The Marriage of Hara and Gauri

Verse 1 (skanda.1.61.1)

॥नारद उवाच॥ अथ ब्रह्मा महादेवमभिवाद्य कृतांजलिः॥ उद्वाहः क्रियतां देव इत्युवाच महेश्वरम्

nārada uvāca atha brahmā mahādevamabhivādya kṛtāṁjaliḥ udvāhaḥ kriyatāṁ deva ityuvāca maheśvaram

Narada said: Then Brahma, having saluted Mahadeva with joined palms, said to Maheshvara: 'Let the wedding now be performed, O God.'

Verse 2 (skanda.1.61.2)

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा प्राहेदं भगवान्हरः॥ पराधीना वयं ब्रह्मन्हिमाद्रेस्तव चापि यत्

tasya tadvacanaṁ śrutvā prāhedaṁ bhagavānharaḥ parādhīnā vayaṁ brahmanhimādrestava cāpi yat

Hearing his words, the blessed Hara said this: 'We are dependent, O Brahma, upon you and upon the Himalaya as well —'

Verse 3 (skanda.1.61.3)

यद्युक्तं क्रियतां तद्धि वयं युष्मद्वशेऽधुना॥ ततो ब्रह्मा स्वयं दिव्यं पुरं रत्नमयं शुभम्

yadyuktaṁ kriyatāṁ taddhi vayaṁ yuṣmadvaśe'dhunā tato brahmā svayaṁ divyaṁ puraṁ ratnamayaṁ śubham

'— whatever is proper, let that be done; we are now in your hands.' Then Brahma himself, at once, a celestial city, made of jewels, auspicious,

Verse 4 (skanda.1.61.4)

उद्वाहार्थं महेशस्य तत्क्षणात्समकल्पयत्॥ शतयोजनविस्तीर्णं प्रासादशतशोभितम्

udvāhārthaṁ maheśasya tatkṣaṇātsamakalpayat śatayojanavistīrṇaṁ prāsādaśataśobhitam

— fashioned instantly for the wedding of Mahesha — a hundred yojanas in extent, adorned with a hundred palaces.

Verse 5 (skanda.1.61.5)

पुरेतस्मिन्महादेवः स्वयमेव व्यतिष्ठत॥ ततः सप्तमुनीन्देवश्चिंतिताब्यागतान्पुरः

puretasminmahādevaḥ svayameva vyatiṣṭhata tataḥ saptamunīndevaściṁtitābyāgatānpuraḥ

In that city Mahadeva himself took up residence. Then the god, having but thought of the Seven Sages, caused them to arrive before him,

Verse 6 (skanda.1.61.6)

प्राहिणोदंबिकायाश्च स्थिरपत्रार्थमीश्वरः॥ सारुंधतीकास्ते तत्र ह्लादयंतो हिमाचलम्

prāhiṇodaṁbikāyāśca sthirapatrārthamīśvaraḥ sāruṁdhatīkāste tatra hlādayaṁto himācalam

and the Lord sent them, together with Arundhati, to Ambika for the purpose of the betrothal ceremony. They, gladdening Himachala there,

Verse 7 (skanda.1.61.7)

सभार्यामीश्वरगुणैः स्थिरपत्राणि चादधुः॥ ततः संपूजितास्तेन पुनरागम्य तेऽचलात्

sabhāryāmīśvaraguṇaiḥ sthirapatrāṇi cādadhuḥ tataḥ saṁpūjitāstena punarāgamya te'calāt

together with his wife, by recounting the Lord's virtues, established the formal betrothal documents. Then, duly honored by him, they, returning again from the mountain,

Verse 8 (skanda.1.61.8)

न्यवेदयंस्र्यंबकाय स च तानभ्यनंदत॥ उद्वाहार्थं ततो देवो विश्वं सर्वं न्यमंत्रयत्

nyavedayaṁsryaṁbakāya sa ca tānabhyanaṁdata udvāhārthaṁ tato devo viśvaṁ sarvaṁ nyamaṁtrayat

reported this to Tryambaka, and he welcomed them warmly. Then the god invited the entire universe for the wedding —

Verse 9 (skanda.1.61.9)

समागतं च तत्सव विना दैत्यैर्दुरात्मभिः॥ स्थावरं जंगमं यच्च विश्वं विष्णुपुरोगमम्

samāgataṁ ca tatsava vinā daityairdurātmabhiḥ sthāvaraṁ jaṁgamaṁ yacca viśvaṁ viṣṇupurogamam

and all of it gathered there, except the wicked demons — whatever was unmoving and moving in the universe, with Vishnu at its head —

Verse 10 (skanda.1.61.10)

सब्रह्यकं पुरारातेर्महिमानमवर्धयत्॥ ततस्तं विधिराहेदं गन्धमादनपर्वते

sabrahyakaṁ purārātermahimānamavardhayat tatastaṁ vidhirāhedaṁ gandhamādanaparvate

together with Brahma, all magnified the glory of the enemy of Pura. Then the Ordainer said this to him, on Mount Gandhamadana —

Verse 11 (skanda.1.61.11)

पुरे स्थितं विवाहस्य देव कालः प्रवर्तते॥ ततस्तस्य जटाजूटे चंद्रखंडं पितामहः

pure sthitaṁ vivāhasya deva kālaḥ pravartate tatastasya jaṭājūṭe caṁdrakhaṁḍaṁ pitāmahaḥ

— as Shiva resided in that city: 'O God, the time for the wedding has now come.' Then the Grandfather, into his matted locks, bound a crescent of the moon,

Verse 12 (skanda.1.61.12)

बबंध प्रणयोदारविस्फारितविलोचनः॥ कपर्द्दं शोभनं विष्णुः स्वय चक्रेऽस्य हर्षतः

babaṁdha praṇayodāravisphāritavilocanaḥ kaparddaṁ śobhanaṁ viṣṇuḥ svaya cakre'sya harṣataḥ

his eyes wide open with generous affection. Vishnu himself, joyfully, arranged his lovely braided hair,

Verse 13 (skanda.1.61.13)

कपालमालां विपुलां चामुण्डा मूर्ध्न्यबंधत॥ उवाच चापि गिरिशं पुत्रं जनय शंकर

kapālamālāṁ vipulāṁ cāmuṇḍā mūrdhnyabaṁdhata uvāca cāpi giriśaṁ putraṁ janaya śaṁkara

and Chamunda bound a great garland of skulls upon his head, and said to Girisha: 'Beget a son, O Shankara,'

Verse 14 (skanda.1.61.14)

यो दैत्येंद्रकुलं हत्वा मां रक्तैस्तर्पयिष्यति॥ सूर्यो ज्वलच्छिखारक्तं भाबासितजगत्त्रयम्

yo daityeṁdrakulaṁ hatvā māṁ raktaistarpayiṣyati sūryo jvalacchikhāraktaṁ bhābāsitajagattrayam

'— who, having slain the race of the lords of demons, shall satisfy me with their blood.' The Sun, illuminating the three worlds with a blazing, red-crested ornament,

Verse 15 (skanda.1.61.15)

बबंध देवदेवस्यच स्वयमेव प्रमोदतः॥ शेषवासुकिमुख्याश्च ज्वलंतस्तेजसा शुभाः

babaṁdha devadevasyaca svayameva pramodataḥ śeṣavāsukimukhyāśca jvalaṁtastejasā śubhāḥ

bound it himself, with joy, upon the god of gods. And Shesha, Vasuki, and the other chief serpents, blazing with splendor, auspicious,

Verse 16 (skanda.1.61.16)

आत्मानं भूषणस्थाने स्वयं ते चक्रुरीश्वरे ॥ वायवश्च ततस्तीक्ष्णश्रृंगं हिमगिरिप्रभम्

ātmānaṁ bhūṣaṇasthāne svayaṁ te cakrurīśvare vāyavaśca tatastīkṣṇaśrṛṁgaṁ himagiriprabham

made themselves ornaments upon the Lord. Then the Winds adorned the sharp-horned bull, radiant as the snow-mountain,

Verse 17 (skanda.1.61.17)

वृषं विभूषयामासुर्नानारत्नोपपत्तिभिः॥ शक्रो गजजिनं गृह्य स्वयमग्रे व्यवस्थितः

vṛṣaṁ vibhūṣayāmāsurnānāratnopapattibhiḥ śakro gajajinaṁ gṛhya svayamagre vyavasthitaḥ

— with an array of manifold jewels. Shakra, taking up the elephant-hide, himself stood ready before him,

Verse 18 (skanda.1.61.18)

विना भस्म समाधाय कपाले रजतप्रभम्॥ मनुजास्थिमयीं मालां प्रेतनाथश्च वन्दनम्

vinā bhasma samādhāya kapāle rajataprabham manujāsthimayīṁ mālāṁ pretanāthaśca vandanam

and, in place of ash, applied a silver-bright substance upon his skull. And the lord of the dead offered a garland made of human bones, in reverence,

Verse 19 (skanda.1.61.19)

वह्निस्तेजोमयं दिव्यमजिनं प्रददौ स्थितः॥ एवं विभूषितः सर्वैर्भृत्यैरीशो बभौ भृशम्

vahnistejomayaṁ divyamajinaṁ pradadau sthitaḥ evaṁ vibhūṣitaḥ sarvairbhṛtyairīśo babhau bhṛśam

and Agni, standing there, gave him a divine hide made of splendor. Thus adorned by all his servants, the Lord shone forth with great brilliance.

Verse 20 (skanda.1.61.20)

ततो हिमाद्रेः पुरुषा वीरकं प्रोचिरे वचः॥ मा भूत्कालात्ययः शीघ्रं भवस्यैतन्निवेद्यताम्

tato himādreḥ puruṣā vīrakaṁ procire vacaḥ mā bhūtkālātyayaḥ śīghraṁ bhavasyaitannivedyatām

Then the men of the Himalaya said this word to Viraka: 'Let there be no delay of time — quickly, let this be reported to Bhava.'

Verse 21 (skanda.1.61.21)

ततो देवं प्रणम्याह वीरकः करसंपुटी॥ त्वरयंति महेशानं हिमाद्रेः पुरुषास्त्वमी

tato devaṁ praṇamyāha vīrakaḥ karasaṁpuṭī tvarayaṁti maheśānaṁ himādreḥ puruṣāstvamī

Then Viraka, bowing to the god, with joined hands, said: 'These men of the Himalaya are urging Maheshana to hasten.'

Verse 22 (skanda.1.61.22)

इति श्रुत्वा वचो देवः शीघ्रमित्येव चाब्रवीत्॥ सप्त वारिधयस्तस्य चक्रुर्दर्पणदर्शनम्

iti śrutvā vaco devaḥ śīghramityeva cābravīt sapta vāridhayastasya cakrurdarpaṇadarśanam

Hearing this word, the god said only, 'At once.' The seven oceans then held up mirrors for him to see his reflection.

Verse 23 (skanda.1.61.23)

तत्रैक्षत महादेवः स्वरूपं स जगन्मयम्॥ ततो बद्धांजलिर्धीमान्स्थाणुं प्रोवाच केशवः

tatraikṣata mahādevaḥ svarūpaṁ sa jaganmayam tato baddhāṁjalirdhīmānsthāṇuṁ provāca keśavaḥ

There Mahadeva beheld his own form, which was of the very substance of the universe. Then, with joined palms, the wise Keshava said to the ever-fixed one —

Verse 24 (skanda.1.61.24)

देवदेव महादेव त्रिपुरांतक शंकर॥ शोभसेऽनेन रूपेण जगदानंददायिना

devadeva mahādeva tripurāṁtaka śaṁkara śobhase'nena rūpeṇa jagadānaṁdadāyinā

'O god of gods, Mahadeva, ender of Tripura, Shankara — you shine forth in this form, the giver of joy to the world,'

Verse 25 (skanda.1.61.25)

महेश्वर यथा साक्षादपरस्त्वं महेश्वरः॥ ततः स्मयन्महादेवो जयेति भुवने श्रुतः

maheśvara yathā sākṣādaparastvaṁ maheśvaraḥ tataḥ smayanmahādevo jayeti bhuvane śrutaḥ

'O Maheshvara, as though you were, in this very form, another Maheshvara in person!' Then Mahadeva, smiling — he whose praise resounds through the world as Victory —

Verse 26 (skanda.1.61.26)

करमालंब्य विष्णोश्च वृषभं रुरुहेशनैः॥ ततश्च वसवो देवाः शूलं तस्य न्यवेदयन्

karamālaṁbya viṣṇośca vṛṣabhaṁ ruruheśanaiḥ tataśca vasavo devāḥ śūlaṁ tasya nyavedayan

taking Vishnu's hand for support, mounted his bull gently. Then the Vasu-gods presented him with his trident,

Verse 27 (skanda.1.61.27)

धनदो निदिभिर्युक्तः समीपस्थस्ततोऽभवत्॥ स शूलपाणिर्विश्वात्मा संचचाल ततो हरः

dhanado nidibhiryuktaḥ samīpasthastato'bhavat sa śūlapāṇirviśvātmā saṁcacāla tato haraḥ

and Kubera, accompanied by his treasures, stood near at hand. Then Hara, the trident-bearer, the very Self of the universe, set forth,

Verse 28 (skanda.1.61.28)

देवदुंदुभिनादैश्च पुष्पासारैश्च गीतकैः॥ नृत्यद्भिरप्सरोभिश्च जयेति च महास्वनैः

devaduṁdubhinādaiśca puṣpāsāraiśca gītakaiḥ nṛtyadbhirapsarobhiśca jayeti ca mahāsvanaiḥ

amid the sound of divine kettledrums, showers of flowers, songs, dancing Apsaras, and mighty cries of Victory.

Verse 29 (skanda.1.61.29)

सव्यदक्षिणसंस्थानौ ब्रह्मविष्णूतु जग्मतुः॥ हंसं च गरुडं चैव समारुह्य महाप्रभौ

savyadakṣiṇasaṁsthānau brahmaviṣṇūtu jagmatuḥ haṁsaṁ ca garuḍaṁ caiva samāruhya mahāprabhau

On his left and right went Brahma and Vishnu, those two of great splendor, mounted upon the swan and Garuda respectively.

Verse 30 (skanda.1.61.30)

अथादितिर्दितिः सा च दनुः कद्रूः सुपर्णजा॥ पौलोमी सुरसा चैव सिंहिका सुरभिर्मुनिः

athāditirditiḥ sā ca danuḥ kadrūḥ suparṇajā paulomī surasā caiva siṁhikā surabhirmuniḥ

Then Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kadru, mother of the birds, Pauloma, Surasa, Simhika, Surabhi, and Muni,

Verse 31 (skanda.1.61.31)

सिद्धिर्माया क्षमा दुर्गा देवी स्वाहा स्वधा सुधा॥ सावित्री चैव गायत्री लक्ष्मीः सा दक्षिणा द्युतिः

siddhirmāyā kṣamā durgā devī svāhā svadhā sudhā sāvitrī caiva gāyatrī lakṣmīḥ sā dakṣiṇā dyutiḥ

Siddhi, Maya, Kshama, the goddess Durga, Svaha, Svadha, Sudha, Savitri, Gayatri, Lakshmi, Dakshina, Dyuti,

Verse 32 (skanda.1.61.32)

स्पृहामतिर्धृतिर्बुद्धिर्मंथिर्ऋद्धिः सरस्वती॥ राका कुहूः सिनीवाली देवी भानुमती तथा

spṛhāmatirdhṛtirbuddhirmaṁthirṛddhiḥ sarasvatī rākā kuhūḥ sinīvālī devī bhānumatī tathā

Spriha, Mati, Dhriti, Buddhi, Manthi, Riddhi, Sarasvati, Raka, Kuhu, Sinivali, and the goddess Bhanumati,

Verse 33 (skanda.1.61.33)

धरणी धारणी वेला राज्ञी चापि च रोहिणी॥ इत्येताश्चान्यदेवानां मातरः पत्नयस्तथा

dharaṇī dhāraṇī velā rājñī cāpi ca rohiṇī ityetāścānyadevānāṁ mātaraḥ patnayastathā

Dharani, Dharani, Vela, Rajni, and Rohini too — these, and the mothers and wives of the other gods besides,

Verse 34 (skanda.1.61.34)

उद्वाहं देवदेवस्य जग्मुः सर्वा मुदान्विताः॥ उरगा गरुडा यक्षा गंधर्वाः किंनरा नराः

udvāhaṁ devadevasya jagmuḥ sarvā mudānvitāḥ uragā garuḍā yakṣā gaṁdharvāḥ kiṁnarā narāḥ

all went, filled with joy, to the wedding of the god of gods. Serpents, Garudas, Yakshas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, men,

Verse 35 (skanda.1.61.35)

सागरा गिरयो मेघा मासाः संवत्सरास्तथा॥ वेदा मंत्रास्तथा यज्ञाः श्रौता धर्माश्च सर्वशः

sāgarā girayo meghā māsāḥ saṁvatsarāstathā vedā maṁtrāstathā yajñāḥ śrautā dharmāśca sarvaśaḥ

oceans, mountains, clouds, the months, the years, the Vedas, the mantras, the sacrifices, and all the duties declared in the Shruti,

Verse 36 (skanda.1.61.36)

हुंकाराः प्रणवाश्चैव इतिहासाः सहस्रशः॥ कोटिशश्च तथा देवा महेंद्राद्याः सवाहनाः

huṁkārāḥ praṇavāścaiva itihāsāḥ sahasraśaḥ koṭiśaśca tathā devā maheṁdrādyāḥ savāhanāḥ

the sacred exclamations, the syllable Om, and the epics by the thousand, and the gods too, by the tens of millions, Mahendra and the rest, together with their mounts,

Verse 37 (skanda.1.61.37)

अनुजग्मुर्महादेवं कोटिशोऽर्बुदशश्च हि॥ गणाश्च पृष्ठतो जग्मुः शंखवर्णाश्च कोटिशः

anujagmurmahādevaṁ koṭiśo'rbudaśaśca hi gaṇāśca pṛṣṭhato jagmuḥ śaṁkhavarṇāśca koṭiśaḥ

followed after Mahadeva, in their tens of millions, in their hundreds of millions indeed. And the conch-white ganas too went behind him, by the tens of millions —

Verse 38 (skanda.1.61.38)

दशभिः केकराख्याश्च विद्युतोऽष्टाभिरेव च॥ चतुःषष्ट्या विशाखाश्च नवभिः पारियात्रिकाः

daśabhiḥ kekarākhyāśca vidyuto'ṣṭābhireva ca catuḥṣaṣṭyā viśākhāśca navabhiḥ pāriyātrikāḥ

the Kekara troop with ten crore, the Vidyuts with eight, the Vishakhas with sixty-four, the Pariyatrikas with nine,

Verse 39 (skanda.1.61.39)

षड्भिः सर्वांतकः श्रीमांस्तथैव विकृताननः॥ ज्वालाकेशो द्वादशभिः कोटिभिः संवृतो ययौ

ṣaḍbhiḥ sarvāṁtakaḥ śrīmāṁstathaiva vikṛtānanaḥ jvālākeśo dvādaśabhiḥ koṭibhiḥ saṁvṛto yayau

the glorious Sarvantaka with six, and likewise Vikritanana; Jvalakesha went surrounded by twelve crore,

Verse 40 (skanda.1.61.40)

सप्तभिः समदः श्रीमान्दुंदुभोष्ठाभिरेव च॥ पंचभिश्च कपालीशः षड्भिः संह्रादकः शुभः

saptabhiḥ samadaḥ śrīmānduṁdubhoṣṭhābhireva ca paṁcabhiśca kapālīśaḥ ṣaḍbhiḥ saṁhrādakaḥ śubhaḥ

the glorious Samada with seven, and Dundubhoshtha likewise with seven; Kapalisha with five, and the auspicious Samhradaka with six,

Verse 41 (skanda.1.61.41)

कोटिकोटिभिरेवैकः कुंडकः कुंभकस्तथा॥ विष्टंभोऽष्टाभिरेवेह गणपः सर्वसत्तमः

koṭikoṭibhirevaikaḥ kuṁḍakaḥ kuṁbhakastathā viṣṭaṁbho'ṣṭābhireveha gaṇapaḥ sarvasattamaḥ

Kundaka alone with a crore of crores, and likewise Kumbhaka; Vishtambha, foremost of all the leaders of the ganas here, with eight crore,

Verse 42 (skanda.1.61.42)

पिप्पलश्च सहस्रेण सन्नादश्च तथा बली॥ आवेशनस्तथाष्टाभिः सप्तभिश्चंद्रतापनः

pippalaśca sahasreṇa sannādaśca tathā balī āveśanastathāṣṭābhiḥ saptabhiścaṁdratāpanaḥ

Pippala with a thousand, and the mighty Sannada likewise; Aveshana with eight, and Chandratapana with seven,

Verse 43 (skanda.1.61.43)

महाकेशः सहस्रेण नंदिर्द्वादशभिस्तथा॥ नगः कालः करालश्च महाकालः शतेन च

mahākeśaḥ sahasreṇa naṁdirdvādaśabhistathā nagaḥ kālaḥ karālaśca mahākālaḥ śatena ca

Mahakesha with a thousand, and Nandi likewise with twelve; Naga, Kala, and Karala, and Mahakala with a hundred,

Verse 44 (skanda.1.61.44)

अग्निकः शतकोट्या वै कोट्याग्निमुख एव च॥ आदित्यमूर्धा कोट्या च कोट्या चैव धनावहः

agnikaḥ śatakoṭyā vai koṭyāgnimukha eva ca ādityamūrdhā koṭyā ca koṭyā caiva dhanāvahaḥ

Agnika with a hundred crore indeed, and Agnimukha likewise with a crore; Adityamurdha with a crore, and Dhanavaha too with a crore,

Verse 45 (skanda.1.61.45)

सन्नागश्च शतेनैव कुमुदः कोटिभिस्त्रिभिः॥ अमोघः कोकिलश्चैव कोटिकोट्या सुमंत्रकः

sannāgaśca śatenaiva kumudaḥ koṭibhistribhiḥ amoghaḥ kokilaścaiva koṭikoṭyā sumaṁtrakaḥ

Sannaga with a hundred, and Kumuda with three crore; Amogha and Kokila likewise, and Sumantraka with a crore of crores,

Verse 46 (skanda.1.61.46)

काकपादस्तता षष्ट्या षष्ट्या संतानको गणः॥ महाबलश्च नवभिर्मधुपिंगश्च पिंगलः

kākapādastatā ṣaṣṭyā ṣaṣṭyā saṁtānako gaṇaḥ mahābalaśca navabhirmadhupiṁgaśca piṁgalaḥ

Kakapada with sixty, and the troop of Santanaka likewise with sixty; Mahabala with nine, and Madhupinga and Pingala,

Verse 47 (skanda.1.61.47)

नीलो नवत्या सप्तत्या चतुर्वक्त्रश्च पूर्वपात्॥ वीरभद्रश्चश्चतुःषष्ट्या करणो बालकस्तथा

nīlo navatyā saptatyā caturvaktraśca pūrvapāt vīrabhadraścaścatuḥṣaṣṭyā karaṇo bālakastathā

Nila with ninety, and Chaturvaktra, guardian of the east, with seventy; Virabhadra with sixty-four, and Karana, and Balaka likewise,

Verse 48 (skanda.1.61.48)

पंचाक्षः शतमन्युश्च मेघमन्युश्च विंशतिः॥ काष्ठकोटिश्चतुःषष्ट्या सुकोशो वृषभस्तथा

paṁcākṣaḥ śatamanyuśca meghamanyuśca viṁśatiḥ kāṣṭhakoṭiścatuḥṣaṣṭyā sukośo vṛṣabhastathā

Panchaksha, and Shatamanyu, and Meghamanyu with twenty; Kashthakoti with sixty-four, and Sukosha and Vrishabha likewise,

Verse 49 (skanda.1.61.49)

विश्वरूपस्तालकेतुः पंचाशच्च सिताननः॥ ईशानो वृद्धदेवश्च दीप्तात्मा मृत्युहा तथा

viśvarūpastālaketuḥ paṁcāśacca sitānanaḥ īśāno vṛddhadevaśca dīptātmā mṛtyuhā tathā

Vishvarupa, Talaketu, and the white-faced one with fifty; Ishana, and Vriddhadeva, and Diptatma, and Mrityuha likewise,

Verse 50 (skanda.1.61.50)

विषादो यमहा चैव गणो भृंगरिटिस्तथा॥ अशनी हासकश्चैव चतुःषष्ट्या सहस्रपात्

viṣādo yamahā caiva gaṇo bhṛṁgariṭistathā aśanī hāsakaścaiva catuḥṣaṣṭyā sahasrapāt

Vishada, and Yamaha, and the troop of Bhringariti likewise; Ashani and Hasaka, and Sahasrapat with sixty-four,

Verse 51 (skanda.1.61.51)

एते चान्ये च गणपा असंख्याता महाबलाः॥ सर्वे सहस्रहस्ताश्च जटामुकुटधारीणः

ete cānye ca gaṇapā asaṁkhyātā mahābalāḥ sarve sahasrahastāśca jaṭāmukuṭadhārīṇaḥ

— these, and other lords of the ganas beyond counting, all of immense strength, all thousand-armed, wearing crowns of matted hair,

Verse 52 (skanda.1.61.52)

चंद्रलेखावतंसाश्च नीलकंठास्त्रिलोचनाः॥ हारकुंडलकेयूरमुकुटाद्यैरलंकृताः

caṁdralekhāvataṁsāśca nīlakaṁṭhāstrilocanāḥ hārakuṁḍalakeyūramukuṭādyairalaṁkṛtāḥ

crowned with the crescent moon, blue-throated, three-eyed, adorned with necklaces, earrings, armlets, crowns, and the rest,

Verse 53 (skanda.1.61.53)

अणिमादिगुणैर्युक्ताः शक्ताः शापप्रसादयोः॥ सूर्यकोटिप्रतीकाशास्तत्राजग्मुर्गणेश्वराः

aṇimādiguṇairyuktāḥ śaktāḥ śāpaprasādayoḥ sūryakoṭipratīkāśāstatrājagmurgaṇeśvarāḥ

endowed with the powers of anima and the other siddhis, mighty alike to curse and to bless, radiant as ten million suns — such were the lords of the ganas who arrived there.

Verse 54 (skanda.1.61.54)

पातालांबरभूमिस्थाः सर्वलोकनिवासिनः॥ तुंबुरुर्नारदो हाहा हूहूश्चैव तु सामगाः

pātālāṁbarabhūmisthāḥ sarvalokanivāsinaḥ tuṁbururnārado hāhā hūhūścaiva tu sāmagāḥ

— dwellers of Patala, the sky, and the earth, inhabitants of every world. Tumburu, Narada, Haha, and Huhu, the singers of the Sama,

Verse 55 (skanda.1.61.55)

तंत्रीमादाय वाद्यांश्चाऽवादयञ्छंकरोत्सवे॥ ऋषयः कृत्स्नशश्चैव वेदगीतांस्तपोधनाः

taṁtrīmādāya vādyāṁścā'vādayañchaṁkarotsave ṛṣayaḥ kṛtsnaśaścaiva vedagītāṁstapodhanāḥ

took up their lutes and other instruments and played them at Shankara's festival. The sages, all of them together, rich in austerity,

Verse 56 (skanda.1.61.56)

पुण्यान्वैवाहिकान्मंत्राञ्जेषुः संहृष्टमानसाः॥ एवं प्रतस्थेगिरिशो वीज्यमानश्च गंगया

puṇyānvaivāhikānmaṁtrāñjeṣuḥ saṁhṛṣṭamānasāḥ evaṁ pratasthegiriśo vījyamānaśca gaṁgayā

sang, with joyful hearts, the sacred, auspicious wedding-mantras set to Vedic chant. Thus Girisha set forth, fanned by Ganga,

Verse 57 (skanda.1.61.57)

तथा यमुनया चापांपतिना धृतच्छत्रया॥ स्त्रीभिर्नानाविधालापैलाजाभिश्चानुमोदितः

tathā yamunayā cāpāṁpatinā dhṛtacchatrayā strībhirnānāvidhālāpailājābhiścānumoditaḥ

and by Yamuna as well, with the lord of waters holding an umbrella over him; cheered on by women with manifold auspicious utterances and by the scattering of parched grain,

Verse 58 (skanda.1.61.58)

महोत्सवेन देवेशो गिरिस्थानं विवेश सः॥ प्रभासत्स्वर्णकलशं तोरणानां शतैर्युतम्

mahotsavena deveśo giristhānaṁ viveśa saḥ prabhāsatsvarṇakalaśaṁ toraṇānāṁ śatairyutam

the lord of gods, amid great festivity, entered the mountain's abode — radiant with golden pitchers, furnished with hundreds of festive archways,

Verse 59 (skanda.1.61.59)

वैडूर्यबद्धभूमिस्थं रत्नजैश्च गृहैर्युतम्॥ तत्प्रविश्य स्तूयमानो द्वारमभ्याससाद ह

vaiḍūryabaddhabhūmisthaṁ ratnajaiśca gṛhairyutam tatpraviśya stūyamāno dvāramabhyāsasāda ha

its ground set with cat's-eye gems, furnished with houses made of jewels. Entering there, praised on every side, he arrived at the doorway.

Verse 60 (skanda.1.61.60)

ततो हिमाचलस्तत्र दृश्यते व्याकुलाकुलः॥ आदिशदात्मभृत्यानां महादेव उपस्थिते

tato himācalastatra dṛśyate vyākulākulaḥ ādiśadātmabhṛtyānāṁ mahādeva upasthite

There, then, Himachala could be seen utterly overwhelmed with agitation; when Mahadeva had arrived, he gave orders to his own servants.

Verse 61 (skanda.1.61.61)

ततो ब्रह्माणमचलो गुरुत्वे प्रार्थयत्तदा॥ कृत्यानां सर्वभारेषु वासुदेवं च बुद्धिमान्

tato brahmāṇamacalo gurutve prārthayattadā kṛtyānāṁ sarvabhāreṣu vāsudevaṁ ca buddhimān

Then the wise mountain requested Brahma to take the role of the officiating priest, and Vasudeva to bear the whole burden of the ceremonies.

Verse 62 (skanda.1.61.62)

प्रत्याह च विवाहऽस्मिन्कुमारीभ्रातरं विना॥ भविष्यति कथं विष्णो लाजहोमादिकर्मसु

pratyāha ca vivāha'sminkumārībhrātaraṁ vinā bhaviṣyati kathaṁ viṣṇo lājahomādikarmasu

He said in reply: 'But in this wedding, without a brother for the bride, how, O Vishnu, shall the rites of parched-grain oblation and the rest be performed?'

Verse 63 (skanda.1.61.63)

सुतो हि मम मैनाकः स प्रविष्टोऽर्णवे स्थितः॥ इति चिंताविषण्णं तं विष्णुराहमहामतिः

suto hi mama mainākaḥ sa praviṣṭo'rṇave sthitaḥ iti ciṁtāviṣaṇṇaṁ taṁ viṣṇurāhamahāmatiḥ

'For my son Mainaka has entered and now dwells within the ocean.' Seeing him thus dejected with worry, the great-minded Vishnu said to him —

Verse 64 (skanda.1.61.64)

अत्र चिंता न कर्तव्या गिरिराज कथंचन॥ अहं भ्राता जगन्मातुरेतदे वं च नान्यथा

atra ciṁtā na kartavyā girirāja kathaṁcana ahaṁ bhrātā jaganmāturetade vaṁ ca nānyathā

'No worry need be entertained on this account at all, O king of mountains — I myself shall be the brother of the mother of the world; it shall be exactly so, and not otherwise.'

Verse 65 (skanda.1.61.65)

ततः प्रमुदितः शैलः पार्वतीं च स्वलंकृताम्॥ सखीभिः कोटिसंख्याभिर्वृतां प्रवेशयत्सदः

tataḥ pramuditaḥ śailaḥ pārvatīṁ ca svalaṁkṛtām sakhībhiḥ koṭisaṁkhyābhirvṛtāṁ praveśayatsadaḥ

Then the mountain, greatly delighted, brought forth Parvati, beautifully adorned, surrounded by her companions numbering in the tens of millions, into the assembly-hall.

Verse 66 (skanda.1.61.66)

ततो नीलमयस्तंभं ज्वलत्कांचनकुट्टिमम्॥ मुक्ताजालपरिष्कारं ज्वलितौ षधिदीपितम्

tato nīlamayastaṁbhaṁ jvalatkāṁcanakuṭṭimam muktājālapariṣkāraṁ jvalitau ṣadhidīpitam

That hall had pillars of sapphire, a floor of gleaming gold, was adorned with nets of pearls, illumined by burning, blazing lamps of medicinal herbs,

Verse 67 (skanda.1.61.67)

रत्नासनसहस्राढ्यं शतयोजनविस्तृतम्॥ विवाहमंडपं शर्वो विवेशानुचरावृतः

ratnāsanasahasrāḍhyaṁ śatayojanavistṛtam vivāhamaṁḍapaṁ śarvo viveśānucarāvṛtaḥ

rich with a thousand jeweled seats, a hundred yojanas in extent — into that wedding pavilion Sharva entered, surrounded by his attendants.

Verse 68 (skanda.1.61.68)

ततः शैलः सपत्नीकः पादौ प्रक्षाल्य हर्षितः॥ भवस्य तेन तोयेन सिषिचे स्वं जगत्तथा

tataḥ śailaḥ sapatnīkaḥ pādau prakṣālya harṣitaḥ bhavasya tena toyena siṣice svaṁ jagattathā

Then the mountain, together with his wife, joyfully washed Bhava's feet, and with that very water sprinkled his own domain.

Verse 69 (skanda.1.61.69)

पाद्यमाचमनं दत्त्वा मधुपर्कं च गां तथा॥ प्रदानस्य प्रयोगं च संचिंतयंति ब्राह्मणाः

pādyamācamanaṁ dattvā madhuparkaṁ ca gāṁ tathā pradānasya prayogaṁ ca saṁciṁtayaṁti brāhmaṇāḥ

Having offered the water for the feet, the sipping-water, the honey-offering, and a cow, the Brahmins deliberated on the proper procedure for the giving away of the bride.

Verse 70 (skanda.1.61.70)

दौहित्रीं कव्यवाहानां दद्मि पुत्रीं स्वकामहम्॥ इत्युक्त्वा तस्थिवाञ्छैलो न जानाति हरस्य सः

dauhitrīṁ kavyavāhānāṁ dadmi putrīṁ svakāmaham ityuktvā tasthivāñchailo na jānāti harasya saḥ

'I give my own daughter, granddaughter of the bearers of oblations to the ancestors' — having said this, the mountain paused, for he did not know Hara's own lineage.

Verse 71 (skanda.1.61.71)

ततः सर्वानपृच्छत्स कुलं कोऽपि न वेद तत्॥ ततो विष्णुरिदं प्राह पृछ्यंतेऽन्ये किमर्थतः

tataḥ sarvānapṛcchatsa kulaṁ ko'pi na veda tat tato viṣṇuridaṁ prāha pṛchyaṁte'nye kimarthataḥ

Then he asked everyone there about Hara's lineage, but no one at all knew it. Then Vishnu said this: 'Why ask others at all?'

Verse 72 (skanda.1.61.72)

अज्ञातकुलतां तस्य पृछ्यतामयमेव च॥ अहिरेव अहेः पादान्वेत्ति नान्यो हिमाचल

ajñātakulatāṁ tasya pṛchyatāmayameva ca ahireva aheḥ pādānvetti nānyo himācala

'As for his unknown lineage, let this very fact be asked of him himself. Only a snake knows a snake's feet — no other, O Himachala.'

Verse 73 (skanda.1.61.73)

स्वगोत्रं यदि न ब्रूते न देया भगिनी मम॥ ततो हासस्तदा जज्ञे सर्वेषां सुमहास्वनः

svagotraṁ yadi na brūte na deyā bhaginī mama tato hāsastadā jajñe sarveṣāṁ sumahāsvanaḥ

'If you will not declare your own lineage, my sister shall not be given to you!' Then a very great burst of laughter arose from everyone,

Verse 74 (skanda.1.61.74)

निवृत्तश्च क्षणाद्भूयः किं वक्ष्यति हरस्त्विति॥ ततो विमृश्य बहुधा किंचिद्भीताननो यता

nivṛttaśca kṣaṇādbhūyaḥ kiṁ vakṣyati harastviti tato vimṛśya bahudhā kiṁcidbhītānano yatā

which then, after a moment, subsided again, as everyone wondered, 'What will Hara say to this?' Then, having reflected in many ways, his face somewhat apprehensive, as it were,

Verse 75 (skanda.1.61.75)

लज्जाजडः स्मितं चक्रे ततः पार्थ स वै हरः॥ ततो विशिष्टा ब्रुवति शीघ्रं कालोऽतिवर्तते

lajjājaḍaḥ smitaṁ cakre tataḥ pārtha sa vai haraḥ tato viśiṣṭā bruvati śīghraṁ kālo'tivartate

struck dumb with embarrassment, Hara, O Partha, merely smiled. Then the most distinguished ones present said: 'Speak quickly — the auspicious moment is passing!'

Verse 76 (skanda.1.61.76)

हरिः प्राह महेशानं बिभ्यदावेद्मयहं तव॥ मातामहं च पितरं प्रयोगं श्रृणु भूधर

hariḥ prāha maheśānaṁ bibhyadāvedmayahaṁ tava mātāmahaṁ ca pitaraṁ prayogaṁ śrṛṇu bhūdhara

Hari said to Maheshana: 'Fearing further delay, I myself shall declare your maternal grandfather and father — listen, O mountain-lord, to the proper formula:'

Verse 77 (skanda.1.61.77)

आत्मपुत्राय ते शंभो आत्मदौहित्रकाय ते॥ इत्युक्ते विष्णुना सर्वे साधुसाध्विति ते जगुः

ātmaputrāya te śaṁbho ātmadauhitrakāya te ityukte viṣṇunā sarve sādhusādhviti te jaguḥ

'It is given to your own son, O Shambhu, to your own grandson!' When Vishnu had said this, all cried out, 'Well done! Well done!'

Verse 78 (skanda.1.61.78)

देवोऽप्युदाहरेद्वुद्धिं सर्वेभ्योऽप्यधिकां वराम्॥ ततः शैलस्तथा चोक्त्वा दत्त्वा देवीं च सोदकम्

devo'pyudāharedvuddhiṁ sarvebhyo'pyadhikāṁ varām tataḥ śailastathā coktvā dattvā devīṁ ca sodakam

Even the god praised his ingenuity as superior to that of everyone else. Then the mountain, having thus recited the words, and, with a libation of water, gave the goddess away,

Verse 79 (skanda.1.61.79)

आत्मानं चापि देवाय प्रददौ सोदकं नगः॥ ततः सर्वे तुष्टुवुस्तं विवाहं विस्मयान्विताः

ātmānaṁ cāpi devāya pradadau sodakaṁ nagaḥ tataḥ sarve tuṣṭuvustaṁ vivāhaṁ vismayānvitāḥ

and gave even himself, with water, to the god. Then everyone, filled with wonder, praised that wedding —

Verse 80 (skanda.1.61.80)

दाता महीभृतां नाथो होता देवश्चतुर्मुखः॥ वरः पशुपतिः साक्षात्कन्या विश्वरणिस्तथा

dātā mahībhṛtāṁ nātho hotā devaścaturmukhaḥ varaḥ paśupatiḥ sākṣātkanyā viśvaraṇistathā

the giver was the lord of mountains, the officiating priest was the four-faced god, the bridegroom was Pashupati himself, and the bride was Vishvareni, the world-sustainer, herself.

Verse 81 (skanda.1.61.81)

ततः स्तुवत्सु मुनिषु पुष्पवर्षे महत्यपि॥ नदत्सु देवतूर्येषु करं जग्राह त्र्यम्बकः

tataḥ stuvatsu muniṣu puṣpavarṣe mahatyapi nadatsu devatūryeṣu karaṁ jagrāha tryambakaḥ

Then, as the sages sang praises, amid a great shower of flowers, and with the trumpets of the gods resounding, Tryambaka took her hand,

Verse 82 (skanda.1.61.82)

देवो देवीं समालोक्य सलज्जां हिमशैलजाम्॥ न तृप्यति न चाह्लादत्सा च देवां वृषध्वजम्

devo devīṁ samālokya salajjāṁ himaśailajām na tṛpyati na cāhlādatsā ca devāṁ vṛṣadhvajam

and the god, gazing upon the goddess, the bashful daughter of the snow-mountain, could not be sated; and she too, gazing on the bull-bannered god, felt her joy unending.

Verse 83 (skanda.1.61.83)

तत्र ब्रह्मादिमुनयो देवीमद्भुतरूपिणीम्॥ पश्यंतः शरणं जग्मुर्मनसा परमेश्वरम्

tatra brahmādimunayo devīmadbhutarūpiṇīm paśyaṁtaḥ śaraṇaṁ jagmurmanasā parameśvaram

There, Brahma and the sages, beholding the goddess in her wondrous form, took refuge in their minds in the Supreme Lord, praying:

Verse 84 (skanda.1.61.84)

मा मुह्याम पार्वतीं च यथा नारदपर्वतौ॥ ततस्तथैव तच्चक्रे सर्वेषामीप्सितं वचः

mā muhyāma pārvatīṁ ca yathā nāradaparvatau tatastathaiva taccakre sarveṣāmīpsitaṁ vacaḥ

'May we not be bewildered by Parvati, as Narada and Parvata once were.' And so it came to pass, exactly as they had wished, by the word of the Lord.

Verse 85 (skanda.1.61.85)

ततो देवैश्च मुनिभिः संस्तुतः परमेश्वरः॥ प्रविवेश शुभां वेदीं मूर्तिमज्ज्वलनाश्रिताम्

tato devaiśca munibhiḥ saṁstutaḥ parameśvaraḥ praviveśa śubhāṁ vedīṁ mūrtimajjvalanāśritām

Then, praised by the gods and the sages, the Supreme Lord entered the auspicious altar, resting upon the embodied fire.

Verse 86 (skanda.1.61.86)

वेधाः श्रुतीरितैर्मं त्रैर्मूर्तिमद्भिरुपस्थितैः॥ मूर्तमग्निं जुहाव त्रिः परिक्रम्य च तं हरः

vedhāḥ śrutīritairmaṁ trairmūrtimadbhirupasthitaiḥ mūrtamagniṁ juhāva triḥ parikramya ca taṁ haraḥ

With mantras uttered from the Shruti, present there in embodied form, the Ordainer officiated, and Hara, circling the embodied fire three times, made his oblations into it.

Verse 87 (skanda.1.61.87)

लाजाहोम उमाभ्राता प्राह तं सस्मितं हरिः॥ बहवो मिलिताः संति लोकाः संमर्द ईश्वर

lājāhoma umābhrātā prāha taṁ sasmitaṁ hariḥ bahavo militāḥ saṁti lokāḥ saṁmarda īśvara

At the oblation of parched grain, Uma's brother Hari, smiling, said to him: 'Many worlds have gathered here, O Lord — there is a great crush of crowds —'

Verse 88 (skanda.1.61.88)

सावधानेन रक्ष्याणि भूषणानि त्वया हर॥ ततो हरश्च तं प्राह स्वजने माऽतिगोपय

sāvadhānena rakṣyāṇi bhūṣaṇāni tvayā hara tato haraśca taṁ prāha svajane mā'tigopaya

'— you should carefully guard your ornaments, O Hara.' Then Hara said to him: 'Do not be overly wary among your own kin.'

Verse 89 (skanda.1.61.89)

किंचित्प्रार्थय दास्यामि प्राह विष्णुस्ततो वरम्॥ त्वयि भक्तिर्दृढा मेऽस्तु स च तद्दुर्लभं ददौ

kiṁcitprārthaya dāsyāmi prāha viṣṇustato varam tvayi bhaktirdṛḍhā me'stu sa ca taddurlabhaṁ dadau

'Ask for something — I shall grant it.' Vishnu then asked for a boon: 'May my devotion to you be ever firm.' And he granted that rare boon.

Verse 90 (skanda.1.61.90)

ददतुः सृष्टिसंरक्षां ब्रह्मणे दक्षिणामुभौ॥ अग्नये यज्ञभागांश्च प्रीतौ हरजनार्दनौ

dadatuḥ sṛṣṭisaṁrakṣāṁ brahmaṇe dakṣiṇāmubhau agnaye yajñabhāgāṁśca prītau harajanārdanau

Then both Hara and Janardana, well pleased, granted to Brahma the guardianship of creation as his fee, and to Agni the shares in the sacrifice,

Verse 91 (skanda.1.61.91)

भृग्वादीनां ततो दत्त्वा श्रुतिरक्षणदक्षिणाम्॥ ततो गीतैश्च नृत्यैश्च भोजनैश्च यथेप्सितैः

bhṛgvādīnāṁ tato dattvā śrutirakṣaṇadakṣiṇām tato gītaiśca nṛtyaiśca bhojanaiśca yathepsitaiḥ

and then, to Bhrigu and the other sages, gave as their fee the guardianship of the Shruti. Then, with songs, with dances, and with feasts as desired,

Verse 92 (skanda.1.61.92)

महोत्सवैरनेकैश्च विस्मयं समपद्यत॥ विसृज्य लोकं तं सर्वं किमिच्छादानकैर्भवः

mahotsavairanekaiśca vismayaṁ samapadyata visṛjya lokaṁ taṁ sarvaṁ kimicchādānakairbhavaḥ

and with many great festivities, all were filled with wonder. Having taken leave of that entire assembly, Bhava, with gifts given to fulfill every wish,

Verse 93 (skanda.1.61.93)

सरस्वत्या च पितरौ देव्याश्चाऽऽश्वास्य दुःखितौ॥ आमंत्र्य हिमशैलेंद्रं ब्रह्मणं च सकेशवम्

sarasvatyā ca pitarau devyāścā''śvāsya duḥkhitau āmaṁtrya himaśaileṁdraṁ brahmaṇaṁ ca sakeśavam

consoled, together with Sarasvati, the sorrowful parents of the goddess; and, taking leave of the lord of the snow-mountain, and of Brahma together with Keshava,

Verse 94 (skanda.1.61.94)

जगाम मंदरगिरिं गिरिणा यानुगोर्चितः

jagāma maṁdaragiriṁ giriṇā yānugorcitaḥ

set out for Mount Mandara, escorted, at the mountain's own wish, by his attendants.

Verse 95 (skanda.1.61.95)

ततो गते भगवति नीललोहिते सहोमया गिरिममलं हि भूधरः॥ सबांधवो रुदिति हि कस्य नो मनो विसंष्ठँलं जगति हि कन्यकापितुः

tato gate bhagavati nīlalohite sahomayā girimamalaṁ hi bhūdharaḥ sabāṁdhavo ruditi hi kasya no mano visaṁṣṭha~laṁ jagati hi kanyakāpituḥ

Then, when the blessed blue-and-red-hued Lord had departed together with Uma, the mountain-lord, together with his kinsmen, wept upon his spotless peak — for whose mind, indeed, in this world, does not become unsettled, being the father of a daughter given away?

Verse 96 (skanda.1.61.96)

इमं विवाहं गिरिराजपुत्र्याः श्रृणोति चाध्येति च यो नरः शुचिः॥ विशेषतश्चापि विवाहमंगले स मंगलं वृद्धिमवाप्नुते चिरम्

imaṁ vivāhaṁ girirājaputryāḥ śrṛṇoti cādhyeti ca yo naraḥ śuciḥ viśeṣataścāpi vivāhamaṁgale sa maṁgalaṁ vṛddhimavāpnute ciram

Whatever pure-hearted man hears or recites this wedding of the daughter of the king of mountains — especially at an auspicious wedding — he obtains lasting increase of fortune.