदा हि संभ्रमाद्दैत्याः सुरेशं प्रति हंतुकामाः॥ यावत्प्रविष्टा ह्यमरावतीं तां शून्यामपश्यन्परितुष्टमानसाः

prākāramāruhya tadā hi saṃbhramāddaityāḥ sureśaṃ prati haṃtukāmāḥ|| yāvatpraviṣṭā hyamarāvatīṃ tāṃ śūnyāmapaśyanparituṣṭamānasāḥ

In their haste, the daityas scaled the ramparts, eager to slay the lord of the gods, and as soon as they entered Amaravati, they found it empty — and, with satisfied hearts, surveyed it so.

Verse 40 (skanda.1.18.40)

इंद्रासने च शुक्रेण ह्यभिषिक्तो बलिस्तदा॥ सहाभिषेकविधिना ह्यसुरैः परिवारितः

iṃdrāsane ca śukreṇa hyabhiṣikto balistadā|| sahābhiṣekavidhinā hyasuraiḥ parivāritaḥ

Then Shukra anointed Bali upon the throne of Indra, and, together with the rites of consecration, he sat there surrounded by the asuras.

Verse 41 (skanda.1.18.41)

तथैवाधिष्ठितो राज्ये बलिर्वैरोचनो महान्॥ शुशुभे परया भूत्या महेंद्राधिकृतस्तदा

tathaivādhiṣṭhito rājye balirvairocano mahān|| śuśubhe parayā bhūtyā maheṃdrādhikṛtastadā

Thus established upon that throne, the great Bali, son of Virochana, shone with the highest majesty, now invested with the very office of Mahendra.

Verse 42 (skanda.1.18.42)

नागैश्चासुरसंघैश्च सेव्यमानो महेंद्रवत्॥ सुरद्रुमो जितस्तेन कामधे नुर्मणिस्तथा

nāgaiścāsurasaṃghaiśca sevyamāno maheṃdravat|| suradrumo jitastena kāmadhe nurmaṇistathā

Attended by hosts of nagas and asuras, he shone forth just as Mahendra once had; he had won even the wishing tree, the wish-granting cow, and the wish-fulfilling jewel.

Verse 43 (skanda.1.18.43)

दानैर्द्दाता च सर्वेषां येऽन्ये दानित्वमागताः॥ सर्वेषामेव भूतानां दानैर्दाता बलिर्महान्

dānairddātā ca sarveṣāṃ ye'nye dānitvamāgatāḥ|| sarveṣāmeva bhūtānāṃ dānairdātā balirmahān

Through his gifts, he became a greater giver than all who had ever been called generous before him; that great Bali became the giver of gifts to every being.

Verse 44 (skanda.1.18.44)

यान्यान्कामयते कामां स्तान्सर्वान्वितरत्यसौ॥ सर्वेभ्योऽपि स चार्थिभ्यो दानवानामधीश्वरः

yānyānkāmayate kāmāṃ stānsarvānvitaratyasau|| sarvebhyo'pi sa cārthibhyo dānavānāmadhīśvaraḥ

Whatever desires anyone held, he fulfilled them all; that lord of the danavas gave everything to every seeker.

Verse 45 (skanda.1.18.45)

॥शौनक उवाच॥ देवेंद्रो हि महाभाग न ददाति कदाचन॥ कथं बलिरसौ दाता कथयस्व यथातथम्

||śaunaka uvāca|| deveṃdro hi mahābhāga na dadāti kadācana|| kathaṃ balirasau dātā kathayasva yathātatham

Shaunaka said: "O most fortunate one, even Indra himself never gives so freely — how then did this Bali become such a giver? Tell me this truly."

Verse 46 (skanda.1.18.46)

॥ लोमश उवाच॥ यत्नतो येन यत्किंचित्क्रियते सुकृतं नरैः॥ शुभं वाप्यशुभं वापि ज्ञातव्यं हि विपश्चिता

|| lomaśa uvāca|| yatnato yena yatkiṃcitkriyate sukṛtaṃ naraiḥ|| śubhaṃ vāpyaśubhaṃ vāpi jñātavyaṃ hi vipaścitā

Lomasha said: Whatever good or ill deed a man performs with effort, the wise should come to know it fully.

Verse 47 (skanda.1.18.47)

शक्रो हि याज्ञिको विप्रा अश्वमेधशतेन वै॥ प्राप्तराज्योऽमरावत्यां केवलं भोगलोलुपः

śakro hi yājñiko viprā aśvamedhaśatena vai|| prāptarājyo'marāvatyāṃ kevalaṃ bhogalolupaḥ

O brahmins, Shakra performs sacrifice, and through a hundred horse sacrifices attained his kingdom in Amaravati — yet he remains ever given over merely to enjoyment.

Verse 48 (skanda.1.18.48)

अर्थितं तत्फलं विद्धि पुनः कार्पण्यमाविशत्॥ पुनर्मरणमाविश्य क्षीणपुण्यो भविष्यति

arthitaṃ tatphalaṃ viddhi punaḥ kārpaṇyamāviśat|| punarmaraṇamāviśya kṣīṇapuṇyo bhaviṣyati

Know that the fruit thus obtained through mere seeking turns again to poverty; falling once more into death, he becomes stripped of his merit.

Verse 49 (skanda.1.18.49)

य इंद्र कृमिरेव स्यात्कृमिरिंद्रो हि जायते॥ तस्माद्दानात्परतरं नान्यदस्तीह मोचनम्

ya iṃdra kṛmireva syātkṛmiriṃdro hi jāyate|| tasmāddānātparataraṃ nānyadastīha mocanam

He who is Indra becomes, in time, a mere worm, and the worm in turn becomes Indra; therefore there is no greater means of release in this world than giving.

Verse 50 (skanda.1.18.50)

दानाद्धि प्राप्यते ज्ञानं ज्ञानान्मोक्षो न संशयः॥ मोक्षात्परतरा भक्तिः शूलपाणौ हि वै द्वजाः

dānāddhi prāpyate jñānaṃ jñānānmokṣo na saṃśayaḥ|| mokṣātparatarā bhaktiḥ śūlapāṇau hi vai dvajāḥ

Through giving alone is knowledge attained, and through knowledge, liberation — of this there is no doubt; yet, O brahmins, higher even than liberation is devotion to Shiva, the wielder of the trident.

Verse 51 (skanda.1.18.51)

ददाति सर्वं सर्वेशः प्रसन्नात्मा सदाशिवः॥ किंचिदल्पेन तोयेन परितुष्यति शंकरः

dadāti sarvaṃ sarveśaḥ prasannātmā sadāśivaḥ|| kiṃcidalpena toyena parituṣyati śaṃkaraḥ

Sadashiva, lord of all, with a heart ever content, gives everything freely; Shankara is satisfied by even the smallest offering of water.

Verse 52 (skanda.1.18.52)

अत्रैवोदाहरंतीममितिहासं पुरातनम्॥ विरोचनसुतेनेदं कृतमस्ति न संशयः

atraivodāharaṃtīmamitihāsaṃ purātanam|| virocanasutenedaṃ kṛtamasti na saṃśayaḥ

In this connection, an ancient story is told, one that, without doubt, concerns this very son of Virochana.

Verse 53 (skanda.1.18.53)

कितवो हि महापापो देवब्राह्मणनिंदकः॥ निकृत्या परयोपेतः परदाररतो महान्

kitavo hi mahāpāpo devabrāhmaṇaniṃdakaḥ|| nikṛtyā parayopetaḥ paradārarato mahān

There was once a gambler, a great sinner, one who reviled gods and brahmins, given wholly to deceit, and lustful after other men's wives.

Verse 54 (skanda.1.18.54)

एकदा तु महापापात्कैतावाच्च जितं धनम्॥ गणिकार्थे च पुष्पाणि तांबूलं चंदनं तथा

ekadā tu mahāpāpātkaitāvācca jitaṃ dhanam|| gaṇikārthe ca puṣpāṇi tāṃbūlaṃ caṃdanaṃ tathā

Once, that great sinner took the wealth he had won through gambling and spent it on flowers, betel and sandalwood for a courtesan.

Verse 55 (skanda.1.18.55)

कौपीनमात्रं तस्यैव कितवस्य प्रदृश्यते॥ कराभ्यां स्वस्तिकं कृत्वा गंधमाल्यादिकं च यत्

kaupīnamātraṃ tasyaiva kitavasya pradṛśyate|| karābhyāṃ svastikaṃ kṛtvā gaṃdhamālyādikaṃ ca yat

That gambler had nothing on his body but a loincloth; in his two hands he carried that scent and garland, bound together auspiciously.

Verse 56 (skanda.1.18.56)

गणिकार्थमुपादाय धावमानो गृहं प्रति॥ तदा प्रस्खलितो भूमौ निपपात च तत्क्षणात्

gaṇikārthamupādāya dhāvamāno gṛhaṃ prati|| tadā praskhalito bhūmau nipapāta ca tatkṣaṇāt

Carrying those things for the courtesan, running toward her house, he suddenly stumbled on the ground and fell there at once.

Verse 57 (skanda.1.18.57)

पतनान्मूर्छया युक्तः क्षणमात्रं तदाऽभवत्॥ ततो मूर्छागतस्यास्य पापिनोऽनिष्टकारिणः

patanānmūrchayā yuktaḥ kṣaṇamātraṃ tadā'bhavat|| tato mūrchāgatasyāsya pāpino'niṣṭakāriṇaḥ

From the fall, he lay senseless for a moment; and then, in the mind of that sinful and ill-doing man, now fallen unconscious —

Verse 58 (skanda.1.18.58)

बुद्धिः सद्यः समुत्पन्ना कर्मणा प्राक्तनेन हि॥ निर्वेदं परमापन्नः कितवो दुःखसंयुतः

buddhiḥ sadyaḥ samutpannā karmaṇā prāktanena hi|| nirvedaṃ paramāpannaḥ kitavo duḥkhasaṃyutaḥ

— through the power of some deed from an earlier birth, right understanding arose at once, and that gambler, overcome with sorrow, was seized with the deepest disillusion.

Verse 59 (skanda.1.18.59)

भूम्यां निपतितं यच्च गंधपुष्पादिकं महत्॥ समर्पितं शिवायेति कितवेनाप्यबुद्धिना

bhūmyāṃ nipatitaṃ yacca gaṃdhapuṣpādikaṃ mahat|| samarpitaṃ śivāyeti kitavenāpyabuddhinā

All that scent, flowers and the rest, fallen there upon the ground, came, by that unwitting gambler's unknowing act, to be offered — as it were — to Shiva.

Verse 60 (skanda.1.18.60)

चित्रगुप्तेन चाख्यातं दत्तमस्ति त्वया पुनः॥ पतितं चैव देहांते शिवाय परमात्मने

citraguptena cākhyātaṃ dattamasti tvayā punaḥ|| patitaṃ caiva dehāṃte śivāya paramātmane

Chitragupta later declared: "Even at the end of your body, that which fell was, in fact, offered to Shiva, the supreme self."

Verse 61 (skanda.1.18.61)

पचनीयोसि मे मंद नरकेषु महत्सु च॥ इत्युक्तो धर्मराजेन कितवो वाक्यमब्रवीत्

pacanīyosi me maṃda narakeṣu mahatsu ca|| ityukto dharmarājena kitavo vākyamabravīt

"O fool, I must now have you boiled in the great hells" — thus addressed by Dharmaraja, the gambler spoke these words —

Verse 62 (skanda.1.18.62)

पापाचारो हि भगवन्कश्चिन्नैव मया कृतः॥ विमृश्यतां मे सुकृतं याथातथ्येन भो यम

pāpācāro hi bhagavankaścinnaiva mayā kṛtaḥ|| vimṛśyatāṃ me sukṛtaṃ yāthātathyena bho yama

"O lord, I have committed no wicked deed of that kind; O Yama, weigh also my merit, and judge it truly."

Verse 63 (skanda.1.18.63)

चित्रगुप्तेन चाख्यातं द्त्तमस्ति त्वया पुनः॥ पतितं चैव देहांते शिवाय परमात्मने

citraguptena cākhyātaṃ dttamasti tvayā punaḥ|| patitaṃ caiva dehāṃte śivāya paramātmane

Once more, Chitragupta declared that even that which fell at the moment of his death had been offered to Shiva, the supreme self.

Verse 64 (skanda.1.18.64)

तेन कर्मविपाकेन घटिकात्रयमेव च ॥ शचीपतेः पदं विद्धि प्राप्स्यसि त्वं न संशयः

tena karmavipākena ghaṭikātrayameva ca || śacīpateḥ padaṃ viddhi prāpsyasi tvaṃ na saṃśayaḥ

"As the fruit of that very deed, for the space of three ghatikas, you shall attain the office of Shachi's lord — know this, without any doubt."

Verse 65 (skanda.1.18.65)

आगतस्तत्क्षणाद्देवः सुर्वैः समन्वितः॥ ऐरावतं समारूढो नीतोऽसौ शक्रमंदिरम्॥ शक्रः प्रबोधितस्तेन गुरुणा भावितात्मना

āgatastatkṣaṇāddevaḥ survaiḥ samanvitaḥ|| airāvataṃ samārūḍho nīto'sau śakramaṃdiram|| śakraḥ prabodhitastena guruṇā bhāvitātmanā

At that very instant, Indra came there together with the gods, and, mounted upon Airavata, he brought that gambler to his own abode; and there the wise preceptor made known to Indra —

Verse 66 (skanda.1.18.66)

घटिकात्रितयं यावत्तावत्कालं पुरंदर॥ निजासनेऽपि संस्थाप्यः कितवोऽपि ममाज्ञया

ghaṭikātritayaṃ yāvattāvatkālaṃ puraṃdara|| nijāsane'pi saṃsthāpyaḥ kitavo'pi mamājñayā

"O Purandara, for the space of three ghatikas, by my command, this gambler is to be seated upon your very own throne."

Verse 67 (skanda.1.18.67)

गुरोर्वचनमार्कर्ण्य कृत्वा शिरसि तत्क्षणात्॥ गतोऽन्वत्रैव शक्रोऽसौ कितवो हि प्रवेशितः॥ भवनं देवराजस्य नानाश्चर्यसमन्वितम्

gurorvacanamārkarṇya kṛtvā śirasi tatkṣaṇāt|| gato'nvatraiva śakro'sau kitavo hi praveśitaḥ|| bhavanaṃ devarājasya nānāścaryasamanvitam

Hearing his preceptor's word, and accepting it at once with a bow of the head, Indra departed from that place; and the gambler was led into the palace of the king of the gods, filled with manifold wonders.

Verse 68 (skanda.1.18.68)

शक्रासनेऽभिषिक्तोऽसौ राज्यं प्राप्तः शतक्रतोः॥ शंभोर्गंधप्रदानाच्च पुष्पतांबूलसंयुतम्

śakrāsane'bhiṣikto'sau rājyaṃ prāptaḥ śatakratoḥ|| śaṃbhorgaṃdhapradānācca puṣpatāṃbūlasaṃyutam

Anointed upon Shakra's throne, he attained the very kingdom of Shatakratu — merely for having offered Shambhu scent, flowers, and betel.

Verse 69 (skanda.1.18.69)

किं पुनः श्रद्धया युक्ताः शिवाय परमात्मने॥ अर्पयंति सदा भक्त्या गंधपूष्पादिकं महत्

kiṃ punaḥ śraddhayā yuktāḥ śivāya paramātmane|| arpayaṃti sadā bhaktyā gaṃdhapūṣpādikaṃ mahat

What then need be said of those who, filled with faith, ever devotedly offer scent, flowers and the rest to Shiva, the supreme self?

Verse 70 (skanda.1.18.70)

शिवसायुज्यमायाताः शिवसेनासमन्विताः॥ प्राप्नुवंति महामोदं शक्रो ह्येषां च किंकरः

śivasāyujyamāyātāḥ śivasenāsamanvitāḥ|| prāpnuvaṃti mahāmodaṃ śakro hyeṣāṃ ca kiṃkaraḥ

They attain union with Shiva and become joined to Shiva's very hosts, and win the greatest joy — Indra is but their servant.

Verse 71 (skanda.1.18.71)

शिवपूजारतानां च यत्सुखं शांतचेतसाम्॥ ब्रह्मशक्रादिकानां च तत्सुखं दुर्लभं महत्

śivapūjāratānāṃ ca yatsukhaṃ śāṃtacetasām|| brahmaśakrādikānāṃ ca tatsukhaṃ durlabhaṃ mahat

The happiness attained by those, tranquil of mind, who delight in the worship of Shiva, is a great happiness hard to reach even for Brahma, Indra, and the rest.

Verse 72 (skanda.1.18.72)

वराकास्ते न जानंति मूढा विषयलोलुपाः॥ वंदनीयो महादेवो ह्यर्चनीयः सदाशिवः

varākāste na jānaṃti mūḍhā viṣayalolupāḥ|| vaṃdanīyo mahādevo hyarcanīyaḥ sadāśivaḥ

Those poor fools, given over to sensual craving, do not know this; Mahadeva alone is ever worthy of reverence, and Sadashiva alone ever worthy of worship.

Verse 73 (skanda.1.18.73)

पूजनीयो महादेवः प्राणिभिस्तत्त्ववेदिभिः॥ तस्मादिंद्रत्वमगमत्कितवो घटिकात्रयम्

pūjanīyo mahādevaḥ prāṇibhistattvavedibhiḥ|| tasmādiṃdratvamagamatkitavo ghaṭikātrayam

Beings who know the truth should worship Mahadeva alone; and it was for this very reason that the gambler attained the state of Indra for those three ghatikas.

Verse 74 (skanda.1.18.74)

पुरोधसाभिषिक्तोऽसौ पुरंदरपदे स्थितः॥ तदानीं नारदेनोक्तः कितवोऽसौ महायशाः

purodhasābhiṣikto'sau puraṃdarapade sthitaḥ|| tadānīṃ nāradenoktaḥ kitavo'sau mahāyaśāḥ

Anointed by the priest, he now stood in Purandara's very office; and at that moment the noble sage Narada said to that gambler —

Verse 75 (skanda.1.18.75)

इन्द्राणीमानयस्त्वेति यथा राज्यं सुशोभितम्॥ ततः प्रहस्य चोवाच कितवः शिववल्लभः

indrāṇīmānayastveti yathā rājyaṃ suśobhitam|| tataḥ prahasya covāca kitavaḥ śivavallabhaḥ

"Bring Indrani here, so that this kingdom of yours may be all the more resplendent." Then that gambler, beloved of Shiva, spoke laughing —

Verse 76 (skanda.1.18.76)

इन्द्राण्या नास्ति मे कार्यं न वाच्यं ते महामते॥ एवमुक्त्वाथ कितवः प्रदातुमुपचक्रमे

indrāṇyā nāsti me kāryaṃ na vācyaṃ te mahāmate|| evamuktvātha kitavaḥ pradātumupacakrame

"I have no use for Indrani; O wise one, speak not of this to me." So saying, the gambler began to give away his riches.

Verse 77 (skanda.1.18.77)

ऐरावतमगस्त्याय प्रददौ शिववल्लभः॥ विश्वामित्राय कितवो ददौ हयमुदारधीः

airāvatamagastyāya pradadau śivavallabhaḥ|| viśvāmitrāya kitavo dadau hayamudāradhīḥ

That devotee of Shiva gave the elephant Airavata to Agastya; and the noble-minded gambler gave his horse to Vishvamitra.

Verse 78 (skanda.1.18.78)

उच्चैःश्रवससंज्ञं च कामधेनुं महायशाः॥ ददौ वशिष्ठाय तदा चिंतामणिं महाप्रभम्

uccaiḥśravasasaṃjñaṃ ca kāmadhenuṃ mahāyaśāḥ|| dadau vaśiṣṭhāya tadā ciṃtāmaṇiṃ mahāprabham

That glorious gambler gave the horse called Uchchaihshravas, and the wish-granting cow, to Vasishtha, and also offered him the radiant wishing-jewel.

Verse 79 (skanda.1.18.79)

गालवाय महातेजास्तदा कल्पतरुं च सः॥ कौंडिन्याय महाभागः कितवोपि गृहं तदा॥ एवमादीन्यनेकानि रत्नानि विविधानि च॥ ददावृषिभ्यो मुदितः शिवप्रीत्यर्थमेव च

gālavāya mahātejāstadā kalpataruṃ ca saḥ|| kauṃḍinyāya mahābhāgaḥ kitavopi gṛhaṃ tadā|| evamādīnyanekāni ratnāni vividhāni ca|| dadāvṛṣibhyo muditaḥ śivaprītyarthameva ca

That radiant one gave the wishing tree to Galava, and the fortunate gambler gave his own dwelling to Kaundinya; thus, filled with joy and only for Shiva's satisfaction, he gave many manifold jewels to the sages.

Verse 80 (skanda.1.18.80)

घटितकात्रितयं यावत्तावत्कालं ददौ प्रभुः॥ घटिकात्रितयादूध्व पूर्वस्वामी समागतः

ghaṭitakātritayaṃ yāvattāvatkālaṃ dadau prabhuḥ|| ghaṭikātritayādūdhva pūrvasvāmī samāgataḥ

For just those three ghatikas did that lord give away all these gifts; and once the three ghatikas had passed, the former lord came back again.

Verse 81 (skanda.1.18.81)

पुरंदरोऽमरावत्यामुपविश्य निजासने॥ ऋषिभिः संस्तुतश्चैव शच्या सह तदाऽभवत्

puraṃdaro'marāvatyāmupaviśya nijāsane|| ṛṣibhiḥ saṃstutaścaiva śacyā saha tadā'bhavat

Purandara sat once more upon his own throne in Amaravati, praised by the sages, together with Shachi.

Verse 82 (skanda.1.18.82)

शचीमुवाच दुर्मेधाः कितवेनासि भामिनि॥ भुक्ता ह्यस्यैव कथय याथातथ्येन शोभने

śacīmuvāca durmedhāḥ kitavenāsi bhāmini|| bhuktā hyasyaiva kathaya yāthātathyena śobhane

He said to Shachi: "O fair one, O beautiful one, tell me truly — did that dull-witted gambler make use of you or not?"

Verse 83 (skanda.1.18.83)

तदा प्रहस्य चोवाच पुरंदरमकल्मषा॥ आत्मौपम्येन सर्वत्र पश्यति त्वं पुरंदर

tadā prahasya covāca puraṃdaramakalmaṣā|| ātmaupamyena sarvatra paśyati tvaṃ puraṃdara

Then the sinless Shachi, laughing, said to Purandara: "O Purandara, you see everything and everyone only through the measure of your own nature."

Verse 84 (skanda.1.18.84)

असौ महात्मा कितवस्वरूपी शिवप्रसादात्परमार्थविज्ञः॥ वै राग्ययुक्तो हि महानुभावो येनापि सर्वं परमं प्रपन्नम्

asau mahātmā kitavasvarūpī śivaprasādātparamārthavijñaḥ|| vai rāgyayukto hi mahānubhāvo yenāpi sarvaṃ paramaṃ prapannam

"That great soul, though wearing the very form of a gambler, was, by Shiva's grace, one who knew the highest truth, filled with dispassion and greatness of spirit, who surrendered everything to that supreme reality."

Verse 85 (skanda.1.18.85)

राज्यादिकं मोहमयं च पाशं त्यक्ता परेभ्यो विजयी स जातः

rājyādikaṃ mohamayaṃ ca pāśaṃ tyaktā parebhyo vijayī sa jātaḥ

"Casting aside the snare of delusion that is a kingdom and all such things, he became the very victor over all."

Verse 86 (skanda.1.18.86)

वचो निशम्य देवेश इंद्राण्याः स पुरंदरः॥ व्रीडायुक्तोऽभवत्तूष्णीमिंद्रासनगतस्तदा

vaco niśamya deveśa iṃdrāṇyāḥ sa puraṃdaraḥ|| vrīḍāyukto'bhavattūṣṇīmiṃdrāsanagatastadā

Hearing Indrani's words, the lord of the gods, Purandara, was overcome with shame, and sat there silent upon his own throne.

Verse 87 (skanda.1.18.87)

बृहस्पतिमुवाचेदं वाक्यं वाक्यविदां वरः॥ ऐरावतो न दृश्येत तथैवोच्चैःश्रवा हयः

bṛhaspatimuvācedaṃ vākyaṃ vākyavidāṃ varaḥ|| airāvato na dṛśyeta tathaivoccaiḥśravā hayaḥ

Indra, foremost among skilled speakers, said this to Brihaspati: "The elephant Airavata is nowhere to be seen, nor is the horse Uchchaihshravas."

Verse 88 (skanda.1.18.88)

पारिजातादयः सर्वे पदार्थाः केन वा हृताः॥ गुरुरुवाचेदं कितवेन कृतं महत्

pārijātādayaḥ sarve padārthāḥ kena vā hṛtāḥ|| gururuvācedaṃ kitavena kṛtaṃ mahat

"And who has taken away the Parijata tree and every other treasure?" The preceptor said: "All this was done by that very gambler."

Verse 89 (skanda.1.18.89)

ऋषिभ्यो दत्त मद्यैव यावत्सत्ता हि तस्य वै॥ स्वसत्तायां महत्यां च स्वसत्ता ये भवंति च

ṛṣibhyo datta madyaiva yāvatsattā hi tasya vai|| svasattāyāṃ mahatyāṃ ca svasattā ye bhavaṃti ca

"He gave them all away to the sages, only while his own authority still stood; those who, even amid the greatest power, remain established in their own true self —"

Verse 90 (skanda.1.18.90)

अप्रमात्ताश्च ये नित्यं शिवध्यानपरायणाः॥ ते प्रियाः शंकरस्यैव हित्वा कर्मफलानि वै॥ केवलं ज्ञानमाश्रित्य ते यांति परमं पदम्

apramāttāśca ye nityaṃ śivadhyānaparāyaṇāḥ|| te priyāḥ śaṃkarasyaiva hitvā karmaphalāni vai|| kevalaṃ jñānamāśritya te yāṃti paramaṃ padam

"— those who never grow careless, and remain ever devoted to meditation on Shiva, they alone are dear to Shankara; forsaking the fruits of action and relying only on knowledge, they attain the highest state."

Verse 91 (skanda.1.18.91)

एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य चेंद्रो बृहस्पतेर्वाक्यमिदं वभाषे॥ प्रायो यमो वक्ष्यति सर्वमेतत्समृद्धये ह्यात्मनश्चैव शक्रः

etacchrutvā vacanaṃ tasya ceṃdro bṛhaspatervākyamidaṃ vabhāṣe|| prāyo yamo vakṣyati sarvametatsamṛddhaye hyātmanaścaiva śakraḥ

Hearing Brihaspati's words, Indra spoke thus: "Perhaps Yama alone can tell me all of this, for the restoration of my own fortune."

Verse 92 (skanda.1.18.92)

तथेति मत्वा गुरुणा सहैव राजा सुराणां सहसा जगाम॥ स्वकार्यकामो हि तथा पुरंदरो ययौ पुरीं संयमिनीं तदानीम्

tatheti matvā guruṇā sahaiva rājā surāṇāṃ sahasā jagāma|| svakāryakāmo hi tathā puraṃdaro yayau purīṃ saṃyaminīṃ tadānīm

Accepting this counsel, the king of the gods set out at once together with his preceptor; desiring the accomplishment of his own purpose, Purandara went then to Samyamani, the city of Yama.

Verse 93 (skanda.1.18.93)

यमेन पूज्यमानो हि शक्रो वाक्यमुवाच ह॥ त्वया दत्तं मम पदं कितवाय दुरात्मने

yamena pūjyamāno hi śakro vākyamuvāca ha|| tvayā dattaṃ mama padaṃ kitavāya durātmane

Honoured by Yama, Indra spoke these words: "You gave my very office to that evil-souled gambler."

Verse 94 (skanda.1.18.94)

अनेनैतत्कृतं कर्म्म जुगुप्सितं महत्तरम्॥ मदीयानि च रत्नानि यानि सर्वाण्यनेन वै॥ एभ्य एभ्यः प्रदत्तानि धर्म्म जानीहि तत्त्वतः

anenaitatkṛtaṃ karmma jugupsitaṃ mahattaram|| madīyāni ca ratnāni yāni sarvāṇyanena vai|| ebhya ebhyaḥ pradattāni dharmma jānīhi tattvataḥ

"He has done this most despicable deed; he has given away every one of my own jewels to these very sages — O Dharmaraja, judge the truth of this."

Verse 95 (skanda.1.18.95)

त्वं धर्मनामासि कथं कितवाय प्रदत्तवान्॥ मम राज्यविनाशाय कृतमस्ति त्वयाऽधुना

tvaṃ dharmanāmāsi kathaṃ kitavāya pradattavān|| mama rājyavināśāya kṛtamasti tvayā'dhunā

"You bear the very name of Dharma — how then could you give that office to a gambler? You have now brought about the ruin of my own kingdom."

Verse 96 (skanda.1.18.96)

आनयस्व महाभाग गजादीनि च सत्वरम्॥ अन्यानि चैव रत्नानि दत्तानि च यतस्ततः

ānayasva mahābhāga gajādīni ca satvaram|| anyāni caiva ratnāni dattāni ca yatastataḥ

"O most fortunate one, swiftly bring back the elephant and the rest, and every other jewel that has been given away, wherever it now lies."

Verse 97 (skanda.1.18.97)

निशम्य वाक्यं शक्रस्य यमो वचनमब्रवीत्॥ कितवं च रुषाविष्टः किं त्वया पापिना कृतम्

niśamya vākyaṃ śakrasya yamo vacanamabravīt|| kitavaṃ ca ruṣāviṣṭaḥ kiṃ tvayā pāpinā kṛtam

Hearing Indra's words, Yama spoke; and filled with anger, he said to the gambler: "O sinner, what have you done?"

Verse 98 (skanda.1.18.98)

भोगार्थं चैव यद्दत्तं शक्रराज्यं त्वयाऽधुन्॥ प्रदत्तं च द्विजातिभ्यो ह्यन्यथा वै कृतं महत्

bhogārthaṃ caiva yaddattaṃ śakrarājyaṃ tvayā'dhun|| pradattaṃ ca dvijātibhyo hyanyathā vai kṛtaṃ mahat

"The very kingdom of Shakra, given to you for your own enjoyment, you have now given away to brahmins — a very great transgression indeed."

Verse 99 (skanda.1.18.99)

अकार्यं वै त्वया मूढ परद्रव्यापहारणम्॥ तेन पापेन महता निरयं प्रतिगच्छसि

akāryaṃ vai tvayā mūḍha paradravyāpahāraṇam|| tena pāpena mahatā nirayaṃ pratigacchasi

"O fool, you have committed a forbidden act, seizing another's wealth as your own; for that great sin, you shall now go to hell."

Verse 100 (skanda.1.18.100)

यमस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा कितवो वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥ अहं निरयगामी च नात्र कार्या विचारणा

yamasya vacanaṃ śrutvā kitavo vākyamabravīt|| ahaṃ nirayagāmī ca nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

Hearing Yama's words, the gambler spoke in reply: "I am indeed fit to go to hell; of this there is no doubt at all."

Verse 101 (skanda.1.18.101)

यावत्स्वता मम विभो जाता शक्रासने तथा॥ तावद्दत्तं हि यत्किंचिद्द्विजेभ्यो हि यथातथम्

yāvatsvatā mama vibho jātā śakrāsane tathā|| tāvaddattaṃ hi yatkiṃciddvijebhyo hi yathātatham

"O lord, only so long as I held authority upon Shakra's throne did I give whatever I gave to the brahmins, and that too rightly given."

Verse 102 (skanda.1.18.102)

॥ यम उवाच॥ दानं प्रशस्तं भूम्यां च दृश्यते कर्म्मणः फलम्॥ स्वर्गे दानं न दातव्यं केनचित्कस्यचित्क्वचित्॥ तस्माद्दंड्योऽसि रे मूढ अशास्त्रीयं कृतं त्वया

|| yama uvāca|| dānaṃ praśastaṃ bhūmyāṃ ca dṛśyate karmmaṇaḥ phalam|| svarge dānaṃ na dātavyaṃ kenacitkasyacitkvacit|| tasmāddaṃḍyo'si re mūḍha aśāstrīyaṃ kṛtaṃ tvayā

Yama said: "Giving in gift is praised only when done upon the earth, for there alone is the fruit of the deed made visible; in heaven, no one should ever give anything away to anyone, anywhere — therefore, O fool, you are liable to punishment for this unscriptural deed you have done."

Verse 103 (skanda.1.18.103)

गुरुरात्मवतां शास्ता राजा शास्ताः दुरात्मनाम्॥ सर्वेषां पापशीलानां शास्तऽहं नात्र संशयः

gururātmavatāṃ śāstā rājā śāstāḥ durātmanām|| sarveṣāṃ pāpaśīlānāṃ śāsta'haṃ nātra saṃśayaḥ

"The guru disciplines the self-controlled, the king disciplines the wicked; and I, without any doubt, am the discipliner of all who are given to sin."

Verse 104 (skanda.1.18.104)

एवं निर्भर्त्सयित्वा तं कितवं धर्मराट्स्वयम्॥ उवाच चित्रगुप्तं च नरके पच्यतामयम्॥ तदा प्रहस्य चोवाच चित्रगुप्तो यमं प्रति

evaṃ nirbhartsayitvā taṃ kitavaṃ dharmarāṭsvayam|| uvāca citraguptaṃ ca narake pacyatāmayam|| tadā prahasya covāca citragupto yamaṃ prati

Thus did Dharmaraja himself rebuke the gambler, and said to Chitragupta: "Let this man be boiled in hell." Then Chitragupta, smiling, said to Yama —

Verse 105 (skanda.1.18.105)

कथं निरयगामित्वं कितवस्य भविष्यति॥ येन दत्तो ह्यगस्त्याय गज ऐरावतो महान्

kathaṃ nirayagāmitvaṃ kitavasya bhaviṣyati|| yena datto hyagastyāya gaja airāvato mahān

"How can this gambler be made to go to hell, when he gave the great elephant Airavata to Agastya himself?"

Verse 106 (skanda.1.18.106)

तथाश्वो ह्यब्धिसंभूतो गालवाय महात्मने॥ विश्वामित्राय भद्रं ते चिंतामणिर्महाप्रभः

tathāśvo hyabdhisaṃbhūto gālavāya mahātmane|| viśvāmitrāya bhadraṃ te ciṃtāmaṇirmahāprabhaḥ

"— and the ocean-born horse to the great-souled Galava, and to Vishvamitra, for their welfare, the radiant wishing-jewel —"

Verse 107 (skanda.1.18.107)

एवमादीनि रत्नानि दत्तानि कितेवन हि॥ तेन कर्मविपाकेन पूजनीयो जगत्त्रये

evamādīni ratnāni dattāni kitevana hi|| tena karmavipākena pūjanīyo jagattraye

"— thus, as the fruit of the many jewels given away by the gambler, he has now become worthy of worship throughout the three worlds."

Verse 108 (skanda.1.18.108)

शिवमुद्दिश्य यदत्तं स्वर्गे मर्त्ये च यैर्नरैः॥ तत्सर्वं त्वक्षयं विद्यान्निश्छिद्रं कर्म चोच्यते॥ तस्मान्नरकगामित्वं कितवस्य न विद्यते

śivamuddiśya yadattaṃ svarge martye ca yairnaraiḥ|| tatsarvaṃ tvakṣayaṃ vidyānniśchidraṃ karma cocyate|| tasmānnarakagāmitvaṃ kitavasya na vidyate

"Whatever is given by men, in heaven or on earth, with Shiva as its true object, should be known as an imperishable deed, flawless in every part — therefore this gambler's going to hell is simply not warranted."

Verse 109 (skanda.1.18.109)

यानियानि च पापानि कितवस्य महात्मनः॥ भस्मीभूतानि सर्वाणि जातानि स्मरणाच्च वै

yāniyāni ca pāpāni kitavasya mahātmanaḥ|| bhasmībhūtāni sarvāṇi jātāni smaraṇācca vai

"Whatever sins that great-souled gambler once bore, all of them were reduced to ashes by that very act of remembrance."

Verse 110 (skanda.1.18.110)

शंभोः प्रसादात्सर्वाणि सुकृतानि च तत्क्षणात्॥ तद्वचश्चित्रगुप्तस्य निशम्य प्रेतराट् स्वयम्

śaṃbhoḥ prasādātsarvāṇi sukṛtāni ca tatkṣaṇāt|| tadvacaścitraguptasya niśamya pretarāṭ svayam

"By Shiva's grace, all of them became, in that very instant, virtuous deeds instead." Hearing Chitragupta's words, the lord of the departed himself —

Verse 111 (skanda.1.18.111)

प्रहस्यावाङ्मुखो भूत्वा इद माह शतक्रतुम्॥ त्वं हि राजा सुरेंद्राणां स्थविरो राज्यलंपटः

prahasyāvāṅmukho bhūtvā ida māha śatakratum|| tvaṃ hi rājā sureṃdrāṇāṃ sthaviro rājyalaṃpaṭaḥ

— smiling, and lowering his face, spoke to Shatakratu: "You are king of the gods, and an elder besides, yet you remain so utterly greedy for your kingdom."

Verse 112 (skanda.1.18.112)

अश्वमेधशतेनैव एकं जन्मार्जितं कृतम्॥ त्वया नास्त्यत्र संदेहो ह्यर्ज्जितं तेन वै महत्

aśvamedhaśatenaiva ekaṃ janmārjitaṃ kṛtam|| tvayā nāstyatra saṃdeho hyarjjitaṃ tena vai mahat

"Through a hundred horse sacrifices, you earned all this in but a single lifetime; you have no doubt at all that you gained this great splendour by that means."

Verse 113 (skanda.1.18.113)

प्रार्थयित्वा ह्यगस्त्यादीन्मुनीन्सर्वान्विशेषतः॥ अर्थेन प्रणिपातेन त्वया लभ्यानि तानि च॥ गजादिकानि रत्नानि येन त्वं च सुखी त्वरन्

prārthayitvā hyagastyādīnmunīnsarvānviśeṣataḥ|| arthena praṇipātena tvayā labhyāni tāni ca|| gajādikāni ratnāni yena tvaṃ ca sukhī tvaran

"By entreating Agastya and all those other sages specially, through wealth and humble prostration, you may yet obtain again those very jewels — the elephant and the rest — by which you shall swiftly find happiness once more."

Verse 114 (skanda.1.18.114)

तथेति मत्वा वचनं पुरंदरो गतः पुरीं स्वामविवेकदृष्टिः॥ अभ्यर्थयामास विनम्रकंधरश्चर्षीस्ततो लब्धवान्पारिजातम्

tatheti matvā vacanaṃ puraṃdaro gataḥ purīṃ svāmavivekadṛṣṭiḥ|| abhyarthayāmāsa vinamrakaṃdharaścarṣīstato labdhavānpārijātam

Accepting this counsel, Purandara, his discerning judgment now clouded, went to that place; and, bowing his neck low, entreating those sages, he obtained the Parijata tree once more.

Verse 115 (skanda.1.18.115)

अनेनैव प्रकारेण लब्धराज्यः पुरंदरः॥ जातस्तदामरावत्यां राजा सह महात्मभिः

anenaiva prakāreṇa labdharājyaḥ puraṃdaraḥ|| jātastadāmarāvatyāṃ rājā saha mahātmabhiḥ

In just this manner did Purandara obtain his kingdom once more; and there in Amaravati, he became king again, together with the great-souled ones.

Verse 116 (skanda.1.18.116)

कितवस्य पुनर्जन्म दत्तं वैवस्वतेन हि॥ किंचितकर्मविपाकेन विरोचनसुतोऽभवत्

kitavasya punarjanma dattaṃ vaivasvatena hi|| kiṃcitakarmavipākena virocanasuto'bhavat

The gambler was granted rebirth by Vaivasvata himself; and through some remaining fraction of that deed's fruit, he came to be born as the son of Virochana.

Verse 117 (skanda.1.18.117)

सुरुचिर्जननी तस्य कितवस्याभवत्तदा॥ विरोचनस्य महिषी दुहिता वृषपर्वणः॥ तस्थौ जठरमास्थाय तस्याः सोऽपि महात्मनः

surucirjananī tasya kitavasyābhavattadā|| virocanasya mahiṣī duhitā vṛṣaparvaṇaḥ|| tasthau jaṭharamāsthāya tasyāḥ so'pi mahātmanaḥ

At that time, Suruchi became the mother of that gambler — she who was Virochana's chief queen, daughter of Vrishaparvan; and that great soul took up residence in her very womb.

Verse 118 (skanda.1.18.118)

तदाप्रभृति तस्यैव प्रह्लादस्यात्मजात्स वै॥ सुरुचेश्च तथाप्यासीद्धर्मेदाने महामतिः

tadāprabhṛti tasyaiva prahlādasyātmajātsa vai|| suruceśca tathāpyāsīddharmedāne mahāmatiḥ

From that time on, born of Prahlada's son and of Suruchi, he became a soul of the highest wisdom in the giving of righteous gifts.

Verse 119 (skanda.1.18.119)

तेनैव जठरस्थेन कृता मतिरनुत्तमा॥ कितवेन कृता विप्रा दुर्लभा या मनीषिणाम्

tenaiva jaṭharasthena kṛtā matiranuttamā|| kitavena kṛtā viprā durlabhā yā manīṣiṇām

Even while still within the womb, O brahmins, that gambler had already gained such supreme understanding as is hard to attain even for the greatest sages.

Verse 120 (skanda.1.18.120)

एकदा वै तदा शक्रो ययौ वैरोचनं प्रति॥ हंतुकामो हि दैत्येंद्रं विप्रो भूत्वाऽथ याचकः

ekadā vai tadā śakro yayau vairocanaṃ prati|| haṃtukāmo hi daityeṃdraṃ vipro bhūtvā'tha yācakaḥ

Once, Indra, intent on slaying Virochana's son, went to him, having taken the form of a begging brahmin.

Verse 121 (skanda.1.18.121)

विरोचनगृहं प्राप्त इंद्रो वाक्यमुवाच ह॥ स्थविरो ब्राह्मणो भूत्वा देहीति मम सुव्रत॥ मनस्वी त्वं च दैत्येंद्र दाता च भुवनत्रये

virocanagṛhaṃ prāpta iṃdro vākyamuvāca ha|| sthaviro brāhmaṇo bhūtvā dehīti mama suvrata|| manasvī tvaṃ ca daityeṃdra dātā ca bhuvanatraye

Reaching Virochana's house, Indra spoke: "O virtuous one, I have come as an aged brahmin — give me something; O lord of the daityas, you are known through the three worlds as generous of heart and a great giver."

Verse 122 (skanda.1.18.122)

तव विप्रा महाभाग चरितं परमाद्भुतम्॥ वर्णयन्ति समा जेषु स्थित्वा कीर्ति च निर्मलाम्॥ याचकोऽहं च दैत्येंद्र दातुरर्महसि सुव्रत

tava viprā mahābhāga caritaṃ paramādbhutam|| varṇayanti samā jeṣu sthitvā kīrti ca nirmalām|| yācako'haṃ ca daityeṃdra dāturarmahasi suvrata

"O most fortunate one, the brahmins, seated in their assemblies, tell of your most wondrous conduct and your spotless fame; O lord of daityas, O virtuous one, I am a beggar, and you are fit to be my giver."

Verse 123 (skanda.1.18.123)

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा दैत्येंद्रो वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥ किं दातव्यं तव विभो वद शीघ्रं ममाधुना

tasya tadvacanaṃ śrutvā daityeṃdro vākyamabravīt|| kiṃ dātavyaṃ tava vibho vada śīghraṃ mamādhunā

Hearing his words, the lord of the daityas spoke: "O lord, tell me now, swiftly, what I am to give you."

Verse 124 (skanda.1.18.124)

इंद्रो हि विप्ररूपेण विरोचनमुवाच ह॥ याचयामि च दैत्येंद्र यदहं परिभावितः

iṃdro hi viprarūpeṇa virocanamuvāca ha|| yācayāmi ca daityeṃdra yadahaṃ paribhāvitaḥ

Indra, in the form of a brahmin, said to Virochana's son: "O lord of the daityas, I ask for that very thing which has brought me here."

Verse 125 (skanda.1.18.125)

आत्मप्रीत्या च दातव्यं मम नास्त्यत्र संशयः॥ उवाच प्रहसन्वाक्यं प्रह्लादस्यात्मजोऽसुरः

ātmaprītyā ca dātavyaṃ mama nāstyatra saṃśayaḥ|| uvāca prahasanvākyaṃ prahlādasyātmajo'suraḥ

"I have no doubt that whatever it is, I must give it to you out of my own delight" — thus spoke, laughing, that asura, son of Prahlada —

Verse 126 (skanda.1.18.126)

ददाम्यात्मशिरो विप्र यदि कामयसेऽधुना॥ इदं राज्यमनायासमियं श्रीर्नान्यगामिनी॥ अहं समर्पयिष्यामि तव नास्त्यत्र सशयः

dadāmyātmaśiro vipra yadi kāmayase'dhunā|| idaṃ rājyamanāyāsamiyaṃ śrīrnānyagāminī|| ahaṃ samarpayiṣyāmi tava nāstyatra saśayaḥ

"If it is this you desire even now, I shall give you my own head; this kingdom came to me without effort, and this glory too belongs to no one forever — I shall surrender everything to you, of this there is no doubt."

Verse 127 (skanda.1.18.127)

इत्युक्तस्तेन दैत्येन विमृश्य च तदा हरिः॥ उवाच देहि मे स्वीयं शिरो मुकुटसेवितम्

ityuktastena daityena vimṛśya ca tadā hariḥ|| uvāca dehi me svīyaṃ śiro mukuṭasevitam

Thus addressed by that daitya, Hari, after due reflection, said: "Give me this very head of yours, adorned with its crown."

Verse 128 (skanda.1.18.128)

एवमुक्ते तु वचने शक्रेण द्विजरूपिणा॥ त्वरन्महेंद्राय तदा शिवर उत्कृत्त्य वै मुदा॥ स्वकरेण ददौ तस्मै प्रह्लादस्यात्मजोऽसुरः

evamukte tu vacane śakreṇa dvijarūpiṇā|| tvaranmaheṃdrāya tadā śivara utkṛttya vai mudā|| svakareṇa dadau tasmai prahlādasyātmajo'suraḥ

Thus addressed by Indra in the form of a brahmin, that asura, son of Prahlada, with swift and joyful haste, cut off his own head with his own hand and gave it to Mahendra.

Verse 129 (skanda.1.18.129)

प्रह्लादेन पुरा यस्तु कृतो धर्म्मः सुदुष्करः॥ केवलां भक्तिमाश्रित्य विष्णोस्तत्परचेतसा

prahlādena purā yastu kṛto dharmmaḥ suduṣkaraḥ|| kevalāṃ bhaktimāśritya viṣṇostatparacetasā

Long before, Prahlada himself had performed this most difficult act of righteousness — relying solely on devotion to Vishnu, with his heart wholly given over to him.

Verse 130 (skanda.1.18.130)

दानात्परतरं चान्यत्क्वचिद्वस्तु न विद्यते॥ तद्दानं च महापुण्यमार्तेभ्यो यत्प्रदीयते

dānātparataraṃ cānyatkvacidvastu na vidyate|| taddānaṃ ca mahāpuṇyamārtebhyo yatpradīyate

There is nothing anywhere in this world greater than giving; the gift that is given to those in distress is of the greatest merit.

Verse 131 (skanda.1.18.131)

स्वशक्त्या यच्च किंचिच्च तदानंत्याय कल्पते॥ दानात्परतरं नान्यत्त्रिषु लोकेषु विद्यते

svaśaktyā yacca kiṃcicca tadānaṃtyāya kalpate|| dānātparataraṃ nānyattriṣu lokeṣu vidyate

Whatever, however small, is given according to one's own means, becomes fit for endless reward; in all three worlds, there is nothing greater than giving.

Verse 132 (skanda.1.18.132)

सात्त्विकं राजसं चैव तामसं च प्रकीर्तिततम्॥ तथा कृतमनेनैव दानं सात्त्विकलक्षणम्

sāttvikaṃ rājasaṃ caiva tāmasaṃ ca prakīrtitatam|| tathā kṛtamanenaiva dānaṃ sāttvikalakṣaṇam

Giving is declared to be of three kinds — sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic; and the gift that he made was one marked by the qualities of sattva.

Verse 133 (skanda.1.18.133)

शिर उत्कृत्त्य चेंद्राय प्रदत्तं विप्ररूपिणे॥ किरीटः पतितस्तत्र मणयो हि महाप्रभाः

śira utkṛttya ceṃdrāya pradattaṃ viprarūpiṇe|| kirīṭaḥ patitastatra maṇayo hi mahāprabhāḥ

As soon as he cut off his head and offered it to Indra in his brahmin's form, the crown fell there, and from it scattered forth jewels of the greatest splendour.

Verse 134 (skanda.1.18.134)

ऐकपद्येन पतितास्ते जाता मंडलाय वै॥ दैत्यानां च नरेंद्राणां पन्नगानां तथैव च

aikapadyena patitāste jātā maṃḍalāya vai|| daityānāṃ ca nareṃdrāṇāṃ pannagānāṃ tathaiva ca

Falling all together, those jewels came to form circlets for daityas, kings, and serpents alike.

Verse 135 (skanda.1.18.135)

विरोचनस्य तद्दानं त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्॥ गायंत्यद्यापि कवयो दैत्येंद्रस्य महात्मनः

virocanasya taddānaṃ triṣu lokeṣu viśrutam|| gāyaṃtyadyāpi kavayo daityeṃdrasya mahātmanaḥ

That gift of Virochana's son became renowned throughout the three worlds; and poets still sing today of that great-souled lord of daityas.

Verse 136 (skanda.1.18.136)

विरोचनस्य पुत्रोऽभूत्कितवोऽसौ महाप्रभः॥ मृते पितरि जातोऽसौ माता तस्य पतिव्रता

virocanasya putro'bhūtkitavo'sau mahāprabhaḥ|| mṛte pitari jāto'sau mātā tasya pativratā

This radiant gambler was indeed Virochana's own son; he was born after his father's death, and his mother was a woman devoted wholly to her husband.

Verse 137 (skanda.1.18.137)

कलेवरं च तत्याज पतिलोकं गता ततः॥ भार्गवेणाभिषिक्तोऽसौ जनकस्य निजासने

kalevaraṃ ca tatyāja patilokaṃ gatā tataḥ|| bhārgaveṇābhiṣikto'sau janakasya nijāsane

Casting aside her body, she went to her husband's world; and then Bhargava anointed him upon his own father's very throne.

Verse 138 (skanda.1.18.138)

नाम्ना बलिरिति ख्यातो बभूव च महायशाः॥ तेन सर्वे सुरगणास्त्रासिताः सुमहाबलाः

nāmnā baliriti khyāto babhūva ca mahāyaśāḥ|| tena sarve suragaṇāstrāsitāḥ sumahābalāḥ

Renowned by the name Bali, he became a soul of great fame, one who struck terror into all the mighty hosts of gods.

Verse 139 (skanda.1.18.139)

गतस्ते कथिताः पूर्वं कश्यपस्याश्रमं शुभम्॥ तदा बलिरभूदिन्द्रो देवपुर्यां महायशाः

gataste kathitāḥ pūrvaṃ kaśyapasyāśramaṃ śubham|| tadā balirabhūdindro devapuryāṃ mahāyaśāḥ

The gods, spoken of earlier, had already gone to Kashyapa's blessed hermitage; and at that very time Bali became Indra in the city of the gods.

Verse 140 (skanda.1.18.140)

स्वयं तताप तपसा सूर्यो भूत्वा तदाऽसुरः॥ ईशो भूत्वा स्वयं चास्ते ऐशान्यां दिशि पालयन्

svayaṃ tatāpa tapasā sūryo bhūtvā tadā'suraḥ|| īśo bhūtvā svayaṃ cāste aiśānyāṃ diśi pālayan

That asura, through his own penance, became the very sun and scorched the world; and, becoming Ishana himself, he took his seat, guarding the northeastern quarter.

Verse 141 (skanda.1.18.141)

तथा च नैर्ऋतो भूत्वा तथा त्वंबुपतिः स्वयम्॥ धनाध्यक्ष उदीच्यां वै स्वयमास्ते बलिस्तदा॥ एवमास्ते बलिः साक्षात्स्वयमेव त्रिलोकभुक्

tathā ca nairṛto bhūtvā tathā tvaṃbupatiḥ svayam|| dhanādhyakṣa udīcyāṃ vai svayamāste balistadā|| evamāste baliḥ sākṣātsvayameva trilokabhuk

He himself became Nairrita, he himself became the lord of the waters, he himself, in the northern quarter, became the lord of wealth — thus Bali himself, in person, came to enjoy all three worlds.

Verse 142 (skanda.1.18.142)

शिवार्चनरतेनैव कितवेन बलिर्द्विजाः॥ पूर्वाभ्यासेन तेनैव महादानरतोऽभवत्

śivārcanaratenaiva kitavena balirdvijāḥ|| pūrvābhyāsena tenaiva mahādānarato'bhavat

O brahmins, it was through that very habit carried over from his former life as the gambler devoted to Shiva's worship that this Bali became such a great giver.

Verse 143 (skanda.1.18.143)

एकदा तु सभामध्ये आस्थितो भृगुणा सह॥ दैत्येंद्रैः संवृतः श्रीमाञ्छंडामर्कौ वचोऽब्रवीत्

ekadā tu sabhāmadhye āsthito bhṛguṇā saha|| daityeṃdraiḥ saṃvṛtaḥ śrīmāñchaṃḍāmarkau vaco'bravīt

Once, that glorious Bali, seated with Bhrigu amid his assembly, surrounded by the finest of the daityas, spoke these words to Shanda and Amarka —

Verse 144 (skanda.1.18.144)

आवासः क्रियतामत्र क्रियतामत्र असुरैर्म्मम सन्निधौ॥ हित्वा पातालमद्यैव मा विलंबितुमर्हथ

āvāsaḥ kriyatāmatra kriyatāmatra asurairmmama sannidhau|| hitvā pātālamadyaiva mā vilaṃbitumarhatha

"Let a dwelling be made here for the asuras, close by my own side; let there be no more delay — abandon Patala this very day."

Verse 145 (skanda.1.18.145)

भार्गवस्तदुपश्रुत्य प्रहस्येदमुवाच ह॥ यज्ञैश्च विविधैश्चैव स्वर्गलोके महीयते

bhārgavastadupaśrutya prahasyedamuvāca ha|| yajñaiśca vividhaiścaiva svargaloke mahīyate

Hearing this, Bhargava, smiling, said: "It is only through manifold sacrifices that one comes to be honoured in the world of heaven."

Verse 146 (skanda.1.18.146)

याज्ञिकैश्च महाराज नान्यथा स्वर्गमेव हि॥ भोक्तुं हि पार्यते राजन्नान्यता मम भाषितम्

yājñikaiśca mahārāja nānyathā svargameva hi|| bhoktuṃ hi pāryate rājannānyatā mama bhāṣitam

"O great king, this is possible only for those who perform sacrifice — otherwise heaven cannot be enjoyed; O king, otherwise my very words would prove false."

Verse 147 (skanda.1.18.147)

गुरोर्वचनमाज्ञाय दैत्येंद्रो वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥ मया कॉतं च यत्कर्म तेन सर्वे महासुराः॥ स्वर्गे वसंतु सुचिरं नात्र कार्या विचारणा

gurorvacanamājñāya daityeṃdro vākyamabravīt|| mayā kaॉtaṃ ca yatkarma tena sarve mahāsurāḥ|| svarge vasaṃtu suciraṃ nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

Hearing his preceptor's word, the lord of the daityas spoke: "By whatever deed I have already performed, let all the great asuras dwell long in heaven — there is no need to deliberate further on this."

Verse 148 (skanda.1.18.148)

प्रहस्यो वाच भगवान्भार्गवाणां महातपाः॥ बलिनं बालिशं मत्वा शुक्रो बुद्धिमतां वरः

prahasyo vāca bhagavānbhārgavāṇāṃ mahātapāḥ|| balinaṃ bāliśaṃ matvā śukro buddhimatāṃ varaḥ

Hearing this, the lord of the Bhargavas, that great ascetic, smiled; and Shukra, foremost among the wise, regarding Bali as still a mere child —

Verse 149 (skanda.1.18.149)

यत्त्वयोक्तं च वचनं बले मम न रोचते॥ इहैव त्वं समा गत्य वस्तुं चेच्छसि सुव्रत

yattvayoktaṃ ca vacanaṃ bale mama na rocate|| ihaiva tvaṃ samā gatya vastuṃ cecchasi suvrata

— said: "O Bali, these words you have spoken do not please me; O virtuous one, if you wish to come and dwell here —"

Verse 150 (skanda.1.18.150)

अश्वमेधशतेनैव यज त्वं जातवेदसम्॥ कर्म्मभूमिं गतो भूत्वा मा विलंबितुमर्हसि

aśvamedhaśatenaiva yaja tvaṃ jātavedasam|| karmmabhūmiṃ gato bhūtvā mā vilaṃbitumarhasi

"— then perform a hundred horse sacrifices, and worship the fire-god Jataveda; go now to the land of action, the earth, and delay no longer."

Verse 151 (skanda.1.18.151)

तथेति मत्वा स बलिर्महात्मा हित्वा तदानीं त्रिदिवं मनस्वी॥ दैत्यैः समेतो गुरुणा च संगतो ययौ भुवं सोनुचरैः समेतः

tatheti matvā sa balirmahātmā hitvā tadānīṃ tridivaṃ manasvī|| daityaiḥ sameto guruṇā ca saṃgato yayau bhuvaṃ sonucaraiḥ sametaḥ

Accepting this counsel, that great-souled and resolute Bali abandoned heaven and, together with the daityas, his preceptor, and his attendants, came down to the earth.

Verse 152 (skanda.1.18.152)

तन्नर्मदाया गुरुकुल्यसंज्ञकं तीरे महातीर्थमुदारशोभम्॥ गत्वा तदा दैत्यपतिर्महात्मा जित्वा समग्रं वसुधावलं च

tannarmadāyā gurukulyasaṃjñakaṃ tīre mahātīrthamudāraśobham|| gatvā tadā daityapatirmahātmā jitvā samagraṃ vasudhāvalaṃ ca

That great-souled lord of daityas, having conquered the entire circle of the earth, went to that great and most splendid sacred ford known as Gurukulya, upon the bank of the Narmada —

Verse 153 (skanda.1.18.153)

ततोऽश्वमेधैर्बहुभिर्विचक्षणो गुरुप्रयुक्तः स महायशाबलिः॥ ईजे च दीक्षां परमामुपेतो वैरोचनिं सत्यवतां वरिष्ठः

tato'śvamedhairbahubhirvicakṣaṇo guruprayuktaḥ sa mahāyaśābaliḥ|| īje ca dīkṣāṃ paramāmupeto vairocaniṃ satyavatāṃ variṣṭhaḥ

— and, urged on by his preceptor, that glorious Bali, son of Virochana, foremost of the truthful, took up there the supreme initiation for many horse sacrifices, and began the rite.

Verse 154 (skanda.1.18.154)

कृत्वा ब्राह्मणमाचार्यमृत्विजः षोडशाऽभवन्॥ सुपरीक्षितेन तेनैव भार्गवेण महात्मना

kṛtvā brāhmaṇamācāryamṛtvijaḥ ṣoḍaśā'bhavan|| suparīkṣitena tenaiva bhārgaveṇa mahātmanā

That well-tested and great-souled Bhargava appointed a brahmin as officiating priest, and established sixteen ritvijas for the rite.

Verse 155 (skanda.1.18.155)

यज्ञानामूनमेकेन शतं दीक्षापरेण हि॥ बलिना चाश्वमेधानां पूर्णं कर्तुं समादधे

yajñānāmūnamekena śataṃ dīkṣāpareṇa hi|| balinā cāśvamedhānāṃ pūrṇaṃ kartuṃ samādadhe

Falling short of a hundred horse sacrifices by just one, Bali, devoted to that initiation, resolved to bring them to their full completion.

Verse 156 (skanda.1.18.156)

यावद्यज्ञशतं पूर्णं तस्य राज्ञो भविष्यति॥ पुरा प्रोक्तं मया चात्र ह्यदित्या व्रतमुत्तमम्

yāvadyajñaśataṃ pūrṇaṃ tasya rājño bhaviṣyati|| purā proktaṃ mayā cātra hyadityā vratamuttamam

"When that king's hundred sacrifices come to their completion, then that supreme vow which I once declared to Aditi —"

Verse 157 (skanda.1.18.157)

व्रतेन तेन संतुष्टो भगवान्हरिरीश्वरः॥ बटुरूपेम महता पुत्रभूतो बभूव ह

vratena tena saṃtuṣṭo bhagavānharirīśvaraḥ|| baṭurūpema mahatā putrabhūto babhūva ha

— pleased by that very vow, the lord Hari, the supreme god, at that time became her own son, in the form of a young celibate boy.

Verse 158 (skanda.1.18.158)

अदित्याः कश्यपेनैव उपनीतस्तदा प्रभुः॥ उपनीतेऽथ संप्राप्तो ब्रह्मा लोकपितामहः

adityāḥ kaśyapenaiva upanītastadā prabhuḥ|| upanīte'tha saṃprāpto brahmā lokapitāmahaḥ

That lord, born of Aditi, had his sacred-thread ceremony performed by Kashyapa himself; and at that ceremony, Brahma, grandsire of the worlds, also came there.

Verse 159 (skanda.1.18.159)

दत्तं यज्ञोपवीतं च ब्रह्मणा परमेष्ठिना॥ दंडकाष्ठं प्रदत्तं हि सोमेन च महात्मना

dattaṃ yajñopavītaṃ ca brahmaṇā parameṣṭhinā|| daṃḍakāṣṭhaṃ pradattaṃ hi somena ca mahātmanā

The supreme Brahma gave him the sacred thread, and the great-souled Moon gave him his staff.

Verse 160 (skanda.1.18.160)

मेखला च समानीता अजिनं च महाद्भुतम्॥ तथा च पादुके चैव मह्या दत्ते महात्मनः

mekhalā ca samānītā ajinaṃ ca mahādbhutam|| tathā ca pāduke caiva mahyā datte mahātmanaḥ

A girdle and a most wondrous deerskin were brought, and the earth goddess herself offered that great soul a pair of wooden sandals.

Verse 161 (skanda.1.18.161)

तत्र भिक्षा समानीता भवान्या चार्थसिद्धये॥ एवं भगवते दत्तं विष्णवे बटुरूपिणे

tatra bhikṣā samānītā bhavānyā cārthasiddhaye|| evaṃ bhagavate dattaṃ viṣṇave baṭurūpiṇe

There, Bhavani too brought alms, for the fulfilment of that ritual begging; and thus all this was offered to the lord Vishnu, in the form of that young celibate.

Verse 162 (skanda.1.18.162)

अभिवंद्य श्रीशो वामनो ह्दितिं तथा॥ कश्यपंच महातेजा यज्ञवाटं जगाम च॥ याज्ञिकस्य बलेराह च्छलनार्थं स्वयं प्रभुः

abhivaṃdya śrīśo vāmano hditiṃ tathā|| kaśyapaṃca mahātejā yajñavāṭaṃ jagāma ca|| yājñikasya balerāha cchalanārthaṃ svayaṃ prabhuḥ

That lord of Shri, the dwarf Vamana, bowed to Aditi and Kashyapa, and, radiant with splendour, set out toward the sacrificial ground; the lord himself went there to beguile the sacrificer Bali.

Verse 163 (skanda.1.18.163)

तदा महेशः स जगाम स्वर्गं प्रकंपयन्गां प्रपदा भरेण॥ स वामनो बटुरूपी च साक्षाद्विष्णुः परात्मा सुरकार्यहेतोः

tadā maheśaḥ sa jagāma svargaṃ prakaṃpayangāṃ prapadā bhareṇa|| sa vāmano baṭurūpī ca sākṣādviṣṇuḥ parātmā surakāryahetoḥ

Then that great lord, shaking the very heavens with the mere weight of his footsteps, set out; that dwarf in the form of a young celibate, none other than the supreme Vishnu himself, went forth solely for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose.

Verse 164 (skanda.1.18.164)

गीर्भिर्यथार्थाभिरभिष्टुतो जनैर्मुनीश्वरैर्देवगणैर्महात्मा॥ त्वरेण गच्छन्स च यज्ञवाटं प्राप्तस्तदानीं जगदेकबंधुः

gīrbhiryathārthābhirabhiṣṭuto janairmunīśvarairdevagaṇairmahātmā|| tvareṇa gacchansa ca yajñavāṭaṃ prāptastadānīṃ jagadekabaṃdhuḥ

Praised with true and fitting hymns by the greatest of sages and the hosts of gods, that great soul, moving swiftly, reached the sacrificial ground — the sole kinsman of the whole world had thus arrived.

Verse 165 (skanda.1.18.165)

उद्गापयन्साम यतो हि साक्षाच्चकार देवो बटुरूपवेषः॥ उद्गीयमानो भगवान्स ईश्वरो वेदांत वेद्यो हरिरीश्वरः प्रभुः

udgāpayansāma yato hi sākṣāccakāra devo baṭurūpaveṣaḥ|| udgīyamāno bhagavānsa īśvaro vedāṃta vedyo harirīśvaraḥ prabhuḥ

Chanting the Sama hymns, that god, in the form of a young celibate, sang them himself; the lord Hari, the supreme god knowable through the Vedanta, himself came there, chanting that very song.

Verse 166 (skanda.1.18.166)

ददर्श तं महायज्ञमश्वमेधं बलेस्तदा॥ द्वारि स्थितो महातेजा वामनो बटुरूपधृक्

dadarśa taṃ mahāyajñamaśvamedhaṃ balestadā|| dvāri sthito mahātejā vāmano baṭurūpadhṛk

He beheld there Bali's great horse sacrifice; that radiant dwarf, in the form of a young celibate, came and stood there at the gateway.

Verse 167 (skanda.1.18.167)

ब्रह्मरूपेण महता व्याप्तमासीद्दिगंतरम्॥ पवमानस्य च बटोर्वामनस्य महात्मनः

brahmarūpeṇa mahatā vyāptamāsīddigaṃtaram|| pavamānasya ca baṭorvāmanasya mahātmanaḥ

The whole expanse of every quarter was filled with the splendour of that great and tranquil celibate boy, Vamana.

Verse 168 (skanda.1.18.168)

तच्छ्रुत्वा च बलिः प्राह शंडामर्क्कौ च बुद्धिमान्॥ ब्राह्मणाः कतिसंख्याश्च आगताः संति ईक्ष्यताम्

tacchrutvā ca baliḥ prāha śaṃḍāmarkkau ca buddhimān|| brāhmaṇāḥ katisaṃkhyāśca āgatāḥ saṃti īkṣyatām

Hearing of this, the wise Bali said to Shanda and Amarka: "Go and see how many brahmins have come here."

Verse 169 (skanda.1.18.169)

तथेति मत्वा त्वरितावुत्थितौ तौ तदा द्विजाः॥ शंडामर्कौ समागम्य मंडपद्वारि संस्थितौ

tatheti matvā tvaritāvutthitau tau tadā dvijāḥ|| śaṃḍāmarkau samāgamya maṃḍapadvāri saṃsthitau

Accepting this, those two brahmins, Shanda and Amarka, rose quickly and went to the doorway of the sacrificial pavilion.

Verse 170 (skanda.1.18.170)

ददृशाते महात्मानं श्रीहरिं बटुरूपिणम्॥ त्वरितौ पुनरायातौ बलेः शंसयितुं तदा

dadṛśāte mahātmānaṃ śrīhariṃ baṭurūpiṇam|| tvaritau punarāyātau baleḥ śaṃsayituṃ tadā

There they saw that great soul, Shri Hari himself, in the form of a young celibate; and at once they returned to tell Bali of what they had seen.

Verse 171 (skanda.1.18.171)

ब्रह्मचारी समायात एक एव न चापरः॥ पठनादौ महाराज चागतस्तव सन्निधौ॥ किमर्थं तन्न जानीमो जानीहि त्वं महामते

brahmacārī samāyāta eka eva na cāparaḥ|| paṭhanādau mahārāja cāgatastava sannidhau|| kimarthaṃ tanna jānīmo jānīhi tvaṃ mahāmate

"O great king, only a single celibate boy has come, and no other; even at the very outset of his studies, he has come here to you — we do not know why this is so; O wise one, you alone can know."

Verse 172 (skanda.1.18.172)

एवमुक्ते तु वचने ताभ्यां स च महामनाः॥ उत्थितस्तत्क्षणादेव दर्शनार्थे बटुं प्रति

evamukte tu vacane tābhyāṃ sa ca mahāmanāḥ|| utthitastatkṣaṇādeva darśanārthe baṭuṃ prati

When these words were thus spoken to him, that great-hearted Bali rose at once, to behold that celibate boy for himself.

Verse 173 (skanda.1.18.173)

स ददर्श महातेजा विरोचनसुतो महान्॥ दंडवत्पतितो भूमौ ननाम शिरसा बटुम्

sa dadarśa mahātejā virocanasuto mahān|| daṃḍavatpatito bhūmau nanāma śirasā baṭum

That radiant son of Virochana beheld him, and, falling prostrate upon the ground, bowed his very head to that young celibate.

Verse 174 (skanda.1.18.174)

आनयित्वा बटुं सद्यः संनिवेश्यः निजासने॥ अर्घ्यपाद्येन महताभ्यर्चयामास तं बटुम्

ānayitvā baṭuṃ sadyaḥ saṃniveśyaḥ nijāsane|| arghyapādyena mahatābhyarcayāmāsa taṃ baṭum

Bringing that boy swiftly within, seating him upon his own throne, he worshipped that celibate grandly, with offerings of arghya and water for the feet.

Verse 175 (skanda.1.18.175)

विनम्रकंधरो भूत्वा उवाच श्लक्ष्णया गिरा॥ कुतः कस्माच्च कस्यासि तच्छिघ्रं कथ्यतां प्रभो

vinamrakaṃdharo bhūtvā uvāca ślakṣṇayā girā|| kutaḥ kasmācca kasyāsi tacchighraṃ kathyatāṃ prabho

Bowing his neck low, he spoke in a gentle voice: "O lord, whence do you come, for what purpose, and whose son are you — tell me this swiftly."

Verse 176 (skanda.1.18.176)

तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य विरोचनसुतस्य वै॥ मनसा हृषितश्चासौ वामनो वक्तुमारभत्

tacchrutvā vacanaṃ tasya virocanasutasya vai|| manasā hṛṣitaścāsau vāmano vaktumārabhat

Hearing these words of Virochana's son, Vamana, his heart filled with delight, began to speak —

Verse 177 (skanda.1.18.177)

॥भगवानुवाच॥ त्वं हि राजा त्रिलोकेशो नान्यो भवितुमर्हसि॥ स्वकुलं न्यूनतां गच्छेद्यो वै कापुरुषः स्मृतः

||bhagavānuvāca|| tvaṃ hi rājā trilokeśo nānyo bhavitumarhasi|| svakulaṃ nyūnatāṃ gacchedyo vai kāpuruṣaḥ smṛtaḥ

The blessed lord said: "You alone are the true king of the three worlds; no other is fit for this office. He who falls short of his own lineage is known as a man of no worth."

Verse 178 (skanda.1.18.178)

समं वा चाधिको वापि यो गच्छेत्पुरुषः स्मृतः॥ त्वया कृतं च यत्कर्म्म न कृतं पूर्वजैस्तव

samaṃ vā cādhiko vāpi yo gacchetpuruṣaḥ smṛtaḥ|| tvayā kṛtaṃ ca yatkarmma na kṛtaṃ pūrvajaistava

"But he who equals or surpasses his own lineage is truly called a man. You have accomplished a deed which even your forefathers never achieved."

Verse 179 (skanda.1.18.179)

दैत्यानां च वरिष्ठा ये हिरण्यकसिपादयः॥ कृतं महत्तपो येन दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रकम्

daityānāṃ ca variṣṭhā ye hiraṇyakasipādayaḥ|| kṛtaṃ mahattapo yena divyaṃ varṣasahasrakam

"Even Hiranyakashipu and the other foremost of the daityas performed a great penance, lasting a thousand divine years —"

Verse 180 (skanda.1.18.180)

शरीरं भक्षितं यस्य जुषाणस्य तपो महत्॥ पिपीलिकाभिर्बहुभिर्दंशैश्चैव समावृतम्

śarīraṃ bhakṣitaṃ yasya juṣāṇasya tapo mahat|| pipīlikābhirbahubhirdaṃśaiścaiva samāvṛtam

"— and while thus absorbed in that great penance, his body was bitten and utterly covered by countless ants."

Verse 181 (skanda.1.18.181)

अभवत्तस्य तज्ज्ञात्वा सुरेंद्रो ह्यगमत्पुरा॥ नगरं तस्य च तदा सैन्येन महता वृतः

abhavattasya tajjñātvā sureṃdro hyagamatpurā|| nagaraṃ tasya ca tadā sainyena mahatā vṛtaḥ

Learning of this, the lord of the gods once went, surrounded by a mighty army, toward that very city.

Verse 182 (skanda.1.18.182)

तत्सन्निधौ हताः सर्वे असुरा दैत्यशत्रुणा॥ विंध्या तु महिषी तस्य नीयमाना निवारिता

tatsannidhau hatāḥ sarve asurā daityaśatruṇā|| viṃdhyā tu mahiṣī tasya nīyamānā nivāritā

Drawing near to it, that enemy of daityas slew all the asuras there; and Vindhya, his queen, being carried off, was also seized and stopped.

Verse 183 (skanda.1.18.183)

नारदेन पुरा राजन्किंचित्कार्यं चिकीर्षुणा॥ शंभोः प्रसादादखिलं मनसा यत्समीक्षितम्॥ दैत्येंद्रेण च तत्सर्वं तपसैव वशीकृतम्

nāradena purā rājankiṃcitkāryaṃ cikīrṣuṇā|| śaṃbhoḥ prasādādakhilaṃ manasā yatsamīkṣitam|| daityeṃdreṇa ca tatsarvaṃ tapasaiva vaśīkṛtam

Before this, O king, Narada, wishing to accomplish some purpose — by Shiva's grace, whatever he had conceived in his mind — that lord of daityas brought all of it under his sway through penance alone.

Verse 184 (skanda.1.18.184)

तस्याः पुत्रो महातेजा येन नीतोऽभवत्सभाम्॥ तस्य पुत्रो महाभाग पिता ते पितृवत्सलः॥ नाम्ना विरोचनो विद्वानिंद्रो येन महात्मना

tasyāḥ putro mahātejā yena nīto'bhavatsabhām|| tasya putro mahābhāga pitā te pitṛvatsalaḥ|| nāmnā virocano vidvāniṃdro yena mahātmanā

Her radiant son was he who was thus brought into that assembly; O most fortunate one, his own son was your father — devoted to his father, learned, named Virochana — by whom that great Indra came to be.

Verse 185 (skanda.1.18.185)

दानेन तोषितो राजन्स्वेनैव शिरसा तदा॥ तस्यात्मजोसि भो राजन्कृतं ते परमं यशः

dānena toṣito rājansvenaiva śirasā tadā|| tasyātmajosi bho rājankṛtaṃ te paramaṃ yaśaḥ

O king, satisfied by the gift of his own head, he became Indra; you are his very son, O king, and you too have won the highest glory.

Verse 186 (skanda.1.18.186)

यशोदीपेन महता दग्धाः शलभवत्सुराः॥ इंद्रोपि निर्जितो येन त्वया नास्त्यत्र संशयः

yaśodīpena mahatā dagdhāḥ śalabhavatsurāḥ|| iṃdropi nirjito yena tvayā nāstyatra saṃśayaḥ

By the great lamp of your own fame, the gods were consumed like moths; even Indra himself was defeated by you, of this there is no doubt.

Verse 187 (skanda.1.18.187)

श्रुतमस्ति मया सर्वं चरितं तव सुव्रत॥ अल्पकोऽहमिहायातो ब्रह्मचर्यव्रते स्थितः

śrutamasti mayā sarvaṃ caritaṃ tava suvrata|| alpako'hamihāyāto brahmacaryavrate sthitaḥ

"O virtuous one, I have heard of all this conduct of yours; I have come here as but a small boy, established in the vow of celibacy."

Verse 188 (skanda.1.18.188)

उटजार्थे च मे देहि भूमीं भूमिभृतांवर॥ बटोस्तस्यैव तद्वाक्यं श्रुत्वा बलिरभाषत

uṭajārthe ca me dehi bhūmīṃ bhūmibhṛtāṃvara|| baṭostasyaiva tadvākyaṃ śrutvā balirabhāṣata

"O foremost among the lords of the earth, give me land for just a small hut" — hearing these words of the boy, Bali spoke —

Verse 189 (skanda.1.18.189)

हे बटो पंडितो भूत्वा यदुक्तं वचनं पुरा॥ शिशुत्वात्तन्न जानासि श्रुत्वा मन्ये यथार्थतः

he baṭo paṃḍito bhūtvā yaduktaṃ vacanaṃ purā|| śiśutvāttanna jānāsi śrutvā manye yathārthataḥ

"O boy, the learned words you spoke earlier seemed to me, at first, unfitting only because of your youth — though hearing them now, I understand them to be true indeed."

Verse 190 (skanda.1.18.190)

वद शीघ्रं महाभाग कियन्मात्रां महीं तव॥ दास्यामि त्वरितेनैव मनसा तद्विमृश्यताम्

vada śīghraṃ mahābhāga kiyanmātrāṃ mahīṃ tava|| dāsyāmi tvaritenaiva manasā tadvimṛśyatām

"O most fortunate one, tell me swiftly how much land you desire; I shall at once consider it in my mind and give it to you."

Verse 191 (skanda.1.18.191)

तदाह वामनो वाक्यं स्मयन्मधुरया गिरा॥ असंतोषपरा ये च विप्रा नष्टा न संशयः

tadāha vāmano vākyaṃ smayanmadhurayā girā|| asaṃtoṣaparā ye ca viprā naṣṭā na saṃśayaḥ

Then Vamana, smiling, spoke in a sweet voice: "Those brahmins who remain ever discontented come to ruin, without any doubt."

Verse 192 (skanda.1.18.192)

संतुष्टा ये हि विप्रास्ते नान्ये वेषधरा ह्यमी॥ स्वधर्मनिरता राजन्निर्दंभा निरवग्रहाः

saṃtuṣṭā ye hi viprāste nānye veṣadharā hyamī|| svadharmaniratā rājannirdaṃbhā niravagrahāḥ

"Those who remain content are the true brahmins; others are but bearers of the outward garb. O king, they alone who are devoted to their own duty, free of guile and free of grasping —"

Verse 193 (skanda.1.18.193)

निर्मत्सरा जितकोधावदान्या हि महामते॥ विप्रास्ते हि महाभाग तैरियं धार्यते मही

nirmatsarā jitakodhāvadānyā hi mahāmate|| viprāste hi mahābhāga tairiyaṃ dhāryate mahī

"— free of envy, victorious over anger, and generous of heart — O wise one, such brahmins alone are the true bearers of this earth."

Verse 194 (skanda.1.18.194)

मनस्वी त्वं बहुत्वाच्च दातासि भुवनत्रये॥ तथापि मे प्रदातव्या मही त्रिपदसंमिता

manasvī tvaṃ bahutvācca dātāsi bhuvanatraye|| tathāpi me pradātavyā mahī tripadasaṃmitā

"You are generous of heart, and the greatest of givers in all three worlds; yet you need give me only as much land as may be measured by three paces."

Verse 195 (skanda.1.18.195)

बहुत्वे नास्ति मे कार्यं मह्या वै सुरसूदन॥ प्रवेशमात्रमुटजं तथा मम भविष्यति

bahutve nāsti me kāryaṃ mahyā vai surasūdana|| praveśamātramuṭajaṃ tathā mama bhaviṣyati

"O destroyer of asuras, I have no need for more land; only enough for the mere entrance to a hut will suffice for me."

Verse 196 (skanda.1.18.196)

त्रिपदं पूर्यतेऽस्माकं वस्तुं नास्त्यत्र संशयः॥ देहि मे क्रमतो राजन्यावद्भूमिभविष्यति॥ तावत्संख्या प्रदातव्या यदि दातासि भो बले

tripadaṃ pūryate'smākaṃ vastuṃ nāstyatra saṃśayaḥ|| dehi me kramato rājanyāvadbhūmibhaviṣyati|| tāvatsaṃkhyā pradātavyā yadi dātāsi bho bale

"Three paces alone will fulfil our need, of this there is no doubt; O king, if you wish to give, give me, step by step, only as much land as those three paces will cover."

Verse 197 (skanda.1.18.197)

प्रहस्य तमुवाचेदं बलिर्वैरोचनात्मजः॥ दास्यामि ते महीं कृत्सां सशैलवनकाननाम्

prahasya tamuvācedaṃ balirvairocanātmajaḥ|| dāsyāmi te mahīṃ kṛtsāṃ saśailavanakānanām

Bali, son of Virochana, laughing, said to him: "I shall give you the whole earth itself, with its mountains, forests and every green thing upon it."

Verse 198 (skanda.1.18.198)

मदीयां वै महाभाग मया दत्तां गृहाम वै॥ याचकोऽसि बटो पश्य दानं दैत्याप्रयाचसे

madīyāṃ vai mahābhāga mayā dattāṃ gṛhāma vai|| yācako'si baṭo paśya dānaṃ daityāprayācase

"O most fortunate one, this earth is mine, and I myself now give it to you — accept it; O boy, see, you have come as a beggar, and I, though a daitya, am the one giving!"

Verse 199 (skanda.1.18.199)

याचको ह्यल्पको वास्तु दाता सर्वं विमृश्य वै॥ तथा विलोक्य चात्मानं ह्यर्थिभ्यश्च ददाति वै

yācako hyalpako vāstu dātā sarvaṃ vimṛśya vai|| tathā vilokya cātmānaṃ hyarthibhyaśca dadāti vai

A beggar asks for but a little, yet the true giver, considering everything, should give in full measure; and so, measuring himself, he gives to all who ask.

Verse 200 (skanda.1.18.200)

आत्मौपम्येन सर्वत्र यो ददाति ह्युदारधीः॥ तस्मान्न याचितव्यं हि अर्थिना मंदभागिना

ātmaupamyena sarvatra yo dadāti hyudāradhīḥ|| tasmānna yācitavyaṃ hi arthinā maṃdabhāginā

When a noble-minded man gives everywhere with a sense of equality toward all, it is not fitting for a beggar of lesser fortune to ask of him in this small measure.

Verse 201 (skanda.1.18.201)

बटो ददाम्यहं तेऽद्य ससैलवनकाननाम्॥ पृथ्वीं सपर्वतां साब्धिं नान्यथा मम भाषितम्

baṭo dadāmyahaṃ te'dya sasailavanakānanām|| pṛthvīṃ saparvatāṃ sābdhiṃ nānyathā mama bhāṣitam

"O boy, today I give you the whole earth, with its mountains and forests, with its oceans and its peaks — my word shall not prove otherwise."

Verse 202 (skanda.1.18.202)

पुनः प्रोवाच स बटुर्विरोचनसुतं प्रति॥ पूर्यते मम दैत्येंद्र क्रमतो हि पदैस्त्रिभिः

punaḥ provāca sa baṭurvirocanasutaṃ prati|| pūryate mama daityeṃdra kramato hi padaistribhiḥ

Then that celibate boy said again to Virochana's son: "O lord of daityas, my need shall be fulfilled step by step, by three paces alone."

Verse 203 (skanda.1.18.203)

बटोस्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा असुरेन्द्रो बलिस्तदा॥ उवाच प्रहसन्वाक्यं मन्यमानो बलिर्भृशम्॥ गृह्यतां च मया दत्तां पदैस्त्रिभिरलंकृताम्

baṭostadvacanaṃ śrutvā asurendro balistadā|| uvāca prahasanvākyaṃ manyamāno balirbhṛśam|| gṛhyatāṃ ca mayā dattāṃ padaistribhiralaṃkṛtām

Hearing the boy's words, the lord of asuras, Bali, filled with great pride, spoke laughing: "Accept, then, this land I have given you, adorned by your own three paces."

Verse 204 (skanda.1.18.204)

इत्युक्तो वामनः प्राह प्रहसन्नसुरं प्रति॥ संकल्प्य सकलां पृथ्वीं दातुमर्हसि सुव्रत

ityukto vāmanaḥ prāha prahasannasuraṃ prati|| saṃkalpya sakalāṃ pṛthvīṃ dātumarhasi suvrata

Hearing this, Vamana said, laughing, to the asura: "O virtuous one, having so resolved, you must now give me this entire earth in due form."

Verse 205 (skanda.1.18.205)

तथेति मत्वा बलिना सुपूजितः स वामनः कश्यपनंदनो महान्॥ बलिस्तदानीं सहसा नितांतं संस्तूयमानस्त्वृषिभिर्मुनींद्रैः

tatheti matvā balinā supūjitaḥ sa vāmanaḥ kaśyapanaṃdano mahān|| balistadānīṃ sahasā nitāṃtaṃ saṃstūyamānastvṛṣibhirmunīṃdraiḥ

Accepting this, and duly worshipped by Bali, that great son of Kashyapa, Vamana, was ceaselessly praised by the sages and the foremost of seers; and Bali himself, at that moment, gave himself over wholly to his praise.

Verse 206 (skanda.1.18.206)

तं पूजयित्वा स बलिर्यावद्दातुं समुद्यतः॥ गुरुणा वारित स्तावद्विरोचनसुतो महान्

taṃ pūjayitvā sa baliryāvaddātuṃ samudyataḥ|| guruṇā vārita stāvadvirocanasuto mahān

Having worshipped that boy, just as Bali made ready to give the gift, the great-souled son of Virochana was held back by his own preceptor.

Verse 207 (skanda.1.18.207)

न दातव्यं त्वया दानं विष्णवे बटुरूपिणे॥ इंद्रार्थमागतः सद्यो यज्ञविघ्नं करोति ते॥ तस्मात्त्वया न पूज्यो हि विष्णुरध्यात्मदीपकः

na dātavyaṃ tvayā dānaṃ viṣṇave baṭurūpiṇe|| iṃdrārthamāgataḥ sadyo yajñavighnaṃ karoti te|| tasmāttvayā na pūjyo hi viṣṇuradhyātmadīpakaḥ

"You must not give this gift to Vishnu in the form of a boy; he has come here for Indra's own purpose, and means only to obstruct your sacrifice — therefore this Vishnu, this lamp of the inner self, is not worthy of your worship."

Verse 208 (skanda.1.18.208)

पुरा कृतमनेनैव मोहिनीरूपधारिणा॥ देवेभ्यश्चामृतं दत्तं राहुर्येन हतो महान्

purā kṛtamanenaiva mohinīrūpadhāriṇā|| devebhyaścāmṛtaṃ dattaṃ rāhuryena hato mahān

"It was this very Vishnu, in the guise of Mohini, who once gave the nectar to the gods and thereby brought about the slaying of the great Rahu."

Verse 209 (skanda.1.18.209)

येन विद्राविता दैत्याः कालनेमिर्हतो बली

yena vidrāvitā daityāḥ kālanemirhato balī

"By him too were the daityas scattered in every direction, and the mighty Kalanemi was slain."

Verse 210 (skanda.1.18.210)

एवंविधोऽयं पुरुषो महात्मा स ईश्वरो विश्वपतिः स एव॥ विमृश्य सर्वं मनसा महामते हिताहितं कर्तुमि हार्हसि त्वम्

evaṃvidho'yaṃ puruṣo mahātmā sa īśvaro viśvapatiḥ sa eva|| vimṛśya sarvaṃ manasā mahāmate hitāhitaṃ kartumi hārhasi tvam

"Such indeed is this person — that great soul is none other than the very lord, the master of the universe himself; O wise one, weighing all of this well within your mind, it falls to you alone to judge what is beneficial and what is not."