The Birth of Kartikeya

Verse 1 (skanda.1.27.1)

॥लोमश उवाच॥ तथैव विष्णुना सर्वे पर्वताश्च प्रपूजिताः॥ सह्याचलश्च विंध्यश्च मैनाको गंधमादनः

||lomaśa uvāca|| tathaiva viṣṇunā sarve parvatāśca prapūjitāḥ|| sahyācalaśca viṃdhyaśca maināko gaṃdhamādanaḥ

Lomasha said: In the same way, all the mountains were duly honoured by Vishnu — the Sahya range, and Vindhya, Mainaka, and Gandhamadana.

Verse 2 (skanda.1.27.2)

माल्यवान्मलयश्चैव महेंद्रो मंदरस्तथा॥ मेरुश्चैव प्रयत्नेन पूजितो विष्णुना तदा

mālyavānmalayaścaiva maheṃdro maṃdarastathā|| meruścaiva prayatnena pūjito viṣṇunā tadā

Malyavan and Malaya, Mahendra, and Mandara as well; and Meru too was honoured with great care by Vishnu at that time.

Verse 3 (skanda.1.27.3)

श्वेतः कृतः श्वेतगिरिर्निलाद्रिश्च तथैव च॥ उदयाद्रिश्च श्रृंगश्च अस्ताचलवरो महान्

śvetaḥ kṛtaḥ śvetagirirnilādriśca tathaiva ca|| udayādriśca śrṛṃgaśca astācalavaro mahān

Shvetagiri, the White Mountain, and likewise Niladri; Udayadri, and Shringa, and the great, excellent mountain of the setting sun, Astachala.

Verse 4 (skanda.1.27.4)

मानसाद्रिस्तथा शैलः कैलासः पर्वतोत्तमः॥ लोकालोकस्तथा शैलः पूजितः परमेष्ठिना

mānasādristathā śailaḥ kailāsaḥ parvatottamaḥ|| lokālokastathā śailaḥ pūjitaḥ parameṣṭhinā

Mount Manasa as well, and Kailasa, foremost of mountains; and Lokaloka too was honoured by that supreme lord.

Verse 5 (skanda.1.27.5)

एवं ते पर्वतश्रेष्ठाः पूजिताः सर्व एव हि॥ तथान्ये पूजितास्तेन सर्वे पर्वतवासिनः

evaṃ te parvataśreṣṭhāḥ pūjitāḥ sarva eva hi|| tathānye pūjitāstena sarve parvatavāsinaḥ

Thus all those foremost mountains were duly honoured; and likewise all the other dwellers of the mountains were honoured by him as well.

Verse 6 (skanda.1.27.6)

विष्णुना ब्रह्मणा सार्द्धं कृतं सर्वं यथोचितम्॥ अन्येहनि च संप्राप्ते वरयात्रा कृता तथा

viṣṇunā brahmaṇā sārddhaṃ kṛtaṃ sarvaṃ yathocitam|| anyehani ca saṃprāpte varayātrā kṛtā tathā

Together with Brahma, Vishnu performed everything as was fitting; and when the next day came, the bridegroom's procession was likewise arranged.

Verse 7 (skanda.1.27.7)

हिमाद्रिणा बंधुभिश्च पर्वतं गंधमादनम्॥ ययुः सर्वे सुरगणा गणाश्च बहवस्तथा

himādriṇā baṃdhubhiśca parvataṃ gaṃdhamādanam|| yayuḥ sarve suragaṇā gaṇāśca bahavastathā

Together with the Himalaya and his kinsmen, all the hosts of gods, and likewise many of the ganas, made their way toward the mountain Gandhamadana.

Verse 8 (skanda.1.27.8)

प्रमथाश्च तथा सर्वे तथा चंडीगणाः परे॥ ये चान्ये बहवस्तत्र समायाता हिमालया

pramathāśca tathā sarve tathā caṃḍīgaṇāḥ pare|| ye cānye bahavastatra samāyātā himālayā

And likewise all the pramathas, and Chandi's other ganas as well; and whatever other multitudes had gathered there together with the Himalaya.

Verse 9 (skanda.1.27.9)

शिवस्योद्वहनं विप्राः शिवेन परिभाविताः॥ परं हर्षं समापन्ना दृष्ट्वा तौ दंपती तदा

śivasyodvahanaṃ viprāḥ śivena paribhāvitāḥ|| paraṃ harṣaṃ samāpannā dṛṣṭvā tau daṃpatī tadā

O brahmins, at Shiva's wedding, all those blessed by Shiva attained the greatest joy, beholding that divine couple.

Verse 10 (skanda.1.27.10)

पार्वतीसहितः शंभुः शंभुना सह पार्वती॥ पुष्पगन्धौ यथा स्यातां वागर्थाविव तत्त्वतः

pārvatīsahitaḥ śaṃbhuḥ śaṃbhunā saha pārvatī|| puṣpagandhau yathā syātāṃ vāgarthāviva tattvataḥ

Shambhu together with Parvati, and Parvati together with Shambhu — as flower and fragrance are one, or as word and meaning are, in truth, inseparable.

Verse 11 (skanda.1.27.11)

तथा प्रकृतिपुंसौ च ऐकपद्येन नान्यथा॥ दंपती तौ गजारूढौ शुशुभाते महाप्रभौ

tathā prakṛtipuṃsau ca aikapadyena nānyathā|| daṃpatī tau gajārūḍhau śuśubhāte mahāprabhau

And likewise Prakriti and Purusha are one, not otherwise. That divine couple, mounted upon an elephant, shone forth with the greatest splendour.

Verse 12 (skanda.1.27.12)

विमास्थस्तदा ब्रह्मा विष्णुश्च गरुडोपरि॥ ऐरावतगतश्चेंद्रः कुबेरः पुष्पकोपरि

vimāsthastadā brahmā viṣṇuśca garuḍopari|| airāvatagataśceṃdraḥ kuberaḥ puṣpakopari

Then Brahma took his place upon his celestial vehicle, and Vishnu mounted upon Garuda; Indra rode upon Airavata, and Kubera upon the Pushpaka.

Verse 13 (skanda.1.27.13)

पाशी च मकरा रूढो यमो महिषमेव च॥ प्रेतारूढो नैर्ऋतः स्यादग्निर्बस्तगतो महान्

pāśī ca makarā rūḍho yamo mahiṣameva ca|| pretārūḍho nairṛtaḥ syādagnirbastagato mahān

Varuna, the noose-bearer, rode upon a makara, and Yama upon his buffalo; Nairrita mounted upon a corpse, and great Agni upon a ram.

Verse 14 (skanda.1.27.14)

मृगारूढोऽथ पवन ईशो वृषभमेव च॥ इत्येवं लोकपालाश्च सग्रहाः परमेष्ठिनः

mṛgārūḍho'tha pavana īśo vṛṣabhameva ca|| ityevaṃ lokapālāśca sagrahāḥ parameṣṭhinaḥ

Pavana rode upon a deer, and Ishana upon a bull. Thus, together with the planets, all the guardians of the quarters of the supreme lord —

Verse 15 (skanda.1.27.15)

स्वैः स्वैर्बलैः परिक्रांतास्तथान्ये प्रमथादयः॥ हिमाद्रिश्च महाशैल ऋषभो गंधमादनः

svaiḥ svairbalaiḥ parikrāṃtāstathānye pramathādayaḥ|| himādriśca mahāśaila ṛṣabho gaṃdhamādanaḥ

— each accompanied by his own forces, set out; and likewise the other pramathas and the rest, and the great mountain Himalaya, and Rishabha, and Gandhamadana.

Verse 16 (skanda.1.27.16)

सह्याचलो नीलगिरिर्मंदरो मलयाचलः॥ कैलासो हि महातेजा मैनाकश्च महाप्रभः

sahyācalo nīlagirirmaṃdaro malayācalaḥ|| kailāso hi mahātejā mainākaśca mahāprabhaḥ

Sahyachala, Nilagiri, Mandara, and Malayachala; and Kailasa, of great splendour, and Mainaka, of great radiance.

Verse 17 (skanda.1.27.17)

एते चान्ये च गिरयः क्षीमंतो हि महाप्रभाः॥ सकलत्राश्च ते सर्वे ससुताश्च मनोरमाः

ete cānye ca girayaḥ kṣīmaṃto hi mahāprabhāḥ|| sakalatrāśca te sarve sasutāśca manoramāḥ

These and other mountains, prosperous and of great splendour; all of them, together with their wives and their lovely sons.

Verse 18 (skanda.1.27.18)

बलिनो रूपिणः सर्वे मेर्वाद्यास्तत्र पर्वताः॥ वरयात्राप्रसंगेन शिवार्चनपराभवन्

balino rūpiṇaḥ sarve mervādyāstatra parvatāḥ|| varayātrāprasaṃgena śivārcanaparābhavan

All of them mighty and handsome, those mountains there, Meru and the rest; through this occasion of the bridegroom's procession, they became wholly devoted to the worship of Shiva.

Verse 19 (skanda.1.27.19)

नंदिना ह्युपविष्टास्ते मेर्वाद्यास्तत्र पर्वताः॥ वरयात्रा कृता ते यथोक्ता च हिमाद्रिणा॥ सर्वैस्तैर्बंधुभिः सार्द्धं पुनरागमनं कृतम्

naṃdinā hyupaviṣṭāste mervādyāstatra parvatāḥ|| varayātrā kṛtā te yathoktā ca himādriṇā|| sarvaistairbaṃdhubhiḥ sārddhaṃ punarāgamanaṃ kṛtam

Seated at Nandi's arrangement, those mountains, Meru and the rest, took their places there; the bridegroom's procession was conducted just as described by the Himalaya; and together with all those kinsmen, the journey back was then made.

Verse 20 (skanda.1.27.20)

स्वकालयस्थो हिमवान्स रेजे हि महा यशा॥ शिवसंपर्कजेनैव महसा परमेम च॥ विख्यातो हि महाशैलस्त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतः

svakālayastho himavānsa reje hi mahā yaśā|| śivasaṃparkajenaiva mahasā paramema ca|| vikhyāto hi mahāśailastriṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ

Established in his own abode, that most renowned Himalaya shone forth with the supreme splendour born of his very connection with Shiva; that great mountain became famed and celebrated throughout all three worlds.

Verse 21 (skanda.1.27.21)

कन्यादानेन महता तुष्टो यस्य च शंकरः॥ ते धन्यास्ते महात्मानः कृतकृतत्यास्तथैव च

kanyādānena mahatā tuṣṭo yasya ca śaṃkaraḥ|| te dhanyāste mahātmānaḥ kṛtakṛtatyāstathaiva ca

Blessed indeed are they, and truly great-souled, and their life's purpose fulfilled — those by whose great gift of a daughter Shankara is made glad.

Verse 22 (skanda.1.27.22)

द्व्यक्षरं नाम येषां च जिह्वाग्रे संस्थितं सदा॥ शिवेति द्व्यक्षरं नाम यैर्हृदीरितमद्य वै॥ ते वै मनुष्यरूपेण रुद्रा एव न संशयः

dvyakṣaraṃ nāma yeṣāṃ ca jihvāgre saṃsthitaṃ sadā|| śiveti dvyakṣaraṃ nāma yairhṛdīritamadya vai|| te vai manuṣyarūpeṇa rudrā eva na saṃśayaḥ

Those upon whose tongue-tip that two-syllabled name ever dwells; those who this day have uttered from the heart that two-syllabled name "Shiva" — they, though in human form, are truly Rudra himself; of this there is no doubt.

Verse 23 (skanda.1.27.23)

किंचिद्दानेन संतुष्टः पत्रेणापि तथैव च॥ तोयेनापि हि संतुष्टो महादेवो निरन्तरम्

kiṃciddānena saṃtuṣṭaḥ patreṇāpi tathaiva ca|| toyenāpi hi saṃtuṣṭo mahādevo nirantaram

By even the smallest gift he is well pleased, and likewise even by a single leaf; and by water alone too, Mahadeva is ever content.

Verse 24 (skanda.1.27.24)

पत्रेण पुष्पेण तथा जलेन प्रीतो भवत्येष सदाशिवो हि॥ तस्माच्च सर्वैः प्रतिपूजनीयः शिवो मद्दाभाग्यकरो नृणामिह

patreṇa puṣpeṇa tathā jalena prīto bhavatyeṣa sadāśivo hi|| tasmācca sarvaiḥ pratipūjanīyaḥ śivo maddābhāgyakaro nṛṇāmiha

By a leaf, by a flower, and likewise by water alone, this Sadashiva becomes truly pleased; therefore he should be worshipped by everyone — Shiva, the giver of the greatest fortune to men in this world.

Verse 25 (skanda.1.27.25)

एको महाञ्ज्योतिरजः परेशः परापराणां परमो महात्मा॥ निरंतरो निर्विकारो निरीशो निराबाधो निर्विकल्पो निरीहः

eko mahāñjyotirajaḥ pareśaḥ parāparāṇāṃ paramo mahātmā|| niraṃtaro nirvikāro nirīśo nirābādho nirvikalpo nirīhaḥ

He is the One, the great Light, unborn, the supreme lord, highest above both the high and the low, the supreme great soul; unbroken, changeless, without a superior, unobstructed, beyond all distinctions, without desire; stainless, of everlasting form, unconfined, eternally blissful, and ever eternally free.

Verse 26 (skanda.1.27.26)

निरंजनो नित्यरूपो निरोधो नित्यानन्दो नित्यमुक्ताः सदेव॥ एवंभूतो देवदेवोऽर्च्चितश्च तैर्देवाद्यर्विश्ववेद्यो भवश्च॥ स्तुतो ध्यातः पूजितश्चिंतितश्च सर्वज्ञोऽसौ सर्वदा सर्वदश्च

niraṃjano nityarūpo nirodho nityānando nityamuktāḥ sadeva|| evaṃbhūto devadevo'rccitaśca tairdevādyarviśvavedyo bhavaśca|| stuto dhyātaḥ pūjitaściṃtitaśca sarvajño'sau sarvadā sarvadaśca

Such is Bhava, the god of gods, worshipped by the gods and all others, known to the whole universe — praised, meditated upon, honoured, held in thought, all-knowing, and ever the giver of all.

Verse 27 (skanda.1.27.27)

यथा वरिष्ठो हिमवान्प्रसिद्धः सर्वैर्गुणैः सर्वगुणो महात्मा॥ विश्वेशवंद्यो हि तदा हिमालयो जातो गिरीणां प्रवरस्तदानीम्

yathā variṣṭho himavānprasiddhaḥ sarvairguṇaiḥ sarvaguṇo mahātmā|| viśveśavaṃdyo hi tadā himālayo jāto girīṇāṃ pravarastadānīm

As the Himalaya, that great-souled one endowed with every virtue, became most excellent, renowned for all his qualities — so then the Himalaya, revered even by the lord of the universe, became at that time the very foremost among mountains.

Verse 28 (skanda.1.27.28)

मेनया सह धर्मात्मा यथास्थानगतस्ततः॥ सर्वान्विसर्जयामास पर्वतान्पर्वतेश्वरः

menayā saha dharmātmā yathāsthānagatastataḥ|| sarvānvisarjayāmāsa parvatānparvateśvaraḥ

Together with Mena, that righteous soul, having returned to his own abode, the lord of mountains then bade farewell to all the mountains.

Verse 29 (skanda.1.27.29)

गतेषु तेषु हिमवान्पुत्रैः पौत्रैः प्रपौत्रकैः॥ राजा गिरीणां प्रवरो महादेवप्रसादतः

gateṣu teṣu himavānputraiḥ pautraiḥ prapautrakaiḥ|| rājā girīṇāṃ pravaro mahādevaprasādataḥ

When they had all departed, Himavan, together with his sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons, became, by Mahadeva's grace, the king and foremost of all mountains.

Verse 30 (skanda.1.27.30)

अथो गिरिजया सार्द्धं महेशो गन्धमादने॥ एकांते च मतिं चक्रे रमणार्थं स्वरूपवान्

atho girijayā sārddhaṃ maheśo gandhamādane|| ekāṃte ca matiṃ cakre ramaṇārthaṃ svarūpavān

Then, together with Girija, Mahesha, on Mount Gandhamadana, in a secluded spot, resolved, in his own true form, upon union with her.

Verse 31 (skanda.1.27.31)

सुरतेनैव महता तपसा हि समागमे॥ द्वयोः सुरतमारब्धं तद्द्वयोश्च तदाऽभवत्

suratenaiva mahatā tapasā hi samāgame|| dvayoḥ suratamārabdhaṃ taddvayośca tadā'bhavat

Through their great union, itself as intense as austerity, at that meeting; the lovemaking of those two began, and it came to pass between them there.

Verse 32 (skanda.1.27.32)

अनिष्टं महदाश्चर्यं प्रलयोपममेव च॥ तस्मिन्महारते प्राप्ते नाविंदंत सुखं परम्

aniṣṭaṃ mahadāścaryaṃ pralayopamameva ca|| tasminmahārate prāpte nāviṃdaṃta sukhaṃ param

A dire, wondrous, and momentous event occurred, resembling the dissolution of the universe itself; and when that great union reached its height, no one anywhere could find true happiness.

Verse 33 (skanda.1.27.33)

सर्वे ब्रह्मादयो देवाः कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ॥ रेतसा च जगत्सर्वं नष्टं स्थावरजंगमम्

sarve brahmādayo devāḥ kāryākāryavyavasthitau|| retasā ca jagatsarvaṃ naṣṭaṃ sthāvarajaṃgamam

All the gods, Brahma and the rest, stood bewildered over what course of action to take; and by that seed, the entire world, moving and unmoving alike, was thrown into disorder.

Verse 34 (skanda.1.27.34)

सस्मार चाग्निं ब्रह्मा च विष्णुश्चाध्यात्मदायकः॥ मनसा संस्मृतः सद्यो जगामाग्निस्त्वरान्वितः

sasmāra cāgniṃ brahmā ca viṣṇuścādhyātmadāyakaḥ|| manasā saṃsmṛtaḥ sadyo jagāmāgnistvarānvitaḥ

Brahma and Vishnu, the giver of spiritual knowledge, called Agni to mind; and remembered thus in thought, Agni at once set forth in haste.

Verse 35 (skanda.1.27.35)

ताभ्यां संप्रेषितोऽपश्यद्रुचिरं शिवमांदिरम्॥ द्वारि स्थितं नंदिनं च ददर्शाग्रे महाप्रभम्

tābhyāṃ saṃpreṣito'paśyadruciraṃ śivamāṃdiram|| dvāri sthitaṃ naṃdinaṃ ca dadarśāgre mahāprabham

Sent forth by those two, he beheld the lovely mansion of Shiva; and there at the door he saw the great, radiant Nandi standing before him.

Verse 36 (skanda.1.27.36)

अग्निर्ह्रस्वस्तदा भूत्वा काश्मीरसदृशच्छविः॥ प्रविष्टोंतः पुरं शंभोर्नानाश्चर्यसमन्वितम्

agnirhrasvastadā bhūtvā kāśmīrasadṛśacchaviḥ|| praviṣṭoṃtaḥ puraṃ śaṃbhornānāścaryasamanvitam

Then Agni, taking on a diminutive form, radiant as saffron, entered within Shambhu's inner city, filled with manifold wonders.

Verse 37 (skanda.1.27.37)

अनेकरत्नसंवीतं प्रासादैश्च स्वलं कृतम्॥ तदंगणमनुप्राप्य उपविश्याह हव्यवाट्

anekaratnasaṃvītaṃ prāsādaiśca svalaṃ kṛtam|| tadaṃgaṇamanuprāpya upaviśyāha havyavāṭ

Wreathed in countless jewels, adorned with palaces; having reached that very courtyard, the bearer of oblations sat down and spoke.

Verse 38 (skanda.1.27.38)

पाणिपात्रस्य मे ह्यम्ब भिक्षां देह्यवरोधतः॥ तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य पाणिपात्रस्य बालिका

pāṇipātrasya me hyamba bhikṣāṃ dehyavarodhataḥ|| tacchrutvā vacanaṃ tasya pāṇipātrasya bālikā

"O mother, give alms into my cupped hands, from within your chamber." Hearing these words of his, about giving into his cupped hands, that maiden —

Verse 39 (skanda.1.27.39)

यावद्दातुं च सारेभे भिक्षां तस्मै ततः स्वयम्॥ उत्थाय सुरतात्तस्माच्छिवो हि कुपितो भृशम्

yāvaddātuṃ ca sārebhe bhikṣāṃ tasmai tataḥ svayam|| utthāya suratāttasmācchivo hi kupito bhṛśam

— just as she was about to give the alms to him herself, Shiva, rising up from that very union, grew exceedingly angry.

Verse 40 (skanda.1.27.40)

रुद्रस्त्रिशूलमुद्यम्य भैरवो ह्यऽभवत्तदा॥ निवारितो गिरिजया वधात्तस्माच्छिवः स्वयम्॥ भिक्षां तस्मै ददौ वाचा अग्नये जातवेदसे

rudrastriśūlamudyamya bhairavo hya'bhavattadā|| nivārito girijayā vadhāttasmācchivaḥ svayam|| bhikṣāṃ tasmai dadau vācā agnaye jātavedase

Raising his trident, Rudra became Bhairava at that instant; but restrained by Girija from that act of killing, Shiva himself then granted the alms by his own word to Agni, knower of all things born.

Verse 41 (skanda.1.27.41)

पाणौ भिक्षां गृहीत्वाथ प्रत्यक्षं तेन चाग्निना॥ भिक्षिता कुपिता तं वै शशाप गिरिजा ततः

pāṇau bhikṣāṃ gṛhītvātha pratyakṣaṃ tena cāgninā|| bhikṣitā kupitā taṃ vai śaśāpa girijā tataḥ

Taking the alms into his own hand, right there before Agni's very eyes; angered at having been thus solicited, Girija then cursed him.

Verse 42 (skanda.1.27.42)

रे भिक्षो भविता शापात्सर्वभक्षो ममाशु वै॥ अनेन रेतसा सद्यः पीडां प्राप्स्यसि सर्वतः

re bhikṣo bhavitā śāpātsarvabhakṣo mamāśu vai|| anena retasā sadyaḥ pīḍāṃ prāpsyasi sarvataḥ

"O beggar, by my curse you shall become at once the devourer of all things; and through this very seed, you shall immediately suffer affliction from every side."

Verse 43 (skanda.1.27.43)

इत्युक्तो भक्षयित्वाग्नी रेत ईशस्य हव्यवाट्॥ यत्र देवाः स्थिताः सर्वे ब्रह्माद्याश्चैव सर्वशः

ityukto bhakṣayitvāgnī reta īśasya havyavāṭ|| yatra devāḥ sthitāḥ sarve brahmādyāścaiva sarvaśaḥ

Thus addressed, Agni, bearer of oblations, swallowed the seed of Ishvara; and made his way to where all the gods, Brahma among them, stood assembled.

Verse 44 (skanda.1.27.44)

आगत्याकथयत्सर्वं तद्रेतोभक्षणादिकम्॥ सर्वे सगर्भा ह्यभवन्निन्द्राद्या देवतागणाः

āgatyākathayatsarvaṃ tadretobhakṣaṇādikam|| sarve sagarbhā hyabhavannindrādyā devatāgaṇāḥ

Arriving there, he told them everything, of swallowing the seed and all that had occurred; and all the hosts of gods, Indra among them, thereby became impregnated.

Verse 45 (skanda.1.27.45)

अग्नेर्यथा हविश्चैव सर्वेषामुपतिष्ठति॥ अग्नेर्मुखोद्भवेनैव रेतसा ते सुरेश्वराः

agneryathā haviścaiva sarveṣāmupatiṣṭhati|| agnermukhodbhavenaiva retasā te sureśvarāḥ

Just as the oblation offered into Agni reaches every one of the gods, so too, through that very seed arising from Agni's mouth, those lords of the gods —

Verse 46 (skanda.1.27.46)

सगर्भाह्यभवन्सर्वे चिंतया चप्रपीडिताः॥ विष्णुं शरणमाजग्मुर्द्देवदेवेश्वरं प्रभुम्

sagarbhāhyabhavansarve ciṃtayā caprapīḍitāḥ|| viṣṇuṃ śaraṇamājagmurddevadeveśvaraṃ prabhum

— all of them became pregnant, and were sorely afflicted with anxiety; and they went for refuge to Vishnu, lord and god of the gods.

Verse 47 (skanda.1.27.47)

॥देवा ऊचुः॥ त्वं त्राता सर्वदेवानां लोकानां प्रभुरेव च॥ तस्माद्रक्षा विधातव्या शरणागतवत्सल

||devā ūcuḥ|| tvaṃ trātā sarvadevānāṃ lokānāṃ prabhureva ca|| tasmādrakṣā vidhātavyā śaraṇāgatavatsala

The gods said: "You alone are the protector of all the gods, and the very lord of the worlds; therefore protection must be granted, O gracious one, kind to those who seek your refuge."

Verse 48 (skanda.1.27.48)

वयं सर्वे मर्तुकामा रेतसानेन पीडिताः॥ असुरेभ्यः परित्रस्ता वयं सर्वे दिवौकसः

vayaṃ sarve martukāmā retasānena pīḍitāḥ|| asurebhyaḥ paritrastā vayaṃ sarve divaukasaḥ

"All of us, afflicted by this seed, are on the verge of death; already terrified by the asuras, all of us dwellers of heaven —"

Verse 49 (skanda.1.27.49)

शरणं शंकरं याताः परित्रातुं कृतोद्वहाः॥ यदा पुत्रो हि रुद्रस्य भविष्यति तदा वयम्॥ सुखिनः स्याम सर्वे निर्भयाश्च त्रिविष्टपे

śaraṇaṃ śaṃkaraṃ yātāḥ paritrātuṃ kṛtodvahāḥ|| yadā putro hi rudrasya bhaviṣyati tadā vayam|| sukhinaḥ syāma sarve nirbhayāśca triviṣṭape

"— it was we who arranged Shankara's marriage, so that we might be delivered; for when a son is born to Rudra, then shall all of us be happy and free from fear in heaven."

Verse 50 (skanda.1.27.50)

एवं विष्टभ्यमानानां सर्वेषां भयमागतम्॥ अनेन रेतसा विष्णो जीवितुं शक्यते कथम्

evaṃ viṣṭabhyamānānāṃ sarveṣāṃ bhayamāgatam|| anena retasā viṣṇo jīvituṃ śakyate katham

"Thus weighed down, all of us have been overcome with fear; how, O Vishnu, can we possibly go on living with this seed within us?"

Verse 51 (skanda.1.27.51)

त्रिवर्गो हि यथा पुंसां कृतो हि सुपरिष्कृतः॥ विपरीतो भवत्येव विना देवेन नान्यथा

trivargo hi yathā puṃsāṃ kṛto hi supariṣkṛtaḥ|| viparīto bhavatyeva vinā devena nānyathā

"Just as the threefold aim of men, however carefully accomplished, turns out contrary without the favour of the god, and never otherwise —"

Verse 52 (skanda.1.27.52)

तस्मात्तद्वै बलं मत्वा सर्वेषामपि देहिनाम्॥ कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थायां सर्वे मन्यामहे वयम्

tasmāttadvai balaṃ matvā sarveṣāmapi dehinām|| kāryākāryavyavasthāyāṃ sarve manyāmahe vayam

"— therefore, holding that to be the true strength of every embodied being, all of us defer to you in deciding what should be done, and what should not."

Verse 53 (skanda.1.27.53)

तथा निशम्य देवानां परेशः परिदेवनम्॥ उवाच प्रहसन्वाक्यं देवानां देवतारिहा

tathā niśamya devānāṃ pareśaḥ paridevanam|| uvāca prahasanvākyaṃ devānāṃ devatārihā

Hearing thus the lament of the gods, the supreme lord, slayer of the enemies of the gods, laughed and spoke these words to the gods.

Verse 54 (skanda.1.27.54)

स्तूयतां वै महादेवो महेशः कार्यगौरवात्

stūyatāṃ vai mahādevo maheśaḥ kāryagauravāt

"Considering the gravity of this matter, let Mahadeva, Mahesha, now be praised."

Verse 55 (skanda.1.27.55)

तथेति गत्वा ते सर्वे देवा विष्णुपुरोगमाः॥ तथा ब्रह्मादयः सर्व ईडिरे ऋषयो हरम्

tatheti gatvā te sarve devā viṣṇupurogamāḥ|| tathā brahmādayaḥ sarva īḍire ṛṣayo haram

Accepting this, all the gods, with Vishnu at their head, went there; and Brahma and the others, together with all the sages, praised Hara.

Verse 56 (skanda.1.27.56)

ॐनमो भर्गाय देवाय नीलकंठाय मीढुषे॥ त्रिनेत्राय त्रिवेदाय लोकत्रितयधारिणे

oṃnamo bhargāya devāya nīlakaṃṭhāya mīḍhuṣe|| trinetrāya trivedāya lokatritayadhāriṇe

"Om, salutation to Bharga, the god, the blue-throated bestower of all; to the three-eyed one, embodiment of the three Vedas, sustainer of the three worlds!"

Verse 57 (skanda.1.27.57)

त्रिस्वराय त्रिमात्राय त्रिवेदाय त्रिमूर्त्तये॥ त्रिवर्गाय त्रिधामाय त्रिपदाय त्रिशूलिने

trisvarāya trimātrāya trivedāya trimūrttaye|| trivargāya tridhāmāya tripadāya triśūline

"To him of the three tones, the three measures, the three Vedas, the three forms; to him of the threefold aim, the threefold abode, the three strides, the wielder of the trident!"

Verse 58 (skanda.1.27.58)

त्राहित्राहि महादेव रेतसो जगतः पते

trāhitrāhi mahādeva retaso jagataḥ pate

"Save us, save us, O Mahadeva, from this seed, O lord of the world!"

Verse 59 (skanda.1.27.59)

ब्रह्मणा तु स्तुतो यावत्तावद्देवो वृषध्वजः॥ प्रादुर्बभूव तत्रैव सुराणां कार्यसिद्धये

brahmaṇā tu stuto yāvattāvaddevo vṛṣadhvajaḥ|| prādurbabhūva tatraiva surāṇāṃ kāryasiddhaye

As soon as he was praised thus by Brahma, the bull-bannered god appeared there at once, for the fulfilment of the gods' purpose.

Verse 60 (skanda.1.27.60)

दृष्टस्तदानीं जगदेकबंधुर्महात्मभिर्देववरैः सुपूजितः॥ संस्तूयमानो विविधैर्वचोभिः प्रत्यग्रूपैः श्रुतिसंमतैश्च

dṛṣṭastadānīṃ jagadekabaṃdhurmahātmabhirdevavaraiḥ supūjitaḥ|| saṃstūyamāno vividhairvacobhiḥ pratyagrūpaiḥ śrutisaṃmataiśca

Then he, that sole kinsman of the world, was seen there, duly honoured by the great-souled and finest of the gods; praised with manifold words, ever fresh, sanctioned by the scriptures.

Verse 61 (skanda.1.27.61)

स्तुवतां चैव देवानामुवाच परमेश्वरः॥ त्रासं कुर्वंतु मा सर्वे रेतसानेन पीडिताः

stuvatāṃ caiva devānāmuvāca parameśvaraḥ|| trāsaṃ kurvaṃtu mā sarve retasānena pīḍitāḥ

As the gods were praising him, the supreme lord spoke: "Let none of you, afflicted by this seed, feel any terror."

Verse 62 (skanda.1.27.62)

वमनं वै भवद्भिश्च कार्यमद्यैव भोःसुराः॥ तथेति मत्वा ते सर्व इंद्राद्या देवतागणाः॥ वेमुः सर्वे तदा विप्रास्तद्रेतः शंकरस्य च

vamanaṃ vai bhavadbhiśca kāryamadyaiva bhoḥsurāḥ|| tatheti matvā te sarva iṃdrādyā devatāgaṇāḥ|| vemuḥ sarve tadā viprāstadretaḥ śaṃkarasya ca

"This very day, O gods, all of you must vomit it out." Accepting this, all the hosts of gods, Indra and the rest — O brahmins, all of them then vomited out that seed of Shankara.

Verse 63 (skanda.1.27.63)

ऐकपद्येन तद्रेतो महापर्वतसन्निभम्॥ तप्तचामीकरप्रख्यं बभूव परमाद्भुतम्

aikapadyena tadreto mahāparvatasannibham|| taptacāmīkaraprakhyaṃ babhūva paramādbhutam

Gathered as one, that seed became like a great mountain, resembling molten gold, most wondrous to behold.

Verse 64 (skanda.1.27.64)

सर्वे च सुखिनो जाता इंद्राद्या देवतागणाः॥ विना ह्यग्निं च ते सर्वे परितुष्टास्तदाऽभवन्

sarve ca sukhino jātā iṃdrādyā devatāgaṇāḥ|| vinā hyagniṃ ca te sarve parituṣṭāstadā'bhavan

All the hosts of gods, Indra and the rest, became happy; and all of them, save Agni, were then well content.

Verse 65 (skanda.1.27.65)

तेनाग्निनापि चोक्तस्तु शंकरो लोकशंकरः॥ किं मयाद्य महा देव कर्तव्यं देवतावर

tenāgnināpi coktastu śaṃkaro lokaśaṃkaraḥ|| kiṃ mayādya mahā deva kartavyaṃ devatāvara

Then Agni too said to Shankara, bringer of blessing to the world: "What must I do now, O great god, O best of deities?"

Verse 66 (skanda.1.27.66)

तद्ब्रूहि मे प्रभोऽद्य त्वं येनाहं सर्वदा सुखी॥ भविष्यामि च येनाहं देवानां हव्यवाहकः

tadbrūhi me prabho'dya tvaṃ yenāhaṃ sarvadā sukhī|| bhaviṣyāmi ca yenāhaṃ devānāṃ havyavāhakaḥ

"Tell me that, O lord, this very day, by which I shall always remain happy, and by which I may continue to serve as the bearer of oblations for the gods."

Verse 67 (skanda.1.27.67)

तदोवाच शिवः साक्षाद्देवानामिह श्रृण्वताम्॥ रेतो विसृज्यतां योनौ तदाग्निः प्रहसन्नवि

tadovāca śivaḥ sākṣāddevānāmiha śrṛṇvatām|| reto visṛjyatāṃ yonau tadāgniḥ prahasannavi

Then Shiva himself spoke, there before the listening gods: "Let the seed be deposited into a womb." Hearing this, Agni laughed, and spoke further.

Verse 68 (skanda.1.27.68)

उवाच शंकरं देवं भवत्तेजो दुरासदम्॥ इदमुल्बणवत्तेजो धार्यते प्राकृतैः कथम्

uvāca śaṃkaraṃ devaṃ bhavattejo durāsadam|| idamulbaṇavattejo dhāryate prākṛtaiḥ katham

He said to the god Shankara: "Your splendour is unbearable; how can this overwhelming fiery power be borne by ordinary beings at all?"

Verse 69 (skanda.1.27.69)

ततः प्रोवाच भगवानग्निं प्रति महेश्वरः॥ मासिमासि प्रतप्तानां देहे तेजो विसृज्यताम्

tataḥ provāca bhagavānagniṃ prati maheśvaraḥ|| māsimāsi prataptānāṃ dehe tejo visṛjyatām

Then the blessed Maheshvara said to Agni: "Deposit this splendour, month by month, into the bodies of those women whose season has come upon them."

Verse 70 (skanda.1.27.70)

तथेति मत्वा वचनं महाप्रभः स जातवेदाः परमेण वर्चसा॥ समुज्ज्वलंस्तत्र महाप्रभावो ब्राह्मे मुहूर्त्ते हि सचोपविष्टः

tatheti matvā vacanaṃ mahāprabhaḥ sa jātavedāḥ parameṇa varcasā|| samujjvalaṃstatra mahāprabhāvo brāhme muhūrtte hi sacopaviṣṭaḥ

Accepting this word, that most radiant Jatavedas, blazing there with supreme splendour and mighty power, took his seat at the sacred hour of Brahma, before dawn.

Verse 71 (skanda.1.27.71)

तदा प्रातः समुत्थाय प्रातः स्नानपराः स्त्रियः॥ ययुः सदा ऋषीणां च सत्यस्ता जातवेदसम्

tadā prātaḥ samutthāya prātaḥ snānaparāḥ striyaḥ|| yayuḥ sadā ṛṣīṇāṃ ca satyastā jātavedasam

Then, rising at dawn, intent on their morning bath, those ever-faithful wives of the sages went to where Jatavedas burned.

Verse 72 (skanda.1.27.72)

दृष्ट्वा प्रज्वलितं तत्र सर्वास्ताः शीतकर्षिताः॥ तप्तुकामास्तदा सर्व्वा ह्यरुधत्या निवारिताः

dṛṣṭvā prajvalitaṃ tatra sarvāstāḥ śītakarṣitāḥ|| taptukāmāstadā sarvvā hyarudhatyā nivāritāḥ

Seeing him blazing there, all those women, chilled by the cold, wished at once to warm themselves; but all of them were held back by Arundhati.

Verse 73 (skanda.1.27.73)

तया निवारिताश्चापि तास्तेपुः कृत्तिकाः स्वयम्॥ यावत्तेपुश्च ताः सर्व्वा रेतसः परमाणवः॥ विविशू रोमकूपेषु तासां तत्रैव सत्वरम्

tayā nivāritāścāpi tāstepuḥ kṛttikāḥ svayam|| yāvattepuśca tāḥ sarvvā retasaḥ paramāṇavaḥ|| viviśū romakūpeṣu tāsāṃ tatraiva satvaram

Though restrained by her, the Krittikas nevertheless warmed themselves at the fire; and as they did so, the finest particles of the seed swiftly entered into the pores of their skin then and there.

Verse 74 (skanda.1.27.74)

नीरेतोग्निस्तदा जातो विश्रांतः स्वयमेव हि

nīretognistadā jāto viśrāṃtaḥ svayameva hi

Agni then became empty of the seed, and of his own accord came to rest.

Verse 75 (skanda.1.27.75)

ततस्ता ऋषिभार्या हि ययुः स्वभवनं प्रति॥ ऋषिभिस्तु तदा शप्ताः कृत्तिकाः खेचराभवन्

tatastā ṛṣibhāryā hi yayuḥ svabhavanaṃ prati|| ṛṣibhistu tadā śaptāḥ kṛttikāḥ khecarābhavan

Then those wives of the sages returned to their own homes; but, cursed at that time by their husbands, the Krittikas became wanderers of the sky.

Verse 76 (skanda.1.27.76)

तदानीमेव ताः सर्वा व्यभिचारेण दुःखिताः॥ तत्ससर्जुस्तदा रेतः पृष्ठे हिमवतो गिरेः

tadānīmeva tāḥ sarvā vyabhicāreṇa duḥkhitāḥ|| tatsasarjustadā retaḥ pṛṣṭhe himavato gireḥ

At that very time, distressed by the accusation of infidelity, all of them released that seed upon the slope of the Himalaya mountain.

Verse 77 (skanda.1.27.77)

एकपद्येन तद्रेतस्तप्तचामीकरप्रभम्॥ गंगायां च तदा क्षिप्रं कीचकैः परिवेष्टितम्

ekapadyena tadretastaptacāmīkaraprabham|| gaṃgāyāṃ ca tadā kṣipraṃ kīcakaiḥ pariveṣṭitam

Gathered as one, that seed, radiant as molten gold, then swiftly fell into the Ganga, amid a thicket of reeds.

Verse 78 (skanda.1.27.78)

षण्मुखं बालकं ज्ञात्वा सर्वे देवा मुदान्विताः॥ गर्गेणोक्तास्तदंते वै सुखेन ह्रियतामिति

ṣaṇmukhaṃ bālakaṃ jñātvā sarve devā mudānvitāḥ|| gargeṇoktāstadaṃte vai sukhena hriyatāmiti

Knowing it to be a six-faced infant, all the gods were filled with joy; and at last, told by Garga: "Let him be carried away gently."

Verse 79 (skanda.1.27.79)

शंभोः पुत्रः प्रसादेन सर्वो भवति शाश्वतः॥ गंगायाः पुलिने जातः कार्त्तिकेयो महाबलः

śaṃbhoḥ putraḥ prasādena sarvo bhavati śāśvataḥ|| gaṃgāyāḥ puline jātaḥ kārttikeyo mahābalaḥ

"By Shambhu's grace, this son shall be an eternal blessing to all." Thus was born, on the sandbank of the Ganga, Kartikeya of great strength.

Verse 80 (skanda.1.27.80)

उपविष्टोथ गांगेयो ह्यहोरात्रोषितस्तदा॥ शाखो विशाखोऽतिबलः षण्मुखोऽसौ महाबलः

upaviṣṭotha gāṃgeyo hyahorātroṣitastadā|| śākho viśākho'tibalaḥ ṣaṇmukho'sau mahābalaḥ

Seated there, the son of Ganga remained through a full day and night; Shakha and Vishakha too, of surpassing might, that six-faced one of great strength.

Verse 81 (skanda.1.27.81)

जातो यदाथ गंगायां षण्मुखः शंकरात्मजः॥ तदानीमेव गिरिजा संजाता प्रस्नुतस्तनी

jāto yadātha gaṃgāyāṃ ṣaṇmukhaḥ śaṃkarātmajaḥ|| tadānīmeva girijā saṃjātā prasnutastanī

When Shankara's six-faced son was thus born in the Ganga, at that very moment Girija's breasts began to flow with milk.

Verse 82 (skanda.1.27.82)

शिवं निरीक्ष्य सा प्राह हे शंभो प्रस्नवो महान्॥ संजातो मे महादेव किमर्थस्तन्निरीक्ष्यताम्॥ सर्वज्ञोऽपि महादेवो ह्यब्रवीत्तामथाज्ञवत्

śivaṃ nirīkṣya sā prāha he śaṃbho prasnavo mahān|| saṃjāto me mahādeva kimarthastannirīkṣyatām|| sarvajño'pi mahādevo hyabravīttāmathājñavat

Looking at Shiva, she said: "O Shambhu, this great flow has come upon me, O Mahadeva; look and tell me why." Mahadeva, though all-knowing, replied to her as though he knew nothing at all.

Verse 83 (skanda.1.27.83)

नारदस्तत्र चागत्य प्रोक्तवाञ्जन्म तस्य तत्॥ शिवाय च शिवायै च पुत्रो जातो हि सुंदरः

nāradastatra cāgatya proktavāñjanma tasya tat|| śivāya ca śivāyai ca putro jāto hi suṃdaraḥ

Narada then arrived there and told them of his birth: "To Shiva and to Shiva's own wife, a beautiful son has indeed been born."

Verse 84 (skanda.1.27.84)

तदाकर्ण्य वचो विप्रा हर्षनिर्भरमानसाः॥ बभूवुः प्रमथाः सर्वे गंधर्वा गीततत्पराः

tadākarṇya vaco viprā harṣanirbharamānasāḥ|| babhūvuḥ pramathāḥ sarve gaṃdharvā gītatatparāḥ

Hearing these words, O brahmins, all the pramathas were filled with overflowing joy, and the gandharvas gave themselves over to song.

Verse 85 (skanda.1.27.85)

अनेकाभिः पताकाभिश्चैलपल्लवतोरणैः॥ तथा विमानैर्बहुभिर्बभौ प्रज्वलितो महान्॥ पर्वतः पुत्रजननाच्छंकरस्य महात्मनः

anekābhiḥ patākābhiścailapallavatoraṇaiḥ|| tathā vimānairbahubhirbabhau prajvalito mahān|| parvataḥ putrajananācchaṃkarasya mahātmanaḥ

With countless banners, and archways of cloth and tender leaves, and with many celestial chariots besides, that great mountain shone forth, radiant, at the birth of the great-souled Shankara's son.

Verse 86 (skanda.1.27.86)

तदा सर्वे सुरगणा ऋषयः सिद्धचारणाः रक्षोगंधर्वयक्षाश्च अप्सरोगणसेविताः

tadā sarve suragaṇā ṛṣayaḥ siddhacāraṇāḥ rakṣogaṃdharvayakṣāśca apsarogaṇasevitāḥ

Then all the hosts of gods, the sages, siddhas, and charanas; the rakshasas, gandharvas, and yakshas, attended by throngs of apsaras —

Verse 87 (skanda.1.27.87)

एकपद्येन ते सर्वे सहिताः शंकरेण तु॥ द्रष्टुं गांगेयमधिकं जग्मुः पुलिनसंस्थितम्

ekapadyena te sarve sahitāḥ śaṃkareṇa tu|| draṣṭuṃ gāṃgeyamadhikaṃ jagmuḥ pulinasaṃsthitam

— all of them together, as one, together with Shankara, went with the greatest eagerness to see the son of Ganga, seated there upon the sandbank.

Verse 88 (skanda.1.27.88)

ततो वृषभमारुह्य ययौ गिरिजया सह॥ अन्यैः समेतो भगवान्सुरैरिंद्रादिभिस्तथा

tato vṛṣabhamāruhya yayau girijayā saha|| anyaiḥ sameto bhagavānsurairiṃdrādibhistathā

Then, mounting his bull, he set out together with Girija; that blessed lord, accompanied also by the other gods, Indra among them.

Verse 89 (skanda.1.27.89)

तदा शंखाश्च भेर्यश्च नेदुस्तूर्यीण्यनेकशः

tadā śaṃkhāśca bheryaśca nedustūryīṇyanekaśaḥ

Then conches and kettledrums resounded, along with countless other instruments besides.

Verse 90 (skanda.1.27.90)

तदानीमेव सर्वेशं वीरभद्रादयो गणाः॥ अन्वयुः केलिसंरब्धा नानावादित्रवादकाः॥ वादयन्तश्च वाद्यानि ततानि विततानि च

tadānīmeva sarveśaṃ vīrabhadrādayo gaṇāḥ|| anvayuḥ kelisaṃrabdhā nānāvāditravādakāḥ|| vādayantaśca vādyāni tatāni vitatāni ca

At that very moment, Virabhadra and the other ganas, sportive with delight, players of various instruments, followed behind the lord of all; sounding both stringed instruments and drums.

Verse 91 (skanda.1.27.91)

केचिन्नृत्यपरास्तत्र गायकाश्च तथा परे॥ स्तावकाः स्तूयमानाश्च चक्रुस्ते गुणकीर्तनम्

kecinnṛtyaparāstatra gāyakāśca tathā pare|| stāvakāḥ stūyamānāśca cakruste guṇakīrtanam

Some there were absorbed in dancing, and others were singers; and eulogists, themselves being praised in turn, extolled the virtues of the child.

Verse 92 (skanda.1.27.92)

एवंविधास्ते सुरसिद्धयक्षा गंधर्वविद्याधरपन्नगा ह्यमी॥ शिवेन सार्द्धं परिहृष्टचित्ता द्रष्टुं ययुस्तं वरदं च शांकरिम्

evaṃvidhāste surasiddhayakṣā gaṃdharvavidyādharapannagā hyamī|| śivena sārddhaṃ parihṛṣṭacittā draṣṭuṃ yayustaṃ varadaṃ ca śāṃkarim

Thus the gods, siddhas, yakshas, gandharvas, vidyadharas, and serpents — all of these, their hearts filled with delight, went together with Shiva to behold that boon-giving son of Shankara.

Verse 93 (skanda.1.27.93)

यावत्समीक्षयामासुर्गांगेयं शंकरोपमम्॥ ददृशुस्ते महत्तेजो व्याप्तमासीज्जगत्त्रयम्

yāvatsamīkṣayāmāsurgāṃgeyaṃ śaṃkaropamam|| dadṛśuste mahattejo vyāptamāsījjagattrayam

As soon as they beheld the son of Ganga, resembling Shankara himself, they saw a great splendour that had spread across all three worlds.

Verse 94 (skanda.1.27.94)

तत्तोजसावृतं बालं तप्तचामीकरप्रभम्॥ सुमुखं सुश्रिया युक्तं सुनसं सुस्मितेक्षणम्

tattojasāvṛtaṃ bālaṃ taptacāmīkaraprabham|| sumukhaṃ suśriyā yuktaṃ sunasaṃ susmitekṣaṇam

That child, wrapped in that splendour, radiant as molten gold; fair-faced, filled with loveliness, finely formed of nose, with eyes softly smiling.

Verse 95 (skanda.1.27.95)

चारुप्रसन्न वदनं तथा सर्वागसुंदरम्॥ तं दृष्ट्वा महदाश्चर्यं गांगेयं प्रथितात्मकम्

cāruprasanna vadanaṃ tathā sarvāgasuṃdaram|| taṃ dṛṣṭvā mahadāścaryaṃ gāṃgeyaṃ prathitātmakam

His countenance lovely and serene, and beautiful in every limb — beholding that renowned son of Ganga, they were all filled with great wonder.

Verse 96 (skanda.1.27.96)

ववंदिरे तदा बालं कुमारं सूर्यवर्चसम्॥ प्रमथाश्च गणाः सर्वे वीरभद्रादयस्तथा

vavaṃdire tadā bālaṃ kumāraṃ sūryavarcasam|| pramathāśca gaṇāḥ sarve vīrabhadrādayastathā

They then bowed before that infant Kumara, radiant as the sun; all the pramathas and ganas, and Virabhadra and the rest.

Verse 97 (skanda.1.27.97)

परिवार्योपतस्थुस्ते वामदक्षिणभागतः॥ तथा ब्रह्मा च विष्णुश्च इंद्रश्चापि सुरैर्वृतः

parivāryopatasthuste vāmadakṣiṇabhāgataḥ|| tathā brahmā ca viṣṇuśca iṃdraścāpi surairvṛtaḥ

Surrounding him, they stood to his left and right; and Brahma, Vishnu, and Indra too, encircled by the gods, drew near.

Verse 98 (skanda.1.27.98)

ऋषयो यक्षगंधर्वाः परिवार्य कुमारकम्॥ दंडवत्पितिता भूमौ केचिच्च नतकंधराः

ṛṣayo yakṣagaṃdharvāḥ parivārya kumārakam|| daṃḍavatpititā bhūmau kecicca natakaṃdharāḥ

The sages, yakshas, and gandharvas, surrounding the little Kumara, some prostrated themselves flat upon the ground, and others bowed their heads low.

Verse 99 (skanda.1.27.99)

प्रणेमुः शिरसा चान्ये मत्वा स्वामिनमव्ययम्॥ अवाद्यंत विचित्राणि वादित्राणि महोत्सवे॥ एवमभ्युदये तस्मिन्नृषयः शांतिमापठम्

praṇemuḥ śirasā cānye matvā svāminamavyayam|| avādyaṃta vicitrāṇi vāditrāṇi mahotsave|| evamabhyudaye tasminnṛṣayaḥ śāṃtimāpaṭham

Others bowed their heads, honouring him as their imperishable lord; wondrous instruments sounded amid that great festival; and in that hour of rejoicing, the sages recited the verses of peace.

Verse 100 (skanda.1.27.100)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे यातः शंकरो गिरिजापतिः॥ अवतीर्य वृषाच्छीघ्रं पार्वत्या सहसुव्रताः

etasminnaṃtare yātaḥ śaṃkaro girijāpatiḥ|| avatīrya vṛṣācchīghraṃ pārvatyā sahasuvratāḥ

Meanwhile Shankara, lord of Girija, arrived there; quickly dismounting from his bull, together with steadfast Parvati.

Verse 101 (skanda.1.27.101)

पुत्रं निरैक्षत तदा जगदेकबंधुः प्रीत्या युतः परमया सह वै भवान्या॥ स्नेहान्वितो भुजगभोगयुतो हि साक्षात्सर्वेश्वरः परिवृतः प्रमथैः प्रहृष्टः

putraṃ niraikṣata tadā jagadekabaṃdhuḥ prītyā yutaḥ paramayā saha vai bhavānyā|| snehānvito bhujagabhogayuto hi sākṣātsarveśvaraḥ parivṛtaḥ pramathaiḥ prahṛṣṭaḥ

That sole kinsman of the world, filled with the deepest affection, together with Bhavani, gazed upon his son; tender with love, adorned with the coils of his serpents, that very lord of all, surrounded by his pramathas, rejoiced.

Verse 102 (skanda.1.27.102)

उपगुह्य गुहं तत्र पार्वती जातसंभ्रमा॥ प्रस्नुतं पाययामास स्तनं स्नेहपरिप्लुता

upaguhya guhaṃ tatra pārvatī jātasaṃbhramā|| prasnutaṃ pāyayāmāsa stanaṃ snehapariplutā

Embracing Guha there, Parvati, overcome with eager emotion, brimming with tenderness, offered him her flowing breast to drink.

Verse 103 (skanda.1.27.103)

तदा नीराजितो देवैः सकलत्रैर्मुदान्वितैः॥ जयशब्देन महता व्याप्तमासीन्नभस्तलम्

tadā nīrājito devaiḥ sakalatrairmudānvitaiḥ|| jayaśabdena mahatā vyāptamāsīnnabhastalam

Then the gods, together with their joyful wives, waved lamps before him; and the vault of the sky rang out with a great shout of victory.

Verse 104 (skanda.1.27.104)

ऋषयो ब्रह्मगोषेण गीतेनैव च गायकाः॥ वाद्यैश्च वादकाश्चैव उपतस्थुः कुमारकम्

ṛṣayo brahmagoṣeṇa gītenaiva ca gāyakāḥ|| vādyaiśca vādakāścaiva upatasthuḥ kumārakam

The sages, with the chanting of the Vedas, and the singers, with their songs, and the musicians too, with their instruments, all drew near to the little Kumara.

Verse 105 (skanda.1.27.105)

स्वमंकमारेप्य तदा गिरीशः कुमारकं तं प्रभया महाप्रभम्॥ बभौ भवानीपतिरेव साक्षाच्छ्रिया युतः पुत्रवतां वरिष्ठः

svamaṃkamārepya tadā girīśaḥ kumārakaṃ taṃ prabhayā mahāprabham|| babhau bhavānīpatireva sākṣācchriyā yutaḥ putravatāṃ variṣṭhaḥ

Then, taking that greatly radiant Kumara upon his own lap, Girisha, the very husband of Bhavani, shone forth, filled with splendour, foremost among all fathers.

Verse 106 (skanda.1.27.106)

दंपती तौ तदा तत्र ऐकपद्येन नंदतुः॥ अभिषिच्यमान ऋषिभिरावृतः सुरसत्तमैः

daṃpatī tau tadā tatra aikapadyena naṃdatuḥ|| abhiṣicyamāna ṛṣibhirāvṛtaḥ surasattamaiḥ

That divine couple rejoiced together there, as one; and he was anointed there, surrounded by the sages and the finest of the gods.

Verse 107 (skanda.1.27.107)

कुमारः क्रीडयामास उत्संगे शंकरस्य च॥ कंठे स्थितं वासुकिं च पाणिभ्यां समपीडयत्

kumāraḥ krīḍayāmāsa utsaṃge śaṃkarasya ca|| kaṃṭhe sthitaṃ vāsukiṃ ca pāṇibhyāṃ samapīḍayat

The Kumara played there upon Shankara's lap; and with both his little hands he gripped and squeezed the serpent Vasuki resting about his father's neck.

Verse 108 (skanda.1.27.108)

मुखं प्रपीडयित्वाऽसौ पाणीनगणयत्तदा॥ एकं त्रीणिदशाष्टौ च विपरीतक्रमेण च

mukhaṃ prapīḍayitvā'sau pāṇīnagaṇayattadā|| ekaṃ trīṇidaśāṣṭau ca viparītakrameṇa ca

Squeezing his father's face, he then began to count upon his fingers — one, three, ten, eight, and in reverse order as well.

Verse 109 (skanda.1.27.109)

प्रहस्य भगवाञ्छंभुरुवाच गिरिजां तदा

prahasya bhagavāñchaṃbhuruvāca girijāṃ tadā

Laughing, blessed Shambhu then spoke to Girija.

Verse 110 (skanda.1.27.110)

मंदस्मितेन च तदा भगवान्महेशः प्राप्तो मुदंच परमां गिरिजासमेतः॥ प्रेम्णा सगद्गदगिरा जगदेकबंधुर्नोवाच किंचन तदा भुवनैकभर्ता

maṃdasmitena ca tadā bhagavānmaheśaḥ prāpto mudaṃca paramāṃ girijāsametaḥ|| premṇā sagadgadagirā jagadekabaṃdhurnovāca kiṃcana tadā bhuvanaikabhartā

With a gentle smile then, blessed Mahesha, together with Girija, was filled with the deepest joy; and that sole kinsman of the world, sole lord of the universe, overcome with love, his voice choked with emotion, could say nothing more in that moment.