The Destruction of Daksha's Sacrifice and the Burning of Kama

Verse 1 (skanda.2.162.1)

मैथिल उवाच । ब्रह्मन्निक्ष्वाकुतनयो जलाऽदानाच्च चातकः । त्रिवारमभवत्पश्चान्मद्गृहे गोधिका तथा

maithila uvāca brahmannikṣvākutanayo jalā'dānācca cātakaḥ trivāramabhavatpaścānmadgṛhe godhikā tathā

Maithila said: O Brahmin, that son of the Ikshvaku line, for withholding water, first became a chataka bird, and afterwards, in my own house, became a lizard (godha) three times over.

Verse 2 (skanda.2.162.2)

कर्मानुगुणमेतद्धि युक्तं तस्याकृतात्मनः । सतामसेवनात्तस्य गृध्रत्वं सारमेयता

karmānuguṇametaddhi yuktaṁ tasyākṛtātmanaḥ satāmasevanāttasya gṛdhratvaṁ sārameyatā

This was indeed fitting, in keeping with the deeds of one whose self was unpurified; because he did not serve the virtuous, he attained the state of a vulture and of a dog.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.162.3)

सप्तवारमिति प्रोक्तं तन्मे भाति च नोचितम् । संतो न दूषितास्तेन न तथा कृपणा अपि

saptavāramiti proktaṁ tanme bhāti ca nocitam saṁto na dūṣitāstena na tathā kṛpaṇā api

It is said this happened seven times, but that does not seem right to me — for by that the virtuous were not tainted, nor are misers so very blameworthy.

Verse 4 (skanda.2.162.4)

तस्मादसेविनस्तस्य फलाऽभावो भवेद्ध्रुवम् । नानर्थकरणाभावादिदं हि परपीडनम्

tasmādasevinastasya phalā'bhāvo bhaveddhruvam nānarthakaraṇābhāvādidaṁ hi parapīḍanam

Therefore, for one who does not serve, there should surely be only the absence of reward — but this is an actual infliction of pain upon another, not merely a failure to avoid wrongdoing.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.162.5)

अनिमित्तमिदं कस्मात्कुयोनित्वमवाप्तवान् । तदेतं संशयं छिंधि शिष्यस्याऽऽत्मप्रियस्य च

animittamidaṁ kasmātkuyonitvamavāptavān tadetaṁ saṁśayaṁ chiṁdhi śiṣyasyā''tmapriyasya ca

Why, without any evident cause, did he attain such a degraded birth? Please dispel this doubt of your own dear, devoted pupil.

Verse 6 (skanda.2.162.6)

इति राज्ञा सुसंपृष्टः श्रुतदेवो महायशाः । साधुसाध्विति संभाष्य वचो व्याहर्तुमादधे

iti rājñā susaṁpṛṣṭaḥ śrutadevo mahāyaśāḥ sādhusādhviti saṁbhāṣya vaco vyāhartumādadhe

Thus well-questioned by the king, the illustrious Shrutadeva, exclaiming "well said, well said," praised him and began to speak.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.162.7)

श्रुतदेव उवाच । शृणु राजन्प्रवक्ष्यामि यत्पृष्टं तु त्वयाऽनघ । शिवायै च शिवेनोक्तं कैलासशिखरेऽमले

śrutadeva uvāca śṛṇu rājanpravakṣyāmi yatpṛṣṭaṁ tu tvayā'nagha śivāyai ca śivenoktaṁ kailāsaśikhare'male

Shrutadeva said: Listen, O sinless king, I shall tell you what you have asked — this is what Shiva himself told Shiva (Parvati) upon the pure summit of Kailasa.

Verse 8 (skanda.2.162.8)

सृष्ट्वेमान्सकलाँल्लोकान्पश्चात्तेषामवस्थितिम् । आमुष्मिकीमैहिकीं च द्विविधां पर्यकल्पयत्

sṛṣṭvemānsakalā~llokānpaścātteṣāmavasthitim āmuṣmikīmaihikīṁ ca dvividhāṁ paryakalpayat

Having created all these worlds, the great Lord thereafter ordained a twofold arrangement for their continuance — one pertaining to the world beyond, and one to this world.

Verse 9 (skanda.2.162.9)

हेतुत्रयं च प्रत्येकं हेतुस्थित्यै महाप्रभुः । जलसेवा चान्नसेवा सेवा चैवौषधस्य च

hetutrayaṁ ca pratyekaṁ hetusthityai mahāprabhuḥ jalasevā cānnasevā sevā caivauṣadhasya ca

For the continuance of each, the great Lord established a threefold cause: the offering of water, the offering of food, and the offering of medicine.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.162.10)

यत्र चैते महाभाग ह्यैहिकस्थिति हेतवः । एवमामुष्मिके राजंस्त्रय एवेरिताः श्रुतौ

yatra caite mahābhāga hyaihikasthiti hetavaḥ evamāmuṣmike rājaṁstraya everitāḥ śrutau

O great one, just as these are the causes for continuance in this world, so too, O king, three such causes are declared in the Veda for the world beyond.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.162.11)

साधुसेवा विष्णुसेवा सेवा धर्मपथस्य च । पुरा सम्पादिता ह्येते परलोकस्य हेतवः

sādhusevā viṣṇusevā sevā dharmapathasya ca purā sampāditā hyete paralokasya hetavaḥ

Service to the virtuous, service to Vishnu, and service to the path of dharma — these three have from ancient times been established as the causes of the world beyond.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.162.12)

गृहे संपादितं यद्वत्पाथेयं पद्धतौ यथा । ऐहिका हेतवो राजन्सद्यः संपादितार्थदाः

gṛhe saṁpāditaṁ yadvatpātheyaṁ paddhatau yathā aihikā hetavo rājansadyaḥ saṁpāditārthadāḥ

Just as provisions gathered beforehand at home serve one upon the road, so too, O king, the causes of this world yield their fruit at once.

Verse 13 (skanda.2.162.13)

किं चेष्टमपि साधूनां मनसो यदि दुस्सहम् । कुतश्चित्कारणाद्राजंस्तच्चानर्थाय कल्पते

kiṁ ceṣṭamapi sādhūnāṁ manaso yadi dussaham kutaścitkāraṇādrājaṁstaccānarthāya kalpate

If, for whatever reason, even a thing dear to the virtuous becomes unbearable to their minds, then, O king, that too tends toward calamity.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.162.14)

अप्रियं किमु वक्तव्यं दुःखहेतुरिति स्फुटम् । अत्रैवोदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम्

apriyaṁ kimu vaktavyaṁ duḥkhaheturiti sphuṭam atraivodāharantīmamitihāsaṁ purātanam

What need then to speak of doing something openly unpleasant, a manifest cause of sorrow? On this very point, an ancient tale is cited as example.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.162.15)

पापघ्नं महदाश्चर्यं शृण्वतां रोमहर्षणम् । यज्ञदीक्षामुपगतः पुरा दक्षः प्रजापतिः

pāpaghnaṁ mahadāścaryaṁ śṛṇvatāṁ romaharṣaṇam yajñadīkṣāmupagataḥ purā dakṣaḥ prajāpatiḥ

That tale destroys sin, is a great wonder, and makes the hair of its hearers stand on end. Long ago, Daksha, lord of creatures, undertook initiation into a sacrifice.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.162.16)

आह्वानार्थं भूतपतेरगमद्रजताचलम् । तं दृष्ट्वा नोत्थितः शंभुस्तस्यैव हितकाम्यया

āhvānārthaṁ bhūtapateragamadrajatācalam taṁ dṛṣṭvā notthitaḥ śaṁbhustasyaiva hitakāmyayā

To invite the Lord of Beings, he went to the silver mountain, Kailasa. But seeing him, Shambhu, out of regard for Daksha's own good, did not rise.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.162.17)

सर्वामरगुरुश्चाऽहं छन्दोगम्यः सनातनः । भृत्या ह्येते बलिहराश्चन्द्रेन्द्राद्याः सुरेश्वराः

sarvāmaraguruścā'haṁ chandogamyaḥ sanātanaḥ bhṛtyā hyete baliharāścandrendrādyāḥ sureśvarāḥ

(Shiva reflected:) I am the preceptor of all the immortals, attainable through the Vedic hymns, eternal; these lords of the gods — Moon, Indra and the rest — are but servants bearing offerings to me.

Verse 18 (skanda.2.162.18)

स्वामी भृत्याय नोत्तिष्ठेत्स्वभार्यायै पतिस्तथा । गुरुः शिष्याय नोत्तिष्ठेदिति शास्त्रविदां मतम्

svāmī bhṛtyāya nottiṣṭhetsvabhāryāyai patistathā guruḥ śiṣyāya nottiṣṭhediti śāstravidāṁ matam

A master does not rise for his servant, nor a husband for his own wife, nor a guru for his pupil — such is the view held by those learned in the scriptures.

Verse 19 (skanda.2.162.19)

न संबन्धो गुरुत्वे च कारणं त्विति वै श्रुतिः । बलं ज्ञानं तपः शांतिर्यत्र चैवाऽधिकं भवेत्

na saṁbandho gurutve ca kāraṇaṁ tviti vai śrutiḥ balaṁ jñānaṁ tapaḥ śāṁtiryatra caivā'dhikaṁ bhavet

The Shruti declares that mere relationship is not the ground of superiority — rather, in whomsoever strength, knowledge, austerity and tranquillity are greater,

Verse 20 (skanda.2.162.20)

स गुरुश्चेतरेषां च नीचा ईयुश्च प्रेष्यताम् । उत्तिष्ठन्ति च स्वाम्याद्या भृत्यादीन्यदि चाऽऽग्रहात्

sa guruścetareṣāṁ ca nīcā īyuśca preṣyatām uttiṣṭhanti ca svāmyādyā bhṛtyādīnyadi cā''grahāt

he alone is the guru of the rest, and those lesser than him fall to service. And if, out of mere insistence, masters and the like do rise for servants and such,

Verse 21 (skanda.2.162.21)

आयुर्वित्तं यशस्तेषां सद्यो नश्यति सन्ततिः । तस्मादहं तु नोत्तिष्ठे प्रियोऽयं श्वशुरो मम

āyurvittaṁ yaśasteṣāṁ sadyo naśyati santatiḥ tasmādahaṁ tu nottiṣṭhe priyo'yaṁ śvaśuro mama

then their lifespan, wealth, fame and offspring are swiftly destroyed. Therefore I shall not rise, even though this is my own dear father-in-law.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.162.22)

इति तस्य हितान्वेषी नोच्चचालाऽऽसनाद्विभुः । नोत्थितं तु मृडं दृष्ट्वा कुपितोऽभूत्प्रजापतिः

iti tasya hitānveṣī noccacālā''sanādvibhuḥ notthitaṁ tu mṛḍaṁ dṛṣṭvā kupito'bhūtprajāpatiḥ

Thus, desiring only Daksha's own good, the Lord did not stir from his seat. Seeing Mrida (Shiva) not rise, Prajapati Daksha grew enraged.

Verse 23 (skanda.2.162.23)

अनिंदद्बहुधा तस्मै पुरतो गिरिजापतेः । अहो दर्पमहो दर्पं दरिद्रस्याऽकृतात्मनः

aniṁdadbahudhā tasmai purato girijāpateḥ aho darpamaho darpaṁ daridrasyā'kṛtātmanaḥ

Right before Girija's lord he reviled him at length: "Ah, what arrogance, what arrogance in this pauper of unrefined soul!

Verse 24 (skanda.2.162.24)

यस्य वित्तं बहुवया वृषश्चर्मावशेषितः । अत एव कपालास्थिधरः पाखण्डगोचरः

yasya vittaṁ bahuvayā vṛṣaścarmāvaśeṣitaḥ ata eva kapālāsthidharaḥ pākhaṇḍagocaraḥ

whose entire wealth is an aged bull and a hide, nothing more — and for that very reason he goes about bearing skulls and bones, a figure of heterodox display.

Verse 25 (skanda.2.162.25)

वृथाऽहंकारिणो दैवं कुतो दास्यति मंगलम् । लोके कृत्येन कर्माणि शुचीनीति विदो विदुः

vṛthā'haṁkāriṇo daivaṁ kuto dāsyati maṁgalam loke kṛtyena karmāṇi śucīnīti vido viduḥ

How shall fate grant good fortune to one so vainly proud? The wise know that in this world deeds are judged pure by their actual conduct.

Verse 26 (skanda.2.162.26)

धत्ते दरिद्रः शीतार्तः पवित्रं च गजाजिनम् । वेश्म श्मशानं यस्य स्याद्भुजंगः किल भूषणम्

dhatte daridraḥ śītārtaḥ pavitraṁ ca gajājinam veśma śmaśānaṁ yasya syādbhujaṁgaḥ kila bhūṣaṇam

This pauper, tormented by cold, wears an elephant-hide as though it were a sacred garment; his dwelling is the cremation-ground, and a serpent, forsooth, is his ornament.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.162.27)

न धीरताऽपि च ज्ञानं वृकात्तस्मात्पलायिते । भूतप्रेतपिशाचादि दुर्जनैः संगतोऽनिशम्

na dhīratā'pi ca jñānaṁ vṛkāttasmātpalāyite bhūtapretapiśācādi durjanaiḥ saṁgato'niśam

He has neither courage nor wisdom — he even flees before a wolf; he keeps company night and day with ghosts, spirits, goblins, and other wicked beings — this very idiot!", so did Daksha, that fool, revile him.

Verse 28 (skanda.2.162.28)

न कुलं श्रूयते क्वाऽपि नाऽसौ वै साधुसम्मतः । वृथा विश्रंभितः पूर्वं नारदेन दुरात्मना

na kulaṁ śrūyate kvā'pi nā'sau vai sādhusammataḥ vṛthā viśraṁbhitaḥ pūrvaṁ nāradena durātmanā

His lineage is heard of nowhere, nor is he approved by the virtuous; in vain did that ill-natured Narada once persuade me to trust in him.

Verse 29 (skanda.2.162.29)

येनाऽहं बोधितः प्रादां कन्यां चैतां सतीं मम । पृथग्धर्मगता चैषा सुखं वसतु तद्गृहे

yenā'haṁ bodhitaḥ prādāṁ kanyāṁ caitāṁ satīṁ mama pṛthagdharmagatā caiṣā sukhaṁ vasatu tadgṛhe

Persuaded by him, I gave this daughter of mine, Sati, to him. Let her, given over to such a peculiar way of life, dwell contentedly in his house.

Verse 30 (skanda.2.162.30)

नास्माभिः श्लाघनीयोऽसौ मत्सुताऽपि कथंचन । यथा कुलालकलशश्चंडालस्य वशं गतः

nāsmābhiḥ ślāghanīyo'sau matsutā'pi kathaṁcana yathā kulālakalaśaścaṁḍālasya vaśaṁ gataḥ

He is in no way to be praised by us, even though he be my own daughter's husband — it is as though a potter's jar had fallen into the hands of an outcaste.

Verse 31 (skanda.2.162.31)

इति दक्षो विमूढात्मा ह्युमां नाहूय तं मृडम्। बहुधा तं विनिर्भर्त्स्य तूष्णीमेव गृहं ययौ

iti dakṣo vimūḍhātmā hyumāṁ nāhūya taṁ mṛḍam bahudhā taṁ vinirbhartsya tūṣṇīmeva gṛhaṁ yayau

Thus Daksha, his mind deluded, without even calling Uma, reviled Mrida at great length, and then departed silently for his own home.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.162.32)

यज्ञवाटं ततो गत्वा ऋत्विग्भिर्मुनिभिः सह। ईजे यज्ञविधानेन निंदन्नेव महाप्रभुम्

yajñavāṭaṁ tato gatvā ṛtvigbhirmunibhiḥ saha īje yajñavidhānena niṁdanneva mahāprabhum

Then, going to the sacrificial enclosure with his officiating priests and sages, he performed the sacrifice according to rite, all the while reviling the great Lord.

Verse 33 (skanda.2.162.33)

ब्रह्मविष्णू विहायैव सर्वे देवाः समागताः । सिद्धचारणगन्धर्वा यक्षराक्षसकिन्नराः

brahmaviṣṇū vihāyaiva sarve devāḥ samāgatāḥ siddhacāraṇagandharvā yakṣarākṣasakinnarāḥ

All the gods, save Brahma and Vishnu, assembled there — Siddhas, Charanas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Rakshasas and Kinnaras as well.

Verse 34 (skanda.2.162.34)

तदा देवी सती पुण्या स्त्रीचाञ्चल्यात्प्रलोभिता । उत्सुका चोत्सवं द्रष्टुं बन्धूंस्तत्र समागतान्

tadā devī satī puṇyā strīcāñcalyātpralobhitā utsukā cotsavaṁ draṣṭuṁ bandhūṁstatra samāgatān

Then the virtuous goddess Sati, tempted by the restlessness natural to women, grew eager to see the festival and her kinsfolk gathered there.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.162.35)

निवार्यमाणा रुद्रेण तरला स्त्रीस्वभावतः । प्रत्युक्ताऽपि पुनश्चैव गन्तव्यमिति निश्चिता

nivāryamāṇā rudreṇa taralā strīsvabhāvataḥ pratyuktā'pi punaścaiva gantavyamiti niścitā

Though forbidden by Rudra, she, restless by feminine nature, though answered again and again, remained resolved that she must go.

Verse 36 (skanda.2.162.36)

स निन्दति सभामध्ये सदा मां वरवर्णिनि । तच्चासह्यं च त्वं श्रुत्वा कायं सत्यं प्रहास्यसि

sa nindati sabhāmadhye sadā māṁ varavarṇini taccāsahyaṁ ca tvaṁ śrutvā kāyaṁ satyaṁ prahāsyasi

(Shiva said:) O fair one, he ever reviles me in the midst of the assembly; hearing that unbearable abuse, you will in truth give up your body.

Verse 37 (skanda.2.162.37)

असह्यमपि सोढव्यं मयाऽपि गृहमिच्छता । मया यथा कृतं देवि तथा त्वं नैव वर्तसे

asahyamapi soḍhavyaṁ mayā'pi gṛhamicchatā mayā yathā kṛtaṁ devi tathā tvaṁ naiva vartase

Even I, wishing to maintain this household, must endure what is unbearable; but, O goddess, you do not conduct yourself as I have done.

Verse 38 (skanda.2.162.38)

तस्मान्मा गच्छ शालां वै न शुभं तु भवेद्ध्रुवम्। इत्येवं बोधिता देवी चापल्यं पुनरागमत्

tasmānmā gaccha śālāṁ vai na śubhaṁ tu bhaveddhruvam ityevaṁ bodhitā devī cāpalyaṁ punarāgamat

Therefore do not go to that sacrificial hall — surely no good will come of it. Though thus counselled, the goddess was again overtaken by restlessness.

Verse 39 (skanda.2.162.39)

निश्चक्राम सती गेहादेकाकी पादचारिणी । तां दृष्ट्वा वृषभस्तूष्णीं पृष्ठे देवीमुवाह सः

niścakrāma satī gehādekākī pādacāriṇī tāṁ dṛṣṭvā vṛṣabhastūṣṇīṁ pṛṣṭhe devīmuvāha saḥ

Sati went forth from the house alone, on foot. Seeing her, the bull (Nandi), in silence, bore the goddess upon its back.

Verse 40 (skanda.2.162.40)

कोटिशो भूतसंघाश्च ह्यनुजग्मुः सतीं तदा । यज्ञवाटं तु सा गत्वा पत्नीशालां ययौ पुरा

koṭiśo bhūtasaṁghāśca hyanujagmuḥ satīṁ tadā yajñavāṭaṁ tu sā gatvā patnīśālāṁ yayau purā

Crores of Shiva's hosts then followed after Sati. Arriving at the sacrificial enclosure, she went first to the pavilion of the wives.

Verse 41 (skanda.2.162.41)

तूष्णीमास सतीं दृष्ट्वा खेदात्तस्माद्विनिर्गता । पतिवाक्यं तु संस्मृत्य जगामोत्तरवेदिकाम्

tūṣṇīmāsa satīṁ dṛṣṭvā khedāttasmādvinirgatā pativākyaṁ tu saṁsmṛtya jagāmottaravedikām

All fell silent upon seeing Sati; grieved at this, she withdrew from there, and, recalling her husband's words, went towards the northern altar.

Verse 42 (skanda.2.162.42)

पिता सभ्याश्च तां दृष्ट्वा स्थितास्तूष्णीं हताशिषः । सा रुद्राहुतिपर्यंतं पश्यंती पितृचेष्टितम्। त्यक्त्वा रुद्रं च जुह्वंतमुवाचाऽश्रुकुलेक्षणा

pitā sabhyāśca tāṁ dṛṣṭvā sthitāstūṣṇīṁ hatāśiṣaḥ sā rudrāhutiparyaṁtaṁ paśyaṁtī pitṛceṣṭitam tyaktvā rudraṁ ca juhvaṁtamuvācā'śrukulekṣaṇā

Her father and the assembly, seeing her, stood mute, as though even a blessing had forsaken them. Watching her father's conduct, and how the oblation for Rudra was withheld, the goddess, her eyes brimming with tears, spoke out to him who was offering oblations while leaving Rudra aside.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.162.43)

देव्युवाच । महदुल्लंघनं पुंसां न प्रायः श्रेयसे भवेत् । लोककर्ता लोकभर्ता सर्वेषां प्रभुरव्ययः

devyuvāca mahadullaṁghanaṁ puṁsāṁ na prāyaḥ śreyase bhavet lokakartā lokabhartā sarveṣāṁ prabhuravyayaḥ

The goddess said: Grave transgression on the part of men rarely leads to good. He is the maker of the worlds, the sustainer of the worlds, the imperishable lord of all.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.162.44)

एवंभूतस्य रुद्रस्य कथं नो दीयते हविः । जातां न किं ते दुर्बुद्धिं हरंत्यन्ये समागताः

evaṁbhūtasya rudrasya kathaṁ no dīyate haviḥ jātāṁ na kiṁ te durbuddhiṁ haraṁtyanye samāgatāḥ

Why then is the oblation not offered to such a Rudra here? Do none of these others gathered here remove this ill judgement that has arisen in you?

Verse 45 (skanda.2.162.45)

न चेदृशा महात्मानः किमेषां विमुखो विधिः

na cedṛśā mahātmānaḥ kimeṣāṁ vimukho vidhiḥ

Are these great souls too not otherwise-minded — has fate turned its face even from them?

Verse 46 (skanda.2.162.46)

इत्येवं भाषमाणां तां पूषा देवो जहास ह । श्मश्रूणां चालनं चक्रे भृगुर्हतशुभस्तथा

ityevaṁ bhāṣamāṇāṁ tāṁ pūṣā devo jahāsa ha śmaśrūṇāṁ cālanaṁ cakre bhṛgurhataśubhastathā

As she spoke thus, the god Pusha laughed at her, and the ill-fated Bhrigu likewise shook his beard in mockery.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.162.47)

भुजपादोरुकक्षाणां स्फालनं चक्रिरे परे । बहुधा निन्दनं चक्रे तत्पिता हतभाग्यवान्

bhujapādorukakṣāṇāṁ sphālanaṁ cakrire pare bahudhā nindanaṁ cakre tatpitā hatabhāgyavān

Others too, mocking, slapped their arms, thighs, and sides; and her ill-fated father heaped upon her abuse of many kinds.

Verse 48 (skanda.2.162.48)

तच्छ्रुत्वा रुद्रभार्या सा कोपाकुलितमानसा । प्रायश्चित्तं श्रुतेः कर्तुं देहं तत्याज सा सती । होमाग्नौ वेदिकामध्ये सर्वेषामेव पश्यताम्

tacchrutvā rudrabhāryā sā kopākulitamānasā prāyaścittaṁ śruteḥ kartuṁ dehaṁ tatyāja sā satī homāgnau vedikāmadhye sarveṣāmeva paśyatām

Hearing this, Rudra's consort, her mind overwhelmed with anger, gave up her body — as an expiation demanded by the Veda's own word — in the sacrificial fire upon the altar, before the eyes of all.

Verse 49 (skanda.2.162.49)

हाहाकारो महानासीद्दुद्रुवुः प्रमथा द्रुतम् । आचख्युर्देवदेवाय वृत्तान्तमखिलं तदा

hāhākāro mahānāsīddudruvuḥ pramathā drutam ācakhyurdevadevāya vṛttāntamakhilaṁ tadā

A great cry of lamentation arose; the Pramathas ran swiftly and reported the entire happening to the God of gods.

Verse 50 (skanda.2.162.50)

तच्छ्रुत्वा सहसोत्थाय रुद्रः कालांतकोपमः । जटामुत्पाट्य हस्तेन भूतले तामताडयत्

tacchrutvā sahasotthāya rudraḥ kālāṁtakopamaḥ jaṭāmutpāṭya hastena bhūtale tāmatāḍayat

Hearing this, Rudra, terrible as Death itself, rose up at once, and, tearing out a lock of his matted hair with his hand, dashed it upon the earth.

Verse 51 (skanda.2.162.51)

ततोऽभवन्महाकायो वीरभद्रो महाबलः । सहस्रबाहुरभवत्कालांतकसमप्रभः

tato'bhavanmahākāyo vīrabhadro mahābalaḥ sahasrabāhurabhavatkālāṁtakasamaprabhaḥ

From it arose the mighty-bodied, immensely powerful Virabhadra, thousand-armed, blazing like Death, the destroyer of all.

Verse 52 (skanda.2.162.52)

बद्धांजलिपुटो भूत्वा व्याजहार हरं तदा । मत्सृष्टिस्तु यदर्थं ते तदर्थं मा नियोजय

baddhāṁjalipuṭo bhūtvā vyājahāra haraṁ tadā matsṛṣṭistu yadarthaṁ te tadarthaṁ mā niyojaya

Joining his palms, he addressed Hara: "For whatever purpose you have created me, employ me in that very task."

Verse 53 (skanda.2.162.53)

इत्युक्तः प्राह तं क्रुद्धो धूर्जटिश्च पुरः स्थितम्

ityuktaḥ prāha taṁ kruddho dhūrjaṭiśca puraḥ sthitam

Thus addressed, the enraged Dhurjati (Shiva) spoke to him as he stood before him.

Verse 54 (skanda.2.162.54)

हन त्वं निन्दकं दक्षं यदर्थे मत्प्रिया हता । भूतसंघास्तु गच्छन्तु सहैतेन महाबलाः

hana tvaṁ nindakaṁ dakṣaṁ yadarthe matpriyā hatā bhūtasaṁghāstu gacchantu sahaitena mahābalāḥ

Slay that reviler Daksha, for whose sake my beloved has perished; and let the mighty hosts of Bhutas go along with him.

Verse 55 (skanda.2.162.55)

इत्यादिष्टा भगवता ययुर्यज्ञसभां तदा । जघ्नुः सर्वान्महावीरान्देवासुरनरादिकान्

ityādiṣṭā bhagavatā yayuryajñasabhāṁ tadā jaghnuḥ sarvānmahāvīrāndevāsuranarādikān

Thus commanded by the Lord, they went at once to the sacrificial assembly and slew all the great warriors there — gods, demons, men and others alike.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.162.56)

पूष्णश्च हसतो दंताञ्जटाभूश्च बभञ्ज ह । श्मश्रूण्युत्पाटयांचक्रे भृगोस्तस्य दुरात्मनः

pūṣṇaśca hasato daṁtāñjaṭābhūśca babhañja ha śmaśrūṇyutpāṭayāṁcakre bhṛgostasya durātmanaḥ

Jatabhu (Virabhadra) broke the teeth of the laughing Pusha, and tore out the beard of that ill-natured Bhrigu.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.162.57)

यद्यदास्फालितं पूर्वं तत्तच्चिच्छेद वीर्यवान् । ततो दक्षशिरो हर्तुं बहूद्योगं चकार ह

yadyadāsphālitaṁ pūrvaṁ tattacciccheda vīryavān tato dakṣaśiro hartuṁ bahūdyogaṁ cakāra ha

Whatever limbs had earlier been slapped in mockery, that mighty one now severed. Then he made great effort to sever Daksha's head as well.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.162.58)

मुनिमंत्रप्रगुप्तं तु नैव कृंतति तद्बलात् । हरो ज्ञात्वा तु चिच्छेद स्वयमेत्य दुरात्मनः

munimaṁtrapraguptaṁ tu naiva kṛṁtati tadbalāt haro jñātvā tu ciccheda svayametya durātmanaḥ

Guarded as it was by the sages' mantras, it could not be severed even by force. Knowing this, Hara himself came there and severed the head of that ill-natured one.

Verse 59 (skanda.2.162.59)

एवं मखगतान्हत्वा साऽनुगः स्वालयं ययौ । हतावशिष्टाः केचित्तु ब्रह्माणं शरणं ययुः

evaṁ makhagatānhatvā sā'nugaḥ svālayaṁ yayau hatāvaśiṣṭāḥ kecittu brahmāṇaṁ śaraṇaṁ yayuḥ

Having thus slain those present at the sacrifice, he returned with his followers to his own abode. Some who survived the slaughter took refuge with Brahma.

Verse 60 (skanda.2.162.60)

तैरन्वितो ययौ ब्रह्मा कैलासं तु शिवालयम् । ततो रुद्रं सान्त्वयित्वा वचोभिर्विविधैरपि

tairanvito yayau brahmā kailāsaṁ tu śivālayam tato rudraṁ sāntvayitvā vacobhirvividhairapi

Accompanied by them, Brahma went to Kailasa, the abode of Shiva; and there, having pacified Rudra with words of many kinds,

Verse 61 (skanda.2.162.61)

तेनैव सहितः प्रागाद्यज्ञवाटं महाप्रभुः । तेनैवोज्जीवयामास सर्वान्यज्ञसमागतान्

tenaiva sahitaḥ prāgādyajñavāṭaṁ mahāprabhuḥ tenaivojjīvayāmāsa sarvānyajñasamāgatān

the great Lord went along with him to the sacrificial enclosure, and by his own power revived all those who had come to the sacrifice and had fallen there.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.162.62)

ख्यात्यै प्रादादजमुखं दक्षस्य तु तदा शिवः । अजश्मश्रूण्यदाच्छंभुर्भृगवे तु महात्मने

khyātyai prādādajamukhaṁ dakṣasya tu tadā śivaḥ ajaśmaśrūṇyadācchaṁbhurbhṛgave tu mahātmane

Then, for the sake of renown, Shiva gave Daksha the head of a goat, and to the great-souled Bhrigu he gave the beard of a goat.

Verse 63 (skanda.2.162.63)

पूष्णश्च दंतान्न प्रादात्पिष्टादं च चकार ह । तदङ्गानां व्यतिकरं केषांचिदपि वै शिवः

pūṣṇaśca daṁtānna prādātpiṣṭādaṁ ca cakāra ha tadaṅgānāṁ vyatikaraṁ keṣāṁcidapi vai śivaḥ

To Pusha teeth were not restored; instead, he was made to eat only ground, pounded food. And of certain others too, Shiva exchanged their limbs among themselves.

Verse 64 (skanda.2.162.64)

शिवमापुश्च ते सर्वे ब्रह्मणा च शिवेन च । पुनः प्रवर्तितो यज्ञो यथापूर्वं महात्मनः

śivamāpuśca te sarve brahmaṇā ca śivena ca punaḥ pravartito yajño yathāpūrvaṁ mahātmanaḥ

By the grace of both Brahma and Shiva, all of them attained well-being, and the great soul's sacrifice was again carried forward as before.

Verse 65 (skanda.2.162.65)

यज्ञान्ते सर्वदेवाश्च जग्मुस्ते स्वस्वमालयम् । नैष्ठिकं ब्रह्मचर्यं तु कृत्वा रुद्रो महातपाः

yajñānte sarvadevāśca jagmuste svasvamālayam naiṣṭhikaṁ brahmacaryaṁ tu kṛtvā rudro mahātapāḥ

At the end of the sacrifice, all the gods departed each to his own abode. Rudra, the great ascetic, then took up lifelong celibacy,

Verse 66 (skanda.2.162.66)

तेपे गंगातटे रुद्रः पुन्नागतरुमूलगः । दक्षात्मजा सती देवी त्यक्तदेहा पतिव्रता

tepe gaṁgātaṭe rudraḥ punnāgatarumūlagaḥ dakṣātmajā satī devī tyaktadehā pativratā

and practised austerities at the root of a punnaga tree on the bank of the Ganga. Meanwhile the chaste goddess Sati, Daksha's daughter, who had given up her body,

Verse 67 (skanda.2.162.67)

जज्ञे हिमाद्रेर्मेनक्यां ववृधे तस्य वेश्मनि। एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु तारकाख्यो महासुरः

jajñe himādrermenakyāṁ vavṛdhe tasya veśmani etasminneva kāle tu tārakākhyo mahāsuraḥ

was reborn from Menaka, wife of the Himalaya, and grew up in his own house. At this very time, the great demon named Taraka,

Verse 68 (skanda.2.162.68)

स तीव्रतपसाऽऽराध्य ब्रह्माणं परमेष्ठिनम् । अवध्यत्वं वरं वव्रे देवासुरनरोरगैः

sa tīvratapasā''rādhya brahmāṇaṁ parameṣṭhinam avadhyatvaṁ varaṁ vavre devāsuranaroragaiḥ

through fierce austerity, propitiated Brahma the Supreme, and asked for the boon of being unslayable by gods, demons, men, and serpents,

Verse 69 (skanda.2.162.69)

आयुधैरस्त्रसंघैश्च सर्वैरेव महाबलैः । रुद्रपुत्रं विना दैत्य ह्यवध्यः सकलैरपि

āyudhairastrasaṁghaiśca sarvaireva mahābalaiḥ rudraputraṁ vinā daitya hyavadhyaḥ sakalairapi

and by every weapon and every mighty missile as well — that this demon should be unslayable by all save the son of Rudra.

Verse 70 (skanda.2.162.70)

इति तस्मै वरं प्रादाद्ब्रह्मा लोकपितामहः । अस्त्रीकत्वादपुत्रत्वाद्रुद्रस्येति तथास्त्विति

iti tasmai varaṁ prādādbrahmā lokapitāmahaḥ astrīkatvādaputratvādrudrasyeti tathāstviti

Brahma, grandsire of the worlds, granted him this boon — thinking that, since Rudra was without wife and without son, saying "so be it," he gave his consent.

Verse 71 (skanda.2.162.71)

वरं गृहीत्वा स्वगृहं प्राप्य लोकान्बबाध ह । दासा देवा मार्जनादौ दास्यो देव्यश्च तद्गृहे

varaṁ gṛhītvā svagṛhaṁ prāpya lokānbabādha ha dāsā devā mārjanādau dāsyo devyaśca tadgṛhe

Having obtained the boon, he returned to his own abode and began to oppress the worlds; the gods were made servants in his house, set even to sweeping, and the goddesses were made his maidservants.

Verse 72 (skanda.2.162.72)

ततस्तत्पीडिता देवा ब्रह्माणं शरणं ययुः । तैः पीडां वर्णितां श्रुत्वा वेधाः प्राह सुरानिदम्

tatastatpīḍitā devā brahmāṇaṁ śaraṇaṁ yayuḥ taiḥ pīḍāṁ varṇitāṁ śrutvā vedhāḥ prāha surānidam

Then the oppressed gods took refuge with Brahma. Hearing the suffering they described, the Creator spoke thus to the gods.

Verse 73 (skanda.2.162.73)

वरप्रदानकालेऽहं रुद्रपुत्रं विना सुराः । नख्यैवध्य इति प्रादां वरं तस्मै दुरात्मने

varapradānakāle'haṁ rudraputraṁ vinā surāḥ nakhyaivadhya iti prādāṁ varaṁ tasmai durātmane

"O gods, at the time of granting the boon, I gave that ill-natured one this boon — that he should be unslayable even by nails, save by the son of Rudra.

Verse 74 (skanda.2.162.74)

पुरा सती रुद्रपत्नी सत्रे त्यक्तकलेवरा । जाता हिमवतः पुत्री पार्वतीति च यां विदुः

purā satī rudrapatnī satre tyaktakalevarā jātā himavataḥ putrī pārvatīti ca yāṁ viduḥ

Sati, formerly Rudra's wife, who gave up her body at the sacrifice, has now been born as the daughter of the Himalaya, known by the name Parvati.

Verse 75 (skanda.2.162.75)

रुद्रो हिमवतः पृष्ठे तपश्चरति दुश्चरम् । योजयध्वं च पार्वत्या रुद्रं लोकेश्वरं प्रभुम्

rudro himavataḥ pṛṣṭhe tapaścarati duścaram yojayadhvaṁ ca pārvatyā rudraṁ lokeśvaraṁ prabhum

Rudra now practises severe austerity upon the slopes of the Himalaya. Unite Rudra, lord of the worlds, with Parvati."

Verse 76 (skanda.2.162.76)

पुनर्देवेन्द्रसदने संगतैरमरेश्वरैः । धिषणेनाऽपि सम्मंत्र्य देवेंद्रः पाकशासनः

punardevendrasadane saṁgatairamareśvaraiḥ dhiṣaṇenā'pi sammaṁtrya deveṁdraḥ pākaśāsanaḥ

Then, gathering again in the palace of the lord of gods with the assembled immortals, and taking counsel also with Brihaspati (Dhishana), Pakashasana (Indra)

Verse 77 (skanda.2.162.77)

सस्मार च स कार्यार्थं नारदं स्मरमेव च । तत्राऽऽगतौ ततस्तौ तु बलभिद्वाक्यमब्रवीत्

sasmāra ca sa kāryārthaṁ nāradaṁ smarameva ca tatrā''gatau tatastau tu balabhidvākyamabravīt

called to mind, for the sake of this task, both Narada and Kama. When both had come there, Balabhid (Indra) spoke these words to them.

Verse 78 (skanda.2.162.78)

हिमवन्तं भवान्गत्वा वचसा तं निबोधय । पुत्री तव प्राग्दक्षस्य हरपत्नी सुता सती

himavantaṁ bhavāngatvā vacasā taṁ nibodhaya putrī tava prāgdakṣasya harapatnī sutā satī

"Go to the Himalaya and make this known to him in words — your daughter, who was formerly Daksha's daughter, Sati, wife of Hara,

Verse 79 (skanda.2.162.79)

तपश्चरति ते शृंगे वियुक्ता दशकन्यया । मृडस्तस्य सपर्यायै विनियोजय तत्प्रियाम्

tapaścarati te śṛṁge viyuktā daśakanyayā mṛḍastasya saparyāyai viniyojaya tatpriyām

now practises austerity on your peak, deprived of ten handmaidens. Appoint that beloved of Mrida to attend upon him.

Verse 80 (skanda.2.162.80)

तस्यैव पत्नी भविता स एव भविता पतिः । इत्याऽऽदिष्टो मघोना च नारदोपेत्य तं गिरिम्

tasyaiva patnī bhavitā sa eva bhavitā patiḥ ityā''diṣṭo maghonā ca nāradopetya taṁ girim

She shall be his wife alone, and he alone shall be her husband." Thus instructed by Maghavan, Narada approached that mountain.

Verse 81 (skanda.2.162.81)

तथैव कारयामास देवेन्द्रेणोदितं यथा । पश्चात्कामं समाहूय मघवानिद माह च

tathaiva kārayāmāsa devendreṇoditaṁ yathā paścātkāmaṁ samāhūya maghavānida māha ca

He arranged matters just as the Lord of the gods had directed. Afterward Maghavan summoned Kama and spoke to him thus.

Verse 82 (skanda.2.162.82)

देवानां च हितार्थाय तथा मृडहिताय च । वसन्तेन समायुक्तो गत्वा रुद्रतपोवनम्

devānāṁ ca hitārthāya tathā mṛḍahitāya ca vasantena samāyukto gatvā rudratapovanam

"For the welfare of the gods, and likewise for Mrida's own good, go, taking Vasanta (Spring) with you, to Rudra's forest of austerity.

Verse 83 (skanda.2.162.83)

गुणान्विजृम्भयित्वा तु वासं तान्हृच्छयावहान् । यदा सन्निहिता देवी पार्वती तु मृडस्य च

guṇānvijṛmbhayitvā tu vāsaṁ tānhṛcchayāvahān yadā sannihitā devī pārvatī tu mṛḍasya ca

There, unfold those qualities that stir desire in the heart — and when the goddess Parvati is present near Mrida,

Verse 84 (skanda.2.162.84)

तदा प्रयुज्य त्वं वाणान्मोहयस्व महाप्रभुम् । तयोस्तु संगमे जाते कार्यं नोऽद्धा भविष्यति

tadā prayujya tvaṁ vāṇānmohayasva mahāprabhum tayostu saṁgame jāte kāryaṁ no'ddhā bhaviṣyati

then, letting fly your arrows, bewilder the great Lord; once union comes about between the two of them, our purpose shall certainly be accomplished.

Verse 85 (skanda.2.162.85)

इत्यादिष्टः स्मरस्तूर्णं प्रतस्थे बाढमित्यथ । सवसंतः सरतिकः सानुगस्तद्वनं ययौ

ityādiṣṭaḥ smarastūrṇaṁ pratasthe bāḍhamityatha savasaṁtaḥ saratikaḥ sānugastadvanaṁ yayau

Thus commanded, Kama, saying "so be it," set out at once, and, together with Vasanta, Rati, and his attendants, went to that forest.

Verse 86 (skanda.2.162.86)

अकाले तु वसंतर्तुं जृंभयित्वा स्वशक्तितः । तद्वने सर्वतो रम्ये मन्दाऽनिलनिषेविते

akāle tu vasaṁtartuṁ jṛṁbhayitvā svaśaktitaḥ tadvane sarvato ramye mandā'nilaniṣevite

Bringing on, out of season, by his own power, the fullness of the spring season in that forest, delightful on every side and fanned by gentle breezes,

Verse 87 (skanda.2.162.87)

कदाचिद्देवदेवोऽपि पार्वत्याश्च सपर्यया । प्रीतः स्वाङ्कं समारोप्य किंचिद्व्याहर्तुमारभत्

kadāciddevadevo'pi pārvatyāśca saparyayā prītaḥ svāṅkaṁ samāropya kiṁcidvyāhartumārabhat

once, even the God of gods, pleased by Parvati's attendance upon him, seated her upon his own lap and began to speak with her a little.

Verse 88 (skanda.2.162.88)

प्राणप्रिया सङ्गमस्य कालोऽयमिति निश्चितः । पेशलं धनुरादाय स तस्थौ हरपृष्ठतः

prāṇapriyā saṅgamasya kālo'yamiti niścitaḥ peśalaṁ dhanurādāya sa tasthau harapṛṣṭhataḥ

"This is the very moment for that union dearer than life" — thus resolved, Kama took up his delicate bow and stood behind Hara.

Verse 89 (skanda.2.162.89)

कृत्वा जवनिकां वृक्षं बाणमेकं मुमोच ह । द्वितीयमपि संधाय चक्रे मोक्तुं महोद्यमम्

kṛtvā javanikāṁ vṛkṣaṁ bāṇamekaṁ mumoca ha dvitīyamapi saṁdhāya cakre moktuṁ mahodyamam

Making a tree his screen, he loosed one arrow, and, fitting a second to his bow as well, made great effort to release it too.

Verse 90 (skanda.2.162.90)

अथ क्षुब्धमना भूत्वा मृडश्चिंतामवाप ह । न मे मनश्चलेत्क्वापि केन वा कश्मलीकृतम्

atha kṣubdhamanā bhūtvā mṛḍaściṁtāmavāpa ha na me manaścaletkvāpi kena vā kaśmalīkṛtam

Then Mrida's mind grew disturbed, and he fell into this thought: "My mind wavers nowhere at all — by whom, then, and by what has it now been so troubled?"

Verse 91 (skanda.2.162.91)

इति चिन्ताकुलो वामे पार्श्वे कामं ददर्श ह । क्रुद्धोन्मील्य ललाटाक्षं स्वाङ्काद्देवीमपास्य च

iti cintākulo vāme pārśve kāmaṁ dadarśa ha kruddhonmīlya lalāṭākṣaṁ svāṅkāddevīmapāsya ca

Thus troubled by anxiety, he saw Kama at his left side, and, enraged, opened his forehead-eye, and, setting the goddess aside from his lap,

Verse 92 (skanda.2.162.92)

तस्याक्ष्णः समभूदग्निस्तीक्ष्णो लोकविभीषणः । तेन दग्धोऽभवत्सद्यो मन्मथः सशरासनः

tasyākṣṇaḥ samabhūdagnistīkṣṇo lokavibhīṣaṇaḥ tena dagdho'bhavatsadyo manmathaḥ saśarāsanaḥ

from that eye there came forth a fierce fire, terrifying to all the worlds. By that fire Manmatha, together with his bow, was instantly reduced to ashes.

Verse 93 (skanda.2.162.93)

कार्यसिद्धिं च पश्यंतो दुद्रुवुश्चामरा दिवम् । शंकमानाः स्वदण्डं च वसन्तो रतिरेव च

kāryasiddhiṁ ca paśyaṁto dudruvuścāmarā divam śaṁkamānāḥ svadaṇḍaṁ ca vasanto ratireva ca

Seeing their purpose accomplished, the gods fled swiftly to heaven; Vasanta and Rati too, fearing punishment upon themselves, fled from that place.

Verse 94 (skanda.2.162.94)

निमील्य लोचने भीता देवी दूरं प्रदुद्रुवे । सन्निधानं स्त्रियो हर्तुं मृडोप्यंतरधीयत

nimīlya locane bhītā devī dūraṁ pradudruve sannidhānaṁ striyo hartuṁ mṛḍopyaṁtaradhīyata

The frightened goddess closed her eyes and fled far away. Withdrawing the woman's very presence from himself, Mrida too vanished from sight.

Verse 95 (skanda.2.162.95)

रुद्रस्येष्टं प्रकुर्वाणो देवश्च मनसो हितम् । लेभेऽनर्थमनिर्वृत्तं विप्रियं कुर्वतस्तु किम्

rudrasyeṣṭaṁ prakurvāṇo devaśca manaso hitam lebhe'narthamanirvṛttaṁ vipriyaṁ kurvatastu kim

Even while performing what was dear to Rudra and beneficial to his mind, the god (Kama) met with such unresolved calamity — what then of one who does something actually unpleasant!

Verse 96 (skanda.2.162.96)

तस्मादिक्ष्वाकुतनयः साधूनामप्रियः सदा । तस्मादात्महितां सेवां नाऽकरोन्मन्दधीः सताम्

tasmādikṣvākutanayaḥ sādhūnāmapriyaḥ sadā tasmādātmahitāṁ sevāṁ nā'karonmandadhīḥ satām

Therefore that son of Ikshvaku ever did what was displeasing to the virtuous; therefore that dull-witted one failed to render service to the good — service that was for his own true benefit.

Verse 97 (skanda.2.162.97)

अनुभूतं महद्दुःखं तस्माद्दुर्योनिरेव च । तस्मात्कुर्यात्तु साधूनां सेवां सर्वार्थसाधिनीम्

anubhūtaṁ mahadduḥkhaṁ tasmādduryonireva ca tasmātkuryāttu sādhūnāṁ sevāṁ sarvārthasādhinīm

Because of this he underwent great sorrow and attained degraded births as well. Therefore one should render service to the virtuous, service that accomplishes every human aim.

Verse 98 (skanda.2.162.98)

रुद्रस्याऽप्रियकारित्वात्स्मरो भाविनि जन्मनि । दुःखं तु बहुलं लेभे जन्मकाले महाप्रभुः

rudrasyā'priyakāritvātsmaro bhāvini janmani duḥkhaṁ tu bahulaṁ lebhe janmakāle mahāprabhuḥ

Because he had done what was displeasing to Rudra, Smara (Kama), in his subsequent birth too, met with abundant sorrow — even at the time of that great lord's birth, this heavy suffering befell him.

Verse 99 (skanda.2.162.99)

इतिहासमिमं पुण्यं ये शृण्वन्ति दिवानिशम् । जन्ममृत्युजरादिभ्यो मुच्यंतेनाऽत्र संशयः

itihāsamimaṁ puṇyaṁ ye śṛṇvanti divāniśam janmamṛtyujarādibhyo mucyaṁtenā'tra saṁśayaḥ

Those who listen, day and night, to this sacred history are freed from birth, death, old age and the rest — of this there is no doubt.