The Wedding Festival of Shri Mahadeva

Verse 1 (skanda.1.60.1)

॥अर्जुन उवाच॥ देवर्षे वर्ण्यते चेयं कथा पीयूषसोदरा॥ पुनरेतन्मुने ब्रूहि यदा वेत्ति महेश्वरः

arjuna uvāca devarṣe varṇyate ceyaṁ kathā pīyūṣasodarā punaretanmune brūhi yadā vetti maheśvaraḥ

Arjuna said: O divine sage, this story you tell is like the very sibling of nectar; tell me this again, O sage — when did Maheshvara come to know what had happened?

Verse 2 (skanda.1.60.2)

भगवान्स्वां सतीं भार्यां वधार्थं चापि तारकम्॥ सत्याश्च विरहात्तप्यन्ददाह किमसौ स्मरम्

bhagavānsvāṁ satīṁ bhāryāṁ vadhārthaṁ cāpi tārakam satyāśca virahāttapyandadāha kimasau smaram

Did the blessed Lord, thinking of his own wife Sati and of Taraka's slaying, tormented by separation from Sati, burn Smara for this reason?

Verse 3 (skanda.1.60.3)

त्वयैवोक्तं स विरहात्सत्यास्तप्यति वै तपः॥ हिमाद्रिमास्थितो देवस्तस्याः संगमवांछया

tvayaivoktaṁ sa virahātsatyāstapyati vai tapaḥ himādrimāsthito devastasyāḥ saṁgamavāṁchayā

You yourself have said that, out of separation from Sati, he performs austerity indeed; the god, established on the Himalaya, out of desire for union with her —

Verse 4 (skanda.1.60.4)

॥नारद उवाच॥ सत्यमेतत्पुरा पार्थ भवस्येदं मनीषितम्॥ अतप्ततपसा योगो न कर्तव्यो मयाऽनया

nārada uvāca satyametatpurā pārtha bhavasyedaṁ manīṣitam ataptatapasā yogo na kartavyo mayā'nayā

Narada said: True is this, O Partha; this was formerly Bhava's own resolve: 'Union should not be made by me with her whose austerity is not yet fully accomplished.'

Verse 5 (skanda.1.60.5)

तपो विना शुद्धदेहो न कथंचन जायते॥ असुद्धदेहेन समं संयोगो नैव दैहिकः

tapo vinā śuddhadeho na kathaṁcana jāyate asuddhadehena samaṁ saṁyogo naiva daihikaḥ

'Without austerity, a purified body is never brought about in any way; and union of bodies is never rightly made with an impure body.'

Verse 6 (skanda.1.60.6)

महत्कर्माणि यानीह तेषां मूलं सदा तपः॥ नातप्ततपसां सिद्धिर्महत्कर्माणि यांति वै

mahatkarmāṇi yānīha teṣāṁ mūlaṁ sadā tapaḥ nātaptatapasāṁ siddhirmahatkarmāṇi yāṁti vai

'Whatever great deeds there are in this world, austerity is ever their root; for those who have not performed austerity, no accomplishment, no great deeds, come to pass.'

Verse 7 (skanda.1.60.7)

एतस्मात्कारणाद्देवो दर्पितं तं ददाह तु॥ ततो दग्धे स्मरे चापि पार्वतीमपि व्रीतिताम्

etasmātkāraṇāddevo darpitaṁ taṁ dadāha tu tato dagdhe smare cāpi pārvatīmapi vrītitām

For this very reason, the god burned that arrogant one. Then, when Smara had been burnt, Parvati too, filled with shame,

Verse 8 (skanda.1.60.8)

विहाय सगणो देवः कैलासं समपद्यत॥ देवी च परमोद्विग्ना प्रस्खलंती पदेपदे

vihāya sagaṇo devaḥ kailāsaṁ samapadyata devī ca paramodvignā praskhalaṁtī padepade

was left behind — and the god, together with his hosts, departed for Kailasa. And the goddess, utterly distressed, stumbling at every step,

Verse 9 (skanda.1.60.9)

जीवितं स्वं विनिंदंती बभ्रामेतस्ततश्चसा॥ हिमाद्रिरपि स्वे श्रृंगे रुदतीं पृष्टवान्रतिम्

jīvitaṁ svaṁ viniṁdaṁtī babhrāmetastataścasā himādrirapi sve śrṛṁge rudatīṁ pṛṣṭavānratim

reviling her own life, wandered here and there. And the Himalaya too, on his own peak, questioned Rati, who was weeping there —

Verse 10 (skanda.1.60.10)

कासि कस्यासि कल्याणि किमर्थं चापि रोदिषि॥ पृष्टा सा च रतिः सर्वं यथावृत्तं न्यवेदयत्

kāsi kasyāsi kalyāṇi kimarthaṁ cāpi rodiṣi pṛṣṭā sā ca ratiḥ sarvaṁ yathāvṛttaṁ nyavedayat

'Who are you? Whose are you, O auspicious one? And why do you weep?' Thus asked, Rati related the entire matter just as it had happened.

Verse 11 (skanda.1.60.11)

निवेदिते तथा रत्या शैलः संभ्रांतमानसः॥ प्राप्य स्वां तनयां पाणावादायागात्स्वकं पुरम्

nivedite tathā ratyā śailaḥ saṁbhrāṁtamānasaḥ prāpya svāṁ tanayāṁ pāṇāvādāyāgātsvakaṁ puram

When Rati had thus related it, the mountain, his mind bewildered, having found his own daughter, took her by the hand and went to his own city.

Verse 12 (skanda.1.60.12)

सा तत्र पितरौ प्राह सखीनां वदनेन च॥ दुर्भगेन शरीरेण किमनेन हि कारणम्

sā tatra pitarau prāha sakhīnāṁ vadanena ca durbhagena śarīreṇa kimanena hi kāraṇam

There she said to her parents, and through the mouths of her companions too: 'What is the use, indeed, of this unfortunate body?'

Verse 13 (skanda.1.60.13)

देहवासं परित्यक्ष्ये प्राप्स्ये वाभिमतं पतिम्॥ असाध्यं चाप्यभीष्टं च कथं प्राप्यं तपो विना

dehavāsaṁ parityakṣye prāpsye vābhimataṁ patim asādhyaṁ cāpyabhīṣṭaṁ ca kathaṁ prāpyaṁ tapo vinā

'I shall abandon this bodily dwelling, or else obtain the husband I desire. And how can what is unattainable yet desired be obtained, without austerity?'

Verse 14 (skanda.1.60.14)

नियमैर्विविधैस्तस्माच्छोषयिष्ये कलेवरम्॥ अनुजानीत मां तत्र यदि वः करुणा मयि

niyamairvividhaistasmācchoṣayiṣye kalevaram anujānīta māṁ tatra yadi vaḥ karuṇā mayi

'Therefore, through various vows, I shall waste away this body. Give me your leave for this, if you have any compassion for me.'

Verse 15 (skanda.1.60.15)

श्रुत्वेति वचनं माता पिता च प्राह तां शुभाम्॥ उ मेति चपले पुत्रि न क्षमं तावकं वपुः

śrutveti vacanaṁ mātā pitā ca prāha tāṁ śubhām u meti capale putri na kṣamaṁ tāvakaṁ vapuḥ

Hearing this speech, her mother and father said to that auspicious one: 'Oh, don't (U mā), fickle daughter — your body is not capable —'

Verse 16 (skanda.1.60.16)

सोढुं क्लेशात्मरूपस्य तपसः सौम्यदर्शने॥ भावीन्यप्यनि वार्याणि वस्तूनि च सदैव तु

soḍhuṁ kleśātmarūpasya tapasaḥ saumyadarśane bhāvīnyapyani vāryāṇi vastūni ca sadaiva tu

'— O gentle-faced one, to endure the hardship that is austerity's very nature. Yet the things that are destined are, indeed, ever unpreventable —'

Verse 17 (skanda.1.60.17)

भाविनोर्था भवंत्येव नरस्यानिच्छतोपि हि॥ तस्मान्न तपसा तेऽस्ति बाले किंचित्प्रयोजनम्

bhāvinorthā bhavaṁtyeva narasyānicchatopi hi tasmānna tapasā te'sti bāle kiṁcitprayojanam

'— what is destined comes to pass for a man even against his will. Therefore, child, austerity is of no use whatsoever for you.'

Verse 18 (skanda.1.60.18)

॥श्रीदेव्युवाच॥ यदिदं भवतो वाक्यं न सम्यगिति मे मतिः॥ केवलं न हि दैवेन प्राप्तुमर्थो हि शक्यते

śrīdevyuvāca yadidaṁ bhavato vākyaṁ na samyagiti me matiḥ kevalaṁ na hi daivena prāptumartho hi śakyate

The blessed Goddess said: 'This speech of yours, I think, is not quite right. For an end cannot be attained by fate alone.'

Verse 19 (skanda.1.60.19)

त्किंचिद्दैवाद्धठात्किंचित्किंचिदेव स्वभावतः॥ पुरुषः फलमाप्नोति चतुर्थं नात्र कारणम्

tkiṁciddaivāddhaṭhātkiṁcitkiṁcideva svabhāvataḥ puruṣaḥ phalamāpnoti caturthaṁ nātra kāraṇam

'A man obtains his result partly through fate, partly through forceful effort, and partly through his own nature; there is no fourth cause here.'

Verse 20 (skanda.1.60.20)

ब्रह्मणा चापि ब्रह्मत्वं प्राप्तं किलतपोबलात्॥ अन्यैरपि च यल्लब्धं तन्नसंख्यातुमुत्सहे

brahmaṇā cāpi brahmatvaṁ prāptaṁ kilatapobalāt anyairapi ca yallabdhaṁ tannasaṁkhyātumutsahe

'Even Brahma attained his Brahma-hood through the power of austerity; and what has been obtained by others too, I would not even attempt to enumerate.'

Verse 21 (skanda.1.60.21)

अध्रुवेण शरीरेण यद्यभीष्टं न साध्यते॥ पश्चात्स शोच्यते मंदः पतितेऽस्मिञ्छरीरके

adhruveṇa śarīreṇa yadyabhīṣṭaṁ na sādhyate paścātsa śocyate maṁdaḥ patite'smiñcharīrake

'If, with this impermanent body, what is desired is not accomplished, then afterward, when this body has fallen, that dull man is only to be pitied.'

Verse 22 (skanda.1.60.22)

यस्य देहस्य धर्मोऽयं क्वचिज्जायेत्क्वचिन्म्रियेत्॥ क्वचिद्गर्भगतं नश्येज्जातमात्रं क्वचित्तथा

yasya dehasya dharmo'yaṁ kvacijjāyetkvacinmriyet kvacidgarbhagataṁ naśyejjātamātraṁ kvacittathā

'This is the very nature of the body: sometimes it is born, sometimes it dies; sometimes it perishes while still in the womb, and sometimes just as it is born.'

Verse 23 (skanda.1.60.23)

बाल्ये च यौवने चापि वार्धक्येपि विनश्यति॥ तेन चंचलदेहेन कोऽर्थः स्वार्थो न चेद्भवेत्

bālye ca yauvane cāpi vārdhakyepi vinaśyati tena caṁcaladehena ko'rthaḥ svārtho na cedbhavet

'It perishes in childhood, in youth, and in old age too. What use, then, is this fickle body, if it does not serve one's own true purpose?'

Verse 24 (skanda.1.60.24)

इत्युक्त्वा स्वसखीयुक्ता पितृभ्यां साश्रु वीक्षिता॥ श्रृंगं हिमवतः पुण्यं नानाश्चर्यं जगाम सा

ityuktvā svasakhīyuktā pitṛbhyāṁ sāśru vīkṣitā śrṛṁgaṁ himavataḥ puṇyaṁ nānāścaryaṁ jagāma sā

Having said this, watched by her parents with tearful eyes, accompanied by her companions, she went to a sacred, wonder-filled peak of the Himalaya.

Verse 25 (skanda.1.60.25)

तत्रां बराणि संत्यज्य भूषणानि च शैलजा॥ संवीता वल्कलैर्दिव्यैस्तपोऽतप्यत संयता

tatrāṁ barāṇi saṁtyajya bhūṣaṇāni ca śailajā saṁvītā valkalairdivyaistapo'tapyata saṁyatā

There, having given up her fine garments and ornaments, the mountain-born, clad in celestial bark-garments, self-restrained, performed austerity.

Verse 26 (skanda.1.60.26)

ईश्वरं हृदि संस्थाप्य प्रणवाभ्यसनादृता॥ मुनीनामप्य भून्मान्या तदानीं पार्थ पार्वती

īśvaraṁ hṛdi saṁsthāpya praṇavābhyasanādṛtā munīnāmapya bhūnmānyā tadānīṁ pārtha pārvatī

Establishing the Lord in her heart, devoted to the practice of the sacred syllable Om, Parvati then, O Partha, became worthy of honor even among sages.

Verse 27 (skanda.1.60.27)

त्रिस्नाता पाटलापत्रभक्षकाभूच्छतं समाः॥ शंत च बिल्वपत्रेण शीर्णोन कृतभोजना

trisnātā pāṭalāpatrabhakṣakābhūcchataṁ samāḥ śaṁta ca bilvapatreṇa śīrṇona kṛtabhojanā

Bathing three times daily, she lived a hundred years eating only pink-lotus leaves; then, for a further period, she took her meals on withered bilva leaves.

Verse 28 (skanda.1.60.28)

जलभक्षा शतं चाभूच्छतं वै वायुभोजना॥ ततो नियममादाय पादांगुष्ठस्थिताभवत्

jalabhakṣā śataṁ cābhūcchataṁ vai vāyubhojanā tato niyamamādāya pādāṁguṣṭhasthitābhavat

For a hundred years she lived on water alone, and for a hundred years on air alone. Then, undertaking a further vow, she stood upon the tip of her big toe.

Verse 29 (skanda.1.60.29)

निराहारा ततस्तापं प्रापुस्तत्तपसो जनाः॥ ततो जगत्समालोक्य तदीयतपसोर्जितम्

nirāhārā tatastāpaṁ prāpustattapaso janāḥ tato jagatsamālokya tadīyatapasorjitam

Living without any food, the people began to feel the heat of her austerity. Then, beholding the world scorched by the power of her austerity,

Verse 30 (skanda.1.60.30)

हरस्तत्राययौ साक्षाद्ब्रह्मचारिवपुर्द्धरः॥ वसानो वल्कलं दिव्यं रौरवाजिनसंवृतः

harastatrāyayau sākṣādbrahmacārivapurddharaḥ vasāno valkalaṁ divyaṁ rauravājinasaṁvṛtaḥ

Hara himself came there, in person, bearing the form of a celibate student, wearing celestial bark-garments, covered with the hide of the ruru deer,

Verse 31 (skanda.1.60.31)

सुलक्षणाषाढधरः सद्वृत्तः प्रति भानवान्॥ ततस्तं पूजयामासुस्तत्सख्यो बहुमानतः

sulakṣaṇāṣāḍhadharaḥ sadvṛttaḥ prati bhānavān tatastaṁ pūjayāmāsustatsakhyo bahumānataḥ

carrying a fine staff of good marks, of excellent conduct, radiant. Then her companions honored him with great respect,

Verse 32 (skanda.1.60.32)

वक्तुमिच्छुः शैलपुत्रीं सखीभिरिति चोदितः॥ ब्रह्मन्नियं महाभागा गृहीतनियमा शुभा

vaktumicchuḥ śailaputrīṁ sakhībhiriti coditaḥ brahmanniyaṁ mahābhāgā gṛhītaniyamā śubhā

— he, wishing to speak with the mountain's daughter, was addressed thus by her companions: 'O Brahmin, this most fortunate, auspicious lady has taken up her vow —'

Verse 33 (skanda.1.60.33)

मुहूर्तपंचमात्रेण नियमोऽस्याः समाप्यते॥ तत्प्रतीक्षस्व तं कालं पश्चादस्मत्सखीसमम्

muhūrtapaṁcamātreṇa niyamo'syāḥ samāpyate tatpratīkṣasva taṁ kālaṁ paścādasmatsakhīsamam

'— her observance will conclude in just about five muhurtas; wait, then, for that time, and afterward, with our friend here,'

Verse 34 (skanda.1.60.34)

नानाविदा धर्मवार्ताः प्रकरिष्यसि ब्राह्मण॥ इत्युक्त्वा विजयाद्यास्ता देवीचरितवर्णनैः

nānāvidā dharmavārtāḥ prakariṣyasi brāhmaṇa ityuktvā vijayādyāstā devīcaritavarṇanaiḥ

'— you may, O Brahmin, hold varied discourses on dharma.' Having said this, Vijaya and the other companions, with narrations of the goddess's deeds,

Verse 35 (skanda.1.60.35)

अश्रुमुख्यो द्विजस्याग्रे निन्युः कालं च तं तदा॥ ततः काले किंचिदूने ब्रह्मचारी महामतिः

aśrumukhyo dvijasyāgre ninyuḥ kālaṁ ca taṁ tadā tataḥ kāle kiṁcidūne brahmacārī mahāmatiḥ

their faces streaked with tears, passed that time before the Brahmin. Then, when the time was somewhat short of complete, the wise Brahmachari,

Verse 36 (skanda.1.60.36)

विलोकनमिषेणागादाश्रमोपस्थितं ह्रदम्॥ निपपात च तत्रासौ चुक्रोशातितरां ततः

vilokanamiṣeṇāgādāśramopasthitaṁ hradam nipapāta ca tatrāsau cukrośātitarāṁ tataḥ

under the pretext of sightseeing, went to a pool located near the hermitage; and there he fell in, and then cried out most loudly,

Verse 37 (skanda.1.60.37)

अहमत्र निमज्जामि कोऽपि मामुद्धरेत भोः॥ इति तारेण क्रोशंतं श्रुत्वा तं विजयादिकाः

ahamatra nimajjāmi ko'pi māmuddhareta bhoḥ iti tāreṇa krośaṁtaṁ śrutvā taṁ vijayādikāḥ

'I am drowning here! Will someone not rescue me?' Hearing him crying out loudly thus, Vijaya and the others,

Verse 38 (skanda.1.60.38)

आजग्मुस्त्वरया युक्ता ददुस्तस्मै करं च ताः॥ स चुक्रोश ततो गाढं दूरेदूरे पुनःपुनः

ājagmustvarayā yuktā dadustasmai karaṁ ca tāḥ sa cukrośa tato gāḍhaṁ dūredūre punaḥpunaḥ

came hastening to him and offered him their hand; but he cried out again and again, more loudly each time, drawing further away —

Verse 39 (skanda.1.60.39)

नाहं स्पृशाम्यसंसिद्धां म्रिये वा नानृतं त्विदम्॥ ततः समाप्तनियमा पार्वती स्वयमाययौ

nāhaṁ spṛśāmyasaṁsiddhāṁ mriye vā nānṛtaṁ tvidam tataḥ samāptaniyamā pārvatī svayamāyayau

'I will not touch one whose vow is unaccomplished, even if I die — this is no lie!' Then Parvati, her vow now completed, came herself,

Verse 40 (skanda.1.60.40)

सव्यं करं ददावस्य तं चासौ नाभ्यनन्दत॥ भद्रे यच्छुचि नैव स्याद्यच्चैवावज्ञया कृतम्

savyaṁ karaṁ dadāvasya taṁ cāsau nābhyanandata bhadre yacchuci naiva syādyaccaivāvajñayā kṛtam

and gave him her right hand; but he did not welcome it, saying: 'O gracious one, that which is not pure, and that which is done with disrespect —'

Verse 41 (skanda.1.60.41)

सदोषेण कृतं यच्च तदादद्यान्न कर्हिचित्॥ सव्यं चाशुचि ते हस्तं नावलंबामि कर्हिचित्

sadoṣeṇa kṛtaṁ yacca tadādadyānna karhicit savyaṁ cāśuci te hastaṁ nāvalaṁbāmi karhicit

'— and that which is done with a fault, one should never accept. Your right hand is impure — I shall never take hold of it.'

Verse 42 (skanda.1.60.42)

इत्युक्ता पार्वती प्राह नाहं दत्तं च दक्षिणम्॥ ददामि कस्यचिद्विप्र देवदेवाय कल्पितम्

ityuktā pārvatī prāha nāhaṁ dattaṁ ca dakṣiṇam dadāmi kasyacidvipra devadevāya kalpitam

Thus addressed, Parvati said: 'My right hand, once given, I do not give to just anyone, O Brahmin — it is reserved for the god of gods.'

Verse 43 (skanda.1.60.43)

दक्षिणं मे करं देवो ग्रहीता भव एव च॥ शीर्यते चोग्रतपसा सत्यमेतन्मयोदितम्

dakṣiṇaṁ me karaṁ devo grahītā bhava eva ca śīryate cogratapasā satyametanmayoditam

'My right hand shall be taken by none but the god Bhava himself; and it wastes away now through fierce austerity — this that I have said is the truth.'

Verse 44 (skanda.1.60.44)

॥विप्र उवाच॥ यद्येवमवलेपस्ते गमनं केन वार्यते॥ यथा तव प्रतिज्ञेयं ममापीयं तथाचला

vipra uvāca yadyevamavalepaste gamanaṁ kena vāryate yathā tava pratijñeyaṁ mamāpīyaṁ tathācalā

The Brahmin said: 'If this is so much your pride, then what prevents you from simply leaving? Just as this is your firm vow, so too, immovably, is mine —'

Verse 45 (skanda.1.60.45)

रुद्रस्यापि वयं मान्याः कीदृशं ते तपो वद॥ विषमस्थं यत्र विप्रं म्रियमाणमुपेक्षसि

rudrasyāpi vayaṁ mānyāḥ kīdṛśaṁ te tapo vada viṣamasthaṁ yatra vipraṁ mriyamāṇamupekṣasi

'— we too are honored even by Rudra! Tell me, what sort of austerity is this of yours, in which you disregard a Brahmin in danger, on the point of death?'

Verse 46 (skanda.1.60.46)

अवजा नासि विप्रांस्त्वं तच्छीघ्रं व्रज दर्शनात्॥ यदि वा मन्यसे पूज्यांस्ततोऽभ्युद्धर नान्यथा

avajā nāsi viprāṁstvaṁ tacchīghraṁ vraja darśanāt yadi vā manyase pūjyāṁstato'bhyuddhara nānyathā

'You show contempt for Brahmins — so go quickly, out of my sight! Or, if you consider them worthy of honor, then rescue me — there is no other way.'

Verse 47 (skanda.1.60.47)

ततो विचार्य बहुधा इति चेति च सा शुभा॥ विप्रस्योद्धरणं सर्वधर्मेभ्योऽमन्यताधिकम्

tato vicārya bahudhā iti ceti ca sā śubhā viprasyoddharaṇaṁ sarvadharmebhyo'manyatādhikam

Then, having reflected in many ways, back and forth, that auspicious one deemed the rescue of a Brahmin to outweigh all other dharmas.

Verse 48 (skanda.1.60.48)

ततः सा दक्षिणं दत्त्वा करं तं प्रोज्जहार च॥ नरं नारी प्रोद्धरति सज्जन्तं भववारिधौ॥ एतत्सन्दर्शनार्थाय तथा चक्रे भवोद्भवः

tataḥ sā dakṣiṇaṁ dattvā karaṁ taṁ projjahāra ca naraṁ nārī proddharati sajjantaṁ bhavavāridhau etatsandarśanārthāya tathā cakre bhavodbhavaḥ

So she, giving him her right hand, drew him out. Thus was shown that a woman may raise up a man sinking in the ocean of worldly existence — Bhava did this precisely to demonstrate that truth.

Verse 49 (skanda.1.60.49)

प्रोद्धृत्य च ततः स्नात्वा बद्ध्व योगासनं स्थिता

proddhṛtya ca tataḥ snātvā baddhva yogāsanaṁ sthitā

Having drawn him out, then, after bathing, she took her seat, binding herself in the posture of yoga.

Verse 50 (skanda.1.60.50)

ब्रह्मचारी ततः प्राह प्रहसन्किमिदं शुभे॥ कर्तुकामासि तन्वंगि दृढयोगासनस्थिता

brahmacārī tataḥ prāha prahasankimidaṁ śubhe kartukāmāsi tanvaṁgi dṛḍhayogāsanasthitā

The Brahmachari then said, laughing: 'What is this, O auspicious one? What do you intend to do, O slender-limbed one, seated so firmly in the yoga posture?'

Verse 51 (skanda.1.60.51)

देवी प्राह ज्वालयिष्ये शरीरं योगवह्निना॥ महादेवकृतमतिरुच्छिष्टाहं यतोऽभवम्

devī prāha jvālayiṣye śarīraṁ yogavahninā mahādevakṛtamatirucchiṣṭāhaṁ yato'bhavam

The goddess said: 'I shall burn this body with the fire of yoga — for, my mind set wholly upon Mahadeva, I have become, as it were, defiled by your touch.'

Verse 52 (skanda.1.60.52)

ब्रह्मचारी ततः प्राह काश्चिद्ब्राह्मणकाम्यया॥ कृत्वा वार्तास्ततः स्वीयमभीष्टं कुरु पार्वति

brahmacārī tataḥ prāha kāścidbrāhmaṇakāmyayā kṛtvā vārtāstataḥ svīyamabhīṣṭaṁ kuru pārvati

The Brahmachari then said: 'First, out of regard for a Brahmin's wish, engage in some conversation with me; only then, Parvati, do what you desire.'

Verse 53 (skanda.1.60.53)

नोपहन्यां कदाचिद्वि साधुभिर्विप्रकामना॥ धर्ममेनं मन्यसे चेन्मुहूर्तं ब्रूहि पार्वति

nopahanyāṁ kadācidvi sādhubhirviprakāmanā dharmamenaṁ manyase cenmuhūrtaṁ brūhi pārvati

'A Brahmin's wish should never be thwarted by the virtuous. If you regard this as dharma, then grant me a moment, Parvati, and speak with me.'

Verse 54 (skanda.1.60.54)

देवी प्राह ब्रूहि विप्र मुहूर्तं संस्थिता त्वहम्॥ ततः स्वयं व्रती प्राह देवीं तां स्वसखीयुताम्

devī prāha brūhi vipra muhūrtaṁ saṁsthitā tvaham tataḥ svayaṁ vratī prāha devīṁ tāṁ svasakhīyutām

The goddess said: 'Speak, O Brahmin — for a moment I shall remain.' Then the ascetic himself said to that goddess, in the presence of her companions —

Verse 55 (skanda.1.60.55)

किमर्थमिति रम्भोरु नवे वयसि दुश्चरम्॥ तपस्त्वया समारब्धं नानुरूपं विभाति मे

kimarthamiti rambhoru nave vayasi duścaram tapastvayā samārabdhaṁ nānurūpaṁ vibhāti me

'For what reason, O plantain-thighed one, have you, in the very bloom of youth, undertaken this austerity so hard to bear? It does not seem fitting to me.'

Verse 56 (skanda.1.60.56)

दुर्लभं प्राप्य मानुष्यं गिरिराजगृहेऽधुना॥ भोगांश्च दुर्लभान्देवि त्यक्त्वा किं क्लिश्यते वपुः

durlabhaṁ prāpya mānuṣyaṁ girirājagṛhe'dhunā bhogāṁśca durlabhāndevi tyaktvā kiṁ kliśyate vapuḥ

'Having obtained a rare human birth, now in the very house of the king of mountains — why, O goddess, having given up such rare pleasures, do you torment your body?'

Verse 57 (skanda.1.60.57)

अतीव दूये वीक्ष्य त्वां सुकुमारतराकृतिम्॥ अत्युग्रतपसा क्लिष्टा पद्मिनीव हिमर्दिता

atīva dūye vīkṣya tvāṁ sukumāratarākṛtim atyugratapasā kliṣṭā padminīva himarditā

'It grieves me greatly to see you, of such delicate form, worn down by such fierce austerity — like a lotus-plant crushed by frost.'

Verse 58 (skanda.1.60.58)

इदं चान्यत्त्व शुभे शिरसो रोगदं मम॥ यद्देहं त्यक्तुकामा त्वं प्रबुद्धा नासि बालिके

idaṁ cānyattva śubhe śiraso rogadaṁ mama yaddehaṁ tyaktukāmā tvaṁ prabuddhā nāsi bālike

'And this too, O auspicious one, gives me a headache — that you should wish to abandon your body; you are not truly awake to reason, my child.'

Verse 59 (skanda.1.60.59)

वामः कामो मनुष्येषु सत्यमेतद्वचो यतः॥ स्पृहणीयासि सर्वेषामेवं पीडयसे वपुः

vāmaḥ kāmo manuṣyeṣu satyametadvaco yataḥ spṛhaṇīyāsi sarveṣāmevaṁ pīḍayase vapuḥ

'Desire among men is perverse — this saying is true; for while you are an object of longing to all, you instead torment your own body like this.'

Verse 60 (skanda.1.60.60)

अविज्ञातान्वयो नग्नः शूली भूतगणाधिपः॥ श्मशाननिलयो भस्मोद्धूलनो वृषवाहनः

avijñātānvayo nagnaḥ śūlī bhūtagaṇādhipaḥ śmaśānanilayo bhasmoddhūlano vṛṣavāhanaḥ

'One of unknown lineage, naked, trident-bearing, lord of hosts of ghosts, dwelling in the cremation-ground, smeared with ashes, riding upon a bull,'

Verse 61 (skanda.1.60.61)

गजाजिनो द्विजिह्वाद्यलंकृतांगो जटाधरः॥ विरूपाक्षः कथंकारं निर्गुणः स्यात्तवोचितः

gajājino dvijihvādyalaṁkṛtāṁgo jaṭādharaḥ virūpākṣaḥ kathaṁkāraṁ nirguṇaḥ syāttavocitaḥ

'clad in an elephant's hide, his body adorned with serpents, wearing matted locks, of misshapen eyes — how could such a virtueless being be fitting for you?'

Verse 62 (skanda.1.60.62)

गुणा ये कुलशीलाद्य वराणामुदिता बुधैः॥ तेषामेकोऽपि नैवास्ति तस्मिंस्तन्नोचितः स ते

guṇā ye kulaśīlādya varāṇāmuditā budhaiḥ teṣāmeko'pi naivāsti tasmiṁstannocitaḥ sa te

'The virtues that the wise declare desirable in a bridegroom — good family, good conduct, and the rest — not even one of these exists in him; therefore he is not fitting for you.'

Verse 63 (skanda.1.60.63)

शोचनीयतमा पूर्वमासीत्पार्वति कौमुदी॥ त्वं संवृत्ता द्वितीयासि तस्यास्तत्संगमाशया

śocanīyatamā pūrvamāsītpārvati kaumudī tvaṁ saṁvṛttā dvitīyāsi tasyāstatsaṁgamāśayā

'Formerly, O Parvati, the moonlight was the most pitiable of all — and now, in your desire for union with him, you have become a second one to her.'

Verse 64 (skanda.1.60.64)

तपोधनाः सर्वसमा वयं यद्यपि पार्वति॥ दुनोत्येव तवारंभः शूलायां यूपसत्क्रिया

tapodhanāḥ sarvasamā vayaṁ yadyapi pārvati dunotyeva tavāraṁbhaḥ śūlāyāṁ yūpasatkriyā

'Though we ascetics regard all beings equally, O Parvati, yet this undertaking of yours pains me — like performing the proper sacrificial rite upon what should be a stake of torture.'

Verse 65 (skanda.1.60.65)

वृषभारोहणं वासः श्मशाने पाणिसंग्रहः॥ सव्यालपाणिना क्षौमगजत्वग्बंधनः कथम्

vṛṣabhārohaṇaṁ vāsaḥ śmaśāne pāṇisaṁgrahaḥ savyālapāṇinā kṣaumagajatvagbaṁdhanaḥ katham

'Mounting a bull, dwelling in the cremation-ground — how could the taking of your silken hand be bound instead to one whose hand holds a serpent and wears an elephant's hide?'

Verse 66 (skanda.1.60.66)

जनहास्यकरं सर्वं त्वयारब्धमसांप्रतम्॥ स्त्रीभावाद्भूतिसंपर्क्कः कथं चाभिमतस्तव

janahāsyakaraṁ sarvaṁ tvayārabdhamasāṁpratam strībhāvādbhūtisaṁparkkaḥ kathaṁ cābhimatastava

'All that you have undertaken is improper, and a cause for people's laughter. How, out of a woman's very nature, can contact with ashes be something you actually desire?'

Verse 67 (skanda.1.60.67)

निवर्तय मनस्तस्मादस्मात्सर्वविरोधिनः॥ मृगाक्षि मदनारातेर्मर्कटाक्षस्य प्रार्थनात्

nivartaya manastasmādasmātsarvavirodhinaḥ mṛgākṣi madanārātermarkaṭākṣasya prārthanāt

'Turn your mind back, O fawn-eyed one, from this pursuit of the enemy of Kama, the monkey-eyed one, who opposes everything.'

Verse 68 (skanda.1.60.68)

विरुद्धवादिनं चैवं ब्रह्मचारिणमीश्वरम्॥ निशम्य कुपिता देवी प्राह वाचा सगद्गदम्

viruddhavādinaṁ caivaṁ brahmacāriṇamīśvaram niśamya kupitā devī prāha vācā sagadgadam

Hearing the Brahmachari — who was, in truth, the Lord himself — speaking thus in contradiction, the goddess, angered, spoke with a voice choked with emotion —

Verse 69 (skanda.1.60.69)

मा मा ब्राह्मण भाषिष्ठा विरुद्धमिति शंकरे॥ महत्तमो याति पुमान्देवदेवस्य निंदया

mā mā brāhmaṇa bhāṣiṣṭhā viruddhamiti śaṁkare mahattamo yāti pumāndevadevasya niṁdayā

'Do not, O Brahmin, do not speak thus against Shankara! A man, even one who is greatest, falls through reviling the god of gods.'

Verse 70 (skanda.1.60.70)

न सम्यगभिजानासि तस्य देवस्य चेष्टितम्॥ श्रृणु ब्राह्मण त्वं पापाद्यथास्मात्परिमुच्यसे

na samyagabhijānāsi tasya devasya ceṣṭitam śrṛṇu brāhmaṇa tvaṁ pāpādyathāsmātparimucyase

'You do not rightly understand the ways of that god. Listen, O Brahmin, so that you may be freed from this sin.'

Verse 71 (skanda.1.60.71)

स आदिः सर्वजगतां कोस्य वेदान्वयं ततः॥ सर्वं जगद्यस्य रूपं दिग्वासाः कीर्त्यते ततः

sa ādiḥ sarvajagatāṁ kosya vedānvayaṁ tataḥ sarvaṁ jagadyasya rūpaṁ digvāsāḥ kīrtyate tataḥ

'He is the origin of all worlds — what then of his lineage? The whole universe is his very form, and that is why he is called Digambara, the sky-clad one.'

Verse 72 (skanda.1.60.72)

गुणत्रयमयं शूलं शूली यस्माद्बिभार्ते सः॥ अबद्धाः सर्वतो मुक्ता भूता एव च तत्पतिः

guṇatrayamayaṁ śūlaṁ śūlī yasmādbibhārte saḥ abaddhāḥ sarvato muktā bhūtā eva ca tatpatiḥ

'The trident he bears, being Shuli, is made of the three gunas; all beings, bound and unbound, freed alike, are his hosts, and he is their lord.'

Verse 73 (skanda.1.60.73)

श्मशानं चापि संसारस्तद्वासी कृपयार्थिनाम्॥ भूतयः कथिता भूतिस्तां बिभर्ति स भूतिभृत्

śmaśānaṁ cāpi saṁsārastadvāsī kṛpayārthinām bhūtayaḥ kathitā bhūtistāṁ bibharti sa bhūtibhṛt

'The cremation-ground too is this very world of transmigration, in which he dwells out of compassion for seekers. Prosperity itself is called Bhuti, and he, bearing that very ash, is Bhutibhrit, the bearer of prosperity.'

Verse 74 (skanda.1.60.74)

वृषो धर्म इति प्रोक्तस्तमारूढस्ततो वृषी॥ सर्पाश्च दोषाः क्रोधाद्यास्तान्बिभर्ति जगन्मयः

vṛṣo dharma iti proktastamārūḍhastato vṛṣī sarpāśca doṣāḥ krodhādyāstānbibharti jaganmayaḥ

'The bull is called dharma, and mounted upon it he is Vrishi, the bull-rider; anger and the other faults are the serpents, which he, in his cosmic form, bears about himself.'

Verse 75 (skanda.1.60.75)

नानाविधाः कर्मयोगा जटारूपा बिभर्ति सः॥ वेदत्रयी त्रिनेत्राणि त्रिपुरं त्रिगुणं वपुः

nānāvidhāḥ karmayogā jaṭārūpā bibharti saḥ vedatrayī trinetrāṇi tripuraṁ triguṇaṁ vapuḥ

'The manifold paths of karma-yoga are the very matted locks he bears; the three Vedas are his three eyes, and the Triple City is his body of three gunas —'

Verse 76 (skanda.1.60.76)

भस्मीकरोति तद्देवस्त्रिपुरध्नस्ततः स्मृतः॥ एवंविध महादेवं विदुर्ये सूक्ष्मदर्शिनः

bhasmīkaroti taddevastripuradhnastataḥ smṛtaḥ evaṁvidha mahādevaṁ vidurye sūkṣmadarśinaḥ

'— which that god burns to ash, and so he is remembered as Tripura-dhna, the destroyer of Tripura. Such a Mahadeva as this, those of subtle vision truly know —'

Verse 77 (skanda.1.60.77)

कथंकारं हि ते नाम भजंते नैव तं हरम्॥ अथ वा भीतसंसाराः सर्वे विप्र यतो जनाः

kathaṁkāraṁ hi te nāma bhajaṁte naiva taṁ haram atha vā bhītasaṁsārāḥ sarve vipra yato janāḥ

'— how, then, would they not worship that Hara? Or else, O Brahmin, all people, being afraid of worldly existence,'

Verse 78 (skanda.1.60.78)

विमृश्य कुर्वते सर्वं विमृश्यैतन्मया कृतम्॥ शुभं वाप्यशुभं वास्तु त्वमप्येनं प्रपूजय

vimṛśya kurvate sarvaṁ vimṛśyaitanmayā kṛtam śubhaṁ vāpyaśubhaṁ vāstu tvamapyenaṁ prapūjaya

'— do everything only after due reflection; what I have done, I too have done after such reflection. Be it fortunate or unfortunate, you too should worship him.'

Verse 79 (skanda.1.60.79)

इति ब्रुवंत्यां तस्यां तु किंचित्प्रस्फुरिताधरम्॥ विज्ञाय तां सखीमाह किमप्येष विवक्षुकः

iti bruvaṁtyāṁ tasyāṁ tu kiṁcitprasphuritādharam vijñāya tāṁ sakhīmāha kimapyeṣa vivakṣukaḥ

As she was speaking thus, her lips trembling faintly, and knowing that he wished to say something more, she said to her companion —

Verse 80 (skanda.1.60.80)

वार्यतामिति विप्रोऽयं महद्दूषणबाषकः॥ न केवलं पापभागी श्रोता वै स्यान्न संशयः

vāryatāmiti vipro'yaṁ mahaddūṣaṇabāṣakaḥ na kevalaṁ pāpabhāgī śrotā vai syānna saṁśayaḥ

'Stop him! This Brahmin is one who speaks great slanders; whoever listens to such a one, without doubt, shares in the sin — and not only the speaker.'

Verse 81 (skanda.1.60.81)

अथ वा किं च नः कार्यं वादेन सह ब्राह्मणैः॥ कर्णौ पिधाय यास्यामो यथा यः स्यात्ततास्तु सः

atha vā kiṁ ca naḥ kāryaṁ vādena saha brāhmaṇaiḥ karṇau pidhāya yāsyāmo yathā yaḥ syāttatāstu saḥ

'Or else, what business have we with disputation with Brahmins? Let us cover our ears and go — whatever is to be, let it be.'

Verse 82 (skanda.1.60.82)

इत्युक्त्वोत्थाय गच्छंत्यां पिधाय श्रवणावुभौ॥ स्वरूपं समुपाश्रित्य जगृहे वसनं हरः

ityuktvotthāya gacchaṁtyāṁ pidhāya śravaṇāvubhau svarūpaṁ samupāśritya jagṛhe vasanaṁ haraḥ

Having said this, as she rose and departed, covering both her ears, Hara, resuming his own true form, took up his own garments.

Verse 83 (skanda.1.60.83)

ततो निरीक्ष्य तं देवं संभ्रांता परमेश्वरी॥ प्रणिपत्य महेशानं तुष्टावावनता उमा

tato nirīkṣya taṁ devaṁ saṁbhrāṁtā parameśvarī praṇipatya maheśānaṁ tuṣṭāvāvanatā umā

Then, beholding that god, the astonished Parameshvari, Uma, bowing down, paid homage to Maheshana and praised him.

Verse 84 (skanda.1.60.84)

प्राह तां च महादेवो दासोऽस्मि तव शोभने॥ तपोद्रव्येण क्रीतश्च समादिश यथेप्सितम्

prāha tāṁ ca mahādevo dāso'smi tava śobhane tapodravyeṇa krītaśca samādiśa yathepsitam

Then Mahadeva said to her: 'I am your servant, O auspicious one; I have been purchased by the wealth of your austerity — command whatever you desire.'

Verse 85 (skanda.1.60.85)

॥देव्युवाच॥ मनसस्त्वं प्रभुः शंभो दत्तं तच्च मया तव॥ वपुषः पितरावीशौ तौ सम्मानयितुमर्हसि

devyuvāca manasastvaṁ prabhuḥ śaṁbho dattaṁ tacca mayā tava vapuṣaḥ pitarāvīśau tau sammānayitumarhasi

The Goddess said: 'You, O Shambhu, are the lord of my mind, and that I have already given you; now you should honor the lords of my body, my parents.'

Verse 86 (skanda.1.60.86)

॥महादेव उवाच॥ पित्रा हि ते परिज्ञातं दृष्ट्वा त्वां रूपशालिनीम्॥ बालां स्वयंवरं पुत्री महं दास्यामि नान्यथा

mahādeva uvāca pitrā hi te parijñātaṁ dṛṣṭvā tvāṁ rūpaśālinīm bālāṁ svayaṁvaraṁ putrī mahaṁ dāsyāmi nānyathā

Mahadeva said: 'Your father, having recognized how beautiful you are, has resolved: I shall give this daughter of mine, my child, only through her own swayamvara, not otherwise.'

Verse 87 (skanda.1.60.87)

तत्तस्य सर्वमेवास्तु वचनं त्वं हिमाचलम्॥ स्वयंवरार्थं सुश्रोणि प्रेरय त्वां वृणे ततः

tattasya sarvamevāstu vacanaṁ tvaṁ himācalam svayaṁvarārthaṁ suśroṇi preraya tvāṁ vṛṇe tataḥ

'So let all of his word be fulfilled, O fair-hipped one; you urge Himachala toward the swayamvara — I shall choose you there.'

Verse 88 (skanda.1.60.88)

इत्युक्त्वा तां महादेवः शुचिः शुचिषदो विभुः॥ जगामेष्टं तदा देशं स्वपुरं प्रययौ च सा

ityuktvā tāṁ mahādevaḥ śuciḥ śuciṣado vibhuḥ jagāmeṣṭaṁ tadā deśaṁ svapuraṁ prayayau ca sā

Having said this, the pure, refuge of the pure, all-pervading Mahadeva went to his own desired place, and she too went to her own city.

Verse 89 (skanda.1.60.89)

दृष्ट्वा देवीं तदा हृष्टो मेनया सहितोऽचलः

dṛṣṭvā devīṁ tadā hṛṣṭo menayā sahito'calaḥ

Then, seeing the goddess, Himachala, unmoving, was overjoyed, together with Mena.

Verse 90 (skanda.1.60.90)

आलिंग्याघ्राय पप्रच्छ सर्वं सा च न्यवेदयत्॥ दुहितुर्देवदेवेन आज्ञप्तं तु हिमाचलः

āliṁgyāghrāya papraccha sarvaṁ sā ca nyavedayat duhiturdevadevena ājñaptaṁ tu himācalaḥ

Embracing her and kissing her head, he asked her everything, and she related it all. Hearing from his daughter the command of the god of gods, Himachala,

Verse 91 (skanda.1.60.91)

स्वयंवरं प्रमुदितः सर्वलोकेष्वघोषयत्॥ अश्विनो द्वादशादित्या गन्धर्वरुडोरगाः

svayaṁvaraṁ pramuditaḥ sarvalokeṣvaghoṣayat aśvino dvādaśādityā gandharvaruḍoragāḥ

greatly delighted, proclaimed the swayamvar throughout all the worlds. The two Ashvins, the twelve Adityas, Gandharvas, Garuda, serpents,

Verse 92 (skanda.1.60.92)

यक्षाः सिद्धास्तथा साध्या दैत्याः किंपुरुषा नगाः॥ समुद्राद्याश्च ये केचित्त्रैलोक्यप्रवरास्च ये

yakṣāḥ siddhāstathā sādhyā daityāḥ kiṁpuruṣā nagāḥ samudrādyāśca ye kecittrailokyapravarāsca ye

Yakshas, Siddhas, Sadhyas, demons, Kimpurushas, mountains, oceans, and whoever else was foremost in the three worlds,

Verse 93 (skanda.1.60.93)

त्रयस्त्रिंशत्सहस्राणि त्रयस्त्रिंशच्छतानि च॥ त्रयस्त्रिंशच्च ये देवास्त्रयस्त्रिंशच्च कोटयः

trayastriṁśatsahasrāṇi trayastriṁśacchatāni ca trayastriṁśacca ye devāstrayastriṁśacca koṭayaḥ

thirty-three thousand, thirty-three hundred, and the thirty-three gods, and the thirty-three crores of gods that there are,

Verse 94 (skanda.1.60.94)

जग्मुर्गिरीन्द्रपुत्र्यास्तु स्वयंवरमनुत्तमम्॥ आमंत्रितस्तथा विष्णुर्मेरुमाह हसन्निव

jagmurgirīndraputryāstu svayaṁvaramanuttamam āmaṁtritastathā viṣṇurmerumāha hasanniva

all of them went to the incomparable swayamvara of the mountain-king's daughter. Likewise, Vishnu, thus invited, said to Meru, smiling as it were —

Verse 95 (skanda.1.60.95)

तातास्माकं च सा देवी मेरो गच्छ नमामि ताम्॥ अथ शैलसुता देवी हैममारुह्य शोभनम्

tātāsmākaṁ ca sā devī mero gaccha namāmi tām atha śailasutā devī haimamāruhya śobhanam

'O father, she is our very own goddess; go, O Meru, I bow to her.' Then the goddess, the mountain's daughter, mounting a lovely golden aerial car,

Verse 96 (skanda.1.60.96)

विमानं सर्वतोभद्रं सर्वरत्नैरलंकृतम्॥ अप्सरोभिः प्रनृत्यद्भिः सर्वाभरणभूषिता

vimānaṁ sarvatobhadraṁ sarvaratnairalaṁkṛtam apsarobhiḥ pranṛtyadbhiḥ sarvābharaṇabhūṣitā

— auspicious on every side and adorned with every jewel, attended by dancing Apsaras, decked with every ornament,

Verse 97 (skanda.1.60.97)

गंधर्वसंघैर्विविधैः किंनरैश्च सुशोभनैः॥ बंदिभिः स्तूयमाना च वीरकांस्यधरा स्थिता

gaṁdharvasaṁghairvividhaiḥ kiṁnaraiśca suśobhanaiḥ baṁdibhiḥ stūyamānā ca vīrakāṁsyadharā sthitā

attended by manifold hosts of Gandharvas and beautiful Kinnaras, praised by bards, holding a ceremonial vessel —

Verse 98 (skanda.1.60.98)

सितातपत्ररत्नांशुमिश्रितं चावहत्तदा॥ शालिनी नाम पार्वत्याः संध्यापूर्णेदुमंडला

sitātapatraratnāṁśumiśritaṁ cāvahattadā śālinī nāma pārvatyāḥ saṁdhyāpūrṇedumaṁḍalā

a white umbrella called Shalini, its jewelled rays mingling with the twilight-tinted orb of the full moon, shaded her then.

Verse 99 (skanda.1.60.99)

चामरासक्तहस्ताभिर्दिव्यस्त्रीभिश्च संवृता॥ मालां प्रगृह्य सा तस्थौ सुरद्रुमसमुद्भवाम्

cāmarāsaktahastābhirdivyastrībhiśca saṁvṛtā mālāṁ pragṛhya sā tasthau suradrumasamudbhavām

Surrounded by celestial women, their hands busy with chamaras, she sat holding a garland born of the wish-fulfilling tree.

Verse 100 (skanda.1.60.100)

एवं तस्यां स्थितायां तु स्थिते लोकत्रये तदा॥ शिशुर्भूत्वा महादेवः क्रीडार्थं वृषभध्वजः

evaṁ tasyāṁ sthitāyāṁ tu sthite lokatraye tadā śiśurbhūtvā mahādevaḥ krīḍārthaṁ vṛṣabhadhvajaḥ

When she was thus seated, and the three worlds had thus gathered, the bull-bannered Mahadeva, becoming a small child for the sake of play,

Verse 101 (skanda.1.60.101)

उत्संगतलसंगुप्तो बभूव भगवान्भवः॥ जयेति यत्पदं ख्यातं तस्य सत्यार्थमीश्वरम्

utsaṁgatalasaṁgupto babhūva bhagavānbhavaḥ jayeti yatpadaṁ khyātaṁ tasya satyārthamīśvaram

the blessed Bhava hid himself, concealed upon her lap — he whose renowned title 'Jaya' truly signifies the Lord himself.

Verse 102 (skanda.1.60.102)

अथ दृष्ट्वा शिशुं देवास्तस्य उत्संगवर्तिनः॥ कोयमत्रेति संमंत्र्य चुक्रुशुर्भृशरोषिताः

atha dṛṣṭvā śiśuṁ devāstasya utsaṁgavartinaḥ koyamatreti saṁmaṁtrya cukruśurbhṛśaroṣitāḥ

Then, seeing that child seated on her lap, the gods, consulting among themselves, exclaimed, greatly enraged, 'Who is this here?'

Verse 103 (skanda.1.60.103)

वज्रमाहारयत्तस्य बाहुमुद्यम्य वृत्रहा॥ स बाहुरुद्यतस्तस्य तथैव समतिष्ठत

vajramāhārayattasya bāhumudyamya vṛtrahā sa bāhurudyatastasya tathaiva samatiṣṭhata

The slayer of Vritra raised his arm to hurl the thunderbolt at him; but his upraised arm remained fixed, just as it was,

Verse 104 (skanda.1.60.104)

स्तंभितः शिशुरूपेण देवदेवेन लीलया॥ वज्रं क्षेप्तुं न शक्नोति बाहुं चालयितुं तदा

staṁbhitaḥ śiśurūpeṇa devadevena līlayā vajraṁ kṣeptuṁ na śaknoti bāhuṁ cālayituṁ tadā

stopped by that very play of the god of gods in his child's form; he could neither hurl the thunderbolt, nor even move his arm at that time.

Verse 105 (skanda.1.60.105)

वह्निः शक्तिं तदा क्षेप्तुं न शशाक तथोत्थितः॥ यमोऽपि दंडं खड्गं च निर्ऋतिस्तं शिशुं प्रति

vahniḥ śaktiṁ tadā kṣeptuṁ na śaśāka tathotthitaḥ yamo'pi daṁḍaṁ khaḍgaṁ ca nirṛtistaṁ śiśuṁ prati

Agni too, rising, could not hurl his spear; Yama his staff, and Nirriti his sword, could not be brought to bear upon that child;

Verse 106 (skanda.1.60.106)

पाशं च वरुणो राजा ध्वजयष्टिं समीरणः॥ सोमो गुडं धनेशश्च गदां सुमहतीं दृढाम्

pāśaṁ ca varuṇo rājā dhvajayaṣṭiṁ samīraṇaḥ somo guḍaṁ dhaneśaśca gadāṁ sumahatīṁ dṛḍhām

Varuna his noose, Vayu his banner-staff, could not be moved; Soma his mace, Kubera his most heavy, mighty mace,

Verse 107 (skanda.1.60.107)

नानायुधानि चादित्या मुसलं वसवस्तथा॥ महाघोराणि शस्त्राणि तारकाद्याश्च दानवाः

nānāyudhāni cādityā musalaṁ vasavastathā mahāghorāṇi śastrāṇi tārakādyāśca dānavāḥ

the Adityas their manifold weapons, the Vasus their pestle, and the demons headed by Taraka too, bearing their most terrible weapons —

Verse 108 (skanda.1.60.108)

स्तंभिता देवदेवेन तथान्ये भुवनेषु ये॥ पूषा दंतान्दशन्दंर्बालमैक्षत मोहितः

staṁbhitā devadevena tathānye bhuvaneṣu ye pūṣā daṁtāndaśandaṁrbālamaikṣata mohitaḥ

— were, by the god of gods, all likewise stunned, and so were others in the worlds. Pusha, bewildered, biting his teeth, gazed at that child,

Verse 109 (skanda.1.60.109)

तस्यापि दशनाः पेतुर्दृष्टमात्रस्य शंभुना॥ भगश्च नेत्रे विकृते चकार स्फुटिते च ते

tasyāpi daśanāḥ peturdṛṣṭamātrasya śaṁbhunā bhagaśca netre vikṛte cakāra sphuṭite ca te

and, merely by Shambhu's gaze, his teeth fell out at once. Bhaga's eyes too grew distorted and burst apart.

Verse 110 (skanda.1.60.110)

बलं तेजश्च योगांश्च सर्वेषां जगृहे प्रभुः॥ अथ तेषु स्थितेष्वेव मन्युमत्सु सुरेष्वपि

balaṁ tejaśca yogāṁśca sarveṣāṁ jagṛhe prabhuḥ atha teṣu sthiteṣveva manyumatsu sureṣvapi

The Lord took away the strength, splendor, and yogic power of them all. Thus, while all those gods, filled with fury, stood there stupefied,

Verse 111 (skanda.1.60.111)

ब्रह्मा ध्यानमुपाश्रित्य बुबोध हरचेष्टितम्॥ सोऽभिगम्य महादेवं तुष्टाव प्रयतो विधिः

brahmā dhyānamupāśritya bubodha haraceṣṭitam so'bhigamya mahādevaṁ tuṣṭāva prayato vidhiḥ

then Brahma, taking refuge in meditation, understood Hara's play. The Ordainer then approached Mahadeva, and, composed, praised him —

Verse 112 (skanda.1.60.112)

पौराणैः सामसंगीतैर्वेदिकैर्गुह्यनामभिः॥ नमस्तुभ्यं महादेव महादेव्यै नमोनमः

paurāṇaiḥ sāmasaṁgītairvedikairguhyanāmabhiḥ namastubhyaṁ mahādeva mahādevyai namonamaḥ

— with Puranic Sama-hymns, with the secret Vedic names: 'Homage to you, Mahadeva; homage, homage again, to you, Mahadevi.'

Verse 113 (skanda.1.60.113)

प्रसादात्तव बुद्ध्यादिर्जगदेतत्प्रवर्तते॥ मूढाश्च देवताः सर्वा नैनं बुध्यत शंकरम्

prasādāttava buddhyādirjagadetatpravartate mūḍhāśca devatāḥ sarvā nainaṁ budhyata śaṁkaram

'By your very grace this world, endowed with intellect and the rest, moves forward; yet all these deities, in their folly, do not recognize this Shankara —'

Verse 114 (skanda.1.60.114)

महादेवमिहायातं सर्वदेवनमस्कृतम्॥ गच्छध्वं शरणं शीघ्रं यदि जीवितुमिच्छत

mahādevamihāyātaṁ sarvadevanamaskṛtam gacchadhvaṁ śaraṇaṁ śīghraṁ yadi jīvitumicchata

'— this Mahadeva who has come here, worthy of homage from all the gods. Go quickly to his refuge, if you wish to live.'

Verse 115 (skanda.1.60.115)

ततः संभ्रम संपन्नास्तुष्टुवुः प्रणताः सुराः॥ नमोनमो महादेव पाहिपाहि जगत्पते

tataḥ saṁbhrama saṁpannāstuṣṭuvuḥ praṇatāḥ surāḥ namonamo mahādeva pāhipāhi jagatpate

Then, filled with agitation, the gods bowed and began to praise him: 'Homage, homage to you, Mahadeva! Protect us, protect us, O lord of the world!'

Verse 116 (skanda.1.60.116)

दुराचारान्भवानस्मानात्मद्रोहपरायणान्॥ अहो पश्यत नो मौढ्यं जानंतस्तव भाविनीम्

durācārānbhavānasmānātmadrohaparāyaṇān aho paśyata no mauḍhyaṁ jānaṁtastava bhāvinīm

'We are wicked, given wholly to self-betrayal — behold our very folly! Even knowing your future consort,'

Verse 117 (skanda.1.60.117)

भार्यामुमां महादेवीं तथाप्यत्र समागताः॥ युक्तमेतद्यदस्माकं राज्यं गृह्येत चासुरैः

bhāryāmumāṁ mahādevīṁ tathāpyatra samāgatāḥ yuktametadyadasmākaṁ rājyaṁ gṛhyeta cāsuraiḥ

'— your wife Uma, the great goddess, we still came here as if to compete. It would be only fitting for our realm to be seized by the demons —'

Verse 118 (skanda.1.60.118)

येषामेवंविधाबुद्धिरस्माभिः किं कृतं त्विदम्॥ अथ वा नो न दोषोऽस्ति पशवो हि वयं यतः

yeṣāmevaṁvidhābuddhirasmābhiḥ kiṁ kṛtaṁ tvidam atha vā no na doṣo'sti paśavo hi vayaṁ yataḥ

'— we who have such wicked minds. But then, what have we truly done? Or rather, we bear no fault, for we are but beasts —'

Verse 119 (skanda.1.60.119)

त्वयैव पतिना सर्वे प्रेरिताः कुर्महे विभो॥ ईश्वरः सर्व भूतानां पतिस्त्वं परमेश्वरः

tvayaiva patinā sarve preritāḥ kurmahe vibho īśvaraḥ sarva bhūtānāṁ patistvaṁ parameśvaraḥ

'— driven by you alone, O Lord, our very master, in all that we do. You are the lord of all beings, the supreme Lord, our own master.'

Verse 120 (skanda.1.60.120)

भ्रामयस्यखिलं विश्वं यन्त्रारूढं स्वमायया॥ येन विभ्रामिता मूढाः समायाताः स्वयंवरम्

bhrāmayasyakhilaṁ viśvaṁ yantrārūḍhaṁ svamāyayā yena vibhrāmitā mūḍhāḥ samāyātāḥ svayaṁvaram

'By your own maya you cause the whole universe to revolve, as though mounted on a machine; driven by that, we in our folly have come here to this swayamvara.'

Verse 121 (skanda.1.60.121)

तस्मै पशुनां पतये नमस्तुभ्यं प्रसीद नः॥ अथ तेषां प्रसन्नऽभूद्देवदेवास्त्रियंबकः

tasmai paśunāṁ pataye namastubhyaṁ prasīda naḥ atha teṣāṁ prasanna'bhūddevadevāstriyaṁbakaḥ

'Homage to you, that Pashupati, lord of beasts — be gracious to us.' Then Tryambaka, the god of gods, became gracious toward those gods,

Verse 122 (skanda.1.60.122)

यथापूर्वं चकारैतान्संस्तवाद्ब्रह्मणः प्रभुः॥ तारकप्रमुखा दैत्याः संक्रुद्धास्तत्र प्रोचिरे

yathāpūrvaṁ cakāraitānsaṁstavādbrahmaṇaḥ prabhuḥ tārakapramukhā daityāḥ saṁkruddhāstatra procire

and, at Brahma's praise, the Lord restored them as they were before. Then Taraka and the other demons, enraged, spoke out there —

Verse 123 (skanda.1.60.123)

कोयमंग महादेवो न मन्यामो वयं च तम्॥ ततः प्रहस्य बालोऽसौ हुंकारं लीलया व्यधात्

koyamaṁga mahādevo na manyāmo vayaṁ ca tam tataḥ prahasya bālo'sau huṁkāraṁ līlayā vyadhāt

'Who is this Mahadeva, friends? We do not recognize him at all.' Then that child, laughing, uttered playfully a mere 'Hum!'

Verse 124 (skanda.1.60.124)

हुंकारेणैव ते दैत्याः स्वमेव नगरं गताः॥ विस्मृतं सकलं तेषां स्वयंवरमुखं च तत्

huṁkāreṇaiva te daityāḥ svameva nagaraṁ gatāḥ vismṛtaṁ sakalaṁ teṣāṁ svayaṁvaramukhaṁ ca tat

By that very sound of 'Hum' alone, those demons returned each to his own city, and the whole beginning of the swayamvara was, for them, entirely forgotten.

Verse 125 (skanda.1.60.125)

महादेवप्रभावेन दैत्यानां घोरकर्मणाम्॥ एवं यस्य प्रभावो हि देवदैत्येषु फाल्गुन

mahādevaprabhāvena daityānāṁ ghorakarmaṇām evaṁ yasya prabhāvo hi devadaityeṣu phālguna

This came to pass through the power of Mahadeva, upon those demons of terrible deeds. Such is his power, O Phalguna, among gods and demons alike —

Verse 126 (skanda.1.60.126)

कथमीश्वरवाक्यार्थस्तस्मादन्यत्र मुच्यते॥ असंशयं विमुढास्ते पश्चात्तापः पुरा महान्

kathamīśvaravākyārthastasmādanyatra mucyate asaṁśayaṁ vimuḍhāste paścāttāpaḥ purā mahān

'— how, then, could the true meaning of that Lord's word be evaded anywhere else? Without doubt, those in delusion suffer great remorse afterward,'

Verse 127 (skanda.1.60.127)

ईश्वरं भुवनस्यास्य ये भजंते न त्र्यंबकम्॥ ततः संस्तूयमानः स सुरैः पद्मभुवादिभिः

īśvaraṁ bhuvanasyāsya ye bhajaṁte na tryaṁbakam tataḥ saṁstūyamānaḥ sa suraiḥ padmabhuvādibhiḥ

'— those who do not worship the Lord of this world, Tryambaka.' Then, being praised by Brahma and the other gods,

Verse 128 (skanda.1.60.128)

वपुश्चकार देवेशस्त्र्यंबकः परमाद्भुतम्॥ तेजसा तस्य देवास्ते सेंद्रचंद्रदिवाकराः

vapuścakāra deveśastryaṁbakaḥ paramādbhutam tejasā tasya devāste seṁdracaṁdradivākarāḥ

the god of gods, Tryambaka, manifested his own supremely wondrous form. By his splendor, those gods — Indra, the moon, and the sun,

Verse 129 (skanda.1.60.129)

सब्रह्मकाः ससाध्याश्च वसुर्विश्वे च देवताः॥ सयमाश्च सरुद्राश्च चक्षुरप्रार्थयन्प्रभुम्

sabrahmakāḥ sasādhyāśca vasurviśve ca devatāḥ sayamāśca sarudrāśca cakṣuraprārthayanprabhum

together with Brahma, the Sadhyas, the Vasus, the Vishvedevas, Yama, and the Rudras — implored the Lord for a divine eye,

Verse 130 (skanda.1.60.130)

तेभ्यः परतमं चक्षुः स्ववपुर्द्रष्टुमुत्तमम्॥ ददावम्बापतिः शर्वो भवान्याश्चालस्य च

tebhyaḥ paratamaṁ cakṣuḥ svavapurdraṣṭumuttamam dadāvambāpatiḥ śarvo bhavānyāścālasya ca

a most excellent eye, beyond all others, by which to behold his very form. Then Sharva, the husband of Amba, granted a supreme divine eye, both to Bhavani and to that whole assembly.

Verse 131 (skanda.1.60.131)

लब्ध्वा रुद्रप्रसादेन दिव्यं चक्षुरनुत्तमम्॥ सब्रह्यकास्तदा देवास्तमपश्यन्महेश्वरम्

labdhvā rudraprasādena divyaṁ cakṣuranuttamam sabrahyakāstadā devāstamapaśyanmaheśvaram

Having obtained that peerless divine eye through Rudra's grace, the gods, with Brahma among them, then beheld that Maheshvara.

Verse 132 (skanda.1.60.132)

ततो जगुश्च मुनयः पुष्पवृष्टिं च खेचराः॥ मुमुचुश्च तदा नेदुर्देवदुंदुभयो भृशम्

tato jaguśca munayaḥ puṣpavṛṣṭiṁ ca khecarāḥ mumucuśca tadā nedurdevaduṁdubhayo bhṛśam

Then the sages sang praises, and the sky-dwellers rained down flowers; and the drums of the gods, too, resounded loudly at that time.

Verse 133 (skanda.1.60.133)

जगुगधर्वमुख्याश्च ननृतुश्चाप्सरोगणाः॥ मुमुदुर्गणपाः सर्वे मुमोदांबा च पार्वती

jagugadharvamukhyāśca nanṛtuścāpsarogaṇāḥ mumudurgaṇapāḥ sarve mumodāṁbā ca pārvatī

The foremost Gandharvas sang, and the hosts of Apsaras danced; all the leaders of the ganas rejoiced, and mother Parvati too was filled with joy.

Verse 134 (skanda.1.60.134)

ब्रह्माद्या मेनिरे पूर्णां भवानीं च गिरीश्वरम्॥ तस्य देवी ततो हृष्टा समक्षं त्रिदिवौकसाम्

brahmādyā menire pūrṇāṁ bhavānīṁ ca girīśvaram tasya devī tato hṛṣṭā samakṣaṁ tridivaukasām

Brahma and the others deemed Bhavani and the Lord of Mountains fully complete for one another. Then, delighted, in the sight of all the dwellers of the three worlds, the goddess,

Verse 135 (skanda.1.60.135)

पादयोः स्थापयामास मालां दिव्यां सुगंधिनीम्॥ सादुसाध्विति संप्रोच्य तया तं तत्र चर्चितम्

pādayoḥ sthāpayāmāsa mālāṁ divyāṁ sugaṁdhinīm sādusādhviti saṁprocya tayā taṁ tatra carcitam

placed the divine, fragrant garland at his feet. Amid cries of 'Well done! Well done!' spoken there,

Verse 136 (skanda.1.60.136)

सह देव्या नमश्चक्रुः शिरोभिर्भूतलाश्रितैः॥ सर्वे सब्रह्मका देवा जयेति च मुदा जगुः

saha devyā namaścakruḥ śirobhirbhūtalāśritaiḥ sarve sabrahmakā devā jayeti ca mudā jaguḥ

together with the goddess all bowed, their heads touching the earth; and all the gods, Brahma among them, cried out joyfully, 'Victory!'