The Greatness of the Gift of Lamps

Verse 1 (skanda.2.104.1)

नारद उवाच । भगवन्कृतकृत्योऽस्मि तव पादसमाश्रयात् । श्रोतव्यं नेह भूयो मे विद्यते देवसत्तम

nārada uvāca bhagavankṛtakṛtyo'smi tava pādasamāśrayāt śrotavyaṁ neha bhūyo me vidyate devasattama

Narada said: O Lord, I am fulfilled through taking refuge at your feet; there remains, O best of gods, nothing further for me to hear.

Verse 2 (skanda.2.104.2)

तथापि भगवन्किंचित्प्रष्टव्यं मे हृदि स्थितम् । त्वद्वाक्यामृतपीतस्य न मे तृप्तिर्हि जायते

tathāpi bhagavankiṁcitpraṣṭavyaṁ me hṛdi sthitam tvadvākyāmṛtapītasya na me tṛptirhi jāyate

Yet, O Lord, something remains in my heart to ask; having drunk the nectar of your words, I never feel satiated.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.104.3)

दीपदानस्य माहात्म्यं श्रोतुमिच्छामि ते प्रभो । येन चाऽपि पुरा दत्तस्तद्वदस्व चतुर्मुख

dīpadānasya māhātmyaṁ śrotumicchāmi te prabho yena cā'pi purā dattastadvadasva caturmukha

I wish to hear from you, O Lord, the greatness of the gift of lamps; and by whom it was first given — tell me this, O four-faced one.

Verse 4 (skanda.2.104.4)

ब्रह्मोवाच । प्रातः स्नात्वा शुचिर्भूत्वा दीपं दद्यात्प्रयत्नतः । तेन पापानि नश्येयुस्तमांसीव भगोदये

brahmovāca prātaḥ snātvā śucirbhūtvā dīpaṁ dadyātprayatnataḥ tena pāpāni naśyeyustamāṁsīva bhagodaye

Brahma said: Having bathed at dawn and become pure, one should offer a lamp with care; by this, sins are destroyed, just as darkness is destroyed at sunrise.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.104.5)

आजन्म यत्कृतं पापं स्त्रिया वा पुरुषेण च । तत्सर्वं नाशमायाति कार्तिके दीपदानतः

ājanma yatkṛtaṁ pāpaṁ striyā vā puruṣeṇa ca tatsarvaṁ nāśamāyāti kārtike dīpadānataḥ

Whatever sin has been committed since birth, by a woman or by a man, all of it is destroyed by the gift of a lamp in Kartika.

Verse 6 (skanda.2.104.6)

अत्र ते वर्णयिष्यामि इतिहासं पुरातनम् । श्रवणात्सर्वपापघ्नं दीपदानफलप्रदम्

atra te varṇayiṣyāmi itihāsaṁ purātanam śravaṇātsarvapāpaghnaṁ dīpadānaphalapradam

Here I shall relate to you an ancient story, which, by mere hearing, destroys all sin and bestows the fruit of the gift of a lamp.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.104.7)

पुरा द्रविडदेशे तु ब्राह्मणो बुद्धनामकः । तस्य भार्याऽभवद्दुष्टा अनाचाररता मुने

purā draviḍadeśe tu brāhmaṇo buddhanāmakaḥ tasya bhāryā'bhavadduṣṭā anācāraratā mune

Long ago, in the Dravida country, there was a brahmin named Buddha; his wife, O sage, was wicked and devoted to misconduct.

Verse 8 (skanda.2.104.8)

तस्याः संसर्गदोषेण क्षीणाऽऽयुर्मृतिमाप्तवान् । पत्यौ मृतेऽपि सा पत्नी अनाचारे विशेषतः

tasyāḥ saṁsargadoṣeṇa kṣīṇā''yurmṛtimāptavān patyau mṛte'pi sā patnī anācāre viśeṣataḥ

Owing to the fault of association with her, his life was shortened and he met death. Even after her husband died, that wife, especially in misconduct,

Verse 9 (skanda.2.104.9)

रताभून्न हि तस्यास्तु लज्जा लोकापवादतः । सुतबंधुविहीना सा सदाभिक्षान्नभोजना

ratābhūnna hi tasyāstu lajjā lokāpavādataḥ sutabaṁdhuvihīnā sā sadābhikṣānnabhojanā

remained devoted, and she felt no shame at all from the reproach of the world. Devoid of sons and kinsmen, she always ate begged food,

Verse 10 (skanda.2.104.10)

न संस्कारान्नमल्पं वा भुक्त्वा पर्युषिताशिनी । परपाकरता नित्यं तीर्थयात्रादिवर्जिता

na saṁskārānnamalpaṁ vā bhuktvā paryuṣitāśinī parapākaratā nityaṁ tīrthayātrādivarjitā

never ate consecrated food, even a little, but ate stale food; she was ever fond of food cooked by others, devoid of pilgrimage and the like,

Verse 11 (skanda.2.104.11)

कथायाः श्रवणं चैव न श्रुतं तु तया द्विज । एकदा ब्राह्मणः कश्चित्तीर्थयात्रापरायणः

kathāyāḥ śravaṇaṁ caiva na śrutaṁ tu tayā dvija ekadā brāhmaṇaḥ kaścittīrthayātrāparāyaṇaḥ

and, O brahmin, she never even heard sacred discourse. Once a certain brahmin, devoted to pilgrimage,

Verse 12 (skanda.2.104.12)

तस्या गृहं समागच्छद्विद्वान्वै कुत्सनामकः । अनाचाररतां तां तु दृष्ट्वा ब्रह्मर्षिसत्तमः । कोपेन रक्तचक्षुः संस्तामुवाचाऽसतीं स्त्रियम्

tasyā gṛhaṁ samāgacchadvidvānvai kutsanāmakaḥ anācāraratāṁ tāṁ tu dṛṣṭvā brahmarṣisattamaḥ kopena raktacakṣuḥ saṁstāmuvācā'satīṁ striyam

came to her house — a learned man named Kutsa. Seeing her devoted to misconduct, that best of brahmin-sages, his eyes red with anger, spoke thus to that unchaste woman:

Verse 13 (skanda.2.104.13)

कुत्स उवाच । वक्ष्यामि सांप्रतं मूढे मद्वाक्यमवधारय

kutsa uvāca vakṣyāmi sāṁprataṁ mūḍhe madvākyamavadhāraya

Kutsa said: I shall now speak; O fool, heed my words.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.104.14)

दुःखहेतुमिमं देहं पूयशोणितपूरितम् । पंचभूतात्मकं चैव किं च पुष्णासि दूतिके

duḥkhahetumimaṁ dehaṁ pūyaśoṇitapūritam paṁcabhūtātmakaṁ caiva kiṁ ca puṣṇāsi dūtike

Why, O wretch, do you so nourish this body — the cause of suffering, filled with pus and blood, composed of the five elements?

Verse 15 (skanda.2.104.15)

जलबुद्बुदवद्देहो नाशमायाति निश्चितम् । अनित्यं देहमाश्रित्य नित्यं त्वं मन्यसे हृदि

jalabudbudavaddeho nāśamāyāti niścitam anityaṁ dehamāśritya nityaṁ tvaṁ manyase hṛdi

The body is like a bubble of water — it will certainly perish. Relying on this impermanent body, you consider it permanent in your heart.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.104.16)

तस्मादंतःस्थितं मोहं त्यज मूढे विचारतः । स्मर सर्वोत्तमं देवं कुरु श्रवणमादरात्

tasmādaṁtaḥsthitaṁ mohaṁ tyaja mūḍhe vicārataḥ smara sarvottamaṁ devaṁ kuru śravaṇamādarāt

Therefore, O fool, abandon the delusion residing within you through reflection; remember the supreme Lord, and reverently hear his glories.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.104.17)

कार्तिके मासि संप्राप्ते स्नानदानादिकं कुरु । दामोदरस्य प्रीत्यर्थं दीपदानं तथा कुरु

kārtike māsi saṁprāpte snānadānādikaṁ kuru dāmodarasya prītyarthaṁ dīpadānaṁ tathā kuru

When the month of Kartika comes, perform bathing, giving, and the rest; and likewise give the gift of lamps for the pleasure of Damodara.

Verse 18 (skanda.2.104.18)

लक्षवर्त्यादिकं चैव लक्षपद्मादिकं तथा । प्रदक्षिणां तु देवस्य नमस्कारं तथैव च

lakṣavartyādikaṁ caiva lakṣapadmādikaṁ tathā pradakṣiṇāṁ tu devasya namaskāraṁ tathaiva ca

Offer a hundred thousand lamp-wicks and the like, a hundred thousand lotuses and the like; perform circumambulation of the deity, and likewise prostration,

Verse 19 (skanda.2.104.19)

धारणं पारणं चैव कुरु भक्त्या हि कार्तिके । विधवानां व्रतमिदं सधवानां तथैव च

dhāraṇaṁ pāraṇaṁ caiva kuru bhaktyā hi kārtike vidhavānāṁ vratamidaṁ sadhavānāṁ tathaiva ca

and observe the fast and its breaking with devotion in Kartika. This vow is for widows, and likewise for married women too.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.104.20)

सर्वपापप्रशमनं सर्वोपद्रवनाशनम् । तत्राऽपि कार्तिके मासि दीयतां दीप उत्तमः

sarvapāpapraśamanaṁ sarvopadravanāśanam tatrā'pi kārtike māsi dīyatāṁ dīpa uttamaḥ

It calms all sin and destroys all calamity; and in that connection, in the month of Kartika, an excellent lamp should be offered.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.104.21)

दीपो हरेः प्रियकरः कार्तिके मासि निश्चितम् । महापातककृद्वापि दीपदानात्प्रमुच्यते

dīpo hareḥ priyakaraḥ kārtike māsi niścitam mahāpātakakṛdvāpi dīpadānātpramucyate

A lamp is certainly dear to Hari in the month of Kartika; even one who has committed a great sin is released through the gift of a lamp.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.104.22)

पुरा कश्चिद्द्विजवरो नाम्ना हरिकरो ह्यभूत् । अधर्मविषयासक्तः शश्वद्वेश्यारतो द्विजः

purā kaściddvijavaro nāmnā harikaro hyabhūt adharmaviṣayāsaktaḥ śaśvadveśyārato dvijaḥ

Long ago there was a certain excellent brahmin named Harikara, attached to unrighteous pursuits, ever devoted to a courtesan,

Verse 23 (skanda.2.104.23)

पितृवित्तक्षयकरो वंशच्छेदे कुठारकः । कदाचित्तेन विधवे द्यूते पितृधनं महत्

pitṛvittakṣayakaro vaṁśacchede kuṭhārakaḥ kadācittena vidhave dyūte pitṛdhanaṁ mahat

who squandered his father's wealth, an axe to the severing of his lineage. Once, in a game of dice, his father's great wealth,

Verse 24 (skanda.2.104.24)

हारितं दुष्टसंसर्गात्ततो दुःखी स चाऽभवत् । कदाचित्साधुसंसर्गात्तीर्थयात्राप्रसंगतः

hāritaṁ duṣṭasaṁsargāttato duḥkhī sa cā'bhavat kadācitsādhusaṁsargāttīrthayātrāprasaṁgataḥ

was lost through evil company, and so he became miserable. Once, through the company of a holy man, on the occasion of a pilgrimage,

Verse 25 (skanda.2.104.25)

अयोध्यामागतो वत्से महापापकरो द्विजः । कार्तिके मासि संप्राप्तः श्रीमद्द्विजगृहे सदा

ayodhyāmāgato vatse mahāpāpakaro dvijaḥ kārtike māsi saṁprāptaḥ śrīmaddvijagṛhe sadā

that greatly sinful brahmin, O child, came to Ayodhya. Arriving in the month of Kartika, he stayed always in the house of an illustrious brahmin.

Verse 26 (skanda.2.104.26)

द्यूतव्याजेन तेनाऽऽशु दीपो दत्तो हरेः पुरः । ततः कालांतरे विप्रो मृतो मोक्षमवाप्तवान्

dyūtavyājena tenā''śu dīpo datto hareḥ puraḥ tataḥ kālāṁtare vipro mṛto mokṣamavāptavān

On the pretext of gambling, he quickly offered a lamp before Hari. Then, in due course, the brahmin died and attained liberation.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.104.27)

महापातककृद्वाऽपि गतवानभयं हरिम् । तस्मात्त्वं कार्तिके मासि दीपदानं तथा कुरु

mahāpātakakṛdvā'pi gatavānabhayaṁ harim tasmāttvaṁ kārtike māsi dīpadānaṁ tathā kuru

Even one who has committed a great sin becomes fearless upon taking refuge in Hari. Therefore you too should give the gift of a lamp in the month of Kartika,

Verse 28 (skanda.2.104.28)

तथाऽन्यान्यपि दानानि कुरु भक्तिसमन्विता । इत्यादिश्याथ तां कुत्सो जगामाऽन्यगृहं द्विजः

tathā'nyānyapi dānāni kuru bhaktisamanvitā ityādiśyātha tāṁ kutso jagāmā'nyagṛhaṁ dvijaḥ

and likewise perform other gifts too, filled with devotion." Having thus instructed her, the brahmin Kutsa went on to another house.

Verse 29 (skanda.2.104.29)

साऽपि कुत्सवचः श्रुत्वा पश्चात्तापेन संयुता । व्रतं तु कार्तिके मासि करिष्यामीति निश्चिता

sā'pi kutsavacaḥ śrutvā paścāttāpena saṁyutā vrataṁ tu kārtike māsi kariṣyāmīti niścitā

She too, having heard Kutsa's words, was filled with remorse, and resolved that she would observe the vow in the month of Kartika.

Verse 30 (skanda.2.104.30)

पतंगोदयवेलायां कार्तिके स्नानमंभसि । दीपदानं व्रतम् चैव मासमेकं चकार सा

pataṁgodayavelāyāṁ kārtike snānamaṁbhasi dīpadānaṁ vratam caiva māsamekaṁ cakāra sā

At the time of sunrise, in Kartika, she bathed in water, and performed the gift of lamps and the vow for one whole month.

Verse 31 (skanda.2.104.31)

ततः कालांतरे चैव गतायुर्मृतिमागता । दीपदानस्य माहात्म्यान्महापापकृदप्यसौ

tataḥ kālāṁtare caiva gatāyurmṛtimāgatā dīpadānasya māhātmyānmahāpāpakṛdapyasau

Then, in due course, her life having run its course, she came to death; and by the greatness of the gift of lamps, even though she had committed great sins,

Verse 32 (skanda.2.104.32)

स्वर्गमार्गं गता सा स्त्री काले मोक्षमवाप ह । तस्मान्नारद माहात्म्यं दीपदानस्य को वदेत्

svargamārgaṁ gatā sā strī kāle mokṣamavāpa ha tasmānnārada māhātmyaṁ dīpadānasya ko vadet

went by the path to heaven, and in time attained liberation. Therefore, O Narada, who could fully tell the greatness of the gift of lamps?

Verse 33 (skanda.2.104.33)

कार्तिके दीपदानं तु महापुण्यफलप्रदम् । कार्तिकव्रतनिष्ठो यो दीपदानादिकृन्नरः

kārtike dīpadānaṁ tu mahāpuṇyaphalapradam kārtikavrataniṣṭho yo dīpadānādikṛnnaraḥ

The gift of a lamp in Kartika bestows the fruit of great merit; the man devoted to the Kartika vow who performs the gift of lamps and the rest,

Verse 34 (skanda.2.104.34)

दीपदानस्येतिहासं शृण्वन्वै मोक्षमाप्नुयात् । दीपदानस्य माहात्म्यं वक्तुं केनेह शक्यते । परदीपप्रबोधस्य माहात्म्यं शृणु नारद

dīpadānasyetihāsaṁ śṛṇvanvai mokṣamāpnuyāt dīpadānasya māhātmyaṁ vaktuṁ keneha śakyate paradīpaprabodhasya māhātmyaṁ śṛṇu nārada

and who hears this story of the gift of lamps, indeed attains liberation. By whom can the greatness of the gift of lamps be told in full? Hear now, O Narada, the greatness of tending another's lamp.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.104.35)

स्वस्याऽपि शक्तिराहित्ये परस्याऽपि प्रबोधनम् । यः कुर्याल्लभते सोऽपि नाऽत्र कार्या विचारणा

svasyā'pi śaktirāhitye parasyā'pi prabodhanam yaḥ kuryāllabhate so'pi nā'tra kāryā vicāraṇā

Even one lacking the means to offer his own lamp, who tends another's lamp, obtains the same fruit — there is no need to deliberate on this.

Verse 36 (skanda.2.104.36)

दीपार्थं वर्तिकां तैलं पात्रं वा यो ददाति हि । सहायं वाऽथ कुरुते ददतां दीपमुत्तमम्

dīpārthaṁ vartikāṁ tailaṁ pātraṁ vā yo dadāti hi sahāyaṁ vā'tha kurute dadatāṁ dīpamuttamam

Whoever gives a wick, oil, or a vessel for a lamp, or who helps those who offer an excellent lamp,

Verse 37 (skanda.2.104.37)

स तु मोक्षमवाप्नोति नाऽत्र कार्या विचारणा । कार्तिके दीपदानस्य माहात्म्यं को नु वर्णयेत्

sa tu mokṣamavāpnoti nā'tra kāryā vicāraṇā kārtike dīpadānasya māhātmyaṁ ko nu varṇayet

he too attains liberation — there is no need to deliberate on this. Who indeed could describe the greatness of the gift of lamps in Kartika?

Verse 38 (skanda.2.104.38)

स्वस्यापि शक्तिराहित्ये परदीपं प्रबोधयेत् । सोऽपि तत्फलमाप्नोति नाऽत्र कार्या विचारणा

svasyāpi śaktirāhitye paradīpaṁ prabodhayet so'pi tatphalamāpnoti nā'tra kāryā vicāraṇā

Even one who, lacking the means, tends another's lamp, obtains that same fruit — there is no need to deliberate on this.

Verse 39 (skanda.2.104.39)

वेश्या चेन्दुमतीनाम तस्या गेहेऽथ मूषिका । परदीपप्रबोधेन मोक्षं प्राप सुदुर्लभम्

veśyā cendumatīnāma tasyā gehe'tha mūṣikā paradīpaprabodhena mokṣaṁ prāpa sudurlabham

There was a courtesan named Indumati; in her house there was a mouse, which, by merely tending another's lamp, attained liberation, most hard to reach.

Verse 40 (skanda.2.104.40)

तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन परदीपं प्रबोधयेत् । तेन मोक्षमवाप्नोति मूषिकावन्न संशयः

tasmātsarvaprayatnena paradīpaṁ prabodhayet tena mokṣamavāpnoti mūṣikāvanna saṁśayaḥ

Therefore, with every effort, one should tend another's lamp; thereby one attains liberation, just like the mouse — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 41 (skanda.2.104.41)

परदीपप्रबबोधस्य फलमीदृग्विधं मुने । साक्षाद्दीपप्रदानस्य माहात्म्यं केन वर्ण्यते

paradīpaprababodhasya phalamīdṛgvidhaṁ mune sākṣāddīpapradānasya māhātmyaṁ kena varṇyate

Such is the fruit of tending another's lamp, O sage; by whom then could the greatness of directly offering a lamp be described?

Verse 42 (skanda.2.104.42)

नारद उवाच । कार्तिके दीपदानस्य माहात्म्यं च मया श्रुतम् । परदीप प्रबोधस्य माहात्म्यमपि वै श्रुतम् । इदानीं श्रोतुमिच्छामि व्योमदीपस्य वैभवम्

nārada uvāca kārtike dīpadānasya māhātmyaṁ ca mayā śrutam paradīpa prabodhasya māhātmyamapi vai śrutam idānīṁ śrotumicchāmi vyomadīpasya vaibhavam

Narada said: I have heard the greatness of the gift of lamps in Kartika, and I have also heard the greatness of tending another's lamp; now I wish to hear the glory of the sky-lamp.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.104.43)

ब्रह्मोवाच । आकाशदीप माहात्म्यं शृणु पुत्र समाहितः । यस्य श्रवणमात्रेण दीपदाने मतिर्भवेत्

brahmovāca ākāśadīpa māhātmyaṁ śṛṇu putra samāhitaḥ yasya śravaṇamātreṇa dīpadāne matirbhavet

Brahma said: Hear, O son, with a composed mind, the greatness of the sky-lamp, by the mere hearing of which one's mind turns toward the gift of lamps.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.104.44)

संप्राप्ते कार्तिके मासि प्रातःस्नानपरायणः । आकाशदीपं यो दद्यात्तस्य पुण्यं वदाम्यहम्

saṁprāpte kārtike māsi prātaḥsnānaparāyaṇaḥ ākāśadīpaṁ yo dadyāttasya puṇyaṁ vadāmyaham

When the month of Kartika arrives, one devoted to the morning bath who offers a sky-lamp — I shall tell his merit.

Verse 45 (skanda.2.104.45)

सर्वलोकाधिपो भूत्वा सर्वसंपत्समन्वितः । इह लोके सुखं भुक्त्वा चांते मोक्षमवाप्नुयात्

sarvalokādhipo bhūtvā sarvasaṁpatsamanvitaḥ iha loke sukhaṁ bhuktvā cāṁte mokṣamavāpnuyāt

Becoming the lord of all worlds, endowed with every prosperity, having enjoyed happiness in this world, he attains liberation at the end.

Verse 46 (skanda.2.104.46)

स्नानदानक्रियापूर्वं हरिमंदिरमस्तके । आकाशदीपो दातव्यो मासमेकं तु कार्तिके । कार्तिके शुद्धपूर्णायां विधिनोत्सर्जयेच्च तम्

snānadānakriyāpūrvaṁ harimaṁdiramastake ākāśadīpo dātavyo māsamekaṁ tu kārtike kārtike śuddhapūrṇāyāṁ vidhinotsarjayecca tam

Preceded by the rites of bathing and giving, the sky-lamp should be offered atop Hari's temple for one whole month in Kartika; on the full-moon day of Kartika, it should be duly taken down.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.104.47)

यः करोति विधानेन कार्तिके व्योम्नि दीपकम् । न तस्य पुनरावृत्तिः कल्पकोटिशतैरपि

yaḥ karoti vidhānena kārtike vyomni dīpakam na tasya punarāvṛttiḥ kalpakoṭiśatairapi

Whoever duly makes a lamp in the sky in Kartika, for him there is no return to rebirth, even for a hundred crore kalpas.

Verse 48 (skanda.2.104.48)

अत्र ते वर्णयिष्यामि इतिहासं पुरातनम् । यस्य श्रवणमात्रेण व्योमदीपफलं लभेत्

atra te varṇayiṣyāmi itihāsaṁ purātanam yasya śravaṇamātreṇa vyomadīpaphalaṁ labhet

Here I shall relate to you an ancient story, by the mere hearing of which one obtains the fruit of the sky-lamp.

Verse 49 (skanda.2.104.49)

पुरा तु निष्ठुरोनाम लुब्धको लोककंटकः । यमुनातीरवासी च कालमृत्युरिवाऽपरः

purā tu niṣṭhuronāma lubdhako lokakaṁṭakaḥ yamunātīravāsī ca kālamṛtyurivā'paraḥ

Long ago there was a hunter named Nishthura, a thorn to the world, dwelling on the bank of the Yamuna, like a second death incarnate.

Verse 50 (skanda.2.104.50)

वने चरन्मृगान्सर्वान्हत्वा वृत्तिमकल्पयत् । पथिकान्बाधते नित्यं चोरवृत्त्या धनुर्धरः

vane caranmṛgānsarvānhatvā vṛttimakalpayat pathikānbādhate nityaṁ coravṛttyā dhanurdharaḥ

Roaming the forest, killing all the deer, he made his livelihood; bow in hand, he constantly harassed travelers, living as a robber.

Verse 51 (skanda.2.104.51)

कंचिद्ग्रामं जगामाशु चौर्यार्थं कार्तिके मुने । तस्मिन्विदर्भनगरे राजा सुकृतिनामकः

kaṁcidgrāmaṁ jagāmāśu cauryārthaṁ kārtike mune tasminvidarbhanagare rājā sukṛtināmakaḥ

He quickly went to a certain village for the purpose of theft, in Kartika, O sage. In that city of Vidarbha, there was a king named Sukriti,

Verse 52 (skanda.2.104.52)

चन्द्रशर्माख्यविप्रस्य वचनात्कार्तिके सुधीः । चकार व्योमदीपं तु हरिमंदिरमस्तके

candraśarmākhyaviprasya vacanātkārtike sudhīḥ cakāra vyomadīpaṁ tu harimaṁdiramastake

who, wise, at the word of a brahmin named Chandrasharma, made a sky-lamp atop Hari's temple in Kartika,

Verse 53 (skanda.2.104.53)

दीपं दत्त्वा महाभक्त्या अशृणोच्च कथां निशि । एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु चौर्यार्थं समुपागतः

dīpaṁ dattvā mahābhaktyā aśṛṇocca kathāṁ niśi etasminneva kāle tu cauryārthaṁ samupāgataḥ

and, having offered the lamp with great devotion, listened to sacred discourse at night. At that very time, having come for the purpose of theft,

Verse 54 (skanda.2.104.54)

राज्ञा दत्तं व्योमदीपं पश्यन्क्षणमतिष्ठत । तदानीं दैवयोगेन गृध्रो जवसमन्वितः

rājñā dattaṁ vyomadīpaṁ paśyankṣaṇamatiṣṭhata tadānīṁ daivayogena gṛdhro javasamanvitaḥ

stood for a moment watching the sky-lamp offered by the king. Then, by a stroke of fate, a swift-moving vulture,

Verse 55 (skanda.2.104.55)

शीघ्रमागत्य जग्राह तैलपात्रं सदीपकम् । स्वमुखेनैव संगृह्य वृक्षाग्रं च समाश्रयत्

śīghramāgatya jagrāha tailapātraṁ sadīpakam svamukhenaiva saṁgṛhya vṛkṣāgraṁ ca samāśrayat

quickly came and seized the oil-vessel together with the lamp; grasping it in its very beak, it flew to the top of a tree.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.104.56)

तत्र पीत्वा तु तैलं च दीपं स्थाप्य स पक्षिराट् । वृक्षाग्रं तु समास्थाय क्षणमात्रमतिष्ठत

tatra pītvā tu tailaṁ ca dīpaṁ sthāpya sa pakṣirāṭ vṛkṣāgraṁ tu samāsthāya kṣaṇamātramatiṣṭhata

There, having drunk the oil, that king of birds set down the lamp, and, perched on the top of the tree, remained for a moment.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.104.57)

तदानीं दैवयोगेन ग्रहीतुं पक्षिसत्तमम् । मार्जारोऽप्यारुहद्वृक्षं पक्षिणाऽधिष्ठितं तु तम्

tadānīṁ daivayogena grahītuṁ pakṣisattamam mārjāro'pyāruhadvṛkṣaṁ pakṣiṇā'dhiṣṭhitaṁ tu tam

Then, by a stroke of fate, a cat too climbed the tree in order to catch that excellent bird, the very tree on which the bird had settled.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.104.58)

तदग्रे मुखदीपं च पश्यन्क्षणमतिष्ठत । आकाशदीपमाहात्म्यं कथितं चन्द्रशर्मणा

tadagre mukhadīpaṁ ca paśyankṣaṇamatiṣṭhata ākāśadīpamāhātmyaṁ kathitaṁ candraśarmaṇā

The cat too paused for a moment before it, gazing at the lamp before its face. Meanwhile Chandrasharma was telling King Sukriti the greatness of the sky-lamp,

Verse 59 (skanda.2.104.59)

राज्ञे सुकृतिनाम्ने च तौ वै शुश्रुवतुः क्षणम् । खगमार्जारकौ तत्र स्वस्वचामचल्यदोषतः

rājñe sukṛtināmne ca tau vai śuśruvatuḥ kṣaṇam khagamārjārakau tatra svasvacāmacalyadoṣataḥ

and those two, the bird and the cat, listened to it for a moment, caught by the fault of their own restlessness.

Verse 60 (skanda.2.104.60)

मार्जारो जगृहे तत्र शाखामतरगतं खगम् । दैवेन चोदितौ वृक्षाच्छिलायां पतितौ तदा

mārjāro jagṛhe tatra śākhāmataragataṁ khagam daivena coditau vṛkṣācchilāyāṁ patitau tadā

There the cat seized the bird that had gone onto a nearby branch; impelled by fate, the two of them fell from the tree onto a rock.

Verse 61 (skanda.2.104.61)

भग्नगात्रौ मृतौ तत्र पक्षिमार्जारकौ भुवि । दिव्यदेहसमायुक्तौ यानारूढौ दिवं गतौ

bhagnagātrau mṛtau tatra pakṣimārjārakau bhuvi divyadehasamāyuktau yānārūḍhau divaṁ gatau

With their bodies broken, the bird and the cat died there on the ground; endowed with divine forms, mounted upon a celestial chariot, they went to heaven.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.104.62)

तत्सर्वं लुब्धको दृष्ट्वा चौर्यार्थं समुपागतः । निवृत्तो दुष्टभावेन कथयंतं कथां मुनिम्

tatsarvaṁ lubdhako dṛṣṭvā cauryārthaṁ samupāgataḥ nivṛtto duṣṭabhāvena kathayaṁtaṁ kathāṁ munim

Seeing all this, the hunter, who had come for the purpose of theft, turned away from his wicked intent and approached the sage who was telling the story;

Verse 63 (skanda.2.104.63)

चंद्रशर्माणमाभाष्य इदं वचनमब्रवीत् । चंद्रशर्मन्मया दृष्टं चौर्यार्थं ह्यागतेन च

caṁdraśarmāṇamābhāṣya idaṁ vacanamabravīt caṁdraśarmanmayā dṛṣṭaṁ cauryārthaṁ hyāgatena ca

addressing Chandrasharma, he spoke these words: 'O Chandrasharma, having come here for the purpose of theft, I have witnessed —'

Verse 64 (skanda.2.104.64)

राज्ञा सुकृतिना दत्तं व्योमदीपं मनोहरम् । तदानीं दैवयोगेन खगः पात्रं प्रगृह्य च

rājñā sukṛtinā dattaṁ vyomadīpaṁ manoharam tadānīṁ daivayogena khagaḥ pātraṁ pragṛhya ca

'— this beautiful sky-lamp given by King Sukriti. Then, by fate, a bird seized the vessel,'

Verse 65 (skanda.2.104.65)

तैलं पीत्वा तु तत्पात्रं सदीपं तु मनोहरम् । वृक्षाग्रे स्थापयित्वा च तत्र क्षणमतिष्ठत

tailaṁ pītvā tu tatpātraṁ sadīpaṁ tu manoharam vṛkṣāgre sthāpayitvā ca tatra kṣaṇamatiṣṭhata

'and, having drunk the oil, set that beautiful vessel with the lamp on the top of a tree, and remained there for a moment.'

Verse 66 (skanda.2.104.66)

मार्जारोऽप्यागतस्तत्र ग्रहीतुं पक्षिपुंगवम् । दैवेन प्रेरितौ तौ च उभे शाखे समाश्रितौ

mārjāro'pyāgatastatra grahītuṁ pakṣipuṁgavam daivena preritau tau ca ubhe śākhe samāśritau

'A cat too came there to seize the excellent bird; impelled by fate, both of them settled upon the same branch,'

Verse 67 (skanda.2.104.67)

त्वन्मुखात्कथ्यमानां हि कथां शुश्रुवतुः क्षणम् । पश्चाच्चांचल्यदोषेण मार्जारो ह्यग्रहीत्खगम्

tvanmukhātkathyamānāṁ hi kathāṁ śuśruvatuḥ kṣaṇam paścāccāṁcalyadoṣeṇa mārjāro hyagrahītkhagam

'and for a moment listened to the story being told from your own mouth; but then, through the fault of restlessness, the cat seized the bird,'

Verse 68 (skanda.2.104.68)

तौ वृक्षात्पतितौ मृत्युं प्राप्तौ च क्षणमात्रतः । उभौ तौ दिव्यरूपौ च यानारूढौ दिवं गतौ

tau vṛkṣātpatitau mṛtyuṁ prāptau ca kṣaṇamātrataḥ ubhau tau divyarūpau ca yānārūḍhau divaṁ gatau

'and the two fell from the tree and met death in an instant; and both of them, in divine forms, mounted upon a chariot, went to heaven.'

Verse 69 (skanda.2.104.69)

तदाश्चर्यमहं दृष्ट्वा त्वां प्रष्टुं समुपागतः । तौ कौ पुरा च मार्जारखगौ तद्वद भो द्विज

tadāścaryamahaṁ dṛṣṭvā tvāṁ praṣṭuṁ samupāgataḥ tau kau purā ca mārjārakhagau tadvada bho dvija

'Having witnessed that wonder, I have come to ask you: who were that cat and that bird formerly, O brahmin? Tell me this.'

Verse 70 (skanda.2.104.70)

तिर्यग्योनिसमापन्नौ मुक्तौ केन च कर्मणा । इति लुब्धवचः श्रुत्वा चंद्रशर्माऽब्रवीत्तदा

tiryagyonisamāpannau muktau kena ca karmaṇā iti lubdhavacaḥ śrutvā caṁdraśarmā'bravīttadā

'By what deed were they, having come into an animal birth, liberated?' Hearing the hunter's words, Chandrasharma then said:

Verse 71 (skanda.2.104.71)

शृणु लुब्ध प्रवक्ष्यामि तयोर्वृत्तांतमंजसा । मार्जारोऽपि पुरा पापी तथा श्रीवत्सगोत्रजः

śṛṇu lubdha pravakṣyāmi tayorvṛttāṁtamaṁjasā mārjāro'pi purā pāpī tathā śrīvatsagotrajaḥ

'Listen, O hunter, I shall tell you plainly the account of the two of them. The cat too was formerly a sinner, born in the Shrivatsa lineage,'

Verse 72 (skanda.2.104.72)

देवशर्मा इति प्रोक्तो देवद्रव्याऽपहारकः । अहोबलनृसिंहस्य पूजाकर्तृत्वमाप सः

devaśarmā iti prokto devadravyā'pahārakaḥ ahobalanṛsiṁhasya pūjākartṛtvamāpa saḥ

'called Devasharma, a plunderer of temple property; he had attained the position of the priest performing worship of Ahobala-Narasimha.'

Verse 73 (skanda.2.104.73)

तस्मिन्देवालये प्राप्तं तैलं द्रव्यादिकं तथा । अपहृत्य च तेनैव कुटुंबं पोषयत्यसौ

tasmindevālaye prāptaṁ tailaṁ dravyādikaṁ tathā apahṛtya ca tenaiva kuṭuṁbaṁ poṣayatyasau

'Whatever oil, wealth, and the like were received at that temple, he would misappropriate, and with it he supported his family.'

Verse 74 (skanda.2.104.74)

आयुर्नीत्वैवमेवाऽसौ ततः पंचत्वमागतः । तस्मात्पापात्कालसूत्रं महारौरवरौरवम्

āyurnītvaivamevā'sau tataḥ paṁcatvamāgataḥ tasmātpāpātkālasūtraṁ mahārauravarauravam

'Having thus spent his life, he then met death; because of that sin, he went to the hell called Kalasutra, and then to Maharaurava and Raurava,'

Verse 75 (skanda.2.104.75)

निरुच्छ्वासं तथा प्राप्य असिपत्रवनं क्रमात् । छिद्यमानो महाकायैर्यमदूतैर्भयंकरैः

nirucchvāsaṁ tathā prāpya asipatravanaṁ kramāt chidyamāno mahākāyairyamadūtairbhayaṁkaraiḥ

'and to Nirucchvasa, and in due course to the forest of sword-leaves, being cut to pieces by huge, fearsome messengers of Yama.'

Verse 76 (skanda.2.104.76)

अनुभूय च तान्सर्वान्ब्रह्मराक्षसतां गतः । ततस्तु श्वानयोनौ च चंडालोऽभूत्कुकर्मतः

anubhūya ca tānsarvānbrahmarākṣasatāṁ gataḥ tatastu śvānayonau ca caṁḍālo'bhūtkukarmataḥ

'Having endured all these, he then became a brahma-rakshasa; then, in the birth of a dog, he became a chandala through his evil deeds,'

Verse 77 (skanda.2.104.77)

एवं जन्मशतं प्राप्य भूमौ मार्जारतां गतः । आकाशदीपमाहात्म्यं श्रुत्वेदानीं तु दैवतः । निर्मुक्ताऽखिलपापस्तु अगमद्धरिमंदिरम्

evaṁ janmaśataṁ prāpya bhūmau mārjāratāṁ gataḥ ākāśadīpamāhātmyaṁ śrutvedānīṁ tu daivataḥ nirmuktā'khilapāpastu agamaddharimaṁdiram

'and, thus passing through a hundred births, came at last to be born as a cat on earth; and now, by fate, having heard the greatness of the sky-lamp, freed from all sin, he went to Hari's abode.'

Verse 78 (skanda.2.104.78)

गृध्रोऽयं तु पुरा विप्रो मिथिले वेदपारगः । शर्यातिरिति विख्यातौ नाम्ना लोके महाप्रभुः

gṛdhro'yaṁ tu purā vipro mithile vedapāragaḥ śaryātiriti vikhyātau nāmnā loke mahāprabhuḥ

'This vulture, too, was formerly a brahmin in Mithila, learned in the Vedas, a great lord renowned in the world by the name Sharyati.'

Verse 79 (skanda.2.104.79)

दासीसंगं चकारासौ वेश्यासंगं तथैव च । तेन दोषेण महता पंचत्वमगमत्तदा

dāsīsaṁgaṁ cakārāsau veśyāsaṁgaṁ tathaiva ca tena doṣeṇa mahatā paṁcatvamagamattadā

'He kept the company of a maidservant, and likewise of a courtesan; by that great fault, he then met death,'

Verse 80 (skanda.2.104.80)

कुंभीपाके महाघोरे स्थित्वा युगचतुष्टयम् । कर्मशेषेण भूमौ च गृध्रत्वमगमत्तदा

kuṁbhīpāke mahāghore sthitvā yugacatuṣṭayam karmaśeṣeṇa bhūmau ca gṛdhratvamagamattadā

'and dwelt in the terrible hell of Kumbhipaka for four ages; and by the remainder of his karma, he then came to be born as a vulture on earth.'

Verse 81 (skanda.2.104.81)

दैवेन चोदितो गृध्रस्तैलपानार्थमागतः । दत्त्वा चाकाशदीपं च श्रुत्वा चैव हरेः कथाम् । विध्वस्ताऽखिलपापस्तु जगाम हरिमंदिरम्

daivena codito gṛdhrastailapānārthamāgataḥ dattvā cākāśadīpaṁ ca śrutvā caiva hareḥ kathām vidhvastā'khilapāpastu jagāma harimaṁdiram

'Impelled by fate, the vulture came for the purpose of drinking the oil; and having thereby caused the offering of the sky-lamp, and having heard the story of Hari, with all his sin destroyed, he went to Hari's abode.'

Verse 82 (skanda.2.104.82)

इत्येतत्सर्वमाख्यातं लुब्ध गच्छ यथासुखम् । व्याधोऽप्यस्य वचः श्रुत्वा गत्वा चैव स्वमंदिरम्

ityetatsarvamākhyātaṁ lubdha gaccha yathāsukham vyādho'pyasya vacaḥ śrutvā gatvā caiva svamaṁdiram

'Thus all this has been told, O hunter; go now as you please.' The hunter too, hearing his words, went to his own dwelling,

Verse 83 (skanda.2.104.83)

व्रतं चाकाशदीपस्य चकार विधिवन्मुने । आयुःशेषं तदा नीत्वा जगाम हरिमंदिरम्

vrataṁ cākāśadīpasya cakāra vidhivanmune āyuḥśeṣaṁ tadā nītvā jagāma harimaṁdiram

and duly observed the vow of the sky-lamp, O sage; and having thus spent the remainder of his life, he went to Hari's abode.

Verse 84 (skanda.2.104.84)

सुनंदोपि महाराज आश्चर्यं समुपागतः । चकार विधिना मासं चंद्रशर्मोक्तमार्गतः

sunaṁdopi mahārāja āścaryaṁ samupāgataḥ cakāra vidhinā māsaṁ caṁdraśarmoktamārgataḥ

King Sunanda too, having witnessed this wonder, performed the vow for a month according to rule, by the path told by Chandrasharma.

Verse 85 (skanda.2.104.85)

प्रातः स्नात्वा शुचिर्भूत्वा कार्तिके मासि वै नृपः । कोमलैस्तुलसीपत्रैः समभ्यर्च्य जनार्दनम्

prātaḥ snātvā śucirbhūtvā kārtike māsi vai nṛpaḥ komalaistulasīpatraiḥ samabhyarcya janārdanam

Having bathed at dawn and become pure, the king, in the month of Kartika, having duly worshipped Janardana with tender tulasi leaves,

Verse 86 (skanda.2.104.86)

रात्रौ दद्याद्व्योमदीपं मंत्रेणानेन वै नृपः । दामोदराय विश्वाय विश्वरूपधराय च । नमस्कृत्वा प्रदास्यामि व्योमदीपं हरिप्रियम् । निर्विघ्नं कुरु देवेश यावन्मासः समाप्यते

rātrau dadyādvyomadīpaṁ maṁtreṇānena vai nṛpaḥ dāmodarāya viśvāya viśvarūpadharāya ca namaskṛtvā pradāsyāmi vyomadīpaṁ haripriyam nirvighnaṁ kuru deveśa yāvanmāsaḥ samāpyate

would offer the sky-lamp at night with this mantra: 'Having bowed to Damodara, the all-pervading one, bearer of the universal form, I offer this sky-lamp, dear to Hari; O lord of gods, keep it free from obstacles until the month is completed.'

Verse 87 (skanda.2.104.87)

व्रतेनाऽनेन देवेश त्वयि भक्तिः प्रवर्द्धताम् । इति मंत्रेण राजाऽसौ दीपदानं चकार ह

vratenā'nena deveśa tvayi bhaktiḥ pravarddhatām iti maṁtreṇa rājā'sau dīpadānaṁ cakāra ha

'By this vow, O lord of gods, may my devotion to you increase.' With this mantra, that king performed the gift of the lamp.

Verse 88 (skanda.2.104.88)

ब्राह्मे मुहूर्ते च पुनर्व्योमदीपं ददाति हि । विष्णोः पूजा कृता प्रातः प्रातःस्नानं चकार ह

brāhme muhūrte ca punarvyomadīpaṁ dadāti hi viṣṇoḥ pūjā kṛtā prātaḥ prātaḥsnānaṁ cakāra ha

At the Brahma-muhurta he again offered the sky-lamp; worship of Vishnu was performed, and he took the morning bath.

Verse 89 (skanda.2.104.89)

उत्सर्गस्य विधिं कृत्वा व्योम्नि दीपं समाप्य च । ब्राह्मणान्भोजयित्वा च व्रतं विष्णोः समार्पयत्

utsargasya vidhiṁ kṛtvā vyomni dīpaṁ samāpya ca brāhmaṇānbhojayitvā ca vrataṁ viṣṇoḥ samārpayat

Having performed the rite of conclusion, having completed the lamp in the sky, and having fed brahmins, he dedicated the vow to Vishnu.

Verse 90 (skanda.2.104.90)

तेन पुण्यप्रभावेन स राजा मुनिसत्तम । शरदां शतसाहस्रमिह भोगान्मनोहरान्

tena puṇyaprabhāvena sa rājā munisattama śaradāṁ śatasāhasramiha bhogānmanoharān

By the power of that merit, O best of sages, that king, for a hundred thousand autumns, enjoying delightful pleasures here,

Verse 91 (skanda.2.104.91)

सुपुत्रपौत्रस्वजनैर्बुभुजे सह भार्यया । ततश्चांऽते द्विजवर विमानं सुमनोहरम्

suputrapautrasvajanairbubhuje saha bhāryayā tataścāṁ'te dvijavara vimānaṁ sumanoharam

enjoyed together with good sons, grandsons, kinsmen, and his wife. Then, O excellent brahmin, at the end, mounting a most beautiful celestial chariot

Verse 92 (skanda.2.104.92)

स्त्रीभिः सह समारुह्य मोक्षमार्गं गतो मुने । चतुर्भुजः पीतवासाः शंखचक्रगदाधरः

strībhiḥ saha samāruhya mokṣamārgaṁ gato mune caturbhujaḥ pītavāsāḥ śaṁkhacakragadādharaḥ

together with his wives, he went, O sage, upon the path to liberation; four-armed, clad in yellow garments, bearing the conch, discus, and mace,

Verse 93 (skanda.2.104.93)

विष्णुलोके विष्णुरिव प्रोच्यमानः सदाऽमरैः । क्रीडयामास राजाऽसौ यथाकामं महामनाः

viṣṇuloke viṣṇuriva procyamānaḥ sadā'maraiḥ krīḍayāmāsa rājā'sau yathākāmaṁ mahāmanāḥ

in Vishnu's world, ever proclaimed by the immortals to be like Vishnu himself, that great-hearted king sported there according to his desire.

Verse 94 (skanda.2.104.94)

तस्मात्तु कार्तिके मासि मानुष्यं प्राप्य दुर्लभम् । आकाशदीपो दातव्यो विधानेन हरेः प्रियः

tasmāttu kārtike māsi mānuṣyaṁ prāpya durlabham ākāśadīpo dātavyo vidhānena hareḥ priyaḥ

Therefore, having obtained this rare human birth, in the month of Kartika the sky-lamp, dear to Hari, should be offered according to rule.

Verse 95 (skanda.2.104.95)

दास्यंति ये कार्तिकमासि मर्त्या व्योमप्रदीपं हरितुष्टयेऽत्र । पश्यंति ते नैव कदाऽपि देवं यमं महाक्रूरमुखं मुनींद्र

dāsyaṁti ye kārtikamāsi martyā vyomapradīpaṁ harituṣṭaye'tra paśyaṁti te naiva kadā'pi devaṁ yamaṁ mahākrūramukhaṁ munīṁdra

O lord of sages, those mortals who, in the month of Kartika, offer the sky-lamp for Hari's satisfaction — they never at any time behold the terrible-faced god Yama.

Verse 96 (skanda.2.104.96)

अथाऽन्यच्च प्रवक्ष्यामि व्योमदीपस्य वैभवम् । वालखिल्यैः पुरा प्रोक्तं तच्छृणुष्व द्विजोत्तम

athā'nyacca pravakṣyāmi vyomadīpasya vaibhavam vālakhilyaiḥ purā proktaṁ tacchṛṇuṣva dvijottama

Now I shall further tell another glory of the sky-lamp, once declared by the Valakhilya sages; hear it, O best of brahmins.

Verse 97 (skanda.2.104.97)

वालखिल्या ऊचुः । कृष्णादिमासक्रमतः कार्तिकस्यादिमासतः । आकाशादीपदानं तु कुर्वंतु ऋषिसत्तमाः

vālakhilyā ūcuḥ kṛṣṇādimāsakramataḥ kārtikasyādimāsataḥ ākāśādīpadānaṁ tu kurvaṁtu ṛṣisattamāḥ

The Valakhilyas said: Beginning from the dark fortnight, starting from the first day of Kartika, the excellent sages should give the gift of the sky-lamp.

Verse 98 (skanda.2.104.98)

तुलायां तिलतैलेन सायं संध्यासमागमे । आकाशदीपं यो दयान्मासमेकं निरंतरम्

tulāyāṁ tilatailena sāyaṁ saṁdhyāsamāgame ākāśadīpaṁ yo dayānmāsamekaṁ niraṁtaram

With sesame oil, while the sun is in Libra, at the meeting of evening twilight, whoever offers the sky-lamp continuously for one whole month,

Verse 99 (skanda.2.104.99)

सश्रीकाय श्रीपतये श्रिया न स वियुज्यते । आकाशदीपवंशस्तु विंशद्धस्तोत्तमो भवेत्

saśrīkāya śrīpataye śriyā na sa viyujyate ākāśadīpavaṁśastu viṁśaddhastottamo bhavet

to the glorious Lord of Shri — he is never separated from prosperity. The pole for the sky-lamp should be, at its best, twenty hands,

Verse 100 (skanda.2.104.100)

मध्यमो नवहस्तः स्यात्कनिष्ठः पंचहस्तकः । यथा दूरस्थितैर्लोकैर्दृश्यते तत्तथाऽऽचरेत्

madhyamo navahastaḥ syātkaniṣṭhaḥ paṁcahastakaḥ yathā dūrasthitairlokairdṛśyate tattathā''caret

of middling height nine hands, and of least height five hands; one should arrange it so that it can be seen by people even at a distance.

Verse 101 (skanda.2.104.101)

तथाऽभ्रादिकरंडेषु दीपदानं विशिष्यते । वंशस्य नवमांशेन लंबा कार्या पताकिका

tathā'bhrādikaraṁḍeṣu dīpadānaṁ viśiṣyate vaṁśasya navamāṁśena laṁbā kāryā patākikā

The gift of the lamp is especially excellent when placed in a lantern-frame of mica or the like; a small banner should be made, one-ninth the length of the pole,

Verse 102 (skanda.2.104.102)

मयूरपिच्छमुष्टिं वा कलशं चोपरि न्यसेत् । विष्णुप्रीतिकरो दीपः पित्रुद्धारस्य कारकः

mayūrapicchamuṣṭiṁ vā kalaśaṁ copari nyaset viṣṇuprītikaro dīpaḥ pitruddhārasya kārakaḥ

and a handful of peacock feathers, or a small pot, should be placed on top. The lamp gladdens Vishnu and effects the deliverance of one's ancestors.

Verse 103 (skanda.2.104.103)

एकादश्यास्तुलार्काद्वा दीपदानमतोऽपि वा । दामोदराय नभसि तुलायां लोलया सह

ekādaśyāstulārkādvā dīpadānamato'pi vā dāmodarāya nabhasi tulāyāṁ lolayā saha

From Ekadashi, or from the sun's entry into Libra, the gift of the lamp should begin: 'To Damodara, in the sky, in Libra, together with Lakshmi,'

Verse 104 (skanda.2.104.104)

प्रदीपं ते प्रयच्छामि नमोऽनंताय वेधसे । आकाशदीपसदृशं पितुरुद्धारकं नहि

pradīpaṁ te prayacchāmi namo'naṁtāya vedhase ākāśadīpasadṛśaṁ pituruddhārakaṁ nahi

'I offer you this lamp; salutation to the endless Creator.' There is nothing equal to the sky-lamp for the deliverance of one's father.

Verse 105 (skanda.2.104.105)

हेलिकस्य च द्वौ पुत्रौ तत्रैकस्तु पिशाचकः । व्योमदीपपुण्यदानान्मोक्षं प्राप सुदुर्लभम्

helikasya ca dvau putrau tatraikastu piśācakaḥ vyomadīpapuṇyadānānmokṣaṁ prāpa sudurlabham

Helika had two sons; of these, one was a pishacha; through the meritorious gift of the sky-lamp, he attained liberation, most hard to reach.

Verse 106 (skanda.2.104.106)

नमः पितृभ्यः प्रेतेभ्यो नमो धर्माय विष्णवे । नमो यमाय रुद्राय कांतारपतये नमः

namaḥ pitṛbhyaḥ pretebhyo namo dharmāya viṣṇave namo yamāya rudrāya kāṁtārapataye namaḥ

'Salutation to the ancestors, to the departed spirits; salutation to Dharma, to Vishnu; salutation to Yama, to Rudra, salutation to the Lord of the forest.'

Verse 107 (skanda.2.104.107)

मन्त्रेणाऽनेन ये मर्त्याः पितृभ्यः खे तु दीपकम् । प्रयच्छंति गता ये स्युर्नरके यांति तेऽपि वै । उत्तमां गतिमित्थं ते दीपदानं मयेरितम्

mantreṇā'nena ye martyāḥ pitṛbhyaḥ khe tu dīpakam prayacchaṁti gatā ye syurnarake yāṁti te'pi vai uttamāṁ gatimitthaṁ te dīpadānaṁ mayeritam

Those mortals who, with this mantra, offer a lamp in the sky for their ancestors — even those ancestors who have gone to hell attain the highest state thereby; thus have I declared this gift of the lamp.

Verse 108 (skanda.2.104.108)

लक्ष्मीसंततिसिद्ध्यर्थमारोग्याय प्रदीपयेत्

lakṣmīsaṁtatisiddhyarthamārogyāya pradīpayet

One should also light a lamp for the attainment of prosperity, progeny, and health.

Verse 109 (skanda.2.104.109)

कार्तिके कृष्णपक्षे तु द्वादश्यादिषु पंचसु । तिथीषूक्तः पूर्वरात्रे नृणां नीराजनाविधिः

kārtike kṛṣṇapakṣe tu dvādaśyādiṣu paṁcasu tithīṣūktaḥ pūrvarātre nṛṇāṁ nīrājanāvidhiḥ

In the dark fortnight of Kartika, on the five lunar days beginning with the twelfth, the rite of the waving of lamps for men is prescribed in the early part of the night,

Verse 110 (skanda.2.104.110)

ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवादीनां भवनेषु विशेषतः । कूटागारेषु चैत्येषु सभासु च नदीषु च

brahmaviṣṇuśivādīnāṁ bhavaneṣu viśeṣataḥ kūṭāgāreṣu caityeṣu sabhāsu ca nadīṣu ca

especially in the temples of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the others; in gabled halls, in shrines, in assembly-halls, and by rivers,

Verse 111 (skanda.2.104.111)

प्राकारोद्यानवापीषु प्रतोलीनिष्कुटेषु च । मन्दुरासु विविक्तासु हस्तिशालासु चैव हि

prākārodyānavāpīṣu pratolīniṣkuṭeṣu ca mandurāsu viviktāsu hastiśālāsu caiva hi

at ramparts, gardens, and stepped tanks, on thoroughfares and in private gardens, in stables set in solitary places, and likewise in elephant-stalls,

Verse 112 (skanda.2.104.112)

प्रदोषसमये दीपान्दद्यादेवं मनोहरान् । कृतं यैः कार्तिके मासि दीपदानं विधानतः

pradoṣasamaye dīpāndadyādevaṁ manoharān kṛtaṁ yaiḥ kārtike māsi dīpadānaṁ vidhānataḥ

one should thus offer beautiful lamps at the time of twilight. Those by whom the gift of lamps has been duly performed in the month of Kartika,

Verse 113 (skanda.2.104.113)

दृश्यंते ये रत्नभाजस्तेऽत एव प्रकीर्तिताः । दीपदानासमर्थश्चेत्परदीपं तु रक्षयेत्

dṛśyaṁte ye ratnabhājaste'ta eva prakīrtitāḥ dīpadānāsamarthaścetparadīpaṁ tu rakṣayet

are seen in their next life to be possessors of jewels — they are celebrated for this very reason. If one is unable to give the gift of a lamp, one should tend another's lamp instead.

Verse 114 (skanda.2.104.114)

यो वेदाभ्यासिने दद्याद्दीपार्थं तैलमादरात् । को वा तस्य फलं वक्तुं भुवि तिष्ठति मानवः

yo vedābhyāsine dadyāddīpārthaṁ tailamādarāt ko vā tasya phalaṁ vaktuṁ bhuvi tiṣṭhati mānavaḥ

Whoever reverently gives oil for a lamp to a student of the Veda — what man on earth exists who could tell his fruit?

Verse 115 (skanda.2.104.115)

दीपान्दद्याद्बहुविधान्कार्तिके विष्णुसंनिधौ । कार्तिके मासि संप्राप्ते गगने स्वच्छताके

dīpāndadyādbahuvidhānkārtike viṣṇusaṁnidhau kārtike māsi saṁprāpte gagane svacchatāke

One should offer lamps of many kinds in Kartika, in Vishnu's presence. When the month of Kartika arrives, when the sky is clear,

Verse 116 (skanda.2.104.116)

रात्रौ लक्ष्मीः समायाति द्रष्टुं भुवनकौतुकम् । यत्रयत्र च दीपान्सा पश्यत्यब्धिसमुद्भवा

rātrau lakṣmīḥ samāyāti draṣṭuṁ bhuvanakautukam yatrayatra ca dīpānsā paśyatyabdhisamudbhavā

at night Lakshmi comes to behold the wonder of the world; and wherever she, the ocean-born, sees lamps,

Verse 117 (skanda.2.104.117)

तत्रतत्र रतिं कुर्यान्नांधकारे कदाचन । तस्माद्दीपः स्थापनीयः कार्तिके मासि वै सदा

tatratatra ratiṁ kuryānnāṁdhakāre kadācana tasmāddīpaḥ sthāpanīyaḥ kārtike māsi vai sadā

there and there she takes delight, but never in darkness; therefore a lamp should always be set up in the month of Kartika.

Verse 118 (skanda.2.104.118)

लक्ष्मीरूपार्थिनां प्रोक्तं दीपदानं विशेषतः । देवाऽऽलये नदीतीरे राजमार्गे विशेषतः

lakṣmīrūpārthināṁ proktaṁ dīpadānaṁ viśeṣataḥ devā''laye nadītīre rājamārge viśeṣataḥ

For those desiring beauty and prosperity, the gift of a lamp is especially prescribed, particularly at a temple, on a riverbank, and on a public road.

Verse 119 (skanda.2.104.119)

निद्रास्थले दीपदाता तस्य श्रीः सर्वतोमुखी । दुर्बलस्याऽऽलयं वीक्ष्य दीपशून्यं तु यो ददेत्

nidrāsthale dīpadātā tasya śrīḥ sarvatomukhī durbalasyā''layaṁ vīkṣya dīpaśūnyaṁ tu yo dadet

He who offers a lamp at his sleeping place has Lakshmi turned towards him from every side. Whoever, seeing the dwelling of a weak person devoid of a lamp, gives one there —

Verse 120 (skanda.2.104.120)

विप्रस्य वाऽन्यवर्णस्य विष्णुलोके महीयते । कीटकंटकसंकीर्णे दुर्गमे विषमस्थले

viprasya vā'nyavarṇasya viṣṇuloke mahīyate kīṭakaṁṭakasaṁkīrṇe durgame viṣamasthale

— whether a brahmin or of another caste — is honored in the world of Vishnu. In a place infested with insects and thorns, difficult and treacherous,

Verse 121 (skanda.2.104.121)

कुर्याद्यो दीपदानानि नरकं स न गच्छति । दद्याद्रात्रौ पंचनदे दीपं यो विधिपूर्वकम्

kuryādyo dīpadānāni narakaṁ sa na gacchati dadyādrātrau paṁcanade dīpaṁ yo vidhipūrvakam

whoever gives lamps there, does not go to hell. Whoever duly offers a lamp at night at Panchanada,

Verse 122 (skanda.2.104.122)

तस्य वंशे प्रजायन्ते बालकाः कुलदीपकाः । पितृपक्षेऽन्नदानेन ज्येष्ठाऽऽषाढे च वारिणा

tasya vaṁśe prajāyante bālakāḥ kuladīpakāḥ pitṛpakṣe'nnadānena jyeṣṭhā''ṣāḍhe ca vāriṇā

in his lineage are born children who are like lamps of the family. Just as merit is gained through the gift of food in the fortnight of the ancestors, or through water in Jyeshtha and Ashadha,

Verse 123 (skanda.2.104.123)

कार्तिके तत्फलं तेषां परदीपप्रबोधनात् । बोधनात्परदीपस्य वैष्णवानां च सेवनात्

kārtike tatphalaṁ teṣāṁ paradīpaprabodhanāt bodhanātparadīpasya vaiṣṇavānāṁ ca sevanāt

so in Kartika that same fruit is obtained through tending another's lamp; through the tending of another's lamp, and through the service of Vaishnavas,

Verse 124 (skanda.2.104.124)

कार्तिके फलमाप्नोति राजसूयाश्वमेधयोः । पुरा हरिकरोनाम द्विजः पापरतः सदा

kārtike phalamāpnoti rājasūyāśvamedhayoḥ purā harikaronāma dvijaḥ pāparataḥ sadā

in Kartika one obtains the fruit of the Rajasuya and Ashvamedha sacrifices. Long ago there was a brahmin named Harikara, ever devoted to sin,

Verse 125 (skanda.2.104.125)

कृतं द्यूतप्रसंगेन दीपदानं हि कार्तिके । तेन पुण्यप्रभावेन स्वर्गं प्राप द्विजोत्तमः

kṛtaṁ dyūtaprasaṁgena dīpadānaṁ hi kārtike tena puṇyaprabhāvena svargaṁ prāpa dvijottamaḥ

who, on the occasion of gambling, gave the gift of a lamp in Kartika; and by the power of that merit, that excellent brahmin attained heaven.

Verse 126 (skanda.2.104.126)

आकाशदीपदानेन पुरा वै धर्मनन्दनः । विमानवरमारुह्य विष्णुलोकं ययौ नृपः

ākāśadīpadānena purā vai dharmanandanaḥ vimānavaramāruhya viṣṇulokaṁ yayau nṛpaḥ

Long ago, through the gift of the sky-lamp, King Dharmanandana, mounting an excellent celestial chariot, went to the world of Vishnu.

Verse 127 (skanda.2.104.127)

यः कुर्यात्कार्तिके विष्णोः पुरः कर्पूरदीपकम् । प्रबोधिन्यां विशेषेण तस्य पुण्यं वदाम्यहम्

yaḥ kuryātkārtike viṣṇoḥ puraḥ karpūradīpakam prabodhinyāṁ viśeṣeṇa tasya puṇyaṁ vadāmyaham

Whoever offers a camphor-lamp before Vishnu in Kartika, especially on Prabodhini Ekadashi — I shall tell his merit.

Verse 128 (skanda.2.104.128)

कुले तस्य प्रसूता ये पुरुषास्ते हरिप्रियाः । क्रीडित्वा सुचिरं कालमन्ते मुक्तिं व्रजंति च

kule tasya prasūtā ye puruṣāste haripriyāḥ krīḍitvā suciraṁ kālamante muktiṁ vrajaṁti ca

The men born in his lineage become dear to Hari; having sported for a very long time, they attain liberation at the end.

Verse 129 (skanda.2.104.129)

दीपको ज्वलते यस्य दिवा रात्रौ हरेर्गृहे । एकादश्यां विशेषेण स याति हरिमन्दिरम्

dīpako jvalate yasya divā rātrau harergṛhe ekādaśyāṁ viśeṣeṇa sa yāti harimandiram

He whose lamp burns day and night in Hari's temple, especially on Ekadashi, goes to Hari's abode.

Verse 130 (skanda.2.104.130)

लुब्धकोऽपि चतुर्दश्यां दीपं दत्त्वा शिवालये । भक्त्या विना परे लिंगे शिवलोकं जगाम सः

lubdhako'pi caturdaśyāṁ dīpaṁ dattvā śivālaye bhaktyā vinā pare liṁge śivalokaṁ jagāma saḥ

A hunter too, having offered a lamp on the fourteenth day in a Shiva temple — though without devotion, before the great Linga — went to Shiva's world.

Verse 131 (skanda.2.104.131)

गोपः कश्चिदमावास्यां दीपं प्रज्वाल्य शार्ङ्गिणः । मुहुर्जयजयेत्युक्त्वा स च राजेश्वरोऽभवत्

gopaḥ kaścidamāvāsyāṁ dīpaṁ prajvālya śārṅgiṇaḥ muhurjayajayetyuktvā sa ca rājeśvaro'bhavat

A certain cowherd, having lit a lamp for the wielder of the Sharnga bow on the new-moon day, repeatedly exclaiming 'Victory, victory!', became a lord of kings.