The Glory of Giving Shade: King Hemakanta's Deliverance

Verse 1 (skanda.2.164.1)

मैथिल उवाच । यत्कामपत्नीचरितमशून्यशयनं व्रतम् । देवोपदिष्टं तस्याऽस्य विधानं ब्रूहि भूसुर

maithila uvāca yatkāmapatnīcaritamaśūnyaśayanaṁ vratam devopadiṣṭaṁ tasyā'sya vidhānaṁ brūhi bhūsura

Maithila said: O Brahmin, tell me the procedure of that vow of Ashunya-shayana, practised by Kama's wife, which was taught to her by the gods.

Verse 2 (skanda.2.164.2)

किं दानं को विधिस्तस्य पूजनं किं फलं तथा । एतदाचक्ष्व भूदेव श्रोतुं कौतूहलं हि मे

kiṁ dānaṁ ko vidhistasya pūjanaṁ kiṁ phalaṁ tathā etadācakṣva bhūdeva śrotuṁ kautūhalaṁ hi me

What is its gift, what its procedure, what its worship, and what its fruit? Tell me this, O god on earth, for I am eager to hear it.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.164.3)

श्रुतदेव उवाच । शृणु भूयः प्रवक्ष्यामि व्रतं पापप्रणाशनम् । अशून्यशयनं नाम रमायै हरिणोदितम्

śrutadeva uvāca śṛṇu bhūyaḥ pravakṣyāmi vrataṁ pāpapraṇāśanam aśūnyaśayanaṁ nāma ramāyai hariṇoditam

Shrutadeva said: Listen further, I shall now describe that sin-destroying vow, called Ashunya-shayana, which was taught by Hari to Rama (Lakshmi).

Verse 4 (skanda.2.164.4)

येन चीर्णेन देवेशो जीमूताऽऽभः प्रसीदति । लक्ष्मीभर्ता जगन्नाथः समस्ताऽघौघनाशनः

yena cīrṇena deveśo jīmūtā''bhaḥ prasīdati lakṣmībhartā jagannāthaḥ samastā'ghaughanāśanaḥ

By its observance, the lord of gods, dark as a rain-cloud, Lakshmi's consort, the lord of the universe who destroys the whole mass of sin, becomes pleased.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.164.5)

अकृत्वा यस्त्विदं राजन्व्रतं पातकनाशनम् । गार्हस्थ्यमनुवर्तेत तस्येदं निष्फलं भवेत्

akṛtvā yastvidaṁ rājanvrataṁ pātakanāśanam gārhasthyamanuvarteta tasyedaṁ niṣphalaṁ bhavet

O king, whoever pursues the life of a householder without performing this sin-destroying vow, for him that household life becomes fruitless.

Verse 6 (skanda.2.164.6)

श्रावणे शुक्लपक्षे तु द्वितीयायां महीपते । अशून्यशयनाख्यं तद्ग्राह्यं व्रतमनुत्तमम्

śrāvaṇe śuklapakṣe tu dvitīyāyāṁ mahīpate aśūnyaśayanākhyaṁ tadgrāhyaṁ vratamanuttamam

O lord of the earth, on the second day of the bright fortnight of Shravana, this unsurpassed vow named Ashunya-shayana should be undertaken.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.164.7)

चातुर्मास्ये तु संप्राप्ते हविष्याशी भवेन्नरः । चतुर्भिः पारणं मासैः सम्यङ्निष्पाद्यते प्रभो

cāturmāsye tu saṁprāpte haviṣyāśī bhavennaraḥ caturbhiḥ pāraṇaṁ māsaiḥ samyaṅniṣpādyate prabho

When the four holy months arrive, one should eat only consecrated food; and, O lord, after four months the concluding meal (parana) is duly performed.

Verse 8 (skanda.2.164.8)

लक्ष्मीयुक्तो जगन्नाथः पूजनीयो जनार्दनः । पारणे दिवसे प्राप्ते भक्ष्यं चैव चतुर्विधम्

lakṣmīyukto jagannāthaḥ pūjanīyo janārdanaḥ pāraṇe divase prāpte bhakṣyaṁ caiva caturvidham

Janardana, the lord of the universe, together with Lakshmi, is to be worshipped; and on the day of the concluding meal, food of the four kinds should be offered.

Verse 9 (skanda.2.164.9)

उपायनं च दातव्यं ब्राह्मणाय कुटुंबिने । सौवर्णीं राजतीं चापि मूर्तिं कुर्यान्मनोरमाम्

upāyanaṁ ca dātavyaṁ brāhmaṇāya kuṭuṁbine sauvarṇīṁ rājatīṁ cāpi mūrtiṁ kuryānmanoramām

A gift should be given to a householder Brahmin, and a lovely image, of gold or of silver, should be fashioned.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.164.10)

पीताम्बरधरां दिव्यां वनमालाविभूषिताम् । शुक्लपुष्पैः सुगंधैश्च पूजयेत्पुरुषोत्तमम्

pītāmbaradharāṁ divyāṁ vanamālāvibhūṣitām śuklapuṣpaiḥ sugaṁdhaiśca pūjayetpuruṣottamam

That image of Purushottama — divine, clad in yellow garments, adorned with a garland of forest flowers — should be worshipped with fragrant white flowers.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.164.11)

शय्यादानैर्वस्त्रदानैर्विप्राणां भोजनैस्तथा । दम्पत्योर्भोजनैश्चैव दक्षिणाभिः प्रपूजयेत्

śayyādānairvastradānairviprāṇāṁ bhojanaistathā dampatyorbhojanaiścaiva dakṣiṇābhiḥ prapūjayet

One should worship him with gifts of a bed, gifts of garments, the feeding of Brahmins, and also by feeding a Brahmin couple together with gifts of money.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.164.12)

एवं तु चतुरो मासान्पूजयित्वा जनार्दनम् । मार्गशीर्षादिमासेषु पूजयेत्पूर्ववद्धरिम्

evaṁ tu caturo māsānpūjayitvā janārdanam mārgaśīrṣādimāseṣu pūjayetpūrvavaddharim

Having thus worshipped Janardana for four months, one should worship Hari in the same manner during the months beginning with Margashirsha as well.

Verse 13 (skanda.2.164.13)

रक्रवर्णं हरिं ध्यायेद्रुक्मिणीसहितं तथा । चैत्रादींश्चतुरो मासानेवं संपूजयेत्ततः

rakravarṇaṁ hariṁ dhyāyedrukmiṇīsahitaṁ tathā caitrādīṁścaturo māsānevaṁ saṁpūjayettataḥ

One should meditate on the ruddy-hued Hari together with Rukmini; and thereafter, during the four months beginning with Chaitra, he should be worshipped likewise.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.164.14)

भूम्या सह स्थितं देवमर्चयेद्भक्तिपूर्वकम् । सनंदनाद्यैर्मुनिभिः स्तूयमानमकल्मषम्

bhūmyā saha sthitaṁ devamarcayedbhaktipūrvakam sanaṁdanādyairmunibhiḥ stūyamānamakalmaṣam

One should devoutly worship that stainless deity, together with Bhumi, who is extolled by sages such as Sanandana.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.164.15)

आषाढस्य च मासस्य द्वितीयायां समापयेत् । अष्टाक्षरेण मंत्रेण जुहुयादनले शुभे

āṣāḍhasya ca māsasya dvitīyāyāṁ samāpayet aṣṭākṣareṇa maṁtreṇa juhuyādanale śubhe

On the second day of the month of Ashadha, this stage should be completed, and oblation offered into the sacred fire with the eight-syllabled mantra.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.164.16)

मार्गशीर्षादिमासानां पारणे भूमिपालक । जुहुयाद्विष्णुगायत्र्या चैत्रादीनां निबोधय

mārgaśīrṣādimāsānāṁ pāraṇe bhūmipālaka juhuyādviṣṇugāyatryā caitrādīnāṁ nibodhaya

O ruler of the earth, at the parana concluding the months beginning with Margashirsha, oblation should be offered with the Vishnu-Gayatri; hear also what applies to the months beginning with Chaitra —

Verse 17 (skanda.2.164.17)

पौरुषेण च मंत्रेण जुहुयादनले शुभे । पञ्चामृतं पायसं च ह्यपूपं घृतपाचितम्

pauruṣeṇa ca maṁtreṇa juhuyādanale śubhe pañcāmṛtaṁ pāyasaṁ ca hyapūpaṁ ghṛtapācitam

there, oblation should be offered into the sacred fire with the Purusha-mantra, along with the five nectars, sweet rice, and cakes cooked in ghee.

Verse 18 (skanda.2.164.18)

एवं क्रमेण द्रव्याणि प्रतिमासु निबोधय । सौवर्णी प्रतिमां दद्याल्लक्ष्मीनारायणस्य च

evaṁ krameṇa dravyāṇi pratimāsu nibodhaya sauvarṇī pratimāṁ dadyāllakṣmīnārāyaṇasya ca

Learn thus, in due order, the proper offerings for each period of months. A golden image of Lakshmi-Narayana should be given (at the end of the first stage),

Verse 19 (skanda.2.164.19)

सौवर्णीं मध्यमे दद्यात्कृष्णस्य परमात्मनः । राजतीं त्वंतिमे दद्याद्वराहस्य महात्मनः

sauvarṇīṁ madhyame dadyātkṛṣṇasya paramātmanaḥ rājatīṁ tvaṁtime dadyādvarāhasya mahātmanaḥ

a golden image of the Supreme Self, Krishna, at the middle stage, and a silver image of the great-souled Varaha at the final stage.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.164.20)

ब्राह्मणान्भोजयेत्पश्चान्नामभिः केशवादिभिः । वस्त्रयुग्मैरलंकारैर्यथावित्तानुसारतः

brāhmaṇānbhojayetpaścānnāmabhiḥ keśavādibhiḥ vastrayugmairalaṁkārairyathāvittānusārataḥ

Thereafter Brahmins should be fed, invoked under the names beginning with Keshava, and given pairs of garments and ornaments according to one's means.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.164.21)

अर्चयित्वा ततो दद्यादपूपान्घृतपाचितान् । उपायनार्थे विप्रेभ्यो द्वादशभ्यो निवेदयेत्

arcayitvā tato dadyādapūpānghṛtapācitān upāyanārthe viprebhyo dvādaśabhyo nivedayet

After worship, cakes cooked in ghee should be given, and offered as a gift to twelve Brahmins.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.164.22)

आचार्याय ततो दद्यात्प्रतिमां पूर्वकल्पिताम् । शय्यां संकल्पितां पूर्णां सर्वालंकारभूषिताम्

ācāryāya tato dadyātpratimāṁ pūrvakalpitām śayyāṁ saṁkalpitāṁ pūrṇāṁ sarvālaṁkārabhūṣitām

Then the image prepared beforehand should be given to the preceptor, along with a bed, duly consecrated and complete, adorned with every ornament.

Verse 23 (skanda.2.164.23)

तस्यामभ्यर्च्य विधिवल्लक्ष्मीनारायणं परम् । कांस्यपात्रेण सहितामपूपैर्बहुभिस्तथा

tasyāmabhyarcya vidhivallakṣmīnārāyaṇaṁ param kāṁsyapātreṇa sahitāmapūpairbahubhistathā

Upon that bed, having duly worshipped the supreme Lakshmi-Narayana, together with a bronze vessel and many cakes as well,

Verse 24 (skanda.2.164.24)

वस्त्रालंकारसहितां दक्षिणाभिस्तथैव च । ब्राह्मणाय विशिष्टाय वैष्णवाय कुटुंबिने

vastrālaṁkārasahitāṁ dakṣiṇābhistathaiva ca brāhmaṇāya viśiṣṭāya vaiṣṇavāya kuṭuṁbine

together with garments, ornaments and gifts of money, that bed should — to some distinguished, devout, householder Brahmin —

Verse 25 (skanda.2.164.25)

दातव्या विधिवत्पूज्य ब्राह्मणांश्चापि भोजयेत् । दानमन्त्रः । लक्ष्म्या अशून्यं शयनं यथा तव जनार्दन

dātavyā vidhivatpūjya brāhmaṇāṁścāpi bhojayet dānamantraḥ lakṣmyā aśūnyaṁ śayanaṁ yathā tava janārdana

be given, duly honoured, and Brahmins should also be fed. The gift-mantra is: 'O Janardana, just as your own bed with Lakshmi is never empty,

Verse 26 (skanda.2.164.26)

शय्या ममाप्यशून्या स्याद्दानेनाऽनेन केशव । एवं सम्प्रार्थ्य देवेशं स्वयं भोजनमाचरेत्

śayyā mamāpyaśūnyā syāddānenā'nena keśava evaṁ samprārthya deveśaṁ svayaṁ bhojanamācaret

so, O Keshava, may my own bed too, by this gift, never be empty.' Having thus petitioned the lord of gods, one should then partake of food oneself.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.164.27)

पुरुषो वा सती वाऽपि विधवा वा समाचरेत् । अशून्यशयनार्थं च कर्तव्यं व्रतमुत्तमम्

puruṣo vā satī vā'pi vidhavā vā samācaret aśūnyaśayanārthaṁ ca kartavyaṁ vratamuttamam

Whether man, or a married woman, or a widow, all should perform this supreme vow, for the sake of an ever-un-empty bed.

Verse 28 (skanda.2.164.28)

एवं तव मया ख्यातं विस्तरान्नृपसत्तम । सुप्रसन्ने जगन्नाथे भवेयुर्विविधाः प्रजाः

evaṁ tava mayā khyātaṁ vistarānnṛpasattama suprasanne jagannāthe bhaveyurvividhāḥ prajāḥ

Thus, O best of kings, have I described this to you at length. When the lord of the universe is well pleased, his subjects prosper in manifold ways,

Verse 29 (skanda.2.164.29)

तस्मिंस्तुष्टे तु देवेशे देवानामपि दुर्लभाः । तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन व्रतमेतत्समाचरेत्

tasmiṁstuṣṭe tu deveśe devānāmapi durlabhāḥ tasmātsarvaprayatnena vratametatsamācaret

and when that lord of gods is satisfied, even things rare for the gods themselves become attainable. Therefore this vow should be performed with every effort,

Verse 30 (skanda.2.164.30)

अवश्यं गन्तुकामेन तद्विष्णोः परमं पदम् । एवमुक्तं मया सर्वं किमन्यच्छ्रोतुमिच्छसि

avaśyaṁ gantukāmena tadviṣṇoḥ paramaṁ padam evamuktaṁ mayā sarvaṁ kimanyacchrotumicchasi

by one who truly wishes to attain that supreme abode of Vishnu. Thus have I told you everything; what else do you now wish to hear?

Verse 31 (skanda.2.164.31)

इत्युक्तस्तेन राजर्षिः पुनरप्याह तं मुनिम् । वैशाखे छत्रदानस्य माहात्म्यं विस्तराद्वद

ityuktastena rājarṣiḥ punarapyāha taṁ munim vaiśākhe chatradānasya māhātmyaṁ vistarādvada

Thus addressed, the royal sage again said to that sage: 'Tell me at length the glory of giving an umbrella (shade) in Vaishakha.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.164.32)

शृण्वतोऽपि न तृप्तिर्मे वैशाखोक्ताञ्च्छुभावहान्

śṛṇvato'pi na tṛptirme vaiśākhoktāñcchubhāvahān

Even while listening to these auspicious observances declared for Vaishakha, I am not satiated.'

Verse 33 (skanda.2.164.33)

इति तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा यशस्यं पुण्यवर्द्धनम् । प्रत्युवाच महाभागं श्रुतदेवो महायशाः

iti tadvacanaṁ śrutvā yaśasyaṁ puṇyavarddhanam pratyuvāca mahābhāgaṁ śrutadevo mahāyaśāḥ

Hearing those words, so conducive to fame and the increase of merit, the illustrious Shrutadeva replied to the great and fortunate king.

Verse 34 (skanda.2.164.34)

श्रुतदेव उवाच । वैशाखे घर्मतप्तानां मानवानां महात्मनाम् । ये कुर्वन्त्यातपत्राणं तेषां पुण्यमनंतकम्

śrutadeva uvāca vaiśākhe gharmataptānāṁ mānavānāṁ mahātmanām ye kurvantyātapatrāṇaṁ teṣāṁ puṇyamanaṁtakam

Shrutadeva said: Those who provide shelter from the sun for great-souled men scorched by the heat of Vaishakha earn merit that is unending.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.164.35)

अत्रैवोदाहरन्तीममिति हासं पुरातनम् । वैशाखधर्ममुद्दिश्य पुरा कृतयुगे कृतम्

atraivodāharantīmamiti hāsaṁ purātanam vaiśākhadharmamuddiśya purā kṛtayuge kṛtam

On this point people cite an ancient tale, one that occurred in the Krita Yuga concerning the observance of Vaishakha.

Verse 36 (skanda.2.164.36)

वङ्गदेशे पुरा कश्चिद्धेमकान्त इति श्रुतः । कुशकेतोः सुतो धीमान्राजा शस्त्रभृतां वरः । एकदा मृगयाऽऽसक्तो गहनं वनमाविशत्

vaṅgadeśe purā kaściddhemakānta iti śrutaḥ kuśaketoḥ suto dhīmānrājā śastrabhṛtāṁ varaḥ ekadā mṛgayā''sakto gahanaṁ vanamāviśat

Long ago, in the land of Vanga, there was a king known as Hemakanta, the intelligent son of Kushaketu, foremost among wielders of weapons. Once, absorbed in the hunt, he entered a dense forest.

Verse 37 (skanda.2.164.37)

तत्र नानाविधान्हत्वा मृगान्क्रोडादिकान्बहून्। श्रांतो मध्याह्नवेलायां मुनीनामाश्रमं ययौ

tatra nānāvidhānhatvā mṛgānkroḍādikānbahūn śrāṁto madhyāhnavelāyāṁ munīnāmāśramaṁ yayau

There, having slain many kinds of deer, boar, and other creatures, tired, at midday he came to the hermitage of some sages.

Verse 38 (skanda.2.164.38)

तदा शतर्चिनोनाम ऋषयः शंसितव्रताः । समाधिस्था न जानन्ति बाह्यकृत्यं च किंचन

tadā śatarcinonāma ṛṣayaḥ śaṁsitavratāḥ samādhisthā na jānanti bāhyakṛtyaṁ ca kiṁcana

At that time the sages called Shatarchin, of purified vows, were absorbed in deep meditation, and were unaware of any outward happening whatsoever.

Verse 39 (skanda.2.164.39)

तान्दृष्ट्वा निश्चलान्विप्रान्क्रुद्धो हंतुं मनो दधे । भूपं निवारयामास शिष्याणामयुतं तदा

tāndṛṣṭvā niścalānviprānkruddho haṁtuṁ mano dadhe bhūpaṁ nivārayāmāsa śiṣyāṇāmayutaṁ tadā

Seeing those motionless Brahmins, he grew enraged and resolved to kill them. Then ten thousand disciples of theirs restrained the king,

Verse 40 (skanda.2.164.40)

दुर्बुद्ध शृणु नो वाक्यं गुरवस्तु समाधिगाः । नो जानन्ति बहिःकृत्यं तस्मात्क्रोधं न चार्हसि

durbuddha śṛṇu no vākyaṁ guravastu samādhigāḥ no jānanti bahiḥkṛtyaṁ tasmātkrodhaṁ na cārhasi

saying: 'O ill-minded one, hear our words: our teachers are absorbed in trance and know nothing of outward matters; therefore anger is not fitting.'

Verse 41 (skanda.2.164.41)

ततः शिष्यानुवाचेदं वचनं क्रोधविह्वलः । यूयं कुरुध्वमातिथ्यमध्वश्रांतस्य मे द्विजाः

tataḥ śiṣyānuvācedaṁ vacanaṁ krodhavihvalaḥ yūyaṁ kurudhvamātithyamadhvaśrāṁtasya me dvijāḥ

Then the king, overwhelmed with anger, said this to the disciples: 'O twice-born ones, offer hospitality to me, wearied from the road.'

Verse 42 (skanda.2.164.42)

एवमुक्ताश्च भूपेन शिष्या ऊचुस्तदा नृपम् । नाऽऽज्ञप्ता गुरुभिर्भूप वयं भिक्षाशिनः पुनः

evamuktāśca bhūpena śiṣyā ūcustadā nṛpam nā''jñaptā gurubhirbhūpa vayaṁ bhikṣāśinaḥ punaḥ

Thus addressed by the king, the disciples said to him: 'O king, we have received no instruction from our teachers; indeed, we ourselves live by begging alms,

Verse 43 (skanda.2.164.43)

गुरुतन्त्राः कथं कर्तुमातिथ्यं ते वयं क्षमाः । प्रत्याख्यातो नृपः शिष्यैस्तान्हंतुं धनुराददे

gurutantrāḥ kathaṁ kartumātithyaṁ te vayaṁ kṣamāḥ pratyākhyāto nṛpaḥ śiṣyaistānhaṁtuṁ dhanurādade

and, being dependent upon our teacher, how are we capable of offering you hospitality?' Rebuffed thus by the disciples, the king took up his bow to slay them.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.164.44)

मृगदस्युभयादिभ्यो बहुधा रक्षिता मया । ते मामेवोपशिक्षंति मया दत्तप्रतिग्रहाः

mṛgadasyubhayādibhyo bahudhā rakṣitā mayā te māmevopaśikṣaṁti mayā dattapratigrahāḥ

(The king reasoned:) 'I have often protected these people from the dangers of wild beasts and thieves; and having received gifts from me, they now presume to instruct me.

Verse 45 (skanda.2.164.45)

एते मां न विजानंति कृतघ्ना भूरिमानिनः । घ्नतोपि मे न दोषः स्यादेतान्वै ह्याततायिनः

ete māṁ na vijānaṁti kṛtaghnā bhūrimāninaḥ ghnatopi me na doṣaḥ syādetānvai hyātatāyinaḥ

These ungrateful, immensely conceited people do not know who I am. In slaying these aggressors, no fault shall attach to me.'

Verse 46 (skanda.2.164.46)

एवं विक्रुद्धमानः सञ्छरान्मुंचञ्च्छरासनात् । तान्विद्रुताननुद्रुत्य जघ्ने शिष्यशतत्रयम्

evaṁ vikruddhamānaḥ sañcharānmuṁcañccharāsanāt tānvidrutānanudrutya jaghne śiṣyaśatatrayam

Thus enraged, loosing arrows from his bow, he pursued those disciples as they fled and slew three hundred of them.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.164.47)

दुद्रुवुर्भयतः सर्वे विहायाऽऽश्रममञ्जसा । विद्रावितेषु शिष्येषु बलादाश्रमसंस्थितान्

dudruvurbhayataḥ sarve vihāyā''śramamañjasā vidrāviteṣu śiṣyeṣu balādāśramasaṁsthitān

All the rest, in fear, fled the hermitage at once, abandoning it. With the disciples thus driven off, whatever remained stored in the hermitage was seized by force —

Verse 48 (skanda.2.164.48)

संभाराञ्जगृहुः शीघ्रं सैनिकाः पापबुद्धयः । यथेष्टं भोजनं चक्रुर्नृपेणैवानुमोदिताः

saṁbhārāñjagṛhuḥ śīghraṁ sainikāḥ pāpabuddhayaḥ yatheṣṭaṁ bhojanaṁ cakrurnṛpeṇaivānumoditāḥ

the wicked-minded soldiers quickly seized it, and, with the king's own approval, ate their fill just as they pleased.

Verse 49 (skanda.2.164.49)

ततः सेनाऽऽवृतो राजा पुरीमागाद्दिनात्यये । कुशकेतुस्ततः श्रुत्वा तनयस्य विचेष्टितम्

tataḥ senā''vṛto rājā purīmāgāddinātyaye kuśaketustataḥ śrutvā tanayasya viceṣṭitam

Then the king, surrounded by his army, returned to the city at the close of day. Kushaketu, hearing of his son's conduct,

Verse 50 (skanda.2.164.50)

पुरान्निर्यातयामास गर्हयन्गर्हयन्सुतम् । राज्यानर्हं क्षमाहीनं स्वदेशादपि भूमिप

purānniryātayāmāsa garhayangarhayansutam rājyānarhaṁ kṣamāhīnaṁ svadeśādapi bhūmipa

O king, censuring his son again and again, and deeming him unfit for the kingdom and devoid of forbearance, banished him even from his own realm.

Verse 51 (skanda.2.164.51)

पित्रा त्यक्तस्ततो राजा हेमकांतोऽतिविह्वलः । वनं विवेश गहनं हत्याभिश्च सुपीडितः

pitrā tyaktastato rājā hemakāṁto'tivihvalaḥ vanaṁ viveśa gahanaṁ hatyābhiśca supīḍitaḥ

Abandoned by his father, King Hemakanta, utterly distraught and grievously tormented by those killings, entered a dense forest.

Verse 52 (skanda.2.164.52)

बहुकालमवासीच्च गह्वरे निर्जने वने । आहारं कल्पयामास व्याधधर्ममुपाश्रितः

bahukālamavāsīcca gahvare nirjane vane āhāraṁ kalpayāmāsa vyādhadharmamupāśritaḥ

For a long time he dwelt in a cave in the desolate forest, taking up the ways of a hunter to procure his food.

Verse 53 (skanda.2.164.53)

न क्वाऽपि स्थितिमापेदे हत्ययाऽभिद्रुतो भृशम् । अष्टाविंशतिवर्षाणि गतान्यस्य दुरात्मनः

na kvā'pi sthitimāpede hatyayā'bhidruto bhṛśam aṣṭāviṁśativarṣāṇi gatānyasya durātmanaḥ

Hounded relentlessly by that killing, he found no rest anywhere. Twenty-eight years thus passed for that ill-fated man.

Verse 54 (skanda.2.164.54)

तीर्थयात्राप्रसंगेन त्रितो नाम महामुनिः । तस्मिन्नरण्ये वैशाखे रवौ मध्यंदिने गते

tīrthayātrāprasaṁgena trito nāma mahāmuniḥ tasminnaraṇye vaiśākhe ravau madhyaṁdine gate

Once, in the course of a pilgrimage, the great sage named Trita, in the month of Vaishakha, as the sun reached midday, in that very forest,

Verse 55 (skanda.2.164.55)

गच्छन्नातपविक्लांतस्तृषया चाऽपि पीडितः । क्वचिद्वृक्षविहीने तु प्रदेशे मूर्च्छितोऽभवत्

gacchannātapaviklāṁtastṛṣayā cā'pi pīḍitaḥ kvacidvṛkṣavihīne tu pradeśe mūrcchito'bhavat

walking along, exhausted by the heat and afflicted by thirst as well, fell into a swoon in some spot devoid of trees.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.164.56)

दैवाद्दृष्ट्वा हेमकांतस्त्रितं नाम महामुनिम् । तृषार्तं मूर्छितं श्रांतं कृपां चक्रे नृपाधमः

daivāddṛṣṭvā hemakāṁtastritaṁ nāma mahāmunim tṛṣārtaṁ mūrchitaṁ śrāṁtaṁ kṛpāṁ cakre nṛpādhamaḥ

By fate, seeing the great sage Trita, thirst-stricken, swooning, and exhausted, even that fallen king was moved to compassion.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.164.57)

ब्रह्मपत्रैस्तदा छत्रं कृत्वा चाऽऽतपवारणम्। मुनेर्जग्राह शिरसि ह्यलाबुस्थं जलं ददौ

brahmapatraistadā chatraṁ kṛtvā cā''tapavāraṇam munerjagrāha śirasi hyalābusthaṁ jalaṁ dadau

Fashioning an umbrella of leaves as a shield against the sun's heat, he held it over the sage's head, and gave him water kept in a gourd.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.164.58)

लब्धसंज्ञोऽभवत्तेन ह्युपचारेण वै मुनिः । पत्रच्छत्रं क्षत्रदत्तं गृहीत्वा गतविक्लमः

labdhasaṁjño'bhavattena hyupacāreṇa vai muniḥ patracchatraṁ kṣatradattaṁ gṛhītvā gataviklamaḥ

By this attention the sage regained his senses. Taking up that leaf-umbrella given by the warrior, and freed from his distress,

Verse 59 (skanda.2.164.59)

ग्रामं क्वचिच्छनैः प्राप्य किञ्चिदाप्यायितेन्द्रियः । तेन पुण्यप्रभावेन ब्रह्महत्याशतत्रयम्

grāmaṁ kvacicchanaiḥ prāpya kiñcidāpyāyitendriyaḥ tena puṇyaprabhāvena brahmahatyāśatatrayam

he made his way slowly to some village, his senses somewhat restored. By the power of that merit, Hemakanta's sin of three hundred Brahmin-killings

Verse 60 (skanda.2.164.60)

विनष्टमभवत्तस्य क्षणादेव महात्मनः । ततो विस्मयमापन्नो हेमकान्तो महारथः

vinaṣṭamabhavattasya kṣaṇādeva mahātmanaḥ tato vismayamāpanno hemakānto mahārathaḥ

was destroyed for that great soul in but a moment. Then the great warrior Hemakanta, filled with amazement,

Verse 61 (skanda.2.164.61)

बहुधा पीड्यमानस्य ब्रह्महत्याः कथं गताः । केनाऽपि निष्कृता ह्येताः क्व गताः केन हेतुना

bahudhā pīḍyamānasya brahmahatyāḥ kathaṁ gatāḥ kenā'pi niṣkṛtā hyetāḥ kva gatāḥ kena hetunā

wondered how the Brahmin-killings that had tormented him so grievously had vanished — by what means had they been expiated, whither had they gone, and by what cause?

Verse 62 (skanda.2.164.62)

इत्येवं चिन्तयामास ब्रह्महत्याविमोचनम्। एवं चाऽज्ञस्थिते राज्ञि यमदूता अथाऽऽगमन्

ityevaṁ cintayāmāsa brahmahatyāvimocanam evaṁ cā'jñasthite rājñi yamadūtā athā''gaman

Thus he pondered over the release from his Brahmin-killings. And while the king remained thus unaware, the messengers of Yama then arrived,

Verse 63 (skanda.2.164.63)

नेतुमेनं महात्मानं हेमकांतं वने स्थितम् । ग्रहणीं जनयामासुः प्राणान्हर्तुं महात्मनः

netumenaṁ mahātmānaṁ hemakāṁtaṁ vane sthitam grahaṇīṁ janayāmāsuḥ prāṇānhartuṁ mahātmanaḥ

to take away that great soul Hemakanta, who was still in the forest. To seize the life of that great soul, they afflicted him with a fearsome ailment (a seizure of the vitals).

Verse 64 (skanda.2.164.64)

तदा प्राणवियोगार्तः पुरुषांस्त्रीन्ददर्श ह । यमदूतान्महाघोरानूर्ध्वकेशान्भयंकरान्

tadā prāṇaviyogārtaḥ puruṣāṁstrīndadarśa ha yamadūtānmahāghorānūrdhvakeśānbhayaṁkarān

Then, tormented by the imminent parting of his life, he saw three men — Yama's messengers, exceedingly terrible, their hair standing on end, dreadful to behold.

Verse 65 (skanda.2.164.65)

चिन्तयानः स्वकर्माणि तूष्णीमासीत्तदा नृपः । छत्रदानप्रभावेन जाता विष्णुस्मृतिर्नृप

cintayānaḥ svakarmāṇi tūṣṇīmāsīttadā nṛpaḥ chatradānaprabhāvena jātā viṣṇusmṛtirnṛpa

Reflecting upon his own deeds, the king fell silent at that moment. O king, by the power of that gift of shade, remembrance of Vishnu arose in him,

Verse 66 (skanda.2.164.66)

तेन स्मृतो महाविष्णुर्विष्वक्सेन स्वमंत्रिणम् । उवाच तूर्णं त्वं गच्छ यमदूतान्निवारय

tena smṛto mahāviṣṇurviṣvaksena svamaṁtriṇam uvāca tūrṇaṁ tvaṁ gaccha yamadūtānnivāraya

and, thus remembered, the great Vishnu said to his own minister Vishvaksena: 'Go swiftly and restrain the messengers of Yama.

Verse 67 (skanda.2.164.67)

वैशाखधर्मनिरतं हेमकांतं तु पालय । निष्पापमेनं मद्भक्तं पित्रे देहि पुरं गतः

vaiśākhadharmanirataṁ hemakāṁtaṁ tu pālaya niṣpāpamenaṁ madbhaktaṁ pitre dehi puraṁ gataḥ

Protect Hemakanta, who is devoted to the observance of Vaishakha; go to the city and restore this sinless devotee of mine to his father.

Verse 68 (skanda.2.164.68)

मदीरितेन वाक्येन कुशकेतुं च बोधय । सर्वधर्म्मोज्झितो वापि ब्रह्मचर्यादिवर्जितः

madīritena vākyena kuśaketuṁ ca bodhaya sarvadharmmojjhito vāpi brahmacaryādivarjitaḥ

And with these words uttered by me, make Kushaketu understand this too — even one bereft of all other observances, devoid of celibacy and the rest,

Verse 69 (skanda.2.164.69)

वैशाखधर्मनिरतो मत्प्रियः स्यान्न संशयः। कृतागाश्चाऽपि त्वत्पुत्रो मुनित्राणपरायणः

vaiśākhadharmanirato matpriyaḥ syānna saṁśayaḥ kṛtāgāścā'pi tvatputro munitrāṇaparāyaṇaḥ

if devoted to the observance of Vaishakha, becomes dear to me — of this there is no doubt. Even though he has committed a fault, your son has been devoted to the protection of a sage,

Verse 70 (skanda.2.164.70)

वैशाखे छत्रदानेन निष्पापो नाऽत्र संशयः । तेन पुण्यप्रभावेन शांतो दान्तश्चिरायुषः

vaiśākhe chatradānena niṣpāpo nā'tra saṁśayaḥ tena puṇyaprabhāvena śāṁto dāntaścirāyuṣaḥ

and, by giving shade in Vaishakha, he is now sinless — of this there is no doubt. By the power of that merit he has become tranquil, self-controlled, and long-lived,

Verse 71 (skanda.2.164.71)

शौर्योदार्यगुणोपेतस्त्वत्समोऽयं गुणैरपि । तस्मादेनं राज्यभारे संस्थापय महाबलम्

śauryodāryaguṇopetastvatsamo'yaṁ guṇairapi tasmādenaṁ rājyabhāre saṁsthāpaya mahābalam

endowed with the qualities of valour and generosity, equal to you even in his virtues. Therefore reinstate this mighty one in the burden of the kingdom.

Verse 72 (skanda.2.164.72)

विष्णुनैव समाज्ञप्तमित्यादिश्य नृपोत्तमम् । पितुर्वंशे हेमकांतं स्थाप्याऽऽयाहि च मां पुनः

viṣṇunaiva samājñaptamityādiśya nṛpottamam piturvaṁśe hemakāṁtaṁ sthāpyā''yāhi ca māṁ punaḥ

Declaring, 'This is Vishnu's own command,' O best of kings, establish Hemakanta in his father's lineage, and then return again to me.'

Verse 73 (skanda.2.164.73)

इत्यादिष्टो भगवता विष्वक्सेनो महाबलः । हेमकान्तं समासाद्य यमदूतान्निवार्य च

ityādiṣṭo bhagavatā viṣvakseno mahābalaḥ hemakāntaṁ samāsādya yamadūtānnivārya ca

Thus commanded by the Lord, the mighty Vishvaksena, reaching Hemakanta and restraining the messengers of Yama,

Verse 74 (skanda.2.164.74)

पाणिना शंतमेनैव पस्पर्शांगेषु भूमिपम् । भगवद्भक्तसंस्पर्शाद्धतव्याधिः क्षणादभूत्

pāṇinā śaṁtamenaiva pasparśāṁgeṣu bhūmipam bhagavadbhaktasaṁsparśāddhatavyādhiḥ kṣaṇādabhūt

touched the king's limbs with his own soothing hand. By the touch of that devotee of the Lord, his ailment was destroyed in an instant.

Verse 75 (skanda.2.164.75)

विष्वक्सेनस्ततस्तेन सह तस्य पुरीं ययौ । तं दृष्ट्वा विस्मितो भूत्वा कुशकेतुर्महाप्रभुः

viṣvaksenastatastena saha tasya purīṁ yayau taṁ dṛṣṭvā vismito bhūtvā kuśaketurmahāprabhuḥ

Vishvaksena then went with him to his capital city. Seeing him, the great lord Kushaketu, filled with amazement,

Verse 76 (skanda.2.164.76)

ननाम शिरसा भक्त्या दण्डवत्पतितो भुवि । गृहं प्रवेशयामास पार्षदं परमात्मनः

nanāma śirasā bhaktyā daṇḍavatpatito bhuvi gṛhaṁ praveśayāmāsa pārṣadaṁ paramātmanaḥ

prostrated himself flat on the ground in devotion, bowing his head, and led that attendant of the Supreme Self into his own house.

Verse 77 (skanda.2.164.77)

स्तुत्वा च विविधैः स्तोत्रैः पूजयामास वैभवैः । तस्मै प्रीतमनाः प्राह विष्वक्सेनो महाबलः

stutvā ca vividhaiḥ stotraiḥ pūjayāmāsa vaibhavaiḥ tasmai prītamanāḥ prāha viṣvakseno mahābalaḥ

Praising him with various hymns, he honoured him with all his wealth and splendour. Pleased at heart, the mighty Vishvaksena spoke to him,

Verse 78 (skanda.2.164.78)

हेमकान्तं समुद्दिश्य यदुक्तं विष्णुना पुरा । तच्छ्रुत्वा कुशकेतुश्च पुत्रं राज्ये निवेश्य च

hemakāntaṁ samuddiśya yaduktaṁ viṣṇunā purā tacchrutvā kuśaketuśca putraṁ rājye niveśya ca

recounting what Vishnu had earlier declared concerning Hemakanta. Hearing this, Kushaketu installed his son in the kingdom,

Verse 79 (skanda.2.164.79)

विष्वक्सेनाभ्यनुज्ञातः सभार्यो वनमाविशत् । विष्वक्सेनो हेमकान्तमनुमंत्र्याभिपूज्य च

viṣvaksenābhyanujñātaḥ sabhāryo vanamāviśat viṣvakseno hemakāntamanumaṁtryābhipūjya ca

and, with the leave of Vishvaksena, entered the forest together with his wife. Vishvaksena, having instructed and duly honoured Hemakanta,

Verse 80 (skanda.2.164.80)

श्वेतद्वीपं ययौ धीमान्विष्णुपार्श्वे महामनाः । हेमकांतस्ततो राजा वैशाखोक्ताञ्च्छुभावहान

śvetadvīpaṁ yayau dhīmānviṣṇupārśve mahāmanāḥ hemakāṁtastato rājā vaiśākhoktāñcchubhāvahāna

that wise and noble-minded one departed for Shvetadvipa, to the side of Vishnu. Thereafter King Hemakanta, for the rest of his life, performed year after year those

Verse 81 (skanda.2.164.81)

विष्णुप्रीतिकरान्धर्मान्प्रतिवर्षं चकार ह । ब्रह्मण्यो धर्ममार्गस्थः शान्तो दान्तो जितेन्द्रियः

viṣṇuprītikarāndharmānprativarṣaṁ cakāra ha brahmaṇyo dharmamārgasthaḥ śānto dānto jitendriyaḥ

observances declared for Vaishakha, dear to Vishnu — devoted to Brahmins, established on the path of dharma, tranquil, self-restrained, master of his senses,

Verse 82 (skanda.2.164.82)

दयालुः सर्वभूतेषु सर्वयज्ञेषु दीक्षितः । प्रवृद्धः सर्वसम्पद्भिः पुत्रपौत्रादिभिर्वृतः

dayāluḥ sarvabhūteṣu sarvayajñeṣu dīkṣitaḥ pravṛddhaḥ sarvasampadbhiḥ putrapautrādibhirvṛtaḥ

compassionate to all beings, initiated into every sacrifice, prospering with every kind of wealth, surrounded by sons, grandsons, and the like,

Verse 83 (skanda.2.164.83)

भुक्त्वा भोगान्समस्तांश्च विष्णुलोकमवाप्तवान्

bhuktvā bhogānsamastāṁśca viṣṇulokamavāptavān

and, having enjoyed every kind of pleasure, in the end he attained the world of Vishnu.

Verse 84 (skanda.2.164.84)

नेक्षे तु वैशाखसमांश्च धर्मान्सुखप्रयत्नान्बहुपुण्यहेतून् । पापेन्धनाद्यग्निनिभान्सुलभ्यान्धर्मादिमोक्षान्तपुमर्थहेतून्

nekṣe tu vaiśākhasamāṁśca dharmānsukhaprayatnānbahupuṇyahetūn pāpendhanādyagninibhānsulabhyāndharmādimokṣāntapumarthahetūn

I see no observance equal to that of Vaishakha — easy to accomplish, a cause of abundant merit, like a fire to the fuel of sin, readily attainable, and the cause of every human aim from dharma up to liberation.