King Shveta and the Burning of Kala by the Power of Shiva-Bhakti

Verse 1 (skanda.1.32.1)

॥लोमश उवाच॥ एवं ते शिवधर्माश्च कथितास्तेन वै द्विजाः॥ सविशेषाः पाशुपताः प्रसादाच्चैव विस्तरात्

||lomaśa uvāca|| evaṃ te śivadharmāśca kathitāstena vai dvijāḥ|| saviśeṣāḥ pāśupatāḥ prasādāccaiva vistarāt

Lomasha said: Thus, O brahmins, were those duties of Shiva declared by him — the particular observances of the Pashupatas, in full detail, out of his grace.

Verse 2 (skanda.1.32.2)

अनेकागमसंवीता यथातत्त्वमुदाहृताः॥ कापालिकानां भेदाश्च प्रोक्ता व्याससमासतः

anekāgamasaṃvītā yathātattvamudāhṛtāḥ|| kāpālikānāṃ bhedāśca proktā vyāsasamāsataḥ

Interwoven with many scriptural traditions, they were expounded exactly according to their true nature; and the distinctions of the Kapalikas too were told, briefly, by Vyasa's grace.

Verse 3 (skanda.1.32.3)

धर्मा नानाविधाः प्रोक्ता नंदिनं प्रति वै तदा

dharmā nānāvidhāḥ proktā naṃdinaṃ prati vai tadā

Manifold duties were thus declared to Nandin at that time.

Verse 4 (skanda.1.32.4)

॥ऋषय ऊचुः॥ श्रुतं कुमारचरितमविशेषं सुमंगलम्॥ अस्माभिश्च महाभागकिंचित्पृच्छामहे वयम्

||ṛṣaya ūcuḥ|| śrutaṃ kumāracaritamaviśeṣaṃ sumaṃgalam|| asmābhiśca mahābhāgakiṃcitpṛcchāmahe vayam

The sages said: 'We have heard in full the most auspicious account of Kumara; O blessed one, we now wish to ask you something more.'

Verse 5 (skanda.1.32.5)

श्वेतस्य राजसिंहस्य चरितं परमाद्भुतम्॥ येन संतोषितो रुद्रः शिवो भक्त्याऽप्रमेयया

śvetasya rājasiṃhasya caritaṃ paramādbhutam|| yena saṃtoṣito rudraḥ śivo bhaktyā'prameyayā

'Tell us the most wondrous account of King Shveta, that lion among kings, by whom Rudra Shiva was pleased through immeasurable devotion.'

Verse 6 (skanda.1.32.6)

ते भक्तास्ते महात्मानो ज्ञानिनस्ते च कर्मिणः॥ येऽर्चयंति महाशंभुं देवं भक्त्या समावृताः

te bhaktāste mahātmāno jñāninaste ca karmiṇaḥ|| ye'rcayaṃti mahāśaṃbhuṃ devaṃ bhaktyā samāvṛtāḥ

'They alone are true devotees, they alone are great souls, they alone are the truly wise and the truly active, who, filled with devotion, worship the great lord Shambhu.'

Verse 7 (skanda.1.32.7)

तस्मात्पृच्छामहे सर्वे चरितं शंकरस्य च॥ व्यासप्रसादात्सर्वं यज्जानासि त्वं न चापरः

tasmātpṛcchāmahe sarve caritaṃ śaṃkarasya ca|| vyāsaprasādātsarvaṃ yajjānāsi tvaṃ na cāparaḥ

'Therefore we all ask of this account concerning Shankara; tell us all that you alone know, by Vyasa's grace, which no other knows.'

Verse 8 (skanda.1.32.8)

निशम्य वचनं तेषां मुनीनां लोमशोऽब्रवीत्

niśamya vacanaṃ teṣāṃ munīnāṃ lomaśo'bravīt

Hearing the words of those sages, Lomasha spoke:

Verse 9 (skanda.1.32.9)

॥लोमश उवाच॥ आकर्ण्यतां महाभागाश्चरितं परमाद्भुतम्॥ तस्य राज्ञो हि भजतो राजभोगांश्च सर्वशः॥ मतिर्द्धिर्मे समुत्पन्ना श्वेतस्य च महात्मनः

||lomaśa uvāca|| ākarṇyatāṃ mahābhāgāścaritaṃ paramādbhutam|| tasya rājño hi bhajato rājabhogāṃśca sarvaśaḥ|| matirddhirme samutpannā śvetasya ca mahātmanaḥ

Lomasha said: 'Listen, O blessed ones, to this most wondrous account. Of that great-souled King Shveta, enjoying every royal pleasure while yet devoted to the lord, in my mind a two-fold wonder has arisen.'

Verse 10 (skanda.1.32.10)

पृथिवीं पालयामास प्रजा धर्मेण पालयन्॥ ब्रह्मण्यः सत्यवाक्छूरः शिवभक्तो निरंतरम्

pṛthivīṃ pālayāmāsa prajā dharmeṇa pālayan|| brahmaṇyaḥ satyavākchūraḥ śivabhakto niraṃtaram

He ruled the earth, governing his subjects righteously; devoted to brahmins, truthful in speech, valiant, and unceasingly devoted to Shiva.

Verse 11 (skanda.1.32.11)

राज्यं शशासाथ स शक्तितो नृपो भक्त्या तदा चैव समर्चयत्सदा॥ शंभुं परेशं परमं परात्परं शांतं पुराणं परमात्मरूपम्

rājyaṃ śaśāsātha sa śaktito nṛpo bhaktyā tadā caiva samarcayatsadā|| śaṃbhuṃ pareśaṃ paramaṃ parātparaṃ śāṃtaṃ purāṇaṃ paramātmarūpam

That king ruled his kingdom to the utmost of his power, and ever, with devotion, worshipped Shambhu — the supreme lord, higher than the highest, tranquil, ancient, of the very form of the Supreme Self.

Verse 12 (skanda.1.32.12)

आयुस्तस्य परिक्षीणमर्चतः परमेश्वरम्॥ अथैतच्च महाभाग चरितं श्रूयतां मम

āyustasya parikṣīṇamarcataḥ parameśvaram|| athaitacca mahābhāga caritaṃ śrūyatāṃ mama

His allotted span of life grew exhausted even as he worshipped the supreme lord; now, O blessed one, hear from me this account.

Verse 13 (skanda.1.32.13)

वाणी शिवकथायुक्ता परमाश्चर्यसंयुता॥ न वाऽधयो हि तस्यैव व्याधयो हि महीपतेः

vāṇī śivakathāyuktā paramāścaryasaṃyutā|| na vā'dhayo hi tasyaiva vyādhayo hi mahīpateḥ

His speech was ever joined with tales of Shiva, filled with the most wondrous marvels; that king was free from mental anguish, and free from bodily disease.

Verse 14 (skanda.1.32.14)

तस्य राज्ञो न बाधंते तथा चोपद्रवास्त्वमी॥ निरीतिको जनो ह्यासीन्निरुपद्रव एव च

tasya rājño na bādhaṃte tathā copadravāstvamī|| nirītiko jano hyāsīnnirupadrava eva ca

No calamities ever troubled that king; and his people too remained free from natural disasters and free from disturbance.

Verse 15 (skanda.1.32.15)

अकृष्टपच्यौषधयस्तस्य राज्ञोऽभवन्भुवि॥ तपस्विनो ब्राह्मणाश्च वर्णाश्रमयुता जनाः

akṛṣṭapacyauṣadhayastasya rājño'bhavanbhuvi|| tapasvino brāhmaṇāśca varṇāśramayutā janāḥ

In that king's realm, herbs ripened upon the earth even without ploughing; ascetics, brahmins, and people devoted to the duties of their own caste and stage of life flourished.

Verse 16 (skanda.1.32.16)

न पुत्रमरणे दुःखं नापमानं न मारकाः॥ न दारिद्र्यं च ते सर्वे प्राप्नुवन्ति कदाचन

na putramaraṇe duḥkhaṃ nāpamānaṃ na mārakāḥ|| na dāridryaṃ ca te sarve prāpnuvanti kadācana

None among his people ever suffered the sorrow of a son's death, nor humiliation, nor deadly plague, nor poverty — none of these ever befell them.

Verse 17 (skanda.1.32.17)

एवं बहुतरः कालस्तस्य राज्ञो महात्मनः॥ गतो हि सफलो विप्राः शिवपूजारतस्य वै

evaṃ bahutaraḥ kālastasya rājño mahātmanaḥ|| gato hi saphalo viprāḥ śivapūjāratasya vai

Thus a very great span of time passed fruitfully for that great-souled king, devoted as he was to the worship of Shiva, O brahmins.

Verse 18 (skanda.1.32.18)

एकदा पूजमानं तं शंकरं परमार्थदम्॥ यमो हि प्रेषयामास यमदूतान्नृपं प्रति

ekadā pūjamānaṃ taṃ śaṃkaraṃ paramārthadam|| yamo hi preṣayāmāsa yamadūtānnṛpaṃ prati

One day, while he was worshipping Shankara, the bestower of the highest good, Yama sent his messengers toward that king.

Verse 19 (skanda.1.32.19)

वचनाच्चित्रगुप्तस्य श्वेत आनीयतामिति॥ तथेति मत्वा ते दूता आगताः शिवमंदिरम्

vacanāccitraguptasya śveta ānīyatāmiti|| tatheti matvā te dūtā āgatāḥ śivamaṃdiram

'By the word of Chitragupta, Shveta is to be brought hither' — thinking 'so be it,' those messengers came to the temple of Shiva.

Verse 20 (skanda.1.32.20)

राजानं नेतुकामास्ते पाशहस्ता महाभयाः॥ यावत्समागता याम्या राजानं ददृशुस्त्वरात्

rājānaṃ netukāmāste pāśahastā mahābhayāḥ|| yāvatsamāgatā yāmyā rājānaṃ dadṛśustvarāt

Eager to carry off the king, nooses in hand, most fearsome, those servants of Yama, as soon as they arrived, quickly beheld the king.

Verse 21 (skanda.1.32.21)

न चक्रिरे तदा दूता आज्ञां धर्मस्य चैव हि॥ ज्ञात्वा सर्वं यमश्चैव आगतः स्वयमेव हि

na cakrire tadā dūtā ājñāṃ dharmasya caiva hi|| jñātvā sarvaṃ yamaścaiva āgataḥ svayameva hi

But then those messengers could not carry out Dharma's command; and knowing all this, Yama himself came in person.

Verse 22 (skanda.1.32.22)

उद्धृत्य दंडं सहसा नेतुकामस्तदा नृपम्॥ ददर्श च महाबाहुः शिवध्यानपरायणम्

uddhṛtya daṃḍaṃ sahasā netukāmastadā nṛpam|| dadarśa ca mahābāhuḥ śivadhyānaparāyaṇam

Raising his staff at once, eager to carry off the king, that mighty-armed one then saw him wholly absorbed in meditation upon Shiva.

Verse 23 (skanda.1.32.23)

शिवभक्तियुतं शांतं केवलं ज्ञानसंयुतम्॥ यमोऽपि दृष्ट्वा राजानं परं क्षोभमुपागमत्

śivabhaktiyutaṃ śāṃtaṃ kevalaṃ jñānasaṃyutam|| yamo'pi dṛṣṭvā rājānaṃ paraṃ kṣobhamupāgamat

Full of devotion to Shiva, tranquil, wholly absorbed in pure knowledge — seeing the king thus, even Yama fell into extreme agitation.

Verse 24 (skanda.1.32.24)

चित्रस्थो ह्यभवत्स्द्यः प्रेतराजोऽतिविह्वलः॥ कालरूपश्च यो नित्यं प्रजानां क्षयकारकः

citrastho hyabhavatsdyaḥ pretarājo'tivihvalaḥ|| kālarūpaśca yo nityaṃ prajānāṃ kṣayakārakaḥ

The king of the departed, utterly overwhelmed, at once became as still as a painted figure — he who, in the form of Time, is ever the destroyer of all creatures.

Verse 25 (skanda.1.32.25)

आगतस्तत्क्षणादेव नृपं प्रति रुषान्वितः॥ खड्गेन सितधारेण चर्मणा परमेम हि

āgatastatkṣaṇādeva nṛpaṃ prati ruṣānvitaḥ|| khaḍgena sitadhāreṇa carmaṇā paramema hi

Then at that very instant Kala, Death himself, arrived, filled with fury toward the king, bearing a sword with a gleaming edge and a shield of the finest make.

Verse 26 (skanda.1.32.26)

तावत्तं ददृशे सोऽपि स्थितं द्वारि भयावृतम्॥ उवाच कालो हि तदा यमं वैवस्वतं प्रति

tāvattaṃ dadṛśe so'pi sthitaṃ dvāri bhayāvṛtam|| uvāca kālo hi tadā yamaṃ vaivasvataṃ prati

He then saw Yama himself standing at the doorway, gripped by fear; and Kala spoke to Yama, son of Vivasvat:

Verse 27 (skanda.1.32.27)

कस्मात्त्वया धरमराज नो नीतोऽयं नृपो महान्॥ यम दूतसहायश्च भीतवत्प्रतिभासि मे

kasmāttvayā dharamarāja no nīto'yaṃ nṛpo mahān|| yama dūtasahāyaśca bhītavatpratibhāsi me

'Why, O Dharmaraja, have you not brought this great king? Even with your messengers at your side, you appear to me as though frightened.'

Verse 28 (skanda.1.32.28)

कालात्ययो न कर्त्तव्यो वचनान्मम सुव्रत॥ कालेनोक्तस्तदा धर्म उवाच प्रस्तुतं वचः

kālātyayo na karttavyo vacanānmama suvrata|| kālenoktastadā dharma uvāca prastutaṃ vacaḥ

'No delay in Time's decree should be made, by my word, O virtuous one.' Thus addressed by Kala, Dharma then spoke the following words:

Verse 29 (skanda.1.32.29)

तवाज्ञां च करिष्यामि नात्र कार्या विचारणा॥ असौ हुरत्ययोऽस्माकं शिवभक्तो निरंतरम्

tavājñāṃ ca kariṣyāmi nātra kāryā vicāraṇā|| asau huratyayo'smākaṃ śivabhakto niraṃtaram

'I shall indeed carry out your command; there is no need for deliberation here. But this man, ever devoted to Shiva, is beyond even our power to touch.'

Verse 30 (skanda.1.32.30)

चित्रस्था इव तिष्ठाम भयाद्देवस्य शूलिनः॥ यमस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा कालः क्रोधसमन्वितः॥ राजानं हंतुमारेभे त्वरितः खड्गमाददे

citrasthā iva tiṣṭhāma bhayāddevasya śūlinaḥ|| yamasya vacanaṃ śrutvā kālaḥ krodhasamanvitaḥ|| rājānaṃ haṃtumārebhe tvaritaḥ khaḍgamādade

'We stand here as if painted still, out of fear of the trident-bearing god.' Hearing Yama's words, Kala, filled with fury, made ready to slay the king, and swiftly seized his sword.

Verse 31 (skanda.1.32.31)

त्रिगुणाष्टाक्रसंकाशं प्रविवेश शिवालयम्॥ यावत्कोपेन महता तावद्दृष्टः पिनाकिना॥ स्वभक्तं हंतुकामोसौ श्वेतराजानमुत्तमम्

triguṇāṣṭākrasaṃkāśaṃ praviveśa śivālayam|| yāvatkopena mahatā tāvaddṛṣṭaḥ pinākinā|| svabhaktaṃ haṃtukāmosau śvetarājānamuttamam

He entered the temple of Shiva, filled with tremendous fury; and even as he sought to slay Shveta, that noblest of kings, his own devotee, he was beheld by the trident-bearer.

Verse 32 (skanda.1.32.32)

ध्यानस्थितं चात्मनि तं विशुद्धज्ञानप्रदीपेन विशुद्धचित्तम्॥ आत्मानमात्मात्मतया निरंतरं स्वयंप्रकाशं परमं पुरस्तात्

dhyānasthitaṃ cātmani taṃ viśuddhajñānapradīpena viśuddhacittam|| ātmānamātmātmatayā niraṃtaraṃ svayaṃprakāśaṃ paramaṃ purastāt

The king was seated in meditation within his own self, his mind purified by the lamp of stainless knowledge, beholding, ceaselessly and before him, his own Self by the Self's own identity, self-luminous and supreme.

Verse 33 (skanda.1.32.33)

एवंविधं तं प्रसमीक्ष्य कालं संचिंत्यमानं मनसाऽचलेन॥ शैवं पदं यत्परमार्थरूपं कैवल्यसायुज्यकरं स्वरूपतः

evaṃvidhaṃ taṃ prasamīkṣya kālaṃ saṃciṃtyamānaṃ manasā'calena|| śaivaṃ padaṃ yatparamārtharūpaṃ kaivalyasāyujyakaraṃ svarūpataḥ

Seeing Kala thus, while the king, with unwavering mind, continued to meditate upon the Shaiva state, that essence of the highest reality, which by its own nature bestows the very union of final liberation —

Verse 34 (skanda.1.32.34)

सदाशिवेन दृष्टोऽसौ कालः कालांतकेन च॥ उच्छृंखलः खलो दर्पाद्विशमानो निजांतिके

sadāśivena dṛṣṭo'sau kālaḥ kālāṃtakena ca|| ucchṛṃkhalaḥ khalo darpādviśamāno nijāṃtike

— that unruly, wicked Kala was then beheld by Sadashiva, the very ender of Time, as he pressed forward in his arrogance close to the king.

Verse 35 (skanda.1.32.35)

नंदिकेश्वरमध्यस्थो यावद्दृष्टो निजांतिके॥ शिवेन जगदीशेन भक्तवत्सलबंधुना

naṃdikeśvaramadhyastho yāvaddṛṣṭo nijāṃtike|| śivena jagadīśena bhaktavatsalabaṃdhunā

As soon as he, standing between the Nandikeshvara images, was seen close at hand by Shiva, the lord of the universe, kinsman ever tender to his devotees,

Verse 36 (skanda.1.32.36)

निरीक्षितस्तृतीयेन चक्षुषा परमेष्ठिना॥ स्वभक्तं रक्षमाणेन भस्मसादभवत्क्षणात्

nirīkṣitastṛtīyena cakṣuṣā parameṣṭhinā|| svabhaktaṃ rakṣamāṇena bhasmasādabhavatkṣaṇāt

— he was gazed upon by the third eye of that supreme lord, who was protecting his own devotee; and in that instant he was reduced to ashes.

Verse 37 (skanda.1.32.37)

ददाह तं कालमनेकवर्णं व्यात्ताननं भीमबहूग्ररूपम्॥ ज्वालावलीभिः परिदह्यमानमतिप्रचंडं भुवनैकभक्षणम्

dadāha taṃ kālamanekavarṇaṃ vyāttānanaṃ bhīmabahūgrarūpam|| jvālāvalībhiḥ paridahyamānamatipracaṃḍaṃ bhuvanaikabhakṣaṇam

He burnt that Kala, of manifold hues, jaws gaping wide, terrible in his many fearsome forms; and, most fierce, the sole devourer of the worlds, he was consumed all over by ranks of blazing flames.

Verse 38 (skanda.1.32.38)

ददर्शिरे देवगणाः समेताः सयक्षगंधर्वपिशाचगुह्यकाः॥ सिद्धाप्सरःसर्वखगाश्च पन्नगाः पतत्रिणो लोकपालास्तथैव

dadarśire devagaṇāḥ sametāḥ sayakṣagaṃdharvapiśācaguhyakāḥ|| siddhāpsaraḥsarvakhagāśca pannagāḥ patatriṇo lokapālāstathaiva

The assembled hosts of gods beheld it, together with yakshas, gandharvas, pishachas and guhyakas; siddhas and apsaras, all the birds, the serpents, the winged ones, and the guardians of the quarters likewise.

Verse 39 (skanda.1.32.39)

ज्वालामालावृतं कालमीश्वरस्याग्रतः स्थितम्॥ लब्धसंज्ञस्तदा राजा कालं स्वं हंतुमागतम्

jvālāmālāvṛtaṃ kālamīśvarasyāgrataḥ sthitam|| labdhasaṃjñastadā rājā kālaṃ svaṃ haṃtumāgatam

Kala, wrapped in a garland of flames, stood there before the lord; the king, regaining his senses, then beheld that Kala who had come to slay him.

Verse 40 (skanda.1.32.40)

पुनः पुनर्द्ददर्शाथ दह्यमानं कृशानुना॥ प्रार्थयामास स व्यग्रो रुद्रं कालाग्निसन्निभम्

punaḥ punarddadarśātha dahyamānaṃ kṛśānunā|| prārthayāmāsa sa vyagro rudraṃ kālāgnisannibham

Again and again he beheld him burning in the flames; and, deeply agitated, he entreated Rudra, radiant like the fire of doom.

Verse 41 (skanda.1.32.41)

॥राजोवाच॥ नमो रुद्राय शांताय स्वज्योत्स्नायात्मवेधसे॥ निरंतराय सूक्ष्माय ज्योतिषां पतये नमः

||rājovāca|| namo rudrāya śāṃtāya svajyotsnāyātmavedhase|| niraṃtarāya sūkṣmāya jyotiṣāṃ pataye namaḥ

The king said: 'Salutation to Rudra, the tranquil one, whose own radiance is his own light, the ordainer of the Self; salutation to the unbroken, the subtle one, the lord of all luminaries.'

Verse 42 (skanda.1.32.42)

त्राता त्वं हि जगन्नाथ पिता माता सुहृत्सखा॥ त्वमेव बंधुः स्वजनो लोकानां प्रभुरीश्वरः

trātā tvaṃ hi jagannātha pitā mātā suhṛtsakhā|| tvameva baṃdhuḥ svajano lokānāṃ prabhurīśvaraḥ

'You alone are the saviour, O lord of the universe; father, mother, well-wisher and friend; you alone are kinsman and own kin to all the worlds — the very lord and master.'

Verse 43 (skanda.1.32.43)

किं कृतं हि त्वया शंभो कोऽसौ दग्धो ममाग्रतः॥ न जानामि च किं जातं कृतं केन महत्तरम्

kiṃ kṛtaṃ hi tvayā śaṃbho ko'sau dagdho mamāgrataḥ|| na jānāmi ca kiṃ jātaṃ kṛtaṃ kena mahattaram

'What have you done, O Shambhu — who is that who has been burnt before my very eyes? I do not know what has happened, or by whom this greater deed has been wrought.'

Verse 44 (skanda.1.32.44)

एवं प्रार्थयतस्तस्य श्रुत्वा च परिदेवनम्॥ उवाच शंकरो वाक्यं बोधयन्निव तं नृपम्

evaṃ prārthayatastasya śrutvā ca paridevanam|| uvāca śaṃkaro vākyaṃ bodhayanniva taṃ nṛpam

Hearing his entreaty and his lament thus expressed, Shankara spoke, as though instructing that king:

Verse 45 (skanda.1.32.45)

॥रुद्र उवाच॥ मया दग्धो ह्ययं कालस्तवार्थे च तवाग्रतः॥ दह्यमानो हि दृष्टस्ते ज्वाला मालाकुलो महान्

||rudra uvāca|| mayā dagdho hyayaṃ kālastavārthe ca tavāgrataḥ|| dahyamāno hi dṛṣṭaste jvālā mālākulo mahān

Rudra said: 'This is Kala, burnt by me for your sake, before your very eyes; you have seen him burning, wreathed all about in a great garland of flames.'

Verse 46 (skanda.1.32.46)

एवमुक्तस्तदा तेन शंभुना राजसत्तमः॥ उवाच प्रश्रितो भूत्वा वचनं शिवमग्रतः

evamuktastadā tena śaṃbhunā rājasattamaḥ|| uvāca praśrito bhūtvā vacanaṃ śivamagrataḥ

Thus addressed by Shambhu, that foremost of kings, becoming humble, spoke these words to Shiva before him:

Verse 47 (skanda.1.32.47)

किमनेन कृतं शंभो अकृत्यं वद तत्त्वतः॥ य इमां प्राप्तितोऽवस्थां प्राणात्ययकरीं भव

kimanena kṛtaṃ śaṃbho akṛtyaṃ vada tattvataḥ|| ya imāṃ prāptito'vasthāṃ prāṇātyayakarīṃ bhava

'O Shambhu, what wrong has he committed — tell me truly — that he has come to be reduced to this state, one that ends the very breath of life?'

Verse 48 (skanda.1.32.48)

एवं विज्ञापितस्तेन ह्युवाच परमेश्वरः॥ भक्षकोऽयं महाराज सर्वेषां प्राणिनामिह

evaṃ vijñāpitastena hyuvāca parameśvaraḥ|| bhakṣako'yaṃ mahārāja sarveṣāṃ prāṇināmiha

Thus questioned, the supreme lord replied: 'O great king, this one is the devourer of all creatures here.'

Verse 49 (skanda.1.32.49)

भक्षणार्थं तव विभो सोऽयं क्रूरोऽधुनाऽगतः॥ ममांतिकं महाराज तस्माद्दग्धो मया विभो

bhakṣaṇārthaṃ tava vibho so'yaṃ krūro'dhunā'gataḥ|| mamāṃtikaṃ mahārāja tasmāddagdho mayā vibho

'This cruel one had now come, O lord, to devour you; and so, O great king, he came near to me, and I therefore burnt him, O mighty one.'

Verse 50 (skanda.1.32.50)

बहूनां क्षेममन्विच्छंस्तवार्थेऽन्हं विशेषतः

bahūnāṃ kṣemamanvicchaṃstavārthe'nhaṃ viśeṣataḥ

'Desiring the welfare of many, and for your sake especially, I did this.'

Verse 51 (skanda.1.32.51)

ये पापिनो ह्यधर्मिष्ठा लोकसंहारकारकाः॥ पाषंडवादसंयुक्ता वध्यास्ते मम चैव हि॥ वाक्यं निशम्य रुद्रस्य श्वेतो वचनमब्रवीत्

ye pāpino hyadharmiṣṭhā lokasaṃhārakārakāḥ|| pāṣaṃḍavādasaṃyuktā vadhyāste mama caiva hi|| vākyaṃ niśamya rudrasya śveto vacanamabravīt

'Those who are sinful, unrighteous, destroyers of the world, joined to heretical doctrine — they alone deserve to be slain by me.' Hearing Rudra's words, Shveta then spoke:

Verse 52 (skanda.1.32.52)

कालेनैव हि लोकोऽयं पुण्यमाचरते सदा॥ धर्मनिष्ठाश्च केचित्तु भक्त्या परमया युताः

kālenaiva hi loko'yaṃ puṇyamācarate sadā|| dharmaniṣṭhāśca kecittu bhaktyā paramayā yutāḥ

'Yet by Time itself alone does this world ever perform its virtuous acts; some are devoted to righteousness, joined with supreme devotion.'

Verse 53 (skanda.1.32.53)

उपासनारताः केचिज्ज्ञानिनो हि तथा परे॥ केचिदध्यात्मसंयुक्ताश्चान्ये मुक्ताश्च केचन

upāsanāratāḥ kecijjñānino hi tathā pare|| kecidadhyātmasaṃyuktāścānye muktāśca kecana

'Some are devoted to worship, others are men of knowledge; some are joined with spiritual pursuit, and some others have already attained liberation.'

Verse 54 (skanda.1.32.54)

कालो हि हर्ता च चराचराणां तथा ह्यसौ पालकोऽप्यद्वितीयः॥ स स्रष्टा वै प्राणिनां प्राणभूतस्तस्मादेनं जीवयस्वाशु भूयः

kālo hi hartā ca carācarāṇāṃ tathā hyasau pālako'pyadvitīyaḥ|| sa sraṣṭā vai prāṇināṃ prāṇabhūtastasmādenaṃ jīvayasvāśu bhūyaḥ

'For Time is both the destroyer of the moving and unmoving creation, and yet, without a peer, also its sustainer; he is indeed the very creator and life-breath of all beings — therefore, restore him to life once more, swiftly.'

Verse 55 (skanda.1.32.55)

यदि सृष्टिपरोऽसि त्वं कालं जीवय सत्वरम्॥ यदि संहारभूतोऽसि सर्वेषां प्राणिनामिह

yadi sṛṣṭiparo'si tvaṃ kālaṃ jīvaya satvaram|| yadi saṃhārabhūto'si sarveṣāṃ prāṇināmiha

'If you are devoted to creation, then bring Kala back to life at once; and if you are the destroyer of all beings here,'

Verse 56 (skanda.1.32.56)

तर्ह्येवं कुरु शंभो त्वं कालस्य च महात्मनः॥ विना कालेन यत्किंचिद्भविष्यति न शंकर

tarhyevaṃ kuru śaṃbho tvaṃ kālasya ca mahātmanaḥ|| vinā kālena yatkiṃcidbhaviṣyati na śaṃkara

'— then, O Shambhu, do this for that great-souled Kala; for without Time, O Shankara, nothing at all shall come to pass.'

Verse 57 (skanda.1.32.57)

इति विज्ञापितस्तेन राज्ञा शंभुः प्रतापिना॥ चकार वचनं तस्य भक्तस्य च चिकीर्षितम्

iti vijñāpitastena rājñā śaṃbhuḥ pratāpinā|| cakāra vacanaṃ tasya bhaktasya ca cikīrṣitam

Thus entreated by that glorious king, Shambhu fulfilled the wish of his devotee.

Verse 58 (skanda.1.32.58)

शंभुः प्रहस्याथ तदा महेशः संजीवयामास पिनाकपाणिः॥ चकार रूपं च यथा पुरासीदालिंगतोसौ यमदूतमध्ये

śaṃbhuḥ prahasyātha tadā maheśaḥ saṃjīvayāmāsa pinākapāṇiḥ|| cakāra rūpaṃ ca yathā purāsīdāliṃgatosau yamadūtamadhye

Then Shambhu, Mahesha, smiling, the wielder of the Pinaka bow, brought Kala back to life, and restored his form just as it had been before, embracing him there amid the messengers of Yama.

Verse 59 (skanda.1.32.59)

उपस्थितोऽसौ त्वथ लज्जमानस्तुष्टाव देवं वृषभध्वजं तम्॥ नत्वा पुरःस्थाग्निमयं हि कालः सविस्मयो वाक्यमिदं बभाषे

upasthito'sau tvatha lajjamānastuṣṭāva devaṃ vṛṣabhadhvajaṃ tam|| natvā puraḥsthāgnimayaṃ hi kālaḥ savismayo vākyamidaṃ babhāṣe

Standing there, filled with shame, he praised that god of the bull-banner; bowing before that fiery form standing before him, Kala, filled with wonder, spoke these words:

Verse 60 (skanda.1.32.60)

॥काल उवाच॥ कालांतक त्रिपुरेश त्रिपुरांतकर प्रभो॥ मदनो हि त्वया देव कृतोऽनंगो जगत्पते

||kāla uvāca|| kālāṃtaka tripureśa tripurāṃtakara prabho|| madano hi tvayā deva kṛto'naṃgo jagatpate

Kala said: 'O ender of Time, lord of the Tripuras, destroyer of the Tripuras, O lord — you, O god, O master of the universe, made Madana bodiless.'

Verse 61 (skanda.1.32.61)

दक्षयज्ञविनाशश्च कृतो हि परमाद्भुतः॥ कालकूटं दुःप्रसहं सर्वेषां क्षयकृन्महत्

dakṣayajñavināśaśca kṛto hi paramādbhutaḥ|| kālakūṭaṃ duḥprasahaṃ sarveṣāṃ kṣayakṛnmahat

'And you it was who wrought the most wondrous destruction of Daksha's sacrifice; and you it was who swallowed the Kalakuta poison, unbearable, mighty destroyer of all,'

Verse 62 (skanda.1.32.62)

ग्रसितं तत्त्वया शंभो अन्येषामपि दुर्द्धरम्॥ लिंगरूपेण महता व्याप्तमासीज्जगत्त्रयम्

grasitaṃ tattvayā śaṃbho anyeṣāmapi durddharam|| liṃgarūpeṇa mahatā vyāptamāsījjagattrayam

'— that which even others could not bear, O Shambhu, you swallowed; and in your great linga-form you pervaded the three worlds entirely.'

Verse 63 (skanda.1.32.63)

लयनाल्लिंगमित्युक्तं सर्वैरपि सुरा सुरैः॥ यस्यांतं न विदुर्द्देवा ब्रह्मविष्णुपुरोगमाः

layanālliṃgamityuktaṃ sarvairapi surā suraiḥ|| yasyāṃtaṃ na vidurddevā brahmaviṣṇupurogamāḥ

'Because all things dissolve into it, it is called the linga by all the gods and asuras alike; even the gods, with Brahma and Vishnu at their head, know not its end.'

Verse 64 (skanda.1.32.64)

लिंगस्य देवदेवस्य महिमानं परस्य च॥ नमस्ते परमेशाय नमस्ते विश्वमंगल॥ नमस्ते शितिकण्ठाय नमस्तस्मै कपर्दिने

liṃgasya devadevasya mahimānaṃ parasya ca|| namaste parameśāya namaste viśvamaṃgala|| namaste śitikaṇṭhāya namastasmai kapardine

'Such is the glory of that supreme linga of the god of gods. Salutation to you, O supreme lord; salutation to you, O well-being of the universe; salutation to you, O white-throated one; salutation to that matted-haired god.'

Verse 65 (skanda.1.32.65)

नमोनमः कारणकारणाय ते नमोनमो मंगलमंगलात्मने॥ ज्ञानात्मने ज्ञानविदां मनीषिणां त्वमादिदेवोऽसि पुमान्पुराणः

namonamaḥ kāraṇakāraṇāya te namonamo maṃgalamaṃgalātmane|| jñānātmane jñānavidāṃ manīṣiṇāṃ tvamādidevo'si pumānpurāṇaḥ

'Salutation again and again to you, the cause of all causes; salutation again and again to you, whose very nature is the auspiciousness of the auspicious; whose very nature is knowledge, you are the primal god, the ancient Person, to the wise men who know true knowledge.'

Verse 66 (skanda.1.32.66)

त्वमेव सर्वं जगदेवबंधो वेदांतवेद्योऽसि महानुभावः॥ महानुभावैः परिकीर्त्तनीयस्त्वमेव विश्वेश्वर विश्वमान्यः

tvameva sarvaṃ jagadevabaṃdho vedāṃtavedyo'si mahānubhāvaḥ|| mahānubhāvaiḥ parikīrttanīyastvameva viśveśvara viśvamānyaḥ

'You alone are this entire universe, O kinsman of the universe; you are known through Vedanta, O being of great glory; you alone, O lord of the universe, honoured by all the worlds, are worthy to be celebrated by the great-souled.'

Verse 67 (skanda.1.32.67)

त्वं पासि लुंपसि जगत्त्रितयं महेश स्रष्टासि भूतपतिरेव न कश्चिदन्यः

tvaṃ pāsi luṃpasi jagattritayaṃ maheśa sraṣṭāsi bhūtapatireva na kaścidanyaḥ

'You protect, and you destroy, the three worlds, O Mahesha; you alone are their creator, the lord of all beings — none other than you.'

Verse 68 (skanda.1.32.68)

इति स्तुतस्तदा तेन कालेन जगदीश्वरः॥ उवाच कालो राजानं श्वेतं संबोधयन्निव

iti stutastadā tena kālena jagadīśvaraḥ|| uvāca kālo rājānaṃ śvetaṃ saṃbodhayanniva

Thus praised by Kala, the lord of the universe was addressed; and Kala then spoke, as though instructing King Shveta:

Verse 69 (skanda.1.32.69)

॥काल उवाच॥ मनुष्यलोके सकले नान्यस्त्वत्तो हि विद्यते॥ येन त्वया जितो देवो ह्यजेयो भुवनत्रये

||kāla uvāca|| manuṣyaloke sakale nānyastvatto hi vidyate|| yena tvayā jito devo hyajeyo bhuvanatraye

Kala said: 'In the entire world of men, there exists none other like you, by whom this god, unconquerable in all three worlds, has been conquered.'

Verse 70 (skanda.1.32.70)

मया हतमिदं विश्वं जगदेतच्चराचरम्॥ जेताहं सर्वदेवानां सर्वेषां दुरतिक्रमः

mayā hatamidaṃ viśvaṃ jagadetaccarācaram|| jetāhaṃ sarvadevānāṃ sarveṣāṃ duratikramaḥ

'By me this entire universe, moving and unmoving, is struck down; I am the conqueror of all the gods, invincible to all.'

Verse 71 (skanda.1.32.71)

स हि ते चानुगो जातो महाराज प्रयच्छ मे॥ अभयं देवदेवाच्च शूलिनः परमेष्ठिनः

sa hi te cānugo jāto mahārāja prayaccha me|| abhayaṃ devadevācca śūlinaḥ parameṣṭhinaḥ

'Yet I have now become your servant, O great king; grant me safety from the god of gods, the trident-bearer, the supreme lord.'

Verse 72 (skanda.1.32.72)

एवमुक्तस्तदा तेन श्वेतः कालेन चैव हि॥ उवाच प्रहसन्वाचा मेघनादगभीरया

evamuktastadā tena śvetaḥ kālena caiva hi|| uvāca prahasanvācā meghanādagabhīrayā

Thus addressed by Kala, Shveta then spoke, smiling, with a voice deep as the thunder of clouds:

Verse 73 (skanda.1.32.73)

॥राजोवाच॥ शिवस्य परमं रूपं त्वमेको नास्ति संशयः॥ कालस्त्वमसि भूतानां स्थितिसंहाररूपवान्

||rājovāca|| śivasya paramaṃ rūpaṃ tvameko nāsti saṃśayaḥ|| kālastvamasi bhūtānāṃ sthitisaṃhārarūpavān

The king said: 'You alone are the supreme form of Shiva — of this there is no doubt; you are Time itself, embodying the very sustaining and destruction of beings.'

Verse 74 (skanda.1.32.74)

तस्मात्पूज्यतमोऽसि त्वं सर्वेषां च नियामकः॥ त्वद्भयात्कृतिनः सर्वे शरणं परमेश्वरम्॥ व्रजंति विविधैर्भार्वैरात्मलक्षणतत्पराः

tasmātpūjyatamo'si tvaṃ sarveṣāṃ ca niyāmakaḥ|| tvadbhayātkṛtinaḥ sarve śaraṇaṃ parameśvaram|| vrajaṃti vividhairbhārvairātmalakṣaṇatatparāḥ

'Therefore you are most worthy of worship, and the regulator of all; out of fear of you, all virtuous men, intent upon the true nature of the Self, go for refuge, in their various ways, to the supreme lord.'

Verse 75 (skanda.1.32.75)

॥सुत उवाच॥ तेनैवं रक्षिततः कालो राज्ञा परमधर्मिणा॥ शिवप्रसादमात्रेण लब्धसंज्ञो बभूवह

||suta uvāca|| tenaivaṃ rakṣitataḥ kālo rājñā paramadharmiṇā|| śivaprasādamātreṇa labdhasaṃjño babhūvaha

Suta said: Thus protected by that most righteous king, Kala, purely by Shiva's grace, regained his consciousness.

Verse 76 (skanda.1.32.76)

तदा यमेन स्तवितो मृत्युना यमदूतकैः॥ शिवं प्रणम्य संस्तुत्य श्वेतं राजानमेव च॥ ययौ स्वमालयं विप्रा मेने स्वं जनितं पुनः

tadā yamena stavito mṛtyunā yamadūtakaiḥ|| śivaṃ praṇamya saṃstutya śvetaṃ rājānameva ca|| yayau svamālayaṃ viprā mene svaṃ janitaṃ punaḥ

Then, praised by Yama, by Mrityu, and by the messengers of Yama, and having bowed and offered praise to Shiva and to King Shveta, he departed to his own abode, O brahmins, considering himself, as it were, born anew.

Verse 77 (skanda.1.32.77)

मायया सह पत्न्या च शिवस्य चरितं महत्॥ अनुसंस्मृत्य संस्मृत्य विस्मयं परमं ययौ

māyayā saha patnyā ca śivasya caritaṃ mahat|| anusaṃsmṛtya saṃsmṛtya vismayaṃ paramaṃ yayau

Together with his wife Maya, remembering again and again this great deed of Shiva, he was filled with the utmost wonder.

Verse 78 (skanda.1.32.78)

कथयामास सर्वेषां दूतानां स्वयमेव हि॥ आकर्ण्यतां मम वचो हे दूतास्त्वरितेन हि

kathayāmāsa sarveṣāṃ dūtānāṃ svayameva hi|| ākarṇyatāṃ mama vaco he dūtāstvaritena hi

He himself then declared to all his messengers: 'Listen swiftly, O messengers, to my word.'

Verse 79 (skanda.1.32.79)

कर्त्तव्यं च प्रयत्नेन नान्यथा मम भाषितम्

karttavyaṃ ca prayatnena nānyathā mama bhāṣitam

'This must be carried out with care; my word shall not be otherwise.'

Verse 80 (skanda.1.32.80)

॥काल उवाच॥ ये त्रिपुण्ड्रंधारयंति तथा ये वै जटाधराः॥ ये रुद्राक्षधराश्चैव तथा ये शिवनामिनः

||kāla uvāca|| ye tripuṇḍraṃdhārayaṃti tathā ye vai jaṭādharāḥ|| ye rudrākṣadharāścaiva tathā ye śivanāminaḥ

Kala said: 'Those who wear the triple horizontal mark, and those who bear matted locks; those who wear rudraksha beads, and those who bear the names of Shiva —'

Verse 81 (skanda.1.32.81)

उपजीवनहेतोश्च भिया ये ह्यपि मानवाः॥ पापिनोऽपि दुराचाराः शिववेषधरा ह्यमी

upajīvanahetośca bhiyā ye hyapi mānavāḥ|| pāpino'pi durācārāḥ śivaveṣadharā hyamī

'— even those men who, merely for their livelihood or out of fear, though sinful and ill-conducted, still wear the outward garb of Shiva's devotees —'

Verse 82 (skanda.1.32.82)

नानेतव्या भवद्भिश्च मम लोकं कदाचन॥ वर्ज्यास्ते हि प्रयत्नेन पापिनोऽपि सदैव हि

nānetavyā bhavadbhiśca mama lokaṃ kadācana|| varjyāste hi prayatnena pāpino'pi sadaiva hi

'— such men are never to be brought by you to my realm; even if sinful, they are always to be avoided with all care.'

Verse 83 (skanda.1.32.83)

अन्येषां का कथा दूता येऽर्चयंति सदाशिवम्॥ भक्त्या परमया शंभुं रुद्रास्ते नात्र संशयः

anyeṣāṃ kā kathā dūtā ye'rcayaṃti sadāśivam|| bhaktyā paramayā śaṃbhuṃ rudrāste nātra saṃśayaḥ

'What then need be said of others, O messengers, who worship Sadashiva with supreme devotion to Shambhu — they themselves are Rudras, of this there is no doubt.'

Verse 84 (skanda.1.32.84)

रुद्राक्षमेकं शिरसा बिभर्ति यस्तथा त्रिपुंड्रं च ललाटमध्यके॥ पंचाक्षरीं ये प्रजपंति साधवः पूज्य भवद्भिश्च न चान्यथा क्वचित्

rudrākṣamekaṃ śirasā bibharti yastathā tripuṃḍraṃ ca lalāṭamadhyake|| paṃcākṣarīṃ ye prajapaṃti sādhavaḥ pūjya bhavadbhiśca na cānyathā kvacit

'Whoever bears even a single rudraksha bead upon his head, and the triple mark in the middle of his forehead, and whatever holy men recite the five-syllabled mantra — they are to be honoured by you, and never otherwise, in any circumstance whatsoever.'

Verse 85 (skanda.1.32.85)

यस्मिन्राष्ट्रोऽथ वा देशे ग्रामे चापि विचक्षणः॥ शिवभक्तो न दृश्येत स्मशानात्तु विशिष्यते॥ तद्राष्ट्रं देशमित्याहुः सत्यं प्रतिवदामि वः

yasminrāṣṭro'tha vā deśe grāme cāpi vicakṣaṇaḥ|| śivabhakto na dṛśyeta smaśānāttu viśiṣyate|| tadrāṣṭraṃ deśamityāhuḥ satyaṃ prativadāmi vaḥ

'In whatever kingdom, or region, or village, no wise devotee of Shiva is to be seen — that kingdom is said to be worse even than a cremation ground; I speak this truth to you.'

Verse 86 (skanda.1.32.86)

यस्मिन्न संति नित्यं हि शिवभक्तिसमन्विताः॥ तद्ग्रमस्था जनाः सर्वे शासनीया न संशयः

yasminna saṃti nityaṃ hi śivabhaktisamanvitāḥ|| tadgramasthā janāḥ sarve śāsanīyā na saṃśayaḥ

'Where those endowed with constant devotion to Shiva do not dwell, all the people living in that village are indeed to be dealt with sternly — of this there is no doubt.'

Verse 87 (skanda.1.32.87)

एवमाज्ञापयामास यमोऽपि निजकिंकरान्॥ तथेति मत्वा ते सर्वे तूष्णी मासन्सुविस्मिताः

evamājñāpayāmāsa yamo'pi nijakiṃkarān|| tatheti matvā te sarve tūṣṇī māsansuvismitāḥ

Thus did Yama also command his own servants; and thinking 'so be it,' all of them remained silent, filled with wonder.

Verse 88 (skanda.1.32.88)

एवंविधोऽयं भुवनैकभर्ता सदाशिवो लोकगुरुः स एकः॥ दाता प्रहर्ता निजभावयुक्तः सनातनोऽयं जगदेकबंधुः

evaṃvidho'yaṃ bhuvanaikabhartā sadāśivo lokaguruḥ sa ekaḥ|| dātā prahartā nijabhāvayuktaḥ sanātano'yaṃ jagadekabaṃdhuḥ

Such is this Sadashiva, sole sustainer of the worlds, sole preceptor of all creation; giver and destroyer, ever true to his own nature, this eternal one, the sole kinsman of the universe.

Verse 89 (skanda.1.32.89)

दग्ध्वा कालं महादेवो निर्भयं च ददौ विभुः॥ श्वेतस्य राजराजस्य महीपालवरस्य च

dagdhvā kālaṃ mahādevo nirbhayaṃ ca dadau vibhuḥ|| śvetasya rājarājasya mahīpālavarasya ca

Having burnt Kala, the mighty Mahadeva bestowed fearlessness upon Shveta, that king of kings, that finest of rulers of the earth.

Verse 90 (skanda.1.32.90)

तदा निर्भयमापन्नः श्वेतराजो महामनाः॥ भक्त्या च परया मुक्तो बभूव कृतनिश्चयः

tadā nirbhayamāpannaḥ śvetarājo mahāmanāḥ|| bhaktyā ca parayā mukto babhūva kṛtaniścayaḥ

Then, having become fearless, that great-hearted King Shveta, resolved and full of supreme devotion, became liberated.

Verse 91 (skanda.1.32.91)

तदा देवैः पूज्यमान ऋषिभिः पन्नगैस्तथा॥ श्वतो राजन्यवर्योऽसौ शिवसायुज्यमाप्तवान्

tadā devaiḥ pūjyamāna ṛṣibhiḥ pannagaistathā|| śvato rājanyavaryo'sau śivasāyujyamāptavān

Then, honoured by the gods, by the sages, and by the serpents likewise, that Shveta, foremost among kings, attained union with Shiva.

Verse 92 (skanda.1.32.92)

एवं भक्तिपराणां च महेशे च जगद्गुरौ॥ सिद्धिः करतले तेषां सत्यं प्रतिवदामि वः

evaṃ bhaktiparāṇāṃ ca maheśe ca jagadgurau|| siddhiḥ karatale teṣāṃ satyaṃ prativadāmi vaḥ

Thus, for those devoted to Mahesha, the preceptor of the universe, perfection lies within the very palm of their hand; I speak this truth to you.

Verse 93 (skanda.1.32.93)

श्वपचोऽपि वरिष्ठः स्यात्प्रसादाच्छं करस्य च॥ तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन पूजनीयो हि शंकरः

śvapaco'pi variṣṭhaḥ syātprasādācchaṃ karasya ca|| tasmātsarvaprayatnena pūjanīyo hi śaṃkaraḥ

Even an outcaste dog-eater may become most exalted, by the grace of Shankara; therefore Shankara is indeed to be worshipped with every effort.

Verse 94 (skanda.1.32.94)

बहूनां जनमनामंते शिवभक्तिः प्रजायते

bahūnāṃ janamanāmaṃte śivabhaktiḥ prajāyate

At the end of many births, devotion to Shiva is born.

Verse 95 (skanda.1.32.95)

ज्ञानिनां कृतबुद्धीनां जन्मजन्मनिशंकरः॥ किं मया बहुनोक्तेन पूजनीयः सदाशिवः

jñānināṃ kṛtabuddhīnāṃ janmajanmaniśaṃkaraḥ|| kiṃ mayā bahunoktena pūjanīyaḥ sadāśivaḥ

For men of knowledge, of resolved understanding, Shankara abides birth after birth; what more need I say — Sadashiva alone is worthy of worship.

Verse 96 (skanda.1.32.96)

अत्रैवोदाहरंतीममितिहासं पुरातनम्॥ किरातेन कृतं व्रतं च परमाद्भुतम्॥ येनैव तारितं विश्वं जगदेतच्चराचरम्

atraivodāharaṃtīmamitihāsaṃ purātanam|| kirātena kṛtaṃ vrataṃ ca paramādbhutam|| yenaiva tāritaṃ viśvaṃ jagadetaccarācaram

Here too they cite this ancient legend — the most wondrous vow performed by a hunter, by which alone this entire moving and unmoving universe was delivered.