The Description of Shri Shiva's Wedding

Verse 1 (skanda.1.23.1)

॥लोमश उवाच॥ एतस्मिन्नंतरे तत्र महेशेन प्रणोदिताः॥ आजग्मुः सहसा सद्य ऋषयोऽपि हिमालयम्

||lomaśa uvāca|| etasminnaṃtare tatra maheśena praṇoditāḥ|| ājagmuḥ sahasā sadya ṛṣayo'pi himālayam

Lomasha said: Meanwhile, sent forth by Mahesha, the sages too arrived suddenly and swiftly at the abode of the Himalaya.

Verse 2 (skanda.1.23.2)

तान्दृष्ट्वा सहसोत्थाय हिमाद्रिः प्रतिमानसः॥ पूजयामास तान्सर्वानुवाच नतकंधरः

tāndṛṣṭvā sahasotthāya himādriḥ pratimānasaḥ|| pūjayāmāsa tānsarvānuvāca natakaṃdharaḥ

Seeing them, the Himalaya rose at once, his mind alert, and honoured them all; bowing his head, he then spoke.

Verse 3 (skanda.1.23.3)

किमर्थमागता यूयं ब्रूतागमनकारणम्॥ तदोचुः सप्त ऋषयो महेशप्रेरिता वयम्

kimarthamāgatā yūyaṃ brūtāgamanakāraṇam|| tadocuḥ sapta ṛṣayo maheśapreritā vayam

"Why have you come? Tell me the reason for your visit." Then the seven sages said: "We are sent here by Mahesha.

Verse 4 (skanda.1.23.4)

समागतास्त्वत्सकाशं कन्यायाश्च विलोकने॥ तानस्मान्विद्धि भोः शैल स्वां कन्यां दर्शयाशु वै

samāgatāstvatsakāśaṃ kanyāyāśca vilokane|| tānasmānviddhi bhoḥ śaila svāṃ kanyāṃ darśayāśu vai

and have come into your presence to see your daughter. Know us thus, O mountain; show us your daughter at once."

Verse 5 (skanda.1.23.5)

तथेत्युक्त्वा ऋषिगणानानीता तत्र पार्वती॥ स्वोत्संगे परिगृह्याशु गिरीन्द्रः पुत्रवत्सलः॥ हिमवान्गिरिराजोऽथ उवाच प्रहसन्निव

tathetyuktvā ṛṣigaṇānānītā tatra pārvatī|| svotsaṃge parigṛhyāśu girīndraḥ putravatsalaḥ|| himavāngirirājo'tha uvāca prahasanniva

Saying "so be it" to the sages, Parvati was then brought there; taking her at once upon his own lap, that lord of mountains, ever fond of his daughter, Himavan the king of mountains, spoke, as though smiling.

Verse 6 (skanda.1.23.6)

इयं सुता मदीया हि वाक्यं श्रुणुत मे पुनः॥ तपस्विनां वरिष्ठऽसौ विरक्तो मदनांतकः

iyaṃ sutā madīyā hi vākyaṃ śruṇuta me punaḥ|| tapasvināṃ variṣṭha'sau virakto madanāṃtakaḥ

"This is my daughter; hear my words once again. That slayer of Madana is the foremost of ascetics, utterly detached —

Verse 7 (skanda.1.23.7)

कथमुद्वहनार्थी च येनानंगः कृत स्मरः॥ अत्यासन्नेचातिदूरे आढ्ये धनविवर्जिते॥ वृत्तिहीने च मूर्खे च कन्यादानं न शस्यते

kathamudvahanārthī ca yenānaṃgaḥ kṛta smaraḥ|| atyāsannecātidūre āḍhye dhanavivarjite|| vṛttihīne ca mūrkhe ca kanyādānaṃ na śasyate

how can he, who reduced Kama to a bodiless being, now desire marriage?"

Verse 8 (skanda.1.23.8)

मूढाय च विरक्ताय आत्मसंभाविताय च॥ आतुराय प्रमत्ताय कन्यादानं न कारयेत्

mūḍhāya ca viraktāya ātmasaṃbhāvitāya ca|| āturāya pramattāya kanyādānaṃ na kārayet

"A daughter should not be given to one too closely related, nor to one too distant, whether wealthy or penniless, without means of livelihood, or foolish.

Verse 9 (skanda.1.23.9)

तस्मान्मया विचार्यैव भवद्भिर्ऋषिसत्तमाः॥ प्रदातव्या महेशाय एतन्मे व्रतमुत्तमम्

tasmānmayā vicāryaiva bhavadbhirṛṣisattamāḥ|| pradātavyā maheśāya etanme vratamuttamam

Nor should a daughter be given to one who is deluded, detached from the world, self-conceited, afflicted, or careless."

Verse 10 (skanda.1.23.10)

तच्छ्रुत्वा गिरिराजस्य वचनं ते महर्षयः॥ एकपद्येन ऊचुस्ते प्रहस्य च हिमालयम्

tacchrutvā girirājasya vacanaṃ te maharṣayaḥ|| ekapadyena ūcuste prahasya ca himālayam

"Therefore, O best of sages, only after due deliberation with you shall I decide whether she is to be given to Mahesha — this is my solemn resolve."

Verse 11 (skanda.1.23.11)

यया कृतं तपस्तीव्रं यया चाराधितः शिवः॥ तपसा तेन संतुष्टः प्रसन्नोद्य सदाशिवः

yayā kṛtaṃ tapastīvraṃ yayā cārādhitaḥ śivaḥ|| tapasā tena saṃtuṣṭaḥ prasannodya sadāśivaḥ

Hearing these words of the king of mountains, those great sages, speaking with one voice, laughingly said to the Himalaya:

Verse 12 (skanda.1.23.12)

अस्यास्तस्य च भोः शैल न जानासि च किंचन॥ महिमानं परं चैव तस्मादेनां प्रयच्छ वै

asyāstasya ca bhoḥ śaila na jānāsi ca kiṃcana|| mahimānaṃ paraṃ caiva tasmādenāṃ prayaccha vai

"By her such fierce austerity was undertaken, and by her Shiva himself was won over; pleased by that very austerity, Sadashiva today rejoices."

Verse 13 (skanda.1.23.13)

शिवाय गिरिजामेनां कुरुष्य वचनं हि नः॥ तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तेषामृषीणां भावितात्मनाम्

śivāya girijāmenāṃ kuruṣya vacanaṃ hi naḥ|| tacchrutvā vacanaṃ teṣāmṛṣīṇāṃ bhāvitātmanām

"O mountain, you know nothing at all of her greatness, nor of his supreme majesty; therefore give her to him."

Verse 14 (skanda.1.23.14)

उवाच त्वरया युक्तः पर्वतान्पर्वतेश्वरः॥ हे मेरो हे निषधकिं गन्धमादन मन्दर॥ मैनाक क्रियतामद्य शंसध्वं च यथातथम्

uvāca tvarayā yuktaḥ parvatānparvateśvaraḥ|| he mero he niṣadhakiṃ gandhamādana mandara|| maināka kriyatāmadya śaṃsadhvaṃ ca yathātatham

"Give this Girija to Shiva; heed our word." Hearing these words of those sages of purified soul,

Verse 15 (skanda.1.23.15)

मेना तदा उवाचेदं वाक्यं वाक्यविशारदा॥ अधुना किं विमशन कृतं कार्यं तदैव हि

menā tadā uvācedaṃ vākyaṃ vākyaviśāradā|| adhunā kiṃ vimaśana kṛtaṃ kāryaṃ tadaiva hi

the lord of mountains spoke at once, with urgency, to the mountains: "O Meru, O Nishadha, O Gandhamadana, O Mandara, O Mainaka — decide this today, and tell me truly what is to be done."

Verse 16 (skanda.1.23.16)

उत्पन्नेयं महाभागा देवकार्यार्थमेव च॥ प्रदातव्या शिवायेति शिवस्यार्थेऽवतारिता

utpanneyaṃ mahābhāgā devakāryārthameva ca|| pradātavyā śivāyeti śivasyārthe'vatāritā

Then Mena, skilled in speech, spoke thus: "What need is there now for deliberation? This matter was already settled long ago."

Verse 17 (skanda.1.23.17)

अनयाराधितो रुद्रो रुद्रेण परिभाविता॥ इयं महाभागा शिवाय प्रतिदीयताम्

anayārādhito rudro rudreṇa paribhāvitā|| iyaṃ mahābhāgā śivāya pratidīyatām

"This most blessed girl was born solely for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose; she must be given to Shiva, for she has come down to this world for Shiva's own sake."

Verse 18 (skanda.1.23.18)

निमित्तमात्रं च कृतं तया वै शिवपूजने॥ एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचस्तस्यामेनायाः परिभाषितम्

nimittamātraṃ ca kṛtaṃ tayā vai śivapūjane|| etacchrutvā vacastasyāmenāyāḥ paribhāṣitam

"By her Rudra has been won through worship, and by Rudra in turn she has been held in thought; let this most blessed girl now be given to Shiva."

Verse 19 (skanda.1.23.19)

परितुष्टो हिमाद्रिश्च वाक्यं चेदमुवाच ह॥ ऋषीन्प्रति निरीक्षंस्तां कन्येयं मम संप्रति

parituṣṭo himādriśca vākyaṃ cedamuvāca ha|| ṛṣīnprati nirīkṣaṃstāṃ kanyeyaṃ mama saṃprati

"She has served merely as the occasion for this worship of Shiva." Hearing these words spoken by Mena,

Verse 20 (skanda.1.23.20)

ततः समानीय सुलोचनां तां श्यामां नितंबार्षितमेखलां शुभाम्॥ वैडूर्यमुक्तावलयान्दधानां भास्वत्प्रभां चांद्रमसीं व रेखम्

tataḥ samānīya sulocanāṃ tāṃ śyāmāṃ nitaṃbārṣitamekhalāṃ śubhām|| vaiḍūryamuktāvalayāndadhānāṃ bhāsvatprabhāṃ cāṃdramasīṃ va rekham

the Himalaya, well pleased, spoke these words, looking toward the sages: "This girl of mine is now yours to receive."

Verse 21 (skanda.1.23.21)

लावण्यामृतवापिकां सुवदनां गौरीं सुवासां शुभां दृष्ट्वा ते ह्यृषयोऽपि मोहमगन्भ्रांतास्तदा संभ्रमात्॥ नोचुः किंचना वाक्यमेव सुधियो ह्यासन्प्रमत्ता इव स्तब्धाः कान्तिमतीमतीव रुचिरां त्रैलोक्यनाथप्रियाम्

lāvaṇyāmṛtavāpikāṃ suvadanāṃ gaurīṃ suvāsāṃ śubhāṃ dṛṣṭvā te hyṛṣayo'pi mohamaganbhrāṃtāstadā saṃbhramāt|| nocuḥ kiṃcanā vākyameva sudhiyo hyāsanpramattā iva stabdhāḥ kāntimatīmatīva rucirāṃ trailokyanāthapriyām

Then that fair-eyed, dark-haired, auspicious maiden was brought forth, her girdle resting upon her hips, wearing bracelets of cat's-eye gems and pearls, radiant as a streak of moonlight.

Verse 22 (skanda.1.23.22)

एवं तदा ते ह्यृषयोऽपि मोहिता रूपेण तस्याः किमुताथ देवताः॥ तथैव सर्वे च निरीक्ष्य तन्वीं सतीं गिरिन्द्रस्य सुतां शिवप्रियाम्

evaṃ tadā te hyṛṣayo'pi mohitā rūpeṇa tasyāḥ kimutātha devatāḥ|| tathaiva sarve ca nirīkṣya tanvīṃ satīṃ girindrasya sutāṃ śivapriyām

Beholding that well of loveliness, that lovely-faced, fair-skinned, fragrant, auspicious Gauri, even the sages fell into confusion, bewildered; though wise, they stood stunned as if entranced, unable to utter a word, so radiant and captivating was she, the beloved of the lord of the three worlds.

Verse 23 (skanda.1.23.23)

ततः पुनश्चैत्य शिवं शिवप्रियाः शशंसुरस्मा ऋषयस्तदानीम्

tataḥ punaścaitya śivaṃ śivapriyāḥ śaśaṃsurasmā ṛṣayastadānīm

Thus, when even the sages were bewildered by her beauty, how much more so were the gods? All of them likewise gazed upon that slender, virtuous daughter of the lord of mountains, so dear to Shiva.

Verse 24 (skanda.1.23.24)

॥ऋषय ऊचुः॥ भूषिता हि गिरीन्द्रेण स्वसुता नास्ति संशयः॥ उद्वोढुं गच्छ देवेश देवैश्च परिवारितः

||ṛṣaya ūcuḥ|| bhūṣitā hi girīndreṇa svasutā nāsti saṃśayaḥ|| udvoḍhuṃ gaccha deveśa devaiśca parivāritaḥ

Then, recovering themselves, those sages dear to Shiva praised her presence there and then.

Verse 25 (skanda.1.23.25)

गच्छ शीघ्रं महादेव पार्वतीमात्मजन्मने॥ तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तेषां प्रहस्येदमुवाच ह

gaccha śīghraṃ mahādeva pārvatīmātmajanmane|| tacchrutvā vacanaṃ teṣāṃ prahasyedamuvāca ha

The sages said: "The lord of mountains has indeed adorned his own daughter — of this there is no doubt. Go now, O lord of the gods, surrounded by the gods, to wed her."

Verse 26 (skanda.1.23.26)

विवाहो हि महाभागा न दृष्टो न श्रुतोऽपि वा॥ मया पुरा च ऋषयः कथ्यतां च विशेषतः

vivāho hi mahābhāgā na dṛṣṭo na śruto'pi vā|| mayā purā ca ṛṣayaḥ kathyatāṃ ca viśeṣataḥ

"Go swiftly, O Mahadeva, to Parvati, that a son may be born to you." Hearing their words, he laughed and spoke thus:

Verse 27 (skanda.1.23.27)

तदोचुर्ऋषयः सर्वे प्रहसंतः सदाशिवम्॥ विष्णुमाह्वय वै देव ब्रह्मणं च शतक्रतुम्

tadocurṛṣayaḥ sarve prahasaṃtaḥ sadāśivam|| viṣṇumāhvaya vai deva brahmaṇaṃ ca śatakratum

"A wedding, O most fortunate ones, I have never before seen, nor even heard of; O sages, tell me of it in full detail."

Verse 28 (skanda.1.23.28)

तथा ऋषिगणांश्चैव यक्षगन्धर्वपन्नगान्॥ सिद्धविद्याधरांश्चैव किंनरांश्चाप्सरोगणान्

tathā ṛṣigaṇāṃścaiva yakṣagandharvapannagān|| siddhavidyādharāṃścaiva kiṃnarāṃścāpsarogaṇān

Then all the sages, laughing, said to Sadashiva: "Summon Vishnu, O god, and Brahma, and Indra of the hundred sacrifices."

Verse 29 (skanda.1.23.29)

एतांश्चान्यांश्च सुबहूनानयस्वेति सत्वरम्॥ तदाकर्ण्य ऋषिप्रोक्तं वाक्यं वाक्यविशारदः

etāṃścānyāṃśca subahūnānayasveti satvaram|| tadākarṇya ṛṣiproktaṃ vākyaṃ vākyaviśāradaḥ

"And also the hosts of sages, the yakshas, gandharvas, and serpents; the siddhas and vidyadharas, the kinnaras, and the throngs of apsaras."

Verse 30 (skanda.1.23.30)

उवाच नारदं देवो विष्णुमानय सत्वरम्॥ ब्रह्माणं च महेन्द्रं च अन्यांश्चैव समानय

uvāca nāradaṃ devo viṣṇumānaya satvaram|| brahmāṇaṃ ca mahendraṃ ca anyāṃścaiva samānaya

"Bring these, and many others besides, at once." Hearing this counsel spoken by the sages, he who was himself skilled in speech —

Verse 31 (skanda.1.23.31)

शंभोर्वचनमादाय शिरसा लोकपावनः॥ जगाम त्वरितो भूत्वा वैकुण्ठं विष्णुवल्लभः

śaṃbhorvacanamādāya śirasā lokapāvanaḥ|| jagāma tvarito bhūtvā vaikuṇṭhaṃ viṣṇuvallabhaḥ

the god said to Narada: "Bring Vishnu here at once, and Brahma, and mighty Indra, and summon all the others as well."

Verse 32 (skanda.1.23.32)

ददर्श देवं परमासने स्थितं श्रिया च देव्या परिसेव्यमानम्॥ चतुर्भुजं देववरं महाप्रभं नीलोत्पलश्यामतनुं वरेण्यम्

dadarśa devaṃ paramāsane sthitaṃ śriyā ca devyā parisevyamānam|| caturbhujaṃ devavaraṃ mahāprabhaṃ nīlotpalaśyāmatanuṃ vareṇyam

Bearing Shambhu's word upon his head in reverence, Narada, purifier of the worlds and dear to Vishnu, hastened at once to Vaikuntha.

Verse 33 (skanda.1.23.33)

महार्हरत्नावृतचारुकुण्डलं महाकिरीटोत्तमरत्नभास्वतम्॥ सुवैजयंत्या वनमालया वृतं स नारदस्तं भुवनैकसुन्दरम्

mahārharatnāvṛtacārukuṇḍalaṃ mahākirīṭottamaratnabhāsvatam|| suvaijayaṃtyā vanamālayā vṛtaṃ sa nāradastaṃ bhuvanaikasundaram

He beheld the god seated upon his supreme throne, attended by the goddess Shri; four-armed, most excellent among the gods, of great splendour, his form dark as a blue lotus, most exalted.

Verse 34 (skanda.1.23.34)

उवाच नारदोऽभ्येत्य शंभोर्वाक्यमथादरात्॥ ब्रह्मवीणां वाद्यवीणां वाद्यमानः सर्वज्ञ ऋषिसत्तमः

uvāca nārado'bhyetya śaṃbhorvākyamathādarāt|| brahmavīṇāṃ vādyavīṇāṃ vādyamānaḥ sarvajña ṛṣisattamaḥ

Wearing beautiful earrings set with priceless gems, radiant with the finest jewels of his great crown, adorned with the Vaijayanti garland of wildflowers — Narada beheld him, the sole beauty of all the worlds.

Verse 35 (skanda.1.23.35)

एह्येहि त्वं महाविष्णो महादेवं त्वरान्वितः॥ उद्वाहनार्थं शंभोश्च त्वमेकः कार्यसाधकः

ehyehi tvaṃ mahāviṣṇo mahādevaṃ tvarānvitaḥ|| udvāhanārthaṃ śaṃbhośca tvamekaḥ kāryasādhakaḥ

Approaching him, Narada, that all-knowing, foremost of sages, playing upon his vina, delivered Shambhu's message with due reverence.

Verse 36 (skanda.1.23.36)

प्रहस्य भगवान्प्राह नारदं प्रति वै तदा॥ कथमुद्वहने बुद्धिरुत्पन्ना तस्य शूलिनः॥ विज्ञातार्थोऽपि भगवान्नारदं परिपृष्टवान्

prahasya bhagavānprāha nāradaṃ prati vai tadā|| kathamudvahane buddhirutpannā tasya śūlinaḥ|| vijñātārtho'pi bhagavānnāradaṃ paripṛṣṭavān

"Come, come at once, O great Vishnu, to Mahadeva; for Shambhu's wedding, you alone are the one to accomplish this task."

Verse 37 (skanda.1.23.37)

॥नारद उवाच॥ तपसा महता रुद्रः पार्वत्या परितोषितः॥ स्वयमेवागतस्तत्र यत्रास्ते गिरिजा सती

||nārada uvāca|| tapasā mahatā rudraḥ pārvatyā paritoṣitaḥ|| svayamevāgatastatra yatrāste girijā satī

Laughing, the blessed lord said to Narada: "How has such a thought of marriage arisen in the trident-bearer's mind?" Though he already knew the truth, the lord questioned Narada further still.

Verse 38 (skanda.1.23.38)

दासोऽहमवदच्छंभुः पार्वत्या परितोषितः॥ पार्वतीं च समभ्यर्थ्य वरयस्व च भामिनि

dāso'hamavadacchaṃbhuḥ pārvatyā paritoṣitaḥ|| pārvatīṃ ca samabhyarthya varayasva ca bhāmini

Narada said: "Rudra was deeply pleased by Parvati's great austerity; he himself went there of his own will, to where the virtuous Girija sat."

Verse 39 (skanda.1.23.39)

त्वरितेनावदच्छंभुस्त्वामाह्वयति संप्रति॥ तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा देवदेवो जनार्दनः॥ नारदेन समायुक्तः पार्षदैः परिवारितः

tvaritenāvadacchaṃbhustvāmāhvayati saṃprati|| tasya tadvacanaṃ śrutvā devadevo janārdanaḥ|| nāradena samāyuktaḥ pārṣadaiḥ parivāritaḥ

"'I am your servant,' said Shambhu, pleased with Parvati; and having thus entreated Parvati, he said, 'Choose me, O radiant one.'"

Verse 40 (skanda.1.23.40)

सुपर्णमारुह्य तदा महात्मा योगीश्वराणां प्रभुरच्युतो महान्॥ ययौ तदाऽकाशपथा हरिः स्वयं सनारदो देववरैः समेतः

suparṇamāruhya tadā mahātmā yogīśvarāṇāṃ prabhuracyuto mahān|| yayau tadā'kāśapathā hariḥ svayaṃ sanārado devavaraiḥ sametaḥ

"Shambhu urgently said, 'He now summons you.'" Hearing this word of his, the god of gods, Janardana —

Verse 41 (skanda.1.23.41)

तं दृष्ट्वा त्वरितं देवो योगिध्येयांघ्रिपंकजः॥ अभ्युत्थाय मुदा युक्तः परिष्वज्य च शार्ङ्गिणम्

taṃ dṛṣṭvā tvaritaṃ devo yogidhyeyāṃghripaṃkajaḥ|| abhyutthāya mudā yuktaḥ pariṣvajya ca śārṅgiṇam

accompanied by Narada and surrounded by his attendants, mounting Garuda, that great-souled Achyuta, lord of the masters of yoga, himself set forth along the pathway of the sky, together with Narada and the finest of the gods.

Verse 42 (skanda.1.23.42)

तदा हरिहरौ देवावैकपद्येन तिष्ठतः॥ ऊचुतुः स्म तदान्योन्यं क्षेमं कुशलमेव च

tadā hariharau devāvaikapadyena tiṣṭhataḥ|| ūcutuḥ sma tadānyonyaṃ kṣemaṃ kuśalameva ca

Seeing him arrive swiftly, the god whose lotus feet the yogis meditate upon rose at once, filled with joy, and embraced the wielder of the Sharnga bow.

Verse 43 (skanda.1.23.43)

॥ईश्वर उवाच॥ गिरिजातपसा विष्णो जितोऽहं नात्र संशयः॥ पाणिग्रहार्थमेवाद्य गंतुकामो हिमालयम्

||īśvara uvāca|| girijātapasā viṣṇo jito'haṃ nātra saṃśayaḥ|| pāṇigrahārthamevādya gaṃtukāmo himālayam

Then the two gods, Hari and Hara, stood together as if one; and they exchanged with each other words of health and welfare.

Verse 44 (skanda.1.23.44)

यथार्थेन च भो विष्णो कथयामि तवाग्रतः॥ यदा दक्षेण भो विष्णो प्रदत्ता च पुरा सती

yathārthena ca bho viṣṇo kathayāmi tavāgrataḥ|| yadā dakṣeṇa bho viṣṇo pradattā ca purā satī

Ishvara said: "By Girija's austerity, O Vishnu, I have been conquered — of this there is no doubt. This very day I wish to go to the Himalaya, to take her hand in marriage."

Verse 45 (skanda.1.23.45)

न च संकल्पविधिना मया पाणिग्रहः कृतः॥ अधुनैव मया कार्यं कर्मविस्तारणं बहु

na ca saṃkalpavidhinā mayā pāṇigrahaḥ kṛtaḥ|| adhunaiva mayā kāryaṃ karmavistāraṇaṃ bahu

"I tell you the plain truth, O Vishnu: when Sati was given to me by Daksha long ago, I did not perform the taking of her hand with the rite of sankalpa."

Verse 46 (skanda.1.23.46)

यत्कार्यं तन्न जानामि सर्वं पाणिग्रहोचितम्॥ शंभोस्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा प्रहस्य मधुसूदनः

yatkāryaṃ tanna jānāmi sarvaṃ pāṇigrahocitam|| śaṃbhostadvacanaṃ śrutvā prahasya madhusūdanaḥ

"Now I must undertake this elaborate rite properly, but I do not know all that is fitting to be done for the taking of a bride's hand."

Verse 47 (skanda.1.23.47)

यावद्वक्तुं समारेभे तावद्ब्रह्मा समागतः॥ इंद्रेण सह सर्वैश्च लोकपालैस्त्वरान्वितः

yāvadvaktuṃ samārebhe tāvadbrahmā samāgataḥ|| iṃdreṇa saha sarvaiśca lokapālaistvarānvitaḥ

Hearing these words of Shambhu, Madhusudana laughed; and just as he began to speak in answer, Brahma arrived there.

Verse 48 (skanda.1.23.48)

तथैव देवासुरयक्षदानवा नागाः पतंगाप्सरसो महर्षयः॥ समेत्य सर्वे परिवक्तुमीशमूचुस्तदानीं शिरसा प्रणम्य

tathaiva devāsurayakṣadānavā nāgāḥ pataṃgāpsaraso maharṣayaḥ|| sametya sarve parivaktumīśamūcustadānīṃ śirasā praṇamya

together with Indra and all the guardians of the quarters, hastening in; and likewise the gods, asuras, yakshas, danavas, serpents, birds, apsaras, and great sages.

Verse 49 (skanda.1.23.49)

गच्छगच्छ महादेव अस्माभिः सहितः प्रभो॥ ततो विष्णुरुवाचेदं प्रस्तावसदृशंवचः

gacchagaccha mahādeva asmābhiḥ sahitaḥ prabho|| tato viṣṇuruvācedaṃ prastāvasadṛśaṃvacaḥ

All of them, gathering to address the lord, then bowed their heads in reverence and said: "Go, go, O Mahadeva; go, O lord, together with us."

Verse 50 (skanda.1.23.50)

गृह्योक्तविधिना शंभो कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि

gṛhyoktavidhinā śaṃbho karma kartumihārhasi

Then Vishnu spoke these words, fitting to the occasion: "According to the rite prescribed in the Grihya texts, O Shambhu, this ceremony must be performed here."

Verse 51 (skanda.1.23.51)

नांदीमुखं मण्डपस्थापनं च तथा चैतत्कुरु धर्मेण युक्तम्॥ महानदीसंगमं वर्जयित्वा कुर्वंति केचिद्वेदमनीषिणश्च

nāṃdīmukhaṃ maṇḍapasthāpanaṃ ca tathā caitatkuru dharmeṇa yuktam|| mahānadīsaṃgamaṃ varjayitvā kurvaṃti kecidvedamanīṣiṇaśca

"Perform the Nandimukha rite, and likewise the setting up of the wedding canopy, all in accordance with dharma — though some scholars learned in the Vedas perform this even without the confluence of a great river."

Verse 52 (skanda.1.23.52)

मण्डपस्थापनं चैव क्रियतां ह्यधुना विभो॥ तथोक्तो विष्णुना शंभुश्चकारात्महिताय वै

maṇḍapasthāpanaṃ caiva kriyatāṃ hyadhunā vibho|| tathokto viṣṇunā śaṃbhuścakārātmahitāya vai

"Let the canopy be set up now, O lord." Thus instructed by Vishnu, Shambhu had it duly performed for his own benefit.

Verse 53 (skanda.1.23.53)

ब्रह्मादिभिः कृतं तेन सर्वमभ्युदयोचितम्॥ ग्रहाणां पूजनं चक्रे कश्यपो ब्रह्मणा युतः

brahmādibhiḥ kṛtaṃ tena sarvamabhyudayocitam|| grahāṇāṃ pūjanaṃ cakre kaśyapo brahmaṇā yutaḥ

By Brahma and the others, all the rites befitting such an auspicious occasion were duly performed; Kashyapa, together with Brahma, conducted the worship of the planets.

Verse 54 (skanda.1.23.54)

तथात्रिश्च वशिष्ठश्च गौतमोथ गुरुर्भृगुः॥ कण्वो बृहस्पतिः शक्तिर्जमदग्निः पराशरः

tathātriśca vaśiṣṭhaśca gautamotha gururbhṛguḥ|| kaṇvo bṛhaspatiḥ śaktirjamadagniḥ parāśaraḥ

And likewise Atri, Vashishtha, Gautama, Guru, Bhrigu, Kanva, Brihaspati, Shakti, Jamadagni, Parashara,

Verse 55 (skanda.1.23.55)

मार्कंडेयः शिलावाकः शून्यपालोऽक्षतश्रमः॥ अगस्त्यश्च्यवनो गर्गः शिलादोऽथ महामुनिः

mārkaṃḍeyaḥ śilāvākaḥ śūnyapālo'kṣataśramaḥ|| agastyaścyavano gargaḥ śilādo'tha mahāmuniḥ

Markandeya, Shilavaka, Shunyapala, Akshatashrama, Agastya, Chyavana, Garga, and the great sage Shilada —

Verse 56 (skanda.1.23.56)

एते चान्ये च बहवो ह्यागताः शिवसन्निधौ॥ ब्रह्मणा नोदितास्तत्र चक्रुस्ते विधिवत्क्रियाम्

ete cānye ca bahavo hyāgatāḥ śivasannidhau|| brahmaṇā noditāstatra cakruste vidhivatkriyām

these and many other sages gathered in Shiva's presence; and, at Brahma's urging, they duly performed the rites there according to prescribed procedure.

Verse 57 (skanda.1.23.57)

वेदोक्तविधिना सर्वे वेदवेदांगपारगाः॥ चक्रू रक्षां महेशस्य कृतकौतुकमंगलाम्

vedoktavidhinā sarve vedavedāṃgapāragāḥ|| cakrū rakṣāṃ maheśasya kṛtakautukamaṃgalām

All of them, thoroughly versed in the Vedas and their auxiliary texts, performed the protective rite over Mahesha according to Vedic prescription, along with the auspicious tying of the kautuka thread.

Verse 58 (skanda.1.23.58)

ऋग्यजुःसामसहितैः सूक्तैर्नानाविधैस्तथा॥ मंगलानि च भूरीणि ऋषयस्तत्त्ववेदिनः

ṛgyajuḥsāmasahitaiḥ sūktairnānāvidhaistathā|| maṃgalāni ca bhūrīṇi ṛṣayastattvavedinaḥ

With hymns drawn from the Rig, Yajur and Sama Vedas, and with various other suktas besides, those sages, knowers of truth, performed manifold auspicious rites.

Verse 59 (skanda.1.23.59)

अभ्यंजनादिकं सर्वं चक्रुस्तस्य परात्मनः॥ ख्यातः कपर्द्दस्तस्यैव शिवस्य परमात्मनः

abhyaṃjanādikaṃ sarvaṃ cakrustasya parātmanaḥ|| khyātaḥ kaparddastasyaiva śivasya paramātmanaḥ

They performed all the rites, beginning with the anointing, for that supreme soul; renowned indeed was the matted crown of Shiva, that supreme self.

Verse 60 (skanda.1.23.60)

अनेकैर्मौक्तिकैर्युक्ता मुण्डमालाऽभवत्तदा॥ ये सर्पा ह्यंगभूताश्च ते सर्वे तत्क्षणादिव॥ बभूवुर्मडनान्येव जातरूपमयानि च

anekairmauktikairyuktā muṇḍamālā'bhavattadā|| ye sarpā hyaṃgabhūtāśca te sarve tatkṣaṇādiva|| babhūvurmaḍanānyeva jātarūpamayāni ca

Then his garland of skulls became adorned with countless pearls; and all the serpents that formed part of his body were, at that very instant, transformed into ornaments of pure gold.

Verse 61 (skanda.1.23.61)

सर्वभूषणसंपन्नो देवदेवो महेश्वरः॥ ययौ देवैः परिवृतः शैलराजपुरं प्रति

sarvabhūṣaṇasaṃpanno devadevo maheśvaraḥ|| yayau devaiḥ parivṛtaḥ śailarājapuraṃ prati

Adorned with every ornament, the god of gods, Maheshvara, set forth, surrounded by the gods, toward the city of the lord of mountains.

Verse 62 (skanda.1.23.62)

चंडिका वरभगिनी तदा जाता भयावहा॥ प्रेतासना गता चण्डी सर्पाभरणभूषिता

caṃḍikā varabhaginī tadā jātā bhayāvahā|| pretāsanā gatā caṇḍī sarpābharaṇabhūṣitā

Then his excellent sister Chandika appeared, a figure of terror; Chandi, mounted upon a corpse, adorned with ornaments of serpents.

Verse 63 (skanda.1.23.63)

हैमं कलशमादाय पूर्णं मूर्ध्ना महाप्रभा॥ परिवारैर्महाचंडी दीप्तास्या ह्युग्रलोचना

haimaṃ kalaśamādāya pūrṇaṃ mūrdhnā mahāprabhā|| parivārairmahācaṃḍī dīptāsyā hyugralocanā

Bearing a golden vessel, filled, upon her head, that greatly radiant Mahachandi, together with her retinue, her face ablaze, her eyes fierce.

Verse 64 (skanda.1.23.64)

तत्र भूतान्यनेकानि विरूपाणि सहस्रशः॥ तैः समेताग्रतश्चंडी जगाम विकृतानना

tatra bhūtānyanekāni virūpāṇi sahasraśaḥ|| taiḥ sametāgrataścaṃḍī jagāma vikṛtānanā

There gathered thousands of bhutas of grotesque form; accompanied by them, Chandi, her countenance fearsome, went on ahead.

Verse 65 (skanda.1.23.65)

तस्याः सर्वे पृष्ठतश्च गणाः परमदारुणाः॥ कोट्येकादशसंख्याका रौद्रा रुद्र प्रियाश्च ये

tasyāḥ sarve pṛṣṭhataśca gaṇāḥ paramadāruṇāḥ|| koṭyekādaśasaṃkhyākā raudrā rudra priyāśca ye

Behind her followed all the ganas, most fearsome, eleven crores in number, terrible and dear to Rudra.

Verse 66 (skanda.1.23.66)

तदा डमरुनिर्घोषव्याप्तमासीज्जगत्त्रयम्॥ भेरीभांकारशब्देन शंखानां निनदेन च

tadā ḍamarunirghoṣavyāptamāsījjagattrayam|| bherībhāṃkāraśabdena śaṃkhānāṃ ninadena ca

Then the three worlds echoed with the roar of the damaru; amid the booming of kettledrums and the peal of conches, a mighty tumult arose.

Verse 67 (skanda.1.23.67)

तथा दुंदुभिनिर्घोषैः शब्दः कोलाहलोऽभवत्॥ गणानां पृष्ठतो भूत्वा सर्वे देवाः समुत्सुकाः॥ अन्वयुः सर्वसिद्धाश्च लोकपालैः समन्विताः

tathā duṃdubhinirghoṣaiḥ śabdaḥ kolāhalo'bhavat|| gaṇānāṃ pṛṣṭhato bhūtvā sarve devāḥ samutsukāḥ|| anvayuḥ sarvasiddhāśca lokapālaiḥ samanvitāḥ

With the thunder of dundubhis too the tumult swelled further. Behind the ganas, all the gods, eager and expectant, followed along, together with all the siddhas and the guardians of the quarters.

Verse 68 (skanda.1.23.68)

मध्ये व्रजन्महेंद्रोऽथ ऐरावतमुपास्थितः॥ शुभ्रेणो च्छ्रियमाणेन छत्रेण परमेण हि

madhye vrajanmaheṃdro'tha airāvatamupāsthitaḥ|| śubhreṇo cchriyamāṇena chatreṇa parameṇa hi

In their midst walked mighty Indra, mounted upon Airavata, a supremely splendid white umbrella held high above him.

Verse 69 (skanda.1.23.69)

चामरैर्वीज्यमानोऽसौ सुरैर्बहुभिरावृतः॥ तदा तु व्रजमानास्त ऋषयो बहवो ह्यमी

cāmarairvījyamāno'sau surairbahubhirāvṛtaḥ|| tadā tu vrajamānāsta ṛṣayo bahavo hyamī

Fanned with chowries, he was surrounded by many gods; and at that time many sages too, Bharadvaja and other brahmins among them, were journeying on toward Shiva's wedding.

Verse 70 (skanda.1.23.70)

भरद्वाजादयो विप्राः शिवस्योद्वहनं प्रति॥ शाकिन्यो यातुधानाश्च वेताला ब्रह्मराक्षसाः

bharadvājādayo viprāḥ śivasyodvahanaṃ prati|| śākinyo yātudhānāśca vetālā brahmarākṣasāḥ

Shakinis, yatudhanas, vetalas, brahmarakshasas, bhutas, pretas, pishachas, and other beings beginning with the pramathas —

Verse 71 (skanda.1.23.71)

भूतप्रेतपिशाचाश्च तथान्ये प्रमथादयः॥ पृच्छमानास्तदा चंडीं पृष्ठतोऽन्वगमंस्तदा

bhūtapretapiśācāśca tathānye pramathādayaḥ|| pṛcchamānāstadā caṃḍīṃ pṛṣṭhato'nvagamaṃstadā

questioning where Chandi had gone, followed on behind her then;

Verse 72 (skanda.1.23.72)

क्व गता साऽधुना चंडी धावमानास्तदा भृशम्॥ प्राप्ता गता व्रजंतीं तां प्रणिपत्य महाप्रभाम्

kva gatā sā'dhunā caṃḍī dhāvamānāstadā bhṛśam|| prāptā gatā vrajaṃtīṃ tāṃ praṇipatya mahāprabhām

"Where has Chandi gone now?" they asked, and ran swiftly on in pursuit.

Verse 73 (skanda.1.23.73)

अथ प्रोचुस्तदा सर्वे चंडीं भैरवसंयुताम्॥ विनास्माभिः कुतो यासि वद चंडि यथा तथा

atha procustadā sarve caṃḍīṃ bhairavasaṃyutām|| vināsmābhiḥ kuto yāsi vada caṃḍi yathā tathā

Having caught up with that greatly radiant Chandi as she went, and bowing before her, all of them then addressed her, she who was accompanied by Bhairava.

Verse 74 (skanda.1.23.74)

प्रहस्योवाच सा चंडी भूतानां तत्र श्रृण्वताम्॥ शंभोरुद्वहनार्थाय प्रेतारूढा व्रजाम्यहम्

prahasyovāca sā caṃḍī bhūtānāṃ tatra śrṛṇvatām|| śaṃbhorudvahanārthāya pretārūḍhā vrajāmyaham

"Where are you going without us, O Chandi? Tell us truly." Laughing, Chandi replied, as the bhutas there listened:

Verse 75 (skanda.1.23.75)

हैमं कलशमादाय शिरसा बिभ्रती स्वयम्॥ करवालीस्वरूपेण चंडी जाता ततः स्वयम्

haimaṃ kalaśamādāya śirasā bibhratī svayam|| karavālīsvarūpeṇa caṃḍī jātā tataḥ svayam

"For Shambhu's wedding, mounted upon a corpse, I go; bearing a golden vessel myself upon my head."

Verse 76 (skanda.1.23.76)

भूतैः परिवृता सर्वैः सर्वेषामग्रतोऽव्रजत्॥ गणास्तामनुजग्मुस्ते गणानां पृष्ठतः सुराः

bhūtaiḥ parivṛtā sarvaiḥ sarveṣāmagrato'vrajat|| gaṇāstāmanujagmuste gaṇānāṃ pṛṣṭhataḥ surāḥ

Then Chandi herself took on the form of Karavali, the sword-bearer, and, surrounded by all the bhutas, went on ahead of everyone else.

Verse 77 (skanda.1.23.77)

इंद्रादयो लोकपाला ऋषयस्तेऽग्रपृष्ठतः॥ ऋषीणां पृष्ठतो भूत्वा पार्षदाश्च महाप्रभाः

iṃdrādayo lokapālā ṛṣayaste'grapṛṣṭhataḥ|| ṛṣīṇāṃ pṛṣṭhato bhūtvā pārṣadāśca mahāprabhāḥ

The ganas followed close behind her; behind the ganas came the gods; and Indra with the other guardians of the quarters, together with the sages, came along behind them.

Verse 78 (skanda.1.23.78)

विष्णोरमितभावज्ञा मुकुंदाच्च मनोरमाः॥ सर्वे पयोदसंकाशाः स्रग्विणो वनमालिनः॥ श्रीवत्सांकधराः सर्वे पीतवासोन्विताश्च ते

viṣṇoramitabhāvajñā mukuṃdācca manoramāḥ|| sarve payodasaṃkāśāḥ sragviṇo vanamālinaḥ|| śrīvatsāṃkadharāḥ sarve pītavāsonvitāśca te

Behind the sages came Vishnu's own attendants, of great splendour, deeply versed in his mind's intent, most charming, the attendants of Mukunda.

Verse 79 (skanda.1.23.79)

चतुर्भुजाः कुंडलिनः किरीटकटकांगदैः॥ हारनूपुरसूत्रैश्च कटिसूत्राङ्गुलीयकैः॥ शोभिताः सर्व एवैते महापुरुषलक्षणाः

caturbhujāḥ kuṃḍalinaḥ kirīṭakaṭakāṃgadaiḥ|| hāranūpurasūtraiśca kaṭisūtrāṅgulīyakaiḥ|| śobhitāḥ sarva evaite mahāpuruṣalakṣaṇāḥ

All of them, dark as rain-laden clouds, garlanded and wreathed in forest blossoms, all bearing the mark of Shrivatsa, clothed in yellow raiment; four-armed, wearing earrings, adorned with crowns, bracelets and armlets,

Verse 80 (skanda.1.23.80)

तेषां मध्ये गतो विष्णुः श्रियोपेतः सुरारिहा

teṣāṃ madhye gato viṣṇuḥ śriyopetaḥ surārihā

necklaces, anklets, sacred threads, girdles, and rings — all of them shone, marked with the signs of the great being. In their midst went Vishnu, accompanied by Shri, the slayer of the enemies of the gods.

Verse 81 (skanda.1.23.81)

बभौ त्रिलोकीकृतविश्वमंगलो महानुभावैर्हृदि कृत्य धिष्ठितः॥ शिवेन साकं परमार्थदस्तदा हरिः परात्मा जगदेकबंधुः

babhau trilokīkṛtaviśvamaṃgalo mahānubhāvairhṛdi kṛtya dhiṣṭhitaḥ|| śivena sākaṃ paramārthadastadā hariḥ parātmā jagadekabaṃdhuḥ

He shone, that worker of blessing for the whole universe across the three worlds, ever enshrined in the hearts of the great-souled; there together with Shiva, granter of the supreme goal, Hari, the supreme self, the sole kinsman of all creation.

Verse 82 (skanda.1.23.82)

स तार्क्ष्यपुत्रोपरि संस्थितो महाँल्लक्ष्म्या समेतो भुवनैकभर्ता॥ स चामरैर्वीज्यमानो मुनींद्रैः सर्वैः समेतो हरिरीश्वरो महान्

sa tārkṣyaputropari saṃsthito mahā~llakṣmyā sameto bhuvanaikabhartā|| sa cāmarairvījyamāno munīṃdraiḥ sarvaiḥ sameto harirīśvaro mahān

He, that great lord, mounted upon Garuda, son of Tarkshya, accompanied by Lakshmi, sole sustainer of all the worlds; fanned with chowries, accompanied by all the foremost of sages, that mighty Hari, the lord.

Verse 83 (skanda.1.23.83)

तथा विरिंचिर्निजवाहनस्थो वेदैः समेतः सह षड्भिरंगैः॥ तथागमैः सेतिहासैः पुराणैः स संवृतो हेमगर्भो बभूव

tathā viriṃcirnijavāhanastho vedaiḥ sametaḥ saha ṣaḍbhiraṃgaiḥ|| tathāgamaiḥ setihāsaiḥ purāṇaiḥ sa saṃvṛto hemagarbho babhūva

And likewise Brahma, seated upon his own vehicle, attended by the Vedas together with their six auxiliary branches; and surrounded too by the Agamas, the Itihasas, and the Puranas, that golden-wombed lord appeared in splendour.

Verse 84 (skanda.1.23.84)

वेधोहरिभ्यां च तदा सुरेद्रैः समावृतश्चर्षिभिः संपरीतः॥ वृषारूढो वृषकेतुर्दुरापोयोगीश्वरैरपि सर्वैरगम्यः

vedhoharibhyāṃ ca tadā suredraiḥ samāvṛtaścarṣibhiḥ saṃparītaḥ|| vṛṣārūḍho vṛṣaketurdurāpoyogīśvarairapi sarvairagamyaḥ

Together with Brahma and Vishnu, then surrounded by the lords of the gods and encompassed by the sages, mounted upon his bull, bearer of the bull banner — hard to attain, unreachable even by all the masters of yoga.

Verse 85 (skanda.1.23.85)

शुद्धस्फटिकसंकाशं वृषभं धर्मवत्सलम्॥ समेतो मातृभिश्चैव गोभिश्च कृतलक्षणम्

śuddhasphaṭikasaṃkāśaṃ vṛṣabhaṃ dharmavatsalam|| sameto mātṛbhiścaiva gobhiśca kṛtalakṣaṇam

Mounted upon his bull, radiant as pure crystal, beloved of dharma, marked with every auspicious sign; accompanied also by the Mother goddesses and by cows.

Verse 86 (skanda.1.23.86)

एभिस्समेतोऽसुरदानवैः सह ययौ महेशो विबुदैरलंकृतः॥ हिमालयं गिरिवर्यं तदानीं पाणिग्रहार्थं प्रमदोत्तमायाः

ebhissameto'suradānavaiḥ saha yayau maheśo vibudairalaṃkṛtaḥ|| himālayaṃ girivaryaṃ tadānīṃ pāṇigrahārthaṃ pramadottamāyāḥ

Together with all these, accompanied by asuras and danavas alike, adorned by the gods, Mahesha then set forth toward the Himalaya, foremost of mountains, to take in marriage the hand of that most excellent of women.