The Greatness of Kumareshvara: The Story of Vajranga

Verse 1 (skanda.1.49.1)

॥अर्जुन उवाच॥ कुमारनाथमाहात्म्यं यत्त्वयोक्तं कथांतरे॥ तदहं श्रोतुमिच्छामि विस्तरेण महामुने

arjuna uvāca kumāranāthamāhātmyaṁ yattvayoktaṁ kathāṁtare tadahaṁ śrotumicchāmi vistareṇa mahāmune

Arjuna said: "The greatness of Kumara's Lord, which you spoke of in the midst of your story, I wish to hear in full detail, O great sage."

Verse 2 (skanda.1.49.2)

॥नारद उवाच॥ तारकं विनिहत्यैव वज्रांगतनयं प्रभुः॥ गुहः संस्थापयामास लिंगमेतच्च फाल्गुन

nārada uvāca tārakaṁ vinihatyaiva vajrāṁgatanayaṁ prabhuḥ guhaḥ saṁsthāpayāmāsa liṁgametacca phālguna

Narada said: "Having slain Taraka, son of Vajranga, Lord Guha established this very linga, O Phalguna.

Verse 3 (skanda.1.49.3)

दर्शनाच्छ्रवणाद्ध्यानात्पूजया श्रुतिवंदनैः॥ सर्वपापापहः पार्थ कुमारेशो न संशयः

darśanācchravaṇāddhyānātpūjayā śrutivaṁdanaiḥ sarvapāpāpahaḥ pārtha kumāreśo na saṁśayaḥ

"By sight, by hearing, by meditation, by worship, and by the recitation of scripture — Kumaresha removes every sin, O Partha, without doubt."

Verse 4 (skanda.1.49.4)

॥अर्जुन उवाच॥ अत्याश्चर्यमयी रम्या कथेयं पापनाशिनी॥ विस्तरेण च मे ब्रूहि याथातथ्येन नारद

arjuna uvāca atyāścaryamayī ramyā katheyaṁ pāpanāśinī vistareṇa ca me brūhi yāthātathyena nārada

Arjuna said: "This is a most wondrous, delightful, sin-destroying story; tell it to me in full, exactly as it happened, O Narada.

Verse 5 (skanda.1.49.5)

वज्रांगः कोप्यसौ दैत्यः किंप्रभावश्च तारकः॥ कथं स निहतश्चैव जातश्चैव कथं गुहः

vajrāṁgaḥ kopyasau daityaḥ kiṁprabhāvaśca tārakaḥ kathaṁ sa nihataścaiva jātaścaiva kathaṁ guhaḥ

"Who was that demon Vajranga? What was Taraka's power? How was he slain, and how did Guha come to be born?

Verse 6 (skanda.1.49.6)

कथं संस्थापितं लिंगं कुमारेश्वरसंज्ञितम्॥ किं फलं चास्य लिंगस्य ब्रूहि तद्विस्तरान्मम

kathaṁ saṁsthāpitaṁ liṁgaṁ kumāreśvarasaṁjñitam kiṁ phalaṁ cāsya liṁgasya brūhi tadvistarānmama

"How was the linga called Kumareshvara established? What is the fruit of this linga? Tell me all this in full."

Verse 7 (skanda.1.49.7)

॥नारद उवाच॥ प्रणिपत्य कुमाराय सेनान्ये चेश्वराय च॥ श्रृणु चैकमनाः पार्थ कुमारचरितं महत्

nārada uvāca praṇipatya kumārāya senānye ceśvarāya ca śrṛṇu caikamanāḥ pārtha kumāracaritaṁ mahat

Narada said: "Bowing to Kumara, commander of the army, and to Ishvara, listen, O Partha, with a focused mind, to this great tale of Kumara's deeds.

Verse 8 (skanda.1.49.8)

मानसो ब्रह्मणः पुत्रो दक्षो नाम प्रजापतिः॥ षष्टिं सोऽजनयत्कन्या वीरिण्यां नाम फाल्गुन

mānaso brahmaṇaḥ putro dakṣo nāma prajāpatiḥ ṣaṣṭiṁ so'janayatkanyā vīriṇyāṁ nāma phālguna

"The mind-born son of Brahma, the Prajapati named Daksha, begot sixty daughters upon Virini, O Phalguna.

Verse 9 (skanda.1.49.9)

ददो स दश धर्माय कश्यपाय त्रयोदश॥ सप्तविंशतिं सोमाय चतस्रोरिष्टनेमिने

dado sa daśa dharmāya kaśyapāya trayodaśa saptaviṁśatiṁ somāya catasroriṣṭanemine

"He gave ten of them to Dharma, and thirteen to Kashyapa; twenty-seven to Soma, and four to Arishtanemi.

Verse 10 (skanda.1.49.10)

भूतांगिरः कृशाश्वेभ्यो द्वेद्वे चैव ददौ प्रभुः॥ नामधेयान्यमूषां च सपत्नीनां च मे श्रृणु

bhūtāṁgiraḥ kṛśāśvebhyo dvedve caiva dadau prabhuḥ nāmadheyānyamūṣāṁ ca sapatnīnāṁ ca me śrṛṇu

"To Bhuta, Angiras, and Krishashva he gave two each; now hear from me the names of these co-wives,

Verse 11 (skanda.1.49.11)

यासां प्रसूतिप्रभवा लोका आपूरितास्त्रयः॥ भानुर्लम्बा ककुद्भूमिर्विश्वा साध्या मरुत्वती

yāsāṁ prasūtiprabhavā lokā āpūritāstrayaḥ bhānurlambā kakudbhūmirviśvā sādhyā marutvatī

"from whose offspring the three worlds were filled — Bhanu, Lamba, Kakud, Bhumi, Vishva, Sadhya, Marutvati,

Verse 12 (skanda.1.49.12)

वसुर्सुहूर्ता संकल्पा धर्मपत्न्यः सुताञ्छृणु॥ भानोस्तु देवऋषभ सुतोऽभवत्

vasursuhūrtā saṁkalpā dharmapatnyaḥ sutāñchṛṇu bhānostu devaṛṣabha suto'bhavat

"Vasu, Suhurta, and Sankalpa — the wives of Dharma; hear now their sons: from Bhanu, O bull among gods, a son was born —

Verse 13 (skanda.1.49.13)

विद्योत आसील्लंबायां ततश्च स्तनयित्नवः॥ ककुदः शकटः पुत्रः कीकटस्तनयो यतः

vidyota āsīllaṁbāyāṁ tataśca stanayitnavaḥ kakudaḥ śakaṭaḥ putraḥ kīkaṭastanayo yataḥ

"from Lamba came Vidyota, and then the Stanayitnus, the thunders; from Kakud came a son, Shakata, from whom in turn came Kikata,

Verse 14 (skanda.1.49.14)

भुवो दुर्गस्तथा स्वर्गो नंदश्चैव ततोऽभवत्॥ विश्वेदेवाश्च विश्वाया अप्रजांस्तान्प्रचक्षते

bhuvo durgastathā svargo naṁdaścaiva tato'bhavat viśvedevāśca viśvāyā aprajāṁstānpracakṣate

"and Bhuva, Durga, Svarga, and then Nanda came from Bhumi. From Vishva came the Vishvedevas, said to be without offspring.

Verse 15 (skanda.1.49.15)

साध्या द्वादश साध्याया अर्थसिद्धिस्तु तत्सुतः॥ मरुत्वान्सुजयंतश्च मरुत्वत्या बभूवतुः

sādhyā dvādaśa sādhyāyā arthasiddhistu tatsutaḥ marutvānsujayaṁtaśca marutvatyā babhūvatuḥ

"From Sadhya came the twelve Sadhyas, and Arthasiddhi her son; from Marutvati were born Marutvan and Sujayanta,

Verse 16 (skanda.1.49.16)

नरनारायणौ प्राहुर्यौ तौ ज्ञानविदो जनाः॥ वसोश्च वसवश्चाष्टौ मुहूर्तायां मुहूर्तकाः

naranārāyaṇau prāhuryau tau jñānavido janāḥ vasośca vasavaścāṣṭau muhūrtāyāṁ muhūrtakāḥ

"whom the knowers of wisdom call Nara and Narayana; from Vasu came the eight Vasus, from Muhurta the Muhurtakas,

Verse 17 (skanda.1.49.17)

ये वै फलं प्रयच्छंति भूतानां स्वं स्वकालजम्॥ संकल्पायाश्च संकल्पः कामः संकल्पजः सुतः

ye vai phalaṁ prayacchaṁti bhūtānāṁ svaṁ svakālajam saṁkalpāyāśca saṁkalpaḥ kāmaḥ saṁkalpajaḥ sutaḥ

"who grant beings the fruit born of their own proper season; from Sankalpa came her son, Sankalpa's own child Kama, born of resolve.

Verse 18 (skanda.1.49.18)

सुरूपासूत तनयान्रुद्रानेकादशैव तु॥ कपाली पिंगलो भीमो विरुपाक्षो विलोहितः

surūpāsūta tanayānrudrānekādaśaiva tu kapālī piṁgalo bhīmo virupākṣo vilohitaḥ

"Surupa bore eleven sons, the Rudras — Kapali, Pingala, Bhima, Virupaksha, Vilohita,

Verse 19 (skanda.1.49.19)

अजकः शासनः शास्ता शंभुश्चांत्यो भवस्तथा॥ रुद्रस्य पार्षदाश्चान्ये विरूपायाः सुताः स्मृताः

ajakaḥ śāsanaḥ śāstā śaṁbhuścāṁtyo bhavastathā rudrasya pārṣadāścānye virūpāyāḥ sutāḥ smṛtāḥ

"Ajaka, Shasana, Shasta, Shambhu, and last, Bhava; Rudra's other attendants are remembered as the sons of Virupa.

Verse 20 (skanda.1.49.20)

प्रजापतेरंगिरसः स्वधा पत्नी पितॄनथ॥ जज्ञे सनी(ची?)तथा पुत्रमथर्वागिरसं प्रभुम्

prajāpateraṁgirasaḥ svadhā patnī pitṝnatha jajñe sanī(cī?)tathā putramatharvāgirasaṁ prabhum

"Prajapati Angiras's wife Svadha bore the ancestors, and then a mighty son named Atharvangiras.

Verse 21 (skanda.1.49.21)

कृशाश्वस्य च द्वे भार्ये अर्चिश्च दिषणा तथा॥ अस्त्रगामो ययोः पुत्रः ससंहारः प्रकीर्तितः

kṛśāśvasya ca dve bhārye arciśca diṣaṇā tathā astragāmo yayoḥ putraḥ sasaṁhāraḥ prakīrtitaḥ

"Krishashva had two wives, Archis and Dhishana; the son of the first was called Astragama, and of the second, Sasamhara, so proclaimed.

Verse 22 (skanda.1.49.22)

पतंगी यामिनी ताम्रा तिमिश्चारिष्टनेमिनः॥ पतंग्यसूत पतगान्यामिनी शलभानथ

pataṁgī yāminī tāmrā timiścāriṣṭaneminaḥ pataṁgyasūta patagānyāminī śalabhānatha

"Patangi, Yamini, Tamra, and Timi were the wives of Arishtanemi; from Patangi came the birds, from Yamini the locusts,

Verse 23 (skanda.1.49.23)

ताम्रायाः श्येनगृध्राद्यास्तिमेर्यादोगणास्तथा॥ अथ कश्यपपत्नीनां यत्प्रसूदमिदं जगत्

tāmrāyāḥ śyenagṛdhrādyāstimeryādogaṇāstathā atha kaśyapapatnīnāṁ yatprasūdamidaṁ jagat

"from Tamra the hawks, vultures, and the like; from Timi the tribes of sea-creatures. Now, from Kashyapa's wives this world came into being —

Verse 24 (skanda.1.49.24)

श्रृणु नामानि लोकानां मातॄणां शंकराणि च॥ अदितिर्दितिर्दनुः सिंही दनायुः सुरभिस्तथा

śrṛṇu nāmāni lokānāṁ mātṝṇāṁ śaṁkarāṇi ca aditirditirdanuḥ siṁhī danāyuḥ surabhistathā

"hear their names, the auspicious mothers of the worlds — Aditi, Diti, Danu, Simhi, Danayu, and Surabhi too,

Verse 25 (skanda.1.49.25)

अरिष्टा विनता ग्रावा दया क्रोधवशा इरा॥ कद्रुर्मुनिश्च ते चोभे मातरस्ताः प्रकीर्तिताः

ariṣṭā vinatā grāvā dayā krodhavaśā irā kadrurmuniśca te cobhe mātarastāḥ prakīrtitāḥ

"Arishta, Vinata, Grava, Daya, Krodhavasha, Ira, Kadru, and Muni — these are all proclaimed as mothers.

Verse 26 (skanda.1.49.26)

आदित्याश्चादितेः पुत्रा दितेर्दैत्याः प्रकीर्तिताः॥ दनोश्च दानवाः प्रोक्ता राहुः सिंहीसुतो ग्रहः

ādityāścāditeḥ putrā diterdaityāḥ prakīrtitāḥ danośca dānavāḥ proktā rāhuḥ siṁhīsuto grahaḥ

"The Adityas are the sons of Aditi; the Daityas are said to be Diti's; the Danavas are said to be Danu's; the seizing planet Rahu is Simhi's own son.

Verse 27 (skanda.1.49.27)

दनायुषस्तथा जातो दनायुश्च गणो बली॥ गावश्च सुरभेर्जातारिष्टापुत्रा युगंधराः

danāyuṣastathā jāto danāyuśca gaṇo balī gāvaśca surabherjātāriṣṭāputrā yugaṁdharāḥ

"From Danayu came the mighty Danayu clan; from Surabhi came cows, and from Arishta came the mighty Yugandharas.

Verse 28 (skanda.1.49.28)

विनतासूत अरुणं गरुडं च महाबलम्॥ ग्रावायाः श्वापदाः पुत्रा गणः क्रोधवशस्तथा

vinatāsūta aruṇaṁ garuḍaṁ ca mahābalam grāvāyāḥ śvāpadāḥ putrā gaṇaḥ krodhavaśastathā

"Vinata bore Aruna and the mighty Garuda; from Grava the wild beasts were born, and from Krodhavasha a fierce host,

Verse 29 (skanda.1.49.29)

जातः क्रोधवशायाश्च इराया भूरुहाः स्मृताः॥ कद्रूसुताः स्मृता नागा मुनेरप्सरसां गणाः

jātaḥ krodhavaśāyāśca irāyā bhūruhāḥ smṛtāḥ kadrūsutāḥ smṛtā nāgā munerapsarasāṁ gaṇāḥ

"and from Ira the plants are remembered as born. Kadru's sons are remembered as the serpents; the hosts of Apsaras were born of Muni.

Verse 30 (skanda.1.49.30)

तत्र द्वौ तनयौ यौ च दितेस्तौ विष्णुना हतौ॥ हिरण्यकशिपुर्वीरो हिरण्याक्षस्तथाऽपरः

tatra dvau tanayau yau ca ditestau viṣṇunā hatau hiraṇyakaśipurvīro hiraṇyākṣastathā'paraḥ

"Among these, two of Diti's sons were slain by Vishnu — the heroic Hiranyakashipu, and the other, Hiranyaksha.

Verse 31 (skanda.1.49.31)

ततो निहतपुत्रा सा दितिराराध्य कश्यपम्॥ अयाचत वरं देवी पुत्रमन्यं महाबलम्

tato nihataputrā sā ditirārādhya kaśyapam ayācata varaṁ devī putramanyaṁ mahābalam

"Then, her sons slain, that goddess Diti, worshipping Kashyapa, begged for a boon: yet another son, exceedingly powerful,

Verse 32 (skanda.1.49.32)

समरे शक्रहंतारं स तस्या अददात्प्रभुः॥ नियमे चापि वर्तस्व वर्षाणां च सहस्रकम्

samare śakrahaṁtāraṁ sa tasyā adadātprabhuḥ niyame cāpi vartasva varṣāṇāṁ ca sahasrakam

"a slayer of Shakra in battle. That lord granted it to her: 'Observe strict discipline for a thousand years.'

Verse 33 (skanda.1.49.33)

इत्युक्ता सा तथा चक्रे पुष्करस्था समाहिता॥ वर्तंत्या नियमे तस्याः सहस्राक्षः समाहितः

ityuktā sā tathā cakre puṣkarasthā samāhitā vartaṁtyā niyame tasyāḥ sahasrākṣaḥ samāhitaḥ

"Thus addressed, she did exactly so, settled at Pushkara, ever composed. While she remained in that discipline, thousand-eyed Indra, likewise composed,

Verse 34 (skanda.1.49.34)

उपासामाचरद्भक्त्या सा चैनमन्वमन्यत॥ दशवत्सरशेषस्य सहस्रस्य तदा दितिः

upāsāmācaradbhaktyā sā cainamanvamanyata daśavatsaraśeṣasya sahasrasya tadā ditiḥ

"began to attend on her with devotion, and she came to regard him with favor. When ten years remained of that thousand,

Verse 35 (skanda.1.49.35)

उवाच शक्रं सुप्रीता भक्त्या शक्रस्य तोषिता॥ ॥दितिरुवाच॥ अत्रोत्तीर्णव्रतप्रायां विद्धि देवसत्तम

uvāca śakraṁ suprītā bhaktyā śakrasya toṣitā ditiruvāca atrottīrṇavrataprāyāṁ viddhi devasattama

"Diti, deeply pleased, satisfied by Indra's devotion, said to him — Diti said: 'Know, O best of gods, that my vow now stands nearly fulfilled,

Verse 36 (skanda.1.49.36)

भविष्यति तव भ्राता तेन सार्धमिमां श्रियम्॥ भोक्ष्यसे त्वं यथानयायं त्रैलोक्यं हतकंटकम्

bhaviṣyati tava bhrātā tena sārdhamimāṁ śriyam bhokṣyase tvaṁ yathānayāyaṁ trailokyaṁ hatakaṁṭakam

"'and he shall become your brother; together with him you shall enjoy this fortune, and, this thorn removed, enjoy the three worlds as of old.'"

Verse 37 (skanda.1.49.37)

इत्युक्त्वा निद्रयाविष्टा चरणाक्रांतमूर्धजा॥ दिवा सुप्ता दितिर्देवी भाव्यर्थबलनोदिता

ityuktvā nidrayāviṣṭā caraṇākrāṁtamūrdhajā divā suptā ditirdevī bhāvyarthabalanoditā

Having said this, overcome by sleep, her hair fallen loose at her feet, the goddess Diti slept in the daytime, driven by the very power of destiny.

Verse 38 (skanda.1.49.38)

तत्तु रंध्रमवेक्ष्यैव योगमूर्तिस्तदाविशत्॥ जठरस्थं दितेर्गर्भं चक्रे वज्रेण सप्तधा

tattu raṁdhramavekṣyaiva yogamūrtistadāviśat jaṭharasthaṁ ditergarbhaṁ cakre vajreṇa saptadhā

Seeing that lapse, Indra, in the very form of yoga, then entered in, and split the fetus in Diti's womb into seven pieces with his thunderbolt.

Verse 39 (skanda.1.49.39)

एकैकं च पुनः खण्डं चकार मघवा ततः॥ सप्तधा सप्तधा कोपादुद्बुध्य च ततो दितिः

ekaikaṁ ca punaḥ khaṇḍaṁ cakāra maghavā tataḥ saptadhā saptadhā kopādudbudhya ca tato ditiḥ

And then Maghavan split each of those pieces again into seven parts; and awakening in anger, at each sevenfold cutting, Diti...

Verse 40 (skanda.1.49.40)

न हंतव्यो न हंतव्य इति सा शक्रमब्रवीत्॥ वज्रेण कृत्त्यमानानां बुद्धा सा रोदनेन च

na haṁtavyo na haṁtavya iti sā śakramabravīt vajreṇa kṛttyamānānāṁ buddhā sā rodanena ca

...cried out to Shakra, "Do not slay them, do not slay them!" Hearing the weeping of those pieces as they were cut by the thunderbolt, she knew of it,

Verse 41 (skanda.1.49.41)

ततः शक्रश्च मा रोदीरिति तांस्तान्यथाऽवदत्॥ निर्गत्य जठरात्तस्मात्ततः प्रांजलिरग्रतः

tataḥ śakraśca mā rodīriti tāṁstānyathā'vadat nirgatya jaṭharāttasmāttataḥ prāṁjaliragrataḥ

and then Shakra said to each of them, "Weep not" [mā rodīḥ]; and one of them, coming forth from that womb, hands folded, before them all —

Verse 42 (skanda.1.49.42)

उवाच वाक्यं चात्रस्तो मातरं रिषपूरिताम्॥ दिवास्वापं कृथा मातः पादाक्रांतशिरोरुहा

uvāca vākyaṁ cātrasto mātaraṁ riṣapūritām divāsvāpaṁ kṛthā mātaḥ pādākrāṁtaśiroruhā

spoke, frightened, this word to his grief-filled mother: 'Mother, you slept in the daytime, your hair fallen loose to your very feet;

Verse 43 (skanda.1.49.43)

सुप्ताथ सुचिरं वाते धिन्नो गर्भो मया तव॥ कृता एकोनपंचाशद्भागा वज्रेण ते सुताः

suptātha suciraṁ vāte dhinno garbho mayā tava kṛtā ekonapaṁcāśadbhāgā vajreṇa te sutāḥ

"'sleeping so long, in an impure moment, your womb was defiled through me. Your sons have been made, by the thunderbolt, into forty-nine pieces.'

Verse 44 (skanda.1.49.44)

सत्यं भवतु ते वाक्यं सार्धं भोक्ष्यामि तैः श्रियम्॥ दास्यामि तेषां स्थानानि दिवि यावदहं दिते

satyaṁ bhavatu te vākyaṁ sārdhaṁ bhokṣyāmi taiḥ śriyam dāsyāmi teṣāṁ sthānāni divi yāvadahaṁ dite

"'Let your word come true — I shall share this fortune with them. As long as I remain, O Diti, I shall grant them places in heaven —'

Verse 45 (skanda.1.49.45)

मा रोदीरिति मे प्रोक्ताः ख्याताश्च मरुतस्त्विति॥ इत्युक्ता सा च सव्रीडा दितिर्जाता निरुत्तरा

mā rodīriti me proktāḥ khyātāśca marutastviti ityuktā sā ca savrīḍā ditirjātā niruttarā

"'and since I told them, "weep not," let them be renowned by the name Marut.' Thus addressed, Diti, ashamed, could find no answer."

Verse 46 (skanda.1.49.46)

सार्धं तैर्गतवानिंद्रो दिगंते वायवः स्मृताः॥ ततः पुनश्च भर्तारं दितिः प्रोवाच दुःखिता

sārdhaṁ tairgatavāniṁdro digaṁte vāyavaḥ smṛtāḥ tataḥ punaśca bhartāraṁ ditiḥ provāca duḥkhitā

Indra went off together with them; they are remembered as the winds of the sky's furthest edge. Then, sorrowful once more, Diti spoke again to her husband —

Verse 47 (skanda.1.49.47)

पुत्रं मे भगवन्देहि शक्रहंतारमूर्जितम्॥ यो नास्त्रशस्त्रैर्वध्यत्वं गच्छेत्त्रिदिववासिनाम्

putraṁ me bhagavandehi śakrahaṁtāramūrjitam yo nāstraśastrairvadhyatvaṁ gacchettridivavāsinām

"'Grant me, O blessed one, a mighty son able to slay Shakra, one who shall never fall to any weapon of the heaven-dwellers.'

Verse 48 (skanda.1.49.48)

न ददास्युत्तरं विद्धि मृतामेव प्रजापते॥ इत्युक्तः स तदोवाच तां पत्नीमतिदुःखिताम्

na dadāsyuttaraṁ viddhi mṛtāmeva prajāpate ityuktaḥ sa tadovāca tāṁ patnīmatiduḥkhitām

"'If you give me no answer, know me for dead already, O Prajapati.' Thus addressed, he spoke to his exceedingly sorrowful wife —

Verse 49 (skanda.1.49.49)

दशवर्षसहस्राणि तपोनिष्ठा तु तप्स्यसे॥ वज्रसारमयैरंगैरच्छेद्यैरायसैर्दृढैः

daśavarṣasahasrāṇi taponiṣṭhā tu tapsyase vajrasāramayairaṁgairacchedyairāyasairdṛḍhaiḥ

"'you must practice austerity for ten thousand years, devoted to it, with limbs of adamant essence, unbreakable, firm as iron —'

Verse 50 (skanda.1.49.50)

वज्रांगोनाम पुत्रस्ते भविता धर्मवत्सलः॥ सा तु लब्धवरा देवी जगाम तपसे वनम्

vajrāṁgonāma putraste bhavitā dharmavatsalaḥ sā tu labdhavarā devī jagāma tapase vanam

"'and a son named Vajranga, devoted to dharma, shall be granted to you.' Having received the boon, that goddess went to the forest for austerity.

Verse 51 (skanda.1.49.51)

दशवर्षसहस्राणि तपो घोरं समाचरत्॥ तपसोंऽते भगवती जनयामास दुर्जयम्

daśavarṣasahasrāṇi tapo ghoraṁ samācarat tapasoṁ'te bhagavatī janayāmāsa durjayam

She practiced terrible austerity for ten thousand years; at the end of that austerity, that blessed one gave birth

Verse 52 (skanda.1.49.52)

पुत्रमप्रतिकर्माणमजेयं वज्रदुश्छिदम्॥ स जातामात्र एवाभूत्सर्वशा स्त्रार्थपारगः

putramapratikarmāṇamajeyaṁ vajraduśchidam sa jātāmātra evābhūtsarvaśā strārthapāragaḥ

to a son beyond all counter-measure, invincible, unbreakable even by the thunderbolt. He, the very moment he was born, became master of the essence of every science,

Verse 53 (skanda.1.49.53)

उवाच मातरं भक्त्या मातः किं करवाण्यहम्॥ तमुवाच ततो हृष्टा दितिर्दैत्याधिपं सुतम्

uvāca mātaraṁ bhaktyā mātaḥ kiṁ karavāṇyaham tamuvāca tato hṛṣṭā ditirdaityādhipaṁ sutam

and spoke to his mother with devotion: "Mother, what shall I do?" Then Diti, delighted, said to that son, lord of the Daityas —

Verse 54 (skanda.1.49.54)

बहवो मे हताः पुत्राः सहस्राक्षेण पुत्रक॥ तेषआमपचितिं कर्तुमिच्छे शक्रवधादहम्

bahavo me hatāḥ putrāḥ sahasrākṣeṇa putraka teṣaāmapacitiṁ kartumicche śakravadhādaham

"'Many of my sons, dear child, have been slain by the thousand-eyed one; I wish to avenge them through Shakra's death.'"

Verse 55 (skanda.1.49.55)

बाढमित्येव सं प्रोच्य जगाम त्रिदिवं बली॥ ससैन्यं समरे शक्रं स च बाह्वायुधोऽजयत्

bāḍhamityeva saṁ procya jagāma tridivaṁ balī sasainyaṁ samare śakraṁ sa ca bāhvāyudho'jayat

Saying only "so be it," that mighty one went to heaven, and, with his own army, conquered Shakra in battle by the strength of his arms alone.

Verse 56 (skanda.1.49.56)

पादेनाकृष्य देवेंद्रं सिंहः क्षुद्रमृगं यथा॥ मातुरंतिकमागच्छद्याचमानं भयातुरम्

pādenākṛṣya deveṁdraṁ siṁhaḥ kṣudramṛgaṁ yathā māturaṁtikamāgacchadyācamānaṁ bhayāturam

Dragging the lord of gods by the foot, as a lion drags a lesser beast, he came before his mother, while Indra, terrified, begged for his life.

Verse 57 (skanda.1.49.57)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे ब्रह्मा कश्यपश्च महातपाः॥ आगता तत्र संत्रस्तावथो ब्रह्मा जगाद तम्

etasminnaṁtare brahmā kaśyapaśca mahātapāḥ āgatā tatra saṁtrastāvatho brahmā jagāda tam

Meanwhile Brahma and the greatly austere Kashyapa, alarmed, came there; then Brahma said to him —

Verse 58 (skanda.1.49.58)

मुंचामुं पुत्र याचंतं किमनेन प्रयोजनम्॥ अवमानो वधः प्रोक्तो वीरसंभावितस्य च

muṁcāmuṁ putra yācaṁtaṁ kimanena prayojanam avamāno vadhaḥ prokto vīrasaṁbhāvitasya ca

"'Release this one, son, who begs for mercy — what use is there in this? To slay one already deemed a hero is declared to be mere dishonor.'

Verse 59 (skanda.1.49.59)

अस्मद्वाक्येन यो मुक्तो जीवन्नपि मृतो हि सः॥ शत्रुं ये घ्नंति समरे न ते वीराः प्रकीर्तिताः

asmadvākyena yo mukto jīvannapi mṛto hi saḥ śatruṁ ye ghnaṁti samare na te vīrāḥ prakīrtitāḥ

"'One released at our word, though he lives, is as good as dead. Those who merely slay an enemy in battle are not proclaimed as heroes;'

Verse 60 (skanda.1.49.60)

कृत्वा मानपरिग्लनिं ये मुंचंति वरा हि ते॥ यतामान्यतमं मत्वा त्वया मातुर्वचः कृतम्

kṛtvā mānapariglaniṁ ye muṁcaṁti varā hi te yatāmānyatamaṁ matvā tvayā māturvacaḥ kṛtam

"'it is those who, having broken his pride, release him, who are truly the finest. Holding our word most worthy of honor, you have already fulfilled your mother's word;'

Verse 61 (skanda.1.49.61)

तथा पितुर्वचः कार्यं मुंचामुं पुत्र वासवम्॥ एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु वज्रांगः प्रणतो वाक्यमब्रवीत्

tathā piturvacaḥ kāryaṁ muṁcāmuṁ putra vāsavam etacchrutvā tu vajrāṁgaḥ praṇato vākyamabravīt

"'so too should a father's word be honored — release this Vasava, my son.' Hearing this, Vajranga bowed and spoke this word —

Verse 62 (skanda.1.49.62)

न मे कृत्यमनेनास्ति मातुराज्ञा कृता मया॥ त्वं सुरासुरनाथो वै मम च प्रपितामहः

na me kṛtyamanenāsti māturājñā kṛtā mayā tvaṁ surāsuranātho vai mama ca prapitāmahaḥ

"'I have no business at all with him; I acted only at my mother's command. You are lord of gods and demons alike, and my own great-grandfather —'

Verse 63 (skanda.1.49.63)

करिष्ये त्वद्वचो देव एष मुक्तः शतक्रतुः॥ न च कांक्षे शक्रभुक्तामिमां त्रैलोक्यराजताम्

kariṣye tvadvaco deva eṣa muktaḥ śatakratuḥ na ca kāṁkṣe śakrabhuktāmimāṁ trailokyarājatām

"'I shall do your word, O god; behold, Shatakratu is now released. Nor do I desire this sovereignty over the three worlds, once enjoyed by Shakra,'

Verse 64 (skanda.1.49.64)

परभुक्ता यथा नारी परभुक्तामिवस्रजम्॥ यच्च त्रिभुवनेष्वस्ति सारं तन्मम कथ्यताम्

parabhuktā yathā nārī parabhuktāmivasrajam yacca tribhuvaneṣvasti sāraṁ tanmama kathyatām

"'any more than one takes a woman already enjoyed by another, or a garland already worn by another. Tell me instead whatever is truly the essence of the three worlds — that alone tell me.'"

Verse 65 (skanda.1.49.65)

॥ब्रह्मोवाच॥ तपसो न परं किंचित्तपो हि महतां धनम्॥ तपसा प्राप्यते सर्वं तपोयोग्योऽसि पुत्रक

brahmovāca tapaso na paraṁ kiṁcittapo hi mahatāṁ dhanam tapasā prāpyate sarvaṁ tapoyogyo'si putraka

Brahma said: "Nothing exists higher than austerity — austerity alone is the wealth of the great. Through austerity everything is attained; you, my son, are fit for austerity."

Verse 66 (skanda.1.49.66)

॥वज्रांग उवाच॥ तपसे मे रतिर्देव न विघ्नं तत्र मे भवेत्॥ त्वत्प्रसादेन भगवन्नित्युक्त्वा विरराम सः

vajrāṁga uvāca tapase me ratirdeva na vighnaṁ tatra me bhavet tvatprasādena bhagavannityuktvā virarāma saḥ

Vajranga said: "My delight, O god, lies in austerity; let nothing obstruct it. By your grace, O blessed one" — having said this, he fell silent.

Verse 67 (skanda.1.49.67)

॥ब्रह्मोवाच॥ क्रूरभावं परित्यज्य यदीच्छसि तपः सुत॥ अनया चित्तबुद्ध्या तत्त्वयाप्तं जन्मनः फलम्

brahmovāca krūrabhāvaṁ parityajya yadīcchasi tapaḥ suta anayā cittabuddhyā tattvayāptaṁ janmanaḥ phalam

Brahma said: "If, son, you desire austerity, having cast off all cruelty of mind — with this very resolve of heart, you have already won the true fruit of your birth."

Verse 68 (skanda.1.49.68)

इत्युक्त्वा पद्मजः कन्यां ससर्ज्जयतलोचनाम्॥ तामस्मै प्रददौ देवः पत्न्यर्थं पद्मसंभवः

ityuktvā padmajaḥ kanyāṁ sasarjjayatalocanām tāmasmai pradadau devaḥ patnyarthaṁ padmasaṁbhavaḥ

Having said this, the Lotus-born fashioned a beautiful-eyed maiden; and that god sprung from the lotus gave her to him as a wife.

Verse 69 (skanda.1.49.69)

वरांगीति च नामास्याः कृतवांश्च पितामहः॥ जगाम च ततो ब्रह्मा कश्यपेन समं दिवम्

varāṁgīti ca nāmāsyāḥ kṛtavāṁśca pitāmahaḥ jagāma ca tato brahmā kaśyapena samaṁ divam

The Grandsire gave her the name Varangi. Then Brahma, together with Kashyapa, went on to heaven,

Verse 70 (skanda.1.49.70)

वज्रांगोऽपि तया सार्धं जगाम तपसे वनम्॥ ऊर्द्धूबाहुः स दैत्येंद्रोऽतिष्ठदब्दसहस्रकम्

vajrāṁgo'pi tayā sārdhaṁ jagāma tapase vanam ūrddhūbāhuḥ sa daityeṁdro'tiṣṭhadabdasahasrakam

and Vajranga too, together with her, went to the forest for austerity. That lord of the Daityas, his arms raised aloft, remained a thousand years,

Verse 71 (skanda.1.49.71)

कालं कमलपत्राक्षः शुद्धबुद्धिर्महातपाः॥ तावानधोमुखः कालं तावत्पंचाग्निसाधकः

kālaṁ kamalapatrākṣaḥ śuddhabuddhirmahātapāḥ tāvānadhomukhaḥ kālaṁ tāvatpaṁcāgnisādhakaḥ

lotus-eyed, pure of mind, a great ascetic. For that same span, head bowed downward, and for that same span practicing the five-fire discipline,

Verse 72 (skanda.1.49.72)

निराहारो घोरतपास्तपोराशिरजायत॥ ततः सोंऽतर्जले चक्रे कालं वर्षसहस्रकम्

nirāhāro ghoratapāstaporāśirajāyata tataḥ soṁ'tarjale cakre kālaṁ varṣasahasrakam

fasting, of terrible austerity, he became a very mountain of penance. Then he spent a thousand more years submerged within the water,

Verse 73 (skanda.1.49.73)

जलांतरप्रविष्टस्य तस्य पत्नी महाव्रता॥ तस्यैव तीरे सरसस्तत्परा मौनमाश्रिता

jalāṁtarapraviṣṭasya tasya patnī mahāvratā tasyaiva tīre sarasastatparā maunamāśritā

and, while he lay submerged there, his wife, of great vow, devoted to that same discipline, kept a vow of silence upon the shore of that very lake.

Verse 74 (skanda.1.49.74)

निराहारं पतिं मत्वा तपस्तेपे पतिव्रता॥ तस्यास्तपसि वर्तंत्या इंद्रश्चक्रे विभीषिकाम्

nirāhāraṁ patiṁ matvā tapastepe pativratā tasyāstapasi vartaṁtyā iṁdraścakre vibhīṣikām

Believing her fasting husband to be so occupied, that devoted wife herself began to practice austerity too. While she was thus engaged, Indra contrived a terror —

Verse 75 (skanda.1.49.75)

भूत्वा तु मर्कटाकारस्तस्याअभ्याशमागतः॥ अपविध्य दृशं तस्या मूत्रविष्ठे चकार सः

bhūtvā tu markaṭākārastasyāabhyāśamāgataḥ apavidhya dṛśaṁ tasyā mūtraviṣṭhe cakāra saḥ

taking the form of a monkey, he came near her; casting his gaze upon her, he fouled her with urine and filth,

Verse 76 (skanda.1.49.76)

तथा विलोलवसनां विलोलवदनां तथा॥ विलोलकेशां तां चक्रे विधित्सुस्तपसः क्षतिम्

tathā vilolavasanāṁ vilolavadanāṁ tathā vilolakeśāṁ tāṁ cakre vidhitsustapasaḥ kṣatim

and disheveled her garments, disheveled her face, and disheveled her hair as well, wishing to injure her austerity.

Verse 77 (skanda.1.49.77)

ततश्च मेषरूपेण क्लेशं तस्याश्चकार सः॥ ततो भुजंगरूपेण बद्धा चरणयोर्द्वयोः

tataśca meṣarūpeṇa kleśaṁ tasyāścakāra saḥ tato bhujaṁgarūpeṇa baddhā caraṇayordvayoḥ

Then, taking the form of a ram, he caused her further distress; then, in the form of a serpent, binding both her feet,

Verse 78 (skanda.1.49.78)

अपाकर्षत दूरं स तस्माद्देवभृतस्तथा॥ तपोबालाच्च सा तस्य न वध्यत्वं जगाम ह

apākarṣata dūraṁ sa tasmāddevabhṛtastathā tapobālācca sā tasya na vadhyatvaṁ jagāma ha

he dragged her far off, that god-driven creature; yet through the strength of her own austerity, she was never brought low by him.

Verse 79 (skanda.1.49.79)

क्षमया च महाभागा क्रोधमण्वपि नाकरोत्॥ ततो गोमायुरूपेण तमदूषयदाश्रमम्

kṣamayā ca mahābhāgā krodhamaṇvapi nākarot tato gomāyurūpeṇa tamadūṣayadāśramam

And that most blessed woman, through pure forbearance, felt not the smallest anger. Then, taking the form of a jackal, he defiled her hermitage,

Verse 80 (skanda.1.49.80)

अग्निरूपेण तस्याश्च स ददाह महाश्रमम्॥ चकर्ष वायुरूपेण महोग्रेण च तां शुभाम्॥ एवं सिहवृकाद्याभिर्भीषिकाभिः पुनःपुनः

agnirūpeṇa tasyāśca sa dadāha mahāśramam cakarṣa vāyurūpeṇa mahogreṇa ca tāṁ śubhām evaṁ sihavṛkādyābhirbhīṣikābhiḥ punaḥpunaḥ

and, taking the form of fire, burned down that great hermitage; and, in a violent gale, he swept that auspicious woman off — and so, again and again, through terrors in the shape of lion, wolf, and the like,

Verse 81 (skanda.1.49.81)

विरराम यदा नैव वज्रांगमहिषी तदा॥ शैलस्य दुष्टतां मत्वा शापं दातुं व्यवस्यत

virarāma yadā naiva vajrāṁgamahiṣī tadā śailasya duṣṭatāṁ matvā śāpaṁ dātuṁ vyavasyata

when even so Vajranga's queen would not falter, she came to blame a nearby mountain for its wickedness, and resolved to curse it.

Verse 82 (skanda.1.49.82)

तां शापाभिमुखीं दृष्ट्वा शैलः पुरुषाविग्रहः॥ उवाच तां वरारोहां त्वरयाथ सुलोचनाम्

tāṁ śāpābhimukhīṁ dṛṣṭvā śailaḥ puruṣāvigrahaḥ uvāca tāṁ varārohāṁ tvarayātha sulocanām

Seeing her ready to pronounce that curse, the mountain, taking on a human form, spoke swiftly to that fair-limbed, lovely-eyed woman —

Verse 83 (skanda.1.49.83)

॥शैल उवाच॥ नाहं महाव्रते दुष्टः सेव्योऽहं सर्वदेहिनाम्॥ अतिखेदं करोत्येष ततः क्रुद्धस्तु वृत्रहा

śaila uvāca nāhaṁ mahāvrate duṣṭaḥ sevyo'haṁ sarvadehinām atikhedaṁ karotyeṣa tataḥ kruddhastu vṛtrahā

The Mountain said: "I am not wicked, O woman of great vow; I am one who serves all beings." At this she was overcome with distress; then Vritra's slayer, enraged...

Verse 84 (skanda.1.49.84)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे जातः कालो वर्षसहस्रिकः॥ तस्मिन्याते स भगवान्काले कमलसंभवः

etasminnaṁtare jātaḥ kālo varṣasahasrikaḥ tasminyāte sa bhagavānkāle kamalasaṁbhavaḥ

Meanwhile a full thousand years had passed; and when that time had gone by, the blessed Lotus-born,

Verse 85 (skanda.1.49.85)

तुष्टः प्रोवाच वज्रांगं तमागम्य जलाशये

tuṣṭaḥ provāca vajrāṁgaṁ tamāgamya jalāśaye

well pleased, went to that lake and spoke to Vajranga —

Verse 86 (skanda.1.49.86)

॥ब्रह्मोवाच॥ ददामि सर्वकामांस्ते उत्तिष्ठ दितिनन्दन॥ एवमुक्तस्तदोत्थाय दैत्येंद्रस्तपसो निधिः॥ उवाच प्रांजलिर्वाक्यं सर्वलोकपितामहम्

brahmovāca dadāmi sarvakāmāṁste uttiṣṭha ditinandana evamuktastadotthāya daityeṁdrastapaso nidhiḥ uvāca prāṁjalirvākyaṁ sarvalokapitāmaham

Brahma said: "I grant you every desire — rise, O joy of Diti!" Thus addressed, that treasury of austerity, lord of the Daityas, rose up, and, hands folded, spoke this word to the grandsire of every world —

Verse 87 (skanda.1.49.87)

॥वज्रांग उवाच॥ आसुरो मेऽस्तु मा भावः शक्रराज्ये च मा रतिः॥ तपोधर्मरतिश्चास्तु वृणोम्येतत्पितामह

vajrāṁga uvāca āsuro me'stu mā bhāvaḥ śakrarājye ca mā ratiḥ tapodharmaratiścāstu vṛṇomyetatpitāmaha

Vajranga said: "Let there be no demonic nature in me, no delight in Shakra's rule; let there be only delight in dharma and austerity — this alone I choose, O grandfather."

Verse 88 (skanda.1.49.88)

एवमस्त्विति तं ब्रह्मा प्राह विस्मितमानसः॥ उपेक्षते च शक्रं स भाव्यर्थं कोऽतिवर्तते

evamastviti taṁ brahmā prāha vismitamānasaḥ upekṣate ca śakraṁ sa bhāvyarthaṁ ko'tivartate

"So be it," said Brahma, astonished in his own mind. He disregards even Shakra's throne — yet who indeed can override what is destined to be?

Verse 89 (skanda.1.49.89)

ऋषयो मनुजा देवाः शिवब्रह्ममुखा अपि॥ भाव्यर्थं नाति वर्तंते वेलामिव महोदधिः

ṛṣayo manujā devāḥ śivabrahmamukhā api bhāvyarthaṁ nāti vartaṁte velāmiva mahodadhiḥ

Sages, men, and gods, even Shiva and Brahma themselves, never transgress what is destined, just as the great ocean never oversteps its own shore.

Verse 90 (skanda.1.49.90)

इति चिंत्य विरिंचोऽपि तत्रैवांतरधीयत॥ वज्रांगोऽपि समाप्ते तु तपसि स्थिरसंयमः

iti ciṁtya viriṁco'pi tatraivāṁtaradhīyata vajrāṁgo'pi samāpte tu tapasi sthirasaṁyamaḥ

Reflecting thus, Virinchi too vanished from that place. And Vajranga too, his austerity now complete, his self-mastery unshaken,

Verse 91 (skanda.1.49.91)

आहारमिच्छन्स्वां भार्यां न ददर्शाश्रमे स्वके॥ भार्याहीनोऽफलश्चेति स संचिंत्य इतस्ततः

āhāramicchansvāṁ bhāryāṁ na dadarśāśrame svake bhāryāhīno'phalaśceti sa saṁciṁtya itastataḥ

desiring food, could not find his wife in his own hermitage. Thinking, "Without a wife I am without fruit," he looked about him,

Verse 92 (skanda.1.49.92)

विलोकयन्स्वकां भार्यां विधित्सुः कर्म नैत्यकम्॥ विलोकयन्ददर्शाथ इहामुत्र सहयिनीम्

vilokayansvakāṁ bhāryāṁ vidhitsuḥ karma naityakam vilokayandadarśātha ihāmutra sahayinīm

searching for his wife, wishing to perform his daily rites; and searching, he at last beheld his own companion,

Verse 93 (skanda.1.49.93)

रुदन्तीं स्वां प्रियां दीनां तरुप्रच्छादिताननाम्॥ तां विलोक्य ततो दैत्यः प्रोवाच परिसांत्वयन्

rudantīṁ svāṁ priyāṁ dīnāṁ tarupracchāditānanām tāṁ vilokya tato daityaḥ provāca parisāṁtvayan

his dear wife, weeping, wretched, her face hidden behind a tree. Seeing her thus, that Daitya spoke to her, comforting her —

Verse 94 (skanda.1.49.94)

॥वज्रांग उवाच॥ केन तेऽपकृतं भीरु वर्तंत्यास्तपसि स्वके॥ कथं रोदिषि वा बाले मयि जीवति भर्तरि॥ कं वा कामं प्रयच्छामि शीघ्रं प्रब्रूहि भामिनि

vajrāṁga uvāca kena te'pakṛtaṁ bhīru vartaṁtyāstapasi svake kathaṁ rodiṣi vā bāle mayi jīvati bhartari kaṁ vā kāmaṁ prayacchāmi śīghraṁ prabrūhi bhāmini

Vajranga said: "Who has wronged you, timid one, while you were engaged in your own austerity? Why do you weep, child, when your husband still lives? Tell me quickly, fair one — what wish shall I now grant you?"

Verse 95 (skanda.1.49.95)

गृहेश्वरीं सद्गुणभूषितां शुभां पंग्वंधयोगेन पतिं समेताम्॥ न लालयेत्पूरयेन्नैव कामं स किं पुमान्न पुमान्मे मतोस्ति

gṛheśvarīṁ sadguṇabhūṣitāṁ śubhāṁ paṁgvaṁdhayogena patiṁ sametām na lālayetpūrayennaiva kāmaṁ sa kiṁ pumānna pumānme matosti

A mistress of the house, adorned with every virtue, auspicious, joined to her husband as the lame is joined to the blind — if he does not cherish her, does not fulfill her desire, is such a man truly a man at all? To me he seems no man."