The Consoling of Yama

Verse 1 (skanda.2.167.1)

ब्रह्मोवाच । किमाश्चर्यं त्वया दृष्टं किमर्थं खिद्यते भवान् । सद्गणेषु कृतस्तापः स तापो मरणांतिकः

brahmovāca kimāścaryaṁ tvayā dṛṣṭaṁ kimarthaṁ khidyate bhavān sadgaṇeṣu kṛtastāpaḥ sa tāpo maraṇāṁtikaḥ

Brahma said: What wonder have you seen, and for what reason are you so afflicted? Distress caused to virtuous beings brings about a suffering equal to death itself.

Verse 2 (skanda.2.167.2)

तस्योच्चारणमात्रेण प्राप्यते परमं पदम् । न गच्छंति हरेर्लोकं कथं भूपस्य शासनात्

tasyoccāraṇamātreṇa prāpyate paramaṁ padam na gacchaṁti harerlokaṁ kathaṁ bhūpasya śāsanāt

By the mere utterance of that name (of Hari) alone, the supreme abode is attained. Why, then, should people not go to Hari's world through the rule of a king?

Verse 3 (skanda.2.167.3)

एकोऽपि गोविन्दकृतः प्रणामः शताश्वमेधावभृथेन तुल्यः । यज्ञस्य कर्त्ता पुनरेति जन्म हरेः प्रणामो न पुनर्भवाय

eko'pi govindakṛtaḥ praṇāmaḥ śatāśvamedhāvabhṛthena tulyaḥ yajñasya karttā punareti janma hareḥ praṇāmo na punarbhavāya

Even a single obeisance made to Govinda equals the concluding bath of a hundred horse-sacrifices. The performer of sacrifice takes birth again, but obeisance to Hari does not lead to rebirth.

Verse 4 (skanda.2.167.4)

कुरुक्षेत्रेण किं तस्य सरस्वत्या च किं तथा । जिह्वाग्रे वर्तते यस्य हरिरित्यक्षरद्वयम्

kurukṣetreṇa kiṁ tasya sarasvatyā ca kiṁ tathā jihvāgre vartate yasya harirityakṣaradvayam

What need has he of Kurukshetra, and what need of the Sarasvati river, upon whose tongue-tip the two syllables 'Hari' ever abide?

Verse 5 (skanda.2.167.5)

ब्राह्मणः श्वपचीं भुंजन्विशेषेण रजस्वलाम् । यदि विष्णुं स मरणे स्मरेन्नाप्नोति तत्पदम्

brāhmaṇaḥ śvapacīṁ bhuṁjanviśeṣeṇa rajasvalām yadi viṣṇuṁ sa maraṇe smarennāpnoti tatpadam

Even a Brahmin who eats the food of an outcaste woman, especially one in her courses — if he but remembers Vishnu at the time of death, shall he not attain that supreme abode?

Verse 6 (skanda.2.167.6)

अभक्ष्यभक्षणाज्जातं विहायाघस्य संचयम् । प्रयाति विष्णुसायुज्यं यतो विष्णुप्रिया स्मृतिः

abhakṣyabhakṣaṇājjātaṁ vihāyāghasya saṁcayam prayāti viṣṇusāyujyaṁ yato viṣṇupriyā smṛtiḥ

Setting aside the accumulated sin arising from eating forbidden food, he attains union with Vishnu, since the remembrance of Vishnu is what is most dear to him.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.167.7)

एवं विष्णुप्रियो मासो वैशाखो नाम वै यम । यद्धर्मश्रवणादेव मुच्यते सर्वकिल्बिषैः

evaṁ viṣṇupriyo māso vaiśākho nāma vai yama yaddharmaśravaṇādeva mucyate sarvakilbiṣaiḥ

In just the same way, O Yama, the month named Vaishakha is dear to Vishnu, by the mere hearing of whose observances a man is freed from every sin.

Verse 8 (skanda.2.167.8)

यातीति किमु वक्तव्यं तस्यानुष्ठानतत्परः । यस्मिन्संगीयते यो हि प्रीयते पुरुषोत्तमः

yātīti kimu vaktavyaṁ tasyānuṣṭhānatatparaḥ yasminsaṁgīyate yo hi prīyate puruṣottamaḥ

What need to say that one devoted to its observance attains that world? He, the Supreme Person, is pleased simply by that in which his own glory is sung.

Verse 9 (skanda.2.167.9)

कथं न याति च गतिं तस्याऽनुष्ठानत त्परः । अस्माकं जगतां नाथो जनिता पुरुषोत्तमः

kathaṁ na yāti ca gatiṁ tasyā'nuṣṭhānata tparaḥ asmākaṁ jagatāṁ nātho janitā puruṣottamaḥ

Why then should one devoted to its observance not attain that state? The Supreme Person is himself the begetter and lord of us all, and of the entire universe.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.167.10)

तस्येष्टान्माधवे मासि धर्मानेतान्करोत्वयम् । तस्य विष्णुः प्रसन्नात्मा सहाये सर्वदा स्थितः

tasyeṣṭānmādhave māsi dharmānetānkarotvayam tasya viṣṇuḥ prasannātmā sahāye sarvadā sthitaḥ

This king, in the month of Madhava, performs these very observances dear to Vishnu; for him, Vishnu, his heart well pleased, ever stands as his helper.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.167.11)

न तस्य भूपतेः सौरे समर्थस्त्वं च शिक्षणे । न वासुदेवभक्तानामशुभं विद्यते क्वचित् । जन्ममृत्युजराव्याधि भयं नैवोपजायते

na tasya bhūpateḥ saure samarthastvaṁ ca śikṣaṇe na vāsudevabhaktānāmaśubhaṁ vidyate kvacit janmamṛtyujarāvyādhi bhayaṁ naivopajāyate

O son of the sun, you are not capable of chastising that king. For devotees of Vasudeva, no misfortune exists anywhere; birth, death, old age, disease, and fear never arise for them.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.167.12)

नियोगी स्वामिकार्येषु यावच्छक्ति समीहते । तावता स कृतार्थः स्यान्नरकान्नैव गच्छति

niyogī svāmikāryeṣu yāvacchakti samīhate tāvatā sa kṛtārthaḥ syānnarakānnaiva gacchati

An appointed servant, striving in his master's affairs to the best of his ability, becomes fulfilled by that very effort alone, and does not go to hell.

Verse 13 (skanda.2.167.13)

कार्ये शक्ति विनिष्क्रान्ते स्वामिने च निवेदयेत् । अनृणस्तावता भृत्यो नियोगी सुखमश्नुते

kārye śakti viniṣkrānte svāmine ca nivedayet anṛṇastāvatā bhṛtyo niyogī sukhamaśnute

When his strength for the task is exhausted, let him simply report this to his master; by that alone, the appointed servant, free of debt, enjoys happiness.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.167.14)

तस्मान्निवेदितार्थस्य न ऋणं न च पातकम् । यत्ने कृते स्वकर्तव्ये नापराधोस्ति देहिनः

tasmānniveditārthasya na ṛṇaṁ na ca pātakam yatne kṛte svakartavye nāparādhosti dehinaḥ

Therefore for one who has thus reported the matter, there remains neither debt nor sin. When effort has been made in one's own duty, no fault attaches to the embodied being.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.167.15)

तस्मादशक्यकार्येऽस्मिन्न विशोचितुमर्हसि

tasmādaśakyakārye'sminna viśocitumarhasi

Therefore, in this matter of an impossible task, it is not fitting for you to grieve.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.167.16)

इत्युक्तो ब्रह्मणा सौरिः पुनरत्यंतखिन्नधीः । उवाच दीनया वाचा गलद्वाष्पाऽऽकुलेक्षणः

ityukto brahmaṇā sauriḥ punaratyaṁtakhinnadhīḥ uvāca dīnayā vācā galadvāṣpā''kulekṣaṇaḥ

Thus addressed by Brahma, the sun's son, his mind still exceedingly troubled, spoke again in a plaintive voice, his eyes clouded with flowing tears.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.167.17)

प्राप्तं तात मया सर्वं त्वदंघ्रिभजनेन वै । नाऽहं यास्ये पुनः कर्तुं नियोगं पद्मसंभव

prāptaṁ tāta mayā sarvaṁ tvadaṁghribhajanena vai nā'haṁ yāsye punaḥ kartuṁ niyogaṁ padmasaṁbhava

'Dear one, through devotion to your very feet I have obtained everything. O lotus-born one, I shall not go back again to carry out my office,

Verse 18 (skanda.2.167.18)

प्रशासति महावीर्ये भूपेऽस्मिन्भूमिमण्डले । चालयित्वा स्वधर्मांश्च तमेकं भूपतिं विभो

praśāsati mahāvīrye bhūpe'sminbhūmimaṇḍale cālayitvā svadharmāṁśca tamekaṁ bhūpatiṁ vibho

so long as this mighty king continues to rule this earthly realm. O lord, having thereby set his own observances in motion, let that king alone —

Verse 19 (skanda.2.167.19)

कृतकृत्योऽस्मि तनयो गयायां पिण्डदो यथा। कृपालो तदिदं कार्यं साधयस्व ममाव्ययम्

kṛtakṛtyo'smi tanayo gayāyāṁ piṇḍado yathā kṛpālo tadidaṁ kāryaṁ sādhayasva mamāvyayam

I have become fulfilled, as a son is fulfilled by offering the funeral cake at Gaya. O merciful one, accomplish this everlasting task of mine yourself.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.167.20)

विज्वरस्तु ततो भूयः शासनं ते करोम्यहम् । श्रुत्वा ब्रह्मा यमेनोक्तं पुनश्चिंतापरायणः

vijvarastu tato bhūyaḥ śāsanaṁ te karomyaham śrutvā brahmā yamenoktaṁ punaściṁtāparāyaṇaḥ

Only then, freed of this affliction, shall I once more carry out your command.' Hearing this from Yama, Brahma too fell once more into deep thought.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.167.21)

तमुवाच पुनर्ब्रह्मा सांत्वयन्बहुधाप्यमुम् । ब्रह्मोवाच । न निर्ग्राह्यस्त्वया राजा विष्णुधर्मपरायणः

tamuvāca punarbrahmā sāṁtvayanbahudhāpyamum brahmovāca na nirgrāhyastvayā rājā viṣṇudharmaparāyaṇaḥ

Brahma spoke to him again, consoling him in many ways. Brahma said: 'You must not seize hold of that king, devoted as he is to Vishnu's own observance.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.167.22)

यदि च्छलयसे कोपाद्गच्छामो ह्यंतिकं हरेः । निवेद्य सकलं तस्मै कर्म पश्चात्तदीरितम्

yadi cchalayase kopādgacchāmo hyaṁtikaṁ hareḥ nivedya sakalaṁ tasmai karma paścāttadīritam

If, out of anger, you resort to any deceit against him, then we shall go directly to Hari, and only after reporting this entire matter to him shall we act further,

Verse 23 (skanda.2.167.23)

स एव कर्त्ता लोकस्य धर्मस्य परिपालकः । स च दण्डधरोऽस्माकं शास्ता कर्त्ता नियामकः

sa eva karttā lokasya dharmasya paripālakaḥ sa ca daṇḍadharo'smākaṁ śāstā karttā niyāmakaḥ

for he alone is the maker of the world, the sustainer of dharma; he alone is our wielder of the rod, our ruler, our maker, and our regulator.

Verse 24 (skanda.2.167.24)

न तदुक्तेऽस्ति प्रत्युक्तिरस्माकं विहिता वृष । न राजोक्तेस्तु प्रत्युक्तिर्दृश्यते क्वाऽपि भूतले

na tadukte'sti pratyuktirasmākaṁ vihitā vṛṣa na rājoktestu pratyuktirdṛśyate kvā'pi bhūtale

O righteous one, no reply to what he has ordained is permitted to us — just as, upon this earth, no reply is ever seen to a king's own command.'

Verse 25 (skanda.2.167.25)

इत्याश्वास्य यमं तेन साकं क्षीरांबुधिं ययौ । ब्रह्मा तुष्टाव चिन्मात्रं निर्गुणं परमेश्वरम्

ityāśvāsya yamaṁ tena sākaṁ kṣīrāṁbudhiṁ yayau brahmā tuṣṭāva cinmātraṁ nirguṇaṁ parameśvaram

Having thus reassured Yama, Brahma went with him to the Ocean of Milk. There Brahma praised the pure consciousness, the attributeless Supreme Lord,

Verse 26 (skanda.2.167.26)

सांख्ययोगैरद्वितीयमेकं तं पुरुषोत्तमम् । आविरासीत्तदा विष्णुर्ब्रह्मणा संस्तुतो हरिः

sāṁkhyayogairadvitīyamekaṁ taṁ puruṣottamam āvirāsīttadā viṣṇurbrahmaṇā saṁstuto hariḥ

the one, non-dual Supreme Person known through both Sankhya and Yoga. Thus praised by Brahma, Vishnu, Hari, then made himself manifest.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.167.27)

प्रणामं चक्रतुस्तस्मै यमो ब्रह्मा च सत्वरम् । तावुवाच महाविष्णुर्मेघगंभीरया गिरा

praṇāmaṁ cakratustasmai yamo brahmā ca satvaram tāvuvāca mahāviṣṇurmeghagaṁbhīrayā girā

Both Yama and Brahma promptly bowed before him. The great Vishnu addressed them both in a voice deep as thunder-clouds.

Verse 28 (skanda.2.167.28)

कस्माद्युवामिहाऽऽयातौ किं दुःखं दनुजैरभूत् । म्लानं यममुखं कस्मात्केन वा नतकंधरः

kasmādyuvāmihā''yātau kiṁ duḥkhaṁ danujairabhūt mlānaṁ yamamukhaṁ kasmātkena vā natakaṁdharaḥ

'For what reason have you both come here? Has some trouble arisen from the demons? Why is Yama's face so downcast, and by whom has his neck been bowed low?

Verse 29 (skanda.2.167.29)

एतद्वदस्व मे ब्रह्मन्नित्युक्तश्चाह कंजजः । त्वद्दासवर्ये भूपाले भूमिं शासति वै नराः

etadvadasva me brahmannityuktaścāha kaṁjajaḥ tvaddāsavarye bhūpāle bhūmiṁ śāsati vai narāḥ

Tell me this, O Brahma.' Thus asked, the lotus-born one replied: 'While your excellent servant, this king, rules the earth, men —

Verse 30 (skanda.2.167.30)

वैशाखधर्मनिरता यांति ते परमव्ययम् । ततो यमपुरी शून्या तेन चाऽतीवदुःखितः

vaiśākhadharmaniratā yāṁti te paramavyayam tato yamapurī śūnyā tena cā'tīvaduḥkhitaḥ

devoted to the observance of Vaishakha, go to that supreme, imperishable state. Because of this Yama's city has become empty, and he is exceedingly grieved by it.

Verse 31 (skanda.2.167.31)

तेन युद्धं चकाराऽसौ हंतुं दंडमथाऽददे । त्वच्चक्रेण पराभूतो ययावद्य ममान्तिकम्

tena yuddhaṁ cakārā'sau haṁtuṁ daṁḍamathā'dade tvaccakreṇa parābhūto yayāvadya mamāntikam

He waged war upon that king, and raised his staff to slay him, but, overcome by your discus, he has come today into my presence.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.167.32)

न च शक्तो वयं दंडं त्वद्भक्तानां महात्मनाम् । तस्मात्त्वामेव शरणं वयं प्राप्ता महाविभो

na ca śakto vayaṁ daṁḍaṁ tvadbhaktānāṁ mahātmanām tasmāttvāmeva śaraṇaṁ vayaṁ prāptā mahāvibho

O great lord, we are not capable of punishing those great souls who are your devotees; therefore we have come to take refuge in you alone.

Verse 33 (skanda.2.167.33)

तस्माद्भूपं दंडयित्वा पालयैनं यमं स्वकम् । इत्युक्तः प्रहसन्प्राह ब्रह्माणं यममेव च

tasmādbhūpaṁ daṁḍayitvā pālayainaṁ yamaṁ svakam ityuktaḥ prahasanprāha brahmāṇaṁ yamameva ca

Therefore, chastise that king, and protect this your own Yama.' Thus addressed, Vishnu, smiling, spoke to both Brahma and Yama.

Verse 34 (skanda.2.167.34)

लक्ष्मीं वाऽपि परित्यक्ष्ये प्राणान्देहमथाऽपि वा । श्रीवत्सं कौस्तुभं मालां वैजयंतीमथाऽपि वा

lakṣmīṁ vā'pi parityakṣye prāṇāndehamathā'pi vā śrīvatsaṁ kaustubhaṁ mālāṁ vaijayaṁtīmathā'pi vā

'I might sooner give up Lakshmi, or even my own life and body, or the Shrivatsa mark, the Kaustubha gem, my garland, or the Vaijayanti wreath,

Verse 35 (skanda.2.167.35)

श्वेतद्वीपं च वैकुंठं क्षीरसागरमेव च। शेषं च गरुडं चैव न भक्तं त्यक्तुमुत्सहे

śvetadvīpaṁ ca vaikuṁṭhaṁ kṣīrasāgarameva ca śeṣaṁ ca garuḍaṁ caiva na bhaktaṁ tyaktumutsahe

or Shvetadvipa, Vaikuntha and the Ocean of Milk, or even Shesha and Garuda — but I have not the heart to abandon a devotee.

Verse 36 (skanda.2.167.36)

विस्सृज्य सकलान्भोगान्मदर्थे त्यक्तजीवितान् । मदात्मकान्महाभागान्कथं तांस्त्यक्तुमुत्सहे

vissṛjya sakalānbhogānmadarthe tyaktajīvitān madātmakānmahābhāgānkathaṁ tāṁstyaktumutsahe

How could I possibly abandon those great and fortunate devotees, who, renouncing every pleasure, have given up their very lives for my sake, and whose being is one with mine?

Verse 37 (skanda.2.167.37)

तस्मात्त्वद्दुःखशमने ह्युपायं कल्पयाम्यहम् । तस्य चायुर्मया दत्तमयुतं भूपतेर्भुवि

tasmāttvadduḥkhaśamane hyupāyaṁ kalpayāmyaham tasya cāyurmayā dattamayutaṁ bhūpaterbhuvi

Therefore, O Yama, I shall devise a means to allay your distress. I had granted that king a lifespan of ten thousand years upon the earth;

Verse 38 (skanda.2.167.38)

गतान्यष्टौ सहस्राणि तत्रेदानीं नरांतक । आयुःशेषे तेन नीते मत्सायुज्यं गतेऽपि च

gatānyaṣṭau sahasrāṇi tatredānīṁ narāṁtaka āyuḥśeṣe tena nīte matsāyujyaṁ gate'pi ca

Of that, O ender of men, eight thousand years have already passed. When the remaining span has elapsed and he has attained union with me,

Verse 39 (skanda.2.167.39)

भविष्यति ततो राजा वेनो नाम दुरात्मवान्। स लुंपति महाधर्मान्सर्वानेताञ्छ्रुतीरितान्

bhaviṣyati tato rājā veno nāma durātmavān sa luṁpati mahādharmānsarvānetāñchrutīritān

thereafter there shall arise an ill-natured king named Vena, who shall destroy all these great observances declared by the Veda.

Verse 40 (skanda.2.167.40)

तदा वैशाखधर्माश्च विच्छिन्ना स्युर्न संशयः । स्वकृतेनैव पापेन वेनो दग्धो भविष्यति

tadā vaiśākhadharmāśca vicchinnā syurna saṁśayaḥ svakṛtenaiva pāpena veno dagdho bhaviṣyati

At that time the observances of Vaishakha too shall certainly be interrupted. But Vena shall be consumed by his own self-wrought sin,

Verse 41 (skanda.2.167.41)

पश्चादहं पृथुर्भूत्वा पुनर्धर्मान्प्रवर्तये । तदा जनेषु प्रख्यातान्वैशाखोक्तान्करोम्यहम्

paścādahaṁ pṛthurbhūtvā punardharmānpravartaye tadā janeṣu prakhyātānvaiśākhoktānkaromyaham

and thereafter I myself, becoming Prithu, shall set the observances in motion once more. Then I shall make the observances declared for Vaishakha renowned among the people once again.

Verse 42 (skanda.2.167.42)

मद्भक्तो मद्गतप्राणो यस्तु विन्यस्तसंग्रहः । एकः सहस्रे भविता तस्य प्रख्यापयेद्धि तान्

madbhakto madgataprāṇo yastu vinyastasaṁgrahaḥ ekaḥ sahasre bhavitā tasya prakhyāpayeddhi tān

One who is my devotee, whose very life is given over to me, who has renounced worldly attachment — such a one will be found but one in a thousand; it is through him that these observances shall be made known.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.167.43)

कश्चिदेव हि जानातु धर्मानेतान्क्षितौ मम । ततस्ते भविता कार्यं मा विषीद नरांतक

kaścideva hi jānātu dharmānetānkṣitau mama tataste bhavitā kāryaṁ mā viṣīda narāṁtaka

Only some rare soul on earth shall know these observances of mine. O ender of men, even so your purpose shall be fulfilled; do not grieve.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.167.44)

दापयिष्यामि ते भागं मासेऽस्मिन्माधवेऽपि च । नरैः सर्वैश्च वैशाखधर्मनिष्ठैर्महात्मभिः

dāpayiṣyāmi te bhāgaṁ māse'sminmādhave'pi ca naraiḥ sarvaiśca vaiśākhadharmaniṣṭhairmahātmabhiḥ

Even in this month of Madhava I shall have your due share given to you, from all those great-souled men devoted to the observance of Vaishakha,

Verse 45 (skanda.2.167.45)

भूपेनाऽपि च कालेन खेदं शमय तेन च । वीर्यशुल्कं तु ते भागं शत्रोर्भुंक्ते बलाधिकात्

bhūpenā'pi ca kālena khedaṁ śamaya tena ca vīryaśulkaṁ tu te bhāgaṁ śatrorbhuṁkte balādhikāt

and, in due time, from that king as well. Let your distress thus be allayed. The share that comes to you as the price of your own valour is enjoyed only by overpowering an adversary;

Verse 46 (skanda.2.167.46)

गृह्णन्गृह्णन्स्वकं भागं न भागी दुःखमर्हति । त्वामुद्दिश्य न कुर्वंति प्रत्यहं ये नरा भुवि

gṛhṇangṛhṇansvakaṁ bhāgaṁ na bhāgī duḥkhamarhati tvāmuddiśya na kurvaṁti pratyahaṁ ye narā bhuvi

and one who receives his own due share need not suffer grief. Those men on earth who do not, every day, on your account —

Verse 47 (skanda.2.167.47)

स्नानं चार्घ्यं सोदकुंभं दध्यन्नं चांतिमे दिने । वैशाखे सकलं कर्म तेषां च विफलं भवेत्

snānaṁ cārghyaṁ sodakuṁbhaṁ dadhyannaṁ cāṁtime dine vaiśākhe sakalaṁ karma teṣāṁ ca viphalaṁ bhavet

perform the bath, the offering of water, the gift of a water-filled vessel, and, on the last day of Vaishakha, the gift of curd and rice — for them, all their observance of Vaishakha becomes fruitless.

Verse 48 (skanda.2.167.48)

तस्मात्क्रोधं त्यज नृपे भागदे मत्परायणे । ये के चाऽपि च कुर्वंति लोके ते भागदा नराः

tasmātkrodhaṁ tyaja nṛpe bhāgade matparāyaṇe ye ke cā'pi ca kurvaṁti loke te bhāgadā narāḥ

Therefore give up your anger against that king, devoted to me, who is a giver of your due share. Whoever in this world so gives you your share are indeed the ones who owe you your due;

Verse 49 (skanda.2.167.49)

वैशाखोक्ते महाधर्मे तेषां विघ्नं च मा कुरु । मामेव ये यजंत्यद्धा त्वां हित्वा धर्मपालकम्

vaiśākhokte mahādharme teṣāṁ vighnaṁ ca mā kuru māmeva ye yajaṁtyaddhā tvāṁ hitvā dharmapālakam

and place no obstacle in the way of the great observance declared for Vaishakha. O guardian of dharma, those who, setting you aside, worship me alone directly,

Verse 50 (skanda.2.167.50)

मदाज्ञया महाभाग तदा दंडं च त्वं कुरु । नृपाद्भागं दापयितुं सुनंदं प्रेषयामि च

madājñayā mahābhāga tadā daṁḍaṁ ca tvaṁ kuru nṛpādbhāgaṁ dāpayituṁ sunaṁdaṁ preṣayāmi ca

of them alone, O great one, you may, by my own command, exact due chastisement. To have that king render your share to you, I shall send Sunanda,

Verse 51 (skanda.2.167.51)

मच्छासनात्स वै गत्वा भागं ते दापयिष्यति । तिष्ठत्येवं यमे स्वस्य सन्निधौ गरुडासनः

macchāsanātsa vai gatvā bhāgaṁ te dāpayiṣyati tiṣṭhatyevaṁ yame svasya sannidhau garuḍāsanaḥ

who, at my command, shall go and have your share rendered to you.' Thus the Lord, mounted on Garuda, kept Yama by his own side,

Verse 52 (skanda.2.167.52)

सुनन्दं प्रेषयामास नृपं बोधयितुं विभुः । सोऽपि गत्वा बोधयित्वा पार्श्वं च पुनरागमत्

sunandaṁ preṣayāmāsa nṛpaṁ bodhayituṁ vibhuḥ so'pi gatvā bodhayitvā pārśvaṁ ca punarāgamat

and the Lord sent Sunanda to instruct the king. Sunanda too went, instructed the king, and returned again to Vishnu's side.

Verse 53 (skanda.2.167.53)

इत्याश्वास्य यमं विष्णुस्तत्रैवान्तरधीयत । यमं स्वयं सांत्वयित्वा समनुज्ञाप्य वेगतः

ityāśvāsya yamaṁ viṣṇustatraivāntaradhīyata yamaṁ svayaṁ sāṁtvayitvā samanujñāpya vegataḥ

Having thus reassured Yama, Vishnu vanished from that very place. Having personally consoled Yama, and having taken leave of him swiftly,

Verse 54 (skanda.2.167.54)

अतिविस्मयमापन्नो ययौ धाम सहानुगैः । यमोऽपि स्वपुरीं प्रायात्किंचित्संहृष्टमानसः

ativismayamāpanno yayau dhāma sahānugaiḥ yamo'pi svapurīṁ prāyātkiṁcitsaṁhṛṣṭamānasaḥ

he, filled with great wonder, departed for his own abode with his attendants. Yama too, his heart somewhat gladdened, returned to his own city.

Verse 55 (skanda.2.167.55)

पश्चाद्विष्णोर्निदेशेन सुनन्दपरिबोधितः । भागदाः सकला लोका ये वैशाखपरायणाः

paścādviṣṇornideśena sunandaparibodhitaḥ bhāgadāḥ sakalā lokā ye vaiśākhaparāyaṇāḥ

Thereafter, instructed by Sunanda under Vishnu's direction, all people devoted to Vaishakha became those who render Yama his due share.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.167.56)

धर्मराजं पुरस्कृत्य ये न कुर्वंति मानवाः । तेषां हि स्वयमादत्ते पुण्यं वैशाखसंभवम्

dharmarājaṁ puraskṛtya ye na kurvaṁti mānavāḥ teṣāṁ hi svayamādatte puṇyaṁ vaiśākhasaṁbhavam

Those men who do not perform the rites of Vaishakha with Dharmaraja (Yama) placed foremost, from them Yama himself takes away the merit born of Vaishakha.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.167.57)

कुर्याच्च प्रत्यहं स्नानं दद्यादर्घ्यं यमाय वै । वैशाखे सकलं पुण्यमन्यथा विफलं भवेत्

kuryācca pratyahaṁ snānaṁ dadyādarghyaṁ yamāya vai vaiśākhe sakalaṁ puṇyamanyathā viphalaṁ bhavet

Therefore one should bathe every day and offer libation to Yama; otherwise all the merit gained in Vaishakha becomes fruitless.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.167.58)

सोदकुम्भं च दध्यन्नं पौर्णमास्यां च माधवे । धर्मराजं समुद्दिश्य दातव्यं प्रथमं जनैः

sodakumbhaṁ ca dadhyannaṁ paurṇamāsyāṁ ca mādhave dharmarājaṁ samuddiśya dātavyaṁ prathamaṁ janaiḥ

On the full-moon day of the month of Madhava, a vessel filled with water and an offering of curd and rice should first be given by the people, dedicated to Dharmaraja (Yama),

Verse 59 (skanda.2.167.59)

पश्चात्पितॄन्समुद्दिश्य गुरुमुद्दिश्य वै नरः । मधुसूदनमुद्दिश्य पश्चाद्देवं जनार्दनम्

paścātpitṝnsamuddiśya gurumuddiśya vai naraḥ madhusūdanamuddiśya paścāddevaṁ janārdanam

then thereafter dedicated to the ancestors, then to the teacher, then to Madhusudana, and finally to the god Janardana,

Verse 60 (skanda.2.167.60)

शीतलोदकदध्यन्नं तांबूलं च सदक्षिणम् । सफलं कांस्यपात्रस्थं ब्राह्मणाय निवेदयेत्

śītalodakadadhyannaṁ tāṁbūlaṁ ca sadakṣiṇam saphalaṁ kāṁsyapātrasthaṁ brāhmaṇāya nivedayet

cool water, curd-rice, betel leaf, together with a gift of money, and fruit, placed in a bronze vessel, should be offered to a Brahmin.

Verse 61 (skanda.2.167.61)

दद्याच्च प्रतिमां दिव्यां मधुसूदनदेवताम् । मासधर्मप्रवक्त्रे च दद्याद्विप्राय सीदते

dadyācca pratimāṁ divyāṁ madhusūdanadevatām māsadharmapravaktre ca dadyādviprāya sīdate

A divine image of the deity Madhusudana should also be given, and this gift should be given as well to the Brahmin who expounds the observance of the month, one in distress.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.167.62)

तमेव धर्मवक्तारं पूजयेद्विभवैः स्वकैः । इत्यादिष्टः सुनन्देन तथा राजा चकार ह

tameva dharmavaktāraṁ pūjayedvibhavaiḥ svakaiḥ ityādiṣṭaḥ sunandena tathā rājā cakāra ha

That expounder of the observance should be honoured according to one's own means. Thus instructed by Sunanda, the king did exactly so.

Verse 63 (skanda.2.167.63)

स नीत्वा चायुषः शेषं भुक्त्वा भोगान्यथेप्सितान् । पुत्रपौत्रादिभिर्युक्तो जगाम हरिमंदिरम्

sa nītvā cāyuṣaḥ śeṣaṁ bhuktvā bhogānyathepsitān putrapautrādibhiryukto jagāma harimaṁdiram

Having lived out the rest of his lifespan, having enjoyed every pleasure as he wished, that king, together with his sons and grandsons, in the end went to the abode of Hari.

Verse 64 (skanda.2.167.64)

वैकुण्ठस्थे नृपे तस्मिन्वेनो राजाऽधमोऽभवत् । सर्वे धर्माश्च वैशाखधर्मा अपि विशेषतः

vaikuṇṭhasthe nṛpe tasminveno rājā'dhamo'bhavat sarve dharmāśca vaiśākhadharmā api viśeṣataḥ

When that king had gone to Vaikuntha, King Vena arose, a base and degraded man. All observances, and especially those of Vaishakha,

Verse 65 (skanda.2.167.65)

दुरात्मना च तेनैव लुप्ता एव बभूविरे । न प्रख्याताः पुनर्भूमौ भूरिशो मोक्षहेतवः

durātmanā ca tenaiva luptā eva babhūvire na prakhyātāḥ punarbhūmau bhūriśo mokṣahetavaḥ

were, by that ill-natured man himself, utterly destroyed. Those numerous observances, the very causes of liberation, did not again become renowned upon the earth,

Verse 66 (skanda.2.167.66)

यः कश्चिन्नैव जानाति वैशाखोक्तानिमाञ्च्छुभान् । बहुजन्मार्जिते पुण्यपरिपाक उपागते

yaḥ kaścinnaiva jānāti vaiśākhoktānimāñcchubhān bahujanmārjite puṇyaparipāka upāgate

such that no one at all now knows these auspicious observances declared for Vaishakha — save only when the ripening of merit accumulated over many births draws near,

Verse 67 (skanda.2.167.67)

वैशाखोक्तेषु धर्मेषु मतिरात्यन्तिकी भवेत् । मैथिल उवाच । पूर्वमन्वंतरस्थो हि वेनो राजा दुरात्मवान्

vaiśākhokteṣu dharmeṣu matirātyantikī bhavet maithila uvāca pūrvamanvaṁtarastho hi veno rājā durātmavān

does that person's mind become firmly fixed upon the observances declared for Vaishakha. Maithila said: But that ill-natured King Vena, of whom I spoke, belonged to a former Manvantara,

Verse 68 (skanda.2.167.68)

अयं वैवस्वतस्थो हि राजा चेक्ष्वाकुनंदनः । इति श्रुतं मया पूर्वमिदानीं चोच्यते त्वया

ayaṁ vaivasvatastho hi rājā cekṣvākunaṁdanaḥ iti śrutaṁ mayā pūrvamidānīṁ cocyate tvayā

as I had heard before; whereas this king (Kirtiman), a scion of Ikshvaku, belongs to the present Vaivasvata Manvantara — this I had understood previously; but now, from what you say,

Verse 69 (skanda.2.167.69)

अयं वैकुण्ठगः पश्चाद्वेनो राजा भविष्यति । इत्येतं संशयं छिंधि श्रुतदेव महामते

ayaṁ vaikuṇṭhagaḥ paścādveno rājā bhaviṣyati ityetaṁ saṁśayaṁ chiṁdhi śrutadeva mahāmate

it seems that only after this king has gone to Vaikuntha will King Vena arise. O wise Shrutadeva, please resolve this doubt of mine.

Verse 70 (skanda.2.167.70)

श्रुतदेव उवाच । पुराणेषु च वैषम्यं युगकल्पव्यवस्थया । न चाप्रामाण्यशंका ते कथाया व्यत्यये क्वचित्

śrutadeva uvāca purāṇeṣu ca vaiṣamyaṁ yugakalpavyavasthayā na cāprāmāṇyaśaṁkā te kathāyā vyatyaye kvacit

Shrutadeva said: In the Puranas, some variance is found owing to the differing arrangements of ages and world-cycles; but from such a discrepancy in the narrative, you should nowhere doubt its authority.

Verse 71 (skanda.2.167.71)

गते दैनंदिने कल्पे यथैषा शाश्वती शुभा । मार्कण्डेयेन मे प्रोक्ता सा चोक्ता तव भूपते

gate dainaṁdine kalpe yathaiṣā śāśvatī śubhā mārkaṇḍeyena me proktā sā coktā tava bhūpate

As, after the passing of a single daily world-cycle, this eternal and auspicious account was told to me by Markandeya, so, O king, have I told it to you.

Verse 72 (skanda.2.167.72)

तस्मान्न ख्यातिमायान्ति धर्मा वैशाखसंभवाः । कश्चिदेव हि जानाति विरक्तो विष्णुतत्परः

tasmānna khyātimāyānti dharmā vaiśākhasaṁbhavāḥ kaścideva hi jānāti virakto viṣṇutatparaḥ

For this very reason, the observances arising from Vaishakha do not attain wide renown; only some rare soul, dispassionate and devoted to Vishnu, truly comes to know them.