Parvati's Penance

Verse 1 (skanda.1.21.1)

॥लोमश उवाच॥ वर्द्धमाना तदा साध्वी रराज प्रतिवासरम्॥ अष्टवर्षा यदा जाता हिमालयगृहे सती

||lomaśa uvāca|| varddhamānā tadā sādhvī rarāja prativāsaram|| aṣṭavarṣā yadā jātā himālayagṛhe satī

Lomasha said: That virtuous Sati grew day by day, resplendent in Himalaya's own home; and when she reached the age of eight —

Verse 2 (skanda.1.21.2)

महेशो हिमवद्द्रोण्यां तताप परमं तपः॥ सर्वैर्गणैः परिवृतो वीरभद्रादिभिस्तदा

maheśo himavaddroṇyāṃ tatāpa paramaṃ tapaḥ|| sarvairgaṇaiḥ parivṛto vīrabhadrādibhistadā

— Mahesha, at that time, was performing the most severe penance in a valley of the Himalaya, surrounded by all his attendants, Virabhadra foremost among them.

Verse 3 (skanda.1.21.3)

एतत्तपो जुषाणं तं महेशं हिमवान्ययौ॥ तत्पादपल्लवं द्रष्टुं पार्वत्या सह बुद्धिमान्

etattapo juṣāṇaṃ taṃ maheśaṃ himavānyayau|| tatpādapallavaṃ draṣṭuṃ pārvatyā saha buddhimān

Wishing to behold the tender lotus feet of that Mahesha, engaged in his penance, the wise Himavan went there, together with his daughter Parvati.

Verse 4 (skanda.1.21.4)

यावत्समागतो द्रष्टं नंदिनासौ निवारितः॥ द्वारि स्थिते च तदा क्षणमेकं स्थिरोऽभवत्

yāvatsamāgato draṣṭaṃ naṃdināsau nivāritaḥ|| dvāri sthite ca tadā kṣaṇamekaṃ sthiro'bhavat

Just as he arrived to see him, Nandi barred his way; and standing there at the gate, he remained still for a moment.

Verse 5 (skanda.1.21.5)

पुनर्विज्ञापयामास नंदिना हिमवान्गिरिः॥ विज्ञप्तो नंदिना शंभुरचलो द्रष्टुमागतः

punarvijñāpayāmāsa naṃdinā himavāngiriḥ|| vijñapto naṃdinā śaṃbhuracalo draṣṭumāgataḥ

The mountain Himavan then sent word once more through Nandi; and when Nandi informed Shambhu that the mountain had come to see him —

Verse 6 (skanda.1.21.6)

तदाकर्ण्य वचस्तस्य नंदिनः परमेश्वरः॥ आनयस्व गिरिं चात्र नंदिनं वाक्यमब्रवीत्

tadākarṇya vacastasya naṃdinaḥ parameśvaraḥ|| ānayasva giriṃ cātra naṃdinaṃ vākyamabravīt

— hearing Nandi's word, the supreme lord said to Nandi: "Bring the mountain here."

Verse 7 (skanda.1.21.7)

तथेति मत्वा नंदी तं पर्वतं च हिमाचलम्॥ आनयामास स तथा शंकरं लोकशंकरम्

tatheti matvā naṃdī taṃ parvataṃ ca himācalam|| ānayāmāsa sa tathā śaṃkaraṃ lokaśaṃkaram

Accepting this, Nandi brought that Himalayan mountain to Shankara, bringer of good to all the worlds.

Verse 8 (skanda.1.21.8)

दृष्ट्वा तदानीं सकलेश्वरं प्रभुं तपो जुषाणं विनिमीलितेक्षणम्

dṛṣṭvā tadānīṃ sakaleśvaraṃ prabhuṃ tapo juṣāṇaṃ vinimīlitekṣaṇam

There he beheld that lord of all, absorbed in penance, his eyes closed —

Verse 9 (skanda.1.21.9)

कपर्द्धिनं चंद्रकलाविभूषणं वेदांतवेद्यं परमात्मनि स्थितम्॥ ववंद शीर्ष्णा च तदा हिमाचलः परां मुदं प्रापदहीनसत्त्वः

kaparddhinaṃ caṃdrakalāvibhūṣaṇaṃ vedāṃtavedyaṃ paramātmani sthitam|| vavaṃda śīrṣṇā ca tadā himācalaḥ parāṃ mudaṃ prāpadahīnasattvaḥ

— matted-haired, adorned with the crescent moon, knowable through the Vedanta, established in the supreme self; and beholding him thus, Himachala bowed his very head, and, his spirit whole and undismayed, was filled with the greatest joy.

Verse 10 (skanda.1.21.10)

उवाच वाक्यं जगदेकमंगलं हिमालयो वाक्यविदां वरिष्ठः

uvāca vākyaṃ jagadekamaṃgalaṃ himālayo vākyavidāṃ variṣṭhaḥ

Himalaya, foremost among skilled speakers, spoke these words to him who alone is the auspiciousness of the whole world —

Verse 11 (skanda.1.21.11)

सभाग्योऽहं महादेव प्रसादात्तव शंकर॥ प्रत्यहं चागमिष्यामि दर्शनार्थं तव प्रभो

sabhāgyo'haṃ mahādeva prasādāttava śaṃkara|| pratyahaṃ cāgamiṣyāmi darśanārthaṃ tava prabho

"O Mahadeva, by your grace I am fortunate indeed, O Shankara; O lord, I shall come each day to behold you."

Verse 12 (skanda.1.21.12)

अनया सह देवेश अनुज्ञां दातुर्महसि॥ श्रुत्वा तु वचनं तस्य देवदेवो महेश्वरः

anayā saha deveśa anujñāṃ dāturmahasi|| śrutvā tu vacanaṃ tasya devadevo maheśvaraḥ

"O lord of the gods, grant me your leave to come together with this my daughter" — hearing his words, the great god of gods —

Verse 13 (skanda.1.21.13)

आगंतव्यं त्वया नित्यं दर्शनार्थं ममाचल॥ कुमारीं च गृहे स्थाप्य नान्यथा मम दर्शनम्

āgaṃtavyaṃ tvayā nityaṃ darśanārthaṃ mamācala|| kumārīṃ ca gṛhe sthāpya nānyathā mama darśanam

— said: "O immovable one, you may indeed come daily to see me; but leave this maiden at home — otherwise, I shall not be seen."

Verse 14 (skanda.1.21.14)

अचलः प्रत्युवाचेदं गिरिशं नतकंधरः॥ कस्मान्मयानया सार्द्धं नागंतव्यं तदुच्यताम्॥ अचलं च व्रीत शंभुः प्रहसन्वाक्यमब्रवीत्

acalaḥ pratyuvācedaṃ giriśaṃ natakaṃdharaḥ|| kasmānmayānayā sārddhaṃ nāgaṃtavyaṃ taducyatām|| acalaṃ ca vrīta śaṃbhuḥ prahasanvākyamabravīt

The mountain, bowing his neck, said to the mountain lord: "Tell me why I should not come with her." Then Shambhu, smiling, spoke to that now-abashed mountain —

Verse 15 (skanda.1.21.15)

इयं कुमारी सुश्रोणी तन्वी चारुप्रभाषिणी॥ नानेतव्या मत्समीपे वारयामि पुनः पुनः

iyaṃ kumārī suśroṇī tanvī cāruprabhāṣiṇī|| nānetavyā matsamīpe vārayāmi punaḥ punaḥ

"This lovely, slender maiden, so sweet of speech, must not be brought near me; I forbid it, again and again."

Verse 16 (skanda.1.21.16)

एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य शंभोर्निरामयं निःस्पृहनिष्ठुरं वा॥ तपस्विनोक्तं वचनं निशम्य उवाच गौरी च विहस्य शंभुम्

etacchrutvā vacanaṃ tasya śaṃbhornirāmayaṃ niḥspṛhaniṣṭhuraṃ vā|| tapasvinoktaṃ vacanaṃ niśamya uvāca gaurī ca vihasya śaṃbhum

Hearing Shambhu's words, so free of desire and yet so harsh, hearing this speech of that ascetic, Gauri, laughing, said to Shambhu —

Verse 17 (skanda.1.21.17)

॥गौर्युवाच॥ तपःशक्त्यान्वितः शंभो करोषि विपुलं तपः॥ तव बुद्धिरियं जाता तपस्तप्तुं महात्मनः

||gauryuvāca|| tapaḥśaktyānvitaḥ śaṃbho karoṣi vipulaṃ tapaḥ|| tava buddhiriyaṃ jātā tapastaptuṃ mahātmanaḥ

Gauri said: "O Shambhu, endowed with the power of penance, you perform this great austerity; but this understanding of yours has arisen only from the mere act of a great soul practising penance."

Verse 18 (skanda.1.21.18)

कस्त्वं का प्रकृतिः सूक्ष्मा भगवंस्तद्विमृश्यताम्॥ पार्वत्यास्तद्वचः श्रुत्वा महेशो वाक्यमब्रवीत्

kastvaṃ kā prakṛtiḥ sūkṣmā bhagavaṃstadvimṛśyatām|| pārvatyāstadvacaḥ śrutvā maheśo vākyamabravīt

"O lord, who are you, and what is this subtle prakriti — reflect upon this." Hearing Parvati's words, Mahesha spoke —

Verse 19 (skanda.1.21.19)

तपसा परमेणैव प्रकृतिं नाशयाम्यहम्॥ प्रकृत्या रहितः सुभ्रु अहं तिष्ठमि तत्त्वतः॥ तस्माच्च प्रकृते सिद्धैर् कार्यः संग्रहः क्वचित्

tapasā parameṇaiva prakṛtiṃ nāśayāmyaham|| prakṛtyā rahitaḥ subhru ahaṃ tiṣṭhami tattvataḥ|| tasmācca prakṛte siddhair kāryaḥ saṃgrahaḥ kvacit

"By this very supreme penance I destroy prakriti itself; O fair-browed one, in truth I stand free of prakriti altogether; therefore those who are accomplished should never entangle themselves with prakriti at all."

Verse 20 (skanda.1.21.20)

॥पार्वत्युवाच॥ यदुक्तं परया वाचा वचननं शंकर त्वया॥ सा किं प्रकृति र्नैव स्यादतीतस्तां भवान्कथम्

||pārvatyuvāca|| yaduktaṃ parayā vācā vacananaṃ śaṃkara tvayā|| sā kiṃ prakṛti rnaiva syādatītastāṃ bhavānkatham

Parvati said: "O Shankara, this very speech that you have just uttered with your excellent voice — is that voice itself not prakriti? How then are you beyond it?"

Verse 21 (skanda.1.21.21)

यच्छृणोपि यदश्रासि यच्च पश्यसि शंकर॥ वाग्वादेन च किं कार्यमस्माके चाधुना प्रभो

yacchṛṇopi yadaśrāsi yacca paśyasi śaṃkara|| vāgvādena ca kiṃ kāryamasmāke cādhunā prabho

"O Shankara, whatever you hear, whatever you speak, and whatever you see — O lord, what need have we now of further argument?"

Verse 22 (skanda.1.21.22)

तत्सर्वं प्रकृतेः कार्यं मिथ्यावादो निर्र्थकः॥ प्रकृतेः परतो भूत्वा किमर्थं तप्यते तपः

tatsarvaṃ prakṛteḥ kāryaṃ mithyāvādo nirrthakaḥ|| prakṛteḥ parato bhūtvā kimarthaṃ tapyate tapaḥ

"All of this is but the working of prakriti; false argument is pointless. If you are truly beyond prakriti, then for what purpose do you perform this penance at all?"

Verse 23 (skanda.1.21.23)

त्वया शंभोऽधुना ह्यस्मिन्गिरौ हिमवति प्रभो॥ प्रकृत्या मिलितोऽसि त्वं न जानासि हि शंकर

tvayā śaṃbho'dhunā hyasmingirau himavati prabho|| prakṛtyā milito'si tvaṃ na jānāsi hi śaṃkara

"O Shambhu, O lord, even now, here on this Himalaya mountain, you yourself are joined together with prakriti; O Shankara, you simply do not realise it."

Verse 24 (skanda.1.21.24)

वाग्वादेन च किं कार्यमस्माकं चाधुना प्रभो॥ प्रकृतेः परतस्त्वं च यदि सत्यं वचस्तव॥ तर्हि त्वया न भेतव्यं मम शंकर संप्रति

vāgvādena ca kiṃ kāryamasmākaṃ cādhunā prabho|| prakṛteḥ paratastvaṃ ca yadi satyaṃ vacastava|| tarhi tvayā na bhetavyaṃ mama śaṃkara saṃprati

"O lord, what need have we now of debate? If your word is true, that you are beyond prakriti, then, O Shankara, you should have no fear of me now."

Verse 25 (skanda.1.21.25)

प्रहस्य भगवान्देवो गिरिजां प्रत्युवाच ह

prahasya bhagavāndevo girijāṃ pratyuvāca ha

Then the blessed lord, smiling, spoke to Girija —

Verse 26 (skanda.1.21.26)

॥महादेव उवाच॥ प्रत्यहं कुरु मे सेवां गिरिजे साधुभाषिणि

||mahādeva uvāca|| pratyahaṃ kuru me sevāṃ girije sādhubhāṣiṇi

Mahadeva said: "O Girija, O sweet-spoken one, come and serve me each day."

Verse 27 (skanda.1.21.27)

इत्येवमुक्त्वा गिरिजां महेशो हिमालयं वाक्यमथो बभाषे॥ अत्रैव सोऽहं तपसा परेण चरामि भूम्यां परमार्थभावः

ityevamuktvā girijāṃ maheśo himālayaṃ vākyamatho babhāṣe|| atraiva so'haṃ tapasā pareṇa carāmi bhūmyāṃ paramārthabhāvaḥ

Thus having spoken to Girija, Mahesha said this to Himalaya: "Here upon this very earth, I shall dwell, given wholly to the highest truth, through supreme penance."

Verse 28 (skanda.1.21.28)

तपस्तप्तुमनुज्ञा मे दातव्या पर्वताधिप॥ अनुज्ञया विना किंचित्तपः कर्तुं न पार्यते

tapastaptumanujñā me dātavyā parvatādhipa|| anujñayā vinā kiṃcittapaḥ kartuṃ na pāryate

"O lord of mountains, you must give me leave to perform this penance; without such leave, no penance at all can be undertaken."

Verse 29 (skanda.1.21.29)

एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य देवदेवस्य शूलिनः॥ प्रहस्य हिमवाञ्छंभुमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्

etacchrutvā vacastasya devadevasya śūlinaḥ|| prahasya himavāñchaṃbhumidaṃ vacanamabravīt

Hearing these words of the trident-bearing god of gods, Himavan, smiling, spoke these words to Shambhu —

Verse 30 (skanda.1.21.30)

त्वदीयं हि जगत्सर्वं सदेवासुरमानुषम्॥ किमहं तु महादेव तुच्छो भूत्वा ददामि ते

tvadīyaṃ hi jagatsarvaṃ sadevāsuramānuṣam|| kimahaṃ tu mahādeva tuccho bhūtvā dadāmi te

"This entire world, with its gods, asuras and men, is your own; O Mahadeva, then what could I, a mere trifling thing, possibly give you?"

Verse 31 (skanda.1.21.31)

एवमुक्तो हिमवता शंकरो लोकशंकरः॥ प्रहस्य गिरिराजं तं याहीति प्राह सादरम्

evamukto himavatā śaṃkaro lokaśaṃkaraḥ|| prahasya girirājaṃ taṃ yāhīti prāha sādaram

Thus addressed by Himavan, Shankara, bringer of good to the world, smiling, said to that lord of mountains, with all due respect: "Now go."

Verse 32 (skanda.1.21.32)

शंकरेणाब्यनुज्ञातः स्वगृहं हिमवान्ययौ॥ सार्द्धं गिरिजया सोऽपि प्रत्यहं दर्शने स्थितः

śaṃkareṇābyanujñātaḥ svagṛhaṃ himavānyayau|| sārddhaṃ girijayā so'pi pratyahaṃ darśane sthitaḥ

Given leave by Shankara, Himavan returned to his own home; and together with Girija, he too remained ever devoted to the daily sight of him.

Verse 33 (skanda.1.21.33)

एवं कतिपयः कालो गतश्चोपासनात्तयोः

evaṃ katipayaḥ kālo gataścopāsanāttayoḥ

Thus, as the two of them continued their daily devotion, some time passed.

Verse 34 (skanda.1.21.34)

सुतापित्रोश्च तत्रैव शंकरो दुरतिक्रमः॥ पार्वतीं प्रति तत्रैव चिंतामापेदिरे सुराः

sutāpitrośca tatraiva śaṃkaro duratikramaḥ|| pārvatīṃ prati tatraiva ciṃtāmāpedire surāḥ

Seeing the devotion of that father and daughter toward the ever-unyielding Shankara, the gods there fell into anxious thought concerning Parvati —

Verse 35 (skanda.1.21.35)

ते चिंत्यमानाश्च सुरास्तदानीं कथं महेशो गिरिजां समेष्यति॥ किं कार्यमद्यैव वयं च कुर्मो बृहस्पते तत्कथयस्व मा चिरम्

te ciṃtyamānāśca surāstadānīṃ kathaṃ maheśo girijāṃ sameṣyati|| kiṃ kāryamadyaiva vayaṃ ca kurmo bṛhaspate tatkathayasva mā ciram

Those anxious gods began to wonder: "How will Mahesha ever come to be united with Girija? What should we do about this today? O Brihaspati, tell us this without delay."

Verse 36 (skanda.1.21.36)

बृहस्पतिरुवाचेदं महेंद्रं प्रति सद्वचः॥ एवमेतत्त्वया कार्यं महेंद्र श्रूयतां तदा

bṛhaspatiruvācedaṃ maheṃdraṃ prati sadvacaḥ|| evametattvayā kāryaṃ maheṃdra śrūyatāṃ tadā

Brihaspati spoke this excellent counsel to Mahendra: "O Mahendra, this task is yours to accomplish; now listen."

Verse 37 (skanda.1.21.37)

एतत्कार्यं मदनेनैव राजन्नान्यः समर्थो भविता त्रिलोके॥ विप्लावितं तापसानां तपो हि तस्मात्त्वरात्प्रार्थनीयो हि मारः

etatkāryaṃ madanenaiva rājannānyaḥ samartho bhavitā triloke|| viplāvitaṃ tāpasānāṃ tapo hi tasmāttvarātprārthanīyo hi māraḥ

"O king, this task can be accomplished only through Madana, the god of love; no other in the three worlds shall be capable of it. It is he alone who has, before now, disturbed the penance of ascetics; therefore Mara must be entreated at once, without delay."

Verse 38 (skanda.1.21.38)

गुरोर्वचनमाकर्ण्य आह्वयन्मदनं हरिः॥ आह्वानादाजगामाथ मदनः कार्यसाधकः

gurorvacanamākarṇya āhvayanmadanaṃ hariḥ|| āhvānādājagāmātha madanaḥ kāryasādhakaḥ

Hearing his preceptor's counsel, Indra summoned Madana; and, thus called, that accomplisher of purposes, Madana, came there.

Verse 39 (skanda.1.21.39)

रत्या समेतः सह माधवेन स पुष्पधन्वा पुरतः सभायाम्॥ महेंद्रमागम्य उवाच वाक्यं सगर्वितं लोकमनोहरं च

ratyā sametaḥ saha mādhavena sa puṣpadhanvā purataḥ sabhāyām|| maheṃdramāgamya uvāca vākyaṃ sagarvitaṃ lokamanoharaṃ ca

Together with Rati, and accompanied by spring, Madhava, that bearer of the flower-bow came before the assembly, and, approaching Mahendra, spoke words both proud and enchanting to all —

Verse 40 (skanda.1.21.40)

अहमाकारितः कस्माद्ब्रूहि मेऽद्य शचीपते॥ किं कार्यं करवाण्यद्य कथ्यतां मा विलंबितम्

ahamākāritaḥ kasmādbrūhi me'dya śacīpate|| kiṃ kāryaṃ karavāṇyadya kathyatāṃ mā vilaṃbitam

"O lord of Shachi, why have I been summoned? Tell me; what is it I am to do today — speak, and delay not."

Verse 41 (skanda.1.21.41)

मम स्मरणमात्रेण विभ्रष्टा हि तपस्विनः॥ त्वमेव जानासि हरे मम वीर्यपराक्रमौ

mama smaraṇamātreṇa vibhraṣṭā hi tapasvinaḥ|| tvameva jānāsi hare mama vīryaparākramau

"By mere remembrance of me, even the greatest ascetics have fallen from their penance; O Hari, you yourself know well my strength and valour."

Verse 42 (skanda.1.21.42)

मम वीर्यं च जानाति शक्तेः पुत्रः पराशरः॥ एवं चानये च बहवो भृग्वाद्य ऋषयो ह्यमी

mama vīryaṃ ca jānāti śakteḥ putraḥ parāśaraḥ|| evaṃ cānaye ca bahavo bhṛgvādya ṛṣayo hyamī

"My power is known even to Parashara, son of Shakti; and in just the same way, Bhrigu and many other sages besides know it too."

Verse 43 (skanda.1.21.43)

गुरुरप्यभिजानाति भार्योतथ्यस्य चैव हि॥ तस्यां जातो भरद्वाजो गुरुणा संकरो हि सः

gururapyabhijānāti bhāryotathyasya caiva hi|| tasyāṃ jāto bharadvājo guruṇā saṃkaro hi saḥ

"Even Brihaspati knows this — through Utathya's own wife, from whom, by the preceptor, Bharadvaja was born, one thus of mixed lineage."

Verse 44 (skanda.1.21.44)

भरद्वाजो महाभाग इत्युवाच गुरुस्तदा॥ जानाति मम वीर्यं च शौर्यं चैव प्रजापतिः

bharadvājo mahābhāga ityuvāca gurustadā|| jānāti mama vīryaṃ ca śauryaṃ caiva prajāpatiḥ

"At that time the preceptor himself said, 'O most fortunate Bharadvaja.' Even Prajapati knows my strength and my valour."

Verse 45 (skanda.1.21.45)

क्रोधो हि मम बंधुश्च महाबलपरक्रमः॥ उभाभ्यां द्रावितं विश्वं जंगमाजंगमं महत्॥ ब्रह्मादिस्तंबपर्यंतं प्लावितं सचराचरम्

krodho hi mama baṃdhuśca mahābalaparakramaḥ|| ubhābhyāṃ drāvitaṃ viśvaṃ jaṃgamājaṃgamaṃ mahat|| brahmādistaṃbaparyaṃtaṃ plāvitaṃ sacarācaram

"Anger is my own mighty and valorous kinsman; together, the two of us have thrown into turmoil this whole vast world, moving and unmoving, from Brahma down to the merest blade of grass."

Verse 46 (skanda.1.21.46)

॥देवा ऊचुः॥ मदनद्वं समर्थोसि अस्माञ्जेतुं सदैव हि॥ महेशं प्रति गच्छाशु सुरकार्यार्थसिद्धये॥ पार्वत्या सहितं शंभुं कुरुष्वाद्य महामते

||devā ūcuḥ|| madanadvaṃ samarthosi asmāñjetuṃ sadaiva hi|| maheśaṃ prati gacchāśu surakāryārthasiddhaye|| pārvatyā sahitaṃ śaṃbhuṃ kuruṣvādya mahāmate

The gods said: "O Madana, you are ever able to conquer even us; now go swiftly to Mahesha, for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose. O wise one, unite Shambhu with Parvati this very day."

Verse 47 (skanda.1.21.47)

एवमभ्यर्थितो देवैर्मदनो विश्वमोहनः॥ जगाम त्वरितो भूत्वा अप्सरोभिः समन्वितः

evamabhyarthito devairmadano viśvamohanaḥ|| jagāma tvarito bhūtvā apsarobhiḥ samanvitaḥ

Thus entreated by the gods, Madana, enchanter of the whole universe, set out at once, together with the apsarases.

Verse 48 (skanda.1.21.48)

ततो जगामाशु महाधनुर्द्धरो विस्फार्य चापं कुसुमान्वितं महत्॥ तथैव बाणांश्च मनोरमांश्च प्रगृह्य वीरो भुवनैकजेता॥ तस्मिन्हिमाद्रौ परिदृश्यमानोऽवनौ स्मरो योधयतां वरिष्ठः

tato jagāmāśu mahādhanurddharo visphārya cāpaṃ kusumānvitaṃ mahat|| tathaiva bāṇāṃśca manoramāṃśca pragṛhya vīro bhuvanaikajetā|| tasminhimādrau paridṛśyamāno'vanau smaro yodhayatāṃ variṣṭhaḥ

Then that great archer, drawing wide his vast bow strung with flowers, taking up his enchanting arrows, that hero, sole conqueror of every world, Smara, foremost among warriors, went swiftly and became visible there upon that Himalayan mountain.

Verse 49 (skanda.1.21.49)

तत्रागता तदा रंभा उर्वशी पुंजिकस्थली॥ सुम्लोचा मिश्रकेशी च सुभगा च तिलोत्तमा

tatrāgatā tadā raṃbhā urvaśī puṃjikasthalī|| sumlocā miśrakeśī ca subhagā ca tilottamā

There, at that time, came Rambha, Urvashi, Punjikasthali, Sumlocha, Mishrakeshi, and the lovely Tilottama.

Verse 50 (skanda.1.21.50)

अन्याश्च विविधाः जाताः साहाय्ये मदनस्य च॥ अप्सरसो गणैर्दृष्टा मदनेन सहैव ताः

anyāśca vividhāḥ jātāḥ sāhāyye madanasya ca|| apsaraso gaṇairdṛṣṭā madanena sahaiva tāḥ

Many other apsarases too came there to aid Madana; and all of them were seen there, together with Madana, by the attendant hosts of Shiva.

Verse 51 (skanda.1.21.51)

सर्वे गणाश्च सहसा मदनेन विमोहिताः॥ भृंगिणा च तदा रंभा चण्डेन सह चोर्वशी

sarve gaṇāśca sahasā madanena vimohitāḥ|| bhṛṃgiṇā ca tadā raṃbhā caṇḍena saha corvaśī

All the attendant hosts, too, were suddenly overcome by Madana's power; at that time Rambha found herself with Bhringi, and Urvashi with Chanda —

Verse 52 (skanda.1.21.52)

मेनका वीरभद्रेण चण्डेन पुंजिकस्थली॥ तिलोत्तमादयस्तत्र संवृताश्च गणैस्तदा

menakā vīrabhadreṇa caṇḍena puṃjikasthalī|| tilottamādayastatra saṃvṛtāśca gaṇaistadā

— Menaka found herself with Virabhadra, Punjikasthali again with Chanda, and Tilottama and the others too became surrounded there by the attendant hosts.

Verse 53 (skanda.1.21.53)

अमत्तभूतैर्बहुभिस्त्रपां त्यक्त्वा मनीषिभिः॥ अकाले कोकिला भिश्च व्याप्तामासीन्महीतलम्

amattabhūtairbahubhistrapāṃ tyaktvā manīṣibhiḥ|| akāle kokilā bhiśca vyāptāmāsīnmahītalam

Many, though wise, cast aside all shame and grew intoxicated; and, though out of season, the whole surface of the earth became filled with the calls of cuckoos.

Verse 54 (skanda.1.21.54)

अशोकाश्चंपकाश्चूता यूथ्यश्चैव कदंबकाः॥ नीषाः प्रियालाः पनसा राजवृक्षाश्चरायणाः

aśokāścaṃpakāścūtā yūthyaścaiva kadaṃbakāḥ|| nīṣāḥ priyālāḥ panasā rājavṛkṣāścarāyaṇāḥ

Ashoka, champaka, mango, and jasmine trees, kadamba, nipa, priyala, jackfruit, the golden shower tree —

Verse 55 (skanda.1.21.55)

द्राक्षावल्लयः प्रदृश्यंते बहुला नागकेशराः॥ तथा कदल्यः केतक्यो भ्रमरैरुपशोभिताः

drākṣāvallayaḥ pradṛśyaṃte bahulā nāgakeśarāḥ|| tathā kadalyaḥ ketakyo bhramarairupaśobhitāḥ

— grapevines, many trees of nagakesara, and banana and screw-pine plants, all now made lovely by swarming bees.

Verse 56 (skanda.1.21.56)

मत्ता मदनसंगेन हंसीभिः कलहंसकाः॥ करेणुभिर्गजाह्यासञ्छिखंडीभिः शिखंडिनः

mattā madanasaṃgena haṃsībhiḥ kalahaṃsakāḥ|| kareṇubhirgajāhyāsañchikhaṃḍībhiḥ śikhaṃḍinaḥ

Under Madana's spell, the swans, now intoxicated, sported with their mates, the elephants with their cow-elephants, and the peacocks with their peahens.

Verse 57 (skanda.1.21.57)

निष्कामा ह्यतुरा ह्यासञ्छिवसंपर्कजैर्गुणैः॥ अकस्माच्च तथाभूतं कथं जातं विमृश्य च

niṣkāmā hyaturā hyāsañchivasaṃparkajairguṇaiḥ|| akasmācca tathābhūtaṃ kathaṃ jātaṃ vimṛśya ca

Even those who had, through the virtues born of Shiva's very presence, been free of desire, now grew agitated; and wondering how such a thing could suddenly have come to pass —

Verse 58 (skanda.1.21.58)

शैलादो हि महातेजा नंदी ह्यमितविक्रमः॥ रक्षसं विबुधानां वा कृत्यमस्तीत्यचिंतयत्

śailādo hi mahātejā naṃdī hyamitavikramaḥ|| rakṣasaṃ vibudhānāṃ vā kṛtyamastītyaciṃtayat

— the radiant and immensely powerful Nandi, son of Shailada, thought that this must surely be the doing of some rakshasa, or perhaps of the gods themselves.

Verse 59 (skanda.1.21.59)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे तत्र मदनो हि धनुर्द्धरः॥ पंचबाणान्समारोप्य स्वकीये धनुषि द्विजाः॥ तरोश्छायां समाश्रित्य देवदारुगतां तदा

etasminnaṃtare tatra madano hi dhanurddharaḥ|| paṃcabāṇānsamāropya svakīye dhanuṣi dvijāḥ|| tarośchāyāṃ samāśritya devadārugatāṃ tadā

Meanwhile, O brahmins, that archer Madana, fitting his five arrows to his own bow, took shelter in the shade of a deodar tree —

Verse 60 (skanda.1.21.60)

निरीक्ष्य शंभुं परमासने स्तितं तपो जुषाणं परमेष्ठिनां पतिम्॥ गंगाधरं नीलतमालकंठं कपर्दिनं चन्द्रकलासमेतम्

nirīkṣya śaṃbhuṃ paramāsane stitaṃ tapo juṣāṇaṃ parameṣṭhināṃ patim|| gaṃgādharaṃ nīlatamālakaṃṭhaṃ kapardinaṃ candrakalāsametam

— and beheld Shambhu there, seated upon his supreme seat, absorbed in penance, lord even of the highest gods, bearer of the Ganga, his throat dark as the tamala, matted-haired, adorned with the crescent moon —

Verse 61 (skanda.1.21.61)

भुजंगभोगांकितसर्वगात्रं पंचाननं सिंहविशालविक्रमम्॥ कर्पूरगौरे परयान्वितं च स वेद्धुकामो मदनस्तपस्विनम्

bhujaṃgabhogāṃkitasarvagātraṃ paṃcānanaṃ siṃhaviśālavikramam|| karpūragaure parayānvitaṃ ca sa veddhukāmo madanastapasvinam

— his every limb marked with the coils of serpents, five-faced, of vast lion-like might, fair as camphor itself; and Madana grew eager to pierce that great ascetic with his arrow.

Verse 62 (skanda.1.21.62)

दुरासदं दीप्तिमतां वरिष्ठं महेशमुग्रं सह माधवेन॥ यावच्छिवं वेद्धुकामः शरेण तावद्याता गिरिजा विश्वमाता॥ सखीजनैः संवृता पूजनार्थं सदाशिवं मंगलं मंगलानाम्

durāsadaṃ dīptimatāṃ variṣṭhaṃ maheśamugraṃ saha mādhavena|| yāvacchivaṃ veddhukāmaḥ śareṇa tāvadyātā girijā viśvamātā|| sakhījanaiḥ saṃvṛtā pūjanārthaṃ sadāśivaṃ maṃgalaṃ maṃgalānām

Just as Madana, together with spring, made ready to pierce that unassailable, most radiant and formidable Mahesha with his arrow, at that very moment Girija, mother of the universe, surrounded by her companions, arrived there to worship Sadashiva, the most auspicious among all auspicious things.

Verse 63 (skanda.1.21.63)

कनककुसुममालां संदधे नीलकंठे सितकिरणमनोज्ञादुर्ल्लभा सा तदानीम्॥ स्मितविकसितनेत्रा चारुवक्त्रं शिवस्य सकलजननित्री वीक्षमाणा बभूव

kanakakusumamālāṃ saṃdadhe nīlakaṃṭhe sitakiraṇamanojñādurllabhā sā tadānīm|| smitavikasitanetrā cāruvaktraṃ śivasya sakalajananitrī vīkṣamāṇā babhūva

At that time, that rare and lovely goddess, radiant as the moon's own rays, offered a garland of golden flowers to the blue-throated one; and, her smiling eyes opening wide, that mother of all creation began to gaze upon Shiva's beautiful face.

Verse 64 (skanda.1.21.64)

तावद्विद्धः शरेणैव मोहनाख्येन चत्वरात्॥ विध्यमानस्तदा शंभुः शनैरुन्मील्य लोचने॥ ददर्श गिरिजां देवोब्धिर्यथा शशिनः कलाम्

tāvadviddhaḥ śareṇaiva mohanākhyena catvarāt|| vidhyamānastadā śaṃbhuḥ śanairunmīlya locane|| dadarśa girijāṃ devobdhiryathā śaśinaḥ kalām

At that very moment, struck by the arrow called Mohana, Shambhu, thus pierced, slowly opened his eyes, and beheld Girija, even as the ocean beholds the crescent moon.

Verse 65 (skanda.1.21.65)

चारुप्रसन्नवदनां बिंबोष्ठीं सस्मितेक्षणाम्॥ सुद्विजामग्निजां तन्वीं विशालवदनोत्सवाम्

cāruprasannavadanāṃ biṃboṣṭhīṃ sasmitekṣaṇām|| sudvijāmagnijāṃ tanvīṃ viśālavadanotsavām

That goddess, with her lovely, radiant face, lips like the bimba fruit, smiling eyes, beautiful teeth, born of fire, slender-limbed, her wide face itself a festival of joy —

Verse 66 (skanda.1.21.66)

गौरीं प्रसन्नमुद्रां च विश्वमोहनमोहनाम्॥ यया त्रिलोकरचना कृता ब्रह्मादिभिः सह

gaurīṃ prasannamudrāṃ ca viśvamohanamohanām|| yayā trilokaracanā kṛtā brahmādibhiḥ saha

— Gauri, her expression serene, she who enchants even the enchanter of the whole universe, by whom, together with Brahma and the rest, the very fashioning of the three worlds was accomplished —

Verse 67 (skanda.1.21.67)

उत्पत्तिपालनविनाशकरी च या वै कृत्वाग्रतः सत्त्वरजस्तमांसि॥ सा चेतनेन ददृशे पुरतो हरेण संमोहनी सकलमंगलमंगलैका

utpattipālanavināśakarī ca yā vai kṛtvāgrataḥ sattvarajastamāṃsi|| sā cetanena dadṛśe purato hareṇa saṃmohanī sakalamaṃgalamaṃgalaikā

— she who brings about creation, preservation and destruction, who set before herself sattva, rajas and tamas — that enchantress, the sole and singular auspiciousness among all auspicious things, was thus beheld, now fully conscious, by Hara standing before him.

Verse 68 (skanda.1.21.68)

तां निरीक्ष्य भवो देवो गिरिजां लोकपावनीम्॥ मुमोह दर्शनात्तस्या मदनेनातुरीकृतः॥ विस्मयोत्फुल्लनयनो बभूव सहसा शिवः

tāṃ nirīkṣya bhavo devo girijāṃ lokapāvanīm|| mumoha darśanāttasyā madanenāturīkṛtaḥ|| vismayotphullanayano babhūva sahasā śivaḥ

Beholding that world-purifying Girija, the god Bhava, now stirred by Madana, was overcome at the mere sight of her; and Shiva's eyes, all at once, opened wide with wonder.

Verse 69 (skanda.1.21.69)

एवं विलोकमानोऽसौ देवदेवो जगत्पतिः॥ मनसा दूयमानेन इदमाह सदाशिवः

evaṃ vilokamāno'sau devadevo jagatpatiḥ|| manasā dūyamānena idamāha sadāśivaḥ

Thus gazing upon her, the god of gods, lord of the universe, Sadashiva, spoke these words, his mind now troubled —

Verse 70 (skanda.1.21.70)

अनया मोहितः कस्मात्तपःस्थोऽहं निरामयः॥ कुतः कस्माच्च केनेदं कृतमस्ति ममाप्रियम्

anayā mohitaḥ kasmāttapaḥstho'haṃ nirāmayaḥ|| kutaḥ kasmācca kenedaṃ kṛtamasti mamāpriyam

"Established in penance and free of all affliction, why have I become bewildered by her? Who has done this unwelcome thing to me, and from where, and for what cause?"

Verse 71 (skanda.1.21.71)

ततो व्यलोकयच्छंभुर्द्दिक्षु सर्वासु सादरम्॥ तावद्दृष्टो दक्षिणस्यां दिशि ह्यात्तशरासनः

tato vyalokayacchaṃbhurddikṣu sarvāsu sādaram|| tāvaddṛṣṭo dakṣiṇasyāṃ diśi hyāttaśarāsanaḥ

Then Shambhu looked carefully in every direction; and there, in the southern quarter, he beheld someone standing, bow drawn.

Verse 72 (skanda.1.21.72)

चक्रीकृतधनुः सज्जं चक्रे बेद्धुं सदाशिवम्॥ यावत्पुनः संधयति मदनो मदनांतकम्॥ तावद्दृष्टो महेशेन सरोषेण तदा द्विजाः

cakrīkṛtadhanuḥ sajjaṃ cakre beddhuṃ sadāśivam|| yāvatpunaḥ saṃdhayati madano madanāṃtakam|| tāvaddṛṣṭo maheśena saroṣeṇa tadā dvijāḥ

He drew his bow into a full circle, made ready once more to pierce Sadashiva; and just as Madana took aim again at that very destroyer of desire, O brahmins, Mahesha beheld him with eyes full of wrath.

Verse 73 (skanda.1.21.73)

निरीक्षितस्तृतीयेन चक्षुषा परमेण हि॥ मदनस्तत्क्षणादेव ज्वालामालावृतोऽभवत्॥ हाहाकारो महानासीद्देवानां तत्र पश्यताम्

nirīkṣitastṛtīyena cakṣuṣā parameṇa hi|| madanastatkṣaṇādeva jvālāmālāvṛto'bhavat|| hāhākāro mahānāsīddevānāṃ tatra paśyatām

The very instant he was seen by that supreme third eye, Madana was, in that same moment, engulfed in a garland of flames; and among the gods standing there and watching, a great cry of despair arose.

Verse 74 (skanda.1.21.74)

॥देवा ऊचुः॥ देवदेव महादेव देवानां वरदो भव॥ गिरिजायाः सहायार्थं प्रेषितो मदनोऽधुना

||devā ūcuḥ|| devadeva mahādeva devānāṃ varado bhava|| girijāyāḥ sahāyārthaṃ preṣito madano'dhunā

The gods said: "O god of gods, O Mahadeva, be the granter of boons to the gods; this Madana had only just been sent, for Girija's own sake."

Verse 75 (skanda.1.21.75)

वृथा त्वयाथ दग्धोऽसौ मदनो हि महाप्रभः

vṛthā tvayātha dagdho'sau madano hi mahāprabhaḥ

"You have burned that most radiant Madana to ashes, all in vain."

Verse 76 (skanda.1.21.76)

त्वया हि कार्यं जगदेकबंधो कार्यं सुराणां परमेण वर्चसा॥ अस्यां समुत्पत्स्यति देव शंभो तेनैव सर्वं भवतीह कार्यम्

tvayā hi kāryaṃ jagadekabaṃdho kāryaṃ surāṇāṃ parameṇa varcasā|| asyāṃ samutpatsyati deva śaṃbho tenaiva sarvaṃ bhavatīha kāryam

"O sole kinsman of the world, it is you alone, through your supreme splendour, who must accomplish this task of the gods; O lord Shambhu, it is through her, through Girija, that a son shall be born, and by him alone shall this whole purpose here be fulfilled."

Verse 77 (skanda.1.21.77)

तारकेण महादेव देवाः संपीडिता भृशम्॥ तदर्थं जीवितं चास्य दत्त्वा च गिरिजां प्रभो

tārakeṇa mahādeva devāḥ saṃpīḍitā bhṛśam|| tadarthaṃ jīvitaṃ cāsya dattvā ca girijāṃ prabho

"O Mahadeva, the gods have been sorely afflicted by Taraka; therefore, O lord, grant life back to this Madana, and accept Girija as your own."

Verse 78 (skanda.1.21.78)

वरयस्व महाभाग देवाकार्ये भव क्षमः॥ गजासुरात्तवया त्राता वयं सर्वे दिवौकसः

varayasva mahābhāga devākārye bhava kṣamaḥ|| gajāsurāttavayā trātā vayaṃ sarve divaukasaḥ

"O most fortunate one, take her as your bride, and be equal to this task of the gods; it was you who once saved all of us, the dwellers of heaven, from the elephant-demon."

Verse 79 (skanda.1.21.79)

कालकूटाच्च नूनं हि रक्षिताः स्मो न चान्यथा॥ भस्मासुराच्च सर्वेश त्वया त्राता न संशयः

kālakūṭācca nūnaṃ hi rakṣitāḥ smo na cānyathā|| bhasmāsurācca sarveśa tvayā trātā na saṃśayaḥ

"It was you alone who surely saved us from the poison Kalakuta, and no other; O lord of all, from Bhasmasura too, you alone saved us, of this there is no doubt."

Verse 80 (skanda.1.21.80)

मदनोयं समायातः सुराणां कार्यसिद्धये॥ तस्मात्त्वया रक्षणीय उपकारः परो हि नः

madanoyaṃ samāyātaḥ surāṇāṃ kāryasiddhaye|| tasmāttvayā rakṣaṇīya upakāraḥ paro hi naḥ

"This Madana came here only for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose; therefore he must be saved by you, and that alone would be the greatest kindness you could do for us."

Verse 81 (skanda.1.21.81)

विना तेन जगत्सर्वं नाशमेष्यति शंकर॥ निष्कामस्त्वं कथं शंभो स्वबुद्ध्या च विमृस्यताम्

vinā tena jagatsarvaṃ nāśameṣyati śaṃkara|| niṣkāmastvaṃ kathaṃ śaṃbho svabuddhyā ca vimṛsyatām

"O Shankara, without him the entire world shall come to ruin; O Shambhu, consider well, with your own understanding, how anyone could remain free of desire altogether."

Verse 82 (skanda.1.21.82)

तदोवाच रुषाविष्टो देवान्प्रति महेश्वरः॥ विना कामेन भो देवा भवितव्यं न चान्यथा

tadovāca ruṣāviṣṭo devānprati maheśvaraḥ|| vinā kāmena bho devā bhavitavyaṃ na cānyathā

Then Maheshvara, filled with anger, said to the gods: "O gods, one must exist without desire, and in no other way."

Verse 83 (skanda.1.21.83)

यदाःकामं पुरस्कृत्य सर्वे देवाः सवासवाः॥ पदभ्रष्टाश्च दुःखेन व्याप्ता दैन्यं समाश्रिताः

yadāḥkāmaṃ puraskṛtya sarve devāḥ savāsavāḥ|| padabhraṣṭāśca duḥkhena vyāptā dainyaṃ samāśritāḥ

"It was by placing desire foremost that all of you gods, together with Indra, fell from your own positions, were overwhelmed with sorrow, and were forced to take refuge in wretchedness."

Verse 84 (skanda.1.21.84)

कामो हि नरकायैव सर्वेषां प्राणिनां ध्रुवम्॥ दुःखरूपी ह्यनंगोऽयं जानीध्वं मम भाषितम्

kāmo hi narakāyaiva sarveṣāṃ prāṇināṃ dhruvam|| duḥkharūpī hyanaṃgo'yaṃ jānīdhvaṃ mama bhāṣitam

"Desire alone, without doubt, leads every being to hell; this bodiless one is himself, in his very nature, sorrow — know this word of mine to be true."

Verse 85 (skanda.1.21.85)

तारकोऽपि दुराचारो निष्कामोऽद्य भविष्यति॥ विनाकामेन च कथं पापमाचरते नरः

tārako'pi durācāro niṣkāmo'dya bhaviṣyati|| vinākāmena ca kathaṃ pāpamācarate naraḥ

"Even the wicked Taraka shall now become free of desire; for how, without desire, could any man ever commit sin?"

Verse 86 (skanda.1.21.86)

तस्मात्कामो मया दग्धः सर्वेषां शांतिहेतवे॥ युष्माभिश्च सुरैः सर्वैरसुरैश्च महर्षिभिः

tasmātkāmo mayā dagdhaḥ sarveṣāṃ śāṃtihetave|| yuṣmābhiśca suraiḥ sarvairasuraiśca maharṣibhiḥ

"Therefore I have burned desire to ashes, for the peace of all beings alike; and you gods, all of you, together with the asuras and the great sages —"

Verse 87 (skanda.1.21.87)

अन्यैः प्राणिभिरेवात्र तपसे धीयतां मनः॥ कामक्रोधविहीनं च जगत्सर्वं मया कृतम्

anyaiḥ prāṇibhirevātra tapase dhīyatāṃ manaḥ|| kāmakrodhavihīnaṃ ca jagatsarvaṃ mayā kṛtam

"— and every other being besides, must now fix your minds upon penance alone; I have made this entire world free of desire and anger."

Verse 88 (skanda.1.21.88)

तस्मादेनं पापिनं दुःखमूलं न जीवयिष्यामि सुराः प्रतीक्ष्यताम्॥ निरन्तरं चात्मसुखप्रबोधमानंदलक्षणमागाधमनन्यरूपम्

tasmādenaṃ pāpinaṃ duḥkhamūlaṃ na jīvayiṣyāmi surāḥ pratīkṣyatām|| nirantaraṃ cātmasukhaprabodhamānaṃdalakṣaṇamāgādhamananyarūpam

"Therefore I shall not restore life to this sinful root of all sorrow; wait, O gods — the ceaseless awareness of one's own inner joy, marked by bliss, unfathomable and beyond all comparison, is what is best for all."

Verse 89 (skanda.1.21.89)

एवमुक्तास्तदा तेन शंभुना परमेष्ठिना॥ ऊचुर्महर्षयः सर्वे शकर लोकशंकरम्

evamuktāstadā tena śaṃbhunā parameṣṭhinā|| ūcurmaharṣayaḥ sarve śakara lokaśaṃkaram

Thus addressed by that supreme lord Shambhu, all the great sages then spoke to Shankara, bringer of good to all the worlds —

Verse 90 (skanda.1.21.90)

यदुक्तं भवता शंभो परं श्रेयस्करं हि नः॥ किं तु वक्ष्याम देवेश श्रूयतां चावधार्यताम्

yaduktaṃ bhavatā śaṃbho paraṃ śreyaskaraṃ hi naḥ|| kiṃ tu vakṣyāma deveśa śrūyatāṃ cāvadhāryatām

"O Shambhu, what you have said is indeed for our highest good; yet, O lord of the gods, we too wish to say something — please hear it and consider it well."

Verse 91 (skanda.1.21.91)

यथा सृष्टमिदं विश्वं कामक्रोधसमन्वितम्॥ तत्सर्वं कामरूपं हि स कामो न तु हन्यते

yathā sṛṣṭamidaṃ viśvaṃ kāmakrodhasamanvitam|| tatsarvaṃ kāmarūpaṃ hi sa kāmo na tu hanyate

"Just as this whole universe was created together with desire and anger, all of it is itself but the form of desire; therefore that desire can never truly be destroyed."

Verse 92 (skanda.1.21.92)

धर्मार्थकामामोक्षाश्च चत्वारो ह्येकरूपताम्॥ नीतायेन महादेव स कामोऽयं न हन्यते

dharmārthakāmāmokṣāśca catvāro hyekarūpatām|| nītāyena mahādeva sa kāmo'yaṃ na hanyate

"Dharma, artha, kama and moksha — these four goals of life are all reduced to a single nature, O Mahadeva; therefore this very desire cannot be destroyed."

Verse 93 (skanda.1.21.93)

कथं त्वया हि संदग्धः कामो हि दुरतिक्रमः॥ येन संघटितं विश्वमाब्रह्मस्थावरात्मकम्

kathaṃ tvayā hi saṃdagdhaḥ kāmo hi duratikramaḥ|| yena saṃghaṭitaṃ viśvamābrahmasthāvarātmakam

"How could you have burned to ashes this desire, so hard to overcome, by which this entire universe, from Brahma down to the very stones, has been fashioned together?"

Verse 94 (skanda.1.21.94)

कामेन हीयते विश्वं कामेन पाल्यते॥ कामेनोत्पद्यते विश्वं तस्मात्कामो महाबलः

kāmena hīyate viśvaṃ kāmena pālyate|| kāmenotpadyate viśvaṃ tasmātkāmo mahābalaḥ

"By desire the universe is diminished, by desire it is sustained, and by desire the universe is brought into being; therefore desire is of the greatest power."

Verse 95 (skanda.1.21.95)

यस्मात्क्रोधो भवत्युग्रो येन त्वं च वशीकृतः॥ तस्मात्कामं महादेव संबोधयितुमर्हसि

yasmātkrodho bhavatyugro yena tvaṃ ca vaśīkṛtaḥ|| tasmātkāmaṃ mahādeva saṃbodhayitumarhasi

"That from which even fierce anger arises, and by which you yourself were once overcome — O Mahadeva, it is therefore fitting that you restore this very desire to life."

Verse 96 (skanda.1.21.96)

त्वया संपादितो देव मदनो हि महाबलः॥ समर्थो हि समर्थत्वात्तत्सामर्थ्यं करिष्यति

tvayā saṃpādito deva madano hi mahābalaḥ|| samartho hi samarthatvāttatsāmarthyaṃ kariṣyati

"O god, it was by you yourself that this mighty Madana was brought into being; he is capable, and by that very capability, he shall accomplish what needs to be done."

Verse 97 (skanda.1.21.97)

ऋषिभिश्चैवमुक्तोऽपि द्विगुणं रूपमास्थितः॥ चक्षुषा हि तृतीयेन दग्धुकामो हरस्तदा

ṛṣibhiścaivamukto'pi dviguṇaṃ rūpamāsthitaḥ|| cakṣuṣā hi tṛtīyena dagdhukāmo harastadā

Even though thus addressed by the sages, Hara took on a form doubled in its fierceness, and once more showed his will to burn all with his third eye.

Verse 98 (skanda.1.21.98)

मुनिभिश्चारणैः सिद्धैर्गणैश्चापि सदाशिवः॥ स्तुतश्च वंदितो रुद्रः पिनाकी वृषवाहनः

munibhiścāraṇaiḥ siddhairgaṇaiścāpi sadāśivaḥ|| stutaśca vaṃdito rudraḥ pinākī vṛṣavāhanaḥ

Then Sadashiva was praised and reverenced by the sages, charanas, siddhas and attendant hosts alike — that Rudra, bow-bearer, mounted upon his bull.

Verse 99 (skanda.1.21.99)

मदनं च तथा दग्ध्वा त्यक्त्वा तं पर्वतं रुषा॥ हिमवंताभिधं सद्यस्तिरोधानगतोऽभवत्

madanaṃ ca tathā dagdhvā tyaktvā taṃ parvataṃ ruṣā|| himavaṃtābhidhaṃ sadyastirodhānagato'bhavat

Thus having burned Madana to ashes, and in his fury forsaking that mountain named Himavan, he vanished from sight in that very instant.

Verse 100 (skanda.1.21.100)

तिरोधानगतं देवी वीक्ष्य दग्धं च मन्मथम्॥ सकोकिलं सचूतं च सभृंगं सहचंपकम्

tirodhānagataṃ devī vīkṣya dagdhaṃ ca manmatham|| sakokilaṃ sacūtaṃ ca sabhṛṃgaṃ sahacaṃpakam

Beholding him vanish, and Manmatha now burned to ashes, that whole world of the cuckoo, the mango blossom, the bee, and the champaka —

Verse 101 (skanda.1.21.101)

तथैव दग्धं मदनं विलोक्य रत्या विलापं च तदा मनस्विनी॥ सबाष्पदीर्घं विमना विमृस्य कथं स रुद्रो वशगो भवेन्मम

tathaiva dagdhaṃ madanaṃ vilokya ratyā vilāpaṃ ca tadā manasvinī|| sabāṣpadīrghaṃ vimanā vimṛsya kathaṃ sa rudro vaśago bhavenmama

— beholding all this, Rati, that spirited woman, wept long and bitterly; and, drawing a long, tear-filled breath, downcast, she thought: "How now shall that Rudra ever come under my sway?"

Verse 102 (skanda.1.21.102)

एवं विमृश्य सुचिरं गिरिजा तदानीं संमोहमाप च सती हि तथा बभाषे॥ संमुह्यमाना रुदतीं निरीश्यरतिर्महारूपवतीं मनस्विनीम्

evaṃ vimṛśya suciraṃ girijā tadānīṃ saṃmohamāpa ca satī hi tathā babhāṣe|| saṃmuhyamānā rudatīṃ nirīśyaratirmahārūpavatīṃ manasvinīm

Thus reflecting for a long while, Girija too, at that time, fell into deep sorrow; and seeing Rati, that most beautiful and spirited woman, weeping and near collapse, that virtuous goddess spoke —

Verse 103 (skanda.1.21.103)

मा विषादं कुरु सखि मदनं जीवयाम्यहम्॥ त्वदर्थं भो विशालाक्षि तपसाऽराधयाम्यहम्

mā viṣādaṃ kuru sakhi madanaṃ jīvayāmyaham|| tvadarthaṃ bho viśālākṣi tapasā'rādhayāmyaham

"Do not grieve, my friend; I shall bring Madana back to life. O wide-eyed one, for your very sake, I shall propitiate him through penance."

Verse 104 (skanda.1.21.104)

हरं रुद्रं विरुपाक्षं देवदेवं जगद्गुरुम्॥ मा चिंतां कुरु सुश्रोमि मदनं जीवयाम्यहम्

haraṃ rudraṃ virupākṣaṃ devadevaṃ jagadgurum|| mā ciṃtāṃ kuru suśromi madanaṃ jīvayāmyaham

"— of Hara, Rudra, Virupaksha, the god of gods, the teacher of the universe. O lovely-eyed one, do not be anxious; I shall surely bring Madana back to life."

Verse 105 (skanda.1.21.105)

एवम श्वास्य तां साध्वी गिरिजां रतिरंजसा॥ तपस्तेपे च सुमहत्पतिं प्राप्तुं सुमध्यमा

evama śvāsya tāṃ sādhvī girijāṃ ratiraṃjasā|| tapastepe ca sumahatpatiṃ prāptuṃ sumadhyamā

Thus, having swiftly consoled Rati, that virtuous Girija, slender of waist, began the most immense penance, in order to win her own husband.

Verse 106 (skanda.1.21.106)

मदनो यत्र दग्धश्च रुद्रेण परमात्मना॥ तप्यमानां तपस्तत्र नारदो ददृशे तदा

madano yatra dagdhaśca rudreṇa paramātmanā|| tapyamānāṃ tapastatra nārado dadṛśe tadā

There, at the very spot where Madana had been burned to ashes by Rudra in his supreme form, Narada then beheld that Rati, likewise engaged in her own penance.

Verse 107 (skanda.1.21.107)

उवाच गत्वा सहसा भामिनीं रतिमंतिके॥ कस्यासि त्वं विशालाक्षि केन वा तप्यते तपः

uvāca gatvā sahasā bhāminīṃ ratimaṃtike|| kasyāsi tvaṃ viśālākṣi kena vā tapyate tapaḥ

Going suddenly close to that lovely Rati, he said: "O wide-eyed one, whose are you, and for whom do you perform this penance?"

Verse 108 (skanda.1.21.108)

तरुणी रूपसंपन्ना सौभाग्येन परेण हि॥ नारदस्य वचः श्रुत्वा रोषेण महता तदा॥ उवाच वाक्यं मधुरं किंचिन्निष्ठुरमेव च

taruṇī rūpasaṃpannā saubhāgyena pareṇa hi|| nāradasya vacaḥ śrutvā roṣeṇa mahatā tadā|| uvāca vākyaṃ madhuraṃ kiṃcinniṣṭhurameva ca

That young woman, blessed with the greatest good fortune and beauty, hearing Narada's words, was filled with great fury, and spoke words both sweet and somewhat harsh.

Verse 109 (skanda.1.21.109)

॥रतिरुवाच॥ नारदोऽसि मया ज्ञातः कुमारस्त्वं न संशयः॥ स्वस्वरूपादर्शनं च कर्तुमर्हसि सुव्रत

||ratiruvāca|| nārado'si mayā jñātaḥ kumārastvaṃ na saṃśayaḥ|| svasvarūpādarśanaṃ ca kartumarhasi suvrata

Rati said: "I know you well, Narada; you are, without doubt, ever a bachelor. O virtuous one, you should look first to your own true nature."

Verse 110 (skanda.1.21.110)

यथागतेन मार्गेण गच्छ त्वं मा विलंबितम्॥ बटो न किंचिज्जानासि केवलं कलिकृन्महान्

yathāgatena mārgeṇa gaccha tvaṃ mā vilaṃbitam|| baṭo na kiṃcijjānāsi kevalaṃ kalikṛnmahān

"Go back the way you came, and delay no longer; O boy, you know nothing at all — you are but a great sower of discord."

Verse 111 (skanda.1.21.111)

परस्त्रीकामुकाः क्षुद्रा विटा व्यसनिनश्च ये॥ तथा ह्यकर्मिणः स्तब्धास्तेषां मध्ये त्वमग्रणीः

parastrīkāmukāḥ kṣudrā viṭā vyasaninaśca ye|| tathā hyakarmiṇaḥ stabdhāsteṣāṃ madhye tvamagraṇīḥ

"Among the petty, the lecherous, those who lust after other men's wives, the dissolute, the idle and the arrogant, you yourself stand foremost."

Verse 112 (skanda.1.21.112)

एवं निर्भर्त्सितो रत्या नारदो मुनिसत्तमः॥ स्वयं जगाम त्वरीतं शंबरं दैत्यपुंगवम्

evaṃ nirbhartsito ratyā nārado munisattamaḥ|| svayaṃ jagāma tvarītaṃ śaṃbaraṃ daityapuṃgavam

Thus rebuked by Rati, Narada, foremost of sages, himself went swiftly to Shambara, that foremost of daityas.

Verse 113 (skanda.1.21.113)

शशंस दैत्यराजाय दग्धं मदनमेव च॥ रुद्रेण क्रोधयुक्तेन तस्य भार्या मनस्विनी

śaśaṃsa daityarājāya dagdhaṃ madanameva ca|| rudreṇa krodhayuktena tasya bhāryā manasvinī

He told the lord of the daityas that the enraged Rudra had burned Madana to ashes, and that his spirited wife —

Verse 114 (skanda.1.21.114)

तामानय महाभाग भार्यां कुरु महाबल॥ अतीव रूपसंपन्ना या आनीतास्त्वयानघ॥ तासां मध्ये रूपवती रतिः सा मदनप्रिया

tāmānaya mahābhāga bhāryāṃ kuru mahābala|| atīva rūpasaṃpannā yā ānītāstvayānagha|| tāsāṃ madhye rūpavatī ratiḥ sā madanapriyā

"O most fortunate one, bring her here and make her your own wife, O mighty one. O sinless one, among all those most beautiful women you have already brought here, the most beautiful of all is this very Rati, beloved of Madana."

Verse 115 (skanda.1.21.115)

एवमाकर्ण्य वचनं देवर्षेर्भावितात्मनः॥ जगाम सहसा तत्र यत्रास्ते सा सुशोभना

evamākarṇya vacanaṃ devarṣerbhāvitātmanaḥ|| jagāma sahasā tatra yatrāste sā suśobhanā

Hearing these words of the wise and thoughtful divine sage, he went at once, straight to the place where that lovely woman was.

Verse 116 (skanda.1.21.116)

तां दृष्ट्वा सु विशालाक्षीं रतिं मदनमोहिनीम्॥ उवाच प्रहसन्वाक्यं शंबरो देवसंकटः

tāṃ dṛṣṭvā su viśālākṣīṃ ratiṃ madanamohinīm|| uvāca prahasanvākyaṃ śaṃbaro devasaṃkaṭaḥ

Beholding that wide-eyed Rati, she who once enchanted even Madana himself, Shambara, that menace to the gods, spoke, laughing, these words —

Verse 117 (skanda.1.21.117)

एहि तन्वि मया सार्द्धं राज्यं भोगान्यथेष्टतः॥ भुंक्ष्व देवि प्रसादान्मे तपसा किं प्रयोजनम्

ehi tanvi mayā sārddhaṃ rājyaṃ bhogānyatheṣṭataḥ|| bhuṃkṣva devi prasādānme tapasā kiṃ prayojanam

"Come, O slender one, enjoy with me this kingdom and every pleasure you desire; O goddess, delight in my favour — what need have you now of penance?"

Verse 118 (skanda.1.21.118)

एवमुक्ता तदा तेन शंबरेण महात्मना॥ उवाच तन्वी मधुरं महिषी मदनस्य सा

evamuktā tadā tena śaṃbareṇa mahātmanā|| uvāca tanvī madhuraṃ mahiṣī madanasya sā

Thus addressed by the great-souled Shambara, that slender Rati, queen consort of Madana, spoke in a sweet voice —

Verse 119 (skanda.1.21.119)

विधवाहं महाबाहो नैवं भाषितुमर्हसि॥ राजा त्वं सर्वदैत्यानां लक्ष्णैः परिवारितः

vidhavāhaṃ mahābāho naivaṃ bhāṣitumarhasi|| rājā tvaṃ sarvadaityānāṃ lakṣṇaiḥ parivāritaḥ

"O mighty-armed one, I am now a widow; you should not speak to me thus. You are king of all the daityas, surrounded by every prosperity."

Verse 120 (skanda.1.21.120)

एतत्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा शंबरः काममोहितः॥ करे ग्रहीतु कामोऽसौ तदा रत्या निवारितः

etattadvacanaṃ śrutvā śaṃbaraḥ kāmamohitaḥ|| kare grahītu kāmo'sau tadā ratyā nivāritaḥ

Hearing this, Shambara, overcome with desire, sought to seize her hand, but Rati held him back.

Verse 121 (skanda.1.21.121)

विमृश्य मनसा सर्वमजेयत्वं च तस्य वै॥ मा स्पृश त्वं च रे मूढ मम संस्पर्शजेन वै

vimṛśya manasā sarvamajeyatvaṃ ca tasya vai|| mā spṛśa tvaṃ ca re mūḍha mama saṃsparśajena vai

Considering everything in her mind, and knowing well his invincibility, she said: "O fool, do not touch me —"

Verse 122 (skanda.1.21.122)

संपर्केण च दग्धोऽसि नान्यथा मम भाषितम्॥ तदोवाच महातेजाः शंबरः प्रहसन्निव

saṃparkeṇa ca dagdho'si nānyathā mama bhāṣitam|| tadovāca mahātejāḥ śaṃbaraḥ prahasanniva

"— by my very touch alone, you shall be burned to ashes; my word shall not prove otherwise." Then the mighty Shambara, smiling, said —

Verse 123 (skanda.1.21.123)

विभीषिकाभिर्बह्वीभिर्मां भीषयसि मानिनि॥ गच्छ शीघ्रं मम गृहं बहूक्त्या किं प्रयोजनम्

vibhīṣikābhirbahvībhirmāṃ bhīṣayasi mānini|| gaccha śīghraṃ mama gṛhaṃ bahūktyā kiṃ prayojanam

"O proud one, you seek to frighten me with your many threats; what use is there in saying more? Come quickly to my house."

Verse 124 (skanda.1.21.124)

इत्युच्यमानेन तदा नीता सा प्रसभं तथा॥ स्वपुरं परमं तन्वी शंबरेण मनस्विनी

ityucyamānena tadā nītā sā prasabhaṃ tathā|| svapuraṃ paramaṃ tanvī śaṃbareṇa manasvinī

So saying, Shambara forcibly carried off that spirited, slender woman to his own supreme city.

Verse 125 (skanda.1.21.125)

कृता महानसेऽध्यक्षा नाम्ना मायावतीति च

kṛtā mahānase'dhyakṣā nāmnā māyāvatīti ca

There she was made overseer of the royal kitchen, and given the name Mayavati.

Verse 126 (skanda.1.21.126)

॥ऋषय ऊचुः॥ पार्वत्याधिकृतं सर्वं मदनानयनं प्रति॥ संबरेण हृतातन्वी मदनस्य प्रिया सती॥ अत ऊर्ध्वं तदा सूत किं जातं तत्र वर्ण्यताम्

||ṛṣaya ūcuḥ|| pārvatyādhikṛtaṃ sarvaṃ madanānayanaṃ prati|| saṃbareṇa hṛtātanvī madanasya priyā satī|| ata ūrdhvaṃ tadā sūta kiṃ jātaṃ tatra varṇyatām

The sages said: "This whole task of bringing Madana back was undertaken by Parvati, and yet that slender, virtuous wife of Madana was carried off by Shambara — O Suta, what happened there after this? Tell us."

Verse 127 (skanda.1.21.127)

॥सूत उवाच॥ गतं तदा शिवं दृष्ट्वा दग्ध्वा मदनमोजसा॥ पार्वती तपसा युक्ता स्थिता तत्रैव भामिनी

||sūta uvāca|| gataṃ tadā śivaṃ dṛṣṭvā dagdhvā madanamojasā|| pārvatī tapasā yuktā sthitā tatraiva bhāminī

Suta said: Having thus seen Shiva burn Madana to ashes with his own splendour and then depart, that lovely Parvati, absorbed in her penance, remained there still.

Verse 128 (skanda.1.21.128)

पित्रा तेन तदा तन्वी मात्रा चैव विचारिता॥ बाले एहि गृहे शीघ्रं मा श्रमं कर्तुमर्हसि

pitrā tena tadā tanvī mātrā caiva vicāritā|| bāle ehi gṛhe śīghraṃ mā śramaṃ kartumarhasi

Then her own father and mother spoke with that slender girl: "O child, come home swiftly; there is no need now to undergo further hardship."

Verse 129 (skanda.1.21.129)

उक्ता ताभ्यां तदा साध्वी गिरिजा वाक्यमब्रवीत्

uktā tābhyāṃ tadā sādhvī girijā vākyamabravīt

Thus addressed by both of them, that virtuous Girija spoke these words —

Verse 130 (skanda.1.21.130)

॥पार्वत्युवाच॥ नागच्छामि गृहं मातस्तात मे श्रृणु तत्त्वतः॥ वाक्यं धर्मार्थयुक्तं च येन त्वं तोषमेष्यसि

||pārvatyuvāca|| nāgacchāmi gṛhaṃ mātastāta me śrṛṇu tattvataḥ|| vākyaṃ dharmārthayuktaṃ ca yena tvaṃ toṣameṣyasi

Parvati said: "Mother, I shall not come home; father, hear this word of mine, rooted in dharma and right conduct, in its true form, by which you both shall find satisfaction."

Verse 131 (skanda.1.21.131)

शंभुः परेषां परमो दग्धो येन महाबलः॥ मदनो मम सान्निध्यमानयेऽत्रैव तं शिवम्

śaṃbhuḥ pareṣāṃ paramo dagdho yena mahābalaḥ|| madano mama sānnidhyamānaye'traiva taṃ śivam

"That mighty Shambhu, who burned to ashes even another's Madana — that very Shiva shall I bring here, into my own presence."

Verse 132 (skanda.1.21.132)

दुर्लभोहि तदा शंभुः प्राणिनां गृहमिच्छताम्॥ नागच्छामि गृहं मातस्तस्मात्सर्वं विमृश्यताम्

durlabhohi tadā śaṃbhuḥ prāṇināṃ gṛhamicchatām|| nāgacchāmi gṛhaṃ mātastasmātsarvaṃ vimṛśyatām

"That Shambhu, who is hard to attain even for beings who wish for a household of their own — O mother, it is for this very reason that I shall not come home; therefore consider this whole matter well yourselves."

Verse 133 (skanda.1.21.133)

तदोवाच महातेजा हिमवान्स्वसुतां प्रति॥ दुराराध्यः शिवः साक्षात्सर्वदेवनमस्कृतः॥ त्वया प्राप्तुमशक्यो हि तस्मात्त्वं स्वगृहं व्रज

tadovāca mahātejā himavānsvasutāṃ prati|| durārādhyaḥ śivaḥ sākṣātsarvadevanamaskṛtaḥ|| tvayā prāptumaśakyo hi tasmāttvaṃ svagṛhaṃ vraja

Then the radiant Himavan said to his own daughter: "Shiva himself, before whom every god bows in homage, is exceedingly hard to propitiate; it is impossible for you to attain him — therefore return now to your own home."

Verse 134 (skanda.1.21.134)

सा बाष्पपूरितेनैव कंठेन स्वसुतां प्रति॥ उवाच मेना तन्वंगियाहि शीघ्रं गृहं प्रति

sā bāṣpapūritenaiva kaṃṭhena svasutāṃ prati|| uvāca menā tanvaṃgiyāhi śīghraṃ gṛhaṃ prati

With a throat choked with tears, Mena too said to her slender daughter: "O tender-limbed one, come home quickly."

Verse 135 (skanda.1.21.135)

तदा प्रहस्य चोवाच मातरं प्रति पार्वती॥ प्रतिज्ञां श्रृणु मे मातस्तपसा परमेण हि

tadā prahasya covāca mātaraṃ prati pārvatī|| pratijñāṃ śrṛṇu me mātastapasā parameṇa hi

Then Parvati, smiling, said to her mother: "Mother, hear my vow — through the most supreme penance alone —"

Verse 136 (skanda.1.21.136)

अत्रैव तं समानीय वरयामि विचक्षणम्॥ नाशयामि रुद्रस्य रुद्रत्वं वारवर्णिनि

atraiva taṃ samānīya varayāmi vicakṣaṇam|| nāśayāmi rudrasya rudratvaṃ vāravarṇini

"— I shall bring him here, and, O discerning one, choose him for my own; I shall destroy that very Rudra-hood of Rudra himself."

Verse 137 (skanda.1.21.137)

सुखरूपं परित्यज्य गिरिजा च मनस्विनी॥ शंभोरारधनं चक्रे परमेण समाधिना

sukharūpaṃ parityajya girijā ca manasvinī|| śaṃbhorāradhanaṃ cakre parameṇa samādhinā

Casting aside a life of comfort, that spirited Girija began to worship Shambhu through the deepest meditation.

Verse 138 (skanda.1.21.138)

जया च विजया चैव माधवी च सुलोचना॥ सुश्रुता च श्रुता चैव तथैव च शुकी परा

jayā ca vijayā caiva mādhavī ca sulocanā|| suśrutā ca śrutā caiva tathaiva ca śukī parā

Jaya and Vijaya, Madhavi and Sulochana, Sushruta and Shruta, and the excellent Shuki —

Verse 139 (skanda.1.21.139)

प्रम्लोचा सुभगा श्यामा चित्रांगी चारुणी स्वधा॥ एताश्चान्याश्च बहवः सख्यस्ता गिरिजां प्रति॥ उपासांचक्रिरे सा च देवगर्भा च भामिनी

pramlocā subhagā śyāmā citrāṃgī cāruṇī svadhā|| etāścānyāśca bahavaḥ sakhyastā girijāṃ prati|| upāsāṃcakrire sā ca devagarbhā ca bhāminī

Pramlocha, Subhaga, Shyama, Chitrangi, Charuni, Svadha — these, and many other companions besides, devoted themselves to Girija's service; and that lovely one, of divine descent —

Verse 140 (skanda.1.21.140)

तपसा परमोग्रेण चरंती चारुहासिनी॥ मदनो यत्र दग्धश्च रुद्रेण च महात्मना॥ तत्रैव वेदिं कृत्वा च तस्योपरि सुसंस्थिता

tapasā paramogreṇa caraṃtī cāruhāsinī|| madano yatra dagdhaśca rudreṇa ca mahātmanā|| tatraiva vediṃ kṛtvā ca tasyopari susaṃsthitā

— that sweetly-smiling one, performing the most severe penance, went to that very place where Madana had been burned by the great-souled Rudra, and there, building an altar, sat down firmly upon it.

Verse 141 (skanda.1.21.141)

त्यक्त्वा जलाशनं बाला पर्णादा ह्यभवच्च सा॥ ततः साऽर्द्राणि पर्णानि त्यक्त्वा शुष्काणि चाददे

tyaktvā jalāśanaṃ bālā parṇādā hyabhavacca sā|| tataḥ sā'rdrāṇi parṇāni tyaktvā śuṣkāṇi cādade

That young girl gave up both water and food, and lived only upon leaves; then she gave up even moist leaves, and took only dry ones.

Verse 142 (skanda.1.21.142)

शुष्काणि चैव पर्णानि नाशितानि तया यदा॥ अपर्णेति च विख्याता बभुव तनुमध्यमा

śuṣkāṇi caiva parṇāni nāśitāni tayā yadā|| aparṇeti ca vikhyātā babhuva tanumadhyamā

When she gave up even those dry leaves, that slender-waisted one became renowned by the name Aparna.

Verse 143 (skanda.1.21.143)

वायुपानरता जाता अंबुपानादनंतरम्॥ कालक्रमेण महता बभूव गिरिजा सती॥ एकांगुष्ठेन च तदा दधार च निजं वपुः

vāyupānaratā jātā aṃbupānādanaṃtaram|| kālakrameṇa mahatā babhūva girijā satī|| ekāṃguṣṭhena ca tadā dadhāra ca nijaṃ vapuḥ

After giving up even the drinking of water, she took to living on air alone; and in the course of time, that virtuous Girija came to sustain her very body on the support of a single toe.

Verse 144 (skanda.1.21.144)

एवमुग्रेण तपसा शंकराराधनं सती॥ चकार परया तुष्ट्या शंभोः प्रीत्यर्थमेव च

evamugreṇa tapasā śaṃkarārādhanaṃ satī|| cakāra parayā tuṣṭyā śaṃbhoḥ prītyarthameva ca

Thus, through this most severe penance, that virtuous woman, with the greatest contentment, continued her worship of Shankara, solely for Shambhu's own delight.

Verse 145 (skanda.1.21.145)

परं भावं समाश्रित्य जगन्मंगलमंगला॥ तुष्ट्यर्थं च महेशस्य तताप परमं तपः

paraṃ bhāvaṃ samāśritya jaganmaṃgalamaṃgalā|| tuṣṭyarthaṃ ca maheśasya tatāpa paramaṃ tapaḥ

That goddess, the auspiciousness within all that is auspicious in the world, taking refuge in the highest devotion, continued her supreme penance, only for Mahesha's satisfaction.

Verse 146 (skanda.1.21.146)

एवं दिव्यसहस्राणि वर्षाणि च तताप वै॥ हिमा लयस्तदागत्य पार्वतीं कृतनिश्चयाम्

evaṃ divyasahasrāṇi varṣāṇi ca tatāpa vai|| himā layastadāgatya pārvatīṃ kṛtaniścayām

Thus did she perform penance for a thousand divine years; then Himalaya came there and spoke to Parvati, now firm in her resolve —

Verse 147 (skanda.1.21.147)

सभार्यः स सुतामाप्त उवाच च महासतीम्॥ मा खिद्यतां महादेवि तपसानेन भामिनि

sabhāryaḥ sa sutāmāpta uvāca ca mahāsatīm|| mā khidyatāṃ mahādevi tapasānena bhāmini

Finding his daughter in this condition, together with his wife, he said to that great and virtuous woman: "O great goddess, O lovely one, do not grieve through this penance."

Verse 148 (skanda.1.21.148)

क्व रुद्रो दृश्यते बाले विरक्तो नात्र संशयः॥ त्वं तन्वी तरुणी बाला तपसा च विमोहिता

kva rudro dṛśyate bāle virakto nātra saṃśayaḥ|| tvaṃ tanvī taruṇī bālā tapasā ca vimohitā

"O child, where is Rudra even to be seen? He is, without doubt, wholly detached; you are but a tender, young girl, who has been led astray by this very penance."

Verse 149 (skanda.1.21.149)

भविष्यति न संदेहः सत्यं प्रतिवदामि ते॥ तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ याह्याशु स्वगृहं वरवर्णिनि

bhaviṣyati na saṃdehaḥ satyaṃ prativadāmi te|| tasmāduttiṣṭha yāhyāśu svagṛhaṃ varavarṇini

"Of this there is no doubt; I speak the truth to you. Therefore, O lovely one, rise and go quickly to your own home."

Verse 150 (skanda.1.21.150)

किं तेन तव रुद्रेण ये दग्धः पुराऽनघे॥ मदनो निर्विकारित्वात्तं कथं प्रार्थयिष्यसि

kiṃ tena tava rudreṇa ye dagdhaḥ purā'naghe|| madano nirvikāritvāttaṃ kathaṃ prārthayiṣyasi

"O sinless one, what use is there now for you in that Rudra, who once burned Madana himself to ashes? He is beyond all change — how could you ever entreat him?"

Verse 151 (skanda.1.21.151)

गगनस्थो यथा चंद्रो ग्रहीतुं न हि शक्यते॥ तथैव दुर्गमः शर्भुर्जानीहि त्वं शुचिस्मिते

gaganastho yathā caṃdro grahītuṃ na hi śakyate|| tathaiva durgamaḥ śarbhurjānīhi tvaṃ śucismite

"Just as the moon, set in the sky, cannot be seized by anyone, so too, O pure-smiling one, know Shambhu to be forever unattainable."

Verse 152 (skanda.1.21.152)

तथैव मेनया चोक्ता तथा सह्याद्रिणा सती॥ मेरुणा मंदरेणैव मैनाकेन तथैव च

tathaiva menayā coktā tathā sahyādriṇā satī|| meruṇā maṃdareṇaiva mainākena tathaiva ca

The Sahyadri, Meru, Mandara and Mainaka too, joining with Mena, spoke in just the same way to that virtuous woman —

Verse 153 (skanda.1.21.153)

एभिरुक्ता तदा तन्वी पार्वती तपसि स्थिता॥ उवाच प्रहसन्त्तेव हिमवंतं शुचिस्मिता

ebhiruktā tadā tanvī pārvatī tapasi sthitā|| uvāca prahasantteva himavaṃtaṃ śucismitā

Thus addressed by all of them, that slender Parvati, established in her penance, smiling, pure of laughter, spoke to Himavan —

Verse 154 (skanda.1.21.154)

पुरा प्रोक्तं त्वया तात अंब किं विस्मृतं त्वया॥ अधुनैव प्रतिज्ञां च श्रृणुध्वं मम बांधवाः

purā proktaṃ tvayā tāta aṃba kiṃ vismṛtaṃ tvayā|| adhunaiva pratijñāṃ ca śrṛṇudhvaṃ mama bāṃdhavāḥ

"O father, have you and mother forgotten the very word you once spoke yourselves? Now hear this vow of mine, O my kinsfolk —"

Verse 155 (skanda.1.21.155)

विरक्तोऽसौ महादेवो मदनो येन वै हतः॥ तं तोषयामि तपसा शंकरं लोकशंकरम्

virakto'sau mahādevo madano yena vai hataḥ|| taṃ toṣayāmi tapasā śaṃkaraṃ lokaśaṃkaram

"That great god who slew Madana and who now remains detached — that very Shankara, bringer of good to all the worlds, shall I satisfy through penance alone."

Verse 156 (skanda.1.21.156)

सर्वे यूयं च गच्छंतु नात्र कार्या विचारणा॥ दग्धो हि मदनो येन येन दग्धं गिरेर्वनम्

sarve yūyaṃ ca gacchaṃtu nātra kāryā vicāraṇā|| dagdho hi madano yena yena dagdhaṃ girervanam

"All of you may return now — there is no need for further deliberation; he who burned Madana to ashes, and by whom even this mountain's own forest was consumed —"

Verse 157 (skanda.1.21.157)

तमानयामि चात्रैव तपसा केवलेन हि॥ तपोबलेन महता सुसेव्यो हि सदाशिवः

tamānayāmi cātraiva tapasā kevalena hi|| tapobalena mahatā susevyo hi sadāśivaḥ

"— him alone shall I bring here, by penance alone; through the strength of great penance, Sadashiva becomes truly accessible."

Verse 158 (skanda.1.21.158)

तं जानीध्वं महाभागाः सत्यंसत्यं वदाम्यहम्

taṃ jānīdhvaṃ mahābhāgāḥ satyaṃsatyaṃ vadāmyaham

"Know this well, O most fortunate ones; what I say is the truth, the very truth."

Verse 159 (skanda.1.21.159)

संभाषमाणा जननीं तदानीं हिमालयं चैव तथा च मेनाम्॥ तथैव मेरुं मितभाषिणी तदा सा मंदरं पर्वतराजकन्या॥ जग्मुस्तदा तेन पथा च पर्वता यथागतेनापि विचक्षमाणाः

saṃbhāṣamāṇā jananīṃ tadānīṃ himālayaṃ caiva tathā ca menām|| tathaiva meruṃ mitabhāṣiṇī tadā sā maṃdaraṃ parvatarājakanyā|| jagmustadā tena pathā ca parvatā yathāgatenāpi vicakṣamāṇāḥ

Thus did that measured-speaking daughter of the mountain-king address her mother, Himalaya, Meru and Mandara at that time; and those mountains, too, returned by the very path they had come, going away deep in thought.

Verse 160 (skanda.1.21.160)

गतेषु तेषु सर्वेषु सखीभिः परिवारिता॥ तत्रैव च तपस्तेपे परमार्था सती तदा

gateṣu teṣu sarveṣu sakhībhiḥ parivāritā|| tatraiva ca tapastepe paramārthā satī tadā

When all of them had gone, that virtuous woman, established in the highest truth and surrounded by her companions, continued her penance there still.

Verse 161 (skanda.1.21.161)

तपसा तेन महता तप्तमासीच्चराचरम्॥ तदा सुरासुराः सर्वे ब्रह्माणं शरणं गताः॥ २१-१६१ ॥ ॥देवा ऊचुः॥ त्वया सृष्टमिदं सर्वं जगद्देव चराचरम्॥ त्रातुमर्हसि देवान्नस्त्वदन्यो नोपपद्यते

tapasā tena mahatā taptamāsīccarācaram|| tadā surāsurāḥ sarve brahmāṇaṃ śaraṇaṃ gatāḥ|| 21-161 || ||devā ūcuḥ|| tvayā sṛṣṭamidaṃ sarvaṃ jagaddeva carācaram|| trātumarhasi devānnastvadanyo nopapadyate

By that great penance, the whole world, moving and unmoving, grew scorched with heat; then all the gods and asuras took refuge with Brahma. The gods said: "O god, it is you who fashioned this entire world, moving and unmoving; you alone are fit to save the gods — none other than you will do."

Verse 162 (skanda.1.21.162)

अस्माकं रक्षणे शक्त इत्याकर्ण्य वचस्तदा॥ विमृश्य च तदा ब्रह्मा मनसा परमेण हि

asmākaṃ rakṣaṇe śakta ityākarṇya vacastadā|| vimṛśya ca tadā brahmā manasā parameṇa hi

Hearing their words — "I am capable of protecting you" — hearing this, Brahma reflected deeply, with the most supreme mind.

Verse 163 (skanda.1.21.163)

गिरिजातपसोद्भूतं दावाग्निं परमं महत्॥ ज्ञात्वा ब्रह्मा जगा माशु क्षीराब्धिं परमाद्भुतम्

girijātapasodbhūtaṃ dāvāgniṃ paramaṃ mahat|| jñātvā brahmā jagā māśu kṣīrābdhiṃ paramādbhutam

Knowing that this supreme and mighty wildfire had arisen from Girija's own penance, Brahma went at once to that most wondrous Ocean of Milk.

Verse 164 (skanda.1.21.164)

तत्र सुप्तं सुप्लयंके शेषाख्ये चातिशोभने॥ लक्ष्म्या पादोपयुगलं सेव्यमानं निरंतरम्

tatra suptaṃ suplayaṃke śeṣākhye cātiśobhane|| lakṣmyā pādopayugalaṃ sevyamānaṃ niraṃtaram

There, sleeping upon that most splendid and beautiful couch called Shesha, his two feet ceaselessly attended by Lakshmi —

Verse 165 (skanda.1.21.165)

दूरस्थेनापि तार्क्ष्येण नतकंधरधारिणा॥ सेव्यमानं श्रिया कांत्या क्षांत्या वृत्त्या दयादिभिः

dūrasthenāpi tārkṣyeṇa natakaṃdharadhāriṇā|| sevyamānaṃ śriyā kāṃtyā kṣāṃtyā vṛttyā dayādibhiḥ

— attended too, even from afar, by Tarkshya standing with bowed and humble neck, and accompanied by Shri, radiance, forbearance, right conduct, compassion and the rest —

Verse 166 (skanda.1.21.166)

नवशक्तियुतं विष्णुं पार्पदैः परिवारितम्॥ कुमुदोथ कुमुद्वांश्च सनकश्च सनंदनः

navaśaktiyutaṃ viṣṇuṃ pārpadaiḥ parivāritam|| kumudotha kumudvāṃśca sanakaśca sanaṃdanaḥ

— that Vishnu, endowed with the nine powers, surrounded by his own attendants — Kumuda, Kumudvan, Sanaka, Sanandana —

Verse 167 (skanda.1.21.167)

सनातनो महाभागः प्रसुप्तो विजयोऽरिजित्॥ जयंतश्च जयत्सेनो जयश्चैव महाप्रभः

sanātano mahābhāgaḥ prasupto vijayo'rijit|| jayaṃtaśca jayatseno jayaścaiva mahāprabhaḥ

— the most fortunate Sanatana, the sleeping Vijaya, Arijit, Jayanta, Jayatsena, and the mighty Jaya —

Verse 168 (skanda.1.21.168)

सनत्कुमारः सुतपा नारदश्चैव तुंबुरुः॥ पांचजन्यो महाशंखो गदा कौमोदकी तथा

sanatkumāraḥ sutapā nāradaścaiva tuṃburuḥ|| pāṃcajanyo mahāśaṃkho gadā kaumodakī tathā

— Sanatkumara, Sutapa, Narada, Tumburu, the great conch Panchajanya, and the mace Kaumodaki —

Verse 169 (skanda.1.21.169)

सुदर्शनं तथा चापं शार्ङ्गं च परमाद्भुतम्॥ एतानि वै रूपवंति दृष्टानि परमेष्ठिना

sudarśanaṃ tathā cāpaṃ śārṅgaṃ ca paramādbhutam|| etāni vai rūpavaṃti dṛṣṭāni parameṣṭhinā

— and the discus Sudarshana, and the most wondrous bow Sharnga — all these forms, most marvellous indeed, the supreme grandsire Brahma beheld there.

Verse 170 (skanda.1.21.170)

विष्णोः समीपे परमामनो भृशं समेत्य सर्वे सुरदानवास्तदा॥ विष्णुं चाहुः परमेष्ठिनां पतिं तीरे तदानीमुदधेर्महात्मनः

viṣṇoḥ samīpe paramāmano bhṛśaṃ sametya sarve suradānavāstadā|| viṣṇuṃ cāhuḥ parameṣṭhināṃ patiṃ tīre tadānīmudadhermahātmanaḥ

Drawing near to Vishnu, all the gods and danavas, filled with the greatest eagerness, spoke to Vishnu, lord even of the highest gods, there upon the shore of that great-souled ocean —

Verse 171 (skanda.1.21.171)

त्राहित्राहि महाविष्णो तप्तान्नः शरणागतान्॥ तपसोग्रेण महता पार्वत्याः परमेण हि॥ शेषासने चोपविष्ट उवाच परमेश्वरः

trāhitrāhi mahāviṣṇo taptānnaḥ śaraṇāgatān|| tapasogreṇa mahatā pārvatyāḥ parameṇa hi|| śeṣāsane copaviṣṭa uvāca parameśvaraḥ

"O great Vishnu, save us, save us — protect all of us, who have come to you for refuge, scorched by Parvati's most fierce penance." Then that supreme lord, seated upon the couch of Shesha, spoke —

Verse 172 (skanda.1.21.172)

युष्माभिः सहितश्चापि व्रजामि परमेश्वरम्॥ महादेवं प्रार्थयामो गिरिजां प्रति वै सुराः

yuṣmābhiḥ sahitaścāpi vrajāmi parameśvaram|| mahādevaṃ prārthayāmo girijāṃ prati vai surāḥ

"I too shall go with you to Mahadeva; O gods, together we shall all entreat Mahadeva concerning Girija herself."

Verse 173 (skanda.1.21.173)

पाणिग्रहार्थमधुना देवदेवः पिनाकधृक्॥ यथा नेष्यति तत्रैव करिष्यामोऽधुना वयम्

pāṇigrahārthamadhunā devadevaḥ pinākadhṛk|| yathā neṣyati tatraiva kariṣyāmo'dhunā vayam

"That the bow-bearing god of gods should now take her hand in marriage — for this very purpose, we shall now do whatever is fitting."

Verse 174 (skanda.1.21.174)

तस्माद्वयं गमिष्यामो यत्र रुद्रो महाप्रभुः॥ तपसोग्रेण संयुक्तो ह्यास्ते परममंगलः

tasmādvayaṃ gamiṣyāmo yatra rudro mahāprabhuḥ|| tapasogreṇa saṃyukto hyāste paramamaṃgalaḥ

"Therefore let us go to that very place where the great lord Rudra, joined to fierce penance, sits established, the most auspicious of all."

Verse 175 (skanda.1.21.175)

विष्णोस्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा ऊचुः सर्वे सुरासुराः॥ न यास्यामो वयं सर्वे विरूपाक्षं महाप्रभम्

viṣṇostadvacanaṃ śrutvā ūcuḥ sarve surāsurāḥ|| na yāsyāmo vayaṃ sarve virūpākṣaṃ mahāprabham

Hearing Vishnu's words, all the gods and asuras said: "We shall not go to that most powerful Virupaksha."

Verse 176 (skanda.1.21.176)

यदा दग्धः पुरा तेन मदनो दुरतिक्रमः॥ तथैव धक्ष्यत्यस्माकं नात्र कार्या विचारणा

yadā dagdhaḥ purā tena madano duratikramaḥ|| tathaiva dhakṣyatyasmākaṃ nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

"Just as he once burned that unassailable Madana to ashes, so too shall he burn us — there is no need to deliberate over this."

Verse 177 (skanda.1.21.177)

प्रहस्य भगवान्विष्णुरुवाच परमेश्वरः॥ मा भयं क्रियतां सर्वैः शिवरूपी सदाशिवः

prahasya bhagavānviṣṇuruvāca parameśvaraḥ|| mā bhayaṃ kriyatāṃ sarvaiḥ śivarūpī sadāśivaḥ

The blessed lord Vishnu, the supreme lord, said, laughing: "Let none of you be afraid; Sadashiva, auspicious in his very form —"

Verse 178 (skanda.1.21.178)

स न धक्ष्यति सर्वेषां देवानां भयनाशनः॥ तस्माद्भवद्भिर्गतव्यं मया सार्द्धं विचक्षणाः

sa na dhakṣyati sarveṣāṃ devānāṃ bhayanāśanaḥ|| tasmādbhavadbhirgatavyaṃ mayā sārddhaṃ vicakṣaṇāḥ

"— he is the destroyer of every fear among the gods; he shall not burn us. Therefore, O discerning ones, you must all come with me."

Verse 179 (skanda.1.21.179)

शंभुं पुराणं पुरुषं ह्यधीशं वरेण्यरूपं च परं पराणाम्॥ तपो जुषाणं परमार्थरूपं परात्परं तं शरणं व्रजामि

śaṃbhuṃ purāṇaṃ puruṣaṃ hyadhīśaṃ vareṇyarūpaṃ ca paraṃ parāṇām|| tapo juṣāṇaṃ paramārtharūpaṃ parātparaṃ taṃ śaraṇaṃ vrajāmi

I take refuge in that Shambhu — the primeval being, the supreme lord, of most excellent form, highest among the high, absorbed in penance, the very embodiment of ultimate truth, beyond even the beyond.