The Birth of Kumara

Verse 1 (skanda.2.163.1)

मैथिल उवाच । तस्य दग्धस्य कामस्य कस्माज्जन्माऽभवद्विभो । किं दुःखमभवत्तस्मिन्कर्मणः सह लंघनात्

maithila uvāca tasya dagdhasya kāmasya kasmājjanmā'bhavadvibho kiṁ duḥkhamabhavattasminkarmaṇaḥ saha laṁghanāt

Maithila said: O lord, for what reason was that incinerated Kama born again? And in connection with that transgression of duty, what sorrow befell in his case?

Verse 2 (skanda.2.163.2)

एतदाचक्ष्व मे ब्रह्मंश्च्छ्रोतुं कौतूहलं हि मे । श्रुतदेव उवाच । कुमारजन्म वक्ष्यामि श्रवणात्पापनाशनम्

etadācakṣva me brahmaṁścchrotuṁ kautūhalaṁ hi me śrutadeva uvāca kumārajanma vakṣyāmi śravaṇātpāpanāśanam

O Brahmin, tell me this, for I am eager to hear it. Shrutadeva said: I shall relate the birth of Kumara, which destroys sin by the mere hearing of it.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.163.3)

यशस्यं पुत्रदं धर्म्यं सर्वरोगविनाशनम् । शंभुना तु हते कामे तत्पत्नी रतिसंज्ञिका

yaśasyaṁ putradaṁ dharmyaṁ sarvarogavināśanam śaṁbhunā tu hate kāme tatpatnī ratisaṁjñikā

It bestows fame, grants sons, is conducive to dharma, and destroys every disease. When Kama was burnt by Shambhu, his wife, named Rati,

Verse 4 (skanda.2.163.4)

मुमोह पुरतो दृष्ट्वा पतिं भस्मावशेषितम्। जातसंज्ञा मुहूर्तेन विललाप च चित्रधा

mumoha purato dṛṣṭvā patiṁ bhasmāvaśeṣitam jātasaṁjñā muhūrtena vilalāpa ca citradhā

on seeing her husband before her reduced to mere ashes, fainted away; regaining consciousness within a moment, she lamented in many strange ways.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.163.5)

यद्विलापाद्वनं चापि समदुःखमभूत्तदा । तच्चिताग्नौ स्वकायं तु त्यक्तुकामा च माधवम्

yadvilāpādvanaṁ cāpi samaduḥkhamabhūttadā taccitāgnau svakāyaṁ tu tyaktukāmā ca mādhavam

By her lamenting, even the forest itself seemed to share in her sorrow. She then wished to give up her own body in that very funeral fire, and — recalling Madhava, her husband's companion —

Verse 6 (skanda.2.163.6)

पत्युः सखायं सस्मार कर्तुं तात्कालिकीं क्रियाम् । स आगतश्चितिं कर्त्तुं वीरपत्न्या महाप्रभुः

patyuḥ sakhāyaṁ sasmāra kartuṁ tātkālikīṁ kriyām sa āgataścitiṁ karttuṁ vīrapatnyā mahāprabhuḥ

she called to mind that companion of her husband, so that he might perform the immediate rite. That great one, Vasanta, came to build the pyre for the hero's wife.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.163.7)

स तु त्रस्तः सखीं दृष्ट्वा क्षणं मूर्च्छापरोऽभवत् । रतिं तु सान्त्वयामास सान्त्वैर्बहुविधैरपि

sa tu trastaḥ sakhīṁ dṛṣṭvā kṣaṇaṁ mūrcchāparo'bhavat ratiṁ tu sāntvayāmāsa sāntvairbahuvidhairapi

Seeing his companion, he too was struck with dread and fell into a brief swoon. Then he consoled Rati with words of comfort of many kinds.

Verse 8 (skanda.2.163.8)

पुत्रतुल्योऽस्मि ते भद्रे स्थिते मयि च नाऽर्हसि । कायं त्यक्तुं धर्महेतुमित्याद्यैर्बहुधाऽपि सा

putratulyo'smi te bhadre sthite mayi ca nā'rhasi kāyaṁ tyaktuṁ dharmahetumityādyairbahudhā'pi sā

"O gentle one, I am to you as a son; while I remain, it is not proper for you to give up your body even in the name of duty" — thus counselled at length by many such words, she,

Verse 9 (skanda.2.163.9)

नैव स्थातुं मनश्चक्रे तेन संस्तभिता रतिः । दृष्ट्वा दार्ढ्यं वसन्तोऽपि चितिं चक्रे सरित्तटे

naiva sthātuṁ manaścakre tena saṁstabhitā ratiḥ dṛṣṭvā dārḍhyaṁ vasanto'pi citiṁ cakre sarittaṭe

even so held back by him, could not resolve her mind to stay. Seeing her firm resolve, Vasanta then built the pyre upon the riverbank.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.163.10)

साऽवगाह्य द्युनद्यां च कृत्वा कार्याणि सर्वशः । सन्नियम्येन्द्रियग्रामं निवेश्यात्मनि वै मनः

sā'vagāhya dyunadyāṁ ca kṛtvā kāryāṇi sarvaśaḥ sanniyamyendriyagrāmaṁ niveśyātmani vai manaḥ

Having bathed in that celestial river, having performed all the requisite rites, having restrained the multitude of her senses and fixed her mind upon the self,

Verse 11 (skanda.2.163.11)

चितिमारोढुमारेभे ततो जाताऽशरीरवाक् । मा प्रवेशय कल्याणि वह्निं पतिपरायणा

citimāroḍhumārebhe tato jātā'śarīravāk mā praveśaya kalyāṇi vahniṁ patiparāyaṇā

she began to mount the pyre. Then a disembodied voice arose: "O auspicious one, devoted as you are to your husband, do not enter the fire.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.163.12)

भविष्यति च ते पत्युर्हराद्विष्णोश्च यादवात् । जन्मद्वयं क्रमेणैव तत्र चोत्तरजन्मनि

bhaviṣyati ca te patyurharādviṣṇośca yādavāt janmadvayaṁ krameṇaiva tatra cottarajanmani

Your husband shall have two births in succession — one from Hara, and one from the Yadava incarnation of Vishnu; and in that latter birth,

Verse 13 (skanda.2.163.13)

भैष्म्यां कृष्णान्महाविष्णोः प्रद्युम्नाख्यो भविष्यति । वसिष्यसि त्वं च शापाद्ब्रह्मणः शंबरालये

bhaiṣmyāṁ kṛṣṇānmahāviṣṇoḥ pradyumnākhyo bhaviṣyati vasiṣyasi tvaṁ ca śāpādbrahmaṇaḥ śaṁbarālaye

he shall be born of Bhaishmi (Rukmini) from the great Vishnu Krishna, under the name Pradyumna; and you, by a curse of Brahma, shall dwell in the abode of the demon Shambara.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.163.14)

प्रद्युम्नाख्येन ते पत्या संगतिश्च भविष्यति । इत्युक्त्वा विररामाऽथ वाणी चाऽऽकाशगोचरा

pradyumnākhyena te patyā saṁgatiśca bhaviṣyati ityuktvā virarāmā'tha vāṇī cā''kāśagocarā

There you shall be reunited with that very husband of yours under the name Pradyumna." So saying, the voice from the sky fell silent.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.163.15)

श्रुत्वा तां तु निवृत्ताऽभून्मरणे कृतनिश्चया । ततो देवाः समाजग्मुः स्वार्थे कामे हते हरात्

śrutvā tāṁ tu nivṛttā'bhūnmaraṇe kṛtaniścayā tato devāḥ samājagmuḥ svārthe kāme hate harāt

Hearing this, Rati, who had resolved upon death, turned back from it. Thereafter the gods, their own purpose achieved by Kama's slaying at Hara's hands, gathered there,

Verse 16 (skanda.2.163.16)

रत्या कृतं प्रपश्यन्तो गुर्विन्द्राग्निपुरोगमाः । तां ते निवर्तयामासुर्वरेण महता सतीम्

ratyā kṛtaṁ prapaśyanto gurvindrāgnipurogamāḥ tāṁ te nivartayāmāsurvareṇa mahatā satīm

with Brihaspati, Indra, Agni and the rest at their head, and, seeing what Rati intended, turned that faithful wife back from her purpose by granting her a great boon.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.163.17)

अनंगोऽपि भवेत्साऽङ्गो मृत एवाऽक्षिगो भवेत् । इति तां तु विनिर्वर्त्य धर्मं चोपदिदेशिरे

anaṁgo'pi bhavetsā'ṅgo mṛta evā'kṣigo bhavet iti tāṁ tu vinirvartya dharmaṁ copadideśire

"Though he has become bodiless (Ananga), even in death he shall still become visible to you" — thus turning her back, they also instructed her in dharma.

Verse 18 (skanda.2.163.18)

पूर्वकल्पे त्वयं राजा सुंदराख्यो महाप्रभुः । त्वमेव पत्नी तत्राऽपि रजःसंकरकारिणी

pūrvakalpe tvayaṁ rājā suṁdarākhyo mahāprabhuḥ tvameva patnī tatrā'pi rajaḥsaṁkarakāriṇī

"In a former cycle, this great lord was a king named Sundara, and you yourself were his wife then too, though given to conduct tainted by impurity.

Verse 19 (skanda.2.163.19)

तेनेयञ्च दशाभूत्ते कुर्विदानीं च निष्कृतीम् । मंदाकिन्यां तु वैशाखे प्रातःस्नानं तदा कुरु

teneyañca daśābhūtte kurvidānīṁ ca niṣkṛtīm maṁdākinyāṁ tu vaiśākhe prātaḥsnānaṁ tadā kuru

For that reason has this state befallen you; now perform its expiation — bathe at dawn in the month of Vaishakha in the Mandakini (Ganga),

Verse 20 (skanda.2.163.20)

मधुसूदनमभ्यर्च्य कथां दिव्यां तथा शृणु । अशून्यशयनं नाम व्रतमारभ भामिनि

madhusūdanamabhyarcya kathāṁ divyāṁ tathā śṛṇu aśūnyaśayanaṁ nāma vratamārabha bhāmini

worship Madhusudana, and listen to his divine story. O lovely one, undertake the vow named Ashunya-shayana (the vow of the never-empty bed).

Verse 21 (skanda.2.163.21)

धर्मेणाऽनेन ते भद्रे व्रतेनाऽपि च माधवे । नूनं त भविता पत्युरुपलब्धिर्न संशयः

dharmeṇā'nena te bhadre vratenā'pi ca mādhave nūnaṁ ta bhavitā patyurupalabdhirna saṁśayaḥ

By this observance, O gentle one, and by this vow devoted to Madhava, you shall surely regain your husband — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.163.22)

इति तस्यै वरं दत्त्वा देवा जग्मुर्यथाऽऽगताः । तथा कृच्छ्रान्निवृत्ता सा देवी कामसती तथा

iti tasyai varaṁ dattvā devā jagmuryathā''gatāḥ tathā kṛcchrānnivṛttā sā devī kāmasatī tathā

Having thus granted her this boon, the gods departed as they had come. Thus, with great difficulty, that goddess, Kama's faithful wife, was turned back from her resolve,

Verse 23 (skanda.2.163.23)

गंगाऽवगाहनं चक्रे मेषसंस्थे दिवाकरे । अशून्यशयनं नाम व्रतं चाऽपि महामनाः

gaṁgā'vagāhanaṁ cakre meṣasaṁsthe divākare aśūnyaśayanaṁ nāma vrataṁ cā'pi mahāmanāḥ

and, while the sun stood in Aries, she bathed in the Ganga, and that noble-minded one also performed the vow named Ashunya-shayana.

Verse 24 (skanda.2.163.24)

तेन पुण्यप्रभावेन सद्यः कामोऽक्षिगोचरः । अभूत्तस्यै महाराज लोके चावार्य वीर्यवान्

tena puṇyaprabhāvena sadyaḥ kāmo'kṣigocaraḥ abhūttasyai mahārāja loke cāvārya vīryavān

By the power of that merit, O great king, Kama at once became visible before her eyes, mighty and unimpeded in the world.

Verse 25 (skanda.2.163.25)

पूर्वकल्पेऽप्ययमपि राजा धर्मपरायणः । वैशाखोक्तान्महाधर्मान्नाकरोत्तेन वै स्मरः

pūrvakalpe'pyayamapi rājā dharmaparāyaṇaḥ vaiśākhoktānmahādharmānnākarottena vai smaraḥ

Even in the former cycle, this dharma-devoted king (Sundara) had failed to perform the great observances declared for Vaishakha; and for that very reason Smara (Kama) —

Verse 26 (skanda.2.163.26)

देहहानिं प्रपेदेऽसौ पुत्रोऽपि परमात्मनः । वृथा नीते तु वैशाखे मेषसंस्थे दिवाकरे

dehahāniṁ prapede'sau putro'pi paramātmanaḥ vṛthā nīte tu vaiśākhe meṣasaṁsthe divākare

even he, son of the Supreme Self, met with the loss of his body — because the month of Vaishakha, while the sun stood in Aries, had been let pass in vain.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.163.27)

अवस्थेयं च देवानां मनुष्याणां तु का कथा । त्र्यंबकेंऽतर्हिते पश्चान्निराशा गिरिकन्यका

avastheyaṁ ca devānāṁ manuṣyāṇāṁ tu kā kathā tryaṁbakeṁ'tarhite paścānnirāśā girikanyakā

If such is the state even of the gods, what then of men! Meanwhile, when Tryambaka (Shiva) had vanished from sight, the mountain-daughter (Parvati), left in despair,

Verse 28 (skanda.2.163.28)

तूष्णीं स्थितां तदा भ्रांतां तां दृष्ट्वा हिमवान्गिरिः । चकितः स्वगृहं निन्ये दोर्भ्यां तां परिरभ्य च

tūṣṇīṁ sthitāṁ tadā bhrāṁtāṁ tāṁ dṛṣṭvā himavāngiriḥ cakitaḥ svagṛhaṁ ninye dorbhyāṁ tāṁ parirabhya ca

stood silent and bewildered; seeing her thus, the mountain Himavan, startled, embraced her with both arms and led her to his own home.

Verse 29 (skanda.2.163.29)

रूपौदार्यगुणान्दृष्ट्वा हरस्यैव महात्मनः । स एव मे पतिर्भूयादिति तन्निष्ठमानसा

rūpaudāryaguṇāndṛṣṭvā harasyaiva mahātmanaḥ sa eva me patirbhūyāditi tanniṣṭhamānasā

Having beheld the beauty and the noble qualities of the great-souled Hara, her mind fixed firmly on the resolve, 'Let him alone be my husband,'

Verse 30 (skanda.2.163.30)

गंगोपकूलमापेदे तपस्तप्तुं धृतव्रता । निवारिताऽपि सा देवी पित्रा मात्रा स्वकैर्जनैः

gaṁgopakūlamāpede tapastaptuṁ dhṛtavratā nivāritā'pi sā devī pitrā mātrā svakairjanaiḥ

she, keeping her vow, went to the bank of the Ganga to perform austerity. Though restrained by her father, mother and kinsfolk, that goddess,

Verse 31 (skanda.2.163.31)

अर्चयन्ती महालिंगं निराहारा जटाधरा । दिव्यवर्षसहस्रान्ते प्रत्यक्षोऽभून्महेश्वरः

arcayantī mahāliṁgaṁ nirāhārā jaṭādharā divyavarṣasahasrānte pratyakṣo'bhūnmaheśvaraḥ

worshipping the great linga, fasting, wearing matted locks, continued her austerity; and at the end of a thousand celestial years, Maheshvara appeared before her in visible form,

Verse 32 (skanda.2.163.32)

भूत्वा वर्ण्यपि सायाह्ने पर्णशालामुखे विभुः । स्वनिष्ठमनसो दार्ढ्यं वाक्यैर्नानाविधैरपि

bhūtvā varṇyapi sāyāhne parṇaśālāmukhe vibhuḥ svaniṣṭhamanaso dārḍhyaṁ vākyairnānāvidhairapi

assuming, in the evening, the form of a brahmacharin at the door of her hermitage of leaves; and, testing with words of many kinds the firmness of her mind so resolved,

Verse 33 (skanda.2.163.33)

ज्ञात्वा वरादरं भद्रे वरयेति महाप्रभुः । सा वव्रेऽथ पतिं रुद्रं त्वं भवेति वरानना

jñātvā varādaraṁ bhadre varayeti mahāprabhuḥ sā vavre'tha patiṁ rudraṁ tvaṁ bhaveti varānanā

the great Lord, once he had ascertained it, said, 'O gentle one, choose your boon.' Then the fair-faced one, choosing Rudra himself as her husband, said, 'Be you my husband.'

Verse 34 (skanda.2.163.34)

स तथैव वरं दत्त्वा ऋषीन्सस्मार सप्त च । आजग्मुस्तेऽपि मुनयः स्थिताः प्राञ्जलयः पुरः

sa tathaiva varaṁ dattvā ṛṣīnsasmāra sapta ca ājagmuste'pi munayaḥ sthitāḥ prāñjalayaḥ puraḥ

Granting the boon accordingly, he called to mind the seven sages. Those sages too came there and stood before him with joined palms.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.163.35)

ऋषीणां ज्ञापयामास कन्यां प्रष्टुं हिमालयम् । तथाऽऽदिष्टा भगवता कन्यार्थं हिमवद्गृहम्

ṛṣīṇāṁ jñāpayāmāsa kanyāṁ praṣṭuṁ himālayam tathā''diṣṭā bhagavatā kanyārthaṁ himavadgṛham

He instructed the sages to go to the Himalaya to ask for his daughter. Thus commanded by the Lord, they, for the sake of the maiden, journeyed toward Himavan's abode,

Verse 36 (skanda.2.163.36)

प्रापुर्विहायसा सर्वे द्योतयन्तो दिशो दश । प्रत्युज्जगाम स गिरिः सप्तैतान्ब्रह्मवित्तमान्

prāpurvihāyasā sarve dyotayanto diśo daśa pratyujjagāma sa giriḥ saptaitānbrahmavittamān

and reached it through the sky, illumining all ten directions. The mountain went forth to receive those seven, foremost among knowers of Brahman.

Verse 37 (skanda.2.163.37)

संपूज्य विधिवत्सर्वान्सुखासीनानपृच्छत । धन्योऽस्मि कृतकृत्योऽस्मि यद्भवतो गृहाऽऽगताः

saṁpūjya vidhivatsarvānsukhāsīnānapṛcchata dhanyo'smi kṛtakṛtyo'smi yadbhavato gṛhā''gatāḥ

Having duly honoured them all and seated them comfortably, he asked, "I am blessed, I am fulfilled, that you have all come to my house.

Verse 38 (skanda.2.163.38)

भवदागमनं मन्ये मम जन्मफलं त्विति । न कृत्यं विद्यतेऽस्माभिः पूर्णार्थानां महात्मनाम्

bhavadāgamanaṁ manye mama janmaphalaṁ tviti na kṛtyaṁ vidyate'smābhiḥ pūrṇārthānāṁ mahātmanām

I regard your coming as the very fruit of my birth. There can be no business that great souls of fulfilled purpose such as yourselves have with us,

Verse 39 (skanda.2.163.39)

तथाऽपि ब्रूत कार्यं वो यत्कर्तव्यं मयाऽधुना । इत्युक्तास्ते तथा प्रोचुर्हिमवंतं महागिरिम्

tathā'pi brūta kāryaṁ vo yatkartavyaṁ mayā'dhunā ityuktāste tathā procurhimavaṁtaṁ mahāgirim

yet tell me your purpose, whatever it is I must now do." Thus addressed, they in turn spoke as follows to the great mountain Himavan.

Verse 40 (skanda.2.163.40)

त्वया स्वसदृशं वाक्यमुक्तं गिरिपते दृढम् । अस्मदागमने हेतुं वक्ष्यामस्ते महोदये

tvayā svasadṛśaṁ vākyamuktaṁ giripate dṛḍham asmadāgamane hetuṁ vakṣyāmaste mahodaye

"O lord of the mountain, you have spoken firmly, in a manner worthy of yourself. O great one, we shall now tell you the reason for our coming.

Verse 41 (skanda.2.163.41)

कन्या ते पार्वती नाम पूर्वं दक्षात्मजा सती । जाता तव कुमारी या यज्ञे त्यक्तकलेवरा

kanyā te pārvatī nāma pūrvaṁ dakṣātmajā satī jātā tava kumārī yā yajñe tyaktakalevarā

Your daughter, named Parvati, was formerly Sati, Daksha's daughter, who gave up her body at the sacrifice, and has now been born as your own child.

Verse 42 (skanda.2.163.42)

अस्याः पाणिग्रहे दक्षः शंभुर्नाऽन्यो जगत्त्रये । देया सा शंभवे देवी भवताऽऽनंत्यमिच्छता

asyāḥ pāṇigrahe dakṣaḥ śaṁbhurnā'nyo jagattraye deyā sā śaṁbhave devī bhavatā''naṁtyamicchatā

In the three worlds none but Shambhu is fit to take her hand in marriage; therefore you, desiring endless well-being, should give this goddess to Shambhu alone.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.163.43)

पूर्वजन्मसहस्रेषु भवता सुकृतं कृतम् । इदानीं तव दिष्ट्या तु परिपाकमुपागतम्

pūrvajanmasahasreṣu bhavatā sukṛtaṁ kṛtam idānīṁ tava diṣṭyā tu paripākamupāgatam

Whatever merit you have accumulated through a thousand former births has now, by good fortune, come to its ripening."

Verse 44 (skanda.2.163.44)

तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा संहृष्टाऽऽत्मा महागिरिः । व्याजहार पुनर्वाक्यं पुत्री वल्कलधारिणी

teṣāṁ tadvacanaṁ śrutvā saṁhṛṣṭā''tmā mahāgiriḥ vyājahāra punarvākyaṁ putrī valkaladhāriṇī

Hearing their words, the great mountain, his heart filled with joy, spoke again, saying: "My daughter, clad in bark-garments,

Verse 45 (skanda.2.163.45)

गंगातीरे निराहारा तपस्तपति दुश्चरम्। काङ्क्षमाणा पतिं शंभुं तस्या इष्टमिदं त्विति

gaṁgātīre nirāhārā tapastapati duścaram kāṅkṣamāṇā patiṁ śaṁbhuṁ tasyā iṣṭamidaṁ tviti

practises severe austerity on the bank of the Ganga, fasting, longing for Shambhu alone as husband — this indeed is her own wish.

Verse 46 (skanda.2.163.46)

दत्ता कन्या मया तस्मै त्र्यंबकाय महात्मने । शीघ्रं गत्वा भवंतस्तु यत्र शम्भुर्महाप्रभुः

dattā kanyā mayā tasmai tryaṁbakāya mahātmane śīghraṁ gatvā bhavaṁtastu yatra śambhurmahāprabhuḥ

I have given my daughter to that great-souled Tryambaka. Go swiftly, then, to where the great Lord Shambhu is,

Verse 47 (skanda.2.163.47)

प्रीत्या हिमवता दत्तां गृहाणेति निवेद्य च । भवंत एव कुर्वंतु चैतद्वैवाहिकीं क्रियाम्

prītyā himavatā dattāṁ gṛhāṇeti nivedya ca bhavaṁta eva kurvaṁtu caitadvaivāhikīṁ kriyām

and tell him that Himavan has gladly given her, saying, 'Accept her' — and let you yourselves conduct this marriage rite."

Verse 48 (skanda.2.163.48)

इत्युक्तास्ते हिमवता तमामंत्र्य शिवं ययुः । लक्ष्म्याद्या योषितः सर्वा विष्ण्वाद्या देवता अपि

ityuktāste himavatā tamāmaṁtrya śivaṁ yayuḥ lakṣmyādyā yoṣitaḥ sarvā viṣṇvādyā devatā api

Thus addressed by Himavan, they took leave of him and went to Shiva. Lakshmi and all the other goddesses, and Vishnu and all the other gods as well,

Verse 49 (skanda.2.163.49)

षण्मातरोऽथ मुनयो द्रष्टुं जग्मुर्महोत्सवम् । शिवः सर्वामरगणैर्मुनिभिर्मातृभिस्तथा

ṣaṇmātaro'tha munayo draṣṭuṁ jagmurmahotsavam śivaḥ sarvāmaragaṇairmunibhirmātṛbhistathā

the six divine Mothers, and the sages too, went to witness that great celebration. Shiva himself, accompanied by all the hosts of gods, the sages, and the Mothers,

Verse 50 (skanda.2.163.50)

अन्वितो वृषभारूढः प्रमथानां गणैर्वृतः । भेरीशंखमृदंगाद्यैः काहलीपटहादिकैः

anvito vṛṣabhārūḍhaḥ pramathānāṁ gaṇairvṛtaḥ bherīśaṁkhamṛdaṁgādyaiḥ kāhalīpaṭahādikaiḥ

mounted upon his bull and surrounded by the hosts of the Pramathas, amid the sound of kettle-drums, conches, mridangas, war-trumpets, tabors, and the like,

Verse 51 (skanda.2.163.51)

ब्रह्मघोषैर्बंदिभिश्च प्राविशद्धिमवत्पुरीम् । सुमुहूर्ते शुभे लग्ने शुभग्रहनिरीक्षिते

brahmaghoṣairbaṁdibhiśca prāviśaddhimavatpurīm sumuhūrte śubhe lagne śubhagrahanirīkṣite

and to the chanting of Vedic verses and the praises of bards, entered the city of Himavan. In an auspicious moment, under an auspicious ascendant, watched over by benevolent planets,

Verse 52 (skanda.2.163.52)

विवाहमकरोच्छैलः प्रहृष्टेनांतरात्मना । महोत्सवस्तदा चाऽऽसीत्त्रिलोक्यां प्राणिनां नृप

vivāhamakarocchailaḥ prahṛṣṭenāṁtarātmanā mahotsavastadā cā''sīttrilokyāṁ prāṇināṁ nṛpa

the mountain-king, his inmost heart rejoicing, performed the marriage. O king, at that time there arose a great celebration among all beings in the three worlds.

Verse 53 (skanda.2.163.53)

महोत्सवे निवृत्ते तु शंकरो लोकशंकरः । रेमे स्वच्छंदया देव्या लोकधर्माननुव्रतः

mahotsave nivṛtte tu śaṁkaro lokaśaṁkaraḥ reme svacchaṁdayā devyā lokadharmānanuvrataḥ

When the great celebration was over, Shankara, benefactor of the worlds, following the ways of ordinary life, took his pleasure with the goddess, who moved about freely with him.

Verse 54 (skanda.2.163.54)

ऋद्धिमद्धिमवद्गेहे देवेंद्रभवनोपमे । शर्वर्यां नंदिनीतीरे वनराजिषु शंकरः

ṛddhimaddhimavadgehe deveṁdrabhavanopame śarvaryāṁ naṁdinītīre vanarājiṣu śaṁkaraḥ

In Himavan's opulent house, resembling the abode of Indra, by night on the bank of the Nandini river, amid rows of forest trees, Shankara,

Verse 55 (skanda.2.163.55)

मत्तालिद्विजसन्नादमयूररवमंडिते । दिव्यवर्षसहस्राणि रेमे स्वच्छंदया विभुः

mattālidvijasannādamayūraravamaṁḍite divyavarṣasahasrāṇi reme svacchaṁdayā vibhuḥ

in places adorned with the drone of intoxicated bees, the calls of birds, and the cries of peacocks, the Lord took his pleasure with the freely-roaming goddess for a thousand celestial years.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.163.56)

स्त्रीणामिंद्रवराभावात्तस्मिन्काले नृपोत्तम । पुंसः संगात्पुनर्गर्भो नारीणां स्रवति धुवम्

strīṇāmiṁdravarābhāvāttasminkāle nṛpottama puṁsaḥ saṁgātpunargarbho nārīṇāṁ sravati dhuvam

O best of kings, at that time, since women lacked the boon once given by Indra, the womb of a woman, upon union with a man, would invariably miscarry, again and again.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.163.57)

प्रत्यहं रमणाद्देव्यां नाभूद्गर्भो हराद्बत । देवानामभवच्चिन्ता पुत्रालाभाद्वराद्विभो

pratyahaṁ ramaṇāddevyāṁ nābhūdgarbho harādbata devānāmabhavaccintā putrālābhādvarādvibho

Thus, even with daily union, no conception took place in the goddess through Hara. O lord, because of that boon, and the failure to obtain a son, the gods grew anxious.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.163.58)

सर्वे संगत्य संमंत्र्य मिथ एवं बभाषिरे । कामीवाऽभूद्रतौ नित्यं सक्तो देव्या हरः स्वराट्

sarve saṁgatya saṁmaṁtrya mitha evaṁ babhāṣire kāmīvā'bhūdratau nityaṁ sakto devyā haraḥ svarāṭ

All of them, meeting together and taking counsel, said to one another: "The self-luminous Hara has become like a passionate lover, ever absorbed in union with the goddess;

Verse 59 (skanda.2.163.59)

नाऽस्माकं सिद्ध्यते कार्यं नित्यं गर्भस्य संस्रवात् । पुना रतिर्यथा नाऽभूत्तथाऽस्माभिर्विधीयताम्

nā'smākaṁ siddhyate kāryaṁ nityaṁ garbhasya saṁsravāt punā ratiryathā nā'bhūttathā'smābhirvidhīyatām

yet the womb continually miscarries, and our purpose is not accomplished. Let us therefore devise some means that their union may not occur again."

Verse 60 (skanda.2.163.60)

मिथ एवं तु संभाष्य व्यचिन्वन्क्षणमत्र ते । अग्निं कृत्ये विनिश्चित्य ह्यूचुर्मानपुरःसरम्

mitha evaṁ tu saṁbhāṣya vyacinvankṣaṇamatra te agniṁ kṛtye viniścitya hyūcurmānapuraḥsaram

Having thus conferred among themselves, they deliberated for a moment. Then, resolving upon Agni for this task, they addressed him respectfully, saying:

Verse 61 (skanda.2.163.61)

अग्ने मुखं त्वं देवानां त्वं बन्धुर्गतिरेव च । इदानीमपि गच्छ त्वं रमते यत्र वै हरः

agne mukhaṁ tvaṁ devānāṁ tvaṁ bandhurgatireva ca idānīmapi gaccha tvaṁ ramate yatra vai haraḥ

"O Agni, you are the mouth of the gods, you are their kinsman and their refuge. Go now also to that place where Hara is taking his pleasure,

Verse 62 (skanda.2.163.62)

रत्यन्ते दर्शयाऽऽत्मानं पुना रतिर्यथा न वै । त्वां दृष्ट्वा व्रीडिता देवी ततश्चापसरेद्ध्रुवम्

ratyante darśayā''tmānaṁ punā ratiryathā na vai tvāṁ dṛṣṭvā vrīḍitā devī tataścāpasareddhruvam

and show yourself at the close of their union, so that they may not unite again; seeing you, the goddess, overcome with shame, will surely withdraw.

Verse 63 (skanda.2.163.63)

शिष्यो भूत्वा तु रत्यन्ते पृच्छ तत्त्वं स्मरान्तकम् । तत्त्वसम्प्रश्नव्याजेन कालं बहु नय प्रभो

śiṣyo bhūtvā tu ratyante pṛccha tattvaṁ smarāntakam tattvasampraśnavyājena kālaṁ bahu naya prabho

Becoming a pupil, question the destroyer of Kama, at the close of union, about the highest truth; and by the pretext of inquiring into truth, O lord, cause much time to pass.

Verse 64 (skanda.2.163.64)

बहुकाले गते देवी कुमारं प्रसविष्यति । देवैरेवं प्रार्थितोऽग्निरोमित्युक्त्वा हरं ययौ

bahukāle gate devī kumāraṁ prasaviṣyati devairevaṁ prārthito'gniromityuktvā haraṁ yayau

When much time has thus passed, the goddess will give birth to Kumara." Thus entreated by the gods, Agni, saying 'Om, so be it,' went to Hara.

Verse 65 (skanda.2.163.65)

वीर्योत्सर्गात्पूर्वमेव गतो वह्नी रतांतरे । तं दृष्ट्वा व्रीडिता देवी विवस्त्रा विमना ययौ

vīryotsargātpūrvameva gato vahnī ratāṁtare taṁ dṛṣṭvā vrīḍitā devī vivastrā vimanā yayau

Agni arrived in the midst of that union, even before the emission of seed. Seeing him, the goddess, overcome with shame, went away disrobed and dejected.

Verse 66 (skanda.2.163.66)

रति विहाय त्वरया ततो रुद्रोऽतिकोपितः । वह्निं प्राह गृहाणेदमभिसृष्टं तु दुर्मते

rati vihāya tvarayā tato rudro'tikopitaḥ vahniṁ prāha gṛhāṇedamabhisṛṣṭaṁ tu durmate

Abandoning the act at once, Rudra grew exceedingly enraged, and said to Agni: "O ill-minded one, take this seed now released.

Verse 67 (skanda.2.163.67)

मद्वीर्यं दुःसहं पाप रतौ विघ्नस्त्वयाऽभवत् । उत्सृजामि च मद्वीर्यं त्वन्मुखे हव्यवाहन

madvīryaṁ duḥsahaṁ pāpa ratau vighnastvayā'bhavat utsṛjāmi ca madvīryaṁ tvanmukhe havyavāhana

O sinner, you have obstructed my seed, unbearable as it is; therefore, O carrier of oblations, I now release my seed into your very mouth."

Verse 68 (skanda.2.163.68)

इत्युक्त्वोत्सृष्टवान्वीर्यं हव्यवाहमुखे हरः । तद्धृत्वा दह्यमानः सन्स्वोदरे वीर्यमुल्बणम्

ityuktvotsṛṣṭavānvīryaṁ havyavāhamukhe haraḥ taddhṛtvā dahyamānaḥ sansvodare vīryamulbaṇam

So saying, Hara released his seed into the mouth of the carrier of oblations. Bearing it, and burning within his belly from that fierce seed,

Verse 69 (skanda.2.163.69)

चिंतयानो ययौ धाम देवानां यज्ञपूरुषः । कथंचित्प्राणतो मुक्तो देवेभ्यस्तन्न्यवेदयत्

ciṁtayāno yayau dhāma devānāṁ yajñapūruṣaḥ kathaṁcitprāṇato mukto devebhyastannyavedayat

the sacrificial deity Agni, deeply troubled, went to the abode of the gods. Barely saving his own life, he reported this happening to the gods.

Verse 70 (skanda.2.163.70)

देवा वह्नीरितं श्रुत्वा हर्षशोकौ समाययुः । स्थितं वीर्यमिति ह्रादं कथं तु प्रसवो भवेत्

devā vahnīritaṁ śrutvā harṣaśokau samāyayuḥ sthitaṁ vīryamiti hrādaṁ kathaṁ tu prasavo bhavet

Hearing this from Agni, the gods were filled with both joy and grief at once — joy that the seed had lodged, but grief, thinking, how then shall the birth come about?

Verse 71 (skanda.2.163.71)

इति दुःखं तदा चाऽऽसीद्वह्नेः कुक्षौ तु शांभवम् । ववृधे तेज आक्षिप्तं दश मासा गतास्तदा

iti duḥkhaṁ tadā cā''sīdvahneḥ kukṣau tu śāṁbhavam vavṛdhe teja ākṣiptaṁ daśa māsā gatāstadā

Such was the distress then. Within Agni's belly, that Shambhu-born splendour continued to grow within, until ten months had thus passed.

Verse 72 (skanda.2.163.72)

नाऽपश्यत्प्रसवोपायं बहुदुःखपरायणः । देवान्वै शरणं प्राप गर्भमोचनहेतवे

nā'paśyatprasavopāyaṁ bahuduḥkhaparāyaṇaḥ devānvai śaraṇaṁ prāpa garbhamocanahetave

Consumed with great suffering, Agni could see no means of delivery, and so, for the sake of releasing the fetus, he took refuge with the gods.

Verse 73 (skanda.2.163.73)

ते देवा वह्निना साकं प्रापुर्गंगां यशस्विनीम् । गंगा स्तोत्रेण ते स्तुत्या प्रार्थयामासुरंजसा

te devā vahninā sākaṁ prāpurgaṁgāṁ yaśasvinīm gaṁgā stotreṇa te stutyā prārthayāmāsuraṁjasā

Those gods, along with Agni, went to the illustrious Ganga, and, praising her with a hymn, made this direct petition.

Verse 74 (skanda.2.163.74)

त्वं माता सर्वदेवानां त्वमेव जगतां पतिः । देवतार्थं तु त्वं भद्रे धत्स्व तेजस्तु शांभवम्

tvaṁ mātā sarvadevānāṁ tvameva jagatāṁ patiḥ devatārthaṁ tu tvaṁ bhadre dhatsva tejastu śāṁbhavam

"You are the mother of all the gods, you alone are the sustainer of the worlds. O gentle one, for the sake of the gods, receive within yourself this splendour born of Shambhu.

Verse 75 (skanda.2.163.75)

तद्वह्नेर्वर्द्धते गर्भो नास्त्रीत्वात्प्रसवोऽस्य च । तस्मादेनं च नः सर्वान्समुद्धर दयां कुरु

tadvahnervarddhate garbho nāstrītvātprasavo'sya ca tasmādenaṁ ca naḥ sarvānsamuddhara dayāṁ kuru

That fetus grows within Agni, but since he is not female, no delivery is possible for him; therefore deliver us all, and show us your mercy."

Verse 76 (skanda.2.163.76)

इत्येवं प्रार्थिता देवी तथास्त्विति वचोऽब्रवीत् । देवास्तु वह्नये प्राहुर्मंत्रं गर्भविमोचनम्

ityevaṁ prārthitā devī tathāstviti vaco'bravīt devāstu vahnaye prāhurmaṁtraṁ garbhavimocanam

Thus entreated, the goddess Ganga said, 'So be it.' Then the gods taught Agni the mantra for the release of the fetus.

Verse 77 (skanda.2.163.77)

तन्मंत्राद्गर्भमाकृष्य व्यसृजद्धव्यवाहनः । गंगायां शांभवं तेजो भास्वल्लोकसुदुःसहम्

tanmaṁtrādgarbhamākṛṣya vyasṛjaddhavyavāhanaḥ gaṁgāyāṁ śāṁbhavaṁ tejo bhāsvallokasuduḥsaham

By the power of that mantra, the carrier of oblations drew out the fetus and released that radiant Shambhu-born splendour, unbearable to the world, into the Ganga.

Verse 78 (skanda.2.163.78)

सा चोढ्वा कतिचिन्मासान्न शशाक ततः परम् । निर्जला तत्प्रभावेण स्फुटद्रक्तकलेवरा

sā coḍhvā katicinmāsānna śaśāka tataḥ param nirjalā tatprabhāveṇa sphuṭadraktakalevarā

Having borne it for a few months, Ganga too could bear it no longer; by its power her waters dried up and her form began to burst forth with blood.

Verse 79 (skanda.2.163.79)

बहुदुःखाऽऽकुला देवी पातिव्रत्यप्रभावतः । उज्जहार स्वोदरस्थं गर्भं लोकैकपावनी

bahuduḥkhā''kulā devī pātivratyaprabhāvataḥ ujjahāra svodarasthaṁ garbhaṁ lokaikapāvanī

Overwhelmed with great distress, that goddess, sole purifier of the worlds, by the power of her chastity, cast forth from her own belly the fetus lodged within,

Verse 80 (skanda.2.163.80)

शरकांडे तु चिक्षेप दह्यमानं समन्ततः । शरकांडैस्तु संभिन्नः षोढा भिन्नो बभूव ह

śarakāṁḍe tu cikṣepa dahyamānaṁ samantataḥ śarakāṁḍaistu saṁbhinnaḥ ṣoḍhā bhinno babhūva ha

and cast it, blazing on every side, into a thicket of reeds. Struck by the reed-stalks, it became divided into six parts.

Verse 81 (skanda.2.163.81)

षट्कृऽत्तिकाः समाजग्मुर्ब्रह्मणा चोदितास्तदा । शरकांडे विनिर्भिन्नं षोढा संधाय शांभवम्

ṣaṭkṛ'ttikāḥ samājagmurbrahmaṇā coditāstadā śarakāṁḍe vinirbhinnaṁ ṣoḍhā saṁdhāya śāṁbhavam

Then, urged on by Brahma, the six Krittikas came there together, and, joining the Shambhu-born splendour that had been divided sixfold amid the reed-stalks,

Verse 82 (skanda.2.163.82)

षण्मुखं पुरुषं कृत्वा त्वेकदेहमिति स्फुटम् । कृत्तिका विधिनाऽऽज्ञप्तास्तं तथा चक्रिरे दृढम्

ṣaṇmukhaṁ puruṣaṁ kṛtvā tvekadehamiti sphuṭam kṛttikā vidhinā''jñaptāstaṁ tathā cakrire dṛḍham

the Krittikas, thus commanded by the Creator, firmly fashioned it into a person of a single body but six faces.

Verse 83 (skanda.2.163.83)

तद्देहं पुरुषाकारं षण्मुखं शरकांडगम् । अरक्ष्यमाणमेवासीच्छरकांडेषु वै चिरम्

taddehaṁ puruṣākāraṁ ṣaṇmukhaṁ śarakāṁḍagam arakṣyamāṇamevāsīccharakāṁḍeṣu vai ciram

That body, human in shape and six-faced, lay unguarded among the reed-stalks for a long time.

Verse 84 (skanda.2.163.84)

एकदा वृषभाऽरूढौ पार्वतीपरमेश्वरौ । श्रीशैलं गंतुमनसौ तत्स्थलं परिजग्मतुः

ekadā vṛṣabhā'rūḍhau pārvatīparameśvarau śrīśailaṁ gaṁtumanasau tatsthalaṁ parijagmatuḥ

Once, Parvati and the supreme Lord, mounted upon the bull, with a mind to go to Shrishaila, passed through that very place.

Verse 85 (skanda.2.163.85)

तदासीत्पार्वती देवी सद्यः स्नुतपयोधरा । विस्मिता चावदद्रुद्रं स्नुतौ कस्मात्पयोधरौ

tadāsītpārvatī devī sadyaḥ snutapayodharā vismitā cāvadadrudraṁ snutau kasmātpayodharau

At that moment the goddess Parvati's breasts suddenly began to flow with milk. Astonished, she asked Rudra: "Why are my breasts overflowing so?

Verse 86 (skanda.2.163.86)

कारणं ब्रूहि विश्वात्मन्नित्युक्तस्तु हरोऽब्रवीत् । शृणु देवि प्रवक्ष्यामि पुत्रोऽधो वर्तते तव

kāraṇaṁ brūhi viśvātmannityuktastu haro'bravīt śṛṇu devi pravakṣyāmi putro'dho vartate tava

Tell me the reason, O soul of the universe." Thus questioned, Hara said: "Listen, O goddess, I shall tell you — your son lies somewhere below.

Verse 87 (skanda.2.163.87)

त्वयि वीर्यमनुत्सृष्टं प्रागेवाऽऽगाद्धविर्वहः । तं दृष्ट्वा व्रीडिता त्वं वै प्रविष्टा च स्थलान्तरम्

tvayi vīryamanutsṛṣṭaṁ prāgevā''gāddhavirvahaḥ taṁ dṛṣṭvā vrīḍitā tvaṁ vai praviṣṭā ca sthalāntaram

Before the seed had been released into you, the carrier of oblations had already arrived; seeing him, you, overcome with shame, withdrew to another place.

Verse 88 (skanda.2.163.88)

मया कोपाद्वह्नि मुखे विसृष्टं वीर्यमुल्बणम् । देवानां च प्रसादेन गंगायां व्यसृजद्विभुः

mayā kopādvahni mukhe visṛṣṭaṁ vīryamulbaṇam devānāṁ ca prasādena gaṁgāyāṁ vyasṛjadvibhuḥ

In my anger I released that fierce seed into the mouth of Agni. By the favour of the gods, that lord in turn released it into the Ganga.

Verse 89 (skanda.2.163.89)

गंगा च दह्यमाना सा व्यक्षिपञ्च शरान्तरं । तत्र षोढा प्रभिन्नं तु मातृभिश्च दृढीकृतम्

gaṁgā ca dahyamānā sā vyakṣipañca śarāntaraṁ tatra ṣoḍhā prabhinnaṁ tu mātṛbhiśca dṛḍhīkṛtam

Ganga, herself burning, cast it into the reed-thicket. There it split into six parts, and was made firm by the Mother-goddesses.

Verse 90 (skanda.2.163.90)

पुरुषाकृतिमापेदे तं दृष्ट्वा ते स्तनौ सुतौ । पालनीयं महावीर्यं विष्णुना समविक्रमम्

puruṣākṛtimāpede taṁ dṛṣṭvā te stanau sutau pālanīyaṁ mahāvīryaṁ viṣṇunā samavikramam

It attained a human form. Knowing him, O dear one, as your very son — mighty of valour like Vishnu, and of great potency — it is you who must nurture him.

Verse 91 (skanda.2.163.91)

अयमे वौरसः पुत्रस्तव भाति विनिश्चितम् । तस्माद्गृहाण शीघ्रं त्वं तेनाऽऽख्यातिरतीव ते

ayame vaurasaḥ putrastava bhāti viniścitam tasmādgṛhāṇa śīghraṁ tvaṁ tenā''khyātiratīva te

This is truly, without doubt, your own natural-born son. Therefore accept him quickly — through him your renown shall become very great."

Verse 92 (skanda.2.163.92)

इत्याऽऽज्ञप्ता शंभुना सा तमादायाऽर्भकं द्रुतम् । अंकमारोप्य तं देवी पाययामास सा स्तनौ

ityā''jñaptā śaṁbhunā sā tamādāyā'rbhakaṁ drutam aṁkamāropya taṁ devī pāyayāmāsa sā stanau

Thus instructed by Shambhu, the goddess quickly took up that child, set him upon her lap, and gave him her breasts to nurse.

Verse 93 (skanda.2.163.93)

देवेन मोहिता देवी पुत्रस्नेहपराऽभवत् । पुनः कैलासमगमत्प्रभुणा सह शांकरी

devena mohitā devī putrasnehaparā'bhavat punaḥ kailāsamagamatprabhuṇā saha śāṁkarī

Beguiled by the god, the goddess became wholly absorbed in a mother's love for her son, and Shankari (Parvati), together with the Lord, returned once more to Kailasa.

Verse 94 (skanda.2.163.94)

लालयंती सुतं देवी संतोषं परमं ययौ । एवं कुमारजननं वर्णितं ते मयाऽद्भुतम्

lālayaṁtī sutaṁ devī saṁtoṣaṁ paramaṁ yayau evaṁ kumārajananaṁ varṇitaṁ te mayā'dbhutam

Fondling her son, the goddess attained supreme contentment. Thus have I related to you this wondrous account of the birth of Kumara.

Verse 95 (skanda.2.163.95)

य इदं शृणुयान्नित्यं कुमारजननं शुभम् । पुत्रपौत्राभिवृद्धिं तु लभते नाऽत्र संशयः

ya idaṁ śṛṇuyānnityaṁ kumārajananaṁ śubham putrapautrābhivṛddhiṁ tu labhate nā'tra saṁśayaḥ

Whoever constantly listens to this auspicious account of Kumara's birth attains increase of sons and grandsons — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 96 (skanda.2.163.96)

महद्दुःखं तु जनने हरस्याऽपि यतोऽभवत् । प्रीत्यानुश्रुतवैशाखधर्मोऽप्यप्रतिमो भवेत्

mahadduḥkhaṁ tu janane harasyā'pi yato'bhavat prītyānuśrutavaiśākhadharmo'pyapratimo bhavet

Since even at the birth of Hara's own son such great sorrow arose, one who lovingly hears the observances of Vaishakha thereby becomes possessed of incomparable merit.

Verse 97 (skanda.2.163.97)

तस्माद्वैशाखधर्मो हि सर्वाघौघविनाशनः । अवैधव्यप्रदः पुण्यः सर्वसंपद्विधायकः

tasmādvaiśākhadharmo hi sarvāghaughavināśanaḥ avaidhavyapradaḥ puṇyaḥ sarvasaṁpadvidhāyakaḥ

Therefore the observance of Vaishakha alone destroys the whole mass of sin; it bestows freedom from widowhood, is meritorious, and grants every kind of prosperity.

Verse 98 (skanda.2.163.98)

अनंगोपि हि सांगत्वं यत्प्रभावात्समाप्तवान् । अस्नात्वा चाप्यदत्त्वा च वैशाखो यस्य वै गतः

anaṁgopi hi sāṁgatvaṁ yatprabhāvātsamāptavān asnātvā cāpyadattvā ca vaiśākho yasya vai gataḥ

By its power even the bodiless Ananga (Kama) regained his bodily form. But he whose Vaishakha has passed without bathing and without giving,

Verse 99 (skanda.2.163.99)

अपि धर्मकृतो वाऽपि भवेद्दुःखपरंपरा । सर्वधर्मो हितः स्याच्च यद्येकोऽयमनुष्ठितः

api dharmakṛto vā'pi bhavedduḥkhaparaṁparā sarvadharmo hitaḥ syācca yadyeko'yamanuṣṭhitaḥ

even if he performs other observances, meets with an unbroken chain of sorrows; whereas if this single observance is duly followed, it proves as beneficial as the whole of dharma together.