The Glory of Linga Worship and the Story of Rama's Avatara

Verse 1 (skanda.1.8.1)

॥लोमश उवाच॥ तस्करोऽपि पुरा ब्रह्मन्सर्वधर्मबाहिष्कृतः॥ ब्रह्मघ्नोऽसौ सुरापश्च सुवर्णस्य च तस्करः

||lomaśa uvāca|| taskaro'pi purā brahmansarvadharmabāhiṣkṛtaḥ|| brahmaghno'sau surāpaśca suvarṇasya ca taskaraḥ

Lomasha said: Long ago, O Brahmin, there was a thief excluded from all dharma — he was a killer of brahmins, a drinker of liquor, and a thief of gold,

Verse 2 (skanda.1.8.2)

लंपटोहि महापाप उत्तमस्त्रीषु सर्वदा॥ द्यूतकारी सदा मंदः कितवैः सह संगतः

laṃpaṭohi mahāpāpa uttamastrīṣu sarvadā|| dyūtakārī sadā maṃdaḥ kitavaiḥ saha saṃgataḥ

exceedingly lustful, a great sinner, ever after other men's finest wives, a habitual gambler, dull-witted, keeping company with cheats.

Verse 3 (skanda.1.8.3)

एकदा क्रीडता तेन हारितं द्यूतमद्भुतम्॥ कितवैर्मर्द्यमानो हि तदा नोवाच किञ्चन

ekadā krīḍatā tena hāritaṃ dyūtamadbhutam|| kitavairmardyamāno hi tadā novāca kiñcana

Once, while gambling, he wondrously lost a great deal; even when pressed hard by the cheats, he said nothing at all.

Verse 4 (skanda.1.8.4)

पीडितोऽप्यभवत्तूष्णीं तैरुक्तः पापकृत्तमः॥ द्यूते त्वया च तद्द्रव्यं हारितं किं प्रयच्छसि

pīḍito'pyabhavattūṣṇīṃ tairuktaḥ pāpakṛttamaḥ|| dyūte tvayā ca taddravyaṃ hāritaṃ kiṃ prayacchasi

Though tormented, he remained silent; those foremost among sinners said to him: "That wealth you lost at dice — what will you give now?"

Verse 5 (skanda.1.8.5)

नो वा तत्कथ्यतां शीघ्रं याथातथ्येन दुर्मते॥ यद्धारितं प्रयच्छामि रात्रावित्यब्रवीच्च सः

no vā tatkathyatāṃ śīghraṃ yāthātathyena durmate|| yaddhāritaṃ prayacchāmi rātrāvityabravīcca saḥ

"Or else, O evil-minded one, tell us quickly and truthfully." He said: "What I have lost, I shall give tonight."

Verse 6 (skanda.1.8.6)

तैर्मुक्तस्तेन वाक्येन गतास्ते कितवादयः॥ तदा निशीथसमये गतोऽसौ शिवमंदिरम्

tairmuktastena vākyena gatāste kitavādayaḥ|| tadā niśīthasamaye gato'sau śivamaṃdiram

Released by that word, those gamblers and the rest departed. Then, at midnight, he went to a Shiva temple,

Verse 7 (skanda.1.8.7)

शिरोधिरुह्य शम्भोश्च घण्टामादातुमुद्यतः॥ तावत्कैलासशिखरे शंभुः प्रोवाच किंकरान्

śirodhiruhya śambhośca ghaṇṭāmādātumudyataḥ|| tāvatkailāsaśikhare śaṃbhuḥ provāca kiṃkarān

and, climbing up to Shambhu's head, made ready to take the bell. Meanwhile, on the peak of Kailasa, Shambhu said to his servants —

Verse 8 (skanda.1.8.8)

अनेन यत्कृतं चाद्य सर्वेषामधिकं भुवि॥ सर्वेषामेव भक्तानां वरिष्ठोऽयं च मत्प्रियः

anena yatkṛtaṃ cādya sarveṣāmadhikaṃ bhuvi|| sarveṣāmeva bhaktānāṃ variṣṭho'yaṃ ca matpriyaḥ

"What this man has done today is greater than that of all others upon the earth; he is the foremost of all my devotees, and dear to me."

Verse 9 (skanda.1.8.9)

इति प्रोक्त्वान यामास वीरभद्रादिभिर्गणैः॥ ते सर्वे त्वरिता जग्मुः कैलासाच्छिववल्लभात्

iti proktvāna yāmāsa vīrabhadrādibhirgaṇaiḥ|| te sarve tvaritā jagmuḥ kailāsācchivavallabhāt

Having said this, he sent Virabhadra and the other ganas; all of them swiftly set out from Kailasa, Shiva's own beloved abode.

Verse 10 (skanda.1.8.10)

सर्वैर्डमरुनादेन नादितं भुवनत्रयम्॥ तान्दृष्ट्वा सहसोत्तीर्य तस्करोसौ दुरात्मवान्॥ लिंगस्य मस्तकात्सद्यः पलायनपरोऽभवत्

sarvairḍamarunādena nāditaṃ bhuvanatrayam|| tāndṛṣṭvā sahasottīrya taskarosau durātmavān|| liṃgasya mastakātsadyaḥ palāyanaparo'bhavat

With the sound of damarus from them all, the three worlds resounded. Seeing them, that evil-souled thief suddenly leapt down and fled at once from the top of the linga.

Verse 11 (skanda.1.8.11)

पलायमानं तं दृष्ट्वा वीरभद्रः समाह्वयत्

palāyamānaṃ taṃ dṛṣṭvā vīrabhadraḥ samāhvayat

Seeing him fleeing, Virabhadra called out to him.

Verse 12 (skanda.1.8.12)

कस्माद्विभेपि रे मन्द देवदेवो महेस्वरः॥ प्रसन्नस्तव जातोद्य उदारचरितो ह्यसौ

kasmādvibhepi re manda devadevo mahesvaraḥ|| prasannastava jātodya udāracarito hyasau

"Why are you afraid, you fool? The God of gods, Maheshvara, has today become pleased with you — he is of such generous conduct."

Verse 13 (skanda.1.8.13)

इत्युक्त्वा तं विमाने च कृत्वा कैलासमाययौ॥ पार्षदो हि कृतस्तेन तस्करो हि महात्मना

ityuktvā taṃ vimāne ca kṛtvā kailāsamāyayau|| pārṣado hi kṛtastena taskaro hi mahātmanā

Having said this, he set him in a celestial chariot and came to Kailasa; that great soul made the thief one of his own attendants.

Verse 14 (skanda.1.8.14)

तस्माद्भाव्या शिवे भक्तिः सर्वेषामपि देहिनाम्॥ पशवोऽपि हि पूज्याः स्युः किं पुनर्मानवाभुवि

tasmādbhāvyā śive bhaktiḥ sarveṣāmapi dehinām|| paśavo'pi hi pūjyāḥ syuḥ kiṃ punarmānavābhuvi

Therefore devotion to Shiva must be cultivated by all embodied beings; even animals become worthy of worship through it — how much more men upon the earth!

Verse 15 (skanda.1.8.15)

ये तार्किकास्तर्कपरास्तथ मीमांसकाश्च ये॥ अन्योन्यवादिनश्चान्ये चान्ये वात्मवितर्ककाः

ye tārkikāstarkaparāstatha mīmāṃsakāśca ye|| anyonyavādinaścānye cānye vātmavitarkakāḥ

Those logicians devoted to logic, and those given to Mimamsa, and others who dispute with one another, and yet others given to speculation about the self —

Verse 16 (skanda.1.8.16)

एकवाक्यं न कुर्वंति शिवार्चनबहिष्कृताः॥ तर्को हि क्रियते यैश्च तेसर्वे किं शिवं विना

ekavākyaṃ na kurvaṃti śivārcanabahiṣkṛtāḥ|| tarko hi kriyate yaiśca tesarve kiṃ śivaṃ vinā

cannot agree on a single doctrine, excluded as they are from the worship of Shiva. Whatever disputation they engage in — what indeed is it all, without Shiva?

Verse 17 (skanda.1.8.17)

तथा किं बहुनोक्तेन सर्वेऽपि स्थिरजंगमाः॥ प्राणिनोऽपि हि जायंते केवलं लिंगधारिणः

tathā kiṃ bahunoktena sarve'pi sthirajaṃgamāḥ|| prāṇino'pi hi jāyaṃte kevalaṃ liṃgadhāriṇaḥ

So what use in saying more? All beings, moving and unmoving, are born bearing the linga alone.

Verse 18 (skanda.1.8.18)

पिण्डीयुक्तं यथा लिंगं स्थापितं च यथाऽभवत्॥ तथा नरा लिंगयुक्ताः पिण्डीभूतास्तथा स्त्रियः

piṇḍīyuktaṃ yathā liṃgaṃ sthāpitaṃ ca yathā'bhavat|| tathā narā liṃgayuktāḥ piṇḍībhūtāstathā striyaḥ

Just as the linga stands established set within its pedestal, so men, joined with the linga, and women too, become as one compact form with it.

Verse 19 (skanda.1.8.19)

शिवशक्तियुतं सर्वं जगदेतच्चराचरम्॥ तं शिवं मौढ्यतस्त्यक्त्वा मूढाश्चान्यं भजंति ये

śivaśaktiyutaṃ sarvaṃ jagadetaccarācaram|| taṃ śivaṃ mauḍhyatastyaktvā mūḍhāścānyaṃ bhajaṃti ye

This entire moving and unmoving universe is united with the power of Shiva; those fools who, out of sheer folly, abandon that Shiva and worship another —

Verse 20 (skanda.1.8.20)

धर्ममात्यंतिकं तुच्छं नश्वरं क्षणभंगुरम्॥ यो विष्णुः स शिवो ज्ञेयो यः शिवो विष्णुरेव सः

dharmamātyaṃtikaṃ tucchaṃ naśvaraṃ kṣaṇabhaṃguram|| yo viṣṇuḥ sa śivo jñeyo yaḥ śivo viṣṇureva saḥ

their dharma is exceedingly trivial, perishable, and momentary. He who is Vishnu is to be known as Shiva, and he who is Shiva is Vishnu himself.

Verse 21 (skanda.1.8.21)

पीठिका विष्णुरूपं स्याल्लिंगरूपी महेश्वरः॥ तस्माल्लिंगार्चनं श्रेष्ठं सर्वेषामपि वै द्विजाः

pīṭhikā viṣṇurūpaṃ syālliṃgarūpī maheśvaraḥ|| tasmālliṃgārcanaṃ śreṣṭhaṃ sarveṣāmapi vai dvijāḥ

The pedestal is Vishnu's form, and Maheshvara is the form of the linga; therefore, O brahmins, the worship of the linga is best for all.

Verse 22 (skanda.1.8.22)

ब्रह्मा मणिमयं लिंगं पूजयत्यनिशं शुभम्॥ इन्द्रो रत्नमयं लिंगं चन्द्रो मुक्तामयं तथा

brahmā maṇimayaṃ liṃgaṃ pūjayatyaniśaṃ śubham|| indro ratnamayaṃ liṃgaṃ candro muktāmayaṃ tathā

Brahma unceasingly worships an auspicious linga made of gems; Indra worships a linga of jewels, and Chandra one made of pearls;

Verse 23 (skanda.1.8.23)

भानुस्ताम्रमयं लिंगं पूजयत्यनिशं शुभम्॥ रौक्मं लिंगं कुबेरश्च पाशी चारक्तमेव च

bhānustāmramayaṃ liṃgaṃ pūjayatyaniśaṃ śubham|| raukmaṃ liṃgaṃ kuberaśca pāśī cāraktameva ca

the Sun unceasingly worships an auspicious linga of copper; Kubera worships one of gold, and the noose-bearer Varuna one of red coral;

Verse 24 (skanda.1.8.24)

यमो नीलमयं लिंगं राजतं नैर्ऋतस्तथा॥ काश्मीरं पवनो लिंगमर्चयत्यनिशं विभोः

yamo nīlamayaṃ liṃgaṃ rājataṃ nairṛtastathā|| kāśmīraṃ pavano liṃgamarcayatyaniśaṃ vibhoḥ

Yama worships a linga of sapphire, Nairriti one of silver; Vayu ever worships a linga of Kashmir crystal.

Verse 25 (skanda.1.8.25)

एवं ते लिंगिताः सर्वे लोकपालाः सवासवाः॥ तथा सर्वेऽपि पाताले गंधर्वाः किंनरैः सह

evaṃ te liṃgitāḥ sarve lokapālāḥ savāsavāḥ|| tathā sarve'pi pātāle gaṃdharvāḥ kiṃnaraiḥ saha

Thus all the guardians of the quarters, together with Vasava, became devoted to the linga; likewise all the gandharvas in Patala, together with the kinnaras,

Verse 26 (skanda.1.8.26)

दैत्यानां वैष्णवाः केचित्प्रह्लादप्रमुखा द्विजाः॥ तथाहि राक्षसानां च विभीषणपुरोगमाः

daityānāṃ vaiṣṇavāḥ kecitprahlādapramukhā dvijāḥ|| tathāhi rākṣasānāṃ ca vibhīṣaṇapurogamāḥ

and, among the daityas, some Vaishnava brahmins headed by Prahlada; and among the rakshasas, those led by Vibhishana,

Verse 27 (skanda.1.8.27)

बलिश्च नमुचिश्चैव हिरण्यकशिपुस्तथा॥ वृषपर्वा वृषश्चैव संह्रादो बाण एव च

baliśca namuciścaiva hiraṇyakaśipustathā|| vṛṣaparvā vṛṣaścaiva saṃhrādo bāṇa eva ca

Bali and Namuchi, and Hiranyakashipu too; Vrishaparva, and Vrisha, Samhrada, and Bana as well —

Verse 28 (skanda.1.8.28)

एते चान्ये च बहवः शिष्याः शुक्रस्य धीमतः॥ एवं शिवार्चनरताः सर्वे ते दैत्यदानवाः

ete cānye ca bahavaḥ śiṣyāḥ śukrasya dhīmataḥ|| evaṃ śivārcanaratāḥ sarve te daityadānavāḥ

these and many other wise disciples of Shukra — thus all those daityas and danavas became devoted to the worship of Shiva.

Verse 29 (skanda.1.8.29)

राक्षसा एव ते सर्वे शिवपूजान्विताः सदा॥ हेतिः प्रहेतिः संयातिर्विघसः प्रघसस्तथा

rākṣasā eva te sarve śivapūjānvitāḥ sadā|| hetiḥ prahetiḥ saṃyātirvighasaḥ praghasastathā

All those rakshasas too were ever devoted to Shiva's worship — Heti, Praheti, Samyati, Vighasa, and Praghasa likewise,

Verse 30 (skanda.1.8.30)

विद्युज्जिह्वस्तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्रो धूम्राक्षो भीमविक्रमः॥ माली चैव सुमाली च माल्यवानतिभीषमः

vidyujjihvastīkṣṇadaṃṣṭro dhūmrākṣo bhīmavikramaḥ|| mālī caiva sumālī ca mālyavānatibhīṣamaḥ

Vidyujjihva, Tikshnadamshtra, Dhumraksha of terrible prowess; Mali, and Sumali, and Malyavan of exceeding dread,

Verse 31 (skanda.1.8.31)

विद्युत्कैशस्तडिज्जिह्वो रावणश्च महाबलः॥ कुंभकर्णो दुराधर्षो वेगदर्शी प्रतापवान्

vidyutkaiśastaḍijjihvo rāvaṇaśca mahābalaḥ|| kuṃbhakarṇo durādharṣo vegadarśī pratāpavān

Vidyutkesha, Tadijjihva, and the mighty Ravana; Kumbhakarna, unassailable, swift of sight, and of great valor —

Verse 32 (skanda.1.8.32)

एते हि राक्षसाः श्रेष्ठा शिवार्चनरताः सदा॥ लिंगमभ्यर्च्य च सदा सिद्धिं प्राप्ताः पुरा तु ते

ete hi rākṣasāḥ śreṣṭhā śivārcanaratāḥ sadā|| liṃgamabhyarcya ca sadā siddhiṃ prāptāḥ purā tu te

these foremost rakshasas were ever devoted to Shiva's worship; having worshipped the linga, they attained perfection long ago.

Verse 33 (skanda.1.8.33)

रावणेन तपस्तप्तं सर्वेषामपि दुःखहम्॥ तपोधिपो महादेवस्तुतोष च तदा भृशम्

rāvaṇena tapastaptaṃ sarveṣāmapi duḥkhaham|| tapodhipo mahādevastutoṣa ca tadā bhṛśam

By Ravana was austerity performed of a kind that pained all beings; Mahadeva, lord of austerity, then became exceedingly pleased.

Verse 34 (skanda.1.8.34)

वरान्प्रायच्छत तदा सर्वेषामपि दुर्लभान्॥ ज्ञानं विज्ञानसहितं लब्धं तेन सदाशिवात्

varānprāyacchata tadā sarveṣāmapi durlabhān|| jñānaṃ vijñānasahitaṃ labdhaṃ tena sadāśivāt

He then granted boons hard for anyone to attain; knowledge together with special wisdom was obtained by him from Sadashiva,

Verse 35 (skanda.1.8.35)

अजेयत्वं च संग्रामे द्वैगुण्यं शिरसामपि॥ पंचवक्त्रो महा देवो दशवक्त्रोऽथ रावणः

ajeyatvaṃ ca saṃgrāme dvaiguṇyaṃ śirasāmapi|| paṃcavaktro mahā devo daśavaktro'tha rāvaṇaḥ

and invincibility in battle, and a doubling of his heads as well. Mahadeva is five-faced, and from this Ravana became ten-faced.

Verse 36 (skanda.1.8.36)

देवानृषीन्पितॄंश्चैव निर्जित्य तपसा विभुः॥ महेशस्य प्रसादाच्च सर्वेषामधिकोऽभवत्

devānṛṣīnpitṝṃścaiva nirjitya tapasā vibhuḥ|| maheśasya prasādācca sarveṣāmadhiko'bhavat

Having conquered gods, sages, and ancestors by his austerity, that mighty lord, by Mahesha's grace, became supreme above all.

Verse 37 (skanda.1.8.37)

राजा त्रिकूटाधिपतिर्महेशेन कृतो महान्॥ सर्वेषां राक्षसानां च परमासनमास्तितः

rājā trikūṭādhipatirmaheśena kṛto mahān|| sarveṣāṃ rākṣasānāṃ ca paramāsanamāstitaḥ

He was made by Mahesha the great king, lord of Trikuta, and was seated upon the highest throne among all the rakshasas.

Verse 38 (skanda.1.8.38)

तपस्विनां परीक्षायै यदृषीणां विहिंसनम्॥ कृतं तेन तदा विप्रा रावणेन तपस्विना

tapasvināṃ parīkṣāyai yadṛṣīṇāṃ vihiṃsanam|| kṛtaṃ tena tadā viprā rāvaṇena tapasvinā

Under the pretext of testing ascetics, O brahmins, that austere Ravana caused harm to sages.

Verse 39 (skanda.1.8.39)

अजेयो हि महाञ्जातो रावणो लोकरावणः॥ सृष्ट्यंतरं कृतं येन प्रसादाच्छंकरस्य च

ajeyo hi mahāñjāto rāvaṇo lokarāvaṇaḥ|| sṛṣṭyaṃtaraṃ kṛtaṃ yena prasādācchaṃkarasya ca

Thus that Ravana, terror of the worlds, became mighty and invincible; by Shankara's grace, he brought about a change even in the order of creation.

Verse 40 (skanda.1.8.40)

लोकपाला जितास्तेन प्रतापेन तपस्विना॥ ब्रह्मापि विजितो येन तपसा परमेण हि

lokapālā jitāstena pratāpena tapasvinā|| brahmāpi vijito yena tapasā parameṇa hi

By his own valor, that ascetic conquered the guardians of the quarters; by his supreme austerity, he conquered even Brahma.

Verse 41 (skanda.1.8.41)

अमृतांशुकरो भूत्वा जितो येन शशी द्विजाः॥ दाहकत्वाज्जितो वह्निरीशः कैलासतोलनात्

amṛtāṃśukaro bhūtvā jito yena śaśī dvijāḥ|| dāhakatvājjito vahnirīśaḥ kailāsatolanāt

O brahmins, even the moon, bearer of nectar rays, was conquered by him; fire was conquered because of its power to burn, and even Ishvara through the feat of his lifting Kailasa.

Verse 42 (skanda.1.8.42)

ऐश्वर्येण जितश्चेन्द्रो विष्णुः सर्वगतस्तथा॥ लिंगार्चनप्रसादेन त्रैलोक्यं च वशीकृतम्

aiśvaryeṇa jitaścendro viṣṇuḥ sarvagatastathā|| liṃgārcanaprasādena trailokyaṃ ca vaśīkṛtam

Indra was conquered through majesty, and all-pervading Vishnu likewise; by the grace of linga-worship, he brought the three worlds under his sway.

Verse 43 (skanda.1.8.43)

तदा सर्वे सुरगणा ब्रह्मविष्णुपुरोगमाः॥ मेरुपृष्ठं समासाद्य सुमंत्रं चक्रिरे तदा

tadā sarve suragaṇā brahmaviṣṇupurogamāḥ|| merupṛṣṭhaṃ samāsādya sumaṃtraṃ cakrire tadā

Then all the hosts of gods, with Brahma and Vishnu at their head, went to the summit of Mount Meru and took counsel together.

Verse 44 (skanda.1.8.44)

पीडिताः स्मो रावणेन तपसा दुष्करेण वै॥ गोकर्णाख्ये गिरौ देवाः श्रूयतां परमाद्भुतम्

pīḍitāḥ smo rāvaṇena tapasā duṣkareṇa vai|| gokarṇākhye girau devāḥ śrūyatāṃ paramādbhutam

"We are afflicted by Ravana through his exceedingly difficult austerities." — "O gods, hear now a most wondrous thing that occurred on the mountain called Gokarna —"

Verse 45 (skanda.1.8.45)

साक्षाल्लिंगार्चनं येन कृतमस्ति महात्मना॥ ज्ञानज्ञेयं ज्ञानगम्यं यद्यत्परममद्भुतम्॥ तत्कृतं रावणेनैव सर्वेषां दुरतिक्रमम्

sākṣālliṃgārcanaṃ yena kṛtamasti mahātmanā|| jñānajñeyaṃ jñānagamyaṃ yadyatparamamadbhutam|| tatkṛtaṃ rāvaṇenaiva sarveṣāṃ duratikramam

"by that great soul was performed direct worship of the linga — the object of knowledge, attainable through knowledge alone, the highest and most wondrous of all; this was done by Ravana alone, insurmountable by all others."

Verse 46 (skanda.1.8.46)

वैराग्यं परमास्थाय औदार्यं च ततोऽधिकम्॥ तेनैव ममता त्यक्ता रावणेन महात्मना

vairāgyaṃ paramāsthāya audāryaṃ ca tato'dhikam|| tenaiva mamatā tyaktā rāvaṇena mahātmanā

"Established in supreme dispassion, and generous even beyond that, that great soul Ravana abandoned all sense of possessiveness."

Verse 47 (skanda.1.8.47)

संवत्सरसहस्राच्च स्वशिरो हि महाभुजः॥ कृत्त्वा करेण लिंगस्य पूजनार्थं समर्पयत्

saṃvatsarasahasrācca svaśiro hi mahābhujaḥ|| kṛttvā kareṇa liṃgasya pūjanārthaṃ samarpayat

"After a thousand years, that mighty-armed one cut off his own head with his own hand and offered it for the worship of the linga."

Verse 48 (skanda.1.8.48)

रावणस्य कबंधं च तदग्रे च समीपतः॥ योगधारणया युक्तं परमेण समाधिना

rāvaṇasya kabaṃdhaṃ ca tadagre ca samīpataḥ|| yogadhāraṇayā yuktaṃ parameṇa samādhinā

"Ravana's headless trunk, close by, remained standing there, absorbed in yogic concentration, in the deepest samadhi,"

Verse 49 (skanda.1.8.49)

लिंगे लयं समाधाय कयापि कलया स्थितम्॥ अन्यच्छिरोविवृश्च्यैवं तेनापि शिवपूजनम्॥ कृतं नैवान्यमुनिना तथा चैवापरेणहि

liṃge layaṃ samādhāya kayāpi kalayā sthitam|| anyacchirovivṛścyaivaṃ tenāpi śivapūjanam|| kṛtaṃ naivānyamuninā tathā caivāpareṇahi

"dissolving himself, by some portion of himself, into the linga; then, cutting off yet another head, he performed Shiva's worship in this way again — a feat no other sage ever did before, nor since."

Verse 50 (skanda.1.8.50)

एवं शिरांस्येव बहूनि तेन समर्पितान्येव शिवार्चनार्थे॥ भूत्वा कबंधो हि पुनः पुनश्च शिवोऽसौ वरदो बभूव

evaṃ śirāṃsyeva bahūni tena samarpitānyeva śivārcanārthe|| bhūtvā kabaṃdho hi punaḥ punaśca śivo'sau varado babhūva

Thus many heads were offered by him for the worship of Shiva; and, becoming a headless trunk again and again, Shiva became the granter of his boons.

Verse 51 (skanda.1.8.51)

मया विनासुरस्तत्र पिंडीभूतेन वै पुरा॥ वरान्वरय पौलस्त्य यथेष्टं तान्ददाम्यहम्

mayā vināsurastatra piṃḍībhūtena vai purā|| varānvaraya paulastya yatheṣṭaṃ tāndadāmyaham

"Before me, long ago, this demon remained even as a mere trunk — choose your boons, O son of Pulastya; whatever you desire, I shall grant it."

Verse 52 (skanda.1.8.52)

रावणेन तदा चोक्तः शिवः परममंगलः॥ यदि प्रसन्नो भगवन्देयो मे वर उत्तमः

rāvaṇena tadā coktaḥ śivaḥ paramamaṃgalaḥ|| yadi prasanno bhagavandeyo me vara uttamaḥ

Then Ravana said to that most auspicious Shiva: "If you are pleased, O Lord, grant me the highest boon."

Verse 53 (skanda.1.8.53)

न कामयेऽन्यं च वरमाश्रये त्वत्पदांबुजम्॥ यथा तथा प्रदातव्यं यद्यस्ति च कृपा मयि

na kāmaye'nyaṃ ca varamāśraye tvatpadāṃbujam|| yathā tathā pradātavyaṃ yadyasti ca kṛpā mayi

"I desire no other boon; I take refuge only at your lotus feet. Whatever it may be, grant it, if you have compassion for me."

Verse 54 (skanda.1.8.54)

तदा सदाशिवेनोक्तो रावणो लोकरावणः॥ मत्प्रसादाच्च सर्वं त्वं प्राप्स्यसे मनसेप्सितम्

tadā sadāśivenokto rāvaṇo lokarāvaṇaḥ|| matprasādācca sarvaṃ tvaṃ prāpsyase manasepsitam

Then Sadashiva said to Ravana, terror of the worlds: "By my grace you shall obtain all that your mind desires."

Verse 55 (skanda.1.8.55)

एवं प्राप्तं शिवात्सर्वं रावणेन सुरेश्वराः॥ तस्मात्सर्वैर्भवद्भिश्च तपसा परमेण हि

evaṃ prāptaṃ śivātsarvaṃ rāvaṇena sureśvarāḥ|| tasmātsarvairbhavadbhiśca tapasā parameṇa hi

Thus, O lords of the gods, all this was obtained by Ravana from Shiva. Therefore all of you, through the highest austerity —

Verse 56 (skanda.1.8.56)

विजेतव्यो रावणोयमिति मे मनसि स्थितम्॥ ्च्युतस्य वचः श्रुत्वा ब्रह्माद्या देवतागणाः

vijetavyo rāvaṇoyamiti me manasi sthitam|| cyutasya vacaḥ śrutvā brahmādyā devatāgaṇāḥ

"— must certainly conquer this Ravana; this is fixed in my mind." Hearing these words of Achyuta, Brahma and the other hosts of gods,

Verse 57 (skanda.1.8.57)

चिंतामापेदिरे सर्वे चिरं ते विषयान्विताः॥ ब्रह्मापि चेंद्रियग्रस्तः सुता रमितुमुद्यतः

ciṃtāmāpedire sarve ciraṃ te viṣayānvitāḥ|| brahmāpi ceṃdriyagrastaḥ sutā ramitumudyataḥ

themselves attached to sense-objects, fell into anxious thought for a long while; even Brahma, overcome by his senses, was intent on enjoying his own daughter,

Verse 58 (skanda.1.8.58)

इंद्रो हि जारभावाच्च चंद्रो हि गुरुतल्पगः॥ यमः कदर्यभावाच्च चंचलत्वात्सदागतिः

iṃdro hi jārabhāvācca caṃdro hi gurutalpagaḥ|| yamaḥ kadaryabhāvācca caṃcalatvātsadāgatiḥ

Indra through adultery, the Moon through violating his guru's bed, Yama through miserliness, Vayu through his own fickleness —

Verse 59 (skanda.1.8.59)

पावकः सर्वभक्षित्वात्तथान्ये देवतागणाः॥ अशक्ता रावणं जेतुं तपसा च विजृंभितम्

pāvakaḥ sarvabhakṣitvāttathānye devatāgaṇāḥ|| aśaktā rāvaṇaṃ jetuṃ tapasā ca vijṛṃbhitam

Agni through devouring everything — thus the other gods too were unable to conquer Ravana, so greatly had he flourished through his austerities.

Verse 60 (skanda.1.8.60)

शैलादो हि महातेजा गणश्रेष्ठः पुरातनः॥ बुद्धि मान्नीतिनिपुणो महाबलपराक्रमी

śailādo hi mahātejā gaṇaśreṣṭhaḥ purātanaḥ|| buddhi mānnītinipuṇo mahābalaparākramī

Then Shailada, of great splendor, foremost and most ancient among the ganas, wise, skilled in policy, of great strength and valor,

Verse 61 (skanda.1.8.61)

शिवप्रियो रुद्ररूपी महात्मा ह्युवाच सर्वानथ चेंद्रमुख्यान्॥ कस्माद्यूयं संभ्रमादागताश्च एतत्सर्वं कथ्यतां विस्तरेण

śivapriyo rudrarūpī mahātmā hyuvāca sarvānatha ceṃdramukhyān|| kasmādyūyaṃ saṃbhramādāgatāśca etatsarvaṃ kathyatāṃ vistareṇa

beloved of Shiva, that great soul in the very form of Rudra, said to Indra and all the others: "Why have you come here in such confusion? Tell me all of this in detail."

Verse 62 (skanda.1.8.62)

नंदिना च तदा सर्वे पृष्टाः प्रोचुस्त्वरान्विताः

naṃdinā ca tadā sarve pṛṣṭāḥ procustvarānvitāḥ

Questioned by Nandi, all of them then swiftly replied.

Verse 63 (skanda.1.8.63)

॥ देवा ऊचुः॥ रावणेन वयं सर्वे निर्जिता मुनिभिः सह॥ प्रसादयितुमायाताः शिवं लोकेश्वरेश्वरम्

|| devā ūcuḥ|| rāvaṇena vayaṃ sarve nirjitā munibhiḥ saha|| prasādayitumāyātāḥ śivaṃ lokeśvareśvaram

The gods said: "We have all, together with the sages, been conquered by Ravana; we have come to entreat Shiva, Lord of the lords of the world."

Verse 64 (skanda.1.8.64)

प्रहस्य भगवान्नंदी ब्रह्माणं वै ह्युवाच ह॥ क्व यूयं क्व शिवः शंभुस्तपसा परमेण हि॥ द्रष्टव्यो हृदि मध्यस्थः सोऽद्य द्रष्टुं न पार्यते

prahasya bhagavānnaṃdī brahmāṇaṃ vai hyuvāca ha|| kva yūyaṃ kva śivaḥ śaṃbhustapasā parameṇa hi|| draṣṭavyo hṛdi madhyasthaḥ so'dya draṣṭuṃ na pāryate

The Blessed Nandi, laughing, said to Brahma: "Where are you, and where is Shiva Shambhu, attained only through the highest austerity? He is to be seen within the heart alone — he cannot be seen today, by such as you."

Verse 65 (skanda.1.8.65)

यावद्भावा ह्यनेकाश्च इंद्रियार्थास्तथैव च॥ यावच्च ममताभावस्तावदीशो हि दुर्लभः

yāvadbhāvā hyanekāśca iṃdriyārthāstathaiva ca|| yāvacca mamatābhāvastāvadīśo hi durlabhaḥ

"As long as manifold states and objects of the senses remain, and as long as a sense of 'mine' persists, so long is the Lord exceedingly hard to attain."

Verse 66 (skanda.1.8.66)

जितेंद्रियाणां शांतानां तन्निष्ठानां महात्मनाम्॥ सुलभो लिंगरूपी स्याद्भवतां हि सुदुर्लभः

jiteṃdriyāṇāṃ śāṃtānāṃ tanniṣṭhānāṃ mahātmanām|| sulabho liṃgarūpī syādbhavatāṃ hi sudurlabhaḥ

"For those of conquered senses, at peace, devoted to him alone, great souls — the Lord in the form of the linga is easy to attain; but for you he is exceedingly hard to attain."

Verse 67 (skanda.1.8.67)

तदा ब्रह्मादयो देवा ऋषयश्च विपश्चितः॥ प्रणम्य नंदिनं प्राहुः कस्मात्त्वं वानराननः॥ तत्सर्वं कथयान्यं च रावणस्य तपोबलम्

tadā brahmādayo devā ṛṣayaśca vipaścitaḥ|| praṇamya naṃdinaṃ prāhuḥ kasmāttvaṃ vānarānanaḥ|| tatsarvaṃ kathayānyaṃ ca rāvaṇasya tapobalam

Then Brahma and the other gods, and the learned sages, bowing to Nandi, said: "Why do you have the face of a monkey? Tell us all of this, and also of Ravana's power of austerity."

Verse 68 (skanda.1.8.68)

॥नंदीश्वर उवाच॥ कुबेरोऽधिकृतस्तेन शंकरेण महात्मना॥ धनानामादिपत्ये च तं द्रष्टुं रावणोऽत्र वै

||naṃdīśvara uvāca|| kubero'dhikṛtastena śaṃkareṇa mahātmanā|| dhanānāmādipatye ca taṃ draṣṭuṃ rāvaṇo'tra vai

Nandishvara said: "Kubera was appointed by that great soul Shankara as overlord of wealth; to see him, Ravana here —"

Verse 69 (skanda.1.8.69)

आगच्छत्त्वरया युक्तः समारुह्य स्ववाहनम्॥ मां दृष्ट्वा चाब्रवीत्क्रुद्धः कुबेरो ह्यत्र आगतः

āgacchattvarayā yuktaḥ samāruhya svavāhanam|| māṃ dṛṣṭvā cābravītkruddhaḥ kubero hyatra āgataḥ

"— came swiftly, mounted upon his own vehicle. Seeing me, the enraged Ravana said: 'Has Kubera come here?'"

Verse 70 (skanda.1.8.70)

त्वया दृष्टोऽथ वात्रासौ कथ्यतामविलंबितम्॥ किं कार्यं धनदेनाद्य इति पृष्टो मया हि सः

tvayā dṛṣṭo'tha vātrāsau kathyatāmavilaṃbitam|| kiṃ kāryaṃ dhanadenādya iti pṛṣṭo mayā hi saḥ

"'Tell me at once whether you have seen him.' — 'What business does the Lord of wealth have today?' — thus I asked him."

Verse 71 (skanda.1.8.71)

तदोवाच महातेजा रावणो लोकरावणः॥ मय्यश्रद्धान्वितो भूत्वा विषयात्मा सुदुर्मदः

tadovāca mahātejā rāvaṇo lokarāvaṇaḥ|| mayyaśraddhānvito bhūtvā viṣayātmā sudurmadaḥ

Then the greatly splendid Ravana, terror of the worlds, said: "Being without faith in me, arrogant, given to sense-objects, exceedingly proud —"

Verse 72 (skanda.1.8.72)

शिक्षापयितुमारब्धो मैवं कार्यमिति प्रभो॥ यथाहं च श्रिया युक्त आढ्योऽहं बलवानहम्॥ तथा त्वं भव रे मूढ मा मूढत्वमुपार्जय

śikṣāpayitumārabdho maivaṃ kāryamiti prabho|| yathāhaṃ ca śriyā yukta āḍhyo'haṃ balavānaham|| tathā tvaṃ bhava re mūḍha mā mūḍhatvamupārjaya

"— he began to instruct me, saying 'You should not act thus, O Lord.' 'As I am prosperous, wealthy, and strong, so should you become, you fool — and do not accumulate more folly.'"

Verse 73 (skanda.1.8.73)

अहं मूढः कृतस्तेन कुबेरेण महात्मना॥ मया निराकृतो रोषात्तपस्तेपे स गुह्यकः

ahaṃ mūḍhaḥ kṛtastena kubereṇa mahātmanā|| mayā nirākṛto roṣāttapastepe sa guhyakaḥ

"That great soul Kubera made me a fool. Rejected by me in fury, that Guhyaka went off to perform austerities."

Verse 74 (skanda.1.8.74)

कुबेरः स हि नंदिन्किमागतस्तव मंदिरम्॥ दीयतां च कुबेरोद्य नात्र कार्या विचारणा

kuberaḥ sa hi naṃdinkimāgatastava maṃdiram|| dīyatāṃ ca kuberodya nātra kāryā vicāraṇā

"O Nandin, why has that very Kubera come to your temple? Hand Kubera over today; there is no need for further deliberation on this."

Verse 75 (skanda.1.8.75)

रावणस्य वचः श्रुत्वा ह्यवोचं त्वरितोऽप्यहम्॥ लिंगकोसि महाभाग त्वमहं च तथाविधः

rāvaṇasya vacaḥ śrutvā hyavocaṃ tvarito'pyaham|| liṃgakosi mahābhāga tvamahaṃ ca tathāvidhaḥ

Hearing Ravana's words, I too swiftly said: "You too, most fortunate one, are a devotee of the linga, and I am of the very same kind."

Verse 76 (skanda.1.8.76)

उभयोः समनां ज्ञात्वा वृथा जल्पसि दुर्मते॥ यथोक्तः स त्ववादीन्मां वदनार्थे बलोद्धतः

ubhayoḥ samanāṃ jñātvā vṛthā jalpasi durmate|| yathoktaḥ sa tvavādīnmāṃ vadanārthe baloddhataḥ

"Knowing us both to be equal, you speak in vain, O evil-minded one." Thus addressed, that Ravana, puffed up with strength, spoke to me concerning my face —

Verse 77 (skanda.1.8.77)

यथा भवद्भिः पृष्टोऽहं वदनार्थे महात्मभिः॥ पुरावृत्तं मया प्रोक्तं शिवार्चनविधेः फलम्॥ शिवेन दत्तं सालूप्यं न गृहीतं मया तदा

yathā bhavadbhiḥ pṛṣṭo'haṃ vadanārthe mahātmabhiḥ|| purāvṛttaṃ mayā proktaṃ śivārcanavidheḥ phalam|| śivena dattaṃ sālūpyaṃ na gṛhītaṃ mayā tadā

As you great souls asked me about this matter, so I told you the ancient tale — the fruit of the rite of Shiva-worship; the sameness of form given by Shiva, I did not accept then,

Verse 78 (skanda.1.8.78)

याचितं च मया शंभोर्वदनं वानरस्य च॥ शिवेन कृपया दत्तं मम कारुण्यशालिना

yācitaṃ ca mayā śaṃbhorvadanaṃ vānarasya ca|| śivena kṛpayā dattaṃ mama kāruṇyaśālinā

but instead I asked Shambhu for the face of a monkey; the compassionate Shiva graciously granted it to me.

Verse 79 (skanda.1.8.79)

निराभिमानिनो ये च निर्दभा निष्परिग्रहाः॥ शंभोः प्रियास्ते विज्ञेया ह्यन्ये शिववबहिष्कृताः

nirābhimānino ye ca nirdabhā niṣparigrahāḥ|| śaṃbhoḥ priyāste vijñeyā hyanye śivavabahiṣkṛtāḥ

Those who are without pride, without deceit, without possessions — they alone are to be known as dear to Shambhu; others are excluded from Shiva.

Verse 80 (skanda.1.8.80)

तथावदन्मया सार्द्धं रावणस्तपसो बलात्॥ मया च याचितान्येव दश वक्त्राणि धीमता

tathāvadanmayā sārddhaṃ rāvaṇastapaso balāt|| mayā ca yācitānyeva daśa vaktrāṇi dhīmatā

Thus I had this exchange with Ravana, on the strength of his austerity; and I too, O wise gods, mockingly spoke of ten faces —

Verse 81 (skanda.1.8.81)

उपहासकरं वाक्यं पौलस्त्यस्य तदा सुराः॥ मया तदा हि शप्तोऽसौ रावणो लोकरावणः

upahāsakaraṃ vākyaṃ paulastyasya tadā surāḥ|| mayā tadā hi śapto'sau rāvaṇo lokarāvaṇaḥ

this was a mocking speech directed at Paulastya. Then, O gods, I at once cursed Ravana, terror of the worlds —

Verse 82 (skanda.1.8.82)

ईदृशान्येव वक्त्राणि येषां वै संभवंति हि॥ तैः समेतो यदा कोऽपि नरवर्यो महातपाः॥ मां पुरस्कृत्य सहसा हनिष्यति न संशयः

īdṛśānyeva vaktrāṇi yeṣāṃ vai saṃbhavaṃti hi|| taiḥ sameto yadā ko'pi naravaryo mahātapāḥ|| māṃ puraskṛtya sahasā haniṣyati na saṃśayaḥ

"Whoever bears such a face as this — united with such a one, some excellent, greatly austere, foremost man, placing me before him, shall suddenly slay you, without doubt."

Verse 83 (skanda.1.8.83)

एवं शप्तो मया ब्रह्मन्रावणो लोकरावणः॥ अर्चितं केवलं लिंगं विना तेन महात्मना

evaṃ śapto mayā brahmanrāvaṇo lokarāvaṇaḥ|| arcitaṃ kevalaṃ liṃgaṃ vinā tena mahātmanā

Thus, O Brahmin, I cursed Ravana, terror of the worlds; he worshipped only the linga, apart from that great soul,

Verse 84 (skanda.1.8.84)

पीठिकारूपसंस्थेन विना तेन सुरोत्तमाः॥ विष्णुना हि महाभागास्तस्मात्सर्वं विधास्यति

pīṭhikārūpasaṃsthena vinā tena surottamāḥ|| viṣṇunā hi mahābhāgāstasmātsarvaṃ vidhāsyati

without that Vishnu who is established in the form of the pedestal, O excellent gods; therefore Vishnu alone shall arrange everything.

Verse 85 (skanda.1.8.85)

देवदेवो महादेवो विष्णुरूपी महेश्वरः॥ सर्वे यूयं प्रार्थयंतु विष्णुं सर्वगुहाशयम्

devadevo mahādevo viṣṇurūpī maheśvaraḥ|| sarve yūyaṃ prārthayaṃtu viṣṇuṃ sarvaguhāśayam

The God of gods, Mahadeva, in the form of Vishnu, is Maheshvara; all of you pray to Vishnu, who dwells in every heart.

Verse 86 (skanda.1.8.86)

अहं हि सर्वदेवानां पुरोवर्ती भवाम्यतः॥ ते सर्वे नंदिनो वाक्यं श्रुत्वा मुदितमानसाः॥ वैकुंठमागता गीर्भिर्विष्णुं स्तोतुं प्रचक्रिरे

ahaṃ hi sarvadevānāṃ purovartī bhavāmyataḥ|| te sarve naṃdino vākyaṃ śrutvā muditamānasāḥ|| vaikuṃṭhamāgatā gīrbhirviṣṇuṃ stotuṃ pracakrire

"I myself go before all the gods, and so I direct you thus." Hearing Nandi's words, all of them, joyful in mind, went to Vaikuntha and began to praise Vishnu with hymns.

Verse 87 (skanda.1.8.87)

॥ देवा ऊचुः॥ नमो भगवते तुभ्यं देवदेव जगत्पते॥ त्वदाधारमिदं सर्वं जगदेतच्चराचरम्

|| devā ūcuḥ|| namo bhagavate tubhyaṃ devadeva jagatpate|| tvadādhāramidaṃ sarvaṃ jagadetaccarācaram

The gods said: "Salutation to you, Blessed One, O God of gods, O Lord of the universe; upon you rests this entire moving and unmoving world."

Verse 88 (skanda.1.8.88)

एतल्लिंगं त्वया विष्णो धृतं वै पिण्डिरूपिणा॥ महाविष्णुस्वरूपेण घातितौ मधुकैटभौ

etalliṃgaṃ tvayā viṣṇo dhṛtaṃ vai piṇḍirūpiṇā|| mahāviṣṇusvarūpeṇa ghātitau madhukaiṭabhau

"This very linga was held by you, O Vishnu, in the form of a compact mass; in the form of Maha-Vishnu, Madhu and Kaitabha were slain."

Verse 89 (skanda.1.8.89)

तथा कमठरूपेण धृतो वै मंदराचलः॥ वराहरूपमास्थाय हिरण्याक्षो हतस्त्वया

tathā kamaṭharūpeṇa dhṛto vai maṃdarācalaḥ|| varāharūpamāsthāya hiraṇyākṣo hatastvayā

"Likewise, in the tortoise form, Mount Mandara was held up; assuming the form of a boar, Hiranyaksha was slain by you."

Verse 90 (skanda.1.8.90)

हिरण्यकशिपुर्दैत्यो हतो नृहरिरूपिणा॥ त्वया चैव बलिर्बद्धो दैत्यो वामनरूपिणा

hiraṇyakaśipurdaityo hato nṛharirūpiṇā|| tvayā caiva balirbaddho daityo vāmanarūpiṇā

"The daitya Hiranyakashipu was slain in the man-lion form; and by you, the daitya Bali was bound, in the dwarf form."

Verse 91 (skanda.1.8.91)

भृगूणामन्वये भूत्वा कृतवीर्यात्मजो हतः॥ इतोप्यस्मान्महाविष्णो तथैव परिपालय

bhṛgūṇāmanvaye bhūtvā kṛtavīryātmajo hataḥ|| itopyasmānmahāviṣṇo tathaiva paripālaya

"Born in the lineage of Bhrigu, the son of Kritavirya was slain; likewise, O great Vishnu, protect us further too."

Verse 92 (skanda.1.8.92)

रावमस्य भयादस्मात्त्रातुं भूयोर्हसि त्वरम्

rāvamasya bhayādasmāttrātuṃ bhūyorhasi tvaram

"From fear of this roaring one, be swift to save us again."

Verse 93 (skanda.1.8.93)

एवं संप्रार्थितो देवैर्भगवान्भूतभावनः॥ उवाच च सुरान्सर्वान्वासुदेवो जगन्मयः

evaṃ saṃprārthito devairbhagavānbhūtabhāvanaḥ|| uvāca ca surānsarvānvāsudevo jaganmayaḥ

Thus entreated by the gods, the Blessed one who brings beings into existence, Vasudeva, of the nature of the universe, said to all the gods —

Verse 94 (skanda.1.8.94)

हे देवाः श्रूयतां वाक्यं प्रस्तावसदृशं महत्॥ शैलादिं च पुरस्कृत्य सर्वे यूयं त्वरान्विताः॥ अवतारान्प्रकुर्वन्तु वानरीं तनुमाश्रिताः

he devāḥ śrūyatāṃ vākyaṃ prastāvasadṛśaṃ mahat|| śailādiṃ ca puraskṛtya sarve yūyaṃ tvarānvitāḥ|| avatārānprakurvantu vānarīṃ tanumāśritāḥ

"O gods, hear this great and fitting utterance: placing Shailadi foremost, all of you, swiftly taking the form of monkeys, shall make your descents."

Verse 95 (skanda.1.8.95)

अहं हि मानुषो भूत्वा ह्यज्ञानेन समावृतः॥ संभविष्याम्ययोध्यायं गृहे दशरथस्य च॥ ब्रह्मविद्यासहायोस्मि भवतां कार्यसिद्धये

ahaṃ hi mānuṣo bhūtvā hyajñānena samāvṛtaḥ|| saṃbhaviṣyāmyayodhyāyaṃ gṛhe daśarathasya ca|| brahmavidyāsahāyosmi bhavatāṃ kāryasiddhaye

"I myself, becoming human, wrapped as it were in ignorance, shall come into being at Ayodhya, in Dasharatha's house; I am accompanied by Brahmavidya for the accomplishment of your task."

Verse 96 (skanda.1.8.96)

जनकस्य गृहे साक्षाद्ब्रह्मविद्या जनिष्यति॥ भक्तो हि रावणः साक्षाच्छिवध्यानपरायणः

janakasya gṛhe sākṣādbrahmavidyā janiṣyati|| bhakto hi rāvaṇaḥ sākṣācchivadhyānaparāyaṇaḥ

"In Janaka's house, that very Brahmavidya shall be born directly; Ravana is indeed truly devoted to me, ever intent on meditation upon Shiva."

Verse 97 (skanda.1.8.97)

तपसा महता युक्तो ब्रह्मविद्यां यदेच्छति॥ तदा सुसाध्यो भवति पुरुषो धर्मनिर्जितः

tapasā mahatā yukto brahmavidyāṃ yadecchati|| tadā susādhyo bhavati puruṣo dharmanirjitaḥ

"When a man, joined with great austerity, desires Brahmavidya, then that man, subdued by dharma, becomes readily attainable."

Verse 98 (skanda.1.8.98)

एवं संभाष्य भगवान्विष्णुः परममङ्गलः॥ वाली चेन्द्रांशसंभूतः सुग्रीवों शुमतः सुतः

evaṃ saṃbhāṣya bhagavānviṣṇuḥ paramamaṅgalaḥ|| vālī cendrāṃśasaṃbhūtaḥ sugrīvoṃ śumataḥ sutaḥ

Having spoken thus, the most auspicious Blessed Vishnu — Vali, born of Indra's portion, and Sugriva, son of Sumati —

Verse 99 (skanda.1.8.99)

तथा ब्रह्मांशसंभूतो जाम्बवान्नृक्षकुञ्जरः॥ शिलादतनयो नंदी शिवस्यानुचरः प्रियः

tathā brahmāṃśasaṃbhūto jāmbavānnṛkṣakuñjaraḥ|| śilādatanayo naṃdī śivasyānucaraḥ priyaḥ

and Jambavan, born of Brahma's portion, an elephant among the bear-folk; and Nandi, son of Shailada, Shiva's beloved attendant —

Verse 100 (skanda.1.8.100)

यो वै चैकादशो रुद्रो हनूमान्स महाकपिः॥ अवतीर्णः सहायार्थं विष्णोरमिततेजसः

yo vai caikādaśo rudro hanūmānsa mahākapiḥ|| avatīrṇaḥ sahāyārthaṃ viṣṇoramitatejasaḥ

and he who is the eleventh Rudra himself, the great monkey Hanuman, too — all these descended to aid Vishnu of measureless splendor.

Verse 101 (skanda.1.8.101)

मैंदादयोऽथ कपयस्ते सर्वे सुरसत्तमाः॥ एवं सर्वे सुरगणा अवतेरुर्यथा तथम्

maiṃdādayo'tha kapayaste sarve surasattamāḥ|| evaṃ sarve suragaṇā avateruryathā tatham

Mainda and the other monkeys too — all these excellent gods — thus all the hosts of gods descended, each in his own form.

Verse 102 (skanda.1.8.102)

तथैव विष्णुरुत्पन्नः कौशल्यानंदवर्द्धनः॥ विश्वस्य रमणाच्चैव राम इत्युच्यते बुधैः

tathaiva viṣṇurutpannaḥ kauśalyānaṃdavarddhanaḥ|| viśvasya ramaṇāccaiva rāma ityucyate budhaiḥ

Likewise Vishnu was born, increasing Kaushalya's joy; because he delights the universe, the wise call him "Rama."

Verse 103 (skanda.1.8.103)

शेषोपि भक्त्या विष्णोश्च तपसाऽवातरद्भुवि

śeṣopi bhaktyā viṣṇośca tapasā'vātaradbhuvi

Shesha too, out of devotion to Vishnu, descended to earth through the fruit of austerity.

Verse 104 (skanda.1.8.104)

दोर्दण्डावपि विष्णोश्च अवतीर्णौ प्रतापिनौ॥ शत्रुघ्नभरताख्यौ च विख्यातौ भुवनत्रये

dordaṇḍāvapi viṣṇośca avatīrṇau pratāpinau|| śatrughnabharatākhyau ca vikhyātau bhuvanatraye

Vishnu's own two mighty arms also descended, glorious, known by the names Shatrughna and Bharata, renowned throughout the three worlds.

Verse 105 (skanda.1.8.105)

मिथिलाधिपतेः कन्या या उक्ता ब्रह्मवादिभिः॥ सा ब्रह्मविद्यावतरत्सुराणां कार्य्यसिद्धये॥ सीता जाता लांगलस्य इयं भूमिविकर्षणात्

mithilādhipateḥ kanyā yā uktā brahmavādibhiḥ|| sā brahmavidyāvataratsurāṇāṃ kāryyasiddhaye|| sītā jātā lāṃgalasya iyaṃ bhūmivikarṣaṇāt

The daughter of the lord of Mithila, whom the knowers of Brahman declared to be that very Brahmavidya, descended for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose; born from the earth through the drawing of the plough, she became known as Sita.

Verse 106 (skanda.1.8.106)

तस्मात्सीतेति विख्याता विद्या सान्वीक्षिकी तदा॥ मिथिलायां समुत्पन्ना मैथितीत्यभिधीयते

tasmātsīteti vikhyātā vidyā sānvīkṣikī tadā|| mithilāyāṃ samutpannā maithitītyabhidhīyate

Therefore she became renowned by the name "Sita" — she who was that very wisdom of logical inquiry at that time; born in Mithila, she is also called "Maithili."

Verse 107 (skanda.1.8.107)

जनकस्य कुले जाता विश्रुता जनकात्मजा॥ ख्याता वेदवती पूर्वं ब्रह्मविद्याघनाशिनी

janakasya kule jātā viśrutā janakātmajā|| khyātā vedavatī pūrvaṃ brahmavidyāghanāśinī

Born in Janaka's lineage, renowned as Janaka's daughter, in former times she was called "Vedavati," the destroyer of ignorance's darkness through Brahmavidya.

Verse 108 (skanda.1.8.108)

सा दत्ता जनकेनैव विष्णवे परमात्मने

sā dattā janakenaiva viṣṇave paramātmane

She was given by Janaka himself to Vishnu, the Supreme Self.

Verse 109 (skanda.1.8.109)

तयाथ विद्यया सार्द्धं देवदेवो जगत्पतिः॥ उग्रे तपसि लीनोऽसौ विष्णुः परमदुष्करम्

tayātha vidyayā sārddhaṃ devadevo jagatpatiḥ|| ugre tapasi līno'sau viṣṇuḥ paramaduṣkaram

Then, together with that Vidya, the God of gods, Lord of the universe, Vishnu, absorbed himself in fierce and most difficult austerity.

Verse 110 (skanda.1.8.110)

रावणं जेतुकामो वै रामो राजीवलोचनः॥ अरण्यवासमकरोद्देवानां कार्यसिद्धये

rāvaṇaṃ jetukāmo vai rāmo rājīvalocanaḥ|| araṇyavāsamakaroddevānāṃ kāryasiddhaye

Wishing to conquer Ravana, lotus-eyed Rama undertook dwelling in the forest, for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose.

Verse 111 (skanda.1.8.111)

शेषावतारोऽपि महांस्तपः परमदुष्करम्॥ तताप परया शक्त्या देवानां कार्यसिद्धये

śeṣāvatāro'pi mahāṃstapaḥ paramaduṣkaram|| tatāpa parayā śaktyā devānāṃ kāryasiddhaye

The incarnation of Shesha too performed, with supreme power, great and exceedingly difficult austerity, for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose.

Verse 112 (skanda.1.8.112)

शत्रुघ्नो भरतश्चैव तेपतुः परमं तपः

śatrughno bharataścaiva tepatuḥ paramaṃ tapaḥ

Shatrughna and Bharata likewise performed the highest austerity.

Verse 113 (skanda.1.8.113)

ततोऽसौ तपसा युक्तः सार्द्धं तैर्देवतागणैः॥ सगणं रावणं रामः षड्भिर्मासैरजीहनत्॥ विष्णुना घातितः शस्त्रैः शिवसारूप्यमाप्तवान्

tato'sau tapasā yuktaḥ sārddhaṃ tairdevatāgaṇaiḥ|| sagaṇaṃ rāvaṇaṃ rāmaḥ ṣaḍbhirmāsairajīhanat|| viṣṇunā ghātitaḥ śastraiḥ śivasārūpyamāptavān

Then, thus joined with austerity, together with those hosts of gods, Rama, within six months, slew Ravana together with his hosts; struck down by Vishnu's weapons, he attained sameness of form with Shiva.

Verse 114 (skanda.1.8.114)

सगमः स पुनः सद्यो बंधुभिः सह सुव्रताः

sagamaḥ sa punaḥ sadyo baṃdhubhiḥ saha suvratāḥ

He, together with his kinsmen, at once again, O you of good vows —

Verse 115 (skanda.1.8.115)

शिवप्रसादात्सकलं द्वैताद्वैतमवाप ह॥ द्वैताद्वैतविवेकार्थमृपयोप्यत्र मोहिताः॥ तत्सर्वं प्राप्नुवंतीह शिवार्चनरता नराः

śivaprasādātsakalaṃ dvaitādvaitamavāpa ha|| dvaitādvaitavivekārthamṛpayopyatra mohitāḥ|| tatsarvaṃ prāpnuvaṃtīha śivārcanaratā narāḥ

attained, by Shiva's grace, the complete resolution of duality and non-duality; even sages become bewildered here in discerning duality and non-duality — yet men devoted to the worship of Shiva attain all of this in this very life.

Verse 116 (skanda.1.8.116)

येऽर्चयंति शिवं नित्यं लिंगरूपिणमेव च॥ स्त्रियो वाप्यथ वा शूद्राः श्वपचा ह्यंत्यवासिनः॥ तं शिवं प्राप्नुवंत्येव सर्वदुःखोपनाशनम्

ye'rcayaṃti śivaṃ nityaṃ liṃgarūpiṇameva ca|| striyo vāpyatha vā śūdrāḥ śvapacā hyaṃtyavāsinaḥ|| taṃ śivaṃ prāpnuvaṃtyeva sarvaduḥkhopanāśanam

Those who ever worship Shiva in the form of the linga — be they women, or shudras, or dog-cookers and outcastes at the very margins — they surely attain that Shiva, the destroyer of all sorrows.

Verse 117 (skanda.1.8.117)

पशवोऽपि परं याताः किं पुनर्मानुषादयः

paśavo'pi paraṃ yātāḥ kiṃ punarmānuṣādayaḥ

Even animals have reached this supreme goal — how much more, then, men and the rest!

Verse 118 (skanda.1.8.118)

ये द्विजा ब्रह्मचर्येण तपः परममास्थिताः॥ वर्षैरनेकैर्यज्ञानां तेऽपि स्वर्गपरा भवन्

ye dvijā brahmacaryeṇa tapaḥ paramamāsthitāḥ|| varṣairanekairyajñānāṃ te'pi svargaparā bhavan

Those twice-born who, through celibacy, devote themselves to the highest austerity, and to sacrifices for many years, become intent only upon heaven.

Verse 119 (skanda.1.8.119)

ज्योतिष्टोमो वाजपेयो ह्यतिरात्रादयो ह्यमी॥ यज्ञाः स्वर्गं प्रयच्छंति सत्त्रीणां नात्र संशयः

jyotiṣṭomo vājapeyo hyatirātrādayo hyamī|| yajñāḥ svargaṃ prayacchaṃti sattrīṇāṃ nātra saṃśayaḥ

The Jyotishtoma, the Vajapeya, the Atiratra, and other such sacrifices grant heaven to those who perform them — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 120 (skanda.1.8.120)

तत्र स्वर्गसुखं भुक्त्वा पुण्यक्षयकरं महत्॥ पुण्यक्षयेऽपि यज्वानो मर्त्यलोकं पतंति वै

tatra svargasukhaṃ bhuktvā puṇyakṣayakaraṃ mahat|| puṇyakṣaye'pi yajvāno martyalokaṃ pataṃti vai

Having enjoyed great heavenly pleasure there — pleasure that consumes one's own merit even as it is enjoyed — the sacrificers, once their merit is exhausted, fall back to the world of mortals.

Verse 121 (skanda.1.8.121)

पतितानां च संसारे दैवाद्बुद्धिः प्रजायते॥ गुणत्रयमयी विप्रास्तासुतास्त्विह योनिषु

patitānāṃ ca saṃsāre daivādbuddhiḥ prajāyate|| guṇatrayamayī viprāstāsutāstviha yoniṣu

For those who have thus fallen into worldly existence, understanding arises again by divine dispensation; O brahmins, that understanding, made of the three gunas, becomes conditioned according to these very wombs.

Verse 122 (skanda.1.8.122)

यथा सत्त्वं संभवति सत्त्वयुक्तभवं नराः॥ राजसाश्च तथा ज्ञेयास्ता मसाश्चैव ते द्विजाः

yathā sattvaṃ saṃbhavati sattvayuktabhavaṃ narāḥ|| rājasāśca tathā jñeyāstā masāścaiva te dvijāḥ

As sattva arises, men are born endowed with sattva; and likewise the rajasic and the tamasic are to be understood, O twice-born.

Verse 123 (skanda.1.8.123)

एवं संसारचक्रेऽस्मिन्भ्रमिता बहवो जनाः॥ यदृच्छया दैवगत्या शिवं संसेवते नरः

evaṃ saṃsāracakre'sminbhramitā bahavo janāḥ|| yadṛcchayā daivagatyā śivaṃ saṃsevate naraḥ

Thus, in this wheel of worldly existence, many people wander round and round; by mere chance, through the working of fate, a man comes to serve Shiva.

Verse 124 (skanda.1.8.124)

शिवध्यानपराणां च नराणां यतचेतसाम्॥ मायानिरसनं सद्यो भविष्यति न चान्यथा

śivadhyānaparāṇāṃ ca narāṇāṃ yatacetasām|| māyānirasanaṃ sadyo bhaviṣyati na cānyathā

For men devoted to meditation on Shiva, of controlled mind, the dispelling of maya shall come about at once, and not otherwise.

Verse 125 (skanda.1.8.125)

मायानिरसनात्सद्यो नश्यत्येव गुणत्रयम्॥ यदा गुणत्रयातीतो भवतीति स मुक्तिभाक्

māyānirasanātsadyo naśyatyeva guṇatrayam|| yadā guṇatrayātīto bhavatīti sa muktibhāk

Once maya is dispelled, the three gunas are destroyed at once; when one becomes free of the three gunas, one becomes a sharer in liberation.

Verse 126 (skanda.1.8.126)

तस्माल्लिङ्गार्चनं भाव्यं सर्वेषामपि देहिनाम्॥ लिङ्गरूपी शिवो भूत्वा त्रायते संचराचरम्

tasmālliṅgārcanaṃ bhāvyaṃ sarveṣāmapi dehinām|| liṅgarūpī śivo bhūtvā trāyate saṃcarācaram

Therefore the worship of the linga is to be cultivated by all embodied beings; Shiva, in the form of the linga, saves all that moves and moves not.

Verse 127 (skanda.1.8.127)

पुरा भवद्भिः पृष्टोऽहं लिङ्गरूपी कथं शिवः॥ तत्सर्वं कथितं विप्रा याथातथ्येन संप्रति

purā bhavadbhiḥ pṛṣṭo'haṃ liṅgarūpī kathaṃ śivaḥ|| tatsarvaṃ kathitaṃ viprā yāthātathyena saṃprati

Formerly you asked me how Shiva came to be in the form of the linga; O brahmins, all of that I have now told you truthfully.

Verse 128 (skanda.1.8.128)

कथं गरं भक्षितवाञ्छिवो लोकमहेश्वरः॥ तत्सर्वं श्रूयतां विप्रा यतावत्कथयामि वः

kathaṃ garaṃ bhakṣitavāñchivo lokamaheśvaraḥ|| tatsarvaṃ śrūyatāṃ viprā yatāvatkathayāmi vaḥ

(You also asked) how Shiva, Lord of the worlds, came to swallow the poison — hear all of that too, O brahmins; I shall relate it to you exactly as it happened.