The Marriage of Shiva and Parvati

Verse 1 (skanda.1.25.1)

॥लोमश उवाच॥ तत्रोपविविशुः सर्वे सत्कृताश्च हिमाद्रिणा॥ ते देवाः सपरिवाराः सहर्षाश्च सवाहनाः

||lomaśa uvāca|| tatropaviviśuḥ sarve satkṛtāśca himādriṇā|| te devāḥ saparivārāḥ saharṣāśca savāhanāḥ

Lomasha said: There all the gods, together with their retinues, their vehicles, and their joy, sat down, duly honoured by the Himalaya.

Verse 2 (skanda.1.25.2)

तत्रैव च महामात्रं निर्मितं विश्वकर्मणा॥ दीप्त्या परमया युक्तं निवासार्थं स्वयम्भुवः

tatraiva ca mahāmātraṃ nirmitaṃ viśvakarmaṇā|| dīptyā paramayā yuktaṃ nivāsārthaṃ svayambhuvaḥ

There too Vishvakarma had built a great mansion, filled with supreme radiance, for the dwelling of the Self-Born One.

Verse 3 (skanda.1.25.3)

तथैव विष्णोस्त्वपरं भवनं स्वयमेव हि॥ भास्वरं सुविचित्र च कृतं त्वष्ट्रा मनोरमम्॥ वण्डीगृहं मनोज्ञं च तथैव कृतवान्स्वयम्

tathaiva viṣṇostvaparaṃ bhavanaṃ svayameva hi|| bhāsvaraṃ suvicitra ca kṛtaṃ tvaṣṭrā manoramam|| vaṇḍīgṛhaṃ manojñaṃ ca tathaiva kṛtavānsvayam

And likewise, another radiant, wondrous, and lovely mansion for Vishnu himself was made by Tvashtri; and he himself fashioned, too, a charming assembly hall.

Verse 4 (skanda.1.25.4)

तथैव श्वेतं परमं मनोज्ञं महाप्रभं देववरैः सुपूजितम्॥ कैलासलक्ष्मीप्रभया महत्या सुशोभितं तद्भवनं चकार

tathaiva śvetaṃ paramaṃ manojñaṃ mahāprabhaṃ devavaraiḥ supūjitam|| kailāsalakṣmīprabhayā mahatyā suśobhitaṃ tadbhavanaṃ cakāra

And likewise he fashioned a supremely white, most charming, greatly radiant mansion, duly honoured by the finest of the gods, beautified with the great splendour of Kailasa's own glory.

Verse 5 (skanda.1.25.5)

तत्रैव शंभुः परया विभूत्या स स्थापितस्तेन हिमाद्रिणा वै

tatraiva śaṃbhuḥ parayā vibhūtyā sa sthāpitastena himādriṇā vai

There, with the greatest splendour, Shambhu was installed by the Himalaya himself.

Verse 6 (skanda.1.25.6)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे मेना समायाता सखीगणैः॥ नीराजनार्थं शंभुं च ऋषिभिः परिवारिता

etasminnaṃtare menā samāyātā sakhīgaṇaiḥ|| nīrājanārthaṃ śaṃbhuṃ ca ṛṣibhiḥ parivāritā

Meanwhile Mena arrived, together with her companions, surrounded by sages, to perform the waving of lamps before Shambhu.

Verse 7 (skanda.1.25.7)

तदा वादित्रदिर्घोपैर्नादितं भुवनत्रयम्॥ नीराजनं कृतं तस्य मेनया च तपस्विनः

tadā vāditradirghopairnāditaṃ bhuvanatrayam|| nīrājanaṃ kṛtaṃ tasya menayā ca tapasvinaḥ

Then the three worlds resounded with the deep clamour of instruments; Mena performed the waving of lamps for that great ascetic.

Verse 8 (skanda.1.25.8)

अवलोक्य परा साध्वी मेनाऽजानाद्धरं तदा॥ गिरिजोक्तमनुस्मृत्य मेना विस्मयमागता

avalokya parā sādhvī menā'jānāddharaṃ tadā|| girijoktamanusmṛtya menā vismayamāgatā

Gazing upon him, that most virtuous Mena then truly recognized Hara; recalling what Girija had told her, Mena was overcome with wonder.

Verse 9 (skanda.1.25.9)

यद्वै पुरोक्तं च तया पार्वत्या मम सन्निधौ॥ ततोऽधिकं प्रपश्यामि सौंदर्यं परमेष्ठिनः॥ महेशस्य मया दृष्टमनिर्वाच्यं च संप्रति

yadvai puroktaṃ ca tayā pārvatyā mama sannidhau|| tato'dhikaṃ prapaśyāmi sauṃdaryaṃ parameṣṭhinaḥ|| maheśasya mayā dṛṣṭamanirvācyaṃ ca saṃprati

"What Parvati told me before, in my very presence — I now see in the supreme lord a beauty even greater than that; what I have just beheld of Mahesha is beyond all description."

Verse 10 (skanda.1.25.10)

एवं विस्मयमापन्ना विप्रपत्नीभिरावृता॥ अहतां बरयुग्मेन शोभिता वरवर्णिनी

evaṃ vismayamāpannā viprapatnībhirāvṛtā|| ahatāṃ barayugmena śobhitā varavarṇinī

Thus filled with wonder, surrounded by the wives of the brahmins, that fair one shone, adorned in a pair of new, unworn garments.

Verse 11 (skanda.1.25.11)

कंचुकी परमा दिव्या नानारत्नैश्च शोभिता॥ अंगीकृता तदा देव्या रराज परया श्रिया

kaṃcukī paramā divyā nānāratnaiśca śobhitā|| aṃgīkṛtā tadā devyā rarāja parayā śriyā

A supremely divine bodice, adorned with manifold gems, was then worn by the goddess; and she shone forth with the greatest splendour.

Verse 12 (skanda.1.25.12)

बिभ्रती च तदा हारं दिव्यरत्नविभूषितम्॥ वलयानि महार्हाणि शुद्धचामीकराणि च

bibhratī ca tadā hāraṃ divyaratnavibhūṣitam|| valayāni mahārhāṇi śuddhacāmīkarāṇi ca

She wore then a necklace adorned with divine gems, and precious bracelets of pure gold.

Verse 13 (skanda.1.25.13)

तत्रोपविष्टा सुभगा ध्यायंती परमेश्वरम्॥ सखीभिः सेव्यमाना सा विप्रपत्नीभिरेव च

tatropaviṣṭā subhagā dhyāyaṃtī parameśvaram|| sakhībhiḥ sevyamānā sā viprapatnībhireva ca

There she sat, that fortunate one, absorbed in thought of the supreme lord, attended by her companions and by the wives of the brahmins.

Verse 14 (skanda.1.25.14)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे तत्र गर्गो वाक्यमभाषत॥ पाणिग्रहार्थं शंभुं च आनयध्वं स्वमंदिरम्॥ त्वरितेनैव वेलायामस्यामेव विचक्षणाः

etasminnaṃtare tatra gargo vākyamabhāṣata|| pāṇigrahārthaṃ śaṃbhuṃ ca ānayadhvaṃ svamaṃdiram|| tvaritenaiva velāyāmasyāmeva vicakṣaṇāḥ

Meanwhile Garga spoke these words: "Bring Shambhu, O wise ones, to your own mansion for the taking of the hand, swiftly, in this very hour."

Verse 15 (skanda.1.25.15)

तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य गर्गस्य च महात्मनः॥ अभ्युत्थानपराः सर्वे पर्वताः सकलत्रकाः

tacchrutvā vacanaṃ tasya gargasya ca mahātmanaḥ|| abhyutthānaparāḥ sarve parvatāḥ sakalatrakāḥ

Hearing these words of the great-souled Garga, all the mountains, together with their wives, rose up at once.

Verse 16 (skanda.1.25.16)

महाविभूत्या संयुक्ताः सर्वे मंगलपाणयः॥ सालंकृतास्तदा तेषां पत्न्योलंकारमंडिताः

mahāvibhūtyā saṃyuktāḥ sarve maṃgalapāṇayaḥ|| sālaṃkṛtāstadā teṣāṃ patnyolaṃkāramaṃḍitāḥ

All of them, filled with great splendour, held auspicious objects in their hands; and their wives too were then decked in ornaments.

Verse 17 (skanda.1.25.17)

उपायनान्यनेकानि जगृहुः स्निग्धलोचनाः॥ तदा वादित्रघोषेण ब्रह्मघोषेण भूयसा

upāyanānyanekāni jagṛhuḥ snigdhalocanāḥ|| tadā vāditraghoṣeṇa brahmaghoṣeṇa bhūyasā

Those tender-eyed women took up many gifts; then, amid the loud clamour of instruments and the resounding chant of the Vedas —

Verse 18 (skanda.1.25.18)

आजग्मुः सकलात्रास्ते यत्र देवो महेश्वरः॥ प्रमथैरावृतस्तत्र चंड्या चैवाभिसेवितः

ājagmuḥ sakalātrāste yatra devo maheśvaraḥ|| pramathairāvṛtastatra caṃḍyā caivābhisevitaḥ

— all of them, together with their wives, arrived at the place where the god Maheshvara sat, there surrounded by the pramathas and attended by Chandi.

Verse 19 (skanda.1.25.19)

तथा महर्षिभिस्तत्र तथा देवगणैः सह॥ एभिः परिवृतः श्रीमाञ्छंकरो लोकशंकरः

tathā maharṣibhistatra tathā devagaṇaiḥ saha|| ebhiḥ parivṛtaḥ śrīmāñchaṃkaro lokaśaṃkaraḥ

And likewise together with the great sages there, and with the hosts of gods; surrounded by all these, resplendent Shankara, the bringer of blessing to the world.

Verse 20 (skanda.1.25.20)

श्रुत्वा वादित्रनिर्घोषं सर्वे शंकरसेवकाः॥ उत्थिता ऐकापद्येन देवैर्ऋषिभिरावृताः

śrutvā vāditranirghoṣaṃ sarve śaṃkarasevakāḥ|| utthitā aikāpadyena devairṛṣibhirāvṛtāḥ

Hearing the peal of the instruments, all of Shankara's attendants rose together as one, surrounded by the gods and sages.

Verse 21 (skanda.1.25.21)

तथोद्यतो योगिनाचक्रयुक्ता गणा गणानां गणानां पतिरेकवर्चसाम्॥ शिवंपुरस्कृत्य तदानुभावास्तथैव सर्वे गणनायकाश्च

tathodyato yoginācakrayuktā gaṇā gaṇānāṃ gaṇānāṃ patirekavarcasām|| śivaṃpuraskṛtya tadānubhāvāstathaiva sarve gaṇanāyakāśca

Then the circle of yoginis, together with the ganas, and the lord of ganas of equal splendour, along with all the great leaders of the ganas, roused themselves and set out, with Shiva at their head.

Verse 22 (skanda.1.25.22)

तद्योगिनी चक्रमतिप्रचंडं टंकारभेरीरवनिस्वनेन॥ चंडीं पुरस्कृत्य भयानकां तदा महाविभूत्या समलंकृतां तदा

tadyoginī cakramatipracaṃḍaṃ ṭaṃkārabherīravanisvanena|| caṃḍīṃ puraskṛtya bhayānakāṃ tadā mahāvibhūtyā samalaṃkṛtāṃ tadā

That most fierce circle of yoginis, amid the twang of bowstrings and the roar of kettledrums, moved with the terrifying Chandi at its head, then arrayed in great splendour.

Verse 23 (skanda.1.25.23)

कंठे कर्कोटकं नागं हारभूतं च कार सा॥ पदकं वृश्चिकानां च दंदशूकांश्च बिभ्रती

kaṃṭhe karkoṭakaṃ nāgaṃ hārabhūtaṃ ca kāra sā|| padakaṃ vṛścikānāṃ ca daṃdaśūkāṃśca bibhratī

She wore the serpent Karkotaka around her throat as a necklace; and pendants of scorpions, and venomous serpents besides.

Verse 24 (skanda.1.25.24)

कर्णावतंसान्सा दध्रे पाणिपादमयांस्तथा॥ रणे हतानां वीराणां शिरांस्युरसिचापरान्

karṇāvataṃsānsā dadhre pāṇipādamayāṃstathā|| raṇe hatānāṃ vīrāṇāṃ śirāṃsyurasicāparān

She wore earrings fashioned from the hands and feet of heroes slain in battle, and their heads upon her breast, and other such gruesome ornaments besides.

Verse 25 (skanda.1.25.25)

द्वीपिचर्मपरीधाना योगिनीचक्रसंयुता॥ क्षेत्रपालावृता तद्वद्भैरवैः परिवारिता

dvīpicarmaparīdhānā yoginīcakrasaṃyutā|| kṣetrapālāvṛtā tadvadbhairavaiḥ parivāritā

Clad in a tiger's hide, accompanied by the circle of yoginis, likewise surrounded by the Kshetrapalas, and encompassed by the Bhairavas.

Verse 26 (skanda.1.25.26)

तथा प्रेतैश्च भूतैश्च कपटैः परिवारिता॥ वीरभद्रादयश्चैव गणाः परमदारुणाः॥ ये दक्षयज्ञनाशार्थे शिवेनाज्ञापितास्तदा

tathā pretaiśca bhūtaiśca kapaṭaiḥ parivāritā|| vīrabhadrādayaścaiva gaṇāḥ paramadāruṇāḥ|| ye dakṣayajñanāśārthe śivenājñāpitāstadā

And likewise surrounded by pretas, bhutas, and kapatas; and there too were Virabhadra and the other most terrible ganas, once commanded by Shiva to destroy Daksha's sacrifice.

Verse 27 (skanda.1.25.27)

तथा काली भैरवी च माया चैव भयावहा॥ त्रिपुरा च जया चैव तथा क्षेमकरी शुभा

tathā kālī bhairavī ca māyā caiva bhayāvahā|| tripurā ca jayā caiva tathā kṣemakarī śubhā

And likewise Kali, Bhairavi, and terrifying Maya; Tripura, and Jaya, and auspicious Kshemakari.

Verse 28 (skanda.1.25.28)

अन्याश्चैव तथा सर्वाः पुरस्कृत्य सदाशिवम्॥ गंतुकामाश्चोग्रतरा भूतैः प्रेतैः समावृताः

anyāścaiva tathā sarvāḥ puraskṛtya sadāśivam|| gaṃtukāmāścogratarā bhūtaiḥ pretaiḥ samāvṛtāḥ

And all the other goddesses as well, with Sadashiva at their head, most fierce, eager to set forth, surrounded by bhutas and pretas.

Verse 29 (skanda.1.25.29)

एताः सर्वा विलोक्याथ शिवभक्तो जनार्द्दनः॥ महर्षीश्च पुरस्कृत्य ह्यमरांश्च तथैव च॥ अनसूयां पुरस्कृत्य तथैव च ह्यरुंधतीम्

etāḥ sarvā vilokyātha śivabhakto janārddanaḥ|| maharṣīśca puraskṛtya hyamarāṃśca tathaiva ca|| anasūyāṃ puraskṛtya tathaiva ca hyaruṃdhatīm

Beholding all these, Janardana, devoted to Shiva, setting the great sages and the immortals at the fore, and likewise placing Anasuya and Arundhati at the fore —

Verse 30 (skanda.1.25.30)

॥विष्णुरुवाच॥ चण्डीं कुरु समीपस्थां लोकपालनतां प्रभो

||viṣṇuruvāca|| caṇḍīṃ kuru samīpasthāṃ lokapālanatāṃ prabho

Vishnu said: "O lord, keep close by you Chandi, protector and guardian of the worlds."

Verse 31 (skanda.1.25.31)

तदुक्तं विष्णुना वाक्यं निशम्य जगदीश्वरः॥ उवाच प्रहसन्नेव चंडीं प्रति सदाशिवः

taduktaṃ viṣṇunā vākyaṃ niśamya jagadīśvaraḥ|| uvāca prahasanneva caṃḍīṃ prati sadāśivaḥ

Hearing these words spoken by Vishnu, the lord of the world, Sadashiva, laughing, spoke to Chandi.

Verse 32 (skanda.1.25.32)

अत्रैव स्थीयतां चंडीं यावदुद्वहनं भवेत्॥ मम भावान्विजानासि कार्याकार्ये सुशोभने

atraiva sthīyatāṃ caṃḍīṃ yāvadudvahanaṃ bhavet|| mama bhāvānvijānāsi kāryākārye suśobhane

"Stay right here, O Chandi, until the wedding is complete; you know well, O gracious one, my intent in what is fitting and what is not."

Verse 33 (skanda.1.25.33)

एवमाकर्ण्य वचनं शंभोरमिततेजसः॥ उवाच कुपिता चंडी विष्णुमुद्दिश्य सादरम्

evamākarṇya vacanaṃ śaṃbhoramitatejasaḥ|| uvāca kupitā caṃḍī viṣṇumuddiśya sādaram

Hearing these words of Shambhu, of boundless splendour, Chandi, angered, spoke, addressing Vishnu though still with due respect.

Verse 34 (skanda.1.25.34)

तथान्ये प्रमथाः सर्वे विष्णुमूचुः प्रकोपिताः॥ यत्रयत्र शिवो भाति तत्रतत्र वयं प्रभो

tathānye pramathāḥ sarve viṣṇumūcuḥ prakopitāḥ|| yatrayatra śivo bhāti tatratatra vayaṃ prabho

And likewise all the other pramathas, enraged, said to Vishnu: "Wherever Shiva shines forth, there, O lord, we too must always be."

Verse 35 (skanda.1.25.35)

त्वया निवारिताः कस्माद्वयमाभ्युदये परे॥ तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा केशवोवाक्यमब्रवीत्

tvayā nivāritāḥ kasmādvayamābhyudaye pare|| teṣāṃ tadvacanaṃ śrutvā keśavovākyamabravīt

"Why have you kept us from this great and auspicious occasion?" Hearing these words of theirs, Keshava replied.

Verse 36 (skanda.1.25.36)

चण्डीमुद्दिश्य प्रमथानन्यांश्चैव तथाविधान्॥ यूयं चैव मया प्रोक्ता मा कोपं कर्त्तुमर्हथ

caṇḍīmuddiśya pramathānanyāṃścaiva tathāvidhān|| yūyaṃ caiva mayā proktā mā kopaṃ karttumarhatha

Addressing Chandi and the other pramathas of that kind: "I have spoken to you all as I did; you ought not to take offence at it."

Verse 37 (skanda.1.25.37)

एवमुक्तास्तदा तेन चंडीमुख्या गणास्तदा॥ एकांतमाश्रिताः सर्वे विष्णुवाक्याज्ज्वलद्धृदः

evamuktāstadā tena caṃḍīmukhyā gaṇāstadā|| ekāṃtamāśritāḥ sarve viṣṇuvākyājjvaladdhṛdaḥ

Thus addressed by him, Chandi and the other chief ganas then withdrew to one side, their hearts still smouldering at Vishnu's words.

Verse 38 (skanda.1.25.38)

तावत्सर्वे समायाताः पर्वतेंद्रस्य मंत्रिणः॥ सकलत्राः संभ्रमेण महेशं प्रति सत्वरम्

tāvatsarve samāyātāḥ parvateṃdrasya maṃtriṇaḥ|| sakalatrāḥ saṃbhrameṇa maheśaṃ prati satvaram

Meanwhile all the ministers of the lord of mountains arrived, together with their wives, hastening in eager haste toward Mahesha.

Verse 39 (skanda.1.25.39)

पंचवाद्यप्रघोषेण ब्रह्मघोषेण भूयसा॥ योषिद्भिः संवृतास्तत्र गीतशब्देन भूयसा

paṃcavādyapraghoṣeṇa brahmaghoṣeṇa bhūyasā|| yoṣidbhiḥ saṃvṛtāstatra gītaśabdena bhūyasā

Amid the great clamour of the five instruments, the abundant chanting of the Vedas, surrounded there by women, amid the rich sound of song —

Verse 40 (skanda.1.25.40)

एवं प्राप्ता यत्र शंभुः सकलैः परिवारितः॥ आगत्य कलशैः साकं स्नापितो हि सदाशिवः॥ स्त्रीभिर्मंगलगीतेन सर्वाभरणभूषितः

evaṃ prāptā yatra śaṃbhuḥ sakalaiḥ parivāritaḥ|| āgatya kalaśaiḥ sākaṃ snāpito hi sadāśivaḥ|| strībhirmaṃgalagītena sarvābharaṇabhūṣitaḥ

— they thus arrived where Shambhu sat, surrounded by all; and coming with their vessels, the women bathed Sadashiva, adorned with every ornament, amid auspicious songs.

Verse 41 (skanda.1.25.41)

ऋषयो देवगंधर्वास्तथान्ये पर्वतोत्तमाः॥ शंभ्यग्रगास्तदा जग्मुः स्त्रियश्चैव सुपूजिताः॥ बभौ छत्रेण महता ध्रिमाणेन मूर्द्धनि

ṛṣayo devagaṃdharvāstathānye parvatottamāḥ|| śaṃbhyagragāstadā jagmuḥ striyaścaiva supūjitāḥ|| babhau chatreṇa mahatā dhrimāṇena mūrddhani

The sages, gods, gandharvas, and the other foremost mountains went on ahead of Shambhu, together with the well-honoured women; and he shone forth beneath a great umbrella held above his head.

Verse 42 (skanda.1.25.42)

चामरै वीर्ज्यमानोऽसौ मुकुटेन विराजितः॥ ब्रह्मा विष्णुस्तथा चंद्रो लोकपालस्तथैव च

cāmarai vīrjyamāno'sau mukuṭena virājitaḥ|| brahmā viṣṇustathā caṃdro lokapālastathaiva ca

Fanned with chowries, resplendent in his crown; and there too were Brahma, Vishnu, and Chandra, and likewise the guardians of the world.

Verse 43 (skanda.1.25.43)

अग्रगा ह्यपि शोभंतः श्रिया परमया युताः॥ तथा शंखाश्च भेर्यश्च पटहानकगोमुखाः

agragā hyapi śobhaṃtaḥ śriyā paramayā yutāḥ|| tathā śaṃkhāśca bheryaśca paṭahānakagomukhāḥ

Going before him, they too shone, filled with the greatest splendour; and there sounded conches, kettledrums, drums, and horns.

Verse 44 (skanda.1.25.44)

तथैव गायकाः सर्वे परममंगलम्॥ पुनः पुनरवाद्यंत वादित्राणि महोत्सवे

tathaiva gāyakāḥ sarve paramamaṃgalam|| punaḥ punaravādyaṃta vāditrāṇi mahotsave

And likewise all the singers sang the most auspicious songs; and again and again the instruments were sounded, amid that great festivity.

Verse 45 (skanda.1.25.45)

अरुंधती महाभागा अनसूया तथैव च॥ सावित्री च तथा लक्ष्मीर्मातृभिः परिवारिताः

aruṃdhatī mahābhāgā anasūyā tathaiva ca|| sāvitrī ca tathā lakṣmīrmātṛbhiḥ parivāritāḥ

Most blessed Arundhati, and likewise Anasuya; Savitri, and Lakshmi too, surrounded by the Mother goddesses.

Verse 46 (skanda.1.25.46)

एभिः समेतो जगदेकबंधुर्बभौ तदानीं परमेण वर्चसा॥ सचंद्रसूर्यानिलवायुना वृतः सलोकपालप्रवरैर्महर्षिभिः

ebhiḥ sameto jagadekabaṃdhurbabhau tadānīṃ parameṇa varcasā|| sacaṃdrasūryānilavāyunā vṛtaḥ salokapālapravarairmaharṣibhiḥ

Accompanied by all these, that sole kinsman of the world shone forth then with supreme splendour, surrounded by Chandra, Surya, Anila and Vayu, and together with the finest of the world-guardians and the great sages.

Verse 47 (skanda.1.25.47)

स वीज्यमानः पवनेनः साक्षाच्छत्रं च तस्मै शशिना ह्यधिष्ठितम्॥ सूर्यः पुरस्तादभवत्प्रकाशकः श्रियान्वितो विष्णुरभूच्च सन्निधौ

sa vījyamānaḥ pavanenaḥ sākṣācchatraṃ ca tasmai śaśinā hyadhiṣṭhitam|| sūryaḥ purastādabhavatprakāśakaḥ śriyānvito viṣṇurabhūcca sannidhau

He was fanned directly by the wind-god himself, and the moon held an umbrella over him; the sun went ahead, lighting the way, while Vishnu, filled with splendour, remained close at his side.

Verse 48 (skanda.1.25.48)

पुष्पैर्ववर्षुर्ह्यवकीर्यमाणा देवास्तदानीं मुनिभिः समेताः॥ ययौ गृहं कांचनकुट्टिमं महन्महावि भूत्यापरिशोभितं तदा॥ विवेश शंभुः परया सपर्यया संपूज्यमानो नरदेवदानवैः

puṣpairvavarṣurhyavakīryamāṇā devāstadānīṃ munibhiḥ sametāḥ|| yayau gṛhaṃ kāṃcanakuṭṭimaṃ mahanmahāvi bhūtyāpariśobhitaṃ tadā|| viveśa śaṃbhuḥ parayā saparyayā saṃpūjyamāno naradevadānavaiḥ

The gods, together with the sages, showered flowers all about; then he made his way to that great mansion with its golden floor, resplendent with magnificence; and Shambhu, honoured with the highest reverence by men, gods, and demons alike, entered within.

Verse 49 (skanda.1.25.49)

एवं समागतः शंभुः प्रविष्टो यज्ञमण्डपम्॥ संस्तूयमानो विबुधैः स्तुतिभिः परमेश्वरः

evaṃ samāgataḥ śaṃbhuḥ praviṣṭo yajñamaṇḍapam|| saṃstūyamāno vibudhaiḥ stutibhiḥ parameśvaraḥ

Thus arriving, Shambhu entered the sacrificial pavilion, that supreme lord being praised there by the gods with hymns.

Verse 50 (skanda.1.25.50)

गजादुत्तारयामास महेशं पर्वतोत्तमः॥ उपविश्य ततः पीठे कृत्वा नीराजनं महत्

gajāduttārayāmāsa maheśaṃ parvatottamaḥ|| upaviśya tataḥ pīṭhe kṛtvā nīrājanaṃ mahat

The foremost of mountains helped Mahesha descend from the elephant; then, seating him upon a stool, he performed for him the great rite of waving lamps.

Verse 51 (skanda.1.25.51)

मेनया सखिभिः साकं तथैव च पुरोधसा॥ मधुपर्कादिकं सर्वं यत्कृतं चैव तत्र वै

menayā sakhibhiḥ sākaṃ tathaiva ca purodhasā|| madhuparkādikaṃ sarvaṃ yatkṛtaṃ caiva tatra vai

Together with Mena and her companions, and likewise with the family priest, all the rites, beginning with the offering of madhuparka, were duly performed there.

Verse 52 (skanda.1.25.52)

ब्रह्मणा नोदितः सद्यः पुरोधाः कृतवान्प्रभुः॥ मंगलं शुभकल्याणं प्रस्तावसदृशं बहु

brahmaṇā noditaḥ sadyaḥ purodhāḥ kṛtavānprabhuḥ|| maṃgalaṃ śubhakalyāṇaṃ prastāvasadṛśaṃ bahu

Urged on at once by Brahma, that lordly priest performed many auspicious and blessed rites, all befitting the occasion.

Verse 53 (skanda.1.25.53)

अंतर्वेद्यां संप्रवेश्य यत्र सा पार्वती स्थिता॥ वेदिकोपरि तन्वंगी सर्वाभरणभूषिता

aṃtarvedyāṃ saṃpraveśya yatra sā pārvatī sthitā|| vedikopari tanvaṃgī sarvābharaṇabhūṣitā

Bringing him within the sacred enclosure, to where that slender-limbed Parvati sat upon the altar, adorned with every ornament —

Verse 54 (skanda.1.25.54)

तत्रानीतो हरः साक्षाद्विष्णुना ब्रह्मणा सह॥ लग्नं निरीक्षमाणास्ते वाचस्पतिपुरोगमाः

tatrānīto haraḥ sākṣādviṣṇunā brahmaṇā saha|| lagnaṃ nirīkṣamāṇāste vācaspatipurogamāḥ

— there Hara himself was brought, together with Vishnu and Brahma; and they, with Brihaspati at their head, watched closely for the auspicious moment.

Verse 55 (skanda.1.25.55)

गर्गो मुनिश्चोपविष्टस्तत्रैव घटिकालये॥ यावत्पूर्णा घटी जाता तावत्प्रणवभाषणम्

gargo muniścopaviṣṭastatraiva ghaṭikālaye|| yāvatpūrṇā ghaṭī jātā tāvatpraṇavabhāṣaṇam

The sage Garga sat there beside the water-clock; and as soon as its measure was full, the chanting of the sacred syllable Om began.

Verse 56 (skanda.1.25.56)

ॐपुण्येति प्रणिगदन्गर्गो वध्वंजलिं दधे॥ पार्वत्यक्षतपूर्णं च शिवोपरि ववर्ष वै

oṃpuṇyeti praṇigadangargo vadhvaṃjaliṃ dadhe|| pārvatyakṣatapūrṇaṃ ca śivopari vavarṣa vai

Uttering "Om, this is the auspicious moment," Garga took hold of the bride's cupped hands, and Parvati then showered unbroken rice upon Shiva.

Verse 57 (skanda.1.25.57)

तया संपूजितो रुद्रो दध्यक्षतकुशादिभिः॥ मुदा परमया युक्ता पार्वती रुचिरानना

tayā saṃpūjito rudro dadhyakṣatakuśādibhiḥ|| mudā paramayā yuktā pārvatī rucirānanā

By her, Rudra was worshipped with curds, unbroken rice, kusha grass, and the like; and lovely-faced Parvati, filled with the greatest joy —

Verse 58 (skanda.1.25.58)

विलोकयंती शंभुं तं यदर्थे परमं तपः॥ कृतं पुरा महादेव्या परेषां परमं महत्

vilokayaṃtī śaṃbhuṃ taṃ yadarthe paramaṃ tapaḥ|| kṛtaṃ purā mahādevyā pareṣāṃ paramaṃ mahat

— gazed upon that very Shambhu, for whose sake the great goddess had once undertaken such supreme and surpassing austerity.

Verse 59 (skanda.1.25.59)

तपसा तेन संप्राप्तो जगज्जीवनजीवनः॥ नारदेन ततः प्रोक्तो महादेवो वृषध्वजः

tapasā tena saṃprāpto jagajjīvanajīvanaḥ|| nāradena tataḥ prokto mahādevo vṛṣadhvajaḥ

By that very austerity, he who is the life of the world's own life had at last been attained. Then Narada spoke to Mahadeva, the bull-bannered one.

Verse 60 (skanda.1.25.60)

तथा गंगादिभिश्चन्यैर्मुनिभिः सनकादिभिः॥ प्रति पूजां कुरु क्षिप्रं पार्वत्याश्च त्रिलोचन॥ तदा शिवेन सा तन्वी पूजितार्घ्याक्षतादिभिः

tathā gaṃgādibhiścanyairmunibhiḥ sanakādibhiḥ|| prati pūjāṃ kuru kṣipraṃ pārvatyāśca trilocana|| tadā śivena sā tanvī pūjitārghyākṣatādibhiḥ

And together too with Ganga and the other holy rivers, and with the sages Sanaka and his companions, Narada said: "Now, O three-eyed one, quickly perform the return-worship of Parvati." Then that slender goddess was worshipped in turn by Shiva, with offerings of water, unbroken rice, and the rest.

Verse 61 (skanda.1.25.61)

एवं परस्परं तौ च पार्वतीपरमेश्वरौ॥ अर्च्यमानौ तदानीं च शुशुभाते जगन्मयौ

evaṃ parasparaṃ tau ca pārvatīparameśvarau|| arcyamānau tadānīṃ ca śuśubhāte jaganmayau

Thus, worshipping each other in turn, Parvati and Parameshvara, both embodiments of the universe, shone forth in splendour at that moment.

Verse 62 (skanda.1.25.62)

त्रैलोक्यलक्ष्म्या संवीतौ निरीक्षंतौ परस्परम्॥ तदा नीराजितौ लक्ष्म्या सावित्र्या च विशेषतः॥ अरुंधत्या तदा तौ च दंपती परमेश्वरौ

trailokyalakṣmyā saṃvītau nirīkṣaṃtau parasparam|| tadā nīrājitau lakṣmyā sāvitryā ca viśeṣataḥ|| aruṃdhatyā tadā tau ca daṃpatī parameśvarau

Clothed in the glory of the three worlds, gazing upon one another; then that supreme divine couple had lamps waved before them by Lakshmi, and especially by Savitri and Arundhati.

Verse 63 (skanda.1.25.63)

अनसूया तथा शंभुं पार्वतीं च यशस्विनीम्॥ दृष्ट्वा नीराजयामास प्रीत्युत्कलितलोचना

anasūyā tathā śaṃbhuṃ pārvatīṃ ca yaśasvinīm|| dṛṣṭvā nīrājayāmāsa prītyutkalitalocanā

Anasuya too, beholding Shambhu and glorious Parvati, her eyes brimming with affection, waved the lamps of blessing before them.

Verse 64 (skanda.1.25.64)

तथैव सर्वा द्विजयोषितश्च नीराजयामासुरहो पुनः पुनः॥ सतीं च शंभुं च विलोकयंत्यस्तथैव सर्वा मुदिता हसंत्यः

tathaiva sarvā dvijayoṣitaśca nīrājayāmāsuraho punaḥ punaḥ|| satīṃ ca śaṃbhuṃ ca vilokayaṃtyastathaiva sarvā muditā hasaṃtyaḥ

And likewise all the wives of the brahmins waved their lamps again and again, gazing upon Sati and Shambhu, all of them joyful and laughing with delight.

Verse 65 (skanda.1.25.65)

॥लोमश उवाच॥ एतस्मिन्नंतरे तत्र गर्गाचार्यप्रणोदितः॥ हिमवान्मेनया सार्द्धं कन्यां दातुं प्रचक्रमे

||lomaśa uvāca|| etasminnaṃtare tatra gargācāryapraṇoditaḥ|| himavānmenayā sārddhaṃ kanyāṃ dātuṃ pracakrame

Lomasha said: Meanwhile, urged on by the preceptor Garga, Himavan, together with Mena, began the giving of his daughter.

Verse 66 (skanda.1.25.66)

हैमं कलशमादाय मेना चार्द्धां गामाश्रिता॥ हिमाद्रेश्च महाभागा सर्वाभरणभूषिता

haimaṃ kalaśamādāya menā cārddhāṃ gāmāśritā|| himādreśca mahābhāgā sarvābharaṇabhūṣitā

Taking up a golden vessel, Mena sat there beside him, most fortunate wife of the Himalaya, adorned with every ornament.

Verse 67 (skanda.1.25.67)

तदा हिमाद्रिणा प्रोक्तो विश्वनाथो वरप्रदः॥ ब्रह्मणा सह संगत्य विष्णुना च तथैव च

tadā himādriṇā prokto viśvanātho varapradaḥ|| brahmaṇā saha saṃgatya viṣṇunā ca tathaiva ca

Then the Himalaya, having come together with Brahma and likewise with Vishnu, addressed Vishvanatha, giver of every boon.

Verse 68 (skanda.1.25.68)

सार्द्धं पुरोधसा चैव गर्गेण सुमहात्मना॥ कन्यादानं करोम्यद्य देवदेवस्य शूलिनः

sārddhaṃ purodhasā caiva gargeṇa sumahātmanā|| kanyādānaṃ karomyadya devadevasya śūlinaḥ

"Together with the family priest, the great-souled Garga, I now perform this day the gift of my daughter to the trident-bearer, god of gods."

Verse 69 (skanda.1.25.69)

प्रयोगो भण्यतां ब्रह्मन्नस्मिन्समय आगते॥ तथेति मत्वा ते सर्वे कालज्ञा द्विजसत्तमाः

prayogo bhaṇyatāṃ brahmannasminsamaya āgate|| tatheti matvā te sarve kālajñā dvijasattamāḥ

"Let the proper procedure now be declared, O Brahman, since this moment has arrived." Accepting this, all those best of brahmins, versed in the right time —

Verse 70 (skanda.1.25.70)

कथ्यतां तात गोत्रं स्वं कुलं चैव विशेषतः॥ कथयस्व महाभाग इत्याकर्ण्य वचस्तथा॥ सुमुखेन विमुखः सद्यो ह्यशोच्यः शोच्यतां गतः

kathyatāṃ tāta gotraṃ svaṃ kulaṃ caiva viśeṣataḥ|| kathayasva mahābhāga ityākarṇya vacastathā|| sumukhena vimukhaḥ sadyo hyaśocyaḥ śocyatāṃ gataḥ

— said: "Tell us, O father, your own gotra, and above all your lineage; declare it, O most fortunate one." Hearing these words, he of the fair countenance turned away at once; and he who was never to be pitied seemed, for that instant, to fall into distress.

Verse 71 (skanda.1.25.71)

एवंविधः सुरवरैर्ऋषिभिस्तदानीं गंधर्वयक्षमुनिसिद्धगणैस्तथैव॥ दृष्टो निरुत्तरमुखो भगवान्महेशो हास्यं चकार सुभृशं त्वथ नारदश्च

evaṃvidhaḥ suravarairṛṣibhistadānīṃ gaṃdharvayakṣamunisiddhagaṇaistathaiva|| dṛṣṭo niruttaramukho bhagavānmaheśo hāsyaṃ cakāra subhṛśaṃ tvatha nāradaśca

Seen thus, silent and unable to reply, by the finest of the gods and sages, and likewise by the gandharvas, yakshas, munis and siddhas, blessed Mahesha fell quiet; and Narada then burst into loud laughter.

Verse 72 (skanda.1.25.72)

वीणां प्रकटयामास ब्रह्मपुत्रोऽथ नारदः॥ तदानीं वारितो धीमान्वीणां मा वादय प्रभो

vīṇāṃ prakaṭayāmāsa brahmaputro'tha nāradaḥ|| tadānīṃ vārito dhīmānvīṇāṃ mā vādaya prabho

Then Narada, son of Brahma, brought forth his vina; but that wise sage was checked at once: "Do not play the vina now, O lord."

Verse 73 (skanda.1.25.73)

इत्युक्तः पर्वतेनैव नारदो वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥ त्वया पृष्टो भवः साक्षात्स्वगोत्रकथनं प्रति

ityuktaḥ parvatenaiva nārado vākyamabravīt|| tvayā pṛṣṭo bhavaḥ sākṣātsvagotrakathanaṃ prati

Thus addressed by the mountain himself, Narada spoke these words: "You have asked Bhava himself, in person, to declare his own gotra."

Verse 74 (skanda.1.25.74)

अस्य गोत्रं कुलं चैव नाद एव परं गिरे॥ नादे प्रतिष्ठितः शंभुर्नादो ह्यस्मिन्प्रतिष्ठितः

asya gotraṃ kulaṃ caiva nāda eva paraṃ gire|| nāde pratiṣṭhitaḥ śaṃbhurnādo hyasminpratiṣṭhitaḥ

"His gotra and lineage, O mountain, is the supreme primordial Sound alone. Shambhu abides in Nada, and Nada abides in him."

Verse 75 (skanda.1.25.75)

तस्मान्नादमयः शंभुर्नादाच्च प्रतिलभ्यते॥ तस्माद्वीणा मया चाद्य वादिता हि परंतप

tasmānnādamayaḥ śaṃbhurnādācca pratilabhyate|| tasmādvīṇā mayā cādya vāditā hi paraṃtapa

"Therefore Shambhu is of the very nature of Nada, and it is through Nada alone that he is attained; that is why, O vanquisher of foes, I have played the vina today."

Verse 76 (skanda.1.25.76)

अस्य गोत्रं कुलं नाम न जानंति हि पर्वत॥ ब्रह्मादयो हि विवुधा अन्येषां चैव का कथा

asya gotraṃ kulaṃ nāma na jānaṃti hi parvata|| brahmādayo hi vivudhā anyeṣāṃ caiva kā kathā

"His gotra and lineage, O mountain, are not known even by Brahma and the other gods; what then is to be said of anyone else?"

Verse 77 (skanda.1.25.77)

त्वं हि मूढत्वमापन्नो न जानासि हि किंचन॥ वाच्यावाच्यं महेशस्य विषया हि बहिर्मुखाः

tvaṃ hi mūḍhatvamāpanno na jānāsi hi kiṃcana|| vācyāvācyaṃ maheśasya viṣayā hi bahirmukhāḥ

"You have simply fallen into confusion; you know nothing at all. What may rightly be said of Mahesha, and what may not, lies beyond the reach of the senses, which turn only outward."

Verse 78 (skanda.1.25.78)

येये आगमिकाश्चाद्रे नष्टास्ते नात्र संशयः॥ अरूपोयं विरूपाक्षो ह्यकुलीनोऽयमुच्यते

yeye āgamikāścādre naṣṭāste nātra saṃśayaḥ|| arūpoyaṃ virūpākṣo hyakulīno'yamucyate

"Whoever, O mountain, relies merely on scriptural convention alone has certainly gone astray, of this there is no doubt; this one is called formless, misshapen-eyed, of no lineage at all —"

Verse 79 (skanda.1.25.79)

अगोत्रोऽयं गिरिश्रेष्ठ जामाता ते न संशयः॥ न कर्त्तव्यो विमर्शोऽत्र भवता विबुधेन हि

agotro'yaṃ giriśreṣṭha jāmātā te na saṃśayaḥ|| na karttavyo vimarśo'tra bhavatā vibudhena hi

"— gotra-less indeed, O foremost of mountains, is this son-in-law of yours, beyond doubt. There is no need, O wise one, for you to deliberate on this any further."

Verse 80 (skanda.1.25.80)

न जानंति हरं सर्वे किं बहूक्त्या मम प्रभो॥ यस्याज्ञानान्महाभाग मोहिता ऋषयो ह्यमी

na jānaṃti haraṃ sarve kiṃ bahūktyā mama prabho|| yasyājñānānmahābhāga mohitā ṛṣayo hyamī

"No one knows Hara fully — what use is there, O lord, in my saying more? Through ignorance of whom, O most fortunate one, even these very sages have been led astray."

Verse 81 (skanda.1.25.81)

ब्रह्मापि तं न जानाति मस्तकं परमेष्ठिनः॥ विष्णुर्गतो हि पातालं न दृष्टो हि तथैव च

brahmāpi taṃ na jānāti mastakaṃ parameṣṭhinaḥ|| viṣṇurgato hi pātālaṃ na dṛṣṭo hi tathaiva ca

"Even Brahma could not find the crown of that supreme lord's head; and Vishnu, though he went down as far as Patala, likewise could not behold his feet."

Verse 82 (skanda.1.25.82)

तेन लिंगेन महता ह्यगाधेन जगत्त्रयम्॥ व्याप्तमस्तीति तद्विद्धि किमनेन प्रयोजनम्

tena liṃgena mahatā hyagādhena jagattrayam|| vyāptamastīti tadviddhi kimanena prayojanam

"By that great, unfathomable Linga, the three worlds stand pervaded — know this to be so; what further purpose is there in questioning it?"

Verse 83 (skanda.1.25.83)

अनयाराधितं नूनं तव पुत्र्या हिमालय॥ तत्त्वतो हि न जानासि कथं चैव महागिरे

anayārādhitaṃ nūnaṃ tava putryā himālaya|| tattvato hi na jānāsi kathaṃ caiva mahāgire

"Truly, O Himalaya, it is your own daughter who has won him through her worship; you yourself, O great mountain, do not truly know how it came to pass."

Verse 84 (skanda.1.25.84)

आभ्यामुत्पाद्यते विश्वमाभ्यां चैव प्रतिष्ठितम्॥ एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य नारदस्य महात्मनः

ābhyāmutpādyate viśvamābhyāṃ caiva pratiṣṭhitam|| etacchrutvā vacastasya nāradasya mahātmanaḥ

"By these two alone is the universe brought forth, and by these two alone is it sustained." Hearing these words of the great-souled Narada —

Verse 85 (skanda.1.25.85)

हिमाद्रिप्रमुखाः सर्वे तथा चेंद्रपुरोगमाः॥ साधुसाध्विति ते सर्वे ऊचुर्विस्मितमानसाः

himādripramukhāḥ sarve tathā ceṃdrapurogamāḥ|| sādhusādhviti te sarve ūcurvismitamānasāḥ

— all of them, with the Himalaya at their head, and likewise Indra leading the gods, cried out together, their minds filled with wonder, "Well said, well said!"

Verse 86 (skanda.1.25.86)

ईश्वरस्य तु गांभीर्यं ज्ञात्वा सर्वे विचक्षणाः॥ विस्मयेन समाश्लिष्टा ऊचुः सर्वे परस्परम्

īśvarasya tu gāṃbhīryaṃ jñātvā sarve vicakṣaṇāḥ|| vismayena samāśliṣṭā ūcuḥ sarve parasparam

Then, understanding the depth of Ishvara's mystery, all those discerning ones, overcome with wonder, spoke to one another.

Verse 87 (skanda.1.25.87)

॥ऋषय ऊचुः॥ यस्याज्ञया जगदिदं च विशालमेव जातं परात्परमिदं निजबोधरूपम्॥ सर्वं स्वतंत्रपरमेश्वरभागम्यं सोऽसौ त्रिलोकनिजरूपयुतो महात्मा

||ṛṣaya ūcuḥ|| yasyājñayā jagadidaṃ ca viśālameva jātaṃ parātparamidaṃ nijabodharūpam|| sarvaṃ svataṃtraparameśvarabhāgamyaṃ so'sau trilokanijarūpayuto mahātmā

The sages said: "He by whose command this vast universe came into being, he who is beyond the beyond, whose very nature is self-luminous awareness; he, the independent supreme lord, by whom all things are truly known — that same great-souled one bears within himself the very form of the three worlds."