The Consecration Festival of Skandakumara as Commander-in-Chief of All the Gods' Army

Verse 1 (skanda.1.64.1)

॥नारद उवाच॥ व्रजंती गिरिजाऽपश्यत्सखीं मातुर्महाप्रभाम्॥ कुसुमामोदिनींनाम तस्य शैलस्य देवताम्

nārada uvāca vrajaṁtī girijā'paśyatsakhīṁ māturmahāprabhām kusumāmodinīṁnāma tasya śailasya devatām

Narada said: As she journeyed on, Girija saw a friend of her mother's, of great splendor — the deity of that mountain, named Kusumamodini.

Verse 2 (skanda.1.64.2)

सापि दृष्ट्वा गिरिसुतां स्नेहविक्लवमानसा॥ क्वपुनर्गच्छसीत्युच्चैरालिंग्योवाच देवता

sāpi dṛṣṭvā girisutāṁ snehaviklavamānasā kvapunargacchasītyuccairāliṁgyovāca devatā

She too, seeing the mountain's daughter, her heart overwhelmed with affection, embraced her and cried aloud, "Where are you going now?" — so spoke that goddess.

Verse 3 (skanda.1.64.3)

सा चास्यै सर्वमाचख्यौ शंकरात्कोपकारणम्॥ पुनश्चोवाच गिरिजा देवतां मातृसंमताम्

sā cāsyai sarvamācakhyau śaṁkarātkopakāraṇam punaścovāca girijā devatāṁ mātṛsaṁmatām

Girija told her everything — the cause of her anger at Shankara. Then she spoke once more to the goddess, who was held dear by her mother.

Verse 4 (skanda.1.64.4)

नित्यं शैलाधिराजस्य देवता त्वमनिंदिते॥ सर्वं च सन्निधानं च मयि चातीव वत्सला

nityaṁ śailādhirājasya devatā tvamaniṁdite sarvaṁ ca sannidhānaṁ ca mayi cātīva vatsalā

"You are ever the deity of the lord of mountains, O blameless one; you have access everywhere, and you are exceedingly affectionate toward me.

Verse 5 (skanda.1.64.5)

तदहं संप्रवक्ष्यामि यद्विधेयं तवाधुना॥ अथान्य स्त्रीप्रवेशे तु समीपे तु पिनाकिनः

tadahaṁ saṁpravakṣyāmi yadvidheyaṁ tavādhunā athānya strīpraveśe tu samīpe tu pinākinaḥ

So I shall now tell you what is to be done by you. Now, should another woman come near the wielder of the Pinaka —

Verse 6 (skanda.1.64.6)

त्वयाख्येयं मम शुभे युक्तं पश्चात्करोम्यहम्॥ तथेत्युक्ते तया देव्या ययौ देवी गिरिं प्रति

tvayākhyeyaṁ mama śubhe yuktaṁ paścātkaromyaham tathetyukte tayā devyā yayau devī giriṁ prati

"— it must be told to me, O gracious one; afterward I shall do what is fitting." When the goddess agreed, saying "so be it," the Devi set out toward the mountain.

Verse 7 (skanda.1.64.7)

रम्ये तत्र महाशृंगे नानाश्चर्योपशोभिते॥ विभूषणादि संन्यस्य वृक्षवल्कलधारिणी

ramye tatra mahāśṛṁge nānāścaryopaśobhite vibhūṣaṇādi saṁnyasya vṛkṣavalkaladhāriṇī

There, on a great and delightful peak adorned with many wonders, having set aside her ornaments and all else, clad in the bark of trees,

Verse 8 (skanda.1.64.8)

तपस्तेपे गिरिसुता पुत्रेण परिपालिता॥ ग्रीष्मे पंचाग्निसंतप्ता वर्षासु च जलोषिता

tapastepe girisutā putreṇa paripālitā grīṣme paṁcāgnisaṁtaptā varṣāsu ca jaloṣitā

the mountain's daughter performed austerities, guarded by her son — in summer scorched by the five fires, in the rainy season drenched by water,

Verse 9 (skanda.1.64.9)

स्थंडिलस्था च हेमंते निराहारा तताप सा॥ एतस्मिन्नंतरे दैत्यो ह्यंधकस्य सुतो बली

sthaṁḍilasthā ca hemaṁte nirāhārā tatāpa sā etasminnaṁtare daityo hyaṁdhakasya suto balī

and in winter, seated on the bare ground, fasting, she continued her austerity. Meanwhile there was a mighty demon, son of Andhaka,

Verse 10 (skanda.1.64.10)

ज्ञात्वा गतां गिरिसुतां पितुर्वैरमनुस्मरन्॥ आडिर्नाम बकभ्राता रहस्यांतरप्रेक्षकः

jñātvā gatāṁ girisutāṁ piturvairamanusmaran āḍirnāma bakabhrātā rahasyāṁtaraprekṣakaḥ

who, learning that the mountain's daughter had gone away, and remembering his father's old enmity — named Adi, brother of Baka, ever watching for a hidden opportunity —

Verse 11 (skanda.1.64.11)

जिते किलांधके दैत्ये गिरिशेनामरद्विषि॥ आडिश्चकार विपुलं तपो हरजिगीषया

jite kilāṁdhake daitye giriśenāmaradviṣi āḍiścakāra vipulaṁ tapo harajigīṣayā

— since the god-hating demon Andhaka had indeed been vanquished by Girisha, Adi performed extensive austerities, desiring to conquer Hara.

Verse 12 (skanda.1.64.12)

तमागत्याब्रवीद्ब्रह्मा तपसा परितोषितः॥ ब्रूहि किं वासुरश्रेष्ठ तपसा प्राप्तुमिच्छसि

tamāgatyābravīdbrahmā tapasā paritoṣitaḥ brūhi kiṁ vāsuraśreṣṭha tapasā prāptumicchasi

Brahma, pleased by his austerity, came to him and said: "Tell me, O best of asuras, what do you wish to obtain through this tapas?"

Verse 13 (skanda.1.64.13)

ब्रह्माणमाह दैत्यस्तु निर्मृत्युत्वमहं वृणे॥ ॥ब्रह्मोवाच॥ न कश्चिच्च विना मृत्युं जंतुरासुर विद्यते

brahmāṇamāha daityastu nirmṛtyutvamahaṁ vṛṇe brahmovāca na kaścicca vinā mṛtyuṁ jaṁturāsura vidyate

The demon said to Brahma: "I choose deathlessness for myself." Brahma said: "No creature exists, O asura, without death."

Verse 14 (skanda.1.64.14)

यतस्ततोऽपि दैत्येंद्र मृत्युः प्राप्यः शरीरिणा॥ इत्युक्तस्तं तथेत्याह तुष्टः कमलसंभवम्

yatastato'pi daityeṁdra mṛtyuḥ prāpyaḥ śarīriṇā ityuktastaṁ tathetyāha tuṣṭaḥ kamalasaṁbhavam

"Therefore, O lord of demons, death must be obtained by every embodied being in some form." Thus addressed, he, pleased, said "so be it" to the lotus-born.

Verse 15 (skanda.1.64.15)

रूपस्य परिवर्तो मे यदा स्यात्पद्मसंभव॥ तदा मृत्युर्मम भवेदन्यथा त्वमरो ह्यहम्

rūpasya parivarto me yadā syātpadmasaṁbhava tadā mṛtyurmama bhavedanyathā tvamaro hyaham

"O lotus-born one, only when there occurs a change in my form shall death come to me; otherwise I am immortal."

Verse 16 (skanda.1.64.16)

इत्युक्तस्तं तथेत्याह तुष्टः कमलसंभवः॥ इत्युक्तोऽमरतां मेने दैत्यराज्यस्थितोऽसुरः

ityuktastaṁ tathetyāha tuṣṭaḥ kamalasaṁbhavaḥ ityukto'maratāṁ mene daityarājyasthito'suraḥ

Thus addressed, the lotus-born, pleased, said "so be it" to him. So told, the demon, established in his demon-kingdom, considered himself immortal.

Verse 17 (skanda.1.64.17)

आजगाम स च स्थानं तदा त्रिपुरघातिनः॥ आगतो ददृशे तं च वीरकं द्वार्यवस्थितम्

ājagāma sa ca sthānaṁ tadā tripuraghātinaḥ āgato dadṛśe taṁ ca vīrakaṁ dvāryavasthitam

He then came to the abode of the Slayer of Tripura; on arriving, he saw Viraka stationed at the gate.

Verse 18 (skanda.1.64.18)

तं चासौ वंचयित्वा च आडिः सर्पशरीरभृत्॥ अवारितो वीरकेण प्रविवेश हरांतिकम्

taṁ cāsau vaṁcayitvā ca āḍiḥ sarpaśarīrabhṛt avārito vīrakeṇa praviveśa harāṁtikam

Deceiving him, Adi, taking the form of a serpent, unhindered by Viraka, entered the presence of Hara.

Verse 19 (skanda.1.64.19)

भुजंगरूपं संत्यज्य बभूवाथ महासुरः॥ उमारूपी छलयितुं गिरिशं मूढचेतनः

bhujaṁgarūpaṁ saṁtyajya babhūvātha mahāsuraḥ umārūpī chalayituṁ giriśaṁ mūḍhacetanaḥ

Then, casting off his serpent form, the great asura, deluded in mind, became one in the shape of Uma, to deceive Girisha.

Verse 20 (skanda.1.64.20)

कृत्वोमायास्ततो रूपमप्रतर्क्यमनोहरम्॥ सर्वावयवसंपूर्णं सर्वाभिज्ञानसंवृतम्

kṛtvomāyāstato rūpamapratarkyamanoharam sarvāvayavasaṁpūrṇaṁ sarvābhijñānasaṁvṛtam

Having then fashioned Uma's form — inconceivably beautiful, complete in every limb, furnished with every mark of recognition —

Verse 21 (skanda.1.64.21)

चक्रे भगांतरे दैत्यो दंतान्वज्रोपमान्दृढान्॥ तीक्ष्णाग्रान्बुद्धिमोहेन गिरिशं हंतुमुद्यतः

cakre bhagāṁtare daityo daṁtānvajropamāndṛḍhān tīkṣṇāgrānbuddhimohena giriśaṁ haṁtumudyataḥ

the demon, his mind deranged, set within that form's private part teeth hard as diamond and sharp-tipped, being intent on killing Girisha.

Verse 22 (skanda.1.64.22)

कृत्वोमारूपमेवं स स्थितो दैत्यो हरांतिके॥ तां दृष्ट्वा गिरिशस्तुषुटः समालिंग्य महासुरम्

kṛtvomārūpamevaṁ sa sthito daityo harāṁtike tāṁ dṛṣṭvā giriśastuṣuṭaḥ samāliṁgya mahāsuram

Having thus assumed Uma's form, the demon stood near Hara. Seeing her, Girisha, delighted, embraced the great asura,

Verse 23 (skanda.1.64.23)

मन्यमानो गिरिसुतां सर्वै रवयवांतरैः॥ अपृच्छत्साधु ते भावो गिरिपुत्री ह्यकृत्रिमा

manyamāno girisutāṁ sarvai ravayavāṁtaraiḥ apṛcchatsādhu te bhāvo giriputrī hyakṛtrimā

believing by every limb and feature that it was the mountain's daughter herself, and asked: "Good is your disposition — you are indeed the mountain's daughter, no illusion."

Verse 24 (skanda.1.64.24)

या त्वं मदशयं ज्ञात्वा प्राप्तेह वरवर्णिनि॥ त्वया विरहितः शून्यं मन्योस्मिन्भुवनत्रये

yā tvaṁ madaśayaṁ jñātvā prāpteha varavarṇini tvayā virahitaḥ śūnyaṁ manyosminbhuvanatraye

"You, O fair one, having known my longing, have come here; without you I find these three worlds empty."

Verse 25 (skanda.1.64.25)

प्राप्ता प्रसन्ना या त्वं मां युक्तमेवंविधं त्वयि॥ इत्युक्ते गूहयंश्चेष्टामुमारूप्यसुरोऽब्रवीत्

prāptā prasannā yā tvaṁ māṁ yuktamevaṁvidhaṁ tvayi ityukte gūhayaṁśceṣṭāmumārūpyasuro'bravīt

"You have come, gracious toward me — such conduct befits you." Thus addressed, the asura in Uma's form, concealing his real intent, replied:

Verse 26 (skanda.1.64.26)

यातास्मि तपसश्चर्तुं कालीवाक्यात्तवातुलम्॥ रतिश्च तत्र मे नाभूत्ततः प्राप्ता तवांतिकम्

yātāsmi tapasaścartuṁ kālīvākyāttavātulam ratiśca tatra me nābhūttataḥ prāptā tavāṁtikam

"I had gone, at Kali's word, to practice austerity incomparable to yours; but I found no delight there, so I have come now to your presence."

Verse 27 (skanda.1.64.27)

इत्युक्तः शंकरः शंकां किंचित्प्राप्यवधारयत्॥ कुपिता मयि तन्वंगी प्रत्यक्षा च दृढव्रता

ityuktaḥ śaṁkaraḥ śaṁkāṁ kiṁcitprāpyavadhārayat kupitā mayi tanvaṁgī pratyakṣā ca dṛḍhavratā

Thus addressed, Shankara, feeling some suspicion, reflected: "The slender-limbed one was angry with me, was resolute in her vow, and is now present in person —"

Verse 28 (skanda.1.64.28)

अप्राप्तकामा संप्राप्ता किमेतत्संशयो मम॥ रहसीति विचिंत्याथ अभिज्ञानाद्विचारयन्

aprāptakāmā saṁprāptā kimetatsaṁśayo mama rahasīti viciṁtyātha abhijñānādvicārayan

"— without having attained her longed-for state, yet she has come; what is this? I am in doubt." Reflecting thus in private, he began to examine her by the marks of recognition.

Verse 29 (skanda.1.64.29)

नापश्यद्वामपार्श्वे तु तस्यांकं पद्मलक्षणम्॥ लोम्नामावर्तचरितं ततो देवः पिनाकधृक्

nāpaśyadvāmapārśve tu tasyāṁkaṁ padmalakṣaṇam lomnāmāvartacaritaṁ tato devaḥ pinākadhṛk

On her left side he did not see the lotus-mark, nor the whorl-pattern of the hairs; then the god who wields the Pinaka —

Verse 30 (skanda.1.64.30)

बुद्धा तां दानवीं मायां किंचित्प्रहसिताननः॥ मेढ्रे रौद्रास्त्रमाधाय चक्रे दैत्यमनोरथम्

buddhā tāṁ dānavīṁ māyāṁ kiṁcitprahasitānanaḥ meḍhre raudrāstramādhāya cakre daityamanoratham

— having understood that it was the demon's illusion, smiling a little, applied a fierce weapon and thereby fulfilled the demon's own wish.

Verse 31 (skanda.1.64.31)

स रुदन्भैरवान्रावानवसादं गतोऽसुरः॥ अबुध्यद्वीरको नैतदसुरेंद्रनिषूदनम्

sa rudanbhairavānrāvānavasādaṁ gato'suraḥ abudhyadvīrako naitadasureṁdraniṣūdanam

The asura, crying out with terrible howls, fell into anguish; but Viraka did not know of this deed of the slayer of the demon-lord.

Verse 32 (skanda.1.64.32)

हते च मारुतेनाशुगामिना नगदेवता॥ अपरिच्छिन्नतत्त्वार्था शैलपुत्र्यां न्यवेदयत्

hate ca mārutenāśugāminā nagadevatā aparicchinnatattvārthā śailaputryāṁ nyavedayat

When the demon had been struck down, the mountain-deity, swift as the wind, though not fully grasping the truth of the matter, reported it to the mountain's daughter.

Verse 33 (skanda.1.64.33)

श्रुत्वा वायुमुखाद्देवी क्रोधरक्तातिलोचना॥ अपस्यद्वीरकं पुत्रं हृदयेन विदूयता

śrutvā vāyumukhāddevī krodharaktātilocanā apasyadvīrakaṁ putraṁ hṛdayena vidūyatā

Hearing it from the wind-swift one's mouth, the Devi, her eyes red with fury, looked upon her son Viraka, her heart burning with anguish.

Verse 34 (skanda.1.64.34)

मातरं मां परित्यज्य यस्मात्त्वं स्नेहविह्वलाम्॥ विहितावसरः स्त्रीणां शंकरस्य रहोविधौ

mātaraṁ māṁ parityajya yasmāttvaṁ snehavihvalām vihitāvasaraḥ strīṇāṁ śaṁkarasya rahovidhau

"Since you, forsaking me, your mother overwhelmed with love, gave opportunity for women in Shankara's private chamber —"

Verse 35 (skanda.1.64.35)

तस्मात्ते परुषा रूक्षा जडा हृदय वर्जिता॥ गणेशाक्षरसदृशा शिला माता भविष्यति

tasmātte paruṣā rūkṣā jaḍā hṛdaya varjitā gaṇeśākṣarasadṛśā śilā mātā bhaviṣyati

"— therefore a stone shall become your mother — harsh, rough, insensate, heartless, unyielding as Ganesha himself."

Verse 36 (skanda.1.64.36)

एवमुत्सृष्टशापाया गिरिपुत्र्यास्त्वनंतरम्॥ निर्जगाम मुखात्क्रोधः सिंहरूपी महाबलः

evamutsṛṣṭaśāpāyā giriputryāstvanaṁtaram nirjagāma mukhātkrodhaḥ siṁharūpī mahābalaḥ

Then, right after the mountain's daughter had uttered this curse, Wrath itself, mighty and lion-formed, issued forth from her mouth.

Verse 37 (skanda.1.64.37)

पश्चात्तापं समश्रित्य तया देव्या विसर्जितः॥ स तु सिंहः करालास्यो महाकेसरकंधरः

paścāttāpaṁ samaśritya tayā devyā visarjitaḥ sa tu siṁhaḥ karālāsyo mahākesarakaṁdharaḥ

Then, overcome by remorse, that Devi released him — a lion with a terrible gaping mouth and a great maned neck,

Verse 38 (skanda.1.64.38)

प्रोद्धूतबललांगूलदंष्ट्रोत्कट गुहामुखः॥ व्यावृतास्यो ललज्जिह्वः क्षामकुक्षिश्चिखादिषुः

proddhūtabalalāṁgūladaṁṣṭrotkaṭa guhāmukhaḥ vyāvṛtāsyo lalajjihvaḥ kṣāmakukṣiścikhādiṣuḥ

with a tail lashing violently, jaws jutting with fangs like the mouth of a cave, mouth agape, tongue lolling, belly gaunt, ravenous to devour.

Verse 39 (skanda.1.64.39)

तस्यास्ये वर्तितुं देवी व्यवस्यत सती तदा॥ ज्ञात्वा मनोगतं तस्या भगवांश्चतुराननः

tasyāsye vartituṁ devī vyavasyata satī tadā jñātvā manogataṁ tasyā bhagavāṁścaturānanaḥ

The virtuous Devi then resolved to place herself in his mouth. Knowing what was in her mind, the four-faced Lord —

Verse 40 (skanda.1.64.40)

आजगामाश्रमपंद संपदामाश्रयं ततः॥ आगम्योवाच तां ब्रह्मा गिरिजां मृष्टया गिरा

ājagāmāśramapaṁda saṁpadāmāśrayaṁ tataḥ āgamyovāca tāṁ brahmā girijāṁ mṛṣṭayā girā

— came then to that hermitage, the abode of all blessings; arriving, Brahma spoke to Girija with gentle words:

Verse 41 (skanda.1.64.41)

किं देवी प्राप्तुकामासि किमलभ्यं ददामि ते॥ तच्छ्रुत्वोवाच गिरिजा गुरुगौरवगर्भितम्

kiṁ devī prāptukāmāsi kimalabhyaṁ dadāmi te tacchrutvovāca girijā gurugauravagarbhitam

"O Devi, what do you wish to obtain? What unattainable thing shall I give you?" Hearing this, Girija spoke, her words weighty with reverence for her elder:

Verse 42 (skanda.1.64.42)

तपसा दुष्करेणाप्तः पतित्वे शंकरो मया॥ स मां श्यामलवर्णेति बहुशः प्रोक्तवान्भवः

tapasā duṣkareṇāptaḥ patitve śaṁkaro mayā sa māṁ śyāmalavarṇeti bahuśaḥ proktavānbhavaḥ

"By difficult austerity I obtained Shankara as my husband; yet Bhava has often called me 'the dark-hued one.'"

Verse 43 (skanda.1.64.43)

स्यामहं कांचनाकारा वाल्लभ्येन च संयुता॥ भर्तुर्भूतपतेरंगे ह्येकतो निर्विशंकिता

syāmahaṁ kāṁcanākārā vāllabhyena ca saṁyutā bharturbhūtapateraṁge hyekato nirviśaṁkitā

"Let me become golden-hued and endowed with his beloved favor, united in one form with the body of the lord of beings, free of all doubt."

Verse 44 (skanda.1.64.44)

तस्यास्तद्भाषितं श्रुत्वा प्रोवाच जलजासनः॥ एवं भवतु भूयस्त्वं भर्तुर्देहार्धधारिणी

tasyāstadbhāṣitaṁ śrutvā provāca jalajāsanaḥ evaṁ bhavatu bhūyastvaṁ bharturdehārdhadhāriṇī

Hearing her words, the lotus-throned one said: "So be it — henceforth you shall bear half of your husband's body."

Verse 45 (skanda.1.64.45)

ततस्तस्याः शरीरात्तु स्त्री सुनीलांबुजत्विषा॥ निर्गता साभवद्भीमा घंटाहस्ता त्रिलोचना

tatastasyāḥ śarīrāttu strī sunīlāṁbujatviṣā nirgatā sābhavadbhīmā ghaṁṭāhastā trilocanā

Then from her body there emerged a woman with the hue of a deep-blue lotus; she became fearsome, bell in hand, three-eyed,

Verse 46 (skanda.1.64.46)

नानाभरणपूर्णांगी पीतकौशेयवासिनी॥ तामब्रवीत्ततो ब्रह्मा देवीं नीलांबुजत्विषम्

nānābharaṇapūrṇāṁgī pītakauśeyavāsinī tāmabravīttato brahmā devīṁ nīlāṁbujatviṣam

her limbs full of various ornaments, clad in yellow silk. Brahma then spoke to that dark-blue-hued goddess:

Verse 47 (skanda.1.64.47)

अस्माद्भूधरजा देहसंपर्कात्त्वं ममाज्ञया॥ संप्राप्ता कृतकृत्यत्वमेकानंशा पुराकृतिः

asmādbhūdharajā dehasaṁparkāttvaṁ mamājñayā saṁprāptā kṛtakṛtyatvamekānaṁśā purākṛtiḥ

"Through contact with the body of the mountain-born one, and by my command, you have attained your fulfillment — O Ekanamsha, of primeval form."

Verse 48 (skanda.1.64.48)

य एष सिंहः प्रोद्भूतो देव्याः क्रोधाद्वरानने॥ स तेस्तु वाहनो देवी केतौ चास्तु महाबलः

ya eṣa siṁhaḥ prodbhūto devyāḥ krodhādvarānane sa testu vāhano devī ketau cāstu mahābalaḥ

"This lion that arose from the Devi's wrath, O fair-faced one — let him be your mount, O Devi, and let the mighty one also be on your banner."

Verse 49 (skanda.1.64.49)

गच्छ विंध्याचले तत्र सुरकार्यं करिष्यति॥ अत्र शुंभनिशुंभौ च हत्वा तारकसैन्यपौ

gaccha viṁdhyācale tatra surakāryaṁ kariṣyati atra śuṁbhaniśuṁbhau ca hatvā tārakasainyapau

"Go to the Vindhya mountain; there you shall accomplish the gods' purpose, slaying Shumbha and Nishumbha, the commanders of Taraka's army."

Verse 50 (skanda.1.64.50)

पांचालोनाम यक्षोऽयं यक्षलक्षपदानुगः॥ दत्तस्ते किंकरो देवी महामायाशतैर्युतः

pāṁcālonāma yakṣo'yaṁ yakṣalakṣapadānugaḥ dattaste kiṁkaro devī mahāmāyāśatairyutaḥ

"This Yaksha named Panchala, followed by a hundred thousand yakshas, is given to you as servant, O Devi, together with a hundred great illusions."

Verse 51 (skanda.1.64.51)

इत्युक्ता कौशिकी देवी तथेत्याह पितामहम्॥ निर्गतायां च कौशिक्यां जाता स्वैराश्रिता गुणैः

ityuktā kauśikī devī tathetyāha pitāmaham nirgatāyāṁ ca kauśikyāṁ jātā svairāśritā guṇaiḥ

Thus addressed, the goddess Kaushiki said "so be it" to the Grandsire. When Kaushiki had departed, she became golden, endowed with her own true qualities,

Verse 52 (skanda.1.64.52)

सर्वैः पूर्वभवोपात्तैस्तदा स्वयमुपस्तितैः॥ उमापि प्राप्तसंकल्पा पश्चात्तापपरायणा

sarvaiḥ pūrvabhavopāttaistadā svayamupastitaiḥ umāpi prāptasaṁkalpā paścāttāpaparāyaṇā

with all the excellences acquired in her former birth now spontaneously present in her. Uma too, her wish fulfilled, was given over to remorse,

Verse 53 (skanda.1.64.53)

मुहुः स्वं परिनिंदंती जगाम गिरिशांतिकम्॥ संप्रयांतीं च तां द्वारी अपवार्य समाहितः

muhuḥ svaṁ pariniṁdaṁtī jagāma giriśāṁtikam saṁprayāṁtīṁ ca tāṁ dvārī apavārya samāhitaḥ

repeatedly blaming herself, and went to Girisha's presence. As she approached, the watchful gatekeeper, barring the way,

Verse 54 (skanda.1.64.54)

रुरोध वीरको देवीं हेमवेत्रलताधरः॥ तामुवाच च कोपेन तिष्ठ तिष्ठ क्व यासि च

rurodha vīrako devīṁ hemavetralatādharaḥ tāmuvāca ca kopena tiṣṭha tiṣṭha kva yāsi ca

Viraka, bearing a golden cane, obstructed the Devi and said to her in anger: "Stop, stop! Where do you think you are going?"

Verse 55 (skanda.1.64.55)

प्रयोजनं न तेऽस्तीह गच्छ यावन्न भर्त्स्यसे॥ देव्या रूपधरो दैत्यो देवं वंचयितुं त्विह

prayojanaṁ na te'stīha gaccha yāvanna bhartsyase devyā rūpadharo daityo devaṁ vaṁcayituṁ tviha

"You have no business here — go, before you are rebuked. A demon, wearing the Devi's form, came here to deceive the Lord —"

Verse 56 (skanda.1.64.56)

प्रविष्टो न च दृष्टोऽसौ स च देवेन घातितः॥ घातिते चाहमाक्षिप्तो नीलकण्ठेन धीमता

praviṣṭo na ca dṛṣṭo'sau sa ca devena ghātitaḥ ghātite cāhamākṣipto nīlakaṇṭhena dhīmatā

"— he entered and was not recognized by me, and he was slain by the Lord. When he was slain, I was rebuked by the wise Blue-Throated One,"

Verse 57 (skanda.1.64.57)

कापि स्त्री नापि मोक्तव्या त्वया पुत्रेति सादरम्॥ तस्मात्त्वमत्र द्वारिस्था वर्षपूगान्यनेकशः

kāpi strī nāpi moktavyā tvayā putreti sādaram tasmāttvamatra dvāristhā varṣapūgānyanekaśaḥ

"— who said, 'no woman whatsoever is to be let past by you, my son' — spoken with affection. Therefore you shall stand here at this gate for many, many years —"

Verse 58 (skanda.1.64.58)

भविष्यसि न चाप्यत्र प्रवेशं लप्स्यसे व्रज॥ एका मे प्रविशेदत्र माता या स्नेहवत्सला

bhaviṣyasi na cāpyatra praveśaṁ lapsyase vraja ekā me praviśedatra mātā yā snehavatsalā

"— and you shall not gain entry here; go away. Only one may enter here — my mother, who is loving and affectionate,"

Verse 59 (skanda.1.64.59)

नगाधिराजतनया पार्वती रुद्रवल्लभा॥ इत्युक्ता तु ततो देवी चिंतयामास चेतसा

nagādhirājatanayā pārvatī rudravallabhā ityuktā tu tato devī ciṁtayāmāsa cetasā

"— the daughter of the lord of mountains, Parvati, beloved of Rudra." Thus addressed, the Devi then reflected within her mind:

Verse 60 (skanda.1.64.60)

न सा नारी तु दैत्योऽसौ वायोर्नैवावबासत॥ वृथैव वीरकः शप्तो मया क्रोधपरीतया

na sā nārī tu daityo'sau vāyornaivāvabāsata vṛthaiva vīrakaḥ śapto mayā krodhaparītayā

"That was no woman at all, but a demon — this was not even made clear by the wind-messenger. Viraka was cursed by me in vain, overcome as I was by anger."

Verse 61 (skanda.1.64.61)

अकार्यं क्रियते मूढैः प्रायः क्रोधसमन्वितैः॥ क्रोधेन नश्यते कीर्तिः क्रोधो हंति स्थिरां श्रियम्

akāryaṁ kriyate mūḍhaiḥ prāyaḥ krodhasamanvitaiḥ krodhena naśyate kīrtiḥ krodho haṁti sthirāṁ śriyam

"Fools overcome by anger generally commit wrong deeds; through anger fame is destroyed, and anger kills even lasting prosperity."

Verse 62 (skanda.1.64.62)

अपरिच्छिन्नसर्वार्था पुत्रं शापितवत्यहम्॥ विपरीतार्थबोद्धॄणां सुलभा विपदो यतः

aparicchinnasarvārthā putraṁ śāpitavatyaham viparītārthaboddhṝṇāṁ sulabhā vipado yataḥ

"Without fully grasping the whole matter, I cursed my own son; for calamity readily befalls those who understand things wrongly."

Verse 63 (skanda.1.64.63)

संचिंत्यैवमुवाचेदं वीरकं प्रति शैलजा॥ अधो लज्जाविकारेण वदनेनांबुजत्विषा

saṁciṁtyaivamuvācedaṁ vīrakaṁ prati śailajā adho lajjāvikāreṇa vadanenāṁbujatviṣā

Having thought thus, the mountain-born one spoke this to Viraka, her lotus-hued face bowed low in the confusion of shame:

Verse 64 (skanda.1.64.64)

अहं वीरक ते माता मा तेऽस्तु मनसो भ्रमः॥ शंकरस्यास्मि दयिता सुता तु हिमभूभृतः

ahaṁ vīraka te mātā mā te'stu manaso bhramaḥ śaṁkarasyāsmi dayitā sutā tu himabhūbhṛtaḥ

"I am your mother, Viraka; let there be no confusion in your mind. I am the beloved of Shankara and the daughter of the snowy mountain."

Verse 65 (skanda.1.64.65)

मम गात्रस्थितिभ्रांत्या मा शंकां पुत्र भावय॥ तुष्टेन गौरता दत्ता ममेयं पद्मयोनिना

mama gātrasthitibhrāṁtyā mā śaṁkāṁ putra bhāvaya tuṣṭena gauratā dattā mameyaṁ padmayoninā

"Do not entertain doubt, my son, over any seeming change in my bodily form; this golden hue of mine was given by the lotus-born one, being pleased."

Verse 66 (skanda.1.64.66)

मया शप्तोऽस्यविदिते वृत्तांते दैत्यनिर्मिते॥ ज्ञात्वा नारीप्रवेशं तु शंकरे रहसि स्तिते

mayā śapto'syavidite vṛttāṁte daityanirmite jñātvā nārīpraveśaṁ tu śaṁkare rahasi stite

"You were cursed by me, the matter unknown to me, being fabricated by a demon; on learning that a woman had entered while Shankara was alone —"

Verse 67 (skanda.1.64.67)

न निवर्तयितुं शक्यः शापः किं तु ब्रवीमि ते॥ मानुष्यां तु शिलायां त्वं शिलादात्संभविष्यसि

na nivartayituṁ śakyaḥ śāpaḥ kiṁ tu bravīmi te mānuṣyāṁ tu śilāyāṁ tvaṁ śilādātsaṁbhaviṣyasi

"— the curse cannot now be revoked, but I shall tell you this: you shall be born as a human, from a stone, through the sage Shilada,"

Verse 68 (skanda.1.64.68)

पुण्ये चाप्यर्बुदारण्ये स्वर्गमोक्षप्रदे नृणाम्॥ अचलेश्वरलिंगं तु वर्तते यत्र वीरक

puṇye cāpyarbudāraṇye svargamokṣaprade nṛṇām acaleśvaraliṁgaṁ tu vartate yatra vīraka

"— in the sacred forest of Arbuda, which grants both heaven and liberation to men, where, O Viraka, stands the Achaleshvara linga —"

Verse 69 (skanda.1.64.69)

वाराणस्यां विश्वनाथसमं तत्फलदं नृणाम्॥ प्रभासस्य च यात्राभिर्दशभिर्यत्फलं नृणाम्

vārāṇasyāṁ viśvanāthasamaṁ tatphaladaṁ nṛṇām prabhāsasya ca yātrābhirdaśabhiryatphalaṁ nṛṇām

"— its fruit for men equals that of Vishvanatha in Varanasi; and whatever fruit men gain from ten pilgrimages to Prabhasa,"

Verse 70 (skanda.1.64.70)

तदेकयात्रया प्रोक्तमर्बुदस्य महागिरेः॥ यत्र तप्त्वा तपो मर्त्या देहधातून्विहाय च

tadekayātrayā proktamarbudasya mahāgireḥ yatra taptvā tapo martyā dehadhātūnvihāya ca

"— that is said to be granted by a single pilgrimage to the great mountain of Arbuda, where mortals, having performed austerity and cast off their bodily elements,"

Verse 71 (skanda.1.64.71)

संसारी न पुनर्भूयान्महेश्वरवचो यथा॥ अर्बुदो यदि लभ्येत सेवितुं जन्मदुःखितैः

saṁsārī na punarbhūyānmaheśvaravaco yathā arbudo yadi labhyeta sevituṁ janmaduḥkhitaiḥ

"— shall no longer remain bound to the cycle of rebirth, as Maheshvara himself has declared. If only Arbuda could be attained for worship by those afflicted with birth's suffering,"

Verse 72 (skanda.1.64.72)

वाराणसीं च केदारं किं स्मरंति वृथैव ते॥ तत्राराध्य भवं देवं भवान्नन्दीति नामभृत्

vārāṇasīṁ ca kedāraṁ kiṁ smaraṁti vṛthaiva te tatrārādhya bhavaṁ devaṁ bhavānnandīti nāmabhṛt

"— why then would they even remember Varanasi and Kedara in vain? Having worshipped the god Bhava there, you shall bear the name Nandi."

Verse 73 (skanda.1.64.73)

शीघ्रमेष्यसि चात्रैव प्रतीहारत्वमाप्स्यसि॥ एवमुक्ते हृष्टरोमा वीरकः प्रणिपत्य ताम्

śīghrameṣyasi cātraiva pratīhāratvamāpsyasi evamukte hṛṣṭaromā vīrakaḥ praṇipatya tām

"You shall soon return to this very place and attain the office of gatekeeper." At these words, Viraka, his hair bristling with joy, bowed to her,

Verse 74 (skanda.1.64.74)

संस्तूय विविधैर्वाक्यैर्मातरं समभाषत॥ धन्योऽहं देवि यो लप्स्ये मानुष्यमतिदुर्लभम्

saṁstūya vividhairvākyairmātaraṁ samabhāṣata dhanyo'haṁ devi yo lapsye mānuṣyamatidurlabham

and, praising her with various words, spoke to his mother: "Blessed am I, O Devi, that I shall obtain a human birth, so hard to attain,"

Verse 75 (skanda.1.64.75)

शापोऽनुग्रहरूपोऽयं विशेषादर्बुदाचले॥ समीपे यस्य पुण्योऽस्ति महीसागरसंगमः

śāpo'nugraharūpo'yaṁ viśeṣādarbudācale samīpe yasya puṇyo'sti mahīsāgarasaṁgamaḥ

"— this curse is truly in the form of a blessing, especially since it is on the mountain of Arbuda, near which lies the sacred confluence of the Mahi and the ocean,"

Verse 76 (skanda.1.64.76)

ऊधः पृथिव्या देशोऽयं यो गिरेश्चार्णवांतरे॥ तत्र गत्वा महत्पुण्यमवाप्य भवभक्तितः

ūdhaḥ pṛthivyā deśo'yaṁ yo gireścārṇavāṁtare tatra gatvā mahatpuṇyamavāpya bhavabhaktitaḥ

"— this land is the very udder of the earth, lying between the mountain and the sea. Going there, and obtaining great merit through devotion to Bhava,"

Verse 77 (skanda.1.64.77)

पुनरेष्यामि भो मातरित्युक्त्वाभूच्छिलासुतः॥ देवी च प्रविवेशाथ भवनं शशिमौलिनः

punareṣyāmi bho mātarityuktvābhūcchilāsutaḥ devī ca praviveśātha bhavanaṁ śaśimaulinaḥ

"— I shall return again, O mother." Having said this, he departed to become the son of stone. And the Devi then entered the abode of the moon-crested Lord.

Verse 78 (skanda.1.64.78)

॥इत्यार्बुदाख्यानम्॥ ततो दृष्ट्वा च तां प्राह धिग्नार्य इति त्र्यंबकः

ityārbudākhyānam tato dṛṣṭvā ca tāṁ prāha dhignārya iti tryaṁbakaḥ

Thus ends the Legend of Arbuda. Then, seeing her, the Three-Eyed One said: "Shame on you, woman!"

Verse 79 (skanda.1.64.79)

सा च प्रण्म्य तं प्राह सत्यमेतन्न मिथ्यया॥ जडः प्रकृतिभागोयं नार्यश्चार्हंति निन्दनाम्

sā ca praṇmya taṁ prāha satyametanna mithyayā jaḍaḥ prakṛtibhāgoyaṁ nāryaścārhaṁti nindanām

Bowing to him, she replied: "This is true, not false: it is the inert element of nature that is at fault, and women do not deserve blame."

Verse 80 (skanda.1.64.80)

पुरुषाणां प्रसादेन मुच्यंते भवसागरात्॥ ततः प्रहृष्टस्तामाह हरो योग्याऽधुना शुभे

puruṣāṇāṁ prasādena mucyaṁte bhavasāgarāt tataḥ prahṛṣṭastāmāha haro yogyā'dhunā śubhe

"It is by the grace of men that women are freed from the ocean of worldly existence." Then Hara, delighted, said to her: "You are now fit, O auspicious one —"

Verse 81 (skanda.1.64.81)

पुत्रं दास्यामि येन त्वं ख्यातिमाप्स्यसि शोभने॥ ततो रेम हि देव्या स नानाश्चर्यालयो हरः

putraṁ dāsyāmi yena tvaṁ khyātimāpsyasi śobhane tato rema hi devyā sa nānāścaryālayo haraḥ

"— I shall grant you a son, through whom you shall attain fame, O splendid one." Then Hara, the abode of manifold wonders, took his delight with the Devi.

Verse 82 (skanda.1.64.82)

ततो वर्षसहस्रेषु देवास्त्वरितमानसाः॥ ज्वलनं नोदयामासुर्ज्ञातुं शंकरचेष्टितम्

tato varṣasahasreṣu devāstvaritamānasāḥ jvalanaṁ nodayāmāsurjñātuṁ śaṁkaraceṣṭitam

Then, after a thousand years, the gods, their minds impatient, sent forth Fire to learn of Shankara's activity.

Verse 83 (skanda.1.64.83)

द्वारि स्थितं प्रतिहारं वंचयित्वा च पावकः॥ पारावतस्य रूपेण प्रविवेश हरांतिकम्

dvāri sthitaṁ pratihāraṁ vaṁcayitvā ca pāvakaḥ pārāvatasya rūpeṇa praviveśa harāṁtikam

Deceiving the gatekeeper stationed at the door, Fire, in the form of a dove, entered Hara's presence.

Verse 84 (skanda.1.64.84)

ददृशे तं च देवेशो विनतां प्रेक्ष्य पार्वतीम्॥ ततस्तां ज्वलनं प्राह नैतद्योग्यं त्वया कृतम्

dadṛśe taṁ ca deveśo vinatāṁ prekṣya pārvatīm tatastāṁ jvalanaṁ prāha naitadyogyaṁ tvayā kṛtam

The lord of gods saw him, having noticed Parvati bent down in modesty; then he said to Fire: "This is not proper conduct on your part."

Verse 85 (skanda.1.64.85)

यदिदं भुक्षुतं स्थानान्मम तेजो ह्यनुत्तमम्॥ गृहाण त्वं सुदुर्बुद्धे नो वा धक्ष्यामि त्वां रुषा

yadidaṁ bhukṣutaṁ sthānānmama tejo hyanuttamam gṛhāṇa tvaṁ sudurbuddhe no vā dhakṣyāmi tvāṁ ruṣā

"Since, driven by hunger, you have come for my supreme seed from this place — take it, O foolish one, or else I shall burn you in my fury."

Verse 86 (skanda.1.64.86)

भीतस्ततोऽसौ जग्राह सर्वदेवमुखं च सः॥ तेन ते वह्निसहिता विह्वलाश्च सुराः कृताः

bhītastato'sau jagrāha sarvadevamukhaṁ ca saḥ tena te vahnisahitā vihvalāśca surāḥ kṛtāḥ

Terrified, he then had it taken through the mouths of all the gods; by that, together with Fire, the gods were made overwhelmed.

Verse 87 (skanda.1.64.87)

विपाट्य जठराण्येषां वीर्यं माहेश्वरं ततः॥ निष्क्रांतं तत्सरो जातं पारदं शतयोजनम्

vipāṭya jaṭharāṇyeṣāṁ vīryaṁ māheśvaraṁ tataḥ niṣkrāṁtaṁ tatsaro jātaṁ pāradaṁ śatayojanam

Then, splitting open their bellies, the seed of Maheshvara emerged from them; from it there arose a lake of mercury, a hundred yojanas wide.

Verse 88 (skanda.1.64.88)

वह्निश्च व्याकुलीभूतो गंगायां मुमुचे सकृत्॥ दह्यमाना च सा देवी तरंगैर्वहिरुत्सृजत्

vahniśca vyākulībhūto gaṁgāyāṁ mumuce sakṛt dahyamānā ca sā devī taraṁgairvahirutsṛjat

And Fire, grown distraught, released it once into the Ganga; and that goddess, being burned, cast it out with her waves.

Verse 89 (skanda.1.64.89)

जातस्त्रिभुवनक्यातस्तेन च श्वेतपर्वतः॥ एतस्मिन्नंतरे वह्निराहूतश्च हिमालये

jātastribhuvanakyātastena ca śvetaparvataḥ etasminnaṁtare vahnirāhūtaśca himālaye

By that, the White Mountain, famed throughout the three worlds, came into being. Meanwhile, Fire was summoned to the Himalaya,

Verse 90 (skanda.1.64.90)

सप्तर्षिभिर्वह्निहोमं कुर्वद्भिर्मंत्रवीर्यतः॥ आगत्य तत्र जग्राह वह्निर्भागं च तं हुतम्

saptarṣibhirvahnihomaṁ kurvadbhirmaṁtravīryataḥ āgatya tatra jagrāha vahnirbhāgaṁ ca taṁ hutam

where the Seven Sages were performing a fire-oblation by the power of mantras; coming there, Fire took up the offered portion.

Verse 91 (skanda.1.64.91)

गतेऽह्न्यत्वस्मिंश्च तत्रस्थः पत्नी स्तेषामपश्यत॥ सुवर्णकदलीस्तंभनिभास्ताश्चंद्रलेखया

gate'hnyatvasmiṁśca tatrasthaḥ patnī steṣāmapaśyata suvarṇakadalīstaṁbhanibhāstāścaṁdralekhayā

As that day drew to a close, staying there, he beheld their wives, who by the crescent moon's light resembled golden plantain trunks.

Verse 92 (skanda.1.64.92)

पश्यमानः प्रफुल्लाक्षो वह्निः कामवशं गतः॥ स भूयश्चिंतयामास न न्याय्यं क्षुभितोऽस्मि यत्

paśyamānaḥ praphullākṣo vahniḥ kāmavaśaṁ gataḥ sa bhūyaściṁtayāmāsa na nyāyyaṁ kṣubhito'smi yat

Gazing at them with wide eyes, Fire fell under the sway of desire. Then he reflected again: "It is not right that I am so agitated —"

Verse 93 (skanda.1.64.93)

साध्वीः पत्नीर्द्विजेंद्राणामकामाः कामयाम्यहम्॥ पापमेतत्कर्म चोग्रं नश्यामि तृमवत्स्फुटम्

sādhvīḥ patnīrdvijeṁdrāṇāmakāmāḥ kāmayāmyaham pāpametatkarma cograṁ naśyāmi tṛmavatsphuṭam

"— I desire the virtuous, unwilling wives of the foremost brahmins; this is a sinful and terrible deed — I shall clearly perish like straw in fire."

Verse 94 (skanda.1.64.94)

कृत्वैतन्नश्यते कीर्तिर्यावदाचंद्रतारकम्॥ एवं संचिंत्य बहुधा गत्वा चैव वनांतरम्

kṛtvaitannaśyate kīrtiryāvadācaṁdratārakam evaṁ saṁciṁtya bahudhā gatvā caiva vanāṁtaram

"Doing this, my fame would perish for as long as the moon and stars endure." Having reflected thus in many ways, he went into the depths of the forest,

Verse 95 (skanda.1.64.95)

संयन्तुं नाभवच्छक्त उपायैर्बहुभिर्मनः॥ ततः स कामसंतप्तो मूर्छितः समपद्यत

saṁyantuṁ nābhavacchakta upāyairbahubhirmanaḥ tataḥ sa kāmasaṁtapto mūrchitaḥ samapadyata

yet by many means he was unable to restrain his mind; then, tormented by desire, he fell into a swoon.

Verse 96 (skanda.1.64.96)

ततः स्वाहा च भार्यास्य बुबुधे तद्विचेष्टितम्॥ ज्ञात्वा च चिंतयामास प्रहृष्टा मनसि स्वयम्

tataḥ svāhā ca bhāryāsya bubudhe tadviceṣṭitam jñātvā ca ciṁtayāmāsa prahṛṣṭā manasi svayam

Then his wife Svaha perceived his condition; and, understanding it, she reflected within herself, secretly pleased:

Verse 97 (skanda.1.64.97)

स्वां भार्यामथ मां त्यक्त्वा बहुवासादवज्ञया॥ भार्याः कामयते नूनं सप्तर्षीणां महात्मनाम्

svāṁ bhāryāmatha māṁ tyaktvā bahuvāsādavajñayā bhāryāḥ kāmayate nūnaṁ saptarṣīṇāṁ mahātmanām

"Having forsaken me, his own wife, out of contempt born of long familiarity, he surely now desires the wives of the great-souled Seven Sages."

Verse 98 (skanda.1.64.98)

तदासां रूपमाश्रित्य रमिष्ये तेन चाप्यहम्॥ ततस्त्वंगिरसो भार्या शिवानामेति शोभना

tadāsāṁ rūpamāśritya ramiṣye tena cāpyaham tatastvaṁgiraso bhāryā śivānāmeti śobhanā

"So, taking on their forms, I too shall enjoy union with him." Then, taking the form of the lovely wife of Angiras, named Shiva,

Verse 99 (skanda.1.64.99)

तस्या रूपं समाधाय पावकं प्राप्य साब्रवीत्॥ मामग्ने कामसंतप्तां त्वं कामयितुमर्हसि

tasyā rūpaṁ samādhāya pāvakaṁ prāpya sābravīt māmagne kāmasaṁtaptāṁ tvaṁ kāmayitumarhasi

having assumed her form, she came to Fire and said: "O Agni, you should accept me, who am tormented by desire."

Verse 100 (skanda.1.64.100)

न चेत्करिष्यसे देव मृतां मामुपधारय॥ अहमंगिरसो भार्या शिवानाम हुताशन

na cetkariṣyase deva mṛtāṁ māmupadhāraya ahamaṁgiraso bhāryā śivānāma hutāśana

"If you do not, O god, know me to be as good as dead. I am the wife of Angiras, named Shiva, O consumer of oblations."

Verse 101 (skanda.1.64.101)

सर्वाभिः सहिता प्राप्ता ताश्च यास्यंत्यनुक्रमात्॥ अस्माकं त्वं प्रियो नित्यं त्वच्चित्ताश्च वयं तथा

sarvābhiḥ sahitā prāptā tāśca yāsyaṁtyanukramāt asmākaṁ tvaṁ priyo nityaṁ tvaccittāśca vayaṁ tathā

"I have come along with all the others, and they too shall come in due order; you are ever dear to us, and our hearts too are ever set on you."

Verse 102 (skanda.1.64.102)

ततः स कामसंतप्तः संबभूव तया सह॥ प्रीते प्रीता च सा देवी निर्जगाम वनांतरात्

tataḥ sa kāmasaṁtaptaḥ saṁbabhūva tayā saha prīte prītā ca sā devī nirjagāma vanāṁtarāt

Then he, tormented by desire, united with her. He being pleased, she too, pleased, departed from the forest.

Verse 103 (skanda.1.64.103)

चिंतयंती ममेदं चेद्रूपं द्रक्ष्यंति कानने॥ ते ब्राह्मणीनामनृतं दोषं वक्ष्यंति पावकात्

ciṁtayaṁtī mamedaṁ cedrūpaṁ drakṣyaṁti kānane te brāhmaṇīnāmanṛtaṁ doṣaṁ vakṣyaṁti pāvakāt

Reflecting: "If they see this form of mine in the forest, they will speak a false accusation against the brahmin-wives, because of Fire,"

Verse 104 (skanda.1.64.104)

तस्मादेतद्रक्षमाणा गरुडी संभवाम्यहम्॥ सुपर्णा सा ततो भूत्वा ददृशे श्वेतपर्वतम्

tasmādetadrakṣamāṇā garuḍī saṁbhavāmyaham suparṇā sā tato bhūtvā dadṛśe śvetaparvatam

"— therefore, to guard against this, I shall become a Garudi." Becoming a great-winged bird, she then beheld the White Mountain,

Verse 105 (skanda.1.64.105)

शरस्तंबैः सुसंपृक्तं रक्षोभिश्च पिशाचकैः॥ सा तत्र सहसा गत्वा शैलपूष्ठं सुदुर्गमम्

śarastaṁbaiḥ susaṁpṛktaṁ rakṣobhiśca piśācakaiḥ sā tatra sahasā gatvā śailapūṣṭhaṁ sudurgamam

thickly covered with reed-clusters and with rakshasas and pishachas. Going swiftly there, to that hard-to-reach mountain ridge,

Verse 106 (skanda.1.64.106)

प्राक्षिपत्कांचने कुंडे शुक्रं तद्धारणेऽक्षमा॥ शिष्टानामपि देवीनां सप्तर्षीणां महात्मनाम्

prākṣipatkāṁcane kuṁḍe śukraṁ taddhāraṇe'kṣamā śiṣṭānāmapi devīnāṁ saptarṣīṇāṁ mahātmanām

unable to hold the seed any longer, she cast it into a golden basin. Then, as for the remaining wives of the great-souled Seven Sages —

Verse 107 (skanda.1.64.107)

पत्नीसरूपतां कृत्वा कामयामास पावकम्॥ दिव्यं रूपमरूंधत्याः कर्तुं न शकितं तया

patnīsarūpatāṁ kṛtvā kāmayāmāsa pāvakam divyaṁ rūpamarūṁdhatyāḥ kartuṁ na śakitaṁ tayā

— taking their forms, she made love with Fire; but she was unable to assume the divine form of Arundhati.

Verse 108 (skanda.1.64.108)

तस्यास्तपःप्रभावेण भर्तुः शुश्रूषणेन च॥ षट्कृत्वस्तत्तु निक्षिप्तमग्निरेतः कुरुद्वह

tasyāstapaḥprabhāveṇa bhartuḥ śuśrūṣaṇena ca ṣaṭkṛtvastattu nikṣiptamagniretaḥ kurudvaha

By the power of Arundhati's austerity, and her devotion to her husband — in this way, O scion of the Kurus, Agni's seed was cast six times,

Verse 109 (skanda.1.64.109)

कुंडेऽस्मिंश्चैत्रबहुले प्रतिपद्येव स्वाहया॥ ततश्च पावको दुःखाच्छुशोच च मुमोह च

kuṁḍe'smiṁścaitrabahule pratipadyeva svāhayā tataśca pāvako duḥkhācchuśoca ca mumoha ca

into this basin, on the first day of the dark fortnight of Chaitra, by Svaha herself. Thereupon Fire, out of sorrow, grieved and fell into confusion.

Verse 110 (skanda.1.64.110)

आः पापं कृतमित्येव देहन्यासेऽकरोन्मतिम्॥ ततस्तं खेचरी वाणी प्राह मा मरणं कुरु

āḥ pāpaṁ kṛtamityeva dehanyāse'karonmatim tatastaṁ khecarī vāṇī prāha mā maraṇaṁ kuru

"Ah, a sin has been committed!" — thinking thus, he resolved to give up his body. Then a voice from the sky said to him: "Do not die!"

Verse 111 (skanda.1.64.111)

भाव्यमेतच्च भाव्यर्थात्को हि पावक मुच्यते॥ भाव्यर्थेनापि यत्ते च परदारोप सेवनम्

bhāvyametacca bhāvyarthātko hi pāvaka mucyate bhāvyarthenāpi yatte ca paradāropa sevanam

"This was destined to be, for who indeed, O Pavaka, escapes what is destined? Even though what you did — approaching another's wife — was destined,"

Verse 112 (skanda.1.64.112)

कृतं तच्चेतसा तेन त्वामजीर्णं प्रवेक्ष्यति॥ श्वेतकेतोर्महायज्ञे घृतधाराभितर्पितम्

kṛtaṁ taccetasā tena tvāmajīrṇaṁ pravekṣyati śvetaketormahāyajñe ghṛtadhārābhitarpitam

"— yet, done as it was with that intent, it shall enter you as indigestion, offered as it will be with streams of ghee at Shvetaketu's great sacrifice."

Verse 113 (skanda.1.64.113)

शोकं च त्यज नैतास्ताः स्वाहै वेयं तव प्रिया॥ श्वेतपर्वतकुंडस्थं पुत्रं त्वं द्रष्टुमर्हसि॥ ततो वह्निस्तत्र गत्वा ददृशे तनयं प्रभुम्

śokaṁ ca tyaja naitāstāḥ svāhai veyaṁ tava priyā śvetaparvatakuṁḍasthaṁ putraṁ tvaṁ draṣṭumarhasi tato vahnistatra gatvā dadṛśe tanayaṁ prabhum

"Abandon your grief — those were not truly they; it was your own beloved Svaha in each form. You should go and see your son who resides in the basin on the White Mountain." Then Fire went there and beheld his mighty son.

Verse 114 (skanda.1.64.114)

॥अर्जुन उवाच॥ कस्मात्स्वाहा करोद्रूपं षण्णां तासां महामुने

arjuna uvāca kasmātsvāhā karodrūpaṁ ṣaṇṇāṁ tāsāṁ mahāmune

Arjuna said: "Why, O great sage, did Svaha take on the forms of those six wives —

Verse 115 (skanda.1.64.115)

यत्ता भर्तृपराः साध्व्यस्तपस्विन्योग्निसंनिभाः॥ न बिभेति च किं ताभ्यः षड्भ्यः स्वाहाऽपराधिनी॥ भर्तृभक्त्या जगद्दग्धुं यतः शक्ताश्च ता मुने

yattā bhartṛparāḥ sādhvyastapasvinyognisaṁnibhāḥ na bibheti ca kiṁ tābhyaḥ ṣaḍbhyaḥ svāhā'parādhinī bhartṛbhaktyā jagaddagdhuṁ yataḥ śaktāśca tā mune

"— when they were devoted solely to their husbands, virtuous, ascetics, radiant like fire? Does the offending Svaha not fear those six, O sage, who by their devotion to their husbands are capable of burning up the whole world?"

Verse 116 (skanda.1.64.116)

॥नारद उवाच॥ सत्यमेतत्कुरुश्रेष्ठ श्रृणु तच्चापि कारणम्॥ येन तासां कृतं रूपं न वा शापं ददुश्च ताः

nārada uvāca satyametatkuruśreṣṭha śrṛṇu taccāpi kāraṇam yena tāsāṁ kṛtaṁ rūpaṁ na vā śāpaṁ daduśca tāḥ

Narada said: "This is true, O best of the Kurus; hear also the reason why, though she took their forms, they did not curse her."

Verse 117 (skanda.1.64.117)

यत्र तद्वह्निना क्षिप्तं रुद्रतेजः सकृत्पुरा॥ गंगायां तत्र सस्नुस्ताः षटत्न्योऽज्ञनाभावतः

yatra tadvahninā kṣiptaṁ rudratejaḥ sakṛtpurā gaṁgāyāṁ tatra sasnustāḥ ṣaṭatnyo'jñanābhāvataḥ

"At the place where Fire had once cast Rudra's seed into the Ganga, those six wives had once bathed, without knowing this."

Verse 118 (skanda.1.64.118)

ततस्ता विह्वलीभूतास्तेजसा तेन मोहिताः॥ लज्जया च स्वभर्तॄणां गंगातीरस्थिता रहः

tatastā vihvalībhūtāstejasā tena mohitāḥ lajjayā ca svabhartṝṇāṁ gaṁgātīrasthitā rahaḥ

"Then they became overwhelmed, bewildered by that power, and out of shame before their own husbands, they remained secretly on the bank of the Ganga."

Verse 119 (skanda.1.64.119)

एतदंतमालोक्य चिकीर्षंती मनीषितम्॥ स्वाहा शरीरमाविश्यतासां तेजो जहार तत्

etadaṁtamālokya cikīrṣaṁtī manīṣitam svāhā śarīramāviśyatāsāṁ tejo jahāra tat

"Perceiving this state of affairs and wishing to accomplish her purpose, Svaha entered their bodies and stole away that power from them."

Verse 120 (skanda.1.64.120)

चिक्रीड वह्निजायापि यथा ते कथितं मया

cikrīḍa vahnijāyāpi yathā te kathitaṁ mayā

"Thus did Fire's wife sport in their forms, just as I have told you."

Verse 121 (skanda.1.64.121)

उपकारमिमं ताभिः स्मरंतीभिश्च भारत॥ न शप्ता सा यतः शापो न देयश्चोपकारिणि

upakāramimaṁ tābhiḥ smaraṁtībhiśca bhārata na śaptā sā yataḥ śāpo na deyaścopakāriṇi

"And, O Bharata, remembering this benefit done to them, they did not curse her, for a curse is not to be given to a benefactor."

Verse 122 (skanda.1.64.122)

ततः सप्तर्षयो ज्ञात्वा ज्ञानेनासुचितां गताः॥ तत्यजुः षट् तदा पत्नीर्विना देवीमरुंधतीम्

tataḥ saptarṣayo jñātvā jñānenāsucitāṁ gatāḥ tatyajuḥ ṣaṭ tadā patnīrvinā devīmaruṁdhatīm

Then the Seven Sages, learning through their knowledge that impurity had befallen them, thereupon abandoned their six wives, all except the goddess Arundhati.

Verse 123 (skanda.1.64.123)

विश्वामित्रस्तु भगवान्कुमारं शरणं गतः॥ स्तवं दिव्यं संप्रचक्रे महासेनस्य चापि सः

viśvāmitrastu bhagavānkumāraṁ śaraṇaṁ gataḥ stavaṁ divyaṁ saṁpracakre mahāsenasya cāpi saḥ

The blessed Vishvamitra then took refuge in Kumara, and composed a divine hymn of praise to Mahasena.

Verse 124 (skanda.1.64.124)

अष्टोत्तरशतं नाम्नां श्रृणु त्वं तानि फाल्गुन॥ जपेन येषां पापानि यांति ज्ञानमवाप्नुयात्

aṣṭottaraśataṁ nāmnāṁ śrṛṇu tvaṁ tāni phālguna japena yeṣāṁ pāpāni yāṁti jñānamavāpnuyāt

"Hear, O Phalguna, these hundred and eight names, by whose recitation sins depart and one attains knowledge:"

Verse 125 (skanda.1.64.125)

त्वं ब्रह्मवादी त्वं ब्रह्मा ब्राह्मणवत्सलः॥ ब्रह्मण्यो ब्रह्मदेवश्च ब्रह्मदो ब्रह्मसंग्रहः

tvaṁ brahmavādī tvaṁ brahmā brāhmaṇavatsalaḥ brahmaṇyo brahmadevaśca brahmado brahmasaṁgrahaḥ

"You are the Expounder of the Veda, you are Brahma, the lover of brahmins; Devoted-to-Brahman, the God of Brahman, the Giver of Brahman, the Treasury of Brahman."

Verse 126 (skanda.1.64.126)

त्वं परं परमं तेजो मंगलानां च मंगलम्॥ अप्रमेयगुणश्चैव मंत्राणां मंत्रगो भवान्

tvaṁ paraṁ paramaṁ tejo maṁgalānāṁ ca maṁgalam aprameyaguṇaścaiva maṁtrāṇāṁ maṁtrago bhavān

"You are the supreme, highest splendor, the auspiciousness of all auspicious things; of immeasurable qualities, you are the knower of all mantras."

Verse 127 (skanda.1.64.127)

त्वं सावित्रीमयो देव सर्वत्रैवापराजितः॥ मंत्र शर्वात्मको देवः षडक्षरवतां वरः

tvaṁ sāvitrīmayo deva sarvatraivāparājitaḥ maṁtra śarvātmako devaḥ ṣaḍakṣaravatāṁ varaḥ

"You, O god, are of the essence of the Savitri mantra, everywhere unconquered; the Mantra itself, of Shiva's nature, the best of those who possess the six-syllabled mantra."

Verse 128 (skanda.1.64.128)

माली मौली पताकी च जटी मुंडी शिखंड्यपि॥ कुण्डली लांगली बालः कुमारः प्रवरो वरः

mālī maulī patākī ca jaṭī muṁḍī śikhaṁḍyapi kuṇḍalī lāṁgalī bālaḥ kumāraḥ pravaro varaḥ

"Garlanded, Crowned, Bannered, Matted-Haired, Shaven-Headed, Crested; Wearing-Earrings, Plough-Bearing, the Child, the Youth, the Foremost, the Excellent."

Verse 129 (skanda.1.64.129)

गवांपुत्रः सुरारिघ्नः संभवो भवभावनः॥ पिनाकी शत्रुहा श्वेतो गूढः स्कन्दः कराग्रणीः

gavāṁputraḥ surārighnaḥ saṁbhavo bhavabhāvanaḥ pinākī śatruhā śveto gūḍhaḥ skandaḥ karāgraṇīḥ

"Son-of-the-Cows, Slayer-of-the-Gods'-Foes, the Origin, the Bringer of Existence; Pinaka-Bearer, Slayer-of-Enemies, the White One, the Hidden One, Skanda, the Foremost of Hands."

Verse 130 (skanda.1.64.130)

द्वादशो भूर्भुवो भावी भुवः पुत्रो नमस्कृतः॥ नागराजः सुधर्मात्मा नाकपृष्ठः सनातनः

dvādaśo bhūrbhuvo bhāvī bhuvaḥ putro namaskṛtaḥ nāgarājaḥ sudharmātmā nākapṛṣṭhaḥ sanātanaḥ

"The Twelvefold One, the Becoming of earth and sky, the Son of Earth, the one bowed to; King of Serpents, of righteous nature, dweller on heaven's summit, the eternal one."

Verse 131 (skanda.1.64.131)

त्वं भर्ता सर्वभूतात्मा त्वं त्राता त्वं सुखावहः॥ शरदक्षः शिखी जेता षड्वक्त्रो भयनाशनः

tvaṁ bhartā sarvabhūtātmā tvaṁ trātā tvaṁ sukhāvahaḥ śaradakṣaḥ śikhī jetā ṣaḍvaktro bhayanāśanaḥ

"You are the lord, the self of all beings; you are the protector, the bringer of happiness. Skilled with the arrow, crested, the conqueror, six-faced, the destroyer of fear."

Verse 132 (skanda.1.64.132)

हेमगर्भो महागर्भो जयश्च विजयेश्वरः॥ त्वं कर्ता त्वं विधाता च नित्यो नित्यारिमर्दनः

hemagarbho mahāgarbho jayaśca vijayeśvaraḥ tvaṁ kartā tvaṁ vidhātā ca nityo nityārimardanaḥ

"Golden-Wombed, Great-Wombed, Victory, and Lord of Victory; you are the doer, the ordainer, the eternal one, the ever-crusher of foes."

Verse 133 (skanda.1.64.133)

महासेनो महातेज वीरसेनश्च भूपतिः॥ सिद्धासनः सुराध्यक्षो भीमसेनो निरामयः

mahāseno mahāteja vīrasenaśca bhūpatiḥ siddhāsanaḥ surādhyakṣo bhīmaseno nirāmayaḥ

"Mahasena, of great splendor, Virasena, lord of the earth; seated in perfection, overlord of the gods, Bhimasena, free from affliction."

Verse 134 (skanda.1.64.134)

शौरिर्यदुर्महातेजा वीर्यवान्सत्यविक्रमः॥ तेजोगर्भोऽसुररिपुः सुरमूर्तिः सुरोर्ज्जितः

śauriryadurmahātejā vīryavānsatyavikramaḥ tejogarbho'suraripuḥ suramūrtiḥ surorjjitaḥ

"Shauri, Yadu, of great splendor, mighty, of true valor; Splendor-Wombed, Foe of the Asuras, the Embodiment of the Gods, Empowered-by-the-Gods."

Verse 135 (skanda.1.64.135)

कृतज्ञो वरदः सत्यः शरण्यः साधुवत्सलः॥ सुव्रतः सूर्यसंकाशो वह्निगर्भः कणो भुवः

kṛtajño varadaḥ satyaḥ śaraṇyaḥ sādhuvatsalaḥ suvrataḥ sūryasaṁkāśo vahnigarbhaḥ kaṇo bhuvaḥ

"Grateful, Boon-Giver, Truthful, the Refuge, Fond of the Good; of good vows, resembling the sun, Fire-Wombed, the Atom of the Earth."

Verse 136 (skanda.1.64.136)

पिप्पली शीघ्रगो रौद्री गांगेयो रिपुदारणः॥ कार्त्तिकेयः प्रभुः क्षंता नीलदंष्ट्रो महामनाः

pippalī śīghrago raudrī gāṁgeyo ripudāraṇaḥ kārttikeyaḥ prabhuḥ kṣaṁtā nīladaṁṣṭro mahāmanāḥ

"Pippali, Swift-Goer, of Rudra's line, Son of Ganga, Render of Enemies; Kartikeya, the Lord, Forbearing, Blue-Fanged, Great-Minded."

Verse 137 (skanda.1.64.137)

निग्रहो निग्रहाणां च नेता त्वं सुरनंदनः॥ प्रग्रहः परमानंदः क्रोधघ्नस्तार उच्छ्रितः

nigraho nigrahāṇāṁ ca netā tvaṁ suranaṁdanaḥ pragrahaḥ paramānaṁdaḥ krodhaghnastāra ucchritaḥ

"Restrainer of restrainers, you are the leader, delight of the gods; the one who holds the reins, supreme bliss, destroyer of wrath, the deliverer, the exalted one."

Verse 138 (skanda.1.64.138)

कुक्कुटी बहुली दिव्यः कामदो भूरिवर्धनः॥ अमोघोऽमृतदो ह्यग्निः शत्रुघ्नः सर्वमोदनः

kukkuṭī bahulī divyaḥ kāmado bhūrivardhanaḥ amogho'mṛtado hyagniḥ śatrughnaḥ sarvamodanaḥ

"Bearer-of-the-Cock-Banner, Abundant, Divine, Granter-of-Desires, Ever-Increasing; Unfailing, Giver-of-Immortality, Fire, Destroyer-of-Enemies, Joy-of-All."

Verse 139 (skanda.1.64.139)

अव्ययो ह्यमरः श्रीमानुन्नतो ह्यग्निसंभवः॥ पिशाचराजः सूर्याभः शिवात्मा शिवनंदनः

avyayo hyamaraḥ śrīmānunnato hyagnisaṁbhavaḥ piśācarājaḥ sūryābhaḥ śivātmā śivanaṁdanaḥ

"Imperishable, Immortal, Glorious, Exalted, Born-of-Fire; King of the Pishachas, Resembling-the-Sun, of Shiva's Nature, Delight of Shiva."

Verse 140 (skanda.1.64.140)

अपारपारो दुर्ज्ञेयः सर्वभूतहिते रतः॥ अग्राह्यः कारणं कर्ता परमेष्ठी परं पदम्

apārapāro durjñeyaḥ sarvabhūtahite rataḥ agrāhyaḥ kāraṇaṁ kartā parameṣṭhī paraṁ padam

"Boundless, hard to comprehend, devoted to the welfare of all beings; ungraspable, the cause, the doer, the Supreme Lord, the highest state."

Verse 141 (skanda.1.64.141)

अचिंत्यः सर्वभूतात्मा सर्वात्मा त्वं सनातनः॥ एवं स सर्वभूतानां संस्तुतः परमेश्वरः

aciṁtyaḥ sarvabhūtātmā sarvātmā tvaṁ sanātanaḥ evaṁ sa sarvabhūtānāṁ saṁstutaḥ parameśvaraḥ

"Inconceivable, the self of all beings, the all-self, you the eternal one." Thus was that supreme lord praised by all beings.

Verse 142 (skanda.1.64.142)

नाम्नामष्टशतेनायं विश्वामित्रमहर्षिणा॥ प्रसन्नमूर्तिराहेदं मुनींद्रं व्रियतामिति

nāmnāmaṣṭaśatenāyaṁ viśvāmitramaharṣiṇā prasannamūrtirāhedaṁ munīṁdraṁ vriyatāmiti

By this hymn of a hundred and eight names by the great sage Vishvamitra, Skanda, his form now gracious, said this to the lord of sages: "Choose your boon."

Verse 143 (skanda.1.64.143)

मम त्वया द्विजश्रेष्ठ स्तुतिरेषा निरूपिता॥ भविष्यति मनोऽभीष्टप्राप्तये प्राणिनां भुवि

mama tvayā dvijaśreṣṭha stutireṣā nirūpitā bhaviṣyati mano'bhīṣṭaprāptaye prāṇināṁ bhuvi

"O best of brahmins, this hymn of praise composed by you for me shall bring beings on earth the fulfillment of their heart's desire."

Verse 144 (skanda.1.64.144)

विवर्धते कुले लक्ष्मीस्तस्य यः प्रपठेदिमम्॥ न राक्षसाः पिशाचा वा न भूतानि न चापदः

vivardhate kule lakṣmīstasya yaḥ prapaṭhedimam na rākṣasāḥ piśācā vā na bhūtāni na cāpadaḥ

"In the family of whoever recites this, prosperity increases; neither rakshasas nor pishachas, nor evil spirits, nor calamities—"

Verse 145 (skanda.1.64.145)

विघ्नकारीणि तद्गेहे यत्रैव संस्तुवंति माम्॥ दुःस्वप्नं च न पश्येत्स बद्धो मुच्यते बंधनात्

vighnakārīṇi tadgehe yatraiva saṁstuvaṁti mām duḥsvapnaṁ ca na paśyetsa baddho mucyate baṁdhanāt

"— cause obstruction in that house where I am thus praised. He shall see no evil dream, and one in bondage is freed from his bonds."

Verse 146 (skanda.1.64.146)

स्तवस्यास्य प्रभावेण दिव्यभावः पुमान्भवेत्॥ त्वं च मां श्रुतिसंस्कारैः सर्वैः संस्कर्तुमर्हसि

stavasyāsya prabhāveṇa divyabhāvaḥ pumānbhavet tvaṁ ca māṁ śrutisaṁskāraiḥ sarvaiḥ saṁskartumarhasi

"By the power of this hymn, a man attains a divine state. And you should now perform for me all the sacraments prescribed by the Vedas."

Verse 147 (skanda.1.64.147)

संस्काररहितं जन्म यतश्च पशुवत्स्मृतम्॥ त्वं च मद्वरदानेन ब्रह्मर्षिश्च भविष्यसि

saṁskārarahitaṁ janma yataśca paśuvatsmṛtam tvaṁ ca madvaradānena brahmarṣiśca bhaviṣyasi

"For a birth without the sacraments is deemed like that of a beast. And you, by my boon, shall become a brahmarshi."

Verse 148 (skanda.1.64.148)

ततो मुनिस्तस्य चक्रे जातकर्मादिकाः क्रियाः॥ पौरोहित्यं तथा भेजे स्कंदस्यैवाज्ञया प्रभुः

tato munistasya cakre jātakarmādikāḥ kriyāḥ paurohityaṁ tathā bheje skaṁdasyaivājñayā prabhuḥ

Then the sage performed for him the birth-rites and other rituals, and, by Skanda's own command, the lord took up the office of family priest.

Verse 149 (skanda.1.64.149)

ततस्तं वह्निरभ्यागाद्ददर्श च सुतं गुहम्॥ षट्छीर्षं द्विगुणश्रोत्रं द्वादशाक्षिभुजक्रमम्

tatastaṁ vahnirabhyāgāddadarśa ca sutaṁ guham ṣaṭchīrṣaṁ dviguṇaśrotraṁ dvādaśākṣibhujakramam

Then Fire came to him and beheld his son Guha — six-headed, with twice as many ears, and having twelve eyes and arms in sequence,

Verse 150 (skanda.1.64.150)

एकग्रीवं चैककायं कुमारं स व्यलोकयत्॥ कलिलं प्रथमे चाह्नि द्वितीये व्यक्तितां गतम्

ekagrīvaṁ caikakāyaṁ kumāraṁ sa vyalokayat kalilaṁ prathame cāhni dvitīye vyaktitāṁ gatam

with a single neck and a single body — such was the Kumara he beheld. On the first day he was but a formless mass; on the second he took on visible shape;

Verse 151 (skanda.1.64.151)

दृतीयायां शिशुर्जातश्चतुर्थ्यां पूर्ण एवच॥ पंचम्यां संस्कृतः सोऽभूत्पावकं चाप्यपश्यत

dṛtīyāyāṁ śiśurjātaścaturthyāṁ pūrṇa evaca paṁcamyāṁ saṁskṛtaḥ so'bhūtpāvakaṁ cāpyapaśyata

on the third he was a born infant, and on the fourth, fully formed; on the fifth he underwent his sacraments, and then he beheld Fire.

Verse 152 (skanda.1.64.152)

ततस्तं पावकः पार्थ आलिलिंग चुचुंब च॥ पुत्रेति चोक्त्वा तस्मै स शक्त्यस्त्रम ददात्स्वयम्

tatastaṁ pāvakaḥ pārtha āliliṁga cucuṁba ca putreti coktvā tasmai sa śaktyastrama dadātsvayam

Then, O Partha, Fire embraced and kissed him, and, calling him "son," himself gave him the Shakti weapon.

Verse 153 (skanda.1.64.153)

स च शक्तिं समादाय नमस्कृत्य च पावकम्॥ श्वेतश्रृंगं समारूढो मुखैः पश्यन्दिशो दश

sa ca śaktiṁ samādāya namaskṛtya ca pāvakam śvetaśrṛṁgaṁ samārūḍho mukhaiḥ paśyandiśo daśa

Taking the Shakti and bowing to Fire, he mounted the White Peak, gazing upon the ten directions with his faces,

Verse 154 (skanda.1.64.154)

व्यनदद्भैरवं नादं त्रास यन्सासुरं जगत्॥ ततः श्वेतगिरेः श्रृंगं रक्षः पद्मदशावृतम्

vyanadadbhairavaṁ nādaṁ trāsa yansāsuraṁ jagat tataḥ śvetagireḥ śrṛṁgaṁ rakṣaḥ padmadaśāvṛtam

and let out a terrible roar, terrifying the world along with its demons. Then the peak of the White Mountain, wrapped around by ten circles of rakshasas,

Verse 155 (skanda.1.64.155)

बिभेद तरसा शक्त्या शतयोजनविस्तृतम्॥ तदेकेन प्रहारेण खंडशः पतितं भुवि

bibheda tarasā śaktyā śatayojanavistṛtam tadekena prahāreṇa khaṁḍaśaḥ patitaṁ bhuvi

— a hundred yojanas in extent — he split apart swiftly with his Shakti; with that single blow it fell to the ground in fragments.

Verse 156 (skanda.1.64.156)

चूर्णीकृता राक्षसास्ते सततं धर्मशत्रवः॥ ततः प्रव्यथिता भूमिर्व्यशीर्यत समंततः

cūrṇīkṛtā rākṣasāste satataṁ dharmaśatravaḥ tataḥ pravyathitā bhūmirvyaśīryata samaṁtataḥ

Those rakshasas, ever the enemies of dharma, were pulverized. Then the earth, greatly convulsed, crumbled apart on every side.

Verse 157 (skanda.1.64.157)

भीताश्च पर्वताः सर्वे चुक्रुशुः प्रलयाद्यथा॥ भूतानि तत्र सुभृशं त्राहित्राहीति चोज्जगुः

bhītāśca parvatāḥ sarve cukruśuḥ pralayādyathā bhūtāni tatra subhṛśaṁ trāhitrāhīti cojjaguḥ

All the mountains, terrified, cried out as if at the final dissolution; the beings there loudly cried, "Save us, save us!"

Verse 158 (skanda.1.64.158)

एवं श्रुत्वा ततो देवा वासवं सह तेऽब्रुवन्॥ येनैकेन प्रहारेण त्रैलोक्यं व्याकुली कृतम्

evaṁ śrutvā tato devā vāsavaṁ saha te'bruvan yenaikena prahāreṇa trailokyaṁ vyākulī kṛtam

Hearing this, the gods then said to Vasava: "By a single blow the three worlds have been thrown into turmoil —"

Verse 159 (skanda.1.64.159)

स संक्रुद्धः क्षणाद्विश्वं संहरिष्यति वासव॥ वयं च पालनार्थाय सृष्टा देवेन वेधसा

sa saṁkruddhaḥ kṣaṇādviśvaṁ saṁhariṣyati vāsava vayaṁ ca pālanārthāya sṛṣṭā devena vedhasā

"— if he becomes enraged, he will destroy the universe in an instant, O Vasava. But we were created by the Creator-god for the purpose of protection —"

Verse 160 (skanda.1.64.160)

तच्च त्राणं सदा कार्यं प्राणैः कंठगतैरपि॥ अस्माकं पश्यतामेवं यदि संक्षोभ्यते जगत्

tacca trāṇaṁ sadā kāryaṁ prāṇaiḥ kaṁṭhagatairapi asmākaṁ paśyatāmevaṁ yadi saṁkṣobhyate jagat

"— so that protection must always be carried out, even at the cost of our lives reaching our very throats, if before our very eyes the world is thus being thrown into turmoil."

Verse 161 (skanda.1.64.161)

धिक्ततो जन्म वीराणां श्लाघ्यं हि मरणं क्षणात्॥ तदस्माभिः सहैनं त्वं क्षतुमर्हसि वासव

dhiktato janma vīrāṇāṁ ślāghyaṁ hi maraṇaṁ kṣaṇāt tadasmābhiḥ sahainaṁ tvaṁ kṣatumarhasi vāsava

"Shame then on the birth of heroes who would not act — death in an instant is far more praiseworthy. So, O Vasava, you should confront him along with us."

Verse 162 (skanda.1.64.162)

एवमुक्तस्तथेत्युक्त्वा देवैः सार्धं तमभ्ययात्॥ विधित्सुस्तस्य वीर्यं स शक्रस्तूर्णतरं तदा

evamuktastathetyuktvā devaiḥ sārdhaṁ tamabhyayāt vidhitsustasya vīryaṁ sa śakrastūrṇataraṁ tadā

Thus addressed, Indra, saying "so be it," advanced against him together with the gods, wishing at once to test his valor.

Verse 163 (skanda.1.64.163)

उग्रं तच्च महावेगं देवानीकं दुरासदम्॥ नर्दमानं गुहऋ प्रेक्ष्य ननाद जलधिर्यथा

ugraṁ tacca mahāvegaṁ devānīkaṁ durāsadam nardamānaṁ guhaṛ prekṣya nanāda jaladhiryathā

Seeing that fierce, swift-moving, unassailable army of the gods roaring, Guha himself roared, like the ocean.

Verse 164 (skanda.1.64.164)

तस्य नादेन महता समुद्धूतोदधिप्रभम्॥ बभ्राम तत्रतत्रैव देव सैन्यमचेतनम्

tasya nādena mahatā samuddhūtodadhiprabham babhrāma tatratatraiva deva sainyamacetanam

By his great roar, resembling an agitated ocean, the army of the gods reeled here and there, senseless.

Verse 165 (skanda.1.64.165)

जिघांसूनुपसंप्राप्तान्देवान्दृष्ट्वा स पावकिः॥ विससर्ज्ज मुखात्तत्र प्रवृद्धाः पावकार्चिषः

jighāṁsūnupasaṁprāptāndevāndṛṣṭvā sa pāvakiḥ visasarjja mukhāttatra pravṛddhāḥ pāvakārciṣaḥ

Seeing the gods approaching him with intent to kill, the son of Fire released from his mouth blazing, ever-growing flames.

Verse 166 (skanda.1.64.166)

अदहद्देवसैन्यानि चेष्ट मानानि भूतले॥ ते प्रदीप्तशिरोदेहाः प्रदीप्तायुधवाहनाः

adahaddevasainyāni ceṣṭa mānāni bhūtale te pradīptaśirodehāḥ pradīptāyudhavāhanāḥ

He burned the armies of the gods as they moved about on the earth; their heads and bodies ablaze, their weapons and mounts on fire,

Verse 167 (skanda.1.64.167)

प्रच्युताः सहसा भांति दिवस्तारागणा इव॥ दह्यमानाः प्रपन्नास्ते शरणं पावकात्मजम्

pracyutāḥ sahasā bhāṁti divastārāgaṇā iva dahyamānāḥ prapannāste śaraṇaṁ pāvakātmajam

suddenly falling, they shone like a shower of stars from the sky. Burning, they took refuge in the son of Fire himself.

Verse 168 (skanda.1.64.168)

देवा वज्रधरं प्रोचुस्त्यज वज्रं शतक्रतो॥ उक्तो देवैस्तदा शक्रः स्कंदे वज्रवासृजत्

devā vajradharaṁ procustyaja vajraṁ śatakrato ukto devaistadā śakraḥ skaṁde vajravāsṛjat

The gods said to the wielder of the thunderbolt: "Release your vajra, O Shatakratu!" Thus urged by the gods, Shakra hurled the vajra at Skanda.

Verse 169 (skanda.1.64.169)

तद्विसृष्टं जघानाशु पार्श्व स्कंदस्य दक्षिणम्॥ बिभेद च कुरुश्रेष्ठ तदा तस्य महात्मनः

tadvisṛṣṭaṁ jaghānāśu pārśva skaṁdasya dakṣiṇam bibheda ca kuruśreṣṭha tadā tasya mahātmanaḥ

That hurled weapon swiftly struck Skanda's right side and, O best of the Kurus, pierced the side of that great soul.

Verse 170 (skanda.1.64.170)

वज्रप्रहारात्स्कंदस्य संजातः पुरुषोऽपरः॥ युवा कांचनसन्नाहः शक्तिधृग्दिव्य कुंडलः

vajraprahārātskaṁdasya saṁjātaḥ puruṣo'paraḥ yuvā kāṁcanasannāhaḥ śaktidhṛgdivya kuṁḍalaḥ

From the blow of the vajra upon Skanda, another being was born — a youth clad in golden armor, bearing a spear, with divine earrings.

Verse 171 (skanda.1.64.171)

शाख इत्यभिविख्यातः सोपि व्यनददद्भुतम्॥ ततश्चेंद्रः पुनः क्रुद्धो हृदि स्कंदं व्यदारयत्

śākha ityabhivikhyātaḥ sopi vyanadadadbhutam tataśceṁdraḥ punaḥ kruddho hṛdi skaṁdaṁ vyadārayat

He became known as Shakha, and he too let out a wondrous roar. Then Indra, enraged once more, struck Skanda in the chest.

Verse 172 (skanda.1.64.172)

तत्रापि तादृशो जज्ञे नैगमेय इति श्रुतः॥ ततो विनद्य स्कंदाद्याश्चत्वारस्तं तदाभ्ययुः

tatrāpi tādṛśo jajñe naigameya iti śrutaḥ tato vinadya skaṁdādyāścatvārastaṁ tadābhyayuḥ

There too, in the same way, one was born, known as Naigameya. Then, roaring, Skanda and the other three advanced upon Indra.

Verse 173 (skanda.1.64.173)

तदेंद्रो वज्रमुत्सृज्य प्रांजलिः शरणं ययौ॥ तस्याभयं ददौ स्कंदः सहसैन्यस्य सत्तमः

tadeṁdro vajramutsṛjya prāṁjaliḥ śaraṇaṁ yayau tasyābhayaṁ dadau skaṁdaḥ sahasainyasya sattamaḥ

Then Indra, casting aside his vajra, went to him for refuge with folded hands. Skanda, the noblest, granted him and his army freedom from fear.

Verse 174 (skanda.1.64.174)

ततः प्रहृष्टास्त्रभिदशा वादित्राण्यभ्यवादयन्॥ वज्रप्रहारात्कन्याश्च जज्ञिरेऽस्य महाबलाः

tataḥ prahṛṣṭāstrabhidaśā vāditrāṇyabhyavādayan vajraprahārātkanyāśca jajñire'sya mahābalāḥ

Then the delighted thirty gods sounded their instruments. And from the blow of the vajra, mighty maiden-spirits were also born to him —

Verse 175 (skanda.1.64.175)

या हरं ति शिशूञ्जातान्गर्भस्थांश्चैव दारुणाः॥ काकी च हिलिमा चैव रुद्रा च वृषभा तथा

yā haraṁ ti śiśūñjātāngarbhasthāṁścaiva dāruṇāḥ kākī ca hilimā caiva rudrā ca vṛṣabhā tathā

— terrible ones who seize infants, both born and still in the womb: Kaki, Hilima, Rudra, and Vrishabha,

Verse 176 (skanda.1.64.176)

आया पलाला मित्रा च सप्तैताः शिशुमातरः॥ एतासांवीर्यसंपन्नः शिशुश्चाभूत्सुदारुणः

āyā palālā mitrā ca saptaitāḥ śiśumātaraḥ etāsāṁvīryasaṁpannaḥ śiśuścābhūtsudāruṇaḥ

Aya, Palala, and Mitra — these seven are the "Mothers of Children." From their combined power, a terrible infant was also born,

Verse 177 (skanda.1.64.177)

स्कंदप्रसादजः पुत्रो लोहिताक्षो भयंकरः॥ एष वीराष्टकः प्रोक्तः स्कंदमातृगणोऽद्भुतः

skaṁdaprasādajaḥ putro lohitākṣo bhayaṁkaraḥ eṣa vīrāṣṭakaḥ proktaḥ skaṁdamātṛgaṇo'dbhutaḥ

a son born of Skanda's grace, red-eyed and terrifying. This group of eight is called the wondrous "Mother-Company of Skanda."

Verse 178 (skanda.1.64.178)

पूजनीयः सदा भक्त्या सर्वापस्मारशांतिदः॥ उपातिष्ठत्ततः स्कंदं हिरण्यकवचस्रजम्

pūjanīyaḥ sadā bhaktyā sarvāpasmāraśāṁtidaḥ upātiṣṭhattataḥ skaṁdaṁ hiraṇyakavacasrajam

They are ever to be worshipped with devotion, for they pacify all epilepsy and seizures. Then Shri came to attend upon Skanda, who wore a golden armor and garland,

Verse 179 (skanda.1.64.179)

लोहितांबरसंवीतं त्रैलोक्यस्यापि सुप्रभम्॥ युवानं श्रीः स्वयं भेजे तं प्रणम्य शरीरिणी

lohitāṁbarasaṁvītaṁ trailokyasyāpi suprabham yuvānaṁ śrīḥ svayaṁ bheje taṁ praṇamya śarīriṇī

clad in red garments, radiant to all the three worlds; Shri herself, in bodily form, having bowed to him, took that youth as her own.

Verse 180 (skanda.1.64.180)

श्रिया जुष्टं च तं प्राहुः सर्वे देवाः प्रणम्य वै॥ हिरण्यवर्ण्ण भद्रं ते लोकानां शंकरो भव

śriyā juṣṭaṁ ca taṁ prāhuḥ sarve devāḥ praṇamya vai hiraṇyavarṇṇa bhadraṁ te lokānāṁ śaṁkaro bhava

All the gods, bowing to him now embraced by Shri, said: "O golden-hued one, blessings upon you; be the bestower of well-being to the worlds,"

Verse 181 (skanda.1.64.181)

भवानिंद्रोऽस्तु नो नाथ त्रैलोक्यस्य हिताय वै

bhavāniṁdro'stu no nātha trailokyasya hitāya vai

"— be our Indra, O lord, for the true welfare of the three worlds."

Verse 182 (skanda.1.64.182)

॥स्कंद उवाच॥ किमिंद्रः सर्वलोकानां करोतीह सुरोत्तमाः॥ कथं देवगणांश्चैव पाति नित्यं सुरेश्वरः

skaṁda uvāca kimiṁdraḥ sarvalokānāṁ karotīha surottamāḥ kathaṁ devagaṇāṁścaiva pāti nityaṁ sureśvaraḥ

Skanda said: "What does Indra do for all the worlds, O best of gods? How does the lord of gods ever protect the multitudes of gods?"

Verse 183 (skanda.1.64.183)

॥देवा ऊचुः॥ इंद्रो दिशति भूतानां बलं तेजः प्रजाः सुखम्॥ प्रज्ञां प्रयच्छति तथा सर्वान्दायान्सुरेश्वरः

devā ūcuḥ iṁdro diśati bhūtānāṁ balaṁ tejaḥ prajāḥ sukham prajñāṁ prayacchati tathā sarvāndāyānsureśvaraḥ

The gods said: "Indra bestows on beings strength, splendor, progeny, happiness; the lord of gods likewise grants wisdom and all rightful shares."

Verse 184 (skanda.1.64.184)

दुर्वृत्तानां स हरति वृत्तस्थानां प्रयच्छति॥ अनुशास्ति च भूतानि कार्येषु बलवत्तरः

durvṛttānāṁ sa harati vṛttasthānāṁ prayacchati anuśāsti ca bhūtāni kāryeṣu balavattaraḥ

"He takes away from the wicked and gives to those who follow righteous conduct; he governs all beings, being the mightiest in action."

Verse 185 (skanda.1.64.185)

असूर्ये च भवेत्सूर्यस्तथाऽचंद्रे च चंद्रमाः॥ भवत्यग्निश्च वायुश्च पृथिव्यां जीवकारणम्

asūrye ca bhavetsūryastathā'caṁdre ca caṁdramāḥ bhavatyagniśca vāyuśca pṛthivyāṁ jīvakāraṇam

"Where there is no sun, he becomes the sun; where there is no moon, he becomes the moon; he becomes Fire and Wind, the cause of life on earth."

Verse 186 (skanda.1.64.186)

एतदिंद्रेण कर्तव्यमिंद्रो हि विपुलं बलम्॥ त्वं चेंद्रो भव नो वीर तारकं जहि ते नमः

etadiṁdreṇa kartavyamiṁdro hi vipulaṁ balam tvaṁ ceṁdro bhava no vīra tārakaṁ jahi te namaḥ

"All this is to be done by Indra, for Indra is vast strength itself. So become our Indra, O hero — slay Taraka; homage to you."

Verse 187 (skanda.1.64.187)

॥इंद्र उवाच॥ त्वं भवेंद्रो महाबाहो सर्वेषां नः सुखावहः॥ प्रणम्य प्रार्थये स्कंद तारकं जहि रक्ष नः

iṁdra uvāca tvaṁ bhaveṁdro mahābāho sarveṣāṁ naḥ sukhāvahaḥ praṇamya prārthaye skaṁda tārakaṁ jahi rakṣa naḥ

Indra said: "O mighty-armed one, become Indra, the bringer of happiness to us all. Bowing to you, I beg, O Skanda: slay Taraka and protect us."

Verse 188 (skanda.1.64.188)

॥स्कंद उवाच॥ शाधि त्वमेव त्रैलोक्यं भवानिंद्रोस्तु सर्वदा॥ करिष्ये चेंद्रकर्माणि न ममेंद्रत्वमीप्सितम्

skaṁda uvāca śādhi tvameva trailokyaṁ bhavāniṁdrostu sarvadā kariṣye ceṁdrakarmāṇi na mameṁdratvamīpsitam

Skanda said: "You alone shall rule the three worlds; be Indra forever. I shall perform Indra's tasks, but the office of Indra itself is not what I desire."

Verse 189 (skanda.1.64.189)

त्वमेव राजा भद्रं ते त्रैलोक्यस्य ममैव च॥ करोमि किं च ते शक्रशासनं ब्रूहि तन्मम

tvameva rājā bhadraṁ te trailokyasya mamaiva ca karomi kiṁ ca te śakraśāsanaṁ brūhi tanmama

"You alone are king — blessings upon you — of the three worlds and of me as well. What shall I do? Tell me your command, O Shakra, and I shall obey it."

Verse 190 (skanda.1.64.190)

॥इंद्र उवाच॥ यदि सत्यमिदं वाक्यं निश्चयाद्भाषितं त्वया॥ अभिषिच्छस्व देवानां सैनापत्ये महाबल॥ अहमिंद्रो भविष्यामि तव वाक्याद्यशोऽस्तु ते

iṁdra uvāca yadi satyamidaṁ vākyaṁ niścayādbhāṣitaṁ tvayā abhiṣicchasva devānāṁ saināpatye mahābala ahamiṁdro bhaviṣyāmi tava vākyādyaśo'stu te

Indra said: "If these words spoken by you with such resolve are true, then, O mighty one, let yourself be consecrated in the command of the gods' armies. I shall remain Indra by your word — let glory be yours."

Verse 191 (skanda.1.64.191)

॥स्कंद उवाच॥ दानवानां विनाशाय देवानामर्थसिद्धये॥ गोब्राह्मणस्य चार्थाय एवमस्तु वचस्तव

skaṁda uvāca dānavānāṁ vināśāya devānāmarthasiddhaye gobrāhmaṇasya cārthāya evamastu vacastava

Skanda said: "For the destruction of the demons, for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose, and for the sake of cows and brahmins — so let it be, as you have said."

Verse 192 (skanda.1.64.192)

इत्युक्ते सुमहानादः सुराणामभ्यजायत॥ भूतानां चापि सर्वेषां त्रैलोक्यांकपकारकः

ityukte sumahānādaḥ surāṇāmabhyajāyata bhūtānāṁ cāpi sarveṣāṁ trailokyāṁkapakārakaḥ

When this was said, a very great roar of joy arose among the gods, and among all beings — one that filled the three worlds with delight.

Verse 193 (skanda.1.64.193)

जयेति तुष्टुवुश्चैनं वादित्राण्यभ्यवादयन्॥ ननृस्तष्टुवुश्चैवं कराघातांश्च चक्रिरे

jayeti tuṣṭuvuścainaṁ vāditrāṇyabhyavādayan nanṛstaṣṭuvuścaivaṁ karāghātāṁśca cakrire

Crying "Victory!", they praised him and sounded their instruments; they danced, praised him further, and clapped their hands.

Verse 194 (skanda.1.64.194)

तेन शब्देन महता विस्मिता नगनंदिनी॥ शंकरं प्राह को देव नादोऽयमतिवर्तते

tena śabdena mahatā vismitā naganaṁdinī śaṁkaraṁ prāha ko deva nādo'yamativartate

By that great sound, the mountain's daughter, astonished, said to Shankara: "O lord, what is this sound that resounds so far?"

Verse 195 (skanda.1.64.195)

॥रुद्र उवाच॥ अद्य नुनं प्रहृष्टानां सुराणां विविधा गिरः॥ श्रूयंते च तथा देवी यथा जातः सुतस्तव

rudra uvāca adya nunaṁ prahṛṣṭānāṁ surāṇāṁ vividhā giraḥ śrūyaṁte ca tathā devī yathā jātaḥ sutastava

Rudra said: "Today indeed are heard the manifold joyous cries of the delighted gods, O Devi, as though your son had just now been born."

Verse 196 (skanda.1.64.196)

गवां च ब्राह्मणानां च साध्वीनां च दिवौकसाम्॥ मार्जयिष्यति चाश्रूणि पुत्रस्ते पुण्यवत्यपि

gavāṁ ca brāhmaṇānāṁ ca sādhvīnāṁ ca divaukasām mārjayiṣyati cāśrūṇi putraste puṇyavatyapi

"Your son, O virtuous one, shall wipe away the tears of the cows, the brahmins, chaste women, and the dwellers of heaven."

Verse 197 (skanda.1.64.197)

एवं वदति सा देवी द्रष्टुं तमुत्सुकाऽभवत्॥ शंकरश्च महातेजाः पुत्रस्नेहाधिको यतः

evaṁ vadati sā devī draṣṭuṁ tamutsukā'bhavat śaṁkaraśca mahātejāḥ putrasnehādhiko yataḥ

As he spoke thus, the Devi grew eager to see him; and Shankara, of great splendor, likewise, for his love for his son had grown great.

Verse 198 (skanda.1.64.198)

वृषभं तत आरुह्य देव्या सह समुत्सुकः॥ सगणो भव आगच्छत्पुत्र दर्शनलालसः

vṛṣabhaṁ tata āruhya devyā saha samutsukaḥ sagaṇo bhava āgacchatputra darśanalālasaḥ

Mounting his bull, together with the Devi, eager and accompanied by his retinue, Bhava set out, longing to see his son.

Verse 199 (skanda.1.64.199)

ततो ब्रह्मा महासेनं प्रजापतिरथाब्रवीत्॥ अभिगच्छ महादेवं पितरं मातरं प्रभो

tato brahmā mahāsenaṁ prajāpatirathābravīt abhigaccha mahādevaṁ pitaraṁ mātaraṁ prabho

Then Brahma, the lord of creatures, said to Mahasena: "Go, O lord, to meet Mahadeva, your father, and your mother."

Verse 200 (skanda.1.64.200)

अनयोर्वीर्यसंयोगात्तवोत्पत्तिस्तु प्राथमी॥ एवमस्त्विति चाप्युक्त्वा महासेनो महेश्वरम्

anayorvīryasaṁyogāttavotpattistu prāthamī evamastviti cāpyuktvā mahāseno maheśvaram

"For your origin first came from the union of their power." Saying "so be it," Mahasena —

Verse 201 (skanda.1.64.201)

अपूजयदमेयात्मा पितरं मातरं च ताम्॥ ततस्तमालिंग्य सुतं चिरं संयोज्य चाशिषः

apūjayadameyātmā pitaraṁ mātaraṁ ca tām tatastamāliṁgya sutaṁ ciraṁ saṁyojya cāśiṣaḥ

— he, of immeasurable soul, honored his father and that mother. Then, embracing their son for a long while and bestowing their blessings,

Verse 202 (skanda.1.64.202)

चिरं जहृषतुश्चोभौ पार्वतीपरमेश्वरौ॥ सिद्धसारस्य तत्त्वं च ददौ तुष्टोऽस्य शंकरः

ciraṁ jahṛṣatuścobhau pārvatīparameśvarau siddhasārasya tattvaṁ ca dadau tuṣṭo'sya śaṁkaraḥ

both Parvati and Parameshvara rejoiced greatly. Shankara, pleased, gave him the essence of the Siddha-power,

Verse 203 (skanda.1.64.203)

देवी प्रकृतिमोक्षं च तुष्टा हर्षपरिप्लुता॥ एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु षड्देव्यस्तं समागमन्

devī prakṛtimokṣaṁ ca tuṣṭā harṣapariplutā etasminneva kāle tu ṣaḍdevyastaṁ samāgaman

and the Devi, pleased and overflowing with joy, gave him liberation of nature. At this very time, the six goddesses came to him.

Verse 204 (skanda.1.64.204)

ऋषिभिस्ताः परित्यक्तास्तं पुत्रेति जगुस्तदा॥ पार्वती च ततः प्राह मम पुत्रो न वस्त्वयम्

ṛṣibhistāḥ parityaktāstaṁ putreti jagustadā pārvatī ca tataḥ prāha mama putro na vastvayam

Abandoned by the sages, they then called him "our son." Parvati then said: "He is my son, not yours."

Verse 205 (skanda.1.64.205)

स्वाहा ममेति च प्राह पावकश्च ममेति च॥ रुद्रो ममेति च प्राह मम देवनदीति च

svāhā mameti ca prāha pāvakaśca mameti ca rudro mameti ca prāha mama devanadīti ca

Svaha said, "He is mine"; Fire said, "He is mine"; Rudra said, "He is mine"; and the celestial river said, "He is mine."

Verse 206 (skanda.1.64.206)

चक्रुस्ते कलहं घोरं विवदंतः परस्परम्॥ पुत्रस्नेहो हि बलवान्पार्थ किंकिं न कारयेत्

cakruste kalahaṁ ghoraṁ vivadaṁtaḥ parasparam putrasneho hi balavānpārtha kiṁkiṁ na kārayet

Thus they raised a terrible quarrel, disputing among themselves; for love of a son is powerful indeed, O Partha — what will it not make one do?

Verse 207 (skanda.1.64.207)

ततस्तान्प्रहसन्नाह विवादो युज्यते न च॥ सर्वेषां वो गुहः पुत्रो मत्तो वै व्रियतां वरः

tatastānprahasannāha vivādo yujyate na ca sarveṣāṁ vo guhaḥ putro matto vai vriyatāṁ varaḥ

Then, smiling, he said to them: "This dispute is not fitting — Guha is the son of you all. Let each of you choose a boon from me instead."

Verse 208 (skanda.1.64.208)

ततः प्राहुश्च षड्देव्यः स्वर्गो नो ह्यक्षयो भवेत्॥ तथेति ता गुहः प्राह शक्रस्तत्रांतरेऽब्रवीत्

tataḥ prāhuśca ṣaḍdevyaḥ svargo no hyakṣayo bhavet tatheti tā guhaḥ prāha śakrastatrāṁtare'bravīt

Then the six goddesses said: "Let our place in heaven become imperishable." "So be it," Guha said to them. Then, in the midst of this, Shakra spoke.

Verse 209 (skanda.1.64.209)

रोहिण्याश्चानुजा स्कंद स्पर्धमानाभिजित्खला॥ इच्छंती ज्येष्ठतां देवी पृथक्त्वं च तपोरता

rohiṇyāścānujā skaṁda spardhamānābhijitkhalā icchaṁtī jyeṣṭhatāṁ devī pṛthaktvaṁ ca taporatā

"O Skanda, Rohini's younger sister Abhijit is wicked and jealous, desiring seniority and separation, devoted to austerity —"

Verse 210 (skanda.1.64.210)

ततः प्रभृति मूढोऽस्मि तत्स्थाने स्थापय प्रभो॥ ततस्तथेति च प्रोक्ते कृत्तिकास्ता दिवं गताः

tataḥ prabhṛti mūḍho'smi tatsthāne sthāpaya prabho tatastatheti ca prokte kṛttikāstā divaṁ gatāḥ

"— so from now I am at a loss; O lord, place her in that station." When it was said, "so be it," those Krittikas went up into the sky.

Verse 211 (skanda.1.64.211)

नक्षत्रं सप्तशीर्षाभं भाति तद्वह्निदैवतम्॥ अथैनमब्रवीत्स्वाहा प्रिया नाहं महार्चिषः॥ तदग्नेः प्रियतां देहि सहवासं सदैव च

nakṣatraṁ saptaśīrṣābhaṁ bhāti tadvahnidaivatam athainamabravītsvāhā priyā nāhaṁ mahārciṣaḥ tadagneḥ priyatāṁ dehi sahavāsaṁ sadaiva ca

That constellation, resembling seven heads, shines with Fire as its presiding deity. Then Svaha said to him: "I am not the beloved of the great-flamed one; so grant me his favor and his companionship forever."

Verse 212 (skanda.1.64.212)

॥स्कंद उवाच॥ हव्यं कव्यं च यत्किंचिद्द्विजा होष्यंति पावके

skaṁda uvāca havyaṁ kavyaṁ ca yatkiṁciddvijā hoṣyaṁti pāvake

Skanda said: "Whatever oblation, whether havya or kavya, the brahmins shall offer into Fire —

Verse 213 (skanda.1.64.213)

तत्ते नाम्ना प्रदास्यंति वासः सार्धं भवेत्तव॥ पावकः प्रार्थयामास यज्ञभागान्पुनः सुतान्

tatte nāmnā pradāsyaṁti vāsaḥ sārdhaṁ bhavettava pāvakaḥ prārthayāmāsa yajñabhāgānpunaḥ sutān

"— they shall offer it in your name as well, and you shall have his companionship." Fire then requested a share of the sacrifice for his other sons too.

Verse 214 (skanda.1.64.214)

स चाप्याहाद्यप्रभृति यज्ञभागानवाप्नुहि॥ इतरे प्रार्थयामासुः ख्यातो नस्त्वं सुतो भव

sa cāpyāhādyaprabhṛti yajñabhāgānavāpnuhi itare prārthayāmāsuḥ khyāto nastvaṁ suto bhava

And Skanda said to him: "From today onward, receive your shares of the sacrifice." The others likewise begged: "Be known as our son too."

Verse 215 (skanda.1.64.215)

एवमेवेति तानाह स्कंदस्तद्धि सुदुर्लभम्॥ ततस्तं योगिनः सर्वे संभूय सनकादयः॥ अभ्यषिंचन्गिरौ तस्मिन्योगिनामादिपत्यके

evameveti tānāha skaṁdastaddhi sudurlabham tatastaṁ yoginaḥ sarve saṁbhūya sanakādayaḥ abhyaṣiṁcangirau tasminyogināmādipatyake

"So be it," Skanda said to them, for that indeed was hard to attain. Then all the yogis, Sanaka and the others, gathered together and consecrated him on that mountain, the primal seat of the yogis.

Verse 216 (skanda.1.64.216)

योगीश्वरमिति प्राहुस्ततस्तं योगिनस्तथा॥ जहृपुर्देवताश्चैव नानावाद्यन्यवादयन्

yogīśvaramiti prāhustatastaṁ yoginastathā jahṛpurdevatāścaiva nānāvādyanyavādayan

The yogis thereupon called him "Lord of Yogis." The gods too rejoiced, and sounded various instruments.

Verse 217 (skanda.1.64.217)

अभिषिक्तेन तेनासौ शुशुभे श्वेतपर्वतः॥ आदित्येनेवांशुमता सुरम्य उदयाचलः

abhiṣiktena tenāsau śuśubhe śvetaparvataḥ ādityenevāṁśumatā suramya udayācalaḥ

By that consecration, the White Mountain shone forth, beautiful, like the eastern mountain of sunrise lit by the radiant sun.

Verse 218 (skanda.1.64.218)

ततो देवाः सगन्धर्वा नृत्यंत्यप्सरसस्तथा॥ हृष्टानां सर्वभूतानां श्रूयते निनदो महान्

tato devāḥ sagandharvā nṛtyaṁtyapsarasastathā hṛṣṭānāṁ sarvabhūtānāṁ śrūyate ninado mahān

Then the gods, with the gandharvas, and the apsarases too, began to dance; a great tumult of all the rejoicing beings was heard.

Verse 219 (skanda.1.64.219)

एवं सेन्द्रं जगत्सर्वं श्वेतपर्वतसंस्थितम्॥ प्रहृष्टं प्रेक्ष्य तं स्कन्दं न च तृप्यति दर्शनात्

evaṁ sendraṁ jagatsarvaṁ śvetaparvatasaṁsthitam prahṛṣṭaṁ prekṣya taṁ skandaṁ na ca tṛpyati darśanāt

Thus the whole world, together with Indra, gathered upon the White Mountain, gazed with delight upon Skanda and was never sated by that vision.