Shiva's Departure to the Forest After Losing All to Parvati at Dice

Verse 1 (skanda.1.34.1)

॥लोमश उवाच॥ राज्यं चकार कैलास दवदवा जगत्पतिः॥ गणैः समेतो बहुभिर्वीरभद्रान्वितो महान्

||lomaśa uvāca|| rājyaṃ cakāra kailāsa davadavā jagatpatiḥ|| gaṇaiḥ sameto bahubhirvīrabhadrānvito mahān

Lomasha said: The lord of the universe reigned in splendour upon Kailasa, that great one accompanied by his many ganas and by Virabhadra.

Verse 2 (skanda.1.34.2)

ऋषिभिः सहितो रुद्रो देवैरिन्द्रादिभिः सह॥ ब्रह्मा यस्य स्तुतिपरो विष्णुः प्रेष्यवदास्थितः

ṛṣibhiḥ sahito rudro devairindrādibhiḥ saha|| brahmā yasya stutiparo viṣṇuḥ preṣyavadāsthitaḥ

Rudra was accompanied by the sages, and by the gods headed by Indra; Brahma remained devoted to praising him, and Vishnu stood by like a servant.

Verse 3 (skanda.1.34.3)

इंद्रो देवगणैः सार्द्धं सेवाधर्मपरोऽभवत्॥ यस्य च्छत्रधरश्चंद्रो वायुश्चामरधृक्तथा

iṃdro devagaṇaiḥ sārddhaṃ sevādharmaparo'bhavat|| yasya cchatradharaścaṃdro vāyuścāmaradhṛktathā

Indra, together with the hosts of gods, became devoted to the duty of service; the moon held his umbrella, and the wind bore his chowrie.

Verse 4 (skanda.1.34.4)

सूपान्नकर्ता सततं जातवदा निरन्तरम्॥ गंधर्वा गायका यस्य स्तावकाश्च पिनाकिनः

sūpānnakartā satataṃ jātavadā nirantaram|| gaṃdharvā gāyakā yasya stāvakāśca pinākinaḥ

Agni was ever his cook, preparing food ceaselessly; the gandharvas were his singers, and the praisers of the trident-bearer.

Verse 5 (skanda.1.34.5)

विद्याधराश्च बहवस्तथा चाप्सरसां गणाः॥ ननृतुश्चाग्रगा यस्य सोऽसौ कैलासपर्वते

vidyādharāśca bahavastathā cāpsarasāṃ gaṇāḥ|| nanṛtuścāgragā yasya so'sau kailāsaparvate

Many vidyadharas, and the hosts of apsaras too, danced before him, going ahead of him upon Mount Kailasa.

Verse 6 (skanda.1.34.6)

पुत्रैर्गणेशस्कंदाद्यैस्तथा गिरिजया सह॥ राज्यं प्रतापिभिश्चक्रेऽशंकश्चंक्रमणेन च

putrairgaṇeśaskaṃdādyaistathā girijayā saha|| rājyaṃ pratāpibhiścakre'śaṃkaścaṃkramaṇena ca

With his sons, Ganesha, Skanda and the rest, and together with Girija, that fearless one, glorious in power, governed his realm, wandering about at will.

Verse 7 (skanda.1.34.7)

येनांधको महा दैत्यः स देवानामरिर्महान्॥ दुष्टो विद्धस्त्रिशूलेन गगने स्थापितश्चिरम्

yenāṃdhako mahā daityaḥ sa devānāmarirmahān|| duṣṭo viddhastriśūlena gagane sthāpitaściram

By him the great daitya Andhaka, that great foe of the gods, wicked as he was, had been pierced with the trident and held suspended in the sky for a long time.

Verse 8 (skanda.1.34.8)

हत्वा गजासुरं येन उत्कृत्त्य चर्म वै कृतम्॥ चिरं प्रावरणं दिव्यं तथा त्रिपुरदीपनम्॥ विष्णुना पाल्यभूतेन रेजे सर्वांगसुन्दरः

hatvā gajāsuraṃ yena utkṛttya carma vai kṛtam|| ciraṃ prāvaraṇaṃ divyaṃ tathā tripuradīpanam|| viṣṇunā pālyabhūtena reje sarvāṃgasundaraḥ

By whom, having slain Gajasura, the skin had been flayed off and made into a divine garment worn for a long time; and by whom the Tripuras had been set aflame — he, beautiful in every limb, shone forth, protected by Vishnu.

Verse 9 (skanda.1.34.9)

तं द्रष्टुकामो भगवान्नारदो दिव्य र्शनः॥ ययौ च पर्वतश्रेष्ठं कैलासं चन्द्रपांडुरम्

taṃ draṣṭukāmo bhagavānnārado divya rśanaḥ|| yayau ca parvataśreṣṭhaṃ kailāsaṃ candrapāṃḍuram

Desiring to see him, the blessed Narada, of divine vision, went to that foremost of mountains, Kailasa, white as the moon.

Verse 10 (skanda.1.34.10)

सुधया परया चापि सेवितं परमाद्भुतम्॥ कर्पूरगौरं च तदा दृष्ट्वा तं सुमहाबलम्॥ नारदो विस्मयाविष्टः प्रविष्टो गन्धमादनम्

sudhayā parayā cāpi sevitaṃ paramādbhutam|| karpūragauraṃ ca tadā dṛṣṭvā taṃ sumahābalam|| nārado vismayāviṣṭaḥ praviṣṭo gandhamādanam

Adorned with the finest nectar, most wondrous, camphor-white — beholding that mighty mountain, Narada, overcome with wonder, entered Gandhamadana.

Verse 11 (skanda.1.34.11)

अनेकाश्चर्यसंयुक्तं तपनैश्च सुशोभितम्॥ गायद्विद्याधरीभिश्च पूरितं च महाप्रभम्

anekāścaryasaṃyuktaṃ tapanaiśca suśobhitam|| gāyadvidyādharībhiśca pūritaṃ ca mahāprabham

Filled with countless marvels, adorned with radiant ascetics, filled with singing vidyadhari women, of great splendour —

Verse 12 (skanda.1.34.12)

कल्पद्रुमाश्च बहवो लताभिः परिवेष्टिताः॥ घनच्छायासू तास्वेव विशिष्टा कामधेनवः

kalpadrumāśca bahavo latābhiḥ pariveṣṭitāḥ|| ghanacchāyāsū tāsveva viśiṣṭā kāmadhenavaḥ

— many wish-fulfilling trees stood there, entwined with vines; and beneath their dense shade dwelt the finest of the wish-granting cows.

Verse 13 (skanda.1.34.13)

पारिजातवनामोदलंपटा बहवोऽलयः॥ कलहंसाश्च बहवः क्रीडमानाः सरस्तु च

pārijātavanāmodalaṃpaṭā bahavo'layaḥ|| kalahaṃsāśca bahavaḥ krīḍamānāḥ sarastu ca

Countless bees, greedy for the fragrance of the parijata groves, and many sweet-voiced swans sported there in the lake.

Verse 14 (skanda.1.34.14)

शिखंडिनो महच्चक्रुस्तत्र केकारवं मुदा॥ पंचमालापिनः सर्वे विहंगाः संमदान्विताः

śikhaṃḍino mahaccakrustatra kekāravaṃ mudā|| paṃcamālāpinaḥ sarve vihaṃgāḥ saṃmadānvitāḥ

Peacocks there called out joyfully with their loud cries; and all the birds, singing in the fifth note, were filled with delight.

Verse 15 (skanda.1.34.15)

करिणः करिणीभिश्च मोदमानाः सुवर्चसः॥ सिंहास्तथा गर्जमानाः शार्दूलैः सह संगताः

kariṇaḥ kariṇībhiśca modamānāḥ suvarcasaḥ|| siṃhāstathā garjamānāḥ śārdūlaiḥ saha saṃgatāḥ

Bull elephants, radiant, sported joyfully with their mates; and lions, roaring, moved about together with tigers.

Verse 16 (skanda.1.34.16)

वृषभा नंदिमुख्याश्च रेभमाना निरन्तरम्॥ देवद्रुमाश्च बहवस्तथा चंदनवाटिकाः

vṛṣabhā naṃdimukhyāśca rebhamānā nirantaram|| devadrumāśca bahavastathā caṃdanavāṭikāḥ

Bulls, foremost among them Nandi, ceaselessly bellowed; and many divine trees stood there, along with groves of sandalwood.

Verse 17 (skanda.1.34.17)

नागपुंनागबकुलाश्चंपका नागकेसराः॥ तथा च वनजंब्वश्च तथा कनककेतकाः

nāgapuṃnāgabakulāścaṃpakā nāgakesarāḥ|| tathā ca vanajaṃbvaśca tathā kanakaketakāḥ

Naga, punnaga, bakula, champaka and nagakesara trees; and likewise wild jambu trees and golden ketaki flowers —

Verse 18 (skanda.1.34.18)

कह्लाराः करवीरिश्च कुमुदानि ह्यनेकशः॥ मंदाराश्च बदर्यश्च क्रमुकाः पाटलास्तथा

kahlārāḥ karavīriśca kumudāni hyanekaśaḥ|| maṃdārāśca badaryaśca kramukāḥ pāṭalāstathā

White water-lilies, oleanders, and countless lotuses; mandara trees, jujube trees, betel-nut palms, and trumpet-flower trees —

Verse 19 (skanda.1.34.19)

तथान्ये बहवो वृक्षाः शम्भोस्तोषकराह्यमी॥ ऐकपद्येन दृष्टास्ते नानाद्रुमलतान्विताः॥ आरामा बहवस्तत्र द्विगुणाश्च बभूविरे

tathānye bahavo vṛkṣāḥ śambhostoṣakarāhyamī|| aikapadyena dṛṣṭāste nānādrumalatānvitāḥ|| ārāmā bahavastatra dviguṇāśca babhūvire

— and many other trees, all pleasing to Shambhu, were seen there all at once, filled with many kinds of trees and creepers; and the many groves there seemed to grow ever more abundant.

Verse 20 (skanda.1.34.20)

गगनान्निस्सृतः सद्यो गंगौघः परमाद्भुतः॥ पतितो मस्तके तस्य पर्वतस्य सुशोभिते

gaganānnissṛtaḥ sadyo gaṃgaughaḥ paramādbhutaḥ|| patito mastake tasya parvatasya suśobhite

Descending suddenly from the sky, the most wondrous flood of the Ganga fell upon the beautiful summit of that mountain.

Verse 21 (skanda.1.34.21)

कूपो हि पयसां ये न पवित्रं वर्तते जगत्॥ सोपि द्विधा तदा दृष्टो नारदेन महात्मना

kūpo hi payasāṃ ye na pavitraṃ vartate jagat|| sopi dvidhā tadā dṛṣṭo nāradena mahātmanā

That fount of waters, without which this world would not remain pure, was there beheld, dividing into two streams, by the great-souled Narada.

Verse 22 (skanda.1.34.22)

सर्वं तदा द्विधाभूतं दृष्टं तेन महात्मना॥ नारदेन तदा विप्राः परमेण निरीक्षितः

sarvaṃ tadā dvidhābhūtaṃ dṛṣṭaṃ tena mahātmanā|| nāradena tadā viprāḥ parameṇa nirīkṣitaḥ

Everything there appeared, as it were, in twofold form to that great soul; thus, O brahmins, it was closely observed by Narada with the deepest attention.

Verse 23 (skanda.1.34.23)

एवं विलोकमानोऽसौ नारदो भगवानृषिः॥ त्वरितेन तथा यातः शिवालोकनतत्परः

evaṃ vilokamāno'sau nārado bhagavānṛṣiḥ|| tvaritena tathā yātaḥ śivālokanatatparaḥ

Thus gazing about, the blessed sage Narada went on swiftly, intent upon beholding Shiva.

Verse 24 (skanda.1.34.24)

यावद्द्वारि स्थितोपश्यन्महदाश्चर्यमेव च॥ द्वारपालौ तदा दृष्टौ कृतकौ विश्वक्मणा

yāvaddvāri sthitopaśyanmahadāścaryameva ca|| dvārapālau tadā dṛṣṭau kṛtakau viśvakmaṇā

As he stood at the gateway, he beheld a great wonder: two gatekeepers there, fashioned artificially by Vishvakarma.

Verse 25 (skanda.1.34.25)

नारदो मोहितो ह्यासीत्पप्रच्छ च स तौ तदा॥ अहं प्रवेष्टुमिच्छामि शिवदर्शनलालसः

nārado mohito hyāsītpapraccha ca sa tau tadā|| ahaṃ praveṣṭumicchāmi śivadarśanalālasaḥ

Narada was bewildered, and he then asked them: 'I wish to enter, longing for the sight of Shiva.'

Verse 26 (skanda.1.34.26)

तस्मादनुज्ञा दातव्या दर्शनार्थं शिवस्य च॥ अश्रृण्वन्तौ तदा दृष्ट्वा नारदो विस्मितोऽभवत्

tasmādanujñā dātavyā darśanārthaṃ śivasya ca|| aśrṛṇvantau tadā dṛṣṭvā nārado vismito'bhavat

'Therefore permission should be granted to me, for the sake of seeing Shiva.' Seeing them stand there without answering, Narada grew astonished.

Verse 27 (skanda.1.34.27)

ज्ञानदृष्ट्या विलोक्याथ दूष्णींभूतोऽभवत्तदा॥ कृत्रिमौ हि च तौ ज्ञात्वा प्रविष्टो हि महामनाः

jñānadṛṣṭyā vilokyātha dūṣṇīṃbhūto'bhavattadā|| kṛtrimau hi ca tau jñātvā praviṣṭo hi mahāmanāḥ

Looking with the eye of knowledge, he then fell silent; and, recognising that those two were merely artificial figures, that great-souled one entered within.

Verse 28 (skanda.1.34.28)

तथान्ये तत्सरूपाश्च दृष्टास्तेन महात्मना॥ ऋषिः प्रणमितस्तैश्च नारदो भगवान्मुxx

tathānye tatsarūpāśca dṛṣṭāstena mahātmanā|| ṛṣiḥ praṇamitastaiśca nārado bhagavānmuxx

Other figures too, of similar form, were seen there by that great soul; and by them the sage, the blessed muni Narada, was reverently saluted.

Verse 29 (skanda.1.34.29)

एवमादीन्यनेकानि आश्चर्याणि ददर्श सः॥ ददर्शाथ च सुव्यक्तं त्र्यंबकं गिरिजान्वितम्

evamādīnyanekāni āścaryāṇi dadarśa saḥ|| dadarśātha ca suvyaktaṃ tryaṃbakaṃ girijānvitam

Thus he beheld many such wonders; and then he beheld clearly the three-eyed lord, together with Girija.

Verse 30 (skanda.1.34.30)

अर्धासनगता साध्वी शंकरस्य महात्मनः॥ तनया गिरिराज्य यया व्याप्तं जगत्त्रयम्

ardhāsanagatā sādhvī śaṃkarasya mahātmanaḥ|| tanayā girirājya yayā vyāptaṃ jagattrayam

Seated upon half his throne was that virtuous lady, daughter of the king of mountains, by whom the three worlds are pervaded, consort of the great-souled Shankara.

Verse 31 (skanda.1.34.31)

गौरी सितेक्षणा बाला तन्वंगी चारुलोचना॥ यया रूपी कृतः शम्भुरुपादेयः कृतो महान्

gaurī sitekṣaṇā bālā tanvaṃgī cārulocanā|| yayā rūpī kṛtaḥ śambhurupādeyaḥ kṛto mahān

Fair Gauri, bright-eyed, youthful, slender-limbed, lovely-eyed — by whom Shambhu himself had been given form, and made worthy of desire.

Verse 32 (skanda.1.34.32)

निर्विकानि विकारैश्च बहुभिर्विकलीकृतः॥ अर्द्धागलग्ना सा देवी दृष्टा तेन शिवस्य च

nirvikāni vikāraiśca bahubhirvikalīkṛtaḥ|| arddhāgalagnā sā devī dṛṣṭā tena śivasya ca

That goddess, though he himself is beyond change, was seen clinging to half the body of Shiva, transformed as it were by her many enchanting graces.

Verse 33 (skanda.1.34.33)

नारदेन तथा शम्भुर्दृष्टस्त्रिभुवनेश्वरः॥ शुद्धचामी करप्रख्यः सेव्यमानः सुरासुरैः

nāradena tathā śambhurdṛṣṭastribhuvaneśvaraḥ|| śuddhacāmī karaprakhyaḥ sevyamānaḥ surāsuraiḥ

Thus Narada beheld Shambhu, the lord of the three worlds, pure and radiant as camphor, served by gods and asuras alike.

Verse 34 (skanda.1.34.34)

शंखेन भोगिवर्येण सेवितं चांघ्रिपंकजम्॥ धृतराष्ट्रेण च तथा तक्षकेण विशेषतः॥ तथा पद्मेन महा शेषेणापि विशेषतः

śaṃkhena bhogivaryeṇa sevitaṃ cāṃghripaṃkajam|| dhṛtarāṣṭreṇa ca tathā takṣakeṇa viśeṣataḥ|| tathā padmena mahā śeṣeṇāpi viśeṣataḥ

His lotus feet were served by Shankha, foremost of serpents, and by Dhritarashtra, and especially by Takshaka; and likewise by Padma, and especially by the great Shesha.

Verse 35 (skanda.1.34.35)

अन्यैश्च नागवर्यैश्च सेवितो हि निरंतरंम्॥ वासुकिः कंठलग्नो हि हारभूतो महाप्रभः

anyaiśca nāgavaryaiśca sevito hi niraṃtaraṃm|| vāsukiḥ kaṃṭhalagno hi hārabhūto mahāprabhaḥ

He was served ceaselessly by other foremost serpents too; and Vasuki, of great splendour, clung to his throat, become as it were his very necklace.

Verse 36 (skanda.1.34.36)

कंबलाश्वतरौ नित्यं कर्णभूषणभूषितौ॥ जटामूलगताश्चान्ये महाफणिवरा ह्यमी

kaṃbalāśvatarau nityaṃ karṇabhūṣaṇabhūṣitau|| jaṭāmūlagatāścānye mahāphaṇivarā hyamī

Kambala and Ashvatara, ever adorned as his ear-ornaments; and other great, foremost serpents dwelt within the roots of his matted locks.

Verse 37 (skanda.1.34.37)

अनेकजातिसंवीता नानावर्णाश्च पद्मिनः॥ तक्षकः कुलिकः शंखो धृतराष्ट्रो महाप्रभः

anekajātisaṃvītā nānāvarṇāśca padminaḥ|| takṣakaḥ kulikaḥ śaṃkho dhṛtarāṣṭro mahāprabhaḥ

Serpents of many kinds and various colours surrounded him — Takshaka, Kulika, Shankha, and the greatly radiant Dhritarashtra —

Verse 38 (skanda.1.34.38)

पद्मो दंभः सुदंभश्च करालो भीषणस्तथा॥ एते चान्ये च बहवो नागाश्चाशीविषा ह्यमी

padmo daṃbhaḥ sudaṃbhaśca karālo bhīṣaṇastathā|| ete cānye ca bahavo nāgāścāśīviṣā hyamī

— Padma, Dambha, Sudambha, Karala, and Bhishana likewise; these and many other serpents, venomous with a mere glance, were there.

Verse 39 (skanda.1.34.39)

अंगभूता हरस्या सन्पूज्यस्यास्य जगत्त्रये॥ फणैकया शोभमानाः केचिद्धि पन्नगोत्तमाः

aṃgabhūtā harasyā sanpūjyasyāsya jagattraye|| phaṇaikayā śobhamānāḥ keciddhi pannagottamāḥ

Become as it were limbs of Hara, worshipped throughout the three worlds — some of those foremost serpents shone forth with a single hood,

Verse 40 (skanda.1.34.40)

फणानां द्वितयं केषां त्रितयं च महाप्रभम्॥ चतुष्क पंचकषट्कं सप्तकं चाष्टकं तथा

phaṇānāṃ dvitayaṃ keṣāṃ tritayaṃ ca mahāprabham|| catuṣka paṃcakaṣaṭkaṃ saptakaṃ cāṣṭakaṃ tathā

— some with two hoods, some with three of great splendour, some with four, five, six, seven, or eight —

Verse 41 (skanda.1.34.41)

नवकं दशकं चैव तथैकादशकं त्वथ॥ द्वादशकं चाष्टादशकमेकोनविंशकं तथा

navakaṃ daśakaṃ caiva tathaikādaśakaṃ tvatha|| dvādaśakaṃ cāṣṭādaśakamekonaviṃśakaṃ tathā

— nine, and ten, and eleven; twelve, and eighteen, and nineteen —

Verse 42 (skanda.1.34.42)

चत्वारिंशत्फणाः केऽपि पंचाशत्कं च षष्टिकम्॥ सप्ततिश्चाप्यशीतिश्च नवतिश्च तथैव च

catvāriṃśatphaṇāḥ ke'pi paṃcāśatkaṃ ca ṣaṣṭikam|| saptatiścāpyaśītiśca navatiśca tathaiva ca

— some had forty hoods, some fifty, some sixty; seventy, and eighty, and ninety likewise —

Verse 43 (skanda.1.34.43)

तथा शतसहस्राणि ह्ययुतप्रयुतानि च॥ अर्बुदानि च रत्नानि तथा शङ्खमितानि च

tathā śatasahasrāṇi hyayutaprayutāni ca|| arbudāni ca ratnāni tathā śaṅkhamitāni ca

— and hundreds, and thousands, and tens of thousands, and hundreds of thousands; arbudas and shankhas, vaster measures still —

Verse 44 (skanda.1.34.44)

अनंताश्च फणा येषां ते सर्पाः शिवभूषणाः॥ दृष्टास्तदानीं ते सर्वे नारदेन महात्मना

anaṃtāśca phaṇā yeṣāṃ te sarpāḥ śivabhūṣaṇāḥ|| dṛṣṭāstadānīṃ te sarve nāradena mahātmanā

— and some whose hoods were infinite in number: all these serpents, ornaments of Shiva, were then beheld by the great-souled Narada.

Verse 45 (skanda.1.34.45)

विद्यावंतोऽपि ते सर्वे भोगिनोऽपि सुशोभिताः॥ हारभूषणभूतास्ते मणिमंतोऽमितप्रभाः

vidyāvaṃto'pi te sarve bhogino'pi suśobhitāḥ|| hārabhūṣaṇabhūtāste maṇimaṃto'mitaprabhāḥ

All of them, learned and serpent-formed, shone in splendour, become his very necklace-ornaments, adorned with jewels, of boundless radiance.

Verse 46 (skanda.1.34.46)

अर्द्धचंद्रांकितो यस्य कपर्द्दस्त्वतिसुंदरः॥ चक्षुषा च तृतीयेन भालस्थेन विराजितः

arddhacaṃdrāṃkito yasya kaparddastvatisuṃdaraḥ|| cakṣuṣā ca tṛtīyena bhālasthena virājitaḥ

His most beautiful matted hair was marked with the crescent moon; and he shone resplendent with the third eye set upon his forehead.

Verse 47 (skanda.1.34.47)

पंचवक्त्रो महादेवो बाहुभिर्द्दशभिर्वृतः॥ तथा मरकतश्यामकंधरोऽतीवसुंदरम्

paṃcavaktro mahādevo bāhubhirddaśabhirvṛtaḥ|| tathā marakataśyāmakaṃdharo'tīvasuṃdaram

Five-faced was Mahadeva, encircled by his ten arms; and his throat, dark as emerald, was exceedingly beautiful.

Verse 48 (skanda.1.34.48)

उरो यस्य विशालं च तथोरुजघनं परम्॥ चरणद्वयं च रुद्रस्य शोभितं परमं महत्

uro yasya viśālaṃ ca tathorujaghanaṃ param|| caraṇadvayaṃ ca rudrasya śobhitaṃ paramaṃ mahat

His chest was broad, and likewise his thighs and hips supremely fine; and Rudra's two feet shone forth, most supremely great.

Verse 49 (skanda.1.34.49)

तद्दृष्टं चरणारविंदमतुलं तेजोमयं सुंदरं संध्यारागसुमंगलं च परमं तापापनुत्तिंकरम्॥ तेजोराशिकरं परात्परमिदं लावण्यलीलस्पदं सर्वेषां सुखवृद्धिकारणपरं शंभोः पदं पावनम्

taddṛṣṭaṃ caraṇāraviṃdamatulaṃ tejomayaṃ suṃdaraṃ saṃdhyārāgasumaṃgalaṃ ca paramaṃ tāpāpanuttiṃkaram|| tejorāśikaraṃ parātparamidaṃ lāvaṇyalīlaspadaṃ sarveṣāṃ sukhavṛddhikāraṇaparaṃ śaṃbhoḥ padaṃ pāvanam

There he beheld that peerless lotus-foot of Shiva, radiant with light, beautiful, most auspicious as the glow of twilight, the supreme remover of all torment, the source of a mass of splendour, higher than the highest, the very seat of grace and divine play, the supreme cause of the growing happiness of all — that pure foot of Shambhu.

Verse 50 (skanda.1.34.50)

तथैव दृष्ट्वा परमं पराणां परा सती रूपवती च सुंदरी॥ सौभाग्यलावण्यमहाविभूत्या विराजमाना ह्यतिसुंदरी शुभा

tathaiva dṛṣṭvā paramaṃ parāṇāṃ parā satī rūpavatī ca suṃdarī|| saubhāgyalāvaṇyamahāvibhūtyā virājamānā hyatisuṃdarī śubhā

And likewise he beheld her, the supreme one, higher than the highest, that faithful lady, most beautiful and lovely, shining forth in the great splendour of her fortune and grace, exceedingly beautiful and auspicious.

Verse 51 (skanda.1.34.51)

दृष्ट्वा तौ दपती शुद्धौ राजमानौ जगत्त्रये॥ अभिन्नौ भेदमापन्नौ निर्गुणौ गुणिनौ च तौ

dṛṣṭvā tau dapatī śuddhau rājamānau jagattraye|| abhinnau bhedamāpannau nirguṇau guṇinau ca tau

Beholding that couple, pure, shining forth in all three worlds, undivided yet appearing as two, without attributes yet possessed of every attribute,

Verse 52 (skanda.1.34.52)

साकारौ च निराकारौ निरातंकौ सुखप्रदौ॥ ववंदे च मुदा तौ स नारदो भगवत्प्रियः॥ उत्थायोत्थाय च तदा तुष्टाव जगदीश्वरौ

sākārau ca nirākārau nirātaṃkau sukhapradau|| vavaṃde ca mudā tau sa nārado bhagavatpriyaḥ|| utthāyotthāya ca tadā tuṣṭāva jagadīśvarau

— possessed of form and yet formless, free of fear, granters of joy — Narada, beloved of the lord, bowed to them with delight; rising again and again, he then praised those two lords of the universe.

Verse 53 (skanda.1.34.53)

॥नारद उवाच॥ नतोस्म्यहं देववरौ युवाभ्यां परात्पराभ्यां कलया तथापि॥ दृष्टौ मया दंपती राजमानौ यौ वीजभूतौ सचराचरस्य

||nārada uvāca|| natosmyahaṃ devavarau yuvābhyāṃ parātparābhyāṃ kalayā tathāpi|| dṛṣṭau mayā daṃpatī rājamānau yau vījabhūtau sacarācarasya

Narada said: 'I bow to you two, O foremost of gods, higher than the highest, yet manifest here in but a fraction; I have beheld you both, this shining couple, who are the very seed of all this world with its moving and unmoving creation.'

Verse 54 (skanda.1.34.54)

पितरौ सर्वललोकस्य ज्ञातौ चाद्यैव तत्त्वतः॥ मया नास्त्यत्र संदेहो भवतोः कृपया तथा

pitarau sarvalalokasya jñātau cādyaiva tattvataḥ|| mayā nāstyatra saṃdeho bhavatoḥ kṛpayā tathā

'You two, the parents of all the worlds, have this very day been known by me in your true nature; there is no doubt in this, through your grace alone.'

Verse 55 (skanda.1.34.55)

एवं स्तुतौ तदा तेन नारदेन महात्मना॥ तुतोष भगवाञ्छंभुः पार्वत्या सहितस्तदा

evaṃ stutau tadā tena nāradena mahātmanā|| tutoṣa bhagavāñchaṃbhuḥ pārvatyā sahitastadā

Thus praised by that great-souled Narada, the blessed Shambhu, together with Parvati, was then well pleased.

Verse 56 (skanda.1.34.56)

॥महादेव उवाच॥ सुखेन स्थीयते ब्रह्मन्किं कार्यं करवाणि ते॥ तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं शंभोर्नारदो वाक्यमब्रवीत्

||mahādeva uvāca|| sukhena sthīyate brahmankiṃ kāryaṃ karavāṇi te|| tacchrutvā vacanaṃ śaṃbhornārado vākyamabravīt

Mahadeva said: 'Are you at ease, O brahmin? What may I do for you?' Hearing that word of Shambhu, Narada spoke thus:

Verse 57 (skanda.1.34.57)

दर्शनं जातमद्यैव तेन तुष्टोऽस्म्यहं विभो॥ दर्शनात्सर्वमेवाद्य शंभो मम न संशयः

darśanaṃ jātamadyaiva tena tuṣṭo'smyahaṃ vibho|| darśanātsarvamevādya śaṃbho mama na saṃśayaḥ

'This very day I have attained your sight, and by that alone, O lord, I am content; through this sight, O Shambhu, everything has been gained by me today — of this there is no doubt.'

Verse 58 (skanda.1.34.58)

क्रीडनार्थमिहायातः कैलासं पर्वतोत्तमम्॥ हृदिस्थो हि सदा नॄणामास्थितो भगवन्प्रभो

krīḍanārthamihāyātaḥ kailāsaṃ parvatottamam|| hṛdistho hi sadā nṝṇāmāsthito bhagavanprabho

'I have come here to Kailasa, that finest of mountains, merely for the sake of sport; for you, O lord, O blessed one, dwell ever within the hearts of men.'

Verse 59 (skanda.1.34.59)

तथापि दर्शनं भाव्यं सततं प्राणिनामिह

tathāpi darśanaṃ bhāvyaṃ satataṃ prāṇināmiha

'Yet even so, the sight of you should ever be sought here by all beings.'

Verse 60 (skanda.1.34.60)

॥गिरिजोवाच॥ का क्रीडा हि त्वया भाव्या वद शीघ्रं ममाग्रतः॥ तस्यास्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा उवाच प्रहसन्निव

||girijovāca|| kā krīḍā hi tvayā bhāvyā vada śīghraṃ mamāgrataḥ|| tasyāstadvacanaṃ śrutvā uvāca prahasanniva

Girija said: 'What sport, then, have you in mind? Tell me at once, before me.' Hearing her words, he spoke, smiling as it were:

Verse 61 (skanda.1.34.61)

द्यूतक्रीडा महादेव दृश्यते विविधात्र च॥ भवेद्द्वाभ्यां च द्यूते हि रमणाच् महत्सुखम्

dyūtakrīḍā mahādeva dṛśyate vividhātra ca|| bhaveddvābhyāṃ ca dyūte hi ramaṇāc mahatsukham

'A game of dice, O Mahadeva, is seen played here in various ways; between two players, dice brings great delight through its pleasure.'

Verse 62 (skanda.1.34.62)

इत्येवमुक्त्वो परतं सती भृशमुवाच वाक्यं कुपिता ऋषिं प्रति॥ कथं विजानासि परं प्रसिद्धं द्यूतं च दुष्टोदरकं मनस्विनाम्

ityevamuktvo parataṃ satī bhṛśamuvāca vākyaṃ kupitā ṛṣiṃ prati|| kathaṃ vijānāsi paraṃ prasiddhaṃ dyūtaṃ ca duṣṭodarakaṃ manasvinām

Having said this, when he had finished speaking, the faithful goddess, greatly angered, said to the sage: 'How do you, of all people, know so well of this well-known game of dice, this ruinous distraction even for the wise?'

Verse 63 (skanda.1.34.63)

त्वं ब्रह्मपुत्रोऽसि मुनिर्मनीषिणां शास्ता हि वाक्यं विविधैः प्रसिद्धैः॥ चरिष्यमाणो भुवनत्रये न हि त्वदन्यो ह्यपरो मनस्वी

tvaṃ brahmaputro'si munirmanīṣiṇāṃ śāstā hi vākyaṃ vividhaiḥ prasiddhaiḥ|| cariṣyamāṇo bhuvanatraye na hi tvadanyo hyaparo manasvī

'You are Brahma's son, a sage, the teacher of the wise, renowned in your words in many ways; wandering through the three worlds, none other is as wise as you.'

Verse 64 (skanda.1.34.64)

एवमुक्तस्तदा देव्या नारदो देवदर्शनः॥ उवाच वाक्यं प्रहसन्गिरिजां शिवसन्निधौ

evamuktastadā devyā nārado devadarśanaḥ|| uvāca vākyaṃ prahasangirijāṃ śivasannidhau

Thus addressed by the goddess, Narada, of divine sight, smiling, spoke these words to Girija in Shiva's presence:

Verse 65 (skanda.1.34.65)

॥नारद उवाच॥ द्यूतं न जानामि न चाश्रयामि ह्यहं तपस्वी शिवकिंकरश्च कथं च मां पृच्छसि राजकन्यके योगीश्वराणां परमं पवित्रे

||nārada uvāca|| dyūtaṃ na jānāmi na cāśrayāmi hyahaṃ tapasvī śivakiṃkaraśca kathaṃ ca māṃ pṛcchasi rājakanyake yogīśvarāṇāṃ paramaṃ pavitre

Narada said: 'I know nothing of dice, nor do I resort to it; I am an ascetic, a mere servant of Shiva. Why do you ask this of me, O royal daughter, O most sacred one among the lords of yoga?'

Verse 66 (skanda.1.34.66)

निशम्य वाक्यं गिरिजा सती तदा ह्युवाच वाक्यं च विहस्य तं प्रति॥ जानासि सर्वं च बटोऽद्य पश्य मे द्यूतं महेशेन करोमि तेऽग्रतः

niśamya vākyaṃ girijā satī tadā hyuvāca vākyaṃ ca vihasya taṃ prati|| jānāsi sarvaṃ ca baṭo'dya paśya me dyūtaṃ maheśena karomi te'grataḥ

Hearing his words, the faithful Girija then, laughing, said to him: 'You know everything, O young brahmin — now watch, this very day, I shall play dice with Mahesha before you.'

Verse 67 (skanda.1.34.67)

इत्येवमुक्त्वा गिरिराजकन्यका जग्राह चाक्षान्भुवनैकसुंदरी॥ क्रीडां चकाराथ महर्षिसाक्ष्यके तत्रास्थिता सा हि भवेन संयुता

ityevamuktvā girirājakanyakā jagrāha cākṣānbhuvanaikasuṃdarī|| krīḍāṃ cakārātha maharṣisākṣyake tatrāsthitā sā hi bhavena saṃyutā

Having said this, that daughter of the king of mountains, matchless in beauty in all the worlds, took up the dice; and, seated there together with Bhava, she began the game in the presence of the great sage.

Verse 68 (skanda.1.34.68)

तौ दंपती क्रीडया सज्जमानौ दृष्टौ तदा ऋषिणा नारदेन॥ सविस्मयोत्फुल्लमना मनस्वी विलोकमानोऽतितरां तुतोष

tau daṃpatī krīḍayā sajjamānau dṛṣṭau tadā ṛṣiṇā nāradena|| savismayotphullamanā manasvī vilokamāno'titarāṃ tutoṣa

That couple, engaged in the game, were beheld there by the sage Narada; and, filled with wonder, his mind blossoming with delight, that wise sage rejoiced exceedingly as he watched.

Verse 69 (skanda.1.34.69)

सखीजनेन संवीता तदा द्यूतपरा सती॥ शिवेन सह संगत्य च्छलाद्द्यूतमकारयत्

sakhījanena saṃvītā tadā dyūtaparā satī|| śivena saha saṃgatya cchalāddyūtamakārayat

Surrounded by her companions, that faithful goddess, intent upon the game, played it against Shiva, employing a certain trick.

Verse 70 (skanda.1.34.70)

स पणं च तदा चक्रे छलेन महता वृतः॥ जिता भवानी च तदा शिवेन प्रहसन्निव

sa paṇaṃ ca tadā cakre chalena mahatā vṛtaḥ|| jitā bhavānī ca tadā śivena prahasanniva

He too, employing a great trick of his own, laid his own stake; and then Bhavani, smiling as it were, was defeated by Shiva.

Verse 71 (skanda.1.34.71)

नारदोऽस्याः शिवेनाथ उपहासकरोऽभवत्॥ निशम्य हारितं द्यूतमुपहासं निशम्य च

nārado'syāḥ śivenātha upahāsakaro'bhavat|| niśamya hāritaṃ dyūtamupahāsaṃ niśamya ca

Narada then, upon Shiva's victory, became one who teased her; hearing that she had lost the game, and hearing his teasing too,

Verse 72 (skanda.1.34.72)

नारदस्य दुरुक्तैश्च कुपिता पार्वती भृशम्॥ उवाच त्वरिता चैव दत्त्वा चैवार्द्धचंद्रकम्

nāradasya duruktaiśca kupitā pārvatī bhṛśam|| uvāca tvaritā caiva dattvā caivārddhacaṃdrakam

— by Narada's teasing words, Parvati grew greatly angered; and, hastily, she spoke, having thrown down the half-moon shaped die.

Verse 73 (skanda.1.34.73)

तथा शिरोमणी चैव तरले च मनोहरे॥ मुखं सुखोभनं चैव तथा कुपितसुंदरम्॥ दृष्टं हरेण च पुनः पुनर्द्यूतमकारयत्

tathā śiromaṇī caiva tarale ca manohare|| mukhaṃ sukhobhanaṃ caiva tathā kupitasuṃdaram|| dṛṣṭaṃ hareṇa ca punaḥ punardyūtamakārayat

Her crest-jewel too, with its lovely, quivering ornaments, and her face, delightful, and beautiful even in its anger — beholding all this, Hara made her play the game again and again.

Verse 74 (skanda.1.34.74)

तथा गिरिजया प्रोक्तः शंकरो लोकशंकरः॥ हारितं च मया दत्तः पण एव च नान्यथा

tathā girijayā proktaḥ śaṃkaro lokaśaṃkaraḥ|| hāritaṃ ca mayā dattaḥ paṇa eva ca nānyathā

Then Girija said to Shankara, the benefactor of the world: 'Whatever stake I have lost, that alone will I give, and nothing else.'

Verse 75 (skanda.1.34.75)

क्रियते च त्वया शंभो कः पणो हि तदुच्यताम्॥ ततः प्रहस्य चोवाच पार्वतीं च त्रिलोचनः

kriyate ca tvayā śaṃbho kaḥ paṇo hi taducyatām|| tataḥ prahasya covāca pārvatīṃ ca trilocanaḥ

'What stake do you set, O Shambhu? Tell me that.' Then, smiling, the three-eyed lord said to Parvati:

Verse 76 (skanda.1.34.76)

मया पणोऽयं क्रियते भवानि त्वदर्थमेतच्च विभूषणं महत्॥ सा चंद्रलेखा हि महान्हि हारस्तथैव कर्णोत्पलभूषणद्वयम्

mayā paṇo'yaṃ kriyate bhavāni tvadarthametacca vibhūṣaṇaṃ mahat|| sā caṃdralekhā hi mahānhi hārastathaiva karṇotpalabhūṣaṇadvayam

'I set this stake, O Bhavani, for your sake — this great ornament: the crescent moon, the great necklace, and likewise the two lotus ear-ornaments.'

Verse 77 (skanda.1.34.77)

इदमेव त्वया तन्वि मां जित्वा गृह्यतां सुखम्॥ ततः प्रवर्तितं द्यूतं शंकरेण सहैव च

idameva tvayā tanvi māṃ jitvā gṛhyatāṃ sukham|| tataḥ pravartitaṃ dyūtaṃ śaṃkareṇa sahaiva ca

'This alone, O slender one, you may joyfully take from me once you have won.' Then the game began again, together with Shankara.

Verse 78 (skanda.1.34.78)

एवं विक्रीडमानौ तावक्षविद्याविशारदौ॥ तदा जितो भवान्याथ शंकरो बहुभूषणः

evaṃ vikrīḍamānau tāvakṣavidyāviśāradau|| tadā jito bhavānyātha śaṃkaro bahubhūṣaṇaḥ

Thus playing on, both skilled in the art of dice, Shankara, adorned with many ornaments, was then defeated by Bhavani.

Verse 79 (skanda.1.34.79)

प्रहस्य गौरी प्रोवाच शंकरं त्वतिसुंदरी॥ हारितं च पणं देहि मम चाद्यैव शंकर

prahasya gaurī provāca śaṃkaraṃ tvatisuṃdarī|| hāritaṃ ca paṇaṃ dehi mama cādyaiva śaṃkara

Laughing, that most beautiful Gauri said to Shankara: 'Give me now, this very day, O Shankara, the stake you have lost.'

Verse 80 (skanda.1.34.80)

तदा महेशः प्रहसन्सत्यं वाक्यमुवाच ह॥ न जितोऽहं त्वया तन्वि तत्त्वतो हि विमश्यताम्

tadā maheśaḥ prahasansatyaṃ vākyamuvāca ha|| na jito'haṃ tvayā tanvi tattvato hi vimaśyatām

Then Mahesha, smiling, spoke this true word: 'You have not truly defeated me, O slender one — reflect upon this in truth.'

Verse 81 (skanda.1.34.81)

अजेयोऽहं प्राणिनां सर्वथैव तस्मान्न वाच्यं तु वोच हि साध्वि॥ द्यूतं कुरुष्वाद्य यथेष्टमेव जेष्यामि चाहंच पुनः प्रपश्या

ajeyo'haṃ prāṇināṃ sarvathaiva tasmānna vācyaṃ tu voca hi sādhvi|| dyūtaṃ kuruṣvādya yatheṣṭameva jeṣyāmi cāhaṃca punaḥ prapaśyā

'I am wholly unconquerable by any being; therefore, O virtuous lady, you should not say this. Play the game again, exactly as you wish — and you shall see, I shall win once more.'

Verse 82 (skanda.1.34.82)

तदाम्बिकाह स्वपतिं महेशं मया जितोऽस्यद्य न विस्मयोऽत्र॥ एवमुक्त्वा तदा शंभुं करे गृह्य वरानना॥ जितोऽसि त्वं न संदेहस्त्वं न जानासि शंकर

tadāmbikāha svapatiṃ maheśaṃ mayā jito'syadya na vismayo'tra|| evamuktvā tadā śaṃbhuṃ kare gṛhya varānanā|| jito'si tvaṃ na saṃdehastvaṃ na jānāsi śaṃkara

Then Ambika said to her own lord Mahesha: 'You have been defeated by me today — there is no wonder in this.' Having said this, that lovely-faced one took Shambhu by the hand: 'You have been defeated, there is no doubt; you do not understand, O Shankara.'

Verse 83 (skanda.1.34.83)

एवं प्रहस्य रुचिरं गिरिजा तु शंभुं सा प्रेक्ष्या नर्मवचसा स तयाभिभूतः॥ देहीति म सकलमंगलमंगलेश यद्धारितं स्मररिपो वचसानुमोदितम्

evaṃ prahasya ruciraṃ girijā tu śaṃbhuṃ sā prekṣyā narmavacasā sa tayābhibhūtaḥ|| dehīti ma sakalamaṃgalamaṃgaleśa yaddhāritaṃ smararipo vacasānumoditam

Thus laughing charmingly, Girija looked upon Shambhu; and, overcome by her playful words, he consented, as it were, to her demand: 'Give me, O lord of all auspiciousness, foe of Smara, what you have lost.'

Verse 84 (skanda.1.34.84)

॥शिव उवाच॥ अजेयोऽहं विशालाक्षि तव नास्त्यत्र संशयः॥ अहंकारेण यत्प्रोक्तं तत्त्वतस्तद्विमृश्यताम्

||śiva uvāca|| ajeyo'haṃ viśālākṣi tava nāstyatra saṃśayaḥ|| ahaṃkāreṇa yatproktaṃ tattvatastadvimṛśyatām

Shiva said: 'I am unconquerable, O wide-eyed one — of this there is no doubt for you. What you have said out of pride, reflect upon it truly.'

Verse 85 (skanda.1.34.85)

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा प्रोवाच च विहस्य सा॥ अजेयो हि महादेवः सर्वेषामपि वै प्रभो

tasya tadvacanaṃ śrutvā provāca ca vihasya sā|| ajeyo hi mahādevaḥ sarveṣāmapi vai prabho

Hearing his words, she said, laughing: 'Mahadeva is indeed unconquerable by all, O lord —'

Verse 86 (skanda.1.34.86)

मयैकया जितोऽसि त्वं द्यूतेन विमलेन हि॥ न जानासि च किंचिच्च कार्याकार्यं विवक्षितम्॥

mayaikayā jito'si tvaṃ dyūtena vimalena hi|| na jānāsi ca kiṃcicca kāryākāryaṃ vivakṣitam||

'— yet by me alone you have been defeated, through this clean game of dice; you understand nothing at all of what should or should not now be said.'

Verse 87 (skanda.1.34.87)

एवं विवदमानौ तौ दंपती परमेश्वरौ॥ नारदः प्रहसन्वाक्यमुवाच ऋषिसत्तमः

evaṃ vivadamānau tau daṃpatī parameśvarau|| nāradaḥ prahasanvākyamuvāca ṛṣisattamaḥ

As that supreme divine couple thus disputed, Narada, foremost of sages, spoke, laughing:

Verse 88 (skanda.1.34.88)

॥नारद उवाच॥ आकर्णयाऽकर्णविशालनेत्रे वाक्यं तदेकं जगदेकमंगलम्॥ असौ महाभाग्यवतां वरेण्यस्त्वया जितः किं च मृषा ब्रवीषि

||nārada uvāca|| ākarṇayā'karṇaviśālanetre vākyaṃ tadekaṃ jagadekamaṃgalam|| asau mahābhāgyavatāṃ vareṇyastvayā jitaḥ kiṃ ca mṛṣā bravīṣi

Narada said: 'Listen, O you whose eyes reach to your very ears, to this one word, the sole auspicious truth of the universe: has this most exalted one, foremost among the most fortunate, truly been defeated by you? Why do you speak falsely?'

Verse 89 (skanda.1.34.89)

अजितो हि महादेवो देवानां परमो गुरुः॥ अरूपोऽयं सुरूपोयं रूपातीतोऽयमुच्यते

ajito hi mahādevo devānāṃ paramo guruḥ|| arūpo'yaṃ surūpoyaṃ rūpātīto'yamucyate

'Mahadeva, the supreme preceptor of the gods, is unconquered; he is without form, and yet of beautiful form, and is said to be beyond all form.'

Verse 90 (skanda.1.34.90)

एक एव परं ज्योतिस्तेषामपि च यन्महः॥ त्रैलोक्यनाथो विश्वात्मा शंकरो लोकशंकरः

eka eva paraṃ jyotisteṣāmapi ca yanmahaḥ|| trailokyanātho viśvātmā śaṃkaro lokaśaṃkaraḥ

'He alone is the supreme light, whose splendour illumines even those gods; the lord of the three worlds, the Self of the universe, Shankara, the benefactor of all the worlds.'

Verse 91 (skanda.1.34.91)

कथं त्वया जितो देवि ह्यजेयो भुवनत्रये॥ शिवमेनं न जानासि स्त्रीभावाच्च वरानने

kathaṃ tvayā jito devi hyajeyo bhuvanatraye|| śivamenaṃ na jānāsi strībhāvācca varānane

'How, O goddess, could you have defeated one unconquerable in all three worlds? O lovely-faced one, out of your feminine nature, you do not truly know this Shiva.'

Verse 92 (skanda.1.34.92)

नारदेनैवमुक्ता सा कुपिता पार्वती भृशम्॥ बभाषे मत्सरग्रस्ता साक्षेपं वचनं सती

nāradenaivamuktā sā kupitā pārvatī bhṛśam|| babhāṣe matsaragrastā sākṣepaṃ vacanaṃ satī

Thus addressed by Narada, Parvati grew greatly angered; overcome with resentment, that faithful lady spoke words full of reproach:

Verse 93 (skanda.1.34.93)

॥पार्वत्युवाच॥ चापल्याच्च न वक्त्व्यं ब्रह्मपुत्र नमोस्तु ते ॥ तव भीतास्मि भद्रं ते देवर्षे मौनमावह

||pārvatyuvāca|| cāpalyācca na vaktvyaṃ brahmaputra namostu te || tava bhītāsmi bhadraṃ te devarṣe maunamāvaha

Parvati said: 'Out of impetuousness one should not speak — O son of Brahma, salutation to you; I am afraid of you, may all good befall you, O divine sage — be silent.'

Verse 94 (skanda.1.34.94)

कथं शिवो हि देवर्ष उक्तोऽतो हि त्वया बहु॥ मत्प्रसादा स्छवो जात ईश्वरो यो हि पठ्यते

kathaṃ śivo hi devarṣa ukto'to hi tvayā bahu|| matprasādā schavo jāta īśvaro yo hi paṭhyate

'How is it, O divine sage, that you have said so much about Shiva? It is by my very grace that this one, called the Lord, came to be.'

Verse 95 (skanda.1.34.95)

मया लब्धप्रतिष्ठोऽयं जातो नास्त्यत्र संशयः

mayā labdhapratiṣṭho'yaṃ jāto nāstyatra saṃśayaḥ

'His very establishment has been attained through me — of this there is no doubt.'

Verse 96 (skanda.1.34.96)

एवं बहुविधं श्रुत्वा नारदो मौनमाश्रयत्॥ पस्थितं च तद्दृष्ट्वा भृंगी वाक्यमथाब्रवीत्

evaṃ bahuvidhaṃ śrutvā nārado maunamāśrayat|| pasthitaṃ ca taddṛṣṭvā bhṛṃgī vākyamathābravīt

Hearing all this said in various ways, Narada took refuge in silence; and Bhringi, seeing this dispute standing thus, then spoke these words:

Verse 97 (skanda.1.34.97)

॥भृंग्युवाच॥ त्वया बहु न वक्तव्यं पुनरेव च भामिनि॥ अजेयो निर्विकारो हि स्वामी मम सुमध्यमे

||bhṛṃgyuvāca|| tvayā bahu na vaktavyaṃ punareva ca bhāmini|| ajeyo nirvikāro hi svāmī mama sumadhyame

Bhringi said: 'You should not say so much, O lady, once again; my lord is unconquerable and immutable, O slender one.'

Verse 98 (skanda.1.34.98)

स्त्रीभावयुक्तासि वरानने त्वं देवं न जानासि परं पराणाम्॥ कामं पुरस्कृत्य पुरा भवानि समागतास्येव महेशमुग्रम

strībhāvayuktāsi varānane tvaṃ devaṃ na jānāsi paraṃ parāṇām|| kāmaṃ puraskṛtya purā bhavāni samāgatāsyeva maheśamugrama

'You are steeped in feminine nature, O lovely-faced one; you do not know this god, the supreme of the supreme. Long ago too, O Bhavani, placing desire before you, you came thus to fierce Mahesha.'

Verse 99 (skanda.1.34.99)

यथा कृतं तेन पिनाकिना पुरा एतत्स्मृतं किं सुभगे वदस्व नः॥ कृतो ह्यनंगो हि तदा ह्यनेन दग्धं वनं तस्य गिरेः पितुस्ते

yathā kṛtaṃ tena pinākinā purā etatsmṛtaṃ kiṃ subhage vadasva naḥ|| kṛto hyanaṃgo hi tadā hyanena dagdhaṃ vanaṃ tasya gireḥ pituste

'Do you remember, O fortunate one, what the wielder of the Pinaka did then — tell us; he it was who made Kama bodiless, and burnt the forest of your own father, the mountain.'

Verse 100 (skanda.1.34.100)

xxxवात्त्वयाराधित एव एष शिवः पराणां परमः परात्मा

xxxvāttvayārādhita eva eṣa śivaḥ parāṇāṃ paramaḥ parātmā

...it is by you that this Shiva, the supreme Self, higher than the highest, has ever been worshipped alone.

Verse 101 (skanda.1.34.101)

भृंगिणेत्येवमुक्ता सा ह्युवाच किपिता भृशम्॥ श्रृण्वतो हि महेशस्य वाक्यं पृष्टा च भृंगिणम्

bhṛṃgiṇetyevamuktā sā hyuvāca kipitā bhṛśam|| śrṛṇvato hi maheśasya vākyaṃ pṛṣṭā ca bhṛṃgiṇam

Thus addressed by Bhringi, she, greatly angered, spoke, while Mahesha himself listened, and, having questioned Bhringi, said:

Verse 102 (skanda.1.34.102)

॥पार्वत्युवाच॥ हं भृंगिन्पक्षपातित्वाद्यदुक्तं वचनं मम॥ शिवप्रियोऽसि रे मन्द भेदबुद्धिरतो ह्यसि

||pārvatyuvāca|| haṃ bhṛṃginpakṣapātitvādyaduktaṃ vacanaṃ mama|| śivapriyo'si re manda bhedabuddhirato hyasi

Parvati said: 'Ah, Bhringi, out of your partiality you have spoken this word against me; O dull one, you are devoted to Shiva alone, and therefore hold this notion of difference.'

Verse 103 (skanda.1.34.103)

अहं शिवात्मिका मूढ शिवो नित्यं मयि स्थितः॥ कथं शिवाभ्यां भिन्नत्वं त्वयोक्तं वाग्बलेन हि

ahaṃ śivātmikā mūḍha śivo nityaṃ mayi sthitaḥ|| kathaṃ śivābhyāṃ bhinnatvaṃ tvayoktaṃ vāgbalena hi

'I myself am of the very nature of Shiva, O fool; Shiva ever abides within me. How then have you, by the mere force of your words, declared us two, Shiva and me, to be different?'

Verse 104 (skanda.1.34.104)

श्रुतं च वाक्यं शुभदं पार्वत्या भृंगिणा तदा॥ उवाच पार्वतीं भृंगी रुषितः शिवसन्निधौ

śrutaṃ ca vākyaṃ śubhadaṃ pārvatyā bhṛṃgiṇā tadā|| uvāca pārvatīṃ bhṛṃgī ruṣitaḥ śivasannidhau

Hearing that auspicious word of Parvati, Bhringi then, filled with fury, spoke to Parvati in Shiva's very presence:

Verse 105 (skanda.1.34.105)

पुतुर्यज्ञे च दक्षस्य शिवनिंदा त्वया श्रुता॥ अप्रियक्षवणात्सद्यस्त्वया त्यक्तं कलेवरम्

puturyajñe ca dakṣasya śivaniṃdā tvayā śrutā|| apriyakṣavaṇātsadyastvayā tyaktaṃ kalevaram

'At your own father Daksha's sacrifice, you heard Shiva reviled; and, unable to bear that unpleasant hearing, you at once cast off your body.'

Verse 106 (skanda.1.34.106)

तत्क्षणादेव नन्वंगि ह्यधुना किं कृतं त्वया॥ संभ्रमात्किं न जानासि शिवनिंदकमेव च॥ कथं वा पर्वतश्रेष्ठाज्जाता से वरवर्णिनि॥ कथं वा तपसोग्रेण संतप्तासि सुमध्यमे

tatkṣaṇādeva nanvaṃgi hyadhunā kiṃ kṛtaṃ tvayā|| saṃbhramātkiṃ na jānāsi śivaniṃdakameva ca|| kathaṃ vā parvataśreṣṭhājjātā se varavarṇini|| kathaṃ vā tapasogreṇa saṃtaptāsi sumadhyame

'Then, at that very moment — O lady, what have you done now? Do you, in your confusion, fail to recognise this as slander of Shiva itself? And how, O fair-complexioned one, were you born of the foremost of mountains? And how, O slender-waisted one, did you undergo such fierce austerity?'

Verse 107 (skanda.1.34.107)

सप्रेमा च शिवे भक्तिस्तव नास्तीह संप्रातम्॥ शिवप्रियासि तन्वंगि तस्नादेवं ब्रवीमि ते

sapremā ca śive bhaktistava nāstīha saṃprātam|| śivapriyāsi tanvaṃgi tasnādevaṃ bravīmi te

'Even now you have no true, loving devotion to Shiva; yet, O slender one, since you are dear to Shiva, I speak to you thus.'

Verse 108 (skanda.1.34.108)

शिवात्परतरं नान्यत्त्रिषु लोकेषु विद्यते॥ शिवे भक्तिस्त्वया कार्या सप्रेमा वरवर्णिनि

śivātparataraṃ nānyattriṣu lokeṣu vidyate|| śive bhaktistvayā kāryā sapremā varavarṇini

'There exists nothing higher than Shiva in the three worlds; devotion to Shiva, filled with love, should be practised by you, O fair-complexioned one.'

Verse 109 (skanda.1.34.109)

भक्तासि त्वं महादेवि महाभाग्यवतां वरे॥ संसेव्यतां प्रयत्नेन तपसोपार्जितस्त्वया

bhaktāsi tvaṃ mahādevi mahābhāgyavatāṃ vare|| saṃsevyatāṃ prayatnena tapasopārjitastvayā

'You are indeed a devotee, O great goddess, foremost among the most fortunate; let him be served with all effort, this lord you obtained through your own austerity.'

Verse 110 (skanda.1.34.110)

शिवो वरेण्यः सर्वेशो नान्यथा कर्तुमर्हसि॥ भृंगिणो वचनं श्रुत्वा गिरिजा तमुवाचह

śivo vareṇyaḥ sarveśo nānyathā kartumarhasi|| bhṛṃgiṇo vacanaṃ śrutvā girijā tamuvācaha

'Shiva is worthy of all reverence, the lord of all; you ought not to act otherwise.' Hearing Bhringi's words, Girija said to him:

Verse 111 (skanda.1.34.111)

॥गिरिजोवाच॥ रे भृंगिन्मौनमालंब्य स्थिरो भवाथ वा व्रज॥ वाच्यावाच्यं न जानासि किं ब्रवीषि पिशाचवत्

||girijovāca|| re bhṛṃginmaunamālaṃbya sthiro bhavātha vā vraja|| vācyāvācyaṃ na jānāsi kiṃ bravīṣi piśācavat

Girija said: 'O Bhringi, either take refuge in silence and remain still, or else go away; you do not know what should or should not be said — why do you speak like a ghoul?'

Verse 112 (skanda.1.34.112)

तपसा केन चानीतः कया चापि शिवो ह्ययम्॥ काहं कोऽसौ त्वया ज्ञातो भेदबुद्ध्या ब्रवीषि मे

tapasā kena cānītaḥ kayā cāpi śivo hyayam|| kāhaṃ ko'sau tvayā jñāto bhedabuddhyā bravīṣi me

'By whose austerity, and by what means, was this Shiva even brought forth? Who am I, and who is he — as known by you, that you speak to me with this notion of difference?'

Verse 113 (skanda.1.34.113)

कोऽसि त्वं केन युक्तोऽसि कस्माच्च बहु भाषसे॥ शापं तव प्रदास्यामि शिवः किं कुरुतेऽधुना

ko'si tvaṃ kena yukto'si kasmācca bahu bhāṣase|| śāpaṃ tava pradāsyāmi śivaḥ kiṃ kurute'dhunā

'Who are you? By what are you empowered? Why do you speak so much? I shall now give you a curse — let us see what Shiva does about it now.'

Verse 114 (skanda.1.34.114)

भृंगिणोक्ता तिरस्कृत्य तदा शापं ददौ सती॥ निमामो भव रे मन्द रे भृंगिञ्छिंकरप्रिय

bhṛṃgiṇoktā tiraskṛtya tadā śāpaṃ dadau satī|| nimāmo bhava re manda re bhṛṃgiñchiṃkarapriya

Having thus rebuked Bhringi, the faithful goddess then gave him a curse: 'Become fleshless, O dull one, O Bhringi, dear as you are to Shankara!'

Verse 115 (skanda.1.34.115)

एवमुक्त्वा तदा देवी पार्वती शंकरप्रिया॥ अथ कोपेन संयुक्ता पार्वती शंकरं तदा

evamuktvā tadā devī pārvatī śaṃkarapriyā|| atha kopena saṃyuktā pārvatī śaṃkaraṃ tadā

Having spoken thus, the goddess Parvati, dear to Shankara, then, filled with anger, turned against Shankara himself.

Verse 116 (skanda.1.34.116)

कर गृह्य च तन्वंगी भुजंगं वासुकिं तथा॥ उदतारयत्कंठात्सा तथान्यानि बहूनि च

kara gṛhya ca tanvaṃgī bhujaṃgaṃ vāsukiṃ tathā|| udatārayatkaṃṭhātsā tathānyāni bahūni ca

That slender-limbed goddess, taking hold of it with her own hand, pulled the serpent Vasuki from his throat, and many other ornaments too.

Verse 117 (skanda.1.34.117)

शंभोर्जग्राह कुपिता भूषणानि त्वरान्विता॥ हृत चंद्रकला तस्य गजाजिनमनुत्तमम्

śaṃbhorjagrāha kupitā bhūṣaṇāni tvarānvitā|| hṛta caṃdrakalā tasya gajājinamanuttamam

Enraged, she swiftly took away Shambhu's ornaments; she removed his crescent moon, and his matchless elephant-hide garment.

Verse 118 (skanda.1.34.118)

कंबलाश्वतरौ नागौ महेशकृतभूषणौ॥ हृतौ तया महादेव्या छलोक्त्यां च प्रहस्य वै

kaṃbalāśvatarau nāgau maheśakṛtabhūṣaṇau|| hṛtau tayā mahādevyā chaloktyāṃ ca prahasya vai

The two serpents Kambala and Ashvatara, made into ornaments by Mahesha, were taken away by the great goddess, laughing, with a word of playful deceit.

Verse 119 (skanda.1.34.119)

कौपीनाच्छा दनं तस्या च्छलोक्त्या च प्रहस्य वै॥ तदा गणाश्च सख्यश्च त्रपया पीडिता भवन्

kaupīnācchā danaṃ tasyā cchaloktyā ca prahasya vai|| tadā gaṇāśca sakhyaśca trapayā pīḍitā bhavan

Laughing, with those tricking words, she took even his loincloth-garment; then the ganas and her own companions were struck with shame.

Verse 120 (skanda.1.34.120)

पराङ्गमुखाश्च संजाता भृङ्गी चैव महातपाः॥ तथा चण्डो हि मुण्डश्च महालोमा महोदरः

parāṅgamukhāśca saṃjātā bhṛṅgī caiva mahātapāḥ|| tathā caṇḍo hi muṇḍaśca mahālomā mahodaraḥ

They turned their faces away — Bhringi, the great ascetic, and likewise Chanda, Munda, Mahaloma and Mahodara.

Verse 121 (skanda.1.34.121)

एते चान्ये च बहवो गणास्ते दुःखिनोऽभवन्॥ तांश्च दृष्ट्वा तथाभूतन्महेशो लज्जितोऽभवत्

ete cānye ca bahavo gaṇāste duḥkhino'bhavan|| tāṃśca dṛṣṭvā tathābhūtanmaheśo lajjito'bhavat

These and many other ganas were struck with sorrow; and seeing them thus, Mahesha himself was overcome with shame.

Verse 122 (skanda.1.34.122)

उवाच वाक्यं रुषितः पार्वतीं प्रति शंकरः

uvāca vākyaṃ ruṣitaḥ pārvatīṃ prati śaṃkaraḥ

Filled with anger, Shankara spoke these words to Parvati:

Verse 123 (skanda.1.34.123)

॥रुद्र उवाच॥ उपहासं प्रकुर्वंति सर्वे हि ऋषयो भृशम्॥ तथा ब्रह्मा च विष्णुश्च तथा चेन्द्रादयो ह्यमी

||rudra uvāca|| upahāsaṃ prakurvaṃti sarve hi ṛṣayo bhṛśam|| tathā brahmā ca viṣṇuśca tathā cendrādayo hyamī

Rudra said: 'All the sages will now mock me greatly for this; and Brahma, and Vishnu, and Indra and the other gods likewise.'

Verse 124 (skanda.1.34.124)

उपहासपराः सर्वे किं त्वयाद्य कृतं शुभे॥ कुले जातासि तन्वंगि कथमेवं करिष्यसि

upahāsaparāḥ sarve kiṃ tvayādya kṛtaṃ śubhe|| kule jātāsi tanvaṃgi kathamevaṃ kariṣyasi

'All of them will be intent on mockery — what have you done today, O auspicious one? Born in so noble a family, O slender one, how could you do such a thing?'

Verse 125 (skanda.1.34.125)

त्वया जितो ह्यहं सुभ्रु यदि जानासि तत्त्वतः॥ तर्ह्येवं कुरु मे देहि कौपीनाच्छादनं परम्॥ देहि कौपी नामात्रं मे नान्यथा कर्तुमर्हसि

tvayā jito hyahaṃ subhru yadi jānāsi tattvataḥ|| tarhyevaṃ kuru me dehi kaupīnācchādanaṃ param|| dehi kaupī nāmātraṃ me nānyathā kartumarhasi

'If you truly believe, O fair-browed one, that you have defeated me, then do this: give me back that supreme covering, my loincloth. Give me just that loincloth alone — you should do nothing else.'

Verse 126 (skanda.1.34.126)

एवमुक्ता सती तेन शंभुना योगिना तदा॥ प्रहस्य वाक्यं प्रोवाच पार्वती रुचिरानना

evamuktā satī tena śaṃbhunā yoginā tadā|| prahasya vākyaṃ provāca pārvatī rucirānanā

Thus addressed by that yogi Shambhu, the faithful, lovely-faced Parvati then, laughing, replied:

Verse 127 (skanda.1.34.127)

किं कौपीनेन ते कार्यं मुनिना भावितात्मना॥ दिगम्बरेणैव तदा कृतं दारुवनं तथा

kiṃ kaupīnena te kāryaṃ muninā bhāvitātmanā|| digambareṇaiva tadā kṛtaṃ dāruvanaṃ tathā

'What need have you, a sage of purified soul, for a mere loincloth? It was as one clothed in the sky itself that you once entered the Pine Forest.'

Verse 128 (skanda.1.34.128)

भिक्षाटनमिषेणैव ऋषिपत्न्यो विरोहिताः॥ गच्छ तस्ते तदा शंभो पूजनं तैर्महत्कृतम्

bhikṣāṭanamiṣeṇaiva ṛṣipatnyo virohitāḥ|| gaccha taste tadā śaṃbho pūjanaṃ tairmahatkṛtam

'On the pretext of begging alms, you enchanted the wives of the sages there; go now to them, O Shambhu — they will surely honour you greatly, just as before.'

Verse 129 (skanda.1.34.129)

कौपीनं पतितं तत्र मुनिभिर्नान्यथोदितम्॥ तस्मात्त्वया प्रहातव्यं द्यूतोहारितमेव तत्

kaupīnaṃ patitaṃ tatra munibhirnānyathoditam|| tasmāttvayā prahātavyaṃ dyūtohāritameva tat

'There, your loincloth fell away — the sages have declared nothing to the contrary; therefore you must give up that very thing which you lost at dice.'

Verse 130 (skanda.1.34.130)

तच्छ्रुत्वा कुपितो रुद्रः पार्वतीं परमेश्वरः॥ निरीक्षमाणोऽतिरुषा तृतीयेनैव चक्षुषा

tacchrutvā kupito rudraḥ pārvatīṃ parameśvaraḥ|| nirīkṣamāṇo'tiruṣā tṛtīyenaiva cakṣuṣā

Hearing this, Rudra, the supreme lord, grew angry, and gazed upon Parvati with utmost fury, with his very third eye.

Verse 131 (skanda.1.34.131)

कुपितं शंकरं दृष्ट्वा सर्व देवगणास्तदा॥ भयेन महताविष्टास्तथा गणकुमारकाः

kupitaṃ śaṃkaraṃ dṛṣṭvā sarva devagaṇāstadā|| bhayena mahatāviṣṭāstathā gaṇakumārakāḥ

Seeing Shankara thus enraged, all the hosts of gods were then overcome with great fear, and so too the young sons among the ganas.

Verse 132 (skanda.1.34.132)

ऊचुः सर्वे शनैस्तत्र शंकितेन परस्परम्॥ अद्यायं कुपितो रुद्रो गिरिजां प्रति संप्रति

ūcuḥ sarve śanaistatra śaṃkitena parasparam|| adyāyaṃ kupito rudro girijāṃ prati saṃprati

All of them said softly to one another there, with apprehension: 'Now, this very day, Rudra is angered against Girija.'

Verse 133 (skanda.1.34.133)

यथा हि मदनो दग्धस्तथेयं नान्यथा वचः॥ एवं मीमांसमानास्ते गणा देवर्षयस्तदा

yathā hi madano dagdhastatheyaṃ nānyathā vacaḥ|| evaṃ mīmāṃsamānāste gaṇā devarṣayastadā

'Just as Madana was burnt, so shall this be — there is no other outcome, this is certain.' Thus deliberating, those ganas and divine sages remained,

Verse 134 (skanda.1.34.134)

विलोकितास्तया देव्या सर्वे सौभाग्यमुद्रया॥ उवाच प्रहसन्नेव सती सत्पुरुषं तदा

vilokitāstayā devyā sarve saubhāgyamudrayā|| uvāca prahasanneva satī satpuruṣaṃ tadā

— then that goddess looked upon them all with the very seal of good fortune; and the faithful goddess, smiling, spoke thus to that noble lord:

Verse 135 (skanda.1.34.135)

किमालोकपरो भूत्वा चक्षुषा परमेण हि॥ नाहं कालो न कामोऽहं नाहं दभस्य वै मखः

kimālokaparo bhūtvā cakṣuṣā parameṇa hi|| nāhaṃ kālo na kāmo'haṃ nāhaṃ dabhasya vai makhaḥ

'Why do you gaze at me so intently with your supreme eye? I am not Time, I am not Kama, I am not Daksha's sacrifice —'

Verse 136 (skanda.1.34.136)

त्रिपुरो नैव वै शंभो नांधको वृषभध्वज॥ वीक्षितेनैव किं तेन तव चाद्य भविष्यति॥ वृथैव त्वं विरूपाक्षो जातोऽसि मम चाग्रतः

tripuro naiva vai śaṃbho nāṃdhako vṛṣabhadhvaja|| vīkṣitenaiva kiṃ tena tava cādya bhaviṣyati|| vṛthaiva tvaṃ virūpākṣo jāto'si mama cāgrataḥ

'— I am not Tripura, O Shambhu, nor Andhaka, O bull-bannered one. What indeed will that glance of yours accomplish today? In vain, O bull-bannered lord, have you appeared with distorted eyes before me.'

Verse 137 (skanda.1.34.137)

एवमादीन्यनेकानि हयुवाच परमेश्वरी॥ निशम्य देवो वाक्यानि गमनाय मनो दधे

evamādīnyanekāni hayuvāca parameśvarī|| niśamya devo vākyāni gamanāya mano dadhe

Thus and much more the supreme goddess spoke; and hearing all her words, the god resolved in his mind to depart.

Verse 138 (skanda.1.34.138)

वनमेव वरं चाद्य विजनं परमार्थतः॥ एकाकी यतचित्तात्मा त्यक्तसर्वपरिग्रहः

vanameva varaṃ cādya vijanaṃ paramārthataḥ|| ekākī yatacittātmā tyaktasarvaparigrahaḥ

'The forest, deserted and empty, is truly the better thing for me now; alone, with a controlled mind and soul, having renounced every possession,'

Verse 139 (skanda.1.34.139)

स सुखी परमार्थज्ञः स विद्वान्स च पंडितः॥ येन मुक्तौ कामरागौ स मुक्तः स सुखी भवेत्

sa sukhī paramārthajñaḥ sa vidvānsa ca paṃḍitaḥ|| yena muktau kāmarāgau sa muktaḥ sa sukhī bhavet

'— he alone is happy, he alone knows the highest truth, he alone is wise, he alone is learned, by whom desire and passion have been abandoned; he alone is free, he alone is truly happy.'

Verse 140 (skanda.1.34.140)

एवं विमृश्य च तदा गिरिजां विहाय श्रीशंकरः परमकारुणिकस्तदानीम्॥ यातः प्रियाविरहितो वनमद्भुतं च सिद्धाटवीं परमहंसयुतां तथैव

evaṃ vimṛśya ca tadā girijāṃ vihāya śrīśaṃkaraḥ paramakāruṇikastadānīm|| yātaḥ priyāvirahito vanamadbhutaṃ ca siddhāṭavīṃ paramahaṃsayutāṃ tathaiva

Thus reflecting, then leaving Girija behind, the glorious Shankara, most compassionate, went at that moment, bereft of his beloved, into that wondrous forest — the Siddha wilderness, dwelling place of the supreme paramahamsas.

Verse 141 (skanda.1.34.141)

निर्गतं शंकरं दृष्ट्वा सर्वे कैलासवासिनः॥ निर्ययुश्च गणाः सर्वे वीरभद्रादयोऽनु तम्

nirgataṃ śaṃkaraṃ dṛṣṭvā sarve kailāsavāsinaḥ|| niryayuśca gaṇāḥ sarve vīrabhadrādayo'nu tam

Seeing Shankara thus departing, all the inhabitants of Kailasa, and all the ganas headed by Virabhadra, went out after him.

Verse 142 (skanda.1.34.142)

छत्रं भृंगी समादाय जगाम तस्य पृष्ठतः॥ चामरे वीज्यमाने च गंगायमुनसन्निभे

chatraṃ bhṛṃgī samādāya jagāma tasya pṛṣṭhataḥ|| cāmare vījyamāne ca gaṃgāyamunasannibhe

Bhringi, taking up the umbrella, went behind him; and two chowries, resembling the Ganga and Yamuna, were waved over him.

Verse 143 (skanda.1.34.143)

ताभ्यां युक्तस्तदा नंदी पृष्ठतोऽन्वगमत्सुधीः॥ वृषभों ह्यग्रतो भूत्वा पुष्पकेण विराजितः

tābhyāṃ yuktastadā naṃdī pṛṣṭhato'nvagamatsudhīḥ|| vṛṣabhoṃ hyagrato bhūtvā puṣpakeṇa virājitaḥ

Accompanied by these two, the wise Nandi followed behind; and, going ahead as the bull, he shone forth resplendent, adorned with flowers.

Verse 144 (skanda.1.34.144)

शोभमानो महादेव एभिः सर्वैः सुशोभनैः॥ अंतःपुरगता देवी पार्वती सा हि दुर्मनाः

śobhamāno mahādeva ebhiḥ sarvaiḥ suśobhanaiḥ|| aṃtaḥpuragatā devī pārvatī sā hi durmanāḥ

Mahadeva, thus shining forth with all these beautiful attendants, departed; while that goddess Parvati, entering her inner chambers, was left sorrowful.

Verse 145 (skanda.1.34.145)

सखीभिर्बहुभिस्तत्र तथान्याभिः सुसंवृता॥ गिरिजा चिंतयामास मनसा परमेश्वरम्

sakhībhirbahubhistatra tathānyābhiḥ susaṃvṛtā|| girijā ciṃtayāmāsa manasā parameśvaram

Surrounded there by her many companions and by other attendants, Girija pondered within her mind upon the supreme lord.

Verse 146 (skanda.1.34.146)

ततो दूरं गतः शंभुर्विसृज्य च गणांस्तदा॥ गणेशं च कुमारं च वीरभद्रं तथाऽपरान्

tato dūraṃ gataḥ śaṃbhurvisṛjya ca gaṇāṃstadā|| gaṇeśaṃ ca kumāraṃ ca vīrabhadraṃ tathā'parān

Then, going far away, Shambhu dismissed his ganas — Ganesha, and Kumara, and Virabhadra, and the others too,

Verse 147 (skanda.1.34.147)

भृंगिणं नंदिनं चंडं सोमनंदिनमेव च॥ एतानन्यांश्च सर्वांश्च कैलासपुरवासिनः

bhṛṃgiṇaṃ naṃdinaṃ caṃḍaṃ somanaṃdinameva ca|| etānanyāṃśca sarvāṃśca kailāsapuravāsinaḥ

— Bhringi, Nandi, Chanda, Somanandi, and these and all the other inhabitants of Kailasa's city.

Verse 148 (skanda.1.34.148)

विसृज्य च महादेव एक एव महातपाः॥ गतो दूरं वनस्यांते तथा सिद्धवटं शिवः

visṛjya ca mahādeva eka eva mahātapāḥ|| gato dūraṃ vanasyāṃte tathā siddhavaṭaṃ śivaḥ

Having dismissed them all, Mahadeva, the great ascetic, went on alone, far into the depths of the forest, to that Siddhavata.

Verse 149 (skanda.1.34.149)

काश्मीररत्नोपलसिद्धरत्नवैदूर्यचित्रं सुधया परिष्कृतम्॥ दिव्यासनं तस्य च कल्पितं भुवा तत्रास्थितो योगपतिर्महेशः

kāśmīraratnopalasiddharatnavaidūryacitraṃ sudhayā pariṣkṛtam|| divyāsanaṃ tasya ca kalpitaṃ bhuvā tatrāsthito yogapatirmaheśaḥ

There, a divine seat had been fashioned upon the earth, wondrous with saffron-jewel stones, precious gems and cat's-eye, adorned with nectar-like radiance; and there the lord of yoga, Mahesha, took his seat.

Verse 150 (skanda.1.34.150)

पद्मासने चोपविष्टो महेशो योगवित्तमः॥ केवलं चात्मनात्मानं दध्यौ मीलितलोचनः

padmāsane copaviṣṭo maheśo yogavittamaḥ|| kevalaṃ cātmanātmānaṃ dadhyau mīlitalocanaḥ

Seated in the lotus posture, Mahesha, most eminent among the knowers of yoga, with eyes closed, meditated upon nothing but the Self through the Self.

Verse 151 (skanda.1.34.151)

शुशुभे स महादेवः समाधौ चंद्रशेखरः॥ योगपट्टः कृतस्तेन शेषस्य च महात्मनः॥ वासुकिः सर्पराजश्च कटिबद्धः कृतो महान्

śuśubhe sa mahādevaḥ samādhau caṃdraśekharaḥ|| yogapaṭṭaḥ kṛtastena śeṣasya ca mahātmanaḥ|| vāsukiḥ sarparājaśca kaṭibaddhaḥ kṛto mahān

That Mahadeva, the moon-crested one, shone forth in his samadhi; he fashioned a yoga-band from the great serpent Shesha, and bound the great serpent-king Vasuki about his waist.

Verse 152 (skanda.1.34.152)

आत्मानमात्मात्मतया च संस्तुतो वेदांतवेद्यो न हि विश्वचेष्टितः॥ एको ह्यनेको हि दुरंतपारस्तथा ह्यर्क्यो निजबोधरूपः॥ स्थितस्तदानीं परमं पराणां निरीक्षमाणो भुवनैकभर्ता

ātmānamātmātmatayā ca saṃstuto vedāṃtavedyo na hi viśvaceṣṭitaḥ|| eko hyaneko hi duraṃtapārastathā hyarkyo nijabodharūpaḥ|| sthitastadānīṃ paramaṃ parāṇāṃ nirīkṣamāṇo bhuvanaikabhartā

Praised by his own Self through the Self's own identity, knowable only through Vedanta, untouched by the workings of the universe; one and yet many, of boundless and shoreless extent, worthy of adoration, his very form pure awareness — thus he remained then, the supreme one among the supreme, the sole sustainer of the worlds, gazing inward.